Tuesday April 16, 2024 
County Clerk Merola: No Plans to Close Hoosick Satellite DMV
Rensselaer County Clerk Frank J. Merola announced that there are no plans to close the three Rensselaer County Satellite DMVs in the near future. Mr. Merola addressed this issue after discussing state DMV issues with fellow county elected representatives, including the recent relocation of NYS DMV from the Pearl Street location to Westgate plaza.
“I want to thank legislators Wysocki and Patire for taking the time to meet with me and discuss future plans for the Hoosick DMV.” Mr. Merola said, “We currently have no plans to close Hoosick or any of the other satellite DMVs. Whatever misconceptions there are arose from a recent news article where I expressed my opposition to the state DMV relocating to Westgate plaza. We do need to monitor how the state DMV relocation affects the customer traffic at our main DMV site so we can effectively allocate future staff and equipment.”
Capital Region Jewish Genealogical Society Meeting
The Capital Region Jewish Genealogical Society (CRJGS) will hold its February 2019 meeting on Sunday, February 3, from 11 am to 12:30 pm in Albany, NY. This meeting will be in a workshop format for members of the public seeking hands-on assistance in conducting Jewish genealogical research. Whether you are developing a family tree or have a specific research task that needs help, bring your questions, problems, brick walls and other challenges and we will do our best to assist you.
We will have several experienced researchers on hand who have a wide array of experience using basic and advanced resources and techniques, as well as “tricks of the trade,” to help to move your research
forward. We are familiar with the use of free and paid research resources (including social media) in the United States and around the world. We can also show you how DNA test results can unlock your family history and connect you with living family members. Internet access will be available, so please bring your laptops, tablets or other devices, as well as any documents you may have questions about. For questions about CRJGS, you can reach us at crjgs1@nullgmail.com.
Sand Lake FYI
Happy New Year to my fellow Sand Lakers! A new year launches new resolutions. I am excited to share with you our ideas and activities in 2019. Our new website is up and it’s fabulous! Please visit www.townofsandlake.us on both your computer and smart phone. This is a wonderful communication tool for you to learn more about your town government.
On behalf of the Town Board, I will be delivering a “State of the Town” Address on Thursday, January 24th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Courtroom. I am excited to share with you what we, as a Town Board, have accomplished over the past year and our plans going forward in 2019. You may attend in person, and it will also be streamed online and available on Cable Channel 1303.
We will be holding our first Meeting of Community Organizations on Thursday, February 7th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom. I have received several requests asking the town to coordinate a meeting between community groups so that we can get a better understanding of our activities, work to eliminate duplication of effort, and discover where synergies may be fostered. We are looking for local organizations to send one representative to this inaugural meeting so we can discuss how the town can help coordinate and foster communication between groups.
The Town is sponsoring a Community Forum on the Possible Creation of a Dog Park on Wednesday, January 23rd, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Courtroom. We need your input! Several residents are interested in creating a dog park on town property near the Averill Park Fire Department. This meeting will give us background information along with advice from experts on the topic. The Town Board is looking for your opinion on this topic before we decide whether or not to move ahead.
On a personal note, it is hard for me to believe that I have been in office for a year! I thoroughly enjoy being your Supervisor and I look forward to the year ahead.
~Nancy W. Perry, Ph.D.
Town of Sand Lake Supervisor
East Side Seniors
Our next meeting will be on January 22nd at 1:00 PM at the American Legion Post in Wynantskill. ALL DUES MUST BE PAID BY JANUARY 31st. Team 3 will be the host/hostess for our lunch. We will continue the signing up for our trip to WILDWOOD, NJ, June 9th thru June 14th. A reminder for BOCCE players. ANY snow DELAY or cancellation for the TROY SCHOOLS we DO NOT PLAY. Nominations for an office are welcome and encouraged. Hope to see you, and anyone interested in our group.
Gilead’s Body & Soul Pantry
January 31, 2019
We hope you all had a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Pantry hours for this month are the normal hours of 3:00-6:00 PM. I know it is only January, but I am already looking forward to spring when we could have some warmer weather knowing if it snows it will not last that long.
