Another business gives Schodack a pass.

Looks like Project Red is Dead

Food distributor drops plans for large Schodack distribution centerReporter Albany Business ReviewDec 16, 2015, 3:00pm EST Updated Dec 16, 2015, 4:35pm EST

McLane Foodservice is dropping plans to build a large grocery distribution center east of Albany, New York, in the town of Schodack, but isn't shutting the door on possibly pursuing the project in the future.

Dog walk ends in death for Troy official

(Skip Dickstein / Times Union)

Police say Bill Chamberlain, city's director of operations, died from stab wounds; military-style knife found near body.
By Bob Gardinier and Kenneth C. Crowe II
Updated 12:55 pm, Friday, December 18, 2015
NORTH GREENBUSH — The wife of Bill Chamberlain, Troy's director of operations, found him dying on a lawn near their home after the family dog, Otis, a small terrier he took for a walk late Thursday, came home alone, a neighbor said.

'Commander Ralph', dead at 89

Ralph Vartigian, Albany TV's 'Commander Ralph', dead at 89By Jordan Carleo-Evangelist Updated 9:29 am, Wednesday, December 16, 2015

North Greenbush- Ralph Vartigian, the TV newscaster-turned-politician who delivered the morning news to a generation of Capital Region kids as "Commander Ralph" with an assist from an energetic puppet meteorologist named Mr. Monkey, died Saturday at home. He was 89.

Skelos, son guilty on all charges

Former Senate leader falls less than two weeks after Silver verdict

By Matthew Hamilton Updated 2:30 pm, Friday, December 11, 2015 Times Union

Former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son were found guilty on all eight federal charges stemming from the lawmaker's efforts to secure income and benefits for his 33-year-old son, Adam, from politically connected businesses.

Two additional charges of extortion and solicitation of bribes related to Adam Skelos' no-show employment by a medical malpractice insurance company, a job secured at the request of his father, were added in a superseding indictment handed down in July.

Some of the most damning evidence against the father and son were drawn from wiretaps.

Read more...

The company you keep

Cuomo: Skelos Conviction Should Be a ‘Wakeup Call’ for the Legislature

By Ross Barkan • 12/11/15 3:40pm OBSERVER News

In the brief statement, Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, also said the conviction of Mr. Skelos, along with former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver last month, “should be a wakeup call” for lawmakers.

“There can be no tolerance for those who use, and seek to use, public service for private gain. The justice system worked today,” Mr. Cuomo said.
Read more...

Woman killed at Valatie clinic; estranged husband apprehended

By J.p. Lawrence Updated 7:28 pm, Thursday, December 10, 2015

VALATIE — A Columbia County woman was apparently stabbed to death at a clinic Thursday, prompting a manhunt that eventually led to the capture of her estranged husband, State Police said.

San Bernardino Gunmen Kill at Least 14, Wound 17

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Hours after as many as three gunmen stormed a service center for people with disabilities here on Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and wounding at least 17 others, the police engaged in a shootout in a nearby surburban neighborhood that officials said left one suspect dead, one likely wounded in an S.U.V. and a third suspect on the run.

County Executive Jimino's hearing on the Drinking Water Protection Law bill s scheduled for thisWednesday, December 2 at 5 p.m. in Conference Room A, which is located on the fifth floor of the County Office Building, 1600 7th Avenue, downtown Troy.

One down!

Sheldon Silver, Ex-NYS Assembly Speaker: Guilty on All Counts

By BENJAMIN WEISER and SUSANNE CRAIG NOV. 30, 2015

After a five-week trial in Federal District Court in Manhattan, the end came rather quickly and unceremoniously for Mr. Silver, 71, a Democrat who served more than two decades as Assembly speaker before he was forced to resign from the post after his arrest in January.

EDITORIAL: Will state learn from its mistakes?

What’s happened in public education over the last two years is remarkable and scary.

