Monday April 29, 2024 
Do You Have an Hour a Week to Spare to Help Someone in our Rensselaer County Community? Community Caregivers Could Use You!
RENSSELAER COUNTY – We need drivers to take folks to medical appointments, and volunteers to visit or call neighbors in your area. Could you help someone with light housework chores or take them to the grocery store or bank? Could you provide a respite for a struggling family? Our volunteer orientation is online several times a month.
Please call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator for Rensselaer County at (518)366-9173, heidi@nullcommunitycaregivers.org, or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898,meredith@nullcommunitycaregivers.org. Information on, and donations to, our programs can be seen at communitycaregivers.org.
Looking for Ways to Help The Anchor Food Pantry, Just a Suggestion:
RENSSELAER – Return your recyclable cans and bottles to The 6 Cent Redemption Center, 550 South Street-Rensselaer – Rt 9J. Just inform the staff you are donating to the Anchor Food Pantry account and account will be credited automatically. This method will aid the Pantry for the upcoming Holiday giveaways at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Thank You From The Anchor Food Pantry
SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry wishes to say Thanks for a successful Food Drive held on Saturday Oct 2nd,2021 at The Spinney that was coordinated thru the efforts of Town Board Member Tracey Rex and Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly that resulted in an abundance of pasta, canned goods, and toiletries that replenished our shelves for the upcoming fall season for our ever expanding client base during these uncertain health and economic times. We also thank the residents of Schodack who donated to the drive -who we can always count on for tremendous community support.
Refugee Welcome Center Volunteers Needed
ALBANY – The Refugee Welcome Center, located at 104 Ontario St., Albany, is in need of volunteers for our playgroup. During our English classes for refugees and immigrants, we offer a playgroup for preschoolers while their mothers learn English. This would be a 2-4 hour/week commitment. We have 7-9 children in the playgroup and have 3 volunteers for each class. Class days/times are Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 and 11:30-1:00. Right now we are closed due to the spike in the Coronavirus but we are planning to be prepared when it’s safe to open. Please call Sue for more information at 518-428-3291. Thank you.
Poestenkill Business Association Offers Our Annual “Meet The Candidates Night”
POESTENKILL – On Monday night October 18th the Poestenkill Business Association will again present our annual “Meet the Candidates Night” for all Poestenkill Residents. The event will be held at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main St. The event will begin at 7:00 PM with doors open by 6:30 PM and will go until approx. 8:30 PM. Candidates for County Executive, County Clerk, County Legislature, Town Supervisor, Town Board, Town Clerk and Town Highway Superintendent will be in attendance to state their positions and then answer questions from the audience. This is your opportunity to ask questions on topics important to you and/or topics you need further information on. Please plan on attending. Your participation in the election process is most important. Light refreshments will be available. Thank you in advance for your interest and active participation. Looking forward to seeing you Monday night Oct.18th.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Next week, on Tuesday, October 12, residents of the Averill Park Central School District will be asked to vote on a Capital Project referendum that specifically addresses safety priorities and urgent building needs. Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the High School. Be on the lookout for a capital project newsletter, which has been mailed directly to homes. For more information on the Project, visit the District website.
Throughout the first month of school, all levels have successfully hosted in-person events. Open houses have been held at the Elementary Schools, the Middle School and the High School. APHS held an outdoor prom and Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School held its annual Fun Run. While we continue to follow all COVID-19 protocols in order to keep our students and staff members safe, leadership has found creative ways to give our students some sense of returning to normalcy.
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
2021 Jones Award Dinner to Honor Judge Leslie E. Stein
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Rensselaer County Bar Association will honor recently retired Court of Appeals Judge, Leslie E. Stein, with this year’s E. Stewart Jones Award at a dinner to be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Franklin Plaza in Troy. The Jones award, according to Hon. Edward O. Spain, co-chair of the dinner committee, is named in memory of the late E. Stewart Jones, Sr. of Troy, legendary criminal defense and personal injury attorney. This year’s recipient is “most deserving of this prestigious award”, according to Jennifer C. Shatz, Esq., President of the Rensselaer County Bar Association. “We are delighted to be honoring Judge Stein. She has been a loyal and longtime member of our organization, and such a wonderful example to each of us in the way she has conducted her private, public and professional life; a life that so well reflects the dedication and service to both her profession and her community, as did Mr. Jones.”
