Monday April 29, 2024 
Volunteer Museum Teachers Needed
Do you enjoy working with children? Do you love learning new things? Do you have a few hours at least once or twice a month to give? Then join a team of volunteer museum teachers and guide children as they journey through the Hudson River Trading Game! Based on the life of Hudson River sloop owner Philip Van Rensselaer of Cherry Hill, the interactive school program immerses 4th and 5th grade students in 18th century trade and travel on a 34-foot game board. Teaching experience is not necessary, but teamwork and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment is a must. Training is provided. The program is 3 hours long, offered mornings November through June, at the Albany Visitors Center at Quackenbush Square in downtown Albany. Interested? Contact Shawna Reilly: shawna@nullhistoriccherryhill.org, 518-434-4791.
AARP Tax Aide Program Volunteers Needed
AARP Tax Aide Program is looking for volunteers. The Tax Aide Program is a free tax preparation service for all members of our community. There are many opportunities that are available for our volunteers. Tax Preparers work directly with the tax payer to complete their tax return. Client Facilitators welcome taxpayers and help organize their paperwork. Technology Coordinators manage computer equipment. Local Coordinators who manage the site, volunteers and schedules. Communications Coordinators who help recruit new volunteers. We have sites in Columbia and Rensselaer Counties. Volunteers will receive training. To become a volunteer, you will need to register for the Tax Aide Program. You can register at NYTaxAide.org. In the upper right of the window click on Volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide link and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Seeley at jseeley1018@nullgmail.com.
Help Keep Our Service Men & Women in Afghanistan Warm
Edward C. Swartz Southern Tier Senior Center’s Community Service Group is participating in a project for service men and women serving in Afghanistan. We are knitting and crocheting scarves for them to help keep them warm this coming winter. We are asking for donations of yarn or funds to purchase the yarn. Yarn needs to be heavy (no wool) and dark colors; black, navy, deep green, brown, or camouflage. We have a specific pattern available for any of you wishing to help by making scarves. Please stop by the center to pick up a copy of the pattern. Donations can be brought to the center or mailed to: Edward C. Swartz Southern Tier Senior Center, 1800 East Schodack Rd., Castleton, NY 12033. Please call 518-477-6581 for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
The Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wild land and underwater searches within a 100-mile radius of Waterford, 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 and 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-state emergencyteam.org.
B-I-N-G-O!
Bingo is more than a game. Many people laugh at the image of older people playing bingo, but it has benefits, that folks are not aware of.
Reflexes and coordination decline naturally as seniors age, but bingo requires players to identify numbers as they are called and mark their cards accordingly at a quick clip. Studies show that bingo can significantly improve the hand-eye coordination of many seniors. As the game requires a great deal of mental flexibility and alertness to grasp, identify, and remember specific information, bingo may also help improve your loved one’s cognitive acuity and short-term memory.
Bingo events typically involve a lot of laughter and excitement. As laughter triggers a number of physical changes in the body that can boost the immune system, relieve stress, and even diminish pain, bingo can actually promote your loved one’s general health. Players make friends and become more social, as well.
The Watervliet Senior Center offers bingo on Thursdays at 12:45 and after some of our monthly dinners; the third Wednesday of every month. Call 518-273-4422 for more information.
On-Going Bottle Drive
Drop-off your containers and say: “For friends of the North Greenbush Library”, at 6 Cent Redemption II; 461 Main Ave., Wynantskill. Donations will benefit the North Greenbush Library Friends.
Home Purchase & Repair Funding Available
This spring, the Troy Rehabilitation & Improvement Program (TRIP) and Rensselaer County Housing Resources (RCHR), will offer grant funding to assist local residents with obtaining and maintaining their homes.
TRIP & RCHR have been awarded funds to provide grant monies, which can be used for down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and home rehabilitation projects.
The NYS AHC Program assists income-eligible homeowners with home repairs including health and safety repairs, roof replacement, structural, electrical, plumbing and heating system repairs or replacements and energy efficiency measures.
The HIP Program (serving Troy residents) and the Small Cities (serving Rensselaer County residents outside of Troy) Grant Program assist income-eligible first-time home buyers with grants to be used for down payment and/or closing costs at the time of purchase.
