The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Grafton Pig Farm Plan Stirs Up Opposition

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by Judith Radford

When the Grafton Town Board held its regular monthly meeting at 7 pm on Thursday, August 14, it was announced that an email from Tyler Sawyer dated July 31 indicated that he is withdrawing his application for a building permit already issued by the Town of Grafton. Even so many residents spoke during the public comment period requesting that the situation be clarified and the pig farm that Sawyer was planning be blocked. Tyler Sawyer is a recent Grafton Town Supervisor. 

Supervisor Allison Kirchner reminded everyone that there is a five minute limit per person. But for this particular occasion, it seemed as though no one paid much attention to the limit.

First to speak was Bernard Horowitz, a resident of Babcock Lake and Secretary of the Babcock Lake Estates. At the start he said that he was speaking as an individual, not as a member of the Estates. The issue pertained to the proposed pig farm being planned on land just 400 feet above the beach on Babcock Lake by Tyler Sawyer. Horowitz said, “The proposed pig farm is a true threat to the health and well being of the lake and its residents.” He went on to say, “I was shocked at the immediate approval of the building permit for this effort without any discussion. I understand the permit has since been withdrawn, but I would like to know Sawyer’s intent. Is it to downsize so as not to require a permit or follow provisions of the Right to Farm Law?” He said, “The greater issue is how do we protect Babcock Lake and other lakes? This issue has brought to the forefront a demonstrated vulnerability of our lakes which are just as precious as our farm lands.” Horowitz went on to talk about it being in the best interests of all property owners to maintain our property values and also increase our attractiveness so as to increase our tax base. He believes the interests of owners and the Town is parallel for these reasons to the Right to Farm Law and there should be an appropriate adjudication method for all Grafton property owners. 

Supervisor Kirchner thought the idea of all Lake Associations getting together to discuss this issue was a good one. 

Denise Grubsey of Babcock Lake said she realized the Town had attempted zoning and that meetings on zoning had been wild and disrespectful. She said at the time that spot zoning had been considered for watershed protection and wondered what had happened. She said she was looking for guidance from the Board as to what direction they could take. She also said it might be a good idea to pick a Board member to meet with the Lake members. Supervisor Kirchner said it could be a discussion for the next meeting when she would have had  time to look at the Town code and also the Right to Farm Law. 

Former Supervisor Tyler Sawyer spoke saying he had seen Horowitz’s letter and received lots of communications. He said none of the complaints are consistent with the current Town code. He said, “There is no residential zoning, Town code citation or any other law exempting general farming use.” He said there was confusion about the permit; it was for sheds and outbuildings and there will be no septic. Sawyer said, “I take offense at the insinuation that there was any impropriety in the issuance of the permit. There was no reason not to issue a permit.” Sawyer went on to say that he had received many emails and that “It’s been going on for over thirty days and no one has approached me in person.” He also said, “An alarm has gone out and this is overblown.” He told the crowd he has no intention of having a lot of pigs, just a few, as his parents did before him. 

Linda Porter said the residents want to work with the Town on this issue. She stated there are over a dozen lakes in the area and doesn’t believe any of us want to destroy our population by degrading our lakes. 

Sawyer said he had met with the Babcock Lake Board and said if this was hazardous, there would already be laws. He said, “This is not a farm; it is raising a few animals for our own use.” He also said there are many failing septic systems on the lake right now! He said he will work with the community. Board Member Fredricks asked if there were going to be a specific number of pigs, 4 or 5. 

Jason Sawyer said he is baffled by the issue since there is no zoning in Grafton. Sawyer said he lives in the new Stonybrook subdivision and he plans on “bringing in some animals to my property, too.” Theron O’Dell said that for seven generations “we have had the right to farm” and many would not have eaten if there had been no law. He asked why Babcock Lake hasn’t shored up their own rules. 

A Babcock Lake resident said the old rules forbidding livestock had expired years ago and belonging to the association is entirely voluntary but that all residents should be strongly concerned. Efforts are made to raise the level of awareness regarding septic system maintenance. The reason they are coming to the Town is because they are all taxpayers of Grafton and are regulated by the Town and by Rensselaer County. They have already made the Grafton Planning Board aware of the issues. 

Theresa Swider, present to discuss the Dunham Road repaving effort, said she would be willing to assist the group as there are many municipal options and specific requirements for any new well and that NYS Department of Environmental Conservation regulates all drilling and protects the public water supply. Since she works in this area, she would be willing to assist in a group effort to resolve the problem.

Bernard Horowitz stood up again and said that the Right to Farm Law also states that agricultural practices shall not be found to be a public nuisance or to endanger public health or safety. Putting a hog farm within 450 feet of a lake and public beach could cause a public health hazard. 

Reports

Superintendent of Highways Herbert Hasbrouck reported that the highway department is working on Dunham Road as weather permits. They are also hauling sand in preparation for the winter. Hasbrouck also stated he had met with the Town Engineer and with Scott Holbretter regarding the latest Stonybrook subdivision. They will get back together again. He went on to state that there has been some erosion of the roads due to the weather, and he has put in a notice to FEMA as Grafton may be entitled to some monies. 

Tom Withcuskey, Code Enforcement Officer, reported 38 building permits have been issued so far in 2008 with 35 of them being outstanding from 2007. He has also sent letters for permit renewals and to property owners with junk cars. He reported that the building permit issued to Tyler Sawyer for an animal farm has been withdrawn and advised the Town Attorney of this. The matter is now considered a personal matter between Sawyer and the residents of Babcock Lake. 

