Giving Back 10.03.19

“Bread of Life” Seeking Volunteers

The Poestenkill “Bread of Life” food pantry, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140 is a community program. Anyone from the Poestenkill community is welcome to volunteer on the open dates to pull food requests. This is a physically demanding task and requires lifting food filled boxes and bags.

We are open three time each month, 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings, 5pm to 7pm and the 4th Saturday, 10 am to noon. If you would like to share some of your time and are able to do hard work to help your neighbor, please visit any open date or call 518-283-6045 and leave a name and phone number.

We have a table at the Poestenkill Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning 9 am to noon. Come and see us there for more information. The market is on the front lawn of the Poestenkill Town Hall rain or shine.

To help raise funds, the food pantry is sponsoring a raffle with a chance to receive 1st prize, an October Get-A-Way weekend for two, 2nd prize, dinner for two at Westfall Station and 3rd prize, four movie tickets for the Regal Cinema, Route 4, East Greenbush. Thank you.

Evening at the Earl Fundraiser at Oakwood Oct. 3

The 18th Annual Evening at the Earl fundraiser will be held on Thursday October 3rd from 5:00 – 8:00pm at the magnificent Gardner Earl Chapel at Oakwood Cemetery. There will be catered food and drinks and fun for all. You can bid on exciting Silent Auction baskets with themes like Chocolate, Pets, Wine, Beginning Your Family Tree, Relaxation and more. We will honor several 2019 Individuals of Excellence who have all had an impact on Troy. They include: Kevin Mullen of Rare Form Brewing Company, Kathleen Tesnakis, founder of Ekologic, Tom Nardacci of Troy Innovation Garage, John Hughes owner of the Gardner Farm Inn B & B, Cory Nelson of Troy Kitchen, and Chun Hee Kim and Sun Hwa Choi, founders of Sun Hee’s Farm and Kitchen. Each will have a 19th C counterpart that will be recognized in celebrating Troy’s Entrepreneurial Spirit, Then and Now.

Reservations may be made by calling 518-328-0090. The $65.pp admission may be paid on arrival by cash, check or CC.

East Schodack Fire Co. Annual Charity Pizza Night Fund Rasier

East Schodack Fire Co. Pizza Night 19th Annual Charity Event Please join us on Sat. October 5th for our 19th Annual Charity Event fund raiser Pizza Night. All profits will be donated to local charity organizations. To date we have donated over $27,000 with your support. Some of the organizations with have been able to support with your help are, Community Hospice ,Rosie’s Love, Double H. Ranch, Kelly’s Angels, Make A Wish, and Camp Braveheart to name a few. Menu includes: Fresh made pizza-Cheese(red or white) $9 extra toppings $1 each. “The Works”- $14 , chicken wings- 10 for $9, mozzarella sticks- six for $3, and a huge salad bar- $3 a bowl. Serving begins at 4:00, call 479-3366 (after 2:00) to order ahead. Take out is available or join your neighbors for a relaxing evening.

Come support the Pittstown Fire Dept!

Annual Chicken Barbecue Dinner & Fire Prevention Open House. Saturday, October 5, 2019, Take Outs 3-5pm

Pittstown Fire Dept. 134 Parker School Rd, Pittstown, NY. You can phone your orders and pick up time that day at 518-663-5773. There will also be fire prevention and safety demonstrations along with a tour of our apparatus and equipment during our open house.

Steps2Cure NF

The 6th Annual “Steps2Cure NF” Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the South Pavilion in The Crossings of Colonie. Registration begins at 11AM, and the walk/run kicks off at noon!

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time. NF affects three times as many people as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined, yet it is not commonly known. There is NO means of prevention, NO effective treatment, and NO CURE. Scientists have determined that NF research has broad implications for millions of Americans who are affected by hearing loss, visual impairment, cancer, brain tumors, seizures and learning disabilities — all of which can be symptomatic of NF.

Board members from Neurofibromatosis Northeast, Inc. and medical professionals from Albany Medical Center will be available at the event to answer questions and give insight into the illness and any progress being made by research toward a cure.

Please come out and help us keep hope alive for the 1.5 million people faced with Neurofibromatosis! Proceeds from this event will support Neurofibromatosis Northeast, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. To preregister or make a donation, go online to https://NFNortheast.org/events/event/nf-walk-loudonville-ny. For more information, call Brian (518) 469-7896 or Susan (518) 272-5693.

