$8.1M MCS Building Project Approved

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Central School voters Tuesday approved an $8.1 million capital project by a count of 273 to 121. The project will utilize state aid and $2 million from the district's Capital Reserve Fund to pay for over a dozen facilities repairs and improvements. 

There will be no additional tax impact.

Repairs and enhancements included in the capital project are focused on resolving current facility repair needs, preparing our infrastructure for future needs, improving safety for students and staff, and supporting community services in the buildings.

Construction is expected to begin next summer.

Superintendent Mark Place thanked the community for its support.

"Thank you to our community for believing in our schools and supporting Capital Project 2026. Your approval sends a powerful message to our students—that their future matters and that they are surrounded by a community that cares deeply about their success. We are truly grateful for your support," Mr. Place said.

New York State Building Aid will cover approximately 75% ($6.1 million) of the cost. To keep the local share stable, the district will issue $6.1 million in bonds, which would replace retiring debt payments from a previous project. The district will use $2 million from the district’s Capital Reserve Fund to cover the remaining cost.

Repairs will include:

Junior-Senior High School

The Junior-Senior High School will undergo critical facility upgrades to preserve its historic integrity while improving safety, efficiency and accessibility. The main entry columns will receive structural repairs to ensure their longevity. The overdue replacement of stage and attic windows with energy-efficient models will reduce energy costs. In the auditorium, updated lighting would modernize the space for both school and community events, while the restoration of a missing balcony seating section would expand access. 

The building’s main roof will have gutter repairs to address drainage issues and deterioration of the Yankee gutter system. Additionally, an out-of-service bathroom in the cafeteria will be replaced with ADA-compliant facilities.

Elementary School

Renovations at the elementary school will focus on safety and accessibility. The gymnasium’s outdated bleachers, which have been unusable for years, will be replaced with a modern set featuring side rails and other enhancements.

Additionally, space will be expanded at the school-based health center. The new design will include the required wet and dry areas to ensure a safe environment. Bassett Healthcare services support student learning and participation in athletics with free well-care and some dental services.

The Maze Craze, built by volunteers in 1989, is a cherished part of Middleburgh history. Over 35 years later, modern safety requirements, including wheelchair accessibility, require the district to consider the diverse needs of students in different ways. The district will gather community input and construct a new playground on the former Little League field— that would meet current codes and create joyful, barrier-free experiences for every child.

Bus Garage Repairs

To ensure the bus garage remains safe and efficient, several upgrades are proposed. Two bus lifts, which have already exceeded their life expectancy, will be replaced. A floor sealer would be applied to preserve the integrity of the floor. Additional drainage would be installed to prevent water intrusion, helping to protect both the structure and surrounding grounds. Conduit will be installed under the parking lot to prepare for state-mandated electric vehicle charging.

Capital Project Timeline

Architects will draft plans for the New York State Education Department review before the bidding process. Once the board awards bids, major construction would begin in June 2026.

Referendum Vote: May 2025

Architects Prepare Plans: May-October 2025

Plans Submitted to SED.: November 2025

District Receives SED. Approval: January 2026

District Bids Projects: February 2026

Bids Awarded by BOE: April-May 2026

Construction Begins – June 2026.

 

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Flooding Devastates Holiday Way

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - During the Schoharie Town Board meeting on Wednesday evening, a concerned resident of Holiday Way came before the members to bring up her issues with the local drainage system.

Showing photo and video proof of her claims, the resident stated that the recent rainfall has turned her and her neighbors’ properties into swamps.

Not only was there water that rose up to the road, but some vehicles were also affected, being submerged underwater up to their doors and remaining inaccessible. 

The resident said that she believed the problem was the drainage system, pointing to a pipe that’s only two feet in diameter that does most of the heavy lifting.

“The pipes were at 100%,” she said. “The drains are horribly undersized.”

Highway Superintendent Les Foland backed up the notion, saying “The pipes were doing as much as they could take.”

The reason why the pipes are so mismanaged was due to the county replacing the system several years ago for free but at the cost of little to no engineering work, according to the resident.

Yet when she suggested that the Town resize everything to better serve the area, Superintendent Foland wasn’t so sure.

“That pipe’s twelve, fifteen feet in the ground. It’s not going to be easy to replace if you want it bigger,” he mentioned.

Despite the sentiment, Supervisor Ben Oevering wanted to do whatever he could, saying “Send me the pictures and videos and I will see what we can do. We’ll put our heads together and solve this.”

