Friday April 19, 2024 
Murder at Teal’s Pond
Murder at Teal’s Pond by David Bushman and Mark Givens was released by Amazon on January 1st. Being involved with the creation of this work has been very exciting and rewarding for me so my review might be a little biased. I think the backstory is worth covering first, this will give me a chance to recognize all the people from our community that were involved in the project.
In 2016 I discovered a blue folder with 2008 Troy Record articles, reprints of the 1908 articles of a young woman found dead in Teal’s Pond, Hazel Drew. I began to ask around town hall if anyone was familiar with the case and the location of Teal’s Pond, no luck. A few weeks later Ron Hughes appeared at my office asking if I had heard of the Hazel Drew murder case. After a long conversation, I learned that Ron had also read the 2008 articles and having lived in the neighborhood where Hazel worked was determined to write a book about the unsolved crime.
His book, Who Killed Hazel Drew? was about to be published and Ron asked for help locating the areas where the Drew family lived in Sand Lake. I wrote an Advertiser article asking the community for help. Shortly after John Walsh came in to tell me that Mark Frost, the writer of the cult classic TV show Twin Peaks had heard stories from his grandmother about the ghosts of Teal’s Pond. Mark spent summers in Taborton with his family. I credit John a former student with presenting this connection. Somewhere around this time Mark Marshall came on the scene. I knew Mark well from working at Averill Park Schools. Mark is an historian, a reenactor, an artist, a musician and was about to add detective and investigator to his talents. Now throw in a Twin Peaks reboot in 2017 and the scene was set. I called in a favor from Channel 13 journalist Phil Bayly, asking him to post what I expected would get some interest fast from his many Facebook followers. Twin Peaks fans began to call asking for info and within a week Annette Witheridge and a photographer from the Daily Mail appeared to do a story which appeared online internationally.
Requests started to come in for me to speak about this unsolved 110-year-old murder. Mark Marshall and I did a mini course at Hudson Valley Community College as well as numerous presentations at historical societies around the capital district. It was in these early stages that we heard from David Bushman author of FAQ Twin Peaks and Mark T. Givens, creator of a Twin Peaks podcast in the Washington DC area. They had it in their minds from the beginning to write another book on Hazel and the Twin Peaks connection. The early working title was Blonde, Beautiful and Dead. With a change of publishers came a change of title. Six years later Murder at Teal’s Pond hit the bookstores. It has been very well received, listed as a notable book on the Oxygen Book Club list of January titles. Still to come…community involvement, roundtables and Twin Peaks connections.
Woodside 56 Road Cemetery Association Annual Meeting
The Woodside 56 Road Cemetery Association Lot Owners and Their Families meeting will be held May 3 at 7:00p at the Union Gospel Church on Plank Road in East Poestenkill.
Election of officers will be held and plans for care of the cemetery will be discussed. Volunteers are welcome to join. Contributions to the Cemetery are always welcome. Please mail to Box 76, Poestenkill, NY 12140. If there are questions please phone 518-283-5303.
Rensselaer Elks Give Back
Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073 donated $2,500 from an Elks National Foundation (ENF) Gratitude Grant to the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County in Rensselaer, NY to provide much needed sporting equipment and athletic supplies in support of their programs which annually serve roughly 1,500 youth.
Pictured in the photo are Cian Strunk – 8, Justin Reuter, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, William Aung – 10, Wayne Gyi – 11, Jennifer Buckley – 8, Denver Williams – 6, Rensselaer Elks Exalted Ruler, Brian Kirch and Joshua Johnson – 8
News From Averill Park CSD
Poestenkill Elementary School held its annual Jump Rope for Heart event recently, raising more than $9,000 to benefit the American Heart Association. Overall, 140 students in grades 3-5 participated. Great job everyone!
Congratulations to Mrs. Zalucky for winning 100 new books for West Sand Lake Elementary School as part of the Rally to Read 100 contest sponsored by Reading is Fundamental. Our students are going to loved checking out all of the new titles!
Camden Schlederer signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball for The College of Saint Rose. Congratulations and good luck, Cam!
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
Register for AP Community Education
Spring programs have begun for Averill Park Community Education! Sign up today for these popular programs: Co-Ed Volleyball (Mon and/or Wed), Anyone Can Learn to Paint (begins 4/26), Co-Ed Pickup Basketball (ages 17 & older, begins 4/26), Qigong-Infused Yoga for a Healthy Spine (begins 4/26), and Puppy or Advanced Dog Obedience (begins 4/28). View classes, register, and pay at www.familyid.com/organizations/averill-park-community-education or mail the AP District Office with your contact information, selected program and a check payable to AP Community Education. Call 518-674-7191 with questions, but we cannot take registrations over the phone. Check online or on the district’s Facebook or Twitter pages for updates. You do not have to live in Averill Park to register for these programs.
