The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

New Lebanon Country Market Extends Season

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submitted by Tistrya Hamilton

The New Lebanon Country Market at Windswept Farm is pleased to announce that it will be extending its season into October. We have had such an amazing season this year that there has been an overwhelming request for the market to continue past the end of September. We have decided to keep the market going through the month of October in a slightly scaled back version. Although we will lose some of our vegetable vendors in October, we will be bringing on a new fruit vendor for the month of September and October. Most of our fabulous vendors will continue with us right on through the end of October!

Book Signing

On September 28 we will feature a special book signing by Jeanne Bogino, author of Rock Angel. Make sure to come and purchase your signed copy fresh off the press!

September Produce

In the month of September, our produce vendors will feature corn, fresh flowers, squash, potatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes, beans, collard greens, kale, spinach, lettuce, radishes, apples, blueberries, peaches, plums and much more. We will continue to have our pasture raised beef, pork and chicken, jams and pies, baked goods, free range eggs, garlic and specialty salts, fresh brewed beer, hickory syrup, New Lebanon baloney and BBQ sauce, handmade body care products and, of course, our delicious hot foods from Jem’s Thai Cuisine and Lakota BBQ.

We hope to see you on Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm for some great live music, kids arts and crafts, kids bounce house and play area, delicious food and free family fun. Enjoy all of this while supporting your local farmers and artisans and filling your fridge with delicious, fresh, good clean food.

Entertainment Calendar

• August 31 – Kevin Jones – www.ibandkj.com.

• September 7 – Podunk Throwbacks – www.podunkthrowbacks.com

• September 14 – The Peters Brothers

• September 21 – Dan Masterson – www.danmastersonmusic.com

• September 28 – The Package and a special book signing by Jeanne Bogino, author of Rock Angel.

Cheney Library Book Sale

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The Cheney Library in Hoosick Falls will have a Book Sale on Saturday, September 6, from 8 am to 1 pm. There is a selection of instruction and practice books – math, reading and writing instruction books for teachers to use in the classroom. There is also a selection of math, reading and writing workbooks for parents to use with their students at home to practice their skills. Come early for the best choices.

Study The Constitution At The New Lebanon Library

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Constitution enthusiast Paul Engel will conduct a biweekly discussion group focusing on the study of the American Constitution at the New Lebanon Library beginning on Monday, September 8, at 7 pm. Interested participants should bring their questions and be ready to share their opinions. This group is free and open to the public.

Along with the Constitution, Paul Engel has studied the Federalist Papers, the Anti-Federalist Papers and numerous books and articles on the topic. His plan is to focus on the actual words of the Constitution and, in doing so, to help build a better understanding of what founded this country. “I see the group as a modern day version of the tavern discussion,” he explained. “All points of view are welcome.”

Paul Engel is a self-proclaimed professional computer geek and has been one for thirty years. He also moderates an online forum devoted to constitutional study. He lives in New Lebanon with his wife and daughter.

For further information event, please call the New Lebanon Library at 518-794-8844. The Library is located at 550 State Route 20, ¼ mile north of the yellow blinking light at the intersection of Routes 20/22.

Solar Energy Presentation At The Petersburgh Public Library

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Interested in solar energy? Have you noticed all the panels popping up on businesses and homes in the area? Join us Thursday, September 4, at 7 pm at the Petersburgh Public Library for a presentation/discussion about solar energy, what it is, and learn about the process of community purchasing. The program will be given by Solarize Troy – a group of volunteer solar professionals, sustainability advocates and community organizers associated with Transition Troy. Check out their website http://xtroy.org/solarize.

The Grafton Community Library Congratulates Its Summer Readers

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The Grafton Community Library would like to say a big thank you and congratulations to the children and families who made the Library’s 2014 Summer Reading Program such a great success! A total of 56 children and teens signed up to log their reading and qualify to win weekly prizes and more. Together they read a whopping 35,362 minutes in six weeks. In addition, more than 300 people attended the Library’s 16 entertaining and informative programs for kids, teens and families that included the Grafton-wide Geocache Treasure Hunt, the stick rocket launch with Empire State Aerosciences Museum, Let’s Drum, Shape-it! Clay Pictures, Live Animal Ambassadors, Bubble Trouble with Jeff Boyer, weekly storytimes and much more.

As always, the success of this year’s program was thanks to the dedication and commitment of the entire Grafton Community and was just one more example of why Grafton is such a special place to live. For more information about the Library’s offerings call 279-0580 or visit graftoncommunitylibrary.

Darrow School Opens 83rd Year

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Darrow School is celebrating the start of its 83rd school year by welcoming 110 students to its scenic mountainside campus. Eighty percent of the students are boarders and 20 percent are day students. The school is welcoming its largest ninth grade class in years, with 20 individuals. Students come from Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Vermont. Approximately 28  percent are international students representing nine countries, including the Bahamas, China, Jamaica, Japan, Ghana, Nigeria, Russia, Taiwan and Turkey. The first full day of classes is Tuesday, September 2.

