Wednesday April 24, 2024 
Gift Card Found at Poestenkill Bread of Life Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – The Poestenkill Bread of Life food pantry discovered a “food store Gift Card” at the bottom of a bag of donated food items for our pantry which had been left at our side door drop spot. Our thoughts are that the card was dropped by accident into the bag with the donated food items for our pantry. Who ever donated to our food pantry and lost their gift card is asked to please contact our office at (518) 283-6045. We would be very happy to return the food gift card to its owner.
Circle Theatre Players Presents Arthur Miller’s All My Sons
SAND LAKE – How far would a man go to protect his family, his interests, and his legacy? Joe Keller, the patriarch in All My Sons, desperately wants to secure and maintain the financial security and legacy he spent so many years building, ready to hand it down to his surviving son Chris. At the same time, Joe’s wife Kate is still waiting for their eldest son Larry to return from war, determined that he is alive and will marry the former girl-next-door, Ann –the daughter of Joe’s former business partner who is sitting in prison, punished for Joe’s crimes. To complicate this family drama, Chris and Ann are in love and want to get married. In All My Sons, Arthur Miller creates a post-war American family in a tragic downfall of lies, greed, love, and loss, and demands its audience examine their own social responsibilities to all the sons of American wars.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see a true American classic at Sand Lake Center for the Arts – March 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8pm. Sunday matinees March 8 and 15 at 2:30.
Registration for the Averill Park Road Runners 2020 Track & Field Season Opens March 1st!
AVERILL PARK – The club is for anyone ages 7-14 who enjoys running, jumping, throwing and having FUN! Events include sprints, distance running, long jump, high jump, shot put, turbo javelin and discus. AP School District residency is NOT required. Practices at AP High School Monday and Thursday evenings and some optional Saturday mornings. Several meets throughout the season, from April 6th through the USATF Junior Olympics and Regionals in June and July.
Registration and more information at www.aproadrunners.com. Registration fee includes a uniform ($75 before 3/22, $85 3/23-4/19 and $100 after 4/20, $10 sibling discount). Membership in the U.S. Track and Field Association ($20) is required and provides insurance coverage. Contact tfcoaches@nullaproadrunners.com for help with registration or questions.
We’re a parent-run organization, and parental involvement is required. All abilities and skill levels are welcome. See you at the track!
Want To Join Our Local Community Orchestra?
AVERILL PARK – Do you play a musical instrument? The Averill Park Community Orchestra is starting rehearsals again soon and we are eagerly seeking new members. If you or someone you know plays an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwinds, or percussion) and may be interested in joining, please contact Christina Desmond at 518-948-0565. The APCO rehearses at Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30, and generally performs two concerts per year, one in December and one in late May. Rehearsals for the spring season begin March 4th, and we will accept new members throughout March (3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25) in preparation for our May 31st performance.
4-H Junior Chefs Program International Session
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Youth Development program is holding a 4-H Junior Chefs program in March. This session is for youth eight years and older who like to cook, and for those who would like to learn how to cook. During this session, the participants will prepare food items from a variety of different counties and learn about unique food items and customs. The 4-H Junior Chefs will meet at the CCE Office, located at 61 State St., Troy on the second floor, on Wednesdays, March 4th, 11th, and 18th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There is a $25.00 registration fee for 4-H members and $30.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required and registration will be limited. To register a youth, or for more information, please contact Eileen DePaula at 518-272-4210 or emd32@nullcornell.edu. For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their ability to pay. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration.
