The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Front Page

Edythe J. Hammond

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Petersburgh – Edythe J. “Edie” Hammond, 82, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2008, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY, following a brief illness. Born November 8, 1925, in Hamilton, NY, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Grace Fuller Smith Sr. and the beloved wife of Richard E. Hammond for almost fifty-two years. 

Edie had worked at Hoosick Falls Undergarment until 1957 when she left to devote her time to making a home and raising her children. In 1972 she returned to the work force and was employed in the Medical Records Department of St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY, until her retirement. She enjoyed being with her family and friends and enjoyed many hobbies, including crocheting, knitting, puzzles, card playing and bowling. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and special friend to many. She will be truly missed.

In addition to her husband, Edie is survived by her devoted children, Paul and wife Autumn Hammond and Becky Bonesteel, of Petersburgh, NY, cherished grandchildren, Phillip and Kevin and his wife Jennifer Bonesteel, Daniel and Jeffrey Hammond, Katie Hodges, Tabitha Lajuenesse, Hattie and husband Matt Richardson and Mary and husband Jude Watkins, and treasured great-grandchildren, Kayla, Thomas, Brittany, Tashina, Devon and Danielle. She was a sister to Arthur and his wife Gwen Smith, Jr., and a sister-in-law to Lee Hammond. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Lawrence Smith, and a sister-in-law, Marge Hammond.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, September 11, at the Hancock Cemetery, Route 43,  Hancock, MA,   where interment will take place. The family will host a reception following the cemetery services at the Petersburgh Baptist Church Hall on Route 22 and Route 2 in Petersburgh. Contributions in Edie’s memory would be appreciated by the family to the Liberty ARC, Attn: Barb Wool or Lisa Augustine, P.O. Box 515, Amsterdam, NY, 12010, or the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1 Marcus Blvd, Suite 203, Albany, NY, 12205.

Sylvia L. Roullier

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Berlin – Sylvia L. Zwinge (Bermas) Roullier, 68, of Plank Road, Berlin, NY, died on Wednesday, September 10, 2008, surrounded by her loving family at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, NY, under the care of Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 2, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Waldemar and Martha Peterson Zwinge. She was the beloved wife of Napoleon A. Roullier whom she married on June 9, 1984, in the Church of the Covenant in Averill Park, NY.

A graduate of Berlin Central High School, Sylvia worked  locally for many years as a waitress. She retired in 2002 from David’s Bridal in Albany, NY, where she was a sales associate. She loved cooking, gardening and painting; though her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. 

Survivors include her husband, Nappy, children, Tanya and her husband Anthony Nuvallie of North Adams, MA, Glenn and his wife Jean Bermas of Averill Park, Alicia and husband Jeffrey Jahn of North Greenbush, NY, and Danyelle and husband Matthew Meyers of Petersburgh, NY, her former husband, Donald M. Bermas of Averill Park, step-children, Christine Roullier of Troy, Susan and husband Thomas Testo of Troy, Steven and wife Maryellen Roullier of East Greenbush, NY, her siblings, Phyllis Craib of Berlin, Walter Zwinge of Hoosick Falls, NY, Felix Zwinge of South Carolina, Martha Senecal of Florida, Roy and Hjarl Zwinge both of St. Petersburg, FL, and Ann Paccini of Cincinnati, OH, along with eight grandchildren, Haylee Jones, Shawn and Heather Jahn, Michael and Steven Bermas, Olivia Nuvallie and Chloe and Lilly Meyers, ten step grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by two brothers, Harold “Cookie” and Peder Zwinge.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 3 pm in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, NY, where Rev. Trygve Tomlinson will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral home for visitation starting at 1 pm on Saturday.  There will be an open forum for those who would like to share their memories.  Sylvia requested that all attendees wear brightly colored clothing to celebrate her journey.

Sylvia’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff on the 5th floor of St. Mary’s Hospital, as well as those from Community Hospice of Rensselaer, who took such wonderful care of Sylvia and offered their comfort to her family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Sylvia L. Roullier to Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Drive, Rensselaer, NY, 12144, or The American Lung Association of New York State, 155 Washington Avenue, Suite 210, Albany, NY, 12210, Attention Special Gifts.

