The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Hoosick

Hoosick Grange News

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The Hoosick Grange met on Wednesday, September 24, with Master David Cornell. It was supposed to be Birthday Night but was changed to a workshop on planning next year’s programs. The Grange plans to have Christmas Shoe Boxes as gifts for the children in our community. Please plan to have them done and in by November 12. The Grange worked on planning the meetings and refreshment committees for the year. They are still to be confirmed.

Our next meeting is on October 8 with Marion Hynick in charge of the program. She will be having a speaker, Mr. Glen Hynick, speaking on Antarctica. Refreshment Committee is Kendal Baker. Refreshments for the evening were provided by Helen Filkins.

Nuts And Bolts Of Wood Stoves

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Hubbard Hall Projects and the Community Partnership present the third in their series on sustainability and “green” preservation and building practices. Forests, Trees and Woody Biomass – A Source of Fuel will take place this coming Monday, October 6, at 7:30 pm in the Beacon Feed Building, behind Hubbard Hall. This is a free program of special interest to home owners, builders, architects, real estate brokers, engineers, property developers and others.

The first two programs of this series explored integration of sustainable development and green design and construction practices and materials which save energy, conserve resources and increase comfort. This third program will offer contemporary perspectives on an old fashioned way of heating one’s home. Join us for an evening of discussion among experts in wood fuels. Speakers will cover everything from the big picture of sustainable forest management to the nuts and bolts of wood stoves and chimneys. How is wood fuel sustainable regionally?  How are emissions from wood stoves regulated, and how bad are they? Just what does it take to build a chimney, and how is it maintained?  What is the latest and greatest wood burning technology?

John Wiley, a consulting forester and woodland owner, will speak about forest management, timber stand improvement, markets for timber/firewood and wildlife habitat improvement through forest management.  Bob Somers, a woodland owner and forester, will provide a testimonial on the residential wood heating systems utilized in his home.  He will provide an overview of clean burning, gasification technology, summarize the performance of these systems and discuss outdoor wood boiler regulations.

Rich Klebes, a wood stove and insert specialist, will speak about the nuts and bolts of wood burning.  He is a National Fireplace Institute Gas and Wood Burning Specialist.  Rich will talk about the science of wood combustion, different types of burning appliances (e.g. stoves, inserts, etc.) and the details of good chimney design and system operation.

A round-table discussion and question-and-answer period will follow the presentations. Participants will make themselves available to speak about individual concerns and projects following the formal session.

For more information or to offer suggestions for presenters and topics for future sessions, please email Jeff at goldstone@nycap.rr.com. This is a free program.

Clothes For Kids

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Clothes for Kids will hold a clothing give away day on October 13 from 1 to 4 pm at the Hoosick Self Storage on South Street in Hoosick. Any families in need of kids’ clothes are welcome to come and get what they need. If you need further information, please call Sue at 686-0717 or 441-9896.

Pittstown VFD BBQ

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The Pittstown Volunteer Fire Department will be holding its annual Giffy’s Chicken Barbecue Dinner on October 12 at the Pittstown Fire House, 134 Parker School Road. The price is $9.75 per dinner. The take-out dinners will be served from 4 to 6 pm. For tickets call 663-5773 and leave a message. Tickets are also available at the door. There will also be a Fire Prevention Open House with hands on fire extinguisher demonstrations and fire safety information from 3 to 6 pm.

Town Of Hoosick Republican News

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Kenny And The Gamblers Win Golf Tournament

 

The Town of Hoosick Republican Party hosted its annual Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 21, at the Hoosick Falls Country Club.  The tournament was great success with perfect weather, good food and lots of laughter among the golfers.

The winning team Golf tournament Team, Kenny Rogers, Steve Bellemare, Mike Shea and Bobby Abbott with Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote, Town of Hoosick Council Mark Surdam and Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell. Photo courtesy of Cindy Mattsion.
The winning team Golf tournament Team, Kenny Rogers, Steve Bellemare, Mike Shea and Bobby Abbott with Rensselaer County Legislator Lester Goodermote, Town of Hoosick Council Mark Surdam and Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell. Photo courtesy of Cindy Mattsion.

Kenny and the Gamblers was the winning team with a team score of 57.  Team members were Bob Abbott, Steve Bellemare, Mike Shea and Kenny Rogers.  The Straightest Drive prize was awarded to Stacey Nuccio and the Longest Drive to Kenny Rogers.  Steve Bellemare took home the prize for being Closest to the Pin.

The Town of Hoosick Republican Party would like to thank each of the golfers, the Tee-Box sponsors, the Hoosick Falls County Club, Jean’s Place for a wonderful lunch and Robson and Geraghty Insurance Agency for the hole-in-one.   

Giffy’s Chicken Bar-B-Q

The Town of Hoosick Republican Party will sponsor a Giffy’s Chicken Bar-B-Q on Thursday, October 23, at the Grand Union Parking lot.  Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from any Committee member or by calling the number below.  There will be limited amount of extra meals, so order soon.

