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The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Local News

Raiders Win Super Bowl, 27 – 7, Over Cambridge Cubs

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

by Steve Bradley

The Hoosick Falls Raiders brought another Super Bowl championship to Hoosick Falls last Sunday with a big crowd on hand and the cheerleaders rooting the team on. Jake Sparks led the way with three touchdowns as the undefeated Raiders won the league trophy.

[Read more…] about Raiders Win Super Bowl, 27 – 7, Over Cambridge Cubs

Filed Under: Hoosick, Hoosick Falls, Local News, Sports Outdoors

An Illustrated Talk On Bees In Stephentown

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

Maggie Brown will give an illustrated talk on Bees and Beekeeping at the Stephentown Historical Society meeting on Monday, November 3, at 7:30 pm.  The meeting will be at the Stephentown Heritage Center on Garfield Road (County Route 26), Stephentown.  The program is free and open to the public.  The building is handicapped accessible.

Come and learn about these pollinators of many food crops and the source of delicious honey.  For directions or information, phone 518-733-0010.

Brown’s Honey Pot Apiaries has bee yards in Hancock, MA, and Claverack and East Chatham, NY.  Brown is a long time environmentalist and full time nurse.

Filed Under: Local News, Stephentown

Hoosick Grange News – Walnuts

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

It was open meeting night at Hoosick Grange on Wednesday, October 22. Berta Burr was in charge of the Lecturer’s program. Her theme was black walnut trees, She told us that walnut trees are a forest tree, very valuable for their nuts and wood. There are several kinds that grow in the United States. Two are native to the east, the black walnut and the butternut. The English walnut was brought to the U.S. From Europe and is grown in California and Oregon. Black and English walnut trees provide lumber for valuable furniture. The black walnut tree is rare, grows fast and is hardy. It can live for 100 years. Its wood is used mainly for fine furniture and gunstocks. Berta had a nice piece of wood which was a dark purplish brown and had fine grain and luster. She also had a lovely black walnut bowl and two nuts she picked up from her tree. Berta’s husband made the bowl that was shining with luster, and you could see the fine grains. The nuts from the black walnut were in their hulls, or shells, and are very hard and thick. They are very hard to break. The squirrels love them. The nut has a rich flavor. They ripen and fall off the tree in September and October. The roots of the black walnut tree are the infectious part. They can grow 7½ to 8 feet long and are poisonous. Don’t use leaves in the garden, Berta said, they can kill plants or trees. They use the hulls and wood in making dyes. The black walnut tree is becoming rare and is increasing in value. We asked some questions, and then Berta had some jokes. We thanked Berta for a very interesting program. We learned a lot. We had some cider and doughnuts provided by Allen and Edna Cornell.

Our next meeting is November 5 – Rensselaer County Pomona Grange will have a covered dish supper at 7 pm. Our Hoosick Grange regular meeting is November 12. Martha Babbitt will give a report on the New York State Grange Meeting. Everyone is to bring goodies for refreshments.

Filed Under: Hoosick, Local News

Letter To The Editor – An Eye Opener?

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

To the Editor:

I had the eye opening experience of attending the Public Hearing on Grafton’s proposed budget for 2015 on Monday evening, October 27. The first thing I noticed was the budget put out on the table for public inspection, contained higher spending totals in the General Fund portion and a proposed tax hike of 3.39 %. This was different from the budget that was available for public inspection the prior week, which contained a tax hike of 1.5%. This is because the Supervisor discovered his preliminary budget had a $12,500 error in the appropriations side of the document. It would have been nice if this error had been discovered earlier so any who wished to view the budget could have availed themselves to the true numbers, but I thank the Supervisor for at least catching and correcting the document prior to the start of the hearing.

During the hearing I made the point that I was not in favor of such a tax hike for a number of reasons, the strongest being I don’t feel the majority of the residents of Grafton have seen their yearly income rise by 3.39% or better. I also pointed out that such an increase exceeded the NYS property tax cap, and further identified some areas that I thought some spending cuts could be made.

