On May 27, 2026, the Fallsburg Central School District honored their Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, Joseph Goldstein, James Minarsky, and Albert White.

Following his 1961 graduation from Fallsburg High School and his subsequent philosophy studies at Columbia University, Joseph Goldstein took an interest in Buddhism while serving in the Peace Corps in Thailand. This initiated a lifelong dedication to mindfulness, leading him to spend seven years studying Buddhist meditation in India under esteemed teachers like Anagarika Sri Munindra and S. N. Goenka.

Upon returning to the United States in 1974, Goldstein became one of the first instructors at the Naropa Institute. He then co-founded the internationally renowned Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts, alongside fellow Naropa instructors, Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg. He later helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and the Forest Refuge. Today, Goldstein is widely revered as a pioneering and highly respected teacher who helped introduce insight meditation to the West through his foundational books, clarity, and humility.

James Minarsky, a 1958 graduate of Fallsburg High School, left a lasting legacy as a dedicated community member. Over his decades-long career, he transitioned from a volunteer firefighter in Fallsburg to Chief of the Grahamsville Fire Department, and was later appointed Deputy Fire Coordinator for the Sullivan County Bureau of Fire. In this leadership role, James spearheaded critical advancements, including consolidating county emergency services into a single dispatch center, upgrading radio systems and firefighter gear, and standardizing state reporting.

Additionally, he served as a highly respected propane mechanic at the Fallsburg Gas Company for several decades. He earned the moniker of “Master Propane Mechanic” as people looked to him for his expertise on propane safety and propane-related fire emergencies.

Albert White stands out as one of Fallsburg’s legendary sports figures. During his high school career, he was crowned New York State champion in the 100m in 1997 and the 200m in 1998, alongside earning two State Runner-Up titles and eight Section IX championships. He continues to hold school records in the 100m, 200m, and high jump.

White also led Fallsburg's basketball team to an OCL Championship and earned All-Star honors. Upon graduating from Fallsburg in 1998, he attended the University of Rhode Island on a track and field scholarship, where he achieved Atlantic-10 All-Conference and All-New England distinctions.

Following his athletic career, White transitioned into a community leader, working as a Staffing Specialist for New Hope Community since 2005 to provide employment and mentorship in Sullivan County, while continuing to coach youth sports.

The Fallsburg Central School District wishes to congratulate their Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees!

Joseph Goldstein

Eileen Minarsky (James Minarsky’s Wife)

Albert White