Monday April 29, 2024 
News From Averill Park CSD
Averill Park CSD held its first Community Engagement Team meeting. The goal of the new team is to create proactive, collaborative communication between the District and the community. Members will meet quarterly to discuss relevant, timely topics.
The Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, in conjunction with the Averill Park Athletic Booster Club, announced the Induction Class of 2022, which includes three athletes and one team. Congratulations to Lindsey Haff (2000), Chris Mazzeo (1991), Mary Anne Schiermeyer (1976) and the 1990 Girls Cross Country team. The 2022 induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 30 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. Prior to the induction ceremony more information will be released about each inductee.
Congratulations to junior Maisie Dawson for verbally committing to compete for the Belmont University softball team after graduation. Way to go Maisie!
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
Souper Bowl at Stephentown Federated Church
We celebrate the NFL’s Super Bowl with our own “Souper Bowl” on Sunday, February 13th at our service at 9:30am with Pastor Chris Garrison. Bring the groceries and monies you would like to donate to the Stephentown Emergency Food Pantry which we house at our church. The church is handicapped accessible. Mask required. The church is located at 1513 Garfield Road, Stephentown, NY 518-733-5813
An Afternoon With Norman Rockwell
Tuesday April 12th
Board our Yankee Trails motor coach at 10:30am and off we go to Michaels of Stockbridge for a home cooked meal. Dinner consists of either Herb encrusted oven roast beef, topped with brown gravy, Baked stuffed chicken with bread stuffing covered with supreme sauce. Or Baked Cod with seasoned bread crumb topping.
All dinners are served with chefs choice of vegetables and starch. Also included are salad, rolls with butter, coffee or tea, and desert. After a delightful lunch we are all off to the Norman Rockwell Museum where we will enjoy an afternoon of fine art and memories of time gone by. Do you remember The Evening Post?
After a fun afternoon at the museum we are off to a pastry shop “Peace Love and Chocolate to purchase nibbles for our ride home, as well as gourmet coffees. We guarantee a good night sleep after a day full of good food, conversation and mental stimulation call 518-463-2166 for more information sign up day is February 1st at 9am. One Bus Only!
We are open Monday thru Friday 9am to 3pm We are located on East and Herrick streets in Rensselaer.
4/29-5/1/2022 – Bus Trip to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Boston
Join Hope 7 Community Center for our Spring bus trip fundraiser to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Boston. We will depart from Field & Stream/Dick’s Sporting Goods, Latham Farms, on Friday, April 29th and return on Sunday, May 1st, 2022.
Stops to include Lemon Tree Village Shops in Brewster, wine tasting at Cape Cod Winery, ferry trip to Vineyard Haven with a 4 hour private tour of Martha’s Vineyard and time to shop and/or explore Hyannis, Provincetown, and Boston.
Cost per person (based on room occupancy) – Double: $530/person, Triple:$510/person, or Quad $490/person.
This cost includes the bus, hotel, driver’s tip, wine tasting, breakfast each morning, lunch on Friday, ferry to MV, tour of MV, boxed lunch during MV tour and dinner Saturday.
Proceeds from this trip to benefit Hope 7 Community Center’s Food Pantry.
Limited spaces are available. For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Michelle at 518-590-6781 or mhouser35@nullaol.com.
CCE Rensselaer County Announces 2021 4-H Lohnes Recipient
James Czub of Schaghticoke and son of Jim and Jackie Czub was selected as the 2021 4-H Lohnes Award recipient. As a well-rounded 4-H member, James has been involved in the county-wide 4-H Teen Exchange as well as the Stablemates and Barn Bums 4-H Clubs.
Over the years James served in a variety of leadership roles. Chairing many fundraisers, serving as the President of the 4-H Teen Exchange for two years and representing 4-H at local gatherings with policy makers and agriculture events. In 2019 James was a delegate to the National Youth Agri-Science summit at the National 4-H Center and Washington D.C. Throughout his 4-H career, James has been a mainstay helping and participating in many 4-H horse events, winning Champion Western Rider in 2020 at the Centennial 4-H Horse Show (the Schaghticoke Fair). James graduated from Hoosic Valley High School in June of 2021 and currently is completing his freshman year at Purdue University where he is majoring in Agriculture Engineering.
Thank you to the Lohnes Family who continues to sponsor this award in memory of Bob Lohnes who initiated this award in 1983. For more information about this or other youth programming opportunities, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Rensselaer County or your respective Cooperative Extension Office. CCE is an equal opportunity employer and programmer.
