You know you live and work in a great place when the hardest task of the year is deciding who’ll join the constellation of Times-Journal Stars.
And this year, the contest’s 26th, was no different.
“What especially struck us was that while there were a few repeat nominations, most of those on this year’s list hadn’t appeared on the 2017 list,” said T-J editor Patsy Nicosia, who’s coordinated the contest since it began in 1992.
“That says a lot about Schoharie County. We’re good at giving back and we’re good at thanking the people who do.”
The 2018 nominees and why are:
Bruce Tryon. “He is everywhere and has worked tirelessly to help our community and school.”
“I realize that as a member of the T-J staff, it is hard to toot your own horn…but Bruce reflects the T-J in a positive manner. He wears many hats and each one says, “How can I help?”
William Johnson, for his year-long dedication to fire prevention as a Cobleskill Fire Department volunteer.
“His greatest reward is when a child will meet him in the store and says, ‘Hey, you’re Firefighter Bill—you came to my class.’ It’s then he knows he’s done a good job.”
James Meinsma, for volunteering thousands of hours to organizations and causes including the Middleburgh Rotary, Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association, Depot Lane Singers, Village of Middleburgh, Schoharie Reformed Church and Dam Concerned Citizens, and the Board of Health over the past 40 years.
“In an age when volunteers are getting harder and harder to come by, Jim has a stellar history of selfless volunteering for the betterment of the county…”
The late Cherie Stevens, for all she did to make Schoharie County a better place. (Cherie was the 2017 Star.)
Judge Richard Smith, for stepping in to fill a vacancy in the Town of Summit Court, updating the court’s computer system and ”making sure the paperwork is completed and nothing is left unfinished…Not to mention driving back and forth from Carlisle to Summit.”
Alicia Terry, for her work to support and encourage Schoharie County agriculture.
“Whenever something needs to be done, Alicia is the first to step up and do it.”
Theresa Heary, “who through the positive action group Rural Awakening, has brought people together…to volunteer their time in service of their vision for a better world for all.”
David Houck, for his cool head as a Schoharie County dispatcher during the Schoharie limousine accident.
“Not only did Dave deal with multiple agencies, but he also communicated with desperate and distraught family members…[stepping up] way beyond his usual dedication.”
Madelyn Weiss, for her passion for the United States Constitution.
Marge Becker, for years of work supporting the Middleburgh community, especially with her plans now for a top-notch gym.
Sheila Wilday, for “coming back to the Village of Cobleskill on a white steed to get manners straightened out with village finances…bringing back order and confidence. And let’s remember that she is a steadfast worker at every community Thanksgiving.”
Patsy Nicosia. “While the paper produces editorials, the news is always carefully presented without bias. Lots of other communities are not as lucky.
“Not all rural areas have papers. Nationwide and internationally, journalists do this exhausting and often dangerous work every day.”
Tim Snyder, for all of his work behind the scenes, for everything from hanging Cobleskill’s flower baskets or Christmas lights, volunteering as a coach, to his work in helping to restore the mural across from Park Theater.
Pat Costello and Rick and Karen Connor who have worked tirelessly for years with the Joshua Project, serving many children and families in need.
“If you happen to see one of them, you will most likely see all three together, working on some sort of project.”
Charlie and Donna Olsen, managers of the Festival Farmers Market, who will be stepping down after 21 years “and will be sorely missed by all. They had a passion for local farmers…The reward for their hard work was satisfaction and watching the market grow and serve the needs of not only the public, but the farmer as well.”
Stephen Strasser, who with his wife Susan, has demonstrated a tireless devotion to the community.
“He is more than a medical doctor. He is an incredibly caring man who is a credit to the medical profession and a spectacular community asset.”
Mike Langan, “for going above and beyond and extending extra support and comfort.”
Georgia Shafer, for “going out of her way for her customers at the Charlotteville General Store, as a Summit town board member, and as a 30-year firefighter,” to name a few.
“Georgia is always willing to go above and beyond, no matter what the task and never says no.”
Colleen DeLorenzo. “She has made the Body Fixx a welcoming place for people of all ages and abilities. Her enthusiasm makes your day. She encourages and supports everyone. She is a terrific motivator and role model.
Mary Ann Larkin, outgoing president of the Sharon Historical Society, “a fixture and sparkplug” with a lifetime of community involvement.
Ms. Larkin is recovering from a fall “and Sharon hasn’t been the same with her on the mend.”