Local First Twin Bridges Edition 050423

Technology Workshop For Seniors

CLIFTON PARKClifton Park Center Baptist Church will be offering a two-day workshop for seniors in our community on Wednesday, May 24 and on Thursday, May 25 from 10:00 AM to 12 (noon). This workshop “Technology 101 for Seniors: Bridging The Technology Divide” will be focused on helping seniors navigate through technology to help them stay connected with others and to give them the tools necessary to successfully function in this technological age. Please register by calling the church office (518) 371-6023 (limited space available). A light luncheon will be offered both days at the end of the workshop. Clifton Park Center Baptist Church is located at 713 Clifton Park Center Rd in Clifton Park.

Boght Ladies Auxiliary Annual Garage Sale

COHOES - IndoorsRain or Shine • 8 Preston Drive, Cohoes, NY 12047 • May 13, 2023 8am to 2pm Rent a table for $25Contact Kristi at 518-608-5154

State ELA test remains laborious task for some

By KATHLEEN MOORE

ALBANY

— Despite efforts to shorten the test, some of New York’s 8- and 9-year-olds sat for more than two hours a day last month to take the state ELA assessment.

The state Education Department had estimated it would take third and fourth graders 60 to 80 minutes to complete the English Language Arts test each day. Older students were estimated to take 80 to 100 minutes, increasing by grade. The test is taken every year by students in grades 3 through 8. It is not timed, so students can take as long as they need to finish it.

passage, according to the Education Department. The department said it had no reports that the test was longer than last year, and emphasized that its estimated average is supposed to apply to “most students,” not all students.

But some Capital Region schools still reported that many students worked until lunch, meaning they spent about three hours on the test, and that some had to continue until dismissal at the end of the day.

In Albany, most students needed more than two hours, and 43 elementary students needed the full school day, a spokesperson said. In Schenectady, most students needed two to 2 1 /2 hours each day, well above the maximum 80-minute state estimate, the district said.

Some students missed part of recess as they raced to finish. Others were released for recess and lunch and then moved to a new location where they continued working until dismissal, two to three hours later.

By comparison, the high school Regents exams are capped at three hours.

allowed students to stand up and stretch whenever they wanted. She did not offer any formal breaks during the three hours before lunch. Another teacher in Schenectady said she found the test “heartbreaking” because she had to encourage students to keep working when she knew they were making mistakes. The teachers spoke anonymously because they did not have authorization from the district to talk about the tests.

Despite the length, however, there were indications in other districts that the test was shorter for some students this year.

Most students did not need more than two hours at Bethlehem schools, a spokeswoman said.

Despite efforts to shorten the test, many of New York’s 8- and 9-year-olds sat for more than two hours a day last month to take the state ELA assessment.

The test has been criticized for being too long, and this year a new test was offered that asked questions on fewer topics. There were also fewer writing items and one less reading

Every state is required by the federal government to test students in grades three through eight on ELA and math. But the length of the test varies greatly. For example in Indiana, the test is capped at one hour per day, and students continue taking it for as many days as needed to finish it. Instructions to the test proctors specifically say that no multi-hour test sessions should be scheduled.

New York’s test instructions allow breaks, and one Schenectady teacher said that she

In the past, the ELA assessment routinely took more than two hours, said Green Island Principal Mario Fernandez.

“In times past, two hours would be heaven sent,” he said. “This year we started at 8:30 and most of the kids were done before 10:30.”

He estimated most of his students were done within 100 minutes.

One of the big differences: All of his students took the test on computers. Schenectady and

Drivers who pass buses targeted

By PAUL NELSON

NISKAYUNA

— A young boy stood at a microphone to explain the shock he and his Glencliff Elementary School classmates felt when a gray truck backed up and suddenly drove by the unmistakable brightred stop sign that jutted from the side of their stationary school bus.

“I was surprised by it, and I think that the kid that was getting off the bus might have been a little scared,” he told Niskayuna Town Board members at a recent public hearing.

Town leaders were considering a local law to allow video cameras attached to stop-sign arms on buses to record and then report to town police

drivers who flout a state law aimed at keeping vehicles from passing buses as they stop to allow students to get on and off.