Judy Peters Annual Pick and Poke

Come and join us for this free clothing drive event

October 5th and 6th, VFW Post 7338

100 Hays road, East Greenbush NY 12061

Come Pick and Poke through our donated items

Take what you want or need,tell your friends

also taking donations,always a need for childrens items

Questions contact Maureen 518-653-3539

Sponsorships Available for HighSchool Juniors or Seniors

Local leadership consultant, Chrissy Chromczak (Founder and President of Chrissy Leads) is offering 5 students, in their junior or senior year of high school, sponsorships to attend an event called Live2Lead Capital District at June Farms in West Sand Lake. Chrissy works with the one of the most influential leadership experts, John C. Maxwell, and is bringing this world class leadership and personal growth event to our community on October 11th, 2019. Live2Lead is an experience designed to equip attendees with new perspectives, practical tools, and key takeaways bringing the best leadership teaching to intentional and active leaders everywhere. With the incredible lineup of John C. Maxwell, Rachel Hollis, Marcus Buckingham, Chris Hogan and Angela Ahrendts, this event is fantastic for students to share with each other and expand upon the ideas presented or for anyone in a leadership position who wants to continue to be a positive and transformational leader for their teams. For information on the speakers, please visit www.l2lalbany.com. To be considered for the sponsorship, you may email your letter of intent to Chrissy at chrissy@nullchrissyleads.com.

Fundraiser for Nassau Resource Center

On October 12th the Nassau Resource Center will hold its annual Chinese Auction at St. Mary’s Church Hall, 26 Church St. in Nassau. The auction is the only fundraiser for the food pantry each year. It is a fun and inexpensive activity held right in the community. Admission is still just $1.00. Auction tickets may be purchased at the door, and some free refreshments will be available. Hotdogs will cost $1.00 each. The Church Hall doors will open at 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call 766-9014.

Repair Café

What do you do with a broken lamp? Or a sweater with a hole? Toss it? No way! The Village of Castleton-on-Hudson will hold the next Repair Café on Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Village Hall, 85 South Main Street. People visiting the Repair Café bring along their broken but beloved items. Volunteers try their best to make repairs, and it’s free of charge! Featured services are electrical, welding, seamstress, and “jack-of-all-trades.” Do you like to fix things and want to volunteer? Contact us via email at gina.giuliano@nullgmail.com or stop by the Repair Café. Volunteers for reception and refreshments are also welcome. For more information about global Repair Café, visit Repaircafe.org.

Honor Flight Fundraiser

On October 13th, The Sons of the American Legion will be serving a Chicken Parmesan Dinner from 1 – 6 p.m. Included will be a garden salad, Italian bread, coffee, tea and dessert. This event will be held at The Gerald O’Neil Post #1683, 836 Broadway in Rensselaer. For a donation of only $12 pp or $11 seniors you can help send our Veterans to view their memorials in Washington D.C. Eat in or takeout available. All proceeds will be donated to “The Leatherstocking Honor Flight”

Gardening Grant for Teachers

The Garden Club of East Schodack announces the availability of a grant for teachers in the East Greenbush, Schodack, and Averill Park school districts who are interested in using gardening in the classroom. This grant is also available to students to use for a school project related to gardening or for those planning to attend college to study agriculture, horticulture or landscaping. The funds are being awarded through the Dorothy S. Tolscer Memorial Fund in memory of a longstanding member of the garden club.

Interested teachers/students from the elementary, middle school or high school level are invited to submit a letter or email of request by October 15 outlining gardening plan and including an estimated budget of their needs. Those students planning to attend college to study agriculture, horticulture or landscaping should submit a letter or email explaining how the grant money will help them achieve their goals. A total of $150 is available for this grant. Recipients may be asked to report on their completed projects or course of study.

Letters of request should be sent to Marilyn Michaels, 2369 Payne Road, Castleton, NY 12033 or to marilynmichaels@nullyahoo.com. If there are any questions regarding the process, please call Marilyn Michaels at 518-265-1525.

