Sunday April 28, 2024 
Satellite DMV Summer Schedule
Rensselaer County Satellite DMVs will operate on a normal schedule this summer with the following exceptions, County Clerk Frank J. Merola announced.
The East Greenbush Satellite DMV will be closed on Monday, July 1st, and August 5, 2019. The Hoosick Falls DMV will be closed Wednesday, July 3rd and August 7th, 2019.
Rensselaer County Clerk Frank J. Merola encourages all residents with questions about this or any other County Clerk/DMV related issue to contact him at (518) 270-4080.
Poestenkill Youth Summer Camp
Poestenkill Summer Camp will be held July 8th-August 2nd at Poestenkill Elementary School from 9am-4pm. Each week will be filled with field trips to a variety of locations around the Capital Region including Grafton, Billy Beez, Fun Plex, Liberty Ridge Farm, Valley Cats, Zoom Flume, etc., art projects, STEM challenges, physical activities, water activities and visitors to camp. Swim lessons will be offered at Grafton. Registration information can be found at www.bit.ly/PoestenkillYouth
Contact Town Office at 518-283-5100 with any questions. Submitted by: Tiffany Buker, Camp Director, Town of Poestenkill
Sand Lake Forum on Public Water
Please join us on July 9th for a Community Forum on Public Water, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Courtroom. Ben Syden, Vice President at Laberge Group, will speak to us about federal/state/local requirements and opportunities regarding public water in New York State. The Sand Lake Town Board wants to know your opinion! Are you for or against public water? Where do we need public water in the Town? You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share your opinion with the Town Board. This meeting will be steamed online and televised on Cable Channel 1303.
Nancy Perry
Supervisor
Stephentown Heritage Center increases visiting hours
The Stephentown Historical Society has announced that the Stephentown Heritage Center will welcome visitors on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., beginning on July 6, in addition to the regular weekly Friday hours of 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. These weekend open hours will allow more Stephentown residents and visitors the opportunity to explore what the society offers in genealogy research and local history. The other Saturdays are August 3, September 7, October 5 and November 2. The center is closed during the month of December. The Heritage Center is the former Stephentown Methodist Church at 4 Staples Road at the corner of Garfield Road. It is free and handicapped accessible.
Celebrate Stephentown 2019 Is Coming August 16-18
Greetings from Celebrate Stephentown HQ:
Three months from today we’ll be kicking off Celebrate Stephentown 2019, the third annual edition of our town-wide, grassroots festival here in Stephentown, New York.
More than two dozen events are already in the works with our farms, businesses, churches and service organizations all working together to present three special days of family-friendly fun.
We’ll announce more schedule details in June, but in the meantime, please mark the third weekend in August on your calendar and keep your eyes open for future updates.
A great way to find out more about what we do and why is on social media, where we’d be glad to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks so much for your interest and support; and we can’t wait to show you all the things we love about living here in “the only Stephentown on Earth.”
~Scott Menhinick
Founder & Co-Organizer
Celebrate Stephentown, LLC
scott@nullcelebratestephentown.com
Learn more at:
https://celebratestephentown.com
Town of Schodack
Schodack residents please note that in conjunction with the Town of East Greenbush and City of Rensselaer, the Town of Schodack is sponsoring a FREE Shredding event on Saturday July 20, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Schodack Town Hall parking lot. All residents from The Town of Schodack, Town of East Greenbush and the City of Rensselaer are welcome. Documents will be shredded in a secured mobile truck. There is a limit of 3 boxes per customer (cubic foot size). Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and rid yourself of those outdated checks, bank statements, and other personal information.
Applications for Free and Reduced-Price Meals Available
Wynantskill UFSD would like to inform our community that information and applications for the Free and Reduced- Price Lunch Program are available on the district website, www.wynantskillufsd.org, or by calling Food Services Director Lori Audi at 518-283-4600 ext. 22.
The National School Lunch Program is a completely confidential program that has helped ensure children have access to nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches since 1946.
