The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Earth Day In Petersburgh

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submitted by Andy Zlotnick

On April 26 Boy Scout Troop 222 will assemble Scouts, parents, family and our community friends to attempt the cleanup of Depot Park along the Little Hoosic River in Petersburgh. The clean-up will start about 9 am and run through 1 pm on Saturday, rain or shine. The Troop will need tools like rakes grass whips, wheel barrels and lawn carts. It will need lawn bags and the Town to help remove the unwanted materials that are cleaned up.

This project is a small part of a larger District-wide Scouting attempt to make a difference on Earth Day. The Twin Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Mahakin District are completing similar projects from Columbia County all the way to the Canadian Border this year. Thousands of volunteers will be working toward one goal  – of leaving the land better than we found it.

Troop 222 will form groups or teams of Scouts and volunteers which will work down the access road, working the right and left of the road, picking up all garbage and cans. The teams will spread out to cover the park area and the playground area. The Troop will separate the cans and recyclables, returning the cans to their regular can recycling at the Redemption Center in Hoosick. The remaining trash and recyclables will be placed in bags for the Town to remove. There are a few larger items that were dumped like a TV and some metal items. They will be brought up to the parking lot for the Town to remove.

“The Troop is looking for community involvement and support with this project. We anticipate that this project may incur some small costs to the Troop and at this time the Troop is expecting to cover the cost but, as with all organizations, we have limited funds to cover this kind of work and would like to invite the public to help with unanticipated costs. The Troop will try to offer a small lunch at the park after the work is complete. We will be providing hot dogs, chips and a large container of flavored drink. If anyone would like to help with food, in kind donations will be acceptable; they just need to let the Troop know by contacting the Scoutmaster Andy Zlotnick at azlotnick_40@yahoo.com  or by calling 658-9066.

It is the practice of Troop 222 to give back to the community that has given so much to us. The Troop believes that to be good stewards of our environment and to follow the ideals of The BSA outdoor code the Troop should complete projects of this kind. We ask for your participation and support.

Berlin High School Class Of 2014 Valedictorian And Salutatorian

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submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist, Berlin Central School District 

The Berlin High School announces Alessa D’Alessio as its Valedictorian and Cullen O’Brien as its Salutatorian for the Class of 2014.

Valedictorian Alessa D’Alessio

BCS 2014 Valedictorian Alessa D’Alessio. Photo courtesy of Erin Clary.
BCS 2014 Valedictorian Alessa D’Alessio. Photo courtesy of Erin Clary.

D’Alessio is the daughter of Yolanda and Michael D’Alessio of Cherry Plain. She has a cumulative GPA of 96.79 percent. Her coursework this year includes Advanced Placement English and Psychology, along with Hudson Valley Community “College in the High School” Calculus. She will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

D’Alessio has been the recipient of several awards including the University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award and the U.S. Air Force Math and Science Award, both in 2013.

Although she has attended Berlin High School for less than two years, D’Alessio has made a tremendous impact on her class and the school community during that short time. She is a member of the varsity soccer and varsity cheerleading teams. She has served as a class officer and is an active participant in the Drama Club. D’Alessio is also a member of the National Honor Society.

As an active participant in her community, D’Alessio has volunteered her time at the Town libraries, the transfer station where she sorted recyclables and at Sunderland Elementary School in Vermont where she helped clean up the grounds.

D’Alessio is currently undecided on where she will go for college but plans on majoring in International Relations and the French language.

Salutatorian Cullen O’Brien

BCS 2014 Salutatorian Cullen O’Brien. Photo courtesy of Erin Clary.
BCS 2014 Salutatorian Cullen O’Brien. Photo courtesy of Erin Clary.

O’Brien is the son of Doris and Daniel O’Brien of Grafton. He has a cumulative GPA of 94.8 percent. His coursework this year includes Advanced Placement English and Chemistry, along with Hudson Valley Community “College in the High School” Calculus. O’Brien, along with one other student, also created their own Environmental Science Independent Study program. He will graduate with a Regents Diploma with Honors and Advanced Designation.

O’Brien was the recipient of several awards in 2013 including the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, the Clarkson University Leadership Award and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal.

A well-rounded student, O’Brien is a member of the varsity soccer and basketball teams and is a four year member of the high school band. He is also part of the jazz band and marching band and has participated in drama club. He is a competitor in the Science Bowl, Envirothon and Masterminds teams. O’Brien is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Also active in his community, O’Brien has volunteered at church cleanups and in fundraising walks and activities in Grafton Lakes State Park where he is also employed as a life guard during the summer months.

Although currently undecided on where he will attend college, O’Brien plans to study Chemistry or Biology with the intent of pursuing a career in medicine, either as an emergency medical physician or physician’s assistant.

