Monday, September 27, 2010

OCTOBER EVENTS

KnoxFallFestival001.jpg

OCTOBER

  • 2nd
Huyck Preserve Trail Day
Roast Pork Supper - Served family style from 3:30-6:30pm at the Berne Reformed Church: roast pork, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, gravy. green beans, homemade applesauce, rolls, homemade pie and beverage.
  • 9th
Helderberg Hilltowns Fall Festival - There will be live music, activities for children, farm vendors, crafts, and more. They are seeking farm, craft, and other vendors from Berne, Knox, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville. Knox town Hall 9th from 10 am - 3pm. Sponsored by the Knox Conservation Advisory Counci. Contact Cheryl Frantzen, Chairperson, for more information at 872-1199, 573-5949, or Cheryl Frantzen
  • 9th & 10th
Preston Hollow Harvest Festival - Oct. 9 & 10 10-4pm at Bayard Elsbree Town Park on Rt. 145 in Preston Hollow.
- This is a Fund raising Event to benefit the non-profit Preston Hollow Beautification Committee, the Preston Hollow Town Park, and Youth Group.
- We invite all to spread the word, bring a "home-baked" specialty for sale, an item to donate at the "Silent Auction" such as "gift certificates from local businesses, etc....
- We already have many local crafts people - Dried Flower Arrangements; Stained Glass, Pottery, Jewelery, Wine Tasting, Antiques, Collectibles
- Vendors. The cost per vendor (10x10 booth) is $25.00 one day; $40.00 for 2 days! that a great bargan, and at the very least a nice donation to cause and a lot of fun to meet local people and say Hay!
- There will be Hay-Rides, Face Painting; Pumpkin Carving; and Games for Kids, Family, and Friends. We hope for contributions from local business for sausages, Kosher Hot Dogs, rolls, Apples, Pumpkins, Gourds, Corn Stalks, Apple Cider, etc. and paper products so the sales will all go to the Beautification Committee Town Park and Preston Hollow Youth Group. Any donation big or small will be welcomed. Give us some notice and we'll pick up your donation from your farm or business.
- We need your support and welcome your participation. We are trying to build community spirit in our beautiful little hamlet!
For more information, contact Margaret Sedlemier, Chairperson, Preston Hollow Beautification Committee, NY 12469. Tel. 518-239-4039
  • 16th
Thacher Park Fall Festival - will be held Oct. 16 with a rain date of Oct. 17, from 10am - 4pm. There will be face-painting, scarecrow building, and other events. Call the park office at 872-1237 or Joy Scism for more information.
  • 17th
Annual Roast Beef Dinner - Berne Volunteer Fire Company will have their annual Roast Beef Dinner serving at noon at the fire house. Cost is $10 at the door and $11 for for take out, (prices may change closer to the day of the event). The menu will include: roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, cabbage salad, homemade pickles, vegetables, homemade applesauce, rolls, coffee, tea, milk and homemade pies!
  • 20th
Solar, Wind & More - at Fox Creek Farm! 10am - Noon, Fox Creek Farm, 182 Fox Creek Farm Road, Schoharie, NY 12157 (Schoharie County). Fox Creek Farm not only grows vegetables for their CSA, the farm also harvests almost all of the electricity needed for the farm right on site. The farm operates a 200 member CSA off the grid (that is, without a connection to National Grid), and is probably the only CSA of this size in the country doing so. The farm produces its electricity with a farmer-installed 1.3 kW solar array with Evergreen panels (manufactured in Massachusetts), and harvests wind energy with a Bergey XL1 wind generator on a 100 foot tower. On a good day Fox Creek Farm harvests approximately 8 kW in electricity. The farm also features a site build energy efficient walk-in cooler run with an air-conditioner unit in combination with a CoolBot regulator, and a farm house incorporating passive solar design elements. Sponsored by the Cornell Small Farms Energy Work Team. To register, contact Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu.
  • 24th
Newcomb's Farms Annual Open House - from 1-5pm. 1498 Thacher Park Road., East Berne; Tel. (518) 872-2576 or Email Newcomb's Farm.
  • 25th
Helderberg Hilltowns Association next meeting will be 10/25/10, Buddhist Center, Game Farm Rd., Berne; 6:00 harvest meal, bring products from your garden to share; will need RSVP when invitation comes out; meeting 7:00pm-9pm

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

HELDERBERG HILLTOWNS ASSOCIATION : Sept. meeting

HELDERBERG HILLTOWNS ASSOCIATION MEETING
September 13, 2010; Note: Since the meeting, we've made some progress in several areas, and info on those have been added to Jane's notes.

