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Five Grants Awarded to Support Development of Shovel-Ready Sites in Four Regions - Schoharie County Receives Two Crucial Grants

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 10/3/24 | 10/3/24

ALBANY — Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that nearly $25 million has been awarded to improve five locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program. The program, first announced in February 2022, is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to further New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. Today's announcement highlights one piece of New York's commitment to reshoring jobs and manufacturing businesses in the state. The program helps to diversify New York State’s economy while generating new investments for businesses, communities and job creation. To date, FAST NY has awarded $200 million to 25 sites, with locations in every region across Upstate New York.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Through the FAST NY program, our strategic investments are helping communities across Upstate New York develop shovel-ready sites to attract new and expanding businesses in key industries. These awards will support the development of five sites across Upstate New York, with the potential to attract businesses and manufacturers looking to establish or grow a footprint here, creating jobs and generating regional economic growth."

The latest awardees are:

Town of Schoharie – $2.79 million: This water and wastewater infrastructure project will upgrade and extend existing water lines; add a new well, connection piping and storage tank; and extend sewer lines. These improvements will double the wastewater capacity and increase the public water availability for the proposed site, enabling development of an additional 80 underutilized acres within the existing water and wastewater district while improving marketability. Funding will also help unlock the potential of the 350-acre commercial district.

Schoharie County IDA – $390,700: This involves the creation of a buildable lot in Cobleskill which will accommodate approximately 750,000 square feet of large-scale industrial space, including creating conceptual site design documents and plans for utility connections. The completed project site intends to create up to 450 short-term and long-term jobs, is adjacent to the New York State Thruway, and located less than five miles from the SUNY Cobleskill campus.

Village of Bergen – $1.26 million: This project will support electrical infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to the electrical substation and distribution lines, which will increase capacity to serve anticipated load growth.

Town of Liberty – $20 million: This project will support water and sewer infrastructure upgrades along the old Route 17 corridor by extending water lines and implementing a sanitary pump station and new force main sewer line. 

Town of Schodack – $366,000: This project will advance several necessary environmental studies, including State Historic Preservation Office consultation. 


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Farm Bureau Hosts Great Annual Meeting

By Alexis Pencar

CENTRAL BRIDGE — This past Friday, September 27th at 6:30 PM Schoharie County Farm Bureau Members gathered for their Annual Meeting at The Olde Tater Barn at 138 Tater Barn Road in Central Bridge.

Including a cocktail hour and dinner for each member plus a guest, this is traditionally one of the largest gatherings for the group and provides time for discussion on policy, the future, and more. For this instance, there were over 50 members in attendance with an extensive Meeting Agenda. Assemblyman Chris Tague was present to show his strong support for this hardworking group.

As an important local organization, the Schoharie County Farm Bureau influences different aspects of farming for the area. Many members were vocal throughout the meeting, not afraid to voice their opinion about the direction of the Farm Bureau in regards to local, state, and national level legislation.

With President Steven Smith at the helm, the meeting was well organized and members were respectful of differing opinions.

Some of the 2024 Policy Development Discussion included the following topics: 

• Solar companies should not be permitted to have non-disclosure agreements in renewable energy leases with farmers.

• We oppose the Executive Rule superseding local board authority "Home Rule" over local building projects on agricultural lands especially those in an ag district.

• We recommend that F or G endorsements on the CDL should allow for farm deliveries in a

150-mile radius.

• We support an increase in the federal SNAP benefit.

• We oppose New York State prohibiting the use of certain food additives and food color additives in products.

• We oppose any requirements enforcing wine bottles to be refillable.

• We support restoring funding for NYCAMH's ROPS program to $250,000

• We support restoring funding for NYCAMH's John May fund to $500,000

• We support funding for NYCAMH to conduct research on mental health among agricultural professionals

Some topics were tabled, some were edited, but overall the meeting was effective and professionally conducted.

