TOWN OF BERNE COURIER
Vol. 10                            News From Your Town Government                            Summer 2005 

    The classic Dutch barn, before it was altered or added to, is most often rectangular in shape.  Most all Dutch barns are wider than they are long, with a three-aisle design that includes a large center aisle (often 25’ wide) for use as a threshing floor, and two 10’ side aisles for animal stalls.  Look inside for the key feature of all Dutch barns; the H-frames that support the steep sloping shingle roof that comes down from the ridge often to about 14’ above the ground. Each H-frame has a horizontal anchor beam and a post at each end to make it look like a capital letter H.  The number of H-frames differs with each barn.  The typical Dutch barn has three or four bays, which determines its length, and the amount of hay storage available.

    The front and back barn walls, called gable walls, contain a set of vertical wagon doors to allow hay wagons to enter and exit the threshing floor.  They are usually centered in the gable walls.  Some barns have wagon doors in only one gable wall.  Hay and grain is stored in the hayloft on poles laid between the barn’s anchor beams.  Usually one of the two wagon doors is a Dutch door, which in earlier years was needed to help control the wind flow through the barn.  This was important for an early method of threshing grain on the large center-threshing floor. The wind would separate the heavier grain from the shaft.  Smaller doors at each side of the front gable wall provide entrances for milk cows and horses to the animal stalls.

The barns were made all of wood, usually from oak or pine trees found on the farm. The only other building material used was stone to elevate the wooden barn from direct contact with the ground. The original siding was horizontal unpainted clapboards. Inside many Dutch barns, a granary room with several bins was built in the full side aisle of the last bay next to the real gable wall. Originally, wooden stanchions secured the milk cows in the stalls of the two side aisles so they faced the threshing floor in the center aisle to keep it clean. Look for two or three “martin holes” above the front gable wall wagon doors that allow birds and air to enter the Dutch barn peak. Dating the construction of a Dutch barn is done by considering the barn’s region and it’s distance from a major river valley. The further away the region, the later the barn was usually built. While settlers in the Beaver Dam area arrived as early as the 1740’s and 1750s, many of the Dutch barns still standing today were probably built around 1800. This unique form of architecture can be appreciated and sometimes preserved today. For more information on Dutch barns, please refer to “The New World Dutch Barn” by John Fitchen and recently updated by Gregory Huber which was a reference book for this article.   [top]

Summer in the Town of Berne promises to be full of great opportunities for every resident. The 2005 Berne Heritage Days will be held on July 15, 16 and 17th and we will be “Honoring Our Veterans” and showcasing the Town’s many assets. The Berne Summer Youth Recreation program will be held during the weeks of July 5th – 8th and July 11-15, 2005. On August 6, 2005, the East Berne business owners are planning a Block Party to bring residents and businesses together for a fun time and an evening of music and friendship. 

The new Berne Transfer Station is on its way! Construction should begin sometime toward the end of June and the town highway garage area will set up a temporary transfer station. Notices will be distributed at the transfer station to advise residents of the exact dates that the change will occur. Our apologies for the inconvenience during construction, but I’m sure you’ll agree it will be well worth it! 

The Town of Berne has applied for a Quality Communities Grant for open space preservation. The towns of Rensselaerville, Knox and Westerlo have signed on as collaborative partners and the towns of Bethlehem and New Scotland have sent letters of support. The Huyck Preserve will serve as a central point for all grant information in cooperation with the Town of Berne. Some of the Hilltowns’ greatest assets are its rich natural resources. Preserving large tracts of land will provide protection of important habitats, wildlife and a precious gift to future generations so that they too may know the unspoiled beauty of the Helderberg Mountains. Protecting these resources will leave a legacy of land stewardship of which our children can be proud. 

Have a happy and healthy summer! I look forward to seeing you at the Berne Heritage Days. ~~Kevin Crosier  [top]

The New York State Town Clerks Association is the professional association providing educational and other support for Town Clerks throughout our state. I’ve had the good fortune to be a member of this group since its inception 23 years ago. Membership in the association has given me the opportunity to network with Town Clerks from all over New York, with our town being the direct beneficiary of all the useful and important knowledge I’ve gained and contacts I’ve made over the years. 

On April 19, with the support of the Berne Town Board, I accepted the role of President of the New York State Town Clerks Association. With your support and understanding I will continue to serve in this capacity for the next two years. This is both an honor and a challenge. The needs of our town and its citizen are and will continue to be my first priority; however, as you can imagine, my duties as association president will require me to be out of the office from time to time. During these next two years I’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the state, visiting both large towns and towns much smaller than Berne. I’m looking forward to sharing and exchanging ideas and learning and receiving as much or more than I give, and in turn, sharing what I’ve learned here at home. 

