The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Sign Up For Crop Insurance

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New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker has alerted farmers to a recent change in the new federal Farm Bill that links insuring all crops on farms to future disaster payments.  Because of this change, it is imperative that New York farmers sign up all fall-planted crops for crop insurance by September 30, 2008.

September 30 is the deadline in New York for winter wheat, barley and forage production, including hay containing more than 25 percent alfalfa.  If producers fail to enroll any of their 2008 fall seeded crops and perennial crops, they will be ineligible for disaster payments on 2009 corn and soybeans planted in the spring of 2009, even if they buy insurance for those crops.

The Commissioner said, “This is a new requirement that all farmers must complete to be eligible for federal assistance next year.  With the uncertainty of the weather, this change is key as more farmers need to contemplate whether crop insurance and disaster payments are necessary for the viability of their business.”

The 2008 Farm Bill created an Agricultural Disaster Trust Fund, of which a major part will finance Supplemental Revenue Assistance (SURE) payments.  In order to be eligible for SURE payments, the new Farm Bill requires crop insurance on all insurable crops or Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on all uninsurable crops.  NAP is available from the USDA Farm Service Agency, while crop insurance is available through private crop insurance agents.  The more crop insurance coverage you have, the more your SURE payment will be. The SURE disaster payments can provide a significant amount in addition to crop insurance loss payments.

SURE is effective for the 2008 crop year and runs through the 2011 crop year. SURE will be based on whole farm revenue. It will be triggered by a USDA Secretarial disaster declaration for a county.  Contiguous counties are automatically eligible. Protection is also provided if a producer suffers greater than a 50% production loss.

If you have any questions, contact a crop insurance agent immediately.  To find a crop insurance agent, go to http://www3.rma.usda.gov/apps/agents.

George Is Buying Hay In April – Geo P. Sells Many Apple Trees

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Tuesday April 16, 1850: This morning I took the ox team and sled and went to Judah Rowley’s and got ten hundred and eighty one pounds of good hay and paid four dollars and ninety four cents and Geo P. paid four dollars and a half for the said hay. Doctor Bates came today again and doctored John F.

Friday: I this forenoon took the horses and wagon and got half a ton of hay to Noah Harrison’s and paid him four dollars and fifty cents.

Tuesday: Some rainy this morning. Towards the middle of the day I took the ox team and wagon and went to Harvey Patchins and bought half a ton of hay and paid him four dollars and fifty cents cash in hand. Today John F. goes out for the first time after having the mumps.

Wedneday: John F. plowed sward on head land. Today is the first he has worked since he had the mumps. Tonight we kept a peddler that sold patent medicine, his name I did not learn. He was from Massachusetts and he found his own horse feed. He paid his bill, which was thirty one cents in his medicine, one bottle.

Monday: Geo P. and hired man worked in his nursery and at night Geo P. went with one hundred trees to Lebanon and left them with Jabez Babcock for a man in Boston and today Doctor Bates called and got one bushel of mercer potatoes at 44 cts and three and a half pounds of butter at 16 cents per and he credits the same to me.

Tuesday: Today Geo P. went with my two horse wagon and horse and Hiram Newton with his two horse wagon they went to Berlin and Petersburgh and carried eleven hundred grafted apple trees. Geo P. did not return tonight.

Wednesday: Tonight Geo P. returned home from selling apple trees, he paid Hiram Newton four and a half dollars for carrying said trees. Today John F. took Geo P. fat sheep, 62 of them, on to my Rodgers farm to pasture.

Thursday: Old Mr. Perkins planted for Geo P. today and this afternoon the Irishman by the name of Mac Fitz Jerem planted. This afternoon I took my two horse wagon and fetched ten hundred and seventy two pounds of hay from Harvey Patching’s at nine dollars per ton and I paid in cash five dollars for the hay and 60 cents due him yet, reckoning in the eighty cents on the load hay I got the other day.

