Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

The month of March has a busy off track schedule. Saturday, March 2nd. is the 3rd. annual Ivan Joslin Racing #49 pro-stock team, Hummingbird Hills Winery/ Bartlett’s chicken barbecue fundraiser.

Hours are 1:00 pm. until 4:00 pm. Raffles will be drawn starting at 3:30pm. Five free wine tastings are part of the fundraiser along with plenty of basket raffles and more.

 Elmo’s Speed and Supply will hold their annual chassis seminar on Saturday, March 9 at the Polish Community Center at 225 Washington Avenue Extension in Albany, N.Y. 12305. 9:00 am.-5:00 pm. Admission is $100. and ticket sales are only available online at eventbrite.com There will be a light breakfast and a lunch, along with door prizes. Presentations will be provided by Bicknell Racing Products, Fox Shocks, Dellos Motorsports, Henry's Exhaust, Hico Fabrication, and more.

 Saturday, March 9th. There will be an all you can eat spaghetti dinner benefit for Darcy Gray in the village of Schoharie at the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church at 314 Main Street. Dinner hours are 4:00 pm. until 7:30 pm. There will be raffles, a bake sale, and shirt sale all to help Darcy with her fight against cancer. Dinners are $15 for ages 10 years old and up. While under 10 are free. 

Pre-sale tickets are available at the New Your Way Cafe at 434 North Main Street, Schoharie.

 Staying with the Schoharie area., veteran driver Bob Vedder is very serious about looking to get together with a car owner to put a competitive team together for the DIRTcar 358 modified division to race at the Glen Ridge Motorsports Park. If anyone is interested in forming a team. Bob has a number of sponsors/ supporters that would like to hear from you and he can be reached at 518-231-0253. 

 The Lebanon Valley Speedway inaugural race car show at the Colonie Center Mall in Albany is Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10. 

With all of the effort put into the show, there is sure to be something for everyone.

 Saturday, March 9 & Sunday, March 10 are the dates for the Syracuse Motorsports Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds. Saturday hours are 10:00 am. until 8:00 pm. & Sunday 10:00 am. until 4:00 pm. Many speedways, sanctioning bodies will be on hand , along with plenty of race cars to view. Cost is $13 for adults, children 6-12 are $5 and under 6 are free. There is also a  $20 two day ticket available.

 The annual Fonda Speedway race car show will take place Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24 at the Via/ Port Mall in Rotterdam. 

Results from two weeks ago Friday night show Stewart Friesen in the NASCAR  Truck Series at the Daytona International Speedway. For the Fresh From Florida 250 Started 17th. On lap 6 of the 100 lap feature Stewart would be caught up in another driver’s miscue. Stewart would rebound quite nicely, even running in the top five for a while, even with significant damage to the left front fender of his Toyota.

Friesen miraculously avoided numerous accidents for the remainder of the race, Until the final lap when he would again be collected into another driver's blunder. Stewart was able to salvage a 14th. Place finish, with everything considered, it was not a bad night.

 Over at Volusia Speedway Park with weather a deciding factor. The SDS chose to make both Friday and Saturday’s features 40-laps in distance. 

$6,250 Matt Sheppard, Erick Rudolph, Mat Williamson Demetrios Drellos 6th. Marc Johnson 9th., Alex Yankowski 12th., Billy Decker 16th., C.G. Morey 18th., Peter Britten 19th., anf Jack Lehner 26th. Leader Larry Wight would bring on the red on lap 33 as he made heavy contact with the slower car of Brett Hearn. Wight would flip his number 99, fortunately no one was injured in the mishap.

 Persistent rain overnight and an unfavorable forecast for the rest of Saturday, caused DIRTcar to cancel the finale. Mat Williamson was crowned the SDS Florida champion Saturday, February 24 would find the NASCAR truck series at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for an afternoon event. Friesen would start in 16th. and finish 23rd.

 Mimi Lazzaro is now accepting lap sponsorship for theMay 4th.- Lou Lazzaro Memorial Race. Sponsorship starts at $20 and you can contact Mimi through facebook.

