Salt to Host Surf & Turf Dinner July 25, 2014

What’s better than chowing down on lobster, steak, shrimp, clams, baked potato and sweet corn? Supporting a good cause while chowing down on lobster, steak, shrimp, clams, baked potato and sweet corn. SALT is hosting one of it’s famed Surf & Turf Dinners on Friday, July 25. 

Come on down to the Middleburgh Reformed Church (178 River Street, Middleburgh) between 4:00pm - 7:00pm to enjoy the feast prepared by Chef Michael Vamvas. SALT welcomes you to dine-in with good company, warm smiles, and delicious food. Can’t stay long? Not a problem. Order the Surf & Turf trimmings to go!

Tickets are on sale now! Pre-sale tickets are only $30.00 through July 22. Regular ticket price is $35.00. http://www.saltrecovery.org/lobster

Check out photos of our last Surf & Turf Dinner! http://www.saltrecovery.org/past-events/

Wal-Mart Gives $10,000 to SALT

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) was presented with a $10,000.00 check on June 24th by the national supermarket chain Wal-Mart, all thanks to the men and women who work at the Sharon Springs Distribution Center and who chose the flood recovery organization to receive the money. 

Photo credit: SALT

Every year only one of the one hundred and fifty Wal-Mart distribution centers in the United States receives the Helen R. Walton Award for Excellence in Community Service. This year, the local employees at the Sharon Springs warehouse received the award to recognize their volunteer efforts. 

As part of the award, employees received a grant of $10,000 for them to give to the organization of their choice. They chose SALT, where many of them first gave back to the community and volunteered with in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee to assist their neighbors in recovery.

Bounty of the County Recalls Hard Work, Future Progress

SALT held its second annual Bounty of the County dinner at the Carrot Barn last Saturday, attracting over 100 people for the fundraiser. The feast was set to raise thousands for flood recovery and highlight the hard work of many volunteers over the last three years.

The guests of honor included the Beekman Boys, who recounted that there was something unique to Schoharie County and that flood recovery was close, but not complete.

SALT Executive Director Sarah Goodrich praised the efforts of volunteers putting together Schoharie, Esperance, and Middleburgh. She remarked that the progress seen was beyond anyone's imaginations in 2011.

Overall, attendance was estimated at around 120, including State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who said that he would be coming back shortly with union volunteers to further the volunteer effort.

SALT's Bounty of the County set for Saturday

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (June 26, 2014) --- Printz & Patternz (P&P), as part of the company’s ongoing community engagement efforts across the Capital Region, has provided signage and marketing materials for the annual Bounty of the County fundraiser on June 28.

Bounty of the County, now in its second year and founded by Noel Kaminski, raises funds to support the recovery and mitigation of the Schoharie Creek Basin. In its inaugural year, the fundraiser raised $19,000 for flood relief efforts. This year’s fundraiser aims on raising $30,000 and will feature Nicole Brisson, a Middleburgh, N.Y. native who is the executive chef of the Mario Batali-owned steakhouse Carnevivo in Las Vegas.

“The recovery that Schoharie County and the region as a whole have made so far since Hurricane Irene is nothing than amazing and only possible due to the hard work and determination of volunteers, donors, and so many individuals who chipped in. There is still work to be done and P&P remains committed to providing whatever support needed to continue to help Schoharie County families,” said Dan Crowley, president and founder of P&P.

The fundraiser will be on Saturday, June 28, starting with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. at the Tory Tavern (hosted by the Fabulous Beekman Boys), followed by dinner at the Carrot Barn at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit saltrecovery.org/BOC.

For more information about P&P, visit printzandpatternz.com.

SALT Announces Second Bounty of the County, Celebrity Guests

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) has announced the second annual "Bounty of the County" event set for June 28 and 29 as the organization invites friends and neighbors to celebrate the fertility and productivity of the county with special local celebrity guests. 

The flood recovery organization issued the following press release this morning, detailing the day by day events and special guests, who will join with everyone present to celebrate the bounty of Schoharie County's beauty and labor as move toward a stronger future:

On Saturday night, mingle over cocktails at the historic Schoharie Covered Bridge with The Fabulous Beekman Boys, Josh and Brent - accidental goat farmers, entrepreneurs, and stars of TV’s The Fabulous Beekman Boys, who are responsible for reintroducing the word mercantile into our vocabulary and introducing countless people to the beauty and bounty of Schoharie County. 

