Friday April 26, 2024 
Old Barns
Some view them as eyesores, but
Old barns have character.
Like old men, their exterior is rough;
They sag and spread.
Looked at closely,
They have stories to tell.
We can learn from them,
If we look deep.
But their appearance
Often determines how they are viewed.
Someday…the barns will be torn down,
And the Old Men will die.
Thankfully, there will be those who
Will remember and will miss them!!
And, their stories……
Will be told forever…!!
~Lloyd Barnhart
West Sand Lake
“American Pickers” to Film in New York!
Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to New York! They plan to film episodes of the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout the region in May 2019!
AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.
AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@nullcineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST. Facebook: @GotAPick
Reflections on Gender
I don’t know who first said it
I think perhaps somewhere I read it
However I found it, I still find
Ever so often, it’s on my mind.
Here it is: the verbal glory
Ten words: the basis of this story.
“Where there are no men, strive to be a man.”
Please stay with me…it’s no mind bender.
It’s my reflections on metaphors of gender.
In a typical maternity ward
When they cut the umbilical cord
The word we hear with resounding joy
Is…you guessed it: it’s a boy!
In today’s troubled world
Hurtful metaphors have unfurled..
Predator and victim ignite gender rage
Put Shocking secrets on every front page.
Let’s put an end to this gender war
Define gender in its finest metaphor:
We can use” kind” and “brave” to define a man.
Regardless of gender…yes, we can.
~Sylvia Honig
Wynantskill, NY
A reminder from Nassau Town Clerk
Mrs. Sandra Rings, Nassau Town Clerk, would like to inform the residents of Nassau that on Thursday evening, March 14th, the Town Clerk’s office will only be open from 6 PM until 6:45 PM due to the regularly scheduled Town Board meeting.
~Sandra L. Rings, RMC, Nassau Town Clerk
Study of Bereaved Military Families & Friends Hopes to Offer New Resources for Grief
The Stepping Forward in Grief Study tests two evidence based online/app programs created by scientists and clinicians at Uniformed Services University and Columbia University to address grief-related challenges. These programs were developed in response to earlier research suggesting that grief-related challenges can occur among bereaved military survivors, even many years following a loss, and that many surviving loved ones desire additional support.
The study is NOW open to close friends and family members of those who died before or after September 11, 2001 while serving in the military or as a result of their military service. For instance, this would include:
Any immediate family member – such as a parent, spouse, sibling or adult child
Any non-immediate family member – such as a cousin, grandparent, uncle, or aunt
Any close friend or battle buddy of an active duty service member who died while serving
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two programs, GriefSteps or WellnessSteps, in order to test their ability to support grief adaptation in bereaved military survivors. The study team is particularly hoping to reach and enroll bereaved family members who continue to struggle with their grief. It is our hope that the results of the study will lead to better resources for the bereaved in years to come.
Interested potential participants can sign up by going to https://steppingforwardstudy.org/ and clicking “Enroll Now,” where they will be asked to answer some screening questions, fill out an online consent form, and complete a 20-minute survey. Following enrollment, participants will be contacted by study personnel to complete a telephonic screening and enrollment. Once enrolled, study participants will have access to the assigned program for 6 months and will be asked to provide feedback about their experience. For more information, please contact info@nullsteppingforwardstudy.org or check out the website https://steppingforwardstudy.org.
Schodack Town Board report for February 2019
The Schodack Town Board, in an effort to help inform residents of its activities, furnishes for them this report for the month of February of 2019.
The Schodack Town Board was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Paul Puccio. Mr. Puccio dedicated much of his adult life to improving his community. For the past 13 years, Mr. Puccio served Schodack as a member of our Planning Board, offering his unique insight and opinion on the projects brought before that board. He is most known for his work with our local schools though, most notably his 38 years as a member of the Schodack Central School District Board of Education. Our Town and surrounding communities benefited greatly from his years of service and he will truly be missed. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.
At our February 14th meeting, the Town Board appointed five representatives to sit on a joint Waterfront Advisory Board between the Town of Schodack and Village of Castleton. These members, Scott Seeberger, John Hourigan, Robert Mello, Susan Kishlicky, and Lucas Ashby serving as Chairman will serve along with Suzanne Cecala, Lissa D’Aquanni, Robert Schmidt, and Ken Malloy who were appointed by the Village. They will work on a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and other issues related to the development, preservation, protection, and expansion of our waterfront access.
