The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Front Page

Early Voting Underway in Gubernatorial Primary

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Minor Party County Judge Race Also on Ballot

by Doug La Rocque
Both Republicans and Democrats have several people vying for their party’s nod to run for Governor this November. Sitting Governor Kathy Hochul, elevated to that post with the August 2021 resignation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, is battling two challengers for the Democratic Party nomination, those being Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi (Long Island/Queens) and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. Many polls, including the respected Siena College Poll, have Governor Hochul with a healthy double digit lead on her opponents.

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Swearing-In Ceremony

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On Friday, June 17, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department held a special ceremony at the County Public Safety Building for eleven new recruits to become corrections officers. With family, friends, Rensselaer County Legislators and County Executive Steve McLaughlin looking on, Sheriff Pat Russo administered the oath of office to the eleven new members of the corrections bureau and discussed the important role they will have in protecting residents. The new hires will help fill a number of recent vacancies. Rensselaer County thanks the new members for their willingness to serve and protect our County.

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New Medical Building on the Horizon in Brunswick

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by Doug La Rocque
The Brunswick Planning Board learned more about plans to construct a two-story medical office and ambulatory surgery center on McChesney Avenue, near the Market 32 Plaza, at their Thursday, June 16 meeting. Representatives from Paulson Development indicated Upstate Gastroenterology and Ortho New York are two of the planned occupants. Items involved in the preliminary discussion include the height of a tower on the building, which would require a zoning variance, and a possible connecting walkway to Market 32.

Encroachment
The firm constructing the new Aldi/Planet Fitness complex on Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7) has

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Local Farm Receives Cannabis Growing License

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Earlier this spring, the Juniper Jill Cannabis Company (located at the Scarp Family Farm) was awarded one of the first conditional cannabis growing licenses by New York State. Under New York’s Cannabis legislation enacted in 2021, Juniper Jill will not be allowed to sell the product directly to the public. That will be done by approximately 100 dispensaries, still awaiting their conditional licenses.

Chief Operating Officer Jenny Scarpulla tells The Eastwick Press work is already underway to begin their cannabis growing operation, which will include

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ARPA Survey Concludes

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New Lebanon Town Council Meeting

by Chris Tergliafera
After compiling the 208 responses to the recent community survey about how the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds should be used, the top five areas of interest are: local businesses, monitoring Town water, health and wellness, the community center and the Rail Trail. There will be a special meeting on Tuesday, July 26, at 6 pm to not only discuss the results of the survey in a more in-depth manner, but also to discuss how to use the unallocated fund balance and excess sales tax revenue.

Cool Ravines CEA
The resolution to adopt a negative resolution declaring and designating the Cool Ravines Critical Environmental Area (CEA) was approved.

Main Street Revitalization
The Council is looking to apply for a two phase grant that will help with business revitalization, however they will

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Running for Peace 

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by Amy Modesti
On a Tuesday morning, along the rolling hills of Brunswick, a peace runner running to Clums Corners with a burning blue torch hands it off to Eastwick Press photojournalist, Amy Modesti, to signify the passing of peace and love in transit. 

New York City resident, Natabara Rollosson, was the torch runner. Rollosson, along with two marathon runners, Arpan DeAngelo and Pavaka, stopped at Clums Corners to speak with The Eastwick Press about the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run that they’re involved in and its mission to spread peace. 

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Demo Day at HVCC

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On Tuesday, June 14, Hudson Valley Community College’s (HVCC) Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills (CAMS) hosted a Haas Demo Day event to educate incoming high school students and members of the community about the future of American manufacturing. The event included remarks from industry and local leaders, tours of the center led by nationally-recognized technical instructors and machine demonstrations. Prospective students can learn about the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AOS) program and facilities, connect with local manufacturing employers and meet with faculty, advisors and admissions counselors.

Several local school districts and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) were the recipients of Gene Haas Foundation scholarship funding, which provides financial assistance for students interested in manufacturing-based careers.

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Grafton Town Council Highlights

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by Chris Tergliafera
Grafton is looking for someone who can maintain its cemeteries and keep them in presentable condition. The matter will be discussed further at the upcoming workshop meeting, as there are many details that still need to be worked out.

Highway Garage Overhead Doors
The $26,000 bid by Diamond Overhead Doors to replace the highway garage overhead doors was approved. The current doors are roughly 50 years old and don’t close properly, which makes heating the garage difficult and costly. It will take roughly three months to get the materials, and the funds for the project will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

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Pushback After Stefanik Meet and Greet

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by Doug La Rocque
Representative Elise Stefanik, whose 21st Congressional District will include a vast portion of Rensselaer County starting in 2023, held a meet and greet at the Brunswick Community Center on Tuesday, May 31 that was quite civil inside, but replete with about 30 protesters outside the building. Ms. Stefanik is a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump and has repeatedly criticized the January 6 Insurrection Public Hearings currently taking place in Washington, D.C. as a “witch hunt.” 

These protesters were eventually locked out of the event, because as Brunswick Town Supervisor Phil Herrington told the June 9 Town Council meeting, they became “disruptive” with one individual “attempting to intimidate” those wishing to attend the meet and greet. He described the affair as a “private event” with the standard $150 rental fee paid in advance. Mr. Herrington added if those who did not agree with the Congresswoman just simply wanted to attend without protest, they would have been welcome.

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