Why we closed schools

Why we closed schools
Mar 25, 2020 | District Superintendent, From the Desk of Gladys Cruz, Questar III BOCES

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced schools and businesses across the country and globe to close – causing an economic and societal disruption like we’ve never seen (and hopefully will never see again) in our lifetimes. On Friday (3/27), Governor Andrew Cuomo announced all schools in New York state will remain closed for an additional two weeks, until at least April 15, to help protect the public against the spread of COVID-19.

For education leaders, closing our schools was a painful choice (as it impacted and disrupted families, learning, the distribution of meals, delivery of special education services, etc.), but it was necessary to slow the spread of this illness and save lives. 

Some are not heeding the advice of elected and health officials during this pandemic – and continuing as if this is a snow day or spring break. You may have seen the pictures and videos of people at the beach in Florida or gathering in parks in New York City. This needs to stop. Social distancing can help stop the spread of the virus and ensure that our health facilities are not overwhelmed.

In retrospect, closing schools was the easiest hard decision we could make as a BOCES region and state. The harder decision will be when to reopen our schools. This is something we will need to take one day at a time for the foreseeable future.
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How are you helping?

Leave a note about how you are reaching out to your neighbors and your community.
Checking in, video chats, sharing recipes,watch parties, sharing information about local resources:

Castleton Public Library
Nassau Free Library
Schools sharing information
Feeding our children

Grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches are available for any student during the school closure.

Streaming meetings


Leave a comment, share your thoughts, stay connected. Leave a comment here

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Japan announces Tokyo Olympics will be postponed until 2021

Journalists take images of the illuminated Olympic Rings monument at Odaiba Marine Park as the Rainbow Bridge is illuminated in rainbow colors to mark half a year before the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 24, 2020. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on announced that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be postponed to 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, on March 24, 2020.

Journalists take images of the illuminated Olympic Rings monument at Odaiba Marine Park as the Rainbow Bridge is illuminated in rainbow colors to mark half a year before the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 24, 2020. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on announced that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be postponed to 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, on March 24, 2020.

Kimimasa Mayama/EPA via Shutterstock

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the International Olympic Committee have agreed that the upcoming Tokyo Olympics "will be held by the summer of 2021," the prime minister's office announced Tuesday.

"I proposed to postpone for about a year and president Bach responded with 100% agreement," Abe told reporters in Tokyo, referring to Thomas Bach, head of the International Olympic Committee.

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Library Service while CPL is Closed

Library Service while CPL is Closed
3/23/2020
[UPDATED MARCH 23, 2020]

The library is currently closed to the public until further notice.

All due dates will be extended through the duration of the closure. We ask that you please keep any currently checked-out items at home until we reopen. Our book drop will remain closed until the library reopens.

​For the most current information about the library's operations, remember to check castletonpubliclibrary.org or call 518-732-0879.
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NATIONAL NEWS

Sen. Elizabeth Warren Drops Out of 2020 Race for President

Her campaign states there are no plans for her to endorse a candidate any time soon.

posted by R.J. Johnson - @rickerthewriter -  Mar 5, 2020Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has ended her campaign for the White House, multiple reports state.
Warren announced her decision in a phone call with staffers Thursday morning.Her campaign also introduced an “Economic Patriotism” plan, that was intended to create opportunities for American workers. She also proposed policies targeted at Trump, including one that would make it permissible for the Department of Justice to indict a sitting president.

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Job Fair at "The JOE"

ValleyCats to host job fair next weekend
By Record staff

The Class A affiliate of the American League champion Houston Astros will be holding on the spot interviews for various positions for their 2020 season.

Potential employees must be more than 15-years-old and have the ability to work during the months of June through Sept. Applications are available at "The Joe," or can be filled out in advance by downloading a copy from the ValleyCats website.

