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Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Grafton Town Board Action – September 2008

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by Judith Radford

On Thursday, September 11, the Grafton Town Board held its regular monthly meeting starting promptly at 7 pm. Two members, Ed Fredricks, III and Mike Crandall were not present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the usual procedural matters Supervisor Allison Kirchner asked for department reports. 

Reports

Superintendent of Highways Herbert Hasbrouck reported that the Highway Department is working hauling sand in preparation for the winter. He also said they are working on the ditches on Dunham Reservoir Road and are planning on repairing the road in coordination with the County Highway Department using a new cold coal mix. He said the County will be doing the paving and, in return, they will be able to use some of the Town’s equipment. This is experimental and how it works out will determine whether we use this material in the future. 

Tom Withcuskey, Code Enforcement Officer, reported 42 building permits have been issued so far in 2008 with 35 of them being outstanding from 2007. He went on to inform everyone that this is the time of the year when residents could be installing new boilers, stoves or chimneys. A building permit is required for these installations. 

Junior Rescue Squad Started

Donna Baldwin of the Grafton Rescue Squad reported that there were 11 calls during the month of August, 64.6 volunteer hours were expended and they traveled 288 miles. The squad also supported several local endeavors such as the Triathlon, Run for the Roses and the ROUSE picnic. 

Baldwin told everyone about the new Junior Squad they have started in order to attract younger people into this valuable town service. The program is open to 15 and 16 year olds. Recruits will come to drills and meetings. They will not be able to ride along on a call until they are 16. Participants will spend 120 days in the program and will receive CPR training. The program will bring ROTC credit and one individual has already joined, Baldwin’s son. If anyone is interested, she asks that you either call the Squad or reach her at home. Her number is listed in the phone book. 

The Supervisor’s Report for August and the Town Clerk’s Report for the month of August were both approved and copies can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Supervisor Kirchner said the Summer Program was over and was extremely successful this year with Kathy Mason Wagar as Director. A quilt made by the children was presented to the Town by Kirchner. Councilwoman Messenger said she had visited the program during the summer and she wanted everyone to know the counselors were doing an excellent job and were genuinely interested in what they were accomplishing with the children. 

Eagle Renewed

Supervisor Kirchner wanted to thank Pete Clemente for the beautiful job he did renewing the paint on the eagle in front of the Town Hall. Clemente is the individual who carved the eagle and donated it to the Town. He owns a wood carving business on Route 7 which is quite impressive.

A Wandering Goat

A report was received from Dan Wagar, the Grafton Dog Control Officer. There were 14 animal control issues during July and August. Anyone wishing to see the complete report may do so at the Town Hall. Issues listed varied from stray dog to a wandering pigmy goat on South Road. 

Supervisor Kirchner reported on the following communications received since the last meeting:

ź a letter was received from the Grafton Trail Riders asking for a variance of the Town Code, Chapter 161, Mobile Home Park; a resolution will follow;

ź an email was received from Sherri Willis regarding a leak at the Senior Center.

Pick-Up Truck Purchase 

The discussion regarding the purchase of a new pick up truck for the Highway Department continued. According to Hasbrouck, the base price for the new pick-up ranges between $18,346 and $27,164. He has received estimates from several dealerships and so far no one has been able to beat the original $18,346 price. He is still waiting for an estimate from Ford and Action.

Meteorological Tower

Supervisor Kirchner asked for Town Board approval of Resolution #90 asking for the waiver of the new tower application fee requirement under Town Code Section 213-20 regarding RP Wind NY (formerly Reunion Power) placing a temporary Meteorological Tower (MET) on property located off North Long Pond Way. The relief was requested to pay a co-location application fee of $1,500 rather than the fee for a new tower as listed in the Town fee schedule since the MET is temporary and will not be in place for more than two years. The resolution is based upon the recommendation of the Town’s wireless consultant, Richard Comi, who said the request is reasonable and has been granted for other wireless providers throughout the country. The resolution was approved in a 3/0 roll call vote. 

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #91 of 2008 regarding the purchase of Turn-out Gear from B-Lann Equipment Company in the amount of $1,156 with the provision that the Rescue Squad provide documentation to the Town Board that this equipment is New York State Health Department mandated. Three bids were obtained, and B-Lann was the lowest responsible bidder for the mandated equipment. The resolution was approved by a 3/0 roll call vote.