Read it here:

Safe Haven - no questions asked

Safe Haven programs protect newborns, parents

Early Friday morning, police found the body of a male newborn in a garbage bag inside a dumpster behind a Bells Pond XtraMart in Livingston.

Following the discovery of a newborn’s body in a Columbia County dumpster, officials want to emphasize the Safe Haven program.

Michelle Shrader

News10.com

SCHODACK, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Sheriff Deputies say they have found the body of 33-year-old Michelle Shrader of East Greenbush.

Officials say she was located deceased in a wooded area just off of route 150 in the Town of Schodack around 4 p.m. on Monday. She was positively identified by her husband.

Watch coverage here..

Open Meeting

Your presence is needed at Tuesday's RensCo Meeting
Once again it is important to show the Rensselaer County Legislature how determined we are to get a good Drinking Water Protection bill passed.

Call to action

On Wednesday, October 28th, Rensselaer County Chairman Stan Brownell and Vice Chairman Alex Shannon proposed another bill to protect drinking water , and we understand that they intend to bring it to a vote on November 10th.

The language of the bill reflects much improvement over the “eminent domain” version, and we now have a basis for moving forward to the development of a bill acceptable to us, the residents. However, it needs a lot of improvement. In fact, when comparing this bill to that which Legislator Alex Shannon and others introduced in August, this bill represents a significant step away from that bill's protections.

For example: The bill covers residents living within ¼ mile from a blast; the August bill protected residents living one mile from a blast: a 75% reduction in those protected. While we could live with covering residents living within ½ mile, ¼ mile – only 1320 feet -- is too small a radius.

Sectional Finals

Lady Devils advance to sectionals

The Columbia Girls Varsity Volleyball team advance to the finals in section 2 as they defeated the Averill Park LadyWarriors in 3 games @ Stillwater high school.

This Friday, for the 1st time since 1986, Columbia sends its girls to the section finale against Burnt Hills. Way to go Lady devils !!

STRIDE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

STRIDE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

WITH 1^ST LARGE GALA AT NEW RENAISSANCE ALBANY HOTEL

Rensselaer, NY – November 5, 2015 –  STRIDE Adaptive Sports will host the 30 Years of STRIDE Gala Celebration on Saturday, November 14^th, at 6pm in the new Renaissance Albany Hotel.  The event will be the hallmark event of STRIDE’s 30^th anniversary year and will raise funds to support the nonprofit’s therapeutic sports programs for individuals with disabilities.

Election Results

Schodack Town Council

Kenney (R/C/WF/I/RF)26% (1,386 votes)
Rex (D)26% (1,358 votes)
Curtis (R/C/WF/I/RF)24% (1,280 votes)
Underwood (D)24% (1,244 votes)

Schodack Town Justice

Sober (D)42% (1,100 votes)
Peter (R/C/WF/I/RF)58% (1,525 votes)

For immediate release

Accepting Registration for 10^th Annual 

Valatie Veterans 5K Run

The 10th annual Valatie Veterans 5K run, sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 2114 of Valatie, N.Y., will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, 2015 (Veterans Day). The run begins and ends at Glynn Square in Valatie, N.Y. The race starts at 10 am, followed by a Veterans Ceremony, raffle and presentation of race awards.

Early registration is $15. A registration form can be found at http://bsa2114.legrego.com, or on-line registration is available at www.active.com. Day of race registration is $20 and begins at 9 am. Early packet pickup is available on Tuesday, November 10th from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Valatie.

Who is watching NED?

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Schodack Elections

Who is running?

Schodack Town Council

Underwood (D)

Kenney (R/C/WF/I/RF)

Rex (D)

Curtis (R/C/WF/I/RF)

Schodack Town Justice

Sober (D)
Peter (R/C/WF/I/RF)

Election Day November 3, 2015

Vote! There are a number of seats to be filled in Schodack!

