Your Community 02.17.22

News from Sand Lake

Rensselaer County has supplied us with a limited number of Covid test kits.  Due to the limited number please only request a test kit if you need it.  Each box contains 2 tests.

The Military Banner program is up and running.  The first group of applications have been sent for production.  The deadline for Applications is March 31st.  Please get them to me as soon as possible. 

 Barbara Hansen, Town Clerk,  Town of Sand Lake; 518-674-2026, Ext. 122 or 115

Correction and Apology

The Thursday February 10th issue of The Advertiser included an article on the Sand Lake Historical Society’s February 8th program on Elder Abel Brown. This was a reprint of an earlier Times Union story and it mistakenly said that the program “will” be held on “Tuesday” which may have led some community members to believe the program would be held the following Tuesday (February 15th). 

The Sand Lake Historical Society would like to apologize to anybody who may have come to Sand Lake Town Hall on February 15th and let them know that a video of the presentation is available on the Historical Society’s web page (http://sandlakehistory.org, under “past programs”). Our next program will be Tuesday March 8th, at 7 pm, and will feature a presentation by Jill Knapp on the Kittle Family Murders. Watch The Advertiser for more details coming soon!

Concerned Citizens for Clean Drinking Water to Host Community Forum

Concerned Citizens for Clean Drinking Water (CCCDW) is hosting a meeting via Zoom from 7 to 8pm on Thursday February 24, 2022. Information gathered to date by the CCCDW Steering Committee will be shared. Representatives from the town, county and state have been invited to participate followed by an open discussion. Information regarding registration for the Zoom meeting can be found by going to the group’s website, “cccdw.org”, or the CCCDW Facebook page. 

CCCDW is an ad-hoc group of area residents formed to share information and advocate at all government levels regarding the PFAS contamination found at Algonquin Middle School, nearby homes, and other sites in the town that have a history of PFAS usage.

News From Averill Park CSD

Second grade student Jonathan Schielke organized a collection for pet supplies at West Sand Lake Elementary School. Jonathan presented to his class, created Google Slides and made handouts. Students donated multiple boxes full of treats, toys, and supplies, which were sent to local animal shelters. Great job Jonathan!

The week of February 7-11 was National School Counseling Week. We thank all of our school counselors who contribute greatly to the District fulfilling its mission each and every day!

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. This program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward the internet for eligible households, and can also help provide discounts on laptops, desktop computers, and tablets. Learn if you qualify for the program and how to apply here: ACPBenefit.org

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

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

Capital District Chapter Columbiette Meeting

LATHAM – The February Capital District Chapter Columbiette Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 27th, 2022 @ 1:30 PM at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328,Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

Capital District Chapter President, Linda Cotch will preside!

(Directions I 787 either North or South Exit 8 to 23rd St. in Watervliet and West on Route 2 to Latham. Or I 87 North or South, Exit 6 East to Route 2 Latham).

US Navy Promotion – Petty Officer First Class Michael Bedian

Michael K. Bedian, a Wynantskill native, was promoted to Petty Officer First Class during the U.S. Navy’s recent advancement cycle. He earned the promotion while serving overseas as a Leading Petty Officer.

PO1 Bedian is a 2008 Averill Park High School graduate who enlisted in 2013 as a Gunnersmate Seaman in the U.S. Navy following his graduation from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He and his wife, Janie Bedian, are currently stationed overseas with their two fur babies, Rey and Obi. During his tenure, he has been stationed in three different states and two different countries, participated in two Middle Eastern and three Western Pacific deployments to over fifteen countries, earned two warfare pins and one Navy Achievement Medal, and was recently nominated for Sailor of the Quarter at his command.

Congratulations, Michael and thank you for your service. Your family is so proud of you and all of your accomplishments!

Community Caregivers Presents Lunchtime Chats

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Simply call (518) 992-6661 or you can contact us and we will set it up for us to dial you! 

