The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

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

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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. 

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Veterans Recognition Ceremony

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On Thursday, November 10, the Everett Wager Senior Center in Grafton held a ceremony, including a free lunch, to honor veterans. The veterans, including Town of Berlin Supervisor Rob Jaeger, were each recognized for their service. County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Legislator Dan Casale, and Assemblymen (and Senator-Elect) Jake Ashby were also on hand to help honor the veterans in attendance. The special guest speaker was President of the Albany Chapter of American Gold Star Mother, Carrie Farley, who is the proud mother of SSG Derek J. Farley, who was killed while serving our country. 

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Snowmobile Safety Course 

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On Saturday, November 12, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, there will be a New York State (NYS) snowmobile safety course held at the Grafton VFW and Fire Hall, 581 South Rd. Lunch and snacks will be provided by the Grafton Trailblazers. Please bring a pen or pencil, as well as warm cloths, as a portion of the class will be outdoors. All registrants must be at least 10 years of age by the date of the course. Parents are encouraged to attend and participate. Completion of this course will result in receiving a NYS snowmobile safety certificate. 

There is no charge to register and take this course. To register, visit https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/188092. For more information, call Jim Blessing at 518-469-2656.

A Fond Farewell

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Written and Submitted by Dan - The Mail Man
It has been my pleasure to serve the residents of Grafton, Petersburgh and the surrounding areas, as your Rural Postal Carrier, these past 15 years. It was my good fortune to be trained by two excellent carriers, Ann Dennio of Melrose and Don Jones of Petersburgh. Being a Rural Carrier is more than just delivering mail and packages. It is becoming a member of the community, actively helping one another. More than once people of the the community have come to my aid when I broke down or was stuck; I endeavored to return the kindness whenever possible. I always felt my purpose was to be a good shepherd and provide the best service possible for those in my care.

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Grafton Fire Dept. Presentation

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Written and Submitted by Ann Kiely 
On Wednesday, September 21, Grafton Fire Chief Jim Goyer presented a program on the Grafton Fire Department to the Grafton Historical Society. Chief Goyer is the longest serving Fire Chief in Rensselaer County, and has been a member of the fire company since he was sixteen years old, seeing many changes in the department over the years. One thing that has not changed is the commitment of his family to the fire company, as three generations have served.

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Berlin CSD Board of Education Meeting Highlights

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by Chris Tergliafera
The September 20 regular meeting of the Berlin Central School District Board of Education began with an international travel program proposal. The tentative dates for the trip to Italy would be April 6 through 14. As of now the estimated price for the trip would be $3,800 and would include flights, transportation, hotel, and two meals a day. The tentative cap on the number of students who could possibly attend is 30, and it was stated that fundraising opportunities could be available to help raise funds toward the trip. Transportation from the school to the airport was also requested. Superintendent Joseph Dhara stated that while the district would do what they could to help with transportation, they couldn’t currently make any promises due to driver shortages.

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Fire Chief Jim Goyer Presentation

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Grafton Historical Society

The Grafton Historical Society will present a program on the Grafton Fire Department on Wednesday, September 21 at 7 pm at Grafton Town Hall. Fire Chief Jim Goyer will talk about the history of the department and his experiences with it since he was a teenager. Chief Goyer is one of the longest serving fire chiefs in Rensselaer County. This program is free and the public is invited. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Anne Kiely at adkiely@aol.com.

36th Annual Run for the Roses

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On Sunday, August 14, at Grafton Lakes State Park, the 36th annual USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned Run for the Roses 5K will take place. The event benefits Grafton Community Library, and includes a Kids 1 Mile Fun Run. The 5K will begin at 9 am, and early entry fee is $25. Day of race registration will be $30. The fun run will begin at 10 am with an entry fee of $10. All registered participants receive a t-shirt, book, and rose. Fun Run registrants also receive a ribbon and an ice cream certificate. Race applications are also available at Grafton Lakes State Park Office, phone 518-279-1155, and at the Grafton Community Library, located at 2455 NY Route 2, phone 518- 279-0580. Register online at www.finishright.com. To download an application or find out more information, visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org.

 

Welcoming New Girl Scouts

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Local Girl Scout Service Unit 154 would like to welcome your girls to join Girl Scouts this year. We will be holding meetings after school for grades K through 5 in the elementary school, and will choose the day of the week when all registrations have been received. We have other troops in place but are happy to create new ones depending on the interest. Please call Robin Conner at the Girl Scout council at 518-489-8110 x153 and she will be able to help you get registered and get you into a troop in our area.