Your Community

Your Community 02.25.21

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).

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.

 

 

Black History Rediscovered in Capital Region

KINDERHOOK – Rediscovered by chance, the Persons of Color Cemetery on Rothermel Lane in Kinderhook, NY was forgotten in time, until recently. Formerly known by residents as a “slaves’ cemetery,” the remains of an estimated 500 African-Americans, former slaves and freed persons, were laid to rest on this local quarter-acre of land during the mid-1800s.

The Persons of Color Cemetery serves as a silent reminder of Kinderhook’s past, and the hard-working, lesser-known non-white population that helped form its future. The first US census of 1790 recorded 4,661 persons in the township of Kinderhook, 730 Heads of Families and a total of 638 slaves.

In November of 1815, this small parcel of land became a cemetery through an unlikely source: Irish Immigrant John Rogers. It was closed in 1875 as stated by Edward A. Collier in A History of Old Kinderhook, “…with coffin upon coffin.”

The largest gravestone is crafted with a low-relief carving in the form of a tulip. Inscribed are the words: “The journey of the just is blessed; a tribute of respect erected by the ladies of Kinderhook.” This tribute was bestowed upon Isabel Legget who died in 1854 at the age of 77. The reason for this tribute remains a mystery.

Of the existing grave stones, three belong to adults. Eight stones etched with poetic remembrances, mark the deaths of children. What caused their deaths is still unknown.

This forgotten burial ground laid fallow for years in overgrown fields. Then, in 2016, the cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historical Places. In 2017, the cemetery was visited by neighbors and archaeologists, treated to a rededication ceremony and placing of an interpretive sign.

A documentary on the cemetery, Brought to Light: Unearthing the History of an African-American Cemetery in Kinderhook, NY is available on DVD at BarbaraReina.com. The Persons of Color Cemetery is an historic point of interest in Discover Historic Kinderhook | A Walking Tour.

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – Congratulations to High School junior Madison Matice, who was recently re-elected at the Lieutenant Governor of Key Club for District 18. In her role, Madison oversees nine school districts in the Capital Region and helps with dues, projects and management. Way to go Madison!

Last year fourth grade students throughout the District wrote stories and submitted them to Story Pirates, a theatrical group in the area. Three stories were selected and were performed live during a virtual visit recently. Congratulations to Mario Morelli (WSL), Wolfgang Fridmann (PES) and Elizabeth With (MHSL) for having your stories selected and performed!

Elementary School students from throughout the District created Valentine’s Day cards for residents in local nursing homes to help them feel remembered and loved. Great job by everyone who participated!

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

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

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. 

Castleton Fire Department and Village of Castleton Hold Food Bank Drive

CASTLETON – The Castleton Fire Department and the Village of Castleton will be holding their bi-monthly collection for the Anchor Food Bank on Sunday, February 28th. We will be traveling through the Village to pick up nonperishable donations that residents can leave at the street, at the end of their sidewalks or driveways. The Firemen will be starting at 2 PM and will also be accepting donations at the firehouse for those who wish to leave something there. The Anchor’s needs are greater than ever and all contributions will be gratefully accepted.

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.

Students named to Dean’s List at RIT

ROCHESTER, NY – The following local residents made the Dean’s List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2020 Fall Semester. Undergraduate students are eligible for Dean’s List if their GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40 for nine credit hours of traditionally graded coursework; they do not have any grades of “Incomplete,” NE, D, or F; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Matt Harris of Troy (12182), who is in the computing and information technologies program.

Nicolas Stagnitta of East Greenbush (12061), who is in the business administration-management program.

Jai Wargacki of Troy (12180), who is in the computer science program.

Evan Kortz of East Greenbush (12061), who is in the film and animation program.

Ryan Allen of Castleton (12033), who is in the microelectronic engineering program.

Mark Ryan of Troy (12180), who is in the business administration-management program.

Nicholas Morris of Nassau (12123), who is in the civil engineering technology program.

Siegfried Porterfield of Rensselaer (12144), who is in the computational mathematics program.

Trevor Hrubecky of Averill Park (12018), who is in the industrial engineering program.

Josh Casavant of Rensselaer (12144), who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Katarina Lichak of Nassau (12123), who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Zoe Willson of Troy (12180), who is in the packaging science program.

Sabrina Wolfe of Troy (12180), who is in the biomedical sciences program.

Brayden Renslow of Castleton On Hudson (12033), who is in the motion picture science program.

Triston Lincoln of Averill Park (12018), who is in the computer engineering program.

Liam Hardaker of Nassau (12123), who is in the chemical engineering program.

Katie O’Neill-Knasick of Averill Park (12018), who is in the biochemistry program.

Austin Tu of Wynantskill (12198), who is in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program.

Zach Hale of Averill Park (12018), who is in the civil engineering technology program.

Justine Fournier of Troy (12180), who is in the physician assistant program.

Madison Jakielaszek Named to Western New England University’s Fall 2020 President’s List

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Madison Jakielaszek, of East Greenbush, NY, is among more than 500 students named to the Western New England University Fall 2020 President’s List. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.80 or higher.

“Making the President’s List is a notable achievement under any circumstances, but particularly so during the unique challenges of our fall semester. It is an honor to salute our students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence,” commented Dr. Robert E. Johnson, President.

“Of the roughly 3,000 colleges and universities tracked by the College Crisis Initiative, Western New England University was among just 27% nationwide that resumed primarily ‘in-person’ teaching last fall. Our President’s List students stayed focused and engaged; they should be very proud of their accomplishments. Well done, Golden Bears!”

