Nicole B. LaCroix from Hoosick Falls, earned Dean’s List status at Springfield College in Springfield, MA, for the 2012 fall semester. LaCroix is currently a Rehabilitation and Disability Studies major with a concentration in Occupational Therapy.
Hoosick Falls
HFCS Basketball Teams Raise Over $5k For Karen McGovern Fund
by Bea Peterson
“Last year when the teams did a fundraiser,” said Girls Basketball Coach Eamonn DeGraaf, “we raised $300. This year we hoped to raise $1,000. It shows what can happen when we all work together.” And that is what they did. [Read more…] about HFCS Basketball Teams Raise Over $5k For Karen McGovern Fund
Big Turnout For Outdoor Expo In Hoosick Falls
by Bea Peterson
HFCS Superintendent Ken Facin said the Outdoor Expo at the Armory was a great event. About 1,300 people turned out to see the exhibits and talk with the many exhibitors. Facin was pleased the event attracted more adults this year. Students were bussed to the Armory on Friday. Many returned with family Friday evening and Saturday. This year the Expo had the usual mounts of wild animals, plus a fascinating display of insects.
[Read more…] about Big Turnout For Outdoor Expo In Hoosick Falls
Letter To The Editor – Hoosick Citizens Deserve Answers
To the Editor:
In case the people in the Town of Hoosick haven’t heard, there was break-in at the HAYC3 offices located at 80 Church Street (the former Armory). You may be interested to know that it occurred March 11 after the Town Board meeting. Apparently someone broke the lock and illegally entered the HAYC3 premises. Of course, it would have been illegal entry even had there been no lock since they had not obtained permission to enter. (HAYC3 – I would suggest cameras and a security system if they aren’t already on your agenda)
I have it from a very reliable source (either a HAYC3 Board member or a Town Board member) that the incident involved at least one and possibly four Town Board members. A police report has been filed which shows Keith Cipperly listed as a suspect, and I’ve been told that at least one person confessed to an official at HAYC3. So, here are the questions I believe the citizens of the Town of Hoosick should have answers to:
1. Was the current Town Supervisor the culprit responsible for this behavior?
2. Didn’t he (or they) realize that what was being done was unethical as well as illegal?
3. I understand that one of the Board members (Mark Surdam) was definitely not involved and reported to HAYC3 that he believed other Board members had planned to enter the premises. However, did the other Board members report, to the proper authorities or officials, what they knew about the incident?
4. The Town Attorney was reportedly with the group after the meeting. Did she know about the incident? Did she advise against it? Did she report it to anybody if she was aware? Was she involved?
5. If the Town Supervisor was the culprit, does he intend to resign or is the Town Board taking other action to have him removed from his seat?
I realize that HAYC3 is in a tough spot. They likely won’t press charges since they really need the Town as a tenant while they get HAYC3 on solid financial footing. This is especially true since the Town hasn’t paid a nickel in rent since HAYC3 took over the Armory last year. Regardless of whether or not they press charges, the Town’s citizens should be outraged by this behavior and should finally say enough is enough. Only an independent investigation will divulge the full truth.
Jim Martinez
Church Street, Hoosick Falls
Letter To The Editor – HFCS Should Cut The Administration Not The Teachers
To The Editor:
As recently reported in the Eastwick Press, Hoosick Falls Central School has begun to work on next year’s budget, and once again, the administration felt they had to “eliminate quite a few positions.”
The big surprise out of the $684,700 in staff and program cuts Superintendent Ken Facin announced was the $51,958 being saved by reducing the 7-12 Assistant Principal position to half time. Facin said he felt he could not make this level of cuts to the teaching staff without making “some cuts to administration.”
Gee, would that be the same Assistant Principal who wasn’t granted tenure by the Board of Ed last Spring when he was up for it? This was expected after his error involving the Bowling team being in the Sectionals, making him an obvious scapegoat and convenient job cut for this year as Athletic Director also.
How noble it is of Mr. Facin to actually take $50,000 some dollars out of almost $700,000 worth of Budget cuts from administration. What a sacrifice!
The fact of the matter is, and always has been, the School is there for basically one reason and that is to educate the students.
This is not made any easier by cutting teaching positions and programs, especially special education teachers. These students need as much help, if not more than other students – particularly one on one help.
However, we all know these are tough financial and economic times, but I would like to suggest a possible solution.
Since HFCS is once again destitute and in dire financial straits, how about cutting out the administration, which is a large portion of the School budget with their pay and benefit packages. The State would be brought in to run the School on the Financial end of business, and what I would do is retain the Assistant Principal as a Dean of Discipline to deal with the students year round, which is one of his primary functions anyway.
I would do the same with one of the Elementary Principals. You are talking about a School that generally has a student body between 1250-1300, and yet has as many as seven high paid administrators. Not needed.
I know most people will say that this scenario would never happen, but it is time for a change.
The two top administrators at HFCS, the Superintendent and Business Manager, have basically done two things over the last two years: spend a lot of money and get rid of an awful lot of employees through budget cuts and other controversial decisions.
But for the sake of the taxpayers in the School District, which five out of the seven administrators do not live in or pay taxes here, lets give the School back to the community and give our students the help and resources they need.
Don’t put up with the administration’s blackmail threats to cut student programs and financial help if the budget is voted down.
It’s the administration’s turn to take the financial hit.
And forget the Board of Education during all of this. A lot of this has been caused by their policy to not get involved in personnel decisions – which needs to be changed by the policy committee. They are clueless about much of what goes on at HFCS, which is not why they were voted in for.
When they do ask or try to get involved in personnel or other matters, the way things are going to be is dictated to them by the top two administrators.
Sincerely,
Bruce Seney
High Street, Hoosick Falls
The Saint Mary’s Academy Spring Auction
Bigger, Better and More Fun Than Ever!
