The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

A Berlin AARP Volunteer Joins Over 100 Area Residents In National Town Hall On Economic Security

By

Local AARP volunteers and staff gathered for a one night only, exclusive, in-theater event at Crossgates Mall to raise awareness on the issues of health and financial security on Thursday, August 21.   The live, satellite-fed, national town hall discussion followed the screening of the Sundance Film Festival selection I.O.U.S.A. about the financial crisis facing our country.  In addition to the Guilderland site, hundreds of movie theaters around the country also participated. 

The documentary featured some of America’s most notable financial leaders including “investment guru” Warren Buffett, Blackstone Senior Chairman Pete Peterson and former U.S. Comptroller General Dave Walker.  The panel, moderated by Rebecca Quick, co-anchor of CNBC’s financial news show Squawk Box, also featured AARP CEO Bill Novelli.

As gasoline, food and health care costs continue to rise, local residents are looking for solutions to their ever-growing list of financial challenges.  Brian Fuller, AARP NY volunteer and resident of Berlin, joined 20 volunteers from Clifton Park, Delmar, Guilderland, Latham, and Saratoga Springs at the town hall discussion to try to make a difference through an initiative called Divided We Fail.   

“We cannot let the next generation be the first in American history to be worse off than their parents,” said Brian Fuller. “Soon we will have a new President and Congress; we want political candidates in 2008 to acknowledge that health care and financial security solutions need to be a priority.”

“Divided We Fail is trying to bring the issues addressed in this film to the public’s attention,” continued Fuller. “Though the movie theater was packed with well over 100 people, we need to get these important messages out to voters across our state and nation.”

Divided We Fail is a nonpartisan effort that partners AARP, SEIU the Business Roundtable and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) to engage the American people, elected officials, and the business community to find broad-based, equitable solutions to the most compelling domestic issues facing the nation: health care and the long-term financial security of Americans. 

In the Capital Region, the Divided We Fail initiative includes community conversations, events, pledge collection, volunteer mobilization, online engagement and advertising urging the 2008 candidates to offer solutions to the nation’s health care and financial security needs.  An Opinion Leader Forum will be held in Troy, NY, on Thursday, September 25, at Russell Sage College featuring former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall and Chair of the Russell Sage Nursing Technologies Program Dr. Joan Dascher among other panelists.

North Hoosick Fire Department Receives AFG Award

By

Chief Alan Bornt has announced that the North Hoosick Fire Department has been awarded $41,639 from the third round of the Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant. This award was announced and released on July 18, 2008. 

With this award, the North Hoosick Fire Department will be replacing and updating all of its fire fighting hose, several adaptors, relief valves and nozzles. The new equipment will replace fire equipment that is over 20 years old. 

The Fire Department is proud to announce that Kurt T. Bradley, professional grants consultant from Chiefs Grants in Auburndale, Florida, assisted the Fire Department to secure this award. Kurt has assisted many Fire/EMS agencies in securing funds through grants. Kurt can be contacted through his web site at www.chiefsgrant.com.

Lucy S. Moseley

By

West Hoosick – Lucy Springer Moseley, 54, of Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, West Hoosick, NY, died on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2008, at her home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.

Born in Bennington, VT, on April 29, 1954, she was the daughter of Hazel Surdam Springer of Eagle Bridge, NY, and the late Roland Springer. She was the loving wife of Harold M. Moseley, whom she married on March 6, 1971, in the West Hoosick Baptist Church.

Lucy attended Hoosick Falls Central schools. She and her husband were the owner/operators of Taconic Valley Truck Rental in Buskirk, NY. Lucy was a 4-H Leader and a member of the West Hoosick Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher. The love of her life was that of her family. From watching them grow as individuals, enjoying the activities they participated in, which included high school sports, Lucy’s family was always her top priority. She also had a great love of animals. Lucy was pre-deceased by a son, Timothy Scott Moseley, who died on June 11, 1995.

Survivors, besides her husband and mother, include her children, Janette C. Moseley of Hoosick Falls, NY, Erika Repman and Hallie Moseley both of West Hoosick, her grandchildren, Nathaniel Moseley, Makayla and Tanner Ellis, Elora and Charles Repman and little Glenn Milliman who will be born soon. Lucy is also survived by her siblings, Charles Springer and Roland “Peanut” Springer both of Eagle Bridge, Patricia McGarvin of Hoosick Falls, Robert Springer of North Carolina, Richard Springer and Dorothy Dawley both of Hoosick Falls, Geraldine LaFlamme of Bennington, Joseph Springer of Buskirk and Sally Whittet of Hoosick Falls, her in-laws, Paul and Janette Moseley of West Hoosick, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, August 30, at 11 am in the West Hoosick Baptist Church, 1339 Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, West Hoosick. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY, 12144. Arrangements are under the guidance of the Robson-Reinfurt Funeral Home of Hoosick Falls.