Rensselaer County residents may apply for these grant opportunities. Applicants need to be income-eligible and current on their mortgage, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance at the time of application in order to qualify.
For more information about these grants or other homeowner programs, visit www.triponline.org or call the TRIP & RCHR NeighborWorks Home Ownership Center at (518) 272-8289.
Free Legal Help for Federal Tax Problems
The IRS is now using private debt collectors (PDCs) to collect unpaid federal taxes. You may receive letters and phone calls from private debt collectors, but all payments must be made directly on the IRS’ website (irs.gov) or by check or money order made out to the “US Treasury.” You can request that your account be sent back to the IRS so that you can dispute the debt, request an installment agreement or to request a hold on collection. If you receive a notice from the IRS or a PDC you should call the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. We can help you with this and many other income tax issues. The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic can be reached at 518-462-6765 or 1-800-462-2922 if you need help. This clinic does not generally provide tax return preparation services.
~Submitted by Krzysztof Wendland, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
Village of Nassau General Election
The General Election of the Village of Nassau, County of Rensselaer, will be held at the Village Municipal Building, 40 Malden Street, in said Village on the 19th day of March 2019, and the polls will be open at 12:00 noon, and close at 9:00 p.m.
The Village Clerk designates the following offices as vacant at the end of the current official year, to be filled for the following term:
Mayor for the term of Robert W. Valenty for the term of four years.
Trustee for the term of David Scaccia for the term of four years.
Trustee for the term of Randy Howarth for the term of four years.
Justice for the term of Michael Conway for the term of four years.
Election is open to voters registered with Rensselaer County Board of Elections. The last day to register with the County Board of Elections is Friday, March 8, 2019.
~Melissa Turner-Bulan, Village Clerk
Warm PJs for Cold Nights Needed
CoNSERNS-U in Rensselaer is collecting Pajamas for distribution to children in needy families. This effort with its specific focus is an addition to the organization’s ongoing community support work. The continuing economic downturn keeps bringing new needs to the surface, and the number of families seeking assistance increases.
Colleen Pidgeon, Director of Co-NSERNS-U, reports that the list of families in need has grown again in the last year. Co-NSERNS-U is collecting sleepwear for youngsters aged new born to 18. Individual donations may be dropped off at 50 Herrick St across from the Train Station in Rensselaer. Ms. Pidgeon also hopes Church groups and Civic Organizations may see the opportunity for a project to help in this need. Co-NSERNS-U is open M-F, 8:30-4:30, 50 Herrick St, Rensselaer, and the phone number is 518-463-8571.
Center Brunswick UM Church Announces Financial Scholarship for Tamarac HS Grads
The Finance Committee of the Center Brunswick United Methodist Church has announced that it will award $500 to a student to be selected from the Tamarac High School Class of 2019. The money may be used for any type of expenses related to further education. Students do not have to belong to this Church, any other church or religion to be eligible for this award.
Interested students must apply for this award no later than March 1, 2019. The application can be obtained from the school’s guidance department or from our website at (www.Center BrunswickUMC.company).
This award is given in memory of Harold and Mabel Keyes through a trust funded by their last will and testament. Mabel taught in the Brunswick schools and continued teaching Sunday School at Center Brunswick UMC for many years after she retired. Through this award, her love of helping young people learn and grow will continue to reach the youth of our community.
The Center Brunswick United Methodist Church is located at the intersection of Routes 7 and 142 in Troy.
Support the Averill Park Yearbook Club
Do you want to promote your business to hundreds of families, for years to come? Are you interested in supporting The Averill Park High School students at the same time? Consider a space in the Threshold, Averill Park High School’s Yearbook!
To secure a space in the Averill Park High School’s Yearbook, please send detailed typed information including: Business Name, Address, Email, Website, Phone number, along with a design of your message, any photos (cannot be returned – Do Not Staple Photos!) and/or business cards. You may email, mail or hand-deliver your information and payment. You will receive email confirmation that your ad was received.
