Sunday April 28, 2024 
Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2021 NYS is Facing Problem Gambling Together
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In honor of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in 2021, the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is challenging everyone across New York State – individuals, agencies and communities alike – to come together to face problem gambling. With gambling opportunities expanding at rapid rates in New York State and beyond, it’s imperative that all factions of the community, in all geographic areas of the state, join forces around the issue of problem gambling. We need to collaborate to raise awareness of problem gambling, prevent any additional problems related to gambling, and get those in need to adequate support services in their own community.
If you are an individual concerned about your, or someone else’s, gambling activity, call your local Problem Gambling Resource Center to learn about supports and resources in your community.
If you are interested in learning more about problem gambling participate in one of our PGAM webinars.
If you’re a community-focused organization, add problem gambling information to your outreach and education materials.
If you are a recovery support facility, create gambling-free zones to ensure individuals feel safe from triggers.
If you are a mental health or addiction professional, host an event or screen all of your clients on Gambling Disorder Screening Day (March 9, 2021).
If you are a New Yorker who cares about problem gambling, take the PGAM Facebook Video Challenge and tell the world why you care.
To access all the tools, and to get involved in Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2021, visit: NYProblemGambling.org/Resources/PGAM.
Let’s join to let New York know that we are here to work together to address problem gambling!
If you or someone you love is struggling, please visit: NYProblemGamblingHelp.org to connect with resources in your community.
Announcement From The Elmwood Cemetery Association of West Sand Lake
WEST SAND LAKE – We will have our Annual Meeting on Monday, March 29, at 7 PM, at Hoffay’s Harvest House, 489 Sheer Road, off of Rte. 150 out of West Sand Lake. ALL cemetery lot owners and anyone interested in Elmwood Cemetery are encouraged to attend. The meeting includes a budget report and election of Trustees and Officers for the coming year. Volunteers are welcome and needed for both Executive and Trusteeship positions. Please be prepared with a facial mask and practice social distancing while attending the meeting.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – After serving as the Principal at West Sand Lake Elementary School for 16 years, Mrs. Kyer has officially retired. Mrs. Kyer impacted the lives of countless students in the Averill Park CSD community and we are thankful for the years of dedicated service she provided. We wish her the best of luck in her retirement!
APCSD has developed and released a new mode of communication: a Podcast! Every other Monday, beginning March 8, the District will release the Every Student Every Day Podcast featuring teachers, students, community members, and more. Take a look behind the scenes at what happens each day within our District. To listen, search for “Every Student Every Day” wherever you listen to Podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.
The Averill Park High School Music Department hosted its first virtual Cabaret on YouTube recently. Students and staff worked very hard on making this dream a reality and we are very proud of everyone who participated!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Poestenkill Summer Camp
POESTENKILL – Poestenkill Summer Camp will be running July 12- August 13. Counselor and CIT applications as well as information for campers is located on the town website under youth programs. Contact Tiffany with any questions tbuker@nullpoestenkillny.com
Averill Park Youth Soccer League
AVERILL PARK – 2021 Spring Rec Registration – This is an all-play non-competitive league that focuses on learning the skills and fundamentals of soccer and most of all, having fun! Season runs April 20th-June 7th. All levels play at Miller Hill Elementary School beginning with a practice at 6pm and a game at 6:30pm.Pre K (must be 4 yrs old by 6/30/21)–Monday; Kindergarten/Grade 1 –Tuesday; Grades 2/3–Wednesday; Grades 4/5/6–Thursday. Parent coaches are needed at every level, please sign up to help out! Register now through March 25th: $65. Late registration March 29th through April 4th: $80. Register online: www.averillparkyouthsoccer.com
Le Moyne College Names Local Students to its Fall 2020 Dean’s List
SYRACUSE, NY – Le Moyne College has named local students to its Fall 2020 Dean’s List. To make the list, students must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or above.
Benjamin Mousseau, a Sophomore Finance and Business Analytics major from West Sand Lake, NY
Olivia Snell, a Senior Psychology and Biology major from Valley Falls, NY.
Local Students Named to St. Lawrence University Dean’s List
CANTON, NY – The following students have been selected for inclusion on St. Lawrence University’s Dean’s List for their academic achievements during the Fall 2020 semester.
Annabella Kennedy is a member of the Class of 2024. Kennedy is from Troy and attended Albany Academies.
Zachary Larkin is a member of the Class of 2021 and is majoring in psychology. Larkin is from West Sand Lake and attended Averill Park High School.
Michael Rienzo is a member of the Class of 2022 and is majoring in government and philosophy. Rienzo is from Troy and attended Troy High School.
URI Students Named to the Fall 2020 Dean’s List
KINGSTON, RI – The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce the Fall 2020 Dean’s List. The students represent nearly all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns, all six New England states, New York and New Jersey, and many other states and countries. The following students were named to Dean’s List:
Katherine Blake of Rensselaer (12144)
Karley Duda of Wynantskill (12198)
Olivia Godell of East Greenbush (12061)
Emma Hayes of Troy (12180)
Braden Howe of East Greenbush (12061)
Emma Kehn of Averill Park (12018)
Caitlin Kelley of Wynantskill (12198)
Joe Kennedy of Troy (12180)
Matthew LaHera of Castleton On Hudson (12033)
Sophie Mayhew of Mechanicville (12118)
Lauren McElligott of Wynantskill (12198)
Brandon Nusbaum of East Greenbush (12061)
Heather Pangburn of East Greenbush (12061)
Andrew VanRoy of Averill Park (12018)
Emma Walters of Rensselaer (12144)
Abby Wyman of E Greenbush (12061)
Natalie Zema of Stephentown (12168)
To be included on the Dean’s List, full-time students must have completed 12 or more credits for letter grades during a semester and achieved at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 or more credits for letter grades earning at least a 3.30 quality point average.
