Canajoharie

Twenty Years Ago

The recent discovery of asbestos in several areas of the East Hill Elementary School building prompted the Canajoharie Central School Board of Education to shift some of the approximately $136,500 in funds remaining from the voter approved roof repair and asbestos abatement projects from necessary repairs to the Nellis Memorial Complex to the more immediate problem of asbestos in the floors and walls in portions of the elementary wing of the school. Approved at the last meeting of the Board of Education was the expenditure of some $98,500 to replace the vinyl-asbestos floor tile in the second floor classrooms of the elementary school wing; application of an acrylic sealer to damaged plaster in the walls in the elementary wing and in the East Hill cafetorium; a new ceiling and energy-efficient lighting in the junior high hallway; a new ceiling and energy-efficient lighting in the cafetorium; application of carpeting in the elementary library; and painting of the areas to be repaired.

The mayor of Canajoharie predicted a surplus at the end of the current budget year, the first time in several years that the general, water and sewer budgets all will show a surplus.

Joseph Sinchak, MD, staff physician at St. Mary’s Hospital, will become the third physician on staff at St. Mary’s Family Health Center, Canajoharie.

Thirty Years Ago

John Palmer was recently reelected president of Boiling Pot Aerie No. 3846, Order of Eagles, Canajoharie.

Mrs. Mary Loring, Canajoharie RD, was honored by Life Savers, Inc., upon completion of 35 years of service to the company in various department. She chose the gift of her choice, a mantle clock.

Thirty-six former employees of the Arkell and Smiths plants in Canajoharie and Hudson Falls gathered at Wintergreen Park for their annual reunion.

The local chapter of the American Field Service announced that Veronica Hicks and family have been selected as host family for one of the program’s foreign exchange students. The Hicks family, Third Avenue, has been informed that Marta Elena Obando, has been placed with them for the coming school year.

Forty Years Ago

Superintendent of Public Works Arthur Galusha announced his retirement from that position at the monthly meeting of the Village Board.

Bids are being sought by the state Department of Transportation for reconstruction of Route 10, Rock Street, for about 600 feet between Hill and Cliff streets, and for the strengthening of the adjacent slope.

Smith-Shults Post No. 222 of the American Legion reported that it has reached its highest membership in 14 years with 301 members.

Fort Plain

Twenty Years Ago

Deputy Sheriff Dan Carter, of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, answered questions of members of the Fort Plain Village Board on how to go about numbering homes in the village for the incorporation of the Enhanced-911 emergency phone system. He stated at the last monthly meeting of the board, that the countrywide survey is proceeding ahead of schedule, and that it is expected the system will be up and running well before Sheriff Ronald Emery’s January 1994 deadline.

The Fort Plain Youth Recreation Program will be holding ‘Hawaiian Day’ in the Harry Hoag Elementary School cafetorium. According to program director Pat Hanifin, this is the first year the program will feature the Hawaiian theme, the brainchild of Arts and Crafts Director Kim Sgambato. Hanifin said that Sgambato has been keeping busy making Hawaiian leis and streamers, and will be decorating the Hoag cafetorium in the Hawaiian motif. There will be lots of pineapple to help with the theme.

Thirty Years Ago

The second annual “Gathering of the Quilts” held at Salt Springville’s Windfall Dutch Barn was considered a success by event organizers.

Michael Gifford, a member of Fort Plain Central School’s physical education staff for the last 18 years, has been named a part time administrative assistant to Harry Hoag Elementary School Principal Walter Wheeler. The announcement of his appointment was made following an executive session of the Board of Education. In a related move, Roger Bowley, a kindergarten teacher, took a voluntary transfer from his teaching post to the physical education department at the elementary school. He will divide adoptive physical education program instruction with Gifford in addition to assuming other duties in the department. A part time physical education instructor, David Thompson, who was employed under a federal grant a year ago, will not be returning in September. District Superintendent Robert Brearey, commenting on the realignment of positions, said that he did not know at this time whether a fourth section of kindergarten will be required in the fall. He added, however, that if enrollment so dictates, a replacement for Bowley will be hired.

Mr. and Mrs. Carlton A. Christman, Fort Plain RD 2, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at a reception at the Ephratah Firehouse.

Forty Years Ago

The Fort Plain Museum held it annual open house in the Nelson Greene Memorial House.

The Fort Plain Student Union, Inc., officially assumed title to the property owned by Mr. and Mrs. Earl Adams, of 101 Main St.

St. Johnsville

Twenty Years Ago

Scott Case was named the July Employee of the Month at the St. Johnsville Nursing Home. Case, a graduate of the Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District, has been employed at the local nursing home since June 1990. He enjoys hunting, fishing, sports and social time with his friends and family. Case was chosen as Employee of the Month for his ability to help others, his mild manner and his sense of humor. Case lives in Oppenheim with his family.

The Margaret Reaney Memorial Library presented its fifth annual Ice Cream Social and Concert on the lovely grounds of St. Johnsville’s village library.

Thirty Years Ago

Voters in the St. Johnsville Central School District will have another chance to voice their opinions at the polls this month, as the Board of Education decided unanimously at a special meeting to place six recently defeated propositions up for revote Aug. 17.

A meeting of the Montgomery County Industrial Development Agency in Fultonville could result in the expansion of a major industry in St. Johnsville. Tru-Stitch Footwear, a division of Little Falls Footwear, Inc., is seeking $500,000 to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of an addition to their existing facilities on Hough Street. The meeting, to be held at the Poplars Restaurant, will also discuss the application of Almor Co., Inc., for $400,000 to finance the acquisition of a warehouse facility for the equipping and distribution of health and beauty aids and various sundry items.

Santa Claus, portrayed by Shawn Seeley, paid a mid-summer visit to the children involved in the St. Johnsville Summer Recreation Program for its annual Christmas in July.

Forty Years Ago

Six hundred thirty-two persons voted on the school budget for the third time, defeating the proposal, 412-210. It is not known whether a budget will again be presented or if the Board of Education will adopt an austerity spending plan.