Books Galore at Middleburgh Library Sale

Hundreds, if not thousands, of books were on sale Saturday morning for reading enthusiasts and book lovers alike at the Middleburgh Library. Everything from children's literature to non-fiction histories and nutritional how to guides were available for super cheap steals, all to benefit the local library. 

The Middleburgh Library is located on the corner of Main Street and Baker Avenue in the Village of Middleburgh and it is open weekly Monday through Thursday, and on Saturdays. For more information on upcoming events, visit its official facebook page here. 

Road Crews Patch Up Clauverwie

Although it is only a temporary fix to a larger problem, county work crews began "skim coating" the worst parts of Middleburgh's porous Clauverwie Road on Tuesday morning. Residents have long complained about the road's poor condition. 

Photo by Sheila Donegan

Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon told citizens at June's annual joint Town/Village board meeting that the proper repairs could not be made until after the stream bank project is concluded, which pushes possible construction to fall at the earliest time. 

Middleburgh Pet Store Asks for Emergency Donations to Move

Yesterday's tragic partial collapse left upstairs apartment renters and the newly opened pet store in Middleburgh thrown out. The property at 330 Main suffered a partial collapse after a torrent of rain on June 25th. The event's direct cause and the stability of the building is being checked by an architect and engineer, but regardless of the result one thing is clear: the pet store is closed for the time being.

The owners are considering a move to a nearby structure-- a necessity. The owners were open for just ten days-- and are now facing a catastrophic loss of revenue, inventory, and time. The store opened after owners Mark and Tina Cyzszczon reached their dream. Tina is a recovering cancer victim and the couple is raising several young children.

Donations are now being asked to stave off the store closing for good. A donation link can be seen below:

The owners are trying to raise $10,000 to cover some of the costs related to the disaster. Even several dollars can make a substantial difference.

Building Partially Collapses in Middleburgh

UPDATE: Pet store owners looking for donations for an emergency relocation.

Middleburgh firemen and local officials were on scene Wednesday night to monitor damage caused by a partial building collapse on Main Street where, thankfully, no one was injured nor caught in the unexpected structure fail. 

The building, which is home to several apartments and Middleburgh's new pet store - Fish Tales and Fur - is surrounded by yellow caution tape this morning after a fine layer of brick gave way into a empty yard behind the structure. The official cause is unknown as of publication.

Mayor Matthew Avitabile told the Schoharie News that "everyone is safe," and that they are consulting an architect and engineer moving forward. He would later add a personal thank you to the fire department for their wonderful work.

Fish Tales & Fur owner Mark Czyszczon wrote on the pet store's facebook page that, "the structure has extensive damage and most likely more than can be seen." While adding the business is unlikely to open again in that location, he further wrote, "we will find a new home as soon as we can."

All tenants were reportedly able to find shelter for the evening. 

Town of Middleburgh Introduces Official Website

Following in the footsteps of neighboring municipalities that have created their own websites separate from county hosting, the Town of Middleburgh officially launched its webpage Monday afternoon in an effort to better inform and communicate with its citizenry. 

The website, which was spearheaded by Town Councilman Brian DeFeo in early spring, offers a wide array of information for public consumption from the various departments hours of operation to thorough explanations of said agencies role and functions. 

Additionally, it includes specialized sections featuring monthly articles of interest, listings of essential local services, and a unique contact platform by which town officials can publicly respond to their constituents comments and concerns.

Middleburgh's new website can be viewed here. 

No Excuse This Weekend: County Full of Events (June 13, 2014)

Schoharie County is the place to be tomorrow, with several communities hosting different events in what should be a beautiful Flag Day across Upstate New York:

Blenheim - By far the most somber event of the day, Blenheim residents will be hosting a breakfast at the local Town Hall to benefit late Town Highway Superintendent Gerald "Gerry" Felter's wife in her time of financial need. The breakfast will kick off at 8:30 am and is donation only. 

Cobleskill - Marking the one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Cobleskill Fire Department, the county's largest municipality is going all out with a Main Street parade, all-day events at the fairgrounds and live entertainment to cap the celebrations. The festivities will begin at 10:00 am. 

