The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

New Lebanon

A Hidden Gem

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Submitted by Kristin Robertson
Nestled in downtown New Lebanon, lies a gem that few even know exists. Built in 1863, the train depot and corkscrew railroad connecting to the B&R railroad was, in its day, a thriving business. As there were no eighteen-wheelers or airplanes back then, the train was the main source of transportation for all goods like coal, produce, bread, livestock, and of course, people.

The railroad ran from Rutland, VT with a small section extending up to Canada and down to the town of Chatham. Children would board it to get to school and back home every day. Vacationers boarded it as transportation to the famous destination of Lebanon Springs Spa, to experience the healing mineral waters. 

Dubbed the Corkscrew Rail Trail, aptly named due to the twisting and sometimes dangerous dips and curves the train tracks took, there were, as can be imagined, many derailments along the way, over embankments, into river beds, and a few unfortunate deaths.

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New Lebanon Town Board Highlights

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by Chris Tergliafera
The board passed a resolution to rename the Music in the Park series to the Doug Banker Memorial Music in the Park Concert Series.

Pavilion Kitchen Renovations Bids
No bids were received for the pavilion kitchen renovation project. Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling reached out to five local contractors, four of which were too busy to take on the project, and one said they were interested but couldn’t get a bid in on time. The project will go back out to bid with bids due by 3 pm on Tuesday, February 28th. 

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This Bet Aims to Beat Hunger

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Submitted by Nina Keller
Josh Young says he doesn’t know how he would live without his beard, but he is happy to shave it off now that he lost a bet. He asked his loyal shoppers at his New Lebanon Farmers Market & Grocery to step up to the plate to aid those whose food benefits ran out, promising that if they raised $10,000 he would shave off his beard.

The market runs a companion food aid program that extends the benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That program, called Market Match, started the year with a grant of $17,500 from Berkshire Ag Ventures, whose Market Match Fund awarded more than $100,000 to a number of other Berkshire-area farmers markets that offered similar programs in 2022.

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Continuing Climate Success

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Submitted by CSC Chair Steve Powers
Small but mighty New Lebanon continues to power its way toward achieving maximum climate change mitigation and resilience. It is the first in its region to achieve 5000 points in New York State Energy Research and Development Administration’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities program resulting in a $70,000 grant for energy upgrades.

The Town, with a population of 2305 people, was also the first in Columbia County to achieve Bronze Certification from the Climate Smart Communities program, which awards points for the completion of tasks taken to meet the challenges posed by climate change.

The Town Board has voted to use the latest grant for

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A Message From Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling 

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Deputy Town Supervisor, community ally, and wonderful friend, Charles “Doug” Banker. There will be a celebration of his life at Zucchini’s restaurant in Pittsfield on Sunday, December 18, at noon. Donations can be made in his honor to the Cemetery of the Evergreens, where he served as a volunteer for many years. You can also take a moment to share a memory to be included in his keepsake book. All of the information about his celebration of life, how to make a donation, and how to share a memory can be found by visiting memorials.parkerbrosmemorial.com/book-of-memories/5086626/Banker-Charles/.

New Lebanon Holiday Gift Drive

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Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling is organizing the seventh annual holiday gift drive for New Lebanon families in need. If you would like to adopt a child or children this holiday season, please contact Supervisor Houghtling at the number below, or by stopping by the Town Hall on Tuesdays from 9 am to 2 pm, or Thursdays from noon to 5 pm. You will be provided a detailed list of toys and items the child likes. If you would prefer we do the shopping, you can make a monetary donation at the Town Supervisor's office, or by mailing it to:

Town of New Lebanon Holiday Gift Drive
PO Box 328
New Lebanon, NY, 12125

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Community Walk

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The Town of New Lebanon Recreation Commission has scheduled the fourth community walk for Saturday, November 12, from 10 am to noon. This will be a guided walk through the Hand Hollow Conservation Area, 4079 County Rt. 9, East Chatham. The walk will be led by East Chatham resident Joanna Ezinga. A long distance adventurer, Joanna has trekked thousands of miles in the US and abroad by foot, bike, and kayak. [Read more…] about Community Walk

New Lebanon CSD Alumni Reunion

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New Lebanon Central School graduates from the Classes of 1949 to 1981 and their guests gathered for the school’s annual dinner reunion on Saturday, July 23, at Zucchini’s Restaurant in Pittsfield. There was much reminiscing about high school days, catching up on current lives, viewing NLCS memorabilia, and the enjoyment of a delicious buffet dinner.

The New Lebanon Alumni Association has held its annual reunion every summer for graduates and their guests since the start of the NLCS reunions in 1981, missing only 1995, 2020, and 2021. The Alumni Association publishes a semiannual newsletter, the SEQUAX, reaching over 350 graduates. The Association also awards scholarships every year to two NLCS seniors and helps support the Yearbook Committee and the HS Library with monetary gifts.

New Lebanon CSD’s New Assistant Principle and Athletic Director

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Written by Corey Brown, Courtesy of NLCSD

Hello New Lebanon Students and Families,

My name is Corey Brown, and I am very excited to introduce myself as the new Athletic Director and Assistant Principal of New Lebanon Central School District. I am honored that I was chosen to help lead such an outstanding district and school community. I have heard nothing but positive things about the students, athletes, families, and the surrounding community. Everyone that I have had the pleasure of speaking with has already made me feel like I am part of the New Lebanon Family.

I come to you with 10 years of experience as an educator and leader in rural, urban and suburban settings ranging from the elementary, middle and high school levels. I grew up in Upstate New York before leaving to attend college out of state. I couldn’t be happier to return to New York and make this my home once again. I am a former athlete, coach, and teacher who truly cares about supporting each student’s quest to reach their full potential.

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