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #92 of 2008 authorizing a variance of Section 161-14 of the Grafton Town Code for the Grafton Trail Riders. A copy of this resolution may be obtained at the Town Hall. The resolution passed 3/0 in roll call vote.

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #93 of 2008 for several budget revisions/transfer of funds. This list can be seen at the Town Hall. The budget revisions were approved by a 3/0 role call vote.

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #94 of 2008 authorizing the transfer of $3,027.27 from the Trust and Agency account TA30 (escrow) to the General Fund account A2801 (Inter-fund Revenue) to cover Planning Board consultant expenses in connection with the following applications: Verizon Wireless – $700 and RP Wind NY (Reunion Power) – $2,347.27. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Councilwoman Marie Claus made a motion to approve all bills as audited. It was seconded by Councilwoman Barb Messenger and approved unanimously. 

Pig Farm

At the beginning of the public comment period Supervisor Kirchner reminded everyone that there is a five minute time limit per person. 

 A resident of Babcock Lake, Virginia Scrugski, appeared again at this month’s meeting to ask if a Board member had been appointed to work along with the Babcock Lake residents to determine what action should be taken to ward off the proposed “Pig Farm” proposed by former Town Supervisor Tyler Sawyer. Last month’s meeting was particularly stormy with many residents from Babcock Lake expressing their dismay at Sawyer’s seemingly inconsiderate move to start a pig farm on property located within feet of the lake. 

Supervisor Kirchner said no one has been appointed yet and that the Board will have to take the issue up with the Town Attorney in order to see if the Board has any jurisdiction whatsoever over the matter. The issue was tabled until contact and determination can be made with Sal Ferlazzo, Town Attorney.

Supervisor Kirchner reminded all Town Board members of a Budget Workshop to be held on September 17, at 6 pm at the Town Hall.

Supervisor Kirchner made a motion to adjourn the meeting in memory of Edward Fredricks, Jr., Sadie Gardy and All of Those Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.

Stephentown Town Board Action – September 2008

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by David Flint

Two public hearings were held preceding the regular Stephentown Town Board meeting on Monday. The first concerned an addendum to the Dog Control Law and the second had to do with whether property tax exemptions should be extended to Cold War veterans. The Board took no action on either matter.

Dog Control

The intent of amending the Dog Control law was to specify that kennel charges incurred for stray dogs would be the responsibility of the dog owner and not the Town. The law already indicates that the owner must pay impounding fees, but the Town has been caught in the recent past holding the bag for keeping stray or seized dogs in a kennel. However, at the public hearing Town Justice Cyril Grant pointed out that the wording of the addendum was confusing and might in fact make the Town more responsible than before for paying the kennel charges. 

On top of that, Town Supervisor Tom Sherman said he had been advised that impoundment fees and kenneling charges should not be addressed in the same law. So this matter was sent back to the drawing board.

Cold War Veterans Tax Exemptions

Town Assessor Tom MacVeigh was not present at the public hearing so the matter of Cold War Veterans exemptions was also tabled. He had earlier reported that the State had changed the rules on veterans exemptions so that Towns can now include Cold War veterans, those who served in between designated war times. If approved, the local law would allow residents who served between September 2, 1945, and December 26, 1991, or their surviving spouses, to receive a 10 or 15 percent reduction in the assessed value of their home, as the Town specifies. 

Win Means noted that over ten percent of taxable properties in Town are owned by veterans. While veterans deserve some recognition he said so, too, do fire and police personnel, and he questioned whether it is prudent to extend these exemption benefits with the result that other taxpayers would have to pay more. Councilman Larry Eckhardt agreed that if someone gets an exemption, others must pay more. Joel Hunt, however said these veterans who tend to be older and on fixed incomes need a break, and Bob Burns pointed out the unfairness of granting benefits to veterans who happened to serve during designated war times, whether they were in combat or not, whereas others, such as those who served between Vietnam and the Gulf War are entitled to nothing. 

Sherman wanted more explanation of the pros and cons and data on what exactly would be the impact on the tax base. Without MacVeigh present to answer questions the Board took no action in the regular meeting that followed. 

