Thursday April 25, 2024 
The Path To Publishing
The Upper Hudson Chapter of Sisters in Crime hosts Jessika Hazleton of Troy Book Makers at their meeting, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:15 a.m.
Jessika will discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing, steps an author must take to get from rough manuscript to polished book, and answer questions. The event is online only. Register at https://upperhudsonsinc.com/events/.
The Anchor Food Pantry
The Anchor Food Pantry after experiencing a significant increase of over 30% demand from 2021 to calendar year 2022 is seeking support
from our Schodack Community for canned goods and toiletries to meet our clientele’s needs at the present time.
Donations can be dropped off at the Anchor Food Pantry Mondays 430-630 pm, Tuesday& Thursday from 9am-130pm ,and the first Saturday of every month from 10am-1230pm. Additionally donations can be dropped off at Village Hall -Castleton or Schodack Town Hall during their regular business hours.
Bottles and Cans can also be dropped off @ 6Cent Redemption Center-9J, Rensselaer,NY; Monday-Saturday.
News From Averill Park CSD
Sixth grade student Amelia Hicks was named the Algonquin Middle School Principal for the Day. Amelia did a great job running the show in place of Mr. Messia. Way to go, Amelia!
As part of the High School’s Warrior Wednesday programming, various groups are visiting students during lunch periods throughout the year. Recently, the Rensselaer County Department of Health and our Student Assistance Counselors set up tables, handed out information, played games, and spoke with students. Thank you to all who took time out of their schedules to interact with our student body.
The SL@AMS Club at Algonquin Middle School held a Candy Cane Gram fundraiser to support the AMS food pantry. When all was said and done, the group raised more than $300. Great job by everyone who was involved in this endeavor!
As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us. You can also follow AP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Nassau Ambulance Needs Volunteers
Nassau Ambulance is responsible for the emergency medical response, and treatment of residents in parts of the Towns of Nassau and Schodack, surrounding the Village of Nassau.
Nassau Ambulance answers approximately 600 calls per year. Most calls involve injury or illness, but we also respond to fire scenes to monitor the health of our local fire fighters and provide service calls to residents in need of immediate at-home assistance. In addition to EMTs who provide medical care we also need drivers for our ambulances. Drivers are a very important part of the crew, not only assisting the EMTs on the scene but providing safe transport for the crew and patients to area hospitals. Nassau Ambulance will provide or make available any training necessary to perform these tasks.
If you are looking for an opportunity to serve your community, we are looking for you. Please stop in at our open house to be held at the Nassau Ambulance Station, 498 McClellan Road, Nassau, NY 12123, on January 21, 2023 from 1:00-3:00pm if you would like more information regarding what is required to volunteer. Or, you may leave a message at the station 518-931-4160. We will return your call and set up a time to discuss volunteer opportunities or meet in person.
Wynantskill UFSD Kindergarten Registration Now Open
The Wynantskill Union Free School District has begun the process of registering new Kindergarten students for the upcoming school year.
Please visit our website at WynantskillUFSD.org or contact Kathy Fazioli in our main office for more information regarding registering for Kindergarten. You may call the main office at (518) 283-4600 or email kfazioli@nullwynantskillufsd.org
Wynantskill UFSD Pre-K Lottery Applications Are Now Available for the 2023-24 School Year
The Wynantskill Union Free School District has begun the process of registering students for the 2023-24 Pre-K program. Eligible students must be Wynantskill residents and be 4 years of age by December 1st, 2023. Applications collected will be entered into a random lottery in the event that there are more applicants than spots available.
Lottery applications must be submitted by March 16th, 2023 in order to be eligible for the lottery drawing being held on March 20th, 2023. Parents will be notified of the results and have until April 1st, 2023 to accept their seat and fill out the remaining registration forms.
Applications received after March 16th will go on a waitlist should a seat become available.
