Around the Neighborhood - Esperance - 1 May 2026

Photos provided by Angela Burman & taken during the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department’s annual banquet and Installation of Officers. Matt Deffer was presented a plaque by his dad and new Chief, Bryan Deffer, recognizing his twelve years of service. Also pictured: Mayor Royce Gage, Kyle Smart-1st Assistant Chief, James Waddell-2nd Assistant Chief, Jason Castle-Fire Captain, Duane Diamond-President, Howard Burman-Vice President, Angela Burman-Secretary/Treasurer, & Eugene Somers-Fire Police Captain.

Welcome to all your Esperance updates conveniently in one place!

Esperance’s Biscuitwood Farm will be at Sunday’s first Market of the Meadow at Wayward Lane Brewing (255 Ward Ln., Schoharie) from 12 - 4 PM. “The farmers market features about 20 food and craft vendors and will take place the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month through the Summer into Fall. We will be there selling spring seedlings, jams, pasture raised eggs and baked goods.” And check out their updated website at biscuitwoodfarm.square.site.

Dairy Carnival’s Special Soft-Serve flavors of the week are Pistachio & Raspberry! Visit them at 3673 US-20, Sloansville, and you can follow them on Facebook. They’re open Wednesday through Monday from 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM; closed Tuesdays, offering online ordering, indoor & outdoor eating, and take-out options. 

With May 16th Esperance Village Wide Garage Sale Day approaching, make plans to visit the Fire Department, who will be serving $5 bacon or sausage egg ‘n’ cheese breakfast sandwiches and coffee or orange juice from 8 - 10 AM during Garage Sale Day. Also, “The Esperance Museum will be having a barn sale starting at 1:00 to raise funds for the museum. Sales by donations.” One exciting Garage Sale day treasure the Esperance Historical Museum will be offering is a, “never used, in the box Coleman 8-person 14x10’ tent.” The Museum’s Carriage Barn doors will be open 9 AM - 3 PM on May 16th. And the Esperance Elks Lodge invites you to sell your items and baked goods at their 111 Main Street location from 9 AM - 4 PM on Village Wide Garage Sale Day. This opportunity is also open to residents who don’t live inside the Village of Esperance and want the chance to participate. Call or text Julie at (518) 332-8024 for more information and applications are available at the Esperance Elks Lodge. Mayor Gage asks that you please obey the no-parking signs for Village streets and be especially vigilant about following them during May 16th’s Village Wide Garage Sale Day. 

May 16th (& 17th) will also offer a can’t-miss event of the year for gardeners; Landis Arboretum’s 2026 Signature Spring Plant, Book, and Bake Sale! Enter near the front of the Barn from 10 AM - 4 PM. “Members and non-members: free. Admission and parking are free. Donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted; You may make purchases with cash, check, or credit card; Sorry: dogs are not allowed at the Plant Sale; Please park cars in our upper parking area next to the Meeting House. Handicapped parking and drop-off space is available; Arboretum plant experts will be available all weekend to answer your questions; Volunteers from Arboretum-sponsored Boy Scout Troop 501 will be available to help those needing assistance in getting purchases to their vehicles; For more information, call the Arboretum at 518-875-6935 or email us at info@landisarboretum.org” While you’re visiting for the Signature Spring Plant, Book, and Bake Sale on May 16th, make sure to head over to The Bookstore in the Barn at 1 PM for Book Signing at the Plant Sale! Meeting Author Anita Sanchez, “And learn about the wonderful books she's written, both for kids (like A Sky that Sings) and for adults (like The Teeth of the Lion - about dandelions!)”

Esperance Village Clerk/Treasurer, Michelle Parks, shared that Village Hall rental is available (donations are appreciated; call the Village Office at 518-875-9044 for more information), and updated that laborers of the Village will be diligently painting the Esperance Historical Museum before Memorial Day; working hard to beautify the Village.

The annual Esperance Memorial Day Parade will celebrate our Country's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Decoration of Independence and is scheduled for a 1 PM line up and 1:30 PM parade start on May 25th

Mayor Royce Gage asks you to please be considerate of your neighbors in regard to the Village noise ordinance during night and early morning hours, and reminds you: Esperance notifications are available at your fingertips by texting “Esperance” to the TextMyGov number 91896, all property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their property, and please take advantage of the new Dog Waste Station on the Main Street Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church lawn while walking your pets to keep sidewalks clear for residents walking with strollers and visiting local businesses.