- Full Page: $300 (Max. 6 photos)
- Half Page $150 (Max. 4 photos)
- 1/4 Page: $100 (Max. 2 photos)
- 1/8 Page: $65. (Max. 1 photo)
All ads will be printed in color. Artwork and business cards are accepted. (Do not submit Telephone directory/ Newspaper quality). Photos may be reduced or enlarged.
Digital files should be emailed to: blosteinm@nullapcsd.org/baileya@nullapcsd.org. Checks can be made payable to Averill Park H.S. Yearbook and mailed to:
APHS Yearbook, Averill Park High School- 146 Gettle Road Averill Park, NY 12018. Submissions should be received no later than February 1, 2019.
Special Gift for that Special Someone
This dollhouse gift will bring many days of joy and a lifetime of memories. Custom upgraded from the Greenleaf “Harrison” model (with movable walls). It has 3 stories and 8 rooms. Local architect builder has added unique features such as: skylight in the “secret play room” upstairs where you can see the Minnie Mouse wallpaper…hand crafted base and cornice molding in all rooms…hand crafted operable doors for all rooms. Wallpaper in all rooms. Roof shingles were separately purchased in sheets, but hand sanded and set in. There is even a small gold bead from antique jewelry used as the front door knob. Overall dimensions are: 34”W, 30”H, and 20”D . Scale is 1 in. to 1 ft. Asking price of $650 covers kit costs and materials for custom work. It is also 100% deductible as a donation to the Elmwood Cemetery Association. Please e-mail Sanwax@nullnycap.rr.com asap to assure your purchase. Make your check payable to Elmwood Cemetery Association and mail to their address at P.O. Box 415, West Sand Lake, NY. We thank you and wish you the best of the Holiday season.
Book Nook News
The Book Nook would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support of this great parish fund-raising effort as well as it is becoming a wonderful community project. It could not happen without you. The Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish in Speigletown will be open on Saturday morning, January 5, from 9:00 am until noon, with our January sale. All books whose author’s first or last names begin with “J” will be half-price. For example, James Patterson, Iris Johanson, J.A. Jance, etc. It’s a great opportunity to keep stocking up on your winter reading! Please stop by and see all of the new donations that have come in. Donations can be dropped off at either entrance of the church during office hours.
Algonquin Middle School Honor Roll Membership for the First Marking Period
It is a pleasure to list the 420 students who qualified for the Algonquin Honor Roll by attaining one of the following standards of scholastic achievement.
Merit Roll — Average of 88-91, with no grade below 70 and no incompletes
Honor Roll — Average of 92-95, with no grade below 70 and no incompletes
High Honor Roll — Average of 96 to 100, with no grade below 70 and no incompletes
Grade 6: High Honor Roll:
Lindsay Agro, Kayleigh Ahern, Samantha Alberino, Kayden Amadon, Alexis Ames, Mason Barber, Corey Basle, Pamela Berger, Hailey Bergmann, Reese Bergmann, Marissa Bertos, Keirsten Bonner, Brooke Bourgault, Khloe Bruce, Madisyn Bulson, Drew Canaday, Veronica Cardillo, Ella Conlee, Cooper Cox, Cameron Daley, Theodore Dangler, Carter Dee, Trinity Demars, Willow Dorr, Isaac Erickson, Kaitlyn Farron, Anna Finnerty, Declan Flanigan, Tayeshawn Frost, Henry Gaylord, McKenzie Gee, Madison Grusczak, Jacob Hanlon, Sofie Harrington, Matthew Hoff, Jacob Hotaling, Carly Hunter, Sarah Hurst, Ian Joseph, Abigail Juneau, Grace Kelley, Isabelle Kieley, Glendora Kilmer, Kaylie Koops, Elijah Kreisher, Ayla Locci, Nicholas Lubas, Hailie Lucier, Sara Ludke, Madelyn Malley, Jill McKinney, Sydney Meeks, Sophia Mercier, Nicholas Middleton, Sophie Miller, Chayce Moak, Joycelynn Momrow, Ayla Morse, Thomas Murray, Jack Norton, Emma Padalino, Jayda Palmer, Nicholas Paratore, Madison Passineau, Riley Pember, Jacob Phelps, Ciara Pogue, Anthony Polaro, Nicholas Premo, Skylar Quackenbush, Wyatt Relyea, Cecilia Rifenburgh, Aidan Riley, Eleanor Schabses, Lucca Smith, Piper Smith, Eva Sollohub, Timothy Stallmer, Rachael Strickland, Delaney Swinson, Chava Thiell, Cole Thompson, Cameron VanSleet, Tucker Whitbeck, Jeremy Wing, Lillian Wohlleber and Bethany Zimmerman.
