Home Page

TOWN OF BERNE COURIER

Vol. 11                                                               News From Your Town Government                                           Fall 2005  

In this issue of the Courier
Click on the article title for quick access.  Click on [top] to return to the top of the newsletter.

Honoring Those Who Served

The Friday evening Berne Heritage Day event acknowledged the 60th Anniversary of the end WWII. Veterans were honored at a welcome dinner held at the Berne Reformed Church . After dinner Joe Golden and Helen Lounsbury coordinated the evening’s program and invited those veterans present to share their WWII service experiences which spanned the globe.    Following this most interesting time, Assemblyman Jack McEneny gave a fascinating speech on some history and surprising statistics of World War II. Among those present was Sgt. Francis S. Currey who one of the 28 original New York State WWII Medal of Honor recipient and the only one remaining. Additional information is available at http://www.cmohs.org/recipients/living_cites_c.htm.  [Scroll down to Currey.]   Others who participated included:

Assembyman McEneny and Francis S. Currey

To further honor our veterans, an effort spearheaded by Linda Carmen is being undertaken to restore The Memorial Honor Roll, which was displayed in the Berne hamlet during and after World War II.

To read more about the BHD events click here.

[top]

From the Supervisor

Fall is here and I am pleased to be able to update you on the excellent progress made on two important projects:

SENIOR HOUSING
Linda Carman, Michael Vincent and I have been working on the issue of affordable senior housing for some time now. The goal of the project is to provide affordable housing that will enable seniors to remain a part of our community. In early summer Linda, Mike, together with and all four Hill own supervisors met with local entrepreneur, Jeff Thomas, to discuss this issue. The other Hilltown supervisors all actively support the project.
Currently, Mr. Thomas has optioned a parcel of land in Berne as a possible site for senior housing. On October 8th at 11:00 a.m. in the Senior Center in Berne, Mr. Thomas, Linda, Mike and I will also meet with local seniors to show them Mr. Thomas’ proposals and ask for their input and suggestions. 

THE NEW TRANSFER STATION
  Our new transfer station (see sketch above) should be completed by the end of October. The station was designed with input from local residents as well as our Transfer Station Committee. The architecture of the building was strongly influenced by historic barns and homes in our town.  Our new station will be clean, efficient and safe for all residents. In addition, recycling will be streamlined with improvements such as a cardboard baler and larger recycling bins.
Best of all, our new transfer station will cost less to operate in 2006 than in 2001! This reduced cost is even more remarkable than it might appear at first because the 2006 costs include the repayment of the construction loan. 
  Thanks go out to the Highway Department, Lamont Engineers, Joel Willsey and other residents for their help with this project. A special thanks goes to Assemblyman Jack McEneny for his assistance in obtaining a $50,000 grant for the construction of our station. 
I have often said that one of Berne’s greatest resources is its hard working people. Have a great fall and see you at the Town Hall.
~~ Kevin Crosier

[top]

Summer Youth Employment

  During the past summer months, a group of B-K-W High School students had the opportunity to be employed through the Albany City Recreation Department. Funds from this department enabled students to work and enjoy new experiences for a period of six week for 20 hours per week. Kayla Sitterly and Heather Murray were two of the students who work in the BKW Connections Summer program. They assisted youngsters in lesson plans, skill building activities, and field trips. Both girls plan to attend college and major in education.
  This six-week program offers student the opportunity to learn about themselves and how to be responsible in the work force. The BKW staff, Town of Berne officials along with St. Catherine’s Center for Children look forward to working with the City of Albany to provide this program again in the summer of 2006.

[top]

Friends of the Library

  Please watch for Friends of the Library Fundraisers.  Some of the prospective activities include: Morning Coffees, a Progressive Dinner, a Storyteller Evening.  Join in the fun and befriend the Town of Berne Library.  Become a member of the Friends of the Library for 2005/2006 for only $5. Call 872-1246.

[top]

ASSESSORS NOTES

  A reminder to snowbirds—- please contact the Assessor’s office for renewal exemption forms before leaving the area. However, if you prefer to receive them at your winter address, they will still be mailed in January. The completed forms should be mailed to PO Box 57, Berne, NY 12023 at any time up to the deadline of March 1, 2006. Weekly Wednesday night office hours will resume in January 2006. If there are any questions, please call 872-1448.

