Stephentown
Veterans Park, Landfill and Library Discussed By Town Board
by Michelle Van Horn
Indivisible Stephentown, a political grassroots organization sought to hold an event to honor Civil War soldiers who fought to abolish slavery with its underlying effort to protest violence against people of color. The organization had hoped to hold this memorial service and event at Stephentown Veteran’s Memorial Park Sunday, June 6, but to no avail. President of the Veteran’s Memorial Park, John Defreest received the request June 4 and brought the information to the Stephentown Veteran’s Board, where the request was denied. The decision was made to uphold the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which seeks to maintain a politically-neutral position – an oath that every military service member made when joining.
The Stephentown Veterans group has never held a political event nor do they ever plan to, in keeping with the oath that they gave. In the following days, residents called in concern after reading on a social media site, a fake news report that rioters would be bused in to the park, which created much unnecessary tension with some thinking perhaps purposefully to create division. To this end, Stephentown Veteran’s Memorial Park decided to close the park for a ‘work day’ based on state trooper advice for fear of rioters wreaking havoc.
While the Black Lives Matter protests have held strong in every corner of our country and the entire global world for most of a month, not once was it mentioned at the June 15 Stephentown board meeting. Moreover, maintaining peace among Stephentown residents, protesters, and veterans was of the utmost importance to Superintendent Larry Eckhardt. “It’s a small town and we all know each other,” said Eckhardt, as he acknowledged the charged nature of the situation. He thanked those who showed up and encouraged folks to discuss their concerns and cares and went on to say, “we can certainly get together and iron out our differences without creating conflict.” It has been reported that 35 people showed up in Stephentown on Sunday, June 7 to honor Civil War Veterans and protest violence against people of color, some bearing flowers to place on graves that were left on the Stephentown library steps since the Veterans park was closed.
The transfer station reported its highest revenue in May ever recorded with over $10k in sales and service. Many new resident permits have been bought, along with lots of bags purchased, and tires dropped off. Attendants Agnes Hoffman and Bob Olson attribute this to a fair number of new residents that have moved to Stephentown recently. Also, there has been no sight of the bears that so plagued the transfer station last month.
Stephentown Memorial Library News
The Stephentown Library began its curbside service Tuesday, June 16. Patrons are encouraged to reserve items online through the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS), and may call the library as well. Once you receive word that your items are available via email/phone call, you must make an appointment by calling (if you’re not already on the phone with them) the library to schedule a pick-up. Once your appointment day and time are made, you can expect that your order will be available for pick-up. Your items will be placed on a table in a bag with your name on it. Although librarians would love to see you, the physical library is not opened, and no one will be admitted inside during this time. The temporary hours for curbside service are Tuesday and Thursday 3 to 6 pm; Wednesday noon to 3 pm; Friday 1 to 4 pm; and Saturday 10 am to noon.
The Summer Food Program will be continuing its services, with Monday, Wednesday, and Friday pickups at the Stephentown Library. This program is open to any and all children 18 and under – you don’t even have to live in Stephentown! Each pick up day provides 2 days worth of breakfast and lunch. Parents are now able to bring food back to their child rather than the children having to be present and eat food in the parking lot in their cars. Typically, the food programs ensure that children are actually eating the food during ‘business as usual’ by maintaining that food be eaten on-premise when/where served. This rule is being loosened due to COVID hardship times. So far, 29 kids are interested in participating.
With 23 kids signed up for online summer camps, the camps will go on! There are 6 different activities per week, with different age groups and interests available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am – 2 pm. Summer camp sessions start July 6 and go through August 14.
For more information on any Library happenings, check out stephentownlibrary.org
Stephentown Historical Society News
The 6 markers and poles that have been awarded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation are on their way to the Stephentown Historical Society. Pat Flint from the Historical Society of Stephentown seeks to unveil these hard-earned markers with a celebration, and would like Larry Eckhardt to create a celebration committee to honor the Revolutionary War soldiers, as well as emcee the event. The celebration will be held on Veteran’s Day in November with Eckhardt on the mic.
Dog Control Officer
In Stephentown’s 1st Zoom break-out session (different mini classroom sessions – nice work Town Clerk Stephanie Wagar), Maggie Banker was chosen as Stephentown’s new Dog Control Officer.