Valley Tax & Accounting Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Mayor Avitabile and Francis Pipczynski share the ribbon cutting as the Valley Tax & Accounting office opens, December 4th, 2013, at 296 Main Street in Middleburgh.  From left to right, looking on, are Brooke Millington from the Schenectady office, village trustee Bob Tinker, and Justin Behan of Green Wolf Brewing Co.

Accounting Office Opens on Main Street

Valley Tax and Accounting opened at 296 Main Street earlier today. Responding to outreach from the Mayor's office asking for an accounting office, owner Francis Pipczynski made the decision to open on Main Street.

"We are pleased to be here and be part of the rebuilding process after such widespread devastation. What has so impressed us so much is that after what seemed like a knock out punch, the residents and business owners did and continue to do whatever is necessary to get back on their feet." Mr. Pipczynski said.

The new business can be reached at 827-3311 or on its website and is available for all sorts of personal and business accounting needs, and more.

Members of the Village Board and Business Association were on hand for the ribbon cutting. Mr. Pipczynski is eager to start serving the community. "I read once that in life you need to 'Dream it, Conceive it, Believe it, and Achieve it' - our vision here is to deliver comprehensive and professional tax, accounting, and additional services to the residents and business owners that they need and value," he said.

Brewery Seeing Steady Progress

From Green Wolf Brewery's newsletter:

Middleburgh's first microbrewery is getting closer to opening it's doors to the public.  We have come a long way, but still have much work to do before the brewery and taproom are bustling.

Here are some of the milestones we've already passed:

• Approval of our Federal Brewer's Notice & New York State Farm Brewery License.
• Successfully achieved our fund-raising goals.
• Found appropriate insurance coverage.
• Approval from local zoning and planning boards.
• Acquired all major brewing equipment.
• Begun to hoard various appliances, tools, furniture, and other accoutrements.
• Finalized the first seven beer styles to be brewed.
• Developed company logo & label designs.

The remaining hurdle is to get the space on Main Street finished.  The basic refit (sheet rock, finished ceilings, installing the bathrooms, rebuilding the front entrance, installing the dumb waiter, etc.) should be finished by the end of the year, with finishing work (hooking up the brewing equipment, building the bar, lighting, etc.) to be done in January.  

Hopefully we're brewing beer in February for an opening in March.  Or at least, that is the plan.  Look for a grand opening announcement some time after the new year.

The local support over this last year and a half has been inspiring, to say the least. It is heartening to be a part of such a special village and county.

Santa Coming to National Bank of Coxsackie

Santa is coming to National Bank of Coxsackie on December 19th from 3 pm to 5 pm. Stop in and get your picture taken free with Santa. All kids receive a candy cane and a special gift!

Veteran's Day 2013

Last month, during the Harvest Festival and Parade, these two men were enjoying the day in Middleburgh and they posed for this photo.  Combat Vets Association.  On their jackets, one says Iraq and the other says Afghanistan.  To all who serve our country, we owe you a debt of gratitude, and honor you on Veteran's Day.  Thank you.

The Deer Mural artist Patti Brancoforte receives grant check

The Deer Mural and sign welcoming people to Middleburgh, on the side of the Ross offices, was the site of the presentation on Saturday, October 12th, 2013, of a grant funds check to the artist, Patti Brancoforte.  Seen in this image are Bill Morton, village trustee who headed up this project, Nicole Nazi and Debra Mickel of the Nat'l Bank of Coxsackie, the artist Patti Brancoforte, and Mayor Matt Avitabile.  The presentation followed the Harvest Festival parade through the village.

Community Sign Rehabbed

Middleburgh has continued its revitalization program with a total rehab of its community events sign along Main Street near the bridge. Special thanks to Highway Superintendent Dale Nunamann, Dennis Wohlfarth, and Melanie Laraway for making this possible. This includes lighting to make the sign readable 24 hours a day.

Middleburgh Welcomes Architect, Engineer

Middleburgh celebrated several big events on Saturday-- its annual Fall Harvest Festival brought hundreds, there was a dedication service for the deer mural on Main Street, and the welcoming of a new business on Railroad Avenue. Stony Creek Architecture and Hudson River Valley Engineers opened their doors last week and held a ribbon cutting today.

Laraway's Class Cleans Cemetery

Wes Laraway's Schoharie County History Class did another public service, cleaning the "Negro" portion of the Middleburgh Cemetery. The annual event did wonders and was followed by a tour of the cemetery and food provided by the Middleburgh Historical Society.

Students at the Red Maple Farm after the event

Volunteers Aid in Five Projects

With special help from the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity from SUNY Oneonta, five flood related projects were completed around town earlier today. This is Middleburgh's third volunteer day since last year.

Neighbors Eating Together Schedule

Rotation for 2013-2014 Season

- 1st Wednesday of month: Reformed Church
- 2nd Wednesday of month: Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
- 3rd Wednesday of month: Middleburgh Methodist Church
- 4th Wednesday of month: St. Mark's Lutheran Church
- 5th Wednesday of month: Community pot luck

Dinners are from 5:00pm to 6:30 pm.

Neighbors Eating Together Dinners Start Season

After last year's successful program, the Neighbors Eating Together series started again tonight at the Dutch Reformed Church to a large crowd of about 50.

Volunteer Day Set for October 6th

Mark your calendars. Middleburgh's holding its next volunteer day on Saturday, October 5th starting around 11am. If you would like to volunteer your time or have a project that could use a few hands, email me at avitmw@gmail.com. Special thanks to the volunteers that have made this happen!

Volunteer Celebration for Middleburgh October 19th

Saturday, October 19th at 1:00p.m., the public is invited to a "Restoration Celebration" honoring the volunteers whose efforts have helped rebuild and renew the community. There is work still in process, but much to celebrate. Carol Coltrain, coordinator of volunteers shares that since the devastation of 2011, she has logged in 3,405 volunteers for a total of 25, 735 hours. "And these figures only begin to scratch the surface compared to the number of hours and volunteers both within the community and from elsewhere who have given of themselves, and have not registered their service." All involved in the planned Oct. 19 event feel it is time to celebrate how far the community has come since 2011, and that the best way to do that is to thank the volunteers responsible..

Middleburgh's Business Community Reaches Pre-Flood Level

The Village of Middleburgh has reached a major milestone in its recovery. Two years ago Hurricane Irene smashed much of Middleburgh's business district, leaving six merchants out of business.

Facing this crisis, the Village launched its ambitious business recovery program in April 2012 and is now seeing results. The initiative freed up projects in varying states of decay, including the recent closeout of the almost $200,000 NYS Main Street Grant and over $50,000 in zero percent loans. The project also created the Middleburgh Area Business Association and new events.

Now a year and a half into the program, a major milestone. Middleburgh has seen the number of businesses in the Village equal that of before Hurricane Irene. The news comes as the accounting services of Valley Tax and Accounting announced their opening on Main Street later this year. The owner, Francis Pipczynski, has been in negotiations with the Mayor's office for four months to replace the Joseph Muniz accounting services lost in the flood.

There are still other needs in the community, including a grocery store. Still, it is a large step in the right direction.

Village Closes Out Major Grant

Last Saturday, the Village closed out a major project to repair flood damage and get our business community back on its feet. Last year the new Village Board found five underdeveloped grant programs-- four of which were on the verge of expiration. One of the largest was the NYS Main Street Grant program. The grant was slated for a 2008 completion but was hardly touched until last year. Without the rescue, we would have lost the entirety of the remaining money.

Due to our efforts we've been able to rescue almost all of the money for our businesses and the character of the Village. On the business side, we've provided about $150,000 in grants to over a dozen businesses. Most of this money was used to fix or finance flood repairs.

 On the other hand, over $22,000 was used on various streetscape projects to make our Village really bloom. Included in the uses of the Main Street Grant are some great projects:

- The wildflower projects
- The Creekside Avenue Pavilion and picnic tables
- The visitor's kiosk in Creekside Park with quilt squares
- The Deer Mural and Welcome to Middleburgh murals on Dan Ross' building
- New signs for parks, the pool, and to welcome people into Middleburgh

 Special thanks to all of the businesses that helped make this happen!

Library Holding Candle Fundraiser

From the Library's Facebook page:

Middleburgh Library Yankee Candle Fundraiser...It's so easy to shop online! Go to yankeecandlefundraising.com Then enter our code: 990049646

Fundraising for Wildflower Project

With the Village's wildflower project being a great success we're going to expand the project for next year. This year we found grant funding that is not available again. We need any and all types of assistance to make the project even bigger and better for 2014.

Please contact if you would like to volunteer to do the following:

1. Donate to the wildflower fund. Half of the seeds planted are perennials, but the other half are annuals and will not come back next year. We'll need money for seed and for expansion. Please donate to:

Village of Middleburgh Wildflower Fund
c/o Bill Morton
PO Box 789
Middleburgh NY 12122

All donations are tax deductible.

2. Donate your time in helping plant the flowers next year-- especially if you have a rototiller or would like to water.

3. Have visible land within the Village that you would like to add to the project. We haven't decided how to do this exactly-- we may ask for half the costs of the wildflowers if placed on private property.

Let's work together to make this happen! Message me on facebook, email or call Trustee Morton at 827-4343 or wbmort911@gmail.com.

Historical Society Holds Dinner at Pavilion

The Middleburgh Historical Society held a dinner at the Baker Avenue Pavilion on Tuesday. The event at 6pm drew in nearly twenty people. Trustee Bill Morton, the prime mover behind the pavilion project explained how the project was completed and spoke of his wildflower projects.

Hardware Store Holding 125th Anniversary Celebration

The Middleburgh Hardware store is holding its 125th anniversary celebration on Saturday, August 24th between 2-7pm. All are invited for food and to share in the history of this dynamic business!