Present: Jessica DuVal, John Elberfeld, Roswell Eldridge, Zenie Gladieux, Barb Husek, Chad Jemison & Maya, Dawn Jordan, Tim Lippert, Jack McEneny, Jane McLean, Christine Pollei, Fred Wagner. Zenie facilitated the meeting, Jane acted as scribe.


HELDEBERG MARKET: Sarah submitted a report; Market was on YNN last month, increased visits to website; continues to add new customers; adding two-three new vendors; planning meeting with local farmers to strategize next steps [ex. maximizing four-season farming]


RESEARCHING YOUR HILLTOWN ANCESTORS: 09/25/10, 9:00-11:00, Octagon Barn in Knox; John and Jane reported on event; Zenie will represent HHA; specialists from several groups will be there to add to information-sharing; 10-12 attendees have registered so far; articles beginning to appear in local papers; refreshments will include local ingredients; members asked to spread the word, attend if possible as this is HHA’s first public event [besides our meetings]; Beebe Farm will underwrite costs for event, Russ and Amy Pokorny will provide meeting space at no charge; [mailto: jelberfeld@aol.com John Elberfeld] for more info; Greenville Pioneer newspaper recommended for Westerlo/Rensselaerville


GENEALOGY EVENT: at Berne Roast Beef Dinner: 10/17/10: Dawn has several members from DAR to assist; Berne fire station has internet access; Dawn will follow up with Gerry; John’s PowerPoint presentation from 09/25 can be available.

N.B, update 9/21: Gerry Chartier has had to pull out of the project.


HILLTOWN FALL FESTIVAL: 10/09/10 in Knox, no report.

N.B. 9/21 A flier was emailed to the group under separate cover.


COUPON: discussed ideas for October; contact Zenie or Michelle if interested in advertising; Crosby Farm and Buddhist Center expressed interest; cost approx. $23 to underwrite [500 copies on colored paper], Michelle will underwrite October; Crosby Farm will underwrite November; Huyck will do April 2011. Discussed insertion of flyer in town papers: Dawn will research Berne paper and Chad will research Rensselaerville paper. We need deadline dates for both.


FALL HIKES: Chad reported: Huyck Preserve Trail Day 10/02/10; he will meet with Mohawk-Hudson group; plan: a Fall hike in each town that weekend


TRAILS: Buddhist Center would like help in designing trails for x-c skiers; could HHA have a recreation committee to help with multiuse of trails?


PHASE II: Chad: how do we coordinate the Hilltowns to bring downhill money uphill? Suggested coordinated effort to request line items on all four town budgets; we should be looking at strategic structures to support economic development; Jack reported on rural resources group in state Assembly, incentive grants for consolidation while retaining individual community identities; “the State’s in no position to help anyone” financially; recommended contacting Michelle at Visitor’s Center in Albany about low-impact tours to Hilltowns


LAND MANAGEMENT: Zenie reported on conversation with Melissa Neely, wildlife biologist with DEC; NYS program to help landowners restrict and manage their land for hunting.


LOGO: discussion of submitted logos and slogans; Barb showed photo of sunflower with idea for wording in center.

N.B. 9/21 - several versions of this idea has been emailed to the group under separate cover. The group seems to be leaning toward the simpler visual. The idea would be to use this as a medallion for road markers, trails, involved businesses, etc. The slogan “The Helderbergs- A Great Place to Be!” was deemed too dull. “Head for the Hills!” is still under consideration. Any and all other ideas - please e-mail them to Zenie or send them out directly to the group, so we can get dialogue going on this before the next meeting.


