SCHENECTADY – Congressman Paul Tonko joined representative from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to announce $45,800 in grants to assist organizations with telling the story of New York’s legendary canals through education, preservation, and tourism projects.

Nine organizations from Albany to Buffalo received funding, including three in the Capital Region: American Locomotive Company Heritage Museum, Capital Repertory Theatre, and New York State Bicycling Coalition. 

NISKAYUNA - Birchwood Elementary school is encouraging the surrounding community to vote today and everyday until December 19 to help win a grant to support the Birchwood Nature Park Project.

Text your vote (once every 24 hours) code 1780pbf to 95248 AND vote online here.

After you log in, enter Niskayuna, NY in the location search box to pull up and click on Birchwood's nomination.  

NISKAYUNA - There's a new trend sweeping the nation that enables people to be environmentally friendly in the after-life. It's called a natural burial or a “green” burial.

The first green burial site in the state is in Niskayuna at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. A dedication ceremony was held this morning.

Green burials use biodegradable caskets or shrouds. The grounds are managed without the use of pesticides.