The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

75 Years Of The US Coast Guard Auxiliary At GHS

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The Grafton Historical Society will meet at 7 pm in the Grafton Town Hall on Wednesday, October 15. This month’s topic will be “America’s Volunteer Lifesavers: 75 Years of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the uniformed volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. The USCG Auxiliary has evolved from its beginnings in 1939, when it taught boating safety and guarded the beaches from invaders, to being a critical force multiplier for the Coast Guard.

The speaker, Charles Poltenson, is USCG Division Vice Commander and Chief of Staff for Division 15, which is responsible for an area from Saugerties to the Canadian Border. He is also a member of the United States Coast Guard Pipe Band.

This program is free, and the public is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

A Fall Tradition Continues In Rensselaer County

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On a beautiful day, September 27, the Grafton Trail Riders hosted their 64th annual Over The Mountain ride, as part of a three day weekend event. This is a 21 mile horseback ride from the Massachusetts border at the top of the Petersburgh Pass to our club grounds in Grafton.

Sixty-six riders from across New York State (Granville, Edmeston, Rodman, Watertown), Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and as far away as Montana rode, using a variety of trails, including hiking trails, logging trails, dirt roads and old railroad beds.

Homeowners along the way came out to watch the horses pass, and a young lady on Scriven Road even had a bucket of treats for the horses. It is very special to view the spectacular scenery and beauty of our area from the back of your horse! We are truly fortunate to live in such a beautiful region of our state.

On behalf of the club, the Grafton Trail Riders extend our heartfelt thanks to those who helped make this ride a success.

All About Email – A Free Program At The Grafton Community Library

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On Friday, October 24, at 6:30 pm, the Grafton Community Library will present the second in its “Get Savvy about Computers!” series, offered in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. This month’s class is all about email. Participants will learn how to get an email address if they don’t have one and then learn how to get the most out of their email account in order to stay connected and safe online.

Laptops will be available for the first eight attendees to make use of during the program. Participants are welcome to bring their own laptops or other devices.

Future classes will be tailored to the needs of the participants and will include topics such as using Microsoft Office® tools or working with digital photographs.

For more information visit graftoncommunitylibrary.org or call 279-0580.

Letter To The Editor – Supporting Buckley

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To the editor:

Many Grafton residents know that I retired from active politics two years ago, but I still have a keen interest in what happens in our town.  This year Eric Buckley has made known that he seeks the position of Town Councilman to fill the vacant position.

I’ve know Eric for many years and respect him as a successful businessman, husband, father, and community volunteer, working with our children in the sports field.

I feel he embodies everything we need on our Town Board. His ability to work with all parties would be outstanding. I ask all citizens of Grafton, regardless of party, to place a vote for Eric on election day, and we will all win.

Thank you,

Bill Middleton

former Grafton Democratic Committee Chairman

Scott A. Westervelt

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Grafton – Scott A. Westervelt, 57, passed away on September 30, 2014, at his residence on Fox Hollow Road in Grafton, NY. He had resided there with his wife, Denise (Henson) Westervelt.

Born on July 12, 1957, in Yonkers, NY, Scott was the son of Theodore and Elaine (Bresnahan) Westervelt. He was a truck driver working out of Teamster Union 456 in Westchester, NY.

Survivors, other than his wife and parents, include his daughter, Danielle Westervelt of Bennington, VT, his sons, Scott Westervelt of Brooklyn, NY, and Jonathan Westervelt and Theodore Westervelt, both of Petersburgh, NY, and two grandchildren, Aidan Forrest and Hunter Westervelt.

A Memorial service was held on Monday, October 6, at 8 pm from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6 pm until the start of the service.

Local Women Of Distinction

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submitted by Senator Kathy Marchione’s Office and Erin Clary, BCSD

On Wednesday, September 24, Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon) hosted her 2014 Women of Distinction ceremony at the historic Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs to honor the accomplishments of 15 local Women of Distinction from across Saratoga, Rensselaer, Washington and Columbia Counties.

[Read more…] about Local Women Of Distinction

Grafton Peace Pagoda 20th Anniversary

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Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo 

The 21st Anniversary Celebration of the opening of the Grafton Peace Pagoda will be observed on Saturday, October 4, starting at 11 with a Buddhist Sacred Ceremony, an interfaith prayer and closing music.

We gather this year to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the building of the Peace Pagoda and to honor all who have been a part of the Grafton Peace Pagoda community over the years. We will share a potluck meal together after the ceremony. Please bring a dish to share (vegetarian options preferred) and your own dishes and utensils so we can be gentle on the earth.

The Grafton Peace Pagoda is located at 87 Crandall Road, Petersburgh. For more information please call the Peace Pagoda at 518-658 – 9301 (please, no calls after 8 pm).

Spirits Of Fall Wine & Cheese Festival

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The Grafton Historical Society’s 16th Annual Wine & Cheese Festival fund-raiser

is Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 6 pm at the Historic Grafton Inn, Route 2, Grafton.

Wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres will be served. There will be door prizes and a raffle.
A donation of $20 per person is asked. There are limited tickets available.
For tickets and information please contact Allison Kirchner at
518-279-9372 or email her at gts68@aol.com.

Basket Weaving Workshop In Grafton

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The Grafton Community Library presents Intermediate Basket Weaving – Candle Basket Workshop as part of the Grafton Community Arts Program that has been awarded grant funding from The Arts Center of the Capital Region. The student will learn intermediate basket-making techniques to create this attractive basket. Basic weaving skills are required. Linda Dayton is the instructor for this class.

The Candle Basket is a decorative basket with a loop handle useful for hanging on hooks or pegs. The class will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 9 am to 1 pm, at the Everett Wagar Senior Center in Grafton. Class size is limited to ten participants (age 14 and above). Pre-registration is required, along with a $15 materials fee. Sign up at the Library at 2455 NY Route 2. Connect with the Grafton Community Library by phone at 279-0580 or visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org.

Sullivan-Jones VFW Breakfast

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The Sullivan-Jones VFW in Poestenkill will be having its monthly buffet breakfast Sunday, October 14, from 8 to 11 am. Breakfast includes eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, pancakes, French toast sticks, fruit, coffee, tea and more. The cost for adults is $8, $4 for children 6 to 12 years old and free for children 5 years and under. This month we will also be starting omelets which includes ham, peppers, onions and cheese (American, cheddar, or mozzarella) for an additional $2.

The Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW will be holding a bake sale during breakfast and will also be taking orders for Thanksgiving pies.