The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Hoosick Falls

Hoosick Rescue Squad Recognizes Honorary Members

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Hoosick Rescue Squad members were on hand as Squad President Bill Gaillard (far right) bestowed Honorary Membership to (l-r) Alan Bornt, Walter Zwinge and Thomas Witkowski Wednesday evening. (Bea Peterson photo)
Hoosick Rescue Squad members were on hand as Squad President Bill Gaillard (far right) bestowed Honorary Membership to (l-r) Alan Bornt, Walter Zwinge and Thomas Witkowski Wednesday evening. (Bea Peterson photo)

 

 

by Bea Peterson

On Wednesday evening, September 17, members of the Rescue Squad gathered to grant Honorary Membership to Alan Bornt for his contribution of knowledge on the radio system that helps the community. He shared this knowledge during the Squad’s frequency change earlier in the year.

Walter Zwinge is caretaker of the Time-Warner facility which houses the radio transmission equipment as well as the cable translators. Squad members say he is always available when they need access to the facility on Oak Street.

Thomas Witkowski was honored for the work he and his crew do in cleaning the Rescue Squad quarters and ambulances and mowing and trimming of the grounds on a weekly basis.

Hoosick Rescue Squad President Bill Gaillard said, “We thank all of these people who have made our lives easier.”

Ninth Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament

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Weather conditions were perfect Saturday for the Ninth Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament. (Bea Peterson photo)
Weather conditions were perfect Saturday for the Ninth Annual Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament. (Bea Peterson photo)

by Bea Peterson

 

Karen McGovern fought a valiant battle with cancer over nine years ago. She lost her battle, but her memory lives on in the Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament held every year at The Sand Bar. Funds raised at these tournaments are used to assist Hoosick residents fighting cancer. It can cover prescription and household bills, transportation to doctor’s appointments and treatment centers or help with any other financial needs they might have. This ninth year the tournament raised $12,000, the same as last year. With the state of the economy, the group had scaled back expectations to $10,000, so they were pleasantly surprised by the results. During break time Karen’s father Bill said, “$10,000 is a drop in the bucket for cancer research, but it does so much good in this community.” He estimates that over the years the tournaments and other contributions have reached over $100,000. Eight teams and many spectators participated in the September 13 event.

Bill Johnston Honored

Each year a cancer survivor showing Karen’s tenacity in fighting the disease is honored. This year George Holbrook had the privilege of introducing Bill Johnston. He said he and Bill have had a great business and personal relationship for 40 years. He said Bill has undergone radiation and chemotherapy and continued to do his legal work with a smile. He said it was a pleasure to be able to honor him in this way. He also noted what a great job the McGovern fund is doing in helping the community. 

Bill managed a humorous quip or two, then said. “I represent those souls that go before me and after me. This is not about me.”

“Our faith, our religion is what sustains us when we go through times of illness. Illness only affects your physical being, not your spiritual being.” He said he believes a soul’s job after death is to reach a nearness with God. “By honoring the soul of Karen McGovern, by doing good for others, you are assisting Karen to get closer to God.”

This year Ron Jones shared his memories of Karen. He described her as a wonderful, strong person with an upbeat spirit who rose up even stronger in the face of adversity. He spoke of a Christmas party he held when he asked everyone to bring an ornament for his tree. Karen’s ornament for him was an angel. “Every year I pull her angel out of the box and place it at the top of the tree, and my family gets to think about Karen,” he said.

Mahar Funeral Home Honored

This year Tim and George Smith of the Mahar Funeral Home were honored for their support of the Karen McGovern Fund. When a bereaved family is unsure of which charity they would like to receive memorial contributions, the brothers often suggest the McGovern Fund. Those supplemental donations add  much to the Tournament funds.

Lisa Ferrannini, one of the event organizers, said next year will be the 10th annual tournament and it will be huge!

Hoosick Falls Health Center Has Two Gwendolyn J. Wright Memorial Scholarship Awardees

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Left to Right: Paul D. Corbett, R.N., C., HFHC Administrator; Rebecca Bowen, R.N., Nurse Manager; Sue Burdick, L.P.N., recipient; Martha Bonneau, C.N.A., recipient and Daniel Wright.
Left to Right: Paul D. Corbett, R.N., C., HFHC Administrator; Rebecca Bowen, R.N., Nurse Manager; Sue Burdick, L.P.N., recipient; Martha Bonneau, C.N.A., recipient and Daniel Wright.

