Friday April 19, 2024 
Run Once
Shop Small! Shop Local!
As we kick-off the holiday season, most of us will be doing more retail shopping than usual. Holiday gifts and big items, such as appliances and home furnishings are traditional purchases at this time of year. This annual spending, translates into a notable amount of tax revenue for communities.
We would like to encourage all residents of Rensselaer County to buy at local Rensselaer County businesses. One of the most important sources of revenue for Rensselaer County is its sales tax. In purchasing items in the county, we are contributing to the county’s main source of revenue and in turn will aid in keeping taxes down. By shopping in Rensselaer County, residents are essentially paying themselves and contributing to building the economic structure and supporting job growth.
Saturday, November 30 is Small Business Saturday in downtown Troy. There is so much to explore, so come celebrate the holidays among friendly faces and check out the over 60 unique boutiques, and enjoy a full day at Troy’s cafes, bars and restaurants.
Wishing you the best of the Season,
Peter Grimm, Cynthia Doran, Mark Fleming, Bobby Burns, Erin Sullivan-Teta and Carole Weaver
Rensselaer County Legislature, District 1. City of Troy
Run Once
November Report from the Rensselaer County Legislature Majority
The Rensselaer County Legislature’s November meeting saw the Legislators adopting two resolutions unanimously expressing concerns for the Criminal Justice Reforms that were adopted by New York State. The reforms will drastically effect how criminal cases are handled and processed by the Office of the District Attorney. Many people charged with crimes like burglary, drug sales, and weapons offenses may be set free, without bail, shortly after their arrest. The reforms will also burden Rensselaer County Department of Probation and the Office of the Public Defender. The Legislators joined in unanimously asking the State to provide funding to cover the additional costs of implementing these reforms, which are estimated to exceed $500,000 per year.The Legislature also accepted over $200k in grant funding that will be used to improve and support the County emergency services such as the Emergency Operations Center, the Mobile Communications Center, and the Bureau of Public Safety Answering Point.
The Legislature accepted over $72,000 for a program to provide veterans with a holistic engagement program and other wellness programming. By assisting veterans in Rensselaer County and by providing peer–to-peer advocacy and supportive services for veterans, our Rensselaer County Veterans Department can help improve the quality of life of our veterans
The Legislature approved the commissioning of a feasibility study to consider the creation of an adult day care facility. The Van Rensselaer Manor is the County nursing home and maintains a high occupancy rate which at times can limit availability for residents in need of skilled or long term care. It has been determined that there is a need for additional adult day care facility to manage the needs of residents requiring medical care and supervision, while allowing them to remain in their own homes longer. We look forward to the recommendations in this study as many families struggle with caring for elderly family members.
Run Once
North Greenbush Report from Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
At the beginning of the month, a “walking out” ceremony was held for North Greenbush Police Sergeant Kate Kuhn. I thank Sergeant Kuhn for her years of dedicated service to North Greenbush and wish her well in her retirement. The North Greenbush town board unanimously passed the 2020 budget at its November meeting. The budget contained a 3% tax decrease and preserves all town programs and services. The town board also discussed an opportunity presented by a company known as First Light to have fiber optic internet and phone service installed for the Police Department, Town Hall and the Town Highway garage. The company has agreed to waive all installation costs to the town and has provided a 35% discount for a 5 year contract . The town should save money and also benefit from improved phone service and faster internet connections. At the November board meeting, I introduced for the third time a resolution to make North Greenbush a “Climate Smart Community or “CSC”. This is a a state program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt to a changing climate. The first step in the process of becoming a climate smart community is adopting a resolution which costs nothing and does not commit the town to further steps. As promised, the other board members studied the program and the resolution to become a Climate Smart Community was passed unanimously. I will take the necessary steps to register the state as a Climate Smart Community. Finally, the town’s annual holiday parade and party sponsored by the YOUth Makes a Difference Committee will take place the evening of December 7. This promises to be a fun and festive evening and will include a visit from Santa. As the date approaches, I will post more information on my Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo facebook page.
Please accept my wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!
Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
Run Once
Rensselaer County Legislature Office of the Minority
November 2019 Meeting Highlights:
Criminal Justice Reform: The legislature unanimously approved two resolutions submitted by the democratic and republican caucuses, urging Governor Cuomo and the NYS legislature to review and reconsider the 2020 criminal justice reform and appropriate the necessary funding for the additional costs the county will incur by complying with the newly mandated legislation.
Van Rensselaer Manor: The legislature renewed several annual contracts for the manor, such as podiatry services and laboratory services; as well as the authorization to purchase a new lawn mower and mulch kit to replace an old one in order to maintain the 20 acres of property.
Additionally, as baby boomers are retiring and in need of senior care, the legislature approved a feasibility study to evaluate the need for an adult day care center at the manor.
Employment & Training – An agreement to provide employment and training services to eligible, low income youth, through the ARC of Rensselaer County and the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) was approved by the Legislature. This 100% federally funded program offers academic and occupational skill training, leadership development and community service learning, as well as summer employment for disadvantaged, disconnected youth and those with intellectual disabilities.
Next Meeting – Tuesday, December 10, 2019 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.
Residents are welcome to contact our office at 270-2890.. www.rensselaercounty.org & follow us on Facebook: “Rensselaer County Legislature – Democratic Team”
Run Once
North Greenbush Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration
On Saturday December 7, 2019 the Town of North Greenbush will host its 5th Annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. Please bring your holiday cheer and help us celebrate. The parade will kick off from the front parking lot of St. Jude the Apostle School promptly at 6:00 pm. The parade will continue directly to Town Hall for a tree lighting celebration complete with refreshments and surprises for the children from Santa himself.
