OCT 2004 NEWSLETTER
	OCTOBER 2004 Newsletter ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER The July issue was delivered by the Owego Pennysaver courier and while I know the newsletter may not have everyone, it did get pretty good distribution. However in July Connie went through the extra effort of delivering literally hundreds of copies to addresses that do not receive the Owego Pennysaver. That was a one time delivery. Beginning with this issue individual copies will be delivered with the Pennysaver if you have a box and have cleaned out old issues. If you do not have a box, you can pick them up at frequented places within Berkshire such as the library, fire station, post office and Ward & Van Scoy’s. The Pennysaver box in front of the former A.J.’s will also have extra Pennysavers, as well as newsletters, on the week they are delivered. You can obtain a Pennysaver box by calling the paper at 687 2434. If you have any questions or suggestions call Skip Hartwig 657 8418, email skhartwig@frontiernet.net. Obviously if you are reading this item it does not apply to you. My purpose in including these comments is to ask you to spread the word or share the info with friends and neighbors. HIGHWAY HIGHLIGHTS The upper section of Jewett Hill Rd. was completed this summer and the section of Ford Hill Rd. from Baker Rd. to West Creek was reconstructed. Some additional work had to be done on Ballou Hill which will be paved next summer. If funding permits, the remainder of Ford Hill may also receive an oil & stone coat. The next road to be worked according to the long range plan is Dimon Hill. The bridge on Letter S road was temporarily repaired and is likely to be rebuilt next year also. COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 7 Berkshire, along with Richford, Newark Valley and Candor, are all in Legislative District #7. Two Legislators represent the people in the District. The terms of both expire at the end of 2004. Current representatives are Peter Ward and Richard Harrington. Four candidates will compete in the November elections for the two vacancies. Candidates are: Richard Harrington, incumbent, Rep. Richford, George Swaney, Dem., Berkshire, Will Oberbeck, Rep., Candor, and Charles Taggert, Dem., Candor. Get to know their ideas before the election. The two candidates from District 7 will make a significant impact on the Legislature. Berkshire Community Hall: restoration update. Berkshire residents were busy this summer documenting the history of Community Hall and publishing a 22-page booklet to be sold to raise funds to restore the building. Donations received during Heritage Day covered the cost of printing a limited number and many copies are still available .Anyone wanting to make a donation should send a check, payable to Berkshire Resident Action Group, to John Shipley, Treasurer, 12724 Rt.38, Berkshire, NY 13736 (note "Community Hall" on your check). Any amount is appreciated and for a suggested donation of $10 or more we will gladly mail you a copy of "Berkshire Community Hall - A History." But that's not all!! Want to see Community Hall restored as sports center, meeting hall, site for dances, and more? YOU can make it happen! Join interested residents as the Berkshire Resident Action Group is dissolved and a new organization with non-profit status is created with the primary purpose of restoring the Community Hall. Officers and board members of this new organization will be elected and you must be present to cast a vote. If you have considered getting involved with this project now is the time! It all happens Thursday, October 21st, 7:00 pm at Town Hall. Join us! BERKSHIRE TOWN BUDGET Work on establishing the budget for 2005 has begun. The Town Board has already made salary recommendations, reviewed travel policies and related expenses and will be working on the remainder throughout October and early November. The cost of maintaining and improving roads combined with snow removal consumes about 80% of the annual budget. We have not raised the Town portion of the property tax bill in 6 consecutive years, however the skyrocketing costs of fuel and all petroleum products (such as tar and asphalt used on the roads) is more than likely going to demand an increase in the Town portion of the property tax for 2005. The alternative is to reduce services , primarily those provided by the Highway Department. Some of those unpalatable alternatives could be a slowing of the road improvement program or even a less reactive snow removal policy. These items will receive intense scrutiny by the Board until the budget is finalized in mid-November. Your opinions are important and welcome. Contact any of the Town Board or Supervisor. There will be a public hearing on the 2005 budget on Tuesday, November 9, at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall preceding the regular meeting when the final budget vote will take place. BERKSHIRE Fire District News The roof on the Berkshire Fire Station has been replaced. In September we received a $42,000.00 grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for turnout gear for the department firemen and a thermal imaging camera. This was a 10% matching grant (the Berkshire Fire District had to contribute $4200.00 to the grant). The grant will be used to buy 20 sets of turnout gear and the thermal imaging camera. This camera works in the dark and/or smoke to locate victims or hot spots in a fire. It can also be used during search and rescue. Many thanks to Brett Welch for all his work in obtaining this grant Reminder Fire Commissioners meet at the fire hall on the 2nd Sunday each month @5:30pm HERITAGE DAY The annual event held on September 12th was both a great success and a fun time for all who attended. The theme of the event