Hancock Partners

05/05/2026

What an incredible display of creativity, teamwork, and community spirit! 🎨🐾

A huge thank you to the students from the Hancock Community Education Foundation After School Program for helping bring this mural to life. Your energy, imagination, and hard work made this project truly special!

This mural—created in support of the EVolve NY Charging Stations and the Hancock Hounds Dog Park—was made possible thanks to the collaboration and generosity of Ithaca Murals, Thriving Futures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Funding for these community murals was provided through a grant awarded to the Hancock Arts Alliance and the Western Catskills Visitors Association.

What makes this piece so meaningful is that it represents the efforts of dozens and dozens of students, local artists, volunteers, and community members who simply came together to create something beautiful and have fun doing it. 💛

🎉 Join us for the formal ribbon cutting!
📍 661 W Main Street
📅 Thursday, May 7th
⏰ 3:00 PM

Everyone is welcome—especially those who helped make this mural possible. We hope to see you there as we celebrate this wonderful community achievement!

04/25/2026

🌎🌱 Earth Day Celebration — Hancock NY

Celebrate Earth Day with a fun, family-friendly day outdoors at the Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve & Science Center!

📅 Saturday, April 25
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve & Science Center — Hancock, NY 404 W main Street Hancock, NY 13783

🌿 Enjoy a day filled with:

• Petting Zoo & Local Vendors
• Plant Sale & Garden Items
• Kids Activities
• Nature Education
• Music & Community Fun
• Basket Raffles
• & More

👨‍👩‍👧 Bring the kids, explore the trails, and celebrate spring in one of Hancock’s most beautiful natural spaces.

🌸 This annual Earth Day event is perfect for families, students, and visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about nature, conservation, and our local environment. Special thanks to Klondike Farm for their Petting Zoo which is always popular!

🎉 Hosted by the Hancock Community Education Foundation and the Robert W. Nichol Nature Preserve & Science Center.

04/24/2026

🍗🔥 HCEF Brooks BBQ Fundraiser — Hancock Town Square!

Come hungry, Hancock! The Hancock Community Education Foundation Brooks BBQ Fundraiser is back — and it’s always a local favorite!

📅 Thursday, April 24
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Hancock Town Square — 20 E Main Street, Hancock NY

🍗 Enjoy the legendary Brooks BBQ chicken dinner — hot, fresh, and ready to go!
🥗 Classic sides
🥖 Dinner roll
👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect for families, takeout, or dinner on the Square

Every meal supports the Hancock Community Education Foundation, helping fund programs, scholarships, and educational opportunities for local students.

🚗 Grab dinner on your way home
👨‍👩‍👧 Bring the family
🎓 Support local education

These Brooks BBQ events always sell fast — so come early!

📍 Hancock Town Square
📅 April 24
⏰ 3–5 PM

Support our kids, support our schools, and enjoy one of the best BBQ dinners around!

04/20/2026

🍽✨ Gather & Feast is Back, Hancock! ✨🍽

Join us on Thursday, April 23 from 4:30–6:00 PM at St. Paul’s Father Rausch Hall for another FREE Community Supper filled with great food, warm smiles, and even better company 💛

This month’s meal is lovingly prepared by Bridgewater Church, bringing neighbors together for a night of connection, kindness, and community. Whether you stay and enjoy the atmosphere or grab a plate to-go, everyone is welcome—no cost, no sign-up, just come hungry! 🍲🥪🍪

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring your family
🤝 Invite a friend
💬 Meet someone new

Let’s fill the hall with laughter, conversation, and community spirit. We’ll see you there! 🙌

04/05/2026

04/04/2026

🌸🐣 Easter Sunday at the Hancock House Hotel 🐣🌸

Join us for a delicious All-You-Can-Eat Easter Buffet at the beautiful Hancock House Hotel — the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends!

🍽️ Sunday, April 5
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Pricing:
• $26.95 Adults
• $15.95 Children (ages 4–12)

Buffet Highlights:
✨ Carved Ham & Roasted Chicken
✨ Meat Lasagna
✨ Roasted Vegetables & Mashed Potatoes
✨ Garden Salad & Fresh Rolls
✨ Coffee, Tea & Fountain Drinks
✨ Assorted Desserts

🥩 Prime Rib available while supplies last (+$4)

Bring your family, bring your appetite, and enjoy a warm, welcoming Easter celebration right here in Hancock.

📍 137 East Front Street, Hancock, NY

👉 No cooking. No cleanup. Just great food and great company.

03/30/2026

Every Mile Makes a Smile that Tells a Story…

’s Yours? 📸

The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway is excited to launch its first-ever 2026 Photo Contest — and you’re invited!

From April 1 through November 1, explore the beauty of NYS Route 97 and capture what makes this region unforgettable. Whether it’s breathtaking river views, hidden gems, local life, or outdoor adventure — we want to see it through your lens.

