Monday April 29, 2024 
Looking for Stories About One Room School Houses
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Looking for people who might have stories to tell about one room school houses in the Town of Sand Lake, Averill Park and West Sand Lake, Sand Lake. Do you have a parent, grandparent, or great grandparents who attended one of the several one room school houses in our town? Email me with any information at JTre115@nullyahoo.com. (Jacqueline Tremont)
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – On December 8, members of the Averill Park CSD community will vote on a Capital Project. This week, we would like to tell you about our Safety and Security enhancements.
School safety and security has never been more important. Each of the school buildings that the district owns will see improvements to main entrance vestibules. To ensure consistency, all buildings will have a similar layout and similar procedures at entry points. This will allow police and rescue personnel to respond in a consistent, efficient manner. This area also includes the installation of a secure transaction window where guests will need to sign in prior to gaining access to the building. Intruder hardware will be updated and enhanced throughout the district to increase security.
Congratulations to our 57 new members of the Averill Park High School National Honor Society! Inductees were honored on Oct. 22 with a virtual ceremony.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Make-Up Instruction and Services Available to Meet Special Education Goals
ALBANY – During the COVID-19 school closures, some students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) did not receive instruction and services according to their Plans. These students might be eligible for compensatory education services if they did not make adequate progress. Compensatory services make up for instruction and services not provided according to the IEP. The individualized make-up services must help the student progress toward his or her IEP goals.
School districts should first assess each student’s current performance levels. Districts should then compare those levels with that student’s pre-closure performance levels. Districts should also consider what level the student should have achieved if schools had remained open. Review should include looking at all sections of the IEP.
Parents and guardians can and should keep track of student performance and progress as best they can. They should bring any specific concerns to the child’s special education teacher, supportive service provider, and Committee on Special Education (CSE)’s attention. They should do this in writing. Parents can ask the school for copies of progress monitoring information. They can also ask the CSE to meet to discuss concerns.
School staff members can also bring concerns to the CSE’s attention if the assessments show loss of skills or lack of progress.
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York’s Children’s Law Project can advise and assist parents of low-income children with disabilities at no charge. You can learn more about the Children’s Law Project by visiting https://www.lasnny.org/clp/. If you have questions about an education matter, please contact LASNNY by calling (833) 628-0087.
Risky Relationships: The Link Between Domestic Violence & Problem Gambling
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Problem gambling may not be a common topic discussed during Domestic Violence Awareness Month; however, the link between domestic violence and problem gambling makes it important to bring awareness to this volatile relationship.
Domestic violence is defined as violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner, which may include physical violence; sexual, psychological, social, or financial abuse; harassment; and stalking.
A recent study of help-seeking gamblers found that forty-nine percent of participants reported being a victim of violence and 43% had perpetrated violence (Bellringer et al., 2017). A person with a gambling problem may experience intense mental and emotional distress which may be expressed through restlessness, irritability, or violence. Someone’s gambling problem may also elicit similar distress from a loved one. The person gambling may be the perpetrator or victim of domestic violence.
Furthermore, there is already evidence that domestic violence increases during professional sporting events due to the emotions experienced from a “home team’s” upset loss, citing issues like consumption of alcohol, increased interactions with family members during games, increased expectations for a positive outcome, and increased stress and anxiety. Our community, the state and the country are seeing increased availability and prevalence of sports gambling, daily fantasy sports, and the like. What happens when those high stakes are further intensified by having large sums of money on the line, potentially for multiple sporting events?
In many ways, this October is unlike any in the past, but some things remain constant – there are many people who will isolate themselves out of fear or shame and will not reach out for the help they need. Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to offer hope to those experiencing violence in the home.
Problem gambling and domestic violence can impact anyone. If you are experiencing domestic violence or problem gambling, confidential services are available:
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center: 518-801-1491.
Trunk or Treat in East Greenbush
EAST GREENBUSH – Trunk Or Treat is coming!!! Be sure to bring your friends and neighbors. In fact bring the whole neighborhood!!! Hosted by Connecting Point Church, Trunk Or Treat, also known as Halloween tailgating, cleverly brings Halloween from the uncertain streets to the safety of the church parking lot, turning the backs of cars, trucks, minivans and SUV’s into the new front porch! So bring everyone to Connecting Point Church on October 31st from 6:00-8:30pm for all your tricks or treats from our trunks. We will also attempt to keep you warm with our free hot chocolate and a cozy bonfire.
All this done in the open-air, 6ft between trunks, walk-through style event with pre-wrapped grab & go goodies for your safety.