Parent Night For Incoming Kindergartners

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On Thursday, April 24, Hoosick Falls Central School will be sponsoring its annual Parent Night for Incoming Kindergartners from 6 to 7:15 pm.  The introduction will begin promptly at 6 pm in the Elementary School Cafeteria.

The night gives parents/guardians of incoming kindergartners the opportunity to meet the Superintendent, School Board President, Principal, Kindergarten Teachers, School Nurse, Transportation Supervisor and Cafeteria Supervisor.  They will also be able to tour the school, see the kindergarten classrooms and ask any questions pertaining to the District, school and/or classroom.

This night is designed solely for the parents/guardians.  We are asking that children do not attend as they will have the opportunity to meet the teachers and see the school during screening in June.  This will give all parties the opportunity to ask questions and have discussions with the staff concerning their children in the given time.

Berlin Central School District Pre-K Registration

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The proposed 2014-2015 school budget includes funding for a district-wide pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) program for resident children who reach the age of four on or before December 1, 2014. Transportation for the program will be provided for all eligible Pre-K students by the school district.

The program is provided by Questar III, the Berlin Central School District and partners in collaboration with Capital District Beginnings. The site location is the Berlin Elementary School and students follow the Berlin School calendar for attendance and the building arrival and dismissal times – approximately 8:40 am and 3:10 pm.

This comprehensive and enriched program utilizes the NYS Pre-K Foundation for the Common Core program and the Creative Curriculum to focus on child centered activities, development of strong foundational skills in early literacy and numeracy, social interaction and kindergarten readiness skills.

Families of eligible children are asked to register their child by calling Questar III directly for a registration packet at 396-3520.  Directions on how to complete the process will be provided in the packet, and the completed packet must be returned to Questar III by May 23 for consideration in the program. Families must provide a copy of documentation to show proof of residency, a birth or baptismal certificate and, if applicable, custody/guardian  papers prior to final enrollment in the program. Once the packet is received by Questar III, a letter of receipt will follow with more information regarding registration, Pre-K screening, parent/guardian orientation, etc.

If your child meets the eligibility requirements stated above and you would like a packet mailed to you, please contact Questar III at 396-3520.  If you have any questions regarding residency, contact the Berlin Elementary School at 658-2127, ext. 200.

The New Lebanon Foundation Trivia Night

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submitted by Susan Bues, New Lebanon Foundation 

The New Lebanon Foundation will launch its 2014 fundraising campaign with a Trivia Night on Friday, April 25, from 7 to 9 pm at the New Lebanon Junior/Senior High School on Route 22 in New Lebanon. Test your trivia knowledge!  Bring your team of up to six family members and friends, or join a team on the spot. Door prizes, a Silent Auction and a 50/50 Raffle will add to the evening’s entertainment.  For additional information please call Barbara Ruhe at 518-794-9490.  The cost is $10 per person.  All proceeds benefit the Arts and Humanities program for New Lebanon Central School children.

Grafton Library Food For Fines Amnesty Week

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The Grafton Community Library is offering an opportunity to get rid of your late fees while helping to provide crucial food items for the most vulnerable in our community. For every nonperishable food item that you bring in to the Library between April 14 and April 19, we will waive one of your late fees. We cannot waive fees for items that are still checked out or lost. All food items will be donated to the Parish of Our Lady of the Snow Food Pantry and will go directly to help families in need in our community.

The food pantry is in particular need of the following: coffee, tea bags, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soups, cranberry sauce, canned veggies, canned fruit, canned chicken, tuna fish, instant potatoes, rice-a-roni, pasta-roni, cereals and juices.  Please do not bring expired or damaged food items or items that are unlabeled.

Petersburgh Library News

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Drop-In Craft

The Petersburgh Public Library will be sponsoring a rubber band drop-in craft during spring break on Wednesday, April 16, between 2 and 4 pm.  Stop by during that time and take home a ring, bracelet or other items made from colorful rubber bands.  All materials will be provided.  Children of all ages are invited to join in this activity.

Spring Foraging 

The Vanishing Skills series of the Petersburgh Public Library kicks off with its first installment, “Spring Foraging,” on Saturday, May 3, at 10 am.  The new series will offer instruction and knowledge sharing from local residents on country skills and self sufficiency that have been neglected in our fast moving digital age.  However, more people are seeing that keeping the knowledge current will prove even more valuable in an uncertain future.

On May 3 from 10 to noon Danny Schnoop and Mary Lou Walters will lead a spring foraging workshop.  They will lead a group to places where baby dandelion greens, fiddlehead ferns and other spring plants can be foraged.  Afterward, the group will return to the PVMCC for some pointers in preparing and preserving its finds.  Please sign-up at the library if you will be attending since space in the kitchen is limited.