Annual Gala for Unity House Domestic Violence Program Scheduled

“All that Glitters” is the theme of this year’s Annual Gala sponsored by The Family and Friends of Liza Ellen Warner Association, Inc.  This well-attended event is held in the fall of each year to bring attention to the sad reality of domestic violence but also to honor those who have so courageously overcome the challenges of such violence.  The event this year is being held in honor of Liza, Nikki, Amber, Jamie, and Vanessa, each of whom was murdered by a domestic partner.  The date is Saturday, October 19th, 2019.  This year’s event will have a new venue: The Franklin Terrace, 126 Campbell Avenue, Troy.  All begins at 6:00pm that evening: a reception and silent auction of very unique and creative items will be held during the course of the evening.  The Mistress of Ceremonies is Trishna Begam.  Following a sit-down dinner our guest speakers will offer their comments and this year’s Purple Ribbon Award for Courage will be presented.  The evening will conclude with music by Wylder and our program will be especially honored with a guest appearance of Madison Vandenburg the recent third place winner of American Idol.  A photo booth will be available for taking “glittery pictures” of our guests!   For tickets and further information, contact Martha Lasher-Warner at (518) 928-8346.  A pleasant yet informative evening is assured for all who attend and support this worthy cause.

Brunswick Cares Food Pantry

We are excited to share that Brunswick Cares Food Pantry has been selected to be a part of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, which is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment.

For the month of October, each time a $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag is purchased at the Hannaford located at Route 43 & 150, West Sand Lake, $1 will be donated to Brunswick Cares Food Pantry.

Annual Fresh Florida Citrus Fundraiser

The yearly Troy Kiwanis Fresh Florida Fruit sale is on again to raise money for projects that directly assist Troy area youth. 20 lbs for only $25, Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit, or a Mixed Case.

Most area groups are charging well over $30/case

Orders must be received by Sunday 11/24.

Call Dean @ 518-322-0826 Today!

Will arrive in Troy, by 12/12, in plenty of time for Holiday Gift Giving!! Kiwanis is Serving the Children of the World

AARP Tax Aide Program

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.

Ultimate Shopping Trip Fundraiser for Hope 7 Community Center’s Food Pantry in Troy.

The 2019 Ultimate Shopping Trip to Pennsylvania departs from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Latham Farms, on Friday, November 1st and returns, Sunday, November 3rd.

Shopping includes American Candle, Kitchen Kettle, Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market, The Shops at Rockvale, Philadelphia Premium Outlets and optional trips to Tanger Outlets & Kozier’s Christmas Village. Accommodations are provided by Comfort Inn Lancaster – Rockvale Outlet, complimentary breakfast Is included with your stay.

Cost per person (based on room occupancy) – Double: $225/person, Triple: $185/person, or Quad $165/person. The fee includes bus, hotel, and driver’s tip. Limited spaces available.

For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Michelle at 518-590-6781 or Hope7.Board@nullgmail.com

Town of East Greenbush Raking for Veterans Day

Are you a Veteran who resides in East Greenbush? Are you in need of yard work assistance this fall?

The Town of East Greenbush Officials, EG Employees, EG Police Dept, and The East Greenbush Teachers Association have teamed up to help you!

Volunteers will be available for raking and small yard clean up on Monday November 11th from 10 am to 2 pm.

If you would like to sign up your yard please call the Town of East Greenbush Community and Recreation Department at 518-477-4194.

Thank you for your service!

Sand Lake Ambulance Seeks Daytime Drivers

The Sand Lake Ambulance (SLA), staffed by both paid staff and volunteer staff, is in urgent need of additional volunteer daytime drivers. Volunteer daytime drivers work hand in hand with the paid daytime medics and EMTs to insure the availability of timely Advanced Life Support emergency medical care and transport between the hours of 6am and 6pm daily.

Most of our daytime volunteer drivers are “young at heart” retirees who want to continue to be engaged in a productive, worthwhile activity. Plus, they enjoy the camaraderie and sense of belonging that comes with being a member of a volunteer organization and the personal fulfillment derived from helping their friends and neighbors in their time of need.

If you are an individual (retired or not) who has a desire to serve your community and are interested in receiving more information on becoming a volunteer daytime driver, please call us at (518) 674-2201 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you in a short time with information how you can help meet this urgent need. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Berkshire Bird Paradise Fire

Thursday August 22nd, there was a terrible fire in one of the major greenhouses at the Berkshire Bird Paradise where all of the exotic birds are kept. The Berkshire Bird Paradise is a non-profit 501c3 Organization that cares for disabled and injured birds. 47 years ago, Peter Dubacher started this establishment as a hobby and it has now grown to be a true sanctuary for all birds to be loved and cared for. The fire was related to an electrical issue and was purely accidental. The building itself is intact, but there is a significant amount of heat and smoke damage. We saved as many birds as we could but unfortunately not all of them made it. This organization is completely non for profit and they survive solely off of donations. We are asking for help in any form possible. This family is so humble and hardworking and has given to the community so much over the years and now they need your help. If you could find it in your heart to donate or volunteer it would be so appreciated. We need as much help as we can get! Thank you!