In New York, an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass school buses every day despite a state law that requires drivers to halt for stopped school buses when the large red lights located on top of the vehicles are flashing, a warning that the bus is picking up or discharging students, according to information on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Police officers, as part of a statewide public awareness campaign known as Operation Safe Stop and Enforcement Day, rode some school buses or followed them Thursday in marked and unmarked police vehicles on routes where motorists driving by buses has been a problem.

After Tuesday’s public hearing in Niskayuna, the initiative, a joint partnership with the school district and police department, was passed unanimously by the governing body.

Town officials must still discuss and determine the

fines drivers will face and settle on a vendor.

Police Chief Jordan Kochan said the cameras could be up and running by the start of the 2023-2024 school year in September. The town is searching for a vendor but Bus-Patrol, a safety technology company, appears to be the front runner to land the vending contract.

Passage of the legislation in Niskayuna came one day after their counterparts in neighboring Schenectady on Monday approved a similar local law.

Signed Wednesday by Mayor Gary Mc-Carthy, the law imposes fines starting at $250 for a first offense and $25 more for each subsequent violation.

The city will cover the full cost of the installation and maintenance of the cameras and collect revenue from the fines.

In September, Albany County legislators passed legislation to install the camera technology on school buses across the county.

South Colonie Central School District was the first to get the cameras.

For the first few weeks,

drivers who broke the law were sent a warning.

After that, they received tickers after the video evidence from the system was reviewed.

The fine for a first-time offense is $250.

Niskayuna Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Matt Leon said the camera technology offered by BusPatrol will hopefully draw attention to and help motorists change their dangerous behavior.

“Sadly, we know that illegal passing of school buses is a daily reality in communities across the

country, including our own, and that the consequences can be tragic,” said Leon, who oversees the district’s transportation department. “We owe it to our children to do everything we can to make their mornings, their afternoons, their lives, and their communities as safe as possible.”

Steve Randazzo, the executive vice president of BusPatrol, told Niskayuna officials that the firm is currently working with Saratoga and Schenectady counties. “We’re

of

LORI VAN BUREN / TIMES UNION

Captain CHS PresentsHere Come the Boomers: A Community Forum on the Future of Aging in Southern Saratoga County

CLIFTON PARK - CAPTAIN Community Human Services, through its Senior Services programs, presents Here Come the Boomers: A Community Forum on the Future of Aging in Southern Saratoga County on Thursday, May 18th, beginning at 8:15am at St. Edward’s Church (569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065).

“We’re honored to host Keynote Speaker Greg Olsen, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging as we gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our community as our senior population grows,” said Andy Gilpin, CAPTAIN CHS Executive Director.

“This event aims to bring together community, faith, and business leaders and other stakeholders in a collaborative effort to ensure our seniors have the services and supports

that they need to continue thriving here in Southern Saratoga County.”

The event will also feature Luncheon Speaker Blair Horner, Executive Director of the New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG), and many other local community, business, and government leaders as well as experts in the field of aging.

“As the last of the Baby Boomers enter their senior years, we’re facing many challenges ahead, including transportation and at-home service offerings,” noted Francine Rodger, Chair of CAPTAIN CHS’s Senior Services Committee. “If you think the impacts are limited to the senior population, think again. We have many adults who are active caregivers for their aging parents too who will need our support.”

Throughout the day, participants will hear from the issue experts and leadership and have the opportunity to engage in geographic and issue-specific breakout sessions.

MVP Health Care has generously offered the Key Sponsorship for this event.

The forum carries a $10 fee to cover the cost of lunch. Scholarships are available to those unable

SisterBodyworks

to pay. Register early as attendance is limited. For more information or to register, visit www.captaincares.org/ agingforum.

Community BBQ!

Lag B’Omer

LOUDONVILLEColonie Chabad invites the community to a Lag Bomer BBQ for adults and children! All are welcome to join for a kosher dinner, arts and crafts, fire pit and desserts.

“Lag B’Omer is a day celebrating Jewish unity and pride. It’s a unique experience- try it out!” said Rabbi Mordechai.

The event will be held on May 8th, Monday at 5pm at the Rubin’s home: 284 Osbrone Rd. Loudonville, NY 12211

There is no Charge, suggested Donation us $10 pp, $25 Family. Sponsorships available. Please RSVP by 5/10.