Hoosick Draft Land Use Law Presented

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Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas addressed the dozen people attending the Land Use Law Meeting. Members of the Zoning Commission in attendance were (l-r) John Cooney, Marianne Zwicklbauer (hidden), consultant Linda von der Heide from Rensselaer County, Gail Delurey, John Smith, Ellen Scott and Wally Sheffer, Sr. (Bea Peterson photo)
Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas addressed the dozen people attending the Land Use Law Meeting. Members of the Zoning Commission in attendance were (l-r) John Cooney, Marianne Zwicklbauer (hidden), consultant Linda von der Heide from Rensselaer County, Gail Delurey, John Smith, Ellen Scott and Wally Sheffer, Sr. (Bea Peterson photo)

by Bea Peterson

On Wednesday evening the Zoning Commission of the Town of Hoosick presented a first draft of the Land Use Law of the Town of Hoosick. In her opening remarks Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas said Hoosick is one of three towns in Rensselaer County that do not have zoning. The other two are Grafton and Petersburgh. This new plan will complement the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted by the Town in 2004. Some laws, she said, such as the cell tower law have been piecemealed together over time. The draft presented to the public Wednesday has been reviewed by the Highway Superintendent, the Building Inspector, the Town Attorney and the Town Board. “We want you to look it over,” she told everyone at the meeting. “We want your involvement.”

Marianne Zwicklbauer, a member of the Commission addressed the group. “We all love it here,” she began. “Six year ago I was not in favor of zoning,” she said. What has happened in the Town during those six years has changed my mind.” She expressed the importance of encouraging development in appropriate places and seeing that water quality is maintained. Individuals and businesses look for land use laws, she continued. “Reputable businesses do not fear land use laws.” She believes the Commission can implement laws without impinging on individual rights.

Linda von der Heide, Principal Planner with Rensselaer County Economic Development then went over the Land Use draft chapter by chapter.

Chapter one states the purpose of the Land Use Law is to encourage: 

• The management of agriculture resources; 

• The rural character of the Town;

• The opportunities for growth recognizing the constraints of the natural resources; 

• Economic development; and to

• Support hamlets as centers for commerce and new residential development;

• Protect key natural features that create the feeling of openness and natural beauty;

• Gradually eliminate non-conforming uses;

• Assure privacy for residences and protection against loud, unsightly, obtrusive or unneighborly land uses or operations;

• Recognize the residents of the Town of Hoosick have a personal and monetary investment in their property and that they need to protect the value of their investment;

• Assure adequate sites of residential, agricultural, industrial and commercial uses;

• Facilitate the efficient, economical and adequate provision of public utilities and services;

• Prevent and reduce traffic congestion, to promote efficient and safe circulation of vehicles and pedestrians.

Chapter two will establish districts in the Town. No maps have been developed at this time. They will be put together at the Public Workshop Meetings to be held during September and October.

Chapter three establishes use regulations, Chapter four covers acreage amounts for various uses. Chapter five covers non-conforming uses and non-complying structures. Chapter six covers supplemental regulations, chapter seven deals with special permits, chapters eight, nine and ten cover laws already in use. Chapter eleven covers special district requirements, Chapter twelve deals with administration and enforcement, Chapter thirteen covers definitions and other terms used in the regulations. Chapter fourteen discusses amendments and applicability. 

Von der Heide said this plan was better than most communities have. Copies of the draft are available at the Town Hall and a copy can be read at the Cheney Library.

Workshops And 

Meetings

The first Public Workshop meeting will be next Thursday, September 11, at the Town Hall at 7 pm. Comments were already forthcoming from those at this meeting before they left the first session. The text will be reviewed next week. The following meetings will include review of the text and map plans.