Sharon Lecce of the Grafton Rescue Squad reported there were 13 calls during the month of July, 40.4 volunteer hours were expended and they traveled 177 miles. 

Email and verbal communications were received from the Grafton United Methodist Church and St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church thanking the Town for providing Port-a-Potties and garbage pickup for their jointly held summer festival. The email was from Barbara Terpening and the verbal thank you from Sister Kennan. 

A letter was received from Ken Bruno, Chairman of the Board of the Hemlock Valley Way Inc., Homeowner’s Association regarding the failure to date of Stonybrook, LLC in their obligation to transfer ownership of recreation and lake access lands as represented when the properties were purchased. The Association is contemplating legal action against Stonybrook to compel them to honor their obligations. Bruno asked that the Town not approve any further subdivisions of Stonybrook until their obligations are met. 

A letter was received from Time Warner Corporation informing the Town they have decided not to pursue a television franchise in Grafton.

Email regarding Tyler Sawyer’s building permit were received from Bernard Horowitz, Secretary of the Babcock Lake Estates and Michael Longo, President of the Babcock Lake Estates.

New Truck

There was a discussion regarding the purchase of a new pick-up truck for the Highway Department. According to Hasbrouck, the base price for the new pick-up would be $18,346 and would increase to $27,164 when fully outfitted. Several suggestions were made to buy the plow package locally and, of course, eliminating air conditioning and other add-ons to get closer to the base price. Councilman Fredricks said the bedliner kit could be purchased separately and installed by the Town. Hasbrouck said it wouldn’t be under the warranty if purchased separately. There will be more meetings to discuss this issue and it was tabled for the time being. 

Turnout Gear

The issue of purchasing “turnout gear” for the Rescue Squad was discussed. The Squad presented three prices – Garrison’s price was $748. This was the lowest price as the material used is nylon and not puncture resistant nor fire resistant. Also, shipping was not included. Galls’ price was $1,049. This was puncture resistant but not fire resistant and shipping was not included. B-Lann’s price was $1,156. These are both fire and puncture resistant and, since it is a local company, there will be no shipping charges. 

Council members asked why the Rescue Squad favored the more expensive gear, and Sharon Lecce responded that the gear is required gear and must follow OSHA guidelines. Neither Garrison nor Galls meet those requirements, but B-Lann does. Lecce said they need a decision soon since there is a September 15 inspection date. She also said no other companies make this gear and in order to use the State bidding process, they would have to order 20 or more sets,. They only need two sets; one is being donated. Kirchner said more discussion is required among the Council members but they will make a decision soon.

Snowmobile Trail

Each year, the Grafton Trailblazers ask for the Town’s support to use a strip of land owned by Nationalgrid, which runs through Grafton, as a snowmobile trail. Prior to granting any authorization, the Town’s approval is required. Thus, the Trailblazers merely ask for an approval and signature of someone representing the Town. Councilman Mike Crandall said this is a very good group, very respectful of residents and he sees no problem with this approval. Councilwoman Messenger asked how are we assured that ATVs and others won’t use the trail. According to Kirchner, the letter from the Trailblazers states that no ATVs or other wheeled vehicles will be allowed on the trail at any time. Upon further discussion, a vote was taken to approve the request.

No Chairman Of Assessors

Supervisor Kirchner asked for Town Board approval of a resolution rescinding an earlier resolution designating the Chairman of the Board of Assessors and leaving that position vacant until further resolution of the Board. A roll call vote was taken and all members voted to approve with the exception of member Barbara Messenger who voted nay. The measure was approved.

A Misunderstanding

David Buckley asked to be heard as a former resident (current resident of Cropseyville). He stated he had submitted a request, hand written, asking for his right under the Freedom of Information Act to have access to the file relating to the sale of his property located on 33 Dyken Pond Road  consisting of 2.10 acres. Apparently Buckley had asked for a certificate of occupancy which could not be issued because there is no well or septic on the piece of property. Instead, Town Clerk, Suzanne Putnam, responded to Buckley’s request with a certificate of compliance and also responded to his FOIL request within 3 days. It was hand delivered by Tom Withcuskey as he had an appointment with Buckley that day. When contacted after the Board meeting, Putnam said that the FOIL request was typed, not hand written, as Buckley apparently was angry that the response was “not in writing.” It all just seemed like a misunderstanding, and Buckley’s anger seemed misplaced and confused. The Town of Grafton cannot issue “certificates of occupancy” when the building is not deemed habitable. Buckley kept talking about being in legal jeopardy because the Town didn’t respond to his request for occupancy or properly to his FOIL request.

To Pave Or Not To Pave

Theresa Swider asked to be heard about the decision by the town to resurface Dunham Reservoir Road and discontinue the use of blacktop and pavement. She asked to go on the record that she is against this decision and supports the continued use of blacktop. As the Town Board discussed at previous meetings, blacktop and pavement have become inordinately expensive and the Town budget will not allow. The Town has chosen rather to resurface where needed. Mike Smith, a resident on this road, praised Hasbrouck and the Town crew for the great job they did cleaning out the ditches. He said the road is a maintenance issue rather than repaving. He believes grinding the road up to resurface is the wrong way to go and that the town crews should just patch the road whenever it is necessary and stabilize it. This issue will continue to be discussed over the next few months before the 2009 budget is in place. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Stephentown Fire Dept. Treasurer Survives Fatal Crash

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by David Flint

Bill Jennings reports that he is doing well physically but still suffering mental stress after surviving a head on crash on Tuesday, August 12 in which the other driver was killed. 

