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Schoharie Valley Community Day Camp Sign-Ups Open

SCHOHARIE VALLEY – As promised, the Schoharie Valley Community Day Camp sign-ups are open!!! Camp will be held July 15-19, 2024. For more information and online registration visit: https://www.schohariereformedchurch.org/camp/ . The Camp planning committee, consisting of members of The Schoharie Reformed Church, Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, Schoharie United Presbyterian Church, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, has been working to build the community Summer camp experience it has offered for years! Arts & Crafts! Songs! Games! Spots fill up fast ! Sign up online now!!

May 19, 2024 • 7 views

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Owners Seeking to Return Former Middleburgh Library into a Home

By David Avitabile MIDDLEBURGH - The owner of the former Middleburgh library wants to return the building into a residence. The property owner, Angelica Diller, who also owns several other properties in the village, spoke to village board members last Monday. She said she is hoping to repaint the building before turning it back into a home. The building, located at the corner of Wells Avenue and Main Street, was once a home until the late 1930s when it was transformed into the Frances B. Spencer Library. A new library was built on Main Street in the early 2000s. After the library left, a religious group bought the former library for $28,000. They sold to the popular Green Iguana restaurant and then the Hen and the Hound. The building was last used by Valley View Liquidators, who moved down to Main Street last year. The property has no parking spaces though the restaurants were allowed to use the parking lot behind the building that is owned by Our Lady of the Valley Church during non-church times. Ms. Diller was told she had to go to the zoning board of appeals to convert the building back into a home. Her first stop is the zoning officer. If the conversion is not approved, Ms. Diller said she would look for a business to fill it, possibly a smoke or vape shop. Speaking to the board virtually, she told members that she wants to paint the buildings she owns and wants to follow the rules, though she added, that she wants to make sure that everyone follows the rules.

May 19, 2024 • 9 views

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St. Mark's Lutheran Church 200th Anniversary

When people reach a milestone in their lives, their special events and achievements are often recognized and celebrated. In 2024 St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church is reaching a major milestone, the 200th ANNIVERSARY of the founding of the church. Nestled in the village of Middleburgh, St. Mark's was dedicated on May 17,1824, by fifty families led by the Reverend George Lintner. If the walls could talk, they would tell of worship services, baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals, Bible studies and Sunday Schools under the spiritual leadership of over 30 pastors. When challenges occurred, whether caused by mother nature or manmade, the church withstood the test of time for it continues today to be a place where God is the center of worship and praise. A special 200th Anniversary worship service is being held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.in. Come join in the celebration!

May 19, 2024 • 7 views

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Schoharie Delves into Water Billing Problems

Juried Thanked Resident Diana Jackson talks about water billing problems at the May 14 Village of Schoharie board meeting. By Chris English SCHOHARIE — Discussion of water billing problems and how to resolve them dominated the first hour of the Schoharie Village board's Tuesday, May 14 meeting. Several residents showed up to complain about problems stemming from old meters for the village water system that can't be read remotely, unlike new meters that the village is in the process of installing. Among the problems listed in sheets handed out by one of the residents, Diana Jackson, were that residents were never notified and informed about the meter issues at the onset of the problem and that some residents are being expected to pay two years worth of usage in one year, a situation that creates a financial burden on some of them. "This water thing has been an issue," said Mayor Colleen Henry. "When I started in January, I said I wanted this situation solidified. We still have a supply issue." Village officials said supply issues, some going back to the pandemic, are delaying the delivery and installation of many of the new meters that are manufactured in Israel. Village Clerk Leslie Price said about 100 of the village's 380 water customers are still waiting on their new meters. "The new meters definitely will be better, definitely more accurate," she said. The main step taken at the meeting was a determination that all residents having problems with their water bills will meet with Price and one board member to try and arrive at the fairest resolution possible in each case. "As long as you're hearing us," one of the residents said. "As long as we don't walk out of here tonight and it's just forgotten." Henry pledged that it won't be forgotten and also to be as transparent as possible with residents on all issues. "I've been out there where you are sitting and had some of the same complaints," she said. "Knowledge is power and I think everyone should be knowledgeable. We are human. We do make mistakes. I apologize." In other news from the May 14 meeting, a public hearing for the Old Stone Fort project will be held by the planning board at 7 p.m., May 29 at Village Hall, 300 Main Street. Up for discussion is an application for an expansion of the museum to include storage space, artifact area and gift shop, Henry said. "It will be beautiful," she added. The expansion is scheduled to be funded with a donation from former Schoharie County resident Nick Juried, Henry said. The board is trying something new for its meetings. One June 11, it will hold the employee monthly meeting starting at 6 p.m., followed immediately by the regular meeting. The employee meeting is also open to the general public, explained Henry, who added officials want to see how the new arrangement works before deciding on whether to make it permanent. Open Houses for the Comprehensive Planning Board will be held 3 to 8 p.m. May 23 at Village Hall, 300 Main Street; and also 3 to 6 p.m. on May 30 at the Methodist Hall, 196 Main Street, Central Bridge.