Friday: Today Mr. Hall took a survey and gave or insured me of one thousand dollars on my house and outbuildings.

September Events At GLSP

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20, Saturday –  National Shoreline cleanup from 10 am to noon. Co-sponsored by the American Littoral Society.  Meet at the Beach/First Aid station located off main parking lot.  Wonderful volunteer opportunity. Shoreline cleanup will include our popular Long Pond and our fishing areas Second and First  Pond.  Gloves and bags will be provided. Raindate is September 21. Please call to pre-register groups of volunteers. (Grafton Lakes State Park)

20, Saturday – Cherry Plain Friends Meeting at 6:30 pm. Meet at Park Office to discuss improving programs and trails at this beautiful park. One of Reserve America’s Top 100 Family Campgrounds in 2007.

27, Saturday ą Star Party with Albany Area Astronomers at 6:30 pm.  Explore the night skies at Deerfield Pavilion in Grafton Lakes State Park.

28. Sunday –  22nd Annual Barge Chaser Canoe & Kayak Race. Registration  at 10 am at Beach Nature Center. Race at 11 am. Sponsored  by Northern New York Paddlers.  Paddlers of all skill levels are welcome to participate in two races, including a 2.5 mile sprint paddle and a 7 mile paddle with a portage.  For more information, call Sue Knapik 843-8133

Hikes And Mountain Bike Festival At GLSP Featured In Ninth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble

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Grafton Lakes State Park is offering two nature hikes and a Mountain Bike Festival as part of the Ninth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble in September.  The Ramble is sponsored annually by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Hudson River Valley Greenway and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Estuary Program.  A total of 202 events will take place from Saratoga County and the Capital Region to New York City on the weekends of September 13-14, September 20-21 and September 27-28.

Grafton Lakes State Park will host three events as part of the 2008 Hudson River Valley Ramble. On Saturday September 13  the Park will hold its annual Mountain Bike Festival and a nature hike on Long Pond Trail. A second nature hike on the Long Pond trail will take place on Saturday September 27.

The Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club’s 10th Annual Mountain Bike Festival begins at 8 am on September 13, and will include a skills clinic and rides for all levels and abilities.  Rides begin at 9 am and run throughout the day to selected historic and natural sites on the Rensselaer Plateau, including the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower, the remains of the Troy Astronomy Club site and the home of writer Granville Hicks. Please bring your own food or buy from local vendors. There will be bike shop support on-site if needed.  Call Dick Gibbs to preregister for rides at (518) 283-0155. 

The Long Pond Trail hikes will be held from 1:30 to 3 on September 13 and 27. The hikes are moderate 2.5 mile hikes around beautiful Long Pond, with picturesque views of the lake. The terrain is rocky and steep in some places, so please wear appropriate footwear.  Please pre-register by the Friday before each hike by calling (518) 279-1155.

The Ramble offers the opportunity for participants  to enjoy guided walking, hiking, kayaking and biking experiences, estuary explorations and historic site tours that highlight the significant historical, cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley. Events are offered on every ability level and many are free.

Several event series offer an in-depth exploration of themes that earned the region its designation as a National Heritage Area.  They include the role of the Hudson Valley in the Revolutionary War, the Hudson River School of Art, the Great Estates and the Hudson River Estuary.  Nearly 200 environmental, land conservancy, trail and historic preservation organizations, New York State historic sites and parks, as well as the National Park Service participate by offering events. More than 100,000 people participated in the 2007 Ramble.

 “The Hudson River Valley Ramble provides a great opportunity for people of all ages and ability levels to explore the landscape, trails, historic sites and communities throughout the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area,” said Mark Castiglione, Acting Director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA) and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. “With over 200 events being offered this year, there is truly something for everyone so I encourage all to participate!”

For a complete listing of events, visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble.” www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble.  Copies of the program guide may be downloaded and printed directly from the web site.  To receive a free program guide, call (800) 453-6665, or e-mail ramble@hvc.rr.com.