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS – TOWN OF EAST GREENBUSH REQUEST FOR BIDS #20-04 Sealed Bids for Various Projects: TOWN HALL CARPET REPLACEMENT PROJECT as requested by the Town of East Greenbush will be received by the East Greenbush Town Clerk, East Greenbush Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office, 225 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, New York 12144 until 2:00 PM, local time on THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020. Request for Bid (RFB) documents may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office, as noted above. RFB documents may be available for download from the Empire State Bid System website at http:// empirestatebidsystem.com starting by the close of business 4:30 pm on TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020. Meaghan Hart Director of Finance x1 3/4 1972536

Post Date: 03/04 12:00 AM

Refcode: #1972536

THE RECORD

Art Class Seeks Community Help with Project

MHHS seniors Morgan Phibbs and Sariah Stewart seeking community help for a school art project:

"The Studio Sculpture class at Maple Hill Sr. High School is currently working on a semester-long class project. Together they are working to design, plan, and build a class sculpture that resembles work similar to Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls.

The sculpture will symbolize the power of knowledge, and the spirit of welcoming others into our close-knit community with open arms. However, the process of building the actual sculpture will require outside help from local experts. If you or someone you know with expertise in construction would be willing to work with their hands and help our class, we would be extremely grateful for any volunteers. Please contact our teacher, Rachael Kerner, at rkerner@schodack.k12.ny.us.

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PIZZA NIGHT

Third Saturday 

Schodack Valley Pizza Night! 

State Police are seeking the public's assistance with robbery investigation.

Blotter

FEBRUARY 2020

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STRIDE Adaptive Sports’ Capital District Sled Warrior Team Shines at Lake Placid

Capital Region Sled Hockey Team Wins Gold at Empire State Winter Games
STRIDE Adaptive Sports’ Capital District Sled Warrior Team Shines at Lake Placid

(Albany, NY) – The Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid conjures up images of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” But for STRIDE Adaptive Sports’ sled hockey program – the Capital District Sled Warriors – reaching the podium was more about equal opportunity and everyday magic. With a group of adaptive athletes from 14-54 years old (including combat-injured veterans), the Capital Region team won the gold medal in sled hockey on Sunday at the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid. The thrilling title game against Fort Drum Mountain Warrior team went into overtime, still ending in a 0-0 tie. This led to the infamous one-on-one shootout between 3 chosen offensive players from each team against the goalies.

BREAKING NEWS

On the first article of impeachment, Trump was charged with abuse of power. He was found not guilty. The second, obstruction of Congress, also produced a not guilty verdict.

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Columbia Offering Free Prom Dresses to Students

Jan 24, 2020 | Columbia, District

The Columbia High School Guidance Office will offering beautiful prom dresses to students for free. There are many colors, sizes and styles to choose from and they will go fast.

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Career & Technical Education

So you want to enroll in a Questar III CTE program…

Jan 17, 2020 | Career & Technical Education, Career Studies, Columbia-Greene Educational Center, Questar III BOCES, Rensselaer Educational Center

https://www.questar.org/2020/01/17/so-you-want-to-enroll-in-a-questar-iii-cte-program/

New York Yankees great Derek Jeter elected to Hall of Fame

Jeter, 45, who was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, made his Major League Baseball debut in 1995 and played his first full season in 1996.

It was in that rookie year that Jeter led his upstart team to a World Series title, its first since 1978 — the longest world championship drought in the franchise's storied history.

Led by Jeter, the Yankees won the World Series again in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009. He hung up his cleats after the 2014 season.

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Super Bowl LIV

CASTLETON VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICE

Annual Super Bowl Sub Sale

February 2, 2020

12” Subs with a choice of:
Ham

Turkey

Italian Mix

$7 per sub

Pick up or delivery from 11 am – 2 pm

To order call: 732-2563 or

Email: CVAS1956@gmail.com

Please provide your name and phone number and

we will contact you to complete your order.

Thank you for your support!

 

Schodack man arrested after Troopers respond to drug-filled apartment for fight

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday January 7th, State Police responded to an apartment in the Town of Schodack after receiving reports that there was a fight between unknown parties at that location.





  While inside the residence, responding units observed drugs and drug paraphernalia throughout apartment.

