Windham Chamber of Commerce Launches Free Summer Concert Series

WINDHAM — The Windham Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of its first Windham Summer Concert Series, a free community event celebrating live music, local talent, and summertime fun.

The series will take place across four evenings this summer, bringing residents, visitors, and community partners together at CD Lane Park (281 Route 56, Maplecrest, NY) for music, food, and a lively community atmosphere.

Concerts will run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and feature a diverse lineup of musical acts. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and an appetite for local food vendors who will be on-site for each event.

As part of the series, the Chamber is proud to collaborate with local community organizations who will be featured at each concert. These partnerships are designed to highlight the important work these groups do for the community and provide them with opportunities to raise awareness and funds. For example, the Mountain Top Little League will be hosting a BBQ at the June 13th concert to support their summer programs.

"Our goal is to create a summer tradition that brings people together and supports our local businesses," said Stephanie Briggs, a member of the Windham Chamber of Commerce Board. "We’re proud to offer this event free of charge and welcome everyone to come enjoy the music and the mountain air."

The concert series is made possible by the generous support of local sponsors, including the Town of Windham, Windham Mountain Club, Smitty’s Landscape & Nursery, Bell House Fitness, and the Mutter Family Sponsors. 100% of funds raised go directly toward production costs to keep the concerts accessible to all.

2025 Summer Concert Dates:

·        June 13th – #1 HILLY BILLY PARADE

·        July 11th – #2 MACCRAE MODE

·        August 8th – #3 SOULSENSE

·        September 5th – #4 DOWNSTATE

The Windham Chamber of Commerce invites all community members and visitors to join in the fun and help make the Summer Concert Series a memorable part of the season.

For more information, visit movingwindhamforward.com or email windhamchamberofcommerce@gmail.com.  Find us on Facebook at 'Windham Chamber of Commerce' and on Instagram at @windhamchamberny.  Stay connected and follow us for updates, featured artists, and behind-the-scenes content.

 

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THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS - The Willows: Part five: A Pocket Beach

Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) is a recognized member of the Hudson River School of Art. But unlike so many of the others Bierstadt did a lot of his work in the American West. He did a large number of very large canvases that captured images of towering mountains in the Rockies. He also liked to work along the rocky Pacific west coast, especially if there were seals. Take a look at our first illustration. That’s a classic Bierstadt. We also spotted it to be what geologists call a pocket beach. These are common along the Pacific coast. They lie between two headlands, and they are locations where sand has accumulated in the quiet protected zone between those headlands. This painting is called “The Golden Gate” and it is dated back to 1900, very late in Bierstadt’s career. Look at the curvature of the beach which is matched by the approaching waves. There is a dynamic here that explains the origins of the beach. The sand of this pocket beach has been traveling along the coast until reaching that protected area. There it came to rest and would probably never be picked up and carried away. The rocky headland is truly scenic. All of this makes for a picturesque image and Bierstadt was all about painting such images.

                                                                                  

                                                                                                

So, what does all this have to do with our Mountain Eagle columns? Not much, you would think. But lately we have been writing about the Willows, a Dutch farmhouse along the Hudson River and that is a long way from the Pacific coast, isn’t it? Well, now take a look at our second picture. Yep, that’s a pocket beach and it lies on Willows property just a little north from where we were last week. We know, we know; this is not even a remote match for what Bierstadt painted. We were there for at least a half hour, and we didn’t see a single seal! There are no rocky headlands there either. And there was only a little sand. Instead, this beach had to be content with accumulating some of the sediment and vegetation that is carried down the river.  But this isn’t physics, geologists get to be relatively free and loose in identifying landscape features and we feel that this is just what we say it is – a pocket beach. And that gives you still another thing to watch for – when you are hiking along a coastline out there somewhere or visiting an art gallery.

Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.net. Join their facebook page “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.”

