The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

HFCS Basketball Teams Raise Over $5k For Karen McGovern Fund

By

by Bea Peterson
“Last year when the teams did a fundraiser,” said Girls Basketball Coach Eamonn DeGraaf, “we raised $300. This year we hoped to raise $1,000. It shows what can happen when we all work together.” And that is what they did. [Read more…] about HFCS Basketball Teams Raise Over $5k For Karen McGovern Fund

Big Turnout For Outdoor Expo In Hoosick Falls

By

by Bea Peterson
HFCS Superintendent Ken Facin said the Outdoor Expo at the Armory was a great event. About 1,300 people turned out to see the exhibits and talk with the many exhibitors. Facin was pleased the event attracted more adults this year. Students were bussed to the Armory on Friday. Many returned with family Friday evening and Saturday. This year the Expo had the usual mounts of wild animals, plus a fascinating display of insects.
[Read more…] about Big Turnout For Outdoor Expo In Hoosick Falls

A New Lebanon Elementary School Student Writes A TV Show

By

WNYT-TV is proud to announce that Green Screen Adventures is featuring a work submitted by Aiden Hoogs, a student from the Walter B. Howard Elementary School located in New Lebanon. He wrote “The Alien Revengers” which will air on Green Screen Adventures on Sunday, April 7, at 8 am on Me-TV. Me-TV can be seen on WNYT, Channel 13.2. Aiden is the son of  Elizabeth Hoogs.
[Read more…] about A New Lebanon Elementary School Student Writes A TV Show

Letter To The Editor – Hoosick Citizens Deserve Answers

By

To the Editor:
In case the people in the Town of Hoosick haven’t heard, there was break-in at the HAYC3 offices located at 80 Church Street (the former Armory). You may be interested to know that it occurred March 11 after the Town Board meeting. Apparently someone broke the lock and illegally entered the HAYC3 premises. Of course, it would have been illegal entry even had there been no lock since they had not obtained permission to enter. (HAYC3 – I would suggest cameras and a security system if they aren’t already on your agenda)
I have it from a very reliable source (either a HAYC3 Board member or a Town Board member) that the incident involved at least one and possibly four Town Board members. A police report has been filed which shows Keith Cipperly listed as a suspect, and I’ve been told that at least one person confessed to an official at HAYC3. So, here are the questions I believe the citizens of the Town of Hoosick should have answers to:
1. Was the current Town Supervisor the culprit responsible for this behavior?
2. Didn’t he (or they) realize that what was being done was unethical as well as illegal?
3. I understand that one of the Board members (Mark Surdam) was definitely not involved and reported to HAYC3 that he believed other Board members had planned to enter the premises. However, did the other Board members report, to the proper authorities or officials, what they knew about the incident?
4. The Town Attorney was reportedly with the group after the meeting. Did she know about the incident? Did she advise against it? Did she report it to anybody if she was aware? Was she involved?
5. If the Town Supervisor was the culprit, does he intend to resign or is the Town Board taking other action to have him removed from his seat?
I realize that HAYC3 is in a tough spot. They likely won’t press charges since they really need the Town as a tenant while they get HAYC3 on solid financial footing. This is especially true since the Town hasn’t paid a nickel in rent since HAYC3 took over the Armory last year. Regardless of whether or not they press charges, the Town’s citizens should be outraged by this behavior and should finally say enough is enough. Only an independent investigation will divulge the full truth.
Jim Martinez
Church Street, Hoosick Falls

