Friday April 26, 2024 
Town Hall Closes for Presidents’ Day
Debra L. Curtis, Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents that the Schodack Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, February 18, 2019, for the Presidents’ Day Holiday. The Schodack Town Hall Offices will resume its regular business hours on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
The Transfer Station will have standard business hours on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Town Clerk at 518-477-7590, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm; and Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm.
PV2 Hope E. Heritage (Viggiano) is Honor Grad from Army AIT
Hope E. Heritage (Viggiano), a 2018 graduate of Averill Park High School, graduated from Army Basic Combat Training on September 13, 2018 at Fort Jackson, SC.
PV2 Heritage Viggiano remained at Fort Jackson for her Advanced Individual Training, graduating on November 16, 2018 as an Honor Grad, 2nd in her class. Hope is currently serving at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, as a Human Resources Specialist. Hope is the daughter of Tracy Heritage Allard and Gary Allard of Averill Park and Benjamin Viggiano previously of Averill Park.
Nassau Supervisor’s Report by David Fleming
What a crazy ride this winter season has been! Thank you to our tremendous Highway Team for their long hours and dedication to the safety of our residents. While the long hours take a toll on our crew, it also takes a toll on our snow removal budget. The constant freezing and thawing have also caused tremendous damage to our roadways. We will once again be in Albany this spring fighting for the town’s share of highway funding even as the proposed state budget cuts Nassau’s already budgeted revenues by nearly $30,000.
The start of a new year also means the beginning of new programs and opportunities. As always, we are looking for volunteers and committee members to be a part of this progress. Residents with interests in serving are more than welcome to reach out to my office so that we may help plug you in to service opportunities. In particular, the Town is currently seeking a Youth Committee Director to coordinate and lead events with the volunteer Youth Committee and vendors. A paid stipend is part of this position. If you are interested, please contact my office.
As we have reported, work has been ongoing related to the new regulation update to permit solar farms in the Town and to provide for a streamlined application process for private solar installations. This proposal, introduced as Local Law No. 1 of 2019, has been subject to public hearing and is the subject to another this month. The solar installation proposal is available on the Town’s website for public review.
I’m also pleased to report that we have purchased a new multipurpose truck for the Highway Department and Transfer Station. The primary function of this 2018 International 6×4 truck is to haul the dumpsters for the Transfer Station. Utilizing state bidding to reduce costs and a municipal lending program, this purchase also includes scheduled replacement of the vehicle as part of our inventory replacement plan.
There is so much more going on. For more frequent updates, please feel free to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you.
French Conversation Class
La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY is offering a French language program. The emphasis of the program will be on speaking French. This class is not for beginners but is for anyone looking to review and improve their French. The cost of the program will be $75.00 for 8 sessions beginning on March 12, 2019. The classes will be held on Tuesday evenings at 7pm at The Venue, formerly St. Joseph’s Church, 65 Congress Street, Cohoes, NY. For directions to The Venue, go to www.thevenuecohoes.com. For questions regarding the program, call Tom Jacques, 518-541-3216. We need a minimum of 10 people to offer this program. Send checks payable to FeFany, PO Box 354, Cohoes, NY 12047 by March 5, 2019.
DANA Holds Community Meeting
The Defreestville Area Neighborhoods Association, Inc. (DANA) is holding a Community Meeting on Tuesday evening, February 26, 2019, at 7:00 PM at the Bloomingrove Reformed Church, 706 Bloomingrove Drive, across from the Route 4 CDTA Park and Ride, in Defreestville, NY. Program speakers will discuss local land use issues, commercial and residential development, traffic issues and planned Route 4 modifications with question and answer opportunities. Other community-based topics of interest will also be discussed. All Defreestville area residents are invited to attend. Like us on Facebook. Visit us at www.DANAInfo.org. The Defreestville Area Neighborhoods Association, Inc.
VITA free tax preparation comes to New Lebanon and Stephentown
A free volunteer organization that assists taxpayers to prepare their tax returns will provide services in New Lebanon and Stephentown during the month of March. The dates/locations for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers are as follows:
New Lebanon – Friday, March 1st, 11 am to 2 pm, at Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, 732 U.S. Route 20, New Lebanon, 12125.
Stephentown – Friday, March 29, 3 to 6 pm, at the Stephentown Memorial Library, 472 State Route 43 at Grange Hall Road, Stephentown, 12168.
Taxpayers must pre-register because appointments are limited. To register, please call Mary at 518-733-0469. There are no age restrictions, but applicants must have a family income of less than $66,000. for the tax year 2018, and the applicant must bring with him/her, for each person named on the tax return:
1) Photo identification for the person or persons if joint filing;
2) W-2, 1099 and other IRS forms as appropriate;
3) Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit;
4) Social Security card for each person listed on your tax form [yourself, spouse and any dependents];
5) Form 1095-A, B or C [Health Insurance Marketplace Statement];
6) Childcare documentation;
7) Unemployment forms.
