Saturday May 11, 2024 
Sand Lake Kiwanis News
SAND LAKE – Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake was very busy this Holiday Season. In November each and every school family in the district was invited to receive a Thanksgiving meal from our club. Kiwanis members and children at all five schools in the Averill Park Central School District collected food and packed “food baskets” that went to the 58 families who accepted our offer. Our club members then distributed all the food items to insure a bountiful Thanksgiving for the families.
As Christmas approached Kiwanis again rolled up our sleeves and filled more “food baskets” and partnered with Toys for Tots and others to provide toys and food to brighten the Christmas holiday for 69 families in our community. Kiwanis “elves” at the same time also distributed toys and gift bags from Santa to 155 children and teens in our community.
To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake and perhaps join us in service to our community check us out at www.SandLakeKiwanis.org.
SUNY Potsdam Names Area Students to Dean’s List
POTSDAM, NY – The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 235 students who excelled academically in the Fall 2021 semester to the College’s Dean’s List.
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.
The students included:
Keana Heim of Hoosick Falls, NY, whose major is Literature/Writing
Quinn Kinney of Hoosick Falls, NY, whose major is Music Education
Shayna Lenney of East Greenbush, NY, whose major is Environmental Studies
Ryan Orcutt of E Greenbush, NY, whose major is Biology
Brandon Smith of East Greenbush, NY, whose major is Music Education
Zian Taylor of Troy, NY, whose major is Music Performance
Local SUNY Potsdam Students Named to President’s List
POTSDAM, NY – The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 887 students to the President’s List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Fall 2021 semester.
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.
The students included:
Tori Bubie of Poestenkill, NY, whose major is Childhood/Early Childhood Education
Sarah Davidson of West Sand Lake, NY, whose major is Psychology
Michael Digman of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is Music Education
Abigail Garrison of Troy, NY, whose major is Music Education
Andrew Gorman of Wynantskill, NY, whose major is Music Education
Gabe Morris of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Music Education
Logan Ploss of E Greenbush, NY, whose major is Exercise Science
Rishi Ramsingh of East Schodack, NY, whose major is Music Performance
Anita Reitano of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Childhood/Early Childhood Education
Johanna Saint-Vil of Schaghticoke, NY, whose major is Music Education
Colin Zieske of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is History
CTP Season Passes are Now Available for Sand Lake Center for the Arts!
SAND LAKE – Don’t miss Circle Theatre’s Player’s magical 43rd season! Individual passes are only $85 and provide you with tickets for our entire 2022 season: January – Admissions, by Joshua Harmon, March – The Last Romance, by Joe Dipietro, July – Sleuth, by Anthony Shaffer, September – The Lyons, by Nicky Silver and November – [title of show], by Hunter Bell. Purchase your passes today at slca-ctp.org. Enjoy our shows and support community theatre!
Stride Share Community Center: Inclusive Fitness Classes resume in 2022
WEST SAND LAKE – The SHARE Center opened its doors late 2019, only to be shut down due to the pandemic but took that opportunity to outfit their gym with some high-end weight training equipment and fitness instructors. Inclusive fitness classes have resumed and available for anyone in and around West Sand Lake – at the STRIDE Health and Recreation Educational (SHARE) Center, located at 4482 NY Highway 150.
The vision for this adaptive community center is to build a diverse schedule of classes, and educational courses that fit the needs of all. The SHARE Center has both instructor-led group classes and opportunities for individuals to exercise on their own. Educational Wellness classes, respite, teen dances and Red Cross classes will be offered in the coming year. Thanks to a large foundation grant, we will be adding to the calendar until the center has a full schedule, and additionally we will be upgrading facilities and equipment.
Fitness classes include yoga, Barre, HIIT, High-low; circuit training and much more. The facility offers a selection of Cybex exercise machines, free weights, medicine balls, an elliptical machine, and a unique “anti-gravity” treadmill for people with disabilities and joint injuries.
The fully accessible SHARE Center also features a Wounded Warrior/ Family Lounge to host intimate programs, and two large all-purpose rooms upstairs for training or personal events are for rent that seat 40 with state-of-the-art AV equipment, a full kitchen or large board table that seats 15.
Most classes are free to attend, with a $15 suggested donation to support STRIDE Adaptive Sports and its athletic programs for people with disabilities, including children and combat-injured veterans.
We are hiring and seeking volunteers! Interested in coaching or helping – contact mwhitney@nullstride.org
Anyone interested in visiting the SHARE Center contact Program Director, at (518) 598-1279 or by emailing cpawlowski@nullstride.org. More information at www.stride.org
Averill Park Announces Kindergarten Registration for the 2022- 2023 School Year
AVERILL PARK – The Averill Park School District has begun the process of registering boys and girls for the 2022-2023 Kindergarten Classes. If you, or someone you know, has a child who will be five years of age on or before December 1, 2022 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 02-28-2022.
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: Polio 4 (3 doses if 3rd dose received after 4th 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, 2022 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 7/1/16 and 6/30/17 must attend kindergarten in the coming school year. Children born between 7/1/17 and 12/1/17 may attend during the 202-2023 school year or may wait until the following year.