I want to assure you that Deputy Town Clerk Anita Clayton (photo not available), will be here when I am not, making sure that you will always have access to the services to which you are entitled. (Note: The issuing of passports is the single exception. If you know you’ll be needing a passport, please be sure to call so that I can arrange to be available to issue your passport so that you’ll have it in time for your trip).

 I expect that you’ll see me here often during off hours. Please feel free to stop in whenever you see my car in the parking lot. Of course, you’re always most welcome to call me at home. I’ll be happy to answer your questions, or to make arrangements to meet you at the Town Hall at a convenient time if an official document or service is needed. 

Thank you for supporting me in this new endeavor. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and to sharing the benefits with all of you here in Berne. ~~ Pat Favreau  [top]

Free Fishing Days this year will be June 25 & June 26. During this weekend, no license is required to fish in New York State waters. 
Sporting licenses go on sale Monday, August 15. 
Applications for Deer management permits must be submitted by October 1, 2005.  [top]

Do you remember this Memorial Honor Roll 
displayed in the Berne hamlet during and after World War II?

A postcard of this memorial was presented to the Berne Historical Society at their April meeting. The decision to honor our veterans by making this into a second annual Christmas Tree Ornament was unanimous. It is the hope of the Historical Society to once again display a memorial of this type. Anyone having any information regarding the whereabouts of this honor board is asked to contact the society.

The Society is also seeking persons who participated in the GROUND OBSERVER CORP for the Hilltowns during that same time period. Any information that could be used in the museum to honor those that served our community would be greatly appreciated. Please contact: Bonnie Conklin B 872-0681 LindaCarman B 872-2448 Sheila Stempel - 872-0431 Or write to Berne Historical Society, PO Box 34, Berne, NY 12023 The museum, which is located in the Berne Town Hall and is open to the public Sundays from 2 - 4 PM now through Labor Day. Your help is needed in order to keep our history alive.  [top]

Display the flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings or flagstaffs and at night, only if properly lighted. The flag should be raised and lowered by hand and never raised furled. Always hoist the flag briskly and lower it ceremoniously. The flag may be displayed on any day, but especially on national holidays. On Memorial Day, display the flag at half-mast until noon only; then hoist it to the top of the staff. When carried, the flag should be held aloft, never flat or horizontal. Salute a flag when it passes by in a parade, during the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem and in a ceremony raising or lowering it. The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground or floor, not brush against any objects, nor be used as drapery of any sort. The flag should never be displayed with the union down except as a signal of distress in instances of extreme danger. When a flag is no longer in a condition to be displayed, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.  [top]

PLANT GARDEN MAINTENANCE: Volunteers are needed to keep gardens watered, weeded, labeled, & mulched. 

WOODWORKING PROJECTS: Projects for volunteers with woodworking skills range from easy to more complex, including and making & installing nest boxes, making compost bins, and trail signs. 

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT: Call to find out about some of our project ideas. For information please call 872-0800 

AT THACHER PARK Specific opportunities exist in the nature arts program and for involvement in the annual Fall Festival at Thacher Park. Ongoing opportunities include trail maintenance, trash removal, painting, woodworking projects, cleanup and maintenance of OSI property, For information call 872-1237.  [top]

The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything,
They just make the most of everything that comes along their way.  [top]

Berne Heritage Days

Plan now to attend Berne Heritage Days 2005. This year’s celebration, scheduled for July 15 - July 17 promises to be an educational and fun-filled weekend. We are especially pleased to be able to honor our veterans as we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII. 

The weekend begins on Friday, July 15th with a welcome dinner at the Berne Reformed Church. Social hour begins at 6 PM with dinner served at 7 PM. We are fortunate to have the honorable Jack McEneny as our guest speaker and The Traditional Strings as entertainment. All WWII vets who are present will be honored. 

Saturday, July 16th is the big day, beginning with a Dutch Barn tour from 9AM to noon. Events at the Berne Town Park get underway at noon and the day will be capped off with fireworks about 9PM.  There will be historical exhibits, demonstrations, a marketplace, live music, entertainment, children's activities, Civil War mini-encampment, WWII living history people, food vendors, baked goods, raffles, and more!

We would like to hear from WWII veterans from the Hilltowns and surrounding areas who would like to participate, not only to be honored for their service, but also to share their experiences and what life was like here at home at the time.  

