Tuesday April 23, 2024 
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.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Students involved in Poestenkill Elementary School’s K-Kids program recently stayed after school to make sandwiches for the Street Soldiers of Troy organization, which provides meals and other items to those in need. The meals were delivered to the Street Soldiers, who, in turn, got them out on the street. Great job everyone!
High School junior Amelia Wood scored surpassed the 1,000-point plateau for her varsity basketball career during the team’s final game of the season. Amelia joins her sister, Kelsey Wood, Kate Duma and Stephanie Jankovic as the only 1,000-point scorers in program history. Way to go Amelia!
High School student Emily Walsh earned the title of Gold Award Girl Scout after completing community-related service projects recently. Emily improved accessibility at hiking trails in the area by mulching paths and displaying informational and directional signs. She also created a series of videos that recommend healthy and safe ways for individuals of all ages to remain active. Congratulations Emily!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Announcement From The Elmwood Cemetery Association of West Sand Lake
WEST SAND LAKE – We will have our Annual Meeting on Monday, 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. Please be prepared with a facial mask and practice social distancing while attending the meeting.
Poestenkill and Sand Lake Summer Camp
POESTENKILL/SAND LAKE – Poestenkill and Sand Lake Summer Camp will run together at Poestenkill Elementary School from July 12th to August 13th. Camp is for kids entering kindergarten to ninth grade. Registration is online and specific information about camp is posted on Poestenkill and Sand Lake website. Positions are available for CITs, Counselors and Med Team. Applications can be found on each town’s website. Counselors need to be 16 years old and CITs need to be 15 years old.
Averill Park Youth Soccer League
AVERILL PARK – 2021 Spring Rec Registration – This is an all-play non-competitive league that focuses on learning the skills and fundamentals of soccer and most of all, having fun! Season runs April 20th-June 7th. All levels play at Miller Hill Elementary School beginning with a practice at 6pm and a game at 6:30pm.Pre K (must be 4 yrs old by 6/30/21)–Monday; Kindergarten/Grade 1 –Tuesday; Grades 2/3–Wednesday; Grades 4/5/6–Thursday. Parent coaches are needed at every level, please sign up to help out! Register now through March 25th: $65. Late registration March 29th through April 4th: $80. Register online: www.averillparkyouthsoccer.com
Madison Jakielaszek Welcomed into Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Madison Jakielaszek, of East Greenbush, NY (12061), was among over 20 students from the Western New England University College of Engineering inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society in a virtual ceremony held on March 5. Jakielaszek is working toward a BSE in Biomedical Engineering.
Alpha Lambda Delta recognizes the best and brightest members of the nation’s first-year college students. The mission of the Society is to encourage superior academic achievement, to promote intelligent living and a high standard of learning, and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals in society. Students in Alpha Lambda Delta must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 after their first semester of full-time enrollment.
Springfield College Recognizes Dean’s List Students for the 2020 Fall Semester
SPRINGFIELD, MA. – Springfield College is proud of all students and congratulates the following individuals who earned Dean’s List recognition for academic excellence for the 2020 fall semester.
Haley Barber from Castleton On Hudson – Health Science/Occupational Therapy
Lauren Bednarczyk from Rensselaer – Athletic Training
Isabella Bruns from East Nassau – History
Sophie Church from East Greenbush – Criminal Justice
James Cocca from Sand Lake – Physical Education
Veronica Fulgieri from Burnt Hills – Health Science and Pre-Physical Therapy
Michael Hoyt from Troy – Athletic Training.
Emily LaPlante from Troy – Athletic Training.
Heidi Schuman from Nassau – Studio Art.
Natalie Stoner from Wynantskill – Health Science/Pre-physician Assistant.
Jonathan Weber from Averill Park – Health Science and Pre-Physical Therapy.
Students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework and achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the term.
Cuyler Reynolds Named to SUNY Morrisville President’s List
MORRISVILLE, NY – SUNY Morrisville recently announced that Cuyler S Reynolds, of Averill Park, NY, was named to the President’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. Cuyler is majoring in Agriculture Business Development – BBA.
To be named to the President’s List, a student must achieve a perfect 4.0 average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.
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).
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