Martha Bonneau and Sue Burdick are the recipients of the Gwendolyn J. Wright Memorial Scholarship, endowed for a Certified Nurse Aide who has decided to become a fully qualified nurse or an LPN training to be a RN and meets the requirements set forth by the Scholarship Committee.

 

 

Martha has been employed at the Hoosick Falls Health Center since February 2007, and Sue has been employed by the Center since October 1998. Both are valuable members of the Center and are part of a team of outstanding employees who contribute to the quality care rendered to the residents.

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Wright was a member of the Hoosick Falls Health Center Auxiliary. She was very active in the organization and held the office of vice-president for several years. Daniel Wright, son of Gwen Wright, presented the $1,000 to each awardee.

St. Mary’s Academy Annual Cow Plop And Car Show

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It’s that time of the year again! Rain or shine, St. Mary’s Academy of Hoosick Falls will be hosting their annual Cow Plop and Car Show on Sunday, October 5 at the Town of Hoosick Athletic Field. 

The car show will begin at 10 am. Registration for the car show will take place that day, entrance fee is $10.00. There will 35 trophies given away this year to the top favorite cars, trucks and motorcycles. The car show is sponsored in part by DePaula Chevrolet and Hummer of Albany, WCW, Inc., and Tinkham Real Estate.

In addition to the car show, it’s the famous cow plop. Deeds to squares are $20 and are on sale now. If the cow “plops” in your square, you win $1000! They sold out before noon last year, so buy early. Throughout the day, the crowd will be entertained by music provided by friend of St. Mary’s, Joe Shaw.

There will also be a family fun festival from noon until 3 pm, including a children’s games and activities area, The Hoedown Express train ride, sponsored by Interface Solutions, food, bake sale, raffles, rides provided by Amyland Amusements, entertainment and more. Vendors are welcome.

For more information or to purchase a deed, please call Mary at 686-4314, x206.

Oil Raffle Tickets And Balloons For Chris’ Wish

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Colorful balloons will be sold at the HFCS football game on Friday, September 19. Proceeds will benefit Chris’ Wish. A diving accident this summer has left 19 year old Chris Luciano paralyzed from the waist down.

While Chris can no longer walk, his ultimate wish is to get out of the wheel chair and snowboard again.  Project Walk (www.projectwalk.org) an organization in San Diego offers an opportunity to help get him out of this chair. It is boot camp designed to regain any movement. Chris, his friends and family would like to send him to this program. They are fund raising to make this wish a reality. 

100 Gallons Of Fuel Oil

The cold weather is on its way and 100 gallons of fuel oil will come in real handy. Take a chance! A $5 Chris’ Wish ticket could mean a warm house this winter. 

Keep up with Chris’ progress at www.eenable.net/chris.

Prayer Vigil For Luke Hoag And Peyton Stratton

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The Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church, located at 484 Hill Road, Hoosick Falls, will host a Prayer Vigil from noon on Friday, September 19, through noon on Saturday, September 20, for two local children.

Luke Hoag, 16 month old son of Mike and Jackie (VanDerKar) Hoag, from Hoosick Falls, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and will begin weekly chemo treatments in Boston on September 22.

Peyton Stratton, 3 year old daughter of Jennifer and Frank Stratton of Shaftsbury, VT, was recently diagnosed with a softball sized cancerous tumor on her kidney, which also spread to her lungs. Recent reports show that the tumor is decreasing in size.

Please feel free to drop in and join us any time throughout this 24 hour period as we pray, in faith, for God’s healing grace in Luke and Peyton’s lives and for strength, encouragement and provision for these families. Feel free to sit and pray in the quiet of your heart, to pray with others and/or to write words of encouragement in the Guest Books that will be given to each of the families.