If you missed this event and would like to get involved with the Schoharie County Farm Bureau, please get in touch at (518) 431-9338 or visit nyfb.org and search Schoharie County. The Board of Directors usually meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM, location TBA.


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Sharon Springs Dance Festival This Weekend

SHARON SPRINGS — Klinkhart Hall is thrilled to announce the Sharon Springs Dance Festival, bringing a vibrant array of dance performances and classes to Sharon Springs, NY, on October 4th and 5th. This year’s festival features an exciting performance by Ephrat Asherie Dance and a full day of diverse dance workshops for all ages and skill levels.

Dance Performance/Dance Party:

Date: Friday, October 4th

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Sharon Springs Central School

Experience the captivating performance of ODEON by Ephrat Asherie Dance. This remarkable work is the second collaboration between Ephrat and Ehud Asherie, blending Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth's early 20th-century romantic music with samba and Afro-Brazilian rhythms. ODEON remixes various street and club dance styles, including breaking, hip hop, house, and waacking, to create a mesmerizing exploration of time, tempo, and genre.

Dance Classes:

Date: Saturday, October 5th

Location: Sharon Springs Central School

10:00-11:00 AM: Children’s Class with Ephrat Asherie and Company

Ages 7-12: Introduction to breaking fundamentals such as top rock, down rock, freezes, and spins. Wear comfortable clothes and come ready to learn and have fun!

1:15 AM-12:30 PM: Community Class with Ephrat Asherie and Company

All ages: Focus on rhythm, musicality, dynamic shifts, and flow using elements from breaking, hip hop, and house. Ideal for those looking to enhance their freestyle and improvisation skills.

12:30 AM-1:15 PM Lunch Break

1:15-2:30 PM: Modern Dance Techniques with Constance Dinapoli

Explore basic principles of modern dance from historic luminaries, improving strength, flexibility, and fluidity in a creative, fun environment.

2:45-3:45 PM: African Dance Class with Gballoi Dance

Engage in the rich rhythms and movements of African dance, led by the dynamic Gballoi Dance.

4:00-5:00 PM: Jazz Dance with Betty Gavin-Singer

Teens to Seniors: Emphasizing rhythm, accent, and syncopation, this class will incorporate Charles Kelley’s technique with a focus on musical theater and Broadway jazz styles.

5:00-5:30 PM: Wrap-Up and Cool Down with Betty Gavin-Singer

Conclude the day with a relaxing cool-down session, perfect for reflecting on the day's activities.

to register for workshops, please visit www.KlinkhartHall.org/dance.

About Ephrat Asherie Dance (EAD):
EAD is a Bessie-award winning dance company known for its exploration of African American and Latin street and club dances. Rooted in the vibrant culture of New York City’s underground club scene, EAD creates innovative performances that celebrate and investigate the complexities of street and club dance styles. The company has performed at renowned venues including Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Joyce Theater, and the Apollo Theater. For more information, visit www.ephratasheriedance.com or follow them on Instagram @ephratasheriedance.

About Klinkhart Hall:
Klinkhart Hall is a nonprofit performing arts center located in Sharon Springs, NY. Klinkhart Hall hosts and produces high quality programs in the performing, visual and other arts and offers cultural, civic and educational programming to promote its philosophy of inclusion and diversity; it will serve as an example of how historic preservation efforts can contribute to the revitalization of communities.


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CCE Schoharie Otsego’s Annual Meeting will Introduce Association’s New Programs, Plans for 2025

ONEONTA — Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties (CCESO) will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 16th from 6 to 8 p.m. at SUNY Oneonta, in Morris Hall’s Craven Lounge. All residents of Schoharie and Otsego counties are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting and learn about CCESO’s innovative educational programs and relevant outreach activities in both counties.