Grade 6: Honor Roll:
Nathan Angrisano, Kayla Bradley, Michael Broscko, Collin Browe, Bao Bui Nguyen, Sophia Bushey, Jack Charron, Maeve Clements, Loretta Colton, Lucas Coonradt, Gideon Covert, Tyler Cox, Trevor Cross, Hayden Dingee, Nancy
Douaihy, Olivia Durocher, Danielle Fazioli, Angelica Fiacco, Liam Fitch, Katharina Gaboury, Benjamin Giuliano, Eleanor Grimard, Elizabeth Hansen, Angelina Hayes, Mikayla Isby, Lilly Jacobson, Paine LaBounty, Lauren Laferriere, Kaysie Lane, Keegan Lange, Meaghan Leahey, Tanner Lettko, Thomas Mahar III, Alexander Matice, Justin Matthews Jr., Jaylin McCoy, Sylas McCraw, Gavin Mitchell, Lilly Molitor, Talia Moore, Kiah Morey, Omaji Morris, Cody Morrissey, Olivia Overlock, Cameron Parker, Krishten Petersen, Gabriel Price, Shawn Ratigan, Vincent Ring, Edword Rivera, Austin Rouleau, Payton Santacrose, Margaret Schwenke, Jasmine Scribner, Mackenzie Sheldrick, Delaina Stevens, Jenna Stevens, Carter Sweet, Alexander Swinton, Cloe Tobey, Arianna Verardi, Izabella Wagner, Owen Wallen, Bailey Walsh and Joshua Whitmore.
Grade 6: Merit Roll:
Jeremy Ali, Connor Ames, Riley Beebe, Hailey Bishop, Logan Bloomfield, Tannis Bonesteel, Sebastian Brown, Tyler Bushey, Logan Collins, Abigail Creech, Anthony Damiano, Jesse Damiano, Annalise Dowdell, Emma Forino, Karen Foster, Ellie Graham, Ethan Grignon, Marguerite Guerrero, Olivia Hill, Malahkai Hoffman, Morgan Holohan, Spencer Kapusta, Colin Kutzer, Nathan Lemner, Jameson Lott, Alana Malone, Aubrey Multunas, Luca Ogno, Hailey Premo, Mia Rodriguez, Matthew Rumenapp, Luke Smith, Kaleigh South, Nathan Webster, Christopher Williams and Joshua Ziobroski,
Grade 7: High Honor Roll:
Cristian Abate, David Allegretta, Zareena Ansari, Sophia Bendetti, Paige Bidwell, Thomas Biette, Laney Brown, Zachary Bumpus, Connor Byers, Christopher Chenette, Kevin Clark, Shannon Colwill, John Culliton, Aiden Dahl, Julia Davies, Paula DeAndres, Mary DeMerchant, Kayla Dette, Christian Ducharme, Violet Dupuis, Jack Evans, Grace Faragon, Ava Ferriero, Caitlyn French, Eleanor Garrison, Lila Gazoorian, Samuel Hart, Cavan Hicks, Hailey Hoen, Madisyn Locci, Andrew Loucks, Olivia Maddalone, Mikayla Malenfant, Sophia Meissner, Merrik Nalewjka, Caroline Nero, Peter Nizinkirck, Evan O’Connor, Nathan Ortega, Julia Pollock, Carson Roenfeldt, Megan Rounds, Ethan Ruppe, Margaret Scannell, Polina Shabashova, Hannah Stewart, Kay Tichy, Tatiana Tune and Delphine Williams-Mitchell.