• Schodack Town Supervisor Currently held by:
Dennis Dowds elected in November, 2009 - Running unopposed

• Schodack Town Clerk Currently held by:
Donna Conlin - Running unopposed

• Schodack Town Justice Currently held by:
Paul W. Peter was appointed Town Justice in 1992

Also running for Town Justice: Jennifer Sober

• Schodack Town Council (2 positions - 4 year terms) currently held by:
Frank Curtis won election in November 2005
Michael Kenney was elected to the Schodack Town Board in 2010 following his appointment earlier in the year.
Also running for Town Board: Trady Rex and Linda Underwood

• Schodack Receiver of Taxes Katherine E. Lubbers- Running unopposed.

Get OUT!

What to do

10/23 Rocky Horror Picture Show with live shadow actors

10/23 Trunk or Treat

10/25 Rocky Horror Picture Show Valatie Community Theatre10/30 Session Brothers at the Lionheart Pub

11/1 Cole's Rock & Funk Pizza Party

STRIDE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Contact:        Mary Ellen Whitney                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel:               (518) 598-1279                                  E-mail:         mwhitney@stride.org 

 STRIDE ADAPTIVE SPORTS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

WITH 1^ST LARGE GALA AT NEW RENAISSANCE ALBANY HOTEL

Rensselaer, NY – October 21, 2015 –  STRIDE Adaptive Sports will host the 30 Years of STRIDE Gala Celebration on Saturday, November 14^th, at 6pm in the new Renaissance Albany Hotel.  The event will be the hallmark event of STRIDE’s 30^th anniversary year and will raise funds to support the nonprofit’s therapeutic sports programs for individuals with disabilities.

30 Years of STRIDE will be the first large gala to be held in the newly opened Renaissance Albany Hotel on State Street in downtown Albany.  The Renaissance Albany is located in the same building as the historic DeWitt Clinton Hotel and opened on October 15^th after a $48 million renovation led by Columbia Development.  Seated at the base of Albany’s Capitol Steps, the hotel is home to Wellington’s Restaurant and will be attached to the future Albany Capital Center.

What's for dinner

http://www.recipe30.com/assets/chicken-francaise.pdf

CHICKEN FRANCAISE Also known as “Francese” egg dipped chicken breast in tangy buttery sauce.

Yes please.

HS Senior Creating List to Help CES Students with Food Allergies

For her National Honor Society project, senior Helena Mueller is supporting the Food Allergy Research & Education’s Teal Pumpkin Project, which raises awareness for kids with food allergies at Halloween. The project encourages households to make non-food treats available for trick-or-treaters who need to avoid candy due to food allergies or other reasons. Helena is putting together a list of homes that will have alternatives available so she can provide the list to CES students who have food allergies so they can participate in trick-or-treating.

If you are interested in participating or have questions, please email Helena at muellerh@schodack.k12.ny.us.

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For Immediate Release

Kevin’s Beginner Guitar Studio

1528 Columbia Turnpike

Castleton, NY 12033

 October 12,2015                                                                     Contact:  Kevin Haran, 518/527-7489

For Immediate Release                                                                                kharan518@gmail.com

Party to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Castleton, NY -- A fun, family-friendly event to benefit the Northeastern NY chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be held on Sunday, November 1 from 4-8 PM at the Comfort Inn at 99 Miller Road, Castleton. Cole’s Rock & Funk Pizza Party is named for Cole Halvax, a Maple Hill High School student who lives with the daily challenges posed by cystic fibrosis (CF).

Potty Mouths

 (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

East Greenbush has been hit with DEC fines over the sewer plant seven times during the last 15 years

According to the Sept. 24 agreement with the Department of Environmental Conservation, the sewer plant exceeded state pollution standards 16 times between January and June, sometimes at very high levels.

For example, levels of dangerous fecal bacteria in the river were up to 224 times state standards during May and June when fishermen were crowding the river in the spring for the annual striper run. Exposure to such bacteria can cause gastrointestinal and breathing problems.
Read more...