With that said, I now turn to the important thing, The Menu! This month we are having baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cole slaw and rolls. Hope this sounds as yummy to you as it does to me. Should the weather look a little iffy, you may contact either 518-279-9270 or 518-279-3576 to make sure pantry will be open.
Gilead is handicapped accessible and located at the intersection of Route 7 & 278 in Center Brunswick.
Wynantskill resident A. Moore selected as 109th Airlift Wing’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year
New York Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Amie Moore, a resident of Wynantskill, N.Y., was selected as the 109th Airlift Wing’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2018, based on her superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.
Moore joined the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing in Scotia, New York, in 2007 as part of the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Before joining the Wing, she served 10 years in the Army National Guard and then with New York Air National Guard’s 105th AW in Newburgh, N.Y. She is currently the 109th LRS first sergeant where she manages the squadron’s family support programs, awards and decoration packages, and professional ceremonies.
Sergeant Moore obtained her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences through Alfred State College and then continued her education to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree in Health Education at State University of New York, Cortland, in 2001.
Sergeant Moore resides in Wynantskill with her husband, Paul, and daughters, Reagan and Adeline. She is the daughter of Michael and Candyse Clarke, both of Cohocton, N.Y.
Tax Filing Day
The IRS will begin accepting individual income tax returns on January 28 this year. Returns will be accepted even if the Federal government continues its partial shutdown. The IRS will also be able to issue refunds, even if the shutdown continues. Unfortunately, it is still unclear if help will be available from the IRS for taxpayers who need assistance with their refunds.
Individual tax returns or requests for extensions are due by April 15 this year. Filing your income tax return by the due date is important, especially for those individuals who will owe taxes, since the IRS may charge a separate penalty for failing a late tax return.
If you can’t pay your income tax in full, there are many options available. 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. This clinic does not generally provide tax return preparation services.
Refund Offset Bypasses
With the tax filing season set to start on January 28 this year, many taxpayers are eagerly looking forward to their refunds. However, if you have unpaid Federal tax debts from past years, the IRS may instead apply your refund toward this debt.
A “refund offset bypass” can help if you are experiencing economic hardship. You can request a bypass if you are facing an eviction, utility shut-off, or similar hardship. You should make the request at the same time you file your return. The IRS may then issue a refund up to the amount needed to keep your utility on or keep you in your home.
In addition, look at whether the debt that would ordinarily trigger an “offset” of the refund belongs to only one spouse. If so, the other spouse can still request that the IRS pay her portion of the refund, even if the spouses file together.
If you are due a refund but worry that the IRS will keep it for any reason, 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. This clinic does not generally provide tax return preparation services.
Schodack Planning and Development Association to Meet
There will be a meeting of the Schodack Planning & Development Association (SPDA) on Thursday, January 17th, at 6:30PM at the Nassau Public Library (upper level) on Rte. 20 in the Village of Nassau. The public is welcome to attend; we will be continuing our discussions on the proposed Stewart’s and the Edwards Chiropractic house demolition, among other topics.
Please park across the street in St Mary’s parking lot. SPDA is a not-for-profit, non-partisan group committed to the Town’s natural and historic resources, and smart planning for the Town of Schodack. Please check our website for cancellations due to weather: www.schodackplanning.com
~Stephen Van Hoose, RA
SPDA President
Students named to Dean’s List at Grove City College
GROVE CITY, PA–The following students were named to the Dean’s list for the Fall 2018 semester at Grove City College.
Noah Rosamilia, a junior Computer Science major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester. Noah is a 2016 graduate of Homeschool and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rosamilia (Michelle) from Averill Park, NY.
Lydia Murphy, a freshman Biology major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with Distinction for the Fall 2018 semester. Lydia is a 2018 graduate of Averill Park High School and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Murphy (Rhonda) from West Sand Lake, 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.
Grove City College (www.gcc.edu) is a highly ranked, national Christian liberal arts and sciences college that equips students to pursue their unique callings through an academically excellent and Christ-centered learning and living experience distinguished by a commitment to affordability and promotion of the Christian worldview, the foundations of a free society and the love of neighbor.