The Annual Meeting will begin with the Association’s annual Business Meeting*. The brief Business Meeting will be followed by an informal reception where participants can chat and mingle with CCESO’s staff, Board members and Program Advisory Committee members, volunteers, and program participants, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet new staff members and learn about new programs, connect with long-time staff and volunteers about changes in their programs, and win door prizes, too! RSVP requested (but not required) by registering at www.cceschoharie-otsego.org or by calling the Cobleskill office at 518-234-4303 ext. 111.

*For those who choose not to participate in person, there is an option of virtual attendance at the Business Meeting. For more information contact Nicole Thompson at neh57@cornell.edu or by calling 518-234-4303 ext. 111.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.  Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties offices if you require an accommodation.


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Calvary Assembly of God Welcomes Pastor Lijo Thomas

COBLESKILL — Calvary Assembly of God (960 Mineral Springs Road, Cobleskill) is pleased to announce the addition of Pastor Lijo Thomas to its pastoral staff as Associate Pastor. Pastor Lijo comes to Calvary with a wealth of education and experience. He earned his BA in Biblical Studies with a minor in Children's Ministry from Northpoint Bible College and an MA in Pastoral Counseling in Marriage and Family from Liberty University. 

Prior to coming to  Calvary, he has served in children's ministry for over a decade, including serving for a year as the KidMin Director for the Assemblies of God New York Ministry Network. In his role at Calvary, Pastor Lijo's responsibilities will include a focus on Family Life and Next Gen ministry along with strategic planning to address the needs of the growing congregation. 

An installation service and reception will be held on Sunday, October 6th, beginning at 10:00 AM. The community is invited to attend to meet and welcome the Thomas family. For more information about Calvary's ministries, call the church office at 518-234-4182, log on to the Church's website at www.cagcobleskill.org, the church's YouTube page (Cobleskill Calvary Assembly of God), or their Facebook page (promisesofGod).


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C-R Volleyball Downs MCS in Four Sets

COBLESKILL - The Cobleskill girls volleyball team downed the Middleburgh squad in four sets Tuesday.

Cobleskill-Richmondville (3-3, 4-4) defeated Middleburgh 25-12, 25-8, 21-25, 25-13.

Starring for C-R were: Joanna McCann with nine kills and four blocks, Caris Hill with seven assists, Molly Copollo with three aces and three kills, and Ally Palmer with five aces and two kills.


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C-R Golf Team Defeats Fonda, Sets School Record

COBLESKILL - The Cobleskill Richmondville boys' golf defeated Fonda Fultonville on Monday 146-203 and broke a school record.

The 146 was two under par as a team. By beating Fonda-Fultonville, the Bulldogs remained undefeated. Wednesday was senior night and they play one more home match before heading to sectionals.

Playing Cobleskill, Cooper LaBarge was medalist with a three under par 34, while Ashton Haley, CJ Warner and Andy Rightmyer turned in excellent scores of 36,37 and 39 respectively.

Also playing for C-R was Owen McCormack, who shot a 43, and Tiernan Farnum, who finished with a 41.


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2nd Annual Bison Harvest Fest

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — Bison Island Ranch, your local Bison Ranch in Sharon Springs, had another great season of events with the Bison Harvest Fest fast approaching next weekend! On Saturday, October 12th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at The Ranch (194 Engleville Rd, Sharon Springs) join the Ranch Crew for a celebration of Fall with the second annual Bison Harvest Fest! There will be drinks, music, games, free raffle, campfire, and more!

“This is the second year of the Bison Harvest Fest, which is our way to honor our upcoming bison harvest. We recognize the beauty and bounty of Fall and say thank you to our customers and the community.” offered Bison Island Ranch Owner Susan Golembeski.

At this special event, you can purchase beer from local Red Shed Brewery, wine from Brotherhood Winery downstate, and non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling cider from Middlefield Orchard all to enjoy on the picturesque property at Bison Island Ranch. Listen to music and catch up with friends, play games like corn hole, take sunset photo ops by the pond, and enjoy even more areas to relax. The Ranch Store will also be open with bison meat, bison jerky, bison tallow products, bison art, and handcrafted goods for sale.

