New York State’s guidance, just like the CDC guidance, is still requiring masks and social distancing in schools serving pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students; on public transit, in homeless shelters, in correctional facilities, in nursing homes, and in health-care settings. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance, must wear masks in all public settings.

The Hunger Games have given way to “a game of finding folks looking for a vaccine, doing a lot of education, doing a lot of engagement.”

“Once you are fully vaccinated … you do not need to quarantine,” said Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen.

An agreement between two major freight carriers calls for Norfolk Southern to foot the bill to reconnect to the CSX line in Voorheesville, which crosses over Main Street. In addition, Norfolk Southern will be rehabilitating the 15.5 miles of rail once known as the Voorheesville Running Track, which starts in Schenectady County, passes through Altamont, and terminates in Voorheesville.

 On Wednesday night, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced, “Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years of age. That decision followed a thorough review of data and FDA’s expansion of the emergency use authorization for this vaccine earlier this week.” He authorized providers to expand eligibility immediately.

I, William E. Loetterle IV, am in a very unique situation to be writing my own obituary. I’m wondering how I will be remembered and in my case, I get to know.

RENSSELAERVILLE — Can a Pacific Northwest silverfly save eastern hemlocks in New York State? The Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville is leading the way in finding out.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is holding its annual Lupine Fest from May 15 to June 5 online at http://www.AlbanyLupineFest.org and with limited activities throughout the 3,350-acre preserve.

The first of Albany County’s 17 congregate meal sites for seniors re-opened Monday as a pilot program in Watervliet. Other meal sites will open on May 17, June 1, and Sept. 1.