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News from the Past in Memory of Harry A. Sturges

In Columns, Columns - Ravena, The Ravena News Herald
June 1, 2023
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In memory of Harry A. Sturges

News Herald – May 25, 1923 – F.E. Bleezarde, Publisher

Coeymans:

  • William Smith has greatly improved the appearance of his residence on South Main Street by the addition of a front porch.
  • The lighting fixtures have been installed on the new concrete bridge which crosses the Coeymans Creek near P.A. Whitbeck’s residence, but connections have not yet been made to the lighting circuit.
  • The Boy Scouts were on the street bright and early Saturday morning to conduct their tag day drive, and all day long they worked faithfully with their tags and coin boxes. Several young ladies assisted them in the work. When nighttime came and the boxes were emptied, it was found that $94.24 had been collected. A good portion of the amount collected will be used by the local organization for the purchase of necessary equipment.
  • The Mothers and Daughters Banquet which was held in the chapel of the M.E. church on Friday evening of last week proved to be a most enjoyable affair. Places were laid for 84 at the table, and the strains of a march played on the piano by Mrs. T.T. Briggs and Mrs. Leigh Farrar; the mothers and daughters marched from the church into the chapel.
  • The topic for the Epworth League meeting Sunday evening is “What’s Ahead for Methodism?” Mrs. Arthur Hagerty is the leader.

Ravena:

  • “Knock Out of College” was played admirably by the seniors of the Ravena High School. From the opening chorus by the college boys until the final curtain, the audience was amused by the “fawney dawnees,” jokes and races.
  • Mrs. E.J. Stott, Mrs. George VanEtten, Mrs. W.B. Sabey, Mrs. Lee Johnson and Mrs. A.T. Swartout attended the session of the Eastern Star Lodge at Altamont last week Thursday, when the district deputy made her official visit.
  • The work on the finishing of the new school building is rapidly approaching completion. The contractor hopes to deliver the building about the first of June.
  • On account of the rush of work connected with the closing of school and preparation for Regents, it has been decided to postpone the Prize Speaking Contest scheduled for June 2.
  • Regular meeting of Leroy Whipple Council No. 96. D. of A. will be held Friday evening. The initiatory will be conferred on one candidate. All members are asked to be present.

Coeymans Herald – May 23, 1888 – S.H. & E.J. Sherman, Proprietors

  • Contributions to Grove Cemetery received the past week: H.S. Hotaling $2; Mrs. W.H. Teal $1; Alonzo Southhard $1.
  • Collectors have been canvassing this village in aid of the new cornet band at the Junction and have met with a generous response.
  • Briggs has a large force of mechanics employed on the improvements of his Baeren Island excursion grounds. The work is being pushed forward rapidly and the extensive improvements will be completed before the excursion season opens.
Related Posts

Social Security Matters: Should I wait until age 70 to claim Social Security? 

In Lifestyle, Lifestyle - Ravena, The Ravena News Herald
March 10, 2025
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By Russell Gloor

For Capital Region Independent Media

Dear Rusty:

I am a married woman, at my full retirement age, and the primary earner in my marriage. How do I know if I should take my Social Security now or wait till 70? I will lose quite a bit if I take it now. How will it affect my taxes if I take it now while still working a full-time job?

Signed: Undecided 

Dear Undecided:

As you apparently already know, waiting until you are 70 to claim Social Security will result in you getting your maximum possible monthly SS retirement benefit.

After your full retirement age, you get about 8% more each year you delay claiming up to age 70. But deciding exactly when to claim should consider both your financial needs and, importantly, your life expectancy. If you don’t urgently need the money now and your life expectancy is at least “average,” then waiting until age 70 to claim is usually the right choice.

But if you urgently need the money, or your life expectancy is less than average (mid-80s for a woman your current age), then claiming before age 70 is usually prudent. 

Regarding taxation, Social Security benefits may be taxable if your combined income from all sources exceeds the threshold for your IRS filing status. If you file taxes as “married/filing jointly” and your combined income (including your work income) exceeds $32,000, then half of the SS benefits you received during the tax year becomes part of your taxable income. But if your combined income is over $44,000, then up to 85% of your SS benefits becomes taxable income (the thresholds are lower for those who file as a single).