According to Sgt Mark St.Germain of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred on Garfield Road in Stephentown at 9:05 am about a half mile east of Woodward Road. Jennings, a Fire Commissioner and Treasurer of the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department, was driving westbound in a 2003 Toyota pickup truck when he was struck head on by a 1983 Chevrolet sedan driven by Erika Jellison, 20 years old, from North Adams. Apparently, he said, Jellison went too wide on a curve in the road and lost control of her vehicle. 

Jennings said he tried to avoid the crash but there was no room. He was gratified to see his colleagues from the Stephentown Fire Department and Rescue Squad arrive quickly on the scene. Miraculously he had suffered no major injury and was released from the scene with the understanding his wife Ellen would transport him to Berkshire Medical Center to be checked out. He did suffer a sprained ankle and lots of sores, bruises and scrapes, but the worst was the emotional stress and the knowledge that the young driver of the other car had not survived. It was a totally unnerving experience unlike any he had ever had, Jennings said.

No More Detours On East Hollow Road In Petersburgh

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Rensselaer County Highway crews have re-opened East Hollow Road in Petersburgh after replacing a culvert over a stream near the intersection with Phillips Road. Work at the site continues. There is scaffolding still set up in the stream on the downstream side, and some patching of the concrete on the wingwalls, which were not replaced, is in progress. The road re-opened last week, after being closed when heavy rains created a large hole in the roadway last March. (Alex Brooks photo)
Rensselaer County Highway crews have re-opened East Hollow Road in Petersburgh after replacing a culvert over a stream near the intersection with Phillips Road. Work at the site continues. There is scaffolding still set up in the stream on the downstream side, and some patching of the concrete on the wingwalls, which were not replaced, is in progress. The road re-opened last week, after being closed when heavy rains created a large hole in the roadway last March. (Alex Brooks photo)

Taking Woodstock Comes To Stephentown

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by David Flint

Filming of the movie “Taking Woodstock” which has begun in Columbia County is scheduled to move into Stephentown next month. Representatives from Tuxedo Terrace Films appeared at the Stephentown Town Board meeting Monday evening to explain the process and allay residents’ concerns. 

The film is based on a memoir by Eliot Tiber who, while managing his parents’ seedy motel in the Catskills

The former Shady Rest Motel on Route 20 in New Lebanon has now become the El Monaco Motel, replicating Eliot Tiber’s parents’ seedy motel in the Catskills in 1969. (David Flint photo)
The former Shady Rest Motel on Route 20 in New Lebanon has now become the El Monaco Motel, replicating Eliot Tiber’s parents’ seedy motel in the Catskills in 1969. (David Flint photo)

in 1969, ended up playing a pivotal role in bringing about the Woodstock Festival. The film is produced by James Shamus and is directed by Oscar Award winner Ang Lee, (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,” “The Ice Storm”). Tuxedo Terrace is a production company in association with Focus Features, a specialty films unit under NBC Universal.

 

Location Manager Joe Guest said that Sullivan County in the Catskills has changed a lot since 1969, so,

 searching for a replica of Tiber’s motel, they found one in New Lebanon, the former Shady Rest Motel on Route 20. It has now become the El Monaco Motel. The fact that Producer James Shamus is a resident of Columbia County might have had something to do with that. Then they began to search out other scene locations in the surrounding area and settled on three locations in Stephentown. 

 

A half mile stretch of Route 43 between Calvin Cole Road and Tinley Road will be used to show part of the traffic jam that occurred on Route 17B in Sullivan County, the road leading to the Woodstock Festival. There will be up to 300 extras in the scene and some 200 vehicles from the 60s or earlier. Preparation work and a rehearsal are scheduled for Sunday, September 14, followed by filming the next day and completion of clean-up on Tuesday. Guest said they are still looking for extras for this scene.

In October the Stephentown Evangelical Church near the intersection of Routes 22 and 43 will become the Church in Bethel where the Town Council had its meetings. Filming is scheduled for October 2 and 3. 

Finally, the bar of the Stephentown Hotel will be used to represent the bar at the El Monaco Motel, a center of activities during the concert.  Filming at the Hotel is scheduled for October 6 and 7. 

Town Supervisor Tom Sherman intimated that he and the film company had gotten off to a rough start because he had only found out that the company was scouting out locations in Stephentown after complaints started coming in about vehicles blocking roads and driveways in the vicinity of Stone Bridge Pond. In past weeks he has been working closely with the company and with residents, County and State offices, the Fire Department and Post Office to resolve any disruption issues that might arise. He and Highway Superintendent Neil Gardner also spent time working out detour routes around the filming sites. He also invited location crew representatives and the concerned residents to the Town Board meeting to discuss and resolve their issues. 

A number of residents expressed concerns, especially those living on Williams Road by Stone Bridge Pond. They wanted to know who is liable if anything goes wrong, how were residents to gain access to their homes when roads are blocked off, where would work vehicles for the film be parked and how would Stephentown benefit. Some were worried about large numbers of unknown persons from all over in the area and the possibility of break-ins. Williams Road residents wanted assurance that vehicles would not be using the old abandoned Route 43 bridge which is already deteriorating and if it were to collapse could cause flooding in nearby homes. 

