Your Community 02.11.21

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraising for Student of the Year

EAST GREENBUSH – I am participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Students of the Year program as a team member for Columbia Kicks Cancer. Students of the Year is a seven-week competition for high school leaders seeking to make an impact in the fight against cancer. This year, my good friend Taylor O’Brien and I, along with many people from around our community, have decided to start a campaign that will help those fighting cancer. 

Our campaign’s goal is to raise $20,000, from January 21 through March 12. We would appreciate any support for our campaign. Make checks payable to Kendra Durivage. Thank you, Chase Durivage

Make a tax-deductible donation to my online fundraising page: https://events.lls.org/uny/unysoy21/cdurivage

Or venmo a donation to @kendra-durivage.

Or send a donation to Chase Durivage at 75 Morgan Road, East Greenbush, NY 12061

Historical Calendars Still Available

NORTH GREENBUSH – The 2021 North Greenbush Historical Calendars first printing has sold out but a second printing is now available for purchase. It contains old time pictures including Tess Alber’s Restaurant, Jordan’s Ice Cream Dairy in Defreestville, Snyder’s Lake photos and many others. The calendars are still only $10 and are available at the Town Clerk’s office in Wynantskill (283-4306) for pick up or mailed from the Town Clerk’s office for $12.00. Checks should be made out to the Town of North Greenbush. Town Historian Jim Greenfield in Defreestville (265-4254).

AP Community Education Has Gone Virtual!

AVERILL PARK – Averill Park Community Education has several programs that are being held virtually beginning this month. To view classes, or register and pay online, go to www.familyid.com/organizations/averill-park-community-education or mail the AP District Office with your contact information, program information and a check payable to AP Community Education. Upcoming programs include:Medicare 101 (Feb. 13th morning or May 17th evening), PiYo (Mon & Wed evenings, beginning Feb. 22nd or March 29th), Chair Yoga (Thursday mornings, beginning March 4th) and Notary Public Review (April 1st evening). Call 518-674-7191 with any questions. We cannot take registrations over the phone. More programs may be available so check online or on the district’s Facebook or Twitter. You do not have to live in Averill Park to register for these programs. Stay well.

Local Students Named to New York Tech Dean’s List

OLD WESTBURY, NY – New York Institute of Technology congratulates the 463 students named to the Fall 2020 Dean’s List. To qualify for this academic honor, a student must earn a GPA of at least 3.5 and complete 12 or more credit hours without any incomplete grades. Local New York Tech students named include:

Jadyn Lee of West Sand Lake (12196)

Jesal Patel of East Greenbush (12061)

Amanda Eager of Nassau, NY Graduates From the University of New Hampshire

DURHAM, NH – Amanda Eager of Nassau, NY graduated from the University of New Hampshire in December 2020. He/she earned a BSBE in Bioengineering.

Students who received the honor Summa Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.85-4.0: Students who received the honor of Magna Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.65-3.84; and students who received the honor of Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.50-3.64.

Students are only graduated after the Registrar’s Office has certified that all degree requirements have been successfully completed. Participating in the commencement ceremony is the act of honoring and celebrating academic achievement.

Liam Bove of East Greenbush Named to UA Deans List

TUSCALOOSA, AL – Liam Michael Bove of East Greenbush, NY (12061), was named to The University of Alabama Deans List for fall 2020.

A total of 13,128 students enrolled during the fall 2020 term at The University of Alabama made the Dean’s List with academic records of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale), or the President’s List with academic records of 4.0 (all A’s).

Cameron Coffey Named to Dean’s List at Georgia Tech for the Fall 2020 Semester

ATLANTA, GA – Cameron Coffey of Averill Park, NY made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This designation is awarded to undergraduate students who have earned a 3.0 or higher academic average for the semester.

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School fifth grade student, Alyson Thorsen, has been named the recipient of the 2020-21 Kelsey Kittleson Memorial Music Scholarship. This scholarship comes with an instrument rental from John Keal Music, along with accessories. Aly will follow in Kelsey’s footsteps and is learning to play the cello. Congratulations Aly!

During the Special Board of Education meeting on February 1, the District approved high-risk winter sports to begin. We are confident that our Athletic Department and health professionals can provide a safe environment for our student-athletes, and we are excited to resume providing our students with additional opportunities beyond the classroom.

During a scheduled Superintendent’s Conference Day, faculty and administrators throughout the District completed mandatory training on NYS EdLaw2d in a fun way. Groups collaboratively worked through informational videos and were required to answer questions on student data and privacy in an Escape Room setting. Great job everyone!

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay

Ithaca College Students Named to Fall 2020 Dean’s List

ITHACA, NY  – Ithaca College congratulates students named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester.