[top]

TOWN CLERK TOPICS: 

Election Day:
  If you are a first-time voter, or have changed your name or address since the last time you voted, then you need to obtain and complete a NYS Voter Registration application in order to be eligible to vote in the next General Election which will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. First-time voters will be required to provide current and valid photo identification at the polling place. Registration forms are available at the Berne Town Clerk's office or Albany County Board of Elections, 32 N. Russell Road, Albany. The last day to register in person at the Board of Elections is October 14. Mailed-in forms must be postmarked no later than October 14 and received by the Board of Elections by October 19.
  To be eligible to vote you must be a citizen, and have reached the age of eighteen by November 9 2005. If you know you will be unable to be present to vote in the General Election on November 2, 2004 for reasons of illness, studies, vacation, occupation or business–related duties, absentee ballot applications may be obtained from the Town Clerk or the Albany County Board of Elections. 

If you have any questions regarding registration, absentee ballots or polling places, call the Town Clerk at 872-1448. All polling places are open from 6 AM to 9 PM on Election Day.

Dog Licensing
On July 19, 2005 Governor Pataki signed into law assembly bill 6873, which changes the expiration of individual licenses issued on or after January 15, 2006. The two major changes are as follows:
No license may expire after the expiration of the dog’s rabies vaccine. This will especially affect the licensing of puppies. The primary (first) rabies vaccination on all dogs expires one year after administration. This means that unless the owner licenses the dog on the day it is vaccinated, the license will not be valid for a full year. If the license is not valid for a full year, the fee is not prorated and the owner will be required to pay the regular fee. Most veterinarians use a three-year rabies vaccine to booster dogs so this will not be a problem for most doges receiving a second or subsequent immunization with in the past two years. However, dogs needing a booster within the license year should be immunized prior to licensing n order to have a full year on a license. The Department of Ag & Markets will be sending out notices with the January license renewals explaining this to dog owners. 

~~ Pat Favreau, Town Clerk

[top]

BICYCLE SAFETY

  Bicyclists must obey all traffic signal signs and pavement markings. They must signal for turns whether riding on roadways, bike lanes or bike paths. They have the legal right to share the road on most public roadways except for interstate highways and expressways.
Bicyclists are required by law to ride with traffic and must use bicycle lanes when available. If not available, bicyclist may use the right shoulder on the area near the right edge of the roadway.
Motorists should approach bicyclists with caution. They should slow down, as fast moving vehicles can throw a bicycle off balance. As a safety measure, motorists should scan for bicyclists and give them plenty of clearance when passing and the right of way when appropriate. Motorists must always remember that bicyclists have the same right and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles; and, that motorists are required to exercise “due care” to avoid colliding with bicyclists.
  Every bicyclist, regardless of age, should wear an approved helmet. Helmets greatly reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury.

[top]

TAX COLLECTOR TIPS

  Town of Berne property tax bills will be mailed to property owners on or before January l. Please take a moment to review the bill for accuracy of name, address, and property address. If you believe you are eligible for any exemptions, please verify that you have received them. When you pay by mail, remember to send the entire bill along with payment. A receipted bill will be returned to you if you check the appropriate box. If you no longer have an escrow payment and have not yet received your bill by January 10, please call 872-0331. Partial payments may be accepted from those property owners who currently receive a senior citizen exemption. The tax collector will be at the Berne Town Hall 9am-1pm on Saturdays in January 2006.

[top]

HIGHWAY HAPPENINGS

  Another summer is quickly drawing to a close. The leaves are now turning and soon to follow is yes ---WINTER. Summer projects are being completed just in time for the trucks to be dressed with plows and sanders. While the weather is still pleasant, it may be a good time to check your mailbox for needed repairs. There are times when drivers are faced with circumstances that cause damage to mailboxes, but please understand that this is not intentional. If your mailbox has been damaged, please call me at 872-1521.
  Another of concern mine is that during a heavy snowstorm, the highway crew needs to retire for some necessary R & R for a few hours in the middle of the night. This usually occurs when most people are at home. However, I am aware that there are residents who regularly work a night shift and need to have their roads plowed. Please be assured that if this is a concern of yours, contact me and I will do my best to make sure you can reach your destination.
  A new idea that was put forth by Councilman Golden at the September Town Board meeting is to establish a few Park and Ride lots to help alleviate the “gas pains” residents are presently faced with. If you can provide a lot for a Park & Ride, the Highway department will keep the area plowed throughout the winter. Please contact me with any site possibilities.
~~Ray Storm, Highway Superintendent