Additionally, at our February 14th meeting the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution urging the Governor to reverse his budgeted proposal of the elimination of AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities) payments to municipalities where those payments account for less than two percent of their fiscal year expenditures. More than 1300 municipalities, including the Town of Schodack, would be included in this proposed cut of funding. Additionally, Extreme Weather Recovery (EWR) payments are also in threat of being eliminated. These funding cuts would result in the loss of roughly $110,000 to the Town and resulting tax increase of 2.88% to make up the difference. We urge the Governor to reconsider these proposed cuts and go a step further and make these payments permanent.
As a reminder, all Town meetings can now be viewed online either through our Facebook page or at www.townhallstreams.com.
-The Schodack Town Board
Supervisor David Harris, James Bult, Mike Kenney, Scott Swartz, Tracey Rex
Half Moon Button Club Monthly Meeting
The Half Moon Button Club will meet on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar. The social time starts at 11:00 a.m. and the business meeting starts at 12 noon, followed by this month’s program by Lea Mastrianni on “Twinkles”.
Bring a bag lunch. Dessert will be provided. For more information call Lisa at 518-469-7420 or Kirsti at 518-869-8125. Everyone is welcome.
DEC Announces New Trees for Tribs ‘Buffer in A Bag’ Initiative
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced a new Trees for Tribs Program initiative, “Buffer in a Bag,” designed to help increase riparian buffers throughout New York State. Qualifying public and private landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting along streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, decrease erosion, protect water quality, and improve wildlife habitat.
“DEC’s Trees for Tribs program and our many partners have significantly improved the ecological health and resiliency of New York’s watersheds through streamside planting and maintenance,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s continued record funding through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, new programs like Buffer in a Bag will continue to bolster and sustain these efforts into the future.”
To qualify, landowners must have property in New York State that borders at least 50 feet of a stream, river, or lake, and provide photos and map coordinates of the planting location. Landowners with 100 feet or more may apply for up to two bags of seedlings per year. The species provided will vary depending on planting location (Long Island, Capital Region/Lower Hudson, North Country, and Central/Western NY). A total of 350 bags will be available statewide for this first round of applications and recipients will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.
New York’s Trees for Tribs is a program of the Saratoga Tree Nursery and has been working to reforest the state’s tributaries, small creeks, and streams that flow into and feed larger rivers and lakes.
Visit DEC’s website for more information about the Buffer in a Bag application process and requirements. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on April 3, 2019. General questions about Buffer in a Bag may be directed to treesfortribs@nulldec.ny.gov. For more information on the Trees for Tribs Program and its tree planting activities, visit DEC’s website.
Vendors Needed for Spring Into Summer Malta Marketplace
The Malta Department of Parks and Recreation is announcing the date for their Spring Into Summer Malta Marketplace as Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Vendors selling art, handcrafts, seasonal products and more are being sought for this lovely indoor/outdoor market at the Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Drive in Malta. Outdoor space fee is $40 each and indoor space fee is $50 each. Call 518-899-4411 or visit www.MaltaParksRec.com for a show application.
Craft Festival Seeking Applicants
Applications are currently being accepted for the 40th Annual Friendship Craft Festival sponsored by the Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs. It will take place on Saturday, June 8th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Spring Park on Scenic US Route 20. For information, an application and festival details go to www.rschurchofchristuniting. com or call Lani King at 315-858-9451.
Garden Club of East Schodack
The Garden Club of East Schodack is holding its next meeting on Friday, March 8, at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 751 County Route 7, East Schodack. The public is welcome!
This month’s speaker will be Alex Norton, a student from Averill Park High School who will discuss a hydroponic gardening project he completed as part of his Horticulture class.
Please join us for an informative presentation with refreshments following.
Thrift Shop
Ever-evolving, ever-improving, the Church of the Redeemer Thrift Shop has earned an excellent reputation by offering quality merchandise at very reasonable prices. We’ll be open Thursday, March 7th, from 3 to 6; and Saturday, March 9th, from 9 to 2, weather permitting. The shop has a very large selection of clothing for all sizes and ages, gently-used baby gear, toys, games, puzzles, jewelry, glassware, china, household goods, greeting cards, Easter items, Avon collectibles and PROM DRESSES.