For more information contact Rabbi Mordechai & Chana Rubin: chaicentercolonie@gmail.com or 518.368.7886

Bethlehem Grange

137 Plant Sale

SELKIRK - Bethlehem Grange 137 at 24 Bridge St., Selkirk, NY 12158 is looking for donations of household plants, outdoor plants, rooted plants, cuttings, potted or unpotted plants for our Plant Sale ASAP!!! . We’re also accepting donations of vegetable seedlings, flowers, small bushes such as lilac bushes, rose of Sharon’s, raspberry bushes, blueberry bushes, etc. We’re also looking for flower pots, plastic, pottery, ceramic, hanging planters, plant hangers, potting soil, cactus soil, broken pots for the bottoms of pots. Our Plant Sale is on Saturday, May 20th, in conjunction with our Grange Craft Fair

& Bake Sale being hosted by a Girl Scout troop. All Events are from 9-3. Our Grange Hall is Handicap Accessible. There will be booths inside and outside with Plants, Craft Items and Baked Goods. Please call Jackie Schrom 518-810-6031 to arrange delivery. Please do not drop items off without a confirmation. We do not have a protected area from the elements. If you are closer to Albany, please call Carol Carpenter 518421-1384, to arrange a drop off area in Albany.

Latham-Colonie

Columbiettes

Spring Flea Market

LATHAM - Latham Colonie Columbiettes, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, are hosting their Spring Flea Market on Sat., May 20th, 2023 from 9 am to 3:30 pm! Rain or Shine!

Vendor Space available both Indoor and Outdoor, Undercover and Outdoor Areas for your own popup displays

For pricing information klmajer@outlook.com or www.lathamcoloniekofc. com/dinners&events.

Loudonville

Presbyterian Church

Food Shelf is Open

LOUDONVILLELoudonville Presbyterian Church invites any one in need of food assistance to drop in at our Food Shelf Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm. We have dry and canned goods, personal care items and toilet paper. We do not have grocery gift cards or perishable food items. We do have cereal, canned meats, pasta and all kinds of canned foods. And we have a very welcoming volunteer ready to help you. If you or someone you know needs a little help please share this informa-

tion and phone number 518-465-7277 for directions or more information. 22 Old Niskayuna Rd, Loudonviile, NY 12211.

Alplaus UMC Looking for Unique Vendors and Artisans for a Flea Market/Craft Sale

ALPLAUS – At the Alplaus UMC, 1 Brookside Place, Alplaus NY 12008 on Saturday, June 3rd 2023, from 9am to 3pm. We are accepting a wide variety of crafters, vendors, or do your own yard sale. Outdoor spaces - 10’ X 10” for $25 includes a lawn space and advertising with restrooms available. To receive a church property use agreement, and pay to reserve your space please contact Lisa Beretz by call/text or email at: 518-330-9277 or LLBeretz@gmail.com. All spaces will be reserved when paid in full with a signed property use agreement, and on a first come first served basis.

International Brotherhood of Magicians Meetings

LATHAM - Are you fascinated by the mystery and wonder of magic?

Do you have a desire to learn the art of illusion?

Look no further than the International Brotherhood of Magicians! Our group meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month at the Latham Firehouse at 226 Old Loudon Rd. in Latham, NY at 7:00 PM. Our meetings are filled with fun, fellowship, and lots of tricks of the trade. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our group welcomes all levels of skill and experience. Join us today and let’s bring the magic to life!

NF Northeast

Presents:

Steps2Cure NF Capital District

SCHENECTADY

- Neurofibromatosis

(NF) Northeast presents Steps2Cure NF Capital District, taking place at Schenectady Central Park on Sunday, May 7, 2023, and featuring Operation Safe Child administered by the Albany Sheriff’s Department, music by DJ Debonair, face painting by Miss Stacey, refreshments, raffles, and more!

NF Northeast is proud to bring Steps2Cure Capital District to Schenectady for the first year, after operating out of Albany, NY for nearly a decade!

Steps2Cure NF Capital District will help to raise much needed funds and awareness for Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time. NF affects 3 times as many people as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, Tay-Sachs, and muscular dystrophy combined yet is not commonly known. To register, please visit nfnortheast.org and navigate to the Steps2Cure

NF Capital District event page. There you will find the registration link. The registration fee is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 -17, and free for children ages 5 and under. All registered participants will receive a Steps2Cure NF bandana, fundraising tips, and support.