The cocktail hour, beginning at 5:30 p.m., will also feature samples of Schoharie- produced libations from Green Wolf Brewing Company, a nano-brewery new to Middleburgh; Kymar Winery and Distillery of Charlottesville; and Hummingbird Hills Winery of Fultonville. 

Stay for a mouth-watering (and belly-busting!) four-course dinner prepared by Chef Brisson beginning at 7 p.m. at the Carrot Barn.  Brisson who normally supervises a staff of 120 as Executive Chef at renowned steak house, Carnevino in Las Vegas, was featured on the TV show "Chopped" in 2013. All dishes on the menu feature produce donated by local farmers, and virtually everything our guests eat will have been produced here.  For a full list of participating farms visit SALTRecovery.org/BOCFarms. 

Come back to Schoharie on Sunday, when, beginning at 10 a.m., a country brunch kicks off Bounty of the County’s farmers and artisans market, to be held on the lawn of historic Lasell Hall. Visit SALTRecovery.org/BOCMarket for more information. 

SALT, the lead agency in coordinating flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek Basin and surrounding areas, will be hosting the two-day event. Besides raising vitally-needed funds for individuals and families still in need, Bounty of the County will showcase the recovery of this picturesque and historic area. 

To date, SALT has raised over $1.1 million dollars to assist in recovery efforts, but returning to a state of normalcy from this history-making natural disaster still requires considerable support. "We really need funds to keep the effort moving ahead, as we are supported primarily by private donations," reports SALT Executive Director, Sarah Goodrich. 

Seating for this exclusive, gourmet dinner is limited. To purchase tickets and for event details, please visit SALTRecovery.org/BOC. 

Schoharie Area Long Term generates synergy through multi-sector partnerships to advance disaster recovery for families and communities, fostering resilience and sustainability in the Schoharie Creek basin and surrounding areas.

Ludwig Chiropractic Raises $505 to Benefit SALT with Ladies Night Out

Cobleskill, NY. – May 7, 2014. Ludwig Family Chiropractic of Cobleskill hosted the Third Annual Ladies Night out fundraiser to support SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery ) on  May 2nd from 5:30 pm- 9pm at the office of Ludwig Family Chiropractic located at 109 Park Place in Cobleskill. The event was a success with a total of $505 was raised for SALT. 

Melissa Jones, of the ladies enjoying the night's festivities,
receives a back massage from Kimberly Marsh.
Photo credit: SALT

“We had a great turnout,” recalls organizer Danielle Seiderer of Ludwig Chiropractic.  “And we are planning to make next year’s 4th Annual Ladies Night Out an even bigger and better event.”

The 3rd Annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser included appetizers from SUNY Culinary students, FREE Chair massage by Kimberly Marsh LMT, local handcrafted jewelry from Blessed BEads Boutique at 10 % off, cookies, cakes and various goodies by Denise's Kitchen, do Terra Aroma Essential Oils presented by Anna, Faerie Hair ~ Silken Sparkle Threads and FREE European facials with Suzanna Ullman a representative from ARBONNE.  In conjunction with the Ludwig office Coby's offered a FREE wine tasting in their Lobby from 6-8pm presented by Southern Wine and Spirits as well as 15% off an entree with the purchase of an entree. Coby’s will also featured card readings by Julie from 5:30-8:30. The Studio for Art and Craft hosted a make and take Dichroic glass Pendant. 

Photo credit: SALT

“We are very grateful to have businesses like Ludwig Chiropractic, who continue to support the long term recovery effort, in our community,” states Sarah Goodrich, SALT Executive Director.  

SALT is the lead agency coordinating ongoing flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek basin and surrounding area.

Third Annual Ladies Night Out to Benefit SALT May 2

Cobleskill, NY. – April 17, 2014. Ludwig Family Chiropractic of Cobleskill is pleased to host the Third Annual Ladies Night out fundraiser to support SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery) on Friday May 2nd from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the office of Ludwig Family Chiropractic located at 109 Park Place in Cobleskill.

