Wallkill Valley Times Jan. 06 2016 | Page 3

3 Wallkill Valley Times, Wednesday, January 6, 2015 Gardiner officials begin new terms From left: Gardiner Town Supervisor Mary Beth Majestic, her son Brian (holding the family Bible), Councilman Michael Reynolds, Highway Superintendent Brian Stiscia, Councilwoman Laura Walls, Town Justice Bruce Blatchly stand with Town Justice Robert Rich during the 2016 swearing-in ceremony at Gardiner Town Hall on Sunday. By JANE ANDERSON Gardiner town officials, including new Town Supervisor Mary Beth Majestic, were sworn in on Sunday during a ceremony that was short and sweet - made even sweeter by the cookies, made by Majestic herself, that were part of the refreshments served afterward. They seemed to symbolize the personal touch that the new supervisor hopes to impart upon town government. Majestic took the helm Jan. 1 after beating, Supervisor Carl Zatz, in the November election. Town Justice Robert Rich gave the oath of office at Gardiner Town Hall to Majestic; former supervisor Laura Walls, who won a spot on the Town Board; current Councilman Michael Reynolds, who will serve his second four-year term; Highway Superintendent Brian Stiscia, who ran unopposed; and new fellow Town Justice Bruce Blatchly. Majestic’s youngest son, Brian, held John Kleis rings the bell at Town Hall after the newest slate of Gardiner Town government is sworn in. the family Bible as she and the other officials took the oath as a group. She later said she was proud to serve the town, and thanked her family and friends for their support. Paraphrasing John D. Rockefeller, “I believe in the supreme worth of the individual,” Majestic reiterated her campaign promise to really listen to town residents. She’s traveled cross-country three times with her husband, Charles, and sons Danny, Kevin and Brian, yet she feels there’s no place like Gardiner, her home, she said. Majestic then directed resident John Kleis to ring the Town Hall bell in celebration. The other newly minted officials took turns thanking supporters as well. Blatchly thanked his family, and made a point of thanking election opponent Frank Petrone - who attended Sunday’s ceremony - for running a clean campaign. Stiscia is the local fire chief as well as highway superintendent. As such, he is called away from home a lot. He thanked his wife for her support, saying spouses don’t often get the credit they deserve. Reynolds said it had been a pleasure meeting people over the past four years, and that he planned to continue working on new initiatives to benefit the town. Walls said she is excited to step back into local government and that she’s hopeful the board will accomplish a lot and work together effectively. After the ceremony, there were Majestic’s cookies, chocolates and other refreshments. Majestic said she scheduled the event for Sunday to give people time to enjoy their holiday weekend. GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT WITH A LOW MORTGAGE RATE FROM HOMETOWN BANK 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage 4.125% | 4.172% APR 15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage 3.375% | 3.453% APR APR Happy Holidays from Everyone at Hometown Bank Whether you’re looking to move into your first home, move up to one that’s a better fit for your growing family or refinancing the one you’ve lived in for years, count on your friendly Hometown banker to make it happen with great low rates and fast, local decisions. Apply at hometownbankhv.com, visit your local branch or call 800-249-3832 to schedule your appointment with one of our mortgage consultants any day of the week! www.HometownBankHV.com All rates and offers are as of 12/31/15 and subject to change without notice. No prepayment penalty. Loan must conform to criteria set by the bank. Other mortgage financing programs available. Member FDIC