I wanted to share some exciting news that started circulating around Facebook last week. In the 2015 Niche Survey for Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the Albany Metro Area, Menands ranked #2. With our year round youth programs, awesome school district and continuous community events this does not come as a surprise. This weekend alone there were fundraising efforts which not only help those in need but also serve as a great example to our youth in community involvement.

A spaghetti dinner was held in support of the REACH Youth Work Camp that was first introduced to Menands in 1997 by Bethany Church. Each year kids from Menands and their chaperones join others from around the country to repair the homes of people who are unable to do so themselves. This week long program teaches the kids how to do maintenance projects such as roofing, painting, sheet rocking, etc. and also the importance of giving back to the community.

Pay it Forward Together, is hosting a fundraiser for the Green family consisting of the sale of Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park gift cards. Dylan and Dennis Green lost their Dad a little over a year ago and recently also lost their Mom. Both attended Menands School and now attend Shaker High School. Their brother Anthony and his wife are building rooms in their house for Dylan and Dennis to keep the family together. The Menands and Shaker communities are helping with this effort. Sky Zone will be donating a portion of the ticket sales to the family. Schuyler Bakery in Watervliet is also participating with a portion of their sales going to the family the week of June 16th – 20th. For more information contact Carol Dartmetko @ 396-7570.

We are very fortunate to have not only the volunteers who organize these fundraising events but also the business community who supports them. Without them the success of these projects would not be possible.

Thank you to Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Sheriff Craig Apple for including Menands in their tour of rail locations with experts in the field of transportation of oil trains. The issue of crude oil tankers passing through our Village remains an area of concern and we will continue to work with our County, State and Federal officials to ensure the safety of our residents.

Happy 101st Birthday to Menands resident Mildred Howarth.
Until next time,
Mayor Meg