Guest said the company would provide a certificate of insurance that covers the Town. Individual residents whose property is affected would also receive a certificate of insurance specifying the company as liable, and there will be written location agreements specifying payment, restoration of property and protecting all parties. He said they had been working with NYSDOT and the State Police setting notifications and signage for road closures and planned detours and providing for placards for residents’ vehicles to ensure they have access to their homes. Guest explained that actual filming rarely lasts more than five minutes at a time and in between there is a lot of preparation and wait time, allowing for necessary traffic to move through the area. He said they did not know yet exactly where they will be parking all their work vehicles. They would like to use part of Williams Road, but they would be working with residents on that. They plan to use part of Old Route 43 by Stone Bridge Pond for a film scene but only the western end of it. The deteriorating bridge will not be used, and they would consider banning even foot traffic over it. 

Guest added that extras are closely supervised. The company wants filming to be accomplished quickly and efficiently, and they can’t have people wandering off the set. 

Regarding school buses and emergency vehicles, Guest said there will be an emergency lane of adequate width along the south side of Route 43. Radio communications from the State Police will enable them to know instantaneously when an emergency vehicle is coming through. Arrangements will be made for volunteer firemen responding to a call in their own cars to enable them to get through any restricted area quickly. 

Guest noted that all the people on the location crew are New Yorkers and they want to make this a positive experience for the Town. They have been and will be working with the Governor’s Motion Picture Office, taking advantage of tax incentives for filming in upstate New York, and they want that office to know they have done a good job, cleaned up after themselves and left everything as they found it. They have been buying everything they possibly can locally. He said the company would be willing to make donations to Town organizations. Although one resident kept pressing for specifics on this – to whom, when, how much – Guest said they would be working with the Town Board on that so organizations seeking donations should talk to the Town Supervisor. 

The Board passed a resolution giving its approval to the filming “contingent upon all permit approvals from the State of New York and the County of Rensselaer.” Councilman Larry Eckhardt was appointed liaison between Town residents and the production company. Sherman accepted responsibility as the “point man” to oversee that all agreements are carried out satisfactorily.

A Blast From The Past

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The Aluminum Overcast, a B-17G Flying Fortress, restored in the colors of the 398th Bomb Group, is based at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, WI.
The Aluminum Overcast, a B-17G Flying Fortress, restored in the colors of the 398th Bomb Group, is based at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, WI.

by Bea Peterson

When Aaron Burdick of North Hoosick, received the flyer from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) offering tours of a WW II B-17 Flying Fortress that would be stopping at the Schenectady, NY, Airport, he knew he had to go see it. Burdick was too young to have flown one in the big war, but he did fly one in the late 60s that was converted to a crop duster.  

The EAA has completely restored a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, Army Air Corps serial number 44-85740 and called it the Aluminum Overcast. From 1935 to 1945, 12,732 B-17s were built. Today about a dozen are still flying. The EAA is taking their plane across the country, stopping at airports and offering WW II veterans and aviation buffs an opportunity to tour the giant plane or take a short flight in it. Burdick just wanted to see it. 

He has a lifelong love of flying. “I’ve always enjoyed aviation,” he said. As a kid, living in Petersburgh, he built model planes. As a Boy Scout he joined an Aviation Explorer Post. At 16 he had his pilot’s license. After a stint in the Air Force as a truck mechanic he was a commercial pilot out of Round Lake and then North Adams, MA. He also did charter flights out of Bennington, VT. “Back in ’62 a flight cost $13 an hour,” he said. He would do crop dusting in Florida in the summer. 

After WW II more than 7,000 retired Army bombers, fighters and training planes were left standing row to row at the old Kingman Army Airfield five miles east of Kingman, Arizona. It was the world’s greatest concentration of aircraft in one area at one time, covering five square miles. The planes were sold. B-17s sold for $13,750 apiece. In 1968, Burdick got to fly a B-17 that was converted to a crop duster. “That plane could spray a 120 foot swath,” he said. He worked with the US Department of Agriculture on a fire ant eradication program. There were reports of people eaten by those ants, he said. They couldn’t use a fast acting poison on them. “If the ants saw another ant die from something it ate, they wouldn’t eat it. The USDA used ground up corn cobs treated with a slow acting poison, which worked. In the south he flew Fire Patrols from January 1 to April 15. “After that the watermelons, peanuts and soybeans came in,” and it was crop dusting until August. Then he was off from August to January. For years now he has spent time between North Hoosick and Florida.

Then, on August 12, he and Joyce Glaspell went to Schenectady to see that B-17. Burdick, an EAA member, told the crew of his crop dusting experience with the same model plane. They invited him to join them on their flight the following day to their next destination, Lawrence, MA. Three other people were taking the flight and they were driving a rental car back to Schenectady. Burdick couldn’t pass up an opportunity like that! On Wednesday, Joyce drove him to Schenectady for the flight. When one of the passengers didn’t show up, she was invited to fly with them. The flight was a little intimidating for her. “I didn’t know they had so many holes!” she said, referring to the gun sites. Burdick, who has a lifetime pilot’s license, hasn’t flown in several years. He said he got the thrill of a lifetime when they turned the controls of the B-17 over to him. He flew the aircraft for more than a half hour. “The plane has all new gauges and a GPS,” he said. “It’s much better than the old military gauges. “That GPS is really something! There’s a red line with a little plane on it. You just have to keep the plane on the line!” Burdick admits he loved the 20th century but he’s not geared for the 21st century. Seems like he stepped into it big time last week. 