Immediately after the closing of the hearing, the Town Board held a special meeting, at which Supervisor Higgins proposed a resolution making four changes to his preliminary budget, chief of which was to move $12,500 dollars from the Town’s unexpended fund balance into the revenue side of the budget, to restore the 1.5 tax hike. It is here where my eyes were opened to some interesting points – one, that at least two of the Board members were unaware of this resolution prior to its introduction and two, that not all members of the Board were kept up to date periodically as to what the level of the fund balance was, as Councilman Crandall had to ask the Town’s bookkeeper for that figure. She informed the councilman that the Town started 2014 with $214,000 left over from last year, and that the Town had gained another $33,000 so far this year. I then asked Supervisor Higgins how much more would be needed from that fund balance to at least bring the tax hike down to under 1%. I was disappointed that in response he defended his spending levels as the result of inflation, increases in utility costs and unfunded State mandates. He never answered or offered to research the issue, said he was “not going to nickel and dime the budget” and cut off the discussion.

Now let me say that I am very fiscally conservative and would never advocate destroying the Town’s fund balance. I was simply looking for a number to see if such a further transfer of funds would be prudent. Since I was denied this answer, I researched the issue with the NYS Comptroller’s Office. They advocate that any funds in excess of 10% of the annual budget be used to reduce the amount of real property taxes and that this excess also be used to pay down any long term debts, such as our bonds on the Senior Center. Our fund balance is currently running north of 20% of our budget.

Supervisor Higgins has indicated that the budget with the changes approved by the Board will be brought to a vote at the next regular Town Board meeting date, which I believe is November 10. If you believe as I do, that we at least need an answer to the question of how much fund balance usage would be required to further lower the tax rate, please attend this meeting. Yes, inflation cost are a burden on the Town. But for those who are seeing a 1% increase or less in their household income this coming year, a tax hike above that is also a burden. They, unlike a government, cannot simply vote to increase their income like a government can increase taxes. So let’s use some common sense. NO, I do not want to drain our rainy day fund down to unreasonable levels. That would be foolhardy. But since it is in excess of recommended levels, and if using a very small portion of it can give those living on a reduced or stagnant income level a break this year, then bring those numbers forth at the next meeting. Let the Board have a open and real discussion on the pros and cons, make sure the spending and revenue estimates are legitimate and, above all, remember its OUR MONEY you’re spending. Please be informed, transparent and wise guardians of it.

Doug La Rocque, 34 Richmond Road, Grafton

Filed Under: Grafton, Letters & Comments, Local News

Saving Simon, The Rescue Donkey

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz will come to Petersburgh for a reading from his new book Saving Simon: How A Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion on Thursday, November 6, at 7 pm at the Petersburgh Town Hall. Hosted by the Petersburgh Public Library, Katz will be accompanied by his border collie/therapy dog Red.

[Read more…] about Saving Simon, The Rescue Donkey

Filed Under: Local News, Petersburgh

Sit & Knit Weekly Knitting Group At The Grafton Library

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

Every Saturday from 10 to 11:30 am the Grafton Community Library hosts “Sit and Knit,” a knitting and needle arts group that is open to all ages and abilities. Everyone is invited to come share his or her skills and learn new techniques and tricks. No previous experience is necessary. Participants practice a variety of techniques including stitching, crocheting, knitting and more. Drop in for a few minutes or stay the whole time.

For more information and to find out about the Library’s other programs and services, visit graftoncommunitylibrary.org or call 279-0580. The Library is located at 2455 NY Route 2 in Grafton.

Filed Under: Grafton, Local News

Halloween At The Petersburgh Library

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

Forget the trick… but come to the Library in costume for a treat on Friday, October 31, between 3:30 and 5:30.

Make A Dream Catcher

Dream catchers are a native American symbol of strength and unity.  As we approach Thanksgiving and its origins everyone is invited to the Library to make a dream catcher on Saturday, November 8, between 10 am and noon.  The craft will be facilitated by Craig Levesque, who has made numerous dream catchers.  One is on display at the Library.  Please sign up at the Library so there will be enough supplies for all who want to participate.

