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Grand Gorge FD Installs Officers

By Liz Page GRAND GORGE – Members of the Grand Gorge Fire Department and Rescue Squad gathered at the Grand Gorge Fire Hall on Saturday to reflect on the past year, install new officers and honor those with special service anniversaries. The newly installed officers for 2024 are, as follows: Hank Gockel Jr., chief; DJ Speenburgh, first assistant chief; Dave Lebel, second assistant chief; Brady Pickett and Corey Van Alstine, captains; Jim Hull, president; Roberta VanVaulkenburgh, vice president; Brady Pickett secretary; Bill Schryver, treasurer; Tom Murray, safety officer and Pastor Dot, chaplain. DJ Speenburgh received the Firefighter of the Year Award and had the most responses in 2023. Special year anniversaries were recognized with pins. There are plaques coming, but did not arrive in time for the dinner. Special years included: SteveWilliamson, 55; Jack VanValkenburgh, 50 (10 with Conesville and 40 with Grand Gorge); Debbie Brainerd, 35 years; Bill Schryver, 20 years; Hank Gockel Jr., 15 years; Jonathon and Larry VanVaulkenburgh, 10 years and Shelly Haight, Scott Haslyn and Dave Lebel, five years. Jim Hull emceed the evening and reflected on the accomplishments in 2023, which was a very busy year. They held a phenomenal benefit for the Murrays, serving 600 chicken dinners and holding a silent auction. They added a new shed, new tables and chairs, updated their barbecue protocol to make it much easier, finished the pavilion, constructed a roof over the fuel tanks, put a new roof on the old shed which was redone and painted and they held another successful gun and outdoor show. "I would really like to thank everyone who helped last year, we really got a lot done," said Hull. He also extended his thanks to the Prattsville, Stamford and Roxbury departments for their help with the Murray benefit. "People came to help and did a great job. It really meant a lot to us." He gave a special toast in remembrance of Dan Pickett, a 43-year member of the department, who passed away suddenly. Larry VanValkenburgh spoke on behalf of the Rescue Squad. He thanked all the mutual aid departments and the 911 center, Mark Rossley and Maggie Wilson for all they do. "I would also like to thank all the drivers and those who respond for lift assists," he continued. The department currently has eight EMTS and he thanked them for their help. Bill Schryver provided the department's financial report, thanking all the fire and EMS personnel for coming. He said Tom and Gail Miner retired as vice president and secretary, serving more than 30 years with the department. He said they have been doing repairs to the station, looking at another ambulance and will be looking to purchase a new engine over the next six to seven years. They are doing well financially and they have received a grant to replace turnout gear and other needed items. Hull said the department responded to 79 fire calls in 2023, with several completing their basic exterior firefighter course. He congratulated Danyelle Gockel, who finished the interior firefighter course and received her national certification. Also in attendance were the fire commissioners, including Bill Schryver, Bill Davis, Michael Davis, Mike Ciaravino and Brad Zambri. Guests of the evening included; Mark Rossley, Delaware County 911 director; Joe and Deb Hornbeck, Stamford Fire Dept; Jim and Deb Dymond, Prattsville Fire Dept.; Marty and Rita Finch, Roxbury Fire Dept; Waylon and Jen Robinson, Conesville Fire Dept. and Liz Page, Mountain Eagle Newspaper. (All photo captions pair with photo below them) The 2023 slate of officers for the Grand Gorge Fire Department include, from left: Jim Hull, president; Roberta VanValkenburgh, vice president; Cory VanAlstine, captain; Brady Pickett, captain; DJ Speenburgh, first assistant chief; Hank Gockel Jr, chief and Bill Schryver, treasurer. Donny Speenburgh, first assistant chief, was named Firefighter of the Year for the most responses. Jack VanValkenburgh was honored for 50 years of service to the fire service, staring out with 10 years at the Conesville Fire Department, before moving into the Grand Gorge District for the next 30 years. Stephen Williamson was honored as a 55-year member of the Grand Gorge Fire Department during Saturday's installation dinner in Grand Gorge. The Chief officers for the Grand Gorge Fire Department are, from left: Jim Hull, president: Cory VanAlstine and Brady Picket, fire captains; DJ Speenburgh, first assistant chief and Hank Gockel Jr., chief. Absent from the photo is Dave Lebel, second assistant chief.