Facts About The B-17

The B-17 was designed by Boeing. The EAA plane was delivered on May 18, 1945. The B-17 required a crew of 10. Pilot, Co-pilot, Navigator, Bombardier, Flight Engineer (top turret gunner), Radio Operator two Waist Gunners, Tail Gunner and Ball Turret Gunner.

The B-17G is powered by four 1,200 horsepower Wright Cyclone nine cylinder, radial, air-cooled type engines with a 16:9 gear ratio. The propellers are three-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers, 11 feet, 7 inches in diameter.

Empty, the plane weighs 34,000 lbs. Wartime gross weight was 65,500 lbs. Fuel capacity is 1,700 gallons. The plane has a range of 1,850 but could be extended when equipped with “Tokyo Tanks” which provided a total capacity of 3,630 gallons of fuel.

The wing span is 103 feet, 9 inches. The length is 74 feet, 4 inches, The height is 19 feet, 1 inch. The service ceiling 35,600 feet.

The armament was thirteen Browning M-2 .50 caliber machine guns with a fire rate of approximately 13 rounds per second. No gun on a B-17 carried more than one minute’s supply of ammunition.

The bomb load depended on the types of bombs. Maximum normal load could go to 8,000 lbs. If a B-17 was fitted with special external racks, the maximum normal short range bomb load could go as high as 17,600 lbs.

Maximum speed is 300 m.p.h. at 30,000 ft. Maximum continuous speed is 263 m.p.h. at 25,000 ft. Cruising speed is 170 m.p.h.. Landing speed is 74 m.p.h.. Rate of Climb is 37 minutes to 20,000 ft.

231st Battle Of Bennington

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The cannon is fired during ceremonies at the Bennington Battlefield State Park last weekend commemorating the 231st anniversary of the Battle of Bennington. (Bea Peterson photo)
The cannon is fired during ceremonies at the Bennington Battlefield State Park last weekend commemorating the 231st anniversary of the Battle of Bennington. (Bea Peterson photo)

by Bea Peterson

Visitors had ample opportunities from morning to evening to relive history on Saturday, August 16, at the Bennington Battlefield and the Barnett Homestead. Members of the Walloomsac Battle Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Ondawa Cambridge Chapter of N.S.D.A.R. had their usual detailed display of Battle paintings and writings as well as handouts on the top of the hill at the Battlefield. Members of the 2nd Continental Regiment of Artillery, Al Bartlett and Jim Hilton, talked to visitors about the cannon and their soldier’s lives. Eric Snitzer described the life of a German soldier in this war. 

At the Barnett Homestead visitors talked with Joe Craig from the Saratoga National Historical Park who portrays a Revolutionary War surgeon. He described in detail the hardships of those times such as men waiting more than 24 hours for care of their wounds, unsanitary conditions and amputations. Rick Salazar of the Eastern Woodlands Alliance portrayed a Native American and described his campsite and weapons.

Phyllis Chapman of the Vintage Voices churned butter and cooked outdoors. Inside the house other members of the group described the battle and gave tours of the house.

Peter Schaaphok of the Brigade of the American Revolution portrayed General John Stark while he took visitors on tours of the actual battlefields.

In the evening people gathered at the Battlefield for the solemn cannon and musket salutes and placing of wreaths at the monument. Battlefield event coordinator and S.A.R. member John Sheaff said, “We are not here to glorify war but to commemorate this historic event and to remember the sacrifice made by so many over the years.” 

Bringing The Past To Life

As part of the evening program Peter Schaaphok read General Stark’s report of the Battle of Bennington and Paul Loding read a German surgeon’s report of the Battle and his capture. Ingrid Schaaphok opened a window to history in her composite portrayal of Emma Reuter and her compatriots. All her comments are copyrighted by the Brigade of the American Revolution. She began, “Welcome to you all! I am Mistress Emma Reuter from the town of Dutch Hoosick, a bit south of here. I am sure that you all have heard the news that a detachment of Germans, British Rangers and Indian Allies, under Colonel Baum, are headed this way to seize the stores at Bennington. To thwart the plans of General Burgoyne and his foreign minions, a call-to-arms has been raised. And yesterday, my husband set out with his militia company to join the fray. But I have just learned that he may have been wounded, and perhaps fallen into the hands of the enemy! As I have some knowledge of the physic, I most ardently wish to minister to him myself. My duty being clear, I have set out to find him.

While venturing on my unhappy quest, I have met many others swept up by these turbulent times – some performing their duty, others pursuing profit, and many the sad victims of circumstance. Today I would like, if I may, to introduce you to a few of the people I have met on my travels…

General John Stark hails from New Hampshire. He is a veteran of the French and Indian War where he served with Rogers’ Rangers. In the current conflict, he led his New Hampshire troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and then served for a time in the Continental Army. A talented and experienced officer, he has become disillusioned with Congressional politics, as inferior men were promoted to positions that by rights should have been his. 

He returned to civilian life, but with the approach of Burgoyne’s Army, the New Hampshire Council implored him to take command of their troops. He quickly helped raise an army of over 1,000 men, and marched to Manchester, Vermont. From there, he has proceeded to Bennington, and now he faces an historic confrontation with Colonel Baum at Walloomsac.

