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Essay:
STORY
OF ANTI-RENT
WARS
Christine Sikule, Grade 9 BKW
Winner of the Berne Heritage Days Essay Contest
Starting in 1845, Berne
launched what is known as the Anti-Rent Wars.
But this was not the beginning; rather it was the end.
From the time
of
the first settlers, there was a family known as the Van Rensselaers
who owned all the land around the Albany area, including Berne, Knox
and
Westerlo. Those who wanted
land rented from this manor family. The
whole system was set up like the patron system in Europe.
But,
instead of the peasants paying money, they would put in a day’s work at
the manor house and give some of the products accumulated over the years
to the Van Rensselaers
for taxes. The land was
granted to the Van Rensselaers by the King of England, so
everything was lawful.
The Revolutionary War
changed all the lawfulness in the land.
All those who rented land thought that they didn’t have to pay
rent now because the war was over and everyone was free!
When they refused to pay rent, the patroon showed them that the constitution stated
that they still had to pay. This
is true, as stated in Article VI, Section A; All debts contracted and
engagement entered into before the adoption of the constitution shall be
valid. “This is not
fair!” the settlers said. And for this reason, some stopped paying rent.
By 1845, the Van Rensselaers
finally had had enough. They
called in the troops to make the unruly settlers pay rent.
The troops were made up of the farmers’ family members, so when
they met on the road to the Helderbergs, no one was really frightened.
After all, an uncle or cousin would not enforce this law and throw someone out. Besides, most everyone
felt the farmers were right.
To counter the
settlers, the Van Rensselaers paid the sheriff well to
enforce the law and throw out the
families. During this terrible
time, Berne showed great community effort. Everyone helped each other when
they needed it. When the Van
Renssalaers went on a raid, the family they were kicking out would blow a
tin horn. The other community
members would drop their chores and leave their fields.
Next, they would dress up like native Americans and go to the aid of those in need. Even though almost
everyone was eventually homeless and landless, the community effort was
amazing. Neighbors were
helping and supporting each other which contributed to a strong community.
Of course, every cause
has to have some skeptics and some members of the community doubted this
would work, so instead, they bought the title to their lands. They were
shunned by some of the
people for not supporting the cause. However,
in general, everyone helped each other to try and win back the land that
they had lived on for years. Thus
the foundation of the great community spirit was created that we still
live with today.
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Essay Contest
Winners
K&1 1st Eden Becker
2nd Julie Dean
2&3 1st Faith Sisson
2nd Eric Collins
4&5 1st Rachel Gagnon
2nd Gabrielle Tubbs
6-8 1st David Sikule
2nd Brittany Perrin
9-12 1st Christine Sikule
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HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
On October 27th
the Berne Historical Society will feature speaker Everett Rau, whose focus
will be on the AGE OF WOOD
i.e. Dutch and English barn architecture. On display will be a replica of
Dutch barn and miscellaneous examples of barn boards. There will also be
an assortment of tools for both men and women. The meeting is open to the
public and will begin at 7 PM in the meeting room of the Berne Town Hall.
Refreshments will follow.
On October 31st
The Historical Society will sponsor a “Spooky” tour of the museum in conjunction with
the Library Ghost Story Hour and the Berne Youth
Council Pumpkin
Carving Contest from 6 - 9 PM. Come join
the fun.
Due to the sparse
response to our “drive-yourself
tours", during July and August, there will be changes next year.
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JUNK CAR AMNESTY DAYS
The Berne Town Board has extended to
October 31, 2003 the town-wide Junk Car Amnesty Days Program which allows
residents to dispose of their junk cars.
The Property
Maintenance Code of New York State, Section 302.8, states that, “two or more
inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles shall not be parked, kept or
stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of
major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or
dismantled.”
The following dealers will provide towing
services during this period:
Wagoner Wrecking
(518-465-6230, pager – 518-484-6130) will tow free of charge from the
owner’s premises and will assist owners with untitled cars that have no
value.
Dunston Automotive
(518-768-2205) will tow cars of value from the owner’s premises and pay
the owner the estimated value minus the fee for towing.
It is the
responsibility of the owner to contact either dealer to arrange pickup of
the junk vehicles. After October 31, 2003, the Building & Zoning Dept.
will survey the Town for any junk vehicles and begin violation
enforcement. This is a wonderful opportunity to dispose of these vehicles.