This a diverse group of students with a wide spectrum of interests, talents and abilities, and it is also incredibly strong academically. The faculty is excited about helping these scholars reach their maximum potential.

Darrow has a rolling admissions policy and offers mid-year enrollment on a limited basis. The school will host four Open House sessions in the coming months, providing an ideal opportunity for prospective families to tour the scenic campus, sit in on classes, and meet teachers and students. Open House sessions will be held on Monday, October 13, Tuesday, November 11, Monday, January 19, and Monday, February 16. The Admissions Office also offers individual tours and visits throughout the year. Interested applicants should call 518-794-6000 or visit www.darrowschool.org.

To learn more about Darrow School or apply online, visit www.darrowschool.org.

Hoosick First Spaghetti Dinner

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submitted by Shelly Stiles

Hoosick First will host a spaghetti dinner on Friday, September 12, at the Polish Hall in Hoosick Falls. The event will offer an opportunity for residents of Hoosick to meet Jenn Hyde, the Hoosick First candidate for Hoosick Town Council in the November 2014 election.

Tickets to this popular event cost $10 for adults, $7 for children, and can be purchased at the Polish Hall, Thorpe’s Pharmacy in Hoosick Falls or from Hoosick First Committee members Bob Ryan, Marie O’Neil, Bob Melesky, Ellen Scott, Kevin O’Malley or Jenn Hyde.

For more information, visit the Hoosick First Facebook page.

AARP Defensive Driving Course In Grafton

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Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton will be holding an AARP Safe Driving Course on Tuesday, September 30, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with a break at noon for lunch, available at the Center.

Save up to 10% on your car insurance. The cost of the course will be $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.   Please call Penny at 279-3413 or stop at the Center for reservations.  Spaces are limited.

Hoosick Republicans Hold Caucus

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submitted by Cindy Mattison

The Town of Hoosick Republican Committee held a caucus recently for the purpose of electing a candidate to run for the unexpired term of Hoosick Town Council. It was a unanimous committee vote to nominate Joyce Brewer for this position.

If you look around Hoosick, you will see Joyce doing community service and volunteering her time to help the residents of Hoosick. Joyce is very active in her church and the Hoosick Area Church Association (HACA). She has speared and worked on many projects, including Fill the Bus, food drives, the community garden, Vacation Bible School and, most recently. is assisting with the Voice of the Vet programs, including helping with the Korean War Recognition event and sending the liberty Flag to all parts of the world to honor our veterans.

Joyce is very active with the youth in Hoosick. For seven years Joyce has been the Regional Leader for Girl Scouts, besides being a troop leader for 13 years, where she has encouraged girls to work hard for their community. She is very active in the aspects of the Performing Arts at Hoosick Falls Central School. She most recently organized the Jazz Band to play at the NYS Fair. She is continuously helping with food sales, costumes and even set building to make drama productions a success. Joyce takes pride in giving our youth opportunities they would otherwise not be able to have. She has spoken many times about how, by giving kids these opportunities, they are more encouraged about taking on the next challenge and gaining confidence in themselves. Because of her outstanding contributions to the well being of children and youth, Joyce was honored with the 2014 PTA Founders’ Day Award.

Joyce has worked as Assistant Town Clerk and therefore understands the responsibilities of the Town Council position. Joyce has completed classes for Grant Writing and looks forward to acquiring grants that will take some of the tax burden off the residents of the Town. Joyce works for the nonprofit organization, Troy Area United Ministries, as Financial Administrator. Her financial experience, working within a limited budget, will be an asset to the Town Board.

Joyce is without a doubt the best candidate to fill the Town Council vacancy. Wherever you look in Hoosick, she is there working hard. Someone that makes volunteering such an enormous part of her daily life, and who commits that many hours to the town she loves on a continuous basis, is the perfect candidate for this position. Joyce looks forward to working with the current Board to keep our tax rate down, provide needed services to the Town residents, encourage new business growth, support existing business and maintain an economical and safe environment for the residents and their families.

Joyce is also proudly endorsed by the Independence Party and the Conservative Party. Just look around at the support she gives the town, and you will understand why.

Rensselaer County Celebrates 40 Years As Summer Food Program Sponsor

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submitted by Chris Meyer. Deputy County Executive

This summer marked the 40th year that the County has served as a Summer Food Sponsor operating meal sites under the Federal Summer Food Service Program.  The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and the New York State Department of Education to help ensure children under the age of eighteen receive nutritious meals during the summer when school is not in session.  Rensselaer County has participated in the federal program since its inception.

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