EMPLOYMENT JOIN OUR TEAM

WEAREHIRING

•Teachersinall certi cationareas twelve miles east of Troy, New York. Please use the park’s main entrance on Grafton Lakes State Park Way for this event. There is no entrance fee for this event. Follow the signs to the Rabbit Run parking lot. For more information, please call the park at 518-279-1155.

Wewillbeinterviewing candidatesandarelookingto hireimmediatelyforthe 2023-2024schoolyear.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 79.5 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Mascots

the Board of Regents, district officials expect the state will send out answers to many common questions.

“Once these answers are provided, we will set up a community forum to respond to questions, create a stakeholder committee, and discuss a plan moving forward,” the district said.

Mohonasen

The committee was not asked to make a decision about Mohonasen’s school name — which is a combination of Mohawk, Onondaga and Seneca, in reference to three groups that lived in the area where the school district is now. The state Education Department has said it is focusing only on team names and mascots — not names of school districts or school buildings.

CONTINUED FROM 1

When informed of the committee’s decision Friday, they said they would not comment until they had been officially informed.

The Education Department’s advisory committee members said many school districts tried to argue that they had dropped images related to indigenous people and thus could keep the team name. One committee member called that an “evasion” and said all such claims were summarily rejected.

“They use caricatures of Native people and all of a sudden change it to a Viking or a Greek warrior. The historical background speaks for itself,” one member said. The man, an indigenous chief and a lawyer, asked not to be identified by name because he was worried about negative reactions from vehement sports fans.

“Don’t make us out to be targets. Some of these people are vociferous,” he said.

He was glad to help get rid of the team names and images, saying he had protested such names for decades. But the committee, made up of indigenous people, was essentially asked to take the blame for saying no to school districts. It left him feeling both empowered and a bit like a scapegoat, he said.

Still, he took the opportunity to explain why these names and images shouldn’t be used.

“The committee doesn’t like the word ‘Raider’ because it has a certain characterization” with criminal and murderous behavior, he said.

But the state advisory committee member said Mohonasen was not an example of a respectful name.

“Now you just cut off pieces of it, slice it up into a fictitious community and that’s supposed to honor things?” he said. “It’s even worse.”

Mohonasen school officials did not respond to a request for comment on that. They said they had not asked to keep their team name — warriors — or their mascot, which is an image of three images of indigenous people. Previously, Superintendent Shannon Shine defended that image.

“While we do not have a Native American mascot or any caricatured images of Native Americans, we do have our logo depicting three Native Americans from the three tribes that our name, Mohonasen, is made up of: Mohawk, Onondaga and Seneca, all members of the Iroquois Confederacy,” he said.

They will consider all options after the state issues the final decision, a spokesman said.

Are You Missing Out On an Opportunity of a Lifetime?

Two Years Ago the Rensselaer County Senior Center received a call from a representative of Columbia High School Job Coaching Program. Who Knew it was a call that would change our lives?

Date: Monday,April3rd,2023

Time: 4–7:30p.m.

Location: SchenectadyHighSchool 1445ThePlaza,Schenectady,12308 *ReporttotheFineArtsLobby*

TeacherRecruitmentDay ABOUTTHEJOBFAIR

•FreeAdmission

•Hiringteamwillbeon-site

•Immediateon-siteinterviewsforallpositions

•Lightrefreshments

ThisIs Nursing.

“The whole process of (indigenous) mascots is to denigrate the Native community, as if they do not exist except in these characterizations,” he said.

What school districts have done, he said, was to stereotype indigenous people, act like they were exterminated, and then suggest that using the stereotyped images and phrases would teach “the revering of an exterminated group.”

“Not going to happen,” he said grimly.

But discussing the matter with school officials has proved futile, he added.

“We did the logical thing and said, ‘This is inappropriate,’” he said of various mascots. “You can’t reason logically with the arguments that are being made. … You’re wading into a mudhole.”

So they simply rejected them, he said.

They are expecting some of the districts to go to court next, he added.

Fonda-Fultonville

The Fonda-Fultonville district in Montgomery County said Wednesday the committee notified it that its request to keep the “Braves” mascot name had been rejected.

“As a school community, we have followed the guidelines and procedures set forth by the New York State Education Department and have attempted to do everything possible to retain the name Braves. The district has asked if there is another path for approval and we have been informed that the Advisory Panel is the governing body that issues the final decision,” the district said in a statement.