• September 18 – Buskirk Fire Hall

• October 6 – North Hoosick Fire Hall

• October 15 – Hoosick Fire Hall

• October 22 – West Hoosick Fire Hall

After these meetings the Commission will review the material and in December or January another Public Hearing will be held.

6,000 Movie Extras Needed

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Open Casting Call  Thursday September 4

Focus Features’ movie Taking Woodstock, currently filming on location in Columbia County, NY, is looking for 6,000 extras to help recreate 1969. 

The Extras Casting Department for Taking Woodstock is holding an open casting call this Thursday, September 4, at Lebanon Valley Speedway Clubhouse, 1746 Route 20, New Lebanon  from 10 am to 8 pm. These extras jobs are paid positions, to start work immediately. Anyone who is 18 years of age or older and a U.S. resident is welcome, especially college age looking 18 to 30 year olds.  Please bring a recent, non-returnable photo of yourself as well as valid current identification. Given the film’s 1969 setting, long hair is a plus. If you have already applied, there is no need to re-register. For more information, log on to www.imeem.com/takingwoodstock.

Taking Woodstock is the new film from Academy Award winning director Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). It is a true story set in 1969 about a man, Elliot Tiber (Demetri Martin), who inadvertently played a pivotal role in making the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival into the famed happening it was. Working as an interior designer in Greenwich Village during culturally and politically exciting times,  Tiber felt empowered by the gay rights movement. But he was also still staked to the family business ą a Catskills motel. Upon hearing that a planned concert had lost its permit from the neighboring town of Wallkill, NY, Tiber called producer Michael Lang (Jonathan Groff) at Woodstock Ventures to offer his motel. Soon the Woodstock staff was moving into the El Monaco, half a million people were on their way to Tiber’s neighbor’s Max Yasgur’s (Eugene Levy) farm in White Lake, NY, and Tiber found himself swept up in a generation-defining experience that would change his life, and American culture, forever.

Taking Woodstock is directed by Mr. Ang Lee from a screenplay by James Schamus, based on the book by Elliot Tiber and Tom Monte. The film stars Demetri Martin, Imelda Staunton, Henry Goodman, Jonathan Groff, Emile Hirsch, Liev Schreiber, Dan Fogler, Skylar Astin, Richard Thomas, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan and Eugene Levy.

Focus Features , www.filminfocus.com, exists to produce, acquire and distribute original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success.

Focus Features is part of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

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.

Lucy S. Moseley

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West Hoosick – Lucy Springer Moseley, 54, of Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, West Hoosick, NY, died on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2008, at her home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.

Born in Bennington, VT, on April 29, 1954, she was the daughter of Hazel Surdam Springer of Eagle Bridge, NY, and the late Roland Springer. She was the loving wife of Harold M. Moseley, whom she married on March 6, 1971, in the West Hoosick Baptist Church.

Lucy attended Hoosick Falls Central schools. She and her husband were the owner/operators of Taconic Valley Truck Rental in Buskirk, NY. Lucy was a 4-H Leader and a member of the West Hoosick Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher. The love of her life was that of her family. From watching them grow as individuals, enjoying the activities they participated in, which included high school sports, Lucy’s family was always her top priority. She also had a great love of animals. Lucy was pre-deceased by a son, Timothy Scott Moseley, who died on June 11, 1995.

Survivors, besides her husband and mother, include her children, Janette C. Moseley of Hoosick Falls, NY, Erika Repman and Hallie Moseley both of West Hoosick, her grandchildren, Nathaniel Moseley, Makayla and Tanner Ellis, Elora and Charles Repman and little Glenn Milliman who will be born soon. Lucy is also survived by her siblings, Charles Springer and Roland “Peanut” Springer both of Eagle Bridge, Patricia McGarvin of Hoosick Falls, Robert Springer of North Carolina, Richard Springer and Dorothy Dawley both of Hoosick Falls, Geraldine LaFlamme of Bennington, Joseph Springer of Buskirk and Sally Whittet of Hoosick Falls, her in-laws, Paul and Janette Moseley of West Hoosick, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, August 30, at 11 am in the West Hoosick Baptist Church, 1339 Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, West Hoosick. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY, 12144. Arrangements are under the guidance of the Robson-Reinfurt Funeral Home of Hoosick Falls.

