It seems the holidays pass, and then we quickly get back to reality with the arrival of one of our tax bills. Hopefully yours did not increase much. Please be assured that your Tusten legislators are very much aware of the need to keep taxes manageable, and the Town of Tusten raised taxes about 1.5%.

The Town of Tusten has pledged to be a New York State Climate Smart Community. In keeping with that pledge, the town board, with the assistance of the energy committee, requested an energy audit of the town hall, built circa 1926. The survey revealed many areas for consideration to make the building more energy efficient. As you can imagine, such an old building lacks modern standards with regard to energy conservation. As a first step, to continue to move forward in a positive direction, the town will request funding from our New York State legislators for several of the most notable suggestions. This request includes a new commercial stove with an electronic starter to replace our stove that has a continuously burning pilot light; a new hood for the stove that opens only when in use to replace our current hood, which is open at all times allowing heat to escape; and heat-control modules that may be used from remote locations. We are hopeful that we will receive this funding, thereby reducing our carbon footprint while at the same time saving money spent on the fuel—a win-win situation.

Mark your calendar: the Tusten Youth Commission will be going to the movies Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Definite arrangements have not been made, but if you are on the Tusten Youth email list, information will be forthcoming. If you wish to add your name to the list, email Doreen Wyss at doreenwyss@yahoo.com.

In closing, I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.