February 2022 – Friday, February 11th Topic: Valentine’s Day Party; Tuesday, February 15th Topic: Travel to Alaska; Friday, February 18th Topic: Little Known Facts about Presidents and their Wives; Tuesday, February 22nd Topic: What is it like to be a Medical Student? Speaker: Meghan Goodard and Andrew Cyr, Medical Students; Friday, February 25th Topic: The Lives and Music of the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Friends. Community Caregivers Office: (518) 456-2898, Chat Number (518) 992-6661. 

All are Welcome! Our Lunch Time Chat program is open to all. Each call has an interesting program that includes an opportunity to discuss the topic. Chats are most Tuesdays and Fridays, always at 1:00 P.M. Simply dial-in to hear about a variety of interesting topics! It’s Free and easy to join! Community Caregivers is a non-profit agency supported by community donations, and grants from the Albany County Department for Aging, the NYS Department of Health and Office for the Aging & The U.S. Administration on Aging. 

East Greenbush CSD Opens Kindergarten Registration for 2022-23

EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Central School District is now enrolling kindergarten students for the 2022-23 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September 2022, your child must turn five years old by December 1, 2022.

Kindergarten registration packets are being mailed to all eligible families in the district database. 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. If you are not sure which school they will attend, call the Registrar’s office at 518-207-2062. 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.

Visit egcsd.org/registration for more information.

Free Tax Help is Available and Can Help You Get Your Refund Faster

The IRS is experiencing massive backlogs because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It may take 9-12 months for your return to be processed and to receive your refund if you physically mail your return to the IRS. However, you can generally expect to receive your refund in three to four weeks if you electronically file the return. 

You can electronically file your 2021 return starting Monday, January 24, 2022. 

The IRS’s “Free File” Program may be able to help. Free File partners will e-file your return for free. This year, you can e-file with Free File if your adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less. Links to these free tax preparation and e-filing services are available at www.irs.gov/freefile 

Free tax assistance is also available in many communities. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provide free tax preparation and e-filing services. Locations can be found at www.irs.gov/vita or from your local United Way. The AARP Tax Aide Program also provides free tax preparation. VITA, TCE, and Tax Aide each have different eligibility requirements. 

If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you also qualify for free tax help by IRS-trained volunteers. You may qualify for the EITC even if you’re single and have no children. EITC eligibility can be complicated. Check if you qualify at www.irs.gov/eitcassistant 

In addition to e-filing, you will usually receive your refund faster if you ask for the payment to be directly deposited into your bank account. 

If you have questions about e-filing, refunds or other income tax issues, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) may be able to help. The Clinic’s services are free of charge. You can call the LASNNY Legal Line at (833) 628-0087 and ask for our LITC. The Clinic does not generally provide tax preparation services.

Do You Have An Hour a Week to Spare to Help Someone in Our Rensselaer County Community?
Community Caregivers Could Use You! 

RENSSELAER COUNTY – We need drivers to take folks to appointments, or to the grocery store. We also need help checking in on isolated people in our community by making weekly phone calls or visits. Our clients and volunteers must be fully vaccinated to participate. Our volunteer orientation is online several times a month. Please call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator for Rensselaer County at (518)366-9173, heidi@nullcommunitycaregivers.org, or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898,meredith@nullcommunitycaregivers.org. Information on, and donations to, our programs can be seen at communitycaregivers.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 

Albany-Tula Alliance Seeks Entries for 2022 Multimedia Contest

CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Albany-Tula Alliance is seeking Capital Region students from high school to first-year college to enter a multimedia contest on the importance of discerning fact from fiction.

For the past quarter-century, the Albany-Tula Alliance has been a cooperative sister city initiative between New York’s Capital Region and the Tula Region in Russia. Through the years there have been many cultural, educational, scientific and business exchanges between the two. Even though government relations remain strained the friends of the Alliance continue to work together as citizen diplomats.

