Successful Pumpkin Festival in Schoharie

The weather was right for the Pumpkin Festival in Schoharie. The event, which attracted wellwishers from across the County, showed off the agricultural plenty of the area.

Photos credit the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook Page.

Poll: Yes to Administrator

By a nearly three-to-one margin, Schoharie News readers back the proposed Administrator's position recommended by the committee that looked into the topic. The committee recommended a strong Administrator able to coordinate between the different County Departments.

Yes 67% - 91 
No 23% - 31 
Too early/don't know 10% - 13 
135 total

Berne Man Arrested for DWI After Crash

On October 8, 2014, State Troopers in Guilderland arrested 47 year old Keith A. Pepicelli of Berne, New York for DWI. Late in the evening, troopers responded to a singe personal injury motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Thatcher’s Park Road and Filkins Lane, in the Town of Knox. During interview at the scene, troopers observed an odor of beverage alcohol emanating from Pepicelli. He was transported to Albany Medical Center by ambulance for non-life threatening injures. He submitted to a blood test and was processed the following day at the SP New Scotland barracks. His BAC is pending results. He is due to appear in the Town of Knox Court on October 22, 2014.

Schoharie Pumpkin Festival Tomorrow

All are invited to Schoharie tomorrow for a pumpkin festival from 10am to 2pm. The event, put on by the Schoharie Promotional Association, will be full of activities. The event will be followed by the Schoharie Sloughter Auction.

This Weekend: Old Stone Fort 125th Anniversary History Fair

The Schoharie County Historical Society’s 125^thAnniversary History Fair celebrates history enthusiasts of all time periods and interest areas.  On October 11th and 12, at the Old Stone Fort Museum visitors can interact with historians from Roman times to the 1960s.  Not just living history military re-enactors, but also musicians, textile artists, restorers, authors and collectors covering more than three centuries.  Kids – admitted free – will also enjoy trying out colonial toys and games. 

The highlight of the History Fair weekend is a spectacular outdoor concert, “From Big Bang to Big Band: 125 Years of Music.”  Beginning at 5pm Friday Skip Parsons’ Riverboat Jazz Band will play popular tunes from the early 20^th century.  Then the Schoharie Valley Concert Band will play Tchaikovsky’s “1812" Overture in quite possibly the world’s first performance to feature cannons from three centuries (Revolutionary War, Civil War WWII and Korean War), plus historic bells ringing at the finale.  As if that isn’t enough, the concert continues with big band music for dancing by the Burnt Hills Melody Makers.  This free four-hour concert event is made possible in part with public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York Council on the Arts, administered through the Community Arts Grants Program by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

Concert-goers are encouraged to arrive early to catch shuttle buses from parking lots and bring lawn seating.  All parking on Saturday is off site in nearby village lots, with continuous shuttle buses running to the Fort.

All weekend long, craftsmen and living historians will talk with visitors demonstrate skills from the past.  J.R. Winslow will demonstrate Roman horseback riding.  The military timeline includes the colonial 3^rd Tryon County Militia, Civil War soldiers, sailors and Zouaves, Irish Fenian Raiders, World War I doughboys, World War II G.I.s, and restored military vehicles and tanks from World War II to Viet Nam. Other presentations include an Iroquois warrior and a colonial doctor.  

The Golden Fleece Spinners and Weavers will demonstrate textile arts and natural dying.  Pioneer engines from the “Gas Up” event will be chugging and puffing as they pump water and press cider.  Barry Keegan will demonstrate the art of knapping flint to make stone tools, and Tinker Cross will discuss “1778, Inside and Out.”  Displays by local historical societies, museums and authors will round out the weekend’s offerings.

On Saturday, Cliff Oliver will speak as Solomon Northup, the nineteenth century author of Twelve Years a Slave(recently made into a movie), and there will be two performances of  “Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier, 1776-1976” a wartime music tribute by the 77^th NY Regimental Balladeers.

Sunday features traditional brass band music by the Chatham Cornet Band performing on antique instruments, and 18^th century popular music by Rural Felicity.

