Flag Day observance scheduled tonight

FORT PLAIN — In the long tradition of the Benevolent and Protected Order of Elks, Canajoharie-Fort Plain Lodge #2621 will be hosting the Mohawk Valley’s annual Flag Day celebration at Haslett Park in Fort Plain, June 14 at 7 p.m.

Participating in this year’s program will be the lodges officers from Canajoharie-Fort Plain, Ilion, Herkimer and Little Falls, local Boy Scout troops, veterans and civic organizations. A 21 gun salute will be provided by the Fort Plain VFW Memorial Squad, followed by TAPS played by Thomas Molinaro and Daniel Trzepacz, Boy Scout Troop 31 of Little Falls. Tom Quackenbush, supervisor for the town of Minden, will be the guest speaker.

The tradition of honoring the American flag has been ongoing for many years. The BPOE is the first and only fraternal organization to require formal observance of Flag Day and mandates each lodge to hold a public ceremony. Come join in the celebration of the American flag and its history with the Elks Lodges.

Free refreshments will be available at the Canajoharie-Fort Plain Lodge, Nelliston, following the ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Canajoharie-Fort Plain Lodge.

Rabies clinic in Canajoharie June 16

CANAJOHARIE — There will be one rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets held Saturday, June 16 at the Canajoharie Fire Department, Erie Boulevard from 9 to 11 a.m.

New York State Public Health Law requires that all dogs, cats and domestic ferrets  have initial vaccinations administered against rabies no later than four months of age and stay up to date with re-vaccinations. Re-vaccinations are required one year later and a booster shot every three years. It is important to have pets vaccinated in a timely manner in order for the pet to be considered protected against the virus. Pet owners should bring proof of their pet’s last rabies vaccination. This helps the veterinarian determine whether the pet will receive a one or three year vaccination; without it your pet will receive a one-year vaccination only.

To assure the safety of other pets and people, dogs must be leashed and cats and ferrets must be contained in a pet carrier or box when attending the rabies clinic.  

Vaccination is available free of charge to Montgomery County residents, but open to anyone. Donations will be accepted to help defray program costs.

For more information about rabies, contact Montgomery County Public Health at (518) 853-3531, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

O-ECS principal candidates available

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District is inviting the community to meet the two finalists for the building principal position at the district.

The candidates will be available to meet with the public from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, at the school district.

One candidate will meet with students, parents and the community for an hour, while the other candidate meets with teachers and staff. Then the two will switch for the second hour.

The finalists are Jeanine Kawryga and Brett Barr. Kawryga is currently the coordinator of special education at the Amsterdam City School District, and Barr is case manager for the Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth.

There were 16 applicants for the building principal position, and school administrators interviewed five of the candidates, before narrowing the field down to the two finalists.

Each candidate also will meet with the district Board of Education in executive session for separate interviews during a special board meeting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26.

Sign up for FP baseball camp

FORT PLAIN — Fort Plain Baseball Coach Craig Phillips will host his annual summer baseball and softball camp June 25 to June 29 in Fort Plain.

The camp, which will run each day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will have baseball and softball stations with an emphasis on throwing, catching and hitting.

There will be scrimmages every day to go along with the annual rag ball tournament.

To sign up for the camp, which will have instruction from current college players, former Division I players and the Hilltoppers’ current coaches and players, either contact Phillips at 993-2564 or download the application at hometeamsonline.com/ toppers.

Campers can save $10 by signing up before June 16.

Local students earn book award

CANAJOHARIE — The following local high school students were awarded the 2012 Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience: Michael Bowman, of Canajoharie, a student at Canajoharie Central School; and Hannah Wilday, of Sprakers, a student at Canajoharie Central School. The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement.

Students presented scholarship award

CANAJOHARIE — The Greg Conrad Memorial Scholarship Award was given during Athletic Awards night on June 4 at Canajoharie High School in the amount of $500 per recipient. The two students provided the award were Alex Yacobucci and Gabrielle Gomez.