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Farmer’s Market at the Broadalbin Visitor Center, Starting Friday June 26th at 3pm-6pm
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
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!
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 SeasonCampers Encouraged to Follow Guidelines to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 While Enjoying Beauty of Adirondacks and CatskillsThe 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 SafetyAccording 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 ResponseNew 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:
DEC and State Parks also encourage visitors to state parks and state lands, and other parks to:
DEC Hiring Campground StaffDEC 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. |
Tourism Department updating local Attractions listings
We are looking to update local Tourist Attractions in the county and need your help.
If you are a local attraction, please Click Here to complete the Tourism Facility Profile Sheet and
email to: tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org.
DEC Announces 2020 “I Bird NY” Challenges
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
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
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.
Hill & Markes Webinar on re-opening food service business.
Hill & Markes hosted a webinar earlier this week on how to safely reopen your food service business covering everything from staff safety, operational adjustments, food safety training, takeout & to-go, cleaning and more!
If you missed it, its available for you to download or Click Here to watch!
Be sure to checkout www.hillnmarkes.com/covid19 for tons of useful information and resources for Covid 19.
FULTON COUNTY YMCA TO HOLD DRIVE-UP AND VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT FULMONT-GLOVERSVILLE FOOD PANTRY
The Fulton County YMCA (The Y) is launching a brand-new service initiative called ‘Y Cares’ and its first project will be a food drive to help restock the Fulmont-Gloversville Food Pantry during these challenging times when the community need is heightened. The food drive event will be held on Monday, April 27 from 10AM to 3PM and will be run two ways—as a drive up/drop off for donating actual canned food and other needed items and as a virtual food drive so those that do not want to leave the safety of their home can still participate by donating online. The event was planned in consult with the Fulton County Public Health Department to be sure the food drive can be operated safely, following all social distancing recommendations. The health department will also be on-site the morning of the event to inspect the set up to be sure it is being optimally run with public health and safety in mind.
Community members wishing to donate to the food drive can enter the YMCA parking lot on Harrison Street in Johnstown and follow signage to the drop off stations. The public will be able to drop off donated items into drive-up collection boxes without leaving their car. Per the Food Pantry, needed items are as follows: peanut butter, Jelly, canned pasta, chili, soups, beef stew, boxed or bagged pasta, noodles, oatmeal, boxed pancake mix, boxed cereal, tuna or chicken or any canned meat, crackers, instant milk, canned vegetables, peas, corn, potatoes, spaghetti sauce, tuna helper, boxed rice, canned fruit, pork and beans and personal Care Items: including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, toilet paper, diapers, laundry detergent, shampoo, etc. Health and safety instructions for those wishing to participate in the drive-up food drive will be posted on the Y’s Facebook page and website.
For the virtual food drive, a link will be added to the Fulton County Y Facebook page @FultonCountyY and website (www.fultoncountyymca.org) on the morning of April 27th for the public to donate directly to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY safely online.
The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. Working locally, the Y focuses on empowering young people, improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across communities. The Fulton County Y’s fitness facility was ordered to temporarily close on March 16 as part of the state mandate, however essential services remain operational at this time including Emergency Childcare for first responders, health care professionals and essential workers; and the Y’s Residency in Gloversville which provides supportive housing for the homeless and potentially homeless. The new ‘Y Cares’ initiative will connect Fulton County Y staff and members with service opportunities to support local charities and community organizations.
For more information, please visit their website at: www.fultoncountyymca.org.
Order Takeout! Win Prizes! Deadline to submit May 31st!
Order Takeout! Win Prizes! From Now until April 30th!!
Play Bingo with the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, and our restaurants that are open during this time. Visit any of our Fulton/Montgomery County restaurants, and when you get a BINGO, take a photo of your card and your receipts —and email it to tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org, or Private Message our Facebook page.
At the end of this contest we will draw 5 winners, and if chosen, you will receive a $20 chamber check. If you send in a card with all the squares completed, then you are in a drawing for a $100.00 chamber check!
CLICK HERE for the BINGO card. Take a picture of the bingo card with your smartphone and send in your receipts. Use the edit photo feature in the camera app to “X” out a square. A single takeout can be used for multiple squares if applicable. Good luck and please email tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org with any questions!
Thank you for your continuous support of our businesses!