Middleburgh is for Sweethearts Top 10 Finalists are Announced:

#1 Mark and Patricia Wainwright (Mrs K's) (pictured above)     

#2 Rusty and Joan Kennedy Wissert   

#3 Steve and Michelle ( from BJ's Tavern )  

#4 Dasha and Patrick (Middleburgh Coffee Co.)    

#5 Rich and Heather Lawton Vilegi

#6 (withdrawn) T-Rex Veggie and Linda Gumbel

#6 Pete and Gloria Coppolo 

#7  Timothy Knight and Courtney                      

#8 John and Kathleen Pandolfi 

#9 Jason and Chelsea

#10 Lisa Tenneson and Glen Walden 

MIDDLEBURGH — At first, the idea of “Middleburgh is for Sweethearts” was slow to catch on. At one point, someone remarked, “It’s sort of like Virginia is for lovers,” to which Jim Schilling answered, “Except Virginia is a state.” Glen Waldron quickly replied, “But Middleburgh is a state of mind!” It seems February has truly become Sweetheart Month in the Romantic Capital of Schoharie County.

One young couple told Mr. Schilling they visit Middleburgh every year to enjoy a peaceful Valentine’s Day weekend. James observes, “I’m seeing young couples who are longing for a simpler life, enjoying the quiet, fine dining, and small-town attractions around the village while staying in nearby Airbnbs. Hence, my observation that Middleburgh is, in fact, for Sweethearts.”

As the final ballots have been cast and the voting cans collected, there is no doubt who the winning couples are. Renee Schmidt, the Middleburgh Town Clerk, declared the top three:

First Place: Mark and Patty Wainwright

Second Place: Rusty and Joan Wissert

Third Place: Steve and Michelle

For the additional “Dinner for Two” drawing—a $25 gift certificate to Hubie’s Restaurant for all other ballots and those who voted for themselves—Rebecca Kelly, Middleburgh Village Clerk, drew the winning names: Claudia and Tanner Ludwin from Yellow Dog Tavern. To claim your prize, please call James Schilling at 518-603-8292.

Mr. Schilling explained, “Besides the questions of who won the contest and the dinner prize, I guess the big question on everyone’s mind is... was this initiative a success?” He continues, “The objective was to help small local businesses in the Town and Village of Middleburgh.” But he soon discovered that success is spelled differently here; in Middleburgh, success is spelled: Love, Support, and Respect.

James Schilling, a tough Vietnam-era veteran, admitted, “When I saw that people care and were rallying for those who were hurting, struggling, or seemingly forgotten... it brought me to tears. People were voting for old-comers, new-comers, and even ‘cu-cumbers’ like me!”

A joint committee for the 2027 “Middleburgh is for Sweethearts” contest is already being formed. It will include the Town and Village, as well as the Rotary Club and MABA, who have all worked together to make this just one more great Middleburgh event.