Like most common soldiers, Jack Culpepper was born to a very humble family. Raised without a proper trade, and unable to secure honest, steady work, his future looked bleak. But a chance encounter with a silver-tongued Recruiting Sergeant infused him with the prospect of glory, adventure and riches. He accepted the King’s shilling, and enlisted in His Majesty’s Army. The Crown has provided him with all the necessities of life: food, shelter, a fair wage and an honorable profession. 

Last May, Col. Frasier was directed to select the two best shots from each regiment and to form a “Company of Select Marksmen.” Culpepper’s extraordinary skill with a musket ensured that he would be one of Frasier’s Chosen Men, and he has served this unit with distinction in actions at Valcour Island, Ticonderoga and last month at Hubbardton. 

Like most soldiers of the Line, he wears a red woolen coat. The decorative tape you see surrounding his buttons is called “lace.” The lace is different for each regiment and serves as a means of identification. His woolen waistcoat and breeches (also called “small clothes”) he is required to pay for himself by means of so-called “stoppages” to his monthly wage. He carries a .72 Caliber smooth bore musket, affectionately known as a “Brown Bess.” As an experienced and well-trained soldier, Pvt. Culpepper is able to fire at the rate of three shots per minute. For close quarter action, he is equipped with a 10” long bayonet; when attached to the end of his musket, it is a formidable and lethal weapon.

Sgt. Hezakiah Cooke once owned a thriving farm and mill in Dutch Hoosick. For many years, the so-called “Green Mountain Boys” have tried to lay claim to his property, believing it to be part of the “Hampshire Grants.” But the Crown always sided with Mr. Cooke in these legal disputes. When the Rebellion broke out, and the King’s Legal Authority was overturned, the marauding Mountain Boys finally seized his land by force. Hezakiah had no recourse but to take up arms, and he joined Peters Corps of the Queen’s Loyal Rangers.

Sgt. Cooke wears his civilian clothes. Because their clothing is so varied, the members of his company have tucked a Continental bank note into the bands of their hats as a means of identifying themselves to each other.

For many years, Jonas Rudd had diligently worked his farm east of Bennington, land that had been deeded to his family under Gov. Wentworth’s New Hampshire Grants. But when the Crown declared the grants invalid, Rudd joined the Green Mountain Boys to fight for their claim to the lands. He has served in the militia for seven years now, and when the alarm was raised that Burgoyne intended to pilfer the stores at Bennington, Jonas eagerly took up his arms. His experience with irregular skirmishing, combined with his knowledge of the local area, will no doubt serve him well in the upcoming struggle against Baum and his detachment. 

Mr. Rudd wears the civilian clothes customary for militia men. He carries his own arms. His haversack contains food to sustain him while he is mustered away from home.

Charlotte Newcomb is the beloved only child of a prosperous merchant in Williamstown. Her father’s Tory leanings put him at odds with the so-called “Patriots.” The antagonism eventually erupted in a most tragic episode. One fateful night, an over-zealous group burned their fine home to the ground, and poor Mr. Newcomb perished in the conflagration! With no other family to take her in, the unfortunate girl has sought temporary refuge and protection with Peter’s Corps. She hopes to make her way to Canada, where other Loyal citizens have found safe haven. Though severely reduced in fortune and circumstance, Charlotte tries to maintain her genteel appearance…

Private Gottfried is a career soldier from Brunswick in the lower Saxony region of Germany. I have heard many people disparage these German troops, calling them mercenaries or soldiers of fortune. Yet in truth, an enlisted soldier like Pvt. Gottfried, merely serves his prince. Perhaps, it is the Duke of Brunswick, induced by political and financial motives to hire out his army to the British Forces, who might more accurately be called “a mercenary.” 

Pvt. Gottfried is immediately recognizable as a German soldier by his blue wool regimental, his long hair wrapped in a queue and the full-gaitered trousers covering his legs. He carries a “tournister,” a unique kind of pack, which contains spare clothing, bedding and what few effects he might own.

His Brown Bess musket was issued to him by the British army. And German infantry is armed with swords, a privilege afforded only officers in the British and American armies. These intimidating troops truly inspire awe.

Many Flags is a Native ally attached to the company of Select Marksmen. He is a Cahn-ah-wah-gah Mohawk from Trois Rivieres near Montreal, a cousin to the tribes of the Mohawk River Valley. 

Unused to open field fighting, most of his native brethren have fled back to their homes following the engagement at Hubbardton. But Many Flags is a man of his word and has stayed on, serving as a Guide and Scout.

100 years of association with Europeans is reflected in Many Flags’ clothing. He wears his hair long, not shaven, and he has donned a European-style shirt. His sash indicates his rank. He does sport the leggings and breechclout of his people, and around his neck are “war trophies,” including a French gorget given to him by his father who fought in the Seven Years War. He also carries his father’s French fusil musket. 

“I hope you have enjoyed meeting some of the men and women caught up in these momentous events,” Emma Reuter concluded.  “Indeed, there are many such fascinating characters here today, and I heartily encourage you all to make their acquaintance. 

