Anniversaries are opportunities for connection, reflection, and fun. There are so many this year: 2026 marks Tenderland Home’s 24th anniversary, the 40th of the Shandaken Eagle, the 50th for the Phoenicia Playhouse, the 80th anniversary of the American Legion post 950—not to mention the 250th anniversary of our Nation.
One of our most venerated organizations, the American Legion, started in the wake of WWII devastation. For decades our Legion has provided safety nets for veterans, their families and other Shandaken residents. It’s important to recognize these efforts, and of course those who have bravely served to protect our nation. Join me in Phoenicia the morning of May 26 for the Memorial Day parade down Main Street, ending at the Shandaken Eagle. Memorial Day kicks off a summer already filled with fun and memorable events.
The Shandaken Eagle originally sat atop the old Grand Central Station. When that was torn down, at least 12 eagles were disbursed to private buyers. Photographer David McLane picked one up for $100, and later donated it to our Town in the mid-1980s—a time when the Bald Eagle species itself was endangered. A group of Shandaken citizens raised funds to move, refurbish, and erect the cast iron eagle, and it was bronzed by local artist Daikin Moorehouse. Make sure to put August 22, 2026 in your calendar for Shandaken Eagle Day, when we will celebrate everyone who made possible what has become the symbol of our Town.
The Phoenicia Playhouse (founded as Shandaken Theatrical Society) represents another historically-important save by a group of residents. Volunteers and donors have stewarded the 1887 Order of Oddfellows hall since bell bottoms and the bicentennial. I just saw a really great production of Hamlet done by Catskill Shakespeare—part of an impressive anniversary season that includes Flying Cat Music events, a Phoenicia Festival of the Arts film festival and other movies throughout the summer, as well as several live theatrical events.
Social media misinformation is a challenge to our Town. There aren’t enough hours in a day to counter the inaccuracies. One recent post stood out for its sweeping recommendations for our Town—all made with little awareness of what Shandaken has achieved and what we are working on. The post claimed that the Town needs plans—for floods, for housing, for balancing economic development with back yard peace. Please know that every year dozens of volunteers and staff work on and update plans for our Town. In fact, in February alone plans to mitigate flooding, create housing, and to chart courses for scaled growth advanced significantly. The Chichester Flood Advisory Committee (ChiFAC) held its first meeting, with a goal of completing a Local Flood Analysis that will result in funding for mitigation projects in that area. We met with the State Department of Transportation (DOT) about their plans to update Route 214 and to strategize how to work together on Phoenicia’s flood mitigation plan for Main Street. I had several highly encouraging meetings with the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) about their willingness to help us build a safer, more vibrant community. The Board will vote this month on whether to authorize me to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with RUPCO to create housing at the shuttered Phoenicia Elementary. Staff and I made a plan to move to accounting software in March that will enable more accurate financial snap shots, with a follow up plan for a mid-year budget update. And, the Comprehensive Master Plan Committee circulated a final draft of the plan, which will guide Shandaken for years to come. Further, completion of the Comprehensive Master Plan and updating our accounting will enable us to secure funding desperately needed for infrastructure projects. So, thank you to all of you who serve on volunteer committees and boards, and to our staff and departments for the planning that you do to better Shandaken.
Following a fire that destroyed the original structure, Shandaken’s Town Hall was rebuilt around 1947—predating energy-inefficient, flood mitigating, and accessible building. For decades, previous Supervisors achieved updates, plans, and new facilities to accommodate various Town functions. But, the need for a Town Hall remains. It’s critical we get Town Hall out of the floodway, create a facility that’s accessible for all, and lower energy and maintenance costs. Upkeep costs for old structures are significantly higher than for new ones. So, until we find a feasible property and identify funding to build a new town hall, the current building will be a bit of a money pit.
Our 30-year-old furnace had been repeatedly repaired the last few years, and failed in a big way the day before the storm that plunged our town into single digit temps and dumped two feet of snow. We contacted three companies for quotes: the consensus was we needed a furnace replacement. But, only one company could schedule the replacement right away. Highway and Town staff still spent most of the week working, in between blowing fuses with space heaters and turning water off to avoid breaking pipes. Kudos to all who came to pay taxes in the cold.
The Board is actively seeking a site and funding for a new Town Hall. The site needs to be out of the flood plain, avoid environmentally-sensitive areas like wetlands, and ideally have enough acreage to accommodate town offices, highway and ambulance. If you have an idea about a possible site—please reach out to supervisor@shandaken.gov.
Extreme cold also triggers water main leaks. Phoenicia’s new Water Superintendent Kyle Steen has been working hard to map lines to more easily find leak sources, and subsequently identified a leak on Route 214.
The snow storm also highlighted an interesting dilemma: the County issued a travel ban for January 25 and the morning of January 26—even as Belleayre Ski Center remained open. Presumably skiers were parachuting in from Delaware County to avoid the ban??
Our police and ambulance spend a minimum of 15% of their time responding to Belleayre calls and proactively helping to keep Belleayre skiers safe. At this month’s meeting, the Board will vote on this resolution, memorializing our request for $175,000 in annual funding to offset the Belleayre Ski Center-related costs that Shandaken shoulders. If you’re inclined to help, please email a letter of support to Joyce at townclerk@shandaken.gov.
Our March meeting is on the 2nd of the month, at 7:00 p.m.
I’m excited about the possibilities this year holds for our Town—and acknowledge all the people that teed up good things to improve the quality of life for Shandaken residents in 2025. A few of the things to look forward to this year are the:
- Debut of our Comprehensive Master Plan
- Installation of the new natural playground at Glenbrook Park
- Engagement of consultants to help update our zoning codes.
Our Town has the most amazing volunteers—our Committees, Nonprofits, citizens, and most especially our dedicated first responders who put everything on the line to keep us safe.
This month last year Rich Muellerleile again asked inexperienced hikers to visit the DEC’s Hike Smart NY, and cited how winter conditions are harsh—not only for hikers for but would-be rescuers. His words sit heavy as we begin the year.
Michael Ryan passed in December while out rescuing a hiker. We are a small Town and the loss of Mike is felt everywhere here, but his lifetime of service and mentorship extends well beyond Shandaken. The Board sends our deepest condolences to Debra Jo, Finola, and Mike’s entire family. Our Town was already reeling following the news that the Craig Family were in a serious car accident. I know we are all wishing much healing in 2026 for Kris, Heather, Laura, and Sarah. Our rescuers are stretched thin and they are serving increasing numbers of visitors. If you are able, please contact your local fire house about volunteering this year. As Kris Craig said at an emergency preparedness meeting in 2025, “there is something to do for just about anyone willing to help.”
After over 30 years of service, Rick Ricciardella is retiring as the Superintendent of the Phoenicia Water District. On behalf of the Phoenicia Water Committee and everyone in the hamlet of Phoenicia, thank you Rick. We deeply appreciate your decades of service keeping our drinking water safe. I also want to thank John Horn and Allen Shiner for their service on the Planning Board, Ernest Longhi for his service as a Line Officer for Shandaken Ambulance, and Hank Williams for his service on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
My office will operate with an open-door policy. I value hearing from you and encourage you to visit Town Hall to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. This year, you will see monthly Supervisor Updates on the Town website. Together, we will continue to build a strong, vibrant, and welcoming community.
First meeting of 2026 is January 5 at 6:00.
Happy New Year Shandaken,
Barbara Mansfield, Town Supervisor