Help To Get Through 

The Winter

At the regular meeting Supervisor Sherman reported that the Stephentown Seniors are holding an important meeting this Thursday, September 18, at 1 pm at the Fire Hall. Representatives from the Department of Aging and other agencies will be there to speak about HEAP and other benefits that seniors and others might qualify for to help get through the winter. All are invited, not just seniors. Refreshments will be served, so those who know they will attend are asked to call Cathy Lawless at 733-6508. They are also asked to bring something for the Food Pantry. 

Hammersmith Awarded Bid For Transfer Station Pads

Bids were received from contractors to construct two 10’ by 24’ concrete pads at the Transfer Station for use under roll-off dumpsters. They were asked to bid on two categories of construction, one that Sherman described as “Taj Mahal” construction and another that met the basic requirements. The Board rejected the three “Taj Mahal” bids, which ranged from $13,665 to $7,400 as too expensive and focused on the basic requirement bids. They selected the lowest bid which was in the amount of $2,620, submitted by William Hammersmith. Rejected bids came from Dave Goodermote at $7,298 and Avery Concrete at $6,800. 

The 2009 Budget

Sherman said all budget requests are due by September 20. The Board will hold two budget workshops, on Monday, September 22, and Monday, September 29, both at 7 pm. A public hearing on the tentative 2009 budget will be held on Monday, October 20, at 7 pm preceding the next regular Board meeting. The goal, he said, is a flat budget, no raising of taxes, and the Board will resist offsetting expenditures with an infusion from the fund balance. He asked department heads to look closely at their needs and be prepared to explain their requests.

Sherman noted that a new State law requires the Town to attach to the budget an exemption report that will show how much of the total assessed value is exempt from taxation. According to the Association of Towns, the reason for this new requirement is because, “while exemptions serve a valid public purpose, they also erode the tax base and shift the tax burden to other property owners within the taxing district. The extent of this impact is largely hidden from view because no systematic reporting is done at the local level.” 

American Indian 

Heritage Month

At the request of the Fort Crailo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Board passed a proclamation designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month.

Cash Flow Crunch

Sherman reported that the Town is currently in a cash flow crunch. Although there is a cash reserve of $302,000, there is not enough money in the General Fund right now to pay all the current vouchers. He expected, however, to receive sales tax revenue in the next two weeks, and CHIPS money should also be arriving before the end of the month.

Provost Road Problems 

Cindy Rayman, owner of A Dog’s Best Friend boarding and training facility on Provost Road, complained that she has been asking for two years to have the missing Provost Road sign replaced at the intersection with Route 43. Also, she said that people are going the wrong way on that road again because the signs at the other end of the road have been moved out of their original position. People, she said, think the “Do Not Enter” sign is meant for Neil Gardner’s storage area and they don’t see the “One Way” sign the way it is now positioned. Rayman was pleased that the road was graded recently, but she said no calcium was put down after the grading and in the resulting “dust storm” her clients at the training facility could not see their dogs. Councilman Eckhardt said he would discuss these issues with Highway Superintendent Neil Gardner. 

Extra Helpings Revived

Paula Dibble reported that the Extra Helpings program is back up and running at the Federated Church. Flyers and posters have been put out. She noted that there is no set income level for participation. “It works, and it’s not just for those having hard times,” she said. “It’s for all of us.” 

BAR Position

The Board passed a resolution authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise that a 5-year term on the Board of Assessment Review is expiring at the end of the month. Resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to the Town Clerk by Friday, October 17.

Standard Work Day

To comply with the New York State Retirement & Social Security Law, the Board passed another resolution establishing for retirement reporting purposes a Standard Work Day of six hours for elected officials and part time employees, effective January 1, 2008.

Deposits & Spending

The Town Clerk reported she had turned over to the Supervisor the sum of $718.68 for the month of August. The distribution from the Office of the State Comptroller for the month of July was $2,555. The Transfer Station deposited a total of $8,118 for the month of August. 

The Board audited and approved claims in the amount of $40,215.61 from the General Account and $83,028.20 from the Highway Account. Councilman PJ Roder questioned whether a bill from M.K.Electric in the amount of $5,389.25 for electrical work at the Town Garage was in keeping with the Town’s Procurement Policy since it exceeded $5,000. The Procurement Policy specifies that “All estimated purchases less than $10,000 but greater than $5,000 require a written request for proposal and written/fax quotes from three vendors.” In the absence of Councilman Mark Prescott who chairs the Machinery & Garage Committee, it was not clear what the original estimate was, so the Board approved the expenditure. 

