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Grant Aids Schoharie County Arts Project at Golding

Juried Plays Key Role By Matthew Avitabile SCHOHARIE — Schoharie County Arts received a significant boost from community benefactor and former Gilboa resident Nick Juried last month. Schoharie County Arts Secretary Laura Gagnon, who also serves as the Librarian at Golding Middle School, requested funding for a pural and teaching residency project at Golding. Gagnon wrote about her work with the museum and artist Jay Havens, who is a "Haudenosaunee artist and educator who has worked with the Iroquois museum on many projects." The plan is to develop a mural and residency at Golding to "serve as a teaching element for our staff and students." The effort is for a two-week residency for April 2025 in which Havens "would work with our staff and students and create lessons and professional development. Our plan is to create a vinyl mural that incorporates elements of Haundeosaunee history and culture. We plan to feature a longhouse, and clan animals as well as other elements teachers can refer to and use as a teaching tool." Gagnon cited support from the Iroquois Museum and Golding leadership. The Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation accepted the grant proposal for $14,000, who wrote that he was “pleased” by the response he received. “I first met Jay years ago when he was painting the murals for the children's floor of the museum and 2 years ago when he installed the wampum exhibit my children and our art teacher's children helped putting the beads on. Jay, Jacqueline Dinge (our art teacher), and I started to talk about collaborations Jay had done and we brainstormed a way to work together,” Gagnon said. “We worked on planning out a two week teaching residency with me and Jacqueline and professional development for our staff. It will take place in April 2025. Jay will work with our students and create a mural that we will print on vinyl and install in a 60 foot length of hallway,” said Gagnon. “Nick's support allows for us to implement this special project that will benefit our entire learning community. We are grateful to him for his support and generosity. He is a wonderful supporter of the arts and advocate for the enrichment the arts provide,” said Gagnon.

May 10, 2024 • 192 views

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Great Music in Cherry Valley

The band Fast Friends performed at the Red Shed on Main Street in Cherry Valley Friday evening as part of the First Friday celebration in the village. Photo by David Avitabile.

May 10, 2024 • 204 views

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Institute Presents the Second Annual Empire State Entrepreneur Expo this Friday

Event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 10 COBLESKILL - The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill welcomes the public and its partner growers, producers, and small businesses for the Second Annual Empire State Entrepreneurial Expo this Friday. Guests are invited to “taste, try, and buy” food, beverages, and other products made by small businesses and farms from the Mohawk Valley and beyond. The Expo will also feature artisan, health, beauty, and farm-to-table businesses showcasing their products to sponsors, buyers, and the community. We are excited to announce the wide variety of vendors at this year’s expo will include: AJ's Smokin BBQ B-Blossom Catering CeCe'S Wool Dairy Processing Center at SUNY Cobleskill Damin Farm Devil’s Dust Foreverly’s Grammie's Lil Farm Market Hardscrabble Coffee Hickory Hill Smokehouse Hidden Pond Gardens Honey House Meadery Jubilee Farms Meadowdale Farm Winery Middleburgh Winery Mineral Springs Soap MLR Innovations, Inc. Muddy Nose Dog Biscuits Old Homestead Farm Ronnybrook Farms Saratoga Chocolate Company Sattva Tonics Screaming Pterodactyl Sunny Valley Farms The Oops Loop Traveling Herb Farmer Trollbok Farm Van Dale Farms Registration for attendees is $5.00 per person and goes toward supporting initiatives through the Institute for Rural Vitality that support new and growing farm and food businesses in the region. Registration can be pre-paid with a credit card. Cash or credit will be accepted at the door on the day of the event.