was “Berkshire Reading Club – 1904 – 2004 and the Club had a fine display commemorating their first 100 years. Special thanks to the History Buffs who sponsor Heritage Day. A unique event this year was the use of the Community Hall for historic displays of Berkshire and Richford. The History Buffs wish to express their gratitude to the Berkshire Fire Department, The Library staff and parade participants, the volunteers, supporters, entertainers, displays and vendors, who helped to make the day a success. Thanks also to those who donated the many prizes for the huge raffle. ADOPT -A –HIGHWAY We will conduct the semi annual Route 38 roadside cleanup on Saturday, October 23^rd at 9am. We meet at the highway garage and at the post office. Last spring on a beautiful day, only 6 people showed – the smallest turnout since the program began 6 years ago. As a result only ½ of the highway roadside was cleaned. When we get a good crowd it only takes 45 min. It truly makes a positive difference in the appearance of Berkshire’s main thoroughfare. Can you find an hour on the 23^rd to join us? Planning Board The Planning Board is back at full strength with two new members – Jim Simmons and Charlie Dowdell. They join veteran members Jim Lacey, Lisa Steiglitz and Chairman George Swaney. The Board is into a number of challenging projects such as update/revision of the building permit ordinance, creation of a law to protect Town roads from damage due to logging, construction etc., possibly a local law governing the operation of 4-wheelers in the Town and we may be considering a noise ordinance. They meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the Town Hall and would love to have you stop by to share your ideas on these on any other subject matter that might improve a problem area in Town or protect some of our assets for future generations. ELECTION DAY Poles will open at 6am on Tuesday, November 2, at the Town Hall and will remain open until 9pm. This is a big election year with candidates from all levels of government. Be sure to exercise your voting privilege. The Berkshire United Methodist Church will host a Chicken and Biscuit dinner beginning at 5pm on election day. CONSERVATION SERVICES – TIOGA COUNTY Wildlife Rehabilitators – Persons licensed by the DEC to possess wild animals that have been injured or abandoned: Roxanne Sullivan 589 7333, Susan Lason 625 3142, Daniel Braman 687 9623, Barb Cole 687 1584, Barbra Motter, 687 5681, Cornell Vet Clinic 253 3049. Nuisance Wildlife Control Agents – Persons permitted by the DEC to handle nuisance wild animal complaints(skunks, raccoons, woodchucks, squirrels) They charge for their service. Robert Poyer 657 8349, Gary Taylor 687 1565, Richard Hollenbeck 659 7983, Mark Beavers 785 4993, Robert Synowiecz 687 0460, Martin Rought 6998279. TOWN WIDE EMAIL LIST This popular means of real time communications is used to disseminate information of significant happenings in and around Berkshire such as major projects, meetings, fundraisers, public hearings, new or proposed legislation, etc. Feedback is welcomed! We have been using this method of getting news out quickly for two years and now have 140 addresses and still growing. As a protection against personal use and spam, messages are sent out as Blind Carbon Copies so the entire list will not be sent to all recipients. To get on the list or to change an email address, contact Dennis Whittaker, 657 8354, email dfw7@citlink.net or Skip Hartwig 657 8418 email skhartwig@frontiernet.net WHACKY WEEDERS The goal of this group is to enhance and beautify the landscaping at public places in Berkshire. The landscaping beneath the “Welcome to Berkshire “ sign at the north end of Town has been enlarged and improved with a bit of work still remaining. The area beneath the south “Welcome” sign by the post office has been improved. More perennials and shrubs will be planted this fall. They will also upgrade the area beneath the flagpoles at the Town Hall where some additions are planned. They manage to conduct business by phone, email and during work parties, thereby avoiding the boredom of meetings. Evelyn Martin is the Director and Kathy Hartwig the coordinator. Have an hour or 2 to spare doing some needed and visible gardening and landscape work? Call Kathy at 657 8418 or email skhartwig@juno.com. SPONSORS Many thanks to those whose ads appear in this issue as they make possible the printing and distribution of this newsletter without using any of your tax dollars. HELPERS Many thanks to Telessa Bean who does our layout; several of the Town Board members for finding all our sponsors and Dennis Whittaker who manages the sponsor terms and finances. We also appreciate the efforts of Connie Short who is instrumental in the distribution of the newsletter. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fire Commissioners Meeting, Fire Hall, 2^nd Sunday @ 5:30pm. Assessor @ Town Hall, 2^nd Monday, 5:30 – 6:30pm Town Board Meeting, Town Hall, 2^nd Tuesday @ 7pm. History Buffs, Town Hall, 4^th Monday @ 7pm. Planning Board, Town Hall, 4^th Tuesday @ 7pm. Berkshire Methodist Church-Spaghetti Dinner, Friday, Oct 15 @ 5pm Community Hall Restoration Meeting, Town Hall, Thursday, Oct 21 @ 7pm Adopt-A-Highway Roadside Cleanup, Highway Barn and Post Office, Saturday October 23 9am Emergency Squad Fish Fry-Fire Hall, Fri. Oct 29, 5pm Election Day, Town Hall, Tuesday, November 2 6am – 9pm. Berkshire Methodist Church Chicken & Biscuit Dinner, Tuesday, November 2, 5 - 7pm Town Budget Public Hearing, Town Hall, Tuesday, November 9, 6:30 pm Berkshire Methodist Church-Spaghetti Dinner, Friday, Nov 19 @ 5pm Emergency Squad Spaghetti Supper, NV Fire Station, Friday, December 3, 5pm Berkshire Methodist Church-Spaghetti Dinner, Friday, Dec 17 @ 5pm

