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County Denys NY Safety Track Application

By Mary A. Crisafulli HARPERSFIELD - Delaware County Planning Board members took no action at their May meeting regarding the site plan application requesting expansion of land use activities at the New York Safety Track on Zimmerman Road. The board issued the "no action" due to an incomplete application. The application was submitted in 2022 following a SWPPP (stormwater pollution prevention plan) violation by the track owners when they removed trees without a permit. The safety track is a two-mile-long race track originally designed for motorcycles. The proposed expansion of use includes increased hours of operation and development of a .7-mile-long mini-track, and the ability to host races. Track owners are also requesting additional vehicle types be added to its site plan, including cars. This is the third time the county has reviewed this application. In November 2023 they also issued a "no action" due to an incomplete application and submitted a list of additional items for the applicant to provide. The board recommended the applicant supply a list of all LLC members, clearly defined hours and days of operation, and a completed sound study of all neighboring towns with a reapplication. The board also recommended the owners consult with the Harpersfield Town Council and Code Enforcement Officer Thomas Little regarding local regulations. However, at the May meeting, board members noted "The items requested have not been received." During public comment regarding the application, it was stated that officials are not permitted on the property to conduct inspections and there is a shooting range at the facility which worries neighboring property owners. The Harpersfield Planning Board, which is also reviewing the application and SEQR (state environmental quality review), scheduled a special meeting on Thursday, May 16 after press time. More information on that meeting can be found in next week's edition of The Mountain Eagle.

May 19, 2024 • 207 views

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O'Connor Hospital Partners with SUNY Delhi to Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinics

DELHI — Bassett Healthcare Network’s O’Connor Hospital recently partnered with SUNY Delhi to hold free clinics to administer rabies prophylaxis vaccine to workers with high exposure risks around the region. Dr. Bret Meckel, Dean of the SUNY Delhi School of Veterinary and Professional Studies, learned in March that SUNY Delhi had an oversupply of rabies vaccine that would be expiring soon. He reached out to colleagues at nearby O’Connor Hospital to explore how the institutions could work together to provide a public health service to workers at high risk for contracting the virus, including professionals, faculty, and students in veterinary medicine and employees who work at local animal hospitals and animal control offices. “It is a privilege to work closely with our colleagues at O’Connor Hospital to offer our communities care and resources,” says Dr. Meckel. “We are proud to have been able to offer this critical preventive intervention to people in our region.” The rabies vaccine is a two-shot series given seven days apart and requires a booster every two years. O’Connor Hospital staff worked with Dr. Peter Sosnow, Medical Director and Division Chief of Bassett Healthcare Network’s health centers across Delaware County, to obtain orders for vaccine doses. With assistance from O’Connor Hospital’s Patient Access team and Ambulatory Care team, 90 doses of vaccine were administered in two days. “Our collaborative relationship with SUNY Delhi has always been a great source of pride and satisfaction for O’Connor Hospital and Bassett Healthcare Network,” says Susan Oakes Ferrucci, DNP, MSN, RN, CNS, Chief Hospital Executive of Bassett’s Critical Access Hospital Division. “I am grateful to everyone at O’Connor Hospital for helping to make these clinics happen. We look forward to continuing to partner with SUNY Delhi on future initiatives to serve our communities.” As a Critical Access Hospital, O’Connor Hospital provides 24/7 emergency and inpatient care to surrounding communities. In addition, the hospital operates an outpatient pharmacy, surgical services, laboratory, imaging services, rehabilitative care, and specialty care. Learn more by visiting www.bassett.org.

