Halcottsville

By Brian Sweeney
The Halcottsville Cemetery is receiving some much-needed restoration work, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers.

The historic cemetery, which dates back to the late 1700s, had become overgrown with grass and a various intrusive plants after several years of neglect. Dismayed by the appearance of the grounds, Halcottsville native Bob Eignor decided to take matters into his own hands.

By Joe Moskowitz
One of the area’s greatest holiday traditions has returned. Once again Gordy Stahl is lighting up the old family farm in Halcottsville.

It’s not a really old tradition. Gordy says he has been doing it for about eight or nine years, but its roots go back to the early 1930s when his parents, Mel and Malvina Stahl, purchased the farm. Gordy said they had lost everything during the depression, but with their last three dollars, rebuilt their lives, eventually buying the small dairy farm on Old River Road.

Halcottsville — The Franciscan Community of Reconciliation, a religious order of the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, will conduct its Chapter of Mats in the Margaretville and Halcottsville area from October 5 through October 7. 

All are welcome to join the Franciscans at several events. On Saturday evening, October 5, the Transitus, a prayer service celebrating St. Francis of Assisi’s entrance into heaven, will take place at Holy Innocents Church in Halcottsville, at 7:30 p.m.

Staff Report
When Halcottsville residents met at the Grange Hall on Sunday to discuss concerns about their rising school taxes, they were joined by state Assemblyman Pete Lopez of Schoharie and John

Wolham, regional director of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Both state officials offered the group their assistance and in return they heard an earful of complaints. Tempers flared as frustrated residents complained about a system they feel has failed them.

By Pauline Liu
A group of Middletown property owners, who pay Roxbury Central School District taxes, complain they’ve been asked to pay more than their fair share.

About 30 Halcottsville property owners have formed a coalition in hopes of seeking school-tax relief. They are not blaming the school district, but rather the disparity between the property tax equalization rates of Roxbury and Middletown. They want Roxbury to reassess its parcels at 100 percent valuation, just as Middletown did last year. Roxbury’s property tax equalization rate remains at 30 percent. 

By Pauline Liu
The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the hamlet of Halcottsville may be the only one of its kind. Now in its 19th year, it is also an institution, a combination of whimsy and fun.

“This is a unique parade, because you can see it a second time,” said Pat Tucker of Halcottsville. It’s true. It may be the only parade in the world, where marchers in green and more than a dozen fire vehicles, head down Main Street, only to double back. 

The parade was the brainchild of Dave Riordan of Halcottsville, who continues to serve as its organizer.

Halcottsville — The Pakatakan Farmers’ Market will host its annual Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Round Barn on Route 30, Halcottsville.

Vendors and their products at the Holiday Market will include: Locust Grove Soap co. - handmade soap products; Blue Sky Farm - locally made wines; Brodie¹s Sugarbush - maple and honey products; John Costa - food; Patria Gardens- wreaths and related items.

By Brian Sweeney
The hamlet of Halcottsville marked the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with the permanent placement of a sculpture made in response to the tragic day.

Sunday’s ceremony included the dedication of a small park along Main Street and the formal unveiling of a bronze sculpture donated by the artist Mark Pilato.

The eight-foot-tall dual columns are entitled “Ascent,” and were completed several years ago as Mark’s tribute to the phenomenal human spirit shown by American citizens following the attacks.

Halcottsville — The “Catskill Arts & Air” arts festival series continues this week with a felting demonstration by Jill Cline on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Pakatakan Farmers’ Market, Route 30, Halcottsville.

Jill will also offer children a chance to roll up their sleeves, get their hands wet and felt. This is a free event. Jill will demystify the felting process and show how to create wool fabrications with just raw fleece, a little soap and water and a lot of elbow grease.

Halcottsville — The “Catskill Arts & Air” festival series this week presents woodworker John Knapp, who will be demonstrating some of his secrets for successful toy-making on Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Pakatakan Farmers’ Market on Route 30, Halcottsville. He will also offer a free interactive period when youngsters can engage in making their own toy.

John Knapp, owner of Knapp Knoll Woodworks, will be demonstrating the intricate workings of some of the whimsical toys that he has been designing and building since 2002.