Is foreign flagpole good for Old Glory?

by DIANE VALDEN

COPAKE—Where is that good old-fashioned American know-how when you need it?

Would you believe China?

This Land of Rural Charm is a patriotic place. American flags are flown at Town Hall daily and on national holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day, the town breaks out its special-occasion stash of about 75, 3-foot-by-5-foot American flags, which are flown from poles lining the main hamlet streets: Main and Church streets; Center Hill, Mountain View and Farm roads.

The row of Stars and Stripes inspires a sense of pride among many who see them flying unfettered, gracefully rippling on the breeze. Read more…

Program helps guide transition from jail to freedom

by JEANETTE WOLFBERG

HUDSON–Individuals leaving incarceration can get guidance from ReEntry Columbia, a non-profit agency that helps them and their families navigate through the wide variety of resources available, identify the ones most suited to their individual needs, obtain services and pursue opportunities. The group’s brochure defines it as “providing support and services for anyone impacted by the criminal justice system in Columbia County.”

ReEntry collaborates with several other service organizations and offices. “We’re careful not to duplicate what others do,” said Executive Director Laurie Scott in an interview June 5. “We do referrals. We raise issues.”

Program Director Carolyn Polikarpus says the program wants the people it serves to feel like “productive, connected members of the community. We want them to find skills or return to skills,” said. Read more…

Hudson eyes new approach to school discipline

by JEANETTE WOLFBERG

HUDSON–Restorative justice, the Power of Peace, the Children’s Book Fair and the Intermediate School Concert received attention at the Hudson City School District Board of Education meeting Monday, June 5.

The district is exploring restorative justice, an alternate approach to disciplining students, and Robert LaCasse, associate principal of Hudson Senior High School, and Ian MacCormack, associate principal of Hudson Junior High School, are to attend training for it at Skidmore College this summer.

An example of restorative justice might be to replace some suspensions with community service, suggested April Prestipino, coordinator of School Improvement for the district. Read more…

ICC school board fills top administrative posts

by EMILIA TEASDALE

KINDERHOOK–The Ichabod Crane Board of Education appointed Peg Warner the district’s director of education this week. With the appointment, Superintendent George Zini told the board, “That rounds out your administrative team.”

The Tuesday night, June 6, board meeting was Mr. Zini’s last in the district. He is leaving at the end of the month after four and half years in the position. The board appointed a new superintendent, Michael Vanyo, in March. In February, the board appointed current Primary School Principal Suzanne Guntlow to serve in the central office as principal for the APPR, a position that Mr. Zini said is like an assistant superintendent. She replaced Melissa Murray, who retired. And last month the board hired a new Primary School principal, Andrea Williams.

“I feel comfortable leaving with such a solid team,” Mr. Zini told the board. Read more…

County will pave paths alongside K’hook’s busiest town road

by EMILIA TEASDALE

VALATIE–Work to create paved shoulders for pedestrians along State Farm Road will start in July, according to county Superintendent of Highways Bernie Kelleher. He told the Kinderhook Town Board about the plan at the board’s regular meeting Monday, June 5.

Kinderhook town Highway Superintendent John Ruchel, who was also present, said that working with the county would save the town money. The whole project should cost about $80,000, according to Mr. Kelleher.

Mr. Ruchel said that about 4,000 cars drive on State Farm Road every day and 60 school buses use it. He said the road is the “busiest we have in town.” The paving, which will be 3-feet wide on either side of the street, will start at the intersection with county Route 28 and go to the state Route 9/9H traffic circle. Read more…