Saturday June 3, 2023 
Roadwork Begins on New York State Route 4 Corridor in the Town of North Greenbush from the Route 43 Intersection to the City of Troy Boundary Line
Project to Improve Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety Along this Busy Gateway Road
NORTH GREENBUSH -Town Supervisor Joe Bott announced today that work is now underway on the $9.6 million project to reconstruct 3 intersections along the Route 4 Corridor at Bloomingrove Drive, Winter Street Extension and Williams Road (where a roundabout will be constructed) in the Town of North Greenbush. The project also includes the addition of sidewalks, primarily on the west side of Route 4, in several strategic locations and wider shoulders to accommodate bicycles.
“The project was designed with considerable input from State Department of Transportation (DOT) and County Engineer’s, town residents and businesses and other stakeholders along the Route 4 Corridor with the conduct of several public meetings and will reduce known vehicle stacking areas and improve pedestrian access,” Supervisor Bott said. The project was designed by Creighton Manning Engineering of Albany and will be constructed by Rifenburg Construction.
The new design of the Route 4 and Williams/Glenmore Road’s intersection will include a roundabout that was carefully designed to improve the morning and evening traffic flow for commuters, especially those traveling to and from Hudson Valley Community College, as well as to enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety. The $9.6 million of project costs are funded by 80% Federal Highway Administration Funds and 20% of Town matching funds.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The New York State Department of Transportation supports strategic investments in infrastructure that improve and advance mobility for all users of the roadway. Investments like this roundabout will benefit the community in many ways – by enhancing safety and reducing vehicle emissions and helping local businesses by adding sidewalks along this North Greenbush corridor – providing convenient access for pedestrians.”
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, who has prioritized the maintenance and improvement of County roads over the last several years, said, “the needed vehicle and pedestrian improvements along the busily traveled Route 4 Corridor are vital to our residents, commuters and businesses and demonstrates our continued commitment to improve infrastructure within the County.”
Assemblyman John McDonald, who was instrumental in working with the Town and DOT to obtain Federal Highway Funding for this project said, “Improving vehicular and pedestrian safety along this busy Corridor is essential for our residents, business and commuters. I applaud the Town and DOT for this well-designed project which was developed with input from the community.”
Senator Daphne Jordan said, “Traffic flow, safety and the impact on the community will be significantly improved and I thank the Town and DOT for moving forward with this important project.”
Rensselaer County Legislator Kelly Hoffman, who represents the Town said, “This much awaited important project was designed with considerable input from the stakeholders along the Route 4 Corridor and from town residents to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety.”
Field preparation, survey and utility work is currently underway along the corridor and heavy construction will begin in April. The roundabout at Route 4 and Williams/Glenmore Road’s is expected to be completed by early September of this year. The entire project is scheduled for completion in late 2021. Throughout the project, digital construction and traffic signage will be prominently posted along the work zones. Vehicular traffic and pedestrian access are expected to be maintained wherever possible throughout the project duration. Traffic delays should be expected and motorists are reminded of the importance of paying attention during construction to ensure work zone safety. Further information on this status of this project can be found at www.Route4CorridorNG.com or by contacting Anthony Germano, Town Project Coordinator at agermano@nullnorthgreenbush.org or 518-283-3525 x 19.
Town of Nassau Food Drive
NASSAU – On Saturday, March 27th, the Town of Nassau’s Youth Committee held a food drive to benefit the two food pantries – the Gathering Place and the Nassau Resource Center. The Easter Bunny also made a special appearance, handing out treats to the children and families who stopped by. The food drive was a huge success, and the Youth Committee would like to thank all of you for contributing and helping out our community. In addition, the Chandler Young Veteran’s Association and their auxiliary, as well as the kitchen staff who donated their tips, AMVETS and the American Legion all donated money to the Youth Committee to help purchase Easter candy. We also thank the volunteers from Nassau Community Connections who helped out, and most of all the amazing and generous members of Nassau and the surrounding areas. “Putting the Community’s Children first”.
