TOWN OF BERNE COURIER

Vol. 7                News From Your Town Government         Spring (June) 2004

CONTENTS
AWARDS ~ SUPERVISOR'S LETTER  ~  SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ~ ALBANY COUNTY RURAL HOUSING ALLIANCE ~ 
COMMUNITY FOOD BUYING PROGRAM ~ PROPOSED HAMLET ZONING  ~ TOWN CLERK TOPICS ~ HILLTOWN HEADSTART PROGRAM ~  SENIOR CITIZEN NEWS ~ BERNE LIBRARY NEWS (summer reading program, book sale, genealogy info, hours) ~ CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LADY BULLDOGS ~   
HISTORICAL SOCIETY ~ DOH RABIES CLINICS ~ LEARN TO SWIM AT THACHER PARK ~ EASTER EGG HUNT ~ 
BERNE HERITAGE DAY (Events, Benefit Garage Sale, Chicken BBQ) ~ FOX CREEK 5K RACE ~  SUMMER YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM

Awards of Merit

The Town of Berne has received the announcement that both The Berne Historical Project, and The Berne Heritage Days Project have recently been awarded 2004 Certificates of Commendation from the Upstate History Alliance (UHA). These certificates awarded annually by UHA as part of its Award of Merit program, recognize outstanding and innovative projects in the history and museum community.  

The Berne Historical Project which was started in 2001, by Project Coordinator Harold Miller and Town Historian, Ralph Miller to provide information on the Internet to people researching their ancestors from Berne, Albany County was expanded in 2002 to include preserving and presenting the history of the people of this small, rural community. The website now includes sections on Berne Families Genealogy; church, cemetery and census records; land records; a dynamic version of an 1866 map of the Town; history pages  for each hamlet in the town; and, extensive search capabilities This project was commended for the excellent, innovative and attractive web–site which is easy to navigate. 

The Berne Heritage Days Project Coordinator, Helen Lounsbury and its committee members were commended for the strong cooperation between the scholars and the community, and the laudable participation of town government and citizens of all ages.  The reviewers also praised the good volunteer base, great speakers, excellent planning and evaluation/follow-up for an ambitious project.

Projects selected to receive a Certificate of Commendation represent excellence within the context of available means and regional standards.  This year's Awards were presented to the winners at a special reception in New York City on April 18th. These projects are two of only six to receive a certificate in 2004.

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FROM THE SUPERVISOR 

As summer approaches, I would like to welcome back our summer residents.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a business in your hometown, the Berne Town Board and Planning Board have been working on a well thought out plan to create more small business opportunities that will protect our rural character.  As residents start to open new local businesses, please make every effort to support them.  Buying local products and services help support our local tax base and preserve the best qualities of small town life that make Berne such a wonderful place to live.  I would like to congratulate Ken & Jean Conklin on re-opening the Berne Food Store and to Hannan’s Paving for the wonderful new face lift on East Berne Auto.  Best of luck both  to these new ventures!

We hope to start construction of our new transfer station in September.  Please watch for notices of transfer station operation changes during the construction phase. Your cooperation and patience during the construction is greatly appreciated.  I’m sure you will consider it well worth it.

All of us have a stake in Berne’s future.  Please call or stop by Town Hall with your ideas or questions.

Have a safe and happy summer!                                    ~~ Kevin Crosier

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SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

Once again the Town of Berne is seeking persons age 16-18 for a six-week youth employment program beginning July 6.  Those interested should  contact the Berne Town Clerk at 872-1448.  This project is funded by City of Albany Youth & Family Services.

ALBANY COUNTY RURAL HOUSING ALLIANCE

If you are a low-income Albany County homeowner and in need of essential home repairs, you may qualify for a grant from the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation for 60% of the repair costs. Contact ACRHA at 765-2425 for an application.  [top]

     The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York with the cooperation of the Hilltowns Community Resource Center offers the Hilltown residents an opportunity to participate in a Community Food Buying Club.  Each month nutritious foods can be purchased at lower than retail cost through the EXTRA HELPINGS program. Everyone is welcome to join; no age limit, no income limit and food stamps are accepted. Pickup sites are located in Altamont, Berne & Rensselaerville. Call the Hilltown Community Resource Center for order forms and further information at 797-5256.  [top]

The Town Board and Planning Board have been working together for several months to update our town zoning related to the Hamlet of Berne.  The effort was initiated last fall with an overall objective to update zoning to meet the goals of the town’s comprehensive plan, to allow for some appropriate commercial development, and to protect the historic and residential character of the hamlet.  With the help of a planning consultant, a review of the town’s comprehensive plan and a resident survey were completed. A community image survey was done to objectively identify the desired character for new commercial development in the hamlet. An illustrated commercial design guideline was developed, and the zoning was amended. 