Located at 568 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, in the Van Den Houten Square, across from Dunkin Donuts, Connecting Point Church is the friendly neighborhood church that endeavors to offer alternative ways in keeping your children safe on Halloween.
For more information, visit www.connectingpoint.church
Call For Entries: Artists for Social Justice at Sand Lake Center for the Arts
SAND LAKE – Sand Lake Center for the Arts is seeking submissions for its January and February 2021 gallery installation. SLCA invites artists of color to submit their works for a two-month long gallery presentation to shine light on social injustices. All visual mediums are welcome. Jpeg and pdf submissions can be sent to brian@nullslca-ctp.org. Please include a short bio and brief description of your work. Submission deadline: November 1st, 2020
Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association Planning Board Meeting
WEST SAND LAKE – The Bailey party barn application was not on the October 21st planning Board agenda. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for November 4th. The Planning Board had a great many questions at the last meeting, which the applicant has not addressed. The Barnes Road neighbors have submitted many comments, none of which the applicant has addressed. The neighborhood association is confident that the Town will recognize that a party barn is not suitable in an AG/RES district, on a country road.The Association will continue to actively participate in the case and plans to stay active in Town affairs to protect the public interest.
Troop 528 is Scouting for Food!
POESTENKILL – Scouts BSA Troop 528 Is Holding a Drive-Up Event to Collect Non Perishable Food and Personal Care Donations for the Bread of Life Food Pantry. November 8th 10am-1pm at VFW Post 7466, 25 Veterans St., Poestenkill, NY 12140. Items Most Needed: Sugar, Boxed Mac N Cheese, Canned Vegetables, Spaghetti Sauce, Cheerios, Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard, Cooking Oil, Soup, Bottled Juices; Adult Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Deodorant, Bath Soap, Dish Soap, Laundry Detergent.
Auxiliary to East Greenbush VFW 7338 Homemade Thanksgiving Pie Sale
EAST GREENBUSH – Place orders by Fri. Nov. 13. Pies will be ready Sat. Nov. 21 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm.at the East Greenbush VFW Post, 100 Hays Road, East Greenbush. For orders or information, please call Lynda at (518) 732-2111 or email at schoolrn52@nullaol.com. Pies are 9’ and choices are apple, pumpkin, cherry and blueberry at $14 per 9” home made pie. Thank you to Windy Hill Orchards for the generous donation of apples. Please support our activity so we may continue to assist our Veterans and Veteran Programs and needy Community members. We look forward to you helping us so we can help our Veterans. In advance, we thank you for your support
Nassau Scout Food Drive
NASSAU – Attention Nassau Residents. Please mark your calendar now! BSA troop 166 of Nassau Food Drive Saturday, November 14 – BSA Troop 166 of Nassau is participating in the Scouting for Food Drive. Our goal is to collect as many items of non-perishable food as possible to help our hungry neighbors. The need is greater now than ever! Donations may be dropped off on Saturday, November 14 from 9am to 2pm at the following COVID-SAFE drive-thru drop-off location: Nassau Village Commons pavilion, John St. (next to Post Office). Volunteers will be available to remove donations from your car. Please have donations in bags or boxes in your trunk. Please help if you can! Thank you for your support!
Weddings of the Past
POESTENKILL – On November 18, 1942, Florence Bubie became the bride of Kenneth Miller. On April 23, 1950, Elizabeth Miller, wearing her Aunt Florence’s gown, became the wife of Tod Butler. We are pleased to announce the gown, veil, albums and pictures are on display in our museum. we are also fortunate to have a lovely assortment of vintage wedding gowns and apparel. another example, in 1940 Hilda Yerden walked down the staircase in her family’s farmhouse to become the bride of Wallace Flint. it was noted “the bride wore a powder blue afternoon dress” (which we now have on loan). Not to ignore the grooms, John Zweig has offered his 1866 beaver hat to be on display. This was worn by the father of Lillie Sliter Zweig.
We hope you will visit our museum on Saturday Nov. 14th or Sunday Nov. 15th, open from l – 3. Since we have newspaper clippings from the 40s to the 80s, you may see your wedding clipping! Please wear a mask – we will comply with social distancing.
Board of Trustees, Poestenkill Historical Society
Athletic Department Seeking Nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2021
AVERILL PARK – The Averill Park Athletic Department, in conjunction with the Averill Park Athletic Booster Club, is pleased to announce that the nominating period for the Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2021 is now open. The Hall of Fame recognizes former athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors who have made significant contributions to the Averill Park athletic program through their service, performance, dedication, commitment, and accomplishment.
