“I listen,” says Diefendorf, who relates to students on all levels

VOORHEESVILLE — Mark Diefendorf followed an unconventional course, charted by circumstance, to a career in education.

Six vie for four seats

VOORHEESVILLE — Facing a year likely to bring a difficult budget process, four people are running for two seats on the board of education.

VOORHEESVILLE — Having challenged two incumbents in the last election, , 53, is making his second run for a seat on the school board because people want to see changes in the district, he said.

VOORHEESVILLE — , 36, is making her first run for the school board because this is a time for changes in the district.

She is campaigning with Cindy Monaghan.

VOORHEESVILLE — Making her first bid for a seat on the school board, sees this period as an opportunity to affect change.

She and Kristine Gravino are campaigning together for the two seats on the board.

Slingerlands baby has life-saving heart surgery

SLINGERLANDS — Kira Engel is undergoing high-risk heart surgery today, and her aunt has organized a benefit in East Berne to help her family cover the costs.