The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

Harry and Marion Sheldon Celebrate Their 60th Anniversary

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submitted by Sandy Hyde
If you see Harry and Marion Sheldon this week, please wish them a Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary.
They grew up in small towns that touched each other. He in Rupert, VT, and she in West Rupert. He was the youngest in his family with three older sisters. She was the only girl in her family, smack in the middle of four brothers.
[Read more…] about Harry and Marion Sheldon Celebrate Their 60th Anniversary

A Collection Of Textile Arts Books Dedicated In Memory Of Kay ten Kraft

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The Heritage Spinners and Knitters Group, which gathers on Friday afternoons at the Stephentown Memorial Library, has chosen to dedicate a collection of Textile Arts books and materials to the Library in memory of their beloved friend and member, Kay ten Kraft.
In doing this, the group seeks to honor the memory of Kay, a woman of valor and friend to all, a multi-talented fellow traveler in the world of fiber arts. As an accomplished spinner, weaver, felter, dyer, phenomenal knitter and crocheter, she was ever willing to share her time and knowledge with others struggling to learn these arts.
The group hopes to carry on her legacy and love of the fiber arts through the creation of a special textile collection dedicated to her memory. Budding textile artists, hobbyists and crafters, along with experienced and serious fiber enthusiasts, will benefit from the books and publications which will be available at the Stephentown Memorial Library. It is hoped that this collection will continue to be expanded over time and become renowned for the wide variety of materials available to the public. Through this gift, Kay’s memory will live on in all who were touched by her knowledge, friendship and creative spirit.
The public is invited to visit the collection at the Stephentown Memorial Library. For more information, call 518-733-5750.

Grafton United Methodist Church Pew Donated To Grafton

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Grafton Town Historian, Patricia Niebuhr, is pleased to announce that a pew from the former Grafton United Methodist Church has been donated to the Town of Grafton.  This church was an important part in the life of Grafton for many years and the building has its origins at this location back to 1874.  The pew is of historical importance.
The Church ceased operation at the end of 2010, and the property was subsequently purchased by Brian Brock of Brooklyn, who made the generous donation on July 25. The pew will now be used at the Town Hall.

Grafton Historical Society Meeting

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The Grafton Historical Society will meet at 7 pm in the Grafton Town Hall on August 21. This month’s program is about Lincoln’s Secret, a novel presented by the author Edward Peck.
In this Civil War novel, Lincoln’s right to hold office is thrown into doubt and the incriminating documents are in the hands of an adversary. What must the North do to protect its war effort and Lincoln’s presidency and thus save the Union? Colonel Lafayette C. Baker, head of the War Department’s Secret Service, turns to his long-time friend, Aaron Putnam, to quash the rumors and protect the war effort. Putnam is well aware that he faces the hangman’s harsh noose as well as the loss of his treasured Union if he fails. He enlists the aid of southern Unionists led by America’s greatest heroine, Elizabeth Van Lew, to help ensure the success of his mission.
The program is free and the public is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Calling All Berlin Democrats

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Anne Maxon reports that this year’s November elections have the following offices up for election: Supervisor, 2 year term, Town Clerk, 2 year term, Tax Receiver, 2 year term, Highway Superintendent, 2 year term, Town Justice, 4 year term,  two Town Council positions, 4 year terms, and two Assessors positions, 4 year terms.
Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact Anne Maxon at 658-2633 or 658-2161, Tammy Osterhout at 658-2924 or Sharon Clapp at 658-9525.

Samaritan Hospital Cancer Treatment Center Fundraiser

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There will be a Wine/Music Festival to benefit Visions of Strength, a non-profit affiliated with Samaritan Hospital Cancer Treatment Center on Saturday, August 10, from 1 to 4 pm at Why Not Wine, 5152 Rt. 7, in Hoosick.
This event is sponsored by Adirondack Winery & Brotherhood Winery. Live music will be provided by Original Express. A $10 donation will be requested, and you must be 21 to sample wines. The Festival will be held underneath a tent – bring your chair or blanket.
For more information, please call Why Not Wine at 518-424-7523.

Discover Dirt

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The New Lebanon Library will present the program “Rock Around the Block – A Wild and Wacky Look at Rocks, Minerals, Fossils and Dirt!” on Friday, August 16, at 3 pm. This program, which is free and open to the public, is ideally suited for children in grades kindergarten and up, although it will interest rock hounds of all ages. An ice cream social will follow.
Steve “The Dirtmeister” Tomecek will explore how early human beings first used rocks as tools and weapons and will show examples of some of the important minerals that are still used today. Next, with the help of volunteers from the audience, “The Dirtmeister” will demonstrate some of the ways that minerals come together to form igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Selected audience members can even try their hands at whipping up some “Class A” dirt!
The program concludes with a look at fossils and what they tell us about past life, as audience members get to handle some real dinosaur bones. Following the program, Tomecek will be available to meet and greet the audience and give them a chance to get a close up look at the rock and mineral samples. He will also be available to autograph copies of his three National Geographic books, Everything Rocks and Minerals, Rocks and Minerals and Dirt.
Tomecek is the Executive Director and founder of Science Plus, Inc. He began his professional career as a geologist  specializing in geomorphology and soils. The title “Dirtmeister” was hung on him over 30 years ago by his students at the New York Botanical Gardens, where he taught courses in soil science for many years. He served as the Associate Director for the Science Museum of Long Island and as the Science Program Supervisor for the New York Hall of Science. He currently serves as the Science Advisor for Age of Learning, Inc. and as a writer for the National Geographic Society, Chelsea House Publishers and Scholastic, Inc.
For more information, please call the 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.

Arrowhead Writer-In-Residence Reads At The New Lebanon Library

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Local youth literature author and editor Jana Laiz, of North Egremont, MA, will conduct a story hour at the New Lebanon Library on Tuesday, August 13, at 2 pm. Laiz will read from her book Thomas and Autumn, the story of a little farm boy and his very special chicken. The story is perfect for early readers, especially for those who love chickens, although children of all ages are welcome.  A chicken-related activity will follow.
Laiz is the author of numerous picture books and young adult novels as well as an educator with over 20 years experience. Her Weeping Under This Same Moon was named an International Reading Association Notable Book. Laiz is writer-in-residence at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead.
For further information on this event, which is free and open to the public, please call the Library at 518-794-8844.  All are welcome, and the event is free.  The Library is located at 550 State Route 20, ¼ mile north of the yellow blinking light at the intersection of Routes 20/22.