Books for Troops Needs Comics and Graphic Novels
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Books for Troops has been receiving numerous requests for comics and graphic novels. While we had a source in Illinois, he is no longer able to attain them in the numbers we need. If anyone has comics and/or graphic novels that they are willing to donate to our troops, we would be thrilled. The comics are a wonderful source of escape for the troops. One doctor deployed in Kuwait wrote us saying that the first time he saw smiles on his severely injured patients was when he saw they were reading comic books. If you have comics you would like to donate to the troops, please contact us at ekeegan3@nullnycap.rr.com. Help us put smiles on those who need something to smile about. Ellen Keegan, Director
SLHS History of Burden Lakes
SAND LAKE – Join the Sand Lake Historical Society on March 10 at the Sand Lake Town Hall, (courtroom) 8428 NY 66, Sand Lake at 7 pm for a program on the History of Burden Lakes and Totem Lodge presented by Connor Kopcho. He grew up on Burden Lake and became fascinated with the history of Totem Lodge and surrounding area. Like Sand Lake Historical Society on Facebook or at Sandlakehistory.org
Toss the Feathers Brings Irish Music to HVCC
TROY – Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Toss the Feathers will perform its newly-debuted program, “Musical Postcards from Irish Albany and Troy,” that recounts in stories and songs the remarkable history of the Irish people who settled the Upper Hudson Valley, on Thursday, March 12 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The program, open free to all, will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium. The band features Amy Schoch, violin, viola and vocals; Dave Smith, bouzouki, banjo and vocals, and David Pease, Irish flutes and whistles. Formed in 2015, Toss the Feathers performs a lively mix of traditional Irish music and songs at pubs, festivals and weddings throughout the Capital Region. For more information,
call (518) 629-8071 or email d.gardner@nullhvcc.edu.
Help Brunswick Cares Food Pantry
BRUNSWICK – We are excited to share that Brunswick Cares Food Pantry has been selected to be a part of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, which is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment. For the month of March, each time a $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag is purchased at the Hannaford located at Route 43 & 150 (old Miller’s Market), West Sand Lake, NY, $1 will be donated to Brunswick Cares Food Pantry.
Albany-Tula Alliance Seeks Entries for Annual Essay Contest
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Albany-Tula Alliance is seeking Capital Region students from high school to first-year college to research and write an essay expanding on what young adults, specifically in Russia and the U.S., are doing to help mitigate climate change.
Essays must contain at least 1500 words and include a bibliography. The deadline for registration and essay submission is March 1, 2020. The writer of the winning essay will win $1,000; second prize is $500, and third prize is $250.
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.
For complete rules and detailed information on the Albany-Tula Alliance Essay Contest visit www.albanytula.org/essay.
Trout Unlimited Clearwater Chapter Banquet
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Banquet Chair Scott Parker announced that The Century House, Latham, NY, will be the site of the Clearwater Chapter’s 48th annual Conservation Banquet on Saturday, March 7, 2020.
The Trout Unlimited Conservation Banquet is open to everyone. Tickets for the Conservation Banquet are on sale now on the Clearwater Chapter’s website www.clearwatertu.org . Reservations can be made up to March 1st by contacting TU members Chris and Erika Cook, 565 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or emailing Chris at communications@nullclearwatertu.org
Dinner, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and award recognition are planned for the Conservation Banquet, along with a live auction, silent auction, bucket raffles, card raffles and door prizes. A Grand Prize Drawing of a 12 ft. Kevlar Hybrid Canoe by Hornbeck Boats will be drawn at the Conservation Banquet. All proceeds from this event benefit local “on the ground” conservation projects that support coldwater fisheries resources.
TU is actively seeking donations of goods and services, as well as fishing gear and fly tying materials from their members and the public for their Conservation Banquet. If you are interested in donating, please contact Chair Scott Parker at 518-894-4661 or sgparker149@nullgmail.com
Center Brunswick United Methodist Church Announces Financial Scholarship for 2020
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 2020. 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, 2020. 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 Methodist Church is located at the intersection of Routes 7 and 142 in Troy.
NYSSA Sheriff’s’ Institute Summer Camp Applications Being Accepted
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp.
The Summer Camp is for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who, because of economic reasons, would not have an opportunity to attend a summer camp or enjoy a summer vacation. Campers must be up-to-date on immunizations and have received a medical physical after May 1, 2019. This year’s camp session runs from Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 1, 2020.
Detailed information about the camp may be found on the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute website at www.sheriffsinstitute.org.
Applications may be obtained by contacting the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office at (518) 266-1903. Qualified campers will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for submission is March 30, 2020.
Zonta Club Of Albany – Jmk Klausman Scholarship For Women In Business
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Zonta Club of Albany is inviting women pursuing a business program who have demonstrated outstanding potential in the field to apply for the Jane M. Klausman Award.
Any woman undertaking a business program at an accredited university/college/institute, including online students, with major field of specialization in accounting, finance, business management, marketing, operations management, human resources management, international businesses or entrepreneurship is eligible to apply. Students must be enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a Master’s program at the time the application is submitted to the local Zonta club.