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Haunted Hayride!

Schodack Island State Park will be hosting Haunted Hayrides on Friday, October 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The 5 p.m. hayride will be considered “not too scary” for younger children. After dark, the hayrides will be appropriate for teens and adults.

Castleton Stomper will be playing live music and food will be available from the Schodack Landing Fire Company.

Advertise:

Fire Prevention Week

Castleton Public Library's Halloween Costume Swap

Saturday, October 3, 1:00-4:00 p.m

Need a Halloween costume or have one to donate? We’re offering a costume swap! Bring in your clean, gently used Halloween costumes, masks, wigs, or accessories for children, teens, adults, or pets any time through October 3. Browse the swap selection and pick out costumes to take home. Save your money by swapping instead of buying! We'll also enjoy some Halloween music and treats to gear up for the holiday.

10 Killed in Shooting at Oregon's Umpqua Community College

Column: Shooting coverage is routine, and that's the story

USA TODAY NETWORKBill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic9:53 p.m. EDT October 1, 2015

That sounds cold, heartless. But can you name the shooter in any of the more-recent tragedies? Or even where they took place? We aren’t numb to it, exactly. We’re numb to tragedies in the Middle East or Africa. 

In the United States, at least, we still bother to become outraged enough to tweet a thought or two before going back to whatever else is trending.

That’s become literally true; according to the Washington Post, the tragedy today in Roseburg, Ore., brings the total of mass shootings, in which four or more people are killed or injured, to 294.

Thursday was the 274th day of the year.

Read more...

Tonight’s the night to try to see blood supermoon

Tonight, if the skies are clear where you are, you’ll be able to see a total lunar eclipse that is also a supermoon – a rare combination.

According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, clear skies are expected Sunday night with temperatures in the 70s to 60s and light winds.

Planning Board Approval has residents seeing Red!

Project Red revealed 

Project Red," the mysterious and controversial enterprise planned for land on routes 9 and 20, is a secret no more. 

McLane Foodservices officials met with the town Planning Board on Monday to publicly reveal plans for a grocery distribution center near the intersection with Route 150.

Selfies - are they really worth it?

More died this year trying to take selfies than from shark attacks

Next time you aim to channel your inner Kim Kardashian and snap a selfie, you might want to think twice.

The selfie-related injuries and deaths have prompted many places to ban selfie sticks.

Follow @MaryBowerman on Twitter.

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It ain't over till it's over

Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra was an American Major League Baseball catcher, manager, and coach. He played almost his entire 19-year baseball career for the New York Yankees. He is widely regarded as one of the best catchers in baseball history. Wikipedia

Born: May 12, 1925 (age 90), The Hill, St. Louis, MO
Died: September 22, 2015, Montclair, NJ
Height: 5' 7"
Number: 8 (New York Yankees / Catcher) NYPost

College Representatives Visiting Maple Hill

 How do you know a college is right for you? The first step is to ask plenty of questions. The answers will tell you if the college you are looking into meets your needs. High school seniors and juniors should take advantage of the college representatives visiting Maple Hill High School. Some things you may inquire about are their academics, student life, financial aid, admissions procedures and sports. Most reps visit in the Fall. The below schedule will be updated as colleges are scheduled and will be placed on the daily http://www.schodack.k12.ny.us/high_school/guidance/College_Reps_Visiting.pdf

“Every Kid in the Park”

BEGINNING IN THE 2015-16 school year, fourth graders in the US and their families will be entitled to free admission to America’s national parks, federal lands and waters.

“There’s a difference between seeing a grizzly bear and two cubs on TV and on a screen and seeing them there [in the park],” said Dan Wenk, the interim president of the National Park Foundation.

Read more...

September 10 is Primary Day

Party   Town   Office   First  Last 

R     Schodack   Sheriff Patrick A Russo, Jr  -
R     Schodack   Sheriff Scott T Ryan  -
C     Schodack   Town Justice Jennifer G Sober  -
C     Schodack   Town Justice Paul W Peter  -
W    Schodack   Town Justice Paul W Peter  -
W    Schodack   Town Justice Jennifer G  Sober  -
W    Schodack   Town Council Linda L Underwood  -
W    Schodack   Town Council Tracey L Rex  -
W    Schodack   Town Council OTB  -
I      Schodack   Town Justice Jennifer G Sober  -
I      Schodack   Town Justice Paul W Peter  -
I      Schodack   Town Council Michael G Kenney
I      Schodack   Town Council Francis H Curtis

BACK TO SCHOOL EUPHORIA

Stay-at-home dad excited for start of school

By Gregg Weinlein, Commentary
Published 3:14 pm, Saturday, September 5, 2015

I retired after a 35-year career in education. After such a lengthy career, I never thought to hire a career counselor for the next phase of my life. Big mistake, the extent of which I realized after I traded positions with my wife. Our Stay-at-Home-Mom went back to work and I became the Stay-at-Home-Dad.

Why didn't someone give me a job description? My classroom was much more peaceful than spending all day with our two children during the summer.

School News!

Classes Begin – Tuesday, Sept. 8
Students will return to school on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Booster Club Meeting – Monday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m.
The Booster Club will meet Monday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the High School library. Interested community members are encouraged to attend.

High School Back to School Night – Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Maple Hill High School will host a Back to School Night for parents on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Education Meeting – Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will meet Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the High School library. Interested community members are encouraged to attend.

Registration Deadline for ACT Testing – Friday, Sept. 18
The registration deadline for the Oct. 24 ACT Testing is Friday, Sept. 18. Please see the Guidance Office for more information.

Last Day to Drop/Add 1st Semester Course – Monday, Sept. 21
The last day to drop or add a 1st semester course is Monday, Sept. 21. Please see the Guidance Office for more information.

Pot has gone mainstream in the U.S.

The culture around cannabis is changing for recreational use

By Emi Sasagawa and Kelcie Johnson, News21

Ten years ago, it would have been improbable to bring together people to consume cannabis in a large-scale event like this. But the two-day trade show was one of dozens of marijuana-focused events taking place throughout the country this year. And as more states legalize medical and recreational marijuana, the more it becomes a part of American mainstream culture.

Public opinion around marijuana in the U.S. has shifted in the last decade. In 2010, 41 percent of Americans supported legalization, according to a Pew Research Center report. By 2015, 53 percent favored it.
Updated 9:15 pm, Sunday, September 6, 2015

Read more...

Don't miss the 6th Annual Pow-wow

Advertise: with the Schodack SCENE

Schultz sets Biscuits single season record in 8-2 win

Schodack

Schultz Dominates BayBears, Magic Number to Three

The right-hander struck out five-straight at one point and also became the Biscuits single-season record holder for most strikeouts with 161.

Read more

Village-Wide Garage Sale and Potluck Picnic

September 19 the Annual Village-Wide Garage sale begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs throughout the day.

The Potluck picnic begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School. Bring a lawn chair, cold drinks and a dessert to share. Hamburbers and hotdogs will be provided by the Castleton Kiwanis.

There will be live music and games. A family fun day in the Village!

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Batgirl dies at 78

Yvonne Craig, the actress best known for her role as Batgirl in the 1960’s “Batman” TV series, died on Monday. She was 78.

Craig passed away at her home in Pacific Palisades surrounded by her family, according to her spokesman.
Read more...

Nassau town officials are pushing back

Nassau

Nassau town officials are pushing back against a planned natural gas pipeline project, asking federal regulators for more time to review un-released confidential plan documents filed this month and alerting the Rensselaer County district attorney that company workers are invoking town authority while trespassing on private property.

On Friday, town Supervisor David Fleming wrote to District Attorney Joel Abelove on a potential trespassing claim against pipeline development Kinder Morgan, and last week, wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to urge that a public comment period set to expire Aug. 31 be extended so town officials can review a deluge of new company documents filed last month.

Fleming said Monday that he has gotten a complaint that survey workers from Kinder Morgan, which wants to build a portion of the 30-inch natural gas Northeast Energy Direct pipeline through southern Rensselaer County, were on private property last week off Reno Road and told the owner that the town had authorized it.

Read more...

The revised route follows a National Grid power line right of way northeast from Schodack, south of Burden Lake and to near the intersection of routes 43 and 66 at the hamlet of Alps.

Back to school - already?

Supply lists Click the link below

East Greenbush
SCHODACK
ICHABOD CRANE

School Lists – Back-to-School Shopping Made Easy

Find Your School List | FAQs | Help

Update on Project Red

Schodack

Update on Project Red

No new clues and same old concerns. Plenty of questions of "Who are they?"

Reader's Comment:
FRACKING OPENED PANDORA'S BOX

Through new technology a method of drilling and fracking proved to extract natural gas and many thought this was good. There were those who felt it was like opening Pandora's box. The NY Governor declared this drilling should not be done in NY and the doubters rested in peace.

Little did they know that discovery of this new energy could cause great harm to the people of NY and other states who resided between the drilling wells and the East coast. This newly discovered energy has become so abundant that there is more than enough for United States consumption. Therefore a plan was conceived to ship it overseas and once again Pandora's box was opened a bit further. Drilling was just a little peek in the box and it appears little to no harm was done. Now with so much natural gas at least a 30 inch pipeline to the east coast is proposed with over 1,400 pounds pressure. Wow! Somebody opened the box a bit further and the once secured residents who live near the proposed pipeline began to realize the problems escaping from the box could affect them. Inquiries were made and the box opened further which proved to be more concern for their safety and well being. A large pumping station would be needed which would house 4 large diesel engines running continuously and it is said they will be heard for about 2 miles.

There is no question a danger to the residents near this vast pipeline will exist and their property values will decrease. The companies who are drilling and pumping such abundance of energy and who opened Pandora's box need to correct the situation they will cause. They could put it back in the box and produce only what is needed in North America which would be transferred by smaller pipelines such as what already exist. I know millions of dollars will not be added to their pockets but the gas has been waiting for centuries and why not use only what we need? This way there may be some available for our generations to come. This my friends is called being conservative.

Ray Lemka Schodack resident

Rebuilding Warriors Show @ Uncle Marty's

Come drink and dine on the patio at Uncle Marty's, and help support an organization that provides trained service dogs to veterans in need - no cover charge, all contributions to Rebuilding Warriors are voluntary.

Advertise: http://thescene-thescene.blogspot.com/p/advertise.html

Wage board

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – About two dozen fast food workers watched as the announcement came down that they’d be getting $15/hr.

They immediately cheered when they heard the news, but that excitement quickly diminished when they realized it wouldn’t come until 2021.

The cheers turned into boos as the fast food wage board recommended a $15 minimum wage for all fast food workers in New York, but it will take 6 years for workers outside New York City to see that increase.

NYS restaurant association says this will force employers to cut hours, lay off employees, and use technology to offset labor costs.

Read more...

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Tom Moore, who drew cartoon character Archie dies

Tom Moore, who drew cartoon character Archie and his friends over three decades, dies at age 86 after short battle with throat cancer

Read more...

'Tom was very funny and had a knack for putting together really great, hilarious gags and special pages when he worked at Archie,' Gorelick said. 'He was probably best known here for inking our "Jughead" relaunch decades ago. We're all sad to hear this news and wish his family the very best during this time.'

The El Paso Museum of Art displayed some of Moore's work and his vast comic collection about 20 years ago.

'I have enjoyed what I've done and I am pleased that others liked it, too,' Moore said at the time. 'I think it's such a kick that my stuff is going to be hanging at the museum. Who knew Archie would have such universal appeal?'