ALTAMONT — The bride’s veil fluttered in the evening breeze Friday as she stood outside St. John’s Church, its steeple piercing the blue sky. She stooped to talk to the flower girl, her two-year-old daughter, Madison.

GUILDERLAND — Although the congregation is small, the minister of the quiet church just on the edge of town wants to triple its size. This has one neighbor concerned, as his house is already only a few feet from the existing building.

GUILDERLAND — Democratic Councilwoman Patricia Slavick, who is running for re-election in November, says she has chosen politics over her career.

GUILDERLAND — In the town’s budget for next year, Jean Johnson’s job has been eliminated. Johnson founded the town’s art program for senior citizens and ran it since 1993.

GUILDERLAND — While Supervisor Kenneth Runion seemed firm at the first budget workshop that town employees’ salaries be raised no more than 3 percent, he changed his mind this week.

Domestic violence is not uncommon in Albany County, but help is available. At Equinox Inc., on Central Avenue in Albany, victims of abuse can find emotional support, legal advice, and a place to stay.

GUILDERLAND — Orders of protection are easy to get but hard to enforce.

GUILDERLAND — The planning board last Wednesday approved a controversial plan by the village of Altamont to allow a municipal water supply system on a site the village wants to purchase from Michael and Nancy Trumpler.

GUILDERLAND — The empty Price Chopper building on Western Avenue may soon have new occupants.

GUILDERLAND — The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina is being answered with a ground swell of fund-raisers and contributions.