Hunter Safety Course

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The Pioneer Fish & Game Club on Route 7 and Potter Hill will be holding a Hunter Safety Course beginning September 18. All sessions must be attended. Sessions will be Thursday and Friday, September 18 and 19, from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday, September 20, from 8 am to 2 pm. You must pre-register by calling Gary at 686-4072 (after 6 pm) or Dan at 686-4767 as limited spaces are available.

Donald A. Niquette

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Buskirk – Donald A. Niquette, 68, died Saturday, August 30, 2008, at the Glens Falls Hospital. He had resided on the River Road in Buskirk, NY, with his wife Cynthia (Larson) Niquette.

Born on September 22, 1939, in Worcester, MA, Donald was the son of the late Joseph and Flora (Bellemore) Niquette. He was educated at schools in Worcester and was a machinist all of his life. Donald enjoyed woodworking, gardening and spending time with his dog “Ducky.”

Survivors other than his wife Cynthia include three daughters, Lorry Foster and husband John, and Kathy Kvinlaug and husband Douglas all of Eagle Bridge, NY,  and Cindy Niquette and husband Chad Cook of North Hoosick, NY, and his sister, Lorraine Harrington and husband Brian of Jackson, NY. Donald is also survived by six grandchildren, Joshua, Rebecca and Jacob Foster, Somer and Kolumbia Cook and Gavin Kvinlaug.

A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, September 4, at 10 am at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY. There were no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County Community Hospice through the funeral home.

Edmund C. Geraldi

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New Lebanon – Edmund C. Geraldi, 97, of County Route 5A, New Lebanon, NY, died on Monday morning, September 1, 2008, at his home under the care of Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Old Chatham, NY, on March 21, 1911, he was the son of the late Charles and Olive James Geraldi. He was the loving husband of the former Anna C. Sweener whom he married in Reno, Nevada, on May 10, 1960.

A 1929 graduate of New Lebanon High School, Edmund finally received his diploma from the school in 2005. He worked for the Columbia-Rensselaer Telephone Co. before joining the United States Navy Seabees during World War II. After his marriage in 1960, he and his wife moved to California where Mr. Geraldi worked for General Telephone of California (now Verizon) as a repairman/installer. He retired in 1976 as a PBX (private branch exchange) technician and moved back to New Lebanon in 1980. Edmund was a 62 year member of the Unity Lodge #9 of the F & AM in New Lebanon where he served as Master in 1952. He was a Past President (1958-60) of the LVPA, a former Commissioner of Cub Scouts in the San Gabriel Council of California for three years, a member of the Floyd Carlton Post #1236 of the American Legion in New Lebanon and a member of the Brainard United Methodist Church. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading and his garden.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Anna, his children and their spouses, Fred and Jonnie Larkin of Ontario, CA, Sarah and Rob Allgood of W. Lebanon, NY, Charles and Denise Geraldi of N. Lebanon, NY, Stuart and Laurie Geraldi of W. Lebanon, Florence and Bill Hyatt of East Greenbush, NY, along with ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Aurelio “Nick” Geraldi.

Funeral services were held on Thursday at 11 am in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, NY. Interment followed in the Cemetery of the Maples in East Chatham, NY. Relatives, friends, fellow masons and legionnaires were invited to the funeral home for visitation on Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene or the Brainard United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home, PO Box 9, Stephentown, NY, 12168.

Pauline Simpson

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Cambridge – Pauline Simpson, 86, died Saturday, August 30, 2008, at her residence on the Whitecreek Shunpike Road in Cambridge, NY. She was the wife of the late James Simpson.

Born on March 13, 1922, in Wallingford, VT, Pauline was the daughter of the late Charles and Kattie (Waye) Sawtelle. She was educated at schools in Buskirk, NY, and Hoosick Falls, NY. Pauline worked at several area factories including the Undergarment and Barclays both in Hoosick Falls and at Reis Mill in Cambridge. She was a communicant of the former St. Monica’s Church in Buskirk and St. Patrick’s Church in Cambridge. She was also a member of the American Legion Post # 634 in Cambridge, where she would help with all the functions held there. Pauline enjoyed bingo and going to Foxwood Casino.