The annual Essay Contest is asking students to submit a creative response to the prompt: “How can you form an unbiased opinion of another culture without being able to travel there?” Students can submit their responses in dozens of different forms from a poem to podcast, from a sculpture to a collage, from an essay to a song or video.

The deadline for registration and essay submission is Friday, February 28, 2022. The participant of the winning essay will win $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.

For complete rules and detailed information on the Albany-Tula Alliance Essay Contest visit www.albanytula.org/contest.

Glass Lake Men’s Golf League

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Attention all golfers. The Glass Lake Men’s League at Burden Lake Country Club is looking for new members. Open to the public and members of Burden Lake Country Club. 

The league plays Tuesday nights from mid-April to mid-September, with tee times from 3:00-4:00pm. The league will also have two tournaments. The first being at a local golf course and the second at Burden Lake Country Club. All skill levels are welcome. For more information on dues and how to become a member, contact Kean Toomey at kean.toomey@nullgmail.com

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.

Gilead’s Body and Soul Pantry

Hopefully by the time you read this the weather will be a little warmer. The weather forecast for the week of this writing is cold. Whatever the temperature is for February 24th, you can be assured that our pantry will have a nice meal for you. Our menu this month is baked chicken breast, rice, carrots, salad and dessert. 

This once again has to be a takeout only, with hours from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. First time visiting the pantry, please ask for Lisa, so she can get you setup. 

Where is Gilead? We are located at the junction of Routes 7 & 278 in Center Brunswick.

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.

The Anchor food Pantry would like to inform the public and clientele of following guidelines that as set forth by governing bodies.

All clientele will be required to show proof of income example( Pay stub, retirement  statement, social security or unemployment benefits) proof of residency, and verification for those residing in the household . The Anchor asks that those using the pantry for food benefits abide by these policies so that the pantry can obtain necessary funding and donations to aid all those needing its services and goodwill in these pandemic and uncertain economic times.

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.

Looking for ways to help The Anchor Food Pantry. Just a suggestion: 

 Return your recyclable cans and bottles to The 6  Cent Redemption Center 550 South Street-Rensselaer  – Rt9J.

Just inform the staff you are donating to the Anchor  Food Pantry account and account will be credited automatically.

How to Prevent ‘Domestic Abuse’

Domestic abuse is also called Domestic violence (DV). It is a crime under the Violence Against the Women 1994/96 which affords equal protection to women and men. DV can be emotional, financial, verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, and technology-facilitated abuse. It is affecting millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, gender, economic status, religion and education. We can prevent DV by spreading awareness, challenging the myths and confronting the abusers.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY LEVEL 

NEVER BLAME THE VICTIM: We tend to ask “What did the victim do to deserve the abuse?”. Instead, we need to ask: “why does the abuser choose to abuse?”. 

TRUST THE VICTIM’S PERSPECTIVE: Listen to and believe the victim to empower them to make their own decisions. Tell the victim that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect. Ask them what they need to be safe. 

TAKE A CLEAR STAND THAT DOMESTIC ABUSE IS NOT A “PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER.”: One in three women and one in four men will be a victim of severe physical violence at some point in their lifetime. Each day, an average of three women die at the hands of someone who claims or claimed to love them. Every abused person is someone’s sibling, parent, friend or co-worker. 

TELL THE VICTIMS about the DV Hotlines: Equinox 518.432.7865; Unity House 518. 272.2370; YWCA NENY 518.374.3386; Wellspring 518.584.8188 and the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233. If the victim is in immediate danger, call 911. Support your community by volunteering or donating to the DV agencies.

CONFRONT THE OFFENDERS: If it is safe, tell them that their abusive behavior is unacceptable. Impose social consequences like not welcoming for family dinner or to hang out, until they stop their abusive behavior. Study ‘bystander intervention training’ on youtube and put it into practice. 