Please go to our website to find the application at WynantskillUFSD.org
East Greenbush CSD Adding Stop Arm Cameras to School Buses
In an effort to improve school bus safety, the East Greenbush Central School District is installing stop arm cameras on its entire fleet of buses. The new technology, which is being added at no cost to the school district, will monitor for motorists who illegally pass school buses and then issue traffic tickets for violations.
Installation of the stop arm cameras began on December 27 at the East Greenbush CSD Transportation Center. The company installing the cameras, Bus Patrol, is able to complete installation on four buses per day. With 102 school buses in the fleet, it is expected that all school buses will have stop arm cameras operational by the end of February.
HOW IT WORKS: The stop arm camera will begin recording any time the school bus’s red lights flash and the red stop sign extends out from the bus. If a vehicle drives past the bus during that time, the camera will record it and identify the license plate number. The video will be automatically uploaded to Bus Patrol where it will be reviewed, and if a traffic violation has occurred, it will be sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency for ticketing.
“Student safety is the top priority of our district,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons. “Each year we receive several reports from our bus drivers regarding cars passing our school buses when the STOP Arm is engaged. We hope that the implementation of this new technology, at no cost to our taxpayers, will deter such actions on the part of drivers and keep our students safe.”
“We are grateful to Rensselaer County and all of the law enforcement jurisdictions within our school district for their partnership efforts in bringing this program to full fruition,” Mr. Simons continued.
In addition to the stop arm camera, Bus Patrol is installing cameras on the dashboard, passenger side, rear side and the interior of every school bus.
Bereavement Support Group
Grief is a difficult emotion to cope with and can be very isolating. We recognize and experience the grief of loss with our visitors every day. So many visiting the cemetery feel an emptiness that can be overwhelming and difficult to share with others. Grief is not something that can be cured; however, you may find comfort and understanding in talking with other people that are experiencing grief and loss, similar to you.
Our bereavement support group provides a safe and confidential place for those who are grieving to share their stories, experiences, show compassion to one another, and remember loved ones.
Are you unsure if you’re ready or want to talk or share your experience?
We welcome those who may just want to try a bereavement support group and listen in a comforting, no pressure environment.
Please note that this is not formal counseling. Our trained facilitators will help guide the conversation and ensure everyone is comfortable in a safe and confidential environment. Our bereavement support group is free of charge and open to anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one.
January 18, 2023, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
The Living Room Art Gallery at Historic St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Ave. Menands, NY 12204
There is no fee to attend, but please pre-register with Kelly: (518) 350-7679 or Kelly@nullADCemeteries.org.
More information: https://blog.capitaldistrictcemeteries.org/bereavement-support-group/.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County Annual Mitten Tree
Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County will be collecting mittens, scarves, and hats for our annual mitten tree.
The weather is getting colder, and we want to support members of our community by providing cold weather gear to those in need. We are taking donations of items such as new gloves, hats, scarves, coats, etc. at our office to distribute beginning Monday, January 9th, 2023. New, unused items may be dropped off at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office at 99 Troy Rd., East Greenbush from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Additionally, items will be available from the Mitten Tree beginning January 9th for anyone in need of items.
For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210.
East Greenbush CSD Kindergarten Registration Information for 2023-24
The East Greenbush Central School District is now enrolling kindergarten students for the 2023-24 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September 2023, your child must turn five years old by December 1, 2023.
Kindergarten registration packets will be mailed to all eligible families in the district database during January 2023. If your child is not currently in the district database, please call the school your child will attend to have the registration packet mailed to you. The packet will provide you with a list of all the documents you need to bring as well as all the forms you need to fill out prior to registration.
For more information, visit www.egcsd.org/registration.
Averill Park CSD Announces Kindergarten Registration for 2023-24
The Averill Park School District has begun the process of registering boys and girls for the 2023-24 Kindergarten Classes. If you, or someone you know, has a child who will be 5 years of age on or before December 1, 2023 please contact the district registrar at 674-7050 extension 7201 to make sure that the child is listed on our school census. This will guarantee that you will receive all upcoming kindergarten information by mail. Registration paperwork will be started online and completed by appointment with the district registrar at the district office at the Averill Park High School during the month of February. Registration hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3:30 PM. Registration forms are accepted by appointment. All paperwork must be completed by 02-28-2023.