Major underwriters of the Stone Fort History Fair are the New York Council for the Humanities, the Schoharie County Occupancy Tax Board; the Donna M. Lavigne Agency and Fenimore Asset Management.  Other sponsors include the Bank of Richmondville, Ralph and Irmgard Buess, Kintz Plastics, Lavelle & Finn, LLP; Little Italy and Schoharie Valley Wine & Liquor, MDRM Industries, NBT Bank, Price Chopper, Sterling Insurance, and Stewart’s Shops.

See our website or our Facebook page for more details.

Middleburgh Board to Pass Fracking Ban

The Middleburgh Town Hall was packed for today's regular meeting of the Town Board. Many members of the community turned out to hear about whether the proposed fracking ban would pass. The proposed Slottje provisions, written by two attorneys have been passed by several surrounding towns.

The public hearing featured nineteen consecutive speakers, all against hydrofracking. The members of the audience asked the Town Board to support the ban. The law would require three of the five members to vote yes. Councilman Frank Herodes was absent for a family emergency. At stake was whether or not another member would become the pivotal yes or no vote.

Village Trustee William Morton said that natural gas development could hurt local tourism initiatives.

Supervisor Jim Buzon said that the ban should be passed and his experience seeing fracking firsthand in Pennsylvania and the threat of contaminated water. Councilwoman Sue Makely echoed his comments and thanked people for coming to the meeting. Councilman David Lloyd, who has resisted a fracking ban, was silent.

It appeared that the proposed law was about to pass as Councilman Brian DeFeo stated he would vote for them. However, Town Attorney Mike West counseled the Board to wait seven days to inform the surrounding towns, as required by law. The Slottje anti-fracking provisions should pass with a majority vote at the next meeting.

Opinion: Yes to Administrator

The recommendations are clear: the County government is a mess.

It's not necessarily a mess because of the individuals on the County Board of Supervisors, but rather due to the antiquated system that it runs under. While an overall overhaul may be a better option in the long haul, the chances of it coming into being through the current government system is unlikely.

The committee's report is chock full of relevant research and parallel experiences of similar counties. Chair Bill Frederice has put together a compelling argument that the current system is unsustainable.

After all, it is the current system, with a weak executive in the County Board Chair that allowed the Cassandra Ethington mess to unfold. Even further, there is great instability in such a system-- look at the four different Board Chairs over the last several years.

The Administrator position is non-partisan and independent. It would require some money for salary and at least one assistant, but realistically, it is far more efficient than the current arrangement. For those concerned about the amount of money that would be spent, the Board could propose the exact amount spent to be cut from next year's budget.

The Administrator would allow for the different Departments' efforts to be arranged, instead of allowing for an accumulation of power as Ethington engineered or a mismanaged fiefdom, like Alicia Terry's handling of the Planning Department. Allowing for these Departments to work on similar goals, such as economic growth or streamlining costs is something that has not been done to its fullest.

We always get emails and calls asking for an investigation into x or y department in County government. Wouldn't someone that is responsible for overseeing each one prevent waste and abuse? After all, the current Board Chairman's position is only part time with limited authority.

The Board can make some changes to the recommendations, but they appear to be solid. Tie the threads of County government together in competent hands and help heal the many issues confronting Schoharie County.

Letter to the Editor: Please Attend Fracking Law Hearing

I want to announce that  a public hearing will be conducted Thursday, October 9th, at 7pm at the Middleburgh Town Hall.  This hearing will provide an opportunity for residents and business owners  to express their views on the proposed amendments to the Town's zoning ordinance designed to prevent gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Town of Middleburgh.

The proposed amendments were developed by David and Helen Slottje and have been upheld by three courts, including the New York State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the State.  Helen Slottje was awarded the prestigious Goldman Award for her work on these particular zoning provisions. This is an international award which only five people in the world received in 2014.  Over 200 towns in New York State have adopted the Slottje provisions. All work, including work for the Town of Middleburgh, has been done on a pro bono basis by the Slottjes.  This includes two trips to Middleburgh from Ithaca.

The Towns of Blenheim, Broome, Fultonham and Schoharie have adopted the Slottje provisions leaving Middleburgh the only town in Schoharie valley not to have adopted them.

This is an important hearing the outcome of which could have far reaching consequences not only for the Town of Middleburgh, but  for Schoharie valley as well.

Please plan on attending the hearing to share your views.

