In Schenectady, the Schenectady Rotary has presented two Community Grants of $500 each. The first is for equipment for Schenectady-based activities for an Urban Ecology Environmental Study Team to engage youth from 13-19 in learning about their urban environment. The project is run in collaboration with Community Fathers, Schoharie River Center and Environmental Clearinghouse of Schenectady. The second grant is to help the Mont Pleasant Middle School 21st Century program to set up a community pantry at the school building. The students in the afterschool program will be managing and overseeing the pantry. Students plan to do can drives at school to stock the pantry. Schenectady Rotarians brought donations of non-perishable foods to help students with a starter inventory. Schenectady Rotary Community Grants are funded through activities like the Rotary Spring Plant Sale which will conducted in collaboration with the Horticultural Center at Schenectady ARC on Friday, May 6, from, 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale will take place at the ARC greenhouse at 2999 Hamburg St., Rotterdam.
In Colonie, a blood drive at Colonie Town Hall exceeded its anticipated goal by 250%, helping address a blood shortage crisis precipitated by the covid crisis. The blood drive was hosted by state Assemblyman Phil Steck in partnership with the American Red Cross and Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey. The blood drive collected 45 units of blood, one-third of them from first-time donors. The 45 units are enough to save up to 135 lives. To find a local blood drive near you and to donate, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/.
In South Glens Falls, students, family and community members are gearing up for the 45th annual South High Marathon Dance, which will be held Friday, May 13, at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury. The event, during which students raise pledges and dance for hours, will feature a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, merchandise for sale, a DJ, food truck, basketball game fundraiser, cornhole tournament, as well as other fund-raising activities. In its 44-year history, the Marathon Dance has raised more than $9.4 million for more than 591 beneficiaries. This year’s event will benefit 28 individuals and groups. The event will be broadcast live online at www.shmd.org. and on the SHMD Facebook page.
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High Notes is a Monday feature of The Gazette Opinion section spotlighting the good being done in our communities by individuals, organizations, schools and colleges, and businesses. If you know of anyone who should be celebrated, send your suggestions for High Notes to Editorial Page Editor Mark Mahoney at [email protected].
