Your Community

Your Community 03.26.20

Woodlawn Cemetery Winter Cleanup

EAST SCHODACK – For lot owners in the Woodlawn Cemetery of East Schodack. Please remove any winter decorations and wreaths before April 1st 2020. The winter cleanup will begin on that date, all remaining items will be discarded.

Stephentown Historical Society cancels April Meeting Cancelled

STEPHENTOWN – The April 5th Stephentown Historical Society meeting has been cancelled because of the corona virus restrictions. The Heritage Center will be closed on Saturday, April 4, as well.

VFW Auxiliary Flea Market Cancelled

EAST GREENBUSH – We have to cancel our event that was scheduled for April 4th, as per orders from the virus.  Thank you for your understanding and support. Questions call Maureen at 518-653-3539.

The Arc of Rensselaer County Applying for Grant

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Transportation providers and other interested parties are hereby notified that The Arc of Rensselaer County, 79 102nd Street, Troy, NY) is applying for a federal grant of up to $120,000, under Section 5310 of Chapter 53 of Title 49, United States Code(for daily day habilitation services transportation) within Rensselaer County to meet the needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities.

The purpose of this notice is to invite private for-profit bus, taxi, ambulette operators and other interested parties to participate in the development of proposed grant project and in the provision of enhanced transportation services to elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities. Please contact Carrie Painter at 518-279-4723 within 15 calendar days of this public notice to request a copy of the project proposed. Comments on proposed projects must be submitted to The Arc of Rensselaer County within l5 calendar days after receipt of the proposed project information.

Glendora’s Vegetarian Club – Teach Yourself to Cook with Free E-Book

Glendora Buell 518 610-5810 – With a pandemic’s required “social distancing,” many long-term food-shoppers have noted those vegan staples beans, rice, and pasta to be among the cheapest to buy and easiest to store. But once home, we may look at the grocery stockpile and say, “Okay, now what?” Many of us have already made that one thing we know how to make!

One answer: “Teach yourself to cook!” with Apples, Bean Dip, and Carrot Cake (ABC) by Anne and Freya Dinshah. It’s easy to follow along and use it as a step-by-step course with each skill building on the previous. It may be pitched to kids, but the book provides a simple, straightforward intro to kitchen skills that anyone of any age can benefit from. And if you happen to be home with your children and running out of go-to activities, the book can serve as a fun educational project that’s tasty too!

AmericanVegan.org is now offering the print version of ABC for 60% off regular price of $24.95; it’s now only $10.00 with free shipping, or grab the e-book for FREE.  We may all be in this for the long haul – let’s make something of it!

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – With the cancellation of classes due to the Coronavirus, the Averill Park Central School District, along with every other district in New York state, has had to make some drastic changes in the way we educate and provide for our students on a daily basis.

Our faculty and staff have quickly adapted to the changes and have shown just how dedicated they are to our student body. Teachers immediately began distance learning and showed their creativity in developing lesson plans, finding great ways to stay connected.

Our cafeteria staff and transportation department implemented a food service program and have worked, in conjunction with faculty members, to continue the operation of the district Backpack and Food Pantry programs to provide meals to students while they are away from school. In the first day of this food service program, 152 students received 608 meals.

In an unprecedented, fluid situation, I am very proud of the way everyone at APCSD has come together to overcome the many obstacles we have faced.

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

Books for Troops Will Close March 30, 2020

CAPITAL DISTRICT – It is with deep regret that Books for Troops has decided to close its doors to protect our volunteers and our patrons from the Corona Virus as many other businesses and organizations have done. We hope to reevaluate the situation monthly, so please check Facebook and Local News at the end of each month to see where we stand on reopening.  The office will remain intact ready to resume operation as soon as safety dictates it. All donations in our account will remain there until our mailings resume. Please do NOT donate any books during this time. We do not have the staff to cover the intake of books. You have supported us in the past, please continue to support us during this very difficult time. We hope in the near future to be able to resume the important work we are doing to support our troops. Stay safe and be cautious. Ellen Keegan 

Poestenkill Fire Co 100th Anniversary Vendor/Craft Fair

POESTENKILL – Looking for crafters & vendors for craft fair for June 6 from 3-8 pm. Activities for the day include: dress parade, ceremony, bouncy bounce for kids, food truck with beverages, block dance followed by fireworks. For more information for the vendor/craft fair contact Nancy Rogers at DRogers4@nullnycap.rr.com

East Greenbush Honor A Veteran Program 

EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Honor A Veteran Program is encouraging families to consider honoring a deceased veteran member of their family. This is a wonderful way to honor the service of your veteran at the Honor A Veteran ceremony held at East Greenbush Town Hall.