May 19, 2024 • 162 views

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FEDERAL, STATE & LOCAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS – TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024

Polls will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The last day for new voters to register is June 15 th . The last day for the Board of Elections to receive early mail/absentee ballot applications online or by mail is June 15th Voters must be enrolled members of the party in order to participate in a primary Voters should note that the elections are limited to the following candidates, parties and Towns: Office of Member of Council, Town of Roxbury – 3 year vacancy, Vote for One Democratic Party : Lisa M Ciaravino; Nathan S Potter Office of Member of Assembly 102 nd District, Vote for One Democratic Party : Mary T Finneran; Janet S Tweed The 102 Assembly District Towns in Delaware County are: Bovina, Davenport, Delhi, Franklin, Hamden, Harpersfield, Kortright, Meredith, Roxbury, Stamford & Walton NOTE: There will be no Republican, Working Family or Conservative party primary elections in Delaware County on June 25 th Primary elections will be held at your regular poll site Early Voting, Saturday, June 15 th through Sunday, June 23 rd will be held at the Board of Elections Office. Questions? Call us at 607-832-5321

May 19, 2024 • 6 views

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Reynolds Attends Cowtown Society of Western Music Awards Show

MINERAL WELLS, TEXAS — On the weekend of May 3rd, 4th, and 5th 2024 local radio host Alan Reynolds was in Mineral Wells, Texas for the 24th annual Cowtown Society Of Western Music Awards Show. He was not there to receive an award. That happened last year when he was inducted into that organization's Hall Of Fame as Radio DJ Of The Year. This year he was there to help bring Justin Trevino into the Hall Of Fame as a Hero Of Western Swing. Justin had become a good friend over the years as he introduced Alan to many singers, musicians, band members, producers, radio personalities and many others involved with country music and western music. You can listen to Alan Reynolds locally at WIOX 91.3 FM or anywhere on your computer or smart device at wioxradio.org. Pure Country airs on Saturday afternoons at 4-6 PM Eastern Time. The Radio Truck Stop is open from 10 PM until Midnight on Sunday evenings.

May 19, 2024 • 207 views

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Travel Writing Workshop Begins June 5

Writers in the Mountains (WIM) presents Travel Writing 101, a six-week long workshop with Rachel Dickinson, June 5 – July 10. The class will be held online Wednesdays, from 6 to 8 pm ET. Once you register and pay, you will be given instructions on how to join the class. Have you ever met a travel writer and thought "I wish I could do that?" Well, you can. In this course we'll read a variety of travel pieces, and talk about what makes them good (or not so good). We will look at different kinds of travel writing - roundups, essays, hotel/spa reviews. Then we will write a couple of travel pieces - one that features something where you live (you don't have to travel to do good travel writing) and another about some place you have visited. These pieces will be critiqued by the class. A freelance writer for over 20 years, Rachel Dickinson's pieces about nature, history, science, and travel have been published in numerous publications including Aeon, The Atlantic, Audubon, Smithsonian, Salon, Outside Online, The Saturday Evening Post, and many publications that no longer exist. A two-time winner of the Travel Classics Writing Award, she’s also the author of seven nonfiction books. Her latest, a memoir in essays, is The Loneliest Places: loss, grief, and the long journey home (Three Hills Press, 2022). Dickinson has an MFA in nonfiction from Goucher College. To register, e-mail writersinthemountains@gmail.com. To register online, visit writersinthemountains.org. Class fee is $140. Limited to ten students. Registration deadline is May 29. Writers in the Mountains is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide a nurturing environment for the practice, appreciation and sharing of creative writing. Learn more at writersinthemountains.org.

May 19, 2024 • 199 views

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Young and Old Make Music in Stamford