 

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A Conversation about … My Disappointed Nose

By Jean Thomas

I've been complaining about the frequency of the rain lately. As the year progresses I'll be complaining about the heat and/or the drought. That's what weather's for, and I appreciate it. But this year I came across a problem that I never had to complain about before. My disappointed nose.                                                             Now, my nose participates fully in all my seasonal adventures. It clogs from pollen, itches from dust, and gets runny in the cold weather. It stuffs up when I mow the lawn, but it has never refused to notice aromas... until now. This is the first year I missed the lilac season. Usually a stream of scent flows around the house from the strategically planted bushes and smells like honey tastes. It draws my attention, and I collect my shears and vases and bring as many blooms inside as I can carry, so I can savor the treat as long as possible. But this year, there may have been smells transmitted, but the rain evidently damped them down. I resigned myself to a long wait for next year, and planned to enjoy the billowing crowds of Japanese honeysuckle showing up everywhere. Their scent is like an attack of sweetness to the nose. Nope, not this year. If it wasn't raining it was misting and the air was apparently too wet to carry the scent molecules far enough. The leaves and the blossoms were beautiful spattered with glistening moisture and beaded with droplets, but no go for the nose's pleasure. Even when I stuck my nose into a cluster of blooms there was no satisfaction. I worried what effect the curtailment of smells might have on pollination and production. If the pollinators who were drawn by the smell didn't get the message, what would happen...or not? Unfortunately I was too cranky with disappointment to research like I usually do, so it will remain a mystery for now.                                                                  And another thing! Is there a special rule for petroleum exhausts? When I take my soggy morning walks, I can smell the exhaust from every diesel engine for miles around... or so it seems. That also makes me and my nose cranky. I drove past a dairy farm where they were decorating the fields the other day. Manure's pungent flavor is also immune to the effects of rain. And there isn't space to discuss my neighbor's stupid dog and his stupid attraction to skunks... that stench also not influenced by moisture in the air.                                                                                                                                       I am determined to shake off the disappointment. The next pretty smells are due soon. The Multiflora roses that infest pastures and roadsides are up next. I hate their behavior because they're bullies and crowd out native plants, plus they have a vicious habit of latching onto your skin when you walk past. But oh my goodness do they smell good. In a normal year. We'll see.                                                       It can't rain forever, can it? There are still the sweet smelling Dame's Rocket that look like forests of purple Phlox in the woods and roadsides, and the roses and the peonies and the lilies each perfuming the air in sequence, followed by the milkweed and the valerian and the hyssop. Surely it can't rain on all of them. Time will smell, er, tell. 

 

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The Deli Has Opened In Roxbury's Good Grocer

Owner Andrew Williams inside the Good Grocer just before opening back in 2023.

The new deli section of the Good Grocer in Roxbury.

By Mary A. Crisafulli

ROXBURY—In the little town of Roxbury, two entrepreneurs opened the first grocery store in town since the 80s, roughly two years ago. The shop has come a long way since Andrew Williams and Peter Ginger opened Good Grocer at 53525 State Highway 30. On April 21, the duo welcomed the addition of a deli, something Williams had mentioned wanting back in 2023.

"To be honest, we hesitated to call it a deli at all, since the term has many definitions," he explained. The Good Grocer Deli offers prepared foods and charcuterie. The menu ranges from potato salad and mac-and-cheese to roast beef sandwiches and kielbasa peppers and onions. "We know there is a market for packaged meals, including sandwiches but also dishes like lasagne, beef and lamb meatballs, chicken parmigiana, and salmon," said Williams, "Until we opened this hasn't been an option in town for decades."

Williams further explained that everything is made in-house to ensure quality. "Rather than having a thousand options of sandwiches and sides that come pre-made from a supplier, we'd rather provide quality food at a good price made here by Roxbury cooks," he said.

Williams noted the reception has been fantastic, with people coming in for a simple sandwich and grabbing other items for dinner too.

In addition to the deli, Williams enthusiastically shared new offerings, including newspapers, ice, and more bread options. "We are investing more in our space and listening closely to our customers' requests," he explained.

Personally, it's just nice to tell my partner, Michael, to stop at the grocery store on the way home from work because I forgot the onion, or we ran out of milk. Now I can also say, I forgot to make dinner!

The duo said they are committed to providing honest and fair prices. "There are no loss leaders, points systems, or hidden fees that make some items unusually cheap and others expensive," Williams explained, "Our markups are just enough to make the items affordable and our business sustainable."

This is a refreshing note as I recently walked into a new grocery store while out of town and immediately felt overwhelmed. There were several "deals" or varying prices and many markups if not a "rewards member."

"The town and its people deserve quality products, fair prices, and to be treated well as customers and often friends," said Williams when asked about how it feels to run a general store, "Peter and I genuinely enjoy what we do, and our staff will always make you feel welcome."

Williams and Ginger have hand-picked each item on store shelves. "We don't carry ten brands of peanut butter; we carry one classic and one specialty brand," said Williams, "Ask us; we can tell you about anything we carry from our standpoint as cooks and consumers."

