GilboaConesville News by Dorothy Pickett - 7 December 2025

GILBOA - The Christmas Tree went up at the Gilboa Town Hall one day last week The tree in front of the town hall has lights on as well.  All this means Christmas is not very far away. Our annual “Sundaes with Santa” will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2:00pm at the Town Hall. Bring your kids, grandkids, friends and neighbors and get ready to make your own Ice Cream Sundaes then meet Santa who has gifts for the kids.  Many thanks to Stamford Stewarts for providing the ice cream, toppings, spoons and cups for this event. Cookies by Sweet Creations Curly Girl right here in Gilboa along with Crafts, photo ops and fun for all ages. Don’t forget your donation for the Animal Shelter where you will get a ticket for a prize. The Toys for Tots box need some toys as well. A fun time for everyone!

On Tuesday Town clerk Linda and I drove to the NYPA Visitor’s center where we decorated a Town of Gilboa Community Christmas Tree for their annual display of the Festival of Trees. A few years ago, I purchased a few dozen ceramic snowmen. Those who stopped by us we had them sign their name on the belly of the snowman! With not using them for the tree at the town hall this year, we decided they would be great on a tree at the visitor’s center. Many Gilboa and surrounding area residents have signed their snowman. It is a delight to view. The center is open daily from 10am-5:00pm with the trees on display December 1st through December 30th.  They will be closed December 24, 25, and the 31st.  With over twenty trees on display they are all beautifully decorated. Some of the trees are by the Apple Barrel, Minekill State Park, Office of Aging, Roxbury School, Jefferson Seniors, NYPA employees, and lots more. I suggest you take a few minutes to stop by to view them. December 13, 12:00noon -4:00pm is their Holly Jolly Party. Photos with Santa, crafts, horse drawn sleigh rides, and giveaways. This is all free. 

For its very first event with the Community Clothing Exchange at the Gilboa Town Hall on November 22, I have to say it went very well. Lots of clothes were displayed on racks and tables. Everyone who attended asked if it could be done again in the Spring. With thoughts of that both Linda and Cindy may do just that. Linda and Cindy want to thank all who came out. A special shout out thanks to Margaretville Telephone Company for the beautiful jackets they donated as well as helping to get the word out for this event. Thanks to Wild Desire a Frugal Homestead, for donating a tray of goodies. Anything left was donated to the Everything Shoppe in Middleburgh, and the 4H Rangers with the left-over jackets delivered to the Department of Social Services to be circulated to those in our county who just may need a warm jacket for the cold winter months ahead.

The Conesville Firehouse Community Christmas on December 6, beginning at 4:15pm with a Hayride. Crafts, games, music, food then Santa arrives at 6:15pm. From 6:30-7:30 there will be pictures with Santa. This annual event is FREE. Then on December 13, at 5:00pm they will host their third annual silent auction. Over $2000 dollars in items have been donated. Many thanks to Sue and Debbie for organizing this event. 

There were lots of people in attendance at the Gilboa Museum on Sunday November 22. The community room was filled with attendees who were very excited to listen to a talk with Dr. William Stein, Frank Mannolini and Linda Hernick authors of “The Catskill Fossil Forest”. Throughout the event they were interviewed by President Kristen Wyckoff who asked many interesting questions about the Gilboa, Cairo, and Conesville. Fossils. Following their interviews several questions were asked by the audience. Delicious refreshments abound on the table for all to enjoy before the museum closed for the day. The Small Works Art Show in the community room is still ongoing. The museum will open on Dec. 6,7, and 13 from 12noon to 4pm and by appointment 914-572-7289. Next comes the annual always welcomed “Bottle Auction”, “Shopping Bag Auction and Gift Basket Raffle” December 13, 2:00pm. With our extraordinary Auctioneer Alicia Terry, one cannot want to not bid on the wrapped items as each are held high.  Bottles are wrapped so you do not have a clue what may be under the wrapping until the auction has ended. Then you can unwrap them to see what treasures you had bid on. Sunday, December 14, 2:00pm the museum is happy to present a Movie titled “Original Cast Album-Company” A film by D.A. Pennebaker. 

I was glad to learn that Carol Stryker is home and continues to get better with each passing day. I was sorry to hear that Irene Hess took a nasty fall and ended up at Albany Med. She too is recuperating nicely.

Mark your calendar. All are welcome to Flat Creek Baptist Church 849 Flat Creek Road, Gilboa Saturday, December 13, 5:30pm for a Ham dinner with all the fixings and lots of delicious desserts. You can RSVP Karen at 518-966-6073. Walk ins will be welcome as well. Hope to see you all there!  