So, your full-time work income will likely affect how much of your Social Security benefits are subject to income tax by the IRS.

In the end, only you can decide when you should claim Social Security. Taxation of benefits may be a factor to consider since you are still working full-time (thus more of your SS benefits will be taxable). But waiting longer to claim results in a higher benefit for the rest of your life (your SS retirement benefit will be 0.667% more for each month you delay, up to age 70).

If the “rest of your life” is a long time and you don’t urgently need the money, waiting is often the right choice. If not, claiming earlier may be wiser.  

If you want to get a more personalized estimate of your life expectancy, I suggest you use the tool we use here at the AMAC Foundation: www.socialsecurityreport.org/tools/life-expectancy-calculator/. 

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.

Officials consider merits of Fast NY grant

In News, News - Ravena, The Ravena News Herald
February 4, 2025
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By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

COEYMANS—The town of Coeymans has been awarded $17 million through New York state’s Fast NY-Track program to enhance electrical infrastructure and support shovel-ready development sites for high-tech industries. The grant, announced in November 2023, is one of the largest awarded in the state. While the funding is seen as a potential economic boon, local leaders are grappling with questions about the project’s specifics and its implications for the community.

The grant is earmarked to fund the construction of a 50-megawatt substation at the Port of Coeymans, with plans for potential future expansion to 100 megawatts. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to make the port more attractive to high-energy-use industries, such as semiconductor or renewable energy manufacturers.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Albany County Legislator Zachary Collins, R-Coeymans, underscored the significance of the grant, describing it as a vital step for positioning Coeymans as a hub for future industries.

“The whole goal of the New York State Fast Grant is to provide shovel-ready sites for high-tech manufacturing companies,” Collins said. “Accepting this grant money would bring attention from state and federal policymakers to address pressing issues like truck traffic, port logistics, and infrastructure improvements.”

Collins stressed that accepting the grant could open the door for future investments and collaborations.

“This is an upgrade to the power system, not port expansion,” he clarified. “It would be a missed opportunity if the town doesn’t act on this. It’s time to make a decision—accept or not accept the funds.”

CALLS FOR CAUTION

Town Supervisor Stephen Donnelly, however, is taking a measured approach, citing the need for more details before proceeding.

“We haven’t seen a comprehensive plan—no details on the footprint, size, or scope of the project,” Donnelly said. “We need to understand how this will impact our town, both positively and negatively.”

Donnelly pointed to unresolved questions about the full cost of the project, which exceeds the grant’s $17 million allocation, and how potential legal fees associated with negotiations will be addressed. He also noted that the project should align with the town’s 2021 addendum to the Comprehensive Plan, which prioritizes preserving Coeymans’ rural character and avoiding industrial expansion beyond existing footprints.

“We are a rural town with industry inside it,” Donnelly said. “The consensus of our residents has been to protect open spaces according to the Comprehensive Plan. We need to ensure that this project aligns with those values and if those values have changed, we need to find that out.”

COMMUNITY IMPLICATIONS

Collins acknowledged Donnelly’s careful approach but urged the board to act promptly.

“Asking questions is part of being a good steward,” he said. “But we’ve had our time for research. Now we need to move forward. Delaying the process could send the wrong message and cost us a tremendous opportunity.”

Collins added that accepting the grant could position Coeymans for additional state and federal support to address long-standing issues such as truck traffic and infrastructure needs.

“This is a chance to turn the eyes of policymakers toward Coeymans and advocate for what the town needs, like traffic solutions and investments in Main Street,” he said.

The groundwork for the grant was laid during the tenure of former Town Supervisor George McHugh, who celebrated the award’s announcement in November 2023. McHugh called the funding a “team effort” involving local, county and state leaders, and praised the project’s potential to attract economic development and create jobs.

A PATH FORWARD

The town has until November 2025 to accept the grant, giving officials time to gather input from residents and evaluate the project’s merits. A meeting with Empire State Development and other stakeholders is planned for February to clarify the project’s scope and address lingering questions.

“This is about balance,” Donnelly said. “We support creating high-paying jobs and fostering economic development, but it has to be done responsibly, with our community’s best interests at heart.”

For updates on the Fast NY Grant project and upcoming town meetings, visit the town of Coeymans website and stay tuned to TheUpstater.com as community leaders work toward a decision.

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