Wednesday May 8, 2024 
Local Author Releases New Book
Jim Flanigan has announced the release of a new book, “The Great 2020 Paper Chase…and Other Memoirs”, which draws upon his younger years growing up in Wynantskill and his later years as a member of the North Greenbush Town Board.
In addition to stories of local interest, Flanigan takes his readers in search of toilet paper during the pandemic, to a fire tower in Idaho, to the wilds of Alaska and the green hills of Ireland. A final chapter pays tribute to a native of Wynantskill who went on to play a key roll in resolving the Iranian hostage crisis.
Flanigan’s first book, “Up From Second Street …and Other Memoirs” made use of humor and recall of details to take readers from his early years, through high school, college and a career working with people with disabilities with side trips to Italy and coaching girls softball. He then drew on his experiences in government and politics to examine the development of the Rensselaer Technology Park, opposition to a casino and the murder trial of a fellow Town Board member.
Both books are illustrated by the author’s grandsons, Aidan Brock, Jack Hallahan and James Hallahan.
The books are available at Market Block Books in Troy, The Book House In Stuyvesant Plaza, and online.
Rensselaer County Legislators Deliver Funds to Anchor Food Pantry
The Anchor Food Pantry, located behind the Riverside Nursing Home in Castleton, provides food and supplies to residents of southern Rensselaer County all year round. Vice Chair of the Legislature Bob Loveridge, and Legislators Tom Choquette and Scott Bendett stopped by last week to deliver a check to the Anchor’s manager, Paula Sancomb.
As the cost of food and goods continue to rise, more residents may be relying on organizations like the Anchor Food Pantry for their basic needs. The Legislature is pleased to support agencies that provide assistance to our residents in need.
Manhattan Clam Chowder Sale
TROY – Center Brunswick United Methodist Church, 990 Hoosick Road, Troy will be holding a Manhattan Clam Chowder Sale on Good Friday, April 15.
This will be a pre-order sale only with pick up between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on the 15th. Quarts of chowder will be available at $10.00 each, payable at pick up.
Order your chowder by calling (518) 281-0684.
News From Averill Park CSD
Algonquin Middle School held its second annual Warrior Wellness Day recently. This event is focused on providing students with opportunities to explore topics and techniques that promote physical and emotional well-being. Averill Park High School science teacher Chris Reddy delivered the Keynote speech on the importance of sleep to the growing teenage brain. Breakout sessions included topics such as yoga, meditation, bucket drumming, community service, dance and movement, writing, mental health, healthy relationships, chess, board games, cursive writing, art making, crafting, cooking, college planning, open mic, karaoke, functional fitness, allyship for peers, nature hikes, knitting and much more.
After two years of having large indoor events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Averill Park High School band returned to the stage to perform its first full, in-person concert in the auditorium. Great job on an amazing performance everyone!
Congratulations to Amelia Wood for being selected as the Suburban Council Girls Basketball Most Valuable Player, and Michelina Lombardi for being named to the Suburban Council Second Team. Way to go Amelia and Michelina!
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
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Poestenkill-Sand Lake Summer Camp
POESTENKILL – Poestenkill-Sand Lake Summer Camp will run from July 11th to August 12th at Poestenkill Elementary School. Registration information is available on the Poestenkill and Sand Lake websites.
Counselors and CITs are needed- application is also located on the website. To be a counselor, you need to be 16 at the start of camp and CITs need to be 15 at the start of camp.
Employment Applications Available Town Of Schodack Summer Recreation Program 2022
Applications for employment with the Town of Schodack Day Camp are now available for download at www.schodack.org under Youth Recreation.
All applicants must be 16 years of age by the start of camp on July 11, 2022, and have a current working card, if applicable. Applicants must be available to work the duration of the camp which runs from July 11, 2022 through August 5, 2022.
Completed applications must be returned to the Schodack Town Clerk’s Office no later than April 29, 2022. Please direct further questions to the Recreation Director Sheila Golden at youthdirector@nullschodack.org.
4-H Junior Chefs International Foods Virtual Workshops Held
Many youth are interested in learning about preparing foods and are attracted to the hands-on aspect of cooking. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Junior Chefs program recently offered an International Foods series via Zoom. The 4-H Junior Chefs program offers cooking workshops for youth eight years and older.
These cooking opportunities transitioned to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants receive recipes and information about what they will be cooking prior to the class and on the evening of the workshop they cook along with 4-H Program Coordinator, Eileen DePaula, via Zoom from their home kitchens.
During the International Foods series, participants prepared food items from Italy, Greece, and Japan. At each workshop, youth are provided with instruction in kitchen safety, sanitation, nutrition, food safety.
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.