Middeburgh - The Valley community will have a host of events for local residents to participate in the second annual Heritage Day celebration. They include the Rotary's Sloughter 5K set for 9:00 am, Technopolooza on the high school lawn, and the Creekside Park's mural unveiling. 

Schoharie - The Schoharie American Legion Auxiliary Flag Day Ceremony will be held at the Veteran's Park located on the corner of Main and Spring Streets in the Village of Schoharie. A special ceremony for retiring used flags will be performed at 6:00 pm with the help of local Boy Scout Troop #4.

Middleburgh's Turtle Rock is No More

The former Turtle Rock Cafe, once a popular restaurant and ice cream shop, was torn down earlier today. The building, purchased by the Town of Middleburgh through the FEMA buyout withstood terrible damage in 2011's flooding.

Photo credit: Sheila Donegan

The Town is in discussions to possibly turn the area into a park and ride.

More buildings around the County are set to be demolished in the coming months.

Video of Schoharie School Board Meeting

Schoharie Central School held its Board meeting last week, attracting dozens. Watch the video below.

Pet Store Breathes New Life into Middleburgh's Main Street

Set for a Friday opening and Saturday grand opening, Fish Tales and Fur has had a long journey towards opening at 330 Main Street.

Owner Mark Czyszczon and his family have been tirelessly working to get the location open. Unoccupied before the flood, it was damaged in 2011. The family and volunteers put in sweat equity to get the location ready for use.

A newly repainted storefront

The store will offer a wide range of pets and pet supplies, with fish being a major component. The resident fish expert is manager Bob Czyszczon, who previously managed a pet store in Cobleskill.

Soon to be filled tanks

Mark is doing the best to fulfill the dream of his wife and business partner Tina to run a pet store. Mark, who was also a volunteer at numerous locations along Main Street after Irene, wants to give back even further. "I want to serve the community," he said.

The owner also wanted to emphasize the store's other strength-- flexibility. "If anyone wants something that we don't have in stock, we'd be happy to order it for them," he said. The store is already packed with lizard, fish, and other supplies. Pet food ranging from dog to cat to rodent to fish to lizard will also be available. For the braver visitors, so will large spiders.

Manager Bob Czyszczon after putting up a front display tank

The store's Facebook page can be found here and a website is soon to follow. The owners want to have a full opening this Friday.

A grand opening is planned for 1pm Saturday during the Middleburgh Heritage Day festivities. All are encouraged to attend.

Middleburgh Readies for 2nd Annual Heritage Day

The Village of Middleburgh in conjunction with the Middleburgh Area Business Association are readying plans for the community's second annual Heritage Day set for this upcoming Saturday, June 14th. It will be kicked off by the Middleburgh Rotary Sloughter 5K at 9 am that morning. 

Among other items, the event will feature guided historic tours, gnomes demonstrations at the Artisans Gallery, a scavenger hunt sponsored by the business association (entry forms will be available at NBT Bank), and Technopolooza, which will include live entertainment, food, student exhibits and rocket launches. 

The official unveiling of the Baker Avenue pavilion mural will also take place.

Artisan's Gallery to Host Vroman's Gnomes Opening

Gnomes are coming to Middleburgh...

Starting Friday, June 13th at the Artisan's Gallery located on 322 Main Street, Middleburgh, NY, artists Mike and Joe Galli will be unveiling their Vroman's Gnomes. The Gallery will be open from 6-8 pm for the special event, and light refreshments will be served. 

The artists foretold that, "When the clock strikes 6 on the evening of June 13th under the strawberry moon, you are invited to experience the newly discovered land of Vroman's Gnomes. These mystical creatures have been living amongst us since the Devonian Period and have rarely been seen. Emerging from the Ancient Forest and migrating to different regions of Schoharie County, these gnomes hiked from Vroman's Nose and have surfaced to reveal themselves to Humankind." 

Residents and art aficionados are invited to come and see the Gnomes in their natural habitat. For more information on these mysterious creatures, you can visit their official facebook page here which states they were discovered atop Vroman's Nose; protecting the landmark.

From US History Major to Micro-Brewer: Middleburgh Brewery Set to Open in Late June

Justin Behan didn't set out to be a micro-brewer after graduating from college, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in American History, but after years of journeying through organic farming and home brewing, Mr. Behan's Green Wolf Brewery Co. will be opening soon in the Village of Middleburgh. 

It all started six years ago when Mr. Behan began home brewing on his Cotton Hill Road property, and soon after decided he wanted to open his own establishment. At the time he was unemployed, which he described in a recent tour of Green Wolf Brewery Co. as, "kind of helpful because I had nothing to lose."

From there he joined forces with Charles Manning, his father-in-law, and the brewery took a life of its own, eventually settling down at 315 Main Street in Middleburgh. Telling the Schoharie News that he wanted to be a benefit to the valley communities, Mr. Behan was well received by both the Becker family and Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile in his endeavor. 

Green Wolf's two-barrel electric brewery
can produce up to 120 gallons of beer daily

The brewery, which has begun production and is aiming to have an official opening in either late June or Fourth of July weekend, can make up to two batches of beer per day, which is the equivalent of one hundred and twenty gallons. It takes approximately three to four weeks for the final product to be ready. 

With several varieties of locally crafted beer to choose from, including Pindar's Imperial IPA and Ravens Black IPA, patrons of the brewery will be able to enjoy the selection in a pub styled lounge area that features an on-tap bar.

But even six years after first entering the growing home brewing trade, and perfecting his craft during a six month apprenticeship with the Good Nature Brewing Company in Madison County, Mr. Behan still enjoys the thrill of brewing his own beer as he prepared to ferment his second batch of the day when we spoke recently. 

Years in the making, Justin Behan's
brewery is weeks from opening.

A batch that will be making its way through Middleburgh in just four weeks.

Schoharie Valley Garden Club to Host "Blooms in Our Valley" Event June 28

The Schoharie Valley Garden Club, in cooperation with local gardeners, is hosting the "Blooms in Our Valley Garden Tour and Tea" on Saturday, June 28 from 10 am until 4 pm. Cost of participation is $10 per person for this drive tour of eight residential gardens in Schoharie, Middleburgh and Cobleskill. The drive tour is open from 10-4 with "tea" available from 1-4. 

Tickets are available Saturday, June 28 at the Schoharie Library, located at the Corner of Bridge Street and Knower Avenue, in the Village of Schoharie. Tickets provide admission, map and directions to gardens, plus "tea" where cool beverages and a variety of deserts will be available. 

Advance tickets are available from Garden Club members. For more information and reservations please call 872-0250 or 295-8809. The rain date has been set for June 29.

Rainy but Fun Car Show in Schoharie Saturday

The rain gods did not favor the car show in Schoharie this Saturday, but it was still a successful event attracting 50 cars.

Photos credit the Schoharie Promotional Association Facebook page.

Music, Cars, Food Top Inaugural "Fourth Fridays" in Middleburgh

Middleburgh's inaugural "Fourth Fridays" succeeded in bringing out a steady stream of local residents to the valley community's Main Street merchants and other festivities last evening, despite the chilly precipitation that was present through out the event.

The Flying Song Garden had a devoted
crowd yesterday evening near Hubie's

In addition to local businesses holding extended hours, attendees enjoyed live music, antique cars, and free food. The Middleburgh Area Business Association, which spearheaded the project, is planning for three more "Fourth Fridays," events this summer.

The Schoharie Valley Region Automobile Club of America
 displayed some of their timeless classics on the lawn of the
 Dr. Best House

The Green Iguana Bistro offered residents free
samples of what is to come soon to patrons

Hundreds of elixir and medicinal bottles were on
display inside of the Dr. Best House Carriage
House Friday evening

Middleburgh Unveils New Community Mural

The finishing touches were put on the Village of Middleburgh's latest mural Wednesday afternoon, as it joins the collage of Middleburgh's past and a depiction of local wildlife already present on the quaint community's Main Street. 

Patricia Broncoforte painted the latest mural

Located on Baker Avenue at the aptly named "Baker Avenue Creekside Park," where the Schoharie Creek and dozens of trees are present, Village Trustee William Morton's most recent mural project depicts a serene creek scene of fishing and canoeing. 

Photo credit: Timothy Knight

For Middleburgh Accountant, A Chance to Assist in Recovery

Francis Pipczynski didn't quite know what to expect when he accepted a meeting with Mayor Matthew Avitabile of Middleburgh. The Mayor had posted an ad online calling for an accountant to return to the community. The community's beloved accountant, Joe Muniz, had been forced out by Hurricane Irene. The first meeting went well, then the second, and then an introduction to Middleburgh's new Business Association.

By December 2013 an office was open on Main Street. The Village government furnished a small grant and a zero-percent loan to assist the opening of Valley Tax and Accounting. A website was up, later a Facebook page. Pipczynski didn't expect to make a killing in his first year, and wanted to be a part of the community's recovery. "My own belief is that there are only two types of people - hill finders and hill climbers and so far I have only met the latter," he said. The business community and local residents rallied around the new accountant. For the community it was more than another business-- the opening of the office was the ninth since 2012, marking the first time Middleburgh had more businesses than before the flood.

From Miracle on Main Street, December 2013. Photo credit Francis Pipczynski

Valley Tax took part in December's annual Miracle on Main Street and was amazed by the community outpouring of support. He publishes a newsletter for people to take advantage of saving and tax loopholes.

Part of the December newsletter

Pipczynski offers more than just accounting but also personal asset services, retirement planning, and bookkeeping for businesses. His office is at 296 Main Street in Middleburgh and can be reached at 827-3311.

Middleburgh Canoe Race Attracts Hundreds

Over a hundred contestants and hundreds of cheering family members, friends, and onlookers participated in the re-founding of an old Middleburgh tradition. The Middleburgh Sloughter Canoe/Kayak Regatta was held yesterday for the first time in almost thirty years. The event was a very popular one that used to pit many experienced canoe racers against each other. This new iteration now includes kayaks.

The results were tremendous. The number of contestants about tripled initial estimates and had more people involved than the original programs. The race started at the picnic pull off near Fultonham and finished in Middleburgh's new Timothy Murphy Park.

Middleburgh Fire Department handled safety for the event

Contestants old and young participated yesterday, including some that were involved in the original races. Rotary President Jim Spencer was MC and members of the Middleburgh Booster Club, Rotary, the Knights of Columbus, and others helped in the event.

All photos credit Sheila Donegan.

Middleburgh Business Association Announces "Fourth Fridays" Activities

The Middleburgh Area Business Association is pleased to announce a new tradition in the Village of Middleburgh.  Starting Friday, May 23 come out and celebrate “Fourth Fridays”.  

Every fourth Friday from May through August, the businesses along Middleburgh’s historic Main Street, Railroad Avenue & Chestnut Lane are offering a festival like atmosphere with activities and specials for folks of all ages.  

Activities include live music, wine & beer tasting, fun photos, a live auction, art displays and demonstrations, children’s activities, Friday night bowling, great specials at our many restaurants and shops, and much more.  Each business will host a little something different as well as extended hours from 6PM- 8PM or later.  

The activities will change from month to month, so don’t miss out!  Like the Middleburgh Area Business Association on Facebook where you can stay up to date with participating businesses, details and more.

Police: Middleburgh-Schoharie Cars Targeted, Ransacked

The Village of Schoharie Police Department informed local citizens in a email sent yesterday afternoon that a string of vehicles had been broken into and ransacked in the Middleburgh-Schoharie area late Sunday night into early Monday morning. 

Two cars were targeted in the Village of Schoharie, while at least seven similar occurrences were reported in Middleburgh. Prescription drugs were reportedly stolen from a majority of vehicles targeted on Sunday night, with electronic devices and other valuable items also disappearing. 

In addition to encouraging local residents to remain attentive and to lock their cars, Schoharie Police urged motorists to remove items of value, or at least out of view from outside of their vehicles as a precaution.