Antique Sign Restored At Bob’s

By Alexis Pencar

ROSEBOOM — The original general store in Roseboom, Bob’s Country Store, has been an important staple in the community for more than just a few generations! Located at the intersection of 165 out of Cobleskill and 166 out of Cherry Valley, the location provides grocery essentials and quick food options without the need to travel out of the area.

Owned and operated by husband and wife team, Jerry & Sara Rouse, they always go above and beyond to make sure the store is stocked with all the things their customers need. They also offer breakfast and lunch specials that have become sure favorites among locals! They also carry and feature local products as well!

Stop by to see the newly restored antique “Hershey’s Ice Cream” sign! The sign always hung on the front of the building and is even shown in an old painting. The years of wear from the Roseboom weather had started to show so Owner Jerry called up Hershey’s and had them restore it back to perfection, including the custom “Bob’s Country Store” on the bottom! You’ll have to see it in person to really admire the restoration!

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, need to pick up a few household items, or even last-minute gifts, Bob’s has what you need! Shop local! Open 7 days a week, from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Call (607) 264-3007 for more information.

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Sharon Springs Mourns Loss of Community Giant

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Village of Sharon Springs and community at large, mourn the loss of Mayor Doug Plummer. He was a shining positive light to so many and will never be forgotten.

He passed away on Thursday, December 14th after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Doug was devoted to his community and was well-known and well-liked by many. He was also the Owner and operator of The American Hotel with his husband and Business Partner, Garth Roberts. As the Mayor for many years, Doug Plummer believed in a better future for the Village of Sharon Springs.

When someone lives like Doug did, that’s when you see the term “undying dedication” come to life. This term describes the impacts of one person and how those effects can live far beyond them. For Doug, just a few examples of this were things like creating the Klinkhart Hall Art Center and the big Village infrastructure upgrades. With many impacts that weave together, they are all significant as a whole and stick to his theme: community. Doug Plummer’s tireless efforts and transformative leadership will continue to shape the future of Sharon Springs, leaving an enduring legacy that will be cherished by generations to come.\

Doug had a loving and fun personality and cared for all, the community grew tenfold because of it. Anyone who ever visited Sharon Springs and met Doug was instantly welcomed in a way they never forgot. He touched so many lives in such a positive way.

His remarkable accomplishments as Mayor, and beyond, will forever be remembered and celebrated. Let us honor his memory by carrying forward his spirit of leadership, community engagement, and unwavering dedication to making our world a better place. May his legacy continue to inspire us all to strive for greatness and create positive change at every chance.

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

Happy Holidays!! I hope everyone has a splendid Christmas with friends and family. We don’t publish the Friday after Christmas so that means a Happy New Year to you and yours as well! See you next year!

The out of season flash flooding earlier this past week provided many complications on the road. Areas of Engleville Road near Stagecoach were washed over in multiple places. The West Creek near the edge of Town of Sharon (W Creek Rd), rose up and widened covering much of the lower hayfields and even running across the road there too.

Expect stable temperatures over the next week with a warm up and rain again predicted after Christmas. With winter having just started on December 21st, looks like we’re likely in for some bigger snow storms and “low lows” in the new year. 

The Sharon Historical Society is looking to raise $10,000 by the end of 2023. The funds would go towards “covering operating expenses such as insurance, electricity, water and sewer, security internet, newsletter printing costs, and more.” According to President Ron Ketelsen, “it costs at least $10,000 a year just to run the museum”. They are looking to raise the funds now, so they can go into 2024 knowing that those expenses have been covered. Visit www.sharonhistoricalsocietyny.org for more information.

The recovery work from the Water Sewer Project is finished. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Village Office at (518) 284-2625.

Sharon Springs Rescue Squad 

The Sharon Springs Rescue Squad is a cornerstone of our community! With many active members, they are always looking for new volunteers for Drivers, First Responders, Social Members, and EMT’s. SSRS will fund any training that is needed. SSRS meets the first Monday of the month at 7 pm and would be happy to answer any questions with how you can support your community.

