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Johnson Hall Opens July 22

Jul 20, 2020

Johnson Hall State Historic Site will open for the 2020 season on Wednesday, July 22.  In response to the covid-19 pandemic, the following health and safety guidelines will be in effect for the season:

  • Guided tours will be given on Wednesdays through Sundays.
  • Tours are by advance reservation by phone only.  Visitors can call (518) 762-8712 from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday through Sunday to schedule.
  • Tours will be limited to 5 people.
  • Masks must be worn by all visitors inside the buildings, and social distancing observed.
  • Access into the buildings will be controlled by staff.  Visitors should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their tour to enter the stonehouse to pay their admission.
  • The museum shop will be available to visitors following their tour.

Interpretive signs throughout the grounds of Johnson Hall detail the historic structures and features that were once part of the estate. Social distancing should be practiced by visitors on the grounds.

Johnson Hall was the 1763 English Georgian estate of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant.  Johnson was the largest single landowner and most influential individual in the colonial Mohawk Valley.  His success in dealing with the Six Nations had a lasting impact on their relationship with the English, and largely influenced England’s victory in the Anglo-French struggle for control of colonial North America.   Today, the main house and flanking stonehouses, originally surrounded by a 700-acre farm, interpret Sir William and Molly Brant’s family life through guided tours of the period room settings, educational programs and special events.

Johnson Hall State Historic Site is located at 139 Hall Avenue in historic Johnstown, just off West State Street (State Highway 29 West).  For more information, write JohnsonHall@parks.ny.gov or visit www.facebook.com/johnsonhallstatehistoricsite.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Large Firework Shows Cancelled for Upcoming 4th of July Holiday Weekend

Jun 30, 2020

Unfortunately, due the NY State restrictions on large gatherings, there will be no large public firework shows this year in Fulton County. We will update and share dates of re-scheduled shows when available.
 
This includes: Sport Island Pub (Northville), Lanzi’s on the Lake (Mayfield), Pine Lake Park (Pine Lake, Route 10), Northville Doin’s (Northville) and Sherman’s Amusement Park (Caroga Lake, Route 10).
 
Please understand this is a NY State Regulation and not the local family businesses decision.
 
Fireworks have been a tradition and staple in our area for many years- and while that won’t be on your agenda this year, please continue to enjoy our hiking and biking trails, fishing and boating, history walks, local restaurants, and shops that are open.
 
Please wear a mask when you are in town and respect NY State regulated social distancing guidelines.
 
Thank you for supporting our local businesses, enjoy the 44 lakes we offer, and enjoy our beautiful county safely. Stay healthy and strong!

Farmer’s Market at the Broadalbin Visitor Center, Starting Friday June 26th at 3pm-6pm

Jun 25, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BROADALBIN: The Fulton Montgomery Farmers Market Association will be holding a Farmers Market in Broadalbin this summer, starting tomorrow- Friday June 26th.  The market will be every Friday from 3pm-6pm,  until September.  It will be at the Visitor Center in Broadalbin on the roundabout of Route 29 and Route 30.

Opening day will host 5 vendors:  Beyond Your Garden Corp. is a family run operation out of North Broadalbin that grows perennials and shrubs for residential and commercial landscapes. Damin Farm is a second generation dairy, meat and produce farm located in the Mohawk Valley. We offer beef, pork, chicken,5 varieties of sauerkraut, jams, and seasonal vegetables in the summer. Gramma’s Cookies 4 You is a New York State certified home manufacturer of homemade cookies, and confections. Gray’s Garden and Greenhouse is a seasonal business selling annual flowers, perennial flowers, hanging baskets, vegetable plants, and herbs Jammin Juice Bar is a beverage vendor with fresh made lemonade, smoothies, fruit smashers, shaved ice, slushies, fresh brewed cold teas and coffee, and milk shakes. Milburt Farm & Greenhouse is a locally owned grower of bedding plants, flowers, cut flowers, mums, herbs and perennials.

In July, Dan’s Berries Fresh and Hu-Hill Farm Store will be attending.  The market will continue to grow throughout the summer.

It is important to note that vendors will be practicing social distancing guidelines set out by NY State so please keep at least a 6ft distance from our other patrons and respect the space of vendors. Hand sanitizers will be available.