In other news, the Town received a proposal from TextMyGov after being referred by the Village.

The proposal includes a way for local governments to reach out to their constituents about announcements, notices and everything else a municipality could think of, all through text messages.

The standard plan would offer a total of 250,000 text messages rolled out per year, at the cost of $2,800 annually and an additional one-time start-up cost of $1,200.

Discussions opened with member Marion Jaqueway, who wondered why they couldn’t share a plan with the Village if they already used the service.

Supervisor Oevering said that they could look into a combined plan, but after pushback from all three other Board members who claimed they did not have a current need for it, the proposal was denied.

 

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Former County Nurse Honored At Supervisors Meeting

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — A former county nurse who held a special place in the hearts of so many was praised and honored at the Friday, May 16 meeting of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors.

The BOS unanimously approved a resolution in memory of the late Valarie Manchester, a public health nurse in the county for 32 years from 1989 until retirement in 2021.

"Valarie always put the well-being of the residents of the county ahead of her own, helping them through catastrophic events like the historic flooding from Hurricane Irene, gently obtaining blood from children for lead testing, and actually delaying her retirement and her own care for 'her people' during the COVID pandemic," the resolution stated.

"All who worked with or received care from Valarie were witness to her calm personality, common-sense practices, wealth of knowledge and kind and generous spirit," the document added.

"An incredible nurse and incredible human being taken too early from us," BOS Chairman Bill Federice said during the meeting.

"It was hard to find somebody as dedicated as she was," added Supervisor Philip Skowfoe Jr.

Valarie's husband Floyd Manchester paid tribute to his late wife's character.

"She would do anything for the people of this county," Floyd said. "Her last couple of days, if she had gotten a call about someone needing help, she would have told me to get her in the car and I will go take care of it. That's just the type of person she was."

In other resolutions approved at the meeting, Amy Florence of Schoharie was named a member of the Board of Directors on the county Community Action Program Inc. for a term to expire on Dec. 31, 2025.

Another resolution acknowledged the establishment of the Patriot Walkway at Lasell Hall in the Village of Schoharie. The Schoharie County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, owners of Lasell Hall, authorized the laying of commemorative bricks with the names of Patriots of the American Revolution on a walkway in front of the hall.

A superseding resolution was approved confirming appointments and terms on the county Youth Board. Names to the board were Janine Pustolka (Cobleskill) for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2026; Jeffrey Sperbeck (Seward), Melissa Bevins (Middleburgh), Marissa Karker (Schoharie) and Daniel Cornwell (Sharon Springs) for terms expiring Dec. 31, 2027; and Meghan Keaney (Sharon Springs), Da-Lai Wu (Schoharie) and Matthew Wilms (Seward) for terms expiring Dec. 31, 2028.

 

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Linking an Education to a Career at BOCES

SCHOHARIE  – It’s one thing to have a plan for what you will do after graduating, but it’s another to have a career already lined up.

That’s the goal for students at Capital Region BOCES who spend their last two years of high school preparing to enter the workforce.

Several of those students recently advanced their goals as they took part in interviews with The Laborers' International Union of North America Local 157 on the Schoharie Career and Technical Education (CTE) Campus.

“We value the training and skills Capital Region BOCES CTE students learn and are proud to partner with Capital Region BOCES to address our workforce needs,” said Josh Shaul, Business Manager/ Secretary Treasurer for the union.

Among the seven students interviewed was Samantha Herzog, a Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation senior from Schoharie.

“I don’t know what I am doing with my entire life, but to have a job and career lined up makes everything less stressful,” said the teenager.

Her goal is to work with the union and advance her skills.

“I want to start on a shovel and work my way up and eventually be a crane operator or dozer operator, she said, adding “I just love staying busy and working with machines.”

Shaul and coworker John Drinon interviewed seven students for potential jobs with contractors throughout the region.

Several of those interviewed will likely be part of the Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day on May 29 at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus.

The event, which is affiliated with the SkillsUSA National Signing Day, mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. The BOCES Signing Day is designed to celebrate high school seniors and college/postsecondary students who have chosen to pursue a career as a professional in any of the skilled trades.

Students who will be signing letters of intent hail from several area school districts that have committed to work in industries ranging from construction and land development businesses to unions, automotive and diesel engine repair shops and car dealerships.

