Regional

The Hunger Games have given way to “a game of finding folks looking for a vaccine, doing a lot of education, doing a lot of engagement.”

“Once you are fully vaccinated … you do not need to quarantine,” said Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen.

An agreement between two major freight carriers calls for Norfolk Southern to foot the bill to reconnect to the CSX line in Voorheesville, which crosses over Main Street. In addition, Norfolk Southern will be rehabilitating the 15.5 miles of rail once known as the Voorheesville Running Track, which starts in Schenectady County, passes through Altamont, and terminates in Voorheesville.

 On Wednesday night, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced, “Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents 12 to 15 years of age. That decision followed a thorough review of data and FDA’s expansion of the emergency use authorization for this vaccine earlier this week.” He authorized providers to expand eligibility immediately.

RENSSELAERVILLE — Can a Pacific Northwest silverfly save eastern hemlocks in New York State? The Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville is leading the way in finding out.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is holding its annual Lupine Fest from May 15 to June 5 online at http://www.AlbanyLupineFest.org and with limited activities throughout the 3,350-acre preserve.

The first of Albany County’s 17 congregate meal sites for seniors re-opened Monday as a pilot program in Watervliet. Other meal sites will open on May 17, June 1, and Sept. 1.

“The state has been sitting on almost a billion dollars since January,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, concluding, “I have landlords that call me all the time, text me, wonder where this money’s at.”

Albany County will work with organizations from dance studios to karate dojos. “You have it, we want to work with you,” said Karen Ziegler, director of the county’s Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center. Anyone who is interested may call her at 518-447-7100. Coaches, teachers, and parents will be trained on how to identify and prevent child abuse.

Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen said she has received word from the state’s health department on the “likelihood that in the next week the FDA will give the OK for the 12-to-15 age group.” Her department is preparing to vaccinate youth, communicating with local schools and pediatricians, urging the doctors to become certified vaccinators through the state’s Department of Health.