Please make donations here: gofundme.com/f/berkshire-bird-paradise-fire

Mountain Bike Enthusiasts – Trail Builders Wanted

Town of Sand Lake has granted MTB trail building on a town property in Averill Park.

This is an easily accessible, local area with a very interesting terrain. We’re now looking for a work crew to complete a finished circuit. Progress has been made on most trails but trail benching and drainage projects remain. It is important to note that we could add some fun features as we go. Trail builders are encouraged to email Doug at mtbsandlake@nullgmail.com.

Thank you to the Town and their Open Spaces Committee for this opportunity!

Backpacks & School Supplies for the Community

Catholic Charities Tri-County Services coordinates school supply programs throughout our communities and we are in need of *new* supplies from backpacks & notebooks to graphing calculators & sneakers. You can help a child start off on the road to a successful school year!

Donations can be dropped off at our office at 50 Herrick St in Rensselaer or call Justine Carroll at 518-512-3577 x115 and we can arrange a pickup of larger quantity donations.

Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed

The Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland 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 Massachesettes.

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

Greenbush Cemetery in need of donations

The Greenbush Cemetery was incorporated in 1845. From Columbia Turnpike, one can see we are an old, historic cemetery in the Town of East Greenbush. However, we are still active and offering lots sales for a reasonable cost in three new sections.

With lifestyle changes in a more mobile culture, our cemetery is suffering financially. Lot sales are way down and more cremations are being done rather than burials. Cemeteries are forced to rely on donations to keep operating.

The Greenbush Cemetery estimates the operating cost for 2019 is $20,000.00. We will need to raise $15,000.00 to stay operational for this year. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help maintain this historic cemetery in East Greenbush.

The Greenbush Cemetery Board of Trustees (all volunteers) will be most appreciative!

We will publicly list you as a donor unless you wish to remain anonymous.

Please make checks payable to: Greenbush Cemetery Association.

Please mail checks to Jim Finke, Treasurer, 13 Horizon View Drive West, East Greenbush, NY 12061.

For more information, contact: Bobbie Reno 518-465-7938. Thank you.

Land Trust Spring Bottle Drive

Return your bottles and cans and help the Schodack Area Land Trust (SALT).

Through an arrangement with Six-Cent Redemption, behind Starbucks in Hannaford Plaza, SALT will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say, “These are for SALT.” No need to wait or feed cans into a machine.

SALT is a 13-year-old not-for-profit which manages 60 acres of land open to the public for passive recreation. Access to the property is from Thoroughbred Dr. off Palmer Rd. SALT’s biggest expense is insurance.

Applications for Free and Reduced-Price Meals Available

Wynantskill UFSD would like to inform our community that information and applications for the Free and Reduced- Price Lunch Program are available on the district website, www.wynantskillufsd.org, or by calling Food Services Director Lori Audi at 518-283-4600 ext. 22.

The National School Lunch Program is a completely confidential program that has helped ensure children have access to nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches since 1946.

Latham Clothing Shed

Back to School days are almost here! It’s that time of year to go through your children’s wardrobes , purchase text books and school supplies. If you have a first time college-bound student or a returning one you’re planning the dorm room set up! Or if you’re moving to a newly purchased home or are relocating to a new apartment.

Do you have textile items that are no longer wanted or needed? Please consider donating your items to our Clothing Shed, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, :Latham, N.Y. 12110.​

​Items accepted include;​

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.​

​For further information visit our website www.lathamcoloniekofc.com, or call 518 783 0572!​

Supporting Local Charities Has Never Been Easier!

The St Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus have teamed up with 6 Center Redemption Center located at 461 Main Street in Wynantskill to accept qualifying bottle and can donations to support local charities and those in need.

Simply bring your clean, qualifying empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill and say they are to support the St Jude Knights of Columbus. They’ll do the rest! That’s it!

Thanks for your support.

Sheriff Patrick Russo Announces Membership Drive

The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership drive in Rensselaer County according to Sheriff Patrick Russo.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979. It is a not-for-profit corporation, tax exempt organization, and contributions to the Institute are tax deductible.

While the Sheriff’s Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of Sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a statewide level. The Sheriffs’ Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs’ Offices, where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single county basis.

The flagship program of the Sheriffs’ Institute is the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically challenged children. The Sheriffs’ Camp, in its 42nd year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and 840 children from across New York State attend each summer. The Sheriffs’ Institute pays the entire cost of the camp stay and transportation. Most children attending wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity for vacation travel or a summer camp experience.

“In these difficult economic times we cannot forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation,” Sheriff Patrick Russo said. “By becoming an honorary member, you are supporting the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children.”

In addition, the Sheriffs’ Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State’s Community College’s Criminal Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.

For more information about the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp and other Sheriffs’ Institute Programs, visit our website, www.sheriffsinstitute.org or simply google “Sheriffs’ Institute kids” and it will be your first option.

Financial support for many of the Sheriffs’ Institute programs comes from Honorary Membership dues. Any persons interested in supporting the efforts of the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute by becoming an Honorary Member should contact the Sheriff if they do not receive an invitation in the mail or visit our web site at: www.sheriffsinstitute.org to download an application.

Rensselaer Senior Center Community Service Volunteers Needed

Looking For Dedicated Seniors To Help With our Community Service Program Every Thursday After Lunch. Making Afghans and Lap Robes For People in Nursing Homes Stuffed Animals For The Pediatric Departments in hospitals and emergency rooms Heart Pillows for Heart and Lung Surgery patients This Is a Very Rewarding Program and we are Needing A Few More Angels to keep this program in place or if you are homebound and willing to Crochet or knit from home to help us out then Please Call us if Interested We Are Open Monday thru Friday 9am-3pm We are Located in Rensselaer on East And Herrick Streets Call For Further Info. 518-463-2166

We Are Taking Empty Clear Pill Bottles Must Be See Thru

Woodside 56 Road Cemetery of East Poestenkill

Last year our roads were resurfaced, many monuments righted, lawn was mowed several times and

a new entrance sign was placed. Volunteers work hard to see that these are accomplished.

N.Y.S. Board of Cemeteries inspection gave a mark of good standing and congratulated volunteers

on great work. Thank you Boy Scout Troop 528 of Poestenkill, who placed 60 flags for our Veterans.

The public is invited to the cemetery between dusk and dawn. Monuments from the oldest generation

can be found with a beautiful view from the top of the hill. A visit will be informative and one will enjoy

the park like atmosphere. G.P.S 26 – 56 Road, Petersburgh, NY.

facebook.com/56woodsidecemetery/

Your donations are the future hope of the cemetery and our only income. Volunteers are welcome.

Please send your tax deductible contributions to Woodside 56 Road Cemetery P.O. Box 76, Poestenkill, NY 12140.

Questions? PH: 518 283 5303. Next Annual Meeting: May 5, 2020 at Union Gospel Church,

Plank Road East Poestenkill.

Still Looking For Some Weekend Warriors

The Sand Lake Ambulance has existed as a volunteer ambulance for 60 years, and we intend to be here for another 60. We are looking for people who want to help out, but may not have all the time in the world. You may be able to help out by giving us part of your weekend. We would recommend for us and for the volunteer that you try to do a couple of times a month. You only need to be able to drive a box truck, lift 50+ pounds, be willing to learn the radios, lights, and our guidelines, and follow through on the commitment. We’ll train you. Call us at 518-674-2221. We’ll train you to be an EMT too, if you want.

We Need EMT’s and Drivers We Will Train You

The Sand Lake Ambulance has been in existence for 60 years. We have operated as primarily a volunteer organization for most of that time. We need your help to keep our costs down by filling out as many shifts with volunteer EMT’s and drivers as we can. We could particularly use recent retirees who are looking to stay active working days during the week.

If you have ever been interested in becoming certified to provide emergency care to friends, family, neighbors, or others, we will pay for that training. The course is 4 months long and will require some commitment of time and work. And we will ask you to ride as a member for at least 2 years with Sand Lake Ambulance for training you. We also train ambulance drivers in EVOC training.

We generally work on keeping our skills up with regular training and try to keep it both educational and enjoyable. And as an active member of the ambulance, you’ll be working calls and helping your community. You need to be in fairly decent physical health and able to lift 50 pounds fairly easily, you need to be okay with working with trauma patients or sick community members, and you need to be willing to get up at all hours to do it.

Please consider joining, we need your service. We aren’t saying it won’t be work, but it will be worth it.

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