STAMFORD — Just prior to the pandemic lockdown in March of 2020, The Community Music Network had planned to start up a multi-generational family music and movement class at The Pavilion Senior Living Center in Stamford, New York. Instead, director and teaching artist Pamela West-Finkle, found herself in the same position as many teachers and self-employed gig workers, scrambling to figure out how to teach something normally done in person with a group online. Now, after four years, the organization is bringing the young to the old once again. Starting this Thursday, May 16th, local families with young children, babies to age seven, and special needs children of all ages, are invited to participate in Miss Pam’s Jamboree starting at 10:30 am. Registration is required and a $10 donation per family is suggested, but numerous scholarships are available. This program is funded with support from the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation and the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation. The class will run on Thursday mornings for five weeks until approximately June 13th (or 20th in case of illness cancelation), then four weeks July 11th – August 1st, starting again in early September to run until the holidays. The Pavilion Senior Living Center is located at 1 Buntline Avenue in Stamford, New York. “Of all of my programs over the years,” West-Finkle explains, “my favorites have always been my multi-generational classes. The residents look forward to it all week, even asking staff repeatedly ‘When are the babies coming?’ and they truly come alive when they see the little ones and their parents having so much fun with the music. The pandemic put a huge damper on these types of in person programs, so I am so glad we are finally able to bring the children to the senior facility again.” In the class, the senior residents form a human circle in chairs and a group of young children and their caregivers or parents participate inside the circle, singing primarily old folk songs and dancing. Everyone plays egg shakers, rhythm sticks, uses bells, bands, parachutes, and scarves, and then each participant picks a hand percussion instrument to play during the big jam session. The 45-50 minute class ends with a lullaby and the farewell ritual song. As children become comfortable around the senior citizens, they begin interacting with them, collecting instruments, dancing with them, and bringing pure joy to the residents in the home. That in turn, improves their mood and enhances their well-being, evokes memories associated with the music or raising their own children, and reduces their need for pain and psychiatric medications. Pamela West-Finkle has been teaching children music and performing in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice since the 1990s. She received her BS in Education in 1996 at Ashland University in Ohio and her Masters in Music in 2012 from the University of Montana and is certified to teach K-12 music and 7-12 English. For the last twenty years, she has brought her all ages community music programs to the Catskills, obtaining nonprofit status in 2020. Miss Pam will also be joined by SUNY Oneonta Music Industry Intern, Katie Marie Eklund, who will be helping to facilitate the classes. Katie and her sister Gabbi Eklund make up the soulful rock duo Sweet Marie and have performed at Mountain Jam, The Bitter End, The Bearsville Theater, opened for Brandye Carlisle, Warren Haynes, American Nomads and have regularly performed in the Catskills since their teens. For more information about classes with the Community Music Network and to register, call 607-287-0793, email communitymusicnet@gmail.com.

May 19, 2024 • 202 views

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Local Business Focus

Ravens Nest Crafts By Tori Edwards RICHMONDVILLE — In Richmondville, Ravens Nest Crafts is a women owned and operated craft business. The owner, Frances DoBesh can be reached at (518) 603-8217 or by email at DESIGNSBYFRANCESD@GMAIL.com. This artist sells custom made shirts, tumblers, cups, keychains, and so much more. Her Facebook page is Ravens Nest Crafts. Go like her page and find out more about the goodies she creates. She can do a variety of designs and slogans on any material, just give her an idea or an item you are interested in, and she can create that special work of art just customized for you! Her slogan is “Where creativity knows no bounds.” Frances started her business this past holiday season and has flourished ever since. She creates items with her Cricut and vinyl that has branched out into sublimation to make beautiful pieces. She enjoys this as her pastime and loves making custom car coasters. Frances creates items for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and just because gifts. Does your business need customized designs for promotional purposes? This is the place! Just contact Ravens Nest Crafts! This company will put your designs on a variety of products to promote your business! Hit like on Facebook and message the Ravens Nest Crafts Today!

May 10, 2024 • 225 views

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Barrett Receives Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence

Kevon Barrett with SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King, Jr. COBLESKILL — Senior Kevon Barrett (Bronx, NY) is one of just 52 students in SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) to be honored with a 2024 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence. The award, celebrating its fifth class of awardees, recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance. The honor is named in memory of Norman R. McConney, Jr. (1946–2016), a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create the EOP as a statewide program. "Kevon has served as a role model for his fellow EOP members, with his commitment to his studies and participation in campus life always remaining an inspiration to those around him,” said Jennifer Golden, Director of the Educational Opportunity Program and the Center for Academic Success and Excellence at SUNY Cobleskill. “His inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society shows his dedication to academics and campus leadership, and receiving the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence further proves Kevon’s qualities and the significant impact of the Educational Opportunity Program on student success." "We are proud of Kevon’s achievements, and his pursuit of excellence both in and out of the classroom affirms that the possibilities are limitless in college,” said Derwin Bennett, Chief Diversity Officer at SUNY Cobleskill. “Kevon’s college journey demonstrated the variety of opportunities that students can experience during their college career and that there are no limits to what is achievable. On behalf of the college, its EOP Family, and the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Academic Honor Society, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kevon for his outstanding achievements.” Since its inception in 1967, the EOP has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 56-year history, the EOP has served more than 85,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access programs.

May 10, 2024 • 180 views

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C-R Defeats Lansingburgh

COBLESKILL — Cobleskill-Richmondville softball picked up an impressive victory, scoring two runs in the bottom of the 6th to overtake Lansingburgh 3-1 last Thursday. The effort saw A. Palmer winning the game with a complete game, allowing just one earned run and striking out twelve. R. Briggs had an RBI and a run scored on the night, while N. Clark nabbed a hit and scored the other two runs for the Bulldogs. Special thanks to Pat Pietrowski for the information.

May 10, 2024 • 186 views

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Filmed Locally

Violinist Records Song at Howe Caverns By Bradley Towle HOWES CAVE — Canadian violinist Sarah Neufeld is likely best known for her work with Arcade Fire, contributing to many of the indie rock band’s biggest albums, including 2007’s “Neon Bible” and 2010’s “The Suburbs.” Neufeld took a break from Arcade Fire in 2013 to record her first solo album, “Hero Brother.” The album consists of haunting original instrumental compositions, showcasing Neufeld’s talents as a songwriter and musician, elements sometimes obscured by Arcade Fire’s massive sound. Neufeld headed to Howe Caverns to record her song “Tower” for the album. The famous Schoharie County show cave also provided the backdrop for the song’s video and the album cover for “Hero Brother.” Video director and photographer Tracy Maurice had worked with Neufeld before while creating artwork for Arcade Fire records and a video for the band’s “Black Mirror.” Maurice spoke with BrooklynVegan in 2013 about the project. “The textures/feeling of the cave really complimented the sound,” said Maurice. “[T]he haunting echos/vocals, oscillating between ambient and raw energy…something both powerful and vulnerable that I love about her work.” Howe Caverns, as portrayed in the music video for “Tower,” looks less like an oft-visited tourist attraction and more like an untouched, forgotten place inhabited by ghosts. The notes from Neufeld’s violin seem to dance around the caverns as she plays off of the natural acoustics of the location. At the same time, Maurice’s camera explores the various textures and shadows of the underground world. Sarah Neufeld’s video for “Tower” is available on YouTube and Vimeo (Vimeo tends to have higher quality video).

May 10, 2024

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Carlisle Enacts Solar, Wind and Battery Storage Moratorium