Pick up will begin at 4 pm.  It’s delicious, hot, home-cooked meal with all the fixings and best of all – no clean up.  As always, we thank you in advance for your support.  For tickets or more information, please call 518-322-8685 or 686-7710.

Fourth Hoosic River Benefit Bike Ride A Success

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Lara Shore-Sheppard and son Ethan (age 6) participate in last month’s Hoosic River Ride completing the 34 mile route that passed through the Village of Hoosick Falls.
Lara Shore-Sheppard and son Ethan (age 6) participate in last month’s Hoosic River Ride completing the 34 mile route that passed through the Village of Hoosick Falls.

The Hoosic River Watershed Association announced recently that the Fourth Hoosic River Ride, a benefit bicycling event, netted at least $5,700 for the organization’s programs in education, research and advocacy. “This is a tremendous boost to our budget in a challenging fundraising environment,” said HooRWA’s President John Case. 

 

At final count, the ride boasted its highest number of riders, their families and friends, just over 150 participants. While the majority came from within a 50-mile radius, there were small groups from Montreal, Philadelphia and New York City. Steve Brown, one of the participants who made the trek from Pennsylvania, offered this comment about the ride, “ ╔it was pretty, challenging and just plain old fun. The whole event was very well-organized, and the people at the rest stops could not have been nicer and more helpful.” 

Fortunately, the people at the rest stops were also well qualified. EMT’s from

Bennington, Petersburgh, Hoosick Falls, Cambridge and Pownal all provided their services to those in need at the six rest stops located throughout the watershed. Two of the rest stops were hosted by local residents Denise and Paul Hoag of Hoosick Falls, and Jim and Leslie Prendergast of Buskirk. In addition, volunteers – including Shelly Stiles and Michael Batcher of Buskirk – manned the stations serving up the oranges, bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other fare to keep folks going. “We have to thank the volunteers who make the day possible,” said Case. “Without their dedicated efforts the riders would not have as pleasant experience.” Case notes that the Town of Hoosick and the Village of Hoosick Falls need to be thanked, too, for working with organizers to ensure the success of the event.

C.H. McNally & Son, the Hoosick Federal Credit Union, the Stewart’s Shops and Trustco Bank were all local 2008 Hoosic River Ride sponsors. “Without the support of the region’s businesses this ride would not happen,” explained Lisa Carey-Moore, organizer of the ride. “We are very grateful to everyone who donated in these challenging financial times, especially since we understand that there are many worthwhile causes to support.”

The Hoosic River Ride intends to celebrate its fifth year back in Bennington next August. Those interested in helping to plan the 2009 event should contact Lisa Carey-Moore at 413-458-2241. For details on other HooRWA events and activities people can visit www.hoorwa.org.

Helen B. Eddy

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Eagle Bridge – Helen B. (Bartling) Eddy, 93, died Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT. She had resided on Rt. 67 in Eagle Bridge, NY, and is pre-deceased by her husband Perry Eddy.

Born on November 24, 1914, in the Town of Pittstown, NY, Helen was the daughter of the late Walter and Florence (Quackenbush) Bartling. She was educated at schools in Pittstown and was a homemaker all of her life. Helen also owned the Owlkill Gift Shop in Eagle Bridge. She enjoyed reading, taking care of other people and playing with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Joan Gardner of Hoosick Falls, NY, a sister, Louise Splatt of Albany, NY, seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves her close friends, Debbie and Denny Brownell, Leslie, Jean and Lynn. Helen is pre-deceased by her daughter, Lois Sukuskas, sisters, Eva Gates and Lois Haner, and a brother, Walter Bartling.

Funeral services are Thursday, October 2, at 2 pm from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial follows the service at Island Hill Cemetery, Buskirk, NY.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 12 pm until the start of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad through the funeral home.

County Legislator Stan Brownell Charged With DWI

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by Bea Peterson

Rensselaer County Legislator Stanley Brownell has pleaded not guilty to a DWI charge incurred on August 10 in Springfield, VT. According to Brownell’s attorney Daniel McManus, Vermont law states a first time offender has a right to refuse a breath test. Brownell refused it. “He is innocent until proven guilty,” said his attorney. “We haven’t seen the video that was taken in the processing room by Springfield Police.” He feels that the video will provide more evidence on Brownell’s behalf. McManus asked that people keep an open mind until the case comes to court. “It’s unfortunate that because of his position in the Legislature this case has had a lot of publicity.”

“Legislator Brownell has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence. He expects to bring the case to trial some time this fall,” said Richard Crist, Republican Legislative Liaison from the Rensselaer County Legislature Majority Office. He added that so far as he knew, recently published stories appearing in several local daily newspapers had the facts correct.

The Eastwick Press does not have a copy of the police affidavit at this point, but, according to published reports, Brownell was stopped for driving 50 m.p.h. in a 40 m.p.h. zone. He was also alleged to be weaving in his lane, which his attorney disputes. Brownell reportedly admitted to police that he had consumed alcohol earlier in the evening. 