Soul Shop for Youth Workers Training the First to be Held in Upstate New York
SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Suicide Prevention Coalition is partnering with The Church at Newtown Road to offer suicide prevention training to the community. Two unique trainings will be offered in March. They are open to the public and registration is required for each.
The Soul Shop for Youth Workers training focuses on faith-based and youth-specific suicide prevention techniques and is the first of such training to be held in upstate New York. The Community Awareness Skills Training (CAST) is a community conversation to address how we think and talk about suicide.
Michael S. Prezioso, Ph.D., Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services said, “Sadly, suicide rates are climbing in New York State. While many people can and do overcome the crisis through connections with others and intervention strategies, everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by learning the warning signs and reaching out to someone they’re concerned about. These impactful and much needed trainings will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools to help save a life.”
Amy Hughes, Outreach Coordinator at The Church at Newtown Road said, “Suicide prevention is more than just stopping someone from acting on their thoughts. It is recognizing the warning signs, understanding how to talk about suicide and depression, and knowing the resources available for suicide prevention. These trainings offer a holistic approach to learning how to help someone who may have suicidal desperation and are beneficial for everyone in our community.”
Community Awareness Skills Training (CAST) Addressing Suicidal Desperation: Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 7PM at The Church at Newtown Road, 142 Lower Newtown Rd, Waterford, NY
CAST addresses suicide as a major community health problem and presents steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of suicide. It is designed for the entire community including parents, teachers, first responders, medical professionals, support groups, veteran organizations, domestic abuse organizations, senior centers, and more. All are welcome to attend this meaningful discussion about suicide and practice interactions with persons at risk.
To register, please visit www.newtownroad.org/
Soul Shop: Friday, March 25, 2022, 9AM-3PM
at The Church at Newtown Road, 142 Lower Newtown Rd, Waterford, NY
Soul Shop™ for Youth Workers is a one-day, faith-based training designed specifically to equip persons to minister to youth who are impacted by suicidal desperation. Special attention is focused on youth-specific issues of impulsivity, contagion, and confidentiality. The training lays a Scriptural foundation for ministering to suicidal desperation among youth and includes how to recognize warning signs, how to engage in life-saving conversations, and how to keep youth safe. In addition, Soul Shop™ for Youth Workers provides practical ways to integrate this ministry into lesson plans, group activities, and one on one conversations. This training is beneficial to anyone who works with youth in their community and is also important for anyone who is the parent or caregiver of a child age 10 to 18.
The Soul Shop training costs $10 per person and lunch will be provided. To register, please visit www.newtownroad.org/soul
Announcement from the Elmwood Cemetery Association of West Sand Lake
SAND LAKE – We will have our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 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 anyone interested in Elmwood Cemetery are encouraged to attend.
The meeting includes a budget report and election of Trustees and Officers for the coming year. Volunteers are welcome and needed for both Executive and Trusteeship positions.
Literacy Volunteers Announces 10th Annual Famous Ladies’ Tea
TROY – Celebrate Women’s History Month and support literacy programs in Rensselaer County and Albany County at the Famous Ladies’ Tea, Sunday, March 27, 1:00-4:00P.M. Local actresses will portray notable women including Margaret Mead, Emily Dickinson, Inez Milholland, Anna Howard Shaw, Moms Mabley, Betty White and Phyllis Diller.
The in-person event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick Street, Troy, N.Y. A virtual option is available for those who do not wish to attend in person. The Famous Ladies’ Tea will include a raffle, silent auction and wine pull.
Tickets are $50 in person with traditional tea lunch, $40 virtual-only (without lunch). Payment is required in advance, online at www.lvorc.org or by check to Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, 65 First Street, Troy, NY 12180.
For more information, call (518) 244-4650 or visit www.lvorc.org.
Johnsonville Thrift Shop
The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, NY12094, is open from 9-12 every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month.
Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. We have a large selection of seasonal adult and children’s clothing, boots, shoes, coats, purses, special occasion and career clothes, jewelry, toys, linens, puzzles and games, household and decorative items.
Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books available.
Do You Have An Hour a Week to Spare to Help Someone in Our Rensselaer County Community? Community Caregivers Could Use You!
RENSSELAER COUNTY – We need drivers to take folks to appointments, or to the grocery store. We also need help checking in on isolated people in our community by making weekly phone calls or visits.
Our clients and volunteers must be fully vaccinated to participate. Our volunteer orientation is online several times a month. Please call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator for Rensselaer County at (518)366-9173, heidi@nullcommunitycaregivers.org, or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898,meredith@nullcommunitycaregivers.org. Information on, and donations to, our programs can be seen at communitycaregivers.org.
Glass Lake Men’s Golf League
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Attention all golfers. The Glass Lake Men’s League at Burden Lake Country Club is looking for new members. Open to the public and members of Burden Lake Country Club.
