The Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department will hold a Texas Hold’em Tournament on Saturday, September 28, in the Stephentown Fire Hall, located at 35 Grange Hall Road in Stephentown. The doors will open at 5:30 pm and close at 6 pm. Play begins at 6:15 sharp.
No advance registration is required, and a donation of $35 per player will be accepted and give the player 6,000 in chip value. Players can make an additional $10 donation at the door for 2,000 extra in chip value. This tournament will pay one place for every 10 players with a minimum of four places and a maximum of 9 places.
A free buffet will be served at the first break and refreshments will be available.
For further information, please call John Linton at 518-733-0469.
Porcupine In The Trees
Brunswick Grange Tailgate Sale
On Sunday, October 6, the Brunswick Grange will hold its Annual Fall Agricultural Tailgate Sale at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, Routes 67 & 40, Schaghticoke, from 8 am to 12:30 pm. More than 50 vendors will have various varieties of chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, vegetables, plants, flowers and other agricultural items. Absolutely no dogs, cats, puppys or kittens will be allowed for sale. A donation of $15 per vendor will be charged.
The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, please call 279-9113.
Letter To The Editor – The Animosity Is Stunning
To the Editor:
This political venue is certainly bigger than me. The level of animosity between parties is stunning. Why am I involved; a lifelong Republican running on the local Democratic platform in Hoosick Falls? Not many are asking that or where I stand on issues. This community certainly has issues worthy of debate.
Most notably, the Town government is run by the current Town Supervisor. Now this is not a personal attack on Keith Cipperly. Keith is not a bad man. However, the mantle of office has exposed certain serious challenges he faces of his own accord:
• Treating people with respect, especially if they have a different view.
• Taking criticism without a punitive response or bullying.
• Running Town meetings according to public open meeting laws.
• Being divisive and non-collaborative.
Keith is a hardworking person. I suggest that his governance of our Town Board does not represent well the spirit of the people of Hoosick. The ends do not always justify the means, especially when we seem to be more fractured and divided than most ever remember.
We have a proud tradition here. True, we are struggling economically, and we need to be strong, smart and tough. But, we can also have optimism, collaboration and fellowship. Hoosick people are equal to any elsewhere. Our young people prove that every day and in every venue.
Recently, the Town employees decided to unionize. They did this to protect themselves from a heavy handed Supervisor who felt he would change their health care without telling or asking either them or the Town Board. This single act will likely make any of the recent claims of fiscal accountability less than moot. At the last Town meeting, the Board felt unsure about the ability to purchase an $8,000 lawn mower for the upkeep of the Athletic Fields. Their uncertainty was due to not knowing just how much the newly unionized Town crew was going to cost. As a taxpayer, I can say that I am not happy to think that we cannot afford a new lawn mower. Fortunately, the good Village of Hoosick Falls is mowing the Athletic Fields for us.
I do not believe that these hardworking men really wanted a union. Unfortunately, they needed one to protect themselves from unfair and uncourteous treatment. Add in the disgraceful treatment of Bill Shiland Sr., a good, honest, public servant of more than 25 years. How does the public feel about the treatment of Mark Surdam? He continues to behave professionally and even with kindness as he is called names in public and behind his back. He is being openly slandered by people with less character than he in public while consistently and steadily working to bring some sense and civility to the Hoosick Town Board meetings. If you voted for Mark Surdam last election, you are being denied your representation on the Town Board because they have shut him out of regular correspondence.
If the Supervisor and his supporters do not like what you have to say, they simply close the door. Talk to any of the people who up until recently were Town of Hoosick Republican Committee Members. Add to this that Keith directed Charlie Filkins to stop videotaping the Town meetings. Now he claims that we cannot afford to share Town business on the public access channel.
We wish to have government of, for and by the people, not just the people we like or always agree with. This is what we, as responsible adults and citizens have as a duty to those who follow us. There is so much more to the people of Hoosick than fear, hate, division and economic challenge. We need better leadership here.
I am proud to stand behind Mark Surdam in this election. His character has shown through in the face of enormous adversity. He is a fine candidate for the Town.