Survivors include a son, Gary Simpson and wife April of Eagle Bridge, NY, daughters, Marcy Bliss and husband David of Cambridge and Kathy Blair of Glens Falls, NY, a step-daughter, Irene Kayro and husband Alain of Bennington, VT, a step-son James Simpson Jr. and wife Connie of Bennington, sisters, Dot Brownell and husband Don and Gwen Waldron and husband Charles all of Schaghticoke, NY, a step-sister, Thelma Cumo of Hoosick Falls, and a step-brother, Thomas Way of Pownal, VT. Pauline is also survived by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews grand nieces and grand nephews. She was pre-deceased by a brother, William, a step-daughter, Patricia Limoges, and a step-sister, Ruth Ropizky.

A Berlin AARP Volunteer Joins Over 100 Area Residents In National Town Hall On Economic Security

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Local AARP volunteers and staff gathered for a one night only, exclusive, in-theater event at Crossgates Mall to raise awareness on the issues of health and financial security on Thursday, August 21.   The live, satellite-fed, national town hall discussion followed the screening of the Sundance Film Festival selection I.O.U.S.A. about the financial crisis facing our country.  In addition to the Guilderland site, hundreds of movie theaters around the country also participated. 

The documentary featured some of America’s most notable financial leaders including “investment guru” Warren Buffett, Blackstone Senior Chairman Pete Peterson and former U.S. Comptroller General Dave Walker.  The panel, moderated by Rebecca Quick, co-anchor of CNBC’s financial news show Squawk Box, also featured AARP CEO Bill Novelli.

As gasoline, food and health care costs continue to rise, local residents are looking for solutions to their ever-growing list of financial challenges.  Brian Fuller, AARP NY volunteer and resident of Berlin, joined 20 volunteers from Clifton Park, Delmar, Guilderland, Latham, and Saratoga Springs at the town hall discussion to try to make a difference through an initiative called Divided We Fail.   

“We cannot let the next generation be the first in American history to be worse off than their parents,” said Brian Fuller. “Soon we will have a new President and Congress; we want political candidates in 2008 to acknowledge that health care and financial security solutions need to be a priority.”

“Divided We Fail is trying to bring the issues addressed in this film to the public’s attention,” continued Fuller. “Though the movie theater was packed with well over 100 people, we need to get these important messages out to voters across our state and nation.”

Divided We Fail is a nonpartisan effort that partners AARP, SEIU the Business Roundtable and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) to engage the American people, elected officials, and the business community to find broad-based, equitable solutions to the most compelling domestic issues facing the nation: health care and the long-term financial security of Americans. 

In the Capital Region, the Divided We Fail initiative includes community conversations, events, pledge collection, volunteer mobilization, online engagement and advertising urging the 2008 candidates to offer solutions to the nation’s health care and financial security needs.  An Opinion Leader Forum will be held in Troy, NY, on Thursday, September 25, at Russell Sage College featuring former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall and Chair of the Russell Sage Nursing Technologies Program Dr. Joan Dascher among other panelists.

North Hoosick Fire Department Receives AFG Award

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Chief Alan Bornt has announced that the North Hoosick Fire Department has been awarded $41,639 from the third round of the Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant. This award was announced and released on July 18, 2008. 

With this award, the North Hoosick Fire Department will be replacing and updating all of its fire fighting hose, several adaptors, relief valves and nozzles. The new equipment will replace fire equipment that is over 20 years old. 

The Fire Department is proud to announce that Kurt T. Bradley, professional grants consultant from Chiefs Grants in Auburndale, Florida, assisted the Fire Department to secure this award. Kurt has assisted many Fire/EMS agencies in securing funds through grants. Kurt can be contacted through his web site at www.chiefsgrant.com.