At the local level, the Zonta Club of Albany awards $1,000 to the individual selected, which is then submitted to the District Level awards which $2,000 and if selected, the International Level for an award of $8,000. In 2015, the Zonta Club of Albany was selected at the District and International Levels.
Students who are interested can find the application at www.zonta.org. All applications need to be submitted electronically by email to jmkzontaalbany@nullaol.com by April 1, 2020.
If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please feel free to contact The Zonta Club of Albany at jmkzontaalbany@nullaol.com. We look forward to business students applying for the scholarship.
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.
Faith In Action Care Team’s Need Your Help
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Do You Have 2-3 Hours Per Month To Help Someone In Your Community?
* 1 in 8 persons over 65 and nearly a third of those over 85 will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
* 80% of Alzheimer’s patients are cared for at home by family.
Caring for someone with memory loss can be both isolating and exhausting for family members. These Families Need Your Help!
Belonging to the Care Team at your church, you only give the time you can when you can because there are several of you to share the role of helping the family.
The average volunteer offers just 2-3 hours per month. The team provides non-medical support and friendship.
All volunteers are offered training and continued support from the staff at Eddy Alzheimer’s Services.
If you would like to receive more information about our Faith In Action Care Team Program, please contact Sandy Monahan at Eddy Alzheimer’s Services-238-4167 /e-mail Sandra.monahan@nullsphp.com
Veterans Breakfast Clubs
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Veterans and their friends are welcome at the following Veterans Breakfast Clubs:
Tuesdays: 8 a.m., Alexis Diner, 294 North Greenbush Road, North Greenbush, 518-286-2603.
First and third Wednesdays each month: 9 a.m. Bellevue Cafe, 2630 Broadway, Schenectady, 518-393-7720.
Thursdays: 8 a.m. Schodack Diner, 1842 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton, 518-477-5014.
Thursdays: 9 a.m. IHOP, 611 Plank Road, Clifton Park, 518-348-1892.
Third Thursday every month: 9 a.m. Malta Diner, 2476 Route 9, Malta, 518-899-5099.
Fridays: 8 a.m. Gateway Diner, 899 Central Ave., Albany, 518-482-7557.
Refugee Welcome Center Looking for playgroup volunteers
ALBANY – The Refugee Welcome Center, located at 104 Ontario St. in Albany, is looking for playgroup volunteers Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:15 – 1:15. Would you like to play with a few preschoolers while their moms are in ESL class? If you are interested please call Wayne 518-369-5053 or email wayneroberge@nullgmail.com. Thank you.
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
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group
ALBANY – NAMI Capital Region, NY the local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offers its NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group the Second Wednesday of each month from 5p.m.-6:30p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 420 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. NAMI Connection groups are:
• Free and confidential
• Held weekly for 90 minutes
• Designed to connect, encourage, and support participants using a structured support group model
• Led by trained facilitators living in recovery themselves.
Six Center Redemption is partnering with Alzheimer’s Association
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – 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.
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.”
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles in to a machine. 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!
Capital Dist. Chapter of the Embroider’s Guild of America
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Do you enjoy needlework? Would you like to stitch with others that have similar interests? Whether you are a beginner or have experience, come join us. The NY Capital District Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America meets in various locations and at various times. The Day Group meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Blooming Grove Reformed Church in Defreetsville. Evening meetings are offered in two locations: The Community Room at The Terrace at Beverwyck in Slingerlands from 7p-9p on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month and from 6:30p-9p in the Fellowship Hall of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clifton Park on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. In addition, there are specialty interest groups that also meet. For more information, check out our website at http://www.nycapega.org or on facebook.com/nydcega. Come Join Us!
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 Massachesettes. 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
Rensselaer County NY Connects
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Rensselaer County NY Connects provides long term services and supports which includes a range of services and supports that can help people of all ages remain independent in their daily lives. Long term services and supports are both medical and non-medical services that help to maintain or improve daily functioning and health. Finding the right services and supports to meet your needs can be very confusing. NY Connects is a trusted place that gives you information about available options whether you are paying for services yourself, through insurance, or are eligible for a government program. NY Connects serves anyone who needs information on long term services and supports. NY Connects staff can also help link you to available long term services and supports. Contact Rensselaer County NY Connects at 270-2767.