Fulton Montgomery Farmers Market Association and the Fulton County Tourism Department would like to thank Warren Greene and the Board of Supervisors for supporting this new endeavor.

The Sacandaga Series with Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site and the Fulton County Historical Society

Jun 22, 2020

The Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter and the Fulton County Historical Society are teaming up to present a virtual two program series. On July 8th at 6:30pm, Schoharie Crossing Education Director David Brooks will present “15 Miles on the Sacandaga Canal? – The Canal Craze,” discussing the construction and success of the Erie Canal and the subsequent “canal craze” that sparked the idea of a Great Sacandaga Canal.

On July 15th at 6:30pm, Fulton County Historical Society Executive Director Samantha Hall-Saladino will present “Sacandaga Soiree: Tides and Tourism,” exploring the tourism boom on the Great Sacandaga Lake from the 1940s to the present.

These programs will be presented virtually via Webex. The links to join the presentations can be found online at fultoncountyhistoricalsociety.org and on the Schoharie Crossing and FCHS Facebook pages.

2020 DEC campground update!

Jun 18, 2020

DEC Announces 20 Campgrounds and Day Use Areas to Open June 19!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/17/2020 01:41 PM EDT

Additional DEC Campground Openings to be Announced Soon for Summer 2020 Season

Campers Encouraged to Follow Guidelines to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 While Enjoying Beauty of Adirondacks and Catskills

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that 20 of DEC’s campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks will open on June 19 for the 2020 season. Three additional campgrounds are slated to open June 26, and additional DEC campgrounds and day use areas will open in the coming weeks as DEC works to safely reopen these facilities to meet guidelines in place to protect staff and visitors from the spread of COVID-19. To maintain social distancing and reduce the density of facilities and protect visitors, DEC is not accepting additional reservations or walk-in camping for the 2020 season at this time. Existing reservations will be honored for the DEC campgrounds listed below.

DEC Campgrounds to Open June 19:

Adirondack Park Campgrounds and Day Use Areas

Catskill Park Campgrounds and Day Use Areas

Campgrounds to Open June 26:

For information about campgrounds operated by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation visit NYS Parks camping webpage.

Campground Safety

According to the NYForward guidance (leaves DEC’s website) for the reopening of New York State, campgrounds must take precautions to ensure campers maintain appropriate social distancing and adhere to proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, including but not limited to maintaining six feet of distance between campers, unless wearing an acceptable face covering, and excluding persons from the same household who are camping together. Visit Reserve America for details.

DEC has temporarily stopped issuing permits for backcountry camping for groups of 10 or more. As of June 11, DEC resumed issuing permits for groups of fewer than 10 people who would like to stay for more than three nights at one location on state lands. DEC is also temporarily restricting lean-to use to members of a single household at a time.

Visiting New York State’s Public Lands during the COVID-19 Response

New York State is encouraging people to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. New York State DEC and State Parks recommendations for getting outside safely incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:

  • Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing;
  • Practice social distancing. Keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others even when outdoors;
  • Wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing;
  • Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, and high-fives;
  • Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not available; and
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces that are often touched, such as doorknobs and handrails.

DEC and State Parks also encourage visitors to state parks and state lands, and other parks to:

  • Use common sense when visiting the outdoors. Stay local within your region because some amenities like public restrooms and restaurants may not be open.
  • Visit in small groups limited to family members and members of your own household. Maintain a distance from others while in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks.
  • Know before you go. Plan ahead and make a list of alternate destinations. Beaches and trailheads will be busy. Many state beaches and parks will quickly reach capacity limits on nice weather days. Check parks.ny.gov, and 511.org for park capacity closure alerts.
  • Choose a time to visit when beaches, trails, and parks are likely to be less crowded, such as a weekday or earlier in the day.
  • Park responsibly in designated areas only.
  • Avoid games and activities that require close contact, such as basketball, football, or soccer.
  • Do not share equipment, such as bicycles, helmets, binoculars, balls, or Frisbees.
  • If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other undesignated areas. To protect your safety and that of others, please choose a different area to visit, or return another time or day when parking is available.
  • Practice ‘Leave No Trace.’ Respect parks and state lands and take out whatever you bring in, including disposable gloves, wipes, masks, and toilet paper.
  • Stay home if you’re sick or if part of a vulnerable population.
  • Be patient. Accept that this summer, you may have to adjust how you enjoy the outdoors to help keep yourself and others healthy and safe, even if it means changing your plans to visit a public space.
  • New Yorkers over 70 years old or with a compromised immune system should not visit public spaces, including those outdoors. These New Yorkers should remain indoors or spend time in the backyard or other personal outdoor space, pre-screen visitors by taking their temperature, and require visitors to wear masks.
  • Visitors to the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are reminded to always follow the Hiker Responsibility Code and avoid busy trailheads. Find trails less traveled and visit when trails may not be as busy during daylight hours. DEC also encourages New Yorkers to be safe and sustainable when recreating outdoors. Learn more about how you can protect natural spaces when exploring outdoors by following the seven principles of Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website). Additional information is available on the DEC website.