OCTOBER 2004 Newsletter

ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER

The July issue was delivered by the Owego Pennysaver courier and while I know the newsletter may not have everyone, it did get pretty good distribution. However in July Connie went through the extra effort of delivering literally hundreds of copies to addresses that do not receive the Owego Pennysaver. That was a one time delivery. Beginning with this issue individual copies will be delivered with the Pennysaver if you have a box and have cleaned out old issues. If you do not have a box, you can pick them up at frequented places within Berkshire such as the library, fire station, post office and Ward & Van Scoy’s. The Pennysaver box in front of the former A.J.’s will also have extra Pennysavers, as well as newsletters, on the week they are delivered. You can obtain a Pennysaver box by calling the paper at 687 2434. If you have any questions or suggestions call Skip Hartwig 657 8418, email skhartwig@frontiernet.net. Obviously if you are reading this item it does not apply to you. My purpose in including these comments is to ask you to spread the word or share the info with friends

and neighbors.

HIGHWAY HIGHLIGHTS

The upper section of Jewett Hill Rd. was completed this summer and the section of Ford Hill Rd. from Baker Rd. to West Creek was reconstructed. Some additional work had to be done on Ballou Hill which will be paved next summer. If funding permits, the remainder of Ford Hill may also receive an oil & stone coat. The next road to be worked according to the long range plan is Dimon Hill. The bridge on Letter S road was temporarily repaired and is likely to be rebuilt next year also.

COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 7

Berkshire, along with Richford, Newark Valley and Candor, are all in Legislative District #7. Two Legislators represent the people in the District. The terms of both expire at the end of 2004. Current representatives are Peter Ward and Richard Harrington. Four candidates will compete in the November elections for the two vacancies. Candidates are: Richard Harrington, incumbent, Rep. Richford, George Swaney, Dem., Berkshire, Will Oberbeck, Rep., Candor, and Charles Taggert, Dem., Candor. Get to know their ideas before the election. The two candidates from District 7 will make a significant impact on the Legislature.