SUNY Potsdam Names Area Students to Dean’s List
The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 366 students who excelled academically in the Fall 2018 semester to the College’s Dean’s List.
The students included:
Madeline Coons of Johnsonville, NY, whose major is Music Education
Samantha Dalton of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is Music Education
Sarah Davidson of West Sand Lake, NY, whose major is Exploratory/Undeclared
Emily Kaarstad of Wynantskill, NY, whose major is Childhood/Early Childhood Education
Kristina Sanchez of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Biology
Meagan Thurber of Troy, NY, whose major is Childhood/ Early Childhood Education
To achieve the honor of being on the Dean’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of between 3.25 and 3.49 in the given semester.
Area SUNY Potsdam Students Named to President’s List
The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 945 students to the President’s List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Fall 2018 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Kristin G. Esterberg.
The local students included:
Jacob Ali of Troy, NY, whose major is Music Performance
Kyle Farnell of Mechanicville, NY, whose major is Childhood/Early Childhood Education
Nicholas Flint of Castleton On Hudson, NY, whose major is Biochemistry
Catherine Gagnon of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is Archaeological Studies
Lindsay Heck of East Greenbush, NY, whose major is Music Education
Erin Levesque of East Greenbush, NY, whose major is Geology
Joseph McDermott of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is Music Performance
Maeve Morrissey of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Exercise Science
Benjamin Quinones of West Sand Lake, NY, whose major is Music Performance
Phoebe Reuther of Troy, NY, whose major is Music Education
Jamie Salerno of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Music Education
Emily Thurber of Troy, NY, whose major is Literature/Writing
Emma Woolley of Cherry Plain, NY, whose major is History
To achieve the honor of being on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Roger Williams University Announces Fall 2018 Dean’s List
Select students have been named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.
Lindsey Dreher of Troy, NY
Kaila Kutz of Castleton on Hudson, NY
Brianna Smith of Schaghticoke, NY
Shirah Strock of Castleton on Hudson, NY
With campuses on the coast of Bristol and in the heart of Providence, R.I., Roger Williams University is a forward-thinking private university committed to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning.
Students Named to the University of Vermont Dean’s List
BURLINGTON, VT — To be named to the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.
The following local students have been named to the University of Vermont dean’s list for the Fall 2018 semester:
Emma Meyer of Castleton On Hudson (12033)
Kevin Ostrander of Mechanicville (12118)
Caitlin McHugh of Nassau (12123)
Jared Kehmna of Rensselaer (12144)
Giovana Lowry of Rensselaer (12144)
Calla Sopko of Troy (12180)
Liam Gelder of Wynantskill (12198)
Aine Hardaker of Nassau (12123)
Since 1791, the University of Vermont has worked to move humankind forward. Committed to both research and teaching, UVM professors — world-class researchers, scholars, and artists — bring their discoveries into the classroom and their students into the field.
News from Averill Park CSD
West Sand Lake Elementary fifth graders Blake Benyo, Brooke Davies and Morgan Hindes entered the “Spooky Sagas: Stories from New York” contest through Young Writers USA. All three were selected to have their work published in the Young Writers Anthology! A copy of the Anthology will be sent to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and West Sand Lake will also receive a copy. Congratulations Blake, Brooke and Morgan!
Algonquin Middle School held its annual National Geographic Bee recently and Cooper Smith won for the second year in a row. He was followed by Rocky Besette and Brendan Kasuba. Cooper will take the state qualifying test soon. Great job by all who participated!
Our girls’ basketball team is holding a Hoops Against Hunger campaign. The varsity team is selling Goldmine shirts that cost $15. All proceeds will go to the Averill Park School District Food Pantry program. Anyone interested in purchasing a shirt can contact head coach Sean Organ.
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
SUNY Canton Announces Fall 2018 President’s List
SUNY Canton students have been recognized for making the President’s List during the Fall 2018 Semester.