 

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Jefferson Central Budget Fails

For the second year in a row, voters of the Jefferson Central School district defeated the budget proposal.

Marissa DeJoy received 52 write-in votes to be seated on the school's board of education. There were 20 other write-in candidates with no one running on this year's ballot.

The proposed $8,185,083 budget showed an increase of $47,263 from the current budget.  It reflected a 0.58 percent increase in the tax levy and remains within the state's allowable tax cap. The budget failed by 122 no votes to 93 yes votes.

There is also a bus proposition to purchase one 61-passenger  wheelchair accessible school bus, the cost not to exceed $176,492, less trade-in value. That proposition failed by a vote of 115 no to 100 yest.

 

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M'burgh's Fourth Friday Fun Begins This Week

MIDDLEBURGH - The first Middleburgh Fourth Friday celebration will be this week featuring late business hours, food, music, vendors, and a 5K race and walk.

There will be open air music on Main Street, vendors, food trucks, free activities, in-store specials, museum tours, and late store and restaurant hours.

Highlights for May include a cruise-in at the Best House on Clauverwie Road and the 

annual Middleburgh Rotary’s Sloughter 5K starting at 7om at Middleburgh high school.

The musical group at the corner of Baker Avenue and Main Street will be 30 Rack.

The next Fourth Fridays this summer will be on June 27, July 25, and August 22.

Fourth Fridays are coordinated by the Middleburgh Area Business Association.

 

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MCS Voters Approve Budget, Buses - Elect Hoerz, Andrew to the Board

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Central School District voters Tuesday approved a $25.1 million budget for the 2025-26 school year by a margin of 267 to 128.

The budget increases spending by .80 percent, or $200,000, from the current year, and includes a tax levy increase of $156,144 or 1.5 percent. The tax levy increase is less than the district’s maximum allowable levy state limit of 2.29%.

Newcomer Basil Wesley Andrew and incumbent Vicki Hoerz were elected to three-year seats on the Middleburgh Board of Education. Deb Bechtold did not run for re-election.

Middleburgh residents also approved a proposition for the purchase of two 65-passenger diesel buses with luggage compartments and one 30-passenger wheelchair-accessible bus, not to exceed $484,000, by a county of 273 to 122.

Voters approved the proposal of a transfer, not to exceed $600,000, to the Repair Reserve Fund to cover any one-time unanticipated repair expenditures for the upcoming year, 300 to 95.

“We are grateful to the Middleburgh community for their continued support of our schools and students. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and help ensure a strong future for our district,” Superintendent Mark Place said.

When the school board adopted the spending plan in April, officials noted that MCS has the lowest tax increase in the area for the second year in a row.

In March, board members faced a budget gap of $277,000 and agreed to eliminate the gap by reducing spending and using funds from two reserves. To eliminate the rest of the budget gap, the district used about $65,000 from the Employee Retirement System and $100,000 from the Teachers Retirement System.

Spending was reduced to $25.1 million and funds from the TRS and the ERS to eliminate the gap.

If there is additional state aid for the district, officials could reduce the amount of reserve funding by the amount of the additional Foundation aid.

Currently, state aid revenue for the district stands at $12.7 million, down $107,000 or 0.84 percent from this year.

Officials originally had been looking at a rollover budget that totaled $25.46 million, about $556,000 or 2.33 percent more than the current budget.

 

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Memorial Day Events in M'burgh, Schoharie, C. Bridge, Esperance

SCHOHARIE VALLEY - Memorial Day will be marked by several ceremonies in the Schoharie Valley this week.

Among the ceremonies are:

SCHOHARIE

The annual Schoharie Memorial Day parade will start at 6pm on Thursday at Main and Spring streets. All are invited to the fire house for refreshments after the parade.

Fire officials are having the parade rain or shine on Thursday evening.

MIDDLEBURGH

The Middleburgh Rotary's Memorial Day ceremony will be held in the Memorial Park on upper Main Street on Monday starting at 10am.

ESPERANCE

The Memorial Day parade will be held Monday afternoon in Esperance.

CENTRAL BRIDGE

The Memorial Day parade will be held in Central Bridge on Monday morning.

 

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Schoharie Sorts Out Parrott House Parking

By Joshua Walther

SCHOHARIE - Parking behind 300 Main Street has been a long-standing issue for Town employees, with veterans like James Schultz or Pamela Foland remembering anecdotes of their troubles from several years ago.