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Berner To Discuss Bluebirds

JEFFERSON — Kevin Berner will be the next speaker for the Jefferson Historical Society. His presentation will be about how you can attract bluebirds to your yard and how to monitor your nest boxes. Schoharie County had been known as the Bluebird Capital of New York State in the 1990s and early 2000s due to the high rate of bluebird production. Former Cobleskill High School agriculture and conservation teacher Ray Briggs was the most critical individual in getting the public involved in helping in the recovery of bluebird populations. He formed and was the first president of the Schoharie County Bluebird Society. That group documented nearly 2000 bluebirds successfully fledging from county nest boxes some years. What had been a rarity locally and throughout their range became a common sight in this area.

Berner was a professor in the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Science Department for 30 years before retiring in 2017. He conducted bluebird research for a quarter century often with the help of students. Many of them authored or coauthored research papers with him. His research efforts concentrated on identifying which nest box designs were most attractive to bluebirds while deterring use by invasive bird species. He served as the Research Chairman for both the North American Bluebird Society and New York State Bluebird Society.

Berner’s presentation will be in the Jefferson Historical Society’s Judd Hall at 163 Main Street, Jefferson. It will be at 3pm on Sunday March 10th. The Nicholas J. Juried Museum of Jefferson History will be open within Judd Hall starting at 2pm before the meeting as well as after the meeting. This meeting is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

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BOCES Career & Technical Education Open House Next Week

SCHOHARIE/ALBANY – The Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education Center will hold its next open house for the 2024-25 recruiting season next week at its Albany Campus.

Open to prospective students and their families/care givers, the event will take place on March 7, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on the Albany Campus, located at 925B Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany, N.Y., 12205.

Students interested in learning more about the following programs are encouraged to attend the open house: Automotive Collision Technology, Auto Trades Technology, Building Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology, Diesel Tech, Digital Media Design, Early Childhood Education, Electrical Trades, Entertainment Technology, Game Design & Implementation, Global Fashion, HVAC/R, Manufacturing and Machining Technology, Network Technology, Sterile Processing Tech, Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers and Welding & Metal Fabrication.

Students, faculty, and staff will be on hand at both open houses to discuss the programs, how the education prepares students for in-demand careers in a host of industries and the benefits of hands-on learning.

An open house was held earlier this year for students interested in programs on the Schoharie Campus.

To learn more about Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical Education programs, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/.

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Bike Ride To Raise Money for a Good Cause

By Liz Page

SCHOHARIE COUNTY– Floyd Manchester has ridden bicycles his whole life and he and his late wife, Valarie, spent a lot of time taking bike rides for enjoyment and exercise. Now, he asking others to join him to ride for a cause.

Team Valarie, in memory of his late wife, will do a bike ride to raise money for the Marathon for a Better Life in Scholarship County, something that was near and dear to Valerie's heart. 

"It's a family oriented event," said Floyd. "This is the first time doing the bike ride and this will be the first one."

The "Valley Ride for Valarie" will be held May 18th at the Timothy Murphy Pavilion in Middleburgh. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the ride going off at 9 a.m... Pre-registration is $20 and it is $25 on the day of the race. There will be three separate distances to choose from: 6.4 miles, 16 miles or 23.4 miles. Helmets are required and ebikes are allowed. All kids12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 

Manchester said he just always rode bikes. He started as a kid and never stopped. "My wife also kept riding." 

DJ Eric Haley will get things started during the registration on May 18 and to start  the ride  off. A live band, Crossfire, will be playing from 1-4 p,m. and  there will be snacks and drinks available in addition to vendors for lunch options.

As he was trying to think of an event to raise money in memory of his wife, who passed from cancer, he decided why not do something they both loved, bike riding. It is something the entire family can do together. 

Team Valerie was formed last January and they were able to raise $12,500 in just six months leading up to the Marathon, which is slated for June 8 at SUNYCobleskill.

He and Valerie used to log about 1,000 miles per year on their bikes in and around their East Worcester home. "We would ride to Cooperstown and bike around the lake. We traveled from Buffalo to Albany along the canal bike trails."

They became involved with the Cancer Society in 1996 when the Marathon began. "My wife used to help the two ladies who started the Marathon for a Better Life," said Manchester.

They hold a 24-hour walk at the SUNY Cobleskill campus,with someone from the team always on the track. Now the activities and events have grown. There is a pickleball tournament and other activities.

