by Alex Brooks
A gathering was held at the Petersburgh Town Hall on Sunday February 14 to show off the newly-renovated Town Courtroom and to dedicate it to Neil Manchester. The Courtroom was renovated with a $25,000 grant from the State’s Justice Court Assistance Fund. There was a good turnout at the event, and the new courthouse was packed during the dedication ceremony. [private]
Speakers at the ceremony included Petersburgh Town Justice Amy Manchester, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino, Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo, County Court Judge Deborah Young, and Rensselaer County Surrogate Court Judge Paul Morgan.
Amy Manchester said her father Neil Manchester “Truly loved the Town of Petersburgh, and served the Town in just about every office in Town during his lifetime. Offices held by Manchester included Supervisor, Town Board member, Highway Superintendent, Town Justice, and others. Amy Manchester said when she was little, her father used to sometimes hold court in their house, which was an exciting thing for her. She concluded by saying she was proud to be able to dedicate the courtroom to her father, and hoped his memory would inspire others to give themselves to public service, as he had inspired her to do so.
Sheriff Pat Russo, in his remarks, brought an historical perspective when he told everyone that his Undersheriff Ed Bly, who was also present, had gone to 7th grade in that very room.
The celebrants then retired to the other room where there were mountains of fresh fruit, cookies and cakes, and beverages.[/private]