The Deli is open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. Store hours are Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday open until 8 p.m. For more information on the store, visit goodgrocerny.com or find them on social media @goodgrocerny.

 

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School Budget & Election Results Are In = Margaretville Central School District

The budget of $13,847,194 passed with 198 yes votes and 59 no votes.

Proposition two, authorizing the purchase of a handicap-accessible bus and one hybrid transportation van using a bond, costing not more than $215,000, passed. The second proposition passed with 181 voting yes and 77 voting against it.

Superintendent Michelle Osterhoudt announced the discovery of an error in the school board of education ballots. "The law requires us to post the results, but we do have concerns about the validity of those results," she writes, "Please know we are actively looking into the issue and working with legal council to rectify the situation."

Osterhoudt did not respond to email requests for further details on the potential error by press time.

The results declare incumbents Kent Brown, with 155 votes, and Andrea Cahill, with 128 votes, elected to the three-year seats. Challengers Jennifer Amundsen received 99 votes, and Chery Roberts received 118.

Roxbury Central School District

The budget of $11,454,238 passed with 118 yes votes and 31 no.

Proposition two, authorizing the purchase of a bus for a maximum of $175,000, passed with 127 yes votes and 31 no votes.

Edward Fersch was reelected to the school board of education for a five-year term with 137 votes.

Delaware Academy Central School District

The budget of $23,093,729 passed with 181 voting yes and 38 voting no.

Proposition two, authorizing a new bus lease, passed with 184 yes and 33 no votes. The lease includes nine vehicles. Proposition three, to develop capital reserve funds of $500,000 for technology, passed 181 to 35. Proposition four, developing capital reserves of $500,000 for buildings, grounds, and transportation, passed 184 to 35. Proposition five, to develop another capital reserve of $5 million to be used over ten years for various repairs or equipment needs, also passed 183 to 35.

All three incumbents running unopposed were elected to the school board of education. Seth Haight received 175 votes, Sean Leddy received 188, and Lucy Kelly received 188. There were three write-in votes.

 

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Shandaken Planning Board Approves Verizon Tower, Advances Hotel and Historic Site Projects - Wellington Project Takes Step Forward

STAFF REPORT 

SHANDAKEN – The Shandaken Planning Board approved a special use permit for a Verizon cell tower on Mount Temper and advanced proposals for a new hotel in Phoenicia and the Wellington Blueberry historic site at its May 14 meeting.

Verizon Wireless received approval for its Mount Temper cell tower after discussion regarding coverage needs and potential overlap with a future tower in Phoenicia. Representatives for Verizon argued both sites were necessary to provide adequate service in the mountainous region, presenting maps indicating the Mount Temper tower would primarily benefit Shandaken. The board also issued a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR), finding no significant environmental impact, after reviewing the Environmental Assessment Form. Conditions from Ulster County include obtaining an access permit and painting the tower to blend with surroundings. A resident raised concerns about unauthorized road construction near the proposed tower site, which Verizon representatives stated was unrelated to their project.

A public hearing was held for an application by Wright Architects PLLC on behalf of 54 Main Street, New York LLC, to open a nine-room hotel on the second floor of the existing structure at 54 Main Street in Phoenicia, which historically operated as a hotel. Plans include freshening up the existing restaurant and bar on the ground floor and implementing all-electric heating and cooling, with utilities to be removed from the basement due to its location in a flood zone. Discussions touched upon signage compliance, fire separation, and accessibility. The public hearing will remain open pending comments from Ulster County.

For the Wellington Blueberry LLC historic preservation project, the board approved a negative declaration under SEQR. This determination allows the applicant to proceed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for necessary variances. A representative for the project noted its recent recognition by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's 11 most endangered historic places. A public hearing for the site plan review before the Planning Board is tentatively scheduled for July 9.

The board also addressed the Perpetual Space LLC proposal for an event space. Following public concerns and a letter from an attorney representing residents, the board voted to reclassify the project from a Type II to an Unlisted action under SEQR. It also moved to initiate a coordinated review with the Planning Board serving as the lead agency. A nearby resident voiced significant concerns about potential noise, traffic, and the impact on her property and the residential character of the neighborhood.

In other business:

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved with a minor correction.

• The board discussed the status of the Belleayre Plaza project, with members expressing concerns about the slow progress despite a recent building permit renewal. A board member will reach out to the owner for an update.

• The board voted to recommend to the Shandaken Town Board the creation of an alternate planning board member position.

• An update on the town's comprehensive plan indicated that a consultant is processing community input, with drafts not yet ready for board review.