Grade 7: Honor Roll:
Sydney Ainsworth, Brady Battista, Jack Behan, Isabella Bernstein, Leah Browe, Nicholas Bult, Sophia Carey, Cecelia Colton, Marlee Cooke, Kevin Cooper, Edwin Corbin IV, Sarah Crosby, Morgan Cross, Leo Curley IV, Connor Dee, Taytum Dudley, Ian Ferlito, Joseph Finelli, Ella Fizzuoglio, John Grimmick III, Katie Guyer, Grace Hanlon, Jack Hyde, Hannah Jansen, Haylee Jansen, Jonah Jones, Benjamin Keens, Michelina Lopez, Tahlya Lott, Leah Lovell, Kyla Martin, Ava McCoy, Tessa Milks, David Morelli, Angela Nailor, Anna Nichols, Raegan O’Brien, Jessica Olson, Alexander Phelan, Liam Rogers, Simone Schwarz-Eise, Benjamin Stewart, Anna Wicks and Gianna Zatorsky.
Grade 7: Merit Roll:
Tyler Cordero, Jace Cusson, Hannah Daly, Matthew Dangler, Thomas DeCrescenzo, Eamon DeLair, Emma Doyle, Brad Fitzgerald, John Galvin, Mackenzie Goyer, Kaylin Granger, Taylor Holohan, Grace Hulihan, Anthony Jubrey, Clara LaRose, Lily Madison, Ruby Mainville-Geerholt, Brianna Martin, Khloe McKeown, Molly Molitor, Romeyn Murray, Jack Nolan, David Orologio, Christina Patanian, Tyler Pierce, Charles Ratigan, Avery Reynolds, James Richards, Zachary Rogers, Anikka Ruschmeyer, Takiyah Ryan, Griffin Sleicher, Chance Thibeault, Nicholas Walsh and Daniel Zelenke.
Grade 8: High Honor Roll:
Tessa Adamo, Elizabeth Aiossa, Caroline Antolick, Samuel Bonesteel, Hannah Colwill, Jacob Crupi, Mairi Cumming, Emma Deo, Samantha Evanchick, Aiden Fedorowicz, Lucas Ferguson, Emma Hanlon, Rory Iwaneczko, Hayden Kiehl, Bailee Lange, Bailey Leone-Levine, Kimberly Mazzacco, Ashlyn McGarry, Tyler Michaels, Owen Perala, Louis Reale, Ryan Richter, Christian Romer and Jason Strickland.
Grade 8: Honor Roll:
Abigail Alberino, Olivia Apfel, Logan Barsalow, Nathan Bergmann, Mary Bryant, Luke Cellucci, Cole Davidson, Bridget Denley, Olivia Dugan, Gregory Effman, Madison Filarecki, Matthew Frost, Kaiden Goddard-Hathaway, Curtis Gorman, Ava Graziano, Julie Hale, Alec Hansen, Savannah Hansen, Mary Harmer, Gwendolyn Jamison, Brendan Kasuba, Grace LaLiberte, Isabella Mancino, Marisa Mazzacco, Payton McCue, Julia Miorin, Isla Multunas, Clotilde Mussett, Riley O’Brien, Nathan O’Connor, Kadi Palmer, Emily Prest, Isabelle Relyea, Ella Roenfeldt, Saeryn Sawyer, Karissa Scheeren, Semen Shabashov, Lillian Slavin, Payton Stelling, Tyler Strock, Dylan Sutton, Nicole Tilley, Bailey Vooris, Dane Wiedman and Nicole Wing.
Grade 8: Merit Roll:
Alexandra Bendett, Cameran Bennett, Sydney Bloomfield, Harrison Bourgault, Emily Bradley, Mason Brown, Colin Brunelle, Grace Bursey, Brenden Crotty, Maisie Dawson, Matthew DeJulio, Joshua Durocher, George Fudge III, Nicholas Galuski, Samuel Griswold, Ella Hinman, Carynne Jewell, Tyler Kalinowski, Anthony Martuscello, Ava Mieczkowski, Daniel Milanese, Katherine Momrow, Olivia Pascarell, Kasie Phillips, Angelina Polaro, Faith Rescott, Jake Rizzo, Erick Rudin, Annika Silver, Cooper Smith, Taylor South, Nathan Stay, Ashley Svensson, Kara Teal, and Wyatt Thorsen.