Storm Aid Holding Chicken BBQ

The storm recovery Storm Aid, which has been involved in Middleburgh's recovery since Irene is holding a chicken barbecue on Saturday, August 17th. It is being catered by Ten Pin Catering from Middleburgh. From their website:

12-4pm Saturday August 17th at Bellevue Builders in Rotterdam Junction we are selling BBQ chicken dinners for just $10! All are invited. Come and enjoy-- you can buy them and take them home.

Funds Needed for Timothy Murphy Park Project

By Trustee William B. Morton

The Village of Middleburgh has announced that it is establishing a waterfront park across the Schoharie Creek from the Village at the intersection of NYS Routes 145 and 30. The park will be designated as the Timothy Murphy Park. Route 30 from Esperance to the Delaware County line has been designated by the NYS Senate as the Timothy Murphy Trail. Later this year, the park will have a 20’ x 40’ pavilion which will be funded through fundraising activities being conducted by the Middleburgh Rotary in partnership with the Knights of Columbus. The new pavilion will replace the pavilion that was lost during the 2011 flood. The new pavilion will be higher in elevation than the earlier pavilion and will feature picnic tables and charcoal grills.

The park also will include a 5’ high x 2.5’ wide x 8 inch deep polished black granite monument with a bust of Timothy Murphy etched onto the stone. Timothy Murphy’s name will appear below the bust along with his date of birth and death. Underneath the dates will be the following inscriptions in descending order: “patriot, soldier, and farmer."

A portrait of Timothy Murphy will be used to create the bust. The portrait was recently completed by Jonathan Stasko, a local artist who specializes in historic renderings. As no portrait of Timothy Murphy existed, Mr. Stasko had to research the literature describing Murphy. Among other things, his rendering was influenced by a portrait of Peter Murphy who, according to the literature, bore a striking resemblance to Timothy, his father. Stasko’s work provides the most accurate rendering of Timothy Murphy to date. Mr. Stasko donated his time and expertise to the monument project.
A fundraising initiative is underway to fund the monument project. The goal of the project is to raise $6,000. The stone with etchings will cost $2,400. Installation costs will be upwards of $1,000. The balance, $2,600 will be used to construct a kiosk near the monument describing Timothy Murphy, his life in Schoharie Valley and his achievements as a Revolutionary War hero. The balance of the funds will be used for landscaping. The Landscape Architecture Department at SUNY Cobleskill is participating in the landscape design. To date, $2,800 has been raised according to Bill Morton, Village Trustee and Commissioner of Parks for the village.

According to Morton, there are four categories of tax deductible giving: The categories include “Patriot” $1,000 and over; “Soldier” $500 to $999; “Farmer” $100 to $499 and “Pioneer” $99 or less. Of the $2,800 raised to date, Morton says that donations have been received in all but the pioneer category. The names of individuals and organizations donating to the monument project will be placed permanently in the kiosk.

Another form of giving will be to purchase brick pavers. Individuals and organizations can have their names engraved on the pavers which will surround the monument. Both 4” x 8” and 8” x 8” granite and “fired” clay pavers will be available at a modest cost. Individuals and organizations making a donation in any of the top three categories of tax deductible giving can have an engraved paver at no expense. For further information, contact Bill Morton at 827-4343.

Successful Arts and Crafts Celebration

The Middleburgh Rotary held another successful Arts and Crafts Festival over the last weekend. The July 27th event attracted hundreds of visitors to the High School lawn and down Main Street. The event featured dozens of antiques dealers, the Flying Song Garden, and booths from the businesses. Trustee Bill Morton was selling brick pavers for his Timothy Murphy Park project. The Best House ran a popular watermelon eating contest.

Stream Progress Continuing

The culverts are still being cleaned out while the creek behind the old Library is now fully cleaned. Below are some pictures from the process.

Wildflowers Blooming

Trustee Morton's wildflower project is paying off all across the Village. Some examples near the bridge:

Scenes from Middleburgh Pride Day

Scenes from the July 6th community celebration.

Russian Orthodox Church Consecration Set for July 20-21st

The Mountain View Russian Orthodox Church is planning a grand opening for this weekend. Events take place on both Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st. The Church, formally, the Church of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia is located at the former Mountain View Manor old age home on Route 145 heading toward Cobleskill.

The schedule is:

Saturday:
3pm: Guest arrival and registration
6:30pm: All night vigil
9:30pm: Tea under the canopy

Sunday
8:30am: Great Blessing
10am: Liturgy
1pm: Lunch under the canopy
2:15pm and 2:30pm: Church tour in English
3pm: Concert and program

All are invited, especially those curious about Russian history and culture and the Orthodox faith.

Dealing with Reddit Today

If anyone is interested, I'll be taking part in questions and answer on the popular site Reddit. Drop me a line if there's a question you have about local government or Middleburgh's progress.

