The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Sunny Skies And A Large Turnout For The Annual Berlin 4th Of July Parade

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By Doug La Rocque
There may be larger 4th of July Parades, replete with gallant pageantry, but nowhere does the American heart beat any stronger on Independence Day than in Berlin and the Taconic Valley. The streets along the parade route were crowded with supporters who continually voiced the approval of all the floats and marchers, and unlike last year, Mother Nature was also in a good mood. [Read more…] about Sunny Skies And A Large Turnout For The Annual Berlin 4th Of July Parade

Annual Sand Sculpture Contest At Grafton Lakes Park Had Many Creative Entries

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By Doug La Rocque
The hot and humid weather combined with the 4th of July sent crowds to Grafton Lakes State Park in nearly record numbers to cool off and enjoy a day at the beach. Because of the many improvements to the facilities already in place, with even more to come, Grafton Lakes has seen a resurgence in attendance the past few years. The park not only has one of the largest beach shoreline in the Capital Region, it also boasts many trails for hiking and biking and numerous picnic areas. Programs such as the holiday sand sculpture contests liven up a day at the beach. [Read more…] about Annual Sand Sculpture Contest At Grafton Lakes Park Had Many Creative Entries

Rensselaer County Hits The Jackpot Even Before Gaming Begins At The New Rivers Casino

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By Doug La Rocque
Late last year the New York Racing and Wagering Board announced it was awarding a license to the Rivers Gaming and Resorts group to open a casino along the Mohawk River in Schenectady. Acceptance of this license meant the casino group would have to pay the State millions in dollars in licensing fees. Some of this money is now finding its way to counties around the Capital Region, including Rensselaer County. County Executive Kathy Jimino announced Tuesday that the County’s share was $900,774.62. Jimino said some of the money will help fund additional highway maintenance and improvements, and the rest will be set aside for tax relief in the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years. [Read more…] about Rensselaer County Hits The Jackpot Even Before Gaming Begins At The New Rivers Casino

Questions Still Linger About Grafton Ambulance Purchase

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By Doug La Rocque
Amid new concerns about the status of a New York State grant for $150,000, the discussion at the Grafton Town Board meeting July 11 showed the concern of many about moving forward with the purchase of a new vehicle. Members of the Grafton Rescue Squad and the Town Board opened bids last week from three companies submitting proposals. [Read more…] about Questions Still Linger About Grafton Ambulance Purchase

Petersburgh Library Events

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submitted by Sharon Hodges
Everyone is invited to join us on Friday, July 15, 10:30 am for “BJ the Balloon Twister” who will have fun with the children and introduce them to some balloon art. First she will teach them a few different “twists”, then she will let them learn by doing. Each child will be able to make their own balloon creations … a hat, an animal, or WHATEVER! Held at the PVMCC.
Rhonda’s Reptiles will be featured on Monday, July 18 at 10:30 am. Everyone is invited to come have a hands-on learning experience with reptiles. All the animals that will be shown have been handled on a regular basis, are used to people and very calm. Rhonda says: “If just one person is able to lose his or her fear of these amazing animals, it is well worth the time and effort.” Held at the PVMCC.
Friday, July 22 at 10:30 am Nick Kossor, a world class Jodoka, will provide a hands-on Judo experience for attending families. He will relay the importance of a healthy lifestyle and share his lifelong passion of Judo on a competitive level in an interactive program. Held at the PVMCC.
Art at the library will be held on Tuesday-Thursday, July 19 to 21 at 10:30 am, children in kindergarten through 6th grade will create a stained glass picture using material that lets you use your imagination and make your picture come alive. Mona Norlund, an experienced crafter and teacher will be leading the group. Sign-up is required by Monday, July 25, so please call the library or stop by and sign-up.
Pre-school story hour continues on Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 pm. All preschoolers with parents or care providers are welcome at story hour. Join us for stories, activities, crafts, and a snack.
There are activities at the Library every afternoon. Mondays – Legos, Tuesdays – Coloring Fun, Wednesdays – Food Fun, create a special food creation, Thursdays – Fun Crafts, Fridays – Fun with Games.
For all readers, this summer you can enter to win prizes for each book you read – regular paper book, audiobook, or ebook. Forms are available at the library and may be placed in a can representing a prize. Currently there are 12 adult prizes including bookstore gift certificates, homemade bread, jewelry, PBS baseball DVDs, etc. Teen prizes include game stop gift card, lemonade stand set up, manga drawing pack, etc. Children’s prizes include my little pony set, stuffed animals,and vehicles. Stop by the library to see all the prizes available. All prizes have been donated by the library board, staff and generous patrons.

