by David Flint
An Article 78 proceeding has been filed seeking to annul the recent action of the Stephentown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) that granted a zoning variance for Howard Commander’s planned Motocross sports park off of Webster Hill Road. As he had promised to do, attorney Lewis B. Oliver Jr., Esq. filed the action on Wednesday morning, August 4, before Judge Eugene Devine in State Supreme Court at the Courthouse in Troy. [Read more…] about Article 78 Filed Against Stephentown
Local News
Dog Seized In Petersburgh
by Alex Brooks
Tipped off by a Rensselaer County official who had visited the residence on other business, State Police went to the residence of Belinda Stevens at 1509 State Route 2 in Petersburgh on July 22 and asked to see her dog, which was found to be in poor health. At first, Petersburgh Dog Control Officer Lynne Torello-Burns seized the dog because it was unlicensed. Then the troopers went to the Town Offices and asked Town Justice Paul Montgomery to come down and hear a request for an order to seize the dog. Montgomery granted the seizure order based on the testimony of state troopers.
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New Boat Launch Dedicated In Eagle Bridge
by Bea Peterson
Saturday, July 31, was a picture perfect day that included bright blue skies with wisps of white clouds and low humidity. For several of the Rensselaer Land Trust folks gathered for the dedication of the new public access boat launch on Route 67 in Eagle Bridge it was a far cry from the cold rainy day in May when they spent hours planting 200 trees around the perimeter of this now lush green area adjoining a field of tall corn. [Read more…] about New Boat Launch Dedicated In Eagle Bridge
Petersburgh Resident Trains On New York Naval Militia Patrol Boat
Petersburgh resident Bob Hill piloting PB 230, a patrol boat operated by the New York Naval Militia, took part in boat proficiency training conducted on Friday, July 30, in the Hudson River near Troy. The training was conducted so that members of the Naval Militia could exercise their boat handling skills.
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Heritage Center Restoration Nearing Completion
by David Flint
Work on restoring the ceiling of the Stephentown Heritage Center is nearing completion. Contractor Adam Squires conducted a walk-through on Wednesday with project manager Rik McClave and officers of the Historical Society. Except for a few minor details that will be taken care of this week, McClave pronounced it a “Job well done.”
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Glad To Live In Berlin
A Brief History Of Berlin’s Gladioli Beds
submitted by Sharon Klein, Berlin Town Historian
Eighty-two years after the death of Berlin native Arthur Cowee his gladioli legacy is still something that can capture the imagination! For the past few years the Beautification of Berlin Committee has been planting gladioli bulbs along Route 22 to replicate, in a small way, the renowned display of these fields of flowers which were grown in three locations in town – Meadowvale Farm, just north of Seagroatt’s on Route 22, boasted more than 200 acres while a second field was planted at the current site of Berlin Elementary School. Another 30 acres, known as Meadowvale Farm II, were located in Southeast Hollow.
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Treat The Earth Well…We Borrow It From Our Children
Healing Winds is excited to present the 5th Annual Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow and Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival, Saturday, August 14, and Sunday, August 15, at Gardner’s Field in Stephentown. The purpose of our pow wow is to honor and recognize the original people of this land by celebrating American Indian tradition, heritage, music, dance, community, friends and family. By participating in this pow wow we are all contributing to keeping the rich, spiritual Native American culture alive! Our theme this year is Honoring the Seventh Generation, Respect the Family – Celebrate the Children. Our pow wow is a family friendly, multi-generational, alcohol and drug free event.
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Johnny’s Barbershop Opens In New Lebanon
by Phillip Zema
Once again, New Lebanon has a community barbershop. Johnny’s Barbershop officially opened for business in early June. Master barber John Le Barnes is the owner and barber, and the business is run in the very same shop once used by the late Gaspar Ingui, who ran the barber shop for decades. Nick Ingui, Gaspar’s brother, stated that Gaspar would be pleased that the building will continue as a barbershop.
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New York Army National Guard Aviators Train On Firehawk System
A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crew successfully tested the state’s Firehawk fire fighting system on Wednesday, August 4, in the Mohawk River near the Colonie Town Park.
The Firehawk system consists of a 1,000 gallon tank and spray apparatus that fits beneath a Blackhawk helicopter and can be filled with a pump system and hose from a river or lake in 60 seconds. It is able to drop all or just part of its water payload. It can also be filled with other types of fire retardant material such as foam. The landing gear of the Blackhawk must be modified to accommodate the system.
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The Official Municipal Seals Of New York
by David Flint
The official seals of the Towns of Hoosick, Stephentown, Petersburgh and Grafton, among others, could be seen in one of the displays presented by Marvin Bubie in his illustrated talk to the Stephentown Historical Society on Monday. Americans, according to Bubie, having thrown out the King also largely abandoned the ancient tradition of regal and noble heraldry on state seals. Seals of American states, counties, cities and towns often depict historic events and many are just scenic. Some have retained heraldic imagery such as Stephentown’s use of the Van Rensselaer coat of arms borrowed by permission from the family.
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