SHAC Center Spring Fling Family Fun Day & KIDs’ Cornhole Tournament
Come join us Saturday, May 7th 11am-4pm at the Sky High Adventure Community Center as we celebrate our first Spring Fling & Kids Cornhole Tournament. We will have Kids Events, Food, Live Music, Magic, Raffles, a Silent Auction, Community Groups and Vendors. We will also be launching our Getting Off The Ground Campaign to Make the SHAC Center a Reality!
The Kids Cornhole Tournament will have Elementary, Middle, and High School Divisions with Awards & PRIZES FOR WINNERS IN EACH DIVISION!
Each team may have 2-4 players. Teams with players at multiple levels will be placed in the oldest team member’s division.
The entry fee for KIDs’ Cornhole is $20 per team, due the day of the tournament. Pre-Registration is available online. Sponsorships and Registration are available at: www.SHACcenter.org
Climate Can’t Wait 2022
Greet the bikers riding from NYC to Albany using the Empire State Rail Trail, at Basilica Hudson, in Hudson, NY .Thursday , April 21st at 11 AM. The bikers are riding to Albany to continue the push for passage of the climate action bills now in the legislature. For more information on the range of legislation under proposal go to Climate Can’t Wait on the web. Speakers on the need for these now will be available, along with refreshments.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated this month that it is now or never to address the climate crisis. The war in Ukraine is adding to the urgency for taking action now as fossil fuel use increases!
New York State , with its proposed legislation is leading the way for all 50 states but unless these bills are passed and funded , all of us are at risk. This is being sponsored by Community Advocates for a Sustainable Environment, Stop NY Fracked Gas Pipeline, Green Faith, Basilica Hudson among others.
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County Awarded Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) has been awarded $1500 as part of the highly competitive Stewart’s Holiday Match. The funds will support LVORC’s Everybody WINS! Power Lunch Program, an innovative reading and mentoring program that increases children’s prospects for success in school and in life. Funding will help to recruit and train volunteers, provide training materials, and purchase age-appropriate, culturally diverse children’s books.
Power Lunch pairs elementary school children one-to-one with volunteers from nearby businesses, colleges and the community. Once a week, reading partners enjoy conversation together at the school, and the adult reads a book aloud to the child while he/she eats lunch. Each session helps students to build enthusiasm for reading while improving listening skills and building vocabulary. Students with reading mentors benefit from the encouragement of a supportive adult.
Since 1968, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has provided free literacy services to adults and children. LVORC’s service area includes Rensselaer County and Albany County. For more information, call 518 244-4650 or contact litvoldirector@nullaol.com
Capital District Chapter Columbiettes April Meeting
On Sunday , April 24th, 2022 at 1 PM, the Capital District Chapter Columbiettes will host their April Meeting at the Cohoes Council Knights of Columbus, 255 Remsen Street, Cohoes, N.Y. 12047. (Directions: I -787 Columbia Street Exit, west on Columbia Street and Left on Remsen Street, Council Hall is on the left.).
The Covered Dish Dinner and Capital District Raffle Fundraiser will be held at this meeting. Covered Dish Dinner is $5.00 per person and Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event!
Capital District Chapter President, Linda Cotch, will preside!
Attention Schodack Veterans
The Peter Andrews Castleton Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7337 is inviting Honorably discharged Schodack veterans to join our Honor Squad. Please come help us honor veterans that have passed into eternal life.
You will be trained to properly render honors, including firing an M1 Garand rifle (blanks). You do NOT need to be eligible for membership in the VFW. Please email me at vfw12033@nullgmail.com for more information and/or to join our Honor Squad.
Ricardo E. “Rik” Cosgrave, Commander
Woodlawn Cemetery Cleanup
The Woodlawn Cemetery Association of East Schodack would like to inform lot owners of the upcoming Spring Cleanup. Spring cleanup will begin on April 15, 2022.
If you have decorations on graves you would like to keep, please pick them up before April 15th. Otherwise, they will be tossed out.
Scholarship Available
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.
East Nassau Rural Cemetery Association Notice of Meeting
The annual meeting of the East Nassau Rural Cemetery Association will be held at the Tsatsawassa Firehouse in Brainard, NY, on Sunday, May 1st, at 2 PM. All are welcome!
Latham-Colonie Columbiettes Flea Market
LATHAM – The Latham-Colonie Columbiettes are hosting a Flea Market on Saturday May 21st 2022, at 328 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
The Vendor Spaces available for reservation are Indoor and Outdoor Covered areas (4 x 10 ft) and Outdoor areas (10 x 10 ft) for your own popup set up!
Contact info; Kathleen Majer, klmajer@nulloutlook.com or 518 272 8831.
www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/dinner&events
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.
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.
Johnsonville Thrift Shop
The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, 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.
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.
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.
Hotlines of Domestic Violence Agencies: Equinox 518-432-7865; Unity House 518-272-2370; YWCA NENY 518-374-3386; Wellspring 518-584-8188; National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233
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!
Knocking out Alzheimer’s
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.
If you can’t drop off, contact us we will even pick up!
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