Oh, yes! If there is any among you who can oblige me with information regarding my unfortunate husband, I shall forever remain your most humble and grateful servant …”

Hoosick Receives Farmland Protection Grant

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by Bea Peterson

Hoosick was one of 14 towns that recently received grants from the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets to develop a Farmland Protection Plan. Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas said the $25,000 grant will be used to process and identify all the farms in Hoosick with prime soils as well as open space. “The objective is the preservation of farm lands and the purchasing of development rights to those lands.” The Town will be talking to David Haight, Director of the NYS American Farmland Trust, about overseeing the project. “Establishing a town-wide plan will put our farmers in a better position to receive funding to sustain their land and to help them identify other farm related sources of revenue,” she said. Supervisor Douglas said the County has a Farmland Protection Plan, but she believes Hoosick is one of the first Towns in the County to develop its own plan. “I believe farming is an important business in the Town, and it’s important we preserve its economic vitality. This grant will help to further the preservation of our farmland.”

According to a release from the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, since the program’s inception in 1996, NY has awarded more than $151.4 million out of the Environmental Protection Fund for farmland protection projects, assisting local governments and their project partners in 26 counties to help protect 63,800 acres on 276 farms. To date nearly half of those project contracts have closed, protecting in perpetuity 28,138 acres of farmland. NYS has 7.5 million acres of farmland with more than 34,000 farms.

Walter Cottrell Baker

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Hoosick – Walter  Cottrell Baker, 89, died Saturday, August 16, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington after a brief illness.

 

Walter was a life-long farmer, living his whole life in the home where he was born on May 2, 1919.  He was the son of the late David Allen and Hattie Cottrell Baker and was also pre-deceased by his two sisters, Agnes P. Cornell and Lois F. Cornell.

Graduating from Hoosick Falls High School in 1935, he chose to farm with his father, enlarging and improving the home farm on Bovie Hill in Hoosick, NY, purchased in 1916. He had an egg delivery route during the late 1940s and 50s selling to many of the corner markets and customers in the Troy area, as well as doing errands, dropping off folks and  picking up supplies for some of the organizations of which he was a member.

He was a member of the Hoosick Grange for seventy-five years, most recently serving as chaplain at the time of his death. A life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls, NY, he served in many roles, including those of Sunday School teacher, Deacon and Trustee. He also enjoyed being active in farming organizations, serving as an Agway committeeman, Rensselaer County Farm Bureau member, and he was on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Board, being named Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1964 and 1965.

The activities that gave him the most enjoyment were spending time with his family, hearing what his grandkids were up to,  working outside on the farm and seeing the results of his labor develop each year, as well as visiting with his farming neighbors to exchange what was the “news” in the area. If a neighbor needed some help, he was a member of that generation that was always there to lend a hand, never expecting anything in return.

Surviving him are his wife, Barbara Frisbie Baker, his sons, Kendal Frisbie Baker and his wife Florina Capistrano-Baker and Sherman Walter Baker and his wife Sandra Castro-Baker, all of Hoosick Falls, Larry Cottrell Baker and his wife Patty Kaminski Baker of Eagle Bridge, NY, and Elon Lee Baker of Hoosick Falls, and a daughter, Hattie Ann Baker of Delmar, NY.

Grandchildren are Jessica S. Baker of Plattsburgh, NY, Matthew J. Baker and Lucas H. Baker of White Creek, NY, and Phoebe Laura Baker and Julia Thankful Baker of Hoosick Falls.  He is also survived by his nieces, Arlene Davie, Geraldine Greene, Lorraine Brownell, and his nephews, David and Allen Cornell, and their children and grandchildren.

The funeral service was at the First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls at 80 Main St. on Thursday, August 21, at 10 am. Calling hours were on Wednesday, August 20, from 2  until 4 pm and from 6 to 9 pm at the Robson Reinfurt Funeral Home at 72 Main St. Hoosick Falls.  Burial was at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Hoosick Falls immediately following the service. A reception followed at the First Baptist Church.  Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hoosick Falls or to the Hoosick Falls Health Center.

Mary Lou Cocco

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Petersburgh – Mary Lou Cocco, 74, of Route 22, Petersburgh, NY, died on Wednesday evening, August 6, 2008, at her home.

Born in Erie, PA, on January 25, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Luman and Agnes Dudenhoeffer DeLong. She was the loving wife of James M. Cocco whom she married on March 27, 1992, in Erie. They have lived in the Petersburgh area for ten years after moving from Twinsburg, OH. She was a communicant of St. John Francis Regis Roman Catholic Church in Grafton, NY.

A graduate of Strong-Vincent High School, Mary Lou worked at the Erie Maennerchor Club and Kaiser Aluminum in Erie until 1997. She was pre-deceased by her first husband, Ronald Swanson.

Survivors besides her husband James include a sister, Shirley Dion of Erie, three God-daughters, Sharon and husband Michael Crandall and Mary Crandall both of Grafton, Melissa and her husband Matthew Pace of Cleveland, OH, along with many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 10 am in St. John Francis Regis Roman Catholic Church, Grafton where Rev. Kenneth Gregory will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Erie Dawn, Inc. (a home for homeless and battered women), 330 East 10th Street, Erie, PA, 16503. Arrangements are under the guidance of Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home of Petersburgh.

Bennington Paperboard Closing August 30

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by Gary Danforth

Bennington Paperboard will be closing August 30. Richard Forgea of the Newark Group, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials Andrea Dzierwa, an Environmental Engineer for the Division of Water, Barry Jensen, Division of Solids and Hazardous Materials, and Dan Rightsey, Division of Hazardous Waste Remediation, were all in attendance at Monday night’s Town of Hoosick Board meeting. DEC officials noted that there have never been any complaints regarding the Plant. Forgea said the company is hoping to sell the building to a non-competitor and would like to continue to hold some of its permits should a sale happen. DEC will oversee all the permits and make sure the closed plant meets all NYS standards. 