[top]

Transfer Station Tips

	Please have your Transfer Station permit, which can be obtained from the Town Clerk, displayed on the back of your rear view mirror.
	To help keep things moving along, please have items separated and ready when arriving at the transfer station.
	Please have cardboard and plastic container flattened.
	Please ask attendants or contact the Highway Department if you are unsure of what is accepted.
	Furniture is accepted in the compactor. Please disassemble furniture as much as possible. .
	Wood is also accepted in the compactor if it is less than four feet in length and less than 50 pounds. Please try to find other uses for scrap lumber.
	Four tires per transfer station permit per year are accepted.
	Please exercise caution, safety and courtesy at all times.
	Appliances Residents may dispose of refrigerators, air conditioners and freezers at the Transfer Station on Saturdays. Doors must be removed. Appliance permits are available from the Town Clerk for a fee of $20 per appliance.

[top]

Berne Fire Co. 
Roast Beef Dinner
Oct. 16 Noon to 5PM
Canaday Hill Road

Berne Heritage Days

  Berne Heritage Days Coordinator Erin Willsey would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and efforts for this years successful BHD event. According to Erin, Saturday’s Celebration began with A Dutch Barn Tour with more than 100 visitors participating. Dutch Barns have a strong part in Hilltown history. Experts from the New World Dutch Barn Survey and the Dutch Barn Preservation Society were present at the barns and at booths at the park for the afternoon. Thanks again to the Dutch barn owners for allowing access to these beautiful buildings. 
At the Berne Town Park, visitors could be found stepping back in history and meandering throughout the Civil War Era at the living history encampment provided by the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Other activities included early farm days of the hilltowns, a blacksmith from East Berne, spinning and weaving demonstrations and displays by the Mountain Treadlers Fiber Arts Guild (with sheep included), pottery demonstrations, and a living history World War II encampment, including “soldiers” from Poland and Britain as well as the U.S. Many vintage military vehicles were on display. Both military encampments included displays of supplies and artifacts from that time period. 
  As part of bringing history to the present and the present back into history, representatives from a local Staples store were on the grounds demonstrating digital photography equipment for multiple purposes and were the first to provide “instant” souvenirs in photo form of you and your choice of historical object or Living History person. Using wonderful new technology, the photo could be printed in color, black & white, or sepia tone, which gave your photo an antique flavor. 
  Many games and activities like bubble stations, water balloons, stilt cans and more, as well as a goody-store, a petting zoo and free pony rides were enjoyed by children throughout the day.
Following the successful chicken barbeque, a Veteran’s Ceremony acknowledging all known WWII veterans living and deceased took place. Those who responded were presented with a signed and sealed certificate. Sgt. Currey assisted with the presentation of certificates, commemorating the day, and acknowledging their service to our country. A special presentation of a framed certificate was presented to the family of Veteran Fred Lendrum, who unfortunately passed away only a week before. The ceremony included a moment of silence with “soldiers”, standing by with Old Glory, firing a salute. Following the ceremony great music from the era gave cause to reminisce and was enjoyed by many who took to the dance floor. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
On Sunday, many volunteers participated in the annual Cemetery Restoration Project at the Wright Cemetery on Willsey Road. Beginning with about six or eight visible, upright markers in the morning, there were around 50 standing by the time the crews stopped for the day. This worthwhile endeavor is a reminder that more cemeteries are in need of attention. 
  Thanks again and congratulations to Erin and her committee for all hard work that day and the many months leading up to these events! Look for information regarding next year’s plans in the future editions of this newsletter.

[top]

Summer Youth Employment

  During the past summer months, a group of B-K-W High School students had the opportunity to be employed through the Albany City Recreation Department. Funds from this department enabled students to work and enjoy new experiences for a period of six week for 20 hours per week. Kayla Sitterly and Heather Murray were two of the students who work in the BKW Connections Summer program. They assisted youngsters in lesson plans, skill building activities, and field trips. Both girls plan to attend college and major in education.
  This six-week program offers student the opportunity to learn about themselves and how to be responsible in the work force. The BKW staff, Town of Berne officials along with St. Catherine’s Center for Children look forward to working with the City of Albany to provide this program again in the summer of 2006.

