Charles J. Donato Sr., raised on a Slingerlands farm by Italian immigrants, knew the value of hard work — and of generosity.

“He was an easy-going guy, very mellow — and hardworking,” said his daughter, Bernadine Donato. “He was always helping other people.”

A long discussion of what has always been done versus what actually has to be done consumed a large part of the Dec. 13 New Scotland Town Board Meeting. Members also said goodbye to Councilmember Laura Ten Eyck.

At its Dec. 13 meeting, the New Scotland Town Board dealt with a long-running issue.

Under a program from National Grid, the villages of Altamont and Voorheesville as well as the town of New Scotland could see significant savings for street lighting.

Bob Burns, a friend of Robert Baron who resigned as Voorheesville girls’ varsity basketball coach, came to the December school board meeting to defend the coach’s legacy.

The Voorheesville School Board was presented with an updated capital-project plan at its December meeting. The project is estimated to cost about $8 million.