Peter Pan Parade Takes Over Middleburgh

Middleburgh Central School's third-grade class marched down Main Street on Thursday afternoon in the annual Peter Pan Parade. The event was conducted with the assistance of the local business association and MCS alum Mayor Matthew Avitabile, who graciously portrayed J .M. Barrie's beloved character for the students. 

Mayor Avitabile (Pan) battle NBT Bank
President Jamie Casterlin (Captain Hook)

Several storefronts participated in the affairs, with the Green Wolf Brewery Co. decorating its entire front in likeness of a pirate ship and other establishments supplying candy to Peter Pan's group of youthful marauders. The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department monitored traffic for the twenty-five minute parade. 

Resident Sheila Donegan forwarded several pictures of the event to the Schoharie News for publication. We would like to thank Ms. Donegan and hope you enjoy a sampling of Thursday's Peter Pan fun in the Village of Middleburgh:

American Legion Unveils Flag Drop Box in Middleburgh

With recently placed American flags dotting both sides of downtown Middleburgh Saturday afternoon, members of the American Legion were joined by Village Mayor Matthew Avitabile in the unveiling of a flag drop box in front of the village offices at 309 Main Street as part of Armed Forces Day. 

Photo by Sheila Donegan

It is recommended that the flag, when no longer fit for public display, be turned in to the American Legion for proper disposal. United States Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

Local Mayors, SALT Join Forces to Recognize Impact of National Service

Schoharie, NY – On April 1, Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) along with local leaders joined more than 1,750 mayors and town supervisors across the country in a day of recognition to highlight the impact of national service on local challenges. 

SALT and local leaders, including Mayor Avitabile of Middleburgh and Mayor Borst of Schoharie hosted a luncheon and press conference at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, 178 River Street, Middleburgh.  At the event SALT AmeriCorps VISTA members were recognized and thanked for their commitment to national service and the local recovery effort.

Local officials, members of SALT and long-time
volunteers enjoyed a "thank you" lunch as well

The nation’s mayors and town supervisors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to address city challenges at a time of fiscal constraint.  Currently, eight AmeriCorps members serve in Schoharie County, proving vital support to residents by assisting with ongoing flood recovery efforts. Since 2012, over 23 AmeriCorps VISTA members have served with SALT in this capacity. While serving in the Schoharie Valley, they have assisted with volunteer recruitment and management, construction management, fund development, grant research and writing, marketing and special events, business and community development, and technology services. 

In addition, VISTA members have helped to leverage over $238,000 in cash and over $640,000 of in-kind resources for the recovery effort. They have also recruited and coordinated over 5,200 volunteers, helped to organize over 20 special events, and submitted over 35 grant applications.  “The VISTA members have significantly increased our overall capacity to assist with recovery in SALT’s coverage area. It is our distinct honor to have been awarded this AmeriCorps VISTA grant.”  SALT Executive Director, Sarah Goodrich stated.  “We especially appreciate our VISTA volunteers for their commitment to the mission, their dedication to our daily work, and for the many varied gifts they bring to our team. Congratulations and thank you to all of our VISTA members for their outstanding service to our community!” 

Furthermore, committed long term volunteers were recognized for their dedication to rebuilding our community. Cathleen Berry, Jim Czebiniak, Bill Kinisky, Jim Lord, Dr. Rev. Carlton Shepard, and Michael Vamvas were among those recognized for their long-term service to the recovery effort.    

SALT also kicked off a spring volunteer recruitment campaign for ongoing recovery work and to build up a pool of volunteers who will be ready to serve Schoharie County in the event of a future emergency or disaster. All of these volunteer opportunities will help move Schoharie County toward a community that is resilient, vibrant, and fully recovered.  To sign up today visit SALTRecovery.org/Volunteer, email: volunteer@SALTRecovery.org or call 518-390-8828.

Local Mayors, SALT to Recognize National Service

On April 1, from noon until one at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) along with Mayors' Avitabile and Holmes will join more than 1,000 mayors across the country in a day of recognition to highlight the impact of national service on city challenges.

SALT, joined by Mayor Avitabile of Middleburgh and Mayor Holmes of Cobleskill will host a luncheon and press conference to recognize and thank our AmeriCorps VISTA members for their commitment to national service as well as our committed long term volunteers for their dedication to rebuilding our community.  SALT will also be kicking off a spring volunteer recruitment campaign for ongoing recovery work and to build up a pool of volunteers who will be ready to serve Schoharie County in the event of a future emergency.

The nation's mayors are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to address city challenges at a time of fiscal constraint.  Currently, eight AmeriCorps members serve in Schoharie County, proving vital support to Schoharie County residents by assisting with ongoing flood recovery efforts. Since 2012, over 23 AmeriCorps VISTA members have served with SALT.

The Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service is a national bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities.