Saturday April 27, 2024 
Update from Boy Scout Troop 526
AVERILL PARK – Last summer the Scouts went to Summer Camp at Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation in Brant Lake, NY, where they participated in many scouting activities and earned over 100 Merit Badges. Because of the support of the community, the Troop was able to subsidize the costs for all the scouts for a full week of summer camp.
The Troops ability to subsidize the Scouts is because of the support of our community. That support comes in many ways; from our parent volunteers, our fundraising bottle box, and the support of our chartering organization, The Averill Park Fire Department.
Our fundraising bottle box has been at Botsy’s Barbershop on Route 43 for over 5 years and the community has been supporting the Boy Scouts by leaving returnable bottles. Because of the generosity of Botsy and the community, we have been fortunate enough that we have been able to give back some of the funds raised to the community. Every holiday season the Boy Scout Troop donates a portion of the funds we raised from the bottle box to the community in the form of a donation to the Averill Park School District Counseling Center. So, when you make a deposit into the bottle box you are supporting both the Boy Scouts and the local community.
However, over time things change and we will be moving the bottle box to the parking lot at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. SLCA is located at 2880 NY-43, Averill Park, NY 12018. It is across the street from Tremont Lumber, near the intersection of Route 66 and 43.
We would like to thank Botsy’s Barbershop for his support over the past years. In addition to allowing us to place the bottle box on his property, Botsy’s Barbershop has also supported some of our other activities. Because of the generosity of the businesses in our community like Botsy’s, our Scouts have been successful.
If you are interested in learning more about Scouts and Boy Scout Troop 526, our meetings take place Mondays at the Averill Park Fire House at 7:00pm.
Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School
CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – For the second quarter of 2019/20:
Ava, daughter of Mr. Jason Hoch, was nominated for being a very kind and compassionate to her classmates along with being very helpful in class and always taking on extra tasks. She is proud of her hard work in school and Ava’s advice to other students is to try your best in everything and don’t give up even if it’s hard.
Alyssa, daughter of Mrs. Carrie Earle, was nominated for being a hard working student. Here at Maple Hill Alyssa is part of the Mental Health Committee as she wants to help make people feel good about themselves and their school day. Her advice to other students is to try your best every day, even if things don’t work out the way you expect. Having good and bad days is normal and fine.
Nicholas, son of Ms. Megan Roy and Mr. James Roy, was nominated for consistently being a hard worker in class with a terrific attitude. Nick is proud of his improvements in Spanish and his success on his midterms. Nick’s advice to other students is do all your work and ask if you need help, keep at it, teachers like it!
Rebecca, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hall, was nominated for being an all-around great student, who is respectful and has a fantastic and positive attitude. Here at Maple Hill Rebecca is a member of the basketball and soccer teams along with being the Secretary to Student Council. Her advice to students is go to your teachers, never give up, and learn from your mistakes.
Davin, son of Mr. David Sherwood and Ms. Carolee Bennett, was nominated for being an extremely intelligent and respectful student. Here at Maple Hill Davin is a member of the soccer and basketball teams along with Band and Jazz Band. Davin’s advice to students is the best that you can do is most important.
Kevin, son of Mr and Mrs. Kevin Ackerman, was nominated for being a bright and motivated student who demonstrates what it means to adhere to high standards for personal excellence in all his endeavors. Here at Maple Hill Kevin is the Captain of the bowling team along with being a member of International Club and playing in the Cavotta Ball Tournament. Kevin was already accepted to the University of Buffalo to study Pharmacy/Pharmacist.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – On Feb. 24, the Averill Park CSD Board of Education approved a plan for the district’s next Capital Project. The community will vote on the proposed Capital Project on May 19, 2020. Visit the district website for more information.
Congratulations to Adam Limoges and Lydia Ware for being named 2020 National Merit Scholarship Competition finalists! Adam and Lydia had to submit a detailed scholarship application, including academic records, school and extracurricular activities, leadership capabilities, work experience and awards in order to be considered for this high honor.
Students at West Sand Lake Elementary School created nearly 300 Valentine’s Day cards and mailed them to retired Marine Corps Major Bill White. The 104-year-old World War II veteran asked for holiday cards and received more than 3,000 from around the country. Way to go WSL!
As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us. You can also follow AP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
East Greenbush CSD Gives Public Notice of Annual Fire Inspections
EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Central School District has passed its annual fire inspections and submitted the fire inspection report to the NYS Education Department on February 25. The fire inspections were completed at all school buildings beginning on January 15.