The Town Board has met jointly several times with the Planning Board, with citizens of the hamlet and, in addition, has held a public hearing on the zoning proposal.  The zoning proposal changes the designation of the hamlet from MDR (Medium Density Residential) to a TN/MU (Traditional Neighborhood/Mixed Use) District.  Some of the other proposed changes include: the table of permitted uses has been limited to allow uses that are desired and appropriate for the hamlet; a set of building and site design/layout standards for commercial uses has been developed to ensure that any new commercial use is consistent with the historic and residential nature of the hamlet; the dimensions (setbacks and building sizes) have been altered so that new buildings are at the same scale as what currently exists; the amount of commercial development has been limited to ensure that the primarily residential nature of the hamlet will be maintained; and, a historic district has been created to allow the Planning Board to review proposals for consistency with the historic character of the hamlet.  At this time, the zoning language is being fine-tuned to address concerns that some hamlet residents have raised.  Before the new zoning is adopted, the Town Board will conduct an environmental review and send it to the Albany County Planning Board for approval. [top]

FREE FISHING DAYS
Free fishing days this year will be on June 26 & June 27. During this weekend, no license in required to fish in New York State waters.

SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE

• EnCon Licenses

•   Marriage Licenses

• Dog Licenses                              

• Passports

• Handicapped Parking Permits    

• Certificates of Residency

• Notary Service                           

• Voter Registration Forms          

• Certified Copies-Vital Records

• Transfer Station Permits

• Appliance Disposal Permits

• Youth Employment Applications

• Swimming Lessons Applications

• Youth Program Applications

• Hazardous Waste-Day Permits

• Fax & Copy Services          

• Cable TV Announcements

• Website Notice Posting

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Albany County Head Start program is a federally-funded pre-school program providing free family development services to eligible families. Registration for the fall pre-school program, located at the Thompson’s Lake Church Hall, are now being accepted. Please call 274-9150 or 274-7254 for information on eligibility requirements for this free 3-day-a-week program.  [top]

HELDERBERG SENIOR CITIZENS

Nutritious, hot lunches provided  by the Helderberg Senior Services are available Monday through Friday at the Hiawatha Grange Building in Dormansville.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 797-3652. Come and join in for good food, fellowship, bingo, guest speakers, health & education handouts and much more. [top]

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LADY BULLDOGS

Thanks for a great season!  

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The Berne Historical Society’s Ten Rooms of History are open to the public Sundays from 2 – 4 PM now through Labor Day. During open hours, John Foster’s History of the Town will be available for viewing. On June 28, Bill Massoth will present A PROGRAM FOR MEN entitled “Old Cars and Trucks.” Women are also invited to come and see how many vehicles they can identify. Plans are underway to schedule trips to the Saratoga National Cemetery, Howe Caverns and the Mabie Farm in Rotterdam, depending on interest. Please call 872-0431 for info [top]

Listed below is the schedule for the Rabies Vaccination Clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets arranged by the Albany County Department of Health in cooperation with the Capital District Veterinary Medical Society. A record of prior vaccination will be required for a three-year immunization. Clinics are open to any Albany County resident.  Animals must be leashed or in carriers.  Donation - $5.  For further information call 447-4620.

June 8    Bethlehem Town Park   Elm Ave. Bethlehem

Sept. 11 Village Hall    2 Thunder Rd. Colonie

Nov. 6    Public Works Garage   Cohoes Ave. Green Island  [top]

LEARN TO SWIM AT THACHER PARK

Swimming lessons conducted by the towns of Berne, Knox, Westerlo, and the American Red Cross will be held July 6-9 and 12-16 at Thacher Park. Class times of 3:45-4:45 and 4:45 to 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 info or to volunteer, please contact Cindy Moseby 872-0847.  [top]

EASTER EGG HUNT

Did you guess who played the Easter Bunny this year?

The energetic oversized rodent, Berne Town Supervisor, Kevin Crosier,  entertained the children of the community as they hunted for the candy filled eggs. Many thanks to retiring bunny Al Raymond who served in that capacity for many years. This event, held annually at the elementary school was, once again, a success. Nearly one hundred children participated in painting eggs, having their faces painted and playing games before being let loose in the school playground to search for Easter Eggs. The Youth Council gratefully thanks Missy Worden and the volunteers who helped at the event.

