The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

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Winterfest

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Submitted by Hoosick Falls Central School Communications
The HFCS PTA is hosting a free event that will be fun for the whole family — Winterfest! This year's Winterfest will take place on Saturday, December 14th, from 2 to 6 pm at the HFCS Elementary School gym and cafeteria. Winter-themed activities will be offered such as kids' bingo, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa bar, and a Cake Walk where kids and families can win tasty cakes or baked goods. Nearly a dozen local vendors are signed up to attend and sell their specialty items such as paintings, handcrafted cutting boards, jewelry, ornaments, candles, and more. The PTA has collected fun items from local businesses for a basket raffle and will run a 50/50 raffle. Local photographer Vanessa Lewis will take free pictures with Santa and children will be offered goodie bags to take home, complete with reindeer food! Anyone in the community is welcome to attend this free family event. The HFCS PTA would like to thank all the generous sponsors who have contributed to this event.

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Rensselaer County 2025 Rensselaer County Budget Approved

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Budget Includes 8 Percent County Property Tax Rate Reduction

From the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
Rensselaer County resident and taxpayers will see a seventh consecutive property tax rate reduction in 2025 thanks to a county budget approved on Wednesday, County Executive Steve McLaughlin announced.

The spending plan for next year approved by the County Legislature includes a county property tax rate reduction of 8 percent while also supporting service improvements and maintaining the county’s solid financial foundation.

“We are proud to again deliver a county property tax rate decrease and save residents and taxpayers more of their hard-earned money. Rensselaer County is becoming recognized as a leader across the state in reducing property taxes and this budget continues that progress,” said McLaughlin.

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Pet Drive with Special Guests

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Berlin Elementary School 

For the last 25 years, first-grade teacher Mrs. Tracie Heinrichs has been supporting the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society in Menands and is hosting the pet drive again this year, collecting donations of food and supplies for animals in need. Over the holiday break, Ms. Heinrichs will deliver the supplies to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

At the Character Education Assembly on December 6th, the BES Mountaineers exhibited compassion and empathy, December's character traits, by starting the annual pet drive for the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society in Menands.

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Student Installs Little Free Libraries

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Submitted by New Lebanon Central School District Communications
Daisy Gail, a dedicated student at the New Lebanon Central School District, has taken the initiative to enrich the community by installing little free libraries throughout the school district.

Inspired to make a meaningful impact, Daisy embarked on the project as part of her Silver Award in Girl Scouts. "I wanted to do a meaningful idea that would really impact the community positively," Daisy said. "I have always enjoyed little free libraries and thought if our town had a few, it would make it a better community."

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Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge in Lake George

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Submitted by HFCSD Communications
Hoosick Falls Central School’s (HFCS) Inclusion Fusion team was joined by students, staff, and members of the community to fundraise and attend the 18th Annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge in Lake George on Saturday, November 23rd. Around 1,600 plungers from around the Capital District raised $294,676.30 to benefit the Special Olympics, breaking past fundraising records. HFCS’s team braved the cold with over six times more participants this year than last year. The HFCS Inclusion Fusion team raised $8,431, making the top ten team list, out of the dozens of other schools and companies that participated. All of the funds raised will help support the Special Olympics’ mission to provide opportunities for sports and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. Thank you to all who donated, attended, and supported this effort!

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7,097 Trotters Race, Walk, and Give Thanks

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at 77th Troy Turkey Trot

Submitted by Ed Parham of Rueckert Advertising
$21,000 Raised for Northeast Regional Food Bank and Joseph’s House and Shelter

The 77th annual Troy Turkey Trot brought a sea of runners, walkers, and families together this morning to celebrate one of America’s oldest and most cherished Thanksgiving traditions. Presented by Pioneer, this beloved event welcomed 7,097 participants from 38 states and 7 countries to the heart of the Collar City.

The day kicked off with

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Yule Log Tradition

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A Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Sunday, December 15th, from 1 to 3 pm
Celebrate the ancient tradition of the Yule Log at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center. Hear the story of the Yule Log and why the days are getting shorter and the nights longer at this time of year. Search for a hidden Yule Log, which will be carried back and burned in a campfire by the lake. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies by the fire. Greens will be available to make crafts. This program is free but preregistration is required at 518-658-2055 or dykenpond@gmail.com.

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Gratitude, Growth, and Community:

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A Thanksgiving Message from Berlin Middle High School

Dear Mountaineer Community,

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, as the Berlin Middle High School Principal, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the many reasons we at Berlin Middle High School have to be grateful. This season is not only about giving thanks but also about strengthening the bonds that unite us as a school and community.

Our school year has begun with incredible momentum, thanks to the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community partners. We’ve celebrated the successes of our students on and off the field, in classrooms, and on stage. This fall, our student-athletes excelled in their sports, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. In the arts, our music program has reached new heights with students earning All-County and prestigious All-State honors. Additionally, our recent drama production brought together students from grades 6 through 12, showcasing their creativity and collaboration. Our artists and club members have also been busy, bringing energy, passion, and talent to everything they do, embodying what it means to be a Mountaineer.

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Holiday Makers Market at the Depot

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Sunday, December 15th, from noon to 5 pm

Don’t finish your holiday shopping until you drop in the Depot, 6 Broad Street in Cambridge on Sunday, December 15th. Not only will there be handcrafted goods by professional artists, there will be homegrown items as well.

What could be better than shopping in Argyle Brewing’s tasting room? You can relax, have a pint of local beer, listen to Bob Webb play dulcet tunes on the guitar, and shop for truly unique gifts.

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