Committee launches to plan 250th anniversary

Members of the USA-250 Commission were sworn in during a ceremony at the Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany. Contributed photo

ALBANY — Albany County last week officially launched the “USA-250” Commission with the ceremonial swearing in of its members.

The committee announced plans to help prepare the county for the American Revolution Anniversary Celebration in 2026.

Albany County Legislator Jeff Perlee was named chairman of the commission.

“In Albany County, our recently formed ‘USA-250’ Commission has been laying the groundwork to prepare for the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence,” Perlee said. “I am honored to chair the commission as we push to commemorate this historic milestone locally, but my fellow commission members and I know we can’t do it alone. We need the public’s help in promoting tourism, education and economic development opportunities for this celebration.”

The launch was the start of a lengthy process to celebrate the nation’s independence.

“Our launch today is the beginning of a long-term strategy to capitalize on our amazing Revolutionary history,” Perlee said. “I thank County Executive Dan McCoy and my Legislative colleagues for supporting our efforts. Together, with help from local residents and other partners, we can ensure the entire nation knows Albany County was the ‘Crossroads of the Revolution.’”

The commission’s swearing-in ceremony took place July 10 at the Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany. Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy conducted the swearing-in.

The group will plan a series of events and programs to celebrate history, promote tourism and provide educational opportunities about the region played in the battle for independence.

Albany County Legislator Jeff Perlee, chairman of the USA-250 Commission, is flanked by members of the commission and Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. Contributed photo

Members of the commission outlined initial plans for the multi-year celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Plans include highlighting the contributions that the Capital Region, and Albany County itself, made during the Revolutionary War.

Ten Broeck Mansion, where the commission was sworn in, is the home of Revolutionary War General Abraham Ten Broeck.

During the ceremony, Perlee said the anniversary events will not only highlight battles but the celebration will also focus on stories of the lives and experiences of the region, and the diversity of languages, religions and backgrounds that came together for a common cause.

The Commission’s slogan is “Crossroads of the Revolutions.” The group is looking for help with art proposals, presentations and sponsorships. To find out more information, email AlbanyNY250@gmail.com or call 518-447-7164.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Building is ‘total loss’ after Cairo fire

In News, News - Greenville, The Greenville Pioneer

February 4, 2022

By Melanie Lekocevic

Capital Region Independent Media

Firefighters on the scene of a blaze in South Cairo that destroyed a garage and three trucks that were inside the building. Courtesy of Catskill Fire Company

CAIRO — A major fire at a garage in Cairo late Thursday destroyed the building and three trucks that were inside, Cairo Fire Department Chief Ray Feml said Friday.

The call came in for a structure fire at County Waste and Recycling on Ross Ruland Road in South Cairo at around 7 p.m. Thursday, Feml said. Cairo firefighters arrived on the scene and called for mutual aid.

“We think a garbage truck caught on fire inside the maintenance shop at County Waste, which then ended up catching the building on fire,” Feml said. “They ended up losing two garbage trucks and a service truck. The building is a complete loss.”

There were no injuries, and no adjacent properties or vehicles were damaged in the blaze.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Greene County Fire Investigation Team, Feml said.

The three trucks that were destroyed were inside the building when the fire broke out.

Two garbage trucks and a service truck were damaged in the blaze. Courtesy of Catskill Fire Company

Firefighters were on the scene for several hours getting the fire under control and had to return a couple of times after sparks started up again.

“They were there for a couple of hours but then they had to go back for two rekindles, one last night and one this morning,” the fire chief said. “Sometimes it is hard to get to spots and you don’t realize it is smoldering. It happens with bigger buildings.”

The two rekindled fires did not cause further damage, Feml said.

In addition to Cairo firefighters, responding mutual aid companies included Round Top, Catskill and Leeds, Feml said. Their assistance was greatly appreciated, particularly at a time when the number of volunteers in local companies is dwindling, he said.

“Unfortunately, with volunteer services getting less and less people, we need our mutual aid departments,” Feml said. “Everybody comes together and works together, and we had a great turnout.”

Committee launched to plan 250th anniversary

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