To the Editor:

Thanks to all who have already donated to the 2013 mowing expense at the Hannacroix Rural Cemetery. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

Although we received some donations, we still have a need for the 2013 season.

WESTERLO — The love of her dog, Chip, a whippet mix, has led Mimi Dygert to help unwanted whippets find good homes. She says she adored Chip’s looks, temperament, and athletic ability.

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy is taking his office on the road this summer.  He has scheduled office hours in several communities, including Knox, Berne, Coeymans, and Rensselaerville.

Often in rural areas, zoning enforcement depends on the squeaky wheel. A part-time building inspector is unlikely to be able to regularly survey the town to find violations. This puts a difficult burden on residents who have to speak up to get justice.

EAST BERNE — Jamie Lynn Kennedy wanted to be an earth-science teacher when she graduated from Hunter College in New York City in 2011. After following a winding path in education she has returned to her home on Main Street to open a day-care center.

KNOX — The petite Nicolina Barber had an enormously supportive role in her family, as a cook, a quilter, and a caretaker.

BERNE — Frances A. Ritter, a loving mother and grandmother, of Pine Park in Berne died on Wednesday, July 3, 2013. She was 71.

Her granddaughter was “the love of her life,” her family wrote in a tribute, and her son was “beloved.”

EAST BERNE — The East Berne Auto garage is now the East Berne Fire garage, and the future site of a new firehouse.

EAST BERNE — The melodious music and humorous life of Floy Willsey Behlmer began on a full family farm when she was a girl. Music, laughter, and hard work built strong bonds for her as a wife, sister, and secretary.

Mrs. Behlmer died in Chevy Chase, Md., on Wednesday, June 26, 2013.  She was 92.

KNOX — Vincent Virano, who lives in Albany and owns land on Singer Road, asked the town at its June 11 board meeting to issue a ticket for Gerald Hackstadt’s pool on an adjacent property. It is one of three zoning violations he claims the town has not properly addressed.