News from Tufts University
Pearl Herzig, from West Sand Lake, has joined more than 1,500 undergraduate students from around the world as they begin their academic careers at Tufts University, located in Medford/Somerville, Massachusetts.
In all, only 14.6 percent of a record breaking 21,501 applicants were admitted to the university, the second-lowest acceptance rate in university history.
Carolyn Corcoran named to Elmira College Dean’s List
Carolyn Corcoran of Mechanicville has been named to the Elmira College Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 Term. Full-time students who achieve a grade point average of 3.600 or higher at the end of any Term I or Term II are placed on the Dean’s List at the college.
Free Knit and Crochet Group
Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton NY– Would you like to help crochet or knit hats, mittens, lap robes, teddy bear sweaters or scarves for nursing homes, veterans, the homeless and school children?
EGCSD Schedules Meetings About Proposed Changes to School Boundaries for Bell Top, Genet & Red Mill
East Greenbush Central School District has scheduled three informational meetings to discuss boundary changes for Bell Top, Genet and Red Mill Elementary Schools to alleviate capacity issues at Bell Top due to current and projected enrollment growth in that zone.
The proposed changes will enable the district to maintain its class size goals, alleviate space concerns at Bell Top, maintain efficiencies of staffing levels and transportation services and provide continuity of instruction to all students.
It is important to note the proposed changes do not affect students who currently attend these schools or incoming students who will have siblings in these schools during the 2019-20 school year.
These changes will affect incoming Kindergartners and any newly registered Grade 1-5 students for the 2019-20 school year whose primary residence is within one of the affected areas of the district and who will not have siblings within these schools in 2019-20.
Parents of both incoming kindergarten students and current students are invited to attend the following informational meetings: January 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bell Top Cafeteria; January 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Red Mill Library; and January 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Genet Conference Room.
If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s office at 518-207-2062.
Katie Orecki Recognized for Leadership at SUNY Oneonta
Katie Orecki of Wynantskill, NY, was one of 83 SUNY Oneonta students recently recognized for attaining leadership milestones through the college’s LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program.
LEAD@Oneonta is a comprehensive leadership program based on current research and guidelines from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. All students can choose to participate in the LEAD program, which aims to better prepare them for life after college by providing a comprehensive picture of leadership and the skills needed to be a good leader.
Students can attain a silver, gold or platinum level. To attain each level, students must meet a mix of programmatic and experiential leadership requirements, including completion of online courses, attendance at educational events, and membership and leadership in one or more of SUNY Oneonta’s 100+ student-run clubs and organizations.
Orecki, who is studying Adolescence Ed: Social Studies, attained the silver level.
Completion of a leadership level is recognized on campus as a credential that can be used, for example, when running for office or applying for STEP (Student Travel for Excellence Program) funding. The program also provides students with a leadership record that can be submitted to potential employers.
Grant graduates from Western New England University
David Grant of Rensselaer, graduated from Western New England University with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership on October 15, 2018.
WSL Fire Dept. grateful to community partners
The West Sand Lake Fire Department is very grateful to the following community partners for helping to support our 1st annual “Feast with Friends” free Thanksgiving Dinner that was open to the community:
The Manager of the West Sand Lake Stewart’s, West Sand Lake Hannaford, North Greenbush ShopRite and East Greenbush Walmart.
Thank you! Thank you!
Sand Lake Senior Club meeting
The regular meeting for the Sand Lake Seniors Club will be on January 10, 2019 at the Church of The Covenant in Averill Park on Route 43 at 12:00. We will be having a guest speaker followed by a luncheon of pizza and wings. We are in the planning stage of trips and Restaurant Luncheons we go to, come and be a part of our planning for the 2019 year. We are collecting dues for the new year. Remember, if AVERILL PARK SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED, WE DO NOT HAVE A MEETING, IF THE SCHOOLS ARE DELAYED, WE DO HAVE A MEETING. Happy Holidays to everyone!