EDUCATE THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH about healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships. It is some of today’s children who will become tomorrow’s abusers and victims. Discuss DV at the family table and encourage everyone to respectfully speak up without fear when something doesn’t feel right. Set a healthy example by not using coercive measures to control your children’s’ behavior under any circumstance. Be respectful to everyone, irrespective of their age and sex. Losing your ‘cool ‘, is a big “No,’. If parents have difficulty managing their emotions, they need to seek help.  

COMMUNITY LEVEL 

CHALLENGE THE WIDELY-HELD MYTHS ABOUT DV AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY: That ‘DV means physical violence’, it’s a “private family matter’, ‘the victim is weak’ and the victims can “just leave”. In reality, the woman is at the greatest risk of being hurt or even killed when trying to leave or after leaving. She has to carefully plan her escape, to protect herself, her children and pets and ensure financial security.

CHALLENGE THE MYTH THAT THE ABUSERS “LOSE CONTROL”: Not true. They don’t “lose control” at work, with friends and other family members! Abuse is a conscious choice rooted in power and control over the partner. Challenge the inequalities and ‘isms’ like sexism, racism, classism and patriarchy on which DV thrives. 

GIVE SUSTAINED PUBLIITY TO THE DV HOTLINE NUMBERS through all the media until they are as well-known as ‘911’. Make sure DV brochures are always visible at public places like libraries, town halls, workplaces, doctor’s offices, religious places, community centers.  

ORGANIZE DV AWARENESS CAMPAIGN EVERY OCTOBER. DV agencies can provide the publicity posters, brochures and speakers. 

What’s the Big Deal with Sports Betting?

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Mobile Sports Betting was legalized in New York State last year, and the regulators have been approved to launch as early as this weekend, Saturday January 8, 2022. Access and availability to gambling outlets continue to increase across New York State. For many, gambling is a form of entertainment and causes little to no harm. But there is another side to gambling that often is not discussed.

Problem gambling and gambling disorder affect upwards of 8 million Americans every year (National Council on Problem Gambling). While most who choose to gamble are able to do it responsibly, it is important to understand the risks associated. When there is an increase in access and availability to something, the risk of developing a problem also increases. The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) simply defines problem gambling as anytime gambling causes problems in your life. Problem gambling can cause personal, family, relationship, and/or career issues. These can include arguments over money and time spent gambling with loved ones, missing deadlines and being distracted at work, or feeling depressed or anxious because of one’s gambling.

With the launch of mobile sports betting, bettors will have access to wager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are endless amounts of bets that can be made in a 24-hour period, expanding from simply betting on the outcome of a game to also include in-game bets, point-spreads, the over/under, parlay bets, futures, and many more (The Game Day).

Recent research has estimated that 6-9% of young people and young adults experience problems related to gambling — a higher rate than among adults (National Center for Responsible Gaming). A concern with mobile sports betting and the technology utilized is that it engages a younger generation of bettors, including individuals who may have never gambled before or at traditional venues for gambling. The potentially endless access to gambling in the palm of a young person’s hand could quickly escalate to be problematic for them and their loved ones.

Unlike substance use disorder, the warning signs of problem gambling and gambling disorder do not always present themselves in a physical way. It is often referred to as the hidden addiction. Warning signs include:

• Gambling to escape or avoid worries, frustrations, or disappointments

• Neglecting other responsibilities to concentrate on gambling activities

• Increasing amounts of money bet in an effort to win back losses

• Gambling with money needed for necessary expenses, such as groceries, bills, or medication

• Borrowing or relying on others to get out of debt

• Feeling desperate, depressed, or having suicidal ideations because of gambling

There is help available for anyone impacted by problem gambling. Problem Gambling Resource Centers (PGRCs) are located in every county and borough across New York State. PGRCs are designed to provide information and access to support to anyone seeking help as a result of problematic gambling. This includes help for the individual betting, for their loved ones who are impacted, as well as community partners seeking to provide support.

For more information on your local PGRC, please visit https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/

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. 

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