Thursday April 25, 2024 
News From Averill Park CSD
The Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, in conjunction with the Averill Park Athletic Booster Club, announced the Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023. The Class of 2023 features five athletes and one team, including Andrew Francis Kimball (‘72), Fred Kowalik (‘74 – deceased), Amanda Pollock Bayliss (‘97), Corey Schroeder (‘89), Gary Wilson (‘63 – deceased), and the 1995 Girls Cross Country team. Congratulations to all!
The Algonquin Middle School eSports team competed in the first round of the Middle School eSports Rocket League recently. The two teams that competed fared very well and are ranked 38 and 40 nationally. Great job, everyone!
February 22, 2023 was National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. We thank all of our bus drivers who work very hard to keep our students safe during their commute to and from school each day!
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
Cancellation of Brunswick Elks Bingo
The Brunswick Elks Bingo which was to be started on Sunday, March 5, 2023, has been temporarily postponed until further notice. When we are able to start up we will contact everyone.
Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your understanding and support.
The Bingo Committee
“History of the Rensselaer Glassworks” at Sand Lake Historical Society
Phil Bernnard of the National Bottle Museum will present “The History (and People) of the Rensselaer Glassworks”, for the Sand Lake Historical Society, on Tuesday, March 14th at 7PM at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY 66, Averill Park.
The Rensselaer Glassworks was one of Sand Lake’s early industries (and gave us “Glass Lake”). Come learn about the history of the works, the workers who made the glass, the succession of owners, and the technology of glassmaking in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Phil is asking attendees to bring any “Glass Lake glass” specimens they have and wishes that any descendants of glassworkers (and those who might be living in their former houses!) to please come and share.
Phil Bernnard has a background in both anthropology and archeology. He has been with the National Bottle Museum for over a decade, as both a board member and researcher, and a collector of bottles and glass for fifty years.
SLHS monthly programs are open to the public and are live-streamed on the SLHS website — http://sandlakehistory.org (archived video also will be posted there). A $5 donation is suggested for non-members. New members are always welcomed. Like us on Facebook. SLHS turns Fifty in 2024!
Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park
The Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park, is always looking for new volunteers to help with events and to support the park in their activities. In addition to the usual volunteer opportunities, we have the need for some specific help in promoting the Friends group.
We are looking for members to help us grow by helping to maintain our social media page, and to create and edit or contribute to the newsletters. We could also use help organizing Friends led events or with grant writing and execution of grants.
If any of these are of interest to you, please reach out to us at graftonlakesspvolunteer@nullgmail.com.
SHAC Winter Break Event Thank You!
Dear Parents, Children, Instructors & Adult and Teen Volunteers,
On behalf of everyone at SKYHIGH Community Center we want to thank you for a most successful four days of activities, learning and fun. It was enjoyable seeing the children so engaged with the variety of activities we were able to provide. Our instructors were fantastic and the children receptive and cooperative throughout the event. We hope to offer another school break event in the spring so we hope everyone will return and that you will tell your friends and neighbors about the good time you had with us.
With fond regards,
Coach Joe, Dr. Deb, Pastor Lori, Mr. John & all our wonderful volunteers
Castleton Cemetery Association – Annual Meeting March 16th
The Castleton Cemetery Association will hold its annual Lot Owner’s and Their Families meeting on Thursday, March 16th, at the V.F.W. Hall on Scott Avenue in Castleton beginning at 7pm.
The treasury report will be read, projects for the spring and summer will be discussed and election of officers will be held. All those who have an interest are welcome to attend and encouraged to join our Board.
Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: Castleton Cemetery Association C/O Dawne Kelly, 227 Shufelt Road, Nassau, NY 12123. Volunteers are welcome to help at our spring clean-up day on April 1st. Please call Jayne Robinson at (518) 732-4284 with any questions.
Register for AP Community Education’s Spring Programs
Register now for these March programs: Creative Clay (begins 3/2), Healthcare after Retirement courses (FREE, starts 3/6), Co-Ed Pickup Basketball (ages 17+, begins 3/14), Session 3 of Qigong-Infused Yoga (begins 3/7), and Session 4 of Puppy or Advanced Dog Obedience (begins 3/7).