Supervisor Douglas said she is concerned about the two lagoons where sludge is pumped and where the sludge in the pits will be transported. She was assured that the Town will receive monthly reports about these issues. The plant will maintain 24 hour security after its closing.

Before the discussion of the Bennington Paperboard Plant, the meeting, which took place in the Hoosick Falls Armory, had been called to order by Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas at 7:03 pm. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the minutes of last month’s meeting were approved without having them read. Councilpersons Mark Surdam, Kevin O’Malley and Bob Ryan were present as was Town Clerk Sue Stradinger. Councilperson Mark Cottrell was absent. Town Attorney Tom Kenney was present.

The Town Clerk’s report was accepted with 14 new dog licenses, 22 dog license renewals, ten death certificates, 11 building permits and 410 garbage stickers purchased being noted. Stradinger distributed a brochure to the Board containing phone numbers of the most asked for assistance agencies within the township. She put the brochure together for families in need at the request of Councilperson Surdam and the Board. Copies are available at the Town office. 

The Assessor’s report was in order.

Unfair Impoundment?

Scott Thompson addressed the Board and said he had been visiting in Hoosick and had his car impounded. He sought a public apology and restitution. His written complaint will be forwarded to the Town Attorney.

Unpaid Bills

James Martinez asked the Board for clarification as to why a person providing services to the Town had not been paid in over one year. Aimee Allen spoke on the same matter saying she had submitted a bill to the Town for $3,000 for the care and boarding of five dogs for an extended time in the Summer of 2007. She had removed the five dogs from a residence at 457 Hill Road. 

According to Douglas, the Town contract says the Town will pay ten dollars per day for dog care for seven days, plus thirty dollars per dog for dog food over that same period. For the five dogs that would amount to $500 before euthanasia was permissible. 

Allen said she kept the dogs for an extended time because she felt the Town gave her the impression they might fear reprisal from the dogs’ owner should the dogs be destroyed while an ongoing issue between the Town and property owner was in progress. Martinez asked why a person providing services to the Town had not been paid, even the smaller amount. The Town will work to  resolve the matter.

Bill Shiland, Superintendent of Highways, said the rainy weather had caused water runoff damage just this evening to a culvert on Wilson Hill Road and also damage to Cottrell Lane. The old Town garage had some flooding as did the new changing room at the Town skating rink. Despite the rainy weather the Town crew was busy patching potholes, though the weather had held up this activity. The  weather also prevented fill from being stockpiled at the Town’s usual sites due to wet conditions.

The Weir-Reynolds swimming pool will close August 29. Seasonal memberships increased this year to 54. Last year there were 42 memberships.

The Building Inspector’s report was in order. The Town re-passed a motion to put clean up costs of $15,423.44 for removing a condemned trailer and restoring the land at 457 Hill Road and back taxes and water bills in the amount of $5,847.62 onto the owner’s tax bill. The same motion was passed last month, but the Board had not waited the required 30 days after notice of the action was delivered to the owner. 

The Court Clerk’s report was in order though the Board noted that revenue is being lost when County Sheriff and State Police officers don’t show up for Court appearances after issuing tickets, thereby negating prosecutions.

History Picture Board

From the Supervisor’s report, Town Historian Phil Leonard, with assistance from Charlie Filkins, submitted a picture board showing recreational areas within the township in the 1930s. Santo’s, Pickerings on Route 22 and the Ehmler’s estate, which housed a zoo, pond and tea rooms were noted. Leonard noted that boxers once trained at Ehmler’s. Also, Leonard had a newspaper clipping of when buffalo got loose from the zoo and had to be rounded up.

Plans for the reconstructing the covered bridge over the Walloomsac River, adjacent to the Barnett Homestead, have been put on hold since the cost of a new bridge has jumped to $950,000 from the original $750,000 estimate.

Upcoming Events

Douglas said there will be a band concert by William Gaillard and the Community Band at the Barnett Homestead.  

The Corn Maze at Tammy’s Candy Kettle on Route 7 in Hoosick will open this coming weekend with an official opening on September 6. There will be a Community Day, a Farm Appreciation Day and, on September 28, a Blue Grass music festival. The Corn Maze will be the largest on the east coast. 

The Hoosic River bicycle ride will take place over some Town roads on August 23 with the Town receiving a certificate of insurance for liability coverage. 

Other Business
Douglas said she had received a letter from Senator Chuck Schumer’s office concerning posters for school districts. Also, the Town and Village of Hoosick Falls have joined the Lakes to Locks organization with a meeting planned in Lake George at 10 am on September 16.

Cable TV Negotiations
Councilperson O’Malley said there is ongoing negotiation with Time Warner Cable over programming and where service might be provided. Usually, 20 houses within one mile is what the company looks for to make the cable available in a particular area. O’Malley said the cable company said it would cost $729 per household for 11 households on a .55 mile stretch of South Street in Hoosick for cable to be installed and $758 per household for cable to be installed on Cottrell Road for a three mile stretch with 28 households.

Grant To Protect Farmlands
The Board passed a motion to have the Agricultural Stewardship Association write a farmland protection implementation grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The grant would be to develop a plan for participating farms to keep their agricultural rights while selling developmental rights within the township. The latest such farm interested in doing so is the 135 acre Philpott parcel on Route 95.

The meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm.