The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

Letter To The Editor – Genuine Intentions

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Dear Editor,

It has recently come to my attention that a handful of people have inquired about the efforts of my husband Gene and myself in regards to the town of Petersburgh. Let me assure the people that our intentions are genuine and aimed at advocating for the residents and taxpayers of the Town. Those folks that already know us realize this provocation has always been a part of who we are, whether at work or volunteering at the library and the school or coaching sports or assuming leadership roles within our church.

Last Spring, Gene was considering the possibility of running for the Highway Superintendent position. We began attending Town Board meetings in an effort to educate ourselves on how the Town operated. Generally, the meetings were sparsely attended; a select few were involved with decision making, and information was not forthcoming. Asking questions, learning the governing laws and researching the current processes by which the Town operated was a natural focus. We also spoke directly with many of the Town’s officials and sought out and encouraged feedback from the residents of Petersburgh.

Although faced with personal attacks and resistance from some Town officials, Gene and I continue to be committed to advocating for the residents and taxpayers of Petersburgh. Our efforts are not personal or directed towards any one individual. This year our taxes were increased by nearly 7% (originally figured at 13%), and it is likely that next year will be a substantial increase as well. Many of the Town’s valuable programs, such as the Youth and Senior Programs, received vast cuts, constraining their efforts to run effectively. It makes sense for our community to work collaboratively to explore ways in which the Town can be run more efficiently and current spending can be minimized, thus reducing the need for more significant cuts next year.

I feel confident that the current Petersburgh Town Board will do what is right for the residents and taxpayers of Petersburgh while maintaining an open and informative process without bias or the involvement of personal agendas. This can be achieved by a diverse group of community members attending meetings, becoming informed and offering to assist the Town with committees or appointed positions. We can all make a positive and cost savings difference that will affect our Town for years to come!

Sherry Bowman-Kluck

Johnny Cake Hill Road, Petersburgh

United Way Catfish Derby And Baseball Tickets

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submitted by Brad Poster, Executive Director, United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties

The United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties has announced that early registration for the Fourth Annual Leo Lasher Catfish Derby is now open. Again this year registration is $15 per fisherman and again first prize for the longest catfish of the day is $500, cash on the spot, with more prizes for children, teens and adults.  This family event will be held on July 19 at Dutchman’s Landing and hosted by Riverview Marine Services at the Point in Catskill.

Currently, an Early Registration Contest is for two box seat tickets at Fenway Park to a Friday night regular season game of the Boston Red Sox. The tickets will be awarded to an early registrant between January 1 and March 31. More surprises and prizes will be announced for our local summertime family fun day and fishing contest

To register online visit www.uwcg.org. For more information, call Brad at 518-755-2155.

Grafton VFD And Ladies Auxiliary Breakfast

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The Grafton Volunteer Fire Department along with the Grafton Ladies Auxiliary will be serving an All You Can Eat Buffet Breakfast on Saturday, February 22, from 8 to 11 am at the Grafton VFW – Fire Hall on South Road (County Route 85).

Belgian waffles, pancakes, French toast, eggs (made to order), sausage gravy & biscuits, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast, orange juice, coffee and milk are on the menu. The cost is $9 per adult, $4 for kids 12 and under and free for kids five and under.

Tsatsawassa Protective Fire Company Breakfast

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The Tsatsawassa Protective Fire Company will serve its monthly breakfast at the firehouse on Sunday, February 16, from 8 until 11:30 am. Breakfast consists of your choice of French toast or pancakes together with bacon or sausage, toast, orange juice, beverages and eggs prepared to your order for a cost of $6 with children under five served free.

Support your local fire company while visiting with friends and neighbors and enjoying a hearty breakfast to start your day. The firehouse is located behind the post office near the intersection of Routes 20 and 66 North in the hamlet of Brainard and is handicap accessible. For more information call 518-766-3815.

The First Friday Texas Hold’em Tournament Is Changed To The Youth Center

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Shuffle up and deal at the Texas Hold’em Tournament at The Youth Center in Hoosick Falls on Friday, February 7. Get in on the most exciting Texas Hold’em tourney in the area on the very first Friday of every month. Doors open at 6 pm and play starts at 6:30 pm. The buy-in is $35.00 with an option for a $10 add on, plus a $  high hand pot. Newcomers and experienced players are all welcome. The Youth Center is on Church Street, diagonally across from the Armory.

For more information, call 518-686-9050 or email contacthayc3@gmail.com. Visit the HAYC3 website – www.hayc3.org.

Dylan Hover On Dean’s List At Siena College

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Dylan Hover of Stephentown has been placed on the Dean’s List at Siena College for the fall 2013 semester. Students who have earned recognition through the Dean’s List have maintained a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.89.

Dylan is a 2013 graduate of Berlin High School.

Matthew Morse Named To SUNY Geneseo’s Dean’s List

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Matthew Morse from Stephentown was named to the Dean’s List at the State University of New York at Geneseo for the fall semester 2013. To be on the list, a student must have achieved a 3.5 grade point average while taking at least 12 credit hours.

SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education.

 

Scott Iwanicki Named to WPI’s Dean’s List

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that Scott Iwanicki of Stephentown,  a freshman majoring in engineering, was named to the University’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2013 semester.

The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differ from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

“WPI’s academic programs are remarkably rigorous, so being named to the Dean’s List is a testament to hard work, a sharp mind, and a commitment to excellence,” said Provost Eric Overstrom. “Some of this nation’s best and brightest students come to WPI to learn subjects ranging from engineering to science to business and the humanities, and through our innovative project-based curriculum they conduct professional-level research and solve important problems all over the world.