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The Schodack SCENE: 29th Annual WinterFest

The Schodack SCENE: 29th Annual WinterFest: January 18-20 Click HERE to see the WinterFest Flyer East Greenbush Central School District is hosting its 29th annual WinterFest the ... Advertise: http://thescene-thescene.blogspot.com/p/advertise.html

29th Annual WinterFest

January 18-20

Click HERE to see the WinterFest Flyer

East Greenbush Central School District is hosting its 29th annual WinterFest the weekend of January 18-20. There will be food, crafts, activities, bounce houses and fun for the whole family! Check out the fun-filled activities listed below.

2020 State of the State Agenda

Proposals in Governor Cuomo's 2020 State of the State Agenda

2020 State of the State Proposals

Governor Cuomo Unveils 19th Proposal of 2020 State of the State:

Nutshell

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Looking for work?

https://regionalhelpwanted.com/capital-area-jobs/

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There is simply no excuse to be uninformed.

With 2020 just ahead...

Staying up-to-date on community issues is easier than ever East Greenbush and Schodack offer live streaming so that you can join the Town Board Meeting from home!




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Governor Cuomo Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Observation of Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

Press Release
December 7, 2019 | 10:45 AM EST

Governor Cuomo Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Observation of Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff today, Saturday, December 7, in observation of the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the attack, more than 2,400 Americans were killed, including 40 from New York.

"Seventy-eight years ago, the course of our nation's history was forever changed by the devastating attacks on Pearl Harbor. This day weighs heavy on the hearts of all Americans, and we must always commemorate the courage shown by those brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our nation.

"While we can never repay the more than 2,400 members of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice on that infamous day, we can honor their memories by continuing our work to uphold the ideals and freedoms this great state and nation were founded on. In these increasingly challenging and divisive times, let this day serve as a poignant reminder of how our nation can work as one in the face of great adversity and that we must always stand together, even on the most difficult days.

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Snow Emergency

Keep it in mind

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Snow arrives, roads dangerous in Capital Region

ALBANY –  The first significant storm of the season is upon us, bringing with it the possibility of more than a foot of snow falling in the Capital Region by Tuesday.

Local School Closings and delays

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Thanksgiving

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– Drivers lining up early this morning to pick up the meals that they will deliver during the 50th Annual Equinox Thanksgiving Community Dinner.

The Equinox Thanksgiving Dinner is held at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany and is one of the Capital Region’s largest holiday traditions. It started 50 years ago back in 1969 and is known as one of the longest-running Thanksgiving community dinners in the nation.

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Santa is Coming to Castleton

Becker's Farm Open House and Pictures with Santa ...

Students and staff at Columbia-Greene and Rensselaer Educational Centers will host local veterans for their annual Veterans Day luncheons on November 7. Culinary Arts and Introduction to Food Services students prepare a full meal with all the fixings, turkey, ham, potatoes, vegetables, sides and more, along with a full complement of desserts as a way to give back and thank veterans in our area for their service to our country.

Toddlers have a happy Halloween at East Greenbush Town Hall

EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y.  Town Hall hosted a large party for its community's toddlers. Children gathered at 10 a.m. for two hours of games, snacks, and trick-or-treating.

Columbia High School throws a night filled with ghostly fun

(10/25/19, East Greenbush, NY) – Columbia High School in East Greenbush is hosting a Teen Harvest Dance on October 25, 2019. In the fall, STRIDE partners with the Columbia High School Peer Leadership Club to offer a Harvest Dance. The spooky evening begins at 7:00 P.M. and will include tons of refreshments, games, and dancing! While Halloween costumes are not necessary to join in the festivities, dressing up in your best, most stylish costume is greatly encouraged! All members must RSVP before attending this full-filled event! Participants must be at least 14 years old to attend.

The fourth annual Green Fair

Saturday, November 16, 2019  10am - 4pm

Sage College Armory

130 Scotland Avenue, Albany

Exhibitors, Food, Speakers

The fourth annual Green Fair will be held on Saturday, November 16 from 10-4 pm at the Sage College Armory,130 New Scotland Ave. Albany, NY. Enjoy one-stop shopping with information, services and products related to living in harmony with our earth. We expect at least sixty exhibitors at the Fair. The Capital District Electric Vehicle Club will have its cars on display too. The Fair is free and open to the public with ample space and accessible parking. It is sponsored by Community Advocates for a Sustainable Environment, a local grassroots group. This is the largest indoor/outdoor environmental Fair in the Capital Region.