Chairman of Legislature honors James “Jay” Corcoran
“Chairman of the Legislature Mike Stammel honored Rensselaer resident James “Jay” Corcoran for his outstanding commitment to the Rensselaer Fire Department. Jay also had a distinguished 30+ year career with the NYS Office of Fire Prevention as a Fire Instructor. Like Mike, Jay serves as a volunteer member of the Rensselaer Fire Department. Jay was named Acting Chief 7 times during his 34-year career in Rensselaer and is highly regarded throughout NYS as a professional fire prevention trainer.”
Share the gift of camp!
Our Hope 7 Traveling Summer Camp brings 60 children daily, ages 5-13, to our beautiful state parks for physical activity, swimming, arts & crafts, social skill building, emotional learning, and good, old-fashioned summer fun. Our programs are designed to build children up – mind, body, and spirit. A nourishing lunch and snack are provided at no charge to fuel them for the adventures of the day.
The need for quality childcare for the long summer hours is so vital, but the cost is difficult for parents to bear. In light of this, Hope 7 has maintained low family rates despite rising program costs to ensure a quality program is available to those who need it, but the need is far greater than we can handle alone. We need your help!
Our sponsorship program is designed to cover part or all of the cost of camp. The cost per week for one child is $170. Last year, 40 children were able to attend camp with the help of sponsors like you!
If you would like to sponsor a child for camp who is in need of financial assistance, please contact Samantha Adkisson at hope7.samantha@nullgmail.com or 518-272-8029 or send a check to Hope 7 at 596 Pawling Ave, Troy.
Sand Lake FYI
Happy Summer to my fellow Sand Lakers!
Please join us on July 9th for a Community Forum on Public Water in the Town Hall Courtroom, starting at 6:30 p.m. We will have a representative from LaBerge Consultants speak to us about the steps the Town needs to take to begin the process of developing and constructing public water. This meeting is important because we want to hear what you think. Are you for or against public water? Where do we need public water the most in our town? After learning more on July 9th, I will be looking to set up a committee of interested residents to plan our way forward. The meeting will be televised and streamed online for your convenience.
At our June 12th meeting, the Town Board approved safety enhancements to our town hall. Violence in workplaces across the United States has risen, but it has especially increased in local governments. The recent Virginia Beach tragedy has driven home the point that we are responsible for protecting our employees and residents. We will be re-designing the court entrance so that only court-related business will be taking place at that location. The doors will be inaccessible beyond the court entrance so that no one will be able to enter the rest of town hall except from the doors near the Clerk’s office.
We are making significant progress on several construction projects in the Town. The Town Board authorized the hiring of a Project Manager for the design and construction of the Stop 13 Bridge. We also approved actions allowing us to proceed on the Sand Lake Sidewalk project. I am excited we are moving ahead with these projects.
Due to the hard work of Dee Erickson and Keith Hammond, we are making progress in community beautification. Dee and Keith recently constructed flower boxes here at Town Hall. They are lovely and a joy to look at. They let people know that we have pride in our community.
Please contact me at Town Hall if you have any questions or concerns.
~Nancy Perry
Town of Sand Lake Supervisor
The Burden Lake Conservation Association events
The Burden Lake Conservation Association (formerly the Burden Lake Improvement Association) is a not-for-profit organization committed to making a positive impact on keeping Burden Lake crystal clear and preserving it for future generations. Please join us for some of our many community and educational events. Open to the public. Our clubhouse is located on the 3rd Burden Lake, 4 Brook Spring Avenue, Averill Park, NY 12018. More information is available on our web site – theblca.org or on facebook.
The following are our BLCA events for 2019:
June 30 – Pancake Breakfast at BLCA Clubhouse – Dennis Ryan & Rick Kopcho 8:00 – 11:00 AM – $8.00 per person
July 9 – Annual General Meeting at BLCA Clubhouse – President Rich Amadon – 7:00 PM, Everyone Invited
July 11 – Red Sauce Night at BLCA Clubhouse – Steve Quillinan & Cindy Nadel – 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Pasta Dinner with meatballs (extra meatballs for early reservation!) Includes glass of red wine/lemonade – $10 per person.
