The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Honoring Henry G. A. Higgitt

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By Amy Modesti
On Monday, December 12, a ceremony was held to honor and remember the life of Henry G. A. Higgitt. Born December 9, 1900, in Troy, Higgitt enlisted in the New York Army National Guard, serving in the Support Company, 2nd Infantry Division. Enlisting in the United States Navy in Albany, he served aboard the USS Eagle, USS Sacramento, USS Patonka, and USS Denebola. He served in the US Naval Reserve and Naval Training Station later in his military career tending to boilers in a ship’s engine room. Higgitt was honorably discharged on June 9, 1946, awarded with the World War II Victory Medal and American Campaign Medal.  [Read more…] about Honoring Henry G. A. Higgitt

Brunswick Solar Moratorium, Housing Code Changes Approved

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By Doug La Rocque
Two issues, one that has been before the Brunswick Town Board for only a few months, another that has been discussed for more than a year, saw action taken at the Thursday, December 8 meeting.

First was changes to Town Code as they related to construction of two-family and multi-family homes. Density concerns sparked a moratorium on such consideration and construction in late 2021 while the Town looked at where such construction should be allowed and consideration of a density factor. That moratorium was eventually extended twice. The initial changes, which involved several code modifications, met with some opposition at a public hearing, and were pulled back. The newer version was approved as a local law, and takes effect upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State’s Office. [Read more…] about Brunswick Solar Moratorium, Housing Code Changes Approved

Grafton Resolution 62 Sparks Debate, Passes 4-1

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By Chris Tergliafera
The major point of interest at the Monday, December 12 regular meeting of the Grafton Town Board was resolution 62, which admonished Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum for alleged ethical misconduct, and urged her to immediately resign. At the meeting, attorney for Supervisor Gundrum, David Gruenberg, read a letter he wrote, claiming the findings by the Ethics Board should not be considered because when the Towns Ethics Board laws changed in 2021, a new Board was never appointed, meaning the current Board shouldn’t have existed past December 31, 2021. Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Executive Director Jim Bonesteel also submitted a letter saying he believes there was no ethical misconduct. Both letters are available for view on the Town’s website, in the packet for the December 12 meeting, as is the letter from Kevin Luibrand, of Luibrand Law Firm, PLLC, that was the catalyst for the creation of resolution 62.

Several residents spoke up in support of Supervisor Gundrum, others stated they just wanted the matter resolved, as they feel it’s dividing the Town. When all was said and done, resolution 62 [Read more…] about Grafton Resolution 62 Sparks Debate, Passes 4-1

Pride of Our Nation, Pride of Our College

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Submitted by HVCC
The 11th annual Pride of Our Nation, Pride of Our College exhibition, an ever-changing collection of photographs and memorabilia of veterans and active military service members with a connection to the college, remains on view through Friday, December 16, on HVCC’s Troy campus.

Beginning with just a handful of photographs, the exhibit has grown to include more than 100 images and keepsakes, both official military issue and personal. Current students, faculty, and staff submit photos and loan objects, ranging from dog tags and medals to historic documents and full uniforms, that pertain to the military career of a relative or themselves. This year’s exhibition features items from as far back as the Civil War up to present day. For the second year, an In Memorium wall will pay tribute to military personnel or veterans who died within the last 12 months. [Read more…] about Pride of Our Nation, Pride of Our College

A Message From Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling 

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Deputy Town Supervisor, community ally, and wonderful friend, Charles “Doug” Banker. There will be a celebration of his life at Zucchini’s restaurant in Pittsfield on Sunday, December 18, at noon. Donations can be made in his honor to the Cemetery of the Evergreens, where he served as a volunteer for many years. You can also take a moment to share a memory to be included in his keepsake book. All of the information about his celebration of life, how to make a donation, and how to share a memory can be found by visiting memorials.parkerbrosmemorial.com/book-of-memories/5086626/Banker-Charles/.

Sheriffs’ No Shave November Continues

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By Amy Modesti
From November 1 through February 1, at 7 am, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) employees can grow beards, mustaches, and goatees to help raise money for START Children’s Center Inc. and the Rensselaer County Department for Youth (RCDY). 

On Friday, December 2, Sheriff Patrick Russo, Undersheriff P.J. Higgitt, several members of the Sheriff’s Department, and Santa Claus presented RCDY’s Youth Service Worker Debbie Flemming and Deputy Commissioner Pierce Hoyt with a check for [Read more…] about Sheriffs’ No Shave November Continues

Operation Holiday Cheer

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Adopt a Senior

Submitted by the Rensselaer County Office for the Aging
The Rensselaer County Department for the Aging is once again kindly asking for assistance in granting wishes to seniors this holiday season. Below are the available wish tags, with the gender of the recipient. To claim a tag, please call Lisa Overocker at 518-270-2724 or email loverocker@resnco.com.

All gifts are due to the Department of the Aging by Thursday, December 15. Please wrap and label your gift with the appropriate tag number. Thank you for helping to make a brighter Christmas for our Seniors.

Current Available Tag Numbers

14: Male – Size 11w easy on slippers, 100 piece or less puzzle, micro touch razor.

15: Female – Size 9 slippers, s/m size pajamas, gift card or coupons to Stewart’s. [Read more…] about Operation Holiday Cheer

The End of an Era

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On Saturday, November 26, the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, with Santa Claus in attendance for the kids, held their final monthly breakfast. The breakfasts, held at the Grafton Fire Hall, were a tradition on the last Saturday of each month for over a decade. Over the years the breakfasts became an event that the community really looked forward to, somewhat of a meeting place for those in and outside of the Grafton community. 

Organizers and volunteers within the Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary did all they could to continue the monthly tradition, but food costs, and inflation in general, just became too much to allow them to do so.  [Read more…] about The End of an Era