Questions? Call the Building & Zoning Administrator at 872-1448
or 768-2264.
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HILLTOWNS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
It’s hard to believe, but it is already
time for the Hilltowns Community Resource Center (HCRC) to begin
coordinating its annual winter holiday program.
This program is
designed to assist families struggling with economic hardship who have limited resources for clothing and
gifts for their children during the December holidays. Schools, religious
organizations, community groups, agencies and individuals refer families
to HCRC.
The Christmas Program
is a cooperative effort of individuals, families, organizations and
businesses interested in helping those in need. Sponsors are asked to
commit to a minimum of $50 per child.
They
are given a list stating the
family’s needs and desires to be
used
as a guide
when shopping. Cash donations are also welcomed. Options available in
sponsorship may be discussed by calling the office at 797-5256.
The gifts may be
brought to The Open House on Sunday, December 7, from 2PM to 4PM, at the
Helderberg Senior Center, Route 443, Berne. Children’s gifts should not
be wrapped so that parents know what
has been purchased. Including wrapping paper
is appreciated. Donating wrapped gifts for parents is the decision of the
sponsor.
If you are interested in becoming
a sponsor, please call HCRC at 797-5256 by November 5.
Thank you in advance for your time and
consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
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PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
Bring your finished carved pumpkin to the Berne Town Hall Meeting Room on Friday October 31st by 6:00 PM. Entry fee - $1.00. Halloween prizes for all.
Age groups: Pre K–K; Grades 1–4; 5–8; 9–12.
HELDERBERG
SENIOR SERVICES
Nutrition is the key to good
health
and well being.
Seniors
age 55 and over are invited to join Helderberg Senior Services located at
Hiawatha Grange, Route 32, Westerlo for
a meal at
12 noon Monday – Friday for lunch , and 5 PM on Fridays
for a sit-down dinner at a cost of $2.75 per person. Please call 797-3652
for reservations. No income limits are required. Long time and qualified
food preparers
Barbara Smith, Helen Proper, Ethel Rapp and Clem Hulick
volunteer their time preparing the delicious hot meals.
Other volunteer activities of this organization include
participation at the Annual Picnic held on August 16 at the American
Legion Hall in Greenville.
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CONTENTS
Heritage Day Winning Essay ~ Essay Winners
~ Supervisor's Letter ~
Town Clerk
Topics (Voting) ~ Passport Info ~ Youth
Employment ~ Summer Youth Program ~
BerneNY.org Business Guide ~ Faster
Internet ~ Highways ~ Assessor
Advice ~ Tax Tips ~ Historical
Society ~ Library: News
Friends of Hours ~ Xmas
Tree Disposal ~ Heritage Days
~ BHD Winners ~ Junk Car
Amnesty ~ Hilltowns Community Resource
Center ~ Senior Citizen Meals ~ Rigpa
Info Meeting ~ Pumpkin Contest
Back
to Courier Index page
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FROM THE SUPERVISOR
Fall
is approaching and while everyone is busy readying themselves for winter,
the Berne Town Board is busy preparing the 2004 Budget.
As you know, many different conditions have effected our national,
state and local economy this year. One
area that has had a dramatic effect this year is the cost of contributions
for employees’ retirement. In
2001, the town’s contribution for employees’ retirement was $4,000.
With the downturn in the stock market, retirement contributions have
soared to an all-time
high and the increase is expected to be
$24,000 in 2003 and
$35,000 or more for 2004. Additionally
the cost of health insurance for employees is estimated to increase by
15%. Therefore these increases in retirement contributions and
health insurance premiums present the Town Board and myself with a
very challenging budget year. We
will continue to work diligently to find ways to provide quality services
to all of our residents while endeavoring to conserve our tax-dollar
resources. If you would like
input into the budget, would like to know more about the budget process,
or have ideas in general, please stop by my office at Town Hall or contact
one of the Town Board members.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate, our
Town Clerk Pat Favreau, on her recent election as 1st Vice President of the NYS
Town
Clerks
Association. Being elected by a membership of over 880 town clerks is not
only an honor to Mrs. Favreau but also to the Town of Berne for having one
of its own recognized for leadership skills and professionalism.
On behalf of the Town Board and myself, I congratulate Mrs. Favreau
on her election to this prestigious position.
