Author Archives: Express Weekly

Posted on by

This Month in the Civil War – by Sandy McBride

As the War Between the States entered its fourth calendar year, both sides in this costly conflict were faced with shortages of manpower.  Casualties, both from combat and sickness, had been massive for both sides.

With civil war looming in 1861, the rebellious Confederate States of America had asked the men with whom they were building their armies to volunteer for a twelve-month commitment.  But in reality, this would mean that in the spring of 1862, the Confederate army could have conceivably disappeared while the rebellious southern states still struggled to become a separate nation.

Posted on by

Mechanicville to Raise Taxes 17.7 %

The 2013 fund balance of nearly $400,000 is now depleted. The State Court has ruled that utility lines that run through municipalities have to be taxed at a much lower rate. This is the primary reason that the taxable assessed value has been reduced by over $425,000.

These two shortfalls equal $825,000. The City Council felt it had to raise the taxes this year to overcome the shortfalls.

Entire article in the January 9th issue of the Express.

Posted on by

H.O.P.E. Pets for Adoption

imageBentley is a 3-year old neutered male Pomeranian, who is up to date on his shots and micro-chipped. He likes to ride in the car and is good with older children and other small dogs, though he does not seem to be fond of cats. Bentley is house trained and walks well on a leash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image-1BUCKLEY (H.O.P.E. courtesy post) Neutered male, DOB: 06/17/2011, Breed: 1/2 Pit Bull & 1/2 Rottie, Weight: approximately 75 pounds BUCKLEY gets along with most dogs and likes kids. He likes cats, but they tend to be afraid of him. He does jump so we limit him to bigger kids. He gets very excited and needs some time to calm down when someone new comes around. He's eager to please and tries very hard to do the right things. He's very big and can be a little clumsy sometimes. He loves to go to creeks, especially the one at the Route 50 SPAC entrance. He loves to run at the dog park in Ballston Spa.

He's been to the Farmer's Market and did really well there with the people and dogs. He's been to downtown Saratoga also and does well. He loves attention and thinks he's a lap dog! He's very protective and barks at anyone who comes near his "home" until we let them get closer. He's a very energetic walker and will keep you at a good pace. We do use a prong collar with him because we have a lot of wild rabbits around and he will try to chase them. I love the big lug, but it hasn't been fair to him. We can't let him play with our older dog anymore because of her hips and they're both dying to play. Contact Patti at 518-368-2374 for more info.

 

 

image-2Lilith is a 3-month old long haired white, brown, and gray tiger female kitten. She loves to play, carrying her toys around the house and then leaving them on your bed. After a busy day, she'll snuggle right up next to you to sleep at night. Lilith came from a feral cat colony and still can be a bit shy. She needs a special someone that will be patient with her, allowing her to take her time trusting you. She likes to make friends with any animal she comes in contact with: dogs and cats.

 

image-3Kalhi is a 3-year old, grey and white, one-of-a-kind type of cat. She loves people and any attention she can get from her humans as well as other cats or dogs. She has many toes that make her look as though she has a hand: fingers and a thumb!

 

For more info on Bentley, Lilith & Kalhi, contact H.O.P.E. @ 518.428.2994. For online adoption applications, foster program & low cost spay or neuter info, visit us online @ www.hopeanimalrescue.org

"Let Them Know There Is H.O.P.E"

 

 

Posted on by

Melissa Kay Dragon-Hurd – 48

Melissa Kay Dragon-Hurd of East Street passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at her home with her loving family at her side. She was 48.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 319 Park Avenue, Mechanicville. A memorial service will be follow at 7pm in the funeral home.

Kindly consider memorials to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 in loving memory of Melissa.

Online remembrances may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com

Entire obituary will be in the January 9th issue of the Express.

Posted on by

Winter Concert at Mechanicville HS – by Sandy McBride

It was standing room only at the Paul N. Luther Auditorium last Wednesday evening for the annual Mechanicville Junior/Senior High School Winter Band Concert.  Conducted by instrumental music teacher Michael Jeffery, three bands . . . the 6th grade band, the 7th and 8th grade band and the high school band . . . delighted their packed house audience as each of them in turn performed a selection of classics and holiday favorites.  The show concluded with nearly 20 MHS alumni musicians joining the high school band on stage for a beautiful rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.

Posted on by

Kim Thompson Chosen YNN Scholar Athlete of the Week – by Sandy McBride

Kimberly Thompson, a senior at Mechanicville High School, has been honored by Time Warner Cable’s YNN Sports as their Student/Athlete of the Week for the third week of December. In a new program instituted by the statewide news organization, each week a student who is outstanding in the classroom, in athletics and in the community will be featured.

Mechanicville’s Athletic Director Robert Young says that when he first learned of the new award program, he immediately thought of Kim Thompson and began the process of nominating her for the honor.

“She meets all the criteria,” he says.

Entire article is in the Dec. 26th issue of the Express.

Posted on by

Melrose FD Recognized for Hurricane Sandy Help – by Christine Barton

Melrose-On December 6th 2013 five members of the Freeport NY Fire Department, Patriot Hose Company No. 4, made the drive to the Melrose Fire Company to formally recognize the department for the assistance they provided during Hurricane Sandy back in October of 2012. The devastation brought about by the storm resulted in widespread damage to the eastern seaboard with extensive damage to many areas of New York and New Jersey. According to Robert Terry, former chief of the Freeport Patriot Hose Co. No.4, about two thirds of company sustained damage to their own homes as a result of the storm, making the ability to respond to emergency calls in the area that much more difficult.

Entire article is in the 12/26 edition of the Express.

Posted on by

Mayor Sylvester Reflects on eight Years – by Harold Wessell

How Anthony Sylvester came to be mayor of Mechanicville for the past 8 years is a long story.

It came about, as he related soon after his last City Council meeting on December 18, because he has been involved in volunteerism for some 30 years: He served as chairman of the Family Day committee, and the city housing authority. After the tornado he took a couple weeks off from his job and helped pick up debris on the streets; and organized dinners and brought food, also clothing, to different places ñ and was named the Chamber of Commere's Man of the Year.

Entire article is in the Dec. 26th issue of the Express.