Carlisle Town Supervisor John Leavitt discusses a moratorium on wind, solar and battery storage facilities during the May 1 board meeting. Photo by Chris English By Chris English CARLISLE _ As it continues its fight against a large proposed solar power facility, the Carlisle town board at its Wednesday, May 1 meeting voted to enact a six-month moratorium on wind, solar, and battery storage facilities in the town. Town Supervisor John Leavitt said the moratorium is designed to prevent proposals for such facilities from gaining a foothold before a new town law governing them can be finalized. He voted in favor of the moratorium along with Council Members Robert Smith, Mary Tillapaugh, and Dave Laraway. Council Member Katie Schweigard was unable to attend the meeting. The moratorium vote came after more discussion on Carlisle's fight against a proposal from Cypress Creek for a solar facility scheduled to include thousands of panels on a 100-acre tract off Brown Road that lies within both Carlisle and the neighboring town of Seward. Both towns are fighting the proposal through two different lawsuits, Leavitt explained. Among the objections to the facility expressed at the May 1 meeting are that it wouldn't bring a fair enough share of tax revenue to either town and the impact on local roads of large trucks coming to and from the facility. Also cited as a concern was the facility's possible effect on several Amish families who live in the area and travel its roads. Cobleskill resident Bill Toohey of Schoharie County Citizens Against Solar Assault (CASA) thanked the Carlisle board for its attention to the matter. "As it goes forward, we would like to be kept apprised of what the next steps are," he said. Leavitt said he felt New York State laws seem to be tilted in favor of companies looking to build solar power facilities. "The state is just running crazy with this stuff, they really are," he said. "The state is pretty much letting them do what they want to do. There are so many factors we are trying to look at. There are a multitude of issues beside trying to get the whole thing stopped." Carlisle's planning board is currently working on a new town law governing wind, solar and battery storage facilities, Leavitt added. The matter will eventually come before Leavitt and the council members for consideration of approval. In other news from the May 1 meeting, the town board voted to approve the expenditure of around $5,000 for fire equipment. The money will come from Carlisle's share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic. Leavitt said the board needs to decide how to commit the town's remaining ARPA funds by the end of the year. At the suggestion of Highway Superintendent Mike Broadwell, the town board will take bids on its current loader, a 2023 model, in contemplation of purchasing a new loader. The board reserved the right to reject any and all bids for the current loader. The board approved about $550 in expenses for Broadwell to again attend Highway School next month. In his 22nd year as highway superintendent, Broadwell explained he has attended so many highway schools that his tuition has now been waived but the approved money will cover things like hotel accommodations, travel, and other expenses. Broadwell reported that a beaver dam recently broke up, releasing water and causing some flooding on a town road. He added one landowner in the area has been granted a permit to "remove any beavers as he sees fit." All snowplows have now been removed from township trucks, Broadwell added. "If we get another snow, it will have to go away by itself," he joked. Carlisle resident Laurie Tyler brought up various issues at the May 1 meeting, including her worries that a planned expansion of a quarry near her home might lead to blasting and its resulting possible negative impacts. Tyler said the town needs to update its comprehensive plan to better deal with issues like this and many others. "It's supposed to be done every five years and the last update was in 2009," she said. Leavitt responded "I don't disagree, it needs to be done."

May 10, 2024 • 174 views

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Dairyland Reopens for Season

By Alexis Pencar SHARON SPRINGS — Dairyland on Route 20 in Sharon Springs is reopening for the season this Friday, May 10th! After a few delays and new equipment, the opening of this popular spot is very welcome by locals as the temperatures begin to rise! Serving up soft serve cones, milk shakes, burgers, fries and everything in between, there’s something for everyone at Dairyland! There are multiple events going on during the week throughout the season at Dairyland this year! The beloved Friday night car shows will be back with a number of other reasons for a cone! “Two Wheel Tuesday” for motorcycles is back from last year! Come out on Tuesday evening on your motorcycle and get a special discount, spend $10 or more and get a free “baby cone” (or $3 off). The very popular Friday Night Car Show cruise-in is also on the schedule! Come out to check out all the antique and classic cars and even have a chance to talk to the proud owners who restored them! Come in your own classic car and receive a special discount, spend $10 or more and get a free “baby cone” (or $3 off). What a fun way to have a night out with friends and family! New this year, on the third week of the month, there will be a push for a larger anticipated turn out, with invitations extended to collectors from out of town. If you’ll be making a trip for the events, the third week of the month is the one for you. Feel free to call ahead. Dairyland has been a family favorite and tradition in Sharon Springs for many years and even generations! The long history of the location and even its sign have been featured previously by The Mountain Eagle. The owner David Hayner is glad to be back and said “I’m grateful for the good vibes and support from the community.” Look out for more things to come at Dairyland this season! Dairyland is located at 664 US-20, Sharon Springs, NY 13459 and is open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. They will be open Memorial Day and Labor Day. Visit them on Facebook for event updates and details. Call (518) 284-2132 for more information.

May 10, 2024 • 210 views