The American Legion

The American Legion Post 1269 of Sharon Springs is looking for new members! If you are interested in becoming an American Legion member, volunteering, or even donating to the many wonderful causes the Legion supports, please contact Commander Paul Todd at (518) 649-0024 for more information.

Sharon Springs Free Library

The library will be CLOSED Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1, 2024. OUR HOURS ARE CHANGING FOR WINTER. Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays we will be closing earlier, at 6 instead of 8. That doesn't mean we will be open less. On those three days a week, we will open at 1 instead of 3, so the change is just to 1-6 instead of 3-8. Monday, Thursday and Saturday hours will not change. They will stay the same. On Mondays and Thursdays we are open 10-6, and on Saturdays we are open 10-1.

Want a brand-new release and can't get it? Put a hold on it. Sometimes, book purchases are made depending on the number of people waiting for that title. Other times, a book moves quickly because someone who had it on hold reads it fast or decides not to read it.  If you want a new book but can't request it from another library, that may be because that library has labeled the book 'New and Popular.' Each library determines how long to keep New and Popular books restricted to their own location. Those books won't ship in bins among our libraries like other materials. If, however, you see that a book shows as "In" at one of the MVLS or SALS libraries, you can actually go to that library and check it out. For a complete list of libraries in our systems, go to the MVLS website's member libraries page at www.mvls.info or the Southern Adirondack Library System page at www.sals.edu and click on 'member libraries'.

We received a holiday card this week and would like to pass on the sentiment. It said, "Happy Everything!" Whatever you celebrate or don't celebrate this season, we wish you happiness and joy.

Mrs. Fralick offers storytime for children on Thursday's at 10:00 am every week and includes a story or two, a craft, and a snack.

For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Food Pantry

The Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459).

They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 am -10:30 am and 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Senior Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy socialization and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. All orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at 518-295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. A suggested donation of $4 is accepted from those 60 years old and older. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $5.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

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SUNY COBLESKILL FIGHTING TIGER WEEKLY RECAP

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s basketball team split a pair of non-conference contests during the week losing at home on Thursday evening 87-80 to the visiting Owls of Westfield State University before closing the semester with a 75-66 road win over the host Pioneers of Alfred State College on Saturday afternoon to move to 8-6 overall on the year. The Fighting Tigers were led by senior center Markel Jenkins, Elmira, N.Y., Elmira High School/Corning Community College, who posted a pair of double/doubles on the week averaging 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 75.0% from the free throw line.

The Fighting Tiger women’s basketball team saw their 10-game season opening winning streak snapped on Wednesday evening as Cobleskill dropped a 68-65 non-league decision to the visiting Owls of Westfield State University to close the semester at 10-1 overall on the year. Senior center Logan Thayne, Hoosick Falls, N.Y., Hoosick Falls High School, continued her strong play posting her seventh double/double of the year with 21 points and 13 rebounds to go along with four blocked shots, two steals and an assist while connecting on 8-of-14 field goal attempts, 57.1%, along with going a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line on the evening.

The Fighting Tiger Athletic Department will be hosting their first annual Fighting Tiger Boys’ Basketball Holiday Showcase on Friday December 22nd featuring varsity and junior varsity teams from Oneonta High School, Oppenheim-Ephrata/Saint Johnsville High School, Middleburgh Central School and Cobleskill-Richmondville High School. The day’s opening session will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Oneonta junior varsity meeting the Cobleskill-Richmondville junior varsity followed at 12:00 p.m. by the varsity contest between the Yellowjackets and Bulldogs. The afternoon session will start at 1:30 p.m. with the junior varsity programs of Oppenheim-Ephrata/Saint Johnsville taking on Middleburgh meeting followed at 3:00 p.m. by the varsity contest between the Wolves and Knights. Admission for the event will be $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students with school I.D. and concessions will be available on site.

UPCOMING HOME CONTESTS:

Men’s Basketball vs. SUNY Poly 1/9, Lesley University 1/12, Vermont State-Lyndon 1/13

Women’s Basketball vs. SUNY Poly 1/9, Lesley University 1/12, Vermont State Lyndon 1/13

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

What a rainstorm we had!  Very thankful it wasn’t on Christmas Eve/Day as in 2020.  The flooding in Ashland and Jewett was minimal, although the creeks are full to overflowing.  Haven’t heard how Prattsville made out.  At 8 AM it was already at flood stage.  My cellar flooded, Judy kept hers dry as she learned how to use sump pumps.  We had a very brief scare as the lights blinked out for about 2 seconds.  I finally got a lighte3r and matches to be kept strictly by my range so I can make hot tea.  Sadly the snow is gone, only a slight dusting last night which is now gone.  At least we got snow pictures with our outdoor decorations!

WAJPL luncheon was well attended, and the food, catered by Chicken Run was delicious as usual.  Thanks for the birthday cake and more greetings.  Thanks to all who made it a success.

Congratulations and anniversary blessings to Ken and Marie Smith who will be celebrating 70 years together on December 26th. 

Opal sends wishes and blessings and will be home soon.  Her recovery is going very smoothly. 

We hope to see more of you in church for Christmas Eve services.  Ashland will be holding theirs at 7PM.  Let’s get together to welcome the light back into the world.  Katterskill UMC will celebrate at 10 AM, and Windham Hensonville at 9 PM. 

Dinner Church for January will be on the 19th in Lexington at 5:30 pm.

Prayers for all having health problems at this time of celebration.  Jack and Kathy Jordan need extra prayers after Jack’s surgery. 

AS I REMEMBER IT

A few weeks ago I was asked to do the message at the Ashland Church.  It was the first week of Advent, and I couldn’t think of what to say that hasn’t been said before.  Then I thought of when the angel came to Mary and said “Don’t be Afraid”.  Don’t be afraid??  An apparition appears before me and I’m not supposed to be afraid?  Yeah, right!  So, I gave  my message on being afraid, and trust.

When I was young and going to WAJ, we had no after school transportation.  If you stayed after for an activity, or missed the bus, you walked home or someone had to pick you up.  My parents couldn’t take the time to drive us home, so we walked.  As the days got shorter, and darkness came earlier, it became more and more difficult to walk home.  The last street light was just before Hickory Hill (the road, not the market), by the Brockett House.  I remember walking home with my sister, in the dark, holding hands and singing all the way to scare off whatever was lurking.  We got to the  old creamery which is the building  across the street from the now Chicken Run.  Suddenly, a man came out from behind the creamery and we thought the devil was after us.  We began to run, as quickly as we could, all the way to the farm which is now Tuttle’s.  We ran screaming, singing and holding on to each other for dear life!  Afraid?  You Bet! 

If the Angel comes to my door now, I will know it is because my time is up.  Not now, I say, I have to finish writing for the paper.  Wait until the New Year, at least.  I’m way too busy now.  I have to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas and the sincerest of Holiday Greetings from both me and Judy.  And may we never be too grown up to search the sky on Christmas Eve.  Lula

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Filmed Locally

How Camp Jened Changed Perspectives

HUNTER — When we look back on the many activist groups in the United States during the 1960s and 70s, our minds quickly turn to the Civil Rights Movement, Anti-War protests, Feminist groups, Gay Rights, and early Environmental activism.  They were busy, culture-shifting times.  Amidst all of it, the story of Disability in Action (DIA) has often been shamefully overlooked in conversations about the revolutionary era.  Fortunately, the story of the long road toward the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and some of its most ferocious activists has been told in the 2020 documentary, “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” which is currently streaming on Netflix.  “Crip Camp” begins in the summer of 1971 at Camp Jened in Hunter. 