The problem is that, from a legal standpoint, employees only have ten feet from the back of the town hall building to use as parking, with the rest of the lot belonging to the Parrott House. However, a solution may now be in sight.

At Wednesday night’s Schoharie Town Board meeting, Supervisor Ben Oevering said that they received a request for a lot line adjustment from the Parrott House on the town hall’s side.

The head engineer who is currently working on renovations for the historic hotel explained that they need three feet of the Town’s land for a potential elevator, but nothing is set in stone just yet.

After looking into their policies, Supervisor Oevering found that they cannot give the land to the Parrott House, as the trade must be in consideration for something else, and he could think of no better candidate than the legal right to use their parking space.

“This is perfect for a parking easement or a ten-year contract or something for the land usage,” he explained.

He continued, noting that if the Parrott House restoration sees major commercial success, the owners could very well limit the Town’s use of their lot in favor of paying customers.

The argument quickly won over the rest of the Board, with Floyd Guernsey saying “I don’t see a problem with that trade. It’s the good neighborly thing to do.”

Once all members were in agreement, the Board passed a unanimous motion to try and pursue the legal right for parking behind their buildings.

In other news, the Board also set a date for a special joint meeting with the Town of Esperance. 

The meeting will determine the CAP 1 Revaluation, and after speaking with Esperance’s people, Supervisor Oevering stated that it should be no more than thirty minutes.

The joint discussion will be held on June 5th at 6:30 PM, a half an hour before the Central Bridge Water Sewer Meeting, and all members of the Board plan to be in attendance.

 

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School Budget, Bus Purchases Approved By Gilboa-Conesville Voters

By Chris English

GILBOA-CONESVILLE — Tuesday's school vote saw a $12.87 million budget with a 1.84 percent property tax increase approved by Gilboa-Conesville voters.

The budget was approved by a healthy margin of 69-21. Also approved, 71-19, was the purchase of one full-six 60-passenger school bus, and two seven-passenger vans for a total of $251,118. The money will come from the school district's Capital Reserve-Bus Reserve Fund, according to the proposition.

School Board member Stephanie Bruck was reelected to another five-year term to expire on June 30, 2030. She received 74 votes, with one write-in candidate receiving one vote.

 

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SCS Budget, Buses Approved

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School District voters Tuesday approved a $28.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year by a count of 182 to 127. They also approved the purchase of two new buses, an increase in the library tax, and elected three school board members.

The budget has a spending increase of 2.35 percent – or $649,738 – from the current year. Under the fiscal plan, the tax levy will increase by 2.95 percent or $256,675. This is below the state mandated tax levy cap. The tax levy increase is in line with the current 2.95 percent inflation rate, district officials said.

Nearly 70 percent of the year-to-year increase in the budget is due to increases in employee benefits costs. The rest is due largely to a $204,531 increase in debt service payments.

In order to cut spending in the budget, reductions in the spending plan included: 

* Reduction of three full-time equivalent positions at the Elementary School. 

* Reduction of one FTE administrator.

* Reduction of one FTE position, business teacher in the high school.

* Reduction of one FTE position, Special Education teacher in the elementary school.

SCS officials said the reductions were due to declining enrollment.

The reduction of an administrative position will result in the district having to reorganize its administration team.

Votes also re-elected Tara Barton and Daniel Guasp to the Board of Education, while newcomer Emily Gigandet is taking the third seat currently held by Terry Burton, who did not seek another term. There were no other candidates.  Ms. Barton received 219 votes, Mr. Guasp had 207 votes and Ms. Gigandet got 243 votes.

Schoharie residents also approved a proposition to increase the annual tax levy for the Schoharie Free Library Association from $146,000 to $161,000 by a vote of 195 to 115. A second proposition on the ballot asking voters to authorize the purchase of two 66-passenger buses, in an amount not to exceed $340,000 was also approved. These would be standard buses and not electric buses. That proposition was approved by a vote of 193 to 117.

 

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CVCS, SKCS and SCS Budget Passed by Voters

By Liz Page

Three local school districts had their budgets approved during statewide voting on May 20. Stamford Central, South Kortright Central and Charlotte Valley Central all passed budgets.

The proposed budget in the Stamford Central School District totaled $11,548,875 and is up by $548,901,  an increase of 4.99 percent over the current budget. It is projecting a 2.22 percent increase in the tax levy which remains within the allowable state tax cap. Voters approved the proposed budget by an 82 to 69 margin.