✨ Here’s how to join:
• Submit up to 3 photos per person
• Open to residents and visitors
• It’s FREE to enter
• Enter here: 👉 www.udsb.net/photocontest

🏆 What you can win:
• Cash prizes
• Gift certificates to local businesses
• A chance to be featured in a 2027 photo exhibit

This contest celebrates the landscapes, culture, and spirit of the Upper Delaware region — spanning from Hancock to Port Jervis along one of New York’s most scenic drives.

🚗 Start exploring.
📷 Start capturing.
📖 Because every mile truly tells a story.

03/20/2026

WOW — What a night at Gather & Feast! ❤️

We served 105–115 hot meals (Including seconds and to-go orders) and at one point nearly every seat in the room was filled. That’s what community gatherings should look like year round. Way to show up Hancock NY!

Huge thanks to:

🙏 St. Paul’s Catholic Church for hosting
🍽️ Hancock Hounds Dog Park for preparing & serving the meal
💪 The Men’s Group for organizing it all
👏 And the many volunteers who made it happen behind the scenes

It truly takes a village—and this one showed up strong.

📅 Mark your calendar: Join the community next month on April 23rd, when Bridgewater Church will be serving!

Come hungry., but leave full of food and community spirit! 🍲✨

03/14/2026

The Gather & Feast Community Supper returns this month, inviting neighbors and families to come together for an evening of good food and community connection. The free dinner will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (or until food runs out) at St. Paul’s Father Rausch Hall, 316 West Main Street, Hancock, NY.

This month’s supper is being served by Hancock Hounds Dog Park, Inc. (501c3) as part of the ongoing Gather & Feast Program, which partners with different local organizations each month to provide a welcoming space where community members can share a meal and spend time together.

The event is completely free and open to everyone. No tickets or registration are required. Whether you come alone, bring family, or invite a friend, all are welcome at the table.

What’s on the Menu

Guests will enjoy a hearty, family-style meal with multiple stations and plenty of options:

🌶 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili

A slow-simmered chili made with kidney, black, and pinto beans, tomatoes, peppers, and warm spices. Including optional protein toppings (Chicken or Beef).

🌮 Make-Your-Own Taco Bar

Choose soft flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells, with choice of proteins (Chicken or Beef). Also a vegetarian protein option.

Fillings & Toppings: Mexican rice, Refried or black beans, Shredded lettuce, Diced tomatoes, Shredded cheese, Salsa & Sour cream

🥗 Fresh Garden Salad Bar

Mixed greens, Cucumbers, Cherry tomatoes, Carrots, Red onions, Croutons. Dressings to include Ranch, Italian, and Balsamic.

🥪 Sub Sandwich Station. Served on hero bread.

Ham & Cheese
Turkey & Cheese
Veggie & Cheese

With lettuce, tomato, and condiments. Also a vegetarian protein option.

🍪 Dessert

Cookies or brownies.

Beverages: Coffee, Tea and Water.

Take-Out Option

For those unable to stay and dine, take-out meals will be available near the end of service while supplies last.

More Than a Meal

Gather & Feast is about more than food—it’s about bringing neighbors together, strengthening community ties, and making sure everyone has a place at the table. Each month, a different local organization helps host the dinner, reflecting the shared spirit of generosity and hospitality that defines Hancock.

Community members interested in volunteering or donating desserts are always welcome to help support the effort.

Location:
St. Paul’s Father Rausch Hall
316 West Main Street
Hancock, NY

Date & Time:
Thursday, March 19, 2026
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (or until food runs out)

Cost: Free and open to all.

03/13/2026

Thank You to Our Holiday Ice Rink Community

As another season comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the tourists, families, residents, and friends who came out to enjoy the Holiday Ice Rink in Hancock this year.

Despite a challenging winter with extreme temperatures, heavy snowfall, and the constant work required to keep the ice surface clear, the rink still welcomed 68 visitors that we were able to account for—many of whom returned multiple times throughout the season. Seeing families and friends gather outdoors to skate, laugh, and spend time together is exactly what makes this project so special.

Last weekend was a perfect reminder of why we do this, with a wonderful family enjoying the rink in the sunshine. Moments like that make all the effort worthwhile.

This rink would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of so many people. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, staff, and donors who help make this seasonal tradition happen each year.

Special thanks go to Dennis Ryan and Michael Salvestrini of Bisbee Lumber for their continued support. We would also like to give a big shout-out to Mike Argiros, who generously sent his staff, Brad and Jim, to assist Richard with setting up the rink and taking down the holiday decorations. What many people don’t realize is that this is a major effort—about two months of setup and roughly 45 days of breakdown—and their help makes a tremendous difference.

Each year we are proud to provide a place where families can gather, especially during the colder months when outdoor activities are harder to find. If you enjoyed the rink or would like to help ensure it continues in the future, donations are always appreciated to support maintenance and next year’s setup.