Your participation is welcomed – so bring on your floats, decorated classic cars, and costumed pets and join the parade! If you are interested in participating in the parade, contact the Supervisor’s office at 518-283-5313 ext 10 or email at supervisorsoffice@nullnorthgreenbush.org
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!
Sincerely, Lou Desso, North Greenbush Town Supervisor
Run Once
Schodack Supervisor’s report for October 2019
In a continuing effort to keep residents informed of my activities as well as issues pertaining to the Town, I submit to them this report for October of 2019. As always, further information can be found on the Town’s website or it’s social media pages.
I want to start by extending my appreciation to the people of Schodack for placing their confidence in me to continue to serve you all as Supervisor for a 2nd term. It has been an honor to represent you and our Town these previous two years and I thank you for placing your trust in me for another term. I also want to congratulate Shawn Masters, Mike Kenney, Tracey Rex, Paul Peter, and Deb Curtis on their victories as well and I look forward to working with each of you to help advance Schodack.
Over the month of October, I have worked extensively with my fellow Board members as well as our department heads to put together and fine tune the 2020 budget for our Town. We will adopt the budget at our November Board meeting. I’m proud that it continues the long-standing tradition so many have worked towards over the years of expanding services to our residents while avoiding burdensome tax increases. The Town Board’s long-term foresight and dedication coupled with the recent record growth and investment in Town have placed us on some the strongest fiscal footing of any Town in Rensselaer County.
And finally, a big thank you and congratulations to the Seeberger family for all the hard work they did in hosting their first Apple Festival on October 5th-6th since opening Windy Hill Orchard. A great event filled with some wonderful fun for the entire family. Was also great seeing the Schodack Valley Fire Company serving up delicious food throughout the weekend. The Apple Festival has always been such an important tradition here in Town and it’s exciting to see the continued level of enthusiasm from so many local families who attended this year. I believe it when they say they’re just getting started!
Supervisor David Harris
11/14/2019 – 12/05/2019
Town of East Greenbush Holiday Events
December 4th- Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Beings at 6:30 PM with official tree lighting outside. Come inside for a “Cookie with a Cop”, hot Cocoa, a visit with Santa, crafts, an a magical performance by the Columbia High School Chamber Singers, and be sure to vote in our Gingerbread House Competition.
December 7th- EG Emergency Services Parade- begins at 6PM from Philips Road Fire House to Becker’s Farm
December 13th- Senior Holiday Paint and Punch Event with artist Noreen Powell. Cost is $10 and space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Call 518-477-4194
December 18th- Senior Holiday Luncheon- A catered lunch sponsored by your EG Police Benevolent Association and the Town of East Greenbush. Space is limited. Please call 518-477-4194 to make a reservation.
11/14/2019 – 12/19/2019
North Greenbush Historical Calendars Available
The 2020 North Greenbush Historical Calendar is now available. It contains old time pictures of Wynantskill, Snyder’s Lake and features a picture commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Defreestville Fire Department and a photo of the Gardner Dickinson 8th Grade graduating class of 1993. The calendars are $10 and are available at the Town Clerk’s .in Wynantskill (283-4306 or from Town Historian Jim Greenfield (265-4254
11/14/2019 – 01/02/2020
New Campaign Encourages Parents to “Talk2Kids” and Stop Problem Gambling Before It Starts
To raise awareness about the growing dangers of underage gambling in New York state, The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) has launched a comprehensive multimedia marketing campaign urging parents to talk to their young children ages 6-10 about the risks and realities of underage gambling.
The campaign, titled “Talk2Kids,” is designed to address troubling statistics that reveal that a staggering 39.5 percent of youth age 12-17 have gambled over the past 12 months. Thirty percent of these youth state they began gambling at age 10 or younger. Gambling is defined as risking something of value on a game of chance for a desired result. Some examples of gambling include betting with friends on sports, games of skill and dares for money or possessions; raffles; lottery and scratch off tickets (obtained illegally or received as a gift); poker and other card and dice games; and, gambling online in video games, or on the outcome of video game matches.
“The goal of Talk2Kids is to have parents and community leaders — those who interact with young children — to start a dialogue with kids about gambling so that youth can be better informed and make healthier decisions for themselves,” said Michelle Hadden, assistant executive director, NYCPG.
Parents can make an important difference in their child’s future by talking with them about gambling, even if they’re as young as six years old. By asking questions, listening and showing interest in what their child is doing on their phone, tablet or gaming system, parents can stop problem gambling before it starts.
For more information and to learn helpful tips and view brief educational videos showing real life scenarios of parents speaking with their children about the possible serious consequences of their gambling activities, please visit Talk2Kids.org.
05/21/2020
Meeting Dates for The Village of Nassau 2019-20
The following dates have been established for the Village of Nassau Board of Trustees Meetings. All meetings will be held at the Village Municipal Building, 40 Malden Street, Nassau, NY at 7:30pm unless otherwise posted.
November 13, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
December 11, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
January 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
February 12, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 11, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 18, 2020 Special Meeting Election 9:00pm
April 6, 2020 Annual Meeting 7:30pm
April 8, 2020 Public Hearing Budget 7:00pm
April 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 13, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 27, 2020 Year End Meeting 7:30pm
The Planning Board meets on the 1st Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.
The Zoning Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.