 

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To Sole Assess Or Elect: Middletown Debates - Public Hearing & Informational June 11

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MIDDLETOWN - With a recent resignation and a lack of interest in becoming an assessor, the Middletown Town Board is considering switching to a Sole Assessor. Municipalities can appoint one sole assessor or hold an election with three seats. Dennis Metnick, assessment review board member, provided the pros and cons of switching from the elected assessment department on May 14.

According to Metnick, the board has little choice after accepting Tax Assessor Joseph Todd's resignation effective April 30th. The town is left with Assessor and Clerk MegAnne Balcom, and Assessor Kenneth Taylor, whose terms end in December 2027. It is illegal to have fewer than three assessors if using an election process, said Metnick. With no parties on the ballot for this year's election, the town must adjust.

Supervisor Glen Faulkner believes Taylor or Balcom will take the role if the board decides to switch to a sole assessor. The other assessor can continue as clerk and assistant assessor.

Through research, Faulkner and Metnick found Middletown to be the only town in the surrounding area still using an election process. Many towns use a sole assessor, who is shared between many municipalities. After speaking with assessors from Roxbury and Walton, Metnick concluded that the process is more efficient and cheaper with a sole assessor.

The board is also considering conducting a revaluation. The last revaluation was conducted in 2011, and the current equalization rate is 62%. A revaluation is the reappraisal of all real property in the tax district according to its full and fair value.

"People are often afraid of a revaluation because they are afraid their taxes will go up," said Metnick, "Most stay the same."

Faulkner suggested getting the sole assessor in place before performing a revaluation, setting the timeline to 2027. A sole assessor is appointed for a six-year term.

The board would like public input before deciding on a sole assessor. A public hearing and informational session are scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m., before the regular monthly meeting.

In other business, the board agreed to move forward with an engineering study on the feasibility of connecting the Arkville and Margaretville water districts along NYS Route 28. A quote from Lamont Engineering came in for $25,000 to adjust a previously conducted study, which left the corridor as an emergency-only hook-up. The O'Connor Foundation provided $15,000 for the study, and the Council agreed to pay the remaining $10,000 from unallocated reserves.

Faulkner has asked the Village of Margaretville to consider providing funds. If feasible, the project would provide some resiliency to the two districts through additional users, he said.

Middletown and Margaretville are collaborating with RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Program) on funding opportunities to connect the two districts.

While noting $10,000 on a study seems extreme, Councilmember Robin Williams said it is a gateway to other funding opportunities.

In other news:

The town requests emails from anyone interested in signing up for the municipal and emergency alert system.

An RFP was published to solicit the mowing of the town cemeteries twice more this year and three times for the next two years. The RFP is due June 6.

Williams is exploring revisiting the request for a crosswalk near Mornings cafe. To move forward, Williams needs to collect data on traffic during busy times. Williams is going to seek help from the Thriving Communities Committee.

Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Code Officer Hiram Davis effective July 11.

There will be no workshop meetings for June, July, and August.

 

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County Board Approves New Walmart PILOT Agreement Despite Reservations

By Chris English

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — When the dust cleared, it seemed like this was kind of a lesser-of-evils decision from the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors.

Accept a deal paying less than half of full property taxes, or risk the possible loss of hundreds of jobs. The BOS chose the former at its Friday, May 16 meeting and voted overwhelmingly to approve a new 10-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Walmart for the company's huge distribution center in Sharon Springs. The new deal had already been green lighted by the other three entities that are part of it: the Village of Sharon Springs, Town of Sharon and the Sharon Springs Central School District.

Before the county vote, there was a lengthy discussion about whether the county might be getting a raw deal on PILOT agreements for the 217-acre, 1.42 million square-foot DC just off Route 20 that opened in 1994.

The new 10-year PILOT that will kick in soon increases the total annual payment split up among the four entities by 18 percent, from $975,000 to $1.15 million, said Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Jim Halios. He negotiated the new agreement with Walmart on behalf of the county, town, village and school district.

However, it was pointed out at the meeting that the $1.15 million is still less than half the $2.8 million Walmart would be paying in annual property taxes under the full assessment of the property. Under the new PILOT deal, the school district will get $552,000 a year over the next 10 years, the county and town $201,250 and the village $195,500.

"We now have a 30-year PILOT in place, and I believe that's unprecedented in the county and possibly in the state," Supervisor Ben Oevering of Schoharie said before the vote. "I'm very sensitive to the amount of jobs and that's something we need to maintain, but we also need to look at the big picture."

