The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Stop NY Fracked Gas Pipeline To Present Public Forum In Schodack May 5

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On Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m., Stop NY Fracked Gas Pipeline (SNYFGP), an all-volunteer group of concerned Rensselaer County citizens opposed to the proposed Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline, will present a free public forum at Maple Hill High School in Schodack/Castleton-on-Hudson.

This event, SNYFGP’s fourth such public forum in 2015, will offer local residents information about the large, high-pressure fracked gas pipeline being planned for the area by Texas-based energy giant, Kinder Morgan, including the many health and safety risks presented by the immense 90,000 horsepower compressor station to be located near the Schodack/Nassau border.

Public opposition to this pipeline, which offers no benefits to any of the towns it would impact in New York State, has grown steadily over the past few months. Hundreds of people, including local officials, have turned out at previous events to voice their many concerns, and resolutions strongly opposing the project were passed this month by both the Town of Stephentown and the Rensselaer County Legislature. In addition, more than 50 other communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have also passed similar measures.

Governor Cuomo banned high volume hydraulic fracturing (better known as fracking) in New York last December, citing the significant risks to public health as detailed in a 186-page report by the Department of Health. Although groundbreaking, this move does not prohibit the transport of this same dangerous fracked gas—along with its hundreds of associated chemicals, including multiple known carcinogens—at very high pressure through our communities, major bodies of water such as the Hudson River and fertile farmland and wildlife habitats.

In addition to the numerous health and environmental concerns associated with this project, NED would also bring with it the risks of catastrophic explosion, damage to local infrastructure, the taking of private land through eminent domain, disruption of local groundwater and homeowner wells, and a significant decline in local property values and potential for future economic growth.

For more information about Stop NY Fracked Gas Pipeline and its efforts, please visit http://stopnypipeline.org.

The Margaret J. Kinn Scholarship

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This scholarship will be given to a deserving Berlin High School graduate pursuing a business, finance, or accounting degree program. The student must be enrolled in a two or four-year college, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. She or he will receive $1,000 for each year completed for the length of the program. The scholarship will be awarded to the student to whom it will make the most difference, not based on GPA.

To apply, students must write an essay explaining why they are interested in their chosen field, their outside work and the extra-curricular activities in which they participated while at the Berlin Central School District, as well as what they hope to do after graduating from college. Selection will be made by the Berlin Alumni Association.

Applications are available in the Guidance Office and should be returned to the guidance counselor by May 15. To receive the award, the recipient must attend the Alumni Banquet on June 6 at 6:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, Hoosick Street in Troy.

Celebrating The Birth Of Buddha

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The Grafton Peace Pagoda is holding a Flower Festival Celebrating the Birth of the Buddha and a Mother’s Day Celebration on Sunday May 10 at 11 am. Everyone is invited to join us in celebrating Buddha’s Birth in this world and in reawakening our belief in humanity’s noble, spiritual purpose on this earth. This will be a traditional Buddhist Ceremony with interfaith prayers. The speaker will be Mark Johnson sharing stories of the NPT Walk for a Nuclear Free Future.

There will be music and dance and a Pot Luck Lunch. Everyone is welcome to bring a dish to share, vegetarian options preferred.

Berlin Alumni Scholarship

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The Alumni Association is accepting applications for the Berlin Alumni Scholarship. Any Berlin High School Senior or graduate who has been accepted into a two or four-year college may apply.

Application forms are in the Berlin High School Guidance Office. Applications must be postmarked by May 15 in order to be considered. To receive the award, the recipient must attend the Alumni Banquet on June 6 at 6:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, Hoosick Street in Troy.

Brunswick Grange Tailgate Sale

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On Sunday, May 3 Brumswick Grange will   hold   its   Annual   Spring Agricultural  Tailgate  Sale  at  the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, Rte. 67 and 40, Schaghticoke, from 8 am to 12:30 pm.   More than 50 vendors will have various varieties of chickens,  ducks, geese, pigeons, veggies, plants and other agricultural items.  Absolutely no dogs, cats, puppies or kittens will be allowed for sale.  A donation of $15 per vendor will be charged.

Event will be held rain or shine.   There will be no refreshments available.  For more information please call 279-9113.

Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship Award

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Applications are being accepted for the scholarship award of $250.00 for the best essay on “What Freedom Means To Me” by a graduating senior from Brunswick Central School District or Berlin Central School District who is continuing on with his or her education.  The essay should not be less than 250 words or not more than 500 words.  The scholarship is being given by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340 in memory of a former member Elmer A. Grogan.

Thedeadlinefor applications is May 4.  Applications are available at the guidance counselor offices of both high schools and should be mailed to Carner,Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340, PO Box 361, Grafton, NY  12082, attn:   Commander Richard Terpening

St. Mary’s Academy Open House

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St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls will be holding an Open House for Perspective Parents on Monday May 4 from 6 to 7 pm.

St. Mary’s offers a Full Day Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 program five days a week.  Before Care is available beginning at 7 am. and After Care is available until 6 pm.  St. Mary’s Academy is currently accepting Open Enrollment for grades K-8.  Call today for a tour!! 686-4314.

Earn 10% Off Your Car Insurance

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The Northeast New York Safety & Health Council will sponsor the Defensive Driving Course at the Hoosick Falls Health Center, Danforth Street, Hoosick Falls, NY on Saturday, May 2, beginning promptly at 8:30 am.

Successful completion of this class allows for 10% insurance reduction on collision and liability for 3 years, as well as reduces 4 points from your driver’s license on points acquired in the prior 18 months. The course fills up quickly, please register by calling 518-686-4854.

Woodside Cemetery Of East Poestenkill Annual Meeting

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Woodside Cemetery Association announces the annual cemetery meeting on May 5 at 7 pm at the Union Gospel Church Hall, 1039 Plank Road, Route 40, in East Poestenkill, NY.

Spring plans will be discussed and the annual election of officers will be held. All people with an interest in the cemetery are welcome to join.

Tax-deductible donations for the cemetery are always needed to perpetually care for the grounds. Make checks payable to Woodside 56 Road Cemetery. Mail to P.O. Box 76, Poestenkill, NY 12140.

We always need volunteers to help. Please call 518-283-5303 for more information or if you have questions.