Berkshire Community Hall: restoration update.
Berkshire residents were busy this summer documenting the history of Community Hall and publishing a 22-page booklet to be sold to raise funds to restore the building. Donations received during Heritage Day covered the cost of printing a limited number and many copies are still available .Anyone wanting to make a donation should send a check, payable to Berkshire Resident Action Group, to John Shipley, Treasurer, 12724 Rt.38, Berkshire, NY 13736 (note "Community Hall" on your check). Any amount is appreciated and for a suggested donation of $10 or more we will gladly mail you a copy of "Berkshire Community Hall - A History."
But that's not all!!
Want to see Community Hall restored as sports center, meeting hall, site for dances, and more? YOU can make it happen! Join interested residents
as the Berkshire Resident Action Group is dissolved and a new organization with non-profit status is created with the primary purpose of restoring the Community Hall. Officers and board members of this new organization will be elected and you must be present to cast a vote. If you have considered getting involved with this project now is the time! It all happens Thursday, October 21st, 7:00 pm at Town Hall. Join us!

BERKSHIRE TOWN BUDGET

Work on establishing the budget for 2005 has begun. The Town Board has already made salary recommendations, reviewed travel policies and related expenses and will be working on the remainder throughout October and early November. The cost of maintaining and improving roads combined with snow removal consumes about 80% of the annual budget. We have not raised the Town portion of the property tax bill in 6 consecutive years, however the skyrocketing costs of fuel and all petroleum products (such as tar and asphalt used on the roads) is more than likely going to demand an increase in the Town portion of the property tax for 2005. The alternative is to reduce services , primarily those provided by the Highway Department. Some of those unpalatable alternatives could be a slowing of the road improvement program or even a less reactive snow removal policy. These items will receive intense scrutiny by the Board until the budget is finalized in mid-November. Your opinions are important and welcome. Contact any of the Town Board or Supervisor. There will be a public hearing on the 2005 budget on Tuesday, November 9, at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall preceding the regular meeting when the final budget vote will take place.

BERKSHIRE Fire District News

The roof on the Berkshire Fire Station has been replaced. In September we received a $42,000.00 grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for turnout gear for the department firemen and a thermal imaging camera. This was a 10% matching grant (the Berkshire Fire District had to contribute $4200.00 to the grant). The grant will be used to buy 20 sets of turnout gear and the thermal imaging camera. This camera works in the dark and/or smoke to locate victims or hot spots in a fire. It can also be used during search and rescue. Many thanks to Brett Welch for all his work in obtaining this grant

Reminder Fire Commissioners meet at the fire hall on the 2nd Sunday each month @5:30pm

HERITAGE DAY

The annual event held on September 12th was both a great success and a fun time for all who attended. The theme of the event was “Berkshire Reading Club – 1904 – 2004 and the Club had a fine display commemorating their first 100 years. Special thanks to the History Buffs who sponsor Heritage Day. A unique event this year was the use of the Community Hall for historic displays of Berkshire and Richford. The History Buffs wish to express their gratitude to the Berkshire Fire Department, The Library staff and parade participants, the volunteers, supporters, entertainers, displays and vendors, who helped to make the day a success. Thanks also to those who donated the many prizes for the huge raffle.

ADOPT -A –HIGHWAY

We will conduct the semi annual Route 38 roadside cleanup on Saturday, October 23^rd at 9am. We meet at the highway garage and at the post office. Last spring on a beautiful day, only 6 people showed – the smallest turnout since the program began 6 years ago. As a result only ½ of the highway roadside was cleaned. When we get a good crowd it only takes 45 min. It truly makes a positive difference in the appearance of Berkshire’s main thoroughfare. Can you find an hour on the 23^rd to join us?

Planning Board

The Planning Board is back at full strength with two new members – Jim Simmons and Charlie Dowdell. They join veteran members Jim Lacey, Lisa Steiglitz and Chairman George Swaney. The Board is into a number of challenging projects such as update/revision of the building permit ordinance, creation of a law to protect Town roads from damage due to logging, construction etc., possibly a local law governing the operation of 4-wheelers in the Town and we may be considering a noise ordinance. They meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the Town Hall and would love to have you stop by to share your ideas on these on any other subject matter that might improve a problem area in Town or protect some of our assets for future generations.

