The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

One Veteran’s Story – An Unusual Part of Army Operations in World War II

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Written by Henry ‘Hank’ Gallucci

I am a veteran of World War II and served my country from 1942 to 1945. I was a corporal in the U.S. Army 603rd Engineer Camouflage Battalion. It was one of three units that formed the 23rd Headquarters  Special Troops—‘Special’ in impersonating other U.S. troops, with inflatable rubber guns, tanks and trucks. [Read more…] about One Veteran’s Story – An Unusual Part of Army Operations in World War II

Public Timeline Needed To Ensure Superfund Progress In Hoosick Falls And Petersburgh

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submitted by Rich Crist

The Federal government should provide a clear timeline for the remediation of properties in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh with PFOAs, particularly if the properties are added to the Superfund list, said Chair of the Legislature Stan Brownell.[private]

Brownell said he wants to avoid delays seen in the remediation of other toxic clean-up projects, including federal Superfund sites in the region and across the country.

An application has been filed for inclusion of the Saint-Gobain McCaffrey Street site on the federal Superfund National Priorities List. The Legislature has supported clean-up efforts in both communities, and ongoing efforts to provide clean and safe water to both communities.

A federal remediation timeline would help revitalization efforts in the community, restore confidence among residents and property owners and help coordinate actions by different levels of government, said Brownell. Along with the remediation timeline, Brownell has also called for establishment of a dedicated website to upstate residents on progress of the clean-up.

“Residents of Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh need and deserve a clear timeline for the clean-up of these sites, and to ensure progress is made in months, not decades,” said Brownell.

There are numerous examples nationally of Superfund projects making little progress after years and even decades. Right in Rensselaer County, there has been little marked progress on the Loeffel toxic waste site five years after the site was included on the Superfund list.

“There is frustration nationally and locally with progress on Superfund projects. We want to avoid that, and help Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh grow and heal after dealing with the PFOA issue,” said Brownell.

“There has been considerable concern and frustration with Superfund projects, and we want to avoid those types of delays moving forward in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh,” said Legislator Judith Breselor.

Brownell has sponsored a resolution seeking a clear timeline from the federal government, along with adequate funding for remediation, and inclusion of the Saint-Gobain McCaffrey Street site. The resolution will be included for consideration at the November 9 legislative meeting.[/private]

Sandra Teal

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Poestenkill- Sandra K. Teal 69, of Plank Road passed into eternal rest Friday evening November 4, 2016 at the Van Rensselaer Manor after a long illness, with her family at her side. Born in Troy on November 15, 1946, Sandy was the daughter of the late Robert and Mildred French Iveson and the beloved wife of Arlie R. Teal. [Read more…] about Sandra Teal

George Engages As A Teamster

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Wednesday June 19, 1839: Today brother Wylie did a trifling smith work to my wagon. Today we reckoned and I took up the three hundred dollars note and gave a new note dated back to the 20th March. I paid fifty three cts cash and reckoned one cheese and a half which pays up the interest to the date of said note. Today brother Wylie went with us to view the rail road where they were building said road and about three this afternoon I and my wife started for home. On the way home I called at Lebanon to Edwin Griggs and he handed me sixty four dollars to buy him a load of flour and some other small articles in Troy.

Thursday: Today I went to Troy for said Griggs. I got into Troy at four o’clock. I bought eight barrels of flour at six dollars and 75 cts per barrel. I called to The Budget office and paid for the Budget paper, from Feb 13 1839 to Feb 13 1840, which was one dol and 50 cts and I called to the County Treasury and got my pay for being on the Petty Jury a year ago last March. I got for five days service and travelling fees three dol and 63 cts.

Saturday, June 22, 1839: Today some rainy. We pounded out corn and made a pig pen and towards night I walked up on to what is called West Hill in Lebanon at the school house to hear Wilcox preach, but he did not come and there was no meeting. I walked over to Capt Spencer Carr’s to see if he would tend to settling the rent for his father to the Patroon’s. He agreed to call to my house next week and go with me to his father’s and settle it.

Wednesday: I plowed out corn and my boys hoed a half hilling and Stephen Wheeler helped us hoe which pays up for his last week’s board. Today Mr. Nichols sent the cash to me by Mr. John Russel for to fetch him a load of flour and liquor from Albany. He sent one hundred and four dollars.