Widow-Widowers Group
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Did you know…. There is an active Widow-Widowers group that meets each Friday for lunch. We are actively looking to recruit more widowers to balance out our group. If you are a widower, please consider joining us. We are a fun group. Call Pat: 518-557-2284.
East Greenbush CSD Opens Kindergarten Registration for 2022-23
EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Central School District is now enrolling kindergarten students for the 2022-23 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September 2022, your child must turn five years old by December 1, 2022.
Kindergarten registration packets are being mailed to all eligible families in the district database. If your child is not currently in the district database, please call the school your child will attend to have the registration packet mailed to you. If you are not sure which school they will attend, call the Registrar’s office at 518-207-2062. The packet will provide you with a list of all the documents you need to bring as well as all the forms you need to fill out prior to registration.
Visit egcsd.org/registration for more information.
Free Tax Help is Available and Can Help You Get Your Refund Faster
The IRS is experiencing massive backlogs because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It may take 9-12 months for your return to be processed and to receive your refund if you physically mail your return to the IRS. However, you can generally expect to receive your refund in three to four weeks if you electronically file the return.
You can electronically file your 2021 return starting Monday, January 24, 2022.
The IRS’s “Free File” Program may be able to help. Free File partners will e-file your return for free. This year, you can e-file with Free File if your adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less. Links to these free tax preparation and e-filing services are available at www.irs.gov/freefile
Free tax assistance is also available in many communities. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provide free tax preparation and e-filing services. Locations can be found at www.irs.gov/vita or from your local United Way. The AARP Tax Aide Program also provides free tax preparation. VITA, TCE, and Tax Aide each have different eligibility requirements.
If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you also qualify for free tax help by IRS-trained volunteers. You may qualify for the EITC even if you’re single and have no children. EITC eligibility can be complicated. Check if you qualify at www.irs.gov/eitcassistant
In addition to e-filing, you will usually receive your refund faster if you ask for the payment to be directly deposited into your bank account.
If you have questions about e-filing, refunds or other income tax issues, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) may be able to help. The Clinic’s services are free of charge. You can call the LASNNY Legal Line at (833) 628-0087 and ask for our LITC. The Clinic does not generally provide tax preparation services.
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 appointments, or to the grocery store. We also need help checking in on isolated people in our community by making weekly phone calls or visits. Our clients and volunteers must be fully vaccinated to participate. 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.
Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers
CAPITAL DISTRICT – TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District.
Volunteers typically participate one day per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. No experience is required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers and confirm appointments. Training is provided for all positions. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses.
For more information on how you can join our team in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties contact Communications Coordinator [your name], [your phone number or] at [your email address]. For further information, visit www.nytaxaide.org
Volunteers are Needed to Help Adults and Children in Rensselaer & Albany County
TROY – Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) welcomes all kinds of volunteers, from tutors to administrative helpers and event planners. As a volunteer you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in Rensselaer County and Albany County. Would you like to help someone to read, write, or speak and understand English? We can train you. To find out more about tutoring and other ways to help, join us for a Volunteer Opportunities Information Session from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1st via Zoom. Contact mhellerlvorc@nullaol.com or call 518 244-4650 to reserve a space. https://www.lvorc.org
Youth Scholarships at Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center
Grafton – A gift of time spent in nature can benefit a child for years to come. The Friends of Dyken Pond are proud to announce that scholarships are available to youth and schools for 2022. Rensselaer County schools can apply to the Friends of Dyken Pond for field trip scholarships for a day of STEAM exploration at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, covering costs of bus transportation and field trip fees. For summertime, the Friends of Dyken Pond will sponsor youth aged 11 – 17 to attend a DEC summer youth overnight camp. Youth may apply by contacting the Center for an application. Deadline for DEC camp scholarships is February 15. Registration opens on March 6, 2022. For more information on this opportunity, please visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html. Beginning March 1, youth ages 6 – 13 can also apply for a scholarship to attend our own Dyken Pond Center’s Outdoor Adventure Camp. This week-long day camp runs from mid-July through mid-August and provides age appropriate activities in ecology, wildlife and outdoor living skills. Games, hikes and hands on discoveries will give campers a lifetime full of memories. Scholarship applications, camp schedules and details can be found at www.dykenpond.org or by contacting the Center at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Funds for scholarships are provided in part by McCarthy Charities and Stewart’s Holiday Match.