Book Group

The next book discussion will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 7 pm.  The book to be discussed is Savage Beauty:  the Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford.  Copies of the book are available at the library for everyone who would like to join in the book discussion.

Plant, Bake, Book and Tag Sale

The annual Plant, Bake, Book and Tag Sale will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 9 am to 1 pm.  Donations of plants and baked goods would be greatly appreciated.

Stephentown Library News

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Stephentown Memorial Library Board of Trustees invites the public to its Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 13 from 4 pm to 6 pm in the SML Community Room.  A light dinner will be served and all are welcome to attend. Officers will report on events from the past year and discuss the future of the library.  Of particular interest will be discussion of the newly acquired property adjacent to the library and how it will be used.  Public comment and ideas are welcome.  Please join us for this annual gathering.

• Introduction to Zumba – Wednesday, April 16, at 7 pm.   If you have been thinking of trying something new, join us for Zumba at SML!  Zumba is an exhilarating Latin-inspired dance fitness class designed to benefit anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.  Zumba Instructor Kim Conley is also a Certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer who works with people of every age and ability all over the Berkshires. She will offer a free introductory Zumba class and kick off an ongoing series of Wednesday night Zumba classes for $5 each here in Stephentown. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.  Zumba is a blast – Come join the party and bring your friends!

• Easter Egg Hunt at the Stephentown Memorial Library on Saturday, April 19, from 10 to 11 am. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held rain or shine. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Come to the Stephentown Memorial Library for an Easter Egg Hunt.  There will be activities and fun for all ages with Easter games, including a Bunny Hop Race and egg toss, egg coloring and a visit by the Easter Bunny!  Pre-registration is helpful but not required.  This event is sponsored by Town of Stephentown and open to all Stephentown children only.

For more information, call the Stephentown Memorial Library at 733-5750.  Check our website,www.stephentownlibrary.org  for regular updates.

April Events At The Grafton Library

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The Grafton Community Library announces its programs for the month of April. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Library at 518-279-0580 or email director@graftoncommunitylibrary.org. Stay up to date with everything that is happening at the library by visiting our online events calendar at www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org/whats-happening-at-your-library, and signing up for our email newsletter on our website www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org.

Storyteller Gil Payette will present Native American Animal Spirits (all ages program) on Friday, April 18, at 6:30 pm. In this fun and informative program Payette will weave together his teaching and storytelling skills to give us a glimpse of how Native Americans understand spiritual and sacred animal power. Some Native American languages had no word for “animal.” These life forms were considered extended family – brothers, sisters, cousins – each one unique unto itself, a symbol of power, of the soul, a creative element with a spiritual purpose. Special prizes will be given!

The Facts about Lyme Disease will be presented by Jennifer Mahoney, Rensselaer County Health Department, on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 pm. Get ready to enjoy the great outdoors in a safe way this spring by finding out everything you need to know about Lyme disease in our area.This program will cover:

• information about the tick’s life cycle;

• awareness of Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases;

• recognizing basic signs and symptoms;

• knowing to seek early diagnosis and treatment;

• knowing if you live, work or play in an area that has infected ticks;

• practicing preventive actions, and

• knowing who to contact for more information.

Book Discussion Group

The Book Discussion Group will discuss The Secret History by Donna Tartt on Wednesday, April 30, at 12:30 pm. The Grafton Community Library’s book discussion group meets monthly. New participants are always welcome. Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is the darkly engrossing debut by the author of last year’s acclaimed novel The Goldfinch. This tale of murder and intrigue at a small Vermont college was inspired by Tartt’s years in Bennington. Copies are available now at the Library.

Weekly Storytimes for Preschool Aged Children will take place on Thursday, April 17, at 4 pm, Wednesday, April 23, at 10:30 am and Wednesday, April 30, at 10:30 am.

The Grafton Clippers Coupon Group will meet on Monday, April 21, at 6 pm. Be part of a new social group where people gather to share knowledge of clipping coupons and finding ways to cut shopping trips by 90%. The Grafton Clippers will meet at the library every other Monday at 6 pm. New members are always welcome. For more information email Donna atmoreoutoflife@gmail.com or Erin at Erin_469@yahoo.com.

Game Day at the Library – Tuesdays starting at 3:30 pm. Come to the Library to play your favorite board games with friends: Scrabble, Bananagrams, Scattergories and more. Use the Library’s games or bring your own.

Sit and Knit Needle Arts Group – Saturdays at 10 am. Come share your love of all the Needle Arts – knitting, stitching, crocheting and more. All skill levels and abilities are welcome.