LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Vote YES for North Greenbush Fire District Bond on 4/4

There will be a bond vote by North Greenbush Fire District on Tuesday April, 4 from 6 to 9. I urge all North Greenbushians to vote YES.

This is a 15-year bond to make necessary improvements to the Wynantskill Fire Station.

The bond is 2.5 million and the fire district is providing an additional $350,000. The presentation on

Columbia Student Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Columbia High School senior Teddy Howard was recently named a National Merit Scholarship finalist, meaning he remains eligible for one of the 7,500 Merit Scholarships given out nationwide this spring.

Howard was named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist in the fall based on his score for the 2021 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Only 16,000 students were named finalists out of approximately 1.5 million who entered the program.

Howard is one of the top students at Columbia with a 98.65 unweighted GPA. He is a team leader for Columbia Science Olympiad, winning a silver medal at the 2023 NYS Championships and a gold medal at the 2023 Regional Championships. He plays saxophone in the school Jazz Band and competes on the MasterMinds team, which enters the playoffs with an undefeated record.

Outside of school, Mr. Howard is active in Boy Scouts, earning the Life Scout Rank and serving as a Senior Patrol Leader. He is also a 46er, hiking all 46 high peaks in the Adirondack mountains.

Columbia Student Presents Research at Mohawk Watershed Symposium

Columbia High School junior Inara Ilse ’24 presented her science research project at the Mohawk Watershed Symposium at Union College on March 17. She was the only high school student presenting research at the event.

Each of the other projects were presented by college students, college professors and professionals from environmental organizations such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the NYS Water Resources Institute, and Riverkeeper.

Ilse’s project is titled “Microplastic analysis of high-flow and low flow streams located in Rensselaer County,” which is being done through Columbia’s Science Research program.

She was joined at the symposium by her mentor Dr. Jacqueline Smith, a research professor of geosciences from Union College.

“Inara has accumulated many hours working on this project that she is very passionate about,” said Columbia Science Teacher Heidi Gleason who coordinates the Science Research program. “Her being asked to present her work in such a venue is remarkable.”

March 23 was informative and highlighted the needed upgrades. It results in roughly a $25 increase in property taxes per year.

See the North Greenbush Fire District web page [ngfd. org] for more information.

I urge all to vote YES. Residents in town election districts 1,3,7 vote at the Wynantskill Fire Station and residents in election districts 2,4,5,6, and 8 vote at the DeFreestville Fire Station.

Mark your calendars and go vote on Tuesday.

Poestenkill “Bread of LIfe” Food Pantry

The Bread of Life food pantry is available for anyone who resides in and around Poestenkilll and are struggling to provide enough groceries for themselves and their family.

Open on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

We offer staple food items and some non-food necessities for households. We also offer diapers for families with babies and toddlers, diapers from size one to size six are available. Wipes are included with each package of diapers.

If you need more information about qualifications or have special need requirements, leave a message at (518) 283-6045.

This program operates only on the generous donations from our community of friends, organizations and faithful volunteers. We are most grateful for all of those who support us.

Grace UMC Pie Sale

Grace United Methodist Church, 42 Church Street (US Rt. 20) Nassau has scheduled their annual Pie Sale Fundraiser. Eight delightful varieties will be offered at the price of $16 each.

All pies will be available frozen with baking instructions included. Orders are being accepted now through April 9th, with pick-up available at the Church Saturday, April 29 from noon – 1 pm.

Please contact Nancy at (518) 766-2387 or Marcia (518) 766-4746 to place your order.

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We can all pay a little more a month in property taxes for a better facility.

Michael Myer

Card of Thanks

Thank you to all the first responders: 911, EMTs, Renss. Cty Sheriff’s Dept., & State Troopers for their kindness & assistance on 3/19/23 when we had our truck accident.

Nancy & Jay Mohr, & doggy

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Trout

CONTINUED FROM 1 event will be an opportunity for children under the age of 16 to learn to fish. Those 16 and over must have a valid NYS fishing license to participate.

No pre-registration required. This event is wheelchair accessible.

Grafton Lakes State Park is located off of Route 2,