May 10, 2024 • 23 views

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Local School Districts Ready to Present Budgets

By Liz Page It has been a difficult year for the majority of the state's school districts as the Governor’s budget eliminated foundation aid, which would have significantly reduced state aid and threatened staffing and programming. There was a collective sigh of relief when the Governor reinstated foundation aid, which has allowed districts to maintain staffing levels and programs, with the "save harmless" reinstated. However, there was no increase in aid to account for inflation and ever increasing costs . Some budget newsletters are just going into the mail this week as local districts waited to hear what the outcome of negotiations on the final state budget would be. It was good news and the Governor has promised funding to study the foundation aid. There is concern about future cuts and late budgets that make it difficult for districts to develop their budgets. "School leaders across the state are still surprised and perplexed by the Governor’s proposed cuts," states Stamford Central School Superintendent Dr. Glen Huot. "There is real concern about the future related to timely state budgets and the Governor’s comments about the future of school aid cuts. High needs, rural, school districts like Stamford need timely, consistent, fair, and equitable funding which will allow us to plan for the future to support our students and our community." The enacted state budget includes funding in the amount of $2 million dollars for a Foundation Aid study to be completed by the SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government. The study will be completed by December 1, 2024, before the Governor’s Executive Budget is shared in January 2025. The study will include input from stakeholder groups like NYSED, NYS Division of Budget, and other state agencies. Charlotte Valley Central School Superintendent Eric Whipple said it is a concern. "The Governor has made it clear that there will be changes in the funding of school districts. We need to be aware and advocate for fair funding for our students in our small school districts," he said. There are questions over the Foundation Aid study as well. It is being done in a short time frame, will it be enough time to study the issues of a complex formula and to get input from all the stakeholders. Whipple said small rural school districts deserve the opportunity to provide a quality education, just like the larger institutions. They must meet the same mandates as larger school districts. Charlotte Valley Central DAVENPORT – District residents attended a budget hearing at Charlotte Valley Central School on May 7. The proposed $12,483,189 budget is up 3.24 percent from the current budget. It projects a 2.34 percent increase in the tax levy, which is well below the allowable tax cap of 6.21 percent. Voting will take place on May 21 from noon to 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The proposed 2023-2024 budget will fund: all current positions; will continue the elementary AIS Math Reading teacher professional development opportunities; field trips for each grade level; the distance learning platform; a $100,000 outlay for the capital project; the purchase of a school bus and all extra curricular activities. It also funds: the Career and Technical Education and alternative educational programming; the strategic planning team and development; a full time library media specialist and an increase in the athletic scorekeeper fee. Incumbent school board member, Joe Ballard, is unopposed as he seeks re-election to his expiring three-year term. The district is proposing the purchase of one van for student transportation and ancillary educational purposes at a cost not to exceed $60,000. "The board and I worked hard to keep the budget within a reasonable increase, by cutting costs without affecting student programming," said CVCS Superintendent Eric Whipple. This year's budget process was a challenge as they stood to lose $325,000 in aid in the Governor’s original proposal. Fortunately, he said, the state Legislature was able to get back the "save harmless" portion, to allow them to receive the same amount of state aid. "It was positive compared to the original proposal." While there was no increase in the Foundation Aid, he said they have managed to keep all the programming intact.They did this during a time of inflation and rising costs for almost everything. Stamford Central School STAMFORD – There are four candidates running for two seats on the Stamford Central School Board of Education. There will be an opportunity to meet the candidates on May 14, during the annual budget hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 budget. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in Room 113 at the school. Elections and the school budget vote, along with other propositions will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on May 21 at the school. In addition to the budget , district voters will decide on the purchase of a 35-passenger bus, the cost not to exceed $138,969, which will be paid from the bus reserve or unappropriated fund balance. A proposition to purchase computers, information technology infrastructure and related technology, not to exceed $100,000, will appear on the ballot and will be paid for with an established technology reserve fund or unappropriated balance. There are two expiring three-year terms on the school Board of Education, presently held by Ellen Hager and Darby Hartwell. Candidates for the two terms include: Stacey Vasta, Katie Cannon, Katy Barber-Graves and Lucas Flachs. The annual budget newsletters have been mailed to district residents. The Governor’s budget increased Foundation Aid by 3.9 percent, fully restoring the "save harmless" cuts originally proposed. "The Stamford Board of Education and the District were thrilled with the news," states Huot, because they were looking at an $800,000 cut in state aid. "I want to thank all of our faculty and staff, parents, and community for reaching out to state legislators to advocate for our school and fair and equitable funding. Those efforts paid off." The budget proposal is $10,999,975 and an increase of $213,105 over the current budget or a 1.98 percent hike. It falls within the allowable tax cap of 2.55 percent. It will provide academic programs, interscholastic sports, extra curricular programming and the ability to keep safe and update the facilities. The proposed budget is the culmination of four budget advisory workshops, which included community input. Phase II of the construction project approved by voters on Dec. 8, 2022 included a $7.3 million capital project, with repair of the roof a major component. The project does not pose any additional tax increase, however, when the construction bids came in this spring, all the bids were over budget. This required the board to work with the architects on value-engineering and to prioritize the work list for the capital project, according to Huot. Since all the items that were planned for could not be completed due to inflationary cost increases, there were project adjustments made, which includes not repairing the masonry wall in the courtyard, re-caulking the windows, or replacing the fuel tanks at the bus garage. The work includes continued repair of the roof and security enhancements. This summer, work includes demolition of the cafeteria/kitchen, auditorium repairs, to fix damage caused by the leaking roof, repair of the north stairwell to the gymnasium, classroom floor replacement, classroom door security enhancements and boiler replacement at the building and facilities shop. South Kortright Central SOUTH KORTRIGHT – The annual budget hearing South Kortright Central School is set for Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in Harbaugh Hall. It is an opportunity to review the budget and ask questions. The vote is set from noon to 8 p.m. on May 21 in the gymnasium lobby at the school. Terri Chichester, currently the president of the board of education, is running unopposed for re-election to a five-year term. The proposed budget totals $11,473, 774, for the new school year which begins July 1.The proposed budget is up $245,871 from the current budget, a 2.19 percent increase and remains within the allowable 2.17 percent tax cap. "We are planning to use $220,000 out of our fund balance to apply to the budget," stated Superintendent Douglas Wyant Jr. The other proposition voters will decide is the purchase of a 65-passenger bus and one suburban. The purchase will be made from the bus reserve fund and will not exceed $230,000. Included in the budget is the Capital Outlay project. It is a facility project not to exceed $100,000 for which the district receives state building aid during the next fiscal year. This year’s capital outlay project will complete the continued replacement of the school's outdated windows.

