Your Community 01.19.23

Artwork needed for Community Wide Art Show

The First United Methodist Church at 1 Gilligan Rd. East Greenbush is looking for artwork of all kinds done by all ages for a Community Wide Art Show. The Art Show will debut on March 25th, 2023. All artworks will be due by March 19th at 2:30 pm. 

The theme of the art show is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Art can have one item of the theme or incorporate the full theme. Please email Amber Telford at Youthleaderamber@nullgmail.com for the Art Work agreement form and any questions. You can also call 518-477-9693 and leave a message for Amber.

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

Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School’s Student Council hosted Carol Rosbozom, Commissioner for the Rensselaer County Department for the Aging Services. Mrs. Rosbozom spoke about the many services the Department provides, including Meals on Wheels. The Student Council plans on putting together a collection of greeting cards, crafts, and letters to go to home-bound seniors in the near future!

Recently, former Averill Park CSD students returned to visit old friends and talk about their college experiences. Amelia Wood caught up with and had lunch with Mrs. Ferlito’s class while Merry Gaylord, McKenzie Swinson, Julia Foster and Joe Milanese spoke to the Student-Athlete Advisory Council about competing in sports at the collegiate level. Thank you to all who took time out of their busy schedules to interact with some of our current high school students.

School Resource Officer’s Day was January 9. We thank all SROs for their dedication and service to school communities, especially our own SRO Deputy Nikles!

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

Kiwanis of North Greenbush Seeks New Members

The Kiwanis of North Greenbush is a newly formed chapter of Kiwanis International whose aim is to make a difference for children and their families in our local community and beyond. 

Our chapter, formed in April 2022, consists of about 20 members who have enthusiastically provided many hours of service thus far: cooking @ Ronald McDonald House and Fisher House; creating comfort bags for foster kids; collecting food for needy Veterans; collecting for Bells of Life to support Albany Med Pediatrics; helping with clean-up and painting at Sky High Adventure Center, Averill Park.

 If your New Year’s resolution includes volunteering, and this sounds like something you would like to be part of, we are always seeking new community-minded individuals for membership. Meetings are 2nd and 4th Wednesdays @ 7pm in NG Town Hall, Main Ave., Wynantskill. 

To learn more, please join us for a Meet-n-Greet on Sunday, January 29, 12-2pm @ Fifth Tier Bakery, 197 Main Ave., Wynantskill. For additional information see www.NorthGreenbushKiwanis.com.

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 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.

New Winter Break Fun, Activity & Learning Program for Elementary School Kids

SKYHIGH Community Center, at 27 Lake Avenue in Averill Park, is now enrolling Rensselaer County area children ages 8-12 in our February 20th to 23rd, Monday through Thursday, Winter Break fun, activity and learning program. Children may be dropped off between 8:00 and 8:45. The program starts at 9:00am and ends at 1:30pm. 

We offer a variety of creative, child-interest activities each morning including: arts & crafts, learning magic tricks, playing foam ball tennis, practicing improvisation acting with SLCA’s Brian Sheldon, having fun with music or song, designing and playing self-created games, maybe even making balloon animals and more. Children will be encouraged and supported to try new things. Each afternoon there will be an entertaining auditorium session or performance. 

Early arrivers may being a light breakfast snack and all children should bring a light lunch.

The cost is $80 for the four full days and there is a $25 option for single day attending children. 

We can always use adult volunteers. If a parent volunteers to help us all four days we will rebate a portion of the registration fee.

Registration has just opened up and we are limiting enrollment to 30 children. So if you are interested, don’t delay. Go to www.shaccenter.org. and sign up your child for this first ever in our community Winter Break Program.

If more information is needed you may email Joe at jbehson@nullnycap.rr.com.

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.

RPA Presents Wild Hudson Valley Winter Walk

Wild Hudson Valley Winter Walk with Ethnoecologist Justin Wexler. Saturday, January 28, 2023 11am – 12:30pm. (Snow Date: Saturday, February 4). Poestenkill Community Forest, 200 Legenbauer Road, Averill Park, NY 12018.

Join ethnoecologist Justin Wexler of Wild Hudson Valley to explore the outdoors and learn all about local native people and their relationship with the environment. This walk will identify local flora and fauna and their uses in native culture while also explaining the species and the surrounding ecosystems through Northeastern native languages and folklore.

Justin Wexler, co-founder of Wild Hudson Valley, has been studying local native folklore, language and ethnoecology for two decades.

This outdoor outing will involve approximately 1.5 hours of mostly on-trail walking over varied terrain. Make sure to dress in warm layers and wear sturdy, warm, weather-appropriate footwear. Bring water and a snack.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so register early. The registration fee for this special event is $20/person. If you register but can’t attend, please contact Kim at kim@nullrensselaerplateau.org to cancel. Head over to the events page on our website, Rensselaerplateau.org, for more information and to register.

North Greenbush 2023 Historical Calendars

We still have our 2023 Historical Calendars for purchase in the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall. Stop by and grab one for $10.00 or $13.00 mailed. (Reduced price). We will gladly mail them out for you, just send in a check written out to the Town of North Greenbush for $13.00 and include the address where the calendar should be sent, and we will do the work for you. 

The Town Clerk’s number is 518-283-4306 if you’re interested in a calendar or have any questions concerning the availability or process. Quantity is limited and when they’re gone…. they’re gone!!

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Offers Dog Training Classes

Menands – Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS) offers dog training classes with certified trainers. Only positive methods are used and class sizes are small for individualized attention. Classes include basic and intermediate obedience, puppy class, reactive dog class and confidence building. Classes are one hour long and fees range from $150-$200. Those who have adopted from MHHS receive a 15% discount. Sessions begin soon. Training is held at the Lisa Mitzen Animal Care Center, located at 3 Oakland Avenue in Menands. Learn more at mohawkhumane.org/dog-training.

Ecumenical Community Choir Seeking Members

The Festival Celebration Choir is seeking new members. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at First Lutheran Church in Albany, 181 Western Ave., Albany. 

All voice parts are welcome. There are no auditions. The group is preparing a concert, Beyond Boundaries, for Sunday, June 4, 2023. For more information call Julie Panke (Scotia, NY) 518-370-5434 or visit festivalcelebrationchoir.org

An Intro to LGBTQ+ Youth

When: Friday January 20 . Time: 7-8 pm.

Where: SHAC Center, 27 Lake Ave, Averill Park https://shaccenter.org/ 

In association with the PRIDEcenter https://www.facebook.com/CapitalPrideCenter1/

Presentation: 

o Understand concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity

o Increase knowledge of challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ youth in and out of the classroom

o Identify effective techniques for working with LGBTQ+ youth

o And increase confidence in addressing issues of homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia 

This event is free. Everyone is welcome! 

There will also be a bake sale!

Hudson Mohawk AHEC Announces Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarships available to support healthcare education

Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center (Hudson Mohawk AHEC) will be awarding ten scholarships of $500 dollars each to individuals who will be entering an approved healthcare related certificate or degree program at a local community college, university or training entity within New York State. Applicants must reside within the Hudson Mohawk AHEC ten-county service region, which includes: Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties. 

Interested applicants can learn more about the scholarship opportunity by visiting the Hudson Mohawk AHEC website www.hmahec.org or emailing admin@nullhmahec.org 

Applications are due no later than Monday, March 17, 2023. Awards will be made in May 2023.

Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center (Hudson Mohawk AHEC) seeks to develop, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties. 

For more information about Hudson Mohawk AHEC please visit our website at: www.hmahec.org.

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

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.

Don’t be a bear this winter!

Just because it is winter does not mean you need to hibernate!

The SHAC has programs for everyBODY this winter – there is foam ball tennis for kids and parents, yoga for all, agility and strength training for seniors, and even hula hooping for fitness and fun!! 

Check them all out here -> https://shaccenter.org/programs

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.

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!

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