You can contribute at:www.hancockpartners.org

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this season possible. We look forward to seeing even more families on the ice next year.

01/24/2026

⚠️ Winter Weather Safety Notice – Town of Hancock ⚠️

Due to the severe snow and ice storm forecast for this weekend, the Town of Hancock wants to ensure all residents stay safe, warm, and informed. Hazardous travel conditions, potential power outages, and dangerously cold temperatures are expected. Hancock NY is expecting upwards of 10-18" of snow according to the National Weather Service, please get supplies early and stay warm, and stay indoors as much as possible.

⸻

🚧 Road Safety Tips
• Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, especially after dark.
• Roads may be snow-covered or icy, even if they appear clear.
• If you must drive:
• Reduce speed and allow extra stopping distance.
• Keep headlights on and fully clear snow and ice from your vehicle.
• Carry emergency supplies such as blankets, water, snacks, and a phone charger.
• Stay clear of snowplows and give them plenty of room to work.
• If your vehicle begins to slide, do not slam on the brakes — ease off the accelerator and steer gently.

⸻

🔥 Home Heating Safety Tips
• Use space heaters safely:
• Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything flammable.
• Never leave them unattended or use them while sleeping.
• Never use ovens, grills, or generators indoors, as this can cause deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
• Ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to help prevent pipes from freezing.
• If using a fireplace or wood stove, make sure vents and chimneys are clear and properly ventilated.

⸻

🚧 Town of Hancock Warming Center

If you lose power or heat during the storm, Hancock Town Hall
📍 661 W Main Street
will open as a Warming and Safety Center beginning at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 24th.

Anyone in need is encouraged to come in, get warm, and shelter safely until conditions improve.

🐾 The warming center is pet-friendly — please bring your pets so no one is left out in the cold.

🚗 If you are unable to drive or cannot safely reach Town Hall, please call:
📞 607-287-2317

Arrangements will be made to assist with transportation.

⸻

🏠 Additional Regional Warming Centers

The following locations will also be available as warming stations for residents within their fire coverage areas during the anticipated winter storm:

⚠️ Note: Preston Area School has very limited power capabilities and should be considered a last-resort option. At this time, we do not expect it to be needed, as the storm is expected to produce lighter-weight snow.

Preston Area School
1493 Crosstown Hwy
Lakewood, PA

Northern Wayne Fire Company
1633 Crosstown Hwy
Lakewood, PA

Equinunk Volunteer Fire Company
Lookout Station ONLY
2625 Hancock Hwy
Equinunk, PA

Hancock Volunteer Fire Department
(For residents within the fire coverage area, including Starlight, Winterdale, and Scott Township)
24501 NY-97
Hancock, NY

⸻

📞 Emergency Contacts

For residents wishing to use Pennsylvania warming locations, please contact:
Michael Schuman – Wayne County EMA Deputy Director
📱 570-390-9217

Dan Harmuth – Wayne County EMA Director
📱 570-390-9216

For residents within the Hancock Fire coverage area:
Fire Chief Blaise Bojo
📱 607-427-0238

01/23/2026

Help Shape the Future of Deposit & Hancock Central School Districts!

We’re excited to share that Deposit Central School District and Hancock Central School District are beginning an exploratory process to see how the two districts may partner in the future to better serve our students, families, and community.

Together, the districts are working with Leadership Solutions Advisers to conduct a New York State Education Department Feasibility Study.

The goal of this study is to explore whether a potential merger could:

✅ Enhance educational opportunities for students
✅ Increase organizational capacity
✅ Support long-term financial sustainability

👉 This process is exploratory only. No decisions have been made, and no outcomes are assumed.

We strongly encourage community members to make your voice heard by:

🗣️ Joining a stakeholder group
📋 Participating in surveys
🏫 Attending in-person meetings
🌐 Merger Study Website (Central Info Hub)

Because there’s a lot of information, a central website has been created for community members. It includes:

✔ Stakeholder sign-up & feedback links
✔ Full study timeline
✔ Study documents
✔ FAQs
✔ Meeting dates
✔ Presentation materials

🔗 Visit the Merger Study Website:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/53rttdfr

📅 Save the Date: Joint Board Kick-Off Meeting

The official public kick-off for the merger study will take place at a joint meeting of the Boards of Education.

🗓️ Date: January 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM (doors open at 5:45 PM)
📍 Location: Deposit High School Auditorium

Representatives from Leadership Solutions Advisers will present an overview of the study process and answer questions from Board members and the public.

👥 This is an open public meeting, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

📺 Can’t attend in person?

The meeting will be live-streamed and recorded, with a viewing link shared on:

• The Merger Study Website
• District websites
• District pages

🔗 Meeting info link:
👉 https://rb.gy/uwji5j