The 3rd Annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser will include appetizers from SUNY Culinary students, free chair massage by Kimberly Marsh LMT, local handcrafted jewelry from Blessed Beads Boutique at 10 % off, cookies, cakes and various goodies by Denise's Kitchen, do Terra Aroma Essential Oils presented by Anna will have free samples, Faerie Hair ~ Silken Sparkle Threads that get tied in to the hair (at half price) and free European facials with Suzanna Ullman a representative from ARBONNE.  Also in the office there will be a bucket raffle, with tickets for sale from all the participating vendors and participating businesses. 

In conjunction with the Ludwig office Coby's will be offering a free wine tasting in their Lobby from 6-8pm presented by Southern Wine and Spirits as well as 15% off an entree with the purchase of an entree. Coby’s will also be featuring card readings by Julie from 5:30-8:30 (additional fee and sign up required). The Studio for Art and Craft will be holding a make and take Dichroic glass Pendant with $5.00 off ($14 total). More are still joining. So save the date and bring a friend!

Tickets to this event can be purchased  at Ludwig Family Chiropractic, 109 Park Place, in Cobleskill, Monday, Wednesday  and Thursday 7:45-11:30 and 2:30 to 5:15. Or by calling 518-234-1512. Tickets are $10.00. 

All monies collected from ticket sales, the bucket auction and vendor fee's will be  donated to SALT (Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery). SALT is the lead agency coordinating ongoing flood recovery efforts in the Schoharie Creek basin.

Tickets are limited so please purchase in advance; they would make the perfect Mother's Day gift.

Savor Schoharie to Raise Money for Flood Recovery

SALT is hosting another push to raise funds for flood victims later this month. The Savor Schoharie meal offers some of the best cuisine of the County in three different locations.

Find out more information about the April 26th event on the Facebook page.

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.

Village of Middleburgh Welcomes New SALT Vista

Earlier this week Middleburgh Village officials welcomed in local resident Sheila Donegan as the newest member of the Valley community's flood recovery team. Ms. Donegan has lived in Schoharie County for twenty years, however, she felt compelled by both the natural and political upheaval of Middleburgh's past three years to take a larger role in her adopted hometown. 

Sheila Donegan is already working on several
community projects in her new role as VISTA

Telling the Schoharie News that, "Following the flood, and the election of a new mayor, I wanted to become more involved in my community," Ms. Donegan started to attend local government meetings, and became the secretary of the Middleburgh Area Business Association.

But that was only beginning for Ms. Donegan, who applied for a position with VISTA - Volunteers in Service to America - with SALT Recovery as her project agency. After undergoing two weeks of training in Philadelphia and Utica, Ms. Donegan started her year of service on March 1st in the Middleburgh Village Hall. 

SALT to Host "Fat Tuesday" Buffet to Benefit Flood Recovery

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) will be hosting a buffet style breakfast on "Fat Tuesday," March 4th from 5:30-7:30 pm to benefit local flood recovery efforts. The buffet will be held at the Fusion Community Church, which is located on 375 North Grand Street in Cobleskill. 

With pancakes, eggs, bacon, and much more on the menu, patrons can both satisfy their hunger and support a worthwhile cause for only $10 per adult, and $5 for children age twelve and under if they reserve their spot beforehand. Prices will rise slightly for walk-ins. 

SALT Focuses on MLK Service, Chronicling Stories of Irene

Focused on Martin Luther King's example of dedicated service and chronicling the stories of the Schoharie Valley's devastated Creek communities following the events of Irene and Lee, Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) Recovery, in conjunction with area organizations, hosted dozens of area students and local residents at their MLK Jr. Day of Service: Stories of Hurricane Irene event on Monday.

With morning and afternoon sessions devoted to teaching valley residents the art of interviewing and documenting the stories of flood victims, SALT was joined by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the New York Folklore Society in organizing the well attended event. Assemblyman Pete Lopez, Congressman Chris Gibson and local politicians were among the event's dignitaries.

Fulton resident Robert Kerley (left) and Schoharie
Deputy Mayor Larry Caza learn how to interview

Stating that he was, "very proud of Schoharie County," Congressman Chris Gibson praised what he called the very appropriate linkage of the event to Martin Luther King Jr, who "inspired us toward service, dignity and respect." He would go on as guest speaker to motivate participants that we can all either take action in our communities, or let them remain stay the same.

Assemblyman Lopez briefly addressed the event's
60-70 participants during an hour long luncheon. 

