Around the Neighborhood - Gilboa/Conesville News by Dorothy Pickett - 5 March 2026

It felt good to have a really nice day last Saturday. The sun was out and it felt ever so nice. Then on Sunday morning about 2” of snow on the road and ground with a bitter cold temperature. Monday once again bitter cold. Spring begins on March 14. Even if the weather does not cooperate, we know the pussy willows are the first to show their signs of spring along with the crocus that will soon be popping up through the snow and the branches on the trees will start to turn red, indicating they will soon be budding. Keep in mind my little song, much to her embarrassment, there is a song I always sang to daughter Diane as I walked into her office with a bouquet of pussy willows. when she was Town Clerk in Roxbury. “When March breezes blow, when there’s no more snow, who is first to grow? Why it is Pussy Willow”. I cannot wait for them to come out again this year. Here it is Tuesday afternoon and now once again it is snowing. I drove to Susan Smith’s home to pick up my Avon order and on the way home the roads got slicker. It was then I decided to cancel my Drs. appointment. I’m so glad I did as the snow is falling and the plow just went by. 

Sincere condolences to Carson Stryker and family with the passing of wife and mother Carol. A private spring committal service will be held at Gilboa Cemetery. 

Saturday afternoon I attended a Birthday party for Charlotte Wyckoff daughter of Linda and Joe Wyckoff. Charlotte turned 5. Several were in attendance at the Conesville Fire Hall. Decorations adorned the community room. Several games were played with the adults joining in the Bingo game. The kids got to try to break the piñata full of candy. It took a while for those tiny tots to try to get the job done. Finally, the candy came pouring out much to their delight. Candles adorned a lovely cake. Mom had to help Charlotte blow them out after making her wish. All in all, it was truly such a nice time. I understand that Charlotte was awarded the Trustworthiness award at Gilboa School. Charlotte is in UPK. One person from each other’s grade level was chosen for the award.  Her cousin Olivia VanZandt, daughter of Alicia & Mike VanZandt received the same award. Olivia is in 1st grade at school in Cobleskill.   Congratulations to all who received an award.

On Saturday, March 21, once again the Gilboa Town Hall will hold a Community Closet. This event is free and all you need to do is donate clean clothing for anyone to stop by and pick out the items of their choice. This is a FREE event. Last year it was titled “Clothing Exchange” Linda Wyckoff and Cindy Buel will be there to help you when needed. For more information call Linda on 607 588 6400.  

Sunday after church my friend Ted and I met up with John & Carla Maggiolo at the Conesville Firehouse for a Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner. The proceeds went to benefit the Conesville United Methodist Chapel. The Sunday school children served the delicious meal as we walked by with our plates. Neighbors and friends sitting around the tables with so many tales to tell while enjoying their meal. 

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be holding a “Yo! Youth Outdoors” event in April. This is a huge event.  Closer to the date I will have all the information in my column.

Back in Time: March 3, 1993, Clyda writes: March is peeking around the corner as I write tonight. It is cold. The temperature sinks toward zero or below each evening, seldom rises above the mid-20s at noontide. Nothing stirs. Even the wind seems lost in a late winter nap. Snow lies deep on the lawn and meadows and hills. It is rather a shock to realize just how deep it is. Conditioned as we are to thinking we walk on the ground, I suddenly realize my footsteps are even with the top of Elsie Tank rose and rhubarb bed is not even a dent in what is now the surface of the back lawn. Nor do I leave footprints behind. There is a hard and shiny crust on that snow that holds me securely, allows me to pass with little more impression than a macadam highway.

Prayer Concerns: Connie Ruehle and all who may be hurting at this writing. 

Birthdays: March 9 John Palmer, March 12 Riley Young and Ingrid Saez.  Happy Birthday to everyone. Enjoy that special day, Blessed in the Lord. 

Gilboa/Conesville Central School: March 13 Conference Day, March 19 early release. 

Upcoming Events: Sunken City Cidery Friday, March 6 open from 3-6pm. Saturday, March 7 Yoga 11am-12noon Live Music with Trevor Collins Solo Project 3-6pm and The Reservoir city eats available. March 8 Cidery open 12pm-4pm. You can also experience country skiing and snowshoeing around the lower field at the cidery. 

March 9 Conesville Historical Society Board of Directors meeting 6:30pm at the Town Hall. 

 Free Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza March 21, 10am-3:00pm presented by NYPA. Photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts and so much more.  I believe all events will take place at Minekill State Park due to ongoing renovations at the Lansing Manor complex.  

Sunday Worship Services:

Gilboa Methodist:  9:00am located on 990V Gilboa with Pastor Dawn Richards. Senior 

Flat Creek Baptist: Flat Creek Road, with Pastor Paul Overbaugh, 9:30am Sunday School, 10:30am worship service with coffee and fellowship following the service.  Women’s Bible Study every Thursday morning 10:00am at Robinson Terrace Assisted Living on Buntline Drive. 

Conesville United Methodist Chapel: First and Third Sunday of the month 4:00pm Route 990V. with Pastor Dottie Morris. 

Got News? E-mail pickee@midtel.net