The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Front Page

Sarah M. Murphy – Obituary

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Sarah Mae Murphy (nee Johnson, then Updike) passed away peacefully at home at the age of 85 on January 20th after a decades long battle with Multiple System Atrophy. Even though she was paralyzed and unable to talk toward the end, she still possessed a smile that lit up the room and the faces of all in view.

Sarah was born in Deadwood, South Dakota in 1938 to Lydia Olivia Johnson (nee Peterson) and William Joseph Johnson. The family resided in several Western States (wherever the job market was strong) before settling in Aberdeen, SD where Sarah attended grade school, and finally Olympia, Washington, where she completed high school. Upon graduation, she took employment as a secretary in the legal department at Fort Lewis, where she met her first husband, Everett Updike. They were stationed in Germany, then returned to civilian life and ended up in Cambridge, NY to raise their two sons, William and Edward, and adopted daughter Kim Hoa. After Sarah and Ed divorced, Sarah took a position with the Vermont Department of Health, working as a Health Outreach Specialist, making home visits and administering the WIC program for 27 years.

In 2000 Sarah reconnected with one Jack Murphy via the newfangled computers and email, commencing a two year courtship, a seven year domestic partnership, and culminating in marriage in 2010. They journeyed as one, in joy, for 21 years. [Read more…] about Sarah M. Murphy – Obituary

Mary M. Maloney – Obituary

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Mary Margaret “Meg” Maloney, 84, died peacefully on Januaryy 26th, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The oldest of 11 children, Meg was born in Troy, NY on March 25th, 1939, the daughter of Philip and Mary (Seagroatt) Riccardi. She was raised in Berlin, NY where her family owned a large greenhouse operation which grew roses. After graduating from the Academy of Holy Names in Albany, she entered the convent where she served for 13 years.   [Read more…] about Mary M. Maloney – Obituary

Merritt J. Wilson – Obituary

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Bennington - Merritt Jay Wilson, 91, passed away on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. He resided at Brookdale with his wife Eleanor (Caton) Wilson, who he married in 1976. He is remembered as a man of great kindness, quiet ways, gentleness, and a beautiful sense of humor.

Merritt was born on January 25th, 1933, in Troy, NY, son of the late Harold E. and Mabel (Calhoun) Wilson. He attended the two-room school in Center Brunswick, NY, then Knickerbocker Junior High in Lansingburgh, and graduated from Troy High School. He served in the Army from

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Cancer Crusaders’ Cabin Fever Dance

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Submitted by Cancer Center Community Crusaders
The Cancer Center Community Crusaders will be hosting their 8th annual Cabin Fever Dance on Saturday, February 24th at the Elks lodge, 125 Washington Ave, from 7 to 11 pm. Admission is $15 at the door or purchase ahead at the Elks lodge (back door), Abuela's Plant Boutique, or Benn Community market, all in Bennington, as well as Village Market in Pownal or North Bennington Variety.

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County Introduces Drug Dealer Registry

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Courtesy of Rensselaer County
In a concerted effort to enhance community safety and tackle the persistent challenge of drug-related offenses, the Rensselaer County Legislature, in collaboration with District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly and support from County Executive Steve McLaughlin, has announced the establishment of the Rensselaer County Drug Dealer Registry. This pioneering initiative is designed to track individuals convicted of drug sale crimes within the county.

The newly enacted local law, Section 4, establishes a comprehensive registry containing the names and residence information of individuals convicted of drug sale crimes.

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Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan – Public Comment

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Submitted by Kristina Younger
The Village of Valley Falls is moving toward its vision of turning the abandoned and burned-down Old Thompson Mill factory site into a public asset that will reinvigorate the Historic Village. On Thursday, February 15, at 7 pm, the village will accept public comment on its Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) plan at a formal public hearing. Public comments will continue to be accepted until March 6th. The documents and a convenient comment form can be found at

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Journal Making Workshop

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Join the Stephentown Art Guilt on Sunday, February 25th, from 10 am to 1 pm, for an exclusive Journal Making Workshop taught by Pittsfield-based artisan Michael Vincent Bushy. He'll show us how to craft our own journals, to keep or give as gifts. We'll learn how to fold, nest, stitch, and embellish a leather-bound or vegan journal. The workshop is appropriate for ages 14 and up, and materials and a snack break will be provided. Previous artisanal experience isn’t required to take part.

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James M. Hubbard – Obituary

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Brunswick – James Mason Hubbard, 96, passed from this life on Saturday evening, January 20th, 2024. Born in Petersburgh on April 30th, 1927, he was the son of the late Eugene & Luella Hubbard.

Mason, as he was known by most, attended Petersburgh Elementary School and Hoosick Falls High School. He then served his country proudly as a US Marine during World War II, which brought him to Japan. Upon his discharge, he used his G.I. bill to attend the Utilities Engineering Institute in Chicago where he learned the refrigeration business. He used his knowledge to open his own business, Hubbard Refrigeration, which he operated out of Petersburgh for 40 years until retiring in 1985. Mason was the Petersburgh Town Supervisor for 2 terms and also served as a member of the Petersburgh Volunteer Fire Dept., the Berlin American Legion, the NRA, and picked up side work as a water dowser. In his free time he loved [Read more…] about James M. Hubbard – Obituary