After the final vote from

We hosted students once a week for approximately one hour with their Job Coach. These beautiful students came to the center eager to be here and eager to please. Their smiles and attitudes were infectious the work they did was greatly appreciated. One Day was not enough so we hosted another day. We look forward every Tuesday and Thursday to see our trainees who will be ready for the work field. We must say their job coaches are priceless. Thank you so much for choosing to be with us. You changed our lives.

Wednesday Lenten Meditations Planned

First United Presbyterian Church of Troy will open its sanctuary Wednesdays during Lent (March 1-April 29) for drop-in meditation and prayer. Lunchtime and evening meditation will be held at 11:30am - 1:30pm and 7-8pm.

Prayers stations including guided prayer mediation, sand labyrinth, art supplies, Taize music, and a special Kid Zone with intergenerational activities from Illustrated Ministries will be available. All are welcome. The church is located at 1917 Fifth Avenue in downtown Troy between Grand and Fulton Streets. For more information call 518-272-2771.

Do You Depend on Depends?

Are you an active senior with an active bladder! Do you always have the urge to go? On a strong water pill? Special underwear can be very costly. We have an assortment of sizes for men and women.

Call and ask for Gloria at The Rensselaer County Senior Center. We would like to help at no cost to you. Call the Rensselaer Senior Center (518) 463-2166 9am to 3pm Monday thru Friday. We are located on East and Herrick Streets.

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY POSITIONS AVAILABLE (ALBANY NY)

COMPENSATION: BASED ON NUMBER OF NEWSPAPERS DELIVERED - PART-TIME

Thisisyournextstep.

Whereveryournursingpathmaylead,weprovidetheresources andsupporttoguideandgrowyourcareer Ifyou’re a passionate, drivennurse,applytodaytojoinourMagnet®designatedteam.

To apply,visit: sphp.com/careers/nursing

If you are available during daytime hours Tuesday through Fridays to deliver newspapers, this is a great opportunity to work as an independent contractor and supplement your income. We currently have routes available in various parts of the Albany, NY Metropolitan area.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS MUST HAVE:

- ANDROID SMART PHONE

- VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE

- PROOF OF INSURANCE

- SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

- RELIABLE VEHICLE AND ACCESS TO A BACK-UP IF NEEDED

- MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER

YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE TO PICK-UP

THE NEWSPAPERS EVERY TUESDAY, AND COMPLETE ALL DELIVERIES BY FRIDAY AT 5PM

CONTRACTORS CAN SIGN UP FOR MORE THAN ONE ROUTE TO INCREASE PROFIT.

Sand Lake Town Library Events

Author/Illustrator Logan Kline Thursday, March 30 at 6pm presents his award winning picture book “Finding Fire” to teens and adults interested in the process of making a children’s picture book.

Sand Lake Spelling Bee – Adults, find a partner and get practicing for the Sand Lake Spelling Bee on March 31 at 7pm. Details are on the Friends page of our website: sandlaketownlibrary.org/friends/; winners progress to the Upper Hudson Library System Spell-Off on Sunday, April 30!

Reception and Open Sew with the Capital District Modern Quilt Guild, April 1, 10 – 2. See their amazing display of mini-quilt book covers on display through April 1. Also on display, art by Pat Carley whose reception will be April 22, 12 – 2pm.

Paper Quilt Piecing for Kids – April 1, 10 – 2. Use colored paper to see how quilters piece together a quilt.

LEGO Tuesdays, 3:30 – 6pm. Drop in, bring a friend, build! We have lots of LEGOs to design with.

Storytime, Wednesdays, at 11am. Stories, rhymes and a simple craft. April 5: Farm Animals!

Logan Kline presents “Finding Fire” storytime for kids on Saturday, April 15 at 11am. After reading “Finding Fire” and seeing examples of the original artwork, you can make self-illuminating torches to bring home. (Don’t worry, no actual fire will be used for this project!)

Located at 8428 Miller Hill Road, Averill Park. Hours: M-TH 11 – 8; F 11 – 4; Sat 10 – 2. Call 518-674-5050 with questions.

Events at Castleton Public Library, 4/2 - 4/8

CPL is located at 85 S. Main St., Castleton, NY. All events are free. Questions? Call 518-732-0879.

Events & Take-Home Kit:

Take & Make Craft: Earth Crafts - Pick up anytime from Monday, 4/3, through Saturday, 4/29 - Celebrate Earth Day by making the fun crafts and decorations in this kit!

After Dinner Book Club - Mon., 4/3, 7:00pm - Join us the first Monday of each month for a book discussion. This month’s title is The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. Books are available at the front desk.

Pajama Storytime - Tues., 4/4, 6:00pm - Feel free to wear your pajamas or bring a stuffed animal friend to

Events at Troy

Public Library

4/2 – 4/8

Troy Public Library (Main) is located at 100 2nd Street, Troy, NY. The Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27 114th Street, Troy, NY. All events are free and open to the public. Registration may be required and is designated with an “RR.” Call (518) 274-7071 with any questions or to register.

Chair Yoga – Mon, Apr 3, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (Lansingburgh) Join us every Monday for Chair Yoga, performed using a chair for balance and support. Focus will be on yogic breath work and relaxation. Please wear loose/ comfortable clothing and bring your yoga mat (because it gives participants more traction). RR

Lego Brick Builders –Mon., Apr 3, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Lansingburgh) Join us for some lightly structured Lego fun; build off a theme or get creative! Legos provided. For ages 5 and up. Children under 7 must have a caregiver present at all times.

Adult Book Group –Mon, Apr 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This month we are reading Fuzz: When Animals Break the Law by Mary Roach.

Adult Mystery Book Club – Tues, Apr 4, 5:306:30 p.m. (Lansingburgh)

This month we are reading and discussing The this evening storytime! For ages birth to 8 years.

Learn & Play Storytime - Thurs., 4/6, 10:30amChildren from birth to age 5 are invited to enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and movement while building their early literacy and motor skills!

Spring Crafts - Thurs., 4/6, 2:00 - 6:00pm - Get excited about warmer weather and growing plants with springthemed crafts! All ages welcome.

Bridge Club - Fri., 4/7, 10:30am - Come play bridge with us! Geared toward beginners and players who need a refresher.

Make a Paper Snail - Fri., 4/7, 11:00am - 2:00pm - Drop in to celebrate April showers as you create your own toy paper snail. All ages welcome.

Marble Fun Run - Sat., 4/8, 10:00am - 4:00pm - Design & build a unique maze for a marble to go through, then drop a marble in and watch it work!

East Greenbush Community Library

Wednesdays, 7-9p: Wednesday Night Book Chat (WNBC). What have you been reading lately? Share your recent reads and gather recommendations from librarians and other readers. Look for our post: https://www. facebook.com/eglibrary. No registration required.

4/2, 2p: Rocky Road to Atlanta: Meet Author Pauline Bartel. She’ll share surprising behind-the-scenes stories about the casting of Gone With the Wind’s principal roles. Pauline Bartel is a Gone With the Wind film expert and the author of Gone With the Wind: 1939 Day by Day (2022) and The Complete GONE WITH THE WIND Trivia Book. Register.

4/4, 6p: Greenbush Garden Club: Divinitea Tea Sampler. Join Linda Smith, Master Tea Blender, and owner of Divinitea for Tea! Sample and learn about organic teas, tea blends, and herbal tisanes from around the world. BYO teacup or vessel for sampling. Register.

4/6, 6:30p: Hiking With Dogs with Alan Via, author of “Doghiker.” Learn what a “Doghiker” looks like, learn about obtaining and training a dog, keeping them safe, tips about dog hiking gear, introducing a dog to hiking, and trail etiquette. Alan Via has owned, trained, and hiked with dogs since childhood. He is the author of “Doghiker” and The Catskill 67: A Hiker’s Guide to the Catskill 100 Highest Peaks Under 3500’. Register.

4/13, 6:30p: Holocaust Remembrance: What does a day of remembrance mean? How can we make it meaning- ful? Join us for an evening of learning and remembrance. Register.

4/15, 2p: April is Jazz Month! Join us for a Jazz concert with Old Time Dance Band! Register.

Open Mon/Fri 10-6p; Tue/Wed/Thu 10-8p; Sat 10-5p; Sun 1-5p; Closed 4/9 (Easter). Offer programs for adults, teens & kids. Register at https://events.eglibrary.org or call 518-477-7476. Located at 10 Community Way, E. Greenbush.

Finding Fire Teen and Adult Program by Local Author Logan S. Kline

Logan S. Kline, local author and illustrator of Finding Fire, is excited to present his award-winning picture book to teens and adults interested in the process of making a children’s picture book at the Sand Lake Town Library on March 30 at 6:00 PM.