“Congratulations to each and every student included on the President’s List,” said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. “It is my honor to recognize these students for their academic achievement during their studies at the college.”‘
President’s List recognizes full-time students who achieve a GPA of 3.75 or greater. A complete list of academic honors for the semester will be listed on the college’s website.
Local students who received President’s List honors include:
Heather Daoust, a SUNY Canton Criminal Investigation major from Castleton On Hudson, NY (12033).
Lucas C. Coyne, a SUNY Canton Homeland Security major from Rensselaer, NY (12144).
Raechel M. Yost, a SUNY Canton Veterinary Technology major from Rensselaer, NY (12144).
Gina L. Lomen, a SUNY Canton Health Care Management major from Troy, NY (12180).
SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service.
SUNY Canton Students Receive Dean’s List Honors
More than 550 SUNY Canton students earned Dean’s List honors during the Fall 2018 Semester.
“On behalf of the college’s deans, I’d like to recognize these students for outstanding achievement,” said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. “Your drive for success has been recognized, and we encourage you to continue your efforts.”
Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who have earned a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74. It is a mark of distinction and recognition of academic efforts and scholarship. A complete list also runs on www.canton.edu.
Local students named to the Dean’s List include:
Isabella Coleda, a SUNY Canton Funeral Services Administration major from Castleton On Hudson, NY (12033).
Benjamin D. Labonte, a SUNY Canton Mechanical Engineering Technology major from Mechanicville, NY (12118).
Hannah R. Labrozzi, a SUNY Canton Applied Psychology major from Mechanicville, NY (12118).
Justin M. Pakatar, a SUNY Canton Finance major from Mechanicville, NY (12118).
Jasonnah R. Bink, a SUNY Canton Criminal Investigation major from Petersburg, NY (12138).
Jeremy D. Gundrum, a SUNY Canton undeclared major from West Sand Lake, NY (12196).
SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service.
Nassau Resident Named to Fall 2018 Semester Dean’s List at Dean College
Dean College is pleased to announce that Megan Moore of Nassau has earned a place on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester.
Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private, residential college located in Franklin Massachusetts, 45 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Dean College offers baccalaureate degrees, associate degree programs, as well as a robust schedule of part-time continuing and professional education credit and certificate programs throughout the calendar year.
Part-time Students Recognized for Academics at SUNY Canton
SUNY Canton recognizes more than 200 part-time students for academic success during the Fall 2018 semester.
The college created this award to recognize students who earned at least a 3.25 GPA in 6 to 11 credits of course work. It stands alongside the college’s Dean’s List and President’s List as one of the top awards given for academic success at the college. A complete listing of all academic honors will be posted on www.canton.edu.
Among the local students to receive Part-time Honors were:
Denzel J. Paschal, a SUNY Canton Law Enforcement Leadership Major from East Greenbush, NY (12061).
Helen R. Brown, a SUNY Canton Legal Studies Major from Hoosick Falls, NY (12090).
Garrett Wenacur named to dean’s list at Becker College
WORCESTER, MA– Garrett Wenacur, of East Greenbush, has been named to the dean’s list at Becker College for the fall semester. Wenacur is pursuing a BA in Interactive Media Design, Game Arts Concentration.
The dean’s list recognizes all full-time students (24 or more credit hours earned for the academic year; 12 minimum each semester – September through May) whose term grade point average is 3.50 or higher with no grade below a B- and no incomplete (I) or withdrawal/failing (WF) grades.
Becker College is an undergraduate and graduate, career-focused private college, providing a supportive and inclusive learning community that prepares graduates for their first to last careers.
Bucknell Students Named to Dean’s List
LEWISBURG, PA — Bucknell University has released the dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2018-19 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition.
Laura Shaffer Class of 2022 from East Greenbush, NY
Rebecca Kelly Class of 2021 from West Sand Lake, NY
Located in Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is a highly selective private liberal arts university that offers majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and social and natural sciences, along with broad opportunities outside of class, to its 3,600 undergraduates.
We’re Thinking Sunshine!
Volunteer as a Fresh Air Host Family
Treasure, from Brooklyn, enjoying a beautiful day with her summer sisters Caroline and Isabelle.
Photo Credit: Alex Steedman
Fresh Air summers are filled with children running through the sprinklers in the grass, gazing at star-filled skies and swimming for the first time. This summer join volunteer host families in the Albany Area, and open your heart and home to a Fresh Air child. Each summer, thousands of children from New York City’s low-income communities visit suburban, rural and small- town communities along the East Coast and Southern Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program.
Treasure, age 9, has visited the Cleaveland family for the past two summers. Host mom Antonia said, “I remember the first year, she actually set her alarm so she could wake up early and make breakfast with me. She taught me to appreciate the small things and realize the importance of family time.”
The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from seven to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children who are reinvited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips.
For more information about hosting a Fresh Air child this summer, please contact Tenniel Hansen at 518-441-4407 or visit www.freshair.org.
Celebrate the New Year With 10 Free Flowering Trees or 5 Free Crapemyrtles
Local residents can ring in the New Year with 10 free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2019.
By becoming a part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, new members will receive 10 free flowering trees or five crapemyrtles. The flowering trees include: two Sargent crabapples, three American redbuds, two Washington hawthorns and three white flowering dogwoods.
“These stunning trees will beautify your home with lovely flowers of pink, yellow and white colors,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “These trees are perfect for large and small spaces.”
The free trees are part of the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.
The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between February 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.
Members will also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care.
To become a member of the Foundation and to receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution by January 31, 2019 to:
Ten Flowering Trees
Arbor Day Foundation
100 Arbor Avenue
Nebraska City, NE 68410
Local residents can also join online at arborday.org/January.
Agricultural Assessments
Landowners and Renters interested in an agricultural assessment in 2019 must file applications with their local assessor by Friday, March 1st. To complete an application, landowners must have a Soil Group Worksheet (SGW) prepared by the SWCD for each tax parcel they intend to enroll. Landowners who have previously had a worksheet completed for a tax parcel do not need a new one unless ownership, parcel acreage or land use has changed. This would be considered a revision. Landowners participating in the program for the first time, or those who need a revised worksheet, should make an appointment with our office before Friday, February 18th. When making an appointment, have the tax map number, location, and acreage for each parcel available. This information can be found on your most recent tax bill. A fee of $25.00 will be charged for each new worksheet. Revisions cost $15.00 per worksheet. There is also another form that must be filled out and given to your local assessor (RP-305). Landowners must apply each year to remain eligible for the agricultural assessment. For more information, contact your local assessor or Real Property Tax Service at: (518) 270-2780 between Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM. Contact the Rensselaer County Soil and Water Conservation District to make an appointment for your Soil Group Worksheet today at: (518) 271-1740 ext. 3.
Agriculture Commissioner Announces $5 Million In Funding Available for Source Water Buffer Program
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced today that $5 million is available through the State’s Source Water Buffer Program for the purchase of conservation easements to protect riparian buffer systems on farmland that borders critical water resources.
Riparian buffer systems are areas of land containing a variety of vegetation between agricultural lands and water sources. They are designed to filter potential pollutants in surface runoff or shallow groundwater to protect water quality of New York State’s aquifers, watersheds, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and streams.
“Our farmland owners are national leaders in land stewardship and this program rewards those whose projects protect drinking water by permanently protecting areas of their farms that buffer drinking water systems,” Commissioner Ball said. “We thank the Governor and the Legislature for providing this funding under the Clean Water Infrastructure Act.”
Funds for the Source Water Buffer Program are part of the New York State Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017.
Applications for funding will be accepted from Soil and Water Conservation Districts, or a group of Districts
partnering in a single application. The Soil and Water Conservation Districts may partner with municipalities or other not-for-profit conservation land organizations (land trusts) for the purposes of holding the conservation easement. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and until funds are exhausted.
The State will provide a maximum of 75% of the total eligible costs for the project, as long as a minimum 25% of the total eligible costs is contributed by the landowner, operator or project sponsor.
Funds can be used to cover costs related to purchasing development rights, title transactions, property surveys, among others. For a complete listing, please visit (https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html). Eligible projects will be awarded by January 2020.
