The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Hoosick Falls

2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal

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Submitted by Kevin O’Malley
The Hoosick Falls Saint Patrick’s Day Parade honors its deep-rooted Irish heritage while creating a genuine community connection between young and old, past and present, through a day-long celebration made possible by those who love this town. This year’s Grand Marshal selection is Arthur M. Hyde Jr., also known as Art.  

Art was born in Bennington, VT in 1937, moving to Hoosick Falls at the age of two and graduating from the Walter A. Wood High School in 1955, where he met and married the love of his life Johanna (Maleady). It was right here in Hoosick Falls where he and Johanna raised their large and beloved family of 7 children.

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Celebrating Retiring Board President Deborah Tudor

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On Tuesday, January 25, Cheney Library honored Ms. Deborah Tudor for her 12 years of service on the Cheney Library Board of Trustees. During her tenure as a trustee, Ms. Tudor made immense contributions to physical improvements of the library’s property. Some of these projects include the installation of a propane fireplace, creation of the downstairs Children’s Room, and the renovation of the downstairs Multipurpose Room. As President, Ms. Tudor also oversaw the installation of the library’s main parking lot, van-accessible parking area, wheelchair access ramp, air conditioning systems, and flagpole. These improvements have made a significantly positive impact on library services. Under Ms. Tudor’s leadership, the library drastically increased its accessibility, sustainability, and number of technological resources.

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Honoring Niel Stowell

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By Doug La Rocque

Niel Stowell has served the Village for 35 years, the last 23 as Superintendent of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Thursday, January 26 was Niel’s last day on the job as he heads into retirement. A special luncheon was held that afternoon with family, friends, and area dignitaries to celebrate Niel’s long career in the Village.

At a special meeting of the Village Board on Tuesday, January 24, the Trustees approved a resolution honoring Niel for his service and presented him with a proclamation from the Village and the New York State Conference of Mayors. Mayor Rob Allen spoke briefly about all the sacrifices Niel has made, be it with water main or sewer breaks, floods, and snowstorms, the countless nights, weekends, and holidays spent on the job and away from his family, all without complaint. Niel’s DPW crews were also responsible for the annual outstanding Christmas decorations erected each year throughout the Village.

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Culvert Collapses on Rt. 7 in Hoosick Falls

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Road Remains Closed for Repairs

Courtesy of Rensselaer County
A section of State Route 7 in Hoosick Falls between State Route 22 and County Route 95 remains closed after the collapse of a culvert on Friday, January 13. Department of Transportation (DOT) and contractor forces are currently working around the clock to replace the culvert, which carries overflow water from the Hoosic River, with pre-cast concrete sections. Currently there is no timetable for completion. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the collapse has yet to be determined. Residents and motorists are asked to be patient during the closure. For updates, please visit dot.ny.gov.

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Free Tax Filing at HACA

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For the 18th year, HACA, 26 John St, will assist taxpayers with free income tax preparation and e-filing through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is a free, IRS sponsored program to help low and middle-income workers have their federal and state personal income taxes prepared and filed electronically at no cost.  

Tax preparers will meet clients at their cars in the parking lot to collect their information and documents. Upon completion, clients will be contacted to pick them up and sign the required forms for E-filing. 

Appointments can be made by calling 2-1-1 from New York, or 888-367-3211 from any area, beginning Monday, January 17.

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Hoosick Falls Water Source Update

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Board Settles PFOA Legal Representation Lawsuit

By Doug La Rocque

In December of 2021 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued what is called a Record of Decision that required Saint Gobain and Honeywell to drill two new wells and pipe the clean water to the Village's pumping station. At the Tuesday, January 10 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Environmental Attorney Dave Engel presented the Board with an update as to the progress of the work.

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Patricia E. Pitt – Obituary

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Hoosick Falls – Patricia Ellen “Patsy” Pitt, 60, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at her residence on Richmond Avenue in Hoosick Falls. She resided there with her fiancé, Bob Nichol.

Patsy was born on January 2, 1963, in Bennington, VT, daughter of the late R. Edward and Patricia (Mahar) Carknard. She graduated from Hoosick Falls Central School, class of 1981. Patsy was employed at Rosenberg Construction in Hoosick Falls as a secretary until retiring. While in high school she was an accomplished athlete. Patsy enjoyed golfing, playing pitch, dancing to the jukebox, breakfast at Jean’s Diner, and spending time with her family and many dear friends. [Read more…] about Patricia E. Pitt – Obituary

Ruth A. Stowell – Obituary

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Hoosick Falls – Ruth A. Stowell, 84, passed peacefully at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center on Monday, December 12, 2022. She resided on Fiske Street in Hoosick Falls and was the wife of the late Charles Stowell who passed in 1989.

Ruth was born on May 19, 1938, in Hoosick Falls, NY, daughter of the late Earl and Helen (Kimball) Brown. She worked at several manufacturing companies including Holman’s, and the Love Joy Chaplet, both in Hoosick Falls, and retired from Nastech in Bennington, VT. Ruth liked taking walks, attending craft fairs, and spending time with her family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hoosick Falls, NY. [Read more…] about Ruth A. Stowell – Obituary

Corina L. Bakaitis – Obituary

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Hoosick Falls – Corina L. (Jones) Bakaitis, 84, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center after a brief illness. Corina was the daughter of William W. and Ella M. (Bickford) Jones. She was born September 28, 1938, the youngest of 8 children. Corina grew up on a small dairy farm in North Petersburgh, NY. She attended Hoosick Falls High School where she met her future husband, William Bakaitis. They were married on July 3, 1955.

In addition to her husband, Corina is survived by 4 children: Veronica Royall of Brighton, CO; Corinne of Hoosick Falls; William B (Anne) of Hoosick Falls; Carole (Scott) of Troy; 11 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Alan Jones of Prague, OK. [Read more…] about Corina L. Bakaitis – Obituary

Michael J. Driscoll – Obituary

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On Monday, November 7, Michael  J. Driscoll died in a motorcycle accident in Hoosick Falls, NY. Mike was a resident of Jackson, NY for over 25 years.  He was born on July 21, 1958 in Troy, NY. He was the son of Fredrick Driscoll and Ramona Bornt. He was a graduate of Hoosick Falls Central High School in 1977. During his high school years he enjoyed playing football and wrestling. His football number 33 has been passed down to his nephew Joshua Driscoll and today worn by his great nephew Porter Driscoll.  [Read more…] about Michael J. Driscoll – Obituary