Go to www.familyid.com/organizations/averill-park-community-education to register for these classes or others starting in April or May. You can also mail us your contact information, selected program and a check payable to AP Community Education.
Call 518-674-7191 with questions. You do not have to live in Averill Park to register for these programs.
Wednesday Night Food Truck Event is back in North Greenbush!
We hope that everyone had a great off-season time the past couple of months. We are contacting you to let you know that we will be having Food Truck Night again here in North Greenbush!!! The Town of North Greenbush is looking for food trucks to participate in the WEDNESDAY Night Food Truck Event for the 2023 season.
We will again be having Food Trucks @ town hall between 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We are planning on the start date of Wednesday, May 24th. This year’s event will go all the way to August 9, 2023. We are asking anyone interested in participating again to contact the Town Clerk, Janice Hannigan Kerwin, @ 518-283-4306 or feel free to email anytime at townclerk@nullnorthgreenbush.org if you have any additional questions.
Poestenkill Heating Assistance Program
This new program will provide one-time supplemental assistance to those who are struggling to heat their home. To qualify for consideration, you must be a Poestenkill Resident who has applied to HEAP but was denied because your combined income put you above their cut-off limit.
Applications and information are available at the Poestenkill Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Poestenkill Baptist Church, Union Gospel Church, Poestenkill Christian Church, Poestenkill Town Hall and the Poestenkill Library. You may download the application at www.evangelicallutheranchurch.wordexpress.com or call 518-283-6045 to leave a request. Strict confidentiality will be maintained.
This program is coordinated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church Poestenkill, (ELCP). Donations are also gratefully accepted. Checks should be made payable to “ELCP” with “Heating Assistance” in the memo section and mailed to ELCP, P.O. Box 167, Poestenkill, NY 12140. We are Poestenkill Residents caring for fellow Poestenkill Residents in their time of need.
East Greenbush VFW Auxiliary Seeking Flea Market Vendors
The Auxiliary to East Greenbush VFW 7338 is seeking Vendors for their scheduled Flea Market on April 22, 2023.
For further information, please contact Lynda Essenter at (518) 248-0324 or via email at schoolrn52@nullaol.com.
Are You Ready for Your Lenten Journey?
Yes, it is that special time of year once again. The humbling yet exhilarating season of Lent is upon us. You may be looking for opportunities to interact with fellow “travelers” during this time of self-reflection.
Well then, how about the ecumenical Friday Lenten Services to share the good news with a variety of local clergy? They are held at the Church of the Covenant (the round church) in Averill Park.
A brief (about 30 min.) service begins at 12 noon and is followed by a soup-and-sandwich lunch. The first is Friday, February 24 and they will continue every Friday through March 31.
A free will offering will go to Unity House of Troy. Hope to see you there as we “travel” to our glorious destination, Easter on April 9!
Fred Erickson, Church of the Covenant
American Red Cross Babysitting Class
The American Red Cross Babysitting Class will be held at the Sand Lake Library on 3/18/23. For more information please contact Brenda at brendaleigh7@nullgmail.com
Elmwood Cemetery Association of West Sand Lake Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of The Elmwood Cemetery Association of West Sand Lake will be held on Tuesday, March 7, at 7 PM, at Hoffay’s Harvest House, 489 Sheer Road, off of Rte. 150 out of West Sand Lake.
All cemetery lot owners and interested parties are welcome to attend. The meeting includes a brief financial report and election of Trustees as needed. Volunteers are appreciated. Ample lots are still available for purchase.
Art Call for an Averill Park Exhibition
Stratigraphy: Celebrating Layering in the Arts, is an art exhibition to be mounted at the Arts Letters & Numbers studios, Faith Mills, in Averill Park on May 27.
