A Potpourri Of Topics
by Michelle Van Horn
Library News from Kim Roppolo:
Stephentown Memorial Library is open for in-house perusing by appointment only. This change began last week, and so far, is not so busy. Call the library to schedule an appointment.
Carved Pumpkins from town residents were dropped off to the library on the outside table by October 28. The display was all lit up October 29th, 30th, and Halloween night, which lined Grange Hall Road for passerbys to view.
Assessor News from Jen Van Deusen:
Reevaluations for residential town properties are going well. Once you receive your reevaluation by mail, the directions are to write in corrections that need to be made and send it back to Jen at 26 Grange Hall Road so that she may make the changes. So far, Van Deusen has handled the 10 responses she received and then found out there were many more to go. After Town Clerk Stephanie Wagar announced, “Jen, you’ve probably got about a hundred responses,” Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt chimed in with “it looks like a pile that somebody is getting ready to start their wood stove with in the mailroom.” Van Deusen’s response was “that’s good, that’s what we want-we want it all correct.”
Historian News from Pat Flint:
Everything is on schedule for the November 7 event at the Veteran’s Memorial Park for the unveiling of the Revolutionary War signs. The Saratoga Battle Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will come to speak, play taps on the bugle, and the Colorguard will present as well. The Historical Society will be handing out cider and donuts, which were graciously donated by Dave’s Market. Flint suggested that to stay warm, participants can dress in colonial-style. Perhaps Superintendent Eckhardt will wear his bear covering while singing the national anthem. Masks are required for this event.
News from Council Member PJ Roder:
Dennis and Suzan Murphy from North Moore Hill Road wrote a letter conveying their appreciation for a professional job well done for widening the road and maintenance by Superintendent of Highways Aldie Goodermote and his crew during the summertime.
Roder brought to the board’s attention that a letter was drafted to the Albany Medical Center in a venture to have satellite medical services expanded to the Stephentown community and abroad. Roder asked for feedback, comments, or questions from the board, and Council Member Bill Jennings piped in to support the cause with his attention to the matter in the near future. Council Member Roder also mentioned offering the draft letter to New Lebanon for review to strengthen the voice of the community and the need for such services.
Council Member Bill Jennings gave thanks to Heather Govel and a job well done for the Senior event at the Fire Hall that supported seniors getting vaccinations, which was a follow-up to the event that offered flu shots. Town Historian Pat Flint reported that there were more people who showed up than ever before. Even young people showed up to receive flu shots! Supervisor Eckhardt also offered his appreciation for the tremendous job and service provided for local seniors.
Also, the next Blood Drive will be held on December 28, from 1 to 6 pm at the Fire Hall, by appointment only, like last time.
Chilly Thoughts
The yearly bid for snow plowing, shoveling, and salting the Town Hall and Transfer Station goes to Morse Refrigeration, who won the bid last year. In the spirit of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Council Member Everett Madden thought that sticking with a good thing was a good thing. Another reason for Morse Refrigeration was for their skill at shoveling and salting the sidewalk at the Town Hall.