COMMUNITY CANNERIES: No report


HHA MISSION STATEMENT: Zenie handed out HHA Goals as listed on Albany Hilltowns website:
  • Promote the study and dissemination of the history of the Helderberg Hilltowns and
the genealogy of the people who live there
  • Historic building preservation in the hamlets and countryside of the Hilltowns
  • Preservation of the farmland and scenic beauty of the Hilltowns
  • Promote farms and farm activities
  • Work towards the economic development of the Hilltowns
  • Encourage low-impact tourism as a means of achieving the above goals.
  • Suggestions from around the table for inclusion in the mission: new jobs on the hill,
cultural tourism, day trips, coordinating and developing ideas, schedules and communications. Barb and Tim will draft a mission statement and “toss it out for comment” before next HHA meeting.


HHA WEBPAGE: John will start a simple webpage for HHA with pages available for businesses/organizations; Tim suggested listserves as a fairly easy way to keep information flowing to our “friends”.

N.B. 9/21: Hal Miller had already reserved for us the site HelderbergHilltowns.com, so we’re good to go there. John will be drafting a sample page for use by a business; if the business already has a page, it will include a link to the other website. Part of the functionality should allow us to collect “friends” names for e-mail updates. Zenie will put together a “check list” of products and services offered on the Hill to make things more searchable.


NEXT MEETING: 10/25/10, Buddhist Center, Game Farm Rd., Berne; 6:00 harvest meal, bring products from your garden to share; will need RSVP when invitation comes out; meeting 7:00



VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RHS GENEALOGY PROJECT

Last fall Rensselaerville Historical Society started a pilot project to scan and upload their genealogy books to RHS Genealogy Files on this site. Half of the books have now been scanned and the pages are ready to code. This can be done from your home computer whenever you have an extra hour or so to help us. No time pressure, no deadlines. Please contact Hal Miller if you can help. Eventually we would like to upload all Hilltown Historical Societies files to the site.


HILLTOWNS GENEALOGY

The Hilltowns Genealogy on the Berne Historical Project site has recently been updated recently. There are about 80,000 individuals. If you or your ancestor are from the Hilltowns and should be included but are not, contact Hal Miller. Also, the files have much more information than what is posted on line. Hal will be glad to run off an ancestor or descendant report.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Upcoming Events of Special Interest to Hill Town Residents

Here are some of the upcoming events of special interest to residents of the hill towns . Event organizers are strongly encouraged to add the events themselves to ensure they are worded to their satisfaction.
(Click here for Upcoming events for visitors)
  • SUGGESTION TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Those of you who live in the Hilltowns; please encourage your local organizations to buy local, especially when planning fundraising meals. We need to put our money where our mouths are, and buy local produce to feed our mouths and those that come to our fundraisers. Our local organizations should be proud to advertise that the meals they serve are from local farmers.
  • HILLTOWN POTLUCKS
For Hilltown organizations wouldn't it be a great idea to have "Hilltown Potlucks" with all dishes made from food from the hilltowns. This would help to raise consciousness about the abundance, variety and quality of locally-produced food.
  • VENDORS WANTED
- Helderberg Hilltowns Fall Festival - The Knox Conservation Advisory Council is planning its first annual Helderberg Hilltowns Fall Festival for October 9th from 10 am -3pm. There will be live music, activities for children, farm vendors, crafts, and more. They are seeking farm, craft, and other vendors from Berne, Knox, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville. Those interested in participating should contact Cheryl Frantzen, Chairperson, at 872-1199, 573-5949, or Cheryl Frantzen
- Eighth Annual Hilltown Holiday Gift Bazaar- There are spaces for 20 vendors at the Eighth Annual Hilltown Holiday Gift Bazaar which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 27 at Historic Conkling Hall from 10am - 3pm.Spaces will be available on a first come, first served basis. Vendors must be creators of the products they sell. Contact Cheryl 797-5201.
- Thacher Park Fall Festival - Thacher Park is seeking vendors for the Annual Thacher Park Fall Festival. The event will be held Oct. 16 with a rain date of Oct. 17, from 10am - 4pm. The vendor fee for the event is #25. Only quality handcrafted items will be considered. The Park is also looking for volunteers for the Fall Festival to run games, face-painting, scarecrow building, and other events. Call the park office at 872-1237 orJoy Scism if interested in being a vendor or volunteer.

