The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Schodack Planning Board Highlights 

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by Denise Wright

The Schodack Planning Board was busy at their February 7 meeting. The Board approved a positive Zoning Board recommendation for a variance for a garage on a property on Maple Hill Road. 

Schodack Golf’s 12-lot proposed subdivision on Schuurman Road was discussed, and had their negative declaration was approved under SEQRA. The highlight of the conversation focused on water for the project. The first element was the potential 900’ extension of the water district. The second was the drainage on some of the proposed lots. The presenter discussed the possibility of dry wells and footing drains being installed on the lots. Vegetation on the lots and swales being impacted were concerns.

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Brunswick Planning Board Meeting

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Dish Wireless Proposal Ready to Move Forward

by Doug La Rocque

It was a small agenda and a very quick meeting for the Brunswick Planning Board on Thursday, February 3.

First up was a proposal by Dish Wireless to add an antenna array to an existing cell tower located at 809 Hoosick Road. At a previous meeting, the Board expressed concern over

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Matthew J. Larabee – Obituary

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New Lebanon – Matthew J. Larabee, 55, passed away at Berkshire Medical Center on Monday, February 7, 2022 surrounded by loved ones after suffering a cardiac event. Matthew was born on August 21, 1966 in Pittsfield, MA to Malcolm and Susan (Miller) Larabee. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Pittsfield, and a lifelong employee in the family business, Larabee Fuel, Co. Inc. of New Lebanon.

Matthew had a passion for helping others, which started in childhood, collecting funds for The Muscular Dystrophy Association. This developed into an annual carnival-style fundraising event, which was enjoyed by all. Matthew presented his donation yearly on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. 

Matthew joined the local volunteer fire department as a young teen, and was serving as Chief of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association at the time of his death, a role which he cherished. [Read more…] about Matthew J. Larabee – Obituary

Paul O. Stewart – Obituary

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Grafton – Paul O. Stewart, 54, of Kautz Hollow Road, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family after a fierce battle with cancer. Born in Dover, NJ, Paul was the son of the late Clegg and RoseAnn Lepre Stewart and the beloved husband of Beverly Blevins Stewart. Paul graduated from Lenape Valley Regional High School in New Jersey and the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. He had worked for the Peterson & Sons Tree Service in Stanhope, NJ and in the late 1990’s he and his family moved to Grafton. Paul worked for Edelmann Sales, the Pittstown Highway Dept. and at the time of his illness had been a delivery driver for Legenbauer Gas & Oil in Averill Park. Paul enjoyed waking up with the birds to watch the sunrise. He loved the outdoors, tapping trees and making maple syrup, fishing, riding motorcycles in every possible environment, growing flowers and vegetables in his garden and spending time with his beloved dogs Dickson, BB and Piggins. [Read more…] about Paul O. Stewart – Obituary

Democrats Call for McLaughlin Resignation

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On February 8, the Rensselaer County Minority Office filed a legislative resolution calling for Steve McLaughlin to  resign from his position as Rensselaer County Executive.  

In December, McLaughlin was indicted by a County grand jury with grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing, allegedly stealing $5,000 from his campaign account in 2017 and paying a former female member of his NYS Assembly staff.

While McLaughlin continues to claim his innocence and his defense attorney Ben Hill is preparing a motion to dismiss the indictment for a lack of sufficient evidence, the State Attorney General’s Office told Rensselaer County Court Judge Jennifer Sober that the Attorney General’s case is ready for trial. 

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Governor Hochul Lifts Mask Mandates for Some, Continues for Schools

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On Wednesday morning, February 9 New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the mask mandate for stores, offices and restaurants would be lifted as of February 10, the date her previous order was slated to expire. The governor did say the mandate will continue for nursing homes, public transportation and schools.

As far as schools are concerned, Governor Hochul has said her administration will continue to evaluate the overall progress of COVID-19 and look to prepare clear guidelines for schools to follow when the mask mandate is lifted. She indicated the mandate will be re-evaluated in March.

The Eastwick Press will have a full report in this week’s paper.

Michael D. Zinna

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Petersburgh – Michael D. Zinna, 59, passed away on Sunday, February 6, at his residence on North Shore Road, Babcock Lake. He resided there with his wife Patricia (Wideawake) Zinna.

Michael was born on July 12, 1962, in Copiague, NY, son of the late Michael L. and Amalia (Lopez) Zinna. He was employed at Norlite in Cohoes, NY, as a Master Mechanic. Michael enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycles, cars, hanging out at the lake and spending time with his grandchildren. [Read more…] about Michael D. Zinna

William C. Snyder – Obituary

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Petersburgh – William C. “Bill” Snyder, Jr., 90, passed away on Saturday February 5. Born in Petersburgh, he is the son of the late William and Jessie (Jones) Snyder, Sr.

Bill worked for The New York State Dept. of Transportation for 38 years until his retirement in 1986. He loved to work outside and no matter the season you would find him outside with the appropriate tool in hand. Bill was the last living charter member of the Petersburgh Rod and Gun Club. He was a past member of The Petersburgh Fire Dept., The Berlin Rod and Gun Club and helped to build the Petersburgh Veteran Memorial Hall. [Read more…] about William C. Snyder – Obituary

Helen J. O’Donnell – Obituary

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Grafton – Helen J. O’Donnell, 77, passed away on January 30, 2022 with her loving family by her side.

She was the daughter of David and Sarah “Sally” Porter, and devoted wife of David J. O’Donnell. 

Helen grew up in Catskill, NY. After graduating high school, she entered the Albany Medical Center School of Nursing and began 45-year nursing career with Albany Medical Center. She was a truly devoted and hard working registered nurse. Her compassion and dedication was evident in the way she cared for her patients.  [Read more…] about Helen J. O’Donnell – Obituary