May 10, 2024 • 190 views

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Local CROP Hunger Walk  Breaks Records—Again

COBLESKILL — Sunday, May 5, may have been a gloomy day in Schoharie County; but the day was hugely successful for the supporters of the Schoharie County Aggie Scott Memorial CROP Hunger Walk. Again this year the annual hunger walk participants broke the record for the amount of money collected. Last year's record amount turned in on CROP Sunday 2023 was $12,896. The preliminary total for the 2024 fundraiser is $14,086, with more money expected later in the following days. The local CROP Hunger Walk Planning Team gave awards in two categories: local churches and two nonchurch groups. Team Empie and the SUNY Cobleskill Christian Fellowship were the two nonchurch organizations again this year. Team Empie again dominated the event with its 22 walkers collecting $7745. No church came even close to the Team Empie total of money raised. Team Empie earned a nonchurch Golden Sneaker for most money collected both in-person and online and a Mass Transit Award for being the largest nonchurch group. The SUNY Cobleskill Christian Fellowship was the other nonchurch group in this year's local CROP Hunger Walk. Its 19 walkers raised about $900 for the war against hunger. On the day after the CROP Hunger Walk, the precise amount is uncertain but around $900. Cobleskill United Methodist Church's 21 walkers turned in $2491, thereby earning a Golden Sneaker for the most money raised by a church congregation and a Mass Transit Award for being the church with the largest number of walkers. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Community fielded four members who raised $1295, thereby earning a Silver Sneaker for second-largest amount of money raised by a church. Helderberg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Berne was the congregation submitting the third largest amount of money on CROP Hunger Walk Sunday. The congregation also earned the Happy Feet Sneaker for having the second-largest number of walkers. St. Vincent' s ended up in a three-way tie with Zion/St. Johns Lutheran Church in Seward and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmondville for having the third largest number of walkers. The three churches will have to rotate sharing the Dusty Sneaker for the next twelve months. Kathy Kosier of St. Vincent's won the Lee Empie Award for being the individual from a church raising the most money. John Jarvis of Cobleskill United Methodist Church took home the Treasurer's award for turning in the second-largest amount. ''Eleven years ago our CROP Walk raised $6884. In 2018 we collected $7732, with the late Lee Empie contributing $2250 of that amount. I'm sure that, up there in Heaven, Lee is very proud of Team Empie and the people of Schoharie County for their support of our annual hunger walk,'' commented local CROP arranger John Jarvis of the Planning Team. Other local CROP Hunger Walk planners are Tracy Smith and Becky Leggieri. Twenty-five percent of the local CROP Hunger Walk money raised on May 5 will be returned to the food pantries of Cobleskill United Methodist Church, Catholic Charities and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmondville later this year. The remaining 75% will go to Church World Service to fight poverty and hunger in the United States and the rest of the world. Late money is always appreciated and accepted.

May 10, 2024 • 26 views

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Victorian Murder Mystery Dinner in May

By Alexis Pencar SHARON SPRINGS — Head back in time to the Victorian Era with the exciting and highly anticipated relaunch of Victorian Murder Mysteries and More! The first dinner “On Time To Points North” Victorian Murder Mystery Dinner of 2024 will be held at the Fancy Farmer Restaurant at 529 US-20, Sharon Springs on the evening of Tuesday, May 28th at 6:00 PM. Along with actors providing entertainment and story throughout the evening, there will be a Pot Roast Buffet served with dessert. Don your finest Victorian attire and join for an evening of intrigue and mystery! Dressing up for this event is not mandatory but certainly encouraged. Expect lots of laughs and great company! Maria Vought, writer & director of this venture said “I’m so excited to bring back this dining and entertainment experience to Schoharie County!” Seating is limited to 60 guests so make your reservation today! Space availability will be updated on the Fancy Farmer Facebook Page. Tickets for this unique and riveting Dinner Theater are $45.00 per person and includes tax. To reserve, please pay by check made out to Fancy Farmer no later than May 15th. You can mail them in to PO Box 205 Sharon Springs, NY 13459 or feel free to drop them off at the restaurant from Tuesday through Saturday after 3:00 PM.