The summer camp for disabled teenagers started in 1955, but after passing through the revolutionary spin cycle of the 1960s, Camp Jened had become a wildly different place by the summer of 1971. One camper reminisced about listening to the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival on her aunt’s shortwave radio in 1969 and wishing she could be in the mud with everyone else.  She commented on her arrival at Camp Jened in 1971, “This was our Woodstock!” Footage from the summer shows counselors and campers playing Grateful Dead songs on acoustic guitars and banging on chairs.  Camper James Lebrecht (who co-directed the film) explained he’d heard a rumor the counselors might smoke joints with the campers.  The tantalizing rumor sealed the deal for Lebracht, who’d been born with spina bifida, to make the trip for the summer.  One former camper recounted how a counselor taught him how to kiss, calling it “the best physical therapy I have ever had.” 

Camp Jened comes across as a land of the forgotten in the film, with no apparent oversight or regulations.  Many campers found love, and one hilarious scene shows the campers irreverently reacting to an outbreak of crabs.  Two former counselors noted they’d had no experience with a disabled person before arriving in Hunter and indicated that they had changed as people upon leaving.  The head of the camp, Larry Allison, explains that they wanted to make Camp Jened a place where “teens can be teens” and repositioned the counselors as representatives of society as a whole, explaining that they, not the disabled campers, were the problems that needed to reconfigure their perceptions. 

 The film also offers a brief, nightmarish glimpse into the horrific conditions at Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, and we can only come away thinking the folks at Camp Jened were getting something very right in 1971 and the Jened campers very lucky.  

Camp Jened’s 1971 campers emerged from their experience changed and motivated.  Judith Heumann remains at the center of the film’s story.  The former camper spearheads an unrelenting activist movement following her time as a that runs into barricade after barricade.  Feeling that they had reached a “Yahoo moment” in 1972 with the Nondiscrimination Act for People with Disabilities, the joy quickly flatlined following a veto from President Richard Nixon, citing the high costs of upgrading infrastructure as the reason (a moment that caused me to yell at my television).  Their fight continued through the Carter administration, involving risky sit-ins, hunger strikes, and building occupations.  They watched in sadness as the Reagan administration ramped up weapons spending and threatened the funding of their goals.  By the time we finally see George H.W. Bush sign the ADA into law, our relief as viewers is tempered with anger that the path was so long and hard-fought.  It had been nearly 20 years since the life-changing summer at Camp Jened, and the summer spent in Hunter revealed to campers and counselors alike that things could be different for them and inspired the young group to prove that to the rest of the world.  

“Crip Camp” charts the unbelievable path of the campers from teenagers enjoying a loose summer getaway to challenging and defeating oppressive governmental and societal blockades to their freedom.  Their story has every bit of the revolutionary spirit and fight we associate with other activist movements of the era, yet somehow, it isn’t the first to come to our mind.  “Crip Camp” might just change that for you. 

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC - VFW Post 1545

I have done some investigation on Tunnel to Towers Foundation regarding how much of the donated money goes to their mission.

As per the records of the foundation, 95% - 95 cents out of every dollar  - goes directly to their programs and services.

This foundation does not make the officers rich, which in my opinion, is why I did the investigating. In terms of financial transparency, Tunnels to Towers Foundation is recognized as a reputable charity. 

They have achieved high ratings from various charity evaluation organizations such as Charity Navigator, which assesses nonprofits based on their financial health, accountability, and transparency.

The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. 

We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

Their Smart Home Program is restricted to members of the U.S. Armed Forces whose catastrophic combat or training for deployment injuries have resulted in: Quadruple amputation; Triple amputation; Quadriplegia; Paraplegia; Double limb amputation with other injuries such as (but not limited to) severe burns, blindness, traumatic brain injury.