Have questions, concerns, and want to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings? Esperance Village meetings are every second Monday of the month; on May 11th, their regular meeting will be at 7 PM in the Village Hall meeting room (115 Church Street).

Esperance Town Board meetings are held every third Thursday of the month; on May 21st, the meeting will begin at 7 PM in Town Hall (104 Charleston Street). 

During the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department’s annual banquet, they celebrated their Installation of Officers. Matt Deffer was recognized for twelve years of service and honored with speeches, “Deffer guided the department through countless emergency responses, training initiatives, and community engagements, earning the respect and appreciation of fellow firefighters and residents alike. His steady leadership, commitment to public safety, and mentorship of younger members have left a lasting impact on the department and the Esperance community.” Bryan Deffer stepped into the position of Chief, “with the support and confidence of his peers.” Additional installations included Kyle Smart to 1st Assistant Chief, James Waddell-2nd Assistant Chief, Jason Castle-Fire Captain, Duane Diamond-President, Howard Burman-Vice President, Angela Burman-Secretary/Treasurer, & Eugene Somers-Fire Police Captain. Howard Burman received Fireman of the Year Award and Bryan Deffer received the Chief’s Award. The Esperance Fire Department is looking for Auxiliary, Firefighter, and EMT volunteers.Those interested can reach out to the Firehouse; leave a message at 518-875-6088, or you can message Esperance Fire and Rescue Squad through their Facebook page.

Town Supervisor, Earl VanWormer III, and Albany Medical Center need your help with a community member in need. VanWormer updated that he hasn’t received any information in these last few weeks of trying to locate a next of kin for 82-year-old Central Bridge (Bray Road) resident, Hildegard Traphan. She was found disoriented and a next of kin is needed to help with her medical decisions. If you know Hildegard Traphan and have any information, please reach out to Albany Medical Center and/or to VanWormer at 518-852-0270 or via email at supervisor@esperancetown-ny.gov.

VanWormer is also owner of Van-Dale Farms. They’re located at 1391 Grosvenors Corners Road in Central Bridge, you can follow them on Facebook, and they shared, “We had the best Maple Festival ever. We always enjoy it when people come back year after year and buy our products. We have added shallots to our production. We will be planting tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in our high tunnel. Soon squash, cabbage, etc. Our lambs are continuing to grow and we will have breeding stock, pets and meat. We raise registered Horned Dorsets, a heritage breed. We will have eggs for sale soon at the farm. We continue to ship our products all over the country. We will have our maple products at the farm's upcoming Expo at SUNY Cobleskill. We are getting invites to fairs ,shows and events every week. Our farm stand will be open this weekend. So sorry to all those stopping by for the inconvenience. I look forward to seeing everyone again.” 

Cute and Wicked Candles said, “This Saturday, 5/2, we’ll be set up as a vendor at Helderberg Meadworks (6144 State Highway 30, Esperance) for their May Day event from 12 PM to 5 PM, offering a variety of our handcrafted products. Our storefront location will also remain open during regular hours for anyone who would like to shop locally in town.” Their Mother’s Day Giveaway drawing will take place this Saturday at noon, “So there is still time for anyone interested to stop in and enter before the winner is chosen.” The drawing will be streamed live on their Facebook page; follow them at Cute & Wicked Candles and More, and stop by their shop at 152 Main Street, suite 1, Esperance; Open Thursday–Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM featuring their candle of the month and curated selection of candles, botanical body care, and gift-ready bundles for every occasion. And May 9th from 12 PM - 3 PM, Cute and Wicked Candles will hold a, “Mother’s Day Sip & Shop; An afternoon of music, wine, & shopping; Featuring Acoustic Duo Becca Frame & Brian Shafer; Complimentary Wine, Light Appetizers, Luxury Shopping Experience.”

Also on May 9th, S&H Bicycle Store invites you to their Spring Kick Off Sale and Swap Meet from 9 AM - 3 PM. Stop by 3595 Highway 20, Sloansville for Witch’s Brew food truck breakfast sandwiches and coffee, performances by world-famous juggler Michael Inserra, Basic Bicycle Fitting Class at 11 AM, Bicycle Flat Tire Changing Class at 1 PM, bicycle and E bicycle demos, and swap meet space is free. This annual Sale has continued to evolve and grow over the years, coming back bigger and better than ever after covid shut downs, and this year’s demos going on throughout the event will give you the opportunity to try before you buy and see if an ebike and recumbent is for you. S&H Bicycle Store stocks and services ebikes and offers new & used bicycles and accessories for every budget and skill level; open Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 PM - 9 PM & Saturdays 10 AM - 3 PM.

