Fundraiser at the Track

Middleburgh, Schoharie, Prattsville, and Schenectady were invited to the Saratoga Raceway for the NY Racing Association to donate $5000 for flood victims while accepting donations from patrons. Mayor Avitabile and Deputy Mayor Gruning were there for the honors on August 31st.

Middleburgh Celebrates 300 Years

Middleburgh's 300th celebration from August 4-6 was a success, garnering hundreds of onlookers and many exhibits for visitors. Some photos from the weekend. (Photo credit Sheila Donegan)

Storm Aid helped raise money for flood victims

On former Mayor Wilkens' lawn

The beard competition

Civil War band

Main Street

Assemblyman Lopez's speech

Village Board

Middleburgh Challenges Agencies on Irene

The Village of Middleburgh believes that there need to be answers from some New York State and City agencies over their role before and during last year's flooding. Letters have been sent to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection that runs the Gilboa Dam, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and the NYS Power Authority. The letters ask if proper procedure had been followed and if there were plans in motion that could prevent another disaster from occurring.

"We owe this to the volunteers and flood victims," said Mayor Avitabile. "Their efforts have brought us back-- we need to make sure that the same is being given from these larger agencies." In particular, Middleburgh wants to find out if procedure had been followed by the Power Authority when it allegedly let water out of its earthen dam in Blenheim.

The letter in part reads, "Middleburgh and its surrounding communities request that your organization review flood and emergency protocol to ensure that future events do not approach the level of damage of Irene and Lee."

"I hope that this is a precedent for the other municipalities and the County to follow," the Mayor said.

Charities Well Represented at 300th

A series of charities brought their message of giving to both the 300th Anniversary and Arts and Crafts festivals in Middleburgh. Storm Aid 2011 has been raising thousands of dollars for affected residents of four Upstate counties since Irene and was represented by various members.

So was Fields of Grace Outreach, which has helped many lives with its Rooms of Hope program. Also represented was Project Hope.

The celebrations were a success and a testament to how far Middleburgh has come in the last year.

August Village Board Meeting

August has gotten off to a great start in Middleburgh. The 300th Anniversary celebration was well attended, including guests Peter Lopez, Jim Seward, Chris Gibson, Paul Tonko, and State Historian Bob Wiebel. The Village held its meeting on Monday August 6th. The Village Board expressed interest in placing a stop sign coming down MT Path at the junction of Union Street. The Village would like to remind residents not to park in no-parking zones along Chestnut Lane and Wells Avenue and to slow for children at play. The Village Business Association also held a successful meeting in July to shape a charter. The Village is nearly done with the Creekside Park project, which was originally slated to be completed by 2004. The Board also agreed to send letters to New York State and New York City agencies pressing them to revise their flood plans, especially as pertaining to the Power Authority and Gilboa Dam. There was discussion on how to attract a grocery store, with Mayor Avitabile stating that he had reached out to various parties about it and a pharmacy.

Successful Arts and Crafts Festival

Middleburgh had another successful Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, July 28th. Dozens of crafters, charities, and vendors were represented at the well-trafficked event. Below are some pictures shared with us from the Flying Song Garden:

All eyes are on the 300th Anniversary celebration this weekend, August 3, 4, and 5.