July 19 – History Night at BLCA Clubhouse – Connor Kopcho – Doors open at 7:00 PM – Learn about the history of Burden Lake – Bring old photos and stories to share – snacks provided
July 25 – David Chinery from Cornell Cooperative Extension – seminar at BLCA Clubhouse – “Growing a Great Lawn with Lakes in Mind” – 7:00 PM
July 27 – Night at the Races at BLCA Clubhouse – Mark & Babe Scully – Post time 6:00 PM – You don’t have to go to Saratoga to bet the horses! Grab your friends for a fun night of racing. Snacks provided. Proceeds to benefit the BLCA and St. Jude’s.
August 2 – “Burden Lake Takeover of June Farms” at June Farms in West Sand Lake, Matt Baumgartner – 5:00 PM, Admission $5.00 – June Farms bar and food available – MYSTERY GUEST BARTENDERS
August 9 – Comedy Night – “The Not Too Far from Home Comedy Tour” at BLCA Clubhouse – Janice Tighe – 8:00 PM – $15.00 per person advance, $20 per person door (518)477-8152
August 23 – Kids Lip Sync/Ice Cream Social at BLCA Clubhouse – Lori Dunigan & Cherisse Young – Join us at 5:00 PM for ice cream and games, stay for Kids Lip Sync Acts start at 6:30 PM – Admission $6.00
August 31- Adult Lip Sync at BLCA Clubhouse – doors open at 8:00 PM – Bo Weidman – $20 per person at the door (no pay pal).
Tickets can be purchased by going to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBLCA/ and going to ‘Events’.
Attention Dog Owners in the Town of Schodack
Debra L. Curtis, the Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents that under NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Article VII, §109, all dogs are required to be licensed by four months of age and under Town Law §109-5, all dogs, when not confined to the property of their owner, must be under control and on a leash not in excess of 12 feet in length. Leash length is reduced to 6 feet when walking within the Town Park.
To obtain a dog license, a copy of the current Rabies Certificate, which must be valid for more than 30 days prior to licensing and must be signed by a licensed veterinarian, and proof that the animal has been altered, must be provided. The cost for a spayed/neutered dog is $7.00 and an unspayed/ unneutered dog is $15.00. One tag is issued for the lifetime of the license; however, in the event of loss, it can be replaced at a cost of $3.00. A renewal letter will be sent on an annual basis, based upon the anniversary of the license.
If you have any questions, please visit the Schodack Town Clerk’s office, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Schodack Town Hall, 265 Schuurman Road, Castleton, NY 12033 or please call 518-477-7590.
Senator Jordan welcomes Bell Top School 4th Graders to NYS Capitol
Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I,Ref-Halfmoon) is pictured above (standing, far right) on the steps of the “Million Dollar Staircase” after having recently welcomed 53 fourth grade students from Bell Top Elementary School to the State Capitol.
Albany, NY – Bell Top Elementary School Fourth Graders were welcomed to the State Capitol by Senator Jordan, who spoke with the students, answered their questions, and discussed the importance of public service. The students, teachers, principal and chaperones all received a guided State Capitol tour from Senator Jordan’s staff that featured stops in the Assembly Visitor’s Gallery, the Assembly Floor, the Senate Visitor’s Gallery and the “Million Dollar Staircase.”
Rensselaer City Historian’s Office seeking info. on Albany Woolen Mill
Rensselaer City Historian’s Office is seeking any information on the Albany Woolen Mill on Green Street in Rensselaer City. Personal remembrances, receipts, documents, advertisements, pay stubs, anything related to the AWM.
We are told AWM once manufactured Woolen sweaters and perhaps jackets for the US military during World War II. From time to time there was Surplus sales of irregular garments.
Any stories, photos, reports or artifacts, letters of Commerce, employee information documents. We are looking to reweave the story of the fabric dye and textile industry once prominent in Rensselaer City. Information can be sent to the Office of the Historian 62 Washington Street, Rensselaer City, Rensselaer, NY 12144.