Robert Charles Hall, Sr

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Cambridge – Robert Charles Hall, Sr., 79, died Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the Orchard Nursing Home in Granville, NY. He resided on Cambridge Woods Lane in Cambridge, NY, with his wife Wilhelmina E. (Tschumi) Hall.

Born on May 21, 1929, in Valley Falls, NY, Robert was the son of the late Wesley and Anna Mae (Hewitt) Hall. He graduated from Hoosick Falls High School. Bob was a Master Craftsman working throughout the Hoosick Falls, NY, area, building and remodeling houses. He also built the present Rescue Squad building in Hoosick Falls, built the church hall at the Raymertown Lutheran Church and did remodeling and updating at the Oak plants in Hoosick Falls. He especially enjoyed making cabinets and doll houses. Bob also built the first total electric house in this area in Valley Falls.

Bob enjoyed camping throughout his life. In his earlier years he and his family traveled across the United States, eventually camping in each state. In his later years he and his wife would go camping with their grandchildren.

Bob was very active in the community having served as the Exalted Ruler at the Hoosick Falls Elks # 178 for two terms. He was a Charter Member of the Lions Club, served on the Central School P.T.A., and was a volunteer for Rensselaer County Hospice. He was also involved with his church the First United Church in Hoosick Falls where he served as a Church Elder. Bob was also active in the Albany Presbytery and the Raymertown Lutheran Church where he served as the Superintendent of Sunday School.

Survivors, other than his wife Wilhelmina, include his children, Robert “Chuck” Hall Jr. and wife Cathy of Woodsville, NH, Brian J. Hall and wife Pamela of Cambridge, Karen R. Hall-Otero and husband Michael of Greenwich, NY, and Kathi Carknard of Hoosick Falls, and a brother, Malcolm Hall of West Hoosick, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric C. Hall, Emily Rodriguez and Kenny, John McLucas, Brian McLucas, Carly Hall, Brian Hall and Ian Carknard. Robert is pre-deceased by three brothers, Forrest, Gilbert and Myron, and a son-in-law, Ed Carknard.

Funeral services were Thursday, August 28, at 10 am at the First United Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Committal services will follow the service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hoosick Falls.

Relatives and friends called at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, New York, 12090, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, the Rensselaer County Community Hospice, the Karen McGovern Memorial Fund or Camp Hebron, a camp for children, through the funeral home.

Albert W. “Babe” Waytkus

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Hoosick Falls – Albert W. “Babe” Waytkus, 90, died Saturday, August 23, 2008, at home with his family tending to him in his own bed. He was also under the tender care of Hospice. Babe resided on Scott Street in Hoosick Falls, NY, with his wife Rose (McEckron) Waytkus. Babe and Rose celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last November.

Born on January 16, 1918, in Hoosick Falls, Babe was the son of the late John and Beniga (Blinstrub) Waytkus. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls. Babe had many jobs in the Town, County and State. He was particularly happy with his school bus driving at Hoosick Falls Central, St. Mary’s Academy and the Howard Kinnicut School.

He belonged to the Elks Lodge # 178, the Derby Club, the St. Stanislaw Society and the Home Guard, all in Hoosick Falls. He was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church for 85 years.

Survivors, other than his wife Rose, include his eight children, Cynthia Salvi of Schenectady, NY, Rosemary Waytkus of Troy, NY, Neil Waytkus of Hoosick Falls, Michael Waytkus of West Sand Lake, NY, Steven Waytkus of North Petersburgh, NY, Patricia La Bombard of Manchester, VT, MaryAnn Anderson of Franklin, NH, and Donald Waytkus of Cambridge, NY. Babe is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by four sons, John, Paul, Albert and Thomas.

Funeral services were Tuesday, August 26, at 9 am from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at 9:30 am from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial followed the Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7 pm. 

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Hoosick Falls Fire Department or the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad through the funeral home.