[top]

FOX CREEK 5K RACE

  At 8 AM on a beautiful Sunday morning this past July 10th, the Fox Creek 5k Road Race had its seventh annual start. This year local talent came through at the finish line. 20-year-old BKW graduate Ryan Walter came out as the big winner, easily cruising the course in 17.03 min. 
  Jim Maney, 47, of Slingerlands placed second at 17:47. Ex-Berne resident (now of Knox) Jim Jacobs showed that he is making a comeback with a third place overall finish. Jim has held both overall and master’s records.
  Sarah Furman, 17 of Berne was the female winner at 22:36. A big contributor to BKW running teams, her performance placed her as 11th overall finisher. Janine Groves of Gilboa was second and Megan Reynolds of Burnt Hills placed third.
  Other local top ten finishers for the day included Aaron Giebitz, Tom Della Rocco, David Haverly, and Jim O’Shea. Robert Lee Rives, finishing first in the 50 year old group proved he’s still got some mettle.
  Other notables: 42- year-old Dwight Brown came in at 15th place, Mark Tinney, recently transplanted to Troywas 16th, Jayson Villeneuve, 18th, Joel Wilsey, 23rd, Cliff Barber 24th, Gale Della Rocco, and Sarah Raymond, 26th and 27th. Other local stalwarts that made the trek over Berne hills in the wee hours include, Claire Della Rocco, Chuck Batcher, Dennis Barber and racecar driver Travis Stephens of Knox. Natalie Drahzal, Christine Kanawada, and Liz Chavot came out, as did Jim, Kim, and Abigail Swint.
  Not to be forgotten are finishers Terry Hattan, and perpetual entrant Laura Chase. Wilma Warner, who was not able to make it after having her husband pick up her race packet on Saturday, was missed.
  Because of another capitol district race scheduled at this time, overall attendance was lower. than usual The Youth Council and Town Board will be discussing whether a new date should be considered for next year. Many thanks goes to all the many volunteers who worked at the race this year. Most have volunteered their time for the last seven years, and many of those show up as early as 5:30 AM to help. It was a great day! Anyone interested in assisting next year can contact director Jim Hamilton at 872-0425, or  jhamil@wildblue.net.

[top]

RIGPA CENTER

~Open House~
The Rigpa Center for Wisdom and Compassion invites all its neighbors, friends and soon- to-be friends to an open house on Sunday, October 9 from 2:30 until 5:00 PM No formal program is planned but you are invited for coffee and cookies, and are encouraged to meet some of the staff, and board members, and view and explore the lodge and property. Copies of a recent newsletter, which outlines plans for the development of the property in the next several years, will be available. The newsletter will be available www.centerforwisdomandcompassion.org 
  The Center looks forward to saying hello to old friends and meeting new ones. It is located at 165 Game Farm Rd., off County Route 1. For further information, please call Judith Brown at 518-312-8000.

[top]

OCTOBER IS FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

	Test your smoke alarm!
	Make a home escape plan!
	Know two ways out of every room!
	Stop, Drop & Roll if clothes catch fire!
	Crawl low under smoke!
	Designate an outside meeting place!

[top]

BERNE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

  On Oct. 24, 2005, the Berne Historical Society will feature Guest Speaker, Bill Massoth who will have a new program for our pleasure entitled:  "A Mismatch of History." There is sure to be a little bit of something to interest everyone.  Meetings begin at 7 PM in the Town Hall Meeting Room, and are open to the public.
  In conjunction with the Town Library, the Historical Society's 2nd Annual "Festival of Trees" will be held at the Center on December 17th and 18th.  Different adult groups from the Berne area will decorate trees.
  A second Berne Historical Scene Christmas ornament will be available for sale during this time.  A limited number of last year’s ornaments are still available for those wishing to purchase one. Start building your '"TREE OF HISTORY" collection and support the Berne Historical Society as well. 

[top]  

SUMMER RECREATION, “Suit up for Summer” 2005

  The long hot summer is but a memory as thoughts turn to falling leaves and Halloween. But for the children who came to this year’s summer program in July, the reminiscence of the program hopefully sits comfortably in their memories.
  Once again, children in grades 5-8 were sent out of town each day on a new adventure; they were historians at Cherry Hill, firefighters in Hudson, biologists at the Huyck Preserve and athletes in the Corning Preserve. They went exploring the Secret Caverns, fishing in Warner Lake and flew the simulator at The Empire Space and Aeronautical Museum. (picture below)

  Children in grades 1-4 had their own adventures thanks to the emergency services in our town! The children were strapped onto stretchers and pushed around the playground at a dizzying speed. They were allowed to operate the sirens on the fire truck causing alarm around the BKW School for a few minutes and they were treated to some CSI investigation from Deputy Sheriff Gilham of the Albany County Sheriff’s department. 
  The circus came to town, but this time the performers taught the children their tricks. And for the finale, the children were entertained by the animals of the Van Etten farm that came to be petted and groomed.

