June’s students of the month named

FORT PLAIN — Junior/Senior High School Principal Deborah Larrabee has announced June students of the month for grades 7-12.  Students were nominated for this honor by teachers or other staff and selected by a vote of a committee of teachers.

Korey Wilder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Wilder. His activities Library Club and peer mentoring.

Kaitlin Trumbull, daughter Mr. and Mrs. Brian Trumbull. Her activities include varsity track and soccer.

Sophomore Sabrina Richtmyer, daughter of Mr. Robert Richtmyer and Mrs. Pamela Lewis. Her activities include chorus and bowling.

Freshman Lesly Hazzard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hazzard. Her activities include band, Bee the Change, and Junior National Honor Society.

Eighth-grader Kendra Trembley, daughter of Mr. Charles Trembley and Ms. Rebecca Trembley. Her activities include band, basketball, soccer, softball, Student Council and chorus.

Seventh-grader Jonathan Payack, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Payack. His activities include wrestling and band.

A plaque which contains a group photo of all students of the month will be hung in the school lobby at the end of the school year.

Potter awarded UMRTA scholarship

FORT PLAIN — Samantha Potter, of Fort Plain, has been awarded the 2012 scholarship presented by the Upper Montgomery Retired Teachers’ Association to a graduating senior entering the field of education.

Potter, a 2012 graduate of Fort Plain Central School, will be entering the State University of New York at Oneonta in the fall majoring in Early Childhood Education.

She is the daughter of Christine Potter, of Fort Plain.

Fort Plain to share Regents equipment

FORT PLAIN — The Fort Plain, Canajoharie, and St. Johnsville Central School Districts will save about 50 cents per student after agreeing to purchase Regents exam scanning equipment.

The New York State Board of Regents mandates that all student answer sheets be scanned, recorded, and maintained electronically.

The move is part of Fort Plain’s plan to examine all of its expenses and cut costs.

The three districts will equally share the total $1,000 cost of the equipment, which includes a scanner and software. Fort Plain will provide the computer.

Before the purchase, the exams were scanned at Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES. “This reduces the cost of transportation because someone had to travel to BOCES every day,” said Fort Plain Superintendent Douglas C. Burton.

“It’s another example of all three communities working together on something that is mandated (by the state) to reduce expenses and ease the tax burden.”

The three districts currently share food services, and Fort Plain manages all transportation services for St. Johnsville.

Schools administer Regents exams three times a year, and Fort Plain district leaders estimate that the cost of sending one exam to BOCES was about $2.10 per student, per exam. With the new equipment, costs will decrease to about $1.60 per exam.

 “If each student in grades 9-12 took just one Regents exam, we’d save $119.50 each time we scanned the exams ourselves. So, the equipment would pay for itself in about a year,” Burton said.

“The savings aren’t huge by any means, but we’re not just looking at the big expenses, but the smaller ones too.”

Brown recipient of Burger scholarship

PALATINE BRIDGE — Emily Noelle Brown, of Palatine Bridge, was recently selected as the recipient of a Frank and Helen Burger Scholarship in the amount of $500 from the New York Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS). She is the daughter of Shawn Deon, postmaster of Sprakers.

The scholarship selection committee was impressed with her particular achievements and based their decision on a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and involvement in music, sports and community activities. The selection committee looked for a well-rounded individual who plans to attend college or trade school in the fall.

This scholarship is awarded on a yearly basis to a child or grandchild of an active or retired NAPUS postmaster. The Frank and Helen Burger Scholarship is named after a postmaster and his spouse who generously gave their time and money to the NAPUS organization and set up the scholarship fund.

Conklin named to Siena dean’s list

LOUDONVILLE — Meghan Conklin, daughter of Donald and Yvonne Conklin, of Fort Plain, was named to the Dean’s List for the Spring semester at Siena College in Loudonville, where she is majoring in English.

She is a 2010 graduate of Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School.

Local students on St. Lawrence list

CANTON — The following students have been selected for inclusion on the Dean’s List for academic achievement during the spring semester at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. To be eligible for the Dean’s List at St. Lawrence University, a student must have completed at least four semester units and have an academic average of 3.6 (based on a perfect 4.0 scale) for the semester.

Taylor J. Macci, of Fort Plain; Macci, Class of 2014, graduated from Canajoharie Central School.

Kelly M. Prime, of Canajoharie; Prime, Class of 2012, graduated from Canajoharie Central School.

Payton L. Stahler, of Canajoharie; Stahler, Class of 2014, graduated from Canajoharie Central School.