The Board set their next regular meeting for Monday, October 20, at 7:30 pm, to be preceded by a public hearing at 7 pm on the tentative 2009 budget.

Plans For A New Cell Tower In Grafton

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by Judith Radford

On September 15 the Grafton Planning Board held its regular monthly meeting with all members present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of minutes of last month’s meetings, Dave Brennan appeared as lawyer for Verizon Communications regarding their proposal to build a new cell tower. He told everyone that the proposed 110 foot tower would fill a gap that exists in cell phone coverage between certain locations in Grafton and Petersburgh. He said it would be a lattice tower designed to Grafton Town Codes that would be capable of taking on two additional carriers. The base would be a 12’ x 30’ shelter, and there would be an 8 foot chain link fence. The tower would sit 105 feet back from 1928 NY State Route 2. He went on to discuss the site and added that a visual impact analysis would be done prior to any decisions by the Board. 

Richard Comi, Communications Consultant for the Town told the Board that the law requires a balloon test and for it to be successful, it should be done on a Saturday when most of the nearby residents are home. He said the balloon should be representative of the size and height of the tower. He asked if Verizon had done any analysis of the Grafton Elementary School as a site for the tower and Brennan responded they had not but would be glad to do so. Comi went on to add that the actual installation of any cell tower still had a long way to go in the approval process and that he would submit a written report on his analysis shortly. The balloon test was scheduled for Saturday, November 1, with Saturday, November 8, as the rain date. Brennan said the test takes approximately four hours and would start at 8 am and continue to 12 noon. The issue was tabled until results from the balloon test and Comi’s report could be examined by members of the Board. A public hearing on the matter will not be scheduled until all the information can be made available.

Wind Testing

Richard Comi made suggestions regarding the wind testing monitor proposed by Reunion Power. He told the Board that the Grafton Town Board had just passed a Resolution waiving the usual fee required in communications matters. He reminded everyone that this is a MET which is approximately 8 inches on a 160 foot tower and not a visual intrusion. He recommended that the Board make a motion to declare a negative environmental impact of the installation of the monitor and the Board did so. He also recommended that the requirement for a $2,000 bond be put in place by Reunion to cover the cost of removal of the tower and MET after 2 years. He said the company should provide liability insurance and asked that the application contain the contingency that Reunion would remove the tower after 2 years and return the site to its original rustic nature. He said Reunion would also be required to pay the remainder of the application fee and pay for any cost of reviewing the process by consultants. Any extension of the two year time period would have to go before the Board. 

Member Goyer asked about the cost to remove the tower, and Comi responded that the $2,000 bond amount would sufficiently cover the cost to remove it if Reunion failed to do so. Member Newell asked if a road to the site was required, and member Withcuskey said the site was located on an old logging road and installation would be minimally invasive. Comi said no road was needed nor was any visit required as the equipment would respond to Reunion without any visits. 

J. Craig Alexander and Betsy Colvin appeared to inform the Board that they had received approval from the Army Corps of Engineer on their proposed 2-lot minor subdivision on Cranberry Pond Road, but they have not yet heard from DEC. No action could be taken on the matter until all reports have been received.

Regarding Stonybrook Land LLC, no one appeared at this meeting; however, Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck said that Rensselaer County was doing the perk tests on the property this coming Thursday. He reported that the developer would like to put a road in sooner rather than later. According to Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, also in attendance, Town Code does not prohibit the developer from putting in a road, but it would be at the developer’s risk since the Board has not and will not grant approval for the project at this time. Much discussion followed about the difference between private and Town roads. Hasbrouck said any private roads that later are requested to become Town roads must be brought up to the standards required in the recently written Town road specifications. There were no further discussions and no public comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm.

A Summary Of The August Meeting

When the Grafton Planning Board met in August of 2008, it had three issues considered under old business and two considered as new business. Members of the Planning Board included Tom Withcuskey, Scott Newell, Arthur Surprise, Jim Goyer and Owen Grandjean, Chairman. Attending the meeting as guests were Jim Mirenda of Reunion Power, David Lipinski of Stonybrook Land LLC, Grafton Communications Consultant Richard Comi, Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, Grafton Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck and residents J. Craig Alexander and Betsy Colvin. 