Book Group

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd is the subject of discussion at the next book group meeting on Wednesday, November 12, at 7 pm.  Anyone who has read the book and would like to join the discussion is welcome to attend even if it’s only this time.  Copies of the book are available at the Library for your reading pleasure.

Story Hour

Pre-school story hour is held Tuesday mornings at 11 am when school is in session.  On November 4 join us for stories about the changing seasons and on November 18 for Thanksgiving stories.  Story hour includes stories, crafts, activities and snacks.  All pre-schoolers and their caregivers are invited to attend.

LEGOS

LEGOS at the Library will be held Wednesday, November 12, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.  The Library received a grant of thousands of LEGOS to make this program possible.  Donations of LEGOS would also be welcomed if your children have outgrown them.

Knitting Group

Knitters, and those wanting to learn to knit, are invited to the Library on Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm.  Bring any projects you are working on and enjoy knitting together.

Filed Under: Local News, Petersburgh

Halloween At The Grafton Library

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

Children and families are invited to stop by Grafton Community Library on October 31 from 3 to 8 pm to celebrate Halloween with spooky stories, sweet treats and great give-aways. All children will get to choose a book to keep from our grab bag. Come in costume for a special prize!

For more information visit our website or call 279-0580.

Filed Under: Grafton, Local News

Veterans Day Ceremony In Stephentown

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

The annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Stephentown will honor in particular this year those veterans who served during the Vietnam War era. The celebration, sponsored by the Veterans of the Stephentown Area, will be held on Saturday, November 8, starting at 11 am.  Speakers will include County Executive Kathy Jimino, NYS Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin and County Veterans Service Agency Director Peter Goebel. The ceremony will be followed by a catered lunch at the Fire Hall on Grange Hall Road. All are invited to attend.

Filed Under: Local News, Stephentown

New Opportunities For Vets To Connect In Hoosick Falls

October 31, 2014 By eastwickpress

submitted by Gail Smith

Heroes at Home has initiated two new veterans groups this fall to help our servicemen and women and their families connect.

One is a Veterans Dinner Group on the first Thursday of each month at the American Legion, 150 Main Street, Hoosick Falls. The evening includes a free dinner plus a guest speaker or workshop on topics that are of interest to the military community. The first event will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 5 to 7 pm with a workshop entitled “Income, Savings and Assets for the Future.” This is being sponsored by the Commission on Economic Opportunity.

If you’d like to be kept informed of upcoming dinner meetings or presentation topics or request a presentation on a specific subject, email Amy Molloy at amy.molloy@heroesathomerensco.com.

All veterans, active duty, and their families are welcome to attend.

Second is a Veterans Walking Group at the HAYC3 Armory. All veterans and spouses are invited to join other vets from 9 to 10 am in the HAYC3 Armory to get in a walk and some conversation. This will not only be good physically, but it will also be a great way to connect with those you know and perhaps even meet some you haven’t rubbed elbows with before.

For more information on either of these programs, contact John Holmes at Heroes at Home at 545-6781 or john.holmes@heroesathomerensco.com.

Filed Under: Hoosick, Hoosick Falls, Local News

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Local News

February 3, 2023 Edition

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38th Annual Ice Fishing Contest Rescheduled

Submitted by GLSP Due to warmer than usual temperatures, the 38th annual ice fishing contest at Grafton Lakes State Park has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 am to 2 pm. Join in on the fun as several-hundred anglers brave the cold temperatures for their chance to make a winning catch on several […]

Celebrating Retiring Board President Deborah Tudor

On Tuesday, January 25, Cheney Library honored Ms. Deborah Tudor for her 12 years of service on the Cheney Library Board of Trustees. During her tenure as a trustee, Ms. Tudor made immense contributions to physical improvements of the library’s property. Some of these projects include the installation of a propane fireplace, creation of the […]

School News

February 3, 2023 Edition

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Powers Claims Runner-Up

At Inaugural NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational Submitted by BNL Varsity Wrestling Coach Wade Prather Tallulah Powers was runner-up at 165 pounds in the inaugural NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational held at Onondaga Community College. She was one of only three finalists from Section 2, and the only Runner Up. The meeting of 204 of the State’s top female […]

November 25, 2022 Edition

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