Meeting Dates for The Village of Nassau 2019-20
The following dates have been established for the Village of Nassau Board of Trustees Meetings. All meetings will be held at the Village Municipal Building, 40 Malden Street, Nassau, NY at 7:30pm unless otherwise posted.
July 10, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
August 14, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
September 11, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
October 9, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
November 13, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
December 11, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
January 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
February 12, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 11, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 18, 2020 Special Meeting Election 9:00pm
April 6, 2020 Annual Meeting 7:30pm
April 8, 2020 Public Hearing Budget 7:00pm
April 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 13, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 27, 2020 Year End Meeting 7:30pm
The Planning Board meets on the 1st Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.
The Zoning Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.
June 2019 report of the Legislature
The June meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature began with recognition of the service of James “Jay” Corcoran. Jay had a distinguished career with the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control as a Fire Instructor. Jay travelled across the State and trained countless firefighters. During his 34-year career with the Rensselaer Fire Department, Jay was named Acting Chief 7 times. Jay was presented with a commendation from his fellow Rensselaer firefighter and Chairman of the Legislature, Michael Stammel.
The family of the late Paul Puccio was also present at the meeting. Legislator Charles Peter remembered Puccio’s 38 consecutive years on the Schodack Central School Board. Peter, who served on the board with Puccio, recalled the “Passion, Persistence, and Patience” Puccio brought to his work in the school district and as a member of the Schodack Planning Board.
Chairman Michael Stammel introduced a Local Law that would establish a One Year Moratorium on the approval and permitting of any solid waste management facilities, including landfills and transfer stations, within one mile of the Hudson River in Rensselaer County. During the one-year period, the Legislature will conduct public hearings and gather information that will be used to formulate new guidelines for these types of facilities in Rensselaer County.
Other agenda items included transferring $1 million dollars from the County fund balance into the County Paving Program. The Legislature is keenly aware of the need to pave several county roads that are in critical need of attention. Legislators are hopeful that this additional funding will help address those roads in need of paving.
As the stewards of the County Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Legislature adopted a resolution to increase security at the plant located south of the Menands Bridge. New security cameras and a security gate operated by a proximity card will help keep the facility safe around the clock.
A $1 million grant to help eliminate lead from homes, and a boost in funding for the 200th Schaghticoke Fair were also approved by the Legislature.
The Legislature Majority can be reached at (518) 270-2880 or on Facebook.
~submitted by Chairman Michael Stammel
NG report from Councilwoman Sabo
Earlier this month, a water main break in Troy resulted in a “boil water” advisory for North Greenbush residents. People immediately took to social media, speculating about the break, whether or not it affected North Greenbush municipal water users, and if there was a “boil water” advisory. Because the town of North Greenbush does not maintain any official social media accounts at this time, I encourage residents to visit the town website for updates and also to follow my Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo Facebook page. I attempt to keep residents up to date on occurrences such as these.
This month’s town board agenda was very full. A resolution concerning a local law that would have only permitted residential use for the second story of commercial buildings along Main Avenue was tabled following a public hearing. The law was proposed to remedy inconsistencies between the town zoning code and the master plan. Although the master plan states that commercial use is only permitted on the first floor and some of the drafters of the master plan testified that this was the intent of the plan, others involved in the process claim that office space and a small amount of retail could be put on the second floor. Therefore, the law was tabled to allow time for further research.
The town board scheduled two public hearings for next month on local laws I proposed affecting land use. Last month the town board passed a law that would permit operators of commercial car washes to use municipal water. My proposal would require these operators to show that they are using reclaimed water which is a more environmentally sound approach than dumping all the car wash water down a drain. The other public hearing is on a law I researched and proposed that would require developers with projects pending before the planning board to get a permit before they clear cut trees, excavate or grade the land.
Finally, I am looking forward to the town’s summer concert series which kicks off on July 7 at 6:00 pm at town hall. The full schedule can be found on the Town website.
~Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo
Meeting Dates for The Village of Nassau 2019-20
The following dates have been established for the Village of Nassau Board of Trustees Meetings. All meetings will be held at the Village Municipal Building, 40 Malden Street, Nassau, NY at 7:30pm unless otherwise posted.
July 10, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
August 14, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
September 11, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
October 9, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
November 13, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
December 11, 2019 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
January 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
February 12, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 11, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
March 18, 2020 Special Meeting Election 9:00pm
April 6, 2020 Annual Meeting 7:30pm
April 8, 2020 Public Hearing Budget 7:00pm
April 8, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 13, 2020 Regular Meeting 7:30pm
May 27, 2020 Year End Meeting 7:30pm
The Planning Board meets on the 1st Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.
The Zoning Board meets on the 4th Monday of each month (as needed) at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building.
2019 Town of Brunswick Spring/Summer Pick-Up Schedule
What can be picked up:
Please no sticks, dirt or rocks or any material other than leaves and grass should be placed in bags we do not use leaf vacuums in the spring. Limbs must be piled neatly, 8’ long-no larger than 6” diameter avoid piling brush near utility poles and under trees, wires, or out in the street. We do not go on private property. Clean wood only we will also pick up other yard waste, such as grass clippings, provided biodegradable paper bags are used. Branches must be free of roots and dirt. We do not pick up rocks, stumps, rubbish, etc. Please do not put these items out with your branches. Please no clear cutting of lots. No commercial pickups. Residents are also encouraged to dispose of leaves and grass at our recycling center, it is located across from the town garage. Please check with recycling department prior to drop off and deposit brush in designated place and leaves and grass in designated place. Items must be at roadside on the first day of scheduled pickup.
Monthly brush and yard waste pick-up schedule will be the following dates. Items to be out by first day in front of your residence only.
July 15th –July 19th
August 19th-August 23rd
September 16th-September 20th
October 21st-October 25th (last pick-up for season)
If you have any questions, please call 518-279-3461, ext. 100.
Nassau Town Clerk
Sandra Rings, the Nassau Town Clerk, would like to wish everyone a safe and awesome summer! The Town Clerk’s Office will be closed on the Fourth and Fifth of July. Please plan to come in earlier in the week if there is something we can do to help you. Remember “Love me, license me”. All dogs in the State of New York are required to be registered in the Town in which they reside. Thank you and have a blessed summer.
Sandra L. Rings, RMC
Nassau Town Clerk
Statement from NYS Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I,Ref-Halfmoon)
“Today, the Senate Democratic Majority rammed through their so-called Green Light Bill, Senate Bill S.1747B, which gives driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. I voted no on this measure because their Green Light Bill gives a green light to fraud, danger and illegal immigrants voting – a privilege reserved for American citizens – resulting in our Empire State becoming the ‘Sanctuary State.’ One of the major issues with the measure is that of identity. These IDs, once provided in the form of driver’s licenses, will be used by individuals whose true identity is unknown, for voting, free college and so many other benefits paid for by hard-working, law-abiding taxpayers. This bill does nothing to incentivize individuals who are here illegally in violation of federal law to follow the law and go through the proper process so they can become citizens of the greatest nation in the world. Sadly, today was just the latest example of how the Senate Democratic Majority continues to advance their extreme, radical agenda and disregard the will of the people and the rule of law.”
Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline
1-833-467-3123
Do you need help with substance use issues? Are you interested in volunteering for the helpline? The Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline offers information, local resources, and referrals for individuals and their families regarding substance use issues. The toll-free line is available 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. Each volunteer chooses shifts of 4 hours at a time to be on-call. When someone calls the number, a volunteer answers on their own smartphone, and can enter information to a database on their own computer, allowing for easy and quick access to resources. The information is sent to one of the 9 leaders, who will then assist the caller. If you or someone you know needs information, resources, or a referral for a substance use problem, call 1-833-467-3123. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Renscohelpline@nullgmail.com