To again answer the question my wife lovingly keeps asking me, “Why are you doing this David?” My answer, “I will pay forward the kindness shown a little Hoosick boy by names of families such as Pine, Baker, Seifert, Harrington, Laporte, Mahar, Cipperly, Martinez, Brownell, Bilson, Cottrell, Sura, Roose, Corbett, Leonard, McGovern, Bugbee, Holbrook, Stempek, Chapones, McGuire, Marsh, Magisano and others. My glass is full as a result of those kinds of people.” Would some be foolish enough to ask me whether I care what political party they belonged to?
What kind of community do the people of Hoosick want? What kind of Town government? We need to come together as a community. Together we can do much for Hoosick. There are many who are relying on us to do so.
If you disagree with me, it is okay but feel free to discuss, debate and voice your concerns; this is the U.S.A.
Sincerely and Thankfully,
David A. Sutton
Wilson Hill Road, Hoosick Falls
Rensselaer Land Trust Event
A Rensselaer Land Trust Event entitled “A Decisive Day in the History of Our Country” will take place on Saturday, September 28, from 9 am to 4 pm. Revolutionary War Historian Charles W. Filkins, II, Director of the Louis Miller Museum, will lead us for a day of history in beautiful northeastern Rensselaer County at the Bennington Battlefield. Learn about the context of the battle in Hoosick that led to the British surrender at Saratoga in October of 1777 and ultimately to the success of our revolution. Hear about the Hessians Baum and Breymann and their march to Hoosick. After the tour of the battlefield, those who wish, will continue on to Bennington, VT, and visit the monument that commemorates this turning point in the Revolutionary War. This event is co-sponsored by Lakes to Locks and The Louis Miller Museum. Register by September 26 with Christine@renstrust.org or 518-859-4363. For information go to www.renstrust.org.
September Events At Grafton Lakes State Park And Cherry Plain State Park
21, Saturday – American Littoral Society Shoreline Cleanup at GLSP from 10 am to 12 pm. This is a great service opportunity for families or Scout troops. You’ll be part of an international cleanup helping to address litter on lake, river and beach shorelines with thousands of participants globally! This year we invite participants to do cleanup either on foot or in their own kayaks or sturdy boats. Pre-register at 279-1155
21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday – Geocache Weekend at Cherry Plain State Park. Try out geocaching. This fun outdoor treasure hunt activity uses your smart phone or a hand held GPS to find hidden caches, called “geocaches.” For information, contact Rob Baldwin at 283-6087.
25, Wednesday – Wonders of the Watershed Paddle at 4:30 pm at GLSP. Paddle on Long Pond with SCA Intern Jamie Wasielewski and the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park (BYO Boat). Pre-registration is required; call 279-1155.
27, Friday – Star Watch at Grafton Lakes State Park at 7:30 pm. Join members of the Albany Area Astronomers and explore the night sky. The group meets at the Deerfield pavilion. The rain date is Saturday, September 28. Call 658-9144 to confirm.
29, Sunday – Hudson River Ramble – Hike to the Fire Tower at 11 am. It is a three mile round trip hike to the Dickinson Fire Tower with a lunch break at the tower. Enjoy the fall foliage! Pre-registration is required; call 279-1155.
Linda J. Nugent
Berlin – Linda J. Nugent, 70, of Taylor Avenue, Berlin, NY, died on Friday, September 13, 2013, at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA.
Born on the 4th of July, 1943, in Newburgh, NY, she was the daughter of the late Donald Jose Lopez and Edith V. Earle. She was the loving wife of Donald K. Nugent, whom she married in Cornwall, NY on October 25, 1975. [Read more…] about Linda J. Nugent
Charleene L. Hafensteiner
Troy – Charleene L. Hafensteiner, 71, of Williams Road, Troy, NY, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, under the care of Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.
Born in Petersburgh, NY, on March 28, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Lionel and Frances Brimmer Bentley. She was the loving wife of Michael J. Hafensteiner, whom she married on December 31, 1992, in Petersburgh.
