Thursday April 25, 2024 
Wearing Face Masks is Hard
As we head into summer, wearing face masks is becoming increasingly more uncomfortable; they get warm and moist underneath and they sometimes make it difficult to breathe freely. For me, however, one of the most difficult things about wearing a mask is the unfortunate disappearance of people’s smiles. No longer can we say hello, excuse me or thank you with a smile. No longer can our eyes and our smiles connect with a stranger who is struggling with a screaming child in the grocery store or standing in line at the post office. I miss being able to smile at people in public but this virus doesn’t care. Governor Cuomo said that wearing a mask is a sign of “respect” for those around us. We should, therefore, continue to wear them but let it be known that, for many of us, our smiles are still there underneath and always filled with great hope that better days are ahead for us all.
Mary Ann Matters, East Greenbush
Barnes RD Area Rallying to Preserve AG District
The Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association has continued to grow, widening the circle of opposition to large-scale commercial development in the Sand Lake Agricultural Residential Zone. The group opposes an application for a special use permit to run a large-scale commercial catering business for up to 200 people every Saturday and Sunday from May through October on Barnes Road. The attached map shows the households in the immediate vicinity that are actively opposing the Bailey application. It is the neighborhood’s confident hope that the Town of Sand Lake Planning Board will use common sense, follow the zoning ordinance and the Town Master Plan, and deny this special use permit. Remember, you have a right to be heard. The next open Planning Board meeting is likely not to take place until Wednesday May 20, 2020.
Kevin Brocks, West Sand Lake
Walk Smart
Walk whenever you can
It’s good for you, but
Walk Smart…
First rule to remember:
Walk on the left side of the road;
Face oncoming traffic.
I cringe when I see a parent
Walking a child in a stroller
On the right side of the road, back to traffic.
I can’t help but think…
They will never know
What hit them.
Wear bright colored clothing
And ditch the ear buds;
You must be able to hear approaching vehicles.
You will be able to avoid danger
If you can see or hear it coming.
So….Walk Smart !!!
Lloyd Barnhart, West Sand Lake
What Mother Means To Me!
M is for the many precious memories
we shared together
O is for the one and only person
that will be my mom forever
T is for the time we spent with each other,
that of which I will always cherish
H is for the happiness you brought into my life
which will never perish
E is for each and every moment I’ve had
with you, I will always treasure
R Is for the reason I wrote this, which was to
tell you that my love for you
is too enormous to measure
Donna Masters, Troy
Let The Fear Disappear
Article Content
A wise man says: “Don’t be afraid”
Just because some bills need to be paid
The sun will still come up in the morning
The thunder and lightning comes before the storm
To give you fair warning
Take it one step at a time as you’re going uphill
When the journey is complete
It will give you such a thrill
It’s scientifically true,
That the glass is always half full
And thinking happy thoughts is good for the soul
Remember that your mind tells your heart to beat
And conquering your fears is ever so sweet
Look around and you’ll see some fine folks
Who perform acts of courage each day
Then use them as an example to
Help lead you their way
Acting with due diligence in a time of duress
Means that you have passed the test
Don’t ever give up the good fight
Just ask God to help you before the sun
Disappears into the night
Donna Masters, Troy