Thursday April 25, 2024 
BRT Customers to Get Unlimited Access to Times Union
BusPlus To Offer Complimentary Onboard Digital Access to Timesunion.com
ALBANY – CDTA has partnered with the Times Union to give customers free, unlimited digital access to Times Union news while riding on any of CDTA’s BusPlus services. The program, which starts March 1, 2021, will be available on the new BRT Blue Line connecting Hudson River communities and the BRT Red line that operates on New York Route 5.
“We are excited to partner with the Times Union and offer BusPlus customers complimentary access to one of the region’s top news organizations,” said Jonathan Scherzer, Director of Marketing. “Connecting the Capital Region with a diverse group of benefits across our innovative mobility options is something we always look at while improving customer experience.”
Customers can enjoy free access to Timesunion.com by logging onto the website via CDTA’s onboard Wi-Fi while riding any BRT service. BusPlus customers also have access to new on-vehicle charging ports along with a variety of improvements including new stations, new sidewalks with heated sections near waiting areas, new crosswalks and upgraded signal systems.
“The Times Union has a long-standing marketing partnership with CDTA, and we’re excited to provide their customers with access to our award-winning journalism on timesunion.com whenever they ride BusPlus,” said Todd Peterson VP of Marketing and Circulation. “We are proud to provide the Capital Region’s best entertainment and news site while enjoying their ride.”
CDTA’s BRT service network will connect the three busiest travel corridors in the Capital Region, which account for nearly 10 million annual boardings. When complete, the system will contain 40 miles of BusPlus service that expects to transport more than 10% of the Capital Region’s workforce. The Red Line began operating as Upstate New York’s first BRT line back in 2011, the Blue Line debuted in November and a Purple Line is expected to roll out by 2023.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2021 NYS is Facing Problem Gambling Together
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In honor of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in 2021, the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is challenging everyone across New York State – individuals, agencies and communities alike – to come together to face problem gambling. With gambling opportunities expanding at rapid rates in New York State and beyond, it’s imperative that all factions of the community, in all geographic areas of the state, join forces around the issue of problem gambling. We need to collaborate to raise awareness of problem gambling, prevent any additional problems related to gambling, and get those in need to adequate support services in their own community.
If you are an individual concerned about your, or someone else’s, gambling activity, call your local Problem Gambling Resource Center to learn about supports and resources in your community.
If you are interested in learning more about problem gambling participate in one of our PGAM webinars.
If you’re a community-focused organization, add problem gambling information to your outreach and education materials.
If you are a recovery support facility, create gambling-free zones to ensure individuals feel safe from triggers.
If you are a mental health or addiction professional, host an event or screen all of your clients on Gambling Disorder Screening Day (March 9, 2021).
If you are a New Yorker who cares about problem gambling, take the PGAM Facebook Video Challenge and tell the world why you care.
To access all the tools, and to get involved in Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2021, visit: NYProblemGambling.org/Resources/PGAM.
Let’s join to let New York know that we are here to work together to address problem gambling!
If you or someone you love is struggling, please visit: NYProblemGamblingHelp.org to connect with resources in your community.
STRIDE Raises $44,000 for Athletes with Disabilities at Unique 100K Skiing Event
WEST SAND LAKE – Even though many nonprofits are struggling to survive, regional athletes with disabilities have something to cheer about. STRIDE Adaptive Sports, an organization that levels the playing field for youth and veterans with disabilities, announced today that its biggest fundraising event of the year, the 100,000 Vertical Challenge Ski Race was a success. With over $44,000.00 in funds raised, STRIDE will be able to purchase some much needed adaptive equipment.
STRIDE’s recent fundraising event took place on Monday and Tuesday, when over 50 participants completed 100,000 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding at Jiminy Peak, MA and Ski Sundown, CT. This marathon athletic feat raised funds that make sports and recreation accessible to everyone, regardless of their disability. Several corporations and foundations added their support, along with the great efforts of the participants through peer to peer fundraising competition. At its heart, the event is more a competition of fund-raising, and the skiing is just a celebration! All proceeds will be used to purchase new adaptive equipment and fund 18 different sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities.
