Your Community 04.16.20

Sand Lake Town Library Board of Trustees Meeting

SAND LAKE – The SLTL Board of Trustees will hold its monthly meeting virtually on April 16, 2020 at 7pm. The board will meet using Go To Meeting to discuss monthly bills and reopening strategies. If you would like to join us, send an email to director@nullsandlaketownlibrary.org requesting log in information.

Sand Lake Town Library is located across from Miller Hill School – 8428 Miller Hill Road (2nd floor), Averill Park 518-674-5050.

Donations Needed for Face Masks

NASSAU – To be able to continue sewing face masks for my community’s essential workers, neighbors, friends, and family, I need donations of soft flannel, quilting, and cotton fabric, thread, paper clips, and size #64 rubber bands. I am quickly running out of these supplies and, like toilet paper, these are these items are very hard to find. Your donation would be so appreciated. Call 518-766-0182. Thank you.

The origin of the coronavirus is not known, but the experts suspect it emanates from animals. So do what we’ve been telling you for decades: eat only plant-based foods. If social distancing is getting you down, reach out to friends and family by phone or through online resources. Meetings of Glendora Vegetarian Club are suspended, but the digital version can be accessed through Facebook, Twitter or youtube.

Glendora Vegetarian Club 

Glendora’s friend in Portland, OR, was called back to work after a furlough of 2 weeks. This is her second day on the job.

Glendora thanks Nassau Resource Center for the largesse they sent her from the food pantry. Others who need assistance during this difficult time should call 518-766-9014 on Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 9 a.m. and noon and on Thursday evening. between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

May the God of peace Himself sanctify all of us completely through and through.

Jokes:

1. A boy brought home all A’s on his report card. His daddy said, “He must get his brains from me.”

His mother said, “He must. I still have mine.”

2. Behind every successful man is a proud wife and a flabbergasted mother-in-law.

Books for Troops 

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Books for Troops’ office will remain closed until further notice because of the pandemic. Therefore we are asking that you leave no donations of any kind. We have removed the collection boxes because we have no one to monitor them safely. All of our volunteers are in the risk group for contracting the virus, so to protect them and our patrons, we are not accepting anything. We ask you to save whatever you plan to donate until social distancing is no longer a factor. We do plan to reopen as soon as it is safe. We are continuing to send books to the troops from my home where we have a large back load of books in our storage garage. Thank you for your patience and understanding.  Ellen Keegan

Cornell Cooperative Extension Outreach Initiative

RENSSELAER COUNTY – As educators we are doing our best to keep the community informed about updates and opportunities regarding everything going on with COVID-19.

Please see some of the most recent ones below:

Miss local Farmers Markets? They may be closed, but you can still buy from and support local producers! Check out this link that the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market released with vendors who are offering delivery services by going to their Facebook page. Looking for other locations, not listed? Check out the Harvest Connection website, Harvest Connection Facebook page, or a specific farm’s website. Don’t forget to contact them to make sure they are open and that their hours of operation are correct!

Looking for Educational Opportunities? 4-H, farms, and other businesses/organizations are offering virtual tours and activities to keep youth engaged during this time.

Looking for Information about COVID-19? Due to the large amount of speculation regarding COVID-19, this is a reminder to rely on OFFICIAL sources for accurate information. Help control the spread of rumors by checking out FEMA and Federal Agencies website as well as sign up for the latest updates from your local & state officials.

We are trying our best to stay up-to-date. Check out our website or follow CCE Rensselaer County on Facebook for information about these various opportunities as well as other updates regarding COVID-19. Questions? Send Kayela an email at kls342@nullcornell.edu.

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – During this time of uncertainty, our Averill Park Central School District family has come together to lend a helping hand and raise spirits in the community whenever they can.

The athletic department bought lunch for the ER staff and Samaritan Hospital and the APTA, in conjunction with The Mess Hall, donated food to staff at Albany Medical Center. Algonquin Middle School donated material which is being used to make face shields!

Many have asked about donating to APCSD. We are accepting donations to the Elementary BackPack Program and the Algonquin Middle School / Averill Park High School Food Pantry Program. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry will be accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the main entrance of the high school.

At APCSD, we are now providing 2,500 meals per week to our students! That is 10 meals per week to approximately 250 students. Great job by everyone in our food service, transportation and athletic departments who are working on this effort!