BERNE HERITAGE DAY    [BHD page on this website]                     

Town of Berne Heritage Day 2004 will be held on Saturday, July 10th at the Berne Town Park, from 11 AM to 10 PM.  This event is intended to showcase local history, traditional crafts and area artisans.  In addition to the many activities planned at the Town Park, the Berne Historical Project is planning a tour of historic homes on Saturday morning and a local cemetery restoration effort for Sunday.  The Historical Society Museum at the Town Hall will be open, and other activities are being planned.

The success of Berne Heritage Days last year has shown that our community has a rich and fascinating heritage.  Again this year it is the hope of the committee to demonstrate what makes Berne unique, both past and present.  Success will be measured in local involvement, so if you participated last year, please consider doing so again.

Berne Heritage Day 2004 will include historical and educational displays and demonstrations related to our past; traditional crafts; a community marketplace for area growers and sellers; live music and dramatic entertainment; games and activities for children; and, food vendors. A chicken BBQ will be served from 3:30 to 7 PM and the annual fireworks display will take place at dusk.  The Berne Heritage Day 2004 Committee would especially like to invite area groups and organizations to participate in fundraising by sponsoring a demonstration or game, selling food, joining the community marketplace, or volunteering in any number of ways. Please check notices at the Town offices, on the Town website, cable TV community access channel and upcoming brochures for the details and scheduling of events as they become finalized.  For more info or if you would like to participate, please call Phil Place, at 872-0290.  

Looking for a COOL Summer Run?  Just Head for the Hills…

6th Annual Town of Berne
Fox Creek 5K Road Race
Heritage Day Weekend

8:00 AM, Sunday, July 11, 2004
[click here for printable Registration Form]

Course                                            

Start on the Fox Creek Bridge, Berne Town Park, 1883 Helderberg Trail (NYS Rt.443), 1/2 mile west of B-K-W Schools.  Fresh air, scenic country roads, low rolling hills (OK, that first one is a little steep, but this is Berne).

Pre-Registration  Must be received by July 2.  Non-refundable Fee: Students under 18 yrs. of age, only $8; Adults $12

Day of Race Registration   Starts 7:00 AM at Berne Town Park; Registration fee: Students under 18 yrs. $10, Adults $15

Early Packet Pickup   Sat. July 10, 2004, 9:00 AM -12:00 Noon, Berne Town Hall 1656 Helderberg Trail.

Awards  Top 3 Overall Male and Female Runners, plus Age Group Awards up to 70+ Yrs.

Course Records: Wheelchair – James Mesick (2001) 47:57  
Male – Chuck Terry, Albany (2003) 16:20                Masters Male – Mark Warner, Slingerlands (2002) 17:40 
Female – Sarah Domermuth, Knox (2002) 19:13   Masters Female – Danielle Cherniak, Cohoes (2002) 20:54

                                                     Info: Jim Hamilton at 872-0425 

        Berne Town Hall - 872-1448   Fax: 872-9303   E-Mail: Berne5K@theraces.com

  Special Thanks to our many Sponsors, Helpers, and Volunteers, including: Albany Co. Sheriffs Dept, B-K-W  Schools, Berne and East Berne Fire Police, Helderberg Ambulance, Hilltowns Players, and all the local businesses that provide donations.

! Make checks payable to:  Town of Berne   * Mail to: Race Registration, P.O. Box 57, Berne, N.Y,12023

Get ready to “Jump into Summer” July 6th –16th with the Town of Berne Summer Youth Recreation Program. Application forms are available at the Berne Town Clerk’s Office and Library.

An orientation program for Pre-K age children will be July 6 – 9.

Children entering grades 1-4 can choose their weekly program from a wide range of artistic and scientific activities. Back by popular demand is ‘Legomania’. Slime-science is a course for those budding chemists who like to get really messed up with goopy slime. This program runs from 9 am – 12 noon.

The adventures for grades 5-8 take on a watery theme. These will include sailing on Warner ’s Lake, tickling fish at SUNY Cobleskill and roaming around the USS Slater amongst other great activities. The 5-8 program runs from 9 am- 1 pm.

New this year is a program for children in grades 8 and above. Each “Wild Wednesday” in the month of July, high school children will be given the opportunity to go on their own adventure. Fishing and boating, white-water tubing, orienteering and a long bicycle ride through the Corning Preserve are planned to help pass the long summer month of July.