Bring the whole family and enjoy a pumpkin painting craft for all ages! There's always fun and educational activities at the Ranch! Explore the full-size Tipi available for overnights and find out more about agritourism! 

Want to learn more about bison and their important role in our ecosystem? Learn first-hand by chatting with the knowledgeable Ranch Crew.

The Bison Island Ranch herd is 100% Grass-Fed and pasture rotated, allowing the animals to live in the most natural and undisturbed way possible! As the largest land mammal in North America, a bison can consume up to 30 pounds of grass in one day! These huge herbivores, also commonly called buffalo, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, stand over 6 feet tall, and run up to 35 miles per hour! Wow!

Did you know that The American Heart Association “recommends bison meat for a heart healthy diet due to its low fat and cholesterol content”? This meat is high in protein, iron, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12. If you have never tried bison, don’t miss out!

Rain or shine, come on out for the second annual Bison Harvest Fest next weekend on Saturday, October 12th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM! This event is free admission. Bison Island Ranch is located at 194 Engleville Rd, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. Please visit www.bisonislandranch.com or social media @bisonislandranch for more information.


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Cobleskill Braver Angels to Host Skills Workshop on October 19th

Bipartisan group to teach local residents in Schoharie County skills for having difficult political conversations

Cobleskill – On October 19th from 9am to 12pm, Braver Angels of the Capital District will hold a workshop at Cobleskill United Methodist Church designed to teach skills for having political conversations across the divide. 

In today’s polarized environment, political conversations often turn angry and counterproductive. Braver Angels skills help people listen and understand without arguing to build trust, clarify disagreements, and find common ground based on common values and humanity.

Interested members of the press should reach out to Cobleskill United Methodist Church’s Pastor Anna Blinn Cole for details to participate in the workshop.

Launched in 2016, Braver Angels is a non-profit bipartisan citizen’s movement to unify America.  By bringing Red and Blue Americans together into a working alliance, Braver Angels is building new ways to talk to one another, participate together in public life, and influence the direction of the nation.

“Schoharie County is not immune to deep political divisions.  In many ways, we have forgotten how to have productive political conversations without it devolving into a shouting match,” organizer Rev. Blinn Cole said.

Recent polls show that a majority of Americans feel our country is more divided than ever, and increasingly view members of the opposite political party as not just wrong—but bad people. At the same time, Americans are increasingly divided into bubbles and echo chambers with limited exposure to “the other side,” consuming news that confirms their opinions and stereotypes.

By creating opportunities for meaningful discussions, Braver Angels works to dial down the heated rhetoric that gets in the way of real conversations and accurate understanding of our differences. The objective is not to push an agenda or change participant’s minds, but rather to provide a safe place for deeper understanding.

The workshop is free, but registration is requested.  Please register here: https://tinyurl.com/ymsv4shw or call the church office with questions, 518-234-3671.

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Artist Talk with Hannah Claus Oct. 12

Hannah Claus is a transdisciplinary artist whose ancestry includes the Tyendinaga Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and will be speaking at the Iroquois Museum at 324 Caverns Road in Howes Cave Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 pm. 

She holds an MFA from Concordia University, is an Eiteljorg Fellow, and a recipient of the Prix Giverny. Her elegant, often ethereal expressions have been exhibited at the National Gallery of Canada; the Biennial of Contemporary Indigenous Art; and the Pierre-François Ouellette contemporary art gallery. 

Claus' installations are in several public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Eiteljorg Museum, North American Native Museum (Zurich, CH), the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Global Affairs, and the City of Montreal. She is one of the co-founders of daphne, a new Indigenous contemporary arts center based in Montreal.  


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Community Library Receives Stewart’s Holiday Match

By Elizabeth Barr

COBLESKILL — The Community Library in Cobleskill is one of the recipients of Stewart’s Holiday Match. When you donate at your neighborhood Stewart’s shop, the money stays local. Stewart’s Manager, Christy Wade,  at the East Cobleskill location, met with Courtney Little, the Library Assistant of the Community Library, to see the Wiggle Worms Play and Explore in action tha.t was purchased with the money the Library received.  