Over the past two years I have come to realize how fortunate we are
to have such a dedicated and
exceptional town clerk.
Congratulations, Pat, and Thank You!
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Passport
Applications
In
order to provide convenient and timely service to residents who wish to
travel abroad, I have been
designated by the US Department of State and
the Berne Town Board to serve as a
Passport Application Acceptance Agent.
Residents will now be able to apply for a passport at the Berne
Town Clerk’s office. For specific information please contact me at
872-1448. Persons with passport questions can also visit Passport Services
electronically at travel.state.gov.
There, in addition to passport information, customers will find
Country Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and a wealth of other
international travel information.
~~ Pat
Favreau
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HIGHWAY HAPPENINGS
Every small, rural community is facing
infrastructure and fleet maintenance challenges in these times of fiscal
constraint. With the national economic downturn and a drop in sales
revenue, it has become critical to make rational and cost-effective fleet
replacement decisions. The town’s aging fleet has created a workload
that has grown greatly in recent years and ways must be found to reduce
shop time for these aging vehicles.
The highway department
is responsible for providing safe and reliable equipment that is capable
of supplying the services the town residents expect when the snow begins
to fall.
Our 76 miles of road, 35 of which are dirt and gravel, are of mountainous
terrain and cause considerable wear and tear on the department’s
vehicles and equipment.
With the support
and approval of the Supervisor and Town Board, two aging and inefficient
trucks and one mower have been replaced with a 2003 Ford 550 plow/sander
and a 2003 International dump
truck with plow. A new John Deere tractor with mower has replaced an older
mower.
Hopefully, the advantage of having this new equipment will
result in lower maintenance costs, less down time, higher productivity,
increased efficiency and provide for the safety of our employees. I will
continue to monitor the fleet’s operation and maintenance as a matter of
public responsibility and sound management practice. I believe awareness
builds understanding and my goal is to increase your knowledge
of what the Berne Town Highway Department is all about.
~~ Ray Storm, Highway Superintendent
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Christmas
trees may
be left at the Transfer Station during normal hours of operation to be
chipped at the convenience of the Highway Department.
Assessor
Advice
Basic
STAR is available to all homeowners on their primary resident regardless
of age or income after filing an on-time application. Those who have
previously applied for and received the credit DO NOT need to reapply
unless they have moved. However, senior citizens (age 65 or older), who qualify for
enhanced STAR (for incomes up to $62,100) and/or senior exemption to
reduce property assessment (for incomes up to $29,900), must reapply by
March 1, 2004 and provide proof of income. For further information contact
the assessor at 872-1448.
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FRIENDS OF THE
LIBRARY
The Friends of the Town of Berne Library
became an active group in January, 2003. Membership fees are $5 for
an individual and $10 for a family. The Friends provide support for
the library programs, hold activities that raise funds to support and
enrich library facilities and library events such as exhibitions and
speakers. The Friends also promote the importance of the library in
the community and members
volunteer their time to support library projects.
Thanks to tremendous support from the community and the Town, the “Book
Sales”
have been a success. All are welcome.
Membership
cards are available at the Library.
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Library Hours
M-W &Thurs
4-8 PM
Tues 9 AM-2PM
4-8
PM
Saturday 9 AM-1 PM
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LIBRARY
NEWS
Library
usage is up all over the country and our Berne Library is no exception.
Patron usage has increased by approximately 50% in the past year.
Our 2700 patrons have been enjoying public- access computers and internet
workstations; over 30 different magazines titles; the ever growing media
section; the audio book collection; the rotating collection of paperback
romance novels; the children and young adult section; and, by far the most
popular section of the library, the new adult titles section.
Between twelve and fifteen new titles are purchased each
month.
Several
residents enjoyed many of the summer events sponsored by the Library.
Activities include arts and crafts activities; a visit from Rowdy,
the Albany River Rats mascot, a presentation on kite flying and puppet
show. Lessons on Hieroglyphics, rug making, and one-room schoolhouses were
featured as well and a band concert was held at the Fox Creek Park.
Members
of The Berne Book Club have read many interesting books this summer
including The
Secret Life
of
Bees
by Kidd, Animal
Dreams
by Kingsolver, Queenmaker
by Edghill and Journey
to the River Sea
by Ibbotson.