According to STRIDE’s Founder/CEO, Mary Ellen Whitney, the demand for outdoor adaptive sports programs has stayed high despite the pandemic. “STRIDE teaches our athletes to adapt to whatever life throws at them, and this past year with Covid has been challenging. There has been a surprisingly strong demand for our programs. We are excited to be able to purchase 2 new large pieces of adaptive skiing equipment with the funds,” Whitney said. “This event has shown that not only are our athletes resilient, but so are our supporters. Because of them, we will be able to purchase the needed equipment and continue funding our winter programs.”
Sponsors of this year’s event are: Jiminy Peak, Ski Sundown, AllSquare Wealth Management, NY Capital District Ski Council, and Pioneer Bank. STRIDE also had participants from companies including General Electric and Regeneron. A detailed list of STRIDE sponsors can be viewed at https://www.stride.org/about/sponsors/
Questions about STRIDE Programs can be directed to Megan Evans, Program Director, at 518-598-1279, mevans@nullstride.org. Information on sponsorship opportunities can be obtained from Patrick Hayslett, Development Director, at 518-598-1279, phayslett@nullstride.org.
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
More than 200 Students Graduate from SUNY Oneonta
ONEONTA, NY – More than 200 students graduated from SUNY Oneonta. Students who completed the requirements for bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and certificates of advanced study.
Daniel Savaria of Troy, NY – Bachelor of Science in Adolescence Ed: Social Studies with Adolescence Education, Magna Cum Laude honors
Mae Endres of Rensselaer, NY – Bachelor of Science in Biology with Biology, Cum Laude honors
Olivia Weidman of E Greenbush, NY – Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education (1-6) with Childhood Education, Magna Cum Laude honors
Taylor Meyer of Stephentown, NY – Bachelor of Science in Early Chld/Childhood Ed (B-6) with Early Childhood/Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude honors
Julia Ashley of Troy, NY – Bachelor of Science in Biology
Arely Cazarin of Troy, NY – Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Kaylie Smith of Troy, NY – Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Jessica Alessi makes Dean’s Commendation List at Gettysburg College for Fall 2020
GETTYSBURG, PA – Students with a quality point average in the range of 3.300 to 3.599 for a semester’s work are placed on the College’s Deans’ Commendation List.
Jessica Alessi of Nassau (12123) has been placed on the Deans’ Commendation List for outstanding academic achievement in the Fall 2020 semester.
Noah Albanese named to the Gettysburg College Dean’s Honor List for Fall 2020
GETTYSBURG, PA – Noah Albanese of Castleton On Hudson (12033) has been placed on the Gettysburg College Dean’s Honor list for outstanding academic achievement in the Fall 2020 semester.
Students with a quality point average of 3.60 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for a semester’s work are placed on the College’s Dean’s Honor List.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Five high school students in the Class of 2021 fulfilled their academic requirements and have graduated early. Congratulations to Tristan Mason, Kellan Rokjer, Kyle Sherman, Ruby Slyer and Hannah Williams. We wish you luck in all of your future endeavors!
Averill Park High School’s Off-Broadway Players group held its annual Cabaret virtually this year. The Cabaret is a compilation of musical theatre songs and monologues, and students did an excellent job with their performances. Way to go everyone!
Algonquin Middle School eighth grade student Madison Passineau earned the National Silver Key award for a self portrait created in Studio Art class. Congratulations Madison on winning such a prestigious award. Great job!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
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.
Dunham Hollow West Stephentown Scholarship
AVERILL PARK – The scholarship committee announces the availability of the Dunham Hollow-West Stephentown Scholarship. The scholarship is in memory of Frank Johnson. It is open to anyone (graduating senior, post graduate, or adult wishing retraining) living within the boundaries of the Averill Park School District and has been accepted to a trade or vocational school.
The deadline for submission of an application is May 15th. Scholarship applications may be obtained by contacting the Averill Park High School guidance department at 518-674-7025 or by emailing jcuilla@nullcfgcr.org.
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.
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.
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