The Sweet Dahlia Farm & Florals, “Roadside flower stand will be open again this Saturday, May 2, starting at 8 AM until sold out for another spring pop-up. We’ll have mixed tulip bouquets, bud vases, mason jar arrangements, and farm-fresh free-range eggs available. The stand operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is located at 4625 State Highway 30 in Esperance. While we are in the process of transitioning to our new stand, it isn’t quite ready for this round of flowers. This pop-up will take place at the old stand, set back a bit farther from the road. More updates to come when the new stand is ready to open! We are accepting Mother’s Day preorders through Tuesday (5/5) for fresh-cut bouquets and arrangements. The stand will also be open Saturday (5/9) from 8 AM until sold out with limited availability for a special Mother’s Day pop-up. Please visit our Facebook or Instagram pages for preorder information and stand pop-up details. Prom season is approaching, and we are still accepting prom flower orders for Duanesburg, Schoharie, Middleburgh, and surrounding schools. We offer custom corsages, boutonnieres, pocket boutonnieres, and bouquets designed to coordinate with dresses, suits, or ties. Orders can be placed by messaging our Facebook or Instagram pages. Pickup will be in Esperance prior to each school’s prom.”

Landis Arboretum’s, “Booth volunteers, Louise and Gus Polli and Shayne Mitchell, loved meeting all the folks who came to the Cobleskill Fishing and Wildlife Festival. Gus and Louise’s two sweet senior dachshunds decorated the table and gave kisses to dog lovers who stopped by! And, Mikey Breglia, son of Landis Executive Director Fred Breglia and garden manager Erin McKenna Breglia, brought in a great catch in the Youth Fishing Derby.” Visit their website (landisarboretum.org); pre-registration for most events are required. May 1st will be the 2026 Woodcock Search and Sneak-up at 8 PM. Other exciting May events include Organics in the circular economy: How they affect our carbon footprint (May 6th at 10 AM), Pinkster Azalea: A story of a unique plant, local history, the Dutch community, and slavery (May 8th at 2 PM), Landis Book Sale Saturdays (10 AM to 2 PM on several Saturdays through September starting on May 9th in The Book Room in the Barn. “If you’re interested in donating books, please bring them in boxes or string bags and place them in the Welcome Center next to the Farmhouse. Sales are by donation, with cash or checks accepted,” and you’ll find, “Everything from books on gardening and ecology to novels and biographies – and a whole lot more.”  During Bluebird Trail Walk #1 – “The Early Bluebird Gets the Nest Box” (May 9th, 1 PM  - 3:30 PM), you’ll visit nest boxes that are typically used by Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Northern House Wrens with a goal to see them up close and discuss birds and how to attract them. “Please be prepared for a 2.5-mile, 2+ hour hike, with some small hills. Dress for the weather. Waterproof footwear and clothing appropriate for hiking through tall grass are recommended. You may also want to bring binoculars, camera, water and a snack.” On May 15th there will be a Members-Only Spring Plant and Book Sale Preview Party; Pick of the Pots (POPs) 2026 at 4 PM. If you’re interested in volunteering at Landis Arboretum, located at 174 Lape Road, email landisvolunteering@gmail.com for more information. Landis Arboretum is, “Open dawn to dusk 365 days a year to you (and your well-behaved leashed dog; please scoop and remove any poops). No motorized vehicles allowed on the property beyond parking lots.”

The Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church offers confidential food pantry assistance; You can call or text 518-248-2185 to utilize that resource or reach out via phone or email (pastoralisyn@gmail.com) to schedule a food pantry donation drop-off at 175 Main Street. Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church conducts Sunday Worships at 11 AM, and Faith Adventure Club meets Sundays at 10:45 AM in the Education Building for age-appropriate faith formation and fun for kids in grades K–8.