VITA is a collaboration of non-profits, the IRS, local government, businesses, faith-based organizations, and volunteers dedicated to promoting financial stability for individuals in the Greater Capital Region.
Kimberly Elizabeth O’Brien of Troy named to Clemson University Dean’s List
CLEMSON, SC — Kimberly Elizabeth O’Brien of Troy has been named to the Dean’s List at Clemson University for the fall 2018 semester.
O’Brien is majoring in Materials Science and Engineering.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a student achieved a grade-point average between 3.50 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale.
SUNY Oswego names area students to President’s List for fall 2018
SUNY Oswego has named high-performing students from the area to the President’s List for fall 2018 for earning grade point averages of 3.80 and above on the 4.00 scale.
Victoria A. Panzanaro of Holser Road in Averill Park, a junior biology major
Casey Bariteau of Michael Road in East Greenbush, a freshman childhood education major
Meghan E. McKosky of Tamara Court in East Greenbush, a junior business administration major
Kevin G. Farrell of Cavalry Course in Mechanicville, a sophomore biochemistry major
Christopher R. Wells of Alpine Street in Rensselaer, a senior computer science major
Emily M. O’Brien of Matthew Drive in Schaghticoke, a sophomore creative writing major
Brandon J. Macey of Albert Drive in Troy, a senior broadcasting and mass communication major.
SUNY Oswego recognizes area students on Dean’s List for fall 2018
Student’s earning a grade point average of 3.3 to 3.79 appear on SUNY Oswego’s fall 2018 Dean’s List, including several from the area.
Emily M. Olds of Miller Road in Castleton, a sophomore zoology major
Madeleine G. Kaleta of Tamara Court in East Greenbush, a senior zoology major
Alexandra M. Turoski of Janine Drive in East Greenbush, a senior marketing major
Bryan M. Farrell of Cavalry Course in Mechanicville, a junior finance major
Katrina L. Gorman of Bliss Schoolhouse Road in Nassau, a senior English major
Brendan D. Russo of Empire Circle in Rensselaer, a sophomore computer science major
Justin Akin of Madigan Road in Schaghticoke, a senior finance major
Megan R. Bloom of Madison Avenue in Troy, a sophomore human development major
Vanessa A. Feliciano of Orr Street in Troy, a junior political science major
Charlotte Gates of Roosevelt Avenue in Troy, a sophomore marketing major
Joshua J. Helenek of Lavin Court in Troy, a junior criminal justice major
Kirsten R. Klingaman of Spring Avenue in Troy, a junior criminal justice major
Sylvie J. Lemieux of James Lane in Troy, a sophomore public relations major
Jacob D. Lewis of 109th Street in Troy, a sophomore broadcasting and mass communication major
Ryan J. Heslin of State Route 67 in Valley Falls, a senior biology major
Pierce M. Hurd of Craver Road in West Sand Lake, a sophomore computer science major
Thomas A. Connolly of Dobert Court in Wynantskill, a senior broadcasting and mass communication major
Amanda Young of NY Highway 355 in Wynantskill, a senior technology education major.
SUNY New Paltz
Fall 2018 Dean’s List
SUNY New Paltz announces its Dean’s List for the fall 2018 semester. The Dean’s List honors students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average with a full-time course load.
The following students earned Dean’s List recognition during the fall ’18 semester:
Abigail Carola of Mechanicville (12118)
Jordan Caywood of Rensselaer (12144)
Kathleen Dempsey of Nassau (12123)
Shannon Dodson of Troy (12180)
Rebecca Ehrlich of Castleton on Hudson (12033)
Kelsey Fredricks of Troy (12182)
Sean Grasing of Mechanicville (12118)
Michael Guardino of Nassau (12123)
Mara Koster of East Greenbush (12061)
Sarah Malenfant of Averill Park (12018)
Jordan Newman of Troy (12180)
Paige Nutter of Troy (12182)
Joel Olzak of East Nassau (12062)
Isabella Pastore of Averill Park (12018)
Adam Russell of Nassau (12123)
Michael Ruth of Rensselaer (12144)
Daniel Suite of Hoosick Falls (12090).