Walmart has 400 full-time employees at the Sharon Springs Distribution Center and 120 more seasonal employees, Halios pointed out.

"We represent county taxpayers, there has to be a middle ground," Oevering continued. "It seems like we're setting a precedent for other manufacturers to come in and get PILOTs for this long."

He and Supervisor Earlin Rosa both urged tabling the matter until more study could be done.

"I agree with Ben wholeheartedly," added Supervisor Donald Airey of Blenheim. "The numbers have to be better, we have to find a better compromise with Walmart."

Supervisor Harold Vroman of Summit noted that the tax breaks that come with PILOT agreements are meant to be temporary measures designed to get a company started and well established at a site, not a permanent arrangement.

"I get Ben's point, it's very valid," said Halios. "One of our main things to consider, however, was maintaining the jobs there, though I know there has to be a balance."

He pointed out that Walmart officials could decide to close the Sharon Springs center and open one in another county if pressed for more on PILOTs or told they had to start paying full property taxes.

Halios said he started talks with Walmart asking for a 50 percent increase in PILOT payments, and the company opening with 5 and 10 percent. He added that 18 percent was arrived at after much negotiation and that representatives from the four entities were updated and kept abreast of talks as they went along.

"That's a lot of employees to jeopardize," said BOS Chairman Bill Federice of considering a no vote on the new deal.

"I know the village depends on them a great deal," said Supervisor Sandra Manko of Sharon. "I've seen Walmart pick up and move to other states."

In the end, a vast majority of Supervisors saw more positive than negative in voting yes. Airey and Oevering were among only three Supervisors who voted against the new agreement.

In other actions from the May 16 meeting, Halios presented the county IDA's annual report and updated the BOS on the agency's various efforts on bringing new business to the county and other matters. He is leaving the IDA in early June to take a similar job closer to where he lives in the Schenectady area and said the IDA's Board of Directors will select a new executive director in the fairly-near future.

 

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Esperance Forming Comprehensive Plan Committee

Town Board Councilmembers Michael Keller, a seat saved for Benjamin Gigandet (who was not in attendance), Harold Conklin, Barbara Sharpe, and Town Supervisor Earl Van Wormer III.

By Heather Skinner

ESPERANCE-Esperance Town Council members and community members drove through heavy rain for this month’s regular Town Board Meeting. Members in attendance were Michael Keller, Harold Conklin, Barbara Sharpe, Town Supervisor Earl VanWormer III, Deputy Supervisor Brian D. Largeteau, and Town Clerk Jessica Castle.

After the Pledge of Allegiance was Privilege of the Floor, during which a community member showed interest in local laws. In response to #1 Real Tax Law 487 on the Schoharie County website showing as Schoharie instead of Esperance, The Board and Town Clerk recalled making that correction; VanWormer asked Castle to send another copy to the county requesting the change be reflected on their website.

VanWormer’s Supervisor Report broke down the Town Budget Balance Sheet. General Fund has $279,057 in assets and they’ve taken in about 79.8% of the revenue, which VanWormer explained is really good for only being a little over a third into the year. Expenditures at about 35.2% of the budget VanWormer noted isn’t too far from where it should be. They anticipated the usual lag in revenue taken in for the Town Outside Village Fund from state reimbursements and quarterly sales tax, and are confident all anticipated revenue for that will come in. VanWormer assured the budget will allow for more than enough money to cover expenditures saying, “The thing you’ve got to count on is you can never count on everything being exact. Sometimes you anticipate things and by the end of the year things happen and you need additional revenue. So, we’ve got to make sure we have enough in there because, primarily, our revenue comes from NYS, federal funds, or taxes. A little bit from interest and that kind of stuff, but we’ve gotta make sure it’s adequate because we don’t want to have to borrow.” 52.7% spent of the Highway Snow Removal Account is all they will spend until October, recounting Novembers have had some really bad snow situations in past years. December expenditures will carry over into January because of the fiscal year. Highway Outside the Village Fund for road maintenance, repair, paving, sealing roads, ditches, culvert, etc., has taken in about 45% revenue; more will come in from interest and the CHIPS Highway Improvement Program that reimburses work. It was explained that the Trust & Agency Account is past due accounts collected for rents, sewer, water, fire districts, lights, etc. 

Despite there being individual boards, budgets, and representatives, it’s easiest to collect under one budget and issue reimbursements, and all that revenue has been taken in. Sloansville doesn’t have its own light district board; payout on that is monthly, and VanWormer said they’re on par with where they should be at 33.7% spent so far, and adjustments can be made as needed. Motion to approve the Supervisor’s Report was carried.