If you are interested in joining the book club, please call us at
872-1246. Upcoming events:
Tuesday, Oct. 21st -
7PM,
and join us for A Bedtime Story.Pajamas expected and snack provided.
Friday, Oct. 31st, Halloween
night, 6-9PM
the library will host a Halloween story time in conjunction with the Berne
Historical Society House of Horrors and the Berne Youth Council Carve a Pumpkin Contest.
Stop
by and visit before touring the ghoulish rooms.
Friday, Nov. 14 - 7pm.
Challenge your neighbors to a round of Jeopardy, Family Feud or
Wheel of Fortune at Family Game
Show Night.
Saturday, December 6 -
10AM
Creation of a Family Holiday Craft.
For
additional information
on
any of
these
events, check our column in the Altamont Enterprise, or call at
872-1246.There is always something happening at your Library.
If you haven’t
stopped by recently, please do so soon.
You might just be surprised at what you’ll
find.
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INFORMATIONAL MEETING
The Rigpa Center
for Wisdom and Compassion will be the
topic of discussion at an informational meeting which will be held on
October 9, 2003 at 7:00PM in the Berne-Knox-Westerlo elementary cafeteria.
The meeting will be moderated by the Town Board and members of the Rigpa
Center for Wisdom and Compassion will be in attendance to address
questions and comments.
The Rigpa Center would
like to purchase approximately 360 acres at 165 Game Farm Road where they
hope to construct a facility for study and meditation.
All members of
the Town of Berne are welcome to attend.
This informational meeting is
not a formal public hearing which will be scheduled at a later
date.
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TOWN CLERK TOPICS
Election
Day is Just Around the Corner
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 New
York State Voter Registration application in order to be eligible to vote
in the next general election which will be held on Tuesday, November 4,
2003. These forms are available at the Berne Town Clerk’s
office or Albany County Board of Elections. The last day to register in
person at the Board of Elections is October 10.
Mailed-in
forms must be postmarked no later that October 10.
To be eligible to vote you must be a citizen, and
have reached the age of 18
by November 5, 2003. If you know you
will be unable to be present to vote in the General Election on November
4, 2003 for reasons of illness, studies, vacation, occupation or business-related
duties,
absentee
ballots may also be obtained
from the town clerk’s
office or the 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.
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Summer
Youth Employment
For the first time, because of federal funding, the Town of Berne was able to provide employment to four teenagers 20 hours a week for six
weeks this summer. These four young people began the season by working with Mrs. O’Shea in our Youth Recreation Program. Tim Stark, Victor
Baranishyn, and Jacob Grippen then worked at the highway department painting transfer station equipment, snow plows, truck bodies and much more under the supervision of Deputy Highway Superintendent Morris Morrow. Heather Duell divided her time between the Town Clerk’s Office, and the Berne Library supervised by the town clerk. A lot of work was accomplished. In addition to these four young people, I would like to thank their supervisors for agreeing serve in that capacity.
One of the town’s greatest resources is its talented and dedicated people and the four participants’ demonstration of this made the summer program a true success. Anyone interested in summer youth employment should contact us at the Town Hall. Hopefully even more positions will be available next summer.
~~
Kevin
Crosier
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Put
Your Line Online
Berne NY.org is opening a
Business Directory for businesses and service providers to make themselves
known to town residents. There
is an annual fee for listing. To
put your enterprise on-line through the Town website, click
here. If you offer
firewood or food, plumbing or plants, car mechanics or carpentry, etc. and
want to be listed, click on the Application Form for complete information.
Business Directory applicants will be screened for appropriateness.
Listing on the Business Directory will NOT indicate any endorsement
by the Town.
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LOOKING
FOR FASTER
INTERNET
SERVICE?
If you would like to have faster on-line
service, one option is DSL. Not currently available in the Hilltowns, Verizon DSL is growing rapidly in other
areas. While it's not yet possible to sign up for DSL, the Verizon home page provides an opportunity for you to let Verizon know that you're
interested. Go to www.Verizon.com, click on "Special Offers,”
then "Verizon On-line DSL.” By filling in your phone number in the
form provided,
you can help to let Verizon know that there is a rapidly growing market
for DSL in the 872/797 exchange area.