Jakielaszek is working toward a BSE in Biomedical Engineering.

Local Students Named to Western New England University’s Fall 2020 Dean’s List

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Close to 750 students have been named to the Fall 2020 Dean’s List at Western New England University. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must achieve a GPA of 3.30 or higher.

“We are so proud of our Dean’s List students who demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in their studies despite the unique challenges of our fall semester,” commented Dr. Robert E. Johnson, President.

“Of the roughly 3,000 colleges and universities tracked by the College Crisis Initiative, Western New England University was among just 27% nationwide that resumed primarily ‘in-person’ teaching last fall. Our Dean’s List students stayed focused and engaged; they should be very proud of their achievements. Well done, Golden Bears!”

The following students have earned their place on Western New England University’s distinguished Dean’s List:

Jack Nichols, of Averill Park, (12018) working toward a BSE in Civil Engineering.

Audrey Duso, of Nassau, (12123) working toward a Pre-Pharmacy.

Olivia Massey, of Troy, (12180) working toward a BSBA in Management & Leadership.

Ethan Simard, of W Sand Lake, (12196) working toward a BSBA in Accounting.

Amaya George, of Wynantskill, (12198) working toward a BS in Forensic Biology.

Averill Park Graduate Sisters Named to Dean’s List

AVERILL PARK – In these difficult times of remote learning and quarantine, two recent graduates of Averill Park high school, Have been named to the Dean’s list Fall semester at their respective schools. Lydia Flynn graduate of the class of 2018, has been on the Dean’s list at the College of Saint Rose for five consecutive semesters. Her sister, Claire Flynn who graduated in 2020 was named To the Dean’s list at Illinois Wesleyan University with a GPA of 4.0

Congratulations to our Averill Park graduates, keep up the good work.

Students Named to University of Hartford Dean’s List

WEST HARTFORD, CT – The University of Hartford is pleased to announce the following students have been named to the Dean’s List for Fall 2020.

James McDade of Averill Park (12018)

Renee Parry of Schaghticoke (12154)

Melissa Schupp of Averill Park (12018)

Lily Sencer of Troy (12182)

Jeanna DiPaolo of Averill Park Has Been Named to The Dean’s List at Purchase College for The Fall 2020 Semester

PURCHASE, NY – Jeanna DiPaolo has been named to Purchase College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester. DiPaolo is studying Theatre Design/Technology. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs and 3.75 for Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music Performance programs. They must take a minimum of 12 credits.

Lydia Murphy from West Sand Lake named to Dean’s List at Grove City College

GROVE CITY, PA – Lydia Murphy from West Sand Lake, a junior Biochemistry major at Grove City College, has been named to the Dean’s List with Distinction for the Fall 2020 semester. Lydia is a 2018 graduate of Averill Park High School and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Murphy (Rhonda) from West Sand Lake, NY. Students eligible for the Dean’s List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean’s List with Distinction a GPA of 3.60 to 3.84 and for the Dean’s List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0.

Fort Crailo Chapter DAR Honors Patriots

The Fort Crailo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution would like to share all the patriots who served in the American Revolutionary War who are descendants of our current chapter members. These veterans bravely served and we would like to honor them for their sacrifices. We thank them for their service some 245 years later. Let us never forget.

Connecticut

Lt. Abraham Pinney

Pvt. Stephen Gregory

Pvt. Lemuel Stewart

Noncom Ira Hayford

Pvt. Jonathan Russell

Lt. Roswell Franklin Sr.

Massachusetts

Pvt. Reuben Earl

Pvt. John Batchelder

Capt. Jonathan Sawyer

Pvt. Levi Bliss

Pvt. Reuben Robblee

Pvt. Benjamin Reed

Pvt. John Roach

Zuri Palmer

Pvt. Joshua Combs

Pvt.Benjamin Read

Pvt. Samuel Dean Jr

Pvt. Samuel Dean Sr.

Pvt. Moses Burden

Cs.Abel Edson

Cs. Isaiah Cole

New Hampshire

Pvt. Stephen/Stevens Smith

Pvt. Frederick Hadley

Pvt. Increase Chamberlain

New Jersey

Pvt. Frederick Hadley

Pvt. Zenos Loder

New York

Pvt. John Roach

Daniel Secor

Pvt. Aaron Baldwin

Maj. Martin Beebe

Sgt. Abither Evans

Michael Van Der Cook

Sgt. Henry Van Der Cook

Lt. Henry Timmerman

Pvt. John Klock

Capt. Elias Van Steenburgh

Pvt. Daniel Cornue

Capt. Henry Godwin

Capt. John Davis

Pvt. Jacob Moak

Pvt. Frederick Hadley

Sol John Adsit Jr.

PS Daniel Horton

Pvt. Simeon Reno

Cpl. David Mosher

Capt. Jabez Mosher Sr.

Pvt. Harmon Quackenbush

Pvt. John Luther

Pvt. Andreas Roller

Pvt. Josiah Bugbee

Capt. Diel Rockfeller

Pvt. Conrad Lasher

Ens. Johannes Moore

Sol Daniel Rudgyard

Pvt. William Bardeen

Ephraim Bronk

Pennsylvania

1st Lt. PS John Bushong

Rhode Island

Pvt. Stephen Baker

Pvt. Lemuel Stewart

Pvt Levi Bliss

Virginia

1st Lt. PS John Bushong

ENS Augustine Windle

Pvt. Casper Myers

Please note some men served in multiple states. Please contact Regent Elizabeth Goodermote email: ladychenoa@nullymail.com. Please visit us for more information at: www.fortcrailochapterdar.weebly.com

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

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