The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Pushback After Stefanik Meet and Greet

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by Doug La Rocque
Representative Elise Stefanik, whose 21st Congressional District will include a vast portion of Rensselaer County starting in 2023, held a meet and greet at the Brunswick Community Center on Tuesday, May 31 that was quite civil inside, but replete with about 30 protesters outside the building. Ms. Stefanik is a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump and has repeatedly criticized the January 6 Insurrection Public Hearings currently taking place in Washington, D.C. as a “witch hunt.” 

These protesters were eventually locked out of the event, because as Brunswick Town Supervisor Phil Herrington told the June 9 Town Council meeting, they became “disruptive” with one individual “attempting to intimidate” those wishing to attend the meet and greet. He described the affair as a “private event” with the standard $150 rental fee paid in advance. Mr. Herrington added if those who did not agree with the Congresswoman just simply wanted to attend without protest, they would have been welcome. [Read more…] about Pushback After Stefanik Meet and Greet

Naturae Court Case Nears End

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by Doug La Rocque
For over a year the Town of Hoosick has been involved with complaints by neighbors about both an odor and appearance problems at the Naturae LLC facility on NYS Route 67 in North Hoosick. The Town began legal proceedings to shut the operation down, citing a lack of compliance on the part of the owners. The court action was delayed, however, because of the pandemic.

After the Monday, June 13 meeting, Town Attorney Jonathan Schopf tells The Eastwick Press, a tentative disposition of the case has been reached, but the details cannot be released until that disposition has been approved by Town Court. Mr. Schopf says he and Codes Enforcement Officer Lloyd Moses met onsite with the ownership and their legal representation and were able to hammer out the proposed agreement. [Read more…] about Naturae Court Case Nears End

Process to Replace Former Police Chief Ashe Beginning

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by Doug La Rocque
Former Hoosick Falls Village Police Chief Bob Ashe was suspended in December of last year after it was revealed he was under investigation by the NYS Police as part of a ballot-fraud allegation. Chief Ashe resigned his post on Friday, May 13 and three days later pled guilty to a misconduct charge in Village Court. Since that time, Officer Paul Aleksonis has been Officer in Charge running the day to day operations. Following the Tuesday, June 14 meeting of the Board of Trustees, The Eastwick Press spoke with Mayor Rob Allen about the status of the replacement efforts. He told us the Board has been having discussions about it, and is ready to move forward with the search and/or any other options that might be brought to the table. At the meeting, Trustee Kevin O’Malley disclosed that revisions to Civil Service Law dictate any new Police Chief must be a full-time appointment (Chief Ashe was considered part-time). The Trustees also discussed looking into obtaining sample contracts that might be used for any replacement candidate.

Resignations
At the meeting, the Trustees accepted the resignations of four part-time officers from the Police Department, those being [Read more…] about Process to Replace Former Police Chief Ashe Beginning

Bernard J. Davendonis – Obituary

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Hoosick Falls – Bernard J. “Bernie” Davendonis, 71, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. He resided on Saratoga Street with his wife Sue A. (Dooley) Davendonis.

Bernie was born on May 29, 1951, in Troy, NY, son of the late Peter and Eileen (Kincaid) Davendonis. He graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School and received his Associate Degree from Hudson Valley Community College. Bernie was employed at St. Gobain in Hoosick Falls until retiring. He enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music and playing guitar. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls. [Read more…] about Bernard J. Davendonis – Obituary

Special Congressional Election Candidates Picked

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Two weeks ago, when former 19th Congressional Representative Antonio Delgado was named New York State’s Lt. Governor, Governor Kathy Hochol set Tuesday, August 23 as the date for a special election to replace Mr. Delgado. Earlier this month, the Democratic Party nominated Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan and on Friday, June 10, the Republican Party picked Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro (a former gubernatorial candidate). The winner of this contest will represent the current 19th district until the end of the year. The 19th includes many portions of Rensselaer County.

Who ever the winner is, will only represent the district for about 4 months, as the newly drawn congressional districts take effect on Janaury 1, 2023. All of Rensselaer County except the western side will become part of the 21st district, currently represented by Elise Stefanik.

Another interesting twist in this topsy turvy election year, is on the very same day voters are choosing a new representative for the 19th district, Democrats will also be voting in a Congressional primary to a pick a candidate for the new 21st district. Matt Castelli and Mathew Putorti are on that ballot. The winner will face off against Representative Stefanik in November for the right to represent most of Rensselaer County in  the new year. Troy remains in Representative Paul Tonko’s 20th Congressional district.

Reaction to Ashe-McPherson Conviction and Resignation

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On Thursday morning, June 9, Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello issued the following statement on the Ashe-McPherson resignation following her guilty plea to a felony count of absentee ballot-fraud.

““This morning I received District 2 Council Member Ashe-McPherson’s resignation, effective immediately.

Per the City Charter, the City Council vacancy “shall be filled by a vote of the remaining Council Members. In the event of a tie, the Mayor shall cast the deciding vote. An election will take place this November to fulfill the balance of the term from January 2023 through the end of next year”.

I, along with Council Members Gulli and Sorriento, will be advancing legislation creating a bi-partisan Special Committee comprised of five members, three District 2 residents and a majority and minority Council Member, which will open the door for residents of District 2 to express their ideas and make recommendations pertaining to filling the vacant council seat in District 2.

It is imperative that we move forward in an open and inclusive manner to ensure the residents in District 2 have ongoing representation on the City Council.”

Esme’s Stories: A Magical Journey

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Make-A-Wish Art Exhibition

by Amy Modesti
Since 1987, Make-A-Wish Northeast New York has granted more than 2,000 wishes to children fighting illnesses throughout the local area. These wishes aim to bring hope and joy to the child, their family and those involved in its fulfillment. 

Saturday, May 7, the first of its kind Make-A-Wish art exhibition was fulfilled at The Arts Center of the Capital Region for 11-year-old Troy resident Esme Savoie. Savoie, a storyteller, fights intractable epilepsy and other health challenges that inhibit her ability to speak, walk and eat. Using only an eye gaze as a means of communication, it took several years for Savoie to communicate what she wanted for her wish.  [Read more…] about Esme’s Stories: A Magical Journey

Berlin Food Closet’s Plans for Summer

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For the second year, the Berlin Community Food Closet will sponsor a kids lunch bucket program. For eight weeks this summer, volunteers will pack 5 gallon pails with lunch supplies for families with children in the Berlin Central School District. Participants can pick up their lunch supplies at the United Methodist Church in Berlin on Saturday mornings.

If you would like to participate, as a recipient or volunteer, please contact Dianne Mosher. Applications can be obtained by calling the Food Closet at 518-658-2942. Leave your name and mailing address and an application will be sent to you. Deadline for applications is June 17.

Father’s Day
The Food Closet will sponsor the annual community appreciation Father’s Day take out picnic on Saturday, June 18. Register now by calling 518-658-2942. This meal is open to all.

Pew Raffle
The Berlin Community Food Closet has been given a pew from the former Sacred Heart Church. Raffle tickets will be available for $5 each. A limited number of tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held in mid-July.

Stephentown Clean Up Day

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On Friday, June 10, Stephentown will hold its clean up day. The event will take place at the Stephentown Transfer Station, Newton Rd., from noon to 8 pm. This is free for residents and no permit or advance tickets are required, however residency must be proven with a tax bill. Each resident can bring up to a pickup truck with an eight foot bed or a small 6×10 trailer worth of items. There is a max of two TVs or four vehicle tires per household. Console TVs and hazardous waste won’t be accepted. Highway crew, attendants and volunteers will be present to provide assistance.