Karah Whitman Earns a Spot on the Dean’s List at Coastal Carolina University
CONWAY, SC – Nearly 2,500 undergraduate students at Coastal Carolina University were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 semester, including Karah Whitman, a Early Childhood Educ Pre-Major major from Rensselaer, NY (12144).
Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, located just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Riley Barton-Schwartz of Nassau, NY Graduates From the University of New Hampshire
DURHAM, NH – Riley Barton-Schwartz of Nassau, NY graduated Cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire in December 2021. He/she earned a BS in BusAdm:Marketing. Students who received the honor Summa Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.85-4.0: Students who received the honor of Magna Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.65-3.84; and students who received the honor of Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.50-3.64.
SNHU Announces Fall 2021 Dean’s List
MANCHESTER, NH – It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2021 Dean’s List.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 are named to the Dean’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester, and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5 & EW6.
Paige Moore of Castleton (12033)
Sherie Pompey of Troy (12180)
Debra Solomon of Troy (12180)
Michelle Vebber of Johnsonville (12094)
Devin Waters of Troy (12180)
SNHU Announces Fall 2021 President’s List
MANCHESTER, NH – It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2021 President’s List.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester, and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5 & EW6.
Taylor Cruz of Rensselaer (12144)
Emi Ahlo of Troy (12180)
Zakar Abdo of Troy (12180)
Elijanee Strickland of Troy (12180)
Renee Martinoli of Valley Falls (12185)
Dakota Matters of Troy (12180)
Ashley Dunn of East Schodack (12063)
Allona Bauer of Wynantskill (12198)
Dylan Weaver of Wynantskill (12198)
Holli Cross of Hoosick Falls (12090)
Ayoub ElMekaoui of East Greenbush (12061)
Local Students Named to Holy Cross’ Fall 2021 Dean’s List
WORCESTER, MA – A total of 1,375 students were named to College of the Holy Cross’ Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year. The following local students made the list:
Cael Fleischer of East Greenbush (12061), member of the Class of 2023, majoring in Religious Studies
Nikita Granich of E Greenbush (12061), member of the Class of 2025, majoring in Undeclared
Ava Turner of Troy (12180), member of the Class of 2024, majoring in Political Science,Economics
Bismarck State College announces the Fall 2021 President’s Honor Roll
BISMARCK, ND – Bismarck State College announces the President’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2021 semester.
“Our BSC community is so proud of the students named to the Fall 2021 President’s Honor Roll. At a time, and in a world, where we are facing challenges on so many levels, we’re so proud of our students rising to their possibilities and not allowing the challenges to interfere with their academic goals,” says BSC President Douglas J. Jensen.
The following area students have maintained at least a 3.50 grade point on a 4.00 scale while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of classes and qualify for the BSC President’s Honor Roll.
*Designates a 4.00 GPA
III Cushman, Poestenkill, N.Y. *
Evan Thorpe, West Sand Lake, N.Y.
Lydia Murphy of West Sand Lake named to Dean’s List at Grove City College
GROVE CITY, PA – Lydia Murphy, a Biochemistry major at Grove City College from West Sand Lake, has been named to the Dean’s List with Distinction for the Fall 2021 semester. Lydia is a 2018 graduate of Averill Park High School and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Murphy (Rhonda) from Wynantskill, NY.
Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.
Nazareth College Dean’s List Announcement for Fall 2021
ROCHESTER, N – Nazareth students named to the Fall 2021 Dean’s List.
Emily Jaworski of Troy, NY (12180).
Madelyn Van Aken of Sand Lake, NY (12153).
A student’s grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean’s list at Nazareth.
Albany-Tula Alliance Seeks Entries for 2022 Multimedia Contest
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Albany-Tula Alliance is seeking Capital Region students from high school to first-year college to enter a multimedia contest on the importance of discerning fact from fiction.
For the past quarter-century, the Albany-Tula Alliance has been a cooperative sister city initiative between New York’s Capital Region and the Tula Region in Russia. Through the years there have been many cultural, educational, scientific and business exchanges between the two. Even though government relations remain strained the friends of the Alliance continue to work together as citizen diplomats.
The annual Essay Contest is asking students to submit a creative response to the prompt: “How can you form an unbiased opinion of another culture without being able to travel there?” Students can submit their responses in dozens of different forms from a poem to podcast, from a sculpture to a collage, from an essay to a song or video.
The deadline for registration and essay submission is Friday, February 28, 2022. The participant of the winning essay will win $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.
For complete rules and detailed information on the Albany-Tula Alliance Essay Contest visit www.albanytula.org/contest.