We are thinking of Amos Eaton – the first stratigrapher in the country, who mapped the route of the Erie Canal and the rock of our watershed – and of all the ways that art can be layered: the paint, the collage, the poetic images, the musical notes the stitches, the gestures, the impasto …
Deadline for proposals (all media, representational or performative) April 1. Deadline for delivery of material May 24. Sponsored by aGatherin’ with Arts Letters & Numbers. gather@nullagatherin.com.
Bingo at South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co.
The South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co. is having Bingo the first and third Sundays each month through May. Doors open at noon with card sales starting at 1:00 PM and games start at 2:00 PM.
South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co. 1563 Bame Rd., Castleton, N.Y. 12033 (518-732-2082).
Artwork Needed for Community Wide Art Show
The First United Methodist Church at 1 Gilligan Rd. East Greenbush is looking for artwork of all kinds done by all ages for a Community Wide Art Show. The Art Show will debut on March 25th, 2023. All artworks will be due by March 19th at 2:30 pm.
The theme of the art show is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Art can have one item of the theme or incorporate the full theme. Please email Amber Telford at Youthleaderamber@nullgmail.com for the Art Work agreement form and any questions. You can also call 518-477-9693 and leave a message for Amber.
Sand Lake Center for the Arts Now Accepting Submissions for Juried Art Show
Artists of all media are invited to submit works for the 2023 Sand Lake Center for the Arts Juried Art Show. Submissions should reflect the concepts presented in the song I’m Going To Say It Now by Phil Ochs.
Lyrics:
I am just a student, sir, and only want to learn
But it’s hard to read through the risin’ smoke of the books that you like to burn
So I’d like to make a promise and I’d like to make a vow
That when I’ve got something to say, sir, I’m gonna say it now
Ooh, you’d like to be my father you’d like to be my Dad
And give me kisses when I’m good and spank me when I’m bad
But since I’ve left my parents I’ve forgotten how to bow
So when I’ve got something to say, sir, I’m gonna say it now
And things they might be different if I was here alone
But I’ve got a friend or two who no longer live at home
And we’ll respect our elders just as long as they allow
That when I’ve got something to say, sir, I’m gonna say it now
I’ve read of other countries where the students take a stand
Maybe even help to overthrow the leaders of the land
Now I wouldn’t go so far to say we’re also learnin’ how
But when I’ve got something to say, sir, I’m gonna say it now
So keep right on a-talkin’ and tell us what to do
If nobody listens my apologies to you
And I know that you were younger once ’cause you sure are older now
And when I’ve got something to say, sir, I’m gonna say it now
Artists should email JPEG or PDF examples to assvsubmit@nullgmail.com by May 15, 2023.
Show dates are July and August 2023. Artists should include a brief description of the piece along with the dimensions, weight, and any special displaying needs. No more than three submissions per artist. Artists of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels are encouraged to submit.
Bread of Life Food Pantry Very Grateful
The Poestenkill Bread of Life food pantry is so very grateful for folks like the Brunswick Lodge of Elks who recently hosted a fundraising dinner for our pantry. Many volunteers worked to prepare and serve this delicious turkey dinner at the sold-out event. Thank you to all who prepared and served the meal and to those who purchased this wonderful dinner.
These donations make it possible for our pantry shoppers to keep our shelves filled with healthy staple food items and necessary life items that our guests most often request.
We invite individuals and families to come to the pantry who are having difficulty affording enough groceries for their families. We are open two times a month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Donations of food items and financial support is always appreciated and will keep up going. Your continued generosity helps us maintain this needed program.
We are located at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poestenkill, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140. We serve folks in and around Poestenkill and our contact phone number is (518) 283-6045 if you wish to leave a message. Thank you very much to all who support the pantry.
The Anchor Food Pantry
The Anchor Food Pantry after experiencing a significant increase of over 30% demand from 2021 to calendar year 2022 is seeking support from our Schodack Community for canned goods and toiletries to meet our clientele’s needs at the present time.
