Wednesday April 24, 2024 
STRIDE SHARE Center offers a perfect Partner Venue for Capital Region Special Olympics
WEST SAND LAKE – STRIDE Adaptive Sports opened its doors to the SHARE Community and Fitness Center on Veteran’s Day last year, to allow expansion of their current programs, as well as work with like-minded organizations to offer additional programs for regional athletes with disabilities. The STRIDE Health and Recreation Education Center offers space for many types of activities in a two-story building with a wheelchair accessible elevator, and two ADA-compliant bathrooms. The multi-program space and adaptive fitness area are able to provide desirable space for athletes with disabilities to exercise; and comfortable full accessible meeting and training rooms open for community use. Sadly the pandemic forced closure in April 2020.
Now, STRIDE is happy to announce re-opening in a partnership with Capital Region Special Olympics of New York (SONY) to provide space for their floor hockey team to practice. “We are so thankful to STRIDE for giving us permission to use this facility and saving our 2020-2021 season! We petitioned many other venues and couldn.t find a venue that allowed use or was large enough” said SONY Floor Hockey Coach, John Grathwol.
Floor hockey is a family of indoor hockey games, usually in the style of ice hockey, that are played on flat floor surfaces, such as the SHARE Center gym floor. Players on each team attempt to shoot a ball or puck into a goal using sticks, usually with a curved end. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the team is divided into small groups and each will practice twice a week on weeknights and weekends.
Additionally, SONY Fitness program coach will be utilizing the venue to work with special athletes in fitness training to produce videos which athletes can utilize at home.
“The partnership is a natural one” said Megan Evans, STRIDE Program Director. “Both of our organizations share athletes and have a common goal of creating health and wellness opportunities for individuals with special needs. STRIDE has partnered with Special Olympics in bowling, swimming and skiing for many years. I am happy that we are able to provide unique space for the Capital Region, and the athletes we serve can continue to practice with their peers and remain active.”
Special Olympics will post fitness videos for both organization websites. Check out our websites for more information about their programs. STRIDE Adaptive Sports: www.stride.org ; Special Olympics of New York/ Capital Region: www.specialolympics-ny.org/regions/capital-district/
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).
Winter in Upstate Quilt Raffle
NASSAU – The Friends of the Nassau Free Library remind everyone that raffle tickets are available for a beautiful quilt crafted by Rachel Forward and donated by the Wolfgang Family. This special handmade quilt is named “Winter in Upstate” and is “throw” size or twin size. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 and can be purchased via email to: friends@nullnassaufreelibrary.org, by phone request to the Nassau Free Library (518-766-2715), or by contacting a member of the Friends of the Nassau Free Library. The quilt can be viewed on our web site. For more information please visit the Friends at www.nassaufreelibrary.org. Drawing for the winner will be held in the summer of 2021. All proceeds benefit the Nassau Free Library.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – The West Sand Lake Character Education team and K-Kids joined together to conduct a SOUPer Bowl food drive this month. Students brought in non-perishable goods and placed them in a bucket marked with the two NFL teams competing in the Super Bowl to signify which team they thought would win. Overall, we collected 458 items which will go toward our Backpack Program. Great job everyone!
Since spectators will typically not be allowed to attend our high-risk winter sports contests in-person this season, our Athletic and IT Departments have created a way to live-stream these events. Athletic contests will be shown on a YouTube channel and links will be shared on our website and social media accounts.
Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 1727 for making, and delivering, bags of treats for our hard-working employees at West Sand Lake Elementary School! Your hard work was much appreciated.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
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: PiYo (Mon & Wed evenings, beginning Feb. 22nd or March 29th), Chair Yoga (Thursday mornings, beginning March 4th) and Notary Public Review (April 1st evening). Medicare 101 (May 17th 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.
Do You Love Grafton Lakes State Park?
GRAFTON – Do you have great memories of building sand castles as a kid, going on a hike or participating in a nature program? Do you use the park for ice skating, fishing, biking or cross-country skiing? Are you using Grafton as your escape during Covid?