DEC Hiring Campground Staff

DEC is seeking seasonal campground staff with all levels of experience and skill sets, including supervisors, security, maintenance, and cleaning staff, and booth workers. If interested, please send an email to campinfo@dec.ny.gov.

https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html

DEC Announces 2020 “I Bird NY” Challenges

Jun 10, 2020

I Bird NY Encourages New Yorkers of All Ages, Abilities, and Backgrounds to Enjoy Birding

Visit AdventureAtHome to Learn How to Start Birding from Your Yard or Living Room

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the start of the 2020 “I BIRD NY” challenges for beginner and experienced birders. The I BIRD NY program was launched by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2017, to build on the State’s efforts to increase access to New York’s vast natural resources and promote low-cost opportunities to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature.

“No matter where you live, birding can be enjoyed by New Yorkers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds,” DEC Commissioner Seggos said. “With the arrival of spring migratory birds and warmer weather, June is the perfect time of year to enjoy birdwatching close to home. I BIRD NY is just one of DEC’s ongoing efforts to engage New Yorkers who may not have spent time enjoying nature in the past, but who realize the excitement of getting outdoors and experiencing the abundant wildlife around us. During the COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outside for a nature break is more important than ever and DEC will continue to encourage new and experienced naturalists alike to participate safely and responsibly in birding and other outdoors activities.”

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. Backyard birding, or watching birds around the home, is the most common way people engage in birding. New York State is home to a wide range of habitats that support more than 450 different bird species throughout the year. In New York, there are also 59 designated Bird Conservation Areas to safeguard and enhance bird populations and habitats on State lands and waters across the state. The State’s I Bird NY program provides resources for New Yorkers who would like to get outdoors and engage in birding all year long.

The joy of birdwatching is experienced by people from all economic backgrounds and education levels. While binoculars can help, enjoying birds can be done without any special equipment. DEC is hosting its annual I Bird NY Beginner’s Birding Challenge (PDF), which is open to anyone 16 years of age and younger. To complete the Beginner’s Birding Challenge, participants must identify 10 common New York bird species and submit their challenge sheet to DEC. Entries can be mailed or emailed. All participants in this challenge will receive a certificate of participation and be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win birding accessories.

In addition to the Beginner’s Birding Challenge, DEC is offering the I Bird NY Experienced Birder Challenge (PDF). To complete the challenge, birders of any age must identify at least 10 different bird species found across New York State. All participants in this challenge will also receive a certificate of participation and be entered into a drawing for birding accessories.

Birding enthusiasts can visit I Bird NY to access this year’s challenge sheets as well as find information on where and how to watch birds, upcoming bird walks, and other events, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (PDF) (also available in Spanish), and additional resources.

“A silver lining in these challenging times is that more people are tuning in to the joy of birds. The ‘I Bird NY’ challenge offers a unique opportunity for people of any age, ability, or location to try birding,” said Audubon New York Executive Director Ana Paula Tavares. “We encourage everyone to look outside with fresh eyes. Share what you see, tell others about it, submit data to eBird, and play a role in making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all people and wildlife.”

Also starting this year, five years of field surveys are being conducted by volunteers and project partners to provide data that will be analyzed to create the third New York State Breeding Bird Atlas. Similar to the 2020 Census to track human populations and trends, the Breeding Bird Atlas is a valuable tool to help protect birds and their habitat. To participate, volunteers can make a free eBird account and submit data online through the atlas website (leaves DEC’s website) or via the eBird mobile app. Simply record the species and any breeding behaviors observed. All sightings can count. As observations are reported, data can be viewed on the atlas website (leaves DEC’s website).

