The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

New Lebanon

This Bet Aims to Beat Hunger

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Submitted by Nina Keller
Josh Young says he doesn’t know how he would live without his beard, but he is happy to shave it off now that he lost a bet. He asked his loyal shoppers at his New Lebanon Farmers Market & Grocery to step up to the plate to aid those whose food benefits ran out, promising that if they raised $10,000 he would shave off his beard.

The market runs a companion food aid program that extends the benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That program, called Market Match, started the year with a grant of $17,500 from Berkshire Ag Ventures, whose Market Match Fund awarded more than $100,000 to a number of other Berkshire-area farmers markets that offered similar programs in 2022. [Read more…] about This Bet Aims to Beat Hunger

Raising Funds for the LVPA

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On Thursday, February 9, at 6 pm, at M & M’s Tap & Tavern, there will be a Barn Raising for the 21st Century and silent auction to benefit the Lebanon Valley Protective Association (LVPA). The LVPA has been trying to build a new centrally located firehouse to improve response times from one end of Town to the other. They have received a $250,000 donation from an anonymous donor from New Lebanon, but the community has to come up with $250,000 in matching donations to receive it.

So far for the silent auction local businesses have donated self storage units, commercial fleet power washing services, a 20 yard dumpster, massages, custom made jewelry, dinners at local restaurants, and much more. The Brown and McArdle Real Estate Team from Berkshire Hathaway Blake are sponsoring the event, as well as giving out a door prize and pizza the night of the event.

Personal monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be made payable to LVPA.

Continuing Climate Success

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Submitted by CSC Chair Steve Powers
Small but mighty New Lebanon continues to power its way toward achieving maximum climate change mitigation and resilience. It is the first in its region to achieve 5000 points in New York State Energy Research and Development Administration’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities program resulting in a $70,000 grant for energy upgrades.

The Town, with a population of 2305 people, was also the first in Columbia County to achieve Bronze Certification from the Climate Smart Communities program, which awards points for the completion of tasks taken to meet the challenges posed by climate change.

The Town Board has voted to use the latest grant for [Read more…] about Continuing Climate Success

A Message From Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling 

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Deputy Town Supervisor, community ally, and wonderful friend, Charles “Doug” Banker. There will be a celebration of his life at Zucchini’s restaurant in Pittsfield on Sunday, December 18, at noon. Donations can be made in his honor to the Cemetery of the Evergreens, where he served as a volunteer for many years. You can also take a moment to share a memory to be included in his keepsake book. All of the information about his celebration of life, how to make a donation, and how to share a memory can be found by visiting memorials.parkerbrosmemorial.com/book-of-memories/5086626/Banker-Charles/.

New Lebanon Holiday Gift Drive

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Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling is organizing the seventh annual holiday gift drive for New Lebanon families in need. If you would like to adopt a child or children this holiday season, please contact Supervisor Houghtling at the number below, or by stopping by the Town Hall on Tuesdays from 9 am to 2 pm, or Thursdays from noon to 5 pm. You will be provided a detailed list of toys and items the child likes. If you would prefer we do the shopping, you can make a monetary donation at the Town Supervisor’s office, or by mailing it to:

Town of New Lebanon Holiday Gift Drive
PO Box 328
New Lebanon, NY, 12125 [Read more…] about New Lebanon Holiday Gift Drive

Community Walk

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The Town of New Lebanon Recreation Commission has scheduled the fourth community walk for Saturday, November 12, from 10 am to noon. This will be a guided walk through the Hand Hollow Conservation Area, 4079 County Rt. 9, East Chatham. The walk will be led by East Chatham resident Joanna Ezinga. A long distance adventurer, Joanna has trekked thousands of miles in the US and abroad by foot, bike, and kayak. [Read more…] about Community Walk

New Lebanon CSD Alumni Reunion

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New Lebanon Central School graduates from the Classes of 1949 to 1981 and their guests gathered for the school’s annual dinner reunion on Saturday, July 23, at Zucchini’s Restaurant in Pittsfield. There was much reminiscing about high school days, catching up on current lives, viewing NLCS memorabilia, and the enjoyment of a delicious buffet dinner.

The New Lebanon Alumni Association has held its annual reunion every summer for graduates and their guests since the start of the NLCS reunions in 1981, missing only 1995, 2020, and 2021. The Alumni Association publishes a semiannual newsletter, the SEQUAX, reaching over 350 graduates. The Association also awards scholarships every year to two NLCS seniors and helps support the Yearbook Committee and the HS Library with monetary gifts.

New Lebanon CSD’s New Assistant Principle and Athletic Director

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Written by Corey Brown, Courtesy of NLCSD

Hello New Lebanon Students and Families,

My name is Corey Brown, and I am very excited to introduce myself as the new Athletic Director and Assistant Principal of New Lebanon Central School District. I am honored that I was chosen to help lead such an outstanding district and school community. I have heard nothing but positive things about the students, athletes, families, and the surrounding community. Everyone that I have had the pleasure of speaking with has already made me feel like I am part of the New Lebanon Family.

I come to you with 10 years of experience as an educator and leader in rural, urban and suburban settings ranging from the elementary, middle and high school levels. I grew up in Upstate New York before leaving to attend college out of state. I couldn’t be happier to return to New York and make this my home once again. I am a former athlete, coach, and teacher who truly cares about supporting each student’s quest to reach their full potential. [Read more…] about New Lebanon CSD’s New Assistant Principle and Athletic Director

Welcoming New Girl Scouts

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Local Girl Scout Service Unit 154 would like to welcome your girls to join Girl Scouts this year. We will be holding meetings after school for grades K through 5 in the elementary school, and will choose the day of the week when all registrations have been received. We have other troops in place but are happy to create new ones depending on the interest. Please call Robin Conner at the Girl Scout council at 518-489-8110 x153 and she will be able to help you get registered and get you into a troop in our area. 

New Lebanon Graduating Senior Named DAR Northeast Division Good Citizen

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In December, the Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution named Benjamin Chaput, a senior in the New Lebanon Central School District, the chapter’s Good Citizen. Subsequently Benjamin was recognized as the New York State DAR District III Good Citizen, the New York State DAR Good Citizen and finally the National Society DAR Northeastern Division Good Citizen, an honor shared by only seven other males in the country. [Read more…] about New Lebanon Graduating Senior Named DAR Northeast Division Good Citizen