"It's always a good time at the college," said Manchester. "My wife was involved as a public health nurse for Schoharie County for 31 years. She didn't benefit from the Marathon, because we are from Otsego County. However, she believed strongly in its purpose, which to provide relief and support to Schoharie County residents battling cancer and encourages solidarity for those who are fighting, those who have fought and their family, friends and neighbors.”

Since it started in 1996, according to the website, the organization has helped more than 1,600 people of all ages who have been battling cancer by providing financial assistance to help with bills.

If you would like to participate in the Valley Ride for Valarie you may register by calling Floyd Manchester at 607-267-2932 or email fmanchester@stny.rr.com.

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M'burgh Village to Replace Sidewalks

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh residents on three streets will be getting new sidewalks later this year.

Village board are set to approve a Request for Proposal (RFP) at their March board meeting next week to get quotes on replacing three sections of residential sidewalks on Wells Avenue, Lower Grove Street, and Danforth Avenue near the Middleburgh Fire Department, according to Mayor Tim Knight.

Funding for this project will be coming from the Village's Streets Fund. "My hope is to keep costs in the $25,000-$30,000 range, but we will see what quotes come in after the project is put out for RFP." Mayor Knight said. 

"Our intention would be to have the sidewalk replacement work done this spring and summer, so that we can kickstart our long-term goal of replacing a significant number of dilapidated sidewalks in the village's residential neighborhoods over the next five to 10 years."

Village crews have been out marking the sidewalks to be replaced with orange paint.

"DPW Superintendent Cole Keyser and his crew did an excellent job of identifying what sections of our residential sidewalks were in most desperate need of replacing," Mayor Knight added. "Depending upon where quotes come in, we are hoping to replace somewhere from 325 feet to 870 feet of sidewalk this year in the village."

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Schoharie County Launches Senior Housing Needs Survey

Schoharie – The Schoharie County Housing Committee is proud to announce the launch of a survey to understand the unique housing needs of the senior population within Schoharie County. This effort is part of the greater Schoharie County Housing Study which aims to provide a detailed overview of the current housing inventory, forecast the growth of the population and the subsequent demand for housing, identify both market trends and unmet needs, and develop a strategic approach to address these challenges.

In order to gather insights directly from the community, a crucial part of this study is a survey specifically designed to capture the housing conditions and needs of seniors in Schoharie County. The findings from this survey will play a key role in shaping the future housing landscape to better serve our senior residents.

Survey Details:

Available Online: The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoharieSeniorSurvey

Paper Copies Available at:

Schoharie County Office for the Aging

Meg Parsons, Aging Services Supervisor 

113 Park Place, Suite 3

Schoharie, NY, 12157

Deadline for Responses: Please submit your responses by April 15th to ensure your feedback is included.

The Schoharie County Housing Committee encourages all seniors, family members, caregivers, and relevant organizations to take part in this important survey. Whether you are a current resident, considering moving to Schoharie County, or are involved in the senior care industry, your insights are invaluable to us.

By participating, you are contributing to a robust strategy aimed at addressing the current and future housing needs of our senior population, ensuring that Schoharie County remains a welcoming and supportive community for its elder residents.

For Further Information:

Please contact Shane Nickle for any inquiries related to the survey or the housing study. We thank you in advance for your participation and look forward to your contributions towards enhancing senior living conditions in Schoharie County.

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Local Retreat Center Celebrates one Year of Bringing the Community Together

The Awen Retreat Center in Jefferson, NY will celebrate its one year anniversary of offering donation-based community celebrations on March 24, 2024. 

“I’m so gratified that we’ve been able to bring the community together to celebrate these seasonal events for a year now and that with every new gathering, new people join our community. It truly is magical,” says Beth Mowry, the center’s founder. 

Druidry is a central theme at The Awen Center. Druidry is a non-dogmatic spiritual path that has as its roots a love of nature, creativity and knowledge. Druidry is a path that is open to everyone, regardless of religion and compliments many religious practices. It is a modern path with its roots in the ancient practices of the Celtic parts of the world. 

Every six weeks or so folks at The Awen Center to celebrate and mark The Wheel of the Year. These community celebrations involve a potluck meal, a Druid ritual celebrating the season and various crafts and activities fitting to the season. The next gathering is scheduled for March 24th at 1:00 to mark the spring equinox. 