Village Acts on Flood Risk

The Village of Middleburgh's July meeting was shadowed by concern about June's flash flooding and the risk of future flooding. At the meeting, local residents voiced concern about problem areas. DPW Chief Dale Nunamann explained that his crew has been working to minimize future risk. The Village approved immediate action over the last week. Supervisor Buzon of the Town and Mayor Avitabile declared a preparatory state of emergency on Friday June 28th to enable cleaning of two of the problem streams. The Board also heard of a plan to repair the creek near the former MCS District Office. The plan was prepared by the Schoharie County Soil and Water District. The Village approved up to $50,000 for pressing flood debris removal. Deputy Mayor Dr. Thomas Gruning proposed a local law that would impose fines for dumping in the creeks within the Village. First offense would be a $1,000 fine. Subsequent violations would incur a $5,000 fine. Trustee Sheryl Adams thanked DPW Chief Dale Nunamann and his crew for outstanding work during the June 14th event. Nunamann thanked his crew and the Middleburgh Fire Department.

Lopez Begins Flood Mitigation Process

Assemblyman Peter Lopez organized the second in a planned series of flood mitigation meetings this morning. Starting at 9am, the meeting hosted representatives from local communities, Senator Seward's office, Congressman Gibson's office, DEC, NYDEP, the Army Corps of Engineers, Soil and Water, Planning, and others. The meeting was productive and there are plans in the work to improve stream cleanup and possible other work.

Art Classes at 105 Railroad Art Gallery

ART CLASSES -

Middleburgh Library Quilt Barn Square

Last Thursday morning, June 6th, Steve and Richard were outside in front of the Middleburgh Library, making a lot of noise.  They were putting up the latest of the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Squares.  The village already has a kiosk decorated with two small squares in the Timothy Murphy Park.  It seems to be a growing trend.

Announcing Middleburgh Pride Day July 6th

The Village of Middleburgh and Middleburgh Area Business Association is proud to present the first Middleburgh Pride Day on Saturday, July 6th starting at 11am. The event will showcase projects of the Village, Library, businesses, and other community organizations. All are welcome to take part in the celebration and we hope to see you there. Anyone interested in opening a booth please email me at avitmw@gmail.com. This schedule is subject to change (and expansion).

Current Itinerary:

11am - 1pm: Opening of Middleburgh's new or revamped park projects. Maps will be distributed showcasing the different projects. Visitors may come on the longer tour group or individually. The first stop will be the new community pavilion on Baker Avenue at 11am. We will hear from Trustee Morton and tour the Creekside Park. Stops include the Community Garden, the Pavilion, and the wildflower exhibit.

The next stop will be the two murals on Daniel Ross's law office on Main Street at 11:30. We will hear from artist Patti Brancoforte on the deer mural.

At 12:00 pm we will tour the new Timothy Murphy park across the bridge. Exhibits include the visitor's kiosk, new dog park, and Rotary and Knights of Columbus Pavilion rebuilt after the flood.

At 12:30 visitors will head to the Village Memorial Park near the Elementary School where Eagle Scout candidate Anthony Diecidue repaired the veteran's fountain.

Starting at noon the Library will hold an exhibit on Timothy Murphy and may host a presentation from the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail.

Along Main Street other attractions are planned. Four Star Realty will be hosting an children's events and will have its grand re-opening at 3pm. The businesses are planning their own open houses similar to Miracle on Main Street. There will be a Kymar Wine tasting at Value Village Liquors on Railroad Avenue. The Best House will be open to visitors.

The MCS Booster Club will be offering refreshments during the event and the Business Association will have a booth at NBT Bank and will be holding a scavenger hunt and 50/50. They will also be selling t-shirts. The Democratic Party will be holding a barbecue next to Stewart's. Middleburgh Lanes will offer $1 games from 11-2pm. Pasta and Grill will be holding specials all day.

Starting at 1pm will be various band acts, mostly consisting of folk music. Thanks to Pat Costello and Tom Gruning for helping set up the acts. These will last until 7 or 8pm.

- Cosby Gibson of the Flying Song Garden (http://www.theflyingsonggarden.org/). The Song Garden performed at last year's Arts and Crafts Festival.

- Palatypus: This is a folk group made up of Matt Durfee and Mike Poulopoulos. Matt is from Middleburgh originally and now resides in Albany. A songwriter for many years, Durfee's unique voice and intricate finger picking weave elements of country, folk, rock, and pop into a style all his own. He has performed regionally throughout the Northeast, both as a solo performer and as a member of the acoustic folk duo Palatypus; his full length album "Little World" is currently in production, and expected to be released within the year...http://www.facebook.com/l/AAQEKndRyAQHCs8Jdcn8YbF7oHx_UcOy1_PYrBdG47zPvtw/www.myspace.com/matt

- The Blackwell Sinners: This is a Family band who plays mostly Folk and is headed up by Courtney Blackwell and her husband. Singer/Songwriter, Courtney Blackwell, provides a soothing blend of balmy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. You can often find her in the local coffeehouse and folk circles. She also plays with her family band, the Blackwell Sinners.