Dale Stein, Chair of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee said, “Our County Soil and Water Conservation Districts have a long history working with farms and local partners to conserve and protect our State’s natural resources. This funding will further those efforts while also rewarding farmers for their stewardship of our precious water resources.”
Town of Schodack Supervisor’s Report for January 2019
In a continuing effort to keep residents informed of my activities as well as issues pertaining to the Town, I submit to them this report for January of 2019. As always, further information can be found on the Town’s website or its social media pages by searching for Town of Schodack on Facebook or Twitter.
I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and your New Year is off to a good start. 2018 was my first year in office and I’m proud of all that we were able to accomplish. I would like to thank my fellow Town Board members, my assistant Dawne Kelly, and all the employees of the Town for their dedication and hard work. You have all made my job easier and I look forward to working with all of you to achieve even more in 2019. Please visit the Town’s webpage or my Facebook page at “Supervisor David Harris” for a detailed year-end report.
On January 5th, I attended a conference regarding the ongoing remediation work being done to clean up the Dewey Loeffel Landfill site in Nassau and surrounding areas affected by it, including parts of Schodack. For over 60 years, residents in these two towns have had to live with the impacts resulting from the short-sighted dumping of toxic chemicals at the landfill site. I want to thank Nassau Supervisor David Fleming for all his hard work in trying to get this issue the attention it deserves. We have some promising signs that we may begin to see some efforts made to expand clean-up and I’ll continue to support those in any way I can.
During December, after several months of research by our Public Information Officer that culminated in the approval of a resolution by the Town Board, cameras were installed in the Town Hall meeting room. Shortly after, we began streaming our Planning, Zoning, and Town Board meetings. This is an important step towards increasing transparency and improving access for our residents. I encourage all our residents to check out this new service by visiting our Town’s Facebook page or by visiting the Town’s website where a link to the streaming site is provided.
Thank you all again for the privilege to serve you in 2018.
~Supervisor David Harris
Monthly Legislative Column from Assemblyman Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton)
As we begin this year’s legislative session, I’d like to start by thanking you for trusting me to represent you in the Assembly. Thank you for your encouragement and active participation in our state and local governments.
For this term, I have been appointed to the following committees: Veterans’ Affairs, Higher Education, Health and Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development. I have also been named as the ranking member on the Aging Committee. I am proud to serve on these committees and believe that my background as a combat veteran, college instructor, health care professional and small business owner will prove instrumental in my contributions.
There’s much work to be done for our seniors who continue to serve and guide so many. Last year, I was able to allocate $30,000 to the Hoosick Senior Center for renovations. As a clinician, I understand the importance of improving and maintaining the independence of our seniors. I also recognize the appropriate supports which need to be in place for independence to be sustained. This is often a customized balance and requires a thoughtful examination to analyze potential policy consequences. As someone who’s written policy in numerous health care settings and provided care to seniors for nearly two decades, I am ready for this opportunity.
Our team has resubmitted and is working on new legislation that lowers taxes, protects our second amendment, promotes economic growth, establishes environmental regulations aimed to preserve and improve our quality of life, enhances care for our veterans and improves the quality and accessibility of health care.
I will be traveling to several of the towns in our district to hear your concerns. Please find me on Facebook at “Assemblyman Jake Ashby” for more details regarding my mobile office schedule. Thank you for your continued support.
New York Army National Guard Promotions
Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Robert Hicks from Troy, N.Y. and assigned to the Company B, Recruiting and Retention received a promotion to the rank of Master Sergeant.
Ryan Gosse from Grafton, N.Y. and assigned to the 206th Military Police Company received a promotion to the rank of Specialist.
Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.
These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com
William Simard to Participate in UA’s Cooperative Education Program
University of Alabama student William Simard of West Sand Lake, NY (12196), will participate in UA’s Cooperative Education Program for spring 2019. Simard will be working at Rheem Water Heaters.
In the Cooperative Education Program, more than 230 students alternate periods of full-time study with periods of full-time employment. This program offers work related to the academic major or career interests of each student.