Located at 1249 Third Street, Rensselaer at the corner of Third and Catherine Streets, the building is on CDTA busline #214. Enter through the parking lot on the Catherine Street side of the building and be pleasantly surprised.
Craft Vendors Wanted for Kiwanis Summerfest
Sand Lake Kiwanis is seeking craft vendors to participate in our annual Summerfest celebration at Butler Park, Averill Park. This well-attended event
will take place on Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9. Participation cost is $50.00 for the event.
Contact Janet Malecki for further information.
jmalecki@nullnycap.rr.com 518-528-3273
Spring is in the Air: Join the Arbor Day Foundation in March and Receive 10 Free Trees
The Arbor Day Foundation is making it easy for everyone to celebrate the arrival of spring by planting trees.
Join the Arbor Day Foundation in March 2019 and receive 10 free white pine trees or 10 white flowering dogwood trees.
“White pine trees or white flowering dogwoods will add beauty to your home throughout the year,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Dogwoods are known for their showy spring flowers and red berries that attract songbirds during winter. White pine trees are fast-growing landscape trees that will break heavy winds, making them an ideal addition to any yard.”
The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.
With planting instructions included, the trees will be shipped at the right time for planting, between March 1 and May 31. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.
Arbor Day Foundation members also receive a subscription to Arbor Day, the Foundation’s bimonthly publication, and The Tree Book, which contains information about tree planting and care.
To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, visit arborday.org/march or send a $10 contribution by March 31, 2019 to:
Arbor Day Foundation
Ten Free White Pine or Ten Free Dogwood
100 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410
Governor Cuomo Encourages New Yorkers To Participate in Maple Weekends to Support Agricultural and Tourism Industries
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that maple producer participation in the New York State Grown & Certified program has more than tripled since last year, with more than 50 producers from across the State now taking part in the marketing program. The program increases exposure for New York’s maple producers, who rank second in the nation in syrup production and generate an estimated economic impact of $141 million each year. Annual Maple Weekends scheduled for March 23-24 and March 30-31 will help spotlight the growing maple industry and boost awareness of producers in the Grown & Certified program.
“Our hard-working maple producers make some of the best products in the world and are an integral part of the State’s agricultural and tourism industries,” Governor Cuomo said. “With nearly 200 locations hosting events over the next month, I encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to visit a local farm and experience first-hand this long-standing tradition and support their local economy.”
Throughout the month of March, maple farms across the state will open their doors to the public to offer tours and pancake breakfasts, sell maple products and demonstrate the syrup-making process, which includes the traditional system of hanging buckets on trees or more modern methods of production using vacuum systems to increase the yield of sap per tree. Over the next few weeks, Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball will also visit several maple farms to celebrate the success of the maple industry in New York.
Maple Weekends will take place March 23-24 and March 30-31 at more than 180 maple farms and museums across the State. Over 400,000 visitors are expected to participate in Maple Weekends activities, boosting agri-tourism across the state.
Kyleigh Chriss Named to Fall 2018 Dean’s List at University of the Sciences
Kyleigh Chriss has been named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List at University of the Sciences. Selection for this award is based on completing and passing all assigned courses with no grade below a “C” and attaining an academic average of at least 3.4 for courses taken in the fall of 2018.
Chriss of Rensselaer, NY, is a Psychology student.
Seton Hall University Fall 2018 Dean’s List
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Seton Hall University is pleased to announce the following students who qualified for Fall 2018 Dean’s list and to congratulate them for their outstanding academic achievements.
Shane Hamilton of Rensselaer, NY (12144)
Rebecca Re of Averill Park, NY (12018)
Connor Feathers of Petersburg, N.Y., Graduates from Clarkson University
POTSDAM, NY — Connor Patrick Feathers of Petersburg, N.Y., received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a bachelor of science in electrical engineering with great distinction from Clarkson University on December 15th, 2018.
Le Moyne College Fall 2018 Dean’s List
SYRACUSE, NY – Le Moyne College has announced its Fall 2018 Dean’s List. To make the list, students must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or above.