Judge Stein was elected to Albany City Court in 1997 and to the Supreme Court in 2001. She served as the Administrative Judge of the Rensselaer County Integrated Domestic Violence Part from 2006 until 2008, when she was appointed to the Appellate Division, Third Department. She was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2015, receiving the highest rating possible from seven different bar and legal associations throughout the state. She served with distinction on the Court of Appeals until her retirement this past June.
All proceeds from this annual event, which is open to the public, will support the ongoing restoration and preservation of the photos and oil on canvass paintings of the attorneys, judges and prominent community leaders of the past that have graced the inside walls of the courthouse.
At this year’s dinner, Peter R. Kehoe, Esq. and Thomas V. Kenney, Jr., Esq. will be honored as 50 year members of the Association. For dinner reservations please contact: info@nullrenscobar.org
Crossroads Center for Children Announces 2021 “Dare to Be Different Gala” to be Held on October 23
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Tickets are now on sale for Crossroads Center for Children’s 2021, “Dare to Be Different Gala, a night of celebration in support of Crossroads programs for children in the Capital District (or Northeastern New York). This year’s Gala will take place on Saturday, October 23, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Terrace at Waters Edge in Glenville.
Each year at the Gala, Crossroads Center for Children chooses to honor someone with the “Connecting the Community Award” in gratitude for their help over the past year, which is always a meaningful and challenging review, as the center truly appreciates the contribution of everyone in the Crossroads community. This year, both Capital District Physicians Health Plan, (CDPHP) and the CAP COM Community Foundation were chosen.
“This year, though, we have two honorees, and both were easy selections for their assistance not only to Crossroads but to others in our community” said Young. In fact, that is the nature of this award – “Connecting the Community Award”.
Heather Morrison from Spectrum News 9 will serve as Emcee throughout the evening’s presentation again this year, and LeGrande Serras will again serve as live auctioneer. Gem Behind The Mic will add a special song to the festivities.
Students come to Crossroads for the applied behavior analysis and specialized services that Crossroads provides in the school and clinic. Any school district or county may refer students and the organization has worked with up to 30 school districts and 10 counties surrounding the center, located in Rotterdam. In the 2020-21 school year, Crossroads Center for Children served school-age children from the following school districts in the greater Capital Region: Greenbush, Fonda Fultonville, Ft. Plaine, Gloversville, Greenville, Guilderland, Hoosic Valley, Menands, Mechanicville, Niskayuna, N. Colonie, Oppenheim-Ephratah, Schenectady, Shenendehowa, Troy, and Watervliet. Pre-school students from the following counties were also served: Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Albany, and Schenectady.
All proceeds from this event will bring vital funds and support to Crossroads Center for Children’s programs and services.
Find ticket registration, other opportunities to get involved, and more information here : http://crossroadcenter.org/crossroads-gala-2021/
Fresh Florida Fruit Fundraiser
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Kiwanis Club of Troy is once again conducting their Annual Florida Fruit Sale!! 20 lb. cases of Navel Oranges; 20 lb. cases of Ruby Red Grapefruit; or 20 lb. cases Half Oranges/Half Grapefruit. Only $25 Each. We have not raised our prices in years!!! Picked fresh from the Florida groves and shipped directly to Troy for your enjoyment!! All orders are needed by November 21st!! All will arrive in Troy about December 10th. Call Dean today at 518-322-0826. All monies go to children’s causes locally!!!
Registration Open for 105th Anniversary Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning:
TROY – Officials at the Troy Turkey Trot, presented by Pioneer, have opened registration for the event’s 105th anniversary on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, Nov. 25) at TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
A signature event of the Collar City’s holiday festivities, the Trot begins at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving Day 10K. The 10K course will close at 9:30 a.m. to facilitate the start of the Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk at 9:30 a.m. The shorter 5K distance kicks off at 10 a.m. Both the 10K and 5K feature “out and back” course configurations which start at 4th and Fulton Streets and finish at River Street’s Monument Square. Family members are invited to show their support by cheering on loved ones.