The Esperance Historical Museum is seeking greeters, or docents, this summer; no experience required, “We’re open weekends from Memorial Day to the Sunday before Labor Day. And the shifts are short, just 3 hours, from 1 to 4 PM on a Saturday or Sunday (whatever works best for you).” Reach out to The Esperance Historical Society for more information, follow them on Facebook, and check out their eBooks.Esperance Historical Society Memberships are $9.00 per year and $5.00 per year for Sr. Citizens; small business patron $25. “Member Benefit: You can subscribe to the Mountain Eagle annually for fifteen bucks — just call (518-763-6854) and say you're a member!” Anyone looking to support this organization can send a check made out to the Esperance Historical Society to 123 Church St., Esperance, NY 12066. 

Esperance Elks Lodge #2507 members are typically invited by existing members, but if you don’t have a connection to someone at the Elks Lodge and are interested in joining, there’s a membership inquiry form available through their website (elks2507.org). You can also call the Lodge at (518) 875-6200 or email join@elks2507.org. The Esperance Elks #2507 Facebook page is regularly updated and they’re located at 111 Main Street.

Esperance Elks Lodge members and non-members are welcome to attend Monday classes taught by Registered Yoga Teacher, Venus Louise; “5:30 PM Chair Yoga, 6:30 PM Intro to Power Yoga. Classes are free by donation. Contact Venus Louise 518-764-9460.” Additional classes include Monday & Friday 10:30 AM Mindful Walking Yoga at The Gathering Place (5 week session that’s open to non-members), Wednesdays at The Gathering Place 10:30 AM Chair Yoga ($5 for members, $7 for non-members), and Tuesdays & Thursdays Thai Bodywork at Esperance Health and Wellness ($75 per hour, by appointment only). 

“Chair Yoga is an incredibly accessible fitness form that can burn up to 150 calories in one hour while seated. It is not just for seniors; it offers a high-impact, low-stress workout for office workers, travelers, or anyone looking to reduce joint pain and improve flexibility without needing a mat. 

Mindful Walking Yoga is a one hour indoor exercise. Incorporating a warm up and then alternating 3-minutes of fast paced Walking followed by 3-minutes of slow walking. FUN music specifically picked for Walking in the lyrics, ie. Walking on the Sun. Walking on Sunshine. I Walk the Line. These boots are made for Walking. Then cool down seated in a chair.

Power Yoga aka Ashtanga is a dynamic, highly structured, and traditional system that synchronizes breath and movement (vinyasa) through set sequences to promote detoxification, strength, and mental clarity.”

Irma Martinez Coyle plans to share information about their farm stand in Sloansville in an upcoming column edition, and invites you to know about Princetown Group, “We are a 501c3 non profit organization that provides educational, enrichment and social opportunities for homeschooling students and support families in the Capital Region. We have two locations, one at Duanesburg Florida Baptist Church in Delanson and Liberty Church in Schenectady. We offer weekly classes in subjects like history, science, cooking, gym, art, writing, drama and more! We do field trips and organize social events for homeschoolers. If you’d like to chat my number is 518-817-0339 and our Facebook page is Princetown Homeschool Co Op.”

In light of the recent closure of Sloansville’s Locust-Spring Farm, Will-A-Way Farm Store would like any customers looking for an alternative to know that they offer, “Farm fresh chicken and duck eggs, beef, chicken, maple, honey, baked goods & more! Open daily 8 AM - 8 PM. 14653 Duanesburg Rd, Schoharie.” Will-A-Way Farm Store is run by Towns of Esperance and Schoharie Appointed Assessor, Erin Smith, who will also be vending at The Central Bridge Farmer’s Market every Wednesday July - October, 4 - 7 PM at The Ball Park (649 NYS Route 30A, Central Bridge) and The Festival Farmers Market at The Gathering Place (127 Kenyon Road, Cobleskill), which will hold a special sale offering potted plants & seed starts from Parsons Vegetable Farm on May 21st, 3 - 5 PM, then their regular season will be every Saturday July 11- October 24; 10 AM - 2 PM.

I’d love to include your Esperance, Sloansville, & Central Bridge business & organization updates including events, classes, special offers, and seasonal hours, as well as resident birthday, anniversary, achievement, holiday, graduation announcements, and celebration messages. Email them to me at bookclubhbhs@yahoo.com.

Photo provided by Esperance Historical Society President, Ken Jones, of Carriage Barn Curator, Scott Lavigne, with a,  “Never used, in the box Coleman 8-person 14x10’ tent. Thinking of taking the family camping this summer? This is your opportunity to go in style at a budget friendly price.” The Museum’s Carriage Barn doors will be open 9 AM - 3 PM during the May 16th Esperance Village Wide Garage Sale Day offering this treasure and more.