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The hallmark of the Wheatfield Family Picnic, held last Sunday, is family-centered activities from petting animals to a dunk tank. (photos by Walt Bissett)
The hallmark of the Wheatfield Family Picnic, held last Sunday, is family-centered activities from petting animals to a dunk tank. (photos by Walt Bissett)
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Wheatfield: Perfect day for a picnic

by jmaloni
Fri, Aug 30th 2013 07:00 am

by Susan Mikula Campbell

Wheatfield's new interim recreation director, Mike Ranalli, took the opportunity to thank the members of the Wheatfield Family Picnic Committee at Monday's Town Board meeting.

"I confess, I'd never been to the picnic. I was completely blown away by the turnout and the vibe," he said. "It was just a tremendous day!"

The 35th picnic, held Sunday at Fairmount Park, is supported by local businesses and groups, and organized by volunteers.

In other matters:

•Town Assessor Brigette Grawe reminded residents that new state legislation requires that they must register with the state Department of Taxation and Finance by Dec. 31 to receive STAR exemptions in 2014. Previously, homeowners (except senior citizens) did not have to re-register. The new legislation is designed to protect taxpayers against inappropriate or fraudulent STAR exemptions. Except for this year, residents will not need to re-register every year, because the state Tax Department will confirm eligibility in future years.

The state Tax Department is mailing instructions to all homeowners who currently receive STAR. The letters include a STAR code that is needed to re-register.

"Do it or you won't get it," Grawe cautioned. "That's almost $500 going back on your taxes."

The STAR program provides school tax relief on only the resident's primary residence, based on income eligibility.

Senior citizens receiving enhanced STAR exemptions are not affected by the new legislation, but must continue to apply annually or sign up for the Income Verification Program.

•Water/Sewer Supervisor Rich Donner noted that letters to residents having unpaid water bills are going out this week. Residents must pay the bills by Oct. 1, at which time the unpaid bills will be turned over to the county to be placed on the county tax levy. Donner noted there is a $100 fee for residents when their bills are posted on taxes.

•The board appointed Greg Lloyd as chairman of the Firearms Permit Review Board.

•The quarterly Wheatfield Senior Dance will be held Sept. 7. Sign up now at the Wheatfield Community Center.

•The next Town Board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9.

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