Michael Needham, Youth Director, Town of Nassau
Averill Park Students Awarded at Youth and Government State Conference
AVERILL PARK – On March 19, 2021, thirteen local students participated in the New York Youth and Government State Conference. YAG is a national YMCA program where students reenact State government. Here in New York, the students utilize the actual Senate and Assembly chambers where they debate legislation. There is also a judicial branch that makes mock appellate arguments before a panel of student judges, an executive branch led by a student Governor who signs or vetos bills, lobbyists, and a press corps. This year the program was virtual, yet even during a pandemic our students adapted and excelled.
Twelve of the local students were from Averill Park High School and one joined from Albany Academy. The students worked hard in preparation of the conference. They researched social issues, and studied laws they could amend to address their concerns. The students drafted legislation, and presented their bills by giving opening statements. Other participants then debated the bill, and lastly the presenter made closing arguments and the students vote on the legislation.
Our Averill Park kids were recognized for their hard work. Owen Perala won Best Debator. Isla Multunas and Isabelle Relyea were awarded Outstanding Bill, and Colin Hansen and Emma Hanlon were also awarded Outstanding Bill. In addition, two of our students were elected to state offices. Tyler Michaels is next year’s Deputy President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Emma Hanlon was elected Speaker of the Assembly.
All of the students did an incredible job representing our community. They are: Kevin Cooper, Jacob Crupi, Emma Hanlon, Colin Hansen, Samuel Hart, Cavan Hicks, Tyler Michaels, David Mooradian, Isla Multunas, Owen Perala, Ethan Reid, Isabelle Relyea, and Jason Strickland.
If you or a high school student you know might be interested in Youth and Government, please contact me at alanm0120@nullgmail.com
Alan Michaels, Averill Park YAG Advisor
USS SLATER is Open
CAPITAL DISTRICT – USS SLATER opened Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 10 AM. Hours: April – November, Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, will open to the public for her 24th season in Albany. Guided tours start every 30 minutes. While no reservations are required, visitors can call ahead a reserve a time slot. As always, walk-ins are more than welcome.
Admission is charged. Adults: $9.00, Seniors: $8.00, Children: $7.00, and children under 5 years old are admitted for free.
For the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors USS SLATER is adhering to safety guidelines set by the governor’s recommendations concerning COVID-19. Everyone will be required to wear a mask while aboard SLATER. Tour groups will be kept small, and the ship will be disinfected regularly.
USS SLATER will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through 28 November 2021. The ship is located in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street.
USS SLATER is owned, maintained, and operated by the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, a private, non-profit, charitable organization that receives no regular government support.
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.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Congratulations to Averill Park High School artists Ashley Bayer and Fiona Carroll for winning awards at the High School Regional Art Exhibit. Ashlee was presented with the Presidential Award, which comes with a $50 gift card to Arlene’s Artist Materials. Fiona received a one-year membership to the Albany Center Galleries. Great job!
Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School fifth grader, Alexa Harte, wanted to show cafeteria worker Miss Adrienne Doin just how much she is appreciated, so Alexa coordinated a school-wide effort where students created tons of cards to surprise Miss Doin with. Nice job Alexa!
Congratulations to Anna Jankovic, Amelia Wood and Ben Romer for being selected to the Suburban Council All-Star Teams for the winter sports season. Anna is a member of the first team while Amelia is a second team all-star and Ben is a third-team all-star.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Cap Com Federal Credit Union and The Cap Com Cares Foundation Launch New Infrastructure Initiative Grant Program
ALBANY – CAP COM Federal Credit Union and its charitable giving arm, the CAP COM Cares Foundation, are pleased to announce the launch of the CAP COM Cares Foundation Infrastructure Grant Initiative.
The new program formalizes the CAP COM Cares Foundation’s commitment to be a strong community partner and support projects that nonprofits often find difficult to fund. Some examples of projects that inspired the initiative include building repairs, the installation of a septic system, computer software updates and equipment funding. These projects are vital for organizations to serve their constituents but can be delayed or unaddressed due to a lack of resources.