While in school, students carry regular course schedules. While on co-op, they work with professionals in their fields who supervise their training and work. At work, co-op students earn competitive salaries and may receive benefit packages in addition to valuable job experience. Participants maintain their full-time student status while at work and have priority registration status each semester through graduation.
The University of Alabama, the state’s oldest and largest public institution of higher education, is a student-centered research university that draws the best and brightest to an academic community committed to providing a premier undergraduate and graduate education.
Red Cross issues emergency call for blood donors. Fewer drives, busy holiday schedules lead to blood shortage.
A donation shortfall over the winter holidays is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an emergency call for blood platelet donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage from continuing throughout winter and affecting patient care. The Red Cross collected more than 27,000 fewer blood and platelet donations the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s than needed to sustain a sufficient blood supply. During this period, about 1,350 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs as busy holiday schedules kept many donors away. “Many people may not realize that blood products are perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “When donations decline – as they did around the holidays and may further decline if severe winter weather and flu season pick up – lifesaving medical treatments could be delayed.” All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to give in the coming days to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 14-Feb. 15
Rensselaer Berlin 1/21/2019: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 17 South Main Street, Castleton on Hudson. 2/16/2019: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Castleton Library, 85 Main Street. East Greenbush 1/21/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., East Greenbush Community Library, 10 Community Way. 1/25/2019: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, 6 Gilligan Road. 2/4/2019: 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Rensselaer Elks, 683 Columbia Turnpike. Hoosick Falls 2/1/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, 21 1st Street. Nassau 1/16/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., St Marys Church, 26 Church Street. Poestenkill 1/24/2019: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Troy. 1/23/2019: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Hudson Valley Community College, Siek Campus Center, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue. 1/24/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., RPI, 15th Street. 1/24/2019: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Russell Sage College, 65 First Street. 1/26/2019: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, 470 Winter Street Extension. 1/28/2019: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Troy Masonic Temple, 39 Brunswick Road. 2/13/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., RPI Mueller Center, 15th Street. Wynantskill 2/5/2019: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Vanderheyden, 614 Cooper Hill Road.
How to donate blood: Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1- 800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
The Capital District Genealogical Soc. Invites You to Our Monthly Meeting
Join Kathy Sheehan, Registrar at the Rensselaer County Historical Society and Rensselaer County & Troy City Historian for a lecture on the genealogy resources available at the historical society. Highlights will include the Rensselaer County Surrogate Court Records, the Matera Midwife records, poorhouse records, plus other hidden gems that are part of the collection at RCHS and what you may find at the county you are researching.
William K. Sanford Town Library (Colonie), 629 Albany-Shaker Road, Loudonville.
Saturday, Jan 26, 2019,
1:00 Starting with Speaker
Computer Resources Group meets 2:30 PM
The meeting is free and open to the public.
Capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety.org
Half Moon Button Club Monthly Meeting
The Half Moon Button Club will meet on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar. The social time starts at 11 a.m. and the business meeting starts at 12:00 noon followed by the program, which will be by Sherry Roach on Vintage Button Cards.
Bring a bag lunch. Dessert will be provided. For more information, call Lisa at 518-469-7420 or Kirsti at 518-869-8125. Everyone is welcome.
January 2019 Minority office meeting highlights
The following are highlights of the January meeting: Aging – The NYS Office for the Aging awarded Rensselaer County grant funding for the NY Connects Program. This program offers free, unbiased information regarding long term care services and support, such as home care, transportation and meals with the goal of helping people live independently in their homes for as long as possible. Environment – The Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the NYS Drinking Water Quality Council’s maximum contaminant levels recommendations in our drinking water. Many of our communities have suffered with ground water contamination. NYS Health Commissioner Howard Zucker will consider the recommendations and commence a 60-day public comment period. We hope the 2019 NYS Budget includes the necessary funding. Health – The legislature approved needed funding for opioid recovery programs. These funds will be shared by the Department of Health, Mental Health and the Bureau of Public Safety. The Department of Health and Mental Health provide training for certified recovery peer advocates; these advocates have shown to help addicts transition into a healthy lifestyle free of addiction. The Bureau of Public Safety will receive funding to train EMS personnel in the use of Naxolone and other methods to treat opioid overdoses. Veterans – A Local Law updating property tax exemptions for Veterans was unanimously approved, allowing all those from Rensselaer County, who have served our country in the military, to realize this benefit. The Rensselaer County Legislature members presented resolutions honoring Country True Value Hardware & Rental on their 40th Anniversary, as well as a resolution honoring the former mayor of the City of Rensselaer, the Honorable Daniel J. Dwyer. NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, February 12, 2019, in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy. Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518-270-2890. www.rensselaercounty.org
Tax Filing Day
The IRS will begin accepting individual income tax returns on January 28 this year. Returns will be accepted even if the Federal government continues its partial shutdown. The IRS will also be able to issue refunds, even if the shutdown continues. Unfortunately, it is still unclear if help will be available from the IRS for taxpayers who need assistance with their refunds.