- Sawyer Fredericks: Sawyer is a 14 year old singer and prolific songwriter, who learned his first guitar chords in the fall of 2010. Since then, he has written over 2 dozen complete songs, and countless “doodles,” as he calls them. He has a growing group of fans locally and online in the US, the UK, and Europe, with two of his original songs, “Not My Girl” and “Might Be Brighter,” reaching No. 1 and No. 2 on an independent Top 20 chart in England. Videos of his performances can be found on YouTube and on his musician Facebook page. He recently recorded (and copyrighted!) his first demo CD with six of his original songs. Copies will be made available at all performances this year.

- Black Mountain Symphony: Black Mountain Symphony showcases an eclectic range of influences, blended together to create their own special sound. From baroque classical violin and haunting folk-tinged ballads to punk-rock drums and hard-hitting dance numbers, the five-piece band sprinkles their live sets with hints of everything from classical music to bits of Motown, blues and jazz.http://www.facebook.com/l/sAQFx9odRAQHQrSko6JFhzI9AOFb9aEUZ4lcMFdECDqjUug/www.myspace.com/blackmountainsymphonywww.facebook.com/BlackMountainSymphony 

Spread the word!

Memorial Fountain Repaired

Village Trustee Bill Morton worked with the Boy Scouts to fix Middleburgh's Memorial Park fountain on upper Main Street. Much of the work was done as an Eagle Scout project by Anthony Diecidue. The fountain was flowing for Monday's Memorial Day service.

NET Dinners Done Until Fall

The Neighbors Eating Together dinners have ended their seasonal run. The dinners, hosted by the four churches in the Village, will begin rotating meals in the fall. Special thanks to the Catholic, Methodist, Dutch Reformed, and Lutheran churches for their cooperation, good food, and good times with the people of the community.

Flowers Up on Main Street

The Middleburgh Telephone Company has placed up flower baskets along Main and River Streets, complimenting the new flags put up by the Village. Special thanks to Marge Becker and the Telephone Company for this addition to the community.

Village Partnering for Grants, Economic Development

The Village of Middleburgh is exploring new options to kickstart economic recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene in 2011. Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery has been working with the Americorps VISTA program to provide local governments and organizations with one year volunteers that can assist with facilitating economic recovery at no cost.

Middleburgh's VISTA partner is Donald Osei-Owusu (518-813-1953), a native of Ghana and graduate from Union College. His degree in business has been very helpful since joining the staff at the Middleburgh Village office in August 2012. Donald has been researching local grants to facilitate economic expansion. Recent grant applications that he and Mayor Avitabile have completed recent grant applications for various projects, including for new water mains, new economic development, and flood preparation. He has helped craft many of the cultural projects that are taking shape around Middleburgh. Donald has been working with the newly re-formed Middleburgh Area Business Association on how to attract more businesses while strengthening those already in Middleburgh.


Donald has helped in Middleburgh's search for a grocery store and has worked on compiling a database of local business and available commercial space. He is also revising Middleburgh's overall economic plan while cataloging the needs of flood damaged businesses. He has also aided in plans to buy the Middleburgh Fire Department a new fire truck. He has assisted all of the Village officials and will be staying with the Village through the end of August 2013.

New Flags in Village

Village crews have been placing new flags around the Village of Middleburgh as part of its economic recovery program. Sprucing up the town are dozens of flags bought through the Main Street Block Grant, originally slated for a 2008 completion. This comes after the opening of the new murals and kiosk.

Neighbors Eating Together Dinner at Lutheran Church

This week's NET dinner will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Main Street this Thursday at 5:30pm. It will be a sloppy joe themed meal. All are invited.

Green Wolf Brewery, Middleburgh Featured on WNYT

The Village of Middleburgh was featured on WYNT tonight for its incoming business, Green Wolf Brewery. Both Justin Behan and myself were interviewed. Check it out here!

 

Village of Middleburgh Meeting Schedule

Village of Middleburgh Meeting Schedule
2013-2014
Normally First Monday Each Month

May 6
June 3 (Combined with Town)
July 1
August 5
September 9
October 7
November 4
December 2
January 6
February 3
March 3
March 10 (Budget Workshop)
March 17 (Budget Workshop)
April 7th (1st meeting 2014-2015)

Quilt Barn Trail Opening May 19th

The Schoharie County Quilt Barn Trail will be opening its exhibits this Sunday, May 19th. The Facebook group is here. Below is a notice from the site:

Middleburgh is hosting the visitors kiosk with two squares in the up and coming Timothy Murphy Park.

Register for Emergency Alerts

From the County Emergency Management Office:

Emergency Management REMINDS you to register your cell phone or Voice over Internet phone for emergency notifications.