We believe God is able to do all things and are expecting Him to move mightily on Luke and Peyton’s behalf as we continue to pray. If you’re unable to stop in, please pray wherever you’re at for God’s favor on these young ones. For more information on the Prayer Vigil, contact Gail Smith at 518-686-9888.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

Panther Football Team Beats Cambridge 34-19 To Win First Ken Baker Jug Game

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Kevin Wood and Travis McMahon accepted the Ken Baker Jug from Richard Reeve and Dr. Fran Greenhall. With them is Coach Ron Jones and Ann Baker. (Bea Peterson photo)
Kevin Wood and Travis McMahon accepted the Ken Baker Jug from Richard Reeve and Dr. Fran Greenhall. With them is Coach Ron Jones and Ann Baker. (Bea Peterson photo)

by Gary Danforth

Last Friday evening, September 5, two neighboring rival high schools, Hoosick Falls Central School and Cambridge Central School, came together for the greater good to honor the memory of longtime Section Two football Coach Ken Baker in the first annual Ken Baker Jug game. Though HFCS won the game by a 34-19 score and will keep The Jug in its trophy case until next year’s clash, in true Ken Baker fashion, there were no losers in this game. Nor will there be if future participants display the kind of good competitive fire and sportsmanship which Baker preached for so many years and which both teams displayed. A large crowd under the lights at HFCS saw both teams display the kind of sportsmanship and hard nosed play which was surpassed only by the number of cars parked up and down Route 22 in both directions from HFCS as fans surrounded the field by the hundreds. 

Baker’s widow, Mrs. Ann Baker, flanked by Cambridge Central School Superintendent Frank Greenhall and longtime Baker coaching and teaching friend, Richard Reeve, presented The Jug to HFCS Coach Ron Jones, the last starting quarterback on a Baker coached Hoosick Falls squad. Baker was varsity gridiron boss at HFCS from 1972-1985. Doug Luke, head coach at CCS for the past eleven years and a Cambridge graduate who had served under Baker at Cambridge as an assistant coach, stood by as both teams spread across the football field, perpendicular to one another, as the presentation took place. Baker coached at CCS from 1986-1995. It was a whale of a game.

Cambridge, the defending Section Two Class C champions, and who had won 89 games the past ten years under Luke’s direction, took a 7-0 lead in quarter one when junior quarterback Kyle Parmenter hit sophomore Jesse Lybert with a twenty-one yard scoring play. Sophomore starting running back Matt Best kicked the point after touchdown as CCS took a 7-0 lead with 8:21 left in period one.

But HFCS came roaring back. Senior Panther signal caller Kevin Woods hit 6’5” junior wide-out Kevin McMahon with a 22 yard touchdown pass and junior Hutton Rasmus booted the PAT as the score was deadlocked at 7-7. Hoosick Falls, dominant in recent years under Jones’ tutelage, winning four consecutive divisional championships in the past five years, including two sectional titles, one regional crown and a trip to the State championship game in 2003, took a 13-7 lead. Senior running back Dan Okerman took a screen pass from Woods and bolted down the right sideline for a 60 yard TD play. Rasmus’s PAT boot gave HFCS a 14-7 spread with 5:26 left in the opening half. HFCS wasn’t done yet in first half action. In two plays, the last one being a 61 yard touchdown strike to senior wide out Jordan Brogue, Hoosick Falls extended its lead to 20-7. Rasmus’s PAT boot gave HFCS a hard earned 21-7 lead at the break.

Cambridge came back in period three, narrowing their deficit to 21-13 as Parmenter hit junior running back Joel Ferguson with a fifteen yard TD strike. The Indians’ PAT boot failed.

It was a busy fourth period as both teams continued to play solid football. HFCS took a 27-13 bulge

This spectacular catch by Logan O’Brien put HF in great position. The next pass resulted in a TD. (Bea Peterson photo)
This spectacular catch by Logan O’Brien put HF in great position. The next pass resulted in a TD. (Bea Peterson photo)

when Woods found junior wide-out Greg Stifter with a five yard scoring pass. CCS blocked the ensuing Panther extra point attempt.

Cambridge came right back. Parmenter scored on a five yard run with 8:51 to play to narrow the Indians’ deficit to 27-19. But Hoosick Falls put the game away when Woods connected from two yards out with McMahon to give the Panthers a 33-19 spread. Rasmus’ PAT boot made the final score 34-19 in favor of HFCS. In the Panthers’ final drive, junior Alex Hansen broke a tackle and turned a short pass into a 28 yard reception. 

Under the Goalposts: Both teams played pretty well in their opening game effort. Woods looked very impressive in the Panthers’ spread offense, throwing for almost 350 yards as he rifled the ball all over the field to a cast of HFCS receivers. A young Cambridge team is only going to get better, and I wouldn’t want to draw CCS in sectional play. On Friday night, September 12, HFCS travels to Schuylerville in a big Class C match up with the Black Horses. The winner of that game most likely will have a leg up on the Class C North Division crown. Watch out for the Horses’ junior quarterback Austin Bateman and running back Shane Larkin. They have hurt HFCS in recent years. It should be a dandy.

