The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Fire Destroys Hoosick Falls Country Club

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Building Called a Total Loss

Submitted by the HFPD
On Friday, December 23, at approximately 11:56 pm, Hoosick Falls Police were dispatched to the Hoosick Falls Country Club, 73 Richmond Avenue, for a reported structure fire. When officers arrived on scene a heavy fire was observed on the North side of the building. The Hoosick Falls Fire Department along with several mutual aid departments had a tough time extinguishing the fire as they battled flames, snow, wind, and extremely cold temperatures.

There were occupants inside the building when the fire occurred, but everyone was able to make it out safely. Three firefighters did suffer smoke inhalation battling the fire. [Read more…] about Fire Destroys Hoosick Falls Country Club

Stewart’s Holiday Match Raises Over $2 Million

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Submitted by Stewart’s Shops
The 2022 Holiday Match Program has raised over $2 million for local children’s organizations. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers impressively donated  $1,011,281 to the program and Stewart’s Shops doubled their donations. There are no administrative costs and 100% of the funds benefit local, nonprofit children’s organizations.

“We are continually amazed by the generosity of our customers. We are proud to double their gifts allowing us to share more with our communities. These gifts have the power to accelerate progress where it’s needed most and support projects and services that can fuel real change in our communities,” related Jennifer Frame, Stewart’s Shops Director of Corporate Philanthropy. [Read more…] about Stewart’s Holiday Match Raises Over $2 Million

Bourgault Sworn in as Sergeant

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Courtesy of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department
On December 21, at the Public Safety Building in Troy, a formal swearing-in ceremony was held for the promotion of Deputy Kyle Bourgault to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Bourgault was sworn in by Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo, with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance.

Throughout his career, which began in 2008, Sergeant Bourgault has established a track record of professionalism and dedication. His many responsibilities include serving as the Public Information Officer since January of 2020, the Pistol Permit Background Investigator since 2016, and being a positive representative for the Sheriff’s Office in many community events throughout the years.

We wish to congratulate Sergeant Bourgault on his promotion and acknowledge his past performances and proven leadership, as well as his dedication and commitment to the citizens of Rensselaer County and to the Sheriff’s Office. [Read more…] about Bourgault Sworn in as Sergeant

No Shave November Plus

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Courtesy of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department
Wednesday, December 21, members of Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) gathered alongside START Children’s Center Executive Director Kevin Maloney to present Maloney with a check for the amount of $6,266.16 to benefit the center. The funds for the check are thanks to the support of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office employees, and those who sponsored a beard this year for the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office’s No Shave November Plus.

In 1993, the START Team was created by then District Attorney Mary O. Donohue in order to allow for the exchange of confidential information between various service providers to reduce trauma to victims of sexual and physical abuse. Since that time, the START Children’s Center has proven to be a vital asset to law enforcement agencies all over the Capital Region, including the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office.  [Read more…] about No Shave November Plus

Continuing Climate Success

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Submitted by CSC Chair Steve Powers
Small but mighty New Lebanon continues to power its way toward achieving maximum climate change mitigation and resilience. It is the first in its region to achieve 5000 points in New York State Energy Research and Development Administration’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities program resulting in a $70,000 grant for energy upgrades.

The Town, with a population of 2305 people, was also the first in Columbia County to achieve Bronze Certification from the Climate Smart Communities program, which awards points for the completion of tasks taken to meet the challenges posed by climate change.

The Town Board has voted to use the latest grant for [Read more…] about Continuing Climate Success

County Announces Agreement with Employee Union

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Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
Rensselaer County has reached an agreement on a contract with the bargaining unit representing the largest group of County employees. The agreement, reached after collective bargaining, will provide long-term stability and support the County’s mission to provide services to those who live and work in Rensselaer County.

The four-year agreement will run through 2026, and provide salary adjustments both sides termed fair, along with stipend payments to employees.

The agreement is the first to be reached with UPSEU following the pandemic, where County employees were recognized for outstanding and valuable service during COVID-19.

“This is a fair agreement, reached after productive negotiations, and is a long-term agreement that ensures stability and continuity of services as provided by our partners in public service, the hardworking men and women who serve the County and its residents,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.

The agreement will be sent to UPSEU members for ratification, and subsequently to the Rensselaer County Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.

Edward A. Seagroatt – Obituary

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Troy – Edward A. Seagroatt, 81, died Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Samaritan Hospital after a brief illness.  

You may have driven with him in his prized 1934 Ford Cabriolet with the top down. You may have spotted him in town surprising someone with a bouquet of long-stemmed roses. Or he may have called you on your birthday, always remembering the date but too polite to mention the year.

Born in Troy, Ed was the son of the late Albert Seagroatt and Helen Brown Seagroatt. Ed was raised in Berlin, NY and resided in the Capital District area all his life. He attended Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut and was a graduate of La Salle Institute in Troy, NY. Ed earned a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the State University of New York at Farmingdale and later served in the Coast Guard. [Read more…] about Edward A. Seagroatt – Obituary

William D. Sharpe – Obituary

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Petersburgh – William D. Sharpe, 62, died Monday, December 19, 2022, at his residence after a long illness.

Born in Troy, he was son of the late William Walsh Sharpe and Martha McChesney Sharpe, and husband of Darcie J. Lemere Sharpe. He had resided in Petersburgh since 1998 when he began building his home.

William was a self employed contractor, woodworker, and craftsman.

He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting. He loved to work and always kept busy working with his hands. He built his home in Petersburgh from the ground up using many resources and materials found onsite; from the custom rock fireplace to the milled wood all throughout the home. Every aspect of the home came from William’s imagination, his hard work, and the natural resources all built with his hands. [Read more…] about William D. Sharpe – Obituary

Robert W. Willis – Obituary

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Stephentown – Robert W. “Bob” Willis, 80, died early Monday morning, December 26, 2022 at his home with his family at his side. He was born in Waterbury, CT on January 6, 1942, the son of the late Allerton and Alice White Willis.

Bob resided in Watertown, CT and Bantam, CT where he was raised and educated. He was a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War serving aboard the U.S.S. Wasp in the Atlantic fleet from 1957 to 1965. [Read more…] about Robert W. Willis – Obituary