ELECTION DAY

Poles will open at 6am on Tuesday, November 2, at the Town Hall and will remain open until 9pm. This is a big election year with candidates from all levels of government. Be sure to exercise your voting privilege. The Berkshire United Methodist Church will host a Chicken and Biscuit dinner beginning at 5pm on election day.

CONSERVATION SERVICES – TIOGA COUNTY

Wildlife Rehabilitators – Persons licensed by the DEC to possess wild animals that have been injured or abandoned:

Roxanne Sullivan 589 7333, Susan Lason

625 3142, Daniel Braman 687 9623, Barb Cole 687 1584, Barbra Motter, 687 5681, Cornell Vet Clinic 253 3049.

Nuisance Wildlife Control Agents – Persons permitted by the DEC to handle nuisance wild animal complaints(skunks, raccoons, woodchucks, squirrels) They charge for their service.

Robert Poyer 657 8349, Gary Taylor 687 1565, Richard Hollenbeck 659 7983, Mark Beavers

785 4993, Robert Synowiecz 687 0460,

Martin Rought 6998279.

TOWN WIDE EMAIL LIST

This popular means of real time communications is used to disseminate information of significant happenings in and around Berkshire such as major projects, meetings, fundraisers, public hearings, new or proposed legislation, etc. Feedback is welcomed! We have been using this method of getting news out quickly for two years and now have 140 addresses and still growing. As a protection against personal use and spam, messages are sent out as Blind Carbon Copies so the entire list will not be sent to all recipients. To get on the list or to change an email address, contact Dennis Whittaker, 657 8354, email dfw7@citlink.net or Skip Hartwig 657 8418 email skhartwig@frontiernet.net

WHACKY WEEDERS

The goal of this group is to enhance and beautify the landscaping at public places in Berkshire. The landscaping beneath the “Welcome to Berkshire “ sign at the north end of Town has been enlarged and improved with a bit of work still remaining. The area beneath the south “Welcome” sign by the post office has been improved. More perennials and shrubs will be planted this fall. They will also upgrade the area beneath the flagpoles at the Town Hall where some additions are planned. They manage to conduct business by phone, email and during work parties, thereby avoiding the boredom of meetings. Evelyn Martin is the Director and Kathy Hartwig the coordinator. Have an hour or 2 to spare doing some needed and visible gardening and landscape work? Call Kathy at 657 8418 or email skhartwig@juno.com.

SPONSORS

Many thanks to those whose ads appear in this issue as they make possible the printing and distribution of this newsletter without using any of your tax dollars.

HELPERS

Many thanks to Telessa Bean who does our layout; several of the Town Board members for finding all our sponsors and Dennis Whittaker who manages the sponsor terms and finances. We also appreciate the efforts of Connie Short who is instrumental in the distribution of the newsletter.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Fire Commissioners Meeting, Fire Hall, 2^nd Sunday @ 5:30pm.

Assessor @ Town Hall, 2^nd Monday, 5:30 – 6:30pm

Town Board Meeting, Town Hall, 2^nd Tuesday @ 7pm.

History Buffs, Town Hall, 4^th Monday @ 7pm.

Planning Board, Town Hall, 4^th Tuesday @ 7pm.

Berkshire Methodist Church-Spaghetti Dinner, Friday, Oct 15 @ 5pm

Community Hall Restoration Meeting, Town Hall, Thursday, Oct 21 @ 7pm

Adopt-A-Highway Roadside Cleanup, Highway Barn and Post Office, Saturday October 23 9am

Emergency Squad Fish Fry-Fire Hall, Fri. Oct 29, 5pm

Election Day, Town Hall, Tuesday, November 2 6am – 9pm.

Berkshire Methodist Church Chicken & Biscuit Dinner, Tuesday, November 2, 5 - 7pm

Town Budget Public Hearing, Town Hall, Tuesday, November 9, 6:30 pm

Berkshire Methodist Church-Spaghetti Dinner, Friday, Nov 19 @ 5pm

Emergency Squad Spaghetti Supper, NV Fire Station, Friday, December 3, 5pm

Berkshire Methodist Church-Spaghetti Dinner, Friday, Dec 17 @ 5pm