The Wiggle Worm Play and Explore program is designed for young children to discover and play with age-appropriate sensory toys at various stations. The program was developed for babies and toddlers age 3-24 months.   It helps build gross and fine motor skills important for healthy development.

Schoharie County recipients received $32,400 in 2023-2024. The recipients were, BSA Cub Scounts, Pake 5 Cobleskill, Catholic Charities of Schohare County, Cobleskill Fire Department, Cobleskill-Richmondville Education Foundation, Community Maternity Services of Schoharie Ots, Cornell Cooperative Ext. Schoharie/Otsego, Fields of Grace Outreach, Fusion Community Church, George Landis Arboretum, Gilboa Historical Society, Iroquois Museum, Middleburgh Fire Department, Old Stone Fort Museum, SCCDC Inc, Schoharie Central School, Schoharie Christian After-School Program, Schoharie County Community Action Program, Inc., Schoharie EPTSO, Inc., Schoharie Free Library, Schoharie Little League, Sharon Springs Free Library, Sharon Springs Youth Commission, SSCS Clay Target League, St Paul’s Emergency Food Pantry, The Community Library, The Joshua Project of Schoharie County, the Middleburgh Library, and the Rolphie Fund.  

Stewart’s Holiday Match Program raised over $2 million for local children’s organizations. The donations are accepted from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day at your local Stewart’s.  Every donation received is matched by Stewarts Shops.  The money stays local and is given to non-profit children’s organizations.  There are no administrative costs so 100% of the funds are donated back to the local communities.


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70-6: Bulldogs Defeat Sir Bills - 4-0: Perfect Season Continues

Staff Report

JOHNSTOWN – Heading out on the road for the first time this fall, the Cobleskill-Richmondville Bulldogs showed no signs of slowing down – either offensively or defensively – in a lopsided 70-6 victory over the Johnstown Sir Bills squad last Friday night.

Anchored by a twenty-six-yard touchdown pass from Bulldogs (4-0) Quarterback Caleb Hantho to Wide Receiver Connor Wade in the First Quarter, the veteran CR force never looked back and they prevented the Sir Bills (1-3) from gaining any momentum.

“I know the players and coaches had high hopes and have possibly exceeded expectations, but the players have large goals in mind and are not nearly satisfied with all that has transpired so far,” said Bulldogs Head Coach Ed Hantho when asked about CR’s early success amid high pre-season expectations. He continued, “They know each week they need to improve and grow closer as a team.”

“I do not think we are focused at all on a win streak... We are seeking to play football at a very high level with limited errors each time we take the field - and so far, we are able to do that. We do know that the opposition will get better as the season progresses and we look forward to the challenge that it will present.”

Totaling 440 offensive yards, the Bulldogs found success both in the air and on the ground versus the Sir Bills defense. Hantho completed all seven of his passing attempts for 202 yards and four touchdowns, with one each being received by Ben Yorke, Eli Bar, Cameron Jackson, and the aforementioned Connor Wade.

In addition to Hantho’s passing clinic, CR added an additional 238 rushing yards and five touchdowns as insurance, with Senior Running Back Kyber Henry accounting for 104 of those yards as well as two of the scores. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs defense held Johnstown’s offensive efforts to only 216 total yards and one touchdown in the First Half, while forcing three interceptions and one fumble.

When asked about the Bulldog’s offense, Mr. Hantho said that “I would say that it is in great synchronization – always room to improve though. We scored on 7 of 9 plays in the first half at one point which is a testament to the concentration, hard work and dedication shown by this team from last winter until now.” He continued, “The defense is not far behind, but is still learning which takes time.”

