A Virtual Town Board Meeting
By Michelle Van Horn
Stephentown’s first Zoom regular town board meeting went off without a hitch thanks to Town Clerk Stephanie Wagar. So far, Stephentown’s municipal services, like the transfer station, are working well, with staff wearing masks and gloves, and community members continuing to buy purple bags. Councilmember Bill Jennings added that he wishes more town residents would wear masks while at the transfer station to protect town workers and themselves. Meanwhile, court is not in session. Town Justice Cyril Grant says that he received a notification from the Office of Court Administration that the reopen date is postponed from April 30 to May 30. Details are being worked out for arraignments to be done via video conference, with Sand Lake’s Honorable Judge David Fryer assigned to the Stephentown area. More information will be posted on the town’s website.
Good News
Librarian Director Kim Ropollo questioned if the library will be able to hold its Summer Youth programs, and Superintendent Eckhardt said that he ‘sure as hell hopes so.’ Councilmember PJ Roder mentioned following OSHA regulations, and that the Double H in the Adirondacks has cancelled its summer programs. All agreed on the importance of maintaining health and safety and Superintendent Eckhardt encouraged the library to keep moving forward as though it were ‘business as usual’ to ensure readiness. Also, nice work to Kim Roppolo for the creation and upkeep of Stephentown Memorial Library Zoom programs – like the Coffee Chat on Wednesdays and Virtual Story time on Thursdays, both at 10 am. Check out the online library calendar for more information.
Stephentown’s Historian Pat Flint from the Stephentown Historical Society is proud to announce that they are the recipients of 4 grants from the William G Pomeroy Foundation honoring Revolutionary War soldiers with roadside plaques. This endeavor started back in 2009, with an incredible amount of work, digging, cleaning, searching, researching, and receiving permissions-both literally and physically! Pat was hoping to receive at least one grant, and was thrilled to secure 4 out of the 6 for which she applied. A celebration is slated for the spring, after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, of course. Congratulations and a job well done to the Cemetery Committee and all who supported in making this a reality! Stay tuned for more in-depth information.