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BERNE
HERITAGE DAYS
“A SMASHING SUCCESS”
Berne Heritage Days coordinator, Helen
Lounsbury, reports that more than 2,000 people participated in the town -sponsored
celebration which took place July 18-20, 2003. She states, “A large
group of dedicated volunteers began working on Heritage Days last October.
On their behalf, I would like to extend our gratitude to the many
individuals, businesses, home owners and organizations that helped to make
Heritage Days such a success and recognize the commitment and hard work of
all the volunteers.”
The many activities began with a Friday
night Welcome Dinner featuring native son Bruce Dearstyne,
PhD., as the keynote speaker. Saturday was filled with many things to do, places
to go, things to learn, tasty food to eat and sounds to enjoy.
Features of the day included a House & Garden tour of 40+ homes
in the community and a guided bus tour given by Assemblyman Jack McEneny.
For many, Saturday night’s
Awards Ceremony provided a
special highlight. Awards were presented to winners of various contests
(listed below).
Additionally, tribute was paid to our 90+ citizens.
Special
recognition was given to Martin Sullivan, John J. McEneny, and Bruce
Dearstyne who helped to secure funding from the New York Council for the
Humanities.
The evening came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display.
Sunday’s
interdenominational church service followed by a working visit to help
restore the Turner Cemetery concluded this three day event.
Heritage Days is a
splendid reminder of
why Berne is
such a special place to
live. [BHD 2003]
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Congratulations
to our winners:
Garden Tour
Business
1st Universal Pathways
2nd Willow Lane Farms
Private Homes
1st Kathy Kodra
2nd Milton & Betsy Bates
3rd Linda Knopp
Pie Baking
Adult
1st Rebecca Rockwell 2nd Terry Schell
3rd Jocelyn Cole-Calkins
Youth
1st Rebecca Villeneuve
2nd Tori Villeneuve
Youth Cookies
1st Erin McIntyre
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TAX COLLECTOR TIPS
Town of Berne property tax bills are mailed to property owners on or before January 1 of each year. Please take
a moment to review the bill for accuracy for name, address, and property
address. If you believe you
are eligible for any exemptions, please verify that you have received
those exemptions to which you are entitled (i.e. Senior Citizens, Veterans
or Agricultural exemptions).
When paying by mail
please remember to send the entire
bill along
with payment. A stamped bill will be returned to you if you check the
appropriate box. If you no longer have an escrow payment and have not
received your bill by January 10th,
please call 872-0331.
The tax
collector may accept partial payments of the bill for those property
owners who currently enjoy a senior citizen exemption.
No more than two payments may be made, the first of which must be
at least 50% of the total bill and paid by January 31st.
The tax collector will be at
the Berne Town Hall 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays during the month of January
to receive payments and to answer
questions.
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INSPIRATIONAL SUMMER FUN
— “Two Thumbs Up”
The Town of Berne Summer Recreation program took off on July 7th and was instantly hailed as a success by the most important people in town – the Children!! BKW School busses left the school parking lot shortly after 9 AM each day carrying the participants to programs all over the Albany Area. Children grades 5-9 were given the opportunity to find out about their town, from its history to the environment. Trips for the sporty types and not-so-sporty included a bike ride along the banks of the Hudson to a gentle paddle in a kayak around Lake
Onderdonk. There was also lots of fun to be had at Thacher Park Pool. With Heritage Days taking such a prominent place in the town, children were transported to the Old Stone Fort to learn a little bit about colonial life. There, kids learned to cast their own bullets and how to march in the militia. At SUNY Cobleskill, they learned how to milk a cow. They also learned to appreciate the environment at both the Emma Treadwell Nature Center and Five Rivers Environmental Center. Other interesting trips took the children on a tour of downtown Albany and the ever-popular Zoom Flume.
Children grades 1 to 4 had fun, too, as they bounced from one part of the elementary school to another enjoying a program of crafts, cooking, computers, and even a little Yoga. They learned some basic Harry Potter plant recognition for those potions that are bound to come in handy as the little magicians’ progress through school! To end the summer program, a real magician entertained the children with tricks and illusions. The final sprinkles were provided by ice cream from Wright’s delights.
Youth Recreation Director Jane O’Shea states, “The Inspirations Summer Program was given a huge thumbs up by the children who participated ,and I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the teachers, helpers, and volunteers who made the program work. Thank you Town of Berne. You really showed that you care about our children and their future.”
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