by Alex Brooks
This picture of the Iron Coffee logo superimposed on the new Parson’s Corner building was circulating on social media on Tuesday, and Hoosick Falls Mayor [Read more…] about Coffee Roaster Coming To Parsons Corner
Reynolds Foundation Gives Grants
submitted by Diane Hosterman
[private]On Thursday evening, July 21, the members of the Board of Directors of the Reynolds Foundation, made up of Norma Brenenstuhl, James Monahan, [Read more…] about Reynolds Foundation Gives Grants
Remembering The Old Families Of Petersburgh
A few of the contributers of the “Remembrances of the Old Families of Petersburgh” gathered for a group picture: Sandra Davis, David Hewitt, Jane and Daniel McCumber,
[Read more…] about Remembering The Old Families Of Petersburgh
Give Blood – Give Life
The United Methodist Church will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on August 1, [Read more…] about Give Blood – Give Life
Hoosick Rocks The Block With A Feast And Music
Bring A Dish And Join The Party
It’s summertime, and that means it’s time to let loose a little. And Hoosick is a community with tremendous strength and spirit, and Hoosick residents have organized a [Read more…] about Hoosick Rocks The Block With A Feast And Music
Edward Charles Williams, Sr.
Edward Charles Williams, Sr., son of Edward Levi Woodworth and Dorothy Sara Face Williams, was born May 17, 1935 in West Stephentown, New York, and departed this life 
on July 17, 2016 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri at the age of eighty-one years and two months.
On October 4, 1953 he was united in marriage to Joan Marie LaFrancis and to this union nine children were born.
He was preceded in death by his father, son, Matthew Williams, grandson, Reggie Williams, and a sister, Norma Lobdell.
Ed is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Joan, of the home; five sons, Eddie Williams and wife, Tammy of Mansfield, Missouri, John Williams and wife, Bernetta, Pete Williams and wife, Brenda, Zachary Williams and wife, Tammy, all of Norwood, Missouri, Joshua Williams and wife, Sarah, of Branson, Missouri; three daughters, Norma Avery and husband, Chuck, of Springfield, Missouri, Penny Sparks and husband, Ken of Centralia, Illinois, Susan Keith and husband, Brent of Hartville, Missouri; his mother, Dorothy Williams of Orlando, Florida; thirty-three grandchildren; seventy-five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Lyon of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Marilyn Lobdell and Donna Kachadurian, both of Averill Park, New York; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was born in New York and at age 15, began working in carpentry. In 1973, Ed and Joan moved the family to Norwood because he wanted to be a farmer. Ed was an excellent finish carpenter, a wise financial planner and a farmer at heart.
He had made a profession of faith in Christ many years ago and was a member of the Union Grove (Caudle) Freewill Baptist Church. Funeral Services for Ed were held in that church in Norwood, Missouri on July 21.
His life was farming, raising horses and he loved all that nature had to offer. He was very, very proud of his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought much joy to him.
Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and a caring neighbor and friend.
Eugene E. Loker
Virginia–Eugene E. Loker, 82, died peacefully at a Hospice Center in Virginia on Sunday, May 15, 2016. Born in Berlin, NY on November 16, 1933, he was the son of the late Earl and Victoria Loker. Eugene was raised in Berlin and was a graduate of Berlin High School. Eugene “Gene” was a long time resident of Berlin, Poestenkill and Brunswick before moving to Virginia after his retirement; he moved there to be closer to his grandchildren. He was known for having a barber shop in Poestenkill for years and working as a milk tester for Dairy Herd Improvement for years. He won the 1985 Merrimack NH Invitational Doubles Dance Roller Skating Competition. He also enjoyed aviation, camping, horseback riding and family. While in Virginia he kept busy lending a helping hand, driving for the local meals on wheels and seniors services. Gene is survived by his son Stephen (Lily) of Virginia and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also by his sisters Patricia Marbot of Johnsonville, NY and Joyce-Ann Pacyga of Charlotte, NC as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Frank Marbot, and by nephews Ronald Marbot and Marc Pacyga. The family had a private Memorial Service on Sunday June 26 at the Berlin Cemetery.
John Blais
Hoosick Falls – John G. Blais, 69, (aka Zeus), legendary caber tosser, carpenter, and raconteur passed away on Tuesday July 19, 2016 at the Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls. He was the husband of Rita (Driscoll) Blais of Abbott Street. John was born on April 27, 1947, in Lockport, NY, son of Gerard Blais of Schaghticoke, NY and the late Annette (Brodie) Blais. John graduated from LaSalle Institute in Troy, NY, attended Siena College and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University at Albany. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp serving from 1968-70. John was a carpenter who worked for many years with Paul Mooney Builder in Bennington, VT. John was best known for his comic impressions, quick wit, exceptional storytelling, and love of poetry, literature and music. Other survivors include his son Nicholas Blais of Albany, NY, sisters Mary Blais, Constance Beckley and Christina Blais, brothers Gerard, Roger and Steven, also several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday July 30, at 10 am from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9 am until the start of the service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the Poetry Foundation. www.poetryfoundation.org
750 Thousand Dollar Grant To Purchase New Pagers For Rensselaer County Emergency Service Providers
By Doug La Rocque
On July 13, State Senator Kathy Marchione, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino and leaders of the Rensselaer Fire and EMS Community gathered at the new Defreestville Fire Station to formally announce the awarding of the $750,000 NYS grant for [Read more…] about 750 Thousand Dollar Grant To Purchase New Pagers For Rensselaer County Emergency Service Providers
Ruth M. Church
Hoosick Falls – Ruth M. Church, 88, of Wood Park, died peacefully Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. 
Born in Berlin on March 1, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Beatrice Goodermote Maxon. Ruth was a graduate of Berlin Central School. Following her marriage, she raised her family. She later returned to work as a secretary for Taconic Plastics in Petersburgh and for Gardenway Manufacturing in Lansingburgh, retiring in 1980. She was a member of the Petersburgh Methodist Church and assisted with the Youth Group and Bible Study. She was a member of the Berlin, Petersburgh and Grafton Senior Citizens. In retirement, she enjoyed camping with her husband in Union Falls and spent winters in Florida and summers in Grafton. She cherished her time spent as a mother and grandmother. She was the wife of the late Lyle M. Church who died in 1996; loving mother of Elaine B. (Howard) Snyder of Grafton, Timothy G. (Denise) Church of Petersburgh and the late Steven M. (Wanda) Church; sister of the late Hazel Cinney, Elton Maxon, Loyal Maxon and Rodney Maxon; grandmother of Dion (Jennifer) Church, Devin Church, Yolanda (Steve) Duprey, Christine (Jeff) Beaulieu, Melinda (Jeff) Colangione, Nicholas (Casey) Snyder, Jeffrey (Cheri Bink) Church, Christopher (Kristina) Church, Rebecca (Keith) Howard, Chelsea (Garrett Ott) Jordan and the late Shane Church. She is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held Thursday July 28 at 1 pm at the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home, 66 Armsby Road, Petersburgh with Rev. Jason White officiating. Interment followed in Meadowlawn Cemetery, Petersburgh. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home on Thursday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, PO Box 16, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 or to Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.