Village/Assembly honor long-time Historian Sanders for more than 30 years of service

woman in wheelchair holds large plaque — Retiring Historian Linda Sanders is honored with a proclamation from New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner.

The Stillwater Village Board of Trustees paid special tribute this month to Linda Sanders who announced her retirement as local Historian after more than 30 years in the post.

“Her accomplishments are many, and Linda has left a mark on our village that we all will never forget,” said Mayor Judith Wood-Shaw, who presented Sanders with a plaque and a retirement cake on behalf of the village.

Also on hand at April’s board meeting was special guest New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, 13th District, who presented Sanders with a proclamation from the Assembly marking this occasion.

large cake — Cake honoring Linda Sanders

“This woman has had such an impact on her community,” said Woerner, “sharing her historical expertise with the town and village for more than three decades.”

A lifelong village resident, Sanders was first appointed Deputy Town Historian in 1987, then Town Historian in 1995. After 11 years she returned to the Deputy Town Historian position in 2006 and has served as Deputy Historian ever since.

woman in wheelchair holding large plaque — Stillwater Village Mayor Judith Wood-Shaw honors Sanders for her more than 30 years of service.

Among her many achievements, in 1999 she helped spearhead efforts to move the historic Stillwater Blockhouse from an old farm where it stood to its prominent village location along the Hudson River at Blockhouse Park, something she said she will never forget.

“This June will mark the 20th anniversary when the Blockhouse rolled down the road to its new location,” said Sanders, surrounded by her friends and family. “It’s been such a joy for me to serve all these years and I want all of you to know I’m still here if you need me.”

In addition to her public service, Sanders also authored many articles over the years highlighting Stillwater’s historic significance locally and nationally, and in 2009 authored the book “Stillwater” featuring more than 200 descriptive photos of the town and village’s long history

In other business April 16, the Village Board:

Approved a minor subdivision for 1223 Hudson Ave. following a public hearing. Owner John LeClaire submitted an application to split a one-acre parcel into two, half-acre parcels. The project first passed an environmental review before it was approved by the board. No construction has been proposed for the land at this time.
Heard an update on Project Backboard proposed for the old basketball courts at the American Legion park property. The village Department of Public Works will be removing the old blacktop soon and sections of the existing fence will be replaced and painted. Students from Stillwater High School are preparing their third round of artwork for the court design and various fundraisers are being planned to help support the project.