Robert Charles Hall, Sr

By

Cambridge – Robert Charles Hall, Sr., 79, died Sunday, August 24, 2008, at the Orchard Nursing Home in Granville, NY. He resided on Cambridge Woods Lane in Cambridge, NY, with his wife Wilhelmina E. (Tschumi) Hall.

Born on May 21, 1929, in Valley Falls, NY, Robert was the son of the late Wesley and Anna Mae (Hewitt) Hall. He graduated from Hoosick Falls High School. Bob was a Master Craftsman working throughout the Hoosick Falls, NY, area, building and remodeling houses. He also built the present Rescue Squad building in Hoosick Falls, built the church hall at the Raymertown Lutheran Church and did remodeling and updating at the Oak plants in Hoosick Falls. He especially enjoyed making cabinets and doll houses. Bob also built the first total electric house in this area in Valley Falls.

Bob enjoyed camping throughout his life. In his earlier years he and his family traveled across the United States, eventually camping in each state. In his later years he and his wife would go camping with their grandchildren.

Bob was very active in the community having served as the Exalted Ruler at the Hoosick Falls Elks # 178 for two terms. He was a Charter Member of the Lions Club, served on the Central School P.T.A., and was a volunteer for Rensselaer County Hospice. He was also involved with his church the First United Church in Hoosick Falls where he served as a Church Elder. Bob was also active in the Albany Presbytery and the Raymertown Lutheran Church where he served as the Superintendent of Sunday School.

Survivors, other than his wife Wilhelmina, include his children, Robert “Chuck” Hall Jr. and wife Cathy of Woodsville, NH, Brian J. Hall and wife Pamela of Cambridge, Karen R. Hall-Otero and husband Michael of Greenwich, NY, and Kathi Carknard of Hoosick Falls, and a brother, Malcolm Hall of West Hoosick, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric C. Hall, Emily Rodriguez and Kenny, John McLucas, Brian McLucas, Carly Hall, Brian Hall and Ian Carknard. Robert is pre-deceased by three brothers, Forrest, Gilbert and Myron, and a son-in-law, Ed Carknard.

Funeral services were Thursday, August 28, at 10 am at the First United Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Committal services will follow the service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hoosick Falls.

Relatives and friends called at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, New York, 12090, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, the Rensselaer County Community Hospice, the Karen McGovern Memorial Fund or Camp Hebron, a camp for children, through the funeral home.

Albert W. “Babe” Waytkus

By

Hoosick Falls – Albert W. “Babe” Waytkus, 90, died Saturday, August 23, 2008, at home with his family tending to him in his own bed. He was also under the tender care of Hospice. Babe resided on Scott Street in Hoosick Falls, NY, with his wife Rose (McEckron) Waytkus. Babe and Rose celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last November.

Born on January 16, 1918, in Hoosick Falls, Babe was the son of the late John and Beniga (Blinstrub) Waytkus. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick Falls. Babe had many jobs in the Town, County and State. He was particularly happy with his school bus driving at Hoosick Falls Central, St. Mary’s Academy and the Howard Kinnicut School.

He belonged to the Elks Lodge # 178, the Derby Club, the St. Stanislaw Society and the Home Guard, all in Hoosick Falls. He was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church for 85 years.

Survivors, other than his wife Rose, include his eight children, Cynthia Salvi of Schenectady, NY, Rosemary Waytkus of Troy, NY, Neil Waytkus of Hoosick Falls, Michael Waytkus of West Sand Lake, NY, Steven Waytkus of North Petersburgh, NY, Patricia La Bombard of Manchester, VT, MaryAnn Anderson of Franklin, NH, and Donald Waytkus of Cambridge, NY. Babe is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by four sons, John, Paul, Albert and Thomas.

Funeral services were Tuesday, August 26, at 9 am from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at 9:30 am from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial followed the Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7 pm. 

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Hoosick Falls Fire Department or the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad through the funeral home.

Ruth P. Wager

By

Petersburgh –  Ruth P. Jones Wager, 80, died on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born October 24, 1927, in Berlin, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harold W. and Nora Brown Jones. She was the widow of Claude Wager. Ruth attended Berlin schools and was of the Baptist faith. She worked for General Cable in Williamstown, MA, for 34 years before relocating to Vero Beach, FL, in 1978. She returned to the area in October of 2007 to celebrate her 80th birthday with family and was taken ill. She resided with her brother Harold and his wife Eva in Petersburgh, NY, and at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington during her illness.