The league plays Tuesday nights from mid-April to mid-September, with tee times from 3:00-4:00pm. The league will also have two tournaments. The first being at a local golf course and the second at Burden Lake Country Club. All skill levels are welcome. For more information on dues and how to become a member, contact Kean Toomey at kean.toomey@nullgmail.com
Community Caregivers has continued to expand in Rensselaer County!
Are you someone who could use help staying living independently in your home ? Our volunteers can help! Our volunteers can take someone on errands to the grocery store or elsewhere in the community , can visit, call, and help a bit with chores once and awhile. Volunteers drive clients to the doctors also.
Call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator, at (518)366-9173 if you are someone interested in our services.
Call Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898, if you would like to volunteer. To learn more, see Community Caregivers.org.
Castleton Cemetery Association
CASTLETON – The Castleton Cemetery Association will hold its annual Lot Owner’s and Their Families meeting on Thursday, March 17th, at the V.F.W. Hall on Scott Avenue in Castleton beginning at 7pm.
Light refreshments will be served. 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 9th. Please call Jayne Robinson at (518) 732-4284 with any questions.
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 4:30 to 6:30 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.
Hope 7 Food Pantry
TROY – The Hope 7 Food Pantry located at 520 Pawling Avenue, Troy NY serves the East Side of Troy, Wynantskill and Northgreenbush.
Pantry Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:30am-11:45am; Thursday – 5pm-7pm. Last Saturday of each month 9:30am-11:45am
What to bring: Proof of residence (Troy’s East Side, North Greenbush, or Wynantskill) – (utility bill to your address in your name). ID’s for each person residing in household.
The Anchor Food Pantry
SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry in an attempt to keep the residents of the Town Of Schodack apprised during these Covid 19 times has an update regarding hours of operation and procedures. The Pantry is open on the following days for servicing clientele and the general public.
Monday Evenings-5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursdays -9am-2pm, and the first saturday of each month 10am-1pm. We ask to call ahead at 518-732-4120 for food calls so staff can prepare order for delivery to your vehicle.
Donations are currently being accepted clothing wise for spring apparel preferably during business hours. As always we thank the citizens of Schodack for their present, past, and future support of aiding those in need during these seemingly never ending difficult economic times.
Looking for ways to help The Anchor Food Pantry. Just a suggestion:
Return your recyclable cans and bottles to The 6 Cent Redemption Center 550 South Street-Rensselaer – Rt9J.
Just inform the staff you are donating to the Anchor Food Pantry account and account will be credited automatically.
8 Tips for an Informed Conversation about Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse, also called Domestic Violence (DV), can be in one or more of these forms – emotional, verbal, financial, sexual and technology-based.
1. NEVER BLAME THE VICTIM: We tend to blame the victim by asking, “What did she/he do, to be treated that way?” We don’t ask this question to other victims. Instead, we need to ask: “why does he/she choose to abuse?”. Let the victim know that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect.
2. TRUST THE VICTIM’S PERSPECTIVE: Often, abusers deny their partners, the right to make their own choices. Taking a victim-centered approach by prioritizing their needs and wants, empowers them. Ask the victims what they need to feel safe and offer the desired support.
3. LET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS KNOW THAT DV IS NOT A “PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER.” DV is a crime under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994/96 which affords equal protection to women and men. One in three women and one in four men will be a victim of severe physical violence in their lifetime. Victims of DV are in every age, economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion and education. They are the family members, neighbors, coworkers or friends of some of us.
4. CHALLENGE THE WIDELY-HELD MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DV: “why doesn’t the victim just leave?”, “only physical violence is DV” and “it’s a private, family matter”. We need to be aware of multiple hurdles to leaving, for example – the safety of children & pets, financial security, and reaction from the family and community.
5. HOLD THE OFFENDERS ACCOUNTABLE: If it is safe to do so, impose social consequences on the abusers, like telling them they’re not welcome for the family dinner or to hang out, until their abusive behavior stops. Stop condoning their abusive behavior by saying “boys will be boys” or “that person would never abuse.” Family, friends and community members telling the offenders that their behavior is abusive, is a powerful deterrent against DV.
6. COUNTER THE STEREOTYPES: We need to counter inequalities and rigid gender roles like sexism and racism and educate the youth to reject these ‘-isms’.
7. BE AWARE THAT ABUSE IS ROOTED IN POWER AND CONTROL: Strategically isolating the victims from family and friends is a common tactic of the abuser, to gain power and control. Abusers may trap their partners by withholding, lying about or hiding financial assets which are forms of financial abuse.