SEPTEMBER

  • 11th
Making History: Revitalizing "Main Streets" - The Rensselaerville Historical Society invites you to a special program, titled Making History: Revitalizing "Main Streets" in the Town of Rensselaerville, as part of its Annual Meeting and Pot-Luck Supper on Saturday, September 11.
The village Main Streets of Preston Hollow, Potter Hollow, Medusa, and Rensselaerville were once bustling commercial centers. Is it possible to restore some of the old vitality to these historic places? This program will feature a representative from the Preservation League of New York State and others who will discuss the League's recent designation of the hamlet of Rensselaerville as a “Seven to Save” site and what this can mean for other villages and hamlets in the Town. State and county resources that are available to help revitalize, develop and improve local villages will be surveyed and discussed and we'll look at current and potential projects in all villages of the Town.
The supper and program will follow the Annual Business Meeting for the Town Historical Society. The Annual Meeting begins at 5:00 pm, followed by the Pot-Luck Supper at 6:00 pm, and the "Making History..." program at 7:00 pm., all at the Medusa Fire Hall.
All interested persons are welcome to attend. Please bring a dish to share at the Pot-Luck. Beverages will be provided.
  • 13th
Helderberg Hilltowns Association - next meeting will be held at Conkling Hall, Rensselaerville at 7 PM on Monday, Sept. 13. All are welcome to come and participate.
New Falls Overlook Platform (Huyck Preserve photo)
  • 16th
Harvest Party & Bonfire - Third Annual Harvest Party to be held in at the Patroon Land Farm, 153 Ketcham Road, Town of Knox. Come - enjoy gathering with ole friends, new friends, great food, bonfire, ole tyme music, and pumpkin painting for the children. $25 for adults, 12 and under free. Time: 5:30pm - 7pm. Phone: (518)786-3691
  • 18th
Barbecue and yard sale - Berne-Knox-Westerlo Sports Boosters will hold a fund-raising barbecue and yard sale Saturday Sept. 18, from 10am to 5pm. at Berne Town Park. The chicken barbecue will begin at 1pm. Each dinner will cost $9, and will include a half chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, and dessert. Members of all 21 teams are participating, from the fall, spring, and winter sports seasons.
  • 25th
Researching your Hilltown Ancestors - The Helderberg Hilltowns Association is planning a genealogy workshop to help community members connect with their family roots. To be held at the Octagon Barn, Knox, It will be a sit down class with a take home package of materials. Breakfast will be included as part of the event. Local products will be served.

OCTOBER

  • 9th
Helderberg Hilltowns Fall Festival - There will be live music, activities for children, farm vendors, crafts, and more. They are seeking farm, craft, and other vendors from Berne, Knox, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville. Knox town Hall 9th from 10 am - 3pm. Sponsored by the Knox Conservation Advisory Counci. Contact Cheryl Frantzen, Chairperson, for more information at 872-1199, 573-5949, or Cheryl Frantzen
  • 16th
Thacher Park Fall Festival - will be held Oct. 16 with a rain date of Oct. 17, from 10am - 4pm. There will be face-painting, scarecrow building, and other events. Call the park office at 872-1237 or Joy Scism for more information.
  • 20th
Solar, Wind & More - at Fox Creek Farm! 10am - Noon, Fox Creek Farm, 182 Fox Creek Farm Road, Schoharie, NY 12157 (Schoharie County). Fox Creek Farm not only grows vegetables for their CSA, the farm also harvests almost all of the electricity needed for the farm right on site. The farm operates a 200 member CSA off the grid (that is, without a connection to National Grid), and is probably the only CSA of this size in the country doing so. The farm produces its electricity with a farmer-installed 1.3 kW solar array with Evergreen panels (manufactured in Massachusetts), and harvests wind energy with a Bergey XL1 wind generator on a 100 foot tower. On a good day Fox Creek Farm harvests approximately 8 kW in electricity. The farm also features a site build energy efficient walk-in cooler run with an air-conditioner unit in combination with a CoolBot regulator, and a farm house incorporating passive solar design elements. Sponsored by the Cornell Small Farms Energy Work Team. To register, contact Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu.

NOVEMBER

  • 27th
Hilltown Holiday Gift Bazaar - Local Artisians gather to provide beautiful works of art, jewelry & hand crafted products for your holiday shopping. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hours are from 10 to 4 pm.