The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Fox Hollow Festival Remembrance And Chicken Barbeque

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Saturday, September 17, 4 – 7 pm. Celebrate the 225th Anniversary of the Town of Petersburgh with an afternoon of chicken barbecue and folk music by musicians who performed at the Fox Hollow Folk Festival. [Read more…] about Fox Hollow Festival Remembrance And Chicken Barbeque

Andy Spence Speaks About Petersburgh’s Fox Hollow Music Festival

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Rensselaer Plateau Alliance invites the community to Andy Spence’s presentation about the Fox Hollow Music Festival, an annual Petersburgh tradition from 1966 to 1980, at the Sand Lake Town Hall on September 8. [Read more…] about Andy Spence Speaks About Petersburgh’s Fox Hollow Music Festival

Letter To The Editor

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To The Editor:

I write this letter in response to the letter by Allison Mullen published August 5, 2016. Mullen seems to have the belief that we of the older generation are the cause of the problems of the black citizens of the United States. We are not the cause of the problems.

My introduction to segregation was while I was stationed at Keesler Field, Mississippi in 1945 with the United States Army Air Corps. I was riding a bus from Biloxi to Pascagoula. The bus was full. I was in uniform. A pregnant black lady got on. I got up and offered her my seat. She smiled, but that was all there was time for. The driver slammed on the brakes and came back and told me in no uncertain terms that blacks had to go to the back of the bus and pointed to a white line on the floor. And that was my introduction to segregation.

I’m sure you were taught about the “Solid South,” the political block of segregated states that voted “solidly” Democratic.

The United States military was segregated until President Truman, a Democrat, ordered it ended.

A black soldier and I became friends while washing C-54 aircraft cowling at Hickam Field, Hawaii in the fall of 1946. Somehow we processed for separation at the same time but at different locations at Fort Dix, N.J. I last saw him at the train station. I walked over to him, shook his hand, and we wished each other good luck. He got a train for Trenton and I got a train to New York City.

So I do not believe it is my generation that is causing the problems between races today.

When was the last time you read a story about a 90 year old shooting up a night club? Or anything else? I think all the shooters are younger people.

The race problem has escalated since President Obama has been in office.

True, the youth of America should not be subjected to so much violence and hate. But do not blame me or my generation. Look to your generation.

How do we teach you tolerance and equality? You can’t possibly believe government can do it.

Who is involved in the rallies, protest, and violence? Not my generation.

What is meant by “like passing amendments or speeches to the Senate? Who should be making speeches about what?

I suggest people read a book I read around 1958. See if the theme can relate to what is happening in the United States today. It is “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand.

Vincent Devlin Msgt Retired,

United States Air Force. 1

72 Madden Road, Stephentown. [/private]

Information And County Services Available At Schaghticoke Fair

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Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino along with other county officials and representatives of County Departments will be on hand at the Schaghticoke Fair to both offer services and provide information on programs and services available to County residents. [Read more…] about Information And County Services Available At Schaghticoke Fair

Margaret Loretan

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[private]Hoosick Falls – Margaret “Peggy” L. Loretan, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 16, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She resided on Classic Street with her husband of 57 years, Hubert “Herb” A. Loretan.

Peggy was born on July 24, 1937 in Cambridge, New York, daughter of the late William J. and Mary (Decker) Ruditis. She attended high school at St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from St. Rose College with a degree in teaching. Peggy taught elementary students at St. Mary’s Academy and worked in Student Services at Bennington College until she retired. She was a hospital volunteer at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington for thirty years.

Peggy was a beautiful role model of strength, dignity and refinement. She was always stylish and impeccably dressed. She was very compassionate and tolerant towards all. She took pride in her children and grandchildren and her greatest joy was spending time with them. She loved to travel and made numerous trips with her husband and friends. Entertaining was one of her many skills and everyone who visited her home left feeling like they were family. Her selflessness and duty to others was her badge of honor. She was a devout Christian and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls.

Survivors other than her husband Herb include their children Mary Jackson of Dallas, TX; William Loretan (Susan) of Ephrata, PA; Gayle Donohue (Paul) of Hoosick Falls, NY; Amy Gross (Harry) of Centerville, VA; and her eight grandchildren Brittany and William Miles Jackson, Karoline and Rachael Loretan, Mary and Peter Donohue, and Lauren and Bradley Gross.

A funeral Mass was offered on Saturday August 20 at 1 pm at the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Burial followed the mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hoosick Falls.

Relatives and friends called at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls on Friday from 5 to 7 pm. If desired, the family suggests Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Mary’s Academy or Rensselaer County Community Hospice through the funeral home. [/private]