The St. Mary’s Academy Spring Auction will take place at the school at 4 Parson’s Avenue on Saturday, April 13. Doors open at 6 pm, bidding begins at 7 pm. The inimitable Ron Seifert will be the auctioneer. Tickets cost $5 at the door; they include the cost of a bidding number and food. There will be cash bar.
Live And Silent Auctions
Auctions will include a huge variety of goods and services. Items large and small, expensive and affordable, unusual and familiar, serious and fun, useful and frivolous…you name it, and we probably have it on our auction list.
Here’s just a small sampling:
• four inside seats for Melissa Etheridge at Tanglewood;
• a WCW mattress;
• NASCAR memorabilia signed by the drivers and used in actual competition – a quarter panel from Matt Kenseth and a hood from Denny Hamlin;
• a hot air balloon ride;
• a Saturday-Saturday Village of Loon Mountain Lodge time share for this August;
• Ed Levin jewelry;
• George Van Hook original paintings;
• a three month Anytime Fitness membership;
• spring yard cleanups;
• a month of classes at The Berkshire Dance Theater;
• a week long time share in North Myrtle Beach for this year or next;
• a Home Security Package;
• a Howe Caverns Family Pass, and
• Park Hopper Passes from Disney
And lots, lots more. Come on out and have a good time.
It’s all for a good cause. Historically and educationally, SMA has been an integral part of Hoosick Falls and the surrounding communities. Proceeds from the auction help support St. Mary’s Academy’s long standing commitment to high quality education for students from pre-k through eighth grade.
For more information, call Pat Hayes at 518-686-4314 or email smaspringauction@yahoo.com.
Hoosick Has Talent
No doubt there is plenty of talent in the Hoosick area. And often there is nowhere to exhibit that talent. The Empowerment Exchange invites everyone to bring his or her best voice, instrument, comedy, poetry or skits to the Immaculate Conception Dining Hall, 67 Main St., Hoosick Falls, on April 5, from 6 to 9 pm.
Talent can’t shine without an audience, so bring friends and family along to enjoy a great night out and enjoy some laughs and good wholesome fun! There is no charge for this event, and there will also be free raffle prizes.
Texas Holdem’ Tournament Fundraiser At The Polish Hall
A Texas Holdem Tournament will be held on Saturday, March 30, at 5:30 pm at the Polish Hall in Hoosick Falls to benefit Kassidy Hitt, a senior at HFCS. Kassidy will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, this summer in support of those who continue to struggle with cancer or who have fought their battle and won.
Kassidy will be climbing with Sean Swarner, “the CancerClimber.” Kassidy met Sean on a trip to NYC where he was a motivational speaker. She was so inspired by his incredible story that she wanted to get involved and support those with cancer by offering hope through inspiration. Sean’s motto and the title of his book is “Keep Climbing.” He explains that everyone struggles with obstacles in life, some much bigger than others…he states, “We all have our own mountains to climb”.
Sean, who was diagnosed with two separate and unrelated forms of cancer as a teenage, at one point, was given only 14 days to live. He astounded the medical community and survived. After defeating cancer twice, he realized that no challenge would ever be too great and no peak too high. So, with only one lung, he began climbing. He was the first cancer survivor to crest Mt. Everest. He has climbed all seven summits, completed the Ultimate Adventure Challenge and the Ford Ironman World Championship. He began the CancerClimber Association in 2001 to help people touched by cancer. The organization is focused on hope and giving people the tools needed to overcome cancer with the right attitude and to come out on the other side with a more positive outlook on life. Hope and inspiration are key to the association’s groundwork and foundation.
Sean’s goal for this trip is to inspire people to fundraise, not only for the trip, but to support his organization and the local people of Tanzania as well. He wants to make sure that Kassidy’s supporters understand the importance and legitimacy of her fundraising efforts. Sean states, “The deposit for the trip goes directly to support CancerClimber ($500) and to hold your spot. The rest of the $5,000 goes to support the local people in Tanzania who truly need the money… this trip supports a lot more than just people touched by cancer. The locals over there have no job, they have no income, and the funds we collect from everyone on the trip goes to help support their local economy, the local orphanage and even the local guides, porters, drivers, and people who need money more than we do, Also, we encourage and help people raise extra funds for CancerClimber. The money you raise also goes to give grants to cancer survivors, as well as funding and saving for a mobile camp for teens with cancer. Please know you’re making a difference in a LOT of peoples’ lives as well as developing a life-memory.”- Sean Swarner.
Please come out and support Kassidy’s trip. First donation is $35, with second plus donations, etc. $35 as well. Food and beverages will be available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pamm Powers at 518-810-2256 or Kassidy Hitt at (518) 242-0880. We would like to thank everyone who is donating to this cause…your support is truly appreciated!
Texas Hold’em Tournament At The Armory
Shuffle Up and Deal! Join us at the Hoosick Falls Armory for the Texas Hold’em Tournament every first Friday of the month starting April 5.
The doors for the Tournament will open at 6 pm and play starts at 6:30 pm. The buy-in is $35 with an option for a $10 add on, plus a $5 high hand pot.
Whether you are new to the game or not come and have a great time at 80 Church Street, Hoosick Falls.
For further information, please contact HAYC3 at 518-686-9050.
Opening Reception And Music At The HAYC3 Armory
submitted by Jason Jansen
On April 5 from 6 to 8 pm the 120 Gallery will be opening “2”XToo Tiny” by the Hoosick Artist Guild. This show will be a unique collection of 2 inch by 2 inch canvas paintings. Gallery 90 will be opening a show of installation and sculpture, “I will miss you,” by Gilbane Peck. [Read more…] about Opening Reception And Music At The HAYC3 Armory