Charleene graduated from the Walter A. Wood High School in Hoosick Falls, NY, in 1959. She was a member of the Petersburgh Baptist Church while living in Petersburgh. She worked for the Berlin Central School District as a bus driver and trainer then for Folmsbee Transportation as a bus monitor, retiring in 2008. She had worked with her mom in the B & B Ceramic Studio in Petersburgh. Besides ceramics, Charleene enjoyed knitting, cooking and handcrafts. Her true love was that of her family and grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her former husbands, Robert Winn and Victor D. Weeden.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, James A. and wife Marie Winn and John P. and wife Stacy Winn of Berlin, NY, Sharla E. and husband Shane Clute of North Greenbush, NY, and Scott M. and wife Tami Weeden of Greenwood, AR, her step-children, Victor D. Weeden Jr, Lisa N. Weeden and Jamie L. Valero, and 14 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 15, at 6 pm in the Petersburgh Baptist Church where Rev. Trygve Tomlinson of the West Stephentown Baptist Church officiated. Relatives and friends were invited to the Church for visitation starting at 5 pm.
Committal services took place on Monday, September 16, at 10:30 am in the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions would be appreciated and can be given to either the West Stephentown Baptist Church or the Fred Shapiro’s Stem Cell Research Program at Albany Medical Center in care of the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home, P.O. Box 361, Petersburgh, NY, 12138.
The Life Of George Holcomb – Some Sharp Trading
Wednesday Nov. 26, 1828: This morning at one o’clock I started for Troy with nearly a barrel of apple sauce and 12 bushel of apples and Nathaniel Wylie with me. This morning at eight o’clock near the gate in Sand Lake, One of my hind wagon wheels broke every spoke from the fellow and then I got Mr. Henry Withees wagon and took on my load and went to Troy. I sold nearly out.
Friday: Today we came home, and this morning I borrowed sixty dollars of Rufus Withy and gave a note on demand. We got home about sunset. The roads were so bad that I had not any gateage.
Wednesday I took the wagon and carried Samuel Holcomb ten bushels of potatoes at 25 cts per and got my wagon wheel that I left the other day to be repaired. I carried my wife to said Samuel’s on a visit. While his apprentice was finishing the wheel and my wife was visiting, I walked to Hancock Village and paid up the account that Gregory and Hadsell had against myself and brother Wm is to pay one half. It was a debt before we desolved partnership, the amount 3 dol and 64 cents.
Thursday, December 4: Today I took the wagon and carried my wife and family to the Presbyterian meeting house to hear Mr. Beech preach a Thanksgiving sermon that was proclamated by Lieutenant Governor Pitchor.
Monday, Dec. 8: Today I took the wagon and went to Adam Brown’s and got 12 bushels of apples and paid one dol and 91 cts for them, and today I paid 7 dol and 62 cts which was my taxes, and I chopped up wood to the school house.
Tuesday: Today I started for Troy with 16 bushels of apples. I carried brother Sylvester’s wife and my wagon wheel that I got repaired. We got to Sand Lake to Henry Withees and exchanged wagons. He did not charge anything for his wagon, and I put my load on to my wagon. It was nearly night and we stayed all night to said Withees.
Wednesday: Today we went into Troy. I left sister Betsey to her cousin Fuller’s. I sold my apples nearly all to the cotton factory. I sold 3/4 of them at 37 cts and 1/4 at 50 cts per.
Much of December and January were taken up with chopping wood and hauling wood.
Monday, January 26: I sledded wood from my Rodgers Farm with my ox team. This evening I went to Adam Brown’s and engaged apples for market.
Tuesday: We opened an apple hole and took out eight bushels and a half and washed them. I went round to Adam Brown’s and bought five bushels of apples and paid 37 cts per. Tonight a snow.
Wednesday: I loaded apples and cider for market.
Thursday: This morning at one o’clock I started for Troy with the double sleigh with one barrel of cider and 13 bushels of apples, and ten gallons of applesauce. I sold my apples before I got to Troy for 59 cts per and the sauce for 25 cts per gal. I went into Troy but I could not sell my cider.
Grafton Town Board Action – New Assessor Appointed; State Audit Completed
by Alex Brooks
The Grafton Town Board went into Executive Session in the middle of their Town Board meeting on September 9 to deliberate about who to appoint as the Town Assessor. They were in that session for about an hour and a half, and when they came out they voted 4-1 to appoint David J. Galarneau of Au Sable Forks, NY, as the Town’s Assessor.
[Read more…] about Grafton Town Board Action – New Assessor Appointed; State Audit Completed