by Kieron Kramer
The Dairy Princess, Lindsey McMahon of Petersburgh, graced the Chamber of the Rensselaer County Legislature during the presentation period before the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 11. A resolution honoring her for her appointment as Rensselaer County Dairy Princess was passed at the Legislature’s meeting in May. The presentation was made by Legislator Ken Herrington of District 3, which includes the towns of Cropseyville, Johnsonville and Pittstown among others, District 4 Legislator Alex Shannon and District 5 Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote, who represent the towns of Petersburgh, Stephentown, Grafton, Berlin, Hoosick and the Village of Hoosick Falls.
[private]The Rensselaer County Dairy Princess embarks on an experience that is meaningful for her personally, enhances her community in some way and is consistent with the meaning of the dairy experience in her life, says last month’s resolution. “She exhibits a knowledge of the dairy industry as well as a willingness to serve as a Dairy Ambassador
while developing leadership skills and contributing to the dairy community.” According to the resolution, being chosen as Dairy Princess is tangible evidence of Lindsey’s high character and commitment.
Herrington said, “As a dairy farmer I congratulate Lindsey; she comes from a very nice dairy farm in Petersburgh which is still farmed by her father and grandfather.” He added that he had gone to school with Lindsey’s grandfather. “All the travel [to various events promoting the dairy industry] is really time consuming for Lindsey and her family,” Herrington concluded. Lindsey’s mother accompanied her to this event and took pictures from the gallery of Lindsey receiving her copy of the resolution suitably engrossed.
The Princess thanked the Legislature and said, “I look forward to seeing some of you later in the year at some of my events.” On the Wednesday before this meeting, at a celebration of National Dairy Month, Lindsey had distributed milk punch and cheese to members of the Legislature attending. It’s too bad she didn’t bring some to this meeting for those in the audience who were dying for dairy.
Casualties Of War
In May a resolution was passed naming June as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. At Tuesday’s session a presentation was made to several people who work to alleviate PTSD in Rensselaer County. The presentation was made by Legislator Tom Walsh who said that 30% of service members in combat suffer from this disorder. “The suicide rate is very high,” he added, shocked.
One of the speakers, Kathy Coons of the County Mental Health Department, said that there were 11 reported suicides of veterans in the County in 2012. Amy Molloy is an organizer of Heroes at Home (www.heroesathomerensco.com/), one of four pilot projects funded by NYS to provide peer support for veterans and their families. Peggy Snyder told the story of her son, a Marine gunnery sergeant, who became depressed by an incident in Iraq when someone under his command was injured and the coincident death of family members at home. Thanks to counseling, “He is ok now,” Snyder said. Kevin Miller, an Army sergeant infantryman and sniper in Afghanistan, was poisoned there in 2008 “in an act of espionage.” He suffered systemic organ failures and a coma. He lost a lower leg. Upon returning home he suffered very violent episodes at night which he could not remember the next morning and also suffered anger management problems during the day. “People are afraid to ask for help,” he said. “Awareness helps people know they can get help too; it’s top notch.” Miller founded an organization that takes vets to sporting events at Yankee Stadium and to see the Albany Alleycats. Sgt. Kevin Miller, Jr., is still active in the Army. He has spoken each year at the Hoosick Falls Central School Veterans Assembly since returning from Afghanistan.
J.A. Bradley’s 100th
A resolution was passed at this session commending J.A. Bradley and Sons upon the occasion of its 100th anniversary. “In accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to convey its compliments and felicitations to J.A. Bradley and Sons as they celebrate their 100th anniversary,” the resolution says. According to the resolution, Phil Bradley of J.A. Bradley and Sons began his electrical contractor business in 1913 at a storefront on 6 John Street in the Village of Hoosick Falls. The business continued to expand and grow through the time of two World Wars and the Great Depression. Philip’s son, Joseph (Joe) A. Bradley entered the business, and this fifth generation family business expanded in all areas – residential, commercial and agriculture service. Joe Bradley, along with his sister Julia, took over the business in 1942 with the passing of Philip, and in 1955 they moved the business to its second location, on Hall Street in the Village of Hoosick Falls. Two of Joe’s sons, Don and Phil, began working in the family business in the late 1950s and early 60s. Joe Bradley ran the business until the early 1970s when Master Electricians Don and Phil Bradley took over day to day operations; both continue to serve to this day. In the early 1980s, the business moved for the third time to its current location just north of the Village of Hoosick Falls on Route 22. Master Electrician Scott Stroffoleno, son in law to Don, now runs daily operations and his son Colin, who recently completed a two year program in Electrical Construction Maintenance at HVCC, entered the business, ensuring that the family firm’s commitment to its community and customers will continue for many years to come.
Currently, J.A. Bradley serves a large area of eastern New York and Vermont, still providing service for residential, industrial, commercial and farm needs. The firm’s electricians adhere strictly to the National Electrical Code. The company continues to expand. It brings modern technology and energy saving opportunities to its customers, including in the burgeoning area of solar power, and provides quality craftsmanship and 24 hour service to its customers, according to the resolution.
The Clerk of the Legislature will transmit a copy of the resolution, suitably engrossed, to J.A. Bradley and Sons.
Fire Advisory Board
Two area men were appointed to the County Fire Advisory Board at this session. The terms of Joseph Sweener of Berlin and Donald Barton of Johnsonville will begin immediately and expire on December 31, 2015.
CHIPS Money Increased
The County Engineer was notified by the New York State Department of Transportation that the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding for Rensselaer County has been approved for the 2013 – 2014 State fiscal year, and the County will receive a total CHIPS Capital balance of $2,340,454.75, which is $357,573.75 greater than that which was anticipated in the 2013 Adopted Rensselaer County Budget. Therefore, the County Highway Department budget was amended at this session to enhance existing capital improvement programs and provide improved transportation services for County highway system users.
Running For Office
This November the election of the members of the County Legislature will be held. Legislators will be elected to serve a four year term. In an interview after this meeting, District Five Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote announced that they are seeking re-election. Candidates’ petitions began circulating June 4. Candidates will need 150 signatures and must submit the petitions to the County Board of Elections in early July in order to be placed on the ballot. Brownell and Goodermote have begun gathering signatures and have planned meet and greet and fundraising events. One was already held at Guiseppes Restaurant on Route 7 in Hoosick, and one will be held at the Bridgeway in Cherry Plain from 5:30 to 7 pm on July 11.
This Weekend
Both Brownell and Goodermote said they will be attending the Steak and Lobster Bake at the Berlin Rod and Gun Club on Saturday and the Fashion Show for Cancer Awareness and the Karen McGovern Memorial Fund at 7 pm on Saturday in Hoosick Falls.[/private]