These catastrophic injuries must have occurred on or after October 7, 2001. So, if you want to donate, I feel that this foundation does a very real job helping first responders and military families with the suffering that they go through. 

Just a note to veterans who do not use VFW accredited service officers. No veteran should ever have to pay for earned benefits. Take action by contacting your representatives and tell them to support the passage of the GUARD Act today.

This past Wednesday our Post held our awards ceremony honoring all the students who entered essays in the VFW Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy contests.

Families and students were given awards and cash prizes. We congratulate all the students who took part in this contest and to tell you the truth, all entries were so good it was very difficult to pick a winner. 

Afterwards we had some refreshments served and we had an opportunity to chat with the families. A special thank you to WAJCS teachers Melissa Palumbo and Chalya Pudlewski. 

As our year ends, we also went to Stratton VA Hospital with a donation of $500 in gift cards to Hannaford for the volunteer group to hand out to veterans in need.

Also, we delivered stockings with items for the veterans with sundry items for the Windham Rotary, and Christmas cards written by the students at WAJCS for the veterans. We salute the Windham Rotary for their patriotism and the hard work they do for veterans. 

I always mention how generous the community is to our Post and this past week we received a check from Briars and Brambles bookstore.

They donated 10% of their sales on Veterans Day to us. We thank Jennifer for her support of our Post. We also received a donation in honor of past commander Robert Stefanko this past week. Thank you to Mr. Robert Manno for honoring him. 

To all we wish a Happy Holiday season and a healthy New Year to all. God bless America and to all on the mountaintop. Keep our troops who are serving our nation throughout the world safe. 

Marc Farmilette, PDC- Commander VFW Post 1545.

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(More) LEGISLATURE STUFF

Along the River and Into the Woods

By Michael Ryan

CATSKILL - Things aren’t moving swiftly but time is measured differently on the Hudson River where the Greene County Legislature has taken the necessary next step in shoring up the Shoreline at The Point.

Lawmakers, at a meeting earlier this week, passed a resolution authorizing the advertisement of bids for stabilization of the historic site in Catskill which serves as a significant tourism draw.

Catskill Point, at the southernmost tip of the confluence of the river and the Catskill Creek, is also home to the iconic Freight Masters building and Maritime Museum.

And a large warehouse that opens to the aged waters has a double-duty as a spot for veterans memorial functions, weddings, banquets, etc.

The land is a popular walking spot for people and pets, located adjacent to a small park and boat launch, offering stirring views of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and Olana, the preserved home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church.

Amtrak trains regularly run along tracks on the opposite shore of the river and large vessels frequently pass by, inspiring reminiscences of Henry Hudson and his exploratory wooden sailing ships.

Consistent erosion is evident behind the warehouse, next to the Museum, threatening to severely undermine the structures and a landing dock.

Lawmakers, in the summer of 2022, established a Capital Project for the project, hiring Barton & Loguidice Engineering to prepare the requisite specifications, drawings and other bidding and contract papers.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of State and US Army Corps of Engineers are all involved in the effort from a permitting standpoint.

DEC, in August, 2023, issued an Article 15 Excavation & Fill Permit and Blanket Water Quality Certification for the project and the Department of State issued a General Concurrence letter in October, 2023.

Lawmakers, approving the bid resolution, confirmed that the stabilization project meets the criteria for classification as a Type II action under the SEQRA regulations

“The project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and no additional review is required for the project,” the measure states.

Engineers note the work will include necessary stabilization of the shoreline including installation of a sheet pile bulkhead, geo-grid tie backs, riprap and stone fill.

The work further entails renovation and repair of the existing shoreline structures, refinishing the wooden deck, repair/replacement of bulkhead and timber pylons, repair/replacement of decorative railing and gates, as well as asphalt repair.

Minor repairs have been made over the years but destabilization is steadily worsening, persistently devouring more river bank.

“The damage goes deep down into the river. We’ve sent divers down and we have determined this absolutely has to be done,” legislature chairman Patrick Linger says.

