Hoosick Falls – Charles D. Dorr, 74, died, December 13, 2014, at Emory L. Bennett Memorial Veterans Nursing Home, Daytona Beach, FL. Services of Remembrance will be held at a later date in Washington D.C. at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Hoosick Falls
Richard C. Landry
Hoosick Falls – Richard C. Landry, 70, passed away on December 17, 2014, after a long illness.
Born in Hoosick Falls, NY, on April 5, 1944, Richard was the son of the late Harry and Dorothy (Winton) Landry.
He graduated from Troy (NY) High School and was a member of the Class of 1962. Following his graduation, he served his country in the Navy from 1962 until being honorably discharged in 1966; he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Hush, Hush On Surdam Incident
by Alex Brooks
Hoosick Falls Central School Bus Driver Leo Surdam has not been driving his school bus since an incident that happened on his bus on December 8 in which Surdam intervened to stop two sixth grade boys from harassing a fourth grade girl. Information on exactly why this may lead to charges against him either by police or by the School District is not available at present.
Neither Surdam nor the School administration can discuss the incident, which will be investigated and adjudicated through the School District’s normal procedures.
A police report was not available to this newspaper late Wednesday afternoon.
HFCS District Superintendent Ken Facin said Surdam “has privacy rights and due process rights” that the District will respect. Facin said it is a personnel matter which cannot be discussed in public.
There has been a lot of discussion of the incident on Facebook, and many in the community seem to be rallying behind Surdam and urging the School District to reinstate him. A group of Surdam’s supporters are expected to show up at this week’s School Board meeting, but Facin said the Board and the Administration will not be able to discuss the matter at a public meeting.
Work Begins On Dougherty’s Corner
Government Assistance For Laid Off Oak-Mitsui Workers
from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Office
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has approved a much needed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) certification for laid off workers at Oak-Mitsui Technologies in Hoosick Falls. Former employees will now be able to apply for critical TAA benefits.
“This trade adjustment assistance will help ease the burden for our laid-off Oak-Mitsui workers as they look for new jobs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “While we work with local officials to attract new private sector jobs to the area, we must also ensure that workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own have the support and resources they need to get back on their feet and secure good jobs.”
“This is a small piece of good news for hard working people who have been through a lot this year and are facing a difficult beginning to the New Year,” said Congressman Gibson. “We will continue our advocacy for these families and for this community as we seek new opportunities for workforce development and employment in northeastern Rensselaer County.”
Earlier this month, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Gibson wrote U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging him to support the TAA petition filed on behalf of the 29 Oak-Mitsui Technologies workers who were notified in November that they would be laid off. Oak-Mitsui Technologies has played an important role in the Hoosick Falls area for over 40 years, and with the recent announcement that the company would be closing its local plant in February, workers will now be able to apply for TAA benefits following the approval of this petition.
TAA is a federal program established under the Trade Act of 1974. Workers whose employment is adversely affected by increased imports and shifts in production outside the U.S. may apply for TAA, which provides a range of benefits and reemployment services, such as:
• Training for Employment in another Job or Career. Workers are eligible for training in occupational skills, basic or remedial education, or training in literacy or English as a second language. Workers may also receive employment services such as case management, skills assessment, and job search assistance.
• Income Support. Workers can receive weekly cash payments called trade readjustment allowances (TRA) after a worker’s unemployment compensation benefit is exhausted and during the period in which a worker is participating in an approved full-time training program.
• Job Search Allowance. Workers can get reimbursed for expenses incurred in seeking employment outside their normal commuting area.
• Relocation Allowances. Workers can receive reimbursement for approved expenses if they are successful in obtaining employment outside their normal commuting area and they need to relocate.
Car Hits Pole In Slow Motion
by Steve Bradley
A young man leaving the Village of Hoosick Falls Tuesday afternoon forgot to keep an eye on where he was going. The driver drifted out of his lane and across the road and came to a quick stop when he ran into a telephone pole on the side of the road. [Read more…] about Car Hits Pole In Slow Motion
Panther Boys Basketball Team Cuts For A Cause
St. Patrick’s Parade Fundraiser
The Hoosick Falls St. Patrick’s Parade committee is holding a holiday fundraiser – a raffle for a 40″ Sony HDTV 1080P TV. Tickets cost $5 each, three for $10 or six for $20. Tickets are available at Thorpe’s Pharmacy or Hoosick True Value.
The drawing will be held on January 18 at Browns Brewery.
This year the Hoosick Falls St. Patrick’s Parade will be held on Saturday, March 14.
For more information Contact Kevin O’Malley at 518-686-9460.
HACA Food Pantry Holiday Food And Fund Drive
Food and funds are still being accepted for the annual Holiday Appeal. Thanksgiving boxes were provided to 174 families thanks to the efforts of many community volunteers. Potatoes were bagged, boxes assembled, cases of food stacked and fresh vegetables were provided. For many families this was the first time they had ever needed help. As one lady said, “I have always helped others, now I need help.” Many must choose between food and fuel; it is not an easy choice.
As we near the end of the year we need your help to finish the year strong and be prepared to serve those in need in 2015. Contributions are running behind the $20,000 goal set to cover the cost of the Holiday Baskets and Emergency Fund needs. If you would like to make a tax deductable, year end donation, please make sure your donations are postmarked no later than December 31, 2014. An IRS acceptable receipt will be sent for all donations.
Donations of food, money or time to HACA can make a life changing difference in many lives. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box #1, Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090. Call Dianne Hosterman at 686-5310 to donate food.
The Food Pantry is open Monday and Friday from 10 am to 12 pm and Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 pm. Food may be dropped off at these times.
Village Of Hoosick Falls Board Action – PFOA Found In Village Water
by Deb Alter
The Hoosick Falls municipal water system continues to meet and exceed all County, State and federal public health safety standards. However, at the request of a residential water user, the Village Water Department tested water from each of the Village’s three wells for a synthetic element called perflourooctanoic acid (PFOA). [Read more…] about Village Of Hoosick Falls Board Action – PFOA Found In Village Water