EXHIBIT (a)(10)



Exhibit a(10)

For Immediate Release

                       Ambanc Extends Cohoes Tender Offer

AMSTERDAM,  N.Y.--(BUSINESS  WIRE)-September  6, 2000--Ambanc  Holding Co., Inc.
(NASDAQ:  AHCI)  ("Ambanc")  announced  today that it has  extended  its pending
tender offer to acquire Cohoes Bancorp,  Inc.,  until 12:00  midnight,  New York
time,  on  Friday,  October  6, 2000,  unless  the offer is  extended.  To date,
approximately  358,538  Cohoes  common  shares  have been  tendered  to  Ambanc.
Ambanc's  tender offer would have expired at 12:00  midnight,  New York time, on
September 6, 2000.

John  Lisicki,   Ambanc's   President  and  CEO  stated:  "We  urge  the  Cohoes
stockholders  to send a clear  message  to the  Cohoes  Board of  Directors.  By
tendering their shares to Ambanc, the Cohoes  stockholders can communicate their
desire for the Cohoes  Board to get serious  about  achieving a sale of Cohoes."
Mr.  Lisicki  reaffirmed   Ambanc's  desire  to  engage  in  good  faith  merger
negotiations with Cohoes.

Ambanc  has  filed  tender  offer  materials  with the SEC  which  set forth the
complete  details of Ambanc's  tender offer. WE URGE INVESTORS TO CAREFULLY READ
THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors
may  obtain  a free  copy of the  tender  offer  materials,  any  amendments  or
supplements to such documents,  and any other documents filed by Ambanc with the
SEC, at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.  These documents may also be obtained
for free from Ambanc by directing a written request to Ambanc Holding Co., Inc.,
11 Division Street,  Amsterdam,  New York 12010, Attention:  Secretary.  Each of
these  documents may also be obtained free of charge by overnight mail or direct
electronic  transmission by calling Ambanc's information agent, D.F. King & Co.,
Inc. toll-free at 1-800-487-4870.

CONTACT: Ambanc Holding Co., Inc.
John M. Lisicki, President & CEO
(518) 842-7200
jlisicki@mohawkcommunitybank.com