Application forms are available at www.eastgreenbush.org/departments/historian Or The East Greenbush Town Hall by the public bulletin board

Or Calling Bobbie Reno, East Greenbush Town Historian at 518-477-4869 and I will be happy to mail the application form to you.

The only is requirements are the veteran must have lived in East Greenbush at some point in their life and have been honorably discharged from the service.

Ilium Literary Club Meetings Cancellation

TROY – Due to CDVID-19, the Ilium Literary Club of Troy is cancelling our April 3rd and May 1st, 2020 meetings. At this time, we are not cancelling our June 5th Annual Luncheon. An announcement will be made, in the future, regarding the status of our Annual Meeting & Luncheon.

Ilium Literary Club Meeting

TROY – The Ilium Literary Club of Troy, NY will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in Oct 2020. We are looking for members & former members to help us plan this celebration. If you have memorabilia, stories of different events and/or history of the Club, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Barbara at mburban@nullprodigy.net or call 518-274-2949.

Four Corners Partnership Community House – Calendar of Events

SCHODACK LANDING – 902 Schodack Landing Road, Schodack Landing, New York

April 3rd- 6:30 PM, Bunco Night  **Held Next Door at the Reformed Church of Schodack “Friendship House”

April 7th- 6:30 PM, Chocolate Making Class

April 22nd- Noon, Free Cabin Fever Community Lunch

May 1st- 6:30 PM, Family Movie Night (TBA)

May 27th- Noon, Free Cabin Fever Community Lunch

June 5th- 6:30 PM, Bunco Night, Held Next Door at the Reformed Church of Schodack “Friendship House”

Capital Region Envirothon 2020

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Each year the Soil & Water Conservation District hosts a regional competition called “Envirothon”.  This is a 1-day academic competition including six areas of knowledge:  Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, a current environmental issue, and an oral presentation.  Each school within the County can have 1-3 high school teams consisting of 4-5 students.  

These teams compete against other schools in the County to try to be the team that represents Rensselaer County at State level on another date this year.  Our Regional competition includes teams from Albany, Montgomery, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Rensselaer Counties, with one winning team from county each going to the State level.  The date for the Regional competition this year is Wednesday April 29th, and will be held in Gilboa, NY at the NYS Power Authority.  

Please go to https://www.renscosoilandstormwater.org/envirothon for a brochure, schedule and registration packet.  The registration deadline for a team is Friday March 27th.   You may also contact Megan Myers, Rensselaer County Envirothon Representative at Megan.Myers.RenscoSWCD@nullgmail.com or (518) 271-1740 ext. 3.

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.

Erosion, Sediment Control & Stormwater 4-Hour NYS DEC Endorsed Training

BRUNSWICK – Wednesday April 1st, 2020. Registration: 8:30 AM. Training:  9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Brunswick Community Center, 18 Keyes Lane, Brunswick, NY

Under the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Stormwater Permit, all construction site contractors and subcontractors must have at least one “trained individual” from their company on their construction sites on a daily basis that is responsible for implementation of Erosion Controls and Stormwater Management.   These individuals must complete this 4-hour training every three years to remain certified on the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control and stormwater management. This training covers both technical and regulatory aspects of stormwater management and erosion control, and is open to anyone including municipal officials, developers, contractors, non-profit organizations, and others.

The course is $75, and includes a certificate, materials, coffee, snacks.  Municipal officials will earn 4 PDE hours by NYSDOS.  Contact Megan Myers of the Rensselaer County Soil & Water Conservation District for registration at (518) 271-1740 ext. 3, or by e-mail at Megan.Myers.RenscoSWCD@nullgmail.com.  You may also download the flyer and registration forms at:  https://www.renscosoilandstormwater.org/public-trainings.