Looking For New Baseball Umpires
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Capital District Baseball Umpires Association is looking for new members for the 2022 season. If you think you have what it takes to be a baseball umpire, training classes are now forming. For more information, call Bob Umholtz at 518-986-5987 or go to cdbua.com
Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The addition of mobile sports betting in New York State has brought access to gambling to everyone’s pocket. Anyone in New York with a cell phone can now gamble 24/7 from anywhere. With the increase in access to gambling opportunities will inevitably come an increase in individuals, families and communities impacted by negative consequences.
In response to increased access to gambling in NYS, NYCPG has launched a brand new, solution-focused resource in NYS that’s designed to highlight all of the ways New Yorkers can work together on this cause to reduce these negative consequences.
StrongerThanYouThinkNY.org has something for everyone, whether you’re in need of treatment, have a loved one struggling, or want to be a part of the solution on a community level.
Problem gambling can impact anyone, and its effects go far beyond the individual. Relationships, employment, finances, and mental health all take a hit when gambling is no longer entertainment. Often the symptoms are invisible to others until they can’t be hidden any longer. It’s never too late to get help or become an advocate for this cause.
For help with problem gambling, please reach out to the Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center at 518-801-1491 or email us at NortheastPGRC@nullNYProblemGambling.org
Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers
CAPITAL DISTRICT – TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District.
Volunteers typically participate one day per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. No experience is required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers and confirm appointments. Training is provided for all positions. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses.
For more information on how you can join our team in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties contact Communications Coordinator [your name], [your phone number or] at [your email address]. For further information, visit www.nytaxaide.org
What is Domestic Abuse and What Can We Do About It?
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Domestic abuse, also called domestic violence (DV) is one or more of these behaviors by one intimate partner towards another: threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, physical assault and sexual assault. It is a pattern of coercive control and exercise of power.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In New York state alone, the DV hotlines receive over 19,000 calls a day. DV is a culturally learned and socially tolerated public health problem which is like the proverbial elephant in the room which we don’t feel free to discuss.
Myths about Domestic abuse dispelled
* DV is a private matter between the partners. – No. Domestic abuse is a crime, according to the Violence Against Women Act 1994/96 which offers equal coverage to women and men. Left unchecked, it creates chronic stress in all the family members including the children and adversely affects their mental and physical health.
* Only women are victims of DV – False. DV is the number one predictor of child abuse. Also, one in four men are abused by their partners but most don’t reveal it. Everyone in the abuser’s household, not only the victim, would be walking on egg shells, apprehensive of being abused any moment on flimsy grounds. In extreme cases, the abusers killed the entire family and then killed themselves.
* DV happens only once or twice in a relationship. – False. It happens repeatedly. Abusers usually escalate violent behaviors in frequency and severity.
* The abusers can’t control their anger. – False. Angry abusers stop the violence when they hear a knock on the door and exercise restraint until there are no witnesses. They don’t abuse their coworkers or people at the stores. They behave well outside and strive to maintain a positive public image.
* DV is caused by alcohol or drugs. – False. Most men who abuse their partners don’t drink or abuse drugs. Alcohol and drugs don’t cause abusive behavior but they reduce the inhibition of the abuser which may increase the severity of abuse.
* DV happens to those with lower income/education. – False. The DV Hotlines receive calls, chats and texts from people of every socioeconomic class and religion, including the wealthy and highly educated.
* If the abuser shows remorse and promises to behave, the abuse will stop. – False. Remorse and begging for forgiveness are ploys to temporarily pacify and perpetuate the control over the victim. The abuse mostly gets worse.
* Boys who witness DV will grow up to be abusers – Only one in three boys who witness abuse become adult abusers. The majority of abused children raise their own children without violence.
* The victim can just leave. – Abused women are in the greatest danger of severe or lethal attacks when attempting to leave or after leaving. They might have no safe place to go, can’t support herself and children, feels humiliated about the abuse, fears that her friends, family and community will blame her and for emotional or religious reasons. A survivor believes the partner’s promises to change and hopes for an abuse-free life. Safely ending a violent relationship requires a well though-out plan and preparation. The DV agencies offer help in this regard.
What can we do about domestic abuse? – Each of us can take simple steps like:
# 1 Empowering the victims by believing their experiences. They very rarely tell lies.
# 2 Searching online for “Domestic Violence agencies near me” under quotes for their contact information and making it widely available at libraries, waiting rooms, restrooms etc.; learning from videos and articles on “bystander intervention techniques” online and applying the techniques to stop abuse if it happens in our presence.
#3 Discussing media reports on domestic abuse with our friends and family, to bring awareness and eliminate the stigma around it.
For FREE, anonymous, 24/7 help, you can contact one or more of the local DV agencies (refer #2 above) or the national ‘Domestic Violence Hotline’ at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), TEXT ‘START’ to 88788 or CHAT at https://www.thehotline.org/.