8. WE CAN PREVENT DOMESTIC ABUSE WITH EDUCATION AND ACTION. These are some of the ways: start an informed conversation about DV with your loved ones, support the local DV agencies by donating your time and money and giving wide publicity to the 24/7 DV Hotlines, to make them as well-known as ‘911’. These agencies provide confidential and comprehensive services to the victims: empathy, guidance, counseling, legal and safe shelter support for the entire family.
Equinox 518.432.7865
Unity House 518. 272.2370
YWCA of NENY 518.374.3386
Wellspring 518.584.8188
National Hotline (800) 799-7233
How to Prevent ‘Domestic Abuse’
Domestic abuse is also called Domestic violence (DV). It is a crime under the Violence Against the Women Act of 1994/96 which affords equal protection to women and men. DV can be emotional, financial, verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, and technology-facilitated abuse. It is affecting millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, gender, economic status, religion and education. We can prevent DV by spreading awareness, challenging the myths and confronting the abusers.
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY LEVEL
NEVER BLAME THE VICTIM: We tend to ask “What did the victim do to deserve the abuse?”. Instead, we need to ask: “why does the abuser choose to abuse?”.
TRUST THE VICTIM’S PERSPECTIVE: Listen to and believe the victim to empower them to make their own decisions. Tell the victim that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect. Ask them what they need to be safe.
TAKE A CLEAR STAND THAT DOMESTIC ABUSE IS NOT A “PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER.”: One in three women and one in four men will be a victim of severe physical violence at some point in their lifetime. Each day, an average of three women die at the hands of someone who claims or claimed to love them. Every abused person is someone’s sibling, parent, friend or co-worker.
TELL THE VICTIMS about the DV Hotlines: Equinox 518.432.7865; Unity House 518. 272.2370; YWCA NENY 518.374.3386; Wellspring 518.584.8188 and the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233. If the victim is in immediate danger, call 911. Support your community by volunteering or donating to the DV agencies.
CONFRONT THE OFFENDERS: If it is safe, tell them that their abusive behavior is unacceptable. Impose social consequences like not welcoming for family dinner or to hang out, until they stop their abusive behavior. Study ‘bystander intervention training’ on YouTube and put it into practice.
EDUCATE THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH about healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships. It is some of today’s children who will become tomorrow’s abusers and victims. Discuss DV at the family table and encourage everyone to respectfully speak up without fear when something doesn’t feel right. Set a healthy example by not using coercive measures to control your children’s’ behavior under any circumstance. Be respectful to everyone, irrespective of their age and sex. Losing your ‘cool ‘, is a big “No,’. If parents have difficulty managing their emotions, they need to seek help.
COMMUNITY LEVEL
CHALLENGE THE WIDELY-HELD MYTHS ABOUT DV AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY: That ‘DV’ means only physical violence’, it’s a “private family matter’, ‘the victim is weak’ and the victims can “just leave”. In reality, the woman is at the greatest risk of being hurt or even killed when trying to leave or after leaving. She has to carefully plan her escape, to protect herself, her children and pets and ensure financial security.
CHALLENGE THE MYTH THAT THE ABUSERS “LOSE CONTROL”: Not true. They don’t “lose control” at work, with friends and other family members! Abuse is a conscious choice rooted in power and control over the partner. Challenge the inequalities and ‘isms’ like sexism, racism, classism and patriarchy on which DV thrives.
GIVE SUSTAINED PUBLICITY TO THE DV HOTLINE NUMBERS through all the media until they are as well-known as ‘911’. Make sure DV brochures are always visible at public places like libraries, town halls, workplaces, doctor’s offices, religious places and community centers.
ORGANIZE DV AWARENESS CAMPAIGN EVERY OCTOBER. DV agencies can provide the publicity posters, brochures and speakers.
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – We are open two times each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays beginning at 4:30 pm and ending at 6:30 pm. Bring proof of your current residence and grocery bags for your food request.
Starting in November 2021, we will now greet our guests inside the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, side entrance.
Please wear a mask and check the extra’s tables. Two guests at a time, fill out food selection forms while waiting in your car. We will continue to practice social distancing and safety for our volunteers and guests.
Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our pantry is available. Call and leave your name and number at (518) 283-6045.
Our newest program offers infant and baby items (food, diapers and wipes) for those who reside in the Poestenkill area. Pre-orders only by a phone message at (518) 428-0124, a private Facebook message, or email: breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com. We do not currently stock these items in our pantry as selections are very individualized.
Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Consider Attending PD SELF – Parkinson’s Self-Efficacy Learning Forum
CAPITAL DISTRICT – A national program being offered in Albany. The program provides people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s with an in-depth understanding of the disease and the tools to manage it with confidence. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required. Space is limited. Care partners are encouraged to attend.
This year the program, starting in September, has been adapted to be fully online. Find out more at www.cdparkinsons.org/pd-self
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
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