SALT Director Sarah Goodrich echoed Congressman Gibson's thoughts, emphasizing that, "You all have a story to share." She would  later add that everyone's perspective is important and that participants could make a difference by capturing the stories of the valley's hardships and sharing them with the world, bringing both comfort to flood victims and awareness to their still ongoing recovery efforts.

Congressman Gibson and Town of Schoharie
Supervisor Gene Milone coordinate schedules

Zumba Event to Aid Flood Victims

All are invited to a Saturday, February 8th "Zumba-thon" to assist flood victims. The event, done in partnership with SALT is a great opportunity to exercise and also to help out a good cause. The three hour event offers a chance to learn new techniques and costs just $10 minimum donation.

More information can be found on the event page here.

SALT to Host Martin Luther King Day of Service

Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) Recovery, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the New York Folklore Society and AmeriCorps VISTA have collaborated to sponsor a Martin Luther King Day of Service on Monday, January 20th, 2014 that will focus on the impact of Hurricane Irene and the Schoharie Valley's path to recovery.

 

 The event, which will be held in the social hall of the Middleburgh Reformed Church on 176 River Street starting at 10 a.m., has officially been named the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Reflection on Service: Stories of Hurricane Irene. SALT's website states that, "The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community."

 

It will consist of a morning workshop on the art of storytelling for volunteers and residents conducted by the New York Folklore Society, followed by a luncheon with a still to be announced guest speaker who will speak on Dr. King's motivation to serve and will conclude with a series of round-table discussions by volunteers, residents, community leaders and AmeriCorps VISTA members about their experiences in Schoharie.

 

Organizers are hoping that the event will encourage, "volunteers and the members of the Schoharie Community who "weathered the storm" will begin to tell and record their stories over the next year about what happened and what drives them to help one another and restore the communities along the Schoharie Creek."

 

Please visit the Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery's website for more information on how to become apart of this event.

Green Shirts Leaving Schoharie County

In an emotional ceremony on Monday, December 18th the hundreds of volunteers that assisted flood victims across the County were honored. The Green Shirts, affiliated with the Reformed Church are leaving after two years of service in the area. Many are moving on to help other flood victims affected by Hurricane Sandy. From SALT's press release:

Over the past two years, over 500 Green Shirt volunteers from all over the United States and Canada have come and donated a week or more of their time to helping to rebuild our homes and community. Many of these volunteers have come multiple times and stayed for 2 or more weeks at a time. Collectively, they have volunteered for over 53,000 hours - worth over $1,025,000 of inkind labor. 

In addition, the Green Shirts have spent over $225,000 in our area, supporting our local economy while rebuilding it. After the initial meetings between SALT and World Renew Regional Managers for New York and New England, Doug and Pat Guikema, reported to World Renew that the SALT recovery group was "one of the best organized, ready to lead the recovery efforts that they have had the privilege to work with" in the 10 years since they've been involved with World Renew and, that SALT was "ahead of the curve for Long Term Committees." 

"Closing down our Schoharie site comes with many mixed emotions," said Doug Guikema shares. "We are thankful that we were able to complete the homes that we did, and yet we know there are more families waiting for the assistance they need to finish rebuilding their home yet, and that makes it difficult to leave."

SALT to Hold Green Shirts Celebration

Come and join in a commemoration of all of the good works done by the Green Shirt volunteers since Irene. SALT is coordinating an event to mark the departure of these volunteers and to thank them for helping to put Schoharie County back together.

SALT Hosting Surf and Turf Dinner

SALT's first Surf and Turf Dinner was so successful, they have decided to hold another one. This one will be held at the Schoharie Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 1 from 4-7pm.. The meal sounds delicious:

The dinners will feature delicious fresh lobster, steak, shrimp, clams and seasonal sweet corn. Pre-sale tickets are $25, and regular tickets are $30. The dinners may be eaten on site or taken to go.

More info on the event page.

SALT Hosting Artisan Fair October 13th

SALT is hosting the Autumn Artisan's Market this Sunday. The event, which aims to bring in the whole family, will raise money for flood victims. It will take place at the Schoharie County Annex parking low between 10am and 3pm. More from the event's facebook page here.

SALT Hiring New VISTAs

The Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery group has made another step forward, planning its second round of the VISTA program. Run in conjunction with the Americorps the VISTAs will be sent across the County to assist with flood recovery projects. The first round, which sent volunteers to every Irene-affected municipality, aided in the acquisition of volunteers and grants for each. SALT announced on their website that they are hiring for the next round.