150th anniversary recital June 29

CANAJOHARIE — On Friday, June 29, a 150th Anniversary Recital will be held at the former Sts. Peter and Paul Church, located at the corner of Cliff and Walnut streets.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. The family friendly music program celebrating the 150th anniversary of the former church building will feature the Valley Choralaires, Our Lady of Hope Choir, Carol Cechnicki (piano and organ), Norma Bowley (piano), Susan Crua (soprano), Leo Milman (violin), Upper Catskills String Quartet, Mark Hitrick (piano), the Sentimentalists, and Eric M. Stroud (organ).

Items for a time capsule are welcomed. Light refreshments and dessert will be served. A free-will offering to support Canajoharie arts will be accepted. For more information, visit www.upstatechapel.com.

Register for library summer programs

CANAJOHARIE — Dream Big with the Canajoharie Library. Summer reading registration for kids and teens starts on Thursday, June 21. The library’s kick-off party, featuring Silent Wings Birds of Prey Rescue, will be held on Tuesday, June 26 at 6 p.m.

Some of the free programs to forward to include: a Lego Build-a-Thon, drumming, Portable Sky Lab, magic, cooking class and more. New this year is a special prize program for the library’s youngest readers: babies and toddlers.

For children, baby through fifth grade, “Dream Big-READ” with tons of inventive library programs. Come check-out the selection of books, movies, music and the creative play section of the children’s library. Stop by the library to register and record time spent reading over the summer to win prizes.  

“Be a Star” at the library with their award winning Teen Summer Reading Program (just completed sixth-grade through age 18). Some of the great programs planned include: Paint Your Own Pottery, Iron Chef II, Yoga Classes, an Improv Night and more. Register at the library, and complete library related “Star Quests” and you could win cool prizes including gift cards, t-shirts, arts and craft supplies, a Barnes and Noble Nook and more.

Research has shown that children who continue to read during summer vacation perform better in the fall when school resumes. Summer reading programs make educational reading activities fun and appealing to young people.

Summer Reading is graciously sponsored by the Canajoharie-Palatine Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Aid Association, Library Services and Technology Act, Mohawk Valley Library System, and Stewart’s Shops.

Sign-up for summer reading programs starts June 19 and runs all summer long.

The Canajoharie Library is located at 2 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie. For additional information, including a full schedule of events, contact the library at (518) 673-2314 or visit the library online at www.canajoharielibrary.org.

Drug prevention part of 4th on 3rd

FORT PLAIN — The New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, in conjunction with the Fort Plain Community Action Council, will provide a drug prevention program and climbing wall for children in Fort Plain from noon to midnight July 3.

The five-member Soldier and Airman team will be offering a drug prevention pitch and Rockwall Challenge climbing session to approximately 1,000 people.

The Rockwall Challenge is a unique constructive learning opportunity for youth 8-17 years old. The kids will get a talk on setting goals and meeting life challenges, and will discuss healthy decision making. Students will then use the concepts while climbing the wall.

The event, 4th on the 3rd, will be held in Wiles Park.

Air Force Master Sgt. Marlene Frankovic will present and be available for interviews. Frankovic, a member of the Counterdrug Task Force since 1996, says she feels she makes a difference in the lives and decisions of students.

“I love being an advocate to the students and helping them to learn how to resist drugs even with peer pressure,” Frankovic says.

The New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force offers partnerships and support to community based organizations in the drug prevention effort. By offering the New York National Guard’s unique and specialized resources, the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force provides their civilian counterparts with the tools they need to fight the spread of drugs in New York.

The task force is composed of New York Army and Air National Guard members who provide specialized assistance to law enforcement. They also conduct drug prevention programs around the state.

Campione awarded degree from Elmira

ELMIRA — Elmira College held its 157th Commencement on Sunday, June 3, at the First Arena, in Elmira, New York.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Hilary Campione, of Saint Johnsville, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Summer rec program to begin June 28

FORT PLAIN — The Fort Plain Summer Youth Recreation Program will be held again this summer with a change in location. The registration and program will return to the Harry Hoag Elementary School. Registration or sign ups for the seven-week program will take place Monday, June 25; Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. each day in the Harry Hoag lobby.

The opening day of the program will be Thursday, June 28, with the morning session running from 9 a.m. until Noon and the afternoon session from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The program will not be in session on Tuesday, July 3 or Wednesday, July 4. Regular hours will resume Thursday, July 5 at 9 a.m.

Alumni finalize reunion plans

ST. JOHNSVILLE — The St. Johnsville Alumni Association held their Spring meeting recently to finalize plans for their annual reunion.

A get together will be held August 4 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Knights Inn in Little Falls. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. family style and will include pot roast and ham, potato, vegetable, salad, bread, dessert and beverages. Dinner music will be provided by John Mastromoro.