Mary Van Valkenberg, Hobart, says: 

The Awen Center and its founder Beth Mowry are a luscious gift to our community. I couldn't be happier to have this new place nearby me devoted to peace, serenity and nature. The ceremonies honoring our earth draw the gentlest, kindest neighbors together in a spirit of mutual well-wishing and support, people of all ages and different backgrounds. I have attended a half dozen ceremonies by now including solstice, labyrinth and women's circles and have felt nourished by each one. While based in the nature traditions of Druidry and Celtic lore, the practice welcomes people of all loving belief systems without any kind of dogma. It's always fun and beautifully human. I can't wait for the forest walks this summer. 

In addition to the seasonal gatherings, The Awen Center offers Full Moon Labyrinth Walks at their onsite, community-built labyrinth. Mowry is also a certified Forest Therapy Guide and leads Forest Therapy Experiences onsite which are guided, meditative walks. 

This summer, The Awen Center is hosting its first weekend events: Midsummer Magic celebrating the Summer Solstice, a Forest Therapy Weekend, a Divination Weekend and an Introduction to Druidry Weekend. 

For more information about The Awen Center and its programs, visit www.TheAwenCenter.org.

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Public-Private-People Partnership Expert Talk March 12th

SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is pleased to announce an event for Schoharie County Main Street stakeholders: a charette and public talk led by esteemed architect and Village of Perry, NY Mayor, Rick Hauser, representing his Downtown Studio of In. Site: Architecture. Scheduled for March 12th to meet at 287 Main this half-day series is integral of SEEC's Placemaking: Curb Appeal Grant Program that promises to engage and inspire Schoharie County community leadership and investors. Attendees will enter a drawing to win five hours of free design consultation from the In. Site Downtown Studio.

In. Site: Architecture, the originator of the Main Street LLC concept, is renowned for its innovative design solutions and dedication to community enrichment. As Mayor and InSite principle, Hauser has led the Village of Perry efforts to secure the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) $10 million dollar award, coordinated hundreds of thousands from New York Main Street grant programs in addition to leveraged Historic Tax Credits to make small community and individual building projects viable. Hauser will guide Schoharie County participants through an interactive experience aimed at shaping future Main Street transformations. From 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, join SEEC for a walk-about charette where stakeholders, elected officials, and SEEC Associates will explore Schoharie County's unique historic districts, gathering insights crucial for informed design and decision-making.

The highlight of the day arrives at 7:00 pm, as In. Site: Architecture will present a compelling talk on the significance of “Public-Private-People Partnerships” in community development. Discover how placemaking can transform spaces into vibrant hubs that reflect shared values and aspirations. “I am pleased to return to Schoharie County to share my lessons learned over the last decade transforming Villages across New York State,” remarked Hauser. “The SEEC Curb Appeal Program is a unique offering, it’s uncommon to have a local not-for-profit willing to co-invest directly with property owners,” he added.

This talk will not only educate but also empower attendees, offering a platform for questions and discussions. At the end of the session, SEEC will select the winner to earn five hours of free consultation from In. Site Architecture to be used on things like:

· Virtual consultations with Curb Appeal Program applicants to guide scope of work

· Facade sketches to support a Curb Appeal Program application

· Community guidance on developing strategies and tactics that will attract public and private investment tailored to its unique community assets and challenges

"We invite all Main Street stakeholders to join us at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12th, at 287 Main" said Julie Pacatte, Executive Director at SEEC. "Together, we can listen, learn and lean-into the steps necessary to celebrate and create more desirable places to play, live and work for generations to come."

“Public-Private-People Partnerships” Community Talk by In. Site Architecture at 287 Main, March 12th at 7:00 PM.

For further information and to RSVP for the walk-about charette and public talk on March 12th, please contact: Trish Bergan, SEEC Program Administrator, admin@seecny.org, (518)-517-1700.

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ROOTED: At SEEC

SCHOHARIE – Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is excited to announce the launch of ROOTED, a series designed to highlight the tapestry of organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs that represents the fabric of Schoharie County's economy. The inaugural feature on Wayward Lane Brewing, the New York State Brewery of the Year 2023, was published January 29th followed by the release Monday, February 26th highlighting the work of the Schoharie River Center. ROOTED aims to engage, inspire, and weave the fabric of community through the power of storytelling.

