The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

Grafton Town Board Highlights

By

by Chris Tergliafera

At the Monday, March 13th regular meeting of the Grafton Town Board, Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum announced her committee appointments for 2023. The following board members were appointed:

Public Safety - Councilmembers Steve Beaudry and Pierce Hoyt
Parks and Cemeteries - Councilmembers Jodie Deschaine and Pierce Hoyt
Highways - Councilmembers Steve Beaudry and Pierce Hoyt
Buildings and Grounds - Councilmembers Frank Lewandusky and Steve Beaudry
Street Lighting - Councilmembers Frank Lewandusky and Steve Beaudry

You must be logged in to view this article.

Grafton Highway Department Getting Much Needed Upgrades

By

by Chris Tergliafera
The Grafton Highway Department will be seeing some much needed upgrades, with potentially more on the way. At the Monday, February 13th regular meeting of the town board, two resolutions were passed approving the purchase of previously used, but far newer equipment than what the department is currently using. Resolution 33 approved the purchase of a 2012 roller for $33.343, to replace the current unit, which is from 1974. Resolution 36 approved the purchase of a Buffalo Turbine Mega Blower for $13,695, replacing the current blower that is also from the 1970’s. Highway Department Supervisor Jarod Bouchard explained that the upgrades have been a long time coming, as the current machinery is so old, if a replacement part is needed, it has to be made in house, which is extremely time consuming, and cuts into time that could be used for other department duties. 

You must be logged in to view this article.

38th Annual Ice Fishing Contest

By

Courtesy of GLSP
After being rescheduled multiple times due to unseasonably warm temperatures and soft ice, the 38th Annual Ice Fishing Contest at Grafton Lakes State Park was finally able to take place on Saturday, February 11th. It was a beautiful day to be out on the ice, and we’re happy that so many people came out to participate.

Thank you to all of the contestants and volunteers who made this event possible. Special thanks to those who brought items for our food drive. 

You must be logged in to view this article.

Idol Finalists Shine

By

Submitted by BCS Communications
Ten Berlin Middle/High School (BMHS) Mountaineers recently competed for the title of 2023 Berlin Idol. The evening, organized by the BMHS Music Department’s Ms. Eliashuk and Mrs. Gould, was hosted by students Curt Hurd and Xavier Lamica. The guest judges for the competition were Ms. Honsinger, Mr. Gould, and Mr. Covell. 

The singers sang their first-round songs in front of the judges and three finalists were chosen to sing their second selections. The audience then voted for the winner. 

The finalists were Norah Smerdon, Maddie Rontey, Kenny Bull, Clair Schaaphok, Tyler Lumpkin, Maddy Vars, Bella Ray, Lily Mumford, Nate Goodermote, Kiley Quetti, and Alaina Gardner.

You must be logged in to view this article.

38th Annual Ice Fishing Contest Rescheduled

By

Submitted by GLSP
Due to warmer than usual temperatures, the 38th annual ice fishing contest at Grafton Lakes State Park has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, from 5:30 am to 2 pm. Join in on the fun as several-hundred anglers brave the cold temperatures for their chance to make a winning catch on several of the park’s ponds. February is starting with some cold arctic air giving us high hopes for the contest next Saturday.

Registration will run from 5:30 to 11 am, or 12:30 pm for youth, in the park’s maintenance building, accessible via the Main Entrance. There is a $10 registration fee required for all participants ages 16 or older, with no fee for children under 16.

You must be logged in to view this article.

38th Annual Winter Festival and Polar Plunge

By

By Amy Modesti 

Snow showers didn’t stop one hundred courageous plungers from taking part in the 38th Annual Winter Festival’s polar plunge on Saturday morning, January 21, at Grafton Lakes State Park (GLSP). Spectators observed plungers rush into the icy water to benefit the Our Lady of the Snow Parish Food Pantry. 

The polar plunge wasn’t the only attraction keeping visitors entertained at GLSP. Plenty of winter fun was had both outdoors and inside the Welcome Center. Outdoor activities included snow bowling, kick sledding, carriage rides, chainsaw demos from Rayzor’s Edge, warming up at a giant bonfire, hanging out in a snow fort, and meeting sled dogs, northland newfoundlands, and bloodhounds.

You must be logged in to view this article.

First Snowfall

By

A look at the Grafton gazebo during the first significant snowfall of the year on Sunday, December 11. Special thanks to Councilwoman Jodie Deschaine for all her work making the gazebo look so festive. Photo provided.

You must be logged in to view this article.

Grafton Resolution 62 Sparks Debate, Passes 4-1

By

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

You must be logged in to view this article.

The End of an Era

By

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. 

You must be logged in to view this article.

Veterans Recognition Ceremony

By

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. 

You must be logged in to view this article.