Besides offering a welcome return to in-person racing, this year’s Trot will again feature a virtual option for those concerned about being around others or who plan to be away. Virtual participants will use a custom mobile app, which allows them to race with others, real time, regardless of their location. Last year, 14 other Troy communities across the nation, including elected officials from Troy, Kan., Troy, Mich. and Troy, Ill. took advantage of the app during the event’s three-day virtual running window.
Free event parking is available at a number of Front and River Street parking lots. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found at troyny.gov/parking.
For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
Tour Belgium and Holland with Saratoga Arts
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In April, just as spring begins, leave your daily routine behind and join Saratoga Arts in an art and history-filled visit to Belgium and Holland April 20-29, 2022. We will stay in Brussels and Amsterdam with excursions to nearby treasures and plan to taste as many gourmet chocolates as ten days permit. We will waffle or way through Belgium, learn about the history and magic of the medieval Belgian tapestries, travel to Bruges, Delft and Amsterdam for romantic waterways, revel in the beauty of the Dutch Masters and Van Gogh, and admire the colorful blooms of the seven million bulb flowers of the Keukenhof Gardens.
Give yourself a chance to escape just for a while among the cultural and historical experiences of this small group tour.
To receive a detailed itinerary, contact: goedventures@nullgmail.com.
Athletic Department Seeking Nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022
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 2022 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, 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 2022 induction ceremony and dinner will be held on Saturday, April 30th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.
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 4:30 to 6:30 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.
Hope 7 Food Pantry
TROY – The Hope 7 Food Pantry located at 520 Pawling Avenue, Troy NY serves the East Side of Troy, Wynantskill and Northgreenbush.
Pantry Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:30am-11:45am; Thursday – 5pm-7pm. Last Saturday of each month 9:30am-11:45am
What to bring: Proof of residence (Troy’s East Side, North Greenbush, or Wynantskill) – (utility bill to your address in your name). ID’s for each person residing in household.
Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE – The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge Street, Johnsonville, NY 12094 is open 9-12 every Wednesday. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. We have a huge selection of adult and children’s summer clothing, as well as special occasion and career clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Our newly organized library has over 1,000 books for sale.
The Anchor Food Pantry
SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry in an attempt to keep the residents of the Town Of Schodack apprised during these Covid 19 times has an update regarding hours of operation and procedures. The Pantry is open on the following days for servicing clientele and the general public.
Monday Evenings-5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursdays -9am-2pm, and the first saturday of each month 10am-1pm. We ask to call ahead at 518-732-4120 for food calls so staff can prepare order for delivery to your vehicle.New clients are asked to provide proof of residency on their initial visit.
Donations are currently being accepted clothing wise for fall /early winter apparel preferably during business hours. As always we thank the citizens of Schodack for their present, past, and future support of aiding those in need during these seemingly never ending difficult economic times.
Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Consider Attending PD SELF – Parkinson’s Self-Efficacy Learning Forum
CAPITAL DISTRICT – A national program being offered in Albany. The program provides people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s with an in-depth understanding of the disease and the tools to manage it with confidence. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required. Space is limited. Care partners are encouraged to attend.
This year the program, starting in September, has been adapted to be fully online. Find out more at www.cdparkinsons.org/pd-self
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – NEW HOURS – Since September 2015, the Poestenkill “Bread of Life” food pantry has been offering staple food items to individuals and families in Poestenkill and surrounding communities who need food for themselves and their families. Beginning on May 1st, 2021 our NEW HOURS will BEGIN at 4:30 pm END AT 6:30pm on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of every month.
We thank our friends, community and many organizations who continue to support this effort through their most generous donations of time, resources and staple foods. Our new volunteers are the best, most kind, compassionate individuals. We are so grateful they have joined our pantry.
We are located at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140. If you have an urgent need for food, please call us at (518) 283-6045 and leave a message.
This year, we have begun a new program with the pantry by offering baby food, diapers and wipes for the youngest in the Poestenkill community. The pantry does not currently stock baby supplies, but can provide select items upon request. If you are experiencing difficulty affording these items for your baby, please reach out to us. Please send a private Facebook message, email breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com or leave a message at (518) 428-0124.
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
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