New York State Public Health Law, Section 2164, requires certain immunizations (shots) to enter kindergarten and attend school. Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child has all the needed immunizations. They are listed below.
Required Immunizations for Kindergarten (Number of Doses)
*Polio 4 (3 doses if 3 rd dose received after 4 th birthday)
*Hepatitis B 3
*Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis 5 (4 doses if 4th dose received after 4th birthday)
*Measles/Mumps/Rubella 2
*Varicella (Chicken Pox) 2
Age Requirements
Children who are five years of age on or before December 1, 2023 are eligible to attend Kindergarten this September. As a parent you have an option to enroll your child in school at age five or withhold your child until the school year in which he/she turns six. Children born between 7/1/17 and 6/30/18 must attend kindergarten in the coming school year. Children born between 7/1/18 and 12/1/18 may attend during the 2023-2024 school year or may wait until the following year.
Sand Lake Historical Society Announces 2023 Schedule
SLHS will be presenting the following public programs, from January to June 2023:
February 14th, Edmonia Lewis. East Greenbush Town Historian Bobbie Reno will discuss Edmonia Lewis, noted American sculptor of mixed African American and Native American heritage, born right here in Rensselaer County. You’ve seen her on a postage stamp, now come hear her story.
March 14th, The Rensselaer Glassworks. Phil Bernnard of the National Bottle Museum will discuss Rensselaer Glassworks, one of Sand Lake’s early industries (and gave us “Glass Lake”). Hear the history of the works, the succession of owners, and the technology of 18th and 19th century glassmaking. Phil is asking attendees to bring any “Glass Lake glass” specimens they have, too.
April 11th, Covid-19 History Project. Committee report and presentations and a sharing of experiences from the SLHS Covid History Project. Let’s make Covid history!
May 9th, Annual Meeting. Elections, annual report to the membership – and more!
June 3rd, (tentative) Annual Gala. Final date and location to be announced. Don’t miss this highlight of our year!
June 13th, The Pretty Fantastic Mr. Fox. Albert Rodmond Fox, industrialist, glassworks owner, State Senator, mover-and-shaker, and the Fox who gave us Fox Mansion. Learn about one of Sand Lake’s early leaders and speculate on why we live in Averill Park and not “Foxboro.”
All SLHS programs (unless otherwise noted) are held at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY Rte. 66, Averill Park, beginning at 7:00 pm. More information at http://sandlakehistory.org/. Like us on Facebook.
Raise Your Voice Singing Competition Sponsored by CASA
The 8th Annual CASA “Raise Your Voice” Singing Competition which will be held June 29th, 2023, will be holding auditions on May 2nd and 3rd, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 603 State St., Schenectady, NY. We need to advertise now for Teens and Young Adults, ages 13-24 so they can schedule appointments for the auditions.
It would be very helpful to have it run more than once. Singers will be competing in one of two categories: Show Tunes, Theatre, & Opera-or-Rock, Pop & Country(no profanity). Solo or Duo performers can qualify. Top 25 Finalists will perform at Proctors for the chance to become the winner! Cash prize and trophy for the First and Second Place Winners in each category!
This is a major fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children). To schedule an appointment for an audition, please call the Center for Community Justice at 518-346-1281 ext. 330 or 518-709-6288 or email rvaughn@nulltheccj.org.
Tutors are Needed in Rensselaer County
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County needs volunteer tutors in Rensselaer County and Albany County, and you can help! As a tutor you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community. Would you like to help someone to read and write, or to speak English as a new language?