Bill Morton
Middleburgh

Food Store Returning to Middleburgh

It may have taken three years, but a food store is again returning to Middleburgh. Coming in the next month, the Olde Corner Store will be opening its doors at 308 Main Street. The store, currently a staple in Gallupville, had been looking to relocate in Middleburgh for over two years now.

Owner Joy Heckman is optimistic about her new venture. She said that she was compelled to come to the community due to the "the void in Middleburgh and the surrounding area that was left by Hurricane Irene." She aims to become a major partner in the community, both at her store and with the recent expansion of events in town.

"I love what I do." she said.

The Olde Corner Store has been a popular stop for the last eight years in the Town of Wright and will be expanded in Middleburgh. Joy Heckman is planning on purchasing a new open display case and has opened an online fundraising pitch to aid in the endeavor. The store will have expanded deli and bakery options from what she has now.

The site, formerly Four Star Realty, will also use a back office facing Railroad Avenue affected by Irene partially fixed by volunteers organized by the Village and SALT. The Olde Corner Store will place its bakery in that space, allowing for more food options in the front section.

"I welcome the Olde Corner Store and Joy to Middleburgh," said Mayor Matthew Avitabile, "The quality of her store and her enthusiasm will be well met in the community."

Heckman wants to offer an arrangement of grocery and health food items, saying that "I look forward to serving the residents of Middleburgh and providing quality food and health supplements in a friendly atmosphere."

Efforts by the Village of Middleburgh have so far paid off, with most of Main Street now fixed and occupied or ready to be occupied. The pharmacy has opened two doors down from the Heckman's.

County Budget To Be Announced at Press Conference on 14th

On Tuesday, October 14th at 10:00 a.m., Schoharie County Treasurer and Budget Officer William Cherry will release the county’s 2015 Tentative Budget. Copies of the spending plan along with proposed tax rates, changes in expenditures, recommended adoption calendar, and a summary of the highlights of the Tentative Budget will be included. Questions from the press will be welcomed during the conference which will be held at the Treasurer’s Office on the first floor of the County Office Building, 284 Main Street, Schoharie, NY.

Vote in Our Poll: Do You Support Administrator Committee's Recommendations?

Just a week and a half ago, the County Administrator Committee looked into the possibility of creating a new position to manage local government. The County Board has yet to vote on this possibility. What do you think?

Readers: Split New York into Two

Schoharie News readers overwhelmingly agree that New York State should be divided in two. According to our weeklong, unscientific poll, readers choose the option of splitting the state by a more than 3 to 1 margin. The chances of such an event seem unlikely, although is likely reflected across much of Upstate New York.

 Should New York State Split into Upstate and Downstate?
 Yes 73% - 115 
 No 22% - 35 
 Don't know 4% - 7 
 157 total

Knight: Society's Depression Stigma

Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld once quipped that, "There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know."

While his comments pertained specifically to national defense related issues at the time, they can be used to explain American attitudes toward depression, and the stigma that is attached to mental health topics in general. 

We all know that depression exists, that millions of individuals suffer with mental distress for any number of reasons, and that without obtaining the resources necessary to address it, suicide can often seem like the last option for depressed souls. 

However, the real question is: why does it have to reach that point?

The answer, at least in my opinion, is because society as a whole does not understand the nature of depression, or its warning signs, or its symptoms, or its causes, or its solutions; and because of this lack of understanding, members of society balk at what they don't know. 

True, as stated before, we generally know the concept of depression exists, but beyond the outlying signs, there is a knowledge gap. A knowledge gap that has harmed mental health awareness for years, due to the fear of those afflicted that no one will understand their condition, or that society will judge them as outcasts. 

Furthermore, this stigma has only been advanced by the collective ignorance of American society that places too much emphasis on strength, will, and determination, while leaving those unable behind to trug along by themselves with no help.

Sure, "strength, will, and determination," might be a great catchphrase for nations declaring war, but they might not be able to save the soldiers returning home who have PTSD, or the young student who has difficulty finding worth in their own life during a strenuous time period adjusting to his or her academic situation. 

The scariest aspect of Rumfeld's comments are the unknown unknown, which by definition we know nothing of, but think about that for a second... When you take a walk, or go to the grocery store, stop and consider how many people around you have contemplated suicide or self harm, and then ask yourself how many of them have kept that to themselves because of how they thought you would respond...

... And that's why we, as a society, must change our attitudes toward mental health in this nation, or else those afflicted with depression will never be able to come out of the shadows, and embrace the light of life.

I apologize for the directness of my column this week, but enough is enough. Depression can no longer be approached idly, with uncommitted attitudes. It must be addressed with care, with love, and with understanding. 

History and Harvest Weekend Features Many Events in County Oct 10-12

Throughout the Schoharie Valley, it’s time to celebrate a bumper crop of good times during the History & Harvest Weekend Oct. 10-12.

On Friday, Oct. 10, festivities begin with a Harvest Dinner that takes place from 5-7 p.m. at Wellington’s Herbs & Spices in Schoharie.  

. Noting its 125^th anniversary and preserving and promoting Schoharie County history is the Old Stone Fort. To commemorate -- and to celebrate the milestone -- the Old Stone Fort will host an outdoor concert on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 5-9 p.m.  The concert is the highlight of the Fort’s history Fair and it begins with “From Big Bang to Big Band: 125 Years of Music” with the Schoharie Valley Concert Band playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. It will feature real cannons from three centuries. The concert continues with a set from Skip Parsons’ Riverboat Jazz Band, followed by big band music and dancing with the Burnt Hills Melody Makers. The concert is free and all are welcome.

The Stone Fort History Fair throughout the weekend features a mixture of living history, historic re-enactors, musical performances, demonstrations and activities from more than three hundred years. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.

While the history fair is underway, the Village of Schoharie has its annual Pumpkin Festival that includes games, music, and an autumn bake off, a farmers ’ market and wagon rides to the History Fair. The Pumpkin Festival is from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Main Street in Schoharie. One of the festival’s features will be the Schoharie Sloughter[i] Auction at 2 p.m.  with all items made, grown and offered in Schoharie. At the hive in Schoharie, their Music on the Porch Series features Critical Mass from 12-2 p.m.

Just down the road in Middleburgh on Oct. 11, will be the 23^rd Annual Fall Festival Parade with this year’s theme, Schoharie County Sloughters. The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. from the Middleburgh Elementary School.

The Timothy Murphy 10K Run and Walk for the Environment gets underway at 9 a.m. on Oct. 11 at the Max V. Shaul State Park in Fultonham.

On Oct. 11-12, from Noon to 4 p.m., Lasell Hall in Schoharie will celebrate the restoration of the 1795 Tavern following the 2011 flood.

At a Taste of Europe, there’s an Octoberfest on Oct. 11 with live music, German food and beer starting at 6: p.m.

At the George Landis Arboretum in Esperance, the weekend includes a Bird Feeder Workshop led by Science Educator George Steele at 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 at The Meeting House. On Sunday, Master herbalist Barbara Nezek will speak on Herbal Wisdom: The Nervous System at 11 a.m.

On Oct. 10 and 11, get ready as the Night Terrors Haunted Farm  from 7-11 p.m. at 4193 State Route 7 in Schoharie with haunted hayrides and more designed to give a good fright

At the Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave; where there are stories in the log cabin at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12. Plan to visit throughout the weekend Historic Lansing Manor and the Visitor Center on the grounds of the New York Power Authority in North Blenheim. In Schoharie. The 1743 Palatine Houseand the Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum are open. The Dr. Christopher Best House and Medical Exhibit in Middleburgh features a quilt show and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Along the way from one event to another, businesses are ready to welcome you with special offers during this special weekend including Schoharie Valley Farms/The Carrot Barn and Barber’s Farm.

For more information about all there is to do and see in the Schoharie Valley, visithttp://schoharievalley.org.

Northern Stem Canker Crop Disease Found in Northern NY

A serious crop disease called northern stem canker has been confirmed for the first time in Northern New York soybean fields as part of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program-funded NNY Corn and Soybean Disease Diagnosis and Assessment Database building project. 
 
NSC occurs in most Midwestern states and in Ontario, but Cornell Plant Pathologist Gary C. Bergstrom says the finding in Jefferson County in northern NY and in six other counties elsewhere in the state is the first confirmation of NSC in New York or the northeastern U.S.
 
Reported yield losses to NSC in the Midwest have ranged from minor to in excess of 50 percent.  
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension/CCE Field Crop Educators Michael E. Hunter and Kitty O’Neil scouted soybean production fields in all six northern NY counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence. 
 
Hunter and O’Neil recorded observations on field conditions and diseases, and collected and sent plant samples to the Field Crop Pathology Laboratory at Cornell University for positive diagnosis of suspected disease problems.  
 
‘One option soybean producers can immediately consider to manage NSC is to plant canker-resistant varieties,’ says Hunter, who works with farmers in Jefferson and Lewis counties. 
 
‘We are encouraging growers and crop advisors to learn how to recognize the symptoms and differences of northern stem canker and other late season crop diseases,’ O’Neil says. 

With additional funding from the New York Soybean Check-off Program, NSC was diagnosed in plant samples from soybean fields in Jefferson, Livingston, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, and Wayne Counties. Diagnosis was based on characteristic symptoms, laboratory isolation of the causal fungus, and confirmation of a portion of its DNA sequence. 
 
Northern stem canker (NSC) is caused by the fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora and differs from a related fungus, Diaporthe phaseolorum var. meridionalis, that causes southern stem canker throughout the southern U.S.
 
‘This research partnership with the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is providing growers with early notice of common pest and crop diseases and, in the case of Northern Stem Canker, a new challenge so they can quickly respond to maintain crop health and productivity and farm profitability,’ says New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Julia C. Robbins.
 
A complete report is posted in the Field Crops section of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program website atwww.nnyagdev.org. Growers can also contact their local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for more information.

The NNYADP is a farmer-driven grants program funding on-farm, practical research supporting the agricultural industry in the six northernmost counties of New York state.

SUNY Cobleskill Hosting Mental Health Guest Speaker October 7th

In the aftermath of the tragic suicide of a SUNY Cobleskill student on Sunday, the college is hosting a guest speaker on mental health issues. The October 7th event starts at 7pm in Bouck Hall and features speaker Colleen Coffey. According to the college, she will speak about "mental health issues, suicide prevention, and stigma reduction."

Warnerville Cutoff to Close October 13-17th for Repairs

Canadian Pacific will conduct a series of planned repairs at the Warnerville Cutoff, County Route 23A. The repairs will take place from October 13th to 17th. The entire road will be closed and drivers will be detoured on Routes 7 and 10. CP Rail will be replacing the RR Crossing on Warnerville Cutoff (CR-23A) from October 13th -17th. The work will require a full road closure, so traffic will be detoured using NYS Routes 10 & 7.

Middleburgh Pharmacy Now Offering Immunizations

Middleburgh's Valley Pharmacy is now offering flu shots for local residents, with others to follow. The shots, which can be free of charge depending on the insurance carrier, are recommended for all people over 6 months of age, especially the young and elderly.

Pharmacist Akrum Mourad sent us a photo of him vaccinating Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile yesterday.

October Storytelling Sundays at the Iroquois Museum

Storytelling Sundays take place October 12, 19, 26 in the Iroquois Indian Museum’s historic 1850s log cabin, with Mohawk story teller Amanda Tarbell.

The story sessions start at 1 p.m. and last about an hour. There are scary, funny, serious, and sorts of stories to be heard. Space is somewhat limited and reservations by groups are appreciated.

“It’s a perfect time of year to visit the Museum, enjoy the nature trail and to hear the stories,” said the Museum’s Executive Director Maria Vann.

The cost of Storytelling Sundays is included in Museum Admission. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Special events, including Storytelling Sundays, are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and friends and members of the Iroquois Indian Museum.

DAR Hosting Open House October 11th

The Membership of the Schoharie Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) welcome you back to the restored rooms of Lasell Hall. During the process of restoration we were able to return to the building to it's original floor plan of the 1795 Tavern, built by Johannes Lawyer. Come and see the incredible transformation of the Historical Lasell Hall!

We will be hosting tours of Lasell Hall Saturday October 11th and Sunday October 12th from 12-4pm. We will also provide free Revolutionary Patriot lookup information. 

We will be hosting tours of Lasell Hall and providing free Patriot Lookup information. Stop on in while you enjoy the Pumpkin Festival in downtown Schoharie Village. See you there!