REGISTER ONLINE AT:     www.schohariecounty-ny.gov/

Click on Emergency Notifications Registration

Laraway Leads Annual Cleanup

Wes Laraway and his Schoharie County History class held their annual cleanup of the Middleburgh Cemetery's "Colored Section." Spending several hours cleaning, the class then took a tour of the Cemetery and were provided lunch by Bunnie Bates and the Middleburgh Historical Society. I'd done this with the Schoharie County History class ten years ago and was a thrill to be invited back to say thanks to the class.

Village Assists New Businesses

The Village of Middleburgh is pleased to welcome Green Wolf Brewery into Main Street as part of the business development program. Owners Justin Behan and Chuck Manning's microbrewery will brew beer at a 62 gallon capacity each brew day. They will brew once or twice each week. Green Wolf was assisted by the Middleburgh Telephone Company, Middleburgh Area Business Association, and the Village of Middleburgh. The Village provided out of its zero percent loan program and a grant to help repair a flood damaged building. Mr. Behan wrote, "It is fantastic to see the outpouring of assistance from the village of Middleburgh." More information can be found greenwolfales.com. Green Wolf is planning a Fall 2013 opening.

 The Village also assisted Andrew Reightmyer in the opening of Andy's Tire and Alignment on Main Street. Mr. Reightmyer has opened in the former location of Den's Tire. His business is receiving the same loan program and grant. He is planning a grand opening later this year.

 These projects are part of the Village's wider economic recovery program, including over $170,000 in local business repairs through a Main Street Grant, $60,000 in zero percent loans (including those given here), $22,000 in beautification, and assistance from community groups. The grants process has been kickstarted in the last year and will be enough to finish the Theatre on Main Street later this year and the former Railway Depot on Maple Avenue.

Neighbors Eating Together at the Methodist Church

This Thursday at 5:30. Be there or be square. All invited.

New Murals Installed

Even more going on in the Village. Quilt squares are up on the kiosk and the pavilion's getting taller.

Our next project is up and ready. With the NYS Main Street Grant money, two new murals grace Dan Ross's law office.

No tax dollars spent and another reason to stop in sunny downtown Middleburgh!

Thanks to Bill Morton, Dan Ross, Patty Turner, and Patti Brancoforte for all of the hard work and time!

Neighbors Eating Together Dinner Thursday at Reformed Church

The next NET dinner will be Tex-Mex themed and held at the Dutch Reformed Church at 5:30 on Thursday.

New York Announces New Flood Recovery Money

New York State has announced the Smart Home program to offer some additional relief to those affected by recent flooding. More information below:


Recreate NY Smart Home Program

Great Volunteer Day April 19th

The Village of Middleburgh held its third volunteer day on April 19th. About twenty volunteers from SALT assisted in multiple flood cleanup projects. A fourth cleanup day is scheduled for Sunday, April 28th. All are invited to assist.

NET Dinner at Methodist Church Thursday

The United Methodist Church will be hosting the next Neighbors Eating Together Dinner on Thursday April 25th at 5:30 pm. All are invited!

Roy Zimmermann to Play May 1st at Library

From singer/songwriter Roy Zimmermann:

I wanted to let you know about my upcoming show in Middleburgh, presented by Sonny Ochs. So you can see what I'm up to, here’s a link to “Vote Republican,” one of my many YouTube offerings - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ege_RBhh37A. Here’s “Hope, Struggle and Change” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je6y2kFoPs8. Here are the details. Thanks for taking a look and a listen, Roy Wednesday, May 1 - 7 pm Wake Up Call Middleburgh Public Library 323 Main Street Middleburgh, NY.

 $10 ROY ZIMMERMAN: WAKE UP CALL Roy Zimmerman is an endangered species - a satirical songwriter. Yes, funny songs are everywhere, but Zimmerman’s hilarious, rhyme-intensive original songs are also incisive calls to action, smart, savvy and undeniable. “He simultaneously inspires me and makes me laugh my ass off,” says comedian/author Paul Krassner.

Volunteers Days on 19th and 28th

The Village of Middleburgh is organizing two upcoming volunteer days to clean flood damage or work on other projects. If you would like to volunteer or have a project that requires labor, please email me at avitmw@gmail.com. These will be our third and fourth volunteer days since last year. First one: Friday, April 19th Second: Sunday, April 28th

Neighbors Eating Together at Methodist Church

The next Neighbors Eating Together dinner will take place on Thursday, April 18th at 5:30 pm at the Dutch Reformed Church. It is a boyscout pancake supper.

Grace Race on April 20th

5^th Annual

GRACE RACE

4.5 Mile Road Race/Walk

Saturday, April 20^th  -  Race begins at 10:00 AM

Twin Oaks Campground, Ecker Hollow Rd. entrance

to Fields of Grace’s site 3673 St. Rt. 145, E. Cobleskill, NY

Trophies & Medals

for Male & Female Age Groups & Overall Winners

Early Registration rate by mail by April 13^th

Registration day of Race: 8-9:30 AM       

Registration includes:  Race t-shirt and Picnic lunch!

Download registration form here!