In the latter part 2007, Reunion Power had approached the Planning Board about installing a wind monitor to see if Grafton would be a suitable location for a wind turbine. At this meeting Grafton was established as lead agency in the matter, and a date of September 15 at 6:30 pm set as the time and date for the public hearing.

In early 2008, Stonybrook Land LLC applied for a 27-lot major subdivision which they planned to call “The Lake at Sylvan Way.” David Lipinski, owner, informed the Board of improvements and progress at the site. He also presented a revised map of the re-location of Sylvan Way and added acreage of lake frontage. The Board members agreed to a special on site visit which was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.

Chairman Grandjean informed the members of the Board that Verizon Communications was going forward with their plan to add a cell tower but the Board would take no action until a report could be received from Richard Comi.

Also at this meeting, J. Craig Alexander and Betsy Colvin appeared with a request for a proposed 2-lot minor subdivision at Cranberry Pond Road. The Board decided it could not establish lead agency in the matter until the applicants received confirmation from the Department of Environmental Conservation for wetland construction. The application was approved providing they received a supplemental letter from DEC on the matter. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

September 2009 Town Of Hoosick Planning Board Action

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by Gary Danforth

The Town of Hoosick Planning Board meeting took place Monday evening, September 15, in the Hoosick Falls Armory with interim chairman Jim Dunigan calling the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Following the Pledge of Allegiance the minutes of the previous month’s meeting were approved, with two corrections noted. Dunigan introduced the newest member of the planning board, Everett Quackenbush, a local surveyor, who was approved by the Town of Hoosick Board at its meeting last week.

First, Peter Schaaphok appeared before the Board and explained that he wanted to relocate his business from South Troy to Hoosick. His completed application had been sent to Rensselaer County which determined the site plan was within the parameters of the Town’s comprehensive plan. The Board passed a motion declaring this project to have a negative impact upon the surrounding environment. The Board had set a public hearing for this project for 7 pm on this night with no one voicing concern about the project. The Board passed a motion by a 6-0 vote allowing this project to go forward.

Then, Robert Breese, representing the Hoosick Fire District, appeared before the Board to discuss the Fire District acquiring the former Haynes Ford auto dealership lands, which would result in the land being used for a different purpose. Two disclosures had been made in the previous meetings concerning this proposed project. First, Stan King, the Town Planning Board attorney, disclosed that he had agreed to represent the Hoosick Fire District in this matter prior to the Planning Board meeting and this could be a potential conflict of interest, but he believed this would be up to the Board to decide. Second, Jim Dunigan, the interim Planning Board Chairman, disclosed that he was a Hoosick Fire District commissioner, another potential conflict of interest, with the latter not being able to vote on any Planning Board matter concerning same. Dunigan had recused himself from this discussion, taking a seat in the sparse audience A site plan had been gone over with existing lighting, utility and septic systems, along with any impact on local schools discussed. The Board would waive having a site plan on linen along with lighting, floor elevations, a topographic map, grade contours, landscaping planning, parking plans, a survey, an engineer’s stamp on the project, interior design, a seating plan, service and storage areas and a scale of building heights. Handicapped parking and access to the existing building and traffic flow patterns were shown on the site plan. The Board and applicant went over a short form environmental assessment. Breese said two additional overhead doors would need to be installed on site and two existing overhead doors would need to be enlarged. The project is on 6.5 acres in both an agricultural and residential district within the Township. The Board resolved that they had a complete application and that this application would be sent to Rensselaer County for review with the land being used for a new purpose with modifications to the existing building. The Board, by a 3-2 vote, set a public hearing for this matter for 7 pm on Monday, October 20, before the regular Planning Board meeting that starts at 7:30 pm. Breese and other fire department officials will be back before the Board next month.

Finally, a party appeared before the Board with clearance from the Village of Hoosick Falls for water and septic for a parcel of land which he had originally presented in May of 2008. The party had a letter from a local engineer stating same with the land being divided into two parcels. Board members John Cooney and Jim Dunigan had to recuse themselves from this matter for their involvement in same. By a 4-0 board vote the matter was declared a simple subdivision.