Local students named to Dean’s List at The College of Saint Rose
Congratulations to the following local students who have been named to the Dean’s List for Fall 2018 at The College of Saint Rose:
Ahmed Abdu of Troy (12180)
Mercedes Anson of Troy (12180)
Kira Barber of Mechanicville (12118)
Brianna Boone of Troy (12180)
Dalton Burrello of Mechanicville (12118)
Courtney Caldwell of Troy (12182)
Samantha Caruso of Troy (12180)
Nathaniel Coleda of Castleton (12033)
Joshua Collins of Troy (12180)
Megan Collins of East Greenbush (12061)
Justin Covell of Cropseyville (12052)
Alexander Decker of Castleton (12033)
Rachael Devernoe of Troy (12180)
Sarah Devernoe of Troy (12180)
Katherine Dewolf of Averill Park (12018)
Hannah Feldman of Mechanicville (12118)
Lydia Flynn of Averill Park (12018)
Joseph Garozzo of Troy (12180)
Brittney Glogowski of Troy (12180)
Connor Gray of Troy (12180)
Victoria Hallett of Troy (12180)
David Hamlin of Troy (12180)
William Heatley of Troy (12180)
Michael Hughes of Troy (12180)
Jaime Kendrick of East Greenbush (12061)
Abigail Kennedy of Wynantskill (12198)
Kaile Kenyon of Mechanicville (12118)
Abigail Kronau of Poestenkill (12140)
Bayly Lammon of Troy (12180)
Jenna LeFevre of Wynantskill (12198)
McKenzie LeVan of Troy (12180)
Brian Masella of Troy (12180)
Madeline McDermott of Troy (12180)
Laura McGreevy of Valley Falls (12185)
David Meister of Rensselaer (12144)
Jordan Moses of East Greenbush (12061)
Theresa Mulvey of East Greenbush (12061)
Jackson Murphy of Rensselaer (12144)
Micheline Pasinella of Troy (12180)
Ashley Peter of Nassau (12123)
Gabrielle Pike of Rensselaer (12144)
Jacob Pitts of Averill Park (12018)
Colleen Quaglia of East Greenbush (12061)
Crystal Rafferty of Rensselaer (12144)
Joshua Rasmussen of Troy (12180)
Robert Retic of Rensselaer (12144)
Jordan Rockwell of West Sand Lake (12196)
Kellsey Rounds of Troy (12182)
Haley Scott of Castleton (12033)
Krista Seeberger of Averill Park (12018)
Kieran Sullivan of Wynantskill (12198)
Bryel Weinlein of East Greenbush (12061)
Evan Willsie of Averill Park (12018)
Full-time undergraduate students who complete a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, and who achieve a semester average of 3.5 with no D, F, or Incomplete grade, are eligible for the Dean’s List.
Students Named to University of Hartford Dean’s List
WEST HARTFORD, CT — The University of Hartford is pleased to announce the following students have been named to the Dean’s List for Fall 2018.
Tanner Retell of Mechanicville (12118)
Matthew Pappa of Nassau (12123).
Purchase College celebrates achievements of students named to Dean’s List
Purchase College announced that more than 1,200 students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2018 semester. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and taken a minimum of 12 credits. From the local area they include:
Molly Byron of Wynantskill (12198) is studying Literature Art History.
Soren Correia of Rensselaer (12144) is studying Theatre and Performance, Playwriting and Screenwriting Economics.
Molly Dickinson of Cropseyville (12052) is studying Playwriting and Screenwriting.
Camaryn Franchi of West Sand Lake (12196) is studying Graphic Design.
Jessica Gordon of West Sand Lake (12196) is studying Film Language & Culture: French.
Elijah James of Rensselaer (12144) is studying New Media Media Studies.
Sean Jones of East Greenbush (12061) is studying Music: Studio Composition, Arts Management.
Charles Prefore of Wynantskill (12198) is studying Liberal Studies Screenwriting.
Ember Sheffer of Troy (12180) is studying Cinema Studies Film/Video Production.
Andrew Tatar of Averill Park (12018) is studying Playwriting and Screenwriting, Arts Management.
Domnika Popov Named to Colby College’s Highly Selective Dean’s List
WATERVILLE, ME — Domnika Popov of Petersburg, N.Y., was recently named to the highly selective Dean’s List at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2018-19 academic year. Popov is one of 538 Colby students — or 26 percent of the qualified student body — to qualify for the Dean’s List last semester.
Popov, a member of the Class of 2022, attended Berlin Central High School and is the daughter of Oleg and Anna Popov of Petersburg, N.Y. Popov earned a semester grade point average of 3.77 or higher last fall to be included on Colby’s Dean’s List. She majored in (undeclared).
News from Averill Park CSD
The New York State Education Department released its high school graduation rates for the 2017-18 school year and Averill Park saw a 9-percent increase from the previous year. The percentage of students graduating with an Advanced Regents degree is ranked first among all Rensselaer County school districts, while the graduation rate of 93 percent is ranked second. Great job by everyone in the District!
Ninth graders wrote and illustrated their own children’s books and took them to Miller-Hill Sand Lake Elementary to read to first grade students. This is a great way for our older students to be creative and inspire the younger generation.