(A number of youth sponsorships are available.)

Like us on Facebook!! www.facebook.com/fieldsofgraceoutreach

______________________

SALT & Mayor's Day of Recognition of Service



Josh DeBartolo, Director of Schoharie Recovery

Last night, April 9, 2013, saw a gathering of several volunteer organizations and charities at an event to thank them for all their efforts after the devastation in Schoharie County from hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee in 2011.  Among the groups in attendance were VISTA, Schoharie Recovery, Loaves and Fishes, NCCC, and Fields of Grace.

Mayor Matthew Avitabile, and Donald Osei-owusu of VISTA

Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile said that even though the progress appears to have been quick, and often is, it is due to the tireless and often thankless jobs of the volunteers that have given so much and asked for so little in return.  Schoharie Mayor Borst said that he wouldn't have believed all the the progress made if he had been told that right after the flood.

Depot Lane Singers

Depot Lane Singers, directed by Mitch Haverly and accompanied by Mary Jane Bianchine, wore a red, white, and blue theme as they thanked the various organizations with selections of The Star Spangled Banner, Siyahamba, America the Beautiful, This Land is your Land, and a heart-felt May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You.

Neighbors Eating Together at the Methodist Church

The next Neighbors Eating Together dinner will take place on Thursday, April 11th at 5:30 pm at the Methodist Church. All are invited.

No Tax Increase in 2013

The Village passed another balanced budget without tax increases. This is the second consecutive budget with no tax hikes. The $750,383 budget is over $10,000 smaller than last year’s. We were hit with another loss of property tax values due to the flood and a large increase in pension costs, but made up for it through targeted cuts. The new budget increased Fire Department funding and after some research, an improved employee health insurance and insurance plan for the Fire House.

Village Eyes Grants

The Village of Middleburgh is aiming to continue the economic recovery since Irene. In addition to the nearly $70,000 NYS Main Street Grant extension, the Village has placed two grant applications recently. One was for $372,000 for repairs to the water systems and sidewalks on Railroad Avenue. Another was for a $99,000 federal grant for a new revolving loan fund to help existing and startup businesses. Special thanks to our VISTA partner Donald Osei-Owusu, DPW Chief Dale Nunamann, and Sheila Donegan for assisting with the projects.

Next Neighbors Eating Together Dinner at Lutheran Church

The next Neighbors Eating Together dinner will be hosted by St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Main Street. Serving starts at 5:30 and all are invited.

Village Extends Main Street Grant

The Village of Middleburgh will be closing out its NYS Main Street Grant over the next five months. The project was awarded to the Village in 2005 for an expected 2008 completion. By 2012, after six extensions, almost none of the money meant to improve Middleburgh's scenery and provide money for local business improvements was expended. Last year there was a dash to get out about $150,000 in money to most businesses on Main Street to cover flood damage and beautification efforts and a further $20,000 for Village efforts such as signage and parks.

Upon the Village's request, almost $70,000 in unused funds will be forwarded to the Village to help with reimbursing flood damage. Of that money, about $2,500 will be used to complete the new pavilion on Baker Avenue, the dog park, and a new mural on Main Street. The rest will be granted to some of the local businesses that had already participated in the previous program  to help cover flood damage or other repairs. Without the Village's work, all of this money would have been lost.

Middleburgh Hosts Dinner

Middleburgh hosted March's Schoharie County Village Officer's dinner on March 27th. The dinner was held at Pasta and Grill on Main Street. Representatives from Sharon Springs, Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Esperance spoke of their community's progress in the last several months. Barbara Van Epps from the NYS Council of Mayors spoke about the state's two percent tax cap law. Approximately $500 was injected into Middleburgh's local economy.

Next Village Board Meeting April 1

The next meeting of the Village Board will take place on Monday, April 1 at 7pm. The Board will be discussing the budget and park projects. Trustee Sheryl Adams will be sworn in for her second term as the Board reorganizes appointments and committees.

Next Library Meeting May 13

The next Library Board meeting will be held May 13th. This is the reorganizational meeting of the Library. Two Trustee seats are currently up for five-year terms. The Libary Budget vote is April 23 from noon to eight.

Neighbors Eating Together Dinner at the Dutch Reformed Church

The next Neighbors Eating Together dinner will be on Thursday, March 21 at the Dutch Reformed Church starting at 5:30. All are invited.

Adams Secures Re-Election

Trustee Sheryl Adams was elected to serve out the remainder of Mayor Matthew Avitabile's former Trustee seat. Adams has been serving on the Board since appointed last April. She has been the primary liaison between the Village and the business community and has helped on many projects, especially the Main Street Block Grant's stabilization funding for the businesses. The term ends in one year and new elections will be held in March of 2014 for her and Deputy Mayor Gruning's seats. The total tally was 40 for Adams with no opposition. Assistant Fire Chief John Shaw ran briefly on a pro-dissolution platform but did not turn in his nominating petition and received no votes.