Fermenting Wild Dreams in the Valley, SEEC's first feature, dove deep into the journey of the passionate individuals behind Wayward Lane Brewing, exploring the dreams and dedication behind their acclaimed success. As ROOTED sets out to illuminate the diverse array of local organizations, each story in the series will blend personal backgrounds, captivating anecdotes, and practical insights, offering readers a unique glimpse into the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Schoharie County. The second feature was inspired by a SEEC ENLIGHTEN Award winner and an afternoon exchange between John McKeeby and an at-risk, impressively knowledgeable, youth enjoying an afternoon Schoharie Creek swimming hole. Soon after, an after-school program was born and now engages more than 80 students in Middleburgh every day. Immersive Experiences in Middleburgh, The Genesis of the Schoharie River Center is now available online at SEEC’s website www.seecny.org.

ROOTED offers an opportunity for residents and business enthusiasts alike to engage with the narratives that shape these community gems, gain insights into the entrepreneurial journey, and discover the resources available that may support their own business aspirations. An explicit “Resource Bin” concludes each feature highlighting the human, physical, intellectual, industry, financial and digital resources tapped for success. The ROOTED series is available on SEEC's website, with a new story released on the last Monday of every month.

“We have so many wonderful stories to tell about Schoharie County,” remarked Erynne Ansel McCabe, SEEC Advisor. “Our hope is to grow this series into a quarterly publication and, perhaps, a colorful coffee table book one day!”.

For more information about the ROOTED series and to explore the stories of Schoharie County's business community, please visit our website at www.seecny.org.

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SCS Fun Night Set for Friday

SCHOHARIE - The Schoharie Central School Junior High Student Council is hosting its first event. The Junior High Student Council is hosting a Family Fun Night after school on Friday, March 1 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

For a $3 per-person entrance fee, you and your family members can play board games, islands in the gym, use the Gaming Room, watch a movie, do crafts, and more.

There will also be snacks, drinks and pizza to purchase. Family Fun Night will take place in both Elementary School Gyms and the Elementary Cafeteria.

Family Fun Night is open to all students and their families in Grades 6-8.

*A portion of the proceeds will go to Olive Maland.*

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SCS Makes Changes in Spring Coaches

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie school board members earlier this month approved several coaching changes and appointments for spring sports.

Board members:

* Accepted the resignation of Jody Marsh, as Varsity Girls Softball Volunteer.

* Appointed Jody Marsh, JV Softball coach at a stipend of $2,170.

* Named James Foland, Modified Softball coach at a stipend of $1,550.

* Appointed Keith Machabee, Modified Track coach at a stipend of $1,710.

* Appointed Marissa McCormack-Waters, Modified/JV/Varsity Softball, volunteer.

* Named Lawrence Zuefle, Varsity Baseball, volunteer.

* Tim Beninati, Varsity Baseball, volunteer.

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SCS Searching for Spanish Teacher

Will Use Distance Learning for the Rest of the School Year

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Schoharie Central School has been searching for a Spanish teacher for their seventh and eighth graders since the summer. Their search is not over, but after some long-term substitutes, the district has decided to go with a distance learning class for the rest of the year.

High school Principal Kevin Calacone spoke to school board members about the switch at the February 15 board meeting. The distance learning program was to begin on February 26 with a certified teacher. The school sent a letter home to parents informing them of the change.

Though they have had no luck finding a certified teacher, they will post the position again for the fall, Dr. Calacone said.

*   *   *

In other action, board members:

* Accepted the retirement resignation of Floyd E. Lamont, Jr., custodian, effective March 15.  

* Accepted the resignation of Megan Kruzinski, Senior Account Clerk Typist, effective retroactive to end of the day on February 12.

* Accepted the resignation of Gregory Medak, long-term Substitute, effective retroactive to end of the day on January 19.

* Approved an amended leave of absence request for Catherine Bikowicz, extending previously approved leave of absence until approximately May 16.

* Approved an amended leave of absence request for Ashley Hannan, extending previously approved leave of absence to now begin on February 12 and extend through approximately May 21.

* Appointed William Nichols, as a junior-senior High School Long-Term Substitute, Salary Step 1 $46,976, per STA Contract, effective February 26.

