Feeling like a yo-yo? The ups and downs of weather last week have been annoying if not typical. I know some readers are still hoping for another snowstorm but others, (myself included) are ready to call it spring. The sap has been running for a while now. The robins are annoyingly loud and the snowdrop and crocus blossoms popped up at school this week. The cold, cold nights and sunny warm days are classic. At least one local farm stand is stocking fresh, 2024 syrup and maple candies according to Tyler Knapp. South winds coming in this week could end this year’s tapping season and for me, that’s it. Time for gardening weather.
Speaking of gardening weather, it’s still not here and locally there are people who really need the support of The Community Pantry to be sure they have enough to eat. Whether observing a religious season like Lent or Ramadan, or whether you just like to help people in your community for no special reason, now is a great time to donate. Non-perishable food can be taken to the food pantry, 42838 Rt. 28, Margaretville during open hours: Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon or Fridays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If the hours don’t work for donors, food can also be taken to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Main Street in Margaretville where the Rosary Society will collect it and transport if to The Pantry. Another option is to donate at the Freshtown market on Bridge Street in Margaretville. Store cashiers will be happy to explain how.
The pantry serves hundreds of residents of the town of Middletown and its hamlets. In addition to needing non-perishable food items, organizers are also grateful for cash donations that help keep the lights on and pay the rent. Those can be dropped off during open hours or mailed to PO Box 702, Margaretville, NY 12455. Like all local organizations, volunteers are always needed. Anyone interested in learning how to be of service can call 845-586-2233 or stop by during open hours.
The MCS Class of 2025 will host an alumni basketball fundraiser this Friday night (which might be tonight depending on when you get your paper.) Originally billed as students against alumni, the class later learned from New York State Sports Officials that student athletes are not permitted to play against alumni. While I’m still shaking my head at that rule, the kids regrouped quickly and changed the game to alumni v. alumni. So now they need a lot more alumni to attend. The women’s game gets underway at 5:30 and the men take the floor at 7 p.m. There will be food at the concession stand, face painting, and lots of hollering and cheering for all brave enough to get out and play. More information is available - call Khristen Balcom at the school at 845-586-2647 or email Faith Wayman faith91517@yahoo.com
Speaking of MCS, Alpine Skiers Chase Norwick and River Williams did well at state championships this year despite the fact that Williams is an eighth grader and Norwick is a high school sophomore. Norwick, who conquered local and sectional events becoming the Section 4 Class A champion, finished at 17 of 66 racers in the slalom event and placed 36th in the giant slalom competition. Williams, skiing in state championships for her first time ever, finished at 26 in her race. Both should be back to ski again next year.
Another sign for those of us looking for spring: this Sunday, March 10 is the annual Halcottsville St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Among the only events of its type in our region, the marchers will step off promptly at noon in the hamlet. All are invited to attend, be they marchers or watchers and the event is always a hoot.
If you see Karen Dietrich or Bill Munro this week, wish them a happy birthday. Each will celebrate their special days during the week. And if you know of anyone who has a birthday, anniversary or other milestone that should be celebrated, contact me. I’d love to give them a shoutout. My contact info is shown at top of the column. You can call and leave a message, you can send a text, or you can send an email. Also, if your non-profit is having a fundraiser, let me know and I’ll try to give you a shoutout, too!
The Community Chorale of the Catskills will regroup on Sunday evening, March 10 and begin preparations for their spring concert.
A reorganization effort led by the group’s Board of Directors will pull the group back together for it’s annual June concert, and for a December program that will kick off the 50th anniversary of the group’s founding. A portion of the June concert, which has become a tradition in the region, will be dedicated to Tucker whose skills as musician and teacher were exceeded only by his warmth and sense of humor.
Longtime member and new Board President Dan Chien will take over Tucker’s role as accompanist for the group. Performances in June will take place at Roxbury Central School and at the United Methodist Church in Margaretville. Tucker, who died in December, assembled the group nearly 50 years ago at the request of members of the Interfaith Council who wanted to create a large choir inclusive of members of various church choirs and other members of the community. Having done so in 1974, the group followed up with concerts in celebration of America’s Bi-Centennial in 1976 and has been going strong ever since.
Performances for the June concert are tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 21 in Roxbury and Saturday, June 22 in Margaretville. The choir welcomes new members for each concert it performs and will welcome new members now as it re-organizes. People interested in participating should reach out to Carol Ann Dykstra at 607-326-6116 or via e-mail at cdykstra@catskill.net,