James Fleck of Castleton on Hudson, NY (12033)

Matthew Wimmer of East Greenbush, NY (12061)

Guilderland Central High School Class of 1971, 50th Year Reunion 

CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Guilderland Central High School class of 1971 50th year reunion committee invites classmates to join us on the weekend of July 23-25, 2021.  We have established a website at http://www.guilderland71.com that we are asking you to please join.  The details of the great weekend we have planned for us to catch up are located on the site.  We’d love to hear your ideas for making this reunion special and fun. 

Center Brunswick United Methodist Church Announces Financial Scholarship for 2021 Tamarac High School Graduates

TROY – 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 2021. 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, 2021. 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.

The Bread of Life Food Pantry 

POESTENKILL – The Bread of Life Food Pantry in Poestenkill is now offering baby food and diapers & wipes. If your situation makes it challenging to afford supplies for your baby, please reach out to us! We are here to help. The pantry does not currently stock baby supplies, but we can provide items upon request. Please send a private Facebook message, email breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com, or leave a message at 518.428.0124.

Averill Park Junior & Senior Prom Fund Drive

AVERILL PARK – Every student dreams of their Prom, and students in the Classes of 2021 and 2022, are no different. We are hopeful and are proceeding as such with the planning and preparation for our May 8, 2021, Junior Prom and Senior Prom at The Marriott on Wolf Rd. Due to the constantly changing nature of this school year, we have limited ways to fund-raise for our Proms, and our fund-raising efforts currently have fallen flat.

As a one-and-done fund drive, we are asking that our parents support our Juniors & Seniors with this Prom fundraiser through a GoFundMe page. Community members are welcome to make a donation too! The proceeds of this fund drive will go to pay for such things as photographers, decorations, etc, as well as keep ticket costs down.

As an incentive to donate, we are entering all donators into a drawing for a GIFT CARD TREE! What a great way to get rewarded for being charitable! And, all donations are Tax Deductible!

We are aware that the guidelines for social gatherings could possibly derail our prom plans in May, so we have a Plan B. If May doesn’t work, all funds will be used for other events either this school year or next. Events such as the Senior Dinner Dance, and the possibility of a Fall prom for the Class of 2022. Less fund-raising next year!

It’s been a really tough year for everyone. Please consider helping our class make the Junior and Senior Prom a memorable event to end this school year. We are asking our families to donate $25. But any donation will be accepted. We also know that many might not be in the position to donate right now.

Nearly 100% of your donation made through this GoFundMe page will help make our Prom the event we’ve been dreaming of. Below is the link to our GoFundMe page & donation button. Donors can also send a check to Averill Park HS, Class of 2022, 146 Gettle Rd., Averill Park, NY 12018

Thank You!

GoFundMe Link: https://tinyurl.com/y37c2pqp

Attention Marines and Naval Corpsman Past and Present

CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Capt. Wm. Dale O’Brien Marine Corps League Detachment #241 in Albany NY. – Are looking for Marines and Corpsman who want to continue to share the honors and camaraderie that you had while in the corps? Our Detachment is dedicated to helping other marines, their family and fellow veterans. We do it through several programs like the Rose Program, Honor a Vet, visiting home or hospital bond marine or naval corpsman, with our color guard in parades and other ceremonies. We continue to participate in the Toys for Tots program and more. There is also many social activities available such as our Annual Marine Corps Ball, bus trips to Washington DC to clean our monuments and participation in other Veteran events. We ae brothers and sisters supporting each other still!

If any of this sounds like something you would like to be a part , please contact me Fred Gilmore for more information, my cell phone is (518) 258-8125 (call or text), my email is gunny1074@nullaol.com – Semper Fi.

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

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 5:00 to 7:00 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.

Vaping – Public Service Announcement

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Vaping has become almost more common today then cigarettes. Originally marketed as being more safe than other tobacco products recent events have made it clear that this is not the full story. One study found that those who vape the equivalent to a pack of cigarettes a day had a 70% higher risk of stroke. This is only one of the health risks that can arise from vaping. For more information visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/vaping-linked-to-serious-health-problems.html

Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.

Fentanyl – Public Service Announcement

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Fentanyl has been making headlines recently, this is because the incredibly potent chemical has been contributing to the increase in overdose deaths across America. Most people however do not know much about the chemical. For instance many don’t know that one of the things that makes fentanyl so dangerous is the fact that it can be absorbed into the system through skin contact. Meaning getting it on your skin could cause a potentially fatal overdose.

To learn more about Fentanyl visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-fentanyl.html

Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.

Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline

RENSSELAER COUNTY  – 1-833-467-3123 – Do you need help with substance use issues? Are you interested in volunteering for the helpline? The Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline offers information, local resources, and referrals for individuals and their families regarding substance use issues. The toll-free line is available 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. Each volunteer chooses shifts of 4 hours at a time to be on-call. When someone calls the number, a volunteer answers on their own smartphone, and can enter information to a database on their own computer, allowing for easy and quick access to resources. The information is sent to one of the 9 leaders, who will then assist the caller. If you or someone you know needs information, resources, or a referral for a substance use problem, call 1-833-467-3123. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Renscohelpline@nullgmail.com

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