The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Eastwick Press

Ashby Calls to Lift Energy Tax Burden

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Submitted by the Office of Assemblyman Jake Ashby
Assemblyman Jake Ashby, Senator Sue Serino, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and the Republican members of the State Legislature recently called on the State to take action in suspending taxes on gasoline and other energy, investing more in domestic in-state energy resources and reform regulations surrounding energy.

Ashby is a sponsor of the “Inflation Relief and Consumer Assistance Plan,” which proposes cutting numerous taxes, not only on gasoline and fuel, but also food, home cleaning and personal care items and all goods impacted by rampant inflation. If enacted, the plan would provide $2.6 billion in savings, a beneficial cut the State can afford considering the $10 billion budget surplus. The assemblyman says action should be taken now so the plan can be included in the 2022-23 budget. 

HVCC No Cost Summer Courses for HS Students 

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Submitted by Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) will offer more than 50 college-level courses for rising high school juniors and seniors this summer with an added incentive: tuition and fees will be completely funded through a college scholarship, and textbooks will be provided at no cost for students. The scholarship offer covers up to eight credits.

The same incentive was offered last year, and nearly 1,000 students from around the Capital Region took advantage of the opportunity.

“We want to do everything in our power to make our summer College in the High School courses even more accessible,” said President Roger Ramsammy. “By offering a full scholarship on tuition and providing open educational resources or free textbooks, we are offering an incredible opportunity for students to get a jump start on their college career while still in high school.” [Read more…] about HVCC No Cost Summer Courses for HS Students 

New Lebanon Farmers Market Catches a Congressional Eye

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by Doug La Rocque

On Friday, March 25, Congressman Antonio Delgado stopped by the New Lebanon Farmers Market for a first hand look at what he labeled as a great example of how “local and family farms are being empowered to drive the country’s economy.” He made note of a large piece of farm oriented legislation he is attempting to move through Congress, but lamented some of the legislation currently coming out of Washington is making it more difficult for small local farms to survive. He claims his fellow lawmakers must realize the economy of scale, noting “people love to buy local.” He feels Congress must understand the need to feed the community as well as the agricultural bottom line. [Read more…] about New Lebanon Farmers Market Catches a Congressional Eye

Schodack Planning Board Highlights

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by Denise Wright

The March 21 Schodack Planning Board meeting highlighted several development projects for the Town. The meeting began with a public hearing on some proposed timber harvesting on Kraft Road. Chandler Forestry services from Greenfield Center will be supervising the 25-acre project. The timber harvesting was approved for a year. 

After approving a lot line adjustment on Berzin Road, Schodack Golf presented an update about the 12-lot subdivision on Schuurman Road. The developers have been addressing items that LaBerge engineering consultants have questioned. The SEQRA was completed in January, and a 900-foot water extension is underway. Since there is a 16- to 36-week delay in getting materials for the water extension, there was some discussion about creating a bond to keep the project progressing.  [Read more…] about Schodack Planning Board Highlights

Hoosick Road Closure and Detour

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From Monday, April 4 through Monday, May 2, County Route 102 (Johnson Hill Road) will be closed for repairs. The closure is required as a large diameter culvert is being replaced with associated vertical and horizontal road geometry changes. Providing the weather cooperates, it is anticipated the work will be complete and the road opened prior to May 2. Motorists other than local traffic should use County Route 96 (Hill Road) and County Route 101 (Ball Street Extension) to detour around the work.  [Read more…] about Hoosick Road Closure and Detour

New Lebanon – What to Do With the Gravel Pit

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by Doug La Rocque

For 24 years the Town has been mining its own bank run gravel out of the Sherman Pit located on Old Post Road, but that pit has recently been sold to one Harry Williams, which is a concern to Highway Superintendent Jeff Winestock. The Town has had exclusivity on the location, and he is afraid that may no longer be the case and expressed fears of liability concerns. He asked the Town Council for an emergency meeting on Monday, March 28, to put out bids for Bank Run Gravel. Also in attendance was Carl Clemente of Troy Sand and Gravel, who was representing Mr. Williams. He told the Town Council his client plans to hold to all the current terms of operation and pricing, and would even take over the mining permit from the Town if they wished. The would save the Town reclamation costs if or when they should give up the permit. [Read more…] about New Lebanon – What to Do With the Gravel Pit

Darel G. Manchester – Obituary

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Petersburgh – Darel Gregory Manchester, 37, died suddenly Friday, March 25, 2022. He was born in Bennington, VT on August 26, 1984, the beloved son of Colleen S. Walker Manchester of Petersburgh and the late Gregory Neil Manchester.

Darel was raised in Petersburgh and was a graduate of Berlin Central School. He was previously employed by Callahan Industries and was the owner of his own landscaping business, Above & Beyond for over 10 years. Currently he was employed as a plant operator for Westway Feed Products at the Port of Albany where he has worked since being hired in June, 2013, in a job that he loved, with coworkers he loved.

Darel loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, kayaking and skiing with his daughter. Darel was an artistic oil painter. He had an eye for detail and created many beautiful paintings. His paintings can still be seen on Facebook at Country Life Free Hand Oil Paintings by Darel Manchester. [Read more…] about Darel G. Manchester – Obituary