While enjoying the outdoors, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:

  • Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing
  • Practice social distancing. Keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others even when outdoors
  • Wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing
  • Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, kissing, or sharing equipment like binoculars
  • Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available

#AdventureAtHome: Looking for an at-home adventure? DEC is featuring special #AdventureAtHome content, and on Facebook and Instagram, with new, live specials, videos, and at-home tools and games for New Yorkers who are homebound or cannot go far for a nature break. Visit #Adventureathome.

In addition, the National Audubon Society is celebrating Pride Month with “Let’s Go Birding Together” virtual events. These events allow those who identify as LGBTQ, allies, families, and anyone to experience an inclusive activity linking them to birds and the natural world.

Governor Cuomo Announces Outdoor Dining at Restaurants Will Be Permitted in Phase Two Of Reopening

Jun 3, 2020

Restaurants in the Seven Regions that Have Already Entered Phase Two Can Reopen for Outdoor Dining Beginning Tomorrow, June 4th.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in phase two of reopening. Restaurants in the seven regions that have already entered phase two – the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York – can reopen for outdoor dining beginning tomorrow, June 4th. Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.

Full details can be found here. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-outdoor-dining-restaurants-will-be-permitted-phase-two-reopening

FEED THE TRUCKERS – SECOND EVENT PLANNED FOR TUESDAY, MAY 19TH AT 3PM

May 18, 2020

THANK YOU Phoebe Sitterly for coordinating another event for our essential truck drivers!

Picture- From Feed the Truckers on April 27th, volunteers from Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber staff- Nicole Walrath, Director of Workforce Development, and Jenna Patterson, Business and Education Partnership Coordinator.

Local Woman Plans Second ‘Feed the Truckers’ Event For Tuesday, May 19th

St. Johnsville resident and retired teacher Phoebe Sitterly is using her “great appreciation” for truck drivers, and their dedication to serve, as the inspiration for an event to thank them with a bagged meal, planned for Tuesday, May 19th in Fultonville. This is the second event she is planning, as the first one was a great success.

The truck drivers event, “Sandwiches 4 Semis, A Free Meal to Say Thank You” will begin at 3pm., and feature a boxed meal for drivers passing through Nationwide Transportation Brokers, just off the Thruway, Exit 28, at 58 Riverside Drive in Fultonville.

A big thank you to Nationwide Transportation – and owner Vince Gramuglia, who will once again host the event. This event is also sponsored by St. John’s Reformed Church in St. Johnsville.

Sitterly and a team of volunteers will welcome any truck driver to stop on the 19th to pick up a meal. The NYS Truckers Association will help get the word out with advertising and posts.

Sitterly stated: “this second event will largely be supported by cash donations, that have just kept coming in. Ripepi’s will be helping to make the subs, Family Dollar in Gloversville is donating a lot of chips and various goodies, CG Roxanne is donating all the water, and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber is donating bags. We will again be giving away 200 meals for the truck drivers. The out pouring of cash donations – the people in Fulton and Montgomery Counties are so kind and generous. They want to help truck drivers so much- it is just so amazing! I can’t thank our wonderful community enough.”

Sitterly is happy to use her experience in her life to continue to organize community events. As a teacher for 30 years, Sitterly served as a class or club advisor during her entire career. She also served as Union President for 6 years. During her presidency, she was instrumental in the school merging process. In 2005 she helped kick off a fundraiser for the Margaret Reaney Memorial Library called “FlapJacks and Fairytales.”

Sitterly is forever grateful for the volunteers who were at the first event and will be at the second event on the 19th. Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce staff members Nicole Walrath and Jenna Patterson volunteered at the first event. Walrath stated: “To be a part of what Phoebe Sitterly has organized for the truck drivers by providing lunch, is just a small token to show our gratitude. We truly appreciate all of the long hours and hard work our front line works are putting in.”

Patterson said- “Phoebe is an outstanding person and I’m so grateful to be a part of this event that she put together. Seeing the smiles and gratitude that the truckers felt when I was handing them food made my entire day, and it showed me that it meant so much more to them than it did to us. I can’t tell you how many times I heard “God bless you.”

To volunteer for the truckers appreciation event, or to donate, contact Sitterly at (518) 844-9607.

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