BOCES takes to cyberspace
Blog aims to inform and engage community on education issues
When it comes to conversations about public education, the Internet has taken up a place along with the coffeehouse and PTA meetings as a preferred forum. And the educational services group BOCES is getting in on the action.
South Col. budget would exceed tax cap
Savings use trimmed back while tax levy would grow 5.4 percent
The current 2013-14 budget proposal for the South Colonie Central School District would hold expenses to a 0.74 percent increase, but hike the tax levy by 5.4 percent, a full percentage point above the district’s limit under the state tax cap.
Local officials react to state budget
Budget roundtable in Cohoes reveals satisfaction, hope for future
While many New Yorkers are expressing disbelief that this year’s state budget was passed not only on time, but early, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy is most excited with the fact the county will see no new unfunded mandates.
Another nursing home vote tabled
Legislator calls lease a ‘sweetheart deal on steroids’
A vote on the future of the Albany County Nursing Home has been tabled despite earlier signs legislators were narrowing in on a vote.
18th century, meet 21st century
Shaker history comes alive through virtual reality project in Watervliet
The Shaker Heritage Society is sharing the Shakers with the modern world by creating Virtual Watervliet (VWV), a digital reconstruction of their historic settlement.
Dementia care pitched for Colonie
64-bed facility would focus on creating home-like setting for patients
Peregrine Assisted Living, based out of Syracuse, is looking to build an assisted adult home with a focus on dementia care at 5 South Family Drive in Colonie. Representatives from the Hershberg & Hershberg engineering firm described a sketch plan to the Colonie Planning Board Tuesday, March 26, for a 35,000-square-foot, one-story memory enhancement facility.
Menands looks to stick to tax cap
Public hearing approaches on budget that would hike taxes 2.5 percent
The Menands Board of Trustees voted Monday, April 1, to authorize the village to exceed the state tax cap, but officials hope it won’t come to that.
Another hearing for notifications
At public hearing, support given for even larger neighbor notification radius
Colonie residents alternately expressed concern and support at a public hearing held Thursday, March 28, for an amendment to the town code that would require expanded neighbor notification requirements for developers.
Play’s set is something special
Loudonville actor takes over production of ‘Drums Along the Mohawk’
This summer, Loudonville actor/producer Steven O’Connor will be the director of Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama. Emphasizing New York State’s relevance to the American Revolution, for the second year in a row DAMOD will showcase a historical fiction play before a live audience directly on the soil where the action took place hundreds of years ago.
Cartography takes center stage
Rare historical maps on display at two historical Colonie locations
Running through May 5, the Historical Society of the Town of Colonie and the Albany County Historical Association are sponsoring the “Rare Historic Colonial Maps Exhibit” at the Pruyn House in Latham and King’s Place in Albany. More than 70 pieces are hanging in the two historic buildings, including maps ranging from the 1750s and 1760s depicting early colonies and drawings from the Revolutionary War, French and Indian War and Fort Ticonderoga.
Colonie music gets national recognition
North and South Colonie districts selected among best communities for music education
Both North and South Colonie school districts have been recognized as two of the best districts at which to receive a music education nationwide.
Dick’s confirmed for Shoppes
Sporting good retailer first new business to join Latham Circle revitalization project
As the old Latham Circle Mall is destroyed, the first new tenant for the shopping center that will replace it has come forward: Dick’s Sporting Goods.
'They don't make them like that anymore'
Former Republican chair remembered for his love of town, family, life
For those who knew him well, Harry D’Agostino was more than a longtime Colonie Republican party leader. He was a father figure.
Steakhouse sets its sights on Wolf Road
Planning Board sees no problems with LongHorn’s initial presentation
Sketch plans for a LongHorn Steakhouse were presented to the Colonie Planning Board on Tuesday, March 12. The 6,266-square-foot restaurant would be the first of its chain to make its way to the Capital District – the nearest franchise is in Newburgh – and it would settle in at 206-208 Wolf Road, next to the Best Western Hotel.
Students show love for NOLA
Group from St. Rose spends spring break in Big Easy repairing homes
Though the world’s attention was fixated on New Orleans in 2005, in the years that followed the spotlight shifted elsewhere. But for Ashley Hartman, a sophomore studying communication sciences and disorders at The College of St. Rose, out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind.
Colonie grad lays down voice for school system
Rapper B. Martin’s ‘SUNY Anthem’ racks up views on YouTube
Brendan Martin turned his words into positive messages and not too long after graduating UAlbany 2010, and he showed off his skills to the entire SUNY system by writing “The SUNY Anthem,” released on YouTube on Feb. 27.
Demolition begins on Latham Circle Mall
Demolition began Tuesday, March 12, on the rundown Latham Circle Mall, paving the way for construction for The Shoppes at Latham Circle.
Target age subject of apartment review
Murray Manor Apartments would be for 55-and-up
Members of the Colonie Planning Board have reservations about an apartment complex proposed to be built on Boght Road after learning the developer’s intended tenant demographic.
Students extend a helping hand
Blue Creek classes collect books, PJs for Parsons Center Head Start kids
Charitable donations tend to skyrocket during the holiday season, but they’re also traditionally followed by a lull when the snow starts to melt. But for programs like the Parsons Child & Family Center’s Early Head Start, assistance is needed year-round.
Planning Board talks CAP COM traffic
Colonie seeks connector road to relieve Wolf Road traffic
The Colonie Planning Board is asking engineers working on a new CAP COM Federal Credit Union headquarters off of Wolf Road to find the best solution to reduce traffic congestion.
Years later, fearless service recognized
Beltrone resident’s WWII volunteerism acknowledged by Red Cross award
Shirley Sheriff was honored as a 2013 Legacy recipient by the American Red Cross Northeastern New York Region on Thursday, March 7, for her humanitarian efforts during the war.
South Colonie teen spells his way to the top
Ryan Devanandan to travel to Washington, D.C. for national spelling bee
For the third year in a row, South Colonie student Ryan Devanandan found himself standing on the stage of Proctor’s Theatre at the Capital Region Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 5.
McCoy: County can meet tax cap by 2015
County executive says consolidation is key to future
County Executive Dan McCoy said in his State of the County Address he wants to keep up momentum built in 2012 by continuing consolidations, establishing more partnerships, seeking ways to save money and making meaningful movement on the county nursing home.
Mabey’s in Latham to expand storage units
Plans submitted for 400 new units across three buildings on Route 9
Mabey’s Moving and Storage has hopes to expand its location on Route 9 in Latham by roughly 400 storage units in three new buildings.
Town weighs expanding development notification
Petition circulates to have more neighbors notified of impending projects
Colonie officials are considering an amendment to the town code that would expand neighbor notification requirements for developers after receiving complaints from concerned citizens.
County advocates infant safe sleeping
Albany officials say 12 infants died preventable deaths in past three years
Local health and child welfare officials, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, District Attorney David Soares and the county’s Child Fatality Review Team on Wednesday, March 6, to stress the seriousness of unsafe sleeping with babies and to announce the launch of the “Safe Sleeping” campaign to educate the public on preventing infant deaths.
Crane teachers give hope to music students
SUNY Potsdam faculty visit high school, speak about state of music industry
Several Crane teachers came to Colonie Central High School on Thursday, Feb. 28, and Friday, March 1, where they performed and gave advice to students about where they can go with their musical skills. Performances included concerts by the Crane School of Music Symphony Orchestra and the Potsdam Brass Quintet.
25 years of stepping up to CF
Stair Climb at the Plaza will take place March 7
Running up 42 flights of stairs will make pretty much anyone out of breath, but for those living with cystic fibrosis, experiencing that tightness in the lungs is just part of a normal day.
Technology turns teaching upside down
North Colonie students watching lectures at home, doing work in class
Since September 2012, 60 North Colonie teachers have started dramatically changing how they teach their courses. Instead of the standard note taking in class and homework outside of class, they are making instructional videos for kids to watch at home and then spending the classroom time doing activities and labs based on the videos. It’s part of a teaching method called Flipped Learning.
Gun sellers take stock of new law
New York’s SAFE Act changing landscape for auctioneers, dealers
With tighter restrictions on guns setting in under the state’s SAFE Act, businesspeople who deal in firearms are also dealing with the new normal in New York.
The love bug gets traction
Mother seeks help in starting foundation for late Colonie child
Coping with the loss of their daughter is a daily challenge, but the Rizk family wants to make sure their little girl stays alive within the community.
McCoy vetoes legislature’s ‘stall tactics’
Executive wants legislators to pick from his list of consultants
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy has vetoed the County Legislature’s resolution to hire an outside consultant to study the nursing home issue, calling it a method to stall any decision.
New lighting goes up in airport
Investment expected to save $1.2 million over two decades
Over the past six weeks, the Albany County Airport Authority has been working on a new project to replace its 15-year-old lightning fixtures in the airport’s terminals with brand new, high efficiency LED and florescent bulbs.
New county legislator appointed
Democrat Alison McLean-Lane replaces Phil Steck
After living and working in Colonie for the majority of her life, Democrat Alison McLean-Lane says she is more than ready to take on her new role as county legislator for the 14th Legislative District.
Executive bemoans lack of action
Nursing home discussion creeps forwards as word of second bidder emerges
Debate within the Albany County Legislature on the future of the Albany County Nursing Home seems to be slowing down, and that has Albany County Executive Dan McCoy frustrated.
Grannies turn attention to gun control
Group makes domestic issue target of vigil
Dot Richards joined more than 20 other grannies and grandpas on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the busy intersection for a vigil calling for an end to gun violence, both in wartime and domestically. Cars beeped their horns every few minutes in support as protestors held signs reading “More Peace” and “War Breaks Grannies’ Hearts.”
Club works to stem budget bleeding
South Colonie embarks on budget process with bleak picture
Last fall, when members of Colonie Central High School’s Key Club heard reductions meant the school’s health office was having trouble budgeting for Band-Aids, the club took action. In a few months, the students organized a donation drive and collected more than 200 boxes of Band-Aids to hand over to nurses.
Town filters out water problems
Emergency declared to expedite filter repairs
A number of filters at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant need major repair, and although it will not impact the town’s drinking water, the Colonie Town Board passed a resolution on Thursday, Feb. 7, declaring an emergency so as to immediately inspect and fix the faulty filters.
Town approves mercury remediation
Cleanup at water treatment plant said to cost up to $670k
Nearly one year after mercury was discovered in the floor drains at a town water treatment plant, the Colonie Town Board passed a resolution on Thursday, Feb. 7, allowing mercury spill remediation to begin.
Coalition pitches Cohoes Crescent Road improvements
Popular options has $3.7M price tag, public to get a closer look Feb. 14
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition and the Town of Colonie are seeking the public’s opinion on plans to improve Cohoes Crescent Road.
Love forever
76 Diner owner Athena Loupessis has witnessed scores of Valentine’s Day engagements, including her own
The first time he proposed, she said she would think about it. He didn’t get down on one knee, but told her he thought she was the right girl for him. It was not love at first sight, she said, and she was cautious. The second time, only a few weeks later, he came to her holding a huge heart filled with candy, a single rose and a card that read “Love Forever.” This time, she said yes. It was Valentine’s Day.
Local girl is on a mission
Recent college grad looks to community in helping Nigerian kids discover art
This spring, 22-year-old Megan Ambrosino will have a one-way ticket to Ilorne, Nigeria in order to be the sole art teacher at an all-girls boarding school. If teaching halfway around the world wasn’t a big enough challenge, the school has only the bare minimum when it comes to art materials, and Ambrosino isn’t sure what kind of access she’ll have in the city to purchase supplies.
Colonie offers CPR training
Officials say 13 percent of heart attacks treated with CPR last year
In recognition of National Heart Month, the Colonie EMS Department is hosting four separate events at locations around the town for any community members to come and learn hands-only CPR.
Condo project comes back to life
Mohawk Riverfront Estates would be located near Crescent Bridge
There is renewed movement on a condominium and apartment project along the Mohawk River that has been before the Colonie Planning Board for the past three years.
Desire for utility drives donation
Beltrone resident’s ride will be used by Meals on Wheels program
When driving became more of a burden than a convenience for Beltrone Living Center resident Marge Pecoroni, she tried to figure out the best way to get rid of her 2001 maroon Mercury Sable. Selling it would be a lot of extra work and it was in too good of a condition to just send it to the junkyard. She quickly realized she could donate it straight to her residency at Colonie Senior Service Center.
Restaurant Depot opens for business
New warehouse caters only to eateries and similar businesses
Restaurant Depot, at 22 Warehouse Row in Colonie, is a 68,000-square-foot facility that sells fresh meat, poultry, seafood, produce, dairy, beverages and supplies to restaurant owners. With 100 locations nationwide, this is the only Restaurant Depot in Upstate New York, the next closest being in Hartford, Conn.
Morning traffic takes its toll
Spike in parent drop offs spur safety concerns at North Colonie school
An unexpected wave of morning traffic at a local elementary school led educators to plead with parents to keep safety in mind and send their children to school on the bus if at all possible.
Vet supporters spend a cold night raising awareness
Frigid call for help brings donations of winter clothing rolling in
The first-ever “Freeze Out” took place on Saturday, Jan. 26, into the following morning. More than 20 people slept outside on the lawn of the VFW Post at 525 Delaware Ave. to experience the grueling Capital District temperatures the way homeless veterans do.
Kid composer hits a high note
Roessleville student’s work recognized at a young age
Come April, Shashaank Narayanan will take his one of his compositions, “Mystery Cave,” to the Young Composer Concert in Hartford, Conn., where his piece will be performed as the winning entry in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Young Composers Contest. Narayanan’s piece was one of 14 winning compositions selected among entries from elementary through graduate school-aged applicants.
Feeding the northeast
Huge food donation results from record holiday giving
Part of what was labeled an historic food donation rumbled into the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Tuesday, Jan. 15, ensuring thousands of people will have food on the table this winter.