New Scotland Archives — The Altamont Enterprise, July 27, 2006
Skateboarders may soon have a place of their own in Vorheesville
By Michelle O’Riley
NEW SCOTLAND — Voorheesville is considering building a place to skateboard in its village park. Equipment may be purchased from a park in Hudson, N. Y. that is closing.
Mayor Robert Conway, in hopes of getting a better understanding of any issues or concerns that the village may need to consider, questioned why the park in Hudson was closing its rink.
Trustee David Cardona questioned how much of a liability a skateboarding park would be for the village.
The village board, at its meeting on Tuesday, also discussed how much of the construction would need to be contracted out and at what cost. Surface leveling and fencing were determined to be the biggest costs. Other factors included having a proper drainage system to keep the surface dry.
Cardona said that he could not get approximate numbers from vendors until the village begins the planning process.
The board estimated that the park could cost between $20,000 and $30,000. The cost of equipment alone ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.
Most kids in the area are street skaters, which would entail putting up only basic rails, explained Department of Public Works Superintendent William Smith, whose son is familiar with the sport.
He plans to go with his son to Hudson to take a look at the used equipment there.
"The basketball team has a place, the tennis players have a place to play; now we are adding a place for the skateboarders," said Smith, "a place of their own where they won’t get chased off because it is used for something else."
Schenectady County was given a $40,000 grant to build skateboarding parks. There is currently one in Rotterdam and Niskayuna. The park in Rotterdam cost $60,000 to build.
Placement is everything, explained Smith. The rink needs to be built in a spot that is convenient for skateboarders, he said.
Most parks charge an annual membership fee and require parents to sign a waiver for use.
Other business
In other business, the village board:
— Is reviewing its current zoning laws. In a recent e-mail, Building Inspector Gerald Gordinier asked how important cleanliness, access to excellent schools, parks and green space as well as affordable housing are to Voorheesville residents. Several residents responded with ideas on improving Voorheesville, which included building a pool in the park, building cross-country trails, and building a small commercial development;
— Heard that the removal of tanks at the Mobil Mart and surrounding soil will begin on Aug. 7;
— Decided to keep its current animal-control program. According to Trustee Richard Berger, the program is working fine;
— Approved a resolution that would allow the village to join a group of municipalities that can buy goods and services in bulk to save money;
— Approved the purchase of an aqua tap for proper installation of water service;
— Heard that there was vandalism of village property. Damage included several tires being slashed and graffiti drawn on walls; repairs will cost around $2,000. The village asks that residents keep an eye out on unauthorized activity near village property;
— Heard that the mayor met with the group, World Changers, which is doing some community-service projects in the area. "They are a very enthusiastic group," said the mayor;
— Are waiting on the approval of two crosswalk sign locations. Tentative locations will be on Route 85A by the gazebo and by the grade school;
— Learned that the music festival, which was a collaboration between the village and town of New Scotland, was cancelled due to rain. The festival may be rescheduled in late August or early September.
For now, residents can enjoy theater and live music in the park with the following performances: The Classic Theatre Guild performs Shakespeare’s As You Like It on July 28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and July 30 at 3 p.m.; Frank Loscavo, playing jazz on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m.; and The Tipping Point on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m.
Voorheesville man injured as a result of auto accident
By Rachel Dutil
KNOX – The routine drive home from work to Berne turned traumatic for 23-year-old Melissa Dibble on Tuesday.
Dibble was driving west on Route 146 at around 5:14 p.m. when a car driven by 17-year-old Sarah LaFave, of Voorheesville, failed to make a stop at the intersection of 146 and Beebe Road, according to the Albany County Sheriff’s Department. The cars collided.
Both cars landed in the front yard of 1946 Township Rd, in the northwest corner of Knox.
Dibble doesn’t remember much about the accident, but is very concerned for the LaFave family.
"Cars can be replaced, people can’t," she told The Enterprise yesterday.
Brett LaFave, 19, was a passenger in the car driven by his sister and was seriously injured in the accident. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Brett LaFave graduated from Clayton A. Bouton High School last year; a high honors graduate and baseball player, he was headed for Arizona State University.
LaFave’s car was "impacted by the other vehicle in the passenger side door,"said Lieutenant Michael Monteleone.
A responding patrol arrived at the scene shortly after the 911 call was received, he said.
The intersection of 146 and 259, also known as Beebe Road, has not been a problematic stretch of road for traffic accidents in recent years, according to Monteleone.
No criminal charges will be filed as a result of this accident, he said. Traffic violations such as the failure to stop at the stop sign will be addressed, he added. There was no indication of involvement of drugs or alcohol, he said.
Live jazz comes to Voorheesville
By Rachel Dutil
VOORHEESVILLE — Frank Loscavo has played music for more than 40 of his 53 years.
Loscavo recently put together a CD titled: As Is, and will be hosting a free CD release party in Voorheesville on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
Loscavo plays with musicians from Syracuse, Albany, and Buffalo. Featured on As Is are: renowned 82-year-old jazz drummer, George Reed, who has played with Benny Carter and Marion McPartland; pianist Frank Stagnitta, who has played with Chet Baker and also Sal Nestico; and bassist Dave Arenius, who has played with Big Joe Turner. Loscavo adds the finishing musical touch with his contibutions on both tenor and alto saxophone.
Loscavo brings together a group of talented musicians to jazz up the gazebo in Voorheesville at Evergreen Park. Local musicians playing with Loscavo will include: Jack Fragomeni on guitar, Larry Jackson on drums, and Mike Delprete on bass.
In June, As Is was recognized in Syracuse with a nomination for a Sammy Award, named in honor of lyricist Sammy Cahn, and given for movie music. Copies will be available for sale at the show, and also sold at Nichols’ Market in Voorheesville. The music starts at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and runs until 9 p.m.