The Public Notice of Annual Fire Inspections says: “Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection for 2019-20 of the East Greenbush Central School District for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, employees therein, has been completed and the report thereof is available at the office of Buildings and Grounds at 29 Englewood Ave., East Greenbush, NY 12061 for inspection by all interested persons.”
Circle Theatre Players Presents Arthur Miller’s All My Sons
SAND LAKE – How far would a man go to protect his family, his interests and his legacy? In All My Sons, one of the most celebrated plays in American theater history, Arthur Miller creates a post-war American family in a tragic downfall of lies, greed, love, and loss, and demands its audience examine their own social responsibilities to all the sons of American wars. Miller stated that the issue of relatedness is the main theme in All My Sons. The play introduces questions that involve an individual’s obligation to society, personal responsibility, and the distinction between private and public matters.
“The story is a reflection of society and how people driven by a lust for money can stoop to any extent to acquire wealth.” – The Guardian
Get your tickets today! Call 518-674-2077 or online at http://slca-ctp.org – March 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8pm. Sunday matinees March 8 and 15 at 2:30.
Want to Join Our Local Community Orchestra?
AVERILL PARK – Do you play a musical instrument? The Averill Park Community Orchestra is starting rehearsals again soon and we are eagerly seeking new members. If you or someone you know plays an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwinds, or percussion) and may be interested in joining, please contact Christina Desmond at 518-948-0565. The APCO rehearses at Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30, and generally performs two concerts per year, one in December and one in late May. Rehearsals for the spring season have begun, and we will accept new members throughout March (3/11, 3/18, 3/25) in preparation for our May 31st performance.
4-H STEM Day
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development prides itself with providing youth with exciting real-world opportunities. On February 15, 2020 Rensselaer County’s 4-H Teen Council held their annual Pre-Teen Fun Day event at Brittonkill (Tamarac) School. Pre-Teen Fun Day is a day of STEM taught by 4-H Teens. This year 29Pre-Teens participated, ages 5-12 and 16 teens, ages 13-18 ran the event.
They began the day with icebreaker activities led by teens, to get to know each other and to set goals for the day. From there, youth partook in a day of food and photography. Youth made their own quick rising yeast dough and made pizzas, had a cupcake decorating challenge and learned editing techniques for taking photos.
Pre-Teen Fun Day is an annual event sponsored by Rensselaer County’s 4-H Teen Council. This day not only allows younger members to dive into a STEM related topic, but it is also a great leadership opportunity for the teens that plan and run the event. 4-H has been proven to build skills, experience, and confidence needed to emerge as effective leaders and contributing members of society.
Help improve our community by getting your children involved in 4-H. For more information please call your respective county’s Cornell Cooperative Extension office, Rensselaer County 518-272-4210- www.ccerensselaer.org.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Programmer.
Books for Troops Needs Comics and Graphic Novels
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Books for Troops has been receiving numerous requests for comics and graphic novels. While we had a source in Illinois, he is no longer able to attain them in the numbers we need. If anyone has comics and/or graphic novels that they are willing to donate to our troops, we would be thrilled. The comics are a wonderful source of escape for the troops. One doctor deployed in Kuwait wrote us saying that the first time he saw smiles on his severely injured patients was when he saw they were reading comic books. If you have comics you would like to donate to the troops, please contact us at ekeegan3@nullnycap.rr.com. Help us put smiles on those who need something to smile about.
Other genres of books that frequently are requested are military history science fiction, fantasy, history and biography. At this time we have no copies of military history and extremely limited of the other genre. If anyone has any of these genres in paperback, please contact me at the above E-MAIL. Thank you as always for your support. Ellen Keegan, Director
SLHS History of Burden Lakes
SAND LAKE – Join the Sand Lake Historical Society on March 10 at the Sand Lake Town Hall, (courtroom) 8428 NY 66, Sand Lake at 7 pm for a program on the History of Burden Lakes and Totem Lodge presented by Connor Kopcho. He grew up on Burden Lake and became fascinated with the history of Totem Lodge and surrounding area. Like Sand Lake Historical Society on Facebook or at Sandlakehistory.org
Toss the Feathers Brings Irish Music to HVCC
TROY – Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Toss the Feathers will perform its newly-debuted program, “Musical Postcards from Irish Albany and Troy,” that recounts in stories and songs the remarkable history of the Irish people who settled the Upper Hudson Valley, on Thursday, March 12 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The program, open free to all, will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium. The band features Amy Schoch, violin, viola and vocals; Dave Smith, bouzouki, banjo and vocals, and David Pease, Irish flutes and whistles. Formed in 2015, Toss the Feathers performs a lively mix of traditional Irish music and songs at pubs, festivals and weddings throughout the Capital Region. For more information, call (518) 629-8071 or email d.gardner@nullhvcc.edu.