They also approved  the purchase of a 65-passenger diesel bus, the cost not to exceed $166,44.97 by a margin of 87 to 63. The purchase of a tractor, the cost not to exceed $50,000, was approved by an 82 to 66 margin.

A $5 million Transportation Capital Reserve Fund also passed by a margin of 84 to 65. It will create funding for electric buses and infrastructure to own the buses for the future.

Two school board members, both unopposed, were reseated. They were Catherine Snyder with 118 votes and Chris Albano with 114 votes. There were also write-in votes for Kathleen Cannon, Tom Sherwood, Deb Mueller, Deb Muller k Kay Graves, Ann-Lis Glenn and Amanda Shaffer.

At South Kortright Central, the proposed budget totals $11,645,610, an increase of 1.5  percent over the current budget which exceeds the allowable state tax cap limit of -.03 percent for SKCS. It projects a 2 percent increase in the tax levy; it needed a 60 percent majority of the qualified voters to pass. The budget did pass by a vote of 146 to 68.

District residents are also asked to decide the purchase of one 21- passenger, handicap accessible school bus and two minivans. The amount is not to exceed $205,00. The bus proposition passed by a 168 to 46 vote.

In the three-way race for one school board seat, Stephen Tucker was seated with  a vote of 89. Jim Hitt received 67 votes and Janet Beken Smith received 55 votes.

At Charlotte Valley Central School, voters approved the proposed budget 105 to 21. The budget totals $12,755,676 and remains within the allowable tax cap. It is projecting a three percent increase in the tax levy, just under the allowable 3.03 percent tax cap for CVCS.

Voters re-elected Matt Moyse and Amanda Richter, both unopposed, to the school board by votes of 104 and 107, respectively.

 

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Town of Jefferson Historic District

By Bonnie C. Dailey, Jefferson Town Historian

JEFFERSON — On March 12, 2024, NYS’s Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (SHPO) approved the nomination of a historic district in the Town of Jefferson to the National and State Registers of Historic Places.  The National Register was established in 1966 and is the official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. SHPO coordinates the National Register program in New York State, as well as the companion State Register Program. This designation gives official recognition of our town of Jefferson’s significant history and architecture.

Listing in the National and State Registers will provide potential benefits to residents of the area included in the historic district.  Specifically, properties located within the district will be eligible to apply for certain federal or state tax credits and state preservation grants. These include tax credits through the NYS Historic Homeowners Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credit programs, and historic preservation grants through New York State and the Preservation League of NYS. 

National Register listing does not restrict what private property owners can do with their properties.  Only projects that use federal or state funding, or that require state or federal permits, are reviewed by SHPO. 

We are honored and proud to have received this nomination in Jefferson, and we hope homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations located within the historic district will benefit from the designation in the years to come.

 

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ASF’s WIM Riders Climb Over 2,200 Feet in Road Cycling Event

WINDHAM– Ten injured U.S. military veterans pedaled nearly 40 miles and climbed 2,261 feet through Windham and nearby towns during the Adaptive Sports Foundation’s (ASF) first Warriors in Motion® (WIM) event of the summer season: road cycling.

“I enjoyed this week a lot. While we were biking, nature is everywhere,” said U.S. Army veteran Cheung Yip. “I was able to use an e-bike this week, which I’ve never done before, and it made this trip great.”

The ASF welcomed the veterans to the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center on Tuesday afternoon, where they met ASF staff and five volunteers who would cycle alongside them. The group shared sandwiches and conversation before getting fitted for bikes and safety gear.

Their first ride kicked off from the Windham Mountain Club parking lot, heading into Hensonville and looping back into Windham along State Route 23. After completing one lap around the scenic mountain town, the group voted to go for another. They logged more than 12 miles before checking into the Hotel Vienna and returning to the ASF lodge for dinner.

Originally, Wednesday’s long ride was planned from Palenville to Woodstock. But with rain in the forecast, ASF Program Director Tony Vasile made a game-time decision to keep the group closer to home. The revised route took the veterans from Hotel Vienna to East Jewett and back—about 15 miles of rolling hills and rugged roads. With a total ascent of 1,179 feet, the ride proved challenging, but the veterans rose to meet it. They returned to the hotel by noon, just before steady rain began to fall.