Glass Lake Men’s Golf League
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Attention all golfers. The Glass Lake Men’s League at Burden Lake Country Club is looking for new members. Open to the public and members of Burden Lake Country Club. The league plays Tuesday nights from mid-April to mid-September, with tee times from 3:00-4:00pm. The league will also have two tournaments. The first being at a local golf course and the second at Burden Lake Country Club. All skill levels are welcome. For more information on dues and how to become a member, contact Kean Toomey at kean.toomey@nullgmail.com
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 Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE – The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, NY 12094, is open 9-12 every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month. Closed on holidays. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. We have a great selection of adult and children’s clothing, boots, shoes, coats, purses, special occasion and career clothing, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books available.
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.
10 Tips for ‘Nonviolent Communication’ (1)
To maintain supportive relationships and reduce stress at home, workplace and the community.
Let me remember that myself and all the other persons (2) have the same needs (3).
Let me reflect every day on how compassionate I am, towards myself and other persons.
Let me check my intention to see if I am as interested in the other person getting her or his needs met, as I am, in mine.
When I am unable to fulfil a person’s request (4), let me say what need of mine is preventing me, instead of saying “I can’t do it.”.
When I am feeling (5) upset, let me think about what need of mine is not being met and what I can do to meet it, instead of blaming other persons or myself.
Before agreeing or disagreeing with the other person, let me tune into what she or he is feeling and needing at the moment.
Before asking a person to do something, let me decide whether I want to request or demand (6).
Let me say what I want the other person ‘to do’, instead of saying what I don’t want.
Instead of vaguely saying to a person “I want you to be responsible/kind etc.”, let me clearly spell out ‘what I want her or him to do’ to be such a person.
When a person does something, I like, instead of appreciating the action or the person, let me offer my gratitude (7) by saying what need of mine was met by that person’s action.
(1) Nonviolent communication (NVC), also called ‘Compassionate communication’ is our natural state of being according to Marshall Rosenberg who developed it in 1960’s. Multiple videos on NVC can be viewed on youtube by searching for “Introduction to nonviolent communication” including the quotes.
(2) A ‘Person’, includes a boss, cashier, child, coworker, convict, customer, doctor, infant, in-law, janitor, judge, own self, partner, parent, patient, police, president, priest, relative, student, teacher, etc.
(3) Needs: Basic human needs are: Autonomy, Connection, Honesty, Meaning, Peace, Physical wellbeing and Play.
(4) Request: A request is action specific, doable, positive, time specific and doesn’t put the other person under any pressure. The other person is more likely to fulfil a request with pleasure than a demand.
(5) Feelings: Pleasant feeling arises when a person’s needs are met: Affectionate, Confident, Excited, Exhilarated, Graceful, Hopeful, Inspired, Joyful, Peaceful, Refreshed, etc.
Unpleasant feeling arises when a person’s needs are not met: Afraid, Annoyed, Aversion, Confused, Embarrassed, Fatigued, Pain, Sad, Tense, Vulnerable etc.
(6) Demand: A demand focusses on own needs without concern for the other person’s needs and deprives them of choice. A demand is likely to discourage a potential helper or they may help with a grudge, resulting in a negative relationship.
(7) Gratitude: The primary purpose of expressing gratitude is to celebrate the awesome power we have, to help each other fulfill our needs thus making life better for everyone. The secondary purpose is to let them know that they have enriched our life. Gratitude infuses energy and motivation to make each other’s lives more wonderful.
When we regret not following NVC, we can get remotivated by Marshall Rosenberg’s quote: “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly. We don’t aim at perfection. We try to be progressively less stupid!”.
(Adapted from https://www.cnvc.org/trainings/articles/10-steps-peace)
For FREE, anonymous, 24/7 help, you can contact the national ‘Domestic Violence Hotline’ at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), TEXT ‘START’ to 88788 or CHAT at https://www.thehotline.org/.