The Bulldogs are returning to friendly confines tonight, as they will be hosting the Scotia-Glenville Tartans (1-3). “We must continue to limit penalties on the offensive side of the ball and execute at a rapid pace. We – as always – need to gain control at the offensive line level to have any success and the lineman have provided that each week and I anticipate it happening again,” stated Mr. Hantho.

He concluded, “We must continue to give Kyber Henry opportunities to touch the ball and create plays – but spread the ball around so that we are not one dimensional – as we did in Johnstown.” 



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Woodstock Artists Association Embarks on Studio Tour

By Robert Brune

WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM) founded more than one hundred years ago and is an art institution that ranks among the most important in the state of New York. This past weekend kicked off their inaugural WAAM Members Studio Tour with remarkable success. The WAAM Executive Director Nichole Goldberg describes, “I was thrilled to present the inaugural WAAM Members Studio Tour. It was a magical experience to walk through the working studios of over 50 artists and witness their creative processes. We look forward to making this an annual event!” 

The concept of touring artists’ studios has been around for years and is becoming ever more popular. There are several such tours in the Hudson Valley/Catskills regions of New York: the Stagecoach Run Art Festival, AMR Open Studios Tour, Upstate Art Weekend, and the Saugerties Artists Studios Tour. Now WAAM has made it part of their mission to connect people with Woodstock area artists and their work in the intimate studio setting.

Organizing such an event is a monumental task, as it requires the organization of dozens of artists and to promote and coordinate. It’s a wonder how WAAM was able to pull this off while running a well renowned gallery with a global reputation. As with any great institution, it’s a sum of its parts and participation. The WAAM community has an impressive list of world class artists including big names that join in from outside their community to be involved. All of these influences and experiences being shared with the world who chose to visit the Woodstock area benefit beyond imagination.

The studio tour had an eclectic variety of art. Some examples as follow…

- Deidre Laughton who was a self-taught artist up until twenty years ago when she and her husband moved to West Hurley was a self-taught artist. Since living in the Woodstock area Laughton has been attending classes at the Woodstock School of Arts and doing online art classes. This studio space was prepared like a professional gallery with her paintings, yarn art, and pottery curated so professionally. Laughton and her husband who also does ceramics were abundantly friendly. The art possesses a very spiritual and tranquil tone that reflects her personality so perfectly. Since taking up art full-time, Laughton has many accomplishments to her credit. On Instagram @deirdrelaughton

 – Tania Kravath is a former NYC public school art teacher who taught in the Bronx. This magnificent sculpture tells why she felt compelled to teach, “Growing up my art teacher saved my life”. Kravath has been living upstate NY for decades working with clay making gorgeous sculptures with such skill mixing in paint colors of soothing blues and browns and textures that blend with the loving images of angelic figure, some representing an elegant embrace that’s unforgettable. While Kravath has a kiln in her studio, she utilizes a friend’s Japanese style kiln in Hunter that adds to the beauty. FB link www.facebook.com/tania.kravath Must see Kravath’s Good Wrestling series. 

– Carmela Tal Baron of Woodstock has an great selection of digital artwork that represents a multitude of imagery including lovely flower bursts with a great eye for color selection. It’s a fabulous example of fine (digital) art.  Baron shares her thoughts on the Studio Tour, “I was gratified by the turnout and by the genuine interest in my work by the visitors to my studio & gallery Art Pod 66. Hopefully, this will engender further interest from the public in learning about the artistic process, in supporting the artists and in enabling their continued contribution to the community.” For examples of Baron’s work see www.carmelatalbaron.com

– Yale Epstein said to be ‘One of the premier stops on the tour’ by one of the visitors. Epstein’s house and yard is an impressive work of art. The red bridge overlooking a lovely pond outside his studio space looks like a dream. Epstein is a vivacious 91-year-old photographer and painter with several incredible books to his credit. The walls and counter tops are flowing with amazing visions he’s captured throughout his lifetime with the most expert composition, color, and carefully mastered skill. Epstein said he had approximately forty visitors over the two-day weekend and enjoyed the experience of having people visit his home. This friendly welcoming tone was all throughout the WAAM Members Studio Tour. The WAAM organizers are assuredly proud to have such a wonderful experience must be something that people mark on their calendars each year. 