Poestenkill Area Food Insecurity
POESTENKILL – Any greater Poestenkill area residents currently experiencing temporary or long term food insecurity can turn to The Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poestenkill for supplemental food assistance. We provide basic nutritional foods and related items the first and third Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in a very discreet, nonjudgmental manner. We offer drive-thru service where each guest receives a product list to form your order, we then fill your order and bring the completed order back to your vehicle. Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our Pantry is also available. Please try us, we are here to help. Our phone number is: 518-283-6045 to leave a message. Thank you.
Hope 7 Food Pantry
TROY – The Hope 7 Food Pantry located at 520 Pawling Avenue, Troy NY serves the East Side of Troy, Wynantskill and Northgreenbush.
Pantry Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:30am-11:45am; Thursday – 5pm-7pm. Last Saturday of each month 9:30am-11:45am
What to bring: Proof of residence (Troy’s East Side, North Greenbush, or Wynantskill) – (utility bill to your address in your name). ID’s for each person residing in household.
Johnsonville Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE – The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, NY 12094, is open 9-12 every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month. Closed on holidays. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. We have a great selection of adult and children’s clothing, boots, shoes, coats, purses, special occasion and career clothing, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books available.
The Anchor Food Pantry
SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry in an attempt to keep the residents of the Town Of Schodack apprised during these Covid 19 times has an update regarding hours of operation and procedures. The Pantry is open on the following days for servicing clientele and the general public.
Monday Evenings-5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursdays -9am-2pm, and the first saturday of each month 10am-1pm. We ask to call ahead at 518-732-4120 for food calls so staff can prepare order for delivery to your vehicle.New clients are asked to provide proof of residency on their initial visit.
Donations are currently being accepted clothing wise for fall /early winter apparel preferably during business hours. As always we thank the citizens of Schodack for their present, past, and future support of aiding those in need during these seemingly never ending difficult economic times.
Being Controlled or Hurt by Your Partner?
CAPITAL DISTRICT – You are not alone. You deserve a respectful relationship. FREE Counseling, Legal, Police and Safe shelter help is available for you and family. Anyone can anonymously call one or more of these 24/7 Hotlines for guidance and help.
* Emergency help – Call 911
* Unity House #518-272-2370, Text #518-720-6161 or Chat at rc.chat/uhdvs
* Equinox #518.432.7865, or Chat at
https://www.resourceconnect.com/equinoxdv/chat
* YWCA of NENY #518-374-3386
* Wellspring #518-584-8188 or Chat at
* NYS Office for the prevention of domestic violence
#800-942-6906 or Text 844-997-2121.Or Chat at
https://www.resourceconnect.com/ndysdvsachat/chat
* National Domestic Violence Hotline #800-799-7233
Text “START” to 88788, Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/
Take a picture of this ad with your phone.
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – We are open two times each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays beginning at 4:30 pm and ending at 6:30 pm. Bring proof of your current residence and grocery bags for your food request.
Starting in November 2021, we will now greet our guests inside the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, side entrance.
Please wear a mask and check the extra’s tables. Two guests at a time, fill out food selection forms while waiting in your car. We will continue to practice social distancing and safety for our volunteers and guests.
Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our pantry is available. Call and leave your name and number at (518) 283-6045.
Our newest program offers infant and baby items (food, diapers and wipes) for those who reside in the Poestenkill area. Pre-orders only by a phone message at (518) 428-0124, a private Facebook message, or email: breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com. We do not currently stock these items in our pantry as selections are very individualized.
Johnsonville Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE – The thrift shop at the Johnsonville Methodist Church, 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, NY 12094 is open every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month from 9-12. Look for our sign at the corner of Rte. 111 and Rte. 67. We have a great selection of adult and children’s fall and winter clothing, coats, boots, shoes, purses, special occasion and career clothes, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Christmas decor is now on display. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books available.
Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Consider Attending PD SELF – Parkinson’s Self-Efficacy Learning Forum
CAPITAL DISTRICT – A national program being offered in Albany. The program provides people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s with an in-depth understanding of the disease and the tools to manage it with confidence. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required. Space is limited. Care partners are encouraged to attend.
This year the program, starting in September, has been adapted to be fully online. Find out more at www.cdparkinsons.org/pd-self
St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus Bottle & Can Donations
WYNANTSKILL – Help Support Local Charities – St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption located at 461 Main Avenue in Wynantskill to accept bottle and can donations that have a NYS deposit.
This is to support local charities and those in need.
• Bring your clean, NYS deposit empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill.
• Say they are to support the St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus.
• They do the rest, that’s it!
• Thank you for your support!
Team “Knocking Out Alzheimer’s” Bottle Drive, The Fundraising Continues …
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Team “Knocking out Alzheimer’s” is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association. Return your bottles and cans and help the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Through an arrangement with: Six-Center Redemption
Two Locations: 461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles into a machine.
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say: “These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you. Join the fight with your bottles & cans! Check us out on face book – Knocking out Alzheimer’s
Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team
CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachusetts. We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
New York State Commission for the Blind
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults. NYSCB assists participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website: visionloss.ny.gov