Donations can be dropped off at the Anchor Food Pantry Mondays 430-630 pm, Tuesday& Thursday from 9am-130pm ,and the first Saturday of every month from 10am-1230pm. Additionally donations can be dropped off at Village Hall -Castleton or Schodack Town Hall during their regular business hours.
Bottles and Cans can also be dropped off @ 6Cent Redemption Center-9J, Rensselaer,NY; Monday-Saturday.
Wynantskill UFSD Pre-K Lottery Applications Are Now Available for the 2023-24 School Year
The Wynantskill Union Free School District has begun the process of registering students for the 2023-24 Pre-K program. Eligible students must be Wynantskill residents and be 4 years of age by December 1st, 2023. Applications collected will be entered into a random lottery in the event that there are more applicants than spots available.
Lottery applications must be submitted by March 16th, 2023 in order to be eligible for the lottery drawing being held on March 20th, 2023. Parents will be notified of the results and have until April 1st, 2023 to accept their seat and fill out the remaining registration forms.
Applications received after March 16th will go on a waitlist should a seat become available.
Please go to our website to find the application at WynantskillUFSD.org
Sand Lake Historical Society Announces 2023 Schedule
SLHS will be presenting the following public programs, from January to June 2023:
March 14th, The Rensselaer Glassworks. Phil Bernnard of the National Bottle Museum will discuss Rensselaer Glassworks, one of Sand Lake’s early industries (and gave us “Glass Lake”). Hear the history of the works, the succession of owners, and the technology of 18th and 19th century glassmaking. Phil is asking attendees to bring any “Glass Lake glass” specimens they have, too.
April 11th, Covid-19 History Project. Committee report and presentations and a sharing of experiences from the SLHS Covid History Project. Let’s make Covid history!
May 9th, Annual Meeting. Elections, annual report to the membership – and more!
June 3rd, (tentative) Annual Gala. Final date and location to be announced. Don’t miss this highlight of our year!
June 13th, The Pretty Fantastic Mr. Fox. Albert Rodmond Fox, industrialist, glassworks owner, State Senator, mover-and-shaker, and the Fox who gave us Fox Mansion. Learn about one of Sand Lake’s early leaders and speculate on why we live in Averill Park and not “Foxboro.”
All SLHS programs (unless otherwise noted) are held at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY Rte. 66, Averill Park, beginning at 7:00 pm. More information at http://sandlakehistory.org/. Like us on Facebook.
Hudson Mohawk AHEC Announces Scholarship Opportunity
Scholarships available to support healthcare education
Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center (Hudson Mohawk AHEC) will be awarding ten scholarships of $500 dollars each to individuals who will be entering an approved healthcare related certificate or degree program at a local community college, university or training entity within New York State. Applicants must reside within the Hudson Mohawk AHEC ten-county service region, which includes: Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties.
Interested applicants can learn more about the scholarship opportunity by visiting the Hudson Mohawk AHEC website www.hmahec.org or emailing admin@nullhmahec.org
Applications are due no later than Monday, March 17, 2023. Awards will be made in May 2023.
Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center (Hudson Mohawk AHEC) seeks to develop, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties.
For more information about Hudson Mohawk AHEC please visit our website at: www.hmahec.org.
Raise Your Voice Singing Competition Sponsored by CASA
The 8th Annual CASA “Raise Your Voice” Singing Competition which will be held June 29th, 2023, will be holding auditions on May 2nd and 3rd, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 603 State St., Schenectady, NY. We need to advertise now for Teens and Young Adults, ages 13-24 so they can schedule appointments for the auditions.
It would be very helpful to have it run more than once. Singers will be competing in one of two categories: Show Tunes, Theatre, & Opera-or-Rock, Pop & Country(no profanity). Solo or Duo performers can qualify. Top 25 Finalists will perform at Proctors for the chance to become the winner! Cash prize and trophy for the First and Second Place Winners in each category!
This is a major fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children). To schedule an appointment for an audition, please call the Center for Community Justice at 518-346-1281 ext. 330 or 518-709-6288 or email rvaughn@nulltheccj.org.
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!
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