May 10, 2024 • 23 views

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Rochester Man Arrested for Assault

Delhi – Today, Sheriff Craig DuMond announced the arrest of a Rochester man on assault charges after an investigation. On Monday evening, April 29 th , 2024, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residential facility in the Town of Delhi for a complaint of a staff member being assaulted by a patient. During the course of the investigation Sheriff’s Deputies identified the patient who had allegedly struck the staff member as Michale R. Murphy, age 67 of Rochester, NY. Sheriff Deputies interviewed and completed a full investigation, upon conclusion of the investigation Sheriff Deputies submitted for a criminal summons from the Delhi Town Court. On May 1 st , 2024, Deputies received a criminal summons for assault in the third degree, a class A Misdemeanor, from the Town of Delhi Court. Sheriff Deputies learned that Murphy was currently in Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown in an unrelated incident, Sheriff Deputies were assisted by the Village of Cooperstown Police Department with the service of the summons. Murphy was subsequently arrested and issued the summons and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Delhi Court at a later date.

May 10, 2024 • 25 views

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New DEC Water Treatment Regulations Could Hinder Towns

By Mary A. Crisafulli CATSKILLS - To combat PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution, the Biden-Harris administration issued a drinking water standard on April 10 to reduce human exposure. The legislation is the first-ever nationally legally enforceable drinking water standard. For background, PFAS includes several thousands of various chemicals used during the manufacturing process of various commodities. Since its invention in the 1930s, the use of PFAS has grown astronomically making it nearly unavoidable for your average consumer. Products that contain PFAS include water-resistant clothing, adhesives, furniture, paint, food packaging, wire insulation, pesticides, and non-stick or heat-resistant cookware. PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" due to their nearly indestructible nature, understood to last thousands of years before breaking down. Studies in the 70s proved PFAS chemicals could build up in the bloodstream leading to cancer among other health issues. Since they are used in manufacturing, water from such facilities is sent to the local waste water treatment plants contaminated with PFAS. Water is treated according to state-set regulations and sent back into the community as safe drinkable water. The current maximum contamination level of PFAS in New York is 10 parts per trillion. In 2021, the EPA (Federal Environmental Protection Agency) issued its PFAS Strategic Roadmap to address PFAS contamination. In support of this initiative, the Biden-Harris administration set an enforceable maximum contaminant level of PFAS at 4.0 parts per trillion. According to the EPA, roughly six to ten percent of public drinking water systems will need to take action to reduce PFAS to comply with the new standard. Public water systems must comply by 2029. At a Delaware County Coalition of Watershed Towns (CWT) board meeting CWT Vice Chairperson and Hunter Councilmember David Kukle said the initial testing costs would cost roughly $8,250. What is worrisome, he continued, is the costs accrued if PFAS levels are determined to be high. CWT Attorney Jeff Baker said the treatment control costs of PFAS would be enormous. He added that the best way to regulate the contaminants is to stop them at the source. He noted that PFAS comes from manufacturing of goods which are then sent to the treatment plants. Kukle asked Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) Executive Director Jason Merwin if there was a way CWC could help towns. "We are always willing to help where we can," said Merwin. The best chance of developing support programs through CWC is finding a way for the initiative to benefit both the local community and New York City, he explained. There are a lot of variables that need to be taken into account, he said, but it is worth looking into. The EPA announced roughly $1 billion in funding is available to assist states in the implementation of PFAS treatment and testing of public water systems as well as private wells. It is still unclear how much funding New York will be awarded.

May 10, 2024 • 25 views

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Delaware County Public Health

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For dogs, cats, and ferrets on: Monday May 13, 2024 from 5:30PM-7:30PM, at Hancock Town Hall: 661 West Main Street, Hancock, NY 13783 ♦ Pre-registration suggested. See link and QR Code below. ♦ It’s the law! Every dog and cat must be vaccinated against rabies. ♦ Cats and Dogs can get their first rabies vaccine at 3 months of age. ♦ Please bring the previous vaccination record to verify if your pet is eligible for 3 year coverage. ♦ Dogs must be on a leash & under proper control. Cats and Ferrets should be in a carrying case. ♦ Local organizations have volunteered their facilities for your convenience. It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet. It’s the law, you can be fined. ♦ Vet only available at the advertised clinic time-no earlier! If you have difficulty registering for the clinic, please call Delaware County Public Health at (607) 832-5200 for assistance. http://health.ny.gov/go2clinic

May 10, 2024 • 26 views

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SHS To Present Program

The Stamford Historical Society will present a program by Skip Heath at the First Presbyterian Church in Stamford on Sunday, May 12, at 2 p.m. Skip's mother, Mary Jane Warren Heath, SCS, class of 1941, wrote an overview of the hotels of the Queen of the Catskills and presented the original at a school reunion. Skip's updated version includes images of many of the hotels. This program is free and open to all. First Presbyterian Church is at 96 Main Street. On June 8, the Stamford Historical Society will have a table at History Day in Jefferson, along with other area societies, at Judd Hall, 163 Main Street, Jefferson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 10, 2024 • 22 views

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SUNY Delhi to Receive Additional Funding from NYS Budget

