Last year, Katina Sayers of Tully, won the Mountain Goat Challenge by being the first person to reach the face and ring the bell with a time of 14:25. Jason Pistilli of Fayetteville finished the 5K course around the quarry with a time of 31:56. Both winners received $50 in prize money and trophies made of stone from the quarry. (Submitted photos)

NORWICH — Summer Soiree

The Chenango Greenway Conservancy has announced a Summer Soiree from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 29 celebrating the opening of Patsy’s Riverview located at Sheldon Street.

Greenway Chairperson Sharon Pelosi said, “We will honor Norwich’s Patsy and Bill Smith for their generous donation of this beautiful riverfront property and host a grand celebration under a festival tent overlooking the Chenango River with music, food, drinks and dancing. Patsy’s Riverview is a five-acre parcel that was graciously gifted to the Chenango Greenway Conservancy in 2019 to be conserved as public open space.”

The riverfront property is complete with crushed stone walking paths, a concrete patio with benches, and a grassy riverfront trail that connects to Greenway Park.

“This location is a hidden gem for the city and I believe it will quickly become a popular destination for walking, running, and biking,” said Pelosi.

Generous grants from The Frederick B. and Ramona E. Mirabito Foundation and the Chenango Soil and Water District supported the site development.

Tickets are $50 and available online at https://www.chenangogreenway.org/events/greenway-summer-soiree.

Admission includes food by Wild Owl Cafe and music will be provided by Chenango's favorite 15 piece band, Big Band Sounds (formerly Red Raville's Big Band Sounds).

Bike Races

The New York State Mountain Bike Race #9, Rock The Quarry, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, August 20th located at Upper Ravine Road with racing continuing through the Chenango County and Stone Quarry property. The property is located right next to the city of Norwich.

Pelosi said, “It’s part of a larger series of Mountain Bike races that takes place across New York State. There are ten in total and we’re the 9th race. People register for all of the races and then go around the state to each one or as many as they can. This is exciting for us because it brings a lot of people to the community that wouldn’t otherwise come to town.”

“There is a whole range of skill levels. There is a pro class with very experienced riders, kids race for free and under 18 category, mens and women,” she added. “It’s a good opportunity for spectators to come and enjoy the excitement.”

Register early at www.Chenangogreenway.org/events/nysmtb-series-rock-the-quarry.

Register as soon as possible just in case a category closes. Cut off for registration is August 17th.

5K Race to the Face run/walk and Mountain Goat Challenge

Pelosi said, We’re also having a run walk race starting at noon to 1:30 p.m. on September 30 in West Park in conjunction with Saturday in the Parks events. It’s a two part race. The 5K Race to the Face course starts in West Park and goes up to the quarry property; then back down to west park. The first one to win the 5K gets a prize.”

“The second part of the event is what is called The Mountain Goat challenge and it’s the same course up to the overlook and the first person to reach the overlook and ring the bell will be the winner,” she added.

Register at www.runreg.com/race-to-the-face-5k. registration for the run / walk closes at the end of the day on September 28th.

Three Amigos

The Greenway Conservancy received a donation of approximately 54 acres of land by Pet Street Station Veterinarians: Dr. Cathy Cruz, Dr. Mike King, and Dr. Warren Liddell doing business as Three Amigos LLC. They wished to donate the flood plain area north of the city on East River for conservation purposes.

Pelosi said they were later approached by an organization called the Upper Susquehanna Coalition and they were looking to get a grant to create and restore wetlands. They were successful in receiving the grant and are now about to start a major wetlands restoration project on that parcel.

“It’s important for Norwich as it will help with some flood control in the city because its designed to divert the overflowing water. The idea is to capture it into the wetlands property and infiltrate into the ground instead of it racing to the river and coming downstream to the city,” she added.

The property was initially and traditionally utilized for haying and cattle grazing. Last year, The Conservancy planted approximately 900 trees in the fall and this year will plant another 800 or 900.

“Some of the water at flood stage will spill out onto the wetland area and stay there on the property, so eventually it will turn into a beautiful wetlands habitat. We’ll have an interpretive trail for people to go and enjoy a great birding habitat and a great peaceful dream place,” said Pelosi.

The project start date is scheduled for the end of August or beginning of September.

The Chenango Greenway Conservancy is an all-volunteer 501(c) (3) public charity organized in 2006 for the development of multiple use recreational trails in and around the City of Norwich. The organization oversees nearly 500 acres that is maintained for public outdoor recreation which includes the Riverwalk Trail in the City of Norwich, the Stone Quarry, Patsy's Riverview, and Three Amigos.

To learn more about Chenango Greenway Conservancy and become a volunteer or a member, visit the Chenango Greenway website at www.chenangogreenway.org or visit their face book page.