* Appointed Caleb Phelan, as a High School long-term Substitute, Salary Step 1 $46,976, per STA Contract, effective February 16.

* Named Melissa Gregory as a four-year probationary Teaching Assistant, Salary Step 6 $19,793 per STA Contract, effective January 30.

* Reassigned Brianna Conley from: probationary Full-Time Teacher Aide, Salary Step 2 $16,425 per SCEA Contract, 6 hours/day, to: probationary Office and Keyboard Worker, Step 4 $34,746 per SCEA Contract, 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, 12 months/year, 52-week probationary, according to School Calendar, effective February 16.

* Appointed Tashina Cummings, part-time Teacher Aide - Bus, Salary Step 10 $16.96/hour per SCEA Contract, 5 hours/day, additional time as needed, according to School Calendar, effective February 16.

*Appointed Heather Fretto, full-time Teacher Aide, Salary Step 1 $17,460 per SCEA Contract, 6 hours/day, additional time as needed, effective February 16.  

* Named Tara Leveski, as Elementary School Substitute caller, effective retroactive to January 29.

* Approved Mentor Changes, as follows: Marion Burghart, Change TO: Level II Mentor to Mitchell Barton, Stipend $590 according to current STA Contract.

* Added the following people to the SCS Substitute List, at current sub rates: Skyler Willard - Non-Certified, effective retroactive to February 7 and Kimberly Fortune - Non-Certified Without Degree, effective retroactive to February 14.

* Changed the following certification for Jacqueline Gerstenberger of the Capital Region BOCES Teacher Substitute Calling Service list, at current sub rate, from non-certified to Certified, effective retroactive to September 27, 2023.

* Added the following to the  Capital Region BOCES Teacher Substitute Calling Service List, at current sub rates, effective February 16: Brink, Paige, Non-Certified with degree.

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SCS Singers Attend HS Choral Festival

SCHOHARIE - Eleven SCS students were accepted and participated in this year’s Albany Pro Musica High School Choral Festival on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the University at Albany.

Students from all over the Capital Region applied for the chance to participate. The festival included workshops and rehearsals and culminated in an evening concert at the University at Albany.

This year’s guest conductor was Resident Conductor of the Radcliffe Choral Society and Director of the Holden Voice Program at Harvard University, Elizabeth (Liz) Eschen Cacciola. Dr. Eschen’s programming highlighted female living composers from historically marginalized populations.

In addition to their participation in the festival choir, six SCS students were also chosen to participate in the 24-person Festival Honor Choir. These students were able to work on a separate piece with Albany Pro Musica’s director, Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo.

Congratulations to the following students for their participation and performance: Braeden Beck*, Caroline Borst, Sean Harrington*, Lindsay Haverly, Teyah Mason*, Sophia Rehberg, Stella Rockwell, Ryan Snyder*, Sophia Styles*, Sophia Watson, and Ivy Wray*.  *Honor Choir Member

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SCS to Celebrate Solar Eclipse

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - For the first time in nearly 100 years, there will be a total eclipse of the sun visible in New York State on April 8, and Schoharie school officials are ready.

Though the area of total eclipse will be north and west of Schoharie County, district officials are considering a half-day for students on April 8, David Baroody, the Schoharie school business administrator, told school board members at their February board meeting.

"We are thinking about making April 8th (a Monday) a half-day so that students can watch the event with their respective families and/or be present with their (family members)," Mr. Baroody added, "as the solar eclipse raises a safety concern where students could potentially damage their eyes. The district will make a final decision regarding April 8th and a potential half-day for students when we return from our Winter break."

Of course, viewers should never look at a solar eclipse without special eyewear. Even though Schoharie County and the Capital District will not be in the path of the total eclipse, astronomers said the eclipse in Albany will be a deep partial (with magnitude 96.6 percent at its height.

School board member John Florussen noted that students will likely have better resources to protect their eyes with adults than when they are unsupervised.

The eclipse will begin around 2:10pm on April 8. The total eclipse will end around 3:20pm and the partial eclipse will end around 4:30pm.

Solar eclipses in New York, or even the United States, are not an every day occurrence. The last total solar eclipse in New York was in 1925. The next total solar eclipse in the United States will be 2045. The next total solar eclipses in New York will be in 2079 and 2144. 

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