In the 19th Century, her father learned to dance on logs rolling down a Nova Scotia river. Vera Brooks, who turns 100 on Oct. 4 has navigated her own life with equal finesse and good balance.

GUILDERLAND — Quiet and hardworking, Harold F. Truax was respected — in his work as a mechanic, by his family who loved him, and even in his hobby restoring Ford V-8s from the 1930s.

His work on cars was emblematic of his approach to life.

Many aids and monitors work part-time for the school district just to get health insurance for their families, according to a Guilderland negotiator. For their next contract, the unit's president says, they will push for health benefits after retirement.

Two citizens have devoted themselves to keeping Guilderland's water clean, seeing that toxins buried by the Army in town are contained. Others should join them in the work ahead, drafting a regional plan to protect the reservoir.

Opponents can't break the defense of the Guilderland girls' soccer team, which hasn't allowed a goal in seven games. Even an undefeated Shenendehowa squad couldn't score.   

Volleyball is the ultimate team sport, but sometimes a single player can shine in the spotlight.

The Guilderland football team is 4-0 for the first time since 2007, and with a steady balance of offense and defense, the Dutch are blazing a trail to the playoffs.

Many years ago, my father was in the Army and one remembrance that I had of his service was the amount of time he spent waiting in lines. When he was drafted, all of the men who were drafted at the same time shared in one equal complaint, they all had to line up and wait for almost everything.

The worship schedule at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 140 Maple Ave., in Altamont on Sunday, Oct. 6, with a special guest, is as follows:

— 8:30 a.m., informal worship with modern and ethnic hymns and a discussion format sermon;