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

Mohawk Humane Offers Pet Food Pantry, Home Delivery for those in Isolation in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga Counties

Menands –The Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, located at 3 Oakland Avenue in Menands, is available to anyone who needs help feeding a pet. Those needing food can stop by the shelter any day between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm and be met by a staff member at the door. For those who are ill or in self-isolation and live in Albany, Rensselaer or Saratoga County, the Society can deliver food. Please call 518-434-8128, ext. 227 or email ngagnon@nullmohawkhumane.org to make arrangements. No pet should go hungry.

Alzheimer’s Association Offers Free Virtual Education Classes for all New York Residents 

ALBANY – While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than 5 million Americans, including 410,000 in New York, living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York chapter is offering free virtual education programs in the coming weeks to help all local caregivers throughout our 17-county area. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of education programs that can help those living with Alzheimer’s and their families understand what to expect so they can be prepared to meet the changes ahead and live well for as long as possible.

“During this challenging time, it’s critical that all New York caregivers have access to Alzheimer’s Association resources even if they cannot venture out,” said Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York Executive Director Beth Smith-Boivin. “The COVID-19 crisis is altering Americans’ daily lives, but the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers cannot be put on hold. These online programs allow us to connect with caregivers and provide necessary information even amid the current crisis.”

Each virtual education program is approximately one hour and allows the audience to ask questions and engage with others going through the journey online. 

Upcoming virtual education programs include: 

· 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s: April 29 at 2 p.m.

· Coronavirus (Covid 19) Tips for Dementia Caregivers: April 16 at 11 a.m.; April 22 at 4 p.m.

· Dementia Conversations: April 23 at 2:30 p.m.

· Effective Communication Strategies: April 30 at 3 p.m.

· Living with Alzheimer’s:  Younger Onset: April 21 at 2 p.m.

· Meaningful Engagement, Activities at Home:  April 24 at 12:30 p.m.; April 28 at 10 a.m.

· Recognizing and Coping with Caregiver Stress: April 17 at 10 a.m.; April 27 at 4 p.m.

· Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia:  April 16 at 3 p.m.; April 23 at 2 pm.

 For a complete list of upcoming programs, or to register for a program, visit alz.org/crf. 

In addition to the virtual education classes, the Alzheimer’s Association offers online community resources at alz.org including ALZConnected®, a free online community where people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, family and friends can ask questions, get advice and find support. 

  More than 16 million family and friends, including more than 1 million in New York provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States. To help family caregivers navigate the current complex and quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association has also offered additional guidance to families at alz.org/COVID19.

 The Alzheimer’s Association free, 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) offers around-the-clock support for caregivers and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and all dementia.

CROP Hunger Walk Goes Virtual 

CAPITAL DISTRICT – The 40th annual CROP Hunger Walk in Albany, now known as the John U. Miller Memorial CROP Hunger Walk, is going virtual.  We won’t let the coronavirus stop us from taking steps to end hunger, so are asking all of our walkers to register on-line and raise funds there. The Albany CROP Walk page is at www.crophungerwalk.org/albanyny.  Then, on May 3rd, walkers are encouraged to “Walk Together—Apart”. In other words, instead of gathering en masse as we have done in the past, walkers are encouraged to walk with their families or a small group in their own neighborhoods, around the block, or in a nearby park.  Arrangements will be made to turn in funds if people have cash or checks, but on-line donations are preferred.  Many local food pantries and soup kitchens benefit from the funds raised in the CROP Walk, as do global hunger relief programs, and these agencies will need our support more than ever during this difficult time.  For more information or if you have questions, call the office of the Capital Area Council of Churches at (518)462-5450  or e-mail the Walk Chair, Kitt Jackson, at kitt82@nullverizon.net. 

Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association

SAND LAKE – The Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association is opposing the application for a commercial catering hall on Barnes Road. Over a dozen concerned neighbors spoke out against the application for a special use permit at the Sand Lake Planning Board meeting in early March. All interested persons are entitled to write to the Planning Board to protest the application by Bailey. So far over 13 families have contributed to a fund to finance opposition to the requested permit, including a court action if the Planning Board actually issues a Permit. Under the Zoning Ordinance, a commercial scale catering hall can only be allowed in the Agricultural Residential zone (and an Ag District under State Law) if it is compatible with the neighborhood. If you agree that parties for 200 people every Saturday and Sunday from June through October is not OK, speak up. The next Planning Board meeting is expected to be May 6.

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

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)

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.

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

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!

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