Patty Kebea said of son’s team going to the World Series, “They are so deserving and they have the best coaches in the entire world. They volunteer their time. They don’t get paid for this. And they put in the work with our kids and they love our kids, like they’re their own. So it’s amazing and we really are like a family, which is really cool.”

Camaraderie, said Coach Sean Davidson, is a major contributor to the team’s success. “We have solid defense, offensive power, and speed on the base paths ….,” he said. “On top of that, it’s amazing how well the kids all get along and all support each other. These kids really are friends in addition to teammates. It’s like a never-ending series of multi-night sleepovers once school gets out.”

In Albany County last year, according to data from the state’s health department, 871 ticks were collected from 12 sites, showing a population density of 41.69 percent.

The next step will be for Kenneth Kovalchik, the town’s planner, to draft a local law for the zoning changes on which the town board will vote at its next meeting.

One thing about his future of which Adam Hawrylchak is certain: “I’m definitely going to keep lifting.”

BETHLEHEM — The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation has recognized the town of Bethlehem as a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community, joining 20 other municipalities across the state that have achieved the certification.

Bethlehem earned the certification for its work on sustainability, including:

Jim Gardner’s first impulse on hearing his wife scream at the sight of a big black bear in their yard was to shoot it — with his camera.

 “This grant is a major win for our community, not just for preserving a piece of our past, but because it helped us reimagine the space for the future,” said McCoy.

Joanne Cunningham, who chairs the legislature and represents part of Bethlehem, introduced the bill in March after the town of Bethlehem was not immediately informed about contaminants in New Scotland wells on property close to Bethlehem’s Vly Creek Reservoir.

“The truth is — and I think we all know it — that when women are at the table of leadership, the conversation changes … policies find compassion and communities gain equity,” said Romero.