Dog Park Proposed

On Monday, April 1 I'm going to the Board and proposing the construction of a dog park. Such a plan would require no (or very little) money out of the budget and will be added to Baker Avenue's Creekside Park. We hope to make it a carry-in, carry-out park and having it open by summer. Any volunteers or suggestions would be great. My email is avitmw@gmail.com.

SALT hosts press conference to announce matching grant award

From SALT:

Schoharie, NY – Mar. 5, 2013. Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) is pleased to invite members of the media, elected officials and other interested parties to a press conference on Thursday, March 14 at 11:00a.m. at 177 Middlefort Road, Middleburgh, NY. The Wetsel family who owns this house is anxious to return home but needs assistance to make it happen.
SALT will be making an exciting announcement about the status of the matching challenge grant that was awarded by Fenimore Asset Management last fall. In addition, SALT staff will share preliminary results from a comprehensive assessment that was recently undertaken to determine remaining unmet rebuilding and recovery needs throughout the Schoharie Creek basin and surrounding areas. SALT will also be welcoming a new team of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
SALT is a regional coalition and coordinating council that seeks to provide interfaith and inter-agency resources, advocacy, healing, and support as well as direct recovery assistance to those affected by flood and storm damage from the 2011 disaster. For more information please visit,http://saltrecovery.org.

Loaves and Fishes Looking for Volunteers

Schoharie's Loaves and Fishes cafe, which was a mainstay after Hurricane Irene, is reopening and looking for a hand. Starting March 20th, it will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From an email that SALT sent:

Loaves & Fishes Head Chef, Emily Davis, is looking for volunteers who are willing to prepare soups, sandwiches or baked goods throughout the spring and summer. To sign up for a Wednesday or Saturday please contact Emily at speleobooks@speleobooks.com.  

Dissolution Vote Fails

The February 19th vote on Mr. Gary Hayes' dissolution plan failed by a large margin. The total was 344-71 against, or 83-17%. Turnout was very high.

Dinner & A Concert on Valentine's Day

Looking for something to do on Valentine's Day?  The churches in Middleburgh sponsor "Neighbors Eating Together" Dinners at a different location every Thursday evening, with serving beginning at 5:30pm.  This Thursday, Valentine's Day, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, right in the middle of the village, will be the host.  And, a short while later, the Schoharie Valley Concert Band will be performing at 7:30pm at the Middleburgh High School auditorium.

Village Snow Removal After Nemo

Winter Storm Nemo hit the Northeast hard, but Middleburgh escaped the worst of it, only getting about a foot of snow.  Bright and early Saturday morning, February 9th, Dale Nunamann was out with the village snow removal crew clearing the sidewalks in front of our local stores and businesses.

This is no narrow path just for foot traffic.  The village snow removal crew completely clears the sidewalks of snow, and in no time at all, the warm effects of the sun are working to melt the last of it.



Welcome Back to Four Star Realty Group

Tracy Boomhower, Licensed Real Estate Broker and Lisa Tenneson, Licensed Sales Associate, are proud to announce that they have reopened on Main Street in Middleburgh.

Previously located at 322 Main Street prior to the flood, they have moved just a few doors up to 308 Main Street on the corner of Main and Railroad Avenue and across from the Village offices. “We were fortunate that we were able to work with the owners of the building and design the space to be exactly what our growing real estate company needed.” The new space has individual desks for their agents, a waiting area, a main floor time desk and a small kitchenette area. It also has a conference room that can be utilized for real estate closings or just to offer more privacy when discussing your real estate transaction.

Martha

As Tracy Boomhower explained, “It was difficult after the flood because many of our calls are from out of the area, so although we didn’t have a physical office, the calls continued and we needed to move forward doing business as if nothing had happened. We temporarily moved the office to my home in Greenville, but soon after, we realized that we wanted to be back in Middleburgh. We are so pleased to finally be in our new space. It is great to be back and have an office to call home again!” Tracy and Lisa would also like to offer a huge Thank You to the community for their continued support.

Tracy

A grand re-opening is in the planning stages, but in the meantime, please stop by and visit them, check out the new office, relax and have a cup of coffee.

Lisa

“We have our eyes on the future and we are looking forward to bringing more agents on board and continuing to see our business grow.” Tracy and Lisa, as well as, Martha Crisafulli, a seasoned real estate veteran, at Four Star Realty Group are looking forward to continuing to serve all your real estate needs. Feel free to reach them at 518-702-4194 or check out their listings at
www.FourStarRealtyGroup.com

Middleburgh Awarded Safety Award

The Village of Middleburgh has been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This has been due to the diligence of the Village, particularly Chief Water Operator Dale Nunamann.

Dissolution Hearing Set for January 28th

A public hearing has been set for Gary Hayes' proposal to dissolve the Village of Middleburgh. All Town and Village residents are urged to attend. A report on the effects of Mr. Hayes' plan has been sent to Village and Town residents. The meeting is at the High School auditorium at 7pm.