The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grant Funding Hopes to Draw Students into HVAC Careers

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Hudson Valley Community College has been selected to help train a pipeline of skilled workers for clean energy jobs that are ramping up in the Capital Region.

 

Through grant funding provided by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the college’s Office of Workforce Development is able to offer an unprecedented opportunity for eligible students. A subset of eligible students will receive tuition reimbursement and additional support services in pursuing the college’s Heating/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technical Services A.O.S. degree or Construction certificate.

 

Hundreds of skilled workers for the building trades, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration and high efficiency heat pumps will be needed over the next several years in the Capital Region.

 

Hudson Valley Community College’s Green Jobs Training Program is part of a New York State-funded study to measure if offering adult learners skills training in clean energy, along with extra support, helps them to complete training, find employment and earn higher salaries. Opportunity to receive enhanced support services, including tuition assistance, is limited. Eligible applicants will be chosen by a computerized selection process.

 

Minimum qualifications for the program:

 

  • must be a resident of New York State for the previous 12 months
  • at least 16 years or older and not officially enrolled in high school
  • meet additional educational and economic guidelines

 

Enhanced support services available for a subset of eligible students include:

 

  • Tuition assistance
  • Counseling
  • One-on-one tutoring
  • Resume writing assistance, interview prep and skills workshops
  • Job fairs

 

For more information about this opportunity, contact Jennifer Devine, at j.devine@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7638.

Snowman’s Murphy Named to County Economic Post

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Submitted by the Office of the County Executive

 

The Snowman’s John Murphy to Serve as Deputy Director of Economic Development and Planning for Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County will be welcoming one of the best known businessmen in the region to support and guide efforts to attract new investment and job creation to the county, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced today.

John Murphy, the former owner of The Snowman in Lansingburgh, will be joining the county to serve as Deputy Director of Economic Development, McLaughlin announced today.

“John Murphy grew The Snowman into a business that attracted attention and support from throughout the region and beyond. The Snowman is now an iconic place for ice cream and other treats, and that is thanks to John’s hard work, persistence and vision as a small business owner,” said McLaughlin.

“We look forward to continuing our success in growing businesses big and small in Rensselaer County, and we expect John will be an important part in those efforts,” added McLaughlin.

The county has seen success with major projects including the development of an Amazon center in Schodack and continued expansion at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush, along with major retail development in North Greenbush and Brunswick.

The county led the state in sales tax growth in 2019 and is continuing to see strong sales tax numbers. Under McLaughlin’s leadership, the county has reduced county property taxes by nearly 20 percent over the past four years and expanded important services, including the paving of 170 miles of county roads.

Murphy operated The Snowman starting in 1999. He decided to sell the successful business on Fifth Avenue in February to Old Daley Custom Catering, a local investor group.

“There were many opportunities that were presented to me when the sale of The Snowman was completed, and I appreciate all the interest. This position with Rensselaer County is an opportunity to give back to a community that means a great deal to my community, and use my experience to help business owners in the county grow and prosper,” said Murphy.

“I particularly look forward to working with new business owners and those looking to take their business to the new level. My experience and insight will help other businesses navigate the challenges they face,” added Murphy.

Murphy and his family reside in Brunswick and he is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region.

Brunswick Public Hearing Set for Aldi Site Coffee Shop

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by Doug La Rocque
In early spring developer David Leon’s representatives (MJ Engineering) returned to the Brunswick Planning Board with some changes to what has been labeled as the Aldi site, that included parking lot revisions, a change in size to the Wendy’s restaurant and installation of electric vehicle charging stations. They also unveiled a plan to [Read more…] about Brunswick Public Hearing Set for Aldi Site Coffee Shop

Berlin Central School – Propane Conversion Project

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by Chris Tergliafera
At the Wednesday, May 18 regular meeting of the Berlin Central School District Board of Education (BOE), what was intended to be a presentation to establish a budget, funding source and schedule for the propane conversion project at the middle/high school, turned into a conversation about fast tracking the project to complete it as soon as possible. 

Among the concerns with the current system are the ever rising heating oil prices, which currently stand at roughly [Read more…] about Berlin Central School – Propane Conversion Project

Senior and Disabled Homeowner Tax Exemptions Extended

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by Doug La Rocque
There were many resolutions but not too much other business at the May 12 Brunswick Town Council meeting. Of primary interest was the adoption of two local laws that extend the eligibility of senior citizens and disabled homeowners for tax exemptions. Both were approved. The Councilors also effected changes to the February Water and Sewer Rolls due to some errors and corrections.

Summer means road work, and Brunswick is no different. A resolution detailing the 2022 Highway Plan which designates which roads will be paved, resurfaced or otherwise improved was agreed to as was the purchase of a 2021 trailer mount asphalt hot box reclaimer. The cost was placed at $34,950.

Hoosick Falls Memorial Day Parade

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Hoosick Post 40 American Legion will host the Village of Hoosick Falls’ Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30, at 10 am. Services at Village monuments will take place beginning at 8 am from Wood Park. A call for parade entries is now open. For an entry form, email Kevin O’Malley at hoosickkid@gmail.com. All are encouraged to enter this year’s parade to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The American Legion invites the community to help in the placing of flags on the graves of veterans on Saturday, May 28, at 10 am, at Post 40, 150 Main St. [Read more…] about Hoosick Falls Memorial Day Parade

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day – Columbia County

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On Sunday, June 5, from 8 am to 1 pm, the Columbia County Fire Training Center, 50 Grandetti Drive, Ghent, will be holding a Columbia County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Residents with large quantities must contact the administrative office at 518-828-2737 prior to participating. There is no charge for Columbia County residents. Proof of residency will be required.

Edward W. Schindler – Obituary

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Berlin – Honorable Edward Walter Schindler, retired Berlin Town Justice, died peacefully Sunday, May 22, 2022 at his home in Berlin, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Queens, NY on July 31, 1928, the son of the late Howard Frederick Schindler and Vira B. Hendrickson Schindler. He graduated from Baldwin High School on Long Island, NY and served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He met his wife June McDermott in January of 1953 and they were married on June 13, 1954.  They lived in Seaford, Long Island from 1954 to 1965 when they moved upstate to Berlin, NY. [Read more…] about Edward W. Schindler – Obituary

Marion K. Manchester – Obituary

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Petersburgh – Marion Katherine Manchester, 98, died peacefully, slipping from the bonds of earth to be with her savior Jesus in Heaven, on Friday, May 13, 2022 at the Center for Living & Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls.

She was born in Rensselaer, NY on August 11, 1923, the daughter of the late Henry and Catherine Monsees Trinemeyer. Her mother passed away in 1928 and due to the depression Marion and her 3 siblings were placed in the Troy Orphan Asylum. She grew up there until the age of 15 when they were all placed together in a foster home in West Stephentown. Marion was a graduate of Berlin High School, class of 1941, then went on to graduate from Berkshire Business College. Prior to her marriage, she was employed by Montgomery Ward & Co. in Menands, and a munitions factory for the war. [Read more…] about Marion K. Manchester – Obituary