[top]

ACROSS AGES MENTORING PROGRAM 

Across Ages is a mentoring program for the Hilltown youth ages 9 to 15. The program brings young people and older adults together to promote understanding across the generations and to help make communication better, stronger and safer.

The Helderberg Ambulance crew demonstrates their services at the summer youth program.

The Across Ages Mentoring Program is planning a 2005 Retired and Senior Mentoring Membership Campaign. Hilltown Senior Citizens will be offered the opportunity to participate in this promising mentoring program. The goals of Across Ages are to help children succeed in school, feel better about themselves, resist taking drugs and to help others. The success of our program – and more importantly, its ability to improve services for the youth of the hill town -- will be dependent upon strong mentors. The Hilltown Senior Citizens service and expertise are key components in the implementation of this mentoring program, and help from the seniors is urgently needed This mentoring program protects the dignity of the child and the family; and at the same time provides the retired and senior mentor with a positive and beautiful way to help.
Anyone with questions or who is interested in considering this important project, please call (518) 432-0333 or e-mail kbrown@ftnys.org. 

[top]

HCRC [518 797 5256]

  It doesn’t seem possible, but the Hilltowns Community Resource Center (HCRC) has already begun to coordinate its annual winter holiday program. The HCRC Christmas Program is designed to assist families struggling with economic hardship. Often this leaves limited resources for providing clothing and gifts for their children during the December holidays. Schools, religious organizations, community groups, state agencies and individuals refer families to HCRC assistance.
  The Christmas Program is a cooperative effort of individuals, families, organizations and businesses interested in helping those in need. Would you consider being a 2005 sponsor? We are currently asking sponsors to commit to a minimum of $50 per child. Sponsors are given a list from a family stating their immediate needs and desires to use as guidance when shopping. Cash donations are also welcomed.
  Sponsors should bring their gifts to The Christmas Program Open House on Sunday, December 4, 2005 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, at the Helderberg Senior Center on Route 443 in Berne. Children’s gifts should not be wrapped (but do include wrapping paper, please) so that parents know what was purchased. Sponsors decide whether gifts for the parents are included (these can be wrapped). All items should be placed into large plastic bags labeled with the family code number that will be given to you. This will help us keep each family’s gifts separate and in order. If you are interested in being a 2005 Christmas Program sponsor, please call HCRC at 797-5256 by November 4th. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
  The HCRC also coordinates the distribution of the Times Union Fund for the Elderly to senior citizens living in the Hilltowns. To qualify for the fund, individuals must be over the age of 60; maintain self in the community in independent housing; receive Social Security Disability, OR Social Security and no other income, OR Social Security with a small supplemental income. Please call HCRC (797-5256) for further information.

[top]

ACRHA & World Changers 

  The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance, Inc. (ACRHA) and the national, interdenominational, faith-based, volunteer organization World Changers have had another successful year of working together to assist low-income families in the Capital Region. Last year World Changers brought approximately 200 volunteers to the area to work with agencies in providing free home repairs to those in need. This year they brought nearly 350 volunteers to our area. Teams worked with ACRHA on 22 projects during the week of July 25th throughout Albany County. Materials for those projects were provided by ACRHA through one of the agency’s home repair programs. Repairs included siding, roofing, painting, and deck repair and replacement.
  The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance, Inc. was able to reach nearly 60 families last year with just one of its grant programs. By collaborating with World Changers, ACRHA was able to reach one-third that number of families; and for approximately one-third the cost in only one week.
  The benefit of this collaboration to low-income homeowners is easy to see. It is important for our youth to become involved in the community at an early age. Collaborations such as this allow our youth to realize a successful experience and our community to realize the positive impact that our youth can make. By developing the desire to get involved and help others, our youth will want to fill the voids typically experienced in much needed services such as volunteer fire companies, emergency medical services, and other community organizations.
World Changers has made a ten-year commitment to the Capital Region. ACRHA is looking forward to future projects and the tremendous community impact that is made through these partnerships.

[top]