Capital District Association of Rental Property Owners Meeting
TROY – The Capital District Association of Rental Property Owners (CDARPO) will meet on Thursday, March 12, 2020, at 6:45 at the Courtyard by Marriott, 515 River Street, Troy, New York. The topics will be the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and Rent Control with Conor Gillis of the NYS Association of Realtors (NYSAR). Jennifer Ozga of the Census Bureau will be available to answer questions. Members and first-time visitors are free. Non-member fee is $10.00.
Help Brunswick Cares Food Pantry
BRUNSWICK – We are excited to share that Brunswick Cares Food Pantry has been selected to be a part of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, which is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment. For the month of March, each time a $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag is purchased at the Hannaford located at Route 43 & 150 (old Miller’s Market), West Sand Lake, NY, $1 will be donated to Brunswick Cares Food Pantry.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
ALBANY – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is excited to host and participate in events and activities across New York State during Brain Injury Awareness month in March. BIANYS’ efforts will focus on sharing information about BIANYS’ programs and services, and on brain injuries which include concussion, stroke and aneurism. BIANYS will also be raising funds through it’s Go Blue! for Brain Injury campaign, which supports the Annual Conference Scholarship Program. This year, the Annual Conference and Medical Symposium run from June 10-12 in Saratoga Springs.
“From March first to March thirty-first, BIANYS will be focused on getting information about brain injuries into the hands of New Yorkers,” said Eileen Reardon, BIANYS Executive Director. “Concussion and brain injury are in the news daily, and we’re here as the voice of brain injury to cut through the misinformation and rhetoric to deliver unbiased facts to the public.”
BIANYS staff will be at various events in every corner of New York, with information on BIANYS programs and services. Brain Injury Advocacy Day will take place in Albany on March 25 and will include a speaking program and rally, as well as meetings with legislators and key stakeholders. Brain injury survivors, caregivers and professionals will gather and wear blue to show the strength of our community. This event is free and open to the public; please visit bianys.org to register.
“We’re excited to return to the Legislative Office Building in Albany on March 25,” said Barry Dain, President of BIANYS’ Board of Directors. “There are so many ways our elected officials have an impact on our community, and this event is how we put a face to those issues. BIANYS staff will concentrate on urgent issues like keeping the TBI Waiver out of Medicaid Managed Care, expanding the Concussion Management and Awareness Act of 2011 and creating a resource facilitation program. Community members will bring their personal stories and share challenges they face such as finding adequate housing and care.”
The most recent issue of Brain Power, BIANYS’ quarterly newsletter, outlines several activities and ways for people to get involved. For more information, please visit bianys.org.
NYSSA Sheriff’s’ Institute Summer Camp Applications Being Accepted
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp.
The Summer Camp is for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who, because of economic reasons, would not have an opportunity to attend a summer camp or enjoy a summer vacation. Campers must be up-to-date on immunizations and have received a medical physical after May 1, 2019. This year’s camp session runs from Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 1, 2020.
Detailed information about the camp may be found on the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute website at www.sheriffsinstitute.org.
Applications may be obtained by contacting the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office at (518) 266-1903. Qualified campers will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for submission is March 30, 2020.
Zonta Club Of Albany – Jmk Klausman Scholarship For Women In Business
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Zonta Club of Albany is inviting women pursuing a business program who have demonstrated outstanding potential in the field to apply for the Jane M. Klausman Award.
Any woman undertaking a business program at an accredited university/college/institute, including online students, with major field of specialization in accounting, finance, business management, marketing, operations management, human resources management, international businesses or entrepreneurship is eligible to apply. Students must be enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a Master’s program at the time the application is submitted to the local Zonta club.
At the local level, the Zonta Club of Albany awards $1,000 to the individual selected, which is then submitted to the District Level awards which $2,000 and if selected, the International Level for an award of $8,000. In 2015, the Zonta Club of Albany was selected at the District and International Levels.
Students who are interested can find the application at www.zonta.org. All applications need to be submitted electronically by email to jmkzontaalbany@nullaol.com by April 1, 2020.
If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please feel free to contact The Zonta Club of Albany at jmkzontaalbany@nullaol.com. We look forward to business students applying for the scholarship.