May 19, 2024 • 7 views

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SCS Budget, Buses, More on May 21 Ballot

SCS Tax Levy Up 2.45 Percent, Budget up $804K By David Avitabile SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school residents will be voting on a $27.6 million budget that will increase the tax levy by 2.45 percent when they go to the polls on Tuesday, May 21. Causing the tax hike is major hikes in employee benefits, debt service, BOCES, and tuition costs and no increase in state foundation aid. The tax levy is set to rise by $208,323. School board members last month approved a $27.6 million budget for the 2024-25 school year. The spending plan is up by 2.99 percent or $804,000 over the current budget. The tax levy and budget hikes are lower than the current inflation rate of 4.12 percent, noted School business administrator David Baroody noted. The biggest increases in spending were: * Employee benefits, up by $634,000. * Debt service costs, up by $170,000. * BOCES costs, up by $102,000. * Tuition costs, up by $388,000. In the last three years, about 20 high-needs students have moved into the district, each of whom require out-of-district transportation for special education services. Superintendent David Blanchard said 20 high needs students in three years is "really significant." He noted that the district has been able to cut in-district bus runs to eight because of dual runs since the pandemic. Unfortunately, the number of out of district runs has increased to 12 to take students to the Capital District. In combination with the increases in costs, the district did not get the standard three percent increase in state aid as the district has been accustomed to, Mr. Baroody added. He also noted that the budget retains all educational programs. There are four positions being eliminated, all through attrition. There are no layoffs. The four positions are: * Full-time instructional position, elementary school. * Full-time instructional position, high school. * Full-time maintenance mechanic. * Full-time, school administrator. In addition, there will be four more propositions on the SCS ballot: * The purchase of five replacement buses for up to $580,000 before trade-ins and state aid. * Public library, $146,000, up by $20,000. * Capital Reserve Fund allocation of $2 million from the existing Capital Reserve Fund to support the local share of the district's ongoing capital projects. * Establish a bus purchase capital reserve fund for up to $1 million for a probable term of 10 years for the purchase of electric buses.

May 19, 2024 • 7 views

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SCS Environmental Club Meets With Educator at Max Shaul

SCHOHARIE - The newly established Environmental Stewards Club at Schoharie Central School recently met with an environmental educator from the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) on May 3 at Max V. Shaul State Park. Stewards learned about the environmental harm caused by the spread of invasive species, particularly the Spotted Lanternfly: a non-native insect that has been documented in surrounding counties but has not yet been officially documented in Schoharie County. Students learned how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly and its egg masses, then were trained to use iMapInvasives, the official online, collaborative invasive species database for New York. Fortunately, no evidence of the Spotted Lanternfly was observed! The club has adopted a grid at Max V. Shaul, committing to continue to monitor and report data on the Spotted Lanternfly population in Schoharie County every year. This will be a great opportunity for the club members to participate in an ongoing, meaningful, and real-world environmental project.

May 19, 2024 • 8 views

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SCS Solar Project Work Set to Begin

By David Avitabile SCHOHARIE - Building permits are almost approved and construction is expected to begin within a month on Schoharie Central School's 740-kilowatt solar energy project. The project, which was approved by voters two years ago, has since been approved by NYSERDA and National Grid. Superintendent David Blanchard told school board members earlier this month that the district expected the building permits to be approved very soon and that construction would begin within a month. Construction would take place through the summer and into the fall. The field be built on one acre will be built behind the track in the "lower 40." The project will eventually be a revenue generator for SCS. After paying the district cost for the project annually they expect to generate $130,000 to $140,000 per year, Mr. Blanchard said. The total cost of the EPC was $2,750,000. The district is in line for several rebates on the project due to federal and state solar initiatives. The project is part of the district's $25.9 million building project that was approved by voters in May 2022. The district looked at either putting more solar panels on building roofs or on the back property before making a decision. National Grid has provided 90 percent of the cost for the building of the electric vehicle stations. Any revenue would go to the district. Each station would have two chargers each. The stations were installed last summer and operational by the time school started. Two of the stations were built by the construction area and the rest were near the bus garage. The project does not require any new local taxpayer funds as state aid and the current building reserve will cover the costs. In another action, board members heard a parent and student speak about retaining the New Visions program at SCS. Parent Sam Ballard and student Sophia Watson spoke in favor of keeping the program. Mr. Blanchard said the district will be sending students to New Visions next year. Transportation to the program has proven to be difficult and expensive for taxpayers. The district is looking to partner with a neighboring district for transportation to New Visions next year.

May 19, 2024 • 8 views

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Solving a Murder at the Tater Barn

CENTRAL BRIDGE — The Olde Tater Barn was the site of a murder mystery Friday as guests attempted to help solve the puzzle. The cast was from Murder Café – out of Ulster County. There were nearly 100 people in attendance at the fundraiser hosted by Legacy of Love – Schoharie County, a fundraising committee for The Arc Lexington in Schoharie. Proceeds benefit people and programs supported by The Arc Lexington in Schoharie County. This is the second year hosting a murder mystery dinner and we hope to make it an annual event. Rose Corigliano and Debby Byrne played a significant role as members of the Legacy of Love Committee. Special thanks to Tammy Ruise.