Steps2Cure NF Capital District (formally Albany) has been operating with the help of dedicated local volunteers, who started the event over 10 years ago. Last year, Steps2Cure Albany brought togeth-

Q.U.I.L.T., Inc.

Monthly Guild

Meeting – May 12th

DELMAR - Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. is a not-for-profit guild of quilters interested in learning about the art of making quilts. Members live in the Capital Region and surrounding communities. All levels of quilters are welcome. Meetings are held at the Delmar Reformed Church the second Friday of each month or on Zoom (Sept-June).

For the May meeting, a brief business meeting begins at 9:45 followed by a lecture/trunk show Teaching the World to Quilt with sewist, quilter and teacher Debbie Wendt. All are welcome. Please join us.

Please visit our website https://www.quiltinc.org/ for more details.

Melrose Town-Wide Yard Sale

MELROSE - The Melrose United Methodist Church (located at 20 Church Street, Melrose, NY 12121) will participate in the annual Melrose town-wide yard sale on Saturday, May 6, 2023 beginning at 9:00am. A variety of food options will also be available for sale at the church that day. All are welcome to attend this town-wide event.

Diocesan Charismatic Prayer

Monthly Meeting

LOUDONVILLE - 4th

Saturday of each month

Christ Our Light RC Church, Parish Hall

1 Maria Drive, LoudonvilleTime: 11:00am SHARP!

Until: 12:30pm May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, 2023 Check us out on: www.AlbanyCCR.org

er over 100 members of the greater Albany, NY community and raised over $12,000. This year, we have set a goal of $14,000!

NF Northeast is a register 501(C)(3) organization headquartered in Burlington, MA. NF Northeast is proud to support a ninestate region that includes MA, NY, PA, NJ, CT, VT, NH, ME, and RI. At NF Northeast we seek to bring hope to those affected by neurofibromatosis and allied disorders.

Waterford Knights of Columbus

Host Breakfast

Buffet and Omelet Station

WATERFORD - Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes (Plain or Blueberry), French toast, Sausage, Bacon, Seasoned Home Fries, Toast, coffee, tea, orange, and apple juices. Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast!

Irish Coffee and Mimosa’s now available!!

WHEN: Sunday, May 7th , 2023, 8:00am –11:00am

Every 1st Sunday of the Month

WHERE: K of C Hall, 76 Grace Street, Waterford waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330 $12.00 adult - $6.00

children (Children under 4 free)

Waterford Framed

Opening Reception

WATERFORD - Date: Friday, May 5th

Time: 6pm, Location: 2 Museum Lane, Waterford NY 12188, Admission: Free

to reception Photographs, newspaper clippings, postcards, certificates, paintings….

There are a variety of items that get framed for display or to preserve a moment. This exhibit is a series of small displays based on items that frame a portion of Waterford’s history. From the canals, the community, and everyday items from days past, “Waterford Framed” will show artifacts from the museum collection that haven’t been frequently pulled out of storage. Opening reception will include light refreshment.

Brooks BBQs at Newtonville United Methodist Church

NEWTONVILLE

- Newtonville United Methodist Church is happy to announce its BROOKS BARBECUE dates for 2023. NUMC is located at the corner of Rt. 9 & Maxwell Rd. near Siena College. Our dates for 2023 are: Thursday, May 11; Thursday, June 8; Thursday, August 3; Thursday, September 14; and Thursday, October 5. We offer a chicken dinner for $13. Dinners include a baked potato, roll, applesauce and a homemade brownie. We also offer the option of just meat – a half chicken for $9 . The doors will open at 3:30 PM and we will serve from 4:00 PM until we sell out.

Albany CROP Hunger Walk

ALBANY - After 2 years of virtual walks followed by a hybrid version last year, the 43rd annual Albany CROP Hunger Walk

(now known as the John U. Miller Memorial CROP Hunger Walk) will take place on Sunday, May 7. Registration begins at 12:30 pm in the fellowship hall of First Lutheran Church in Albany, 181 Western Ave. There will be music in the sanctuary while the walkers gather, an opening ceremony at 1:15, and the official start of the walk at 1;30pm.

However, we are continuing to offer the option for folks to walk on their own any where and any time during the month of May.

Last year’s Albany Walk broke a record for the amount of money raised, $112,592, one-quarter of which came back to the region to support local food pantries and soup kitchens. The remainder was used for global hunger relief and development projects, including assisting Ukrainian refugees and improving access to clean water. Visit http:// www.crophungerwalk. org/albanyny for more information, to register as a walker, form or join a team, and/or make a donation.

B’nai Sholom to Host Fundraiser of Music, Poetry and Stories to Aid Mississippi

Tornado Victims

ALBANY - The many talents of the region’s Jewish community will be on display at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation’s open mic and benefit concert Saturday, May 6, 7 p.m. at the synagogue, 420 Whitehall Road, Albany, New York. Hosted by singer/ songwriter Phil Teumim,

the event will showcase the singing, storytelling, poetry recitation and musicianship of the Jewish community. All funds raised will go to aid the North Mississippi Rural Legal Services – Tornado Disaster Legal Assistance Project. The project helps residents of north Mississippi with legal issues resulting from their losses caused by the recent tornadoes that devastated part of the state.

Free admission; donations are encouraged and appreciated.

The first part of the evening will be an open mic. Everyone is invited to perform: sing a song, play an instrument, tell a story, read some poems or tell a joke or two. Listen and appreciate, or perform and be appreciated.

After intermission, enjoy a concert by the evening’s featured artists: songs by premier acoustic trio Phil Teumim, Will Vail and Jeff Klamka, Gypsy jazz by Gadjo and stories by professional storytellers Frank-Lee Speaking.

Coffee and light refresh-

ments will be available. Advance registration by email to filibuck@gmail. com is highly encouraged to ensure a performance spot on the program. For more information, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office: 518-482-5283 or office@ bnaisholom.albany.ny.us.

Linton High School Class of 1973 Reunion

SCHENECTADY - The Linton High School class of 1973 is holding a 50 year class reunion on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 12 PM to 5 PM at the South Schenectady Fire District #6. The fire department is located at 6 Old Mariaville Road, Rotterdam, NY 12306. Come join your fellow classmates for an afternoon of food, fun and reuniting with old friends. The cost is $50 per person, payable by August 1, 2023. For more information go to classmates.com, Facebook – Linton High School Class of 73, or email Tom Palmiotto at xlfoto20@yahoo.com.

A Rundown on DIY Demos

Homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes likely want to make such projects as budget-friendly as possible. After soliciting estimates from contractors, homeowners may seek to do some work themselves in an effort to cut costs. That is why many individuals opt to handle demolition and other preparatory tasks before contractors get started. There are important things to keep in mind when doing demo.

• Prybars are your friend. These tools, sometimes called crowbars, can be used to

remove nails or pull materials apart.

• Cover vents in the space where you’re working. Construction dust can be sucked into the HVAC system and cause furnaces to clog. This also may cause the distribution of dust throughout the home.

• Use safety gear. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, boots, and other equipment as needed to remain safe.

• Get a power saw. Circular saws and reciprocating saws can cut through various materials, making faster work of demolition.

• Exercise caution when removing drywall. You don’t know what is behind the drywall, including electric wires, so be careful when choosing a spot to make the first hole in the drywall.

• Get a trash container with a gate. You’ll save yourself some aches and pains by being able to fill a wheelbarrow and dump in into the container, rather than having to toss debris over the top.

• Bust up heavy or bulky items. Cast iron tubs and shower surrounds can be heavy and difficult to move. Unless it’s a family heirloom, cut or break large items into pieces to remove them more easily.

The Role of Nature in Home Design in the Years Ahead

Outdoor living spaces were prioritized during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when public gatherings were greatly limited and individuals were urged to stay home as much as possible. Such demands have had a ripple effect on various industries, including home design. According to a survey conducted by the New Home Trends Institute in collaboration with Pro Builder, 58 percent of the more than 300 residential architects, designers and design-minded builders who participated said connection to the outdoors/nature will be an important influence on their design choices in the years to come. In addition, 45 percent of respondents indicated increased attention will be afforded to outdoor entertaining spaces.

So what might the outdoor spaces of homes built in the not-so-distant future look like? Respondents to the survey anticipated a growing demand for various built-in outdoor features, including:

• Firepits or fireplaces

• Outdoor kitchens

• Gazebos or pergolas

• Pools • Spas or hot tubs

Though trends and consumer demands are ever-shifting, architects and designers are anticipating that future homeowners will want more developed outdoor living spaces and greater access to nature, which is something current homeowners can keep in mind when renovating their properties.

Srun and manicured backyard.

In the kitchen, white quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances compliment the dark-stained cabinetry. The primary bedroom, with elegant en suite and large his-and-hers closet, is located on the second

floor, along with two additional bedrooms and a spacious laundry room. There’s added living space and ample storage in the basement.

List price: $999,990. Taxes: $11,936.

To learn more about this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home, contact Jeffrey Decatur, broker associate with RE/MAX Capital, at 518-369-5333 or Jeffrey-Decatur@gmail.com.

AnthonyM. Gucciardo

518518-331-3785 331-3785

The Capital District Humanist Society Presents: Why We Believe in God(s): A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith CAPITAL DISTRICTDr. J. Anderson Thomson, Jr. studies how and why the human mind generates religious belief. He has methodically reviewed the

components and causes of religious belief as a purely natural phenomenon.

With evidence from psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and related fields, he presents a convincing case that gods were created by humans—not vice versa, and thus confirms the primacy of reason and science over superstition and religion. The title of this talk is also the title of

his book, co0written with Clare Aukofer. J. Anderson Thomson, Jr., MD (Univ. of Virginia, School of Medicine, 1973) is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Andy maintained an adult psychiatric practice for 41 years. He is a staff psychiatrist at Counseling and Psychological Services at UVA and a member of the Clinical Faculty at the UVA School of Medicine. His current research uses evolutionary psychology to understand depression, suicide, terrorism, and religious belief.

This program will take place via Zoom on Sunday, May 7th, 2023 at 1 PM. Current paid CDHS members will automatically receive an invite via e mail. Non-members may attend. Send an e mail request to CDHS.Albany@gmail. com, or log onto our Meetup page: https://www. meetup.com/Capital-District, Humanist-Society/ and click Join and then click Attend, and the link will be available to you.

To learn more about us please go to: www.humanistsociety.net

Vocal Scholarship Competition

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Saratoga Voices will hold its 26th annual vocal scholarship competition for high school seniors. Two scholarships will be awarded to the top two competitors along with an opportunity to sing in a Saratoga Voices concert. Applicants need not plan a career in music, but the scholarships are intended to facilitate the continued study of singing in college. This year’s audition will be held on Friday, June 2 at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs. Details and applications can be found at https://saratogavoices.org/vocal-scholarship/

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5K Run and 2 Mile Walk Planned for Memorial Day Weekend

DELMAR – RUNforVETS.com on May 28-- a chance to give to those who have given so much.

The Sons of the American Legion Blanchard-Currey Post 1040 and the Bethlehem Memorial VFW Auxiliary Post 3185 host their first 5K race followed by a 2-mile walk. The Run starts at 9 am and the 2mile walk at 10:30 am with the start and finish lines at the American Legion, 16 W Poplar Dr, Delmar.

“All proceeds of this event will support veteran groups in the area,” said Sons of American Legion Commander Joe Benoit. “This is the first year of the event, which we will become an annual tradition in conjunction with the Bethlehem Memorial Day Parade, which is sponsored by the Legion and the VFW. Help us remember those who have passed and support our current veterans.”

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There’s a $40 registration fee for runners and walkers, with all proceeds supporting veteran activities in the area. Donation and sponsorship information can also be found online at RUNforVETS. com. The site also includes a map of the race.

Runners/walkers who register by May 13 are assured a custom sized commemorative T-Shirt (a camo pattered shirt with saluting soldier silhouette and cut out of runner).

Those who need to register manually, can do so in person on Friday and Saturday at the Bethlehem Memorial VFW Post, 404 Delaware Ave, Delmar between Noon and 6 pm. Questions can also be directed to Keving McCaffrey at 518-475-7895 or Joe Benoit at 518-339-0854.

The Bethlehem Memorial Parade is a fun and important community event jointly sponsored by the American Legion and VFW and will be held at 11 am, Monday, May 29, the day after the run.

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Southern Saratoga Art Society

SARATOGA COUNTY

- The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., Tel. #: 518-383-1343 and SSAS will be hosting an exhibit in the Gallery during the months of April and May featuring seven photographers and members of SSAS. Artists include Cheryl Jenks, Rebecca Jenkins, Denise Kornak, Meda Rigatti, Brian Skanes, Anup Sood and Bill Staudinger. The Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, Tel.#: 518-664-4646 and SSAS will host a Student Art Show featuring students from Mechanicville High School. A reception will be held for students, families and friends on Wednesday, April 19th at 6:30 p.m. Please visit these venues and support the arts in Southern Saratoga county. For further information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us out on facebook.

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Albany, along with other districts, have not switched over to all-computerized testing.

“It was a lot easier than the paper test,” he said.

The paper test takes longer because students make their multiple choice selections and then, at the end, transfer their answers to a bubble sheet. On the computer they just select their answer and move on.

Ballston Spa also reported quick test taking: most elementary school students finished in 70-81 minutes on the first day and 60 minutes on the second day.

Members of the New York Board of Regents have expressed concern about the length of the tests during a previous meeting with the Technical Advisory Committee, which advises the board on test issues.

Committee Co-Chair Marianne Perie said the assessment was simply doing too much: testing students, teachers and school districts. If the board changed that, she said, the test could be shorter.

5K Run/Walk to Promote Literacy in Albany County and Rensselaer County

ALBANY - The Literacy 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, May 7 at the Corning Preserve in Albany. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Registration and packet pick-up opens at 8:30 a.m., the Youth Mile begins at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 10:00 a.m. Awards will be given to the fastest runners. For full details and to register, visit Zippyreg.com. Proceeds will make it possible for Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County to offer literacy programs and services at no cost to adults in Albany County and Rensselaer County.

Nancy Benz, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, says “We’re excited to continue this family-friendly event, which LVORC has offered every year since 2002. This is our first time at the Corning Preserve, and we hope to see a good turnout from our supporters in Albany, as well as our longtime participants from all over Rensselaer County.” This year’s event sponsors include Cohoes Savings Foundation, Stewart’s Shops, Blasch Precision Ceramics, HMS Agency, Inc., Aflac, BBL Companies, Hannaford and The Record/The Saratogian.

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County trains volunteers to help learners improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand English; empowers learners to be advocates for themselves; and educates the community about literacy issues. LVORC also offers math, computer, and financial literacy; English Literacy Civics and citizenship prep; and Everybody WINS! Power Lunch reading and mentoring for children. New volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit www.lvorc. org or call 518 244-4650.

BUSES

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working with both of the two counties that you mentioned,” Randazzo noted in response to a question about jurisdiction since Alplaus in Schenectady County and Rexford in Saratoga County are part of the Niskayuna school district. “They haven’t adopted local laws enabling enforcement just yet but we anticipate that they will in the coming months.”

The Christ Child Society, Albany Chapter Hosting a Red Wagon Luncheon and Fashion Show

ALBANY - The luncheon is Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Italian American Community Center, Washington Avenue Extension in Albany beginning with coffee and pastry at 10:30am followed by Fashion Show at 11:00am by J. Jill sharing unique and fashionable women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. Our models will be the members of the Christ Child Society. There will be drawings for many lovely, themed baskets as well as door prizes. Please come and join us. All are welcome - reserve a table for friends and family to enjoy the event.

Lunch will be served at 12:00pm. Selections are Chicken Parmesan with Penne Pasta, Broiled Haddock with Fresh Lemon and Eggplant Roulade with a Pasta Nest. Adult reservations are $50.00 per person and child reservations are $20.00 per person to be paid in advance by either check or PayPal.

The Guest Speaker will be Mary Giordano, Executive Director of Family Promise of Capital Region. There will be a drawing for many lovely theme baskets put together by volunteers, along with door prizes.

Your reservation is necessary no later than April 19 and cancellations are a must. Please call Cathy Pastore at (518) 669-4446 for further information and to make your reservation(s}. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to assist the needy children of the Diocese of Albany.

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