Vaping – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Vaping has become almost more common today then cigarettes. Originally marketed as being more safe than other tobacco products recent events have made it clear that this is not the full story. One study found that those who vape the equivalent to a pack of cigarettes a day had a 70% higher risk of stroke. This is only one of the health risks that can arise from vaping. For more information visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/vaping-linked-to-serious-health-problems.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Fentanyl – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Fentanyl has been making headlines recently, this is because the incredibly potent chemical has been contributing to the increase in overdose deaths across America. Most people however do not know much about the chemical. For instance many don’t know that one of the things that makes fentanyl so dangerous is the fact that it can be absorbed into the system through skin contact. Meaning getting it on your skin could cause a potentially
fatal overdose.
To learn more about Fentanyl visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-fentanyl.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Faith In Action Care Team’s Need Your Help
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Do You Have 2-3 Hours Per Month To Help Someone In Your Community?
* 1 in 8 persons over 65 and nearly a third of those over 85 will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
* 80% of Alzheimer’s patients are cared for at home by family.
Caring for someone with memory loss can be both isolating and exhausting for family members. These Families Need Your Help!
Belonging to the Care Team at your church, you only give the time you can when you can because there are several of you to share the role of helping the family.
The average volunteer offers just 2-3 hours per month. The team provides non-medical support and friendship.
All volunteers are offered training and continued support from the staff at Eddy Alzheimer’s Services.
If you would like to receive more information about our Faith In Action Care Team Program, please contact Sandy Monahan at Eddy Alzheimer’s Services-
238-4167 /e-mail Sandra.monahan@nullsphp.com
Veterans Breakfast Clubs
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Veterans and their friends are welcome at the following Veterans Breakfast Clubs:
Tuesdays: 8 a.m., Alexis Diner, 294 North Greenbush Road, North Greenbush, 518-286-2603.
First and third Wednesdays each month: 9 a.m. Bellevue Cafe, 2630 Broadway, Schenectady, 518-393-7720.
Thursdays: 8 a.m. Schodack Diner, 1842 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton, 518-477-5014.
Thursdays: 9 a.m. IHOP, 611 Plank Road, Clifton Park, 518-348-1892.
Third Thursday every month: 9 a.m. Malta Diner, 2476 Route 9, Malta, 518-899-5099.
Fridays: 8 a.m. Gateway Diner, 899 Central Ave., Albany, 518-482-7557.
Refugee Welcome Center Looking for playgroup volunteers
ALBANY – The Refugee Welcome Center, located at 104 Ontario St. in Albany, is looking for playgroup volunteers Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:15 – 1:15. Would you like to play with a few preschoolers while their moms are in ESL class? If you are interested please call Wayne 518-369-5053 or email wayneroberge@nullgmail.com. Thank you.
Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline
RENSSELAER COUNTY – 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
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group
ALBANY – NAMI Capital Region, NY the local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offers its NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group the Second Wednesday of each month from 5p.m.-6:30p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 420 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. NAMI Connection groups are:
• Free and confidential
• Held weekly for 90 minutes
• Designed to connect, encourage, and support participants using a structured support group model
• Led by trained facilitators living in recovery themselves.
Six Center Redemption is partnering with Alzheimer’s Association
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Return your bottles and cans and help The Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Through an arrangement with: Six-Center Redemption.
Two Locations – 461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say “These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles in to a machine. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you. Join the fight with your bottles & cans!
Capital Dist. Chapter of the Embroider’s Guild of America
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Do you enjoy needlework? Would you like to stitch with others that have similar interests? Whether you are a beginner or have experience, come join us. The NY Capital District Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America meets in various locations and at various times. The Day Group meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Blooming Grove Reformed Church in Defreetsville. Evening meetings are offered in two locations: The Community Room at The Terrace at Beverwyck in Slingerlands from 7p-9p on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month and from 6:30p-9p in the Fellowship Hall of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clifton Park on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. In addition, there are specialty interest groups that also meet. For more information, check out our website at http://www.nycapega.org or on facebook.com/nydcega. Come Join Us!
Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team
CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org
for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachesettes. We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
New York State Commission for the Blind
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults. NYSCB assists participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website: visionloss.ny.gov
Rensselaer County NY Connects
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Rensselaer County NY Connects provides long term services and supports which includes a range of services and supports that can help people of all ages remain independent in their daily lives. Long term services and supports are both medical and non-medical services that help to maintain or improve daily functioning and health. Finding the right services and supports to meet your needs can be very confusing. NY Connects is a trusted place that gives you information about available options whether you are paying for services yourself, through insurance, or are eligible for a government program. NY Connects serves anyone who needs information on long term services and supports. NY Connects staff can also help link you to available long term services and supports. Contact Rensselaer County NY Connects at 270-2767.