Emily Kreuzer, a Senior Biology major from Wynantskill, NY
Brittney Mack, a Senior Psychology major from Poestenkill, NY
Jessica Schafer, a Senior Communications major from Troy, NY
News from Averill Park CSD
Congratulations to Ashley Bayer, Alex Heap and Isabella With, who were selected to exhibit their artwork inspired by Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Proctors Theater in Schenectady. The exhibition is called “PURE IMAGINATION” and will be shown until March 21.
The Jazz Ensemble performed at Fonda-Fultonville High School’s Jazz Festival and won Best Brass Section in their class. Abigayle Jorden, Emily Jorden and Xander Michaels were also selected to the All-Star Band. Great job by everyone involved!
Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary K-Kids hosted Gail Kirby from American Red Cross during the club’s monthly meeting. MHSL will be holding a blood drive on March 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. To sign up, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/ with the code: millerhill.
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.
~Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Western New England University Students Named to Dean’s List
SPRINGFIELD, MA — Western New England University congratulates more than 700 students named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List. Students are named to the Dean’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.30 or higher.
Honored students from the local area include:
Michael DeVito of Averill Park (12018) majoring in Law and Society.
Christopher Hoyt of Troy (12180) majoring in Forensic Biology.
Antonia Lettrick of East Greenbush (12061) majoring in Health Sciences/Pre-Optometry.
Olivia Massey of Troy (12180) majoring in Sport Management.
Connor Hicks of West Sand Lake (12196) majoring in Business.
Western New England Univ. Students Named to President’s List
SPRINGFIELD, MA — Western New England University congratulates over 400 students named to the Fall 2018 President’s List. Students are named to the President’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.80 or higher.
Honored students from the local area include:
Victoria Fisher of Poestenkill (12140) majoring in Forensic Biology.
Shannen Barrett of Rensselaer (12144) majoring in Criminal Justice/Criminal Investigation.
Hoosick Falls Grad Katy Gardner Earns Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence at Colgate University
HAMILTON, NY — Katy Gardner, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2021, has earned the fall 2018 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Gardner is a graduate of Hoosick Falls Central School from Hoosick Falls, NY (12090). Gardner’s current major is Biology.
Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.3 or higher while completing at least three courses earn the fall 2018 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Cast and Crew of “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf”
NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz Department of Theatre Arts will present “for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf,” with performances March 7-10.
The following New Paltz students are members of the cast and crew:
Rebecca Ehrlich of Castleton on Hudson (12033)
Shannon Dodson of Troy (12180)
“for colored girls” is written by the late Ntozake Shange, who pioneered the art of choreopoem – a collection of poems strung into a series to elicit a deeper, more visceral reaction from audiences – in penning this production, her best-known piece.
The play is directed by Bria Walker, assistant professor of Theatre Arts.
Performances will be given on March 7 to 10 at McKenna Theatre.
Tickets are $18 for general public; $16 for seniors (62+), SUNY New Paltz faculty/staff, SUNY New Paltz alumni and non-New Paltz students; and $10 for SUNY New Paltz students.
East Greenbush CSD Appoints Principals for Goff Middle School and Red Mill Elementary School
East Greenbush Central School District appointed Jill Barker as the next principal of Howard L. Goff Middle School and Helen Squillace as the next principal of Red Mill Elementary School, following a vote by the Board of Education on February 27. Both were internal candidates who have worked as administrators in the district for years and will start their new positions on July 1, 2019.
Ms. Barker and Ms. Squillace were recommended for the positions by Superintendent Jeff Simons after separate committees represented by school teachers and staff, other building principals and district administrators interviewed the candidates.
Ms. Barker has served as an assistant principal at Goff Middle School since August 2015 and served as a teacher in the district from 2004-2011. She will succeed Wayne Grignon who will be the next Genet Elementary School Principal.
Ms. Squillace has been the Director of Pupil Personnel Services since 2005, providing oversight for the district’s Special Education programs and all related and support services throughout the district. She will be succeeding John Caporta at Red Mill who is retiring at the end of the school year.
Goff Science Olympiad Team Wins Cap. Dist. Regional Championship
The Goff Science Olympiad team placed first in the Capital District Science Olympiad Regional Competition on February 9, qualifying them to compete at the New York State Finals on April 5-6 in Syracuse, New York.
Science Olympiad tests students in various STEM events on the topics of astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering and mathematics.
The team won 15 Gold medals, 11 Silver medals and 11 Bronze medals overall.
Congratulations to the students and coaches!