Jerry McAuliffe Appointed To Hoosick Falls Village Board

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by Bea Peterson

After some discussion among Board members at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, Mayor Laura Reynolds appointed Jerry McAuliffe as Trustee to fill the term of Robert Becker who resigned as Village Deputy Mayor in July. That term will end in March 2009. 

McAuliffe oversees a Village Court program for youths that are assigned to do Community Service by the Village Justice. He also has a contract with NY State to mow the grass on the flood wall in the Village. That job ends with summer and will go out for bid again next year. In response to questions raised by Trustee Ann Bornt, the Mayor said she had spoken with John Galligan, a lawyer for the NYS Conference of Mayors and he said there were no legal issues with McAuliffe assuming the post because of these other jobs. There might be some ethics issues, but there is no municipal law that indicates he cannot serve, she added.

Trustee Ric DiDonato said he would be pleased to have Jerry back on the Board as McAuliffe has a much better understanding of the water and wastewater treatment plants than he does and he interacts well with the Highway Department and can respond more quickly to issues since he is here in the Village all day. McAuliffe has previously served on the Board as Trustee and Deputy Mayor.

Another Delay For Riverwalk Purchase

Mayor Reynolds reported that after months of delays on the purchase of the railroad property for a Riverwalk, she was informed last week by railroad personnel that before the land could be sold to the Village, the Department of Transportation had to be notified. Since municipalities are given preferential rites to purchase the property, this seems a moot point. However, the Mayor must wait for notification from NYS DOT before the deal can be completed. That can take up to 120 days she was told. Village officials were ready for the September 17 signing with the Village purchasing the property and HooRWA (Hoosick River Watershed Association) transferring funds for the purchase to the Village. Work on this purchase has been underway for about two years, including lengthy survey time. Mayor Reynolds said HooRWA has paid $4,000 in penalties to the railroad for purchase date delays. She will now notify the railroad to put that $4,000 toward the purchase price since this latest delay has been caused by them.

Grants And Use

Mayor Reynolds mentioned that she has been in touch with Senator Bruno’s office in reference to a $50,000 member item grant that was to be used for the Riverwalk. She would like to have half of that changed and be used for the purchase of a new police cruiser. That brought up the issue of the Restore NY grant of $200,000 the Village has been awarded. The Mayor said she has learned that the State is so far behind in administering those grants that the fact the Village hasn’t used the money yet is not a problem. The goal is still to use some of the funds to work with owners to restore the properties on John and Main Streets. DiDonato reminded the Board that the Village cannot apply for any more grants until they have done something with the grant monies they have already received. He suggested some of the Restore NY money be used to restore the stone wall on the Wood Brook. 

Storm Drains And Catch Basins

The installation of new catch basins and storm drains has had Abbott St. tied up for a couple of weeks now. When work is completed there, the Village crew will begin on Snow St. (Bea Peterson photo)
The installation of new catch basins and storm drains has had Abbott St. tied up for a couple of weeks now. When work is completed there, the Village crew will begin on Snow St. (Bea Peterson photo)

Residents in the Abbott St. area have been asking DiDonato why work on Abbott St. is taking so long and why they were not notified in some way that this work was being undertaken; signs posted or something. He said the job of installing new storm drains and catch basins is taking longer than expected because of the rainy weather, staff illness and vacation time. Work has been finished on Parsons Ave. and is underway on Abbott to Classic. DiDonato said once Abbott St. is finished work will begin on Snow St. These new storm drains and catch basins should go a long way to eliminating the flooding that has occurred in the past on these streets. Funds for this project have been received by the Village from NYS Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).

Helvi’s Renovation

The Board approved granting a five year $5,000 Economic Development loan to Helvi’s Restaurant for renovation of the upstairs. The space would then be used for catering parties.

Benches In Park

Hoosick Lions Club President Everett Quackenbush told the Board that the Club would like to put more benches in Wood Park. Board members were pleased by the request and will work with him on it in conjunction with the Veteran’s Memorial planned for the Park.