On Sunday, July 17th The Wright Cemetery on Willsie Road will be restored under the guidance of the Berne Historical Project.

Keep education – and history – alive! To volunteer, involve your organization, or to inquire about vendor opportunities, contact Erin Willsey, Heritage Days 2005 Coordinator at 872-9081 or via email at Willsey@nysefc.org

CHICKEN BARBECUE

A chicken BBQ sponsored by the Berne Fire Auxiliary with be held on Berne Heritage Day, Saturday July 16, 2005 at the Berne Town Park from 3:30 to 7 PM.
Prepaid reservations are required. 
Contact Lauri Motschmann at 872-0355 or by mail at PO Box 187, Berne, NY 12023 to make reservations.

FIREWORKS

July 16, 2005 at the  Town Park.

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ASSESSORS ADVICE

     The Tentative Roll is now available at the Town Hall.  Any resident who grieved their assessment should receive a letter of determination from the Board of Assessment Review in early June.

     FYI to all our Senior Snowbirds:  You do not need to wait until winter to send in a renewal form for your Senior Star or Enhanced Star exemptions for 2006.  Forms are available in our office.  Please call 872-1448 with any questions. Please note that Wednesday night office hours end  May 31.

Swimming lessons conducted by the Towns of Berne, Knox, Westerlo and the American Red Cross will be held July 5-8 & 11-15, 2005 at Thacher Park. Class times of 3:45-4:45 & 4:45-5:45 will be determined by your location. Children must be at least 3’6” tall and pre-schoolers must be accompanied by an adult. Bussing is available from pick-up points. Parents and preschoolers may ride the bus. Volunteers are needed. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Cindy Moseby 872-0847 

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The past is history.
The future, a mystery
The here and now is a gift.  
That is why it’s called
The present.

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

     The Town of Berne is again seeking persons ages 16-18 for a six-week youth employment program beginning July 5.  Those interested should contact the Berne Town Clerk at 872-1448.  This project is funded by the City of Albany Youth & Family Services.  [top]

HILLTOWN SENIORS TAG/BAKE SALE

The Hilltowns Senior Citizens will hold their annual TAG/BAKE SALE on  Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the Senior Citizen Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail a/k/a  Rt. 443.  The bake sale will feature home made pies, cakes, cookies and other home made confections.  Dishes, glassware, tools, linens, kitchen ware, jewelry and many other things too numerous to mention will be available at the tag sale.  Refreshments include coffee, lemonade, tea and water. The Center will be open 9 AM to 2 PM. [top]

Town of Berne residents are reminded that it is unlawful to operate on any public highway, any open truck or trailer being utilized for the transportation of any loose substance, unless the vehicle has a cover, tarpaulin or other device, which completely closes in the opening of the vehicle while said vehicle is traveling on a highway.
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June 7 Bethlehem Town Park
Elm Ave. Bethlehem
Sept. 10 Village Hall
2 Thunder Rd. Colonie
Nov. 5 Public Works Garage
Cohoes Ave., Green Island
Rabies remains prevalent in Albany County wildlife. In 2004 fifty-six rabid animals, including 29 raccoons, 15 skunks, 10 bats, one cat and one woodchuck were confirmed positive for rabies.
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SUIT UP FOR SUMMER

The Town of Berne Youth Council announces its most adventurous summer program ever! 
Children in grades 1-4 are invited to suit up as knights and damsels for the week of July 5-8. They will get to build their own castle, make their own costumes and have their own tournament!

Saturday July 9th everyone is invited to the Renaissance Festival in Sterling, NY. This family outing begins at BKW school at 7AM and should return at about 8PM after a day of feasting and jousting. The cost, which includes bus fare and entry to the festival, is $25 adults and $15 children for early sign ups. Space on the bus is limited to 47.

During the week of July 11th – 15th children in grades 1-4 will suited up for theme days. Watch for the circus – Mr. Fish and Lisa Lou are coming to teach circus tricks on Thursday. There will be animals with us on Friday for petting and grooming.

Children in grades 5-8 will be venturing a little further this year. An exciting program is booked for them from building rockets at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum to going down into the Secret Caverns in Schoharie. Old favorites such as the 12 -mile bicycle trek with Mr. Crosier and fishing day at Warner Lake with the Lake Association remain firmly embedded in our program.

Brochures are available at the Berne Town Hall or from Mr. Place at BKW school for the Summer Recreation Program. An early sign up for Berne residents will ensure that they have the programs of their choice.

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