Classes to be honored this year are 1962-50 years and 1987-25 years. Anyone who attended St. Johnsville schools are welcome to join the group for dinner and memories of the past.

All monies received go directly to the scholarship fund.

The association presently awards three $500 scholarships to seniors who will be attending accredited two or four year colleges.

Raffles and baskets will also be offered to increase the fund.

The cost of the dinner will be $22.50.

Reservations can be mailed to Janet Shuster, 150 Crum Creek Rd., St. Johnsville, N.Y. 13452. Deadline is July 21. Please be sure to put your year of graduation on the check.

If you cannot attend, but wish to send a donation, you may send it to Janet Shuster also.

Celebration and  strawberries July 4

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Fort Klock Historic Restoration Museum will hold its Independence Day Celebration and Strawberry Festival July 4, 12 Noon to 4 p.m. The Declaration of Independence will be read at 1 p.m. followed by a Tryon Militia salute. Antique dealers will display and also provide preservation information for your heirlooms and antiques. Add to this the enjoyment of homemade cakes, ice cream, strawberries and strawberry shortcake and refreshments for a small fee. Listen to musicians fill the air with old time music.

Fort Klock, built in 1750 by Johannes Klock, is a New York State Revolutionary War Heritage Site.

It is a designated National Historic Landmark and one of the rich historic assents of Montgomery County located in the heart of the Mohawk Valley, two miles east of historic St. Johnsville on NYS Route 5.

Fort Klock is open Memorial Day to Columbus Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Sometimes problems arise with scheduled events. Call Fort Klock to confirm dates.

Recognition Night to be held June 21

ST. JOHNSVILLE — The 23rd annual Student Recognition Night will be held at St. Johnsville High School auditorium on Thursday, June 21 at 6 p.m. All underclassmen awards will be given out that night.

Students who are to receive an award will be contacted by phone or letter. Families are welcome to attend with their children.

Any questions may be directed to Marge Curtis at the high school, at (518) 568-2011.

Register for MRML workshop July 10

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Margaret Reaney Memorial Library, St. Johnsville, will host a “pinbroidery” workshop Tuesday, July 10 at 1 p.m. Pinbroidery is a prick and stitch method of paper embroidery which allows you to create unique greeting cards.  The workshop, appropriate for adults, will be taught by Sally-Jean Taylor and Mary Beth Dunbar. Materials will be provided. There is no charge for the program, however, for planning purposes registration is required and can be made by calling the library at (518) 568-7822.

SJCS looking to collaborate on pre-k

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Eligible organizations offering pre-kindergaten services within the St. Johnsville CSD should contact the DH Robbins Elementary School at (518) 568-7023 if you wish to collaborate with the district.

Summer concerts returning to marina

ST. JOHNSVILLE — The Village of St. Johnsville announces their band concert series for the 2012 summer season.

The concerts are free to the public and will be held every Monday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Johnsville Marina. Refreshments will be sold by local organizations.

These concerts are sponsored by the village and town of St. Johnsville and are funded in part by the Fulton-Montgomery Arts Grant part of the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by Saratoga Arts. T

he schedule is as follows: July 9, The Sun Mountain Fiddler; July 16, Cleenstreet; July 23, Travins n’ Tondreau; July 30, Second Time Around Band; Aug. 6, The Karg Brothers; Aug. 13, Linda Lee and the Fox Creek Band.

O-ECS yearbook honors teachers

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Oppenheim-Ephratah seniors recently dedicated their yearbook to English Teacher Sarah Stancato and Math Teacher Scott Miles.

The senior students voted on the dedication, and announced it to Stancato and Miles on June 7, yearbook advisor Anna Wing said.

“It was very special,” Wing said.

Miles said he used to teach middle school, so he had the seniors as seventh-graders and for all four years of high school.

“They’re pretty special,” Miles said. “You get to know them — at a small school like this — not only educationally but personally. They’re a great group of kids. I’m just honored they would think of me like that.”

Stancato also said she appreciated the gesture.

“Oh my goodness, it was such an honor,” she said. “It was very nice to be recognized by such great kids.”

Historical society receives charter

ST. JOHNSVILLE — The Oppenheim Historical Society is proud to announce that it has received its provisional charter from the Board of Regents of the New York State Education Department on January 10, 2012. The charter is for five years and will be renewed in 2017.

The Historical Society is planning for the seventh annual community wide garage sale on the weekend of August 4. They will be making a map of the locations of garage sales in the town of Oppenheim.

Anyone wishing to be placed on that map may call (518) 568-2468.