We are looking to add to our volunteer list. What does a volunteer do, you ask? We have plenty of ideas like maintaining trails, becoming a docent, gardening, helping out with events in the park, picking up trash, etc. Have an hour or two to spare? We can use you! Want to volunteer once a week? We can use you! Do you prefer to work on your own? We can use you! Do you prefer to volunteer for specific events? We can use you! Want to volunteer as a group or a troop? We can use you! Every little bit helps and all help is appreciated! We even have a volunteer reward program.
If you are interested in finding out more, send an email to graftonlakesspvolunteer@nullgmail.com. Please include your name, email, phone # and the type of volunteering you prefer to be notified about. But you don’t have to wait for us to contact you. There is a volunteer table in the foyer of the visitor’s center. Feel free to drop by, add your name to the volunteer sheet and get started. If you plan to do trash pick-up, supplies are available in the foyer. Need other supplies? Please let us know what you are up to and what we can do to help.
SUNY Potsdam Names Local Students to Honors Program
POTSDAM, NY – SUNY Potsdam recently accepted 58 students into its rigorous Honors Program, including:
Andrew Gorman of Wynantskill, NY, whose major is Music Education.
Zian Taylor of Troy, NY, whose major is Music Performance.
Thinking of Seniors on Valentine’s Day
CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – 38 girls from several different Girl Scout troops of Castleton-on-Hudson’s Service Unit 135 participated in the Cupid Crew National Service Project. The project included making and giving valentines to three separate facilities within our community. They made over 140 valentines to remember our seniors.
Local Student Named to Dean’s List at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
ALBANY, N.Y. – Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is pleased to announce that Stephanie Paul from West Sand Lake earned a place on the College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester.
Dean’s List status is awarded to students who have successfully completed their course work with a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 score.
Kyle Hurysz of Castleton on Hudson earns Dean’s List honors at Edinboro University
EDINBORO, PA – Kyle A Hurysz of Castleton on Hudson, NY, was named to the Dean’s List at Edinboro University for the fall 2020 semester.
In order to attain this highly regarded academic honor, students must maintain a quality point average of 3.4 or higher, complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit and receive no grade lower than a C in any course.
Hurysz, whose major is Economics, was among nearly 1,200 students named to the fall 2020 Dean’s List.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Announces Fall 2020 Dean’s List
WORCESTER, MA – The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differs from most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.
Michael Beskid of Averill Park, class of 23, majoring in Aerospace Engineering
Payton Bielawski of Averill Park, class of 21, majoring in Architectural Engineering
Emma Fountain of Troy, class of 22, majoring in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Emily Jorden of Averill Park, class of 23, majoring in Civil Engineering
Lauren Paul of Schaghticoke, class of 22, majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Noah Roberts of Castleton On Hudson, class of 21, majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Eric Schuman of Nassau, class of 24, majoring in Data Science
Ethan Simard Named to Dean’s List at WNE
WEST SAND LAKE – Ethan Simard of West Sand Lake, NY made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester in the College of Business at Western New England University in Massachusetts. This designation is given to students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.3 or higher. Ethan is majoring in Accounting.
Sara Yetto Graduates from Valdosta State University
VALDOSTA, GA – Sara Yetto of Averill Park, New York, has earned the Master of Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University.
Yetto was among nearly 900 students who completed their degree requirements during Fall Semester 2020.
“I am incredibly proud of our graduates for having the dedication to overcome countless obstacles, including this ongoing global health crisis, and to finish strong and reach this significant milestone,” said Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU. “I am similarly so proud of the world-class faculty and staff who supported these students through life-changing teaching, mentoring, advising, research, community engagement opportunities, and much more on their journey to this special day.”
Seton Hall University Announces Fall 2020 Dean’s List
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – Seton Hall University is pleased to announce the following local students who qualified for the Fall 2020 Dean’s list and to congratulate them for their outstanding academic achievements. After the close of every semester, undergraduate students completing all courses with a GPA of 3.4, with no grades lower than “C”, qualify for the Dean’s List.
Isabella Maddalone of West Sand Lake (12196)
Rebecca Re of Averill Park (12018)
Kyle Reasor of Averill Park (12018)
Sean Tierney of E Greenbush (12061)
Local Students Earn Fall 2020 Dean’s List Honors at Stonehill College
EASTON, MA – To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered.
Benjamin Mager of East Greenbush, Class of 2023
Marlee Peterson of Johnsonville, Class of 2023
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