Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper
by David Flint
State Police reported on Monday at a press conference that Berlin resident Steven Bell did not have a weapon when he was confronted and shot dead by State Troopers Sunday evening. NYS Bureau of Criminal Investigation Captain Scott Coburn said, however, that Bell disregarded all commands to stop and show his hands. He then made threatening statements, continued to approach the officers and motioned as if he was bringing a weapon up.
by Kieron Kramer
After a public hearing at 6:30 pm before its regular meeting on Thursday, November 12, the Berlin Town Board voted unanimously, 4-0, to override the State Tax cap; Board Member Rich deLeon was absent because his wife had just given birth. Berlin joins about twenty-six percent of local governments in the State that plan to override the property tax cap in 2014. The property tax cap increase is set either at 2%, like the last two years, or at the inflation rate calculated by the State, whichever is lower. This year the State Comptroller set the inflation rate at 1.66%. This has put a lot of pressure on municipalities all across the State. [Read more…] about Berlin Sets 2014 Tax Levy Increase At 4.9%
Berlin – Steven James Bell, 38, died Sunday, November 17, 2013. Born in Troy, NY, on August 30, 1975, he was the son of Evelyn Fields of Troy and the late James Bell. He was the foster son of Stacy Carreau of Bennington, VT, and David Carreau of New Jersey. Steve was raised in Berlin, NY, and educated in Berlin schools. He was a carpenter his whole life and was employed by Madsen Construction, HosCot Builders in Hoosick, NY, Fairdale Farms in Bennington and by Carpenter’s Local 291 in Albany, NY. He was presently employed by Henderson Johnson Construction based in Syracuse, NY. [Read more…] about Steven James Bell
Berlin – Elizabeth Marie Duprey, 64, born on December 29, 1949, in Norwich, NY, passed away November 17, 2013, at the Albany County Nursing Home after a long illness. She is survived by her parents, Leon and Hope Duprey of Berlin, NY, and her sister, Adrienne and husband Thomas Irish, of Bay Palm, FL, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in the North Country. Little Rosette had a love of the outdoors and was an accomplished artist.
Funeral services will be at the convenience of the family, and she will be buried next to her beloved grandmother in Oriskany, NY.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 5 Computer Drive West, Suite 100, Albany, NY, 12205.
Her parents are very thankful for all the wonderful care provided by the staff at the Albany County Nursing Home through the years.
Arrangements are by the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home in Petersburgh, NY.
Petersbugh/Berlin – Stephen J. Gaj, Sr., 57, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2013, surrounded by his family at Holyoke Medical Center in Holyoke, MA. Steve was born on April 12, 1956, to the late Walter and Stefania Gaj. He grew up in Granby, MA, and started his own family there in 1978. In 1989, he moved to Petersburgh, NY. He remained in the Petersbugh/Berlin, NY, area for the rest of his life.
Steve was a racing and classic car enthusiast spending most of his life as an auto mechanic as well as an employee at Lebanon Valley Dragway where he could often be seen on the starting line. If he wasn’t at the track, he was enjoying the simple life that he loved, which mostly included spending time with his friends and family in a garage or next to a campfire. Over the years he also enjoyed hunting, played in several horseshoe, dart and softball leagues and was well known for his pig roasts.
Stephen is pre-deceased by his son, Stephen J. Gaj, Jr, his parents, Walter Gaj and Stefania Gaj (Gondek), and his brothers, Paul Gaj, Frederick Gaj and Walter Gaj, Jr. Survivors include his children, Paul F. Gaj and wife Jillian of Orange, MA, and Charlene M. Millias and husband Michael of Johnstown, NY, the mother of his children, Linda Larose, his grandchildren, Stephen, Tristen and Alivia Gaj and Maya and Eryn Millias, his siblings, Dorothy Bycenski and husband Joseph, Phyllis Horoszewski and husband Thomas, Richard Gaj and wife Cynthia, Peter Gaj and wife Robyn, Gail Holt and husband Frederick, David Gaj and Diane Lemire and husband Arthur, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Services were held Monday, November 18, at the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home in Petersburgh. Calling hours were from 10 am until 12 pm with a memorial service at 12 pm. Burial followed at the Meadowlawn Cemetery in Petersburgh.
submitted by Sandi Slattery, Chair, Berlin Board of Fire Commissioners
Just a friendly reminder that the Berlin Rescue Squad still needs individuals interested in becoming members of our volunteer ambulance service. Training materials are provided and mileage will be reimbursed. We also offer LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) to members who meet training and response requirements. Our continued viability depends on recruiting and retaining new members. Please contact Captain Tammy Osterhaut at 658-2924 for a membership application.
There are also two Berlin Board of Fire Commissioner seats to be filled in the upcoming election. Maybe you are unable to be a member of the Fire Company but still you want to participate in serving your community…being a Commissioner just might be for you. Meetings are held monthly, and the Commissioners are responsible for the fiduciary affairs, as well as setting up policies and procedures, of the Fire District.
Again, training is provided and paid for by the District.
Remember: Volunteerism is the Spirit of America!
by David Flint
In Berlin the only real contest was for Town Council. Republican Incumbent John Winn garnered the most votes in a three way race and won re-election. Democrat Stephen Riccardi, with 232 votes, will replace Republican incumbent Richard deLeon who received 178 votes.
[Read more…] about Riccardi Wins Council Seat In Berlin Election
by David Flint [Read more…] about Berlin Election Day – Candidate Profiles
On Sunday, November 3, from 7 to 11 am, the Berlin Fire Department will be holding its monthly breakfast. Breakfast includes all you can eat pancakes, French toast, biscuits with homemade sausage gravy, bacon and sausage, home fries, toast and eggs (sunny side, over easy or over hard, scrambled). The beverage is a choice of coffee or tea (both available as decaf), hot chocolate, milk and orange juice.
Prices are $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-12, no charge for children under 5. Takeouts are available.
This month, the Ladies Auxiliary will be tempting you with their homemade baked goods.
Please join us for breakfast and take home some treats for later in the day.
On Friday November 15, the Berlin Rescue Squad will be holding its monthly delicious Fish Fry Dinner. For $10 you can come enjoy a hearty helping of fried cod on a roll, French fries, coleslaw, a brownie and soda or water. Eat in or take out; its up to you. Call-in orders are welcome. The Firehouse number is 658-2890. The dinner will be held from 5 to 7 pm at the Berlin Fire Department. If you have any questions, please call Stan at 658-0088 or 269-8646.