May 10, 2024 • 203 views

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Nature in Flash Fiction at Landis

ESPERANCE — Come explore the use of nature in Flash Fiction. Flash, or Sudden Fiction, uses restraint, strong imagery, and a single moment in time to create tiny, powerful stories. We will explore this popular genre using examples from literature and nature themes. Writers of all experience levels - or none - are welcome, and may register for any or all of the sessions. Classes meet on May 26, June 2, 9, and 23 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Preregistration is strongly encouraged. (Click on the class date to access registration for that date, then scroll down to register using PayPal or a credit card.) To avoid the small processing charge, you can also call the office at 518-875-6935 to register using a credit card, or email Info@landisarboretum.org to get on the registration list and pay at the door. You may register for one or all classes; please complete the registration for each session you wish to attend. Registration is capped at 12. Instructor: Susannah Risley, fiction and nonfiction author Location: The Welcome Center; Participation by Zoom will be available Registration: Members and nonmembers, $5 for each session

May 10, 2024 • 199 views

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Plow Day Now this Sunday

By Alexis Pencar SHARON SPRINGS — ‘Plow Day’ is this Sunday, May 12th from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM and is located at “the fields” on Chestnut Street just outside the Village of Sharon Springs. This event was postponed due to bad weather from last Sunday. This is the third annual Plow Day in Sharon Springs hosted by MacFadden & Sons and according to Jim MacFadden, “There were 22 tractors last year and we’re hoping to hit 50 this year!” Tractors, Plows, Crawlers, and more! It's free admission for everyone. There will be tractors that are anywhere from 20-100 years old so check out a part of agricultural history! Be a part of the fun with your equipment or just stop by and check out the tractors with the family! Equipment will be on display in the field so make sure you bring your boots! Jim MacFadden said “It’s all good fun for everyone so either way it’s going to happen”, a comment regarding the reschedule from last week. Make sure to watch the Facebook Page for any updates. The food trailer “Given To Fry” will be there serving food and snacks! Park along the road and check it out! There will also be portable restrooms on-site as well. This community-focused event is hosted by MacFadden & Sons on Route 20. Check out their Facebook Page for updates or call Jim MacFadden at (518) 231-8080.

May 10, 2024 • 210 views

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Court News

Bradley Richmond, 27, was convicted of Aggravated Unlicensed Operator in the Third Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court sentenced him to 27 days, intermittently, as well as a conditional discharge, fine, and surcharge. Former Cobleskill Police Officer Rippel was the arresting officer. James Phillips, 34, was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated in the Town of Cobleskill. Cobleskill Town Court sentenced him to a Conditional Discharge, a fine of $500, a surcharge of $400, License Revocation, Mr. Phillips must install an ignition interlock device on all motor vehicles owned or operated, He must attend an Impaired Driver Program, and a Victim’s Impact Panel. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Cochrane was the arresting officer. Victor Eckler, 44, was convicted of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. The Town of Cobleskill Court sentenced him to three years’ probation, fine of $500, surcharge of $205, DNA fee of $50, and a three (3) year refrain from Order of Protection. New York State Trooper Palumbo was the arresting officer. Victor Eckler, 44, was convicted of Attempted Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. The Town of Cobleskill Court sentenced him to a conditional discharge, and a $50 DNA fee. Victor Eckler, 44, was convicted of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree in the Town of Cobleskill. The Town of Cobleskill Court sentenced him to a conditional discharge, and restitution in the amount of $2,412.14. Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Kopacz was the arresting officer. *** CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS AND INDICTMENTS ARE ACCUSATIONS. A DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

May 10, 2024

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Sharon Springs Central School Update

By Tori Edwards SHARON SPRINGS — This week at SSCS the Sharon Springs PTO are showing their appreciation for the teachers and faculty at the school. It is teacher appreciation week, and they will be giving goodies with kind words that express their gratitude towards staff members. Such as goodie bags, and snacks for the faculty, while Brimstone Bakery is giving free hot coffee or tea during the week of May 7-10 to teachers and staff. This is a fantastic way to wind down the school year. On May 8th, the SSCS Student Council will be holding a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross it will be held at 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The goal is to hit 40 donors and the process should take about an hour. Interested participants should email Ms. Danielle Connors at dconnors@sharonsprings.org to receive more information. Keep up the enthusiasm and energy students! Let’s Go Spartans!

May 10, 2024

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar Hey Neighbors! The weather has been warm enough to want to plant seedlings in the garden but we should all know better by now! After a wet weekend expected, next week is forecasted to be cloudy but lows are expected to creep into the 40s again with a relief from the chill late next week. Keep in mind the Farmers Almanac and long range weather for our area predicts a total precipitation of 4.5 inches for the rest of May, which would actually put us at 1 inch over the average. In addition, the average temperature is predicted at 61 for the rest of May, which would actually put us a whole 4 degrees above average. Lots of things are going on around town again so make sure to use this column and section as your go to guide! If you have special events, sales or even a change of business hours, please reach out! Dairyland on Route 20 is scheduled to reopen for the season on Friday, May 10th! Look out for the schedule of events soon! Follow them on Facebook for updates! Mention the ‘Sharon Things’ column on Opening Day and get a discount on a soft serve cone! Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your gardening and spring needs! They have mulch and lots of different plants and flowers available. Don’t want to seed start this year? Get your seedlings from them! Located on Route 20 across from the Walmart DC. Happy Birthday to Sonia Varin and Laura Jackson. Wish them a BIG Happy Birthday if you see them around town! 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 News: Book Discussion is reading Circling the Sun by Paula McLain. Follow a remarkable young woman named Beryl Markham, whose adventurous spirit and determination defy convention in colonial Kenya. Anyone who would like to join can check out a copy of this book in either regular print, large print, or as an audiobook. Discussion on this book will take place here at the library on Friday, May 17th, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome! Children's Book Week is happening May 6th- 12th. To celebrate, there are bookmarks that children can take to color located at the desk. The Sharon Springs After School Program (ASP) came for a field trip today (Wednesday 5/8). Over 30 students K-5 attended the field trip and were able to explore their library. They helped make shelf markers for the kids' area, worked on the community puzzle, colored their own stickers to take home, and of course, looked at all the books we have! Each student went home with an informational flyer about the library and what is available here. Continue to celebrate Children's Book Week with Storytime every Thursday with Youth Librarian, JoAnn, at 10 AM. Come and enjoy the fun! The Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126. 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 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook. 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. Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site Local residents are invited to enjoy good company 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. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal. 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!

May 10, 2024 • 22 views

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Signature Plant Sale May 18 & 19

ESPERANCE — The Landis Arboretum Signature Spring Plant, Book, and Bake Sale is Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19 at 174 Lape Road, Esperance. NOTE: Route 20 between Route 7 and Duanesburg Churches Road is closed to traffic as of Monday, April 15, through May 31, to facilitate a culvert replacement, according to NYSDOT. Detours utilizing Route 395 and Route 7 are posted at the closure, but drivers should anticipate travel delays and plan accordingly.

May 10, 2024 • 110 views

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SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Weekly Recap

COBLESKILL — The SUNY Cobleskill softball team won four-of-six home contests during the week including three-of-four versus North Atlantic Conference (NAC) opponents to close the regular season with a 19-15 overall record including an 11-3 record in conference play to earn a bid to the 2024 NAC Championship Tournament. On Wednesday the Fighting Tigers split a non-league twinbill with the visiting Gators of Russell Sage College taking the first game by a 12-4 score the losing the second game 4-1. Over the weekend Cobleskill swept a pair from the visiting Mustangs of SUNY Morrisville on Friday by scores of 6-1 and 10-2 the splitting a pair with the Mustangs on Saturday losing the opener 3-2 then taking the nightcap by a 12-4 margin. Junior centerfielder Alexia Clemons, Beaver Falls, N.Y., Beaver River High School, batting in the lead-off spot batted .471 for the week going 8-for-17 at the plate with an on-base percentage of .591including a double, a triple, a stolen base along with nine runs scored and a pair of runs batted in. The Fighting Tiger baseball team split a pair of non-conference games during the week defeating the host Gators of Russell Sage College 17-8 at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam, N.Y. on Tuesday night then falling at home to the nationally ranked Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland by an 8-2 margin to close the regular season with a 16-21 overall record including a 10-3 record in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) action to capture their fourth consecutive NAC Western Division Championship and a bid to the 2024 NAC Championship Tournament. Senior utilityman Matthew Snyder, Latham, N.Y., Shaker High School, batted .333 for the week going 3-for-9 during the week with a .400 on-base percentage including a walk, two home runs five RBI and two runs scored.

May 10, 2024 • 194 views