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm.

Ninth Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament

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Weather conditions were perfect Saturday for the Ninth Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament. (Bea Peterson photo)
Weather conditions were perfect Saturday for the Ninth Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament. (Bea Peterson photo)

by Bea Peterson

 

Karen McGovern fought a valiant battle with cancer over nine years ago. She lost her battle, but her memory lives on in the Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament held every year at The Sand Bar. Funds raised at these tournaments are used to assist Hoosick residents fighting cancer. It can cover prescription and household bills, transportation to doctor’s appointments and treatment centers or help with any other financial needs they might have. This ninth year the tournament raised $12,000, the same as last year. With the state of the economy, the group had scaled back expectations to $10,000, so they were pleasantly surprised by the results. During break time Karen’s father Bill said, “$10,000 is a drop in the bucket for cancer research, but it does so much good in this community.” He estimates that over the years the tournaments and other contributions have reached over $100,000. Eight teams and many spectators participated in the September 13 event.

Bill Johnston Honored

Each year a cancer survivor showing Karen’s tenacity in fighting the disease is honored. This year George Holbrook had the privilege of introducing Bill Johnston. He said he and Bill have had a great business and personal relationship for 40 years. He said Bill has undergone radiation and chemotherapy and continued to do his legal work with a smile. He said it was a pleasure to be able to honor him in this way. He also noted what a great job the McGovern fund is doing in helping the community. 

Bill managed a humorous quip or two, then said. “I represent those souls that go before me and after me. This is not about me.”

“Our faith, our religion is what sustains us when we go through times of illness. Illness only affects your physical being, not your spiritual being.” He said he believes a soul’s job after death is to reach a nearness with God. “By honoring the soul of Karen McGovern, by doing good for others, you are assisting Karen to get closer to God.”

This year Ron Jones shared his memories of Karen. He described her as a wonderful, strong person with an upbeat spirit who rose up even stronger in the face of adversity. He spoke of a Christmas party he held when he asked everyone to bring an ornament for his tree. Karen’s ornament for him was an angel. “Every year I pull her angel out of the box and place it at the top of the tree, and my family gets to think about Karen,” he said.

Mahar Funeral Home Honored

This year Tim and George Smith of the Mahar Funeral Home were honored for their support of the Karen McGovern Fund. When a bereaved family is unsure of which charity they would like to receive memorial contributions, the brothers often suggest the McGovern Fund. Those supplemental donations add  much to the Tournament funds.

Lisa Ferrannini, one of the event organizers, said next year will be the 10th annual tournament and it will be huge!

St. Mary’s Soccer Teams Split A Pair with Mt. Anthony

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The 2008 soccer season started for St. Mary’s with a pair of games with Mt. Anthony on a rainy Friday afternoon.

The boys team lost 5-1 to the visiting Patriots. Justin Lynch kept the game close in the first half with some amazing saves. The Eagles lone goal was scored by Alex LaBarge off a lovely pass from Drew Phillips. The score at half was 3-1. Evan Phillips played exceptionally well for the Eagles on defense, but the Patriots kept up the pressure in the second half and scored two goals to ice the game.

The girls team fared much better winning 7-0. Grace Delurey, Alice Hayden and Alyssa Girodano all netted two goals each. Casey Legg tallied the other goal. Mary Peters, Nicole St. Onge and Julia Baker did a great job at defense preventing the Patriots from getting any sustained pressure on St. Mary’s goal. Oliva Schnieder recorded her first shut out as goalie.

Black Horses Gallop By Panther Football Team, 36-0

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by Gary Danforth

Last Friday evening, September 12, on a rainy, soggy field in Schuylerville the visiting Hoosick Falls Panther football team got a large dose of Schuylerville quarterback Austin Bateman as the Black Horses ran away to a 36-0 Class C North division high school football victory. Bateman, a junior signal caller, scored four touchdowns against a Hoosick Falls eleven which was coming off an emotional win versus Cambridge a week ago in the first annual Ken Baker Jug Game. With the win, the Horses move to 2-0 in class play while HFCS drops to 1-1. The Horses had beaten a tough Corinth squad in their season opener.