Grant For Wastewater Plant

Village Treasurer Denise McMahon acquired a grant of $49,000 for an improved records management system for security and emergency records keeping at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Board approved advertising for an RFP for this SACDA system for engineering services and equipment. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for the Village,” said the Mayor. 

Trustee Reports

Trustee Robert Downing said recycling is up and the amount of solid waste being collected is down. That’s good.

He said work at the water treatment plant is falling behind and crews will be working on Saturdays to catch up.

Trustee Ann Bornt requested approval for the purchase of new radios for the Police Dept. for $915. The request was under the amount budgeted for the equipment and was approved.

Trustee Matthew Monahan will be look into licensing someone from the Police Department to operate a $26,000 repeater the Dept. hopes to receive through a grant.

Nuisance Property Law

Bornt has been working with the Building Inspector and the Board to develop an enforceable point system law regarding nuisance properties. They have been reviewing the law in place in Troy. Village Attorney John Patterson told the Board that he doesn’t believe the Troy law would be enforceable as many of the points are arbitrary. He suggested they take the best from the Troy law and the Ft. Edward Village law and combine them to make a much more enforceable law for Hoosick Falls. An Informational Public Hearing on the law will be held before the October 14 Village Board meeting at 6 pm.

Bornt complained that trying to get property issues resolved in Court has not been successful, particularly when the property owner never appears, such as the case with the owner of the Elm St. CafÄ building.

Concern was also expressed by Bornt over the O’Dell property on lower Church St. Mayor Reynolds said the site is stable. There is not enough grant money to cover the cost of repair, and the Village will try for another Grant in April.

Transfer Station Open Saturdays Only

After this week the Transfer Station will only be open on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm until Spring. Through the rest of September contractors needing to dispose of materials may call the Village Clerk to arrange to drop off items during the week. 

Trustee Michael Hickey said he has set up a meeting with Kelly Paslow from Rensselaer County Public Safety and County Legislator Stan Brownell to look at the Hall Street flooding situation.

HFPD To Be First Responder At HFCS

Hoosick Falls Central School has received a Title IV Grant to contract with the Village for the Hoosick Falls Police Department to be first responder to any situation occurring at the school. “Our Department will be able to respond and be reimbursed by the school,” said the Mayor. The school attorney is drawing up the contract. The Mayor said this would allow the Department to apply for other grants. “This opens many doors,” she said. “We’ve been waiting a long time.” 

In other business the Board approved:

• Liquor license renewal for T-Bone’s

• Liquor license application by Third Base’s new owners Angelo Bernardo and Kathleen Fraher. 

• Sending new Village Court Clerk Holli Snyder for training at Adirondack Community College on October 4.

• Payments on the Water Project.

• Changes to the water lines at the Jessie Stevens home.

• A bid of $16,400 from William Clark Municipal Equipment to purchase a leaf vacuum machine. ODB Company submitted a bid of $16,541.

Hoosick Falls Wetdown

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Nine trucks poured water onto the Hoosick Falls Fire Department’s new engine 17-2 in a ceremonial Wetdown. (Bea Peterson photo)
Nine trucks poured water onto the Hoosick Falls Fire Department’s new engine 17-2 in a ceremonial Wetdown. (Bea Peterson photo)

New Engine “Christened”

by Bea Peterson

With horns blaring and sirens screaming nine fire trucks from Bennington Village, Berlin, Eagle Mills, Hoosick, North Hoosick, Pittstown, West Sand Lake, White Creek and Hoosick Falls showered water on the Hoosick Falls Fire Department’s newest truck, number 17-2 on Saturday, September 6. The ceremony, called a “Wetdown,” is the Fire Department’s version of breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow of a ship, said Chief Ted Senecal. “It’s our first new truck in 17 years and replaced a 1981 model.” It has been leased to own from Wilde Fire in Mayfield, NY, for 10 years. “We have been putting away funds for it all along,” said Senecal. The truck cost about $297,000. 

The engine has an eight man enclosed cab with five air pack seats. It holds 1,000 gallons of water and 30 gallons of class A foam, and has a 1,250 gallons per minute side mounted pump.╩It carries the Fire Department’s thermal imaging camera, four gas multi-meters,╩four additional air packs, 1,000 feet of 4 inch hose, 350 feet of 1 inch hose, 150 feet of 2 inch╩hose and a wide variety of other fire fighting equipment.╩

The Wetdown was followed by a cookout.