This weekend is the final weekend of the WAAM Regional: Spirit of Woodstock comprises 40 works in a range of styles and mediums by artists living within a 50-mile radius of Woodstock. From abstract art to landscape paintings and photographs, works unite as they reflect the boundary-pushing culture of the 1960s. Works on view account for an array of artistic ideas and approaches, through ecologically driven works, socially engaged practices, and artworks anchored in prevailing formal tenets of the time. Overall, the exhibition probes and celebrates the profound and lasting impact of this landmark era on artmaking in the region today.  For more details on the upcoming exhibitions and member artists, see www.woodstockart.org


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Musical Delights of Sue’s Garage at Union Grove Distillery

By Robert Brune

ARKVILLE — The Catskills has a storied history of attracting incredibly gifted entertainers. As the

years go on, this area has continued to attract musicians settling down here in our mountain

villages since the beginning of modern civilization. Sue’s Garage is a four-year endeavor of the

best of the sixties and seventies popular rock n’ roll music that sparked an exciting evening of fun at

the Union Grove Distillery in Arkville. 

Suzanne Pastor who is a dear friend and committed supporter of the band that bears her name

explains the origins, “When they committed to perform in September 2020 at a political

fundraiser in my backyard, they asked me if they may practice together in my garage, which is

quite roomy.  The original group consisted of other members, all friends, all residents, all great

musicians.” Over the past four years, the band has experienced several iterations by losing a

beloved keyboardist who passed away and going through several drummers. The current group

consists of Scott Blum on drums and percussion as an award-winning performer and TV, radio,

theater, opera and studio session percussionist. Dorothy Blum is an accomplished percussionist

performing with bands in Florida as well as being an educator with the Association of Florida

Teaching Artists teaching drumming and watercolors. Tim, lead guitar; Maggie, violin; dan, bass

guitar, and the rockin’ Tom Fetterman and Bonnie MacSaveny, vocals. Dan Kruger the bassist and vocals is from north New Jersey who performed rock, blues, country, R&B bands throughout the seventies and

eighties for many years fits in perfectly. Maggie who used to work in the banking industry

provides the magic of her violin skills with flowing bridges between verses and sweet elegance

woven into their songs, along with magnificent solos that wowed the crowd. Tim Mukherjee who performs spectacularly on guitar has a PHD in music from Harvard University. Tom and Bonnie who share most of the vocals both have an extensive background on and off Broadway performing. The Union Grove Distillery audience members enjoyed fabulous covers from the likes of Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’, the Barrett Strong classic ‘Money (That’s All I Want)’, Jethro Tull’s ‘Locomotive Breath’ with a rippin’ violin, and Bonnie’s incredible singing with Jefferson Airplane’s ‘Somebody to Love’ just to name a few from this amazing evening of timeless classics performed so magnificently.

Sue Pastor shares a bit more about the chemistry of the group, “Our bonded friendship among

everyone is further solidified after every practice when they bring it inside to dinner or lunch or

after-practice snacks which gives everyone an opportunity to meet-and-confer about the music,

the strengths/weaknesses, and friendly chatter about practically everything, not always

exclusively music.  This is one of the best parts of our relationship because we learn and laugh

and have great moments together.  Often not only the band is at this table, but other friends/fans

join the party as well. We all agree we are a lucky group who found not only a

beautiful place to live but to enjoy an amazing circle of friends, which gets bigger and bigger

when music fans join up at gigs and at our after-practice ‘table talk’. This community is full of

great folks!” 

The group may be taking a break from performing until next spring, but it will be

worth the wait to catch this spectacular group in 2025, keeping an eye out with the Mountain

Eagle for their return.


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