FREE Helplines 24/7
ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE AND PROBLEM GAMBLING 877.846.7369 or Text 467369. Visit https://oasas.ny.gov/
CHILD ABUSE is when a person does serious physical injury, creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or engages in sex with a child in their care and when a caregiver allows someone else to abuse the child in their care in a similar manner. 518. 474.8740. Visit https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cps/
CRISIS FOR FOOD, HEALTH, HOUSING, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSPORTATION: For non-emergency help for paying your bills or to help someone, get the most up-to-date information by calling United Way 3 digit number -211. Visit https://www.211.org/
DOMESTIC ABUSE of an intimate partner is ‘ridiculing, humiliating, putdowns, isolating, manipulating, ordering, intimidating, threatening, beating, sexual coercion and controlling money’. The abused person, family member or friend can anonymously call one or more of these agencies: Equinox 518.432.7865; Unity House 518.272.2370; YWCA NENY 518.374.3386; Wellspring 518.584.8188; National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233. Visit https://www.thehotline.org/
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH RELATIONSHIPS: Dating, personal safety and supporting others. 866.331.9474 or Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522. Visit https://www.loveisrespect.com
HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Human trafficking crime occurs when a trafficker uses fraud or coercion against a person to solicit labor or engage in commercial sex acts. If the person engaged in commercial sex is under 18 years, it is a crime even when force, fraud, or coercion is not used. 888.373.7888 or Text 233733. Visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
SEXUAL ASSAULT: Eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone who knows the victim. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network 800-656.4673; Albany County sexual assault hotline 518.447.7716. Visit https://www.rainn.org/
SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE offers confidential crisis and prevention resources for people in distress and their loved ones. 800.273.8255. Visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
What’s the Big Deal with Sports Betting?
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Mobile Sports Betting was legalized in New York State last year, and the regulators have been approved to launch as early as this weekend, Saturday January 8, 2022. Access and availability to gambling outlets continue to increase across New York State. For many, gambling is a form of entertainment and causes little to no harm. But there is another side to gambling that often is not discussed.
Problem gambling and gambling disorder affect upwards of 8 million Americans every year (National Council on Problem Gambling). While most who choose to gamble are able to do it responsibly, it is important to understand the risks associated. When there is an increase in access and availability to something, the risk of developing a problem also increases. The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) simply defines problem gambling as anytime gambling causes problems in your life. Problem gambling can cause personal, family, relationship, and/or career issues. These can include arguments over money and time spent gambling with loved ones, missing deadlines and being distracted at work, or feeling depressed or anxious because of one’s gambling.
With the launch of mobile sports betting, bettors will have access to wager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are endless amounts of bets that can be made in a 24-hour period, expanding from simply betting on the outcome of a game to also include in-game bets, point-spreads, the over/under, parlay bets, futures, and many more (The Game Day).
Recent research has estimated that 6-9% of young people and young adults experience problems related to gambling — a higher rate than among adults (National Center for Responsible Gaming). A concern with mobile sports betting and the technology utilized is that it engages a younger generation of bettors, including individuals who may have never gambled before or at traditional venues for gambling. The potentially endless access to gambling in the palm of a young person’s hand could quickly escalate to be problematic for them and their loved ones.
Unlike substance use disorder, the warning signs of problem gambling and gambling disorder do not always present themselves in a physical way. It is often referred to as the hidden addiction. Warning signs include:
• Gambling to escape or avoid worries, frustrations, or disappointments
• Neglecting other responsibilities to concentrate on gambling activities
• Increasing amounts of money bet in an effort to win back losses
• Gambling with money needed for necessary expenses, such as groceries, bills, or medication
• Borrowing or relying on others to get out of debt
• Feeling desperate, depressed, or having suicidal ideations because of gambling
There is help available for anyone impacted by problem gambling. Problem Gambling Resource Centers (PGRCs) are located in every county and borough across New York State. PGRCs are designed to provide information and access to support to anyone seeking help as a result of problematic gambling. This includes help for the individual betting, for their loved ones who are impacted, as well as community partners seeking to provide support.
For more information on your local PGRC, please visit https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – We are open two times each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays beginning at 4:30 pm and ending at 6:30 pm. Bring proof of your current residence and grocery bags for your food request.
Starting in November 2021, we will now greet our guests inside the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, side entrance.
Please wear a mask and check the extra’s tables. Two guests at a time, fill out food selection forms while waiting in your car. We will continue to practice social distancing and safety for our volunteers and guests.
Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our pantry is available. Call and leave your name and number at (518) 283-6045.
Our newest program offers infant and baby items (food, diapers and wipes) for those who reside in the Poestenkill area. Pre-orders only by a phone message at (518) 428-0124, a private Facebook message, or email: breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com. We do not currently stock these items in our pantry as selections are very individualized.
Johnsonville Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE – The thrift shop at the Johnsonville Methodist Church, 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, NY 12094 is open every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month from 9-12. Look for our sign at the corner of Rte. 111 and Rte. 67. We have a great selection of adult and children’s fall and winter clothing, coats, boots, shoes, purses, special occasion and career clothes, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Christmas decor is now on display. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books available.
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
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