The CAP COM Cares Foundation is dedicating $50,000 in 2021 to these efforts, with a goal of supporting 10 organizations with a $5,000 grant. Additional funding may be considered on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Applications for the grant initiative are accessible on the CAP COM Cares Foundation website www.capcomfcu.org/community and will be accepted through April 30. Grant recipients will be announced and celebrated in May.
The infrastructure grant initiative allows CAP COM to support challenging projects with existing nonprofit partners while opening the door for new relationships. A recent grant to Family and Child Services of Schenectady County serves as an excellent example of this. The Foundation was able to support the purchase of a new software program that was needed to continue serving their clients.
“We are so thankful for the CAP COM Cares Foundation and its support of Family and Child Services of Schenectady,” stated FCSS Executive Director, Bob Van Zetta. “While this program is necessary for our organization to continue providing care to so many people and to keep our staff on board, finding support for it has been challenging,” he observed. “We will be excited to learn about additional organizations in our community who receive the grant.”
“We are thrilled to introduce the Infrastructure Grant Initiative and celebrate our long history of standing strong with our nonprofit partners in times of need,” stated Becky Daniels, Director of Community Engagement, CAP COM Federal Credit Union. “The mission of our CAP COM Cares Foundation it to nurture our community through support of local organizations dedicated to improving the lives of families in the Capital Region. We can’t wait to celebrate the recipients of this new program.”
Anchor Food Pantry Thanks-Winter-Spring
CASTLETON – The Anchor Food Pantry of Castleton wishes to express gratitude and thanks to the following organizations and companies who have aided our clients and our mission of feeding and aiding the less fortunate in the Town of Schodack since the start of the school year in ways we can not explain in both food, toileltry, and abundant monetary donations to keep our shelves stocked during this seemingly never ending pandemic. It is with great pleasure we acknowledge the following for their assistance.
Village of Castleton Fire Dept – bimonthly food drive; Hannaford DistributionCenter, Schodack ny; Hannaford Supermarkets -East Greenbush and Valatie stores; Brad Rose Landscaping; Schodack Central School District (recent food drive held in lieu of hoops for hunger); and Catholic Charities of Rensselaer County -referral by District Attorney Mary Donnelly and staff.
Without this support of the aforementioned and our ccms Churches families would be struggling and it is comforting to know the pantry can be a harbor to get thru these difficult and trying periods.
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).
Brookside Cemetery of Poestenkill Annual Meeting
POESTENKILL – The Brookside Cemetery of Poestenkill will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 13, at 6:30PM. The meeting will be held at the Poestenkii Historical Society building, NY Route 351, in Poestenkill (next to the Lutheran Church). All lot owners are welcome to attend. Questions? Call 518 283-4890.
Swing into Spring with the Brunswick Democrats!
BRUNSWICK – Local musicians, chefs, and other talent will be highlighted and dozens of gift cards to local stores will be raffled at this virtual fundraiser event! Also meet the county and local candidates featuring a special guest appearance by Representative Antonio Delgado! Wed. April 14 from 7-8:30 pm. Suggested donation: $10 (every additional $10 donation is another chance to win: ex. $100 = 10 raffle tickets. Need not be present to win prizes.). Proceeds will support local campaigns. Join us! www.BrunswickDems.com
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.
Attention Poestenkill High School Seniors
POESTENKILL – The Poestenkill Library/Clement Memorial Scholarship of $1000 is ready to be claimed by a High School Senior who is a resident of the town of Poestenkill. The student from a public, private or home school must be planning to continue their education at a two or four-year college after graduation.
A 500-750 word essay based on the applicant’s love of reading is due by May 31, 2021. No particular font or spacing is required. Applicant’s name should not be on the same page as the essay since the judging is done solely on the content of the essay. A cover sheet must be attached which includes: applicant’s name, address, phone #, school currently attending and College attending in the Fall. Mail to P.O. Box 305 Poestenkill, NY 12140 , or e-mail to info@nullpoestenkilllibrary.org. It can also be dropped off at the library. Call 518-283-3721 for instructions on covid-19 protocol if you wish to drop it off in person.
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