Hoosac School Suggests Ice Rink Partnership With Town

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by Alex Brooks
Supervisor Surdam told the Board that Hoosac School has made an informal offer to pay a fairly large sum of money each year to the Town for use of the Town ice rink if it were brought up to standards that would support their Hockey Program. The standards that were briefly discussed were being able to provide ice (refrigeration), 4 locker rooms and regulation hockey boards. Hoosac School has developed a very successful hockey program for both boys and girls and would like to have access to the Town rink as home ice. [Read more…] about Hoosac School Suggests Ice Rink Partnership With Town

What’s Happening At SML In July

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SML Closing Early for Book Sale Setup – SML will be closing at 4 pm on Friday, July 15 and will be closed for business on Saturday, July 16. Please use our book drop, located near the handicapped ramp on the front of the building, when we are closed.
Rhonda’s Reptiles Show – Saturday, July 16 at 11 am – Rhonda’s Reptiles is a remarkable show. Everyone is invited to come have a hands-on learning experience with reptiles. All the animals that will be shown have been handled on a regular basis, are used to people and very calm. Rhonda says: “If just one person is able to lose his or her fear of these amazing animals, it is well worth the time and effort.” This show will take place under the tent behind the library.
Summer Hours at SML – SML Saturday hours for the summer will be 9 am – 1 pm.
Marble Painting with Scotia-Glenville Museum – Friday, July 15 at 1 pm. Rock & roll your paint design using marbles. Presented by Scotia Glenville Traveling Museum. Registration requested.
Bubble Bonanza with Scotia-Glenville Museum – Monday, July 18 at 10:30 am. Play with a variety of bubble-makers & everything it takes to fill the air with shimmering spheres of every size, including amazing gigantic bubbles Presented by Scotia Glenville Travelling Museum. Registration requested.
Make Organic Smoothies with Honest Weight Food Co-Op – Tuesday, July 19 at 10:30 am. Our friends from Honest Weight Food CoOp in Albany will bring an array of delicious local ingredients and show us how to make organic smoothies. Advance registration requested.
Mahjongg Lessons for Beginners – beginning Thursday, July 21.
(Experienced players welcome, too!) Would you like to learn the ancient Chinese game of Mahjongg? Do you enjoy card games, chess, backgammon? Then you may love mahjongg. Research has shown that this fascinating game stimulates the mind and helps keep your brain sharp!
SML is hosting a series of five lessons on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6 pm, beginning July 21. Suggested donation is $20 for the series. Each player must also purchase a 2016 National Mahjongg League card for $8. (Available from the instructor at the first class). The series is limited to 8 beginners. No one will be turned away for inability to pay. Please contact the Library to reserve your place. Questions? Call Linda Smith at (518) 248-1111 or the Library.
Free Breakfast & Lunch for kids – July 11 through August 5. We are pleased to have been chosen as a feeding site for this federally funded program. We will be serving a healthy breakfast and lunch each weekday. Breakfast will be from 8:30 to 9:30 am and Lunch will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the community room. There is no charge and no income or residency requirement. All children under age 18 are encouraged to take advantage of this program.
For more information, call the Stephentown Memorial Library at 733-5750. Check our website,www.stephentownlibrary.org for updates.

Berlin Middle/High School Honor Roll

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Berlin Middle/High School announces the names of Principal’s List, High Honors,
and Honors students for the Fourth Quarter of the 2015-2016 school year.
Principal’s List is achieved with an average of 93.5 – 100, High Honors with an average of 89.5 – 93.4, and Honors students with an average of 84.5 – 89.4. [Read more…] about Berlin Middle/High School Honor Roll