Individual tax returns or requests for extensions are due by April 15 this year. Filing your income tax return by the due date is important, especially for those individuals who will owe taxes, since the IRS may charge a separate penalty for failing a late tax return.
If you can’t pay your income tax in full, there are many options available. 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. This clinic does not generally provide tax return preparation services.
Refund Offset Bypasses
With the tax filing season set to start on January 28 this year, many taxpayers are eagerly looking forward to their refunds. However, if you have unpaid Federal tax debts from past years, the IRS may instead apply your refund toward this debt.
A “refund offset bypass” can help if you are experiencing economic hardship. You can request a bypass if you are facing an eviction, utility shut-off, or similar hardship. You should make the request at the same time you file your return. The IRS may then issue a refund up to the amount needed to keep your utility on or keep you in your home.
In addition, look at whether the debt that would ordinarily trigger an “offset” of the refund belongs to only one spouse. If so, the other spouse can still request that the IRS pay her portion of the refund, even if the spouses file together.
If you are due a refund but worry that the IRS will keep it for any reason, 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. This clinic does not generally provide tax return preparation services.
New York Army National Guard Soldier Reenlistments
Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.
Sergeant Jacob Pratt from East Greenbush, N.Y. reenlisted to continue service with the Company C, 1-171st Aviation Regiment.
Staff Sergeant Sarah Blanchard from Melrose, N.Y. reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters and Headquarters Combat Aviation Brigade, 42nd infantry Division.
Sergeant Jeffrey Houck from Melrose, N.Y. reenlisted to continue service with the Headquarters and Headquarters Combat Aviation Brigade, 42nd infantry Division.
“It’s great to see Soldiers staying in the Army and continuing to serve their State and Nation in the New York Army National Guard,” Shields said. “The most important Army asset we have is the individual Soldier. The dedication, skills, and leadership traits they bring to our community and their employers are invaluable.”
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.
Deputy Sheriff sworn in
Photo L-R: Sgt. Mike Condo of the East Greenbush Police Department (Ryan’s father), Deputy Sheriff Ryan Condo and Sheriff Pat Russo
Sheriff Pat Russo announces the swearing in of Ryan Condo of East Greenbush as the newest Deputy Sheriff of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Condo will be attending the 27-week basic police officer’s course at the Zone 5 Academy in Schenectady.
New Director of Admissions Named at Hudson Valley Community College
Julie A. Panzanaro of Averill Park, a student services professional with 30 years of experience in the field of community college recruitment, has been named director of admissions at Hudson Valley Community College.
Panzanaro, who assumed the director’s role on a permanent basis earlier this month, has been the college’s associate director of admissions for 22 years.
As director of admissions, Panzanaro will oversee the college’s recruitment and outreach efforts, which include visits at more than 80 upstate high schools as well as dozens of regional college fairs and community agencies.
Panzanaro, who began her career at the college as an admissions/financial aid counselor in 1988, has been very active in statewide and regional groups related to college recruitment during her career. She served as president of the SUNY College Admissions Professionals (SUNYCAP). She was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 2015.
A graduate of the University at Albany with a M.S. in educational administration, Panzanaro also earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from The College of Saint Rose and an A.A.S. in early childhood education from Maria College.