County leaders have been keeping a watchful eye on The Point for a long while, setting aside $1.25 million for the massive undertaking, wishing for good bids and starting as soon as winter’s chill leaves.

The county, back in 2021, tried to secure a $1.1 million grant from FEMA but came up empty in that effort and others.

In other matters:

—Lawmakers authorized county highway superintendent Scott Templeton to appoint CDM Smith as consultants for engineering design services for the rehabilitation of the Platte Clove Bridge.

The historic and visual striking bridge spans Plattekill Creek in the rugged outer regions of the town of Hunter, a hikers paradise.

Federal and local dollars will finance the project. The county was assisted by the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association and State Department of Transportation in preparing a list of potential consultants for highway structure and related facility design.

Plans call for preserving the beauty of the stone bridge which, viewed from beneath, forms a graceful arch, picturesquely and perfectly blending with the surrounding woods and deep gorges. 

Five “Requests for Proposal” were received off the designated list of qualified consultants with CDM Smith achieving a high rating of 91 out of 100, officials say.

CDM Smith, headquartered in Latham, was chosen, “based on the following evaluation criteria,” the legislative resolution states.

That criteria included, “the qualifications of the project manager and proposed staff described in their submittal,” the resolution states.

Templeton was further convinced by the firm’s “experience with Federal-aid projects of similar scope, familiarity with the project area and experience with Greene County” and the State Office of Historic Preservation.

Other considerations included “the geographic location of the firm in relation to the project site; a demonstrated understanding of the project, reasonableness of the proposed approach and schedule and the conciseness and completeness of the proposal,” the resolution states.

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BETTER THAN HEARSAY

A Christmas Smile

By Michael Ryan

MY OLD HOMETOWN - Confession, they say, is good for the soul and while I’m not exactly sure where the soul is, it’s worth a shot.

This time of year, with Christmas and all, makes me remember my boyhood days, growing up in the Finger Lakes region of western New York.

There’s a stretch of road that is between Seneca and Cayuga lakes that is as pretty as any place on the planet, with the waters stretching out in the summer sun and hayfields ripening.

I grew up in a little nothing of a town named Willard that had a State mental asylum on one side of the main drag and all the houses, a couple of country stores and a rural post office on the other side.

My house was the only house on the mental asylum side, sticking out like a thumb just whacked with a hammer.

A lot of people made a thing out of it, that I lived “behind the fence” with the asylum patients, but it was as normal as apple pie to me.

The patients in Willard were wayward souls for sure. Even as a kid, I would notice their eyes looking attentively at me in one heartbeat, staring off into the unseen distance the next heartbeat.

I also knew an Irish gentleman named Joseph who confabulated with leprechauns although that’s a story for another time.

Willard had one road in and out. Going out, it led to the town of Ovid where I was an altar boy in the Catholic Church.

Being an altar boy is probably why I hate waking up earlier than 10 o’clock in the morning. My father used to rouse my brother and me at 6:15 so we could make it to the church for 7 a.m. mass.

The job had some perks. My brother and I would get let out of school sometimes to serve funeral mass (with all due respect to the dead).

One day, I was putting everything away afterwards and my brother hustled back to school, leaving me by myself in the church with its big stain-glass windows and three altars.

There was the main altar, where Sunday and weekday morning masses were held, and two side altars for baptisms and whatever.

So there I am, alone in the echoing holy chambers and for reasons I can’t begin to explain, I became transfixed with a four-foot crucifix.

The head of the Christian Savior was leaned to the right and there were blood marks on his feet and hands from the nails driven into them.

I’m not much of a carpenter, like he was, but I figured out how to unscrew one of the arms, looking around to make sure nobody was watching, and then tip-toed out of the building with the arm stuffed in my coat.

The plan was…I actually didn’t have a plan. I took the arm home and hid it in the cellar, going down to stare at it and rub my fingertips across the red paint and the thin fingers.

When the next Sunday rolled around, the family piled into the Ford and headed to church where the priest, following his way-too-long sermon, announced the arm was missing.

He said if anyone knew anything they could return it, no questions asked. I was positive he knew I was the culprit but he didn’t and I didn’t crack.

My brother, though, put two-and-two together because the priest said it had been gone since Friday and that’s when I was there alone so…

He interrogated me and I finally broke but we sneaked it back to the church  and as far as i know, this is the first time the truth has been revealed.

It was a probably a sin, if a person is inclined toward such conclusions. I’ve always believed somebody up there, if a person is inclined toward such destinations, broke into a smile.

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Carol and Don Muth

By Michael Ryan

JEWETT - She has said it before but Jewett town councilwoman Carol Muth says this time she really totally indisputably means it.

Probably.

“I don’t think I’m coming back but I’ve said ‘no more’ the last three times too,” says Muth, who was given a respectful round of applause by colleagues at a council meeting, last week.

Muth did not seek re-election in November, apparently ending a quietly dedicated and loudly productive government service career.

The town has a year-end meeting later this month but that traditionally amounts to little more than taking a few minutes to pay some bills.

No one else is usually there so Muth’s fellow council members took a moment to publicly say “thank you” and bid her adieu.

Probably.

Muth, when mentioning “the last three times,” is referring to getting elected town supervisor in 1979, serving six years before stepping down to focus on being deputy treasurer in the Greene County Treasurer’s office.

She didn’t go very far, instead serving on the town council and the local planning board for thirteen plus years before - surprise surprise - once again getting elected town supervisor.

That was in 2009, staying put for five years and then supposedly saying “no more” but later returning as as council member and now she expects everyone to believe this time she fully finally unequivocally means it.

We’ll see but the crux of the story isn’t how long Muth has served, it is how she has served. It may be a little known fact that the current municipal building wasn’t there when she first said “yes” 45 years ago.

“At that point, the court and town board meetings were held in our 1-room building which had a small dining room and kitchen,” Muth recalls.

“Officials had their offices in their homes. You went to the town clerk or the assessor’s house to conduct business.

“The new building project began when [then-highway superintendent] William Mead approached me about the possibility of doing it.

“New York State wanted things consolidated. There was no place to store records. We put together a design, got our plans stamped and went to work,” Muth remembers.

“All the labor, taking down the old building and getting the new one built, was voluntary. Our plumber was Loren Mead who only charged for the parts. The electrician was Kenny Becker who was the Lexington town supervisor. He charged us for materials and no labor. 

“We took the old building down and salvaged what we could. We were truly blessed to have all volunteer labor.

“It was completed on our projected timeline and cost the town $20,000. We applied for and received a $5,000 O’Connor Foundation grant to purchase flooring, carpeting and some furnishings.

“So now you have the story of how it all came to be and how many local people contributed to make it happen.”

In typical Muth fashion, there is no suggestion that her community-minded leadership had anything to do with it.

It did. Within her administrations, the town implemented zoning, instituted health insurance and retirement for town employees and brought the Greene County “Meals of Wheels” program to Jewett.

All that and more without being a hometown girl. Carol grew up in western New York, marrying her high school sweetheart, Don Muth, who is still by her side and a man cut from the same good-hearted cloth.

Don, for many years, was intricately involved with the Personal Energy Transportation project, a worldwide effort focused on creating and delivering one-person vehicles to those who can’t walk.

He has spun a small town tale of his own, one of those guys who was out in the horrific flooding of 2011, literally rescuing stranded people from engorged streams, brushing it off as just doing what needed doing.

“I picked a winner,” Carol says, noting their 58th wedding anniversary is coming in January, proving nothing was “probably” about those vows.

And in terms of political promises, Carol has doubtlessly and irrefutably kept her word about everything…except staying away.

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