Passover Seders to Go

TROY – The Beth Tephilah Synagogue is partnering with Capital Chabad to distribute Kosher for Passover Seder-To-Go packets that can be picked up at the synagogue, 82 River Street in Troy, or can be arranged to be delivered if necessary. This is a free service, but donations are appreciated. Please call 518-894-3490 to reserve a Seder-to Go packet as soon as possible, and for more information. 

Town of North Greenbush Annual Easter Egg Hunt

NORTH GREENBUSH – The Town of North Greenbush would like to announce that we will be having our Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10:00 am. The Easter Bunny will be there to greet the children for an “EGG-CELLENT” time!!! . All children ages from Pre-k to 4th grade are invited to hop on over to Town Hall located at 2 Douglas Street, Wynantskill, NY. There will be prizes given when the special egg is found in your age group. There will also be a Special Skittle Count Game…. closes guess wins an Easter trunk of goodies. For more information, feel free to contact Janice Kerwin, North Greenbush Town Clerk, at 518-283-4306.

Defensive Driving Class at Gilead Lutheran Church

BRUNSWICK /TROY- Gilead Lutheran Church will host a 6 hour defensive driving class on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This is a NYS DMV approved class that will offer a 10% reduction off your auto insurance and up to 4 points off your NYS driver’s license. Exciting PowerPoint presentation that is newly updated by the original creator of this presentation. Never a test to pass the course!

Cost of this class is just $30 per person and must be paid at the door. Doors open at 8:30 AM. Lunch items will be available for sale for an additional cost.

Gilead Church is located at 308 Brick Church Road (Route 278), Troy, New York 12180. We are handicapped accessible and have loads of free close parking. SPACES ARE LIMITED and will sell out fast -again- at this price!!

To reserve your seat please call John at 518-279-9552. Please drive safely!

A Call to Artists for a Summer Juried Art Show “The Power and the Glory”

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Artists of all media are invited to submit up to two works for a juried art show titled The Power and the Glory! at Sand Lake Center for the Arts. The exhibition opens on July 1, 2019 and ends August 31, 2019. Twenty pieces will be selected with first, second, third, and people’s choice cash awards ($300., $200., $100., and $100.,) will be given. The juror for this show is Matt Crane.He is a Capital Region Artist and Adjunct Lecturer of Art, University at Albany.

Submissions should be sent to slcagallery@nullgmail.com in jpeg format by May 29, 2020. Selections will be announced by June 6, 2020 and selected works must be delivered to Sand Lake Center for the Arts – (2880 NY 43, Sand Lake), NY 12018, from June 8 to June 19, 2020 between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, or by appointment (call 518-674-2007). For more information go to www.slca-ctp.corg.

All artwork chosen will be on display from July 1 to August 31, 2020. There is no submission fee.

There will be an artist reception on July 8 from 5-7pm that is free and open to the public.

Awards will be announced and given out at the reception.

Juried Art Show Specifications:

-No more than two submissions per artist

-Two dimensional pieces should be framed or otherwise ready to hang

-Submissions should reflect the concept of or be inspired by lyrics from the song “The Power and the Glory” written by Phil Ochs. See lyrics below.

-Two-dimensional work should not exceed 3ft x 4ft.

-Three-dimensional work should not exceed 14 inches H x 15 inches W.

*All work must be labeled with the following:

Last name, First name, Title: Medium, Size-(HxW)-Year

Questions or more information please contact Brian Sheldon at 518-674-2007, brian@nullslca-ctp.org.

Chorus: Here is a land full of power and glory

Beauty that words cannot recall

Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom

Her glory shall rest on us all (on us all)

Schodack Valley Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners

CASTLETON – The Schodack Valley Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners will hold special “Building Workshops ” on the 4th Wednesday of each month starting at 6:30 P.M. until further notice. All meetings are held at 1553 Schodack Valley Road, Castleton N.Y. 12033.

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.

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