DELHI — SUNY Delhi is enthusiastic to receive another year of generous investments from New York State. The allocations across State-operated SUNY campuses for their 2023-24 and 2024-25 budgets reflect the largest direct state tax support for the SUNY System in at least five decades. SUNY Delhi will receive a $900,000 increase in operating aid for a combined total increase of $2.8 million, or 51%, over the past two years. "Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and Chancellor John B. King, Jr.'s leadership, the continued investment in public higher education will transform our ability to meet students where they are and ensure their success," SUNY Delhi Acting President Mary Bonderoff said. Since last year's budget increase, SUNY Delhi has made great strides to bolster support for students with disabilities and mental health services. In addition, SUNY Delhi elevated opportunities for student internships and strengthened offerings for students experiencing food insecurity. The increased support in hiring full-time faculty and professional staff will improve academic offerings and resources to provide the means for students to persist and complete their degrees. Another extraordinary inclusion in this year's budget reflects support for salary increases within the recent collective bargaining agreements. The enacted budget also includes an increase in capital appropriations. At SUNY Delhi, there are numerous high-demand programs that result in waitlists. Additional funding to address capacity constraints and updated equipment is instrumental in meeting prospective student and trade needs. Notably, the expansion of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) will greatly help students pursue their dreams. The enacted changes include raising the minimum award and increasing student income limits for TAP eligibility. As an access institution, SUNY Delhi serves many low-income families and first-generation college students. This grant opportunity will make a huge impact on students' decisions to enroll in college, accelerate social mobility, and meet workforce demand in critical industries across the state. The TAP program outcomes are evident in broadening affordable education. Nearly half of full-time students at SUNY Delhi receive tuition assistance. "We are grateful for the state's historic modifications of the TAP program. Special thanks to Senator Peter Oberacker for his fervent support of SUNY Delhi," Bonderoff said.

May 10, 2024 • 24 views

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WRITERS IN THE MOUNTAINS (WIM) Presents Historical Fiction Writing with Sheila Myers

Writers in the Mountains (WIM) presents Historical Fiction, a six-week creative writing workshop with Sheila Myers, May 20 – June 24, 2024. The class will be held online Mondays, from 10 am to 12 noon ET. Once you register and pay, you will be given instructions on how to join the class. Do you have some old diaries sitting in the attic longing to be made into a novel? Or maybe you have read about a person or event from the past that you thought would make a good story. You never know what will spark the imagination and become a historical novel. In this workshop we will unleash the stories that are waiting to be told by you, the author. We will discuss the methods of historical research, where to find inspiration, and how to hone the facts into relatable fiction. Bring your ideas, your outlines, and plan on starting the process of un-raveling the past to bring it to a present-day audience. By the end you should have a decent idea of what your novel would be about and the beginning stages of a novel. Sheila Myers is an award-winning author and college professor in Upstate New York. Her penchant for research and meanderings through the wilderness, lakes, mountains, and vistas (and the occasional trip to a cemetery) in the U.S. and abroad, inspire her novels and short stories. She is adapting her stories to screenplays. Myers has written five novels. Her Durant Family Saga trilogy is set in the Adirondack Mountains during the Gilded Age period of Great Camps. Her last novel in the trilogy, The Night is Done, received the 2017 Best Book of Fiction award from the Adirondack Center for Writing and a Kirkus starred review. Her latest, The Truth of Who You Are, published by Black Rose Writing in April 2022, is set during the Great Depression and chronicles the development of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can learn more at https://www.sheilamyers.com/ To register for this class, e-mail writersinthemountains@gmail.com. To register online, visit writersinthemountains.org. Class fee is $140. Registration deadline is May 13. This class is limited to ten students. Writers in the Mountains is a 501(c)(3) 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 10, 2024 • 18 views

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Delaware Academy Second Graders Create Original Songs