As Logan presents the process of making Finding Fire, he will share his original illustrations, dummy books, publisher’s proofs, and more. Character design, the importance of page turn, and the challenges of the revision process will also be explored. Please contact the library at (518) 674-5050 or email Jill Rembetski at SLTLfriends@gmail.com with any questions. Sponsored by the SLTL Friends.

Rensselaer High School Hall of Fame

This year’s Rensselaer High School Hall of Fame Recipients are: Virginia Habinak Poole Cleary, 1969; Jay Foust, 1981; Tracy Foust, 1983; Nancy Hardt, 1977; Superintendent Joseph Kardash; Tessa Kent, 2002; Deborah Halacy, 1971; Gordon Noel, 1964; Joseph Polsinello, 1966; Joel Preston, 1986; John Preston, 1981; Deborah Reinmann, 1974; Gary Roberts, 1986; Richard Wark, Jr., 1979.

The nominees will be honored at this year’s banquet on April 29, 2023, at the Franklin Terrace on Campbell Avenue in Troy from 5 pm-9 pm. If you are interested in attending the banquet, dinner reservation forms can be found at the school, on the Alumni website at https:// rensselaernyalumni.org/ or on Facebook at Rensselaer Grade Schools and HS Alumni | Facebook.

Dinner reservations are due no later than April 10th. If you have any questions, please feel free to email alumniassociation@rcsd.k12.ny.us.

Searcher by Tana French. Silly Science Night –Tues, Apr 4, 6:00-7:00 p.m. (Main) Learn the science behind what makes each activity work, and bring home a fun DIY craft. For children ages 4-12.

Happily Ever After Book Club – Wed, Apr 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Main) This month we are reading The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune.

Storytime Learn and Play – Thur., Apr 6, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. (Main) & Fri., Apr 7, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. (Lansingburgh) We will share stories, songs, movements and more! For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

French Club – Thur., Apr 6, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Main). Drop-in for fun weekly French practice led by Ms. Ines of France. For middle & high school students. RR

Friday Knit & Crochet – Fri., Apr 7, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Main) Join the library for a bi-weekly stitching group, whether you have experience knitting or crocheting or want to start learning a new skill!

Earth Day Poster Contest

Rensselaer County Legislative Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman has announced their Annual Earth Day Poster Contest! Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, 2023 and the theme this year is “Invest in our Planet.”

Members of the Legislative Majority encourage students who live in Rensselaer County to participate in this fun activity while showing off their love for our planet. We will be accepting entries from students in grades K-6 until April 29t h.

One original art entry per student, not to exceed 22x30 inches. Posters can be mailed or dropped off to: Rensselaer County Environmental Management Council or Legislative Majority Office at: 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY 12061.

Schools in the county are welcome to coordinate drop off for their students. Please be sure to include the student’s name, address, school, grade and contact information on the back of the poster. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place in grades K-2 and 3-6.

This contest is one of the most popular events the Rensselaer County Legislative Majority sponsors, filling the walls with hundreds of unique posters. The legislature continues to bring to light issues of environmental significance and educating our youth about “Earth Day” is an opportunity for all of us to learn from our youngest and brightest. We want to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate and use their imagination to come up with the most unique posters. Good luck!

“Don’t Miss The Best Deal In Town”

Are you 60 years or older? Have you had the pleasure of dining at one of our Rensselaer County Senior Centers? If you have you know what a wonderful experience it is. If you haven’t you are really missing out!

Monday thru Friday you have an opportunity to dine at Senior Centers throughout the County. We have great menus available to you for the month and the suggested contribution for lunch is $3. A few samples of our menu are Veal Pattie W/ Marsala Gravy, Chicken Parm W/Pasta and Sauce, Sliced Turkey W/ Gravy, Sloppy Joes, Lemon Garlic Cod, and I can go on and on! Call the Center closest to you and make a reservation today. Dave and Joshua do a great job and the Center Directors are there to serve you - remember we work for you! To reserve a seat for a great time call the Rensselaer Senior Center 518-463-2166 or any of the other centers near you. Suggested Contribution is $3 per meal, guests under 60 must pay $5. No one is denied a meal due to the inability to contribute. That’s inability not lack of Desire. You are going to thank me for letting you know about our nutrition program, I Guarantee it! “Try it you’re going to like it!”. Gloria