With afternoon showers looming, the group swapped their bikes for board games and stories at the lodge. Laughter and camaraderie filled the room before they wrapped the evening with another catered dinner.

Thursday morning brought the final ride of the week. Departing from the ASF parking lot, the group rode west along State Route 23 into Prattsville. Compared to earlier rides, the 10-mile route served as a cooldown—ideal for participants who may not have regular access to physical activity. The ride ended at the Prattsville park, followed by a shuttle ride back to the lodge for lunch and goodbyes.

“I really enjoyed the ASF’s Warriors in Motion program because it helps us veterans connect with each other,” said U.S. Army veteran and first-time WIM participant Regina Williams. “When I’m on these retreats with other vets, I feel the connection. I feel that it’s a place where I belong.”

The road cycling trip was the first of eight WIM events scheduled for the summer. The next, a long-distance hike, is set for Wednesday, June 11.

Thanks to grants and private donations, the ASF provides participants with equipment, helmets, water bottles, meals, hotel accommodations, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, ponchos (if needed), and both digital and printed maps—at no cost to the veterans.

 

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

Sincere apologies for not writing the past two weeks; Life got in the way.  After doing nothing during the winter months, it is time to make doctor appointments, go to luncheons, mow lawns, weed the garden, plant my few flowers and vegetables.  Today is cold and rainy, so I will take advantage and write.  I still have intermittent internet issues, so if you don't get this in its entirety, let me know and I'll resend it.  

I've been processing a lot of random thoughts lately; warm weather is a great time to daydream.  How lucky we are to live in such a beautiful area.  I've been watching winter turn into spring, then into the summer canopy.  Our mountains are so changeable with shading and colors.  It's no wonder so many artists came here to try to capture the beauty.  The freshness of the air after a rain.  Have you sat and watched the mountains?  The sun and clouds form such beautiful shadows and shapes.  

The Town of Jewett had a beautiful ceremony unveiling the Jewett Veteran Memorial.  We were very pleased that so many showed to honor those who served.  Thanks to the VFW Post 1545 for leading the ceremony and to the members of the Jewett Fire Department.  John Giordano did an excellent job of getting the ball rolling, and keeping at it until the monument was completed.  Everyone who contributed was given honorable mention.  While driving along 296, take the turn on 23C to the Jewett Municipal Building and take a look.  

Can you believe that Memorial Day Weekend is upon us?  Where did the year go?  Now is the time for College graduations, and high school students to start stressing about finals.  Soon the Class of 2025 will be walking and another group of youngsters will fly the coop.  Where does time go?

Continued prayers for the Greg and the Beckmann family .  My son Neil has been hospitalized for a few days.  Send a few healing prayers his way.  Bette Osborn has been in Greene Meadows for rehab, and is now living in Canton with her grandson and his family.  

AS I REMEMBER IT

A few weeks ago, some organization in Catskill held a  repair "clinic".  People could bring in clothes to be mended, appliances to be repaired , etc.  I got to thinking about my father who could fix everything.  We needed a school bus, he took an old pickup truck, added benches and handles to the back.  He started at the Lawrence Farm and picked up the few students who needed a ride to Windham School.

He loved ice cream, but it was tedious work cranking the machine by hand, so he added a motor.  The same with my mother's meat grinder.  Old motors, appliances, belts, nuts, screws, washers  were never thrown out.  Who doesn't have an old coffee can filled with miscellany?  Curtain rod brackets, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, both metal and rubber.  Everything was put aside in the workshop for parts. I have a friend who strips old windshield washer blades for the thin metal in the which is pliable and can be used for a multitude of things.  I, personally, save the wire handles from Chinese takeout containers for hanging stained glass, and the such.  I repaired my birdfeeder with one.     We never bought new until we checked to see what we had.  On social media we often see how radio  knobs have been replaced by a toggle switch, or home plumbing solutions.  My son laughs at the old man who fixed the sink drain with a block of wood holding the elbow up, or the man who made a handle for a pot cover with a cork.  The daughter says, you should buy a new pot and throw this one out.  For $45 you can have new, for 45 cents, you can fix.  

Personally, I feel that the next generation should be taught how to repair things.  Do you know how hard it is to find a plumber or an electrician?  How about a mechanic when you need a car repair?  To me, these people are worth their weight in gold.  I just lost my handyman, now who is available to do the simp[le fixes I need around my house?  Food for thought. 

 

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