News

By Matthew J. Perry
Last week’s snow couldn’t melt away soon enough for Bovina residents.
What might go down in history as the October Surprise Storm of 2008 was mostly cleaned up by Saturday when the last of Bovina households once again had power. The town was under a state of emergency for nearly two days, and the hardships of those who lived at higher altitudes lasted even longer.
“In 24 years with the department, I never saw anything like it,” said Bovina Highway Superintendent Bob Burgin.

By Brian Sweeney
A public hearing on the proposed Catskill Recreation Center in Arkville will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Middletown Town Hall on Route 28, Margaretville.
Arkville resident Kingdon Gould Jr. presented drawings for the Community Recreation Center to the planning board at its October meeting.

By Julia Green
An attempt by the Village of Margaretville to take ownership of a 1.738-acre parcel of property owned by village resident Lauren Davis, that includes the Binnekill stream bulkhead, was denied by the New York State Appellate Court on Oct. 23. Also denied was the village’s attempt to take an easement on the entire parcel.
In its decision, the court stated that it agreed with Davis’ assertion that “the taking of the parcel in fee is excessive” and that “the power of eminent domain cannot be used to take land in excess of that needed for the particular public purpose involved.”

By Matthew J. Perry
The Town of Middletown kicked off its effort on Nov. 1 to draft a new comprehensive plan with an interactive meeting at which residents and town officials discussed the needs, goals and character of the community. It was the first of what will likely be several workshops and informational hearings that will be convened before the plan is worked into its final form, likely sometime next year.

Margaretville — An exhibit of photographs by Helane Levine-Keating entitled “The Flowers Within” is on display at Margaretville Hospital as part of a Roxbury Arts Group initiative to expand its gallery program and to make the work of local artists available to a broader public.

Margaretville — The Open Eye Theater’s annual Harvest Brunch Buffet and Auction takes the spotlight on Sunday, Nov. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. at The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, Margaretville. Featured in the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet is a spectacular whole fresh baked salmon (courtesy of Mary’s Fish Market), a variety of homemade quiches, custom made pancakes with fresh butter and pure maple syrup, ham, bacon, sausage, breads, fresh fruit, salads, roast turkey, pies and much, much more.

Members of the Shandaken Town Board and the two District Two Ulster County legislators (Don Gregorius and Brian Shapiro), along with Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum, will be appearing in the Shandaken Theatrical Society’s next production, Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” Performances are November 14-16 and 21-23; Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m., Sunday shows at 2 p.m.

By Matthew J. Perry
The Bovina Historical Society will be showing a new documentary film, “The Past, Present and Future Of A Farming Community,” at the town’s community hall at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. Chris Ingvordsen, a historical society member who also sits on the planning board, states that the film is intended to help preserve the town’s rich agricultural history, as well as describe the challenges confronting farmers who are working to sustain their businesses in the 21rst century.

Andes — Pure Catskills and the Slow Food Catskills Convivium are hosting a special event dinner at the Slow Down Food Company in Andes. Six delegates from the Catskills delegation are returning with insight and stories from their recent trip to the Terra Madre Conference in Turin, Italy.  The dinner is open to the public and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Roxbury — Light infused landscape paintings by Oneonta artist Gerri Scheele will be on exhibit at The Old Bank Gallery of The Roxbury Arts Group from Nov. 8 through Dec. 15. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m.