Letter To The Editor – HFCS Should Cut The Administration Not The Teachers

By

To The Editor:
As recently reported in the Eastwick Press, Hoosick Falls Central School has begun to work on next year’s budget, and once again, the administration felt they had to “eliminate quite a few positions.”
The big surprise out of the $684,700 in staff and program cuts Superintendent Ken Facin announced was the $51,958 being saved by reducing the 7-12 Assistant Principal position to half time. Facin said he felt he could not make this level of cuts to the teaching staff without making “some cuts to administration.”
Gee, would that be the same Assistant Principal who wasn’t granted tenure by the Board of Ed last Spring when he was up for it? This was expected after his error involving the Bowling team being in the Sectionals, making him an obvious scapegoat and convenient job cut for this year as Athletic Director also.
How noble it is of Mr. Facin to actually take $50,000 some dollars out of almost $700,000 worth of Budget cuts from administration. What a sacrifice!
The fact of the matter is, and always has been, the School is there for basically one reason and that is to educate the students.
This is not made any easier by cutting teaching positions and programs, especially special education teachers. These students need as much help, if not more than other students – particularly one on one help.
However, we all know these are tough financial and economic times, but I would like to suggest a possible solution.
Since HFCS is once again destitute and in dire financial straits, how about cutting out the administration, which is a large portion of the School budget with their pay and benefit packages. The State would be brought in to run the School on the Financial end of business, and what I would do is retain the Assistant Principal as a Dean of Discipline to deal with the students year round, which is one of his primary functions anyway.
I would do the same with one of the Elementary Principals. You are talking about a School that generally has a student body between 1250-1300, and yet has as many as seven high paid administrators. Not needed.
I know most people will say that this scenario would never happen, but it is time for a change.
The two top administrators at HFCS, the Superintendent and Business Manager, have basically done two things over the last two years: spend a lot of money and get rid of an awful lot of employees through budget cuts and other controversial decisions.
But for the sake of the taxpayers in the School District, which five out of the seven administrators do not live in or pay taxes here, lets give the School back to the community and give our students the help and resources they need.
Don’t put up with the administration’s blackmail threats to cut student programs and financial help if the budget is voted down.
It’s the administration’s turn to take the financial hit.
And forget the Board of Education during all of this. A lot of this has been caused by their policy to not get involved in personnel decisions – which needs to be changed by the policy committee. They are clueless about much of what goes on at HFCS, which is not why they were voted in for.
When they do ask or try to get involved in personnel or other matters, the way things are going to be is dictated to them by the top two administrators.
Sincerely,
Bruce Seney
High Street, Hoosick Falls

The Saint Mary’s Academy Spring Auction

By

Bigger, Better and More Fun Than Ever!
The St. Mary’s Academy Spring Auction will take place at the school at 4 Parson’s Avenue on Saturday, April 13. Doors open at 6 pm, bidding begins at 7 pm. The inimitable Ron Seifert will be the auctioneer. Tickets cost $5 at the door; they include the cost of a bidding number and food. There will be cash bar.
Live And Silent Auctions
Auctions will include a huge variety of goods and services. Items large and small, expensive and affordable, unusual and familiar, serious and fun, useful and frivolous…you name it, and we probably have it on our auction list.
Here’s just a small sampling:
• four inside seats for Melissa Etheridge at Tanglewood;
• a WCW mattress;
• NASCAR memorabilia signed by the drivers and used in actual competition – a quarter panel from Matt Kenseth and a hood from Denny Hamlin;
• a hot air balloon ride;
• a Saturday-Saturday Village of Loon Mountain Lodge time share for this August;
• Ed Levin jewelry;
• George Van Hook original paintings;
• a three month Anytime Fitness membership;
• spring yard cleanups;
• a month of classes at The Berkshire Dance Theater;
• a week long time share in North Myrtle Beach for this year or next;
• a Home Security Package;
• a Howe Caverns Family Pass, and
• Park Hopper Passes from Disney
And lots, lots more. Come on out and have a good time.
It’s all for a good cause. Historically and educationally, SMA has been an integral part of Hoosick Falls and the surrounding communities. Proceeds from the auction help support St. Mary’s Academy’s long standing commitment to high quality education for students from pre-k through eighth grade.
For more information, call Pat Hayes at 518-686-4314 or email smaspringauction@yahoo.com.

Berlin July 4th Parade Committee Sets 2013 Theme; Participants Invited

By

Summer seems far away but the Berlin July 4th Parade Committee has been hard at work planning this year’s celebration. The Committee is pleased to announce that the 2013 Parade is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, at 11 am. The theme this year is, “American Adventures.”
We hope you will start planning your floats and join us in the spirit of community. We look forward to new faces and old friends and cordially invite all civic, school and church groups, businesses and individuals, locally and from afar, to participate. It is not necessary to follow the theme; it is offered only as a guide.
There is no entry fee and prizes are awarded. The Grand Prize float entry receives $125. Other float categories are Theme Prize, Prettiest and Funniest, with prizes ranging up to $100. Ribbons are awarded for horses, cars, boats, antique equipment, decorated bicycles, costumed walkers and equestrian groups. Trophies are awarded to fire companies for the best appearing and the most in line.
Refreshments will be available for all participants at the Berlin Fire House immediately following the Parade, compliments of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company. Mark your calendars now, and plan to join us.
Support The Tradition
We need your support. The cost of marching bands, supplies, postage, awards and other expenses add up quickly. Whether you have enjoyed the Parade in the past, or are looking forward to it for the first time, we urge your support with your financial gift. No amount is too small, and your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
Contact Us
Entry forms will be mailed by the first of June to all past participants. Please notify us if your contact information has changed or if you do not receive a form and would like one sent to you. For more details call Jean at 658-3010 or Carol at 658-3936, or email berlinjuly4thparade@yahoo.com. Please make contributions payable to Berlin July 4th Parade Committee, and mail your check to us at our new address, P.O. Box 66, Berlin, NY, 12022.