Town of Sand Lake Councilman Andy Bulmer Review
Reflecting on the past year, I would like to thank the residents of Sand Lake for supporting me. My first year in office as Councilman was very eventful. With the support of the community and my fellow board members, we were able to accomplish many things in 2018. At Butler Park, the existing stage was removed, and a new covered event platform was built at no cost to the residents. I would like to thank everyone who made this possible. A special thank you to Blair Construction, Custom Renovations, Bonded Concrete, Rifenburg Construction, and Hoffay Farms for their generous donations. In addition, there were many individuals that donated their time and skilled expertise to make this project a success: Rusty Blair, Joe Jankovic, Aaron Jankovic, Eric Westfall, Bill Birddoll, Willie Garcia, Bob Martin, Scott Blair, Scott Bendett, Dave Loveridge, William Hoffay, Sean Sleicher, Gary Despart Jr, Keith Hammond, Larry Browe, Dylan Densmor and Chris Bugler.
We had a successful season at the Town Beach. There were over 300 beach passes issued. Our staff focused on the safety of the residents while improving the overall appearance and convenience of the facility. There were new tables and umbrellas added so residents now have a place to enjoy lunch at the beach. A community forum was held in November to gather input from the residents and there are more improvements planned for 2019. At Town Hall we are currently installing new led lighting in the parking lot. The new lighting will create a safe environment for those who visit the Town Hall. The year finished strong with the annual Holiday Parade. Despite the cold temperatures, the turnout was great. Participants in the parade included first responders, law enforcement, youth groups and even a live band. Thank you to everyone that made this parade happen. We are fortunate to have active and engaged members in our community. The Town Board has many great ideas for events in the upcoming year. Butler Park will be utilized as the main gathering place for events like concerts in the park, movie nights, yoga in the park, and hopefully, many other events. Together, we laid the foundation for success in Sand Lake in 2018. Now let’s build on that foundation to make our community even better in 2019.
Thank you,
Councilman Andrew Bulmer
4-H Winter Fairs
Top Photo: Rensselaer County 4-H member Ava Helou displays some of the projects she entered at the 4-H Winter Fair on December 14 at the Salem United Methodist Church, West Sand Lake.
Bottom Photo: Rensselaer County 4-H Teen Ambassadors, Brigham Logue and Alyssa Jacon evaluate holiday projects at the 4-H Winter Fair at Tamarac High School on November 30, 2018.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Youth Development program recently held two successful Winter Fairs, one at Tamarac High School and another at the Salem United Methodist Church in West Sand Lake. The participants brought projects that were evaluated by 4-H Teen Evaluators, projects ranged from grapevine wreaths, ornaments, holiday decorations, as well as decorated cupcakes. The youth also created a variety of winter themed crafts and participated in community service projects. The Rensselaer County 4-H program would like to thank all of the 4-H members and volunteers who helped with the Winter Fairs.
For more information about the Rensselaer County 4-H program, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County 4–H at 518-272-4210 or visit our website at ccerensselaer.org.
Clothing Shed Donations
Latham-Colonie Council #3394 Knights of Columbus, Columbiettes and the Columbian Corporation, located at 328 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, are partnering with St Pauly Textile, a Western New York textile collection company, to raise needed funds for our Council home and the charitable programs we support; Boy Scouts, Center for Disability Services, local sports teams and Community Maternity Services to name a few.
This is an ongoing fundraiser with an environmentally friendly component, we are collecting textile products that will be sold all over the world instead of having them go to the landfill. Latham-Colonie K of C Organization earns a percentage per pound of the donated items.
Our Council welcomes this win-win opportunity to provide a needed service to our surrounding community by recycling used serviceable items, we have the ability to raise funds without impacting the already stretched to the limit charitable dollar.
