News

By Brian Sweeney
An Artists Aid Autism benefit held in Arkville on August 31 raised more than $4,000 to benefit the Delaware County ARC (Delarc). The event, held at Casey Joe’s Coffeehouse, featured live music and a silent auction. Organizers had hoped to net $2,500. The success of this fund-raiser far exceeded what event organizer Jerry Stein had envisioned when he set out on a quest to give back to his community.
“I’ve been a weekender here for four years and I was seeking a way to contribute to the community that has provided so much entertainment and joy for me and my wife,” he explained.

The Community Storytelling Troupe will host a concert by professional storyteller Jack Maguire this Friday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Andes Public Library’s interim venue at 295 Main Street (directly across the road from The Hunting Tavern and the bank).
Jack Maguire weaves spellbinding tales guaranteed to enchant listeners of all ages.  The author of the books “Creative Storytelling” and “The Power of Personal Storytelling,” Jack enjoys sharing original stories as well as his own wonderful interpretations of traditional tales.

After touring through the new state-of-the-art health facility, local elected officials, VIPs, and Frost Valley YMCA leadership and staff joined in acknowledging the extraordinary gift of board member Paul Guenther, (Chairman of the New York Philharmonic) whose $1 million contribution helped make the Guenther Family Wellness Center, a reality. The cutting of a giant red ribbon on the stone pillars marked the Official Opening of the Center which took place on Saturday, September 13 on a hillside overlooking the Catskill High Peaks in Claryville.

By Jay Braman Jr.
State-owned Belleayre Mountain Ski Center might suffer the budget ax this year, experiencing severe cuts to its 2008-2009 ski season operations. Employees, skiers, local business owners and the leadership of the Coalition to Save Belleayre have been scrambling since Friday trying to find out how bad it will be for the mountain come winter.

By Jay Braman Jr.
Crossroads Ventures officials announced this week that they were “elated” by the recent court ruling to dismiss a lawsuit that challenged the 2007 Agreement in Principle that is, in effect, the blueprint for the latest version of the Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park.
But the people who filed that lawsuit said Saturday that they are not ready to give up.
State Supreme Court Justice Gerald Connolly dismissed the suit Wednesday, noting an environmental review of the project still is under way and permits for the project have not been issued.

After months of work, committee meetings and community input, the Comprehensive Land Use and Action Plan is ready for public review before being submitted to the Margaretville Village Board for approval.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee, working with Ann Ruzow Holland, community plan advisor, and Delaware County Senior Planner Kent Manuel, has completed its outline, consisting of five chapters starting with a brief history of Margaretville. The plan then goes on to talk about the village’s economy and community amenities, land use and natural resources, transportation and public facilities, and next steps.

Learn about the Civil War Battle of Chickamauga at the Stone School House Annual Meeting on Saturday, Sept. 20. The traveling historian, Charles Slater of Margaretville, will share a program on the most significant Union defeat of the Civil War which halted the Union advance at Chattanooga, Tenn.

Color abounds in an exciting new exhibit opening on September 20 in The Old Bank Gallery of The Roxbury Arts Group. Painter Ann Larsen and photographer Gary Larsen, Adirondack artists, are showing a collection of work that showcases the American landscape from a wide range of perspectives.

The public is invited to a lecture by Alice Zigelis on the Pakatakan Art Colony at The Catskill Center Erpf Gallery on Main Street in Arkville on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m.
Alice Zigelis acquired the cottage of Edward Loyal Field in 1975 and became interested in American art.  E. Loyal Field, born in the 19th century, was a landscape artist in oil and watercolor.  He lived and painted in Arkville during the summer, studied art in France and fell under the influence of the Barbison School of Art.

New Kingston residents Frank Buffone and Alan Dee will host a fund-raiser rally for U.S. Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand at their home on Saturday Sept. 20th from 2 to 4 p.m.
Calling the event “A Farm Country Rally for Gillibrand,” organizers Buffone and Dee said, “Kirsten Gillibrand has represented the people of our district successfully in her first term. She supports local control of alternative energy sources, she has always been available to listen to local concerns, and has been a strong supporter of veterans. There is no question in our minds that she is the better candidate, and that is why we are doing everything we can to support her re-election.”