Survivors include a daughter, Debra and husband Wayne Barber of North Adams, MA, her siblings, Agnes Stanley of Zephyr Hills, FL, Harold W. and wife Eva Jones, Jr. of Petersburgh, Howard and wife Blanche Jones of Buskirk, NY, Dorothy Stewart of Las Vegas, NV, Alric “Mike” and wife Betty Jones of North Petersburgh, NY, a special niece, Gloria Adams of Berlin, an aunt, Gladys Jones of Berlin, and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a brother, George Jones.

Following Ruth’s wishes, she will be cremated, with no calling hours or services. She had a great love for animals. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, FL Inc., PO Box 664, Vero Beach, FL, 32961. Arrangements are under the guidance of the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home of Petersburgh.

Sand Lake Historic Church Tour

By

An Historic Church Tour of Sand Lake churches will take place on September 7 from 1 to 5 pm, presented by the Sand Lake Center for the Arts, the Sand Lake Historical Society and the Zion United Church of Christ. Visit the many historic churches in the Sand Lake area. Start at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts – a renovated church building originally constructed in 1835 – where you will pick up tickets and a map and then visit some or all of the many churches in our community.  The cost is $10 per person. The Sand Lake Center for the Arts is located at 2880 NY 43, one half mile east of the blinking light in Averill Park.  Call 518-674-2007 or visit www.slca-ctp.org for more information.

DEC’s Little Helpers

By

by Bea Peterson

 

In April young conservationists Colin King, Noah Abbott, and Michael Matatt helped stock fish in the Walloomsac River. The New York trout fishing season is winding down now and hopefully most fishermen had a good season due to the kids’ hard work. 

For the past 50 years members of the Pioneer Fish and Game Club, along with their families and friends, have assisted DEC personnel in stocking local streams. That spring day over 5,000 brown trout were released into the River. 

The Pioneer Fish and Game Club would like to thank all the landowners along the Walloomsac who generously allow fishermen to pursue their sport. The endeavors this year were overseen by the area’s new DEC officer Lt. James H. Hayes Jr.

The Hoag Family Receives An Out Pouring From The Community

By

 

Photo courtesy of Alan Bornt.
Photo courtesy of Alan Bornt.

The North Hoosick Fire Department along with several members of the community held a benefit chicken barbecue, ran several raffles and had a music concert for the Michael and Jackie Hoag family. Their 17 month old son has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. On Monday, August 11, members of the benefit committee presented the Hoag family with the proceeds from the benefit which totaled $13,490. It was an outstanding out-pouring from the community we live in. On August 16 the family met in Boston with physicians and are getting the medical attention they need for Luke.

The Largest Corn Maze On The East Coast

By

 

The maze shortly after it was cut. Photo by Tim Allen.
The maze shortly after it was cut. Photo by Tim Allen.

The public is invited to take part in making history in Hoosick and attend the ribbon cutting ceremony of the largest corn maze on the east coast on Saturday, September 6, at 11 am at The Corn Maze at Kettle Farms on the Troy-Bennington Road in Hoosick, NY.

 

 

Capturing Hoosick’s bond with farming and history, the 20-acre corn maze was designed to replicate the train on the old Corkscrew Railroad which ran through this very parcel in the early 1900s.  There are four sections to the maze with varying degrees of difficulty.  The engine consists of 2.3 miles of trails;  the cab, 3.2 miles of trails.  The coal car consists of .5 miles of trails and the caboose, 1.8 miles of trails.  There is a total of 7.8 miles of trails for those daring enough to venture through the entire maze.

Other venues at The Corn Maze at Kettle Farms include pick your own pumpkins, hay bale maze, corn cannon, pumpkin slingshots and trike track.

On hand for the ribbon cutting event will be Assemblyman Roy McDonald, County Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote, Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas and Board Members Bob Ryan, Mark Cottrell, Kevin O’Malley and Mark Surdam.  Other officials are also expected.

Town of Hoosick Supervisor Marilyn Douglas said, “The Corn Maze captures the spirit of the agri-tourism industry and provides a wholesome family experience on this 82-acre farm in the beautiful rolling hills of Hoosick.”

For further information and scheduling, call Tammy’s Candy Kettle and Kettle Farms at 518-686-0992 or the Town of Hoosick Town Clerk Susan Stradinger at 518-686-4571.