The Hall of Fame committee is comprised of administrators (past and present), coaches (past and present), and community members. For information regarding the committee, Hall of Fame guidelines, and nomination forms please see the Hall of Fame link on the Averill Park Athletics page at www.averillpark.k12.ny.us.
Any member of the public can nominate an athlete, coach, team (not eligible until 2022), or contributor for induction assuming the criteria as outlined in the guidelines are met. Nomination forms are available by going to the Hall of Fame link on the Averill Park Athletics page at www.averillpark.k12.ny.us or by contacting the Athletic Department at (518) 674-7010.
The nomination period will run through November 15th. The 2021 induction ceremony and dinner will be held on Saturday, April 17th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.
Annual Fresh Florida Citrus Fundraiser
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The yearly Troy Kiwanis Fresh Florida Fruit sale is on again to raise money for projects that directly assist Troy area youth.
20 lbs for only $25 – Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit or a Mixed Case.
Most area groups are charging well over $30/case. Orders must be received by Sunday, November 22nd.Call Dean @ 518-322-0826 Today!!
Will arrive in Troy, by December 12th, in plenty of time for Holiday Gift Giving!! Kiwanis is Serving the Children of the World.
Town of Brunwick Leaf Schedule
BRUNSWICK – Leaf pick up has started and will run through Wednesday, November 25th unless there’s a significant snowfall. There is not a set schedule for pick up. The Highway Dept. will be out on a weekly basis.
This will be a leaf pickup only. No brush, tires or metal will be picked up. Leaves must be raked to the edge of the road (not in the road because it is a vehicle/traffic law violation) with no sticks, weeds or other debris in the piles. If sticks are found, the piles can’t be picked up. Sticks will damage the machine.
• It’s important to avoid piling leaves in ditches. The vacuum machines cannot access leaves placed in ditches.
• If you are planning to use bags, they must be biodegradable paper bags only. No sticks, dirt or other debris should be placed in the bags.
• This is a labor-intensive job in a short season so it is important that we expedite this program as fast as possible.
• After the regular pickup schedule has been completed, or in the event of an early snowstorm prior to completion of the regular pickup, you must place the remainder of your leaves in biodegradable paper bags.
Please note – the leaf pickup was designed for residents who live in areas that do not have a place to dispose of their leaves. Due to the short season for leaf pickup, we encourage residents that are able to dispose of their own leaves to please do so at our recycling facility. This helps us to complete the town-wide program before inclement weather occurs.
Recycling Department hours are Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday 7am-2pm. Anyone who wishes to drop off their leaves may do so during open hours. No rocks or sticks in bags please.
Highway Department telephone 279–3461 ext. 100
Doors Of Hope Annual Adopt-A-Family Project
WEST SAND LAKE – Looking for a heart-warming Christmas project for your church, your organization or yourself? Each year Doors of Hope, our local food pantry, coordinates a project that provides Christmas gifts to needy families. Between now and December 1 you may drop in at our store (our new location in 43 Mall) and sign up to provide Christmas gifts for a family in need. D.O.H. compiles a list of family members, their ages, their wishes, and sizes. Families come in all sizes; you may choose the one that best fits you or your organization. The cut-off date to sign up is Dec.1. If you would like more information you may call our volunteer coordinator, Nancy Rockwell at 518-674-4048. We truly appreciate the ongoing generous support of our community.
Indoor Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market
CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – The Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market (COHFAM) ended its summer season with big news: The market is moving indoors for the winter – every Friday (except for December 25 and January 1) from 4-7 PM at 52 Hilton on Main (52 South Main Street) in the Village of Castleton-on-Hudson. Due to COVID-19, patrons are required to wear masks, observe social distancing, use hand sanitizer upon entering the building, and provide a phone number. Temperatures will be taken at the door, and only ten people will be allowed in at the same time. Come to COHFAM, the little market with the big heart, let us serve you, and support the local economy!
Team “Knocking Out Alzheimer’s” Bottle Drive, The Fundraising Continues …
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Team “Knocking out Alzheimer’s” is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association. 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.
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles into a machine.
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.”
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! Check us out on face book – Knocking out Alzheimer’s
Poestenkill Area Food Insecurity
POESTENKILL – Any greater Poestenkill area residents currently experiencing temporary or long term food insecurity can turn to The Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poestenkill for supplemental food assistance. We provide basic nutritional foods and related items the first and third Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in a very discreet, nonjudgmental manner. We offer drive-thru service where each guest receives a product list to form your order, we then fill your order and bring the completed order back to your vehicle. Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our Pantry is also available. Please try us, we are here to help. Our phone number is: 518-283-6045 to leave a message. Thank you.
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.
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
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 Massachusetts. 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