Did you know? The Horseshoe Café located in Blenheim began it operation on December 27, 2018. That does not seem possible to me as it only seemed like yesterday that they opened their doors. Denise and Brian wanted everyone to know how grateful they are for the support and friendship they receive as people come through the door. Denise tells me they serve breakfast and lunch, catering for all occasions, They even made it through the covid shutdown. Their café has a cozy welcoming dining room with friendly staff. You can follow their website for hours and days they are open.  Congratulations to my friends Brian, Denise and staff. May you have many more years of success.   

The Mountain Top Seniors enjoyed a delicious Turkey Dinner at the Conesville Firehouse on November 20. Several were in attendance. TPs in Stamford catered the dinner and desserts. Several members also supplied desserts. Vice President Lori Gustin conducted a brief meeting. The next meeting in December is a potluck. Everyone was asked to bring a dish to pass. A gift exchange will take place. Bring a wrapped gift and mark it woman or man. There will also an ugly sweater contest.  A vote from the members will take place for President and Vice President. There will be no meetings during January and February. 

Several attended the Thanksgiving service at Flat Creek Church on Wednesday evening. It was a time of worship, hymn singing, prayer and testimonies. Pastor Paul conducted the service. Everyone enjoyed delicious pies and coffee following the service. 

Neighbors Alison and Tony spent their Thanksgiving with daughter Hannah and family downstate. With a total crowd of eighteen family members, it was a day of some great conversations, love and friendship around the huge table. Tony’s sister and hubby were there to enjoy the day as well. They now reside in Schoharie after moving from the warm climates of Florida. Tony and Alison are both ever so happy to have them living close by. 

The Conesville Turkey Trot was a huge success this past Saturday. With two experts organizing this event, John and Kathy Riedl are to be commended for it being such a success.  There were close to sixty in attendance. It was unbelievable how the runners/walkers came out in the snowy cold conditions. With twenty-nine sponsors from families and businesses who graciously donated to this wonderful event a huge thank you goes out to them. Also, many thanks to the Conesville Fire Department/Rescue Squad for volunteering their time with controlling traffic while making sure everyone remained safe and healthy. With many special thanks, the Conesville Historical Society will put the funding that was provided by everyone will certainly be put to good use. It will keep the History of the Town of Conesville alive for many years to come. 

I spent my Thanksgiving at daughter Diane’s home in Grand Gorge. Daughter Debbie drove up from Binghamton and Chuck Colliton also joined us in celebration of this Thankful holiday. Diane served a delicious full turkey dinner with cheesecake and pumpkin pie for dessert. Wonderful conversations around that table as well. As it began to turn dark outside we could see some snowflakes in the air. Both Debbie and I left for our homes hoping it would not get worse. We both found there was very little traffic on the road. Even so, we were glad to arrive home safely.

If you like “Buffalo Wings” I now let you know that the Sunken Cidery have wings to drool over. They are what owner Elizabeth says they are naked wings tossed in what they are calling “Baby Bros Wing Sauce”. This is a recipe from her brother Chris who had to master wings on his own after moving to Berlin, Germany where wings are almost impossible to find on a menu. As we all know, the Wings began in Buffalo back in the 60’s. They have been a favorite ever since. Sunken Cider also has a menu which includes vegetarian options, steak sandwiches, grilled cheeseburgers, fries, hot soups and so much more. Now for their hours: Friday, Dec. 5, the Cidery opens 3-6pm, Saturday, Dec. 6, Yoga 11am-12noon, Live Music from Ron Gutierrez 3-6pm with The Reservoir Sunken City Eats 1-6pm, Sunday, Dec. 7, Cidery is open 12noon-4pm with The Reservoir Sunken City Food Truck available.  Elizabeth says “Come on out and try our new delicious menu”  

 Sunday, Dec. 7, 5-7pm. Minekill State Park located at 161 Minekill Rd. just off Rte. 30, No. Blenheim, will be holding a Candlelight Walk, NYS Dr, King food drive. Meet up at the Midland Pavilion. This is a free event; however, a donation of canned food will be appreciated.  

Prayer Concerns: Continue to keep in prayer Carol Stryker, Irene Hess, Patti Haight, Patricia Chatfield, along with all those who may be ill at this writing

Upcoming Events:

Sunday, December 14 2:00pm a Holiday concert will take place at the Jefferson Methodist Church with the Upper Catskill String Quartet.

Sunday Worship Services:

Gilboa Methodist: 9:00am located on 990V Gilboa 

Flat Creek Baptist: Flat Creek Road, 9:30am Sunday School, 10:30am worship service with coffee and fellowship following the service. Ladies Bible study every Monday 10:00am. 

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

Got News? E-mail pickee@midtel.net