The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

New Lebanon Town Board Action – New Lebanon Voters Reject $815k Town Hall Renovation Plan

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by Phillip Zema
The $815k referendum to renovate the New Lebanon Town Hall failed by a vote of 182 to 88. The 270 voters only represent about 18% of the town’s electorate. At the New Lebanon Town Board meeting on July 12, there was plenty of discussion over why the referendum failed. Some speculated that a substantial portion of the community was simply unaware of the referendum. Others thought the town had little time to properly inform the public about the project—e.g. that a tax increase could be avoided. Accordingly, the public was intimidated by the referendum’s large financial figure. It was also mentioned that the struggling economy played a factor as well. Councilman Doug Banker added that there could have been a myriad of reasons for why people rejected the referendum.
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County 911 System Rerouted To Backup

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by Bea Peterson
“Residents of Rensselaer County can be 100 percent confident of our 911 system,” said County spokesperson Chuck Wojton Wednesday afternoon. “At 9:30 pm on Tuesday,” Wojton said, “the public safety building was struck by lightning, causing radio consoles to fail and 911 lines to be rerouted to TOPS [Verizon’s Telephone Operating Service.]” He added that cellular emergency calls were handled by the State Police or Albany County. “Backup procedures were immediately put in place and all 911 calls were answered.” One of those backup facilities was Hoosick Falls Dispatch.
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Walter A Wood Alumni Contribute To Veterans Wall

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submitted by Phil Leonard
The Walter A. Wood High School Alumni Association donated $1,937 to the Hoosick Veterans Memorial Wall on July 2. This organization has disbanded since the new alumni group includes graduates from the Hoosick Falls Central School.  Janice Tate presented the check to Phil Leonard, a member of the fund raising team for the wall.
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Letter To The Editor – Just The Facts

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To the Editor,
I would like to address the upcoming issue of the purchase of the Berlin Lumber property. Some residents have expressed concerns that the property is in the flood plain, it is too big for us and it will increase taxes. Some of you may have other concerns. I feel that the first vote resulted in a NO vote because the information some residents received was exaggerated and incorrect and many people were led to believe that this would not be good for the town. This time, I would like to give you factual and correct information so you can make an intelligent and informed decision. [Read more…] about Letter To The Editor – Just The Facts

Benefit Dinner For Steve Kellar

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Friends and family of Steve Kellar will be holding a benefit dinner on July 24 from 4 to 6 pm at the Berlin Fire House to help cover the costs of unexpected medical bills.
Steve is a life member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. He has held several positions in the company, is married, is raising two daughters and, until recently, worked full time.
Steve was recently diagnosed with a form of dying muscle disease and ineffective veins in his right thigh. This disease is a complication of Type II diabetes that he was diagnosed with several years ago. Due to this disease, he has lost his job, has no health insurance and cannot afford to pay for private insurance. So far two doctors have signed disability papers, and he is waiting for one more. Meanwhile the doctor bills are increasing.
The dinner includes barbecued steak, or if you prefer there will be a limited number of barbecued chicken, baked potato, baked beans, coleslaw, roll and beverage. The cost of the meal is $10 for adults, $6 for children 6-11 and $3 for children under 6.
There will also be a Chinese Auction and 50-50 raffle. You need not be present to win. Net proceeds will go to Steve to help pay his expensive doctor bills.
For further information, call 658-2924 or 658-2664.

American Red Cross Blood Drive In Berlin

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The American Red Cross Blood Drive is on Monday, July 19, from 1 to 6 pm at the Berlin United Methodist Church on Main Street in Berlin. Donors must be at least 16 with a parent signature or 17 or older to participate. Anyone who is interested, can contact Rachel Gordon at 733-9033 to schedule an appointment.

Taconic Valley Historical Society July Meeting

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Martha von Schilgen, playing violin, John Guay, playing hammer dulcimer, and Dan Hoffman, playing guitar, will present an evening of music at the July meeting of the Taconic Valley Historical Society.  The meeting will be held at the United Methodist Church, South Main Street, Berlin on Monday, July 19, at 7:30 pm. There will be refreshments and a social time following the performance.  Everyone is welcome.

Leaping Lizards And Rocking Reptiles Visit Grafton Library

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Lizards and other reptiles will be making a splash at the Grafton Community Library on Wednesday, July 21, at 10:30 am.  The “Leapin’ Lizards & Rockin’ Reptiles” program presented by the Children’s Museum of Science & Technology is your opportunity to meet live reptiles and learn all about this animal group.  Learn why reptiles shed skin, change temperature, stick out their tongues and much more!
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