Delhi - If you were walking the hallways of Delaware Academy Elementary School in Delhi last Thursday, April 25th, you might have heard a hearty chorus of students (and teachers) singing at the top of their lungs, “Waggle to the east, waggle to the west, buzzing our way to where the flowers are the best,” as they joined in on the refrain of an original song by their second-grade peers. The performance was the culmination of a week-long songwriting residency led by visiting teaching artist Laurie McIntosh, aka Story Laurie, renowned throughout the region for her creative storytelling and music programs. In the residency, each second grade class wrote an original song incorporating lessons learned in their recent unit on insect life cycles. McIntosh met with each class on three consecutive days, for a fun, fast-paced project where students collectively brainstormed ideas, and then shaped their ideas into three unique songs. On day four, the second graders finalized details and did quick rehearsals before then hosting an assembly in the cafeteria for other elementary classes. “I really enjoyed that my students tried something new, applied their academic knowledge in a different way, and shared their creations in front of an audience," commented teacher Amber Gardner. The catchy chorus of Ms. Gardner’s class’s song referenced the “waggle dance” that bees perform to communicate to others in the hive where patches of nectar-laden flowers can be found. Ms. Macayla Carron’s class wrote a song about a different pollinator, the paper wasp. With lines like, “Don’t squish me, I’m your friend / The help I give will never end,” this song focused on the fact that people are often scared of wasps, and encouraged the listener to instead respect the wasps for their gifts. Of the week-long residency, Ms. Carron appreciated how this “great experience…allowed the kids to just let loose and use their imagination.” When asked about the experience themselves, a hearty chorus of students chimed, “It was fun!” Second grader Julianna Walsh, a student in Ms. Sandra Noonan’s class commented, “I liked how unique the song was,” while her classmate Wyatt Buel added, “I liked working together with Story Laurie. I liked coming up with plans for the song.” In their song, Ms. Noonan’s class shared fascinating tidbits about dung beetles, such as the fact that these beetles use the stars in the sky to aid them in navigation. In addition to sharing this and other fun facts, Mrs. Noonan’s students also enjoyed including a clever lyrical reference to Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” in their original song. Noonan, who had previous experience with McIntosh as a visiting artist in her classroom when she taught at Andes Central School, was the Delaware Academy liaison who facilitated this unique learning opportunity. “I was happy to reconnect with the amazing Story Laurie! Her ability to bring together student learning with music is top notch. Students will definitely remember the insects they learned about because they are still singing the song as they walk around. My daughter, who viewed the performance, is also singing bits and pieces of the songs she heard on Thursday,” said Noonan, adding that she is grateful “...to all who made this possible for our 2nd grade students!” McIntosh was equally delighted with her time at Delaware Academy CSD at Delhi last week. “I travel to many schools and often have very good experiences, but this residency was a standout, in large part due to the phenomenal team of second grade teachers, who were a dream to work with. They were all so welcoming of the program, which was also reflected in how readily engaged the students were. Everything about this residency was wonderful – even including how helpful the office and custodial staff were. I can’t wait to come back!” This week-long songwriting residency is part of an Arts & Education Outreach program run by the Ashokan Center, which is based in Olivebridge, NY. The Arts & Education Outreach program is made possible by a generous grant from the Delaware County-based A. Lindsay and Olive B. O'Connor Foundation.

May 10, 2024 • 26 views

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Stamford Central School Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Stamford Central School is proud to announce our Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the 2023-24 School year. Kylee Hendrickson , Daughter of Lisa Jester of Stamford and Roy Hendrickson of Stamford, is the Valedictorian of Stamford Central School’s Class of 2024. Kylee is the Senior Class President and was Class Treasurer during her junior year. She has been the President of the SCS chapter of the National Honor Society for her junior and senior years and actively involved in many clubs during her high school tenure including the Drama Club, International Studies Club, Outdoor Club, and Music Club. Kylee also competed at NYSSMA, in her sophomore year, performing a vocal solo and receiving a silver medal. Kylee attended the Catskill Area School Study Council Leadership Workshops in her junior year. She works all year as a CROP Peer Leader and in the summer she is a Camp Counselor for Camp H.E.R.E. Kylee also volunteers at Red Cross Blood Drives sponsored by the National Honor Society twice a year. Kylee has received many academic awards over her high school career for her hard work, including the Dorothy H. Friedmann Creative Writing Award, David Crockett U.S. History Award, SCS Alumni Award, Student Council Award, Stamford Teacher Association/Board of Education Award, and many highest average awards. She also received the Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award, and the RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award & Scholarship. Kylee is being honored as Stamford’s Student Scholar for the Scholar Recognition Dinner sponsored by ONC and DCMO BOCES. Kylee plans to attend the University at Oneonta in the fall, majoring in Education. Stamford’s Salutatorian is John (Jack) Glenn , son of Gregory and Ann-Lis Glenn of Stamford. He plans to attend SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry to major in Environmental Biology. Jack is attending the New Visions Engineering Program this year. He is the Treasurer of his class. Jack is a member of the National Honor Society (Treasurer) and National Technical Honor Society. He has participated in many clubs during his high school career including the International Studies Club and the Outdoor Club. Jack has performed at NYSSMA twice during high school, receiving a score of Excellent both times. He spends time volunteering for the Christmas Feeling Fund and the school sponsored Red Cross Blood Drives. He participated in the CASSC Student Leadership Workshops during his junior year and Skills USA as a senior. Jack has received numerous awards, including the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, RIT Science and Math Award & Scholarship, Clarkson University Achievement Award & Scholarship, as well as many additional academic and character awards during high school.

May 10, 2024 • 22 views

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Obituary - Shirley Lillian (Warner) Mann

Shirley Lillian (Warner) Mann, 78, of North Blenheim, New York, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Shirley was a breast cancer survivor and battled for many years, losing to cirrhosis of the liver. She left us peacefully on a warm spring afternoon, in her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Shirley was born in her home in the town of Broome on July 13, 1945, to George and Eudalia (Plankenhorn) Warner, who predeceased her in death, as did her sister Nellie. She graduated from Gilboa-Conesville Central school in 1964 and went to work at The Harva Company in Schoharie, leaving upon the birth of her first of three children. Her role in life then became a homemaker, raising her three children, with her husband, on the family farm. Shirley was a wonder woman of sorts, tending to the needs of her children, helping to milk the cows, feeding the revolving door of employees on the farm, all while managing to keep the house intact. Once Shirley knew she had done her part raising her children, she went back to work at The Harva Company for a total of twenty years. Shirley was also co-owner, with her sister Elizabeth, of The Country Roads Bridal Boutique. She was a woman loved by all, known to many for her world winning smile. She knew when you needed a hug, but she was also known to sling a frying pan at you if she saw fit. Shirley went to multiple County fairs to watch the tractor pulls with her husband, and always enjoyed the fair foods. Shirley also loved traveling in their camper. And when home, she enjoyed the simple things in life, like sitting in her chair reading and doing word searches. After retiring she got to spend time watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 58 years: Robert H. Mann; her three children: Susan (George) Singer, Robert (Barbara) Mann and David (Amelia) Mann, as well her four siblings: Elizabeth (Claude) Coons, Helen (Lawrence, Jr.) Cummings, Andrew (Dayna) Warner, John (Pam) Warner and her brother-in-law: Daniel Moore Shirley was not only a wife, mother and sibling, she was also a grandmother and great-grandmother. She has left her memories with her grandchildren: George (Nicole) Singer, Nichole (Daryn) Costello, Kevin Mann, Donovan Mann, and Tyler Mann. Her memory will also carry on through her great-grandchildren: Olivia, Kailyn, Lucas, Caysen, Brentley; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews and extended family members. A funeral service in celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 12:00PM on Saturday May 11, 2024 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street Middleburgh. Interment will follow in Breakabeen Cemetery. All are invited to a visitation with her family from 6:00-8:00PM on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the funeral home. Shirley’s family asks that memorial donations be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Rd, Oneonta NY, 13820 or the Office of the Aging, 113 Park Place Suite 3, Schoharie, NY 12157 and the family would like to thank both agencies, including Cory, Nancy and Lisa for helping care for Shirley, as well as family, friends and the private caregivers that allowed the family to keep her in her home. And a special thank you to Connie, who not only cared for Shirley but became a close friend to the family.

May 10, 2024 • 18 views

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Obituary - Gerald R. Dent

Gerald R. Dent, 89, of South Gilboa, passed away Monday evening, May 6, 2024, at AO Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta. Born on December 20, 1934, in Gilboa, Gerald was the son of the late Chauncey and Carrie (Miller) Dent. Gerald graduated from Gilboa School in 1953. Gerald proudly served in the US Army from 1957 until 1959 and was later called back from the reserves. On July 2, 1957, he was married to Joyce Loucks, a union that lasted over 66 years. Over the years Gerald has worked for the Town of Gilboa, drove trucks for Delwood Foods and retired from Mountainside Farms in Roxbury. He enjoyed being outdoors, often fishing, Gerald also liked old farm tractors and machinery. He loved his family and was a devoted husband and proud father. Besides his parents, Gerald was predeceased by his son Jeffrey in 2022. He is survived by his wife: Joyce L. Dent of Gilboa; sons: Jay (Sonya) Dent of Riverside, RI and Jason (Eileen Spaulding) of Stamford; a sister: Sheila Wilkerson of Catskill; along with several in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 4 to 6PM on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the MacArthur Funeral Home 15 Buntline Drive, Stamford, NY, where a prayer service and time of sharing will be held at 6PM. Contributions in memory of Gerald can be made to Stamford Fire Department, 111 Main Street, Stamford, NY 12167. Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Dent family.

May 10, 2024 • 18 views

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