The East Greenbush Education Foundation proudly recognizes Roberta Reno as this year’s inductee into the Hall of Fame. Roberta, known as Bobbie by her friends, has committed her career to East Greenbush, serving as our Town Court Clerk for nearly 20 years. She was instrumental in the installation of the first computer in the East Greenbush Town Court.  Bobbie created computer forms through the Williamson Law Book Company for use in New York Courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles.  These forms are still in use today.

After leaving her office in East Greenbush, Bobbie went on to work at the New York State Senate for three years and then the New York State Temporary Commission on Lobbying that merged with the New York State Ethics Commission be become the New York State Commission on Public Integrity from which she retired her state service.

In addition to a distinguished career in the local court systems, Bobbie is known to East Greenbush for her volunteerism and community service.  Five years ago, she was appointed as the Town Historian of East Greenbush. 

Town Supervisor Jack Conway stated that “Bobbie Reno has delved deeply into the historical life of East Greenbush and has done two remarkable, in-depth pieces of research that have promoted a new understanding of the incredible legacy of this beautiful town.” 

Bobbie conducted ten years of research regarding the illegal court martial and execution of a War of 1812 soldier, Private Samuel Helms.  This is still an ongoing endeavor.  In July 2018, Congressman Paul Tonko introduced a bill that would allow a Historian to file for change in military record for events that happened more than 175 years ago.

Bobbie’s second in depth project was an exploration of the life and times of Edmonia Lewis, a Greenbush native and woman of African-American and Native American descent.  Bobbie published a children’s book about this internationally recognized sculptor. Bobbie established a fundraiser to restore Edmonia Lewis’ grave in London, England that was successful.

As the President of the Greenbush Cemetery Association, Bobbie is responsible for overseeing burials, cremation internments and record keeping.  She is noted for spearheading efforts to maintain the property in a respectful manner.

Bobbie is the author and illustrator of two published children’s picture books, “Edmonia Lewis: A Sculptor of Determination and Courage” and “Hattie Hall is Really Too Tall!”

Jack Conway reflected that “Bobbie initiated a monthly Honor a Veteran Program that has allowed us as a Town to say thank you to so many heroes.  Every month dignitaries from Town, County, State and Federal Governments gather to honor men and women who have served in all branches of the military and in every era since World War II.  It’s hard to overestimate the value brought to our community by these events.”

Today, we congratulate Bobbie Reno as we induct her into the Columbia High School Hall of Fame, where she will take her own place in our history.