Eighth graders Tyler Michaels and Christian Romer competed in the MathCounts Chapter Competition at the GE Research Center. Both students put forth a tremendous effort. Way to go! As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us. You can also follow AP on Facebook and Twitter.
~Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Kelsey Hall Named to SUNY Geneseo’s President’s List for Fall 2018
Kelsey Hall from Rensselaer, NY, was named to the President’s List at The State University of New York at Geneseo for the fall semester 2018. To be on the list, a student must have achieved an A in all coursework (4.0-grade point average) while taking at least 12 credit hours.
SUNY Geneseo Announces Dean’s List for Fall ‘18 Semester
The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester. To be on the list, a student must have achieved at least a 3.5-grade point average while taking a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Students on the Dean’s List from your area include:
Aaron Roddy of Troy (12180)
Peter Kaulfuss of Sand Lake (12153)
Heather Aiken of Rensselaer (12144)
Emma Meisel of Rensselaer (12144)
Brian Sousis of Rensselaer (12144)
Riley Dunn of Mechanicville (12118)
Samantha Schmeer of Mechanicville (12118)
Sophie Malia of East Schodack (12063)
Rose Austin of East Greenbush (12061)
Colleen Kennedy of East Greenbush (12061)
Kayla Carlin of Castleton (12033)
Sydney Julien of Averill Park (12018).
Columbia High School Wins Science Olympiad Regional Championship
Columbia High School’s Science Olympiad team won the Capital District Regional Championship on February 2 at the College of Saint Rose and will advance to the New York State Finals on March 15-16 at Le Moyne College in Syracuse. The victory marks Columbia’s 26th regional championship in the last 27 years.
Science Olympiad tests high school students in various STEM events on the topics of astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering and mathematics.
Columbia’s JV team also performed well, finishing in 3rd place overall.
The teams won 41 total medals at the event, including 18 Gold, 11 Silver and 5 Bronze.
Genet Elementary School Students Finish in Top 10 of National Math Competition
Two students from Genet Elementary School finished in the top 10 of a national online math competition last month. Out of more than 11,000 students, Genet fifth graders Bhaswati Kar and Taylor Lawrence placed 3rd and 8th, respectively.
The voluntary competition had students try and answer 1,000 math problems. Ms. Kar answered 995 correctly and Ms. Lawrence answered 974 correctly.
“We are so proud of our students for voluntarily taking part in this rigorous math challenge!” said Genet Principal Ana Yeomans. “Our school community was thrilled to hear that two young women from Genet were in the top ten students out of 11,000 participants. Our thanks go out to the Grade 5 Team for encouraging the students to participate.”
Hofstra University Congratulates Fall 2018 Dean’s List Students
HEMPSTEAD, NY — Hofstra University congratulates the students named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make the Dean’s List.
Amani Henderson of Troy, NY
Olivia Lang of Castleton, NY
Andrew Ridler of Troy, NY
Kayla Crossen named to Fall ‘18 Dean’s List at Univ. of Maryland
Kayla Crossen from Cropseyville, NY, has made the Fall 2018 Dean’s List for the third consecutive semester at the University of Maryland (College Park). This past Spring semester she obtained a GPA of 3.812. Kayla is majoring in Psychology and has a minor in Nero Science. She currently is studying in Copenhagen, Denmark for the Spring semester.
Spring Planting is Near: Join the Arbor Day Foundation in February and Receive 10 Free Trees
Joining the Arbor Day Foundation is an ideal way to get in the mood for spring planting. Anyone who joins the Foundation in February 2019 will receive 10 free Colorado blue spruce trees or 10 free redbud trees to plant when the weather turns warm. The free trees are part of the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.
“These trees will help beautify your home for many years to come,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees will also add to the proud heritage of your state’s existing Tree City USA communities.”
The Tree City USA program has supported community forestry throughout the country for the past 40 years.
The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between March 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced free of charge.
Members also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s colorful bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which contains information about planting and care.
To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, visit arborday.org/February or send a $10 contribution by February 28, 2019 to:
Ten Free Colorado Blue Spruce Trees
or Ten Free Eastern Redbud Trees
Arbor Day Foundation
100 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410
Thrift Shop
The Church of the Redeemer Thrift Shop in Rensselaer offers a clean, well-organized shopping experience with a very large selection of clothing for all ages and sizes including winter outerwear, housewares, toys, jewelry, baby gear, Avon collectibles and prom dresses. You’re sure to find something you didn’t know you needed from the vast selection of one-of-a-kind items. We’ll be open on Thursday, February 14th, from 3 to 6; and Saturday, February 16th, from 9 to 2, weather permitting.
The shop is located at 1249 Third Street, Rensselaer, on CDTA Bus Route #214. Enter through the parking lot on the Catherine Street side and be pleasantly surprised.