The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

Library Story Correction

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by David Flint
In the story last week on the Stephentown Library’s proposal to become a Special Legislative District, I included data on the budgets and funding of the libraries in our area. I have been informed that the funding that the Grafton Community Library receives from the Town of Grafton is $24,250, not $28,600 as was reported. The data came from the Upper Hudson Library System’s Annual Report and was based on the year 2011, but the local funding in the report included funds also from the County and from the Brittonkill School District. In addition I was informed that 2011, with a budget of $37,086, was not a typical year and that a more representative budget would be that of the year 2010 in the amount of $42,602.
Therefore, using those figures, the percentage of funding coming from the Town of Grafton would be 57%, not the 77% that was reported. That is still more than, but much more comparable to, the 54% and 50% funding from the Towns of Hoosick and Stephentown respectively.

GLSP To Offer Maple Sugaring Demonstrations

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To welcome spring, Grafton Lakes State Park is providing backyard maple sugaring demonstrations on Saturday, March 16, and Saturday, March 23, from 1 to 3 pm at the Park Office.
The program will demonstrate ten easy steps for making maple sugar at home.  It encourages participants to try tapping trees, collecting and boiling the sap down and testing the flavor. This outdoor event is ideal for the whole family and an enjoyable way to celebrate the changing season. All participants can savor a sampling of sap as well as freshly made syrup. The fee for the program is $2 per participant or $5 per family. There are limited spots so pre-registration is required by calling 279-1155.
Even though spring is just around the corner, it is not here yet!  The trails at Grafton Lakes State Park are still covered in a white blanket of snow.  Conditions are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice skating.  Snowshoe rentals are available at the Park Office. As weather can change conditions quickly, call the Park Office to confirm, or for directions, at 279-1155.
For additional information about other parks and historic sites in New York, visit www.nysparks.com.

Woods And Wildlife Workshop

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“Caring for Your Woods and Wildlife” is a day long workshop for forest owners held at Tamarac High School in Brunswick, on Saturday, March 16. There will be seven presentations on a variety of topics in the morning, followed by a woods walk in the afternoon. The talks will be geared toward issues and concerns of woodland owners in the Rensselaer Plateau area. Speakers from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, the Hudson River Estuary Program and the Cornell Cooperative Extension will cover topics including wildlife ecology, forest regeneration, streamside management, woodland transfer and how to develop a forest management plan.
The afternoon walk in a nearby forest will give attendees the opportunity to see how some of the management topics can be applied in their woods. The workshop is sponsored by the Hudson River Estuary Program and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Biodiversity Program Work Team, with endorsement by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Greene and Rensselaer County Cooperative Extension and the Capital District Chapter of the NY Forest Owners Association.
The $15 fee covers refreshments, lunch and an information packet. To register by March 9 online or to print a mail-in registration form, go to www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/pwt/bio/.   For more information, email Kristi Sullivan at kls20@cornell.edu.

Words Of Praise For The Departed Grafton Supervisor

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by Alex Brooks
Grafton Supervisor Ray Darling passed away on Friday, February 22. He was 68. Words of praise for Darling are being heard throughout the Town, focusing on the way he was able to combine the strength and competitiveness that made him a world champion arm wrestler with the kind and gentle demeanor that made him such a popular guy.
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Grafton VFD And Ladies Auxiliary March Breakfast

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The Grafton Volunteer Fire Department along with the Grafton Ladies Auxiliary will be holding an All You Can Eat Buffet Breakfast on Saturday, March 30, from 8 to 11 am at the Grafton VFW – Fire Hall on South Road (County Route 85).
Belgian waffles, pancakes, French toast, eggs (made to order), sausage gravy & biscuits, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast, orange juice, coffee and milk are on the menu. The cost is $9 per adult, $4 for kids 12 and under and free for kids five and under.
We look forward to serving you.

Helen Ellett Celebrates Her 99th Birthday

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submitted by Linda Laveway – granddaughter
Helen Ellett of Grafton celebrated her 99th birthday in style – with many wonderful friends. On Friday, February 15, Helen celebrated 99 memorable years with her many good friends at the Everett Wagar Senior Center. A guest appearance by County Executive Kathy Jimino added in making this a very special day for Helen. Randy Kneer author of The Untold Story of Helen Ellett was also present to treat Senior Center visitors to a slide show.
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