Help Wanted

Fire Systems Laborer
Excellent Part-time Opportunity

Position Description:

These positions will work under the direction of a Questar III Fire Systems Specialist to inspect and service all classes of fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems; complete related inspection and service reports in a timely and accurate manner; and provide excellent customer service to our School District clients. 

These positions typically work 2nd shift hours (2pm – 10:30pm) and are based out of our Schodack, NY, office.

Happy Birthday GOOGLE

Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin borrowed the term for their company in 1998, to suggest the unfathomably large number of results their new search engine could provide. Page and Brin were obviously exaggerating a bit, and they also took a bit of poetic license with the spelling.
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Informational Meeting

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Impossible meat

Wellness Perspective

By Cara Rosenbloom
September 9
With many American consumers interested in reducing their consumption of animal products without becoming vegetarian or vegan, the food industry has come up with a new craze: plant-based. Look around your grocery store, and you’ll see a growing number of dairy, egg and meat substitutes bearing this label.

“THE ARTS ON MAIN” PAINTS A POSITIVE PICTURE"

Castleton-on-Hudson is a sleepy little village just south of Albany, with a reputation for having enjoyed its heyday long ago. But a small group of volunteers envisions vibrant businesses and streetscapes that draw people to stroll, shop, eat and have fun, with the majestic Hudson River as a backdrop. They held the Third Annual Main Street Day on Saturday with the theme, “The Arts on Main,” designed to help highlight Main Street’s potential.

Friends of CPL Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

 

Saturday, September 7, 2019

 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 

Location: Applebee’s Restaurant, 594 N. Troy Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Enjoy breakfast and help benefit the library!

$8:00 cost; 3 pancakes, 2 slices of bacon, and a beverage. 

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Meet me on Main

THE ARTS ON MAIN
Main Street Day, Castleton-on-Hudson
Saturday, September 7, 2:00 – 5:00

The Castleton-on-Hudson Main Street Association is excited to present “Arts on Main,” our theme for the third annual Main Street Day! Join us for a celebration of The Arts, including dance performance, live music, theater performance and fine arts for display and sale. Family fun activities such as painting and lawn games will be enjoyed by all. Food specials from Main Street restaurants – the Village Inn and Cherrybrook Café – will tempt the palate. Try your luck for exciting raffle prizes! Come out and show your community spirit as we help Main Street become the destination it’s destined to be! For more information, visit www.castletonmainstreet.org or Facebook/COHMSA or email info@castletonmainstreet.org

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Give A Little, Save A Life

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. All blood types are needed to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients this summer. 

Currently, blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. 

Patients are at risk for delayed surgeries or treatment. 

Please help by donating blood. As a thank you, all presenting donors will receive a $5 Amazon e-card. Schedule your appointment today! Bring a friend, walk-ins are welcome!

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Expand your business

Advertising Fees on the Schodack SCENE are significantly below industry averages. Compare with print ads  anywhere!

Graphic Ads run in the left side bar of each page of the site driving hundreds of visitors to your site with one click. 

*New* Facebook Management Service ~ $15 per month!

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Movies in the Park

Schodack Island State Park, 1 Schodack Way, Schodack Landing 12156

Saturday, Aug. 10, 8:15 p.m.

Location: Schodack Island State Park, 1 Schodack Island Way, Schodack Landing 12156

Join us for a family movie under the stars at Schodack Island State Park! Call 518-732-0879 for movie title.



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Humans landed on the moon 50 years ago, and it’s still freaking awesome

The Apollo 11 moon landing changed our understanding of the solar system.

For one, it was a huge engineering accomplishment to get humans to the moon and back. “It took around 400,000 people to land humankind on the moon,” astronaut Michael Collins, Apollo 11’s command module pilot who did not land on the surface of the moon, reminds us in Google’s commemorative Doodle video. Those were engineers, coders, scientists, mechanics, doctors, and so many more professions working in concert to make the mission a success.

Watch here