Gilboa/Conesville News by Dorothy Pickett - 19 August 2026

Another week has gone by here in the month of August. It won’t be long before school begins once more. Still, there are lots of great events coming up with our 250th anniversary celebrations. Be sure to look at your town’s correspondent’s news in the Mountain Eagle as we keep you all up to date on all of that. 

It was a very enjoyable luncheon at the Middleburgh Diner last Friday. Twenty NYPA B/G Retirees were in attendance. We all sat at a very long table together. It was just like a family gathering. Oh my gosh, the laughter, conversations and so much more were the best. I could not help but watch with enthusiasm as the voices echoed in that room throughout the luncheon. The waitresses were great and the food could not have been any better. Special thanks to Shelly and Al Vamosy for doing the invocation and benediction. For those who could not make it, thanks for the messages you sent. We missed all of you.  When I retired in 97’ a year later in 98’ I decided we retirees needed to get together. The luncheons have been ongoing once a year for twenty-eight years. 

Saturday afternoon several of us were at the Sunken City Cidery to celebrate the life of Carol Stryker. Carol passed away on Feb. 25. Many memories of Carol were shared.  Once again, condolences to the family. 

The Gilboa Historical Society’s Ice Cream Social was a huge success on Saturday. From what I have been told, the band was great, the Ice cream delicious and the shared conversations were just as great as well. On Sept. 12 1:00pm Connie Houde, Museum curator, will talk on wedding dresses. 

The people that attended the Flat Creek Baptist Church’s picnic at MineKill Park on Saturday enjoyed their day too. Pastor did the grilling while everyone bought their special dish to pass. 

Sunday after worship service, I drove to Conine Park in Prattsville where I met up with Matt Avitable editor of the Mtn Eagle along with several correspondents and reporters for a pizza picnic. Matt headed up the get together and brought all the food.  We had some great pizzas, chicken parm, sausage & peppers etc. as we all chatted away.  It was a pleasure to get to meet those who write for the Mtn. Eagle. 

People have been signing up for the Gilboa Yard Sales every day, mostly here on Flat Creek Road. There is still time before the maps & numbers are completed to join in. Just call 518-827-6390. If there is no answer leave your name, a message & phone number. 

Sue Rucano from Conesville tells me they had a great time at the Gilboa Museum on Saturday afternoon during the free Ice Cream Social. The Rubber Band entertained everyone with some great music. They also visited the museum and viewed the new art gallery. It was a very impressive collection of artwork from local artists. The big winners of the Conesville Trivia night event on Saturday were team Mother and son-in-law Lori Gustin and Keith Moree. This event was sponsored by the Conesville Historical Society. The Dutch Apple Cruise had to be cancelled because of severe thunderstorms and rain. It has been rescheduled for July 21, 2027. If you have any questions about your payment for this cancellation event you can reach out to the Conesville Historical Society.  On August 22, 6:30pm, the Son Dogs will be entertaining everyone with their great music during the Ice Cream Social. This will all take place at the church, which is a free event.

The Fire Tower presentation on Monday evening held to thirty+ people at the Conesville Historical Society’s meeting in the church.  Laurel Rankin Director of the NY Chapter FFLA (Forest Fire Lookout Association) did the presentation. Of interest was the fact that the Leonard Hill Gilboa eighty Ft. Fire Tower was the tower that was moved from Gilbert Lake to Leonard Hill in 1947. At one time there were over one hundred towers in New York State. By 1990 the towers were abandoned. Laurel started to work on getting the Gilboa Tower refurbished during 2018-2023 with the State with no report. In 2024 An she was told an Engineer said work was going to happen. Laurel has been checking on this to no avail as here it is 2026 with no update. I told everyone that in 58’ there was a fire behind the tower. Mt. Utsayantha spotted the fire and called the person in the Gilboa Tower via telephone to let him know what was happening behind him. My late husband fought that fire for two days and nights as many volunteered to help put it out. With a forty-pound tank filled with water they carried on their shoulders along with a shovel and an axe, that was how the fire was put out.  Questions were raised which Laurel graciously answered each one. Refreshments were available after which a meeting was led by President Kim (Young) Moree. 

Prayer Concerns: Pat & Ed Chatfield, Teddi & Merel Cline and all those who may be hurting at this writing. 

Birthdays: August 23 Judy O’Meara, August 25 Jim Foley, August 26 Gilbert Dumond. All of you enjoy that special day Blessed in the Lord. 

Anniversary: August 24 Bernie & Donna Carpinelli, August 29 John & Kathy Lanaro. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary. 

Upcoming Events:

Friday, August 21, 3-7pm Sunken City Cidery opens. The Stryker Food Truck will be available. 

Saturday, August 22, 3-6pm, Sunken City Cidery welcomes the Keystone Breakers with some great music along with the Stryker Food Truck on site.

Sunday, August 23, 3-6pm More live music at the cidery as Jerry’s Chicken Shack will be the entertainers. Stryker Food Truck is available for this event also.

Sunday, August 30, 3-4:30 on Jefferson Green The Roof Blues Dixieland music will be heard over the mountains and valleys with some good entertainment.  

Saturday, September 5, 10am-4pm Gilboa Multi Sales. Follow signs beginning on Rte. 30 & 990V. numbered maps available at all sales along the route.

Saturday, September 5, 10am 2:00pm is the last day to be open for the Jefferson Museum. Then around 2:15 a presentation Calico Rebellion video with Victoria Kupchinetsky in Judd Hall.  

Saturday, September 12, 11am-2:00pm Gilboa Community Clothing Exchange at the Town Hall.  Lots of items for everyone including for kids heading back to school. This event is Free. Need more info: 607-588-6400. 

Sunday Worship Services: 

Gilboa Methodist Church: 9:00am, on 990V, Gilboa with Pastor Dawn Richards. 

Flat Creek Baptist Church: Flat Creek Road, Gilboa with Pastor Paul Overbaugh, Sunday School 9:30am, Worship Service 10:30am. Coffee and fellowship follows the service. Women’s Bible Study takes place on Thursdays 10:00am at Robinson Terrace Assisted Living Buntline Drive, Stamford. 

Conesville UM Chapel: Worship service on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

The 2nd and 4th Sundays the Chapel is open from 9-11am for worship and prayer time. A peaceful time with music, community, and games for children and just gathering in faith to share with each other.  

News is always welcome e-mail pickee@midtel.net.