School Budget Vote and Board Election - May 21

The East Greenbush CSD has proposed a school budget for 2024-25 that maintains all programs and services with a 0.55% tax levy increase, which is within the NYS Property Tax Cap. Residents will also vote on a $116 million capital project that would improve school facilities and grounds across the district with no impact to local taxpayers, the replacement of eight school buses, which if approved by voters, will be fully paid for by the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund, and elect three individuals to the Board of Education.

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Students Create Murals in Hampton Manor Lake Park

Nov 17, 2023 | Columbia, District, Red Mill

Clover Rodgers '25, Lyla Maguffin '27, and Aries Raphael '24 with Dr. Lisa D'Adamo-Weinstein in front of a mural they created in Hampton Manor Lake Park.

Clover Rodgers ’25, Lyla Maguffin ’27, and Aries Raphael ’24 with Dr. Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein in front of a mural they created in Hampton Manor Lake Park.

Three Columbia High School students – Clover Rodgers ’25, Lyla Maguffin ’27, and Aries Raphael ’24 – teamed up with Dr. Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein, a faculty member at Empire State University, to create two murals in Hampton Manor Lake Park as part of a community art project.

Partnering with the Town of East Greenbush and funded by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Arts Center of the Capital Region, this initiative provided valuable artistic experiences for community members; allowed for youth-driven creativity; and demonstrated the extraordinary power of the arts in bringing people of all ages together.

The Arts in the Parks grant unfolded in three phases.

  • Phase 1: Dr. D’Adamo-Weinstein initiated the project by offering free art classes in July and August at the Hampton Manor Lake Beach House, attracting a remarkable turnout of 118 community members eager to explore their artistic potential through plein air painting, phone-photography, collage, and family arts and crafts projects.
  • Phase 2: In September, Dr. D’Adamo-Weinstein curated a one-day arts show held in conjunction with the Town of East Greenbush Community Day at the East Greenbush Town Park. The exhibition showcased the talents of 25 local artists selected from 109 submissions. Artists ranged in age from 10 to 70+ in the categories of painting/drawing and photography/digital art. In their age group and category of painting/drawing, Maguffin and Rodgers were artists featured in the show earning first and third place, respectively. Maguffin’s piece, “Last Good-byes,” also earned the community favorite distinction.
  • Phase 3: The grand finale of the grant involved the creation and completion of two murals in Hampton Manor Lake Park. Completed in a little more than 50 hours over three weekends in late October and early November, the murals have already served as a catalyst for community conversation, engagement, and beautification of a town park.
Clover Rodgers '25, Lyla Maguffin '27, Aries Raphael '24 and Dr. Lisa D'Adamo-Weinstein recognized at a Town of East Greenbush meeting.

Clover Rodgers ’25, Lyla Maguffin ’27, Aries Raphael ’24 and Dr. Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein recognized at a Town of East Greenbush meeting.

In recognition of their efforts, the students and Dr. D’Adamo-Weinstein were honored with a proclamation from the Town of East Greenbush at its public meeting on Wednesday evening.

“Truly, this project exemplifies the incredible potential of our youth to make a meaningful impact on our community,” said Dr. D’Adamo-Weinstein. “These students have not only demonstrated exceptional artistic talent but also a deep sense of civic responsibility. Moreover, it will provide a platform for future generations of artists to continue contributing to the town’s cultural landscape.”

Town mural“Community Mural”
Transcends its role as mere decoration. It intricately weaves together New York State symbols with the colorful handprints of over 80 community members, creating a living tapestry of shared expression. It’s whimsical and colorful creation was designed by Rodgers and Maguffin under D’Adamo-Weinstein’s guidance. They were joined by Raphael, as the main artists of the mural, infusing their creativity into the vibrant artwork. Lisa O’Brien, supervisor of the Town of East Greenbush Community and Recreation Department, and clerk Donna Millet also supported the painting of the mural and played crucial roles in bringing the project to fruition. The Community Mural serves as a collaborative canvas, where individuals of all ages united to leave their mark in the form of flowers and butterflies.

Town mural 2“CommUNITY Spirit Mural”
Conceptualized by Meaghan Hart, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works. Executed by Maguffin, Rodgers, and D’Adamo-Weinstein on the utility building in Hampton Manor Lake Park, this mural embodies the unity of East Greenbush. Representing local schools, the town logo, and elements of music and arts programs, the mural’s butterfly wings outline signifies community pride and provides a photo opportunity for those who visit the park. Hart’s design emphasized the ideal that UNITY comes through pride and engagement in our communities.

For more information about the project and to explore the murals, please visit Arts in the Parks: An East Greenbush Community Arts Experience.