Neighborhood Environmental Coalition Cleans Up

I’m always excited when I hear about examples of community spirit and activism so I was thrilled to hear about the newest volunteer group in the Village of Scotia.

The Neighborhood Environmental Coalition formed in April of 2008. Their goals then are the same as they are now:

To bring awareness to the littering situation in Scotia, to lead by example by picking litter up twice a month, to encourage business as well as home owners to do their part in helping to keep Scotia clean, and to help the community in anyway we can.

To date they have over 19 volunteers (some from other towns!), and have picked up over 280 pounds of garbage off the streets and sidewalks. Evening "pick-ups" take 1 hour, twice a month and the difference is clear to see. They encourage children attend, as it is a casual affair. If volunteers can make it, then they make it. If they have something else going on, which almost everyone does at some point, that's totally ok. They gladly accept donations to cover costs for bags and gloves, and are always working on getting sponsors.

Those interested in being put on the N.E.C. email list, or those with questions can email Nathan at nathansglass@gmail.com, or call me at 312-2154.

Friends of the Flint House Massacre

I've always been pleased with the community spirit in the Village of Scotia. Like any community there are always times when residents butt head with local government and Scotia is no different.

Recently the local papers reported on the problems of the Friends of the Flint House volunteers. Even though the Flint House is village park property, the department of public works felt the volunteers should be responsible for removing yard waste and trash. When "Friends of the Flint House" president, Cindi Pytlovany delivered a neatly tied bag of the trash to DPW headquarters and the department head Thomas Cushing insisted Mayor Kastberg have her arrested for illegal dumping.   Mayor Kastberg met with the "Friends" and worked out an arrangement for the future while holding the arrest over the head of Ms Pytlovany.  While the dedicated volunteers thought the issue was settled “upon further consideration”, the mayor changed the terms of their agreement.  He explained it this way to the Daily Gazette …

“She tried to make a point. She took the bag of garbage that was in the can and brought it to DPW. She can be forceful and she can be dramatic. We took care of it,”

Over the last three years the Friends of the Flint House hosted numerous free programs for kids and adults. Working with the previous village mayor and trustees they obtained over $50,000 in grants and donations. The four acre property and house was donated to the village by Lillian Flint with the terms it be used historic and educational purposes treated as park land. Even with the help of many volunteers many village official still considered it as "that old house."

Other volunteer groups have voiced their concern over support from the mayor. At this time the status of the Friends of the Flint House is unknown but I hope you’ll enjoy this recent video created to tell the story of the Flint House Massacre.

Music and Lyrics by BillP, Vocals by Christopher Cook & Bill Pytlovany

YMCA 5k Race/Walk

Fist Annual Schenectady and Greater Glenville Family YMCA 5k Race/Walk- July 12, 2008 at 9am join the Schenectady and Greater Glenville YMCA families as we help celebrate Schenectady Canal Festival with our First Annual 5k Race/Walk. 

Run, jog or walk your way to the finish line; and bring the kids 10 and under to participate in a free fun run sponsored by MVP Health Plan!  100% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth Campaign, which furnishes financial assistance to those who cannot afford to pay program or membership fees. 

Call 399-8118 x3340 or log on to www.cdymca.org for more information.

In Loving Memory of Adam Pytlovany

www.AdamPytlovany.com

Adam Pytlovany, 25, of Scotia died Saturday July 5, 2008 at Ellis Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Born in Niskayuna, he was the son of John and Katherine (Bates) Pytlovany of Scotia. Adam is a graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School and also received a Welding Degree and Auto Body Degree from Albany Vocational School in Colonie. He was employed as a Groundskeeper for the NYS Thruway Authority in Albany and was a member of the Teamster Local #72 for the NYS Thruway Authority. In addition to his full time employment Adam saved for his familys' future by working at Visco’s Vley Road Pizza.

Adam was a man whose zest for life included his fierce loyalty to all his friends and his immense love of family. He was an adoring father to his daughter Ella, devoted fiancée to the love of his life Jen, and had an affectionate, playful presence in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He was known for his impartiality and unprejudiced views. Adam’s truest enjoyment came from riding on two wheels with the wind in his face.

Besides his parents, Adam is survived by his fiancée Jennifer L. Smith of Scotia, his daughter Ella Grace Pytlovany of Scotia, his Grandfather John Pytlovany of Scotia, his brother Chas Pytlovany and his companion Sara Gorman of Schenectady, three sisters Katherine Cavaliere (John) of Ft. Drum, NY, Karey Duxbury (James) of Ft. Drum, NY and Holly Aldinger and her companion Tom Gleaves of Northville, his loving nieces and nephews Alexis, Ashley, Dan, Dylan, Emily, Jeff, Jordan, Mackenzie, Michal, and Nickolas, an Uncle, Bill Pytlovany and three Aunts, Cindi Pytlovany, Cathy Bates, and Lynne Gilgore. Several cousins including Erica Pytlovany, Amy Pytlovany, Megan Gilgore, Jennifer Pavone, Chris Cook, RJ Steverson and Courtney Steverson. It's unfortunate that there wasn't enough space to include everyone else who Adam always consider his family.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday 11AM at the First Methodist Church 603 State Street Schenectady. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling Hours will be Tuesday evening 5-8PM at the Bond Funeral Home Broadway and Guilderland Avenue Schenectady. Internment will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Glenville. Contributions can be made in Adam’s memory to the Ella Grace Pytlovany Trust Fund c/o First National Bank of Scotia 201 Mohawk Avenue Scotia, NY 12302

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