In the Town Clerk/Town Tax Collector Report, Castle cited $10 in marriage transcripts, $12,050 in refuse tickets, $66 in dog licensing, $806.50 for building permits, $9 to NYS Agriculture and Markets for the Spay and Neuter program with a total state, county, and local revenue of $2,151.50. Castle plans to settle taxes on June 3rd with the County Treasurer. Motion to approve the Town Clerk’s Report carried.

Highway Superintendent, Michelle Brust, updated that road inspections are done and clearing of blocked culverts has been in progress. Repairs approved last month for a soft spot at the end of Lape Road have been completed, but Conklin expressed concerns about the work. Brust had already observed the issues, and culvert repairs will be done for free. Concklin would like to see the bill for that job, and for future jobs, broken down by material and time. Brust supplied a packet to the Board titled, 2025 Town of Esperance Road Review and Plans, of everything found during inspections that need work this year or next. Regan Road, Vanderwerken, Tater Barn, Cripplebush, Pleasantview, and Lape Road are some in need of maintenance with cold mix paving, chipseals, etc. Work is currently in progress at the Transfer Site. A motion was made by Keller to cover some of that road work up to $72,505. It carried, and quotes will be confirmed in hopes less will be required. A grabber is needed for garbage clean-ups from dumpster items getting scattered by animals and wind. Brust will be purchasing that, then reimbursed. Online access to OpenBook NY and CHIPs is now available to view money given to Esperance in breakdowns by the year. 

From the Assessor and Youth update, a Board of Assessment Review Meeting is scheduled for June 6th from 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM.

The Town Board Meeting Minutes of April 17, 2025 up for approval carried.

In Old Business, the RV Camping Regulation will be discussed with Esperance Town Attorney, Michael West, at the June Meeting. VanWormer will be forming a Comprehensive Plan Committee of 5-7 volunteers to work on a plan before zoning regulations get designed. VanWormer added this doesn’t mean there will be any changes to regulations, it’s just recommended the comprehensive plan is looked at every 5 years.

New Business was an opportunity for The Board to appoint Mark VanDerwerken, who is now an official employee of the Town, to continue lawn care. It was noted he does a good job, and the motion carried. 

Approval of monthly vouchers by Town Board was carried.

In Other Business, a community member asked about fiber optics that will be installed near his house by MIDTEL. VanWormer explained there are people in Schoharie County who are not able to get internet at all or are underserved with limited internet options. The installation will offer the whole county a high-speed internet access option, which is being made possible with grant money. 

Meeting adjourned with a motion to go into an Executive Session to talk about contracts.

Esperance Town Board Meetings are every 3rd Thursday of the month; 7:00 PM at the Town Hall, located at 104 Charleston Street. Village Meetings are every 2nd Monday at the Village Hall at 7:00 PM.

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Memorial Day in Sharon

By Alexis Pencar

This upcoming Memorial Day, Monday May 26th, 2025 at 11:00 AM, join the Sharon Springs community for a Ceremony and short Parade in front of Sharon Springs Central School. Help recognize this vital day of remembrance with our annual ceremony and parade hosted by The American Legion (Post 1269).

The parade line up is at 10:45 AM and there is an open invitation to groups, organizations, and/ or teams that would like to participate! There will be a guest speaker for this Ceremony too. Civil War Reenactors will perform the emotionally-stirring, “The Salute to the Dead”, which is traditional for this event in front of these significant monuments.

The SSCS Band will be in the parade around the school grounds and they plan to play patriotic themes like the National Anthem, making for an honorable ceremony. The Color Guard will be there to honor the flag and there will be wreaths placed on the memorials in front of SSCS. A member of the band will also play the stirring and significant Taps.

Don’t forget that Memorial Day is an essential and solemn day of remembrance that has been observed in the United States since the end of the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, the official holiday was established to honor those brave soldiers who gave their lives in service to the United States of America. Their sacrifice has helped, and continues to, preserve the freedoms and way of life that we enjoy today. It is also an opportunity to honor the families of those who have lost loved ones in service to our country. 

If you are unable to attend a Memorial Day parade this year, please participate in the National Moment of Silence at 3:00 PM on 5/26, ensuring that the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes are never forgotten

For more information or questions please contact Commander Paul Todd of Sharon Springs American Legion, Post 1269 at (518) 649-0024.

 

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