What to drop off:
Used Clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, purses, linens, pillowcases, blankets, curtains, and stuffed animals
**What Not to Drop-off:
Furniture, electronics, household items, books, toys, garbage, pillows, rags, and fabric scraps.
www.lathamcoloniekofc.com, 518-783-0572
Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School Student of the Quarter Award
In an effort to recognize outstanding achievements of our students, Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School presents each quarter a Student of the Quarter Award. Students may be nominated for this award by any staff member, a representative of a community organization, a parent or another student. Students may be nominated for a single outstanding achievement, for service to the school or community or for significant improvement in school. Each Quarter one student in each grade, 7-12, is selected for this award by a faculty committee after a review of all nominations. For the first quarter of 2018/19 the students selected to receive this recognition are:
7th – Violet Fisher; 8th – Siona Schuerholz; Freshman – Amanda Nebral; Sophomore – Brandon Selmer; Junior – Rebecca Roe; Senior – Evan Kulpa.
Violet, daughter of Mr. Nathaniel Fisher and Mrs. Jessica Marr-Smith, was nominated for being a polite, kind and hard-working student. Here at Maple Hill, Violet participates in Band and Chorus and is a member of NJHS. Outside of school she is a Girl Scout, has volunteered for the Anchor, enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys reading. Violet plans to go to college and would like to be a teacher. Siona, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Schuerholz, was nominated for being a diligent and hardworking student. Here at Maple Hill, Siona participates in the Olympics of Visual Arts. Outside of school she enjoys reading, art, creative writing and spending time with family and friends. Siona is uncertain as to what she wants to do but knows she would like to do something within the Arts. Amanda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Nebral, was nominated for being a punctual, curious, diligent, responsible, and conscientious student. Here at Maple Hill, Amanda is a member of art club, yearbook, newspaper club, drama, and international club. Outside of school she enjoys acting, drawing, and fashion. Amanda participated in a forensics science camp and gained interest in working with the FBI. Brandon, son of Mr. Dave Selmer and Mrs. Stephanie Selmer, was nominated for being a student who is self-motivated and works his very hardest to do well in school. Here at Maple Hill, Brandon participates in wrestling and golf. Outside of school he enjoys camping, fishing with his father, grandfather and brother. Brandon plans to go to college or a trade school to study building design or welding. Rebecca, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Roe, was nominated for consistently putting forth top notch effort and gets great results. Here at Maple Hill, Rebecca is Co-president of Student Council, Co-president of the Class of 2020, Treasurer of SADD, Treasurer of GSA, and plays tennis. Outside of school she enjoys playing tennis and spending time with friends and family. Rebecca would like to volunteer at Castle Hill and would like to go into the Healthcare field. Evan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kulpa, was nominated for working hard and being an all-around great person. Here at Maple Hill, Evan is a member of the soccer and basketball teams, key club, and runs track. Outside of school he enjoys spending time with friends and family and sports are a big part of his life. Evan plans to go to college and is leaning towards accounting and he may want to play soccer or run track. The faculty and staff wish to congratulate these students on being selected first quarter students for their respective grades.
~Submitted by, Lisa Nichols
Secretary to the Maple Hill Principal/Assistant Principal
- Hull Named to 2018 Fall Dean’s List at Bradley Univ.
Sydney Hull of Troy, NY (12180) has been named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List at Bradley University. Hull is majoring in Criminology.
Those full-time students who earn a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale are given the distinction of being placed on the University’s Dean’s list for their outstanding scholastic achievement.
Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students the resources of a larger university and the personal attention of a smaller university.
News from Averill Park CSD
An Engineering Afternoon took place at the High School with representatives from Clarkson University and RIT giving presentations. Current college students and engineering professionals were also in attendance, speaking one-on-one with students. This is one way to help our high schoolers gain knowledge about a specific field of study before deciding on a career path.
Congratulations to the AP Aerospace and ISS (Intelligent Space Students) teams from Algonquin Middle School that competed in the Hudson Valley FIRST Lego League at RPI. AP Aerospace won the Best Robot Design and placed third overall. By placing in the top three, the team advances to the finals at Dutchess Community College on February 9.
Sarah Faragon, Claire Flynn and Noelle Hall auditioned for Melodies of Christmas and all three were selected to perform. The trio was part of the show that was televised on CW15 and CBS 6 over the holiday recess. Proceeds from the event benefit the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. Great job!
As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent