The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Paul A. Sykes – Obituary

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Stephentown – Paul Allen Sykes, Sr., 90, of Stephentown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, February 8, 2022 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. He was born in Elizabethtown on October 24, 1931, the son of the late Walter C. and Carrie Bateman Sykes.

Paul attended Ithaca College for Physical Education and to become a coach. He then served in the US Air Force for a brief time before coming home to Stephentown to work with his father, wife and family in the operation of the family business, W.C. Sykes Store in Stephentown, until it closed in April, 2016. The general store was the center of action in Stephentown, where most anything that was needed was available in Sykes Store and Paul was the friendly face greeting all of his customers at the door. [Read more…] about Paul A. Sykes – Obituary

Grafton Town Council Meeting

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Two Resolutions Passed

by Chris Tergliafera

At the February 14 regular meeting of the Grafton Town Council, two resolutions were passed. The first was to schedule a public information meeting to discuss the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s (RPA) proposal to place an entrance and parking area on Foster Road. The meeting will take place on February 28, in lieu of the Town’s monthly workshop meeting, and will be held at the old Grafton Elementary School, 13 Babcock Lake Road. 

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Hoosick Town Council Meeting

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ARPA Money Decisions Put On Hold

by Doug La Rocque

The Hoosick Town Council came into the Monday, February 14 meeting expecting to “pull the trigger” on their plans for the use of the first installment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, slightly more than $173,000, but ended up tabling the measure until another time for several reasons. Chief amongst them was the fact that Councilman Bill Hanselman was unable to attend the meeting, and the Councilors wanted his input.

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High School Wrestling

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Section 2 Qualifier Highlights

During the recent Section 2 Wrestling State Qualifier Tournament three local schools performed exceptionally well. Tamarac had several wrestlers place at the event, including Trevor Bishop who finished in first place, winning the Section 2 Championship. Also placing were Torin Bishop in second place, Ty Roadcap in fourth place, Austin Fitzpatrick in sixth place and Brice Retell also with a sixth place finish. Both Trevor and Torin Bishop will be competing at the NYS tournament on February 25 – 26 at the MVP Arena. Tamarac also won the Sportsmanship award and Jim Sheefler won JV Coach of the Year.

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Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Opens Visitation, Expands Visitor Hours

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Beginning Friday, February 11, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), will update its visitation policy for hospital visitors and medical practice patients as well as expand its visiting hours. The change follows a decrease in positive COVID-19 tests and the slow decline in the number of patients hospitalized with COVID.

“We track the state’s and Bennington County’s COVID-19 numbers closely, and the decline in positive COVID-19 cases supports re-opening visitation for our community,” said Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services. “We are happy to provide patients with the direct, in-person family support they need to recover.”

Visiting hours have been expanded to 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

Everyone—including patients, staff, and visitors—are required to wear a mask or face covering, regardless of vaccination status. Those who do not have a medical-grade surgical mask will be provided one. All masks must be worn over the mouth and nose for the entire duration of the visit. Those who do not comply will be asked to leave the premises.

Masks Stay On for Schools, Off for Others

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by Doug La Rocque

Speaking at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 9, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she would let the mask mandate on businesses expire as planned on Thursday, February 10. These businesses could, if they wish, continue to require masks if that is what they are more comfortable with. She said she would extend the mask mandate for schools, shelters, jails, nursing homes, childcare centers and public transportation for now.

In her announcement, the Governor said she would re-evaluate masks in schools in March, when she has a chance to look at the metrics of COVID-19 (infection rates are now down 93% since the start of the year) and develop “some clear guidance” for schools as to how to deal with COVID-19 situations when the masks do come off. She also stated she “feels compelled” to continue to protect the most vulnerable of our population as an explanation as to why the mask mandate will continue in senior related facilities, child care centers and because of the “closeness” of people in mass transportation.

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Hoosick Falls Trustees Meeting

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Parking, Cops and Cats Center Stage at Trustees Meeting

by Doug La Rocque

In October of last year, the Hoosick Falls Village Board passed a local law amending the parking rules in the Village, and in particular at the Church Street parking lot. Twelve spaces close to the Tri-State Federal Credit Union became 2-hour parking, while others were limited to all day but not overnight, with the rest dedicated as 24-hour spots. The Board has been getting feedback since that this may have had unintended consequences, especially when snow emergencies are called. A number of possible solutions were bandied about but the Trustees were not ready to act on any particular solution at the Tuesday, February 8 meeting. 

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Assistance With PFOA Claim Forms in Petersburgh

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On Friday, March 4, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday, March 5, from 8:30 am to 4 pm, Steve Schwarz and his legal team will be at the Petersburgh Town Hall, 65 Main St., to help residents fill out their PFOA claim forms and answer questions. 

Appointments can be scheduled by calling Emma Duggan at 212-558-5677. People without appointments will still be seen, but those with appointments will get first priority. [Read more…] about Assistance With PFOA Claim Forms in Petersburgh