The case is scheduled for the Windsor, VT, District Court at 3 pm on October 8.

Fire At Hoosac Meadows

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The smell of smoke was evident from the opened windows at 22 Hoosac Meadows Way Wednesday afternoon as a result of a kitchen fire Tuesday evening. (Bea Peterson photo)
The smell of smoke was evident from the opened windows at 22 Hoosac Meadows Way Wednesday afternoon as a result of a kitchen fire Tuesday evening. (Bea Peterson photo)

by Bea Peterson

The Hoosick Fire Department received the call of a structure fire at Hoosac Meadows Way at 10:02 Tuesday night. “The first engine was at the scene in five or six minutes,” said Hoosick Fire Chief William Rifenburgh. Smoke from the kitchen fire was visible to Route 22, he added. 

The family of Darlene Lockrow had turned in for the night when smoke detectors alerted them to the fire, which was the result of an unattended cooking fire; something unintentionally left going on the stove. “The kitchen suffered heavy smoke, fire and heat damage,” said Chief Rifenburgh. 

Residents and neighbors with fire extinguishers held the flames at bay until Fire Departments from Hoosick and Hoosick Falls arrived on the scene. They quickly knocked down the remaining fire. “The automatic pre-plan we have in place for apartment complexes worked well last night,” said the Chief. Hoosick and Hoosick Falls Departments were automatically deployed and the North Hoosick Fire Department was on standby in quarters. “The Hoosick Falls ladder truck was on the scene and because there are no hydrants, trucks were sent up Route 22, across from McDonald’s, to be filled with water from hydrants located there. 

Some of the apartments share common attic space, and fire fighters made sure fire had not gotten into the walls before allowing residents to return to their homes about 11 pm. “The family of four was very fortunate their smoke detectors worked,” said Chief Rifenburgh. Often individuals are overcome by smoke rather than the fire, he added. “It was a good reminder that everyone should make sure their smoke detectors are in good working order.”

JLS Foundation Finalists Attend Networking Day In New York

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In the photo from left to right: John Liporace, Jr., Laura Stevenson, Nicole LaCroix, Ben Taylor, Samantha Merwin, Mary Donohue, Sean Swarner.
In the photo from left to right: John Liporace, Jr., Laura Stevenson, Nicole LaCroix, Ben Taylor, Samantha Merwin, Mary Donohue, Sean Swarner.

 

Five students from the Class of 2009 at Hoosick Falls Central School recently attended a networking day in New York City where they met with four professionals who shared stories about their careers, offered advice on how to be successful and pledged to stay in contact with the students to help them plan their college and post-college careers. 

 

The five students – Mary Donohue, Nicole LaCroix, Samantha Merwin, Laura Stevenson and Ben Taylor – earned the trip to New York City after being named finalists for a scholarship offered by the JLS Foundation. The JLS Foundation which honors the memory of the late John Liporace Sr., was created to empower high school students at HFCS to realize their fullest potential by exposing them to a variety of career opportunities, connecting them to a network of career professionals and awarding them with the financial resources to pursue their careers. Each year the Foundation offers a networking opportunity to HFCS students entering their senior year. 

The networking day was hosted by John Liporace Jr., Managing Partner at Taylor, one of the country’s leading public relations agencies, at his office in the Empire State Building. Liporace arranged for the students to meet with four professionals, who included Matt Lalin, Founder, StarPower, who has negotiated $100 million worth of marketing deals for professional athletes, Dr. Joyce Liporace, one of the country’s leading neurologists specializing in concerns for women with epilepsy, Ken Kencel, CEO of Churchill Financial, and Sean Swarner, the first cancer survivor to summit Mt. Everest. HFCS teachers Isabel McGuire and Chris Marsh escorted the students to New York.

Each of the four speakers shared stories of how they started their careers and what they felt were keys to success. 

“Each of the speakers took different paths to success,” said John Liporace Jr. “The common theme was they were all chasing a dream to do something they love and the passion for their work helped them reach the top. Certainly, Sean’s story was a different one; it was more about survival and chasing your dream no matter what stands in the way.”

The 33-year old Swarner, who flew in from Boulder, CO, where he lives and trains, spent an hour with the students talking to them about the challenges he has faced including being a two-time cancer survivor, being twice told that he wouldn’t survive and then realizing his dream of being the first cancer survivor to literally reach the top of the world. Swarner, who co-authored the book Keep Climbing, signed copies of the book for the students and encouraged them to not lose sight of their dreams no matter what the obstacle.

Each of the students has been asked to write a 250 word essay about their experience in New York. One of the students will then be selected to receive a $1,500 scholarship and a matching donation of $1,500 will be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a national voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and Myeloma and to improving the quality of life of patients and their families. The donation will benefit the Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter of the Society, which services the Hoosick Falls area.

For more information about the JLS Foundation, log on to www.thejlsfoundation.org.