May 19, 2024 • 9 views

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Standhart, Binder Running for Re-election at MCS

MIDDLEBURGH - Long-time Middleburgh school board members Pam Standhart and Becky Binder are running for re-election on May 21. The 2024-25 public vote will be held on May 21, from noon to 9 p.m. in the High School gym lobby. The elected board members will serve a three-year term beginning July 1. Pam Standhart Ms. Standhart is self-employed and operates Pam's Daycare in Middleburgh. She served as board president for many years before not running for board president this year. She has her AAS in Nursery Management and has been involved in Dairy Superintendent at Cobleskill Sunshine Fair, member of the Family Child Care Association of NYS. She joined the school board in 2012. She wants to continue to serve on the school board to "continue our work being financially responsible to our stakeholders in keeping our taxes as low as possible, while continuing to give our students the best education possible." Becky Binder Ms. Binder currently works for Schoharie County. She is an MCS graduate and attended the Schoharie BOCES office/data entry program and has a certificate in paralegal studies. Her husband Kriss and son Tyler also graduated from MCS. Ms. Binder is completing her third term on the school board. She has served as board vice president for several years.

May 19, 2024 • 9 views

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Town of Schoharie Comp Plan Open House set for May 23

SCHOHARIE - Residents of Schoharie and Central Bridge are invited to and open house on the town's new comprehensive plan on Thursday, May 23, before, during, and after the Memorial Day Parade. The Comprehensive Plan group is holding the open house at the 300 building on Main Street. Share your vision for the community and help guide the town in the updating of this very important document for the Village and Town. The group had phenomenal feedback from the survey you all took over the winter and have been able to identify a number of common needs. They need your help in deciding which of these are the most important and what needs immediate attention. The first 20 participants will receive a free small beverage from Love Shine Tea and they will have a raffle with gifts you can enter to win from J Lacy Unisex Hair Salon and Barber Shop, TWEEK'd Boutique, Mimi's Little Posy Place, and Dry A.F. Craft Beverage Shop.

May 19, 2024 • 8 views

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Gallupville House Receives Grants

Transfer Station Closes Saturday for Renovation By Bradley Towle GALLUPVILLE — The Wright Town Board heard at its last meeting that the Gallupville House received a significant grant, as well as other updates. The Town of Wright Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, May 18 th to allow for the completion of a renovation project. Schoharie High School senior Deklan Haley’s Eagle Scout project will result in a new attendant station. Haley had proposed the idea in early March at a town board meeting. Given the privilege of the floor, Haley presented the town with his plan for an 8’x 8’ space, asking that the town establish the concrete structure’s concrete footing. The dump was closed Wednesday evening during regular hours as work had begun on Monday, with the old attendant shack gone by late afternoon. The project is scheduled to be completed by June 1 st . More renovations will soon occur at the opposite end of Factory St. in Wright. The Gallupville House Association (GHA) was recently awarded a $5,000 curbside beautification grant from Scoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC). The GHA plans to use the grant to help pay for new steps at the front of the historic building along Route 443. The step-replacement project is slated for the week of June 6 th and is estimated to be completed by June 10 th . GHA president Scott Hadam has requested that no events be scheduled during the new construction. The GHA received a generous grant from Nick Juried in 2023. Using land generously donated by longtime Gallupville resident Chris Claus, the GHA has plans to build enhanced parking, a playground, and community gardens behind the Gallupville House. The contribution from SEEC is the latest in a trend of long-needed upgrades to Wright’s historic landmark. It is worth noting that all of the efforts mentioned above, Deklan Haley’s Eagle Scout project at the transfer station, and the efforts of the GHA in securing grants and donations for much-needed improvements are grassroots volunteer efforts to enhance the community.

May 19, 2024 • 7 views

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“Something Different at Andes Academy of Art”

ANDES — "Something Different" promises an eclectic fusion of artistic expression, uniting three distinct voices in a harmonious symphony of creativity. The Andes Academy of Art sets the stage for an evening of discovery, as it unveils the works of three remarkable artists on Saturday, May 18th, from 4 to 7 pm at 506 Main St, Andes. At the forefront of this captivating exhibition is John Sanders, a name synonymous with sculpture, now delving into uncharted territories of organic forms and painting. Witnessing Sanders' transition from the tangible to the abstract promises to be a transformative experience, offering a glimpse into the evolution of an artistic titan. Alongside Sanders stands Eric Rogusky, a newcomer whose prolific output astounds with over 4,000 drawings. Rogusky's neo-primitive style beckons viewers into a realm where raw emotion intertwines with both primal aesthetics and politics, inviting introspection and contemplation with each stroke of his pen. Completing this triumvirate is Coco Dalton, an Andes resident whose vibrant palette and eclectic style defy categorization. Dalton's art serves as a bridge between the traditional and the avant-garde, effortlessly blending folk elements with the depth of representational expressionism. "Something Different" is more than just an art show; it's an invitation to explore the boundless possibilities of human creativity. Whether you're a connoisseur of the arts or an enthusiast eager to discover something new, this exhibition promises an unforgettable journey through the realms of imagination and innovation.

May 19, 2024 • 1 views

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