We can train you. A tutor training workshop starts on January 21 at the Albany Public Library. To find out more, join us for a Volunteer Opportunities Information Session via Zoom at 12:00 noon on January 10. Contact mhellerlvorc@nullaol.com to register. Visit the website for more information: www.lvorc.org
February Break Drama Camp w/Elyse Young
Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department announces FEBRUARY BREAK DRAMA CAMP for ages 10-15 will run Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24 from10:00am until 3:00pm.
The camp will be taught by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, crafts, rehearsals and performance of a short play. Camp and performance will take place at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta.
For more information, go online to www.maltaparksrec.com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at (518) 899-4411.
Community Caregivers
Community Caregivers, a Nonprofit agency, has continued to expand in Rensselaer County! We have over 50 clients but not enough volunteers to serve all of these nice people. Are you looking to help someone in your community remain living independently with a little assistance from you? We need your help!
Our volunteers can take someone to the doctors, grocery or other errands as well as visiting and calling. We have a simple orientation process. Call Heidi Buono, Rensselaer County Service Coordinator, at (518)366-9173 or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898, if you would like to volunteer. To learn more or donate to our agency, see Community Caregivers.org.
Center Brunswick UM Church Announces Financial Scholarship for 2023 Tamarac Graduates
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 2023. 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, 2023. The application can be obtained from the school’s guidance department or from our website at (www.CenterBrunswickUMC.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.
Historical Calendars
The 2023 North Greenbush Historical Calendars are now available for purchase. They contain old time pictures including Frank Houser’s Store and Gas Station, the old Defreestville Hotel, the St.Jude’s Horse Show and much more.
Calendars are for sale at the Town Clerk’s Office in the Town Hall on Main Avenue Wynantskill (518) 283-4306. The cost is $12.00 (exact change or check made out to the Town of North Greenbush.) If you want it mailed the cost is $15.
Bread of Life Food Pantry Donation Request
The “Bread of Life” food pantry in Poestenkill has just begun our 8th year of serving our community and neighbors. As we see food costs rising dramatically, we realize more donations of food will be needed.
When you are shopping for grocery’s, we would greatly appreciate it if you would pick up a few food items to donate to our pantry. Here is a list of our most requested staple food items that our guests want..
Breakfast cereal for adults and kids, sugar, flour, baking oil, bottled apple juice, canned fruit, canned hash, canned chili, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, cookies and snacks, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, Parmesan cheese, canned baked beans, instant and ground coffee.
Just a few of these items two times a month would be so helpful for our neighbors in need. You may drop them off at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poestenkill,side entrance in the container. We check it daily and date and shelve each item for our open dates. Please check use by and expiration dates before donating. Thanks so much for your help. Our contact number is (518) 283-6045.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer Hope 7 Food Pantry
TROY – The Hope 7 Food Pantry located at 520 Pawling Avenue, Troy NY serves the East Side of Troy, Wynantskill and North Greenbush.
Pantry Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:30am-11:45am; Thursday – 5pm-7pm. Last Saturday of each month 9:30am-11:45am
What to bring: Proof of residence (Troy’s East Side, North Greenbush, or Wynantskill) – (utility bill to your address in your name). ID’s for each person residing in household.
St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus Bottle & Can Donations
Help Support Local Charities – St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption located at 461 Main Avenue in Wynantskill to accept bottle and can donations that have a NYS deposit.
This is to support local charities and those in need.
• Bring your clean, NYS deposit empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill.
• Say they are to support the St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus.
• They do the rest, that’s it!
Thank you for your support!
Knocking out Alzheimer’s
Team “Knocking out Alzheimer’s” is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Return your bottles and cans and help the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Through an arrangement with
Six-Center Redemption , Two Locations:
461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles into a machine.
If you can’t drop off, contact us we will even pick up!
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say:
“These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you.
Join the fight with your bottles & cans!
Check us out on face book : Knocking out Alzheimer’s
Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team
CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachusetts.
We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
New York State Commission for the Blind
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults. NYSCB assists participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website: visionloss.ny.gov