Schuylerville took a 6-0 lead in period one when senior running back Shane Larkin scored from five yards out. Senior place kicker Dan Ladd booted the point after touchdown for a 7-0 Horses’ lead. Any hopes for a Panther comeback were dashed when Bateman, a three year starter, scored three straight times in period two. First, Bateman got loose on a 46 yard run. Ladd added the PAT. Then Bateman scored from twenty three yards out with Ladd adding the PAT, good for a 21-0 Horses’ margin. Bateman added his third scoring run of the first half when he got loose for a 37 yard TD romp. Ladd’s PAT boot was errant but the Horses still led, 27-0. Ladd added a 25 yard field goal in period two to push the Schuylerville lead to 30-0 at the break. Bateman added a 51 yard touchdown run in period three to seal the Horses 36-0 triumph. Ladd’s PAT boot was errant but the Horses didn’t need it in their second consecutive victory. Under the Goalposts: When was the last time a Panther football team was shut out by this margin in the final score? Elsewhere in Class C action, Cambridge beat Granville 42-30 and Stillwater and Mechanicville picked up wins. In case you didn’t realize it, Brittonkill-Tamarac is 2-0 and Hoosic Valley is 0-2. Next up for HFCS is a home contest this Friday evening, September 19, against Stillwater. This upcoming game and every other game will be no cakewalk for the Panthers. Stillwater seems to play Hoosick Falls very tough each year. And the Panthers will get a large dose of their excellent quick, speedy running back. Then come away contests at Corinth and Granville, respectively, on Friday, September 26  and Saturday, October 4. Friday night, October 10, the Panthers will entertain an always competitive Mechanicville eleven and then HFCS will finish up its regular season with a 75 mile trek to Cobeleskill-Richmondville. Stillwater and Granville are improved from a year ago. And Corinth, Mechanicville and Cobleskill-Richmondville will be very worthy opponents. If the Panthers take any of their five remaining regular season opponents lightly they may walk off the field on the short end of the scoreboard. I’m telling you, Stillwater is for real. And  if Granville can score 30 points against a Cambridge team, they are to be reckoned with, I don’t care what their record has been the past few years. Corinth is at home and they are an experienced team. Mechanicville will come right at the Panthers. And Cobleskill-Richmondville is a bigger school than HFCS, used to knocking heads with larger schools. It is possible that HFCS will not win another football game this regular season. Not from lack of effort, but because the quality of their opponents this season is a notch higher than in recent years. It all starts this Friday night against a very capable Stillwater team. HFCS is going to see a heavy dose of the Warriors’ running game and more if Stillwater gets ahead.

Two More Victories For HFCS Golf Team

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Taylor Bellemere was medalist in the match with Hoosic Valley with a score of 37. (Bea Peterson file photo)
Taylor Bellemere was medalist in the match with Hoosic Valley with a score of 37. (Bea Peterson file photo)

 

 

 

Hoosick Falls Golfers Defeat Hoosic Valley 

 The Hoosick Falls Golf team defeated Hoosic Valley 5-0 at the Hoosick Falls Country Club Thursday, September 11. Taylor Bellemare was medalist with 37.

Bellemare (HF) def White 2up

Callahan (HF) def Catone 4&2

Wirmusky (HF) def Houston 5&3

Gorman (HF) def McLaughlin 4&3

Hall (HF) def Cook 4&3

Lynch (HF) def Anderson 5&4

  Hoosick Falls Golfers Defeat Schuylerville 

On Monday, September 15 the Hoosick Falls Golf Team defeated Schuylerville 4.5 to 0.5 at the Hoosick Falls Country Club. Joe Wirmusky, Kevin Gorman and Taylor Bellemare shared medalist with 40’s.

      Bellemare (HF) tied Braim

Callahan (HF) def Varuges 1up

Wirmusky (HF) def Seymour 3&2

Gorman (HF) def Delaney 4&2

Hall (HF) def Kelly 4&3

Lynch (HF) def Stark 3&1

The team’s matches for the week are:   

Thu. Sep 18, HOME vs. Granville

Mon. Sep 22, vs. Tamarac at Frear Park (Troy)

Wed. Sep 24, vs. Greenwich at Battenkill  (Greenwich) 

Thu. Sep 25, HOME vs. Stillwater