Students Named to the University of Hartford President’s Honors List
WEST HARTFORD, CT – The University of Hartford congratulates the students who have been named to the President’s Honors List for Fall 2020.
The President’s Honors List is made up of an extremely select group of students who earned a grade point average of 3.75 or higher in the semester.
James McDade of Averill Park (12018)
Renee Parry of Schaghticoke (12154)
Lily Sencer of Troy (12182)
Local Students Achieve Fall 2020 Dean’s List
DELHI, NY – SUNY Delhi announces its dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester, a recognition of academic achievement for students who enrolled in six or more credits and earned a 3.5 or higher grade-point average for the semester.
Local students named to the list include:
Christopher Kneer of Troy, pursuing a degree in Business & Technology Management
Jennifer Wilcox of Averill Park, pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management
Nicole Bryant of Castleton On Hudson, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Crystal Burns of Troy, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Keisiah Griffin of Rensselaer, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Michelle Guler of Wynantskill, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Kelly Hull of Troy, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Curtis Rodriguez of Rensselaer, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Carolann VanBuren of West Sand Lake, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Rachel Woodward of Troy, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Nadia Yaqoob of Troy, pursuing a degree in Nursing
Malachi Ritter of Stephentown, pursuing a degree in Recreation & Sports Management
Shawn Schmick of Rensselaer, pursuing a degree in Sustainability
Gabriella Fisher of Troy, pursuing a degree in Veterinary Science Technology
Springfield College Recognizes Dean’s List Students for the 2020 Fall Semester
SPRINGFIELD, MA. – Springfield College is proud of all students and congratulates the following individuals who earned Dean’s List recognition for academic excellence for the 2020 fall semester.
Haley Barber from Castleton On Hudson – Health Science/Occupational Therapy
Lauren Bednarczyk from Rensselaer – Athletic Training
Isabella Bruns from East Nassau – History
Sophie Church from East Greenbush – Criminal Justice
James Cocca from Sand Lake – Physical Education
Veronica Fulgieri from Burnt Hills – Health Science and Pre-Physical Therapy
Michael Hoyt from Troy – Athletic Training.
Emily LaPlante from Troy – Athletic Training.
Heidi Schuman from Nassau – Studio Art.
Natalie Stoner from Wynantskill – Health Science/Pre-physician Assistant.
Jonathan Weber from Averill Park – Health Science and Pre-Physical Therapy.
Students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework and achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the term.
Historical Calendars Still Available
NORTH GREENBUSH – The 2021 North Greenbush Historical Calendars first printing has sold out but a second printing is now available for purchase. It contains old time pictures including Tess Alber’s Restaurant, Jordan’s Ice Cream Dairy in Defreestville, Snyder’s Lake photos and many others. The calendars are still only $10 and are available at the Town Clerk’s office in Wynantskill (283-4306) for pick up or mailed from the Town Clerk’s office for $12.00. Checks should be made out to the Town of North Greenbush. Town Historian Jim Greenfield in Defreestville (265-4254).
Dunham Hollow West Stephentown Scholarship
AVERILL PARK – The scholarship committee announces the availability of the Dunham Hollow-West Stephentown Scholarship. The scholarship is in memory of Frank Johnson. It is open to anyone (graduating senior, post graduate, or adult wishing retraining) living within the boundaries of the Averill Park School District and has been accepted to a trade or vocational school.
The deadline for submission of an application is May 15th. Scholarship applications may be obtained by contacting the Averill Park High School guidance department at 518-674-7025 or by emailing jcuilla@nullcfgcr.org.
Guilderland Central High School Class of 1971, 50th Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Guilderland Central High School class of 1971 50th year reunion committee invites classmates to join us on the weekend of July 23-25, 2021. We have established a website at http://www.guilderland71.com that we are asking you to please join. The details of the great weekend we have planned for us to catch up are located on the site. We’d love to hear your ideas for making this reunion special and fun.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – The Bread of Life Food Pantry in Poestenkill is now offering baby food and diapers & wipes. If your situation makes it challenging to afford supplies for your baby, please reach out to us! We are here to help. The pantry does not currently stock baby supplies, but we can provide items upon request. Please send a private Facebook message, email breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com, or leave a message at 518.428.0124.
Attention Marines and Naval Corpsman Past and Present
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Capt. Wm. Dale O’Brien Marine Corps League Detachment #241 in Albany NY. – Are looking for Marines and Corpsman who want to continue to share the honors and camaraderie that you had while in the corps? Our Detachment is dedicated to helping other marines, their family and fellow veterans. We do it through several programs like the Rose Program, Honor a Vet, visiting home or hospital bond marine or naval corpsman, with our color guard in parades and other ceremonies. We continue to participate in the Toys for Tots program and more. There is also many social activities available such as our Annual Marine Corps Ball, bus trips to Washington DC to clean our monuments and participation in other Veteran events. We ae brothers and sisters supporting each other still!
If any of this sounds like something you would like to be a part , please contact me Fred Gilmore for more information, my cell phone is (518) 258-8125 (call or text), my email is gunny1074@nullaol.com – Semper Fi.
St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus Bottle & Can Donations
WYNANTSKILL – Help Support Local Charities – St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption located at 461 Main Avenue in Wynantskill to accept bottle and can donations that have a NYS deposit.
This is to support local charities and those in need.
• Bring your clean, NYS deposit empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill.
• Say they are to support the St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus.
• They do the rest, that’s it!
• Thank you for your support!
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