The Fallsburg Central School District is excited to announce their Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees: Joseph Goldstein, James Minarsky, and Albert White.

After graduating as salutatorian from Fallsburg High School in 1961, Joseph Goldstein studied philosophy at Columbia University. Upon graduation, he joined the Peace Corps, teaching English in Bangkok, Thailand, where he first became interested in Buddhism. After completing his Peace Corps service, he spent most of the next seven years in India studying and practicing Buddhist meditation. In Bodh Gaya, India, Goldstein studied under the guidance of Anagarika Sri Munindra and S. N. Goenka, and later with renowned Burmese and Tibetan teachers. What began as a Peace Corps assignment became a lifelong journey of meditation and teaching.

In 1974, Goldstein returned to the United States to become one of the first instructors at the newly founded Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado, one of the first Buddhist-inspired universities in the United States. After teaching there and leading retreats throughout North America and Europe, Goldstein joined fellow teachers Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg in envisioning a retreat center dedicated to insight meditation. In 1976, they co-founded the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts, which has grown into an internationally recognized meditation retreat center. In 1989, Goldstein helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, and in 1993, the Forest Refuge, a center for long-term personal retreats.

Joseph Goldstein has become one of the most respected and influential teachers in the Insight Meditation community. He is widely credited with helping introduce insight meditation and mindfulness—rooted in the early teachings of the Buddha—to the West. He has written numerous internationally beloved books, many regarded as foundational introductions to meditation and the Buddha’s teachings. Colleagues and students alike hold him in high regard for his clarity, humility, and warm sense of humor.

James “Jim” Minarsky, a 1958 Fallsburg graduate, left behind a remarkable legacy as a dedicated servant to his community. Early in his adult life, he started working for the Fallsburg Gas Company as a propane mechanic alongside serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Fallsburg Fire Department. He later joined the Grahamsville Fire Department after nine years of service, where he was eventually elected to Chief.

Soon after serving his term as Chief, he was appointed Deputy Fire Coordinator for the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire. Some notable accomplishments include consolidating the county’s emergency services into one dispatch center, providing new radio systems and fresh gear for firemen, and ensuring that all Sullivan County Fire Departments submit their reports to the State.

His decades-long service earned him tremendous respect within the community and beyond. He was named honorary Chief of the Hurleyville and Fallsburg Fire Departments, became a lifelong member of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, and served on the Fireman of the Year committee.

He also led a highly fulfilling career at the Fallsburg Gas Company, earning the moniker of “Master Propane Mechanic”. People looked to him for his expertise on propane safety and propane-related fire emergencies.

James passed away on June 15, 2020. However, his impact on the community will endure for many years to come.

When it comes to Fallsburg sports figures, one name stands out among the rest: Albert White. His most notable accomplishment, as a member of the school’s track and field team, was being crowned New York State champion in the 100m in 1997, and the 200m in 1998. He was also a two-time State Runner-Up and eight-time Section IX champion in track and field. His school records in the 100m, 200m, and the high jump, remain unbroken.

In addition to competing in track and field, he was also a member of the school’s soccer and basketball teams. He helped lead his basketball team to the OCL Championship and earned a spot as one of fifteen players on the Times Herald-Record All-Star team.

After graduating in 1998, he attended the University of Rhode Island on a track and field scholarship. He competed in the 55m, 4x100, 4x400, and 200m races throughout his collegiate career. He was awarded Atlantic-10 All-Conference and All-New England honors.

After many years as a leader on the field, he is now a leader in his own community. He has worked for New Hope Community since 2005, serving as a Staffing Specialist. He has transformed the lives of countless residents of Sullivan County by providing stable employment and mentorship. He also continues to carry his passion for sports by volunteering to coach youth sports programs.

The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 27 at 6pm at the Fallsburg Junior-Senior High School cafeteria.