Your Community 04.23.20

South Schodack Fire District Meeting Cancellation

SOUTH SCHODACK – The South Schodack Fire District is cancelling the April 27, 2020 7:30 pm Commissioners’ Meeting due to the Governor’s executive order on social distancing related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.  At this time, we are only cancelling this meeting and the District’s intention is to continue with the remaining meetings as planned.

Poestenkill Spring Clean up

POESTENKILL – Starting Monday April 27, 2020 thru Friday May 1, 2020 we will be collecting paper bag leaves No plastic bags and brush placed on the edge of the property. If you have any questions please call Town hall 518-283-5100 Ext. 100, Town clerk 518-283-5119 or Town Garage at 518-283-4144.

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 

God of the Universe wants us to hear the solution for this virus. Apparently we are not listening hard enough, so unless you have one already, make yourself a sanctuary. Go there and listen alertly. We have already been told to observe solitary living, wear masks and gloves and remain six feet apart from each other. Concentrate on the doctors’ prevention and cure, and remember with sorrow our people who have passed. Stay tuned to Glendora Vegetarian Club for any comfort we may be.

Jokes:

1. A big brother was trying to help his little sister learn subtraction. He said, “If you had 7 pieces of candy and I asked you for 2, how many would you have left?”

She looked him straight in the eye and said, “Seven!”

2. A rope went into a restaurant and was told, “We don’t serve ropes here.”

Out on the sidewalk in great anger, the rope tasseled his ends and tied himself into a knot. He returned to the restaurant and started to order. The head waiter said, “Wait, aren’t you a rope?”

The rope said, “ No, I’m a frayed knot.”

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – Skills Program teacher, Mrs. MacLeod, was named a Capital Region Top Teacher by NewsChannel 13! Mrs. MacLeod continues to work with AMS students virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Great job!

Averill Park CSD is teaming up with the Rensselaer County Student Assistance Program, NOpiates and the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department to provide a Virtual Parent Workshop on April 28. This presentation with cover teens and substance abuse, and will be held online through Zoom. Contact Kim Favro at favrok@nullapcsd.org to receive the Zoom invitation.

Algonquin Middle School was featured in this month’s edition of AMLE magazine. The article focused on The Warrior Way and lessons other schools can learn from the Middle School’s character education work.

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 

CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Troops Request More Books to Help the Cope with the Pandemic

Although Books for Troops is officially closed, we are unexpectedly receiving numerous e-mails directly from the troops requesting more books to help them cope with the pandemic. Some of the requests are very specific. While we have many of those books in our inventory, there are still many that we seldom have donated. These we are able to order from a very inexpensive book site (Thriftbooks.com) which does not charge for shipping. When the books arrive, I can safely box and send them from my home. However, the purchase of these books and their postage will badly deplete our already very low funds, since due to the pandemic and our closing, we are rightfully receiving very few donations. We are asking those who can, to make a donation to help fill these requests and those we anticipate in the future as the pandemic continues. To do so, make out a check to Books for Troops and mail it to: Books for Troops, 152 Oak Brook Commons, Clifton Park, NY 12065. All donations are tax deductible. 

We will continue with our policy of not accepting books to protect our volunteers. As always, thank you for your support of our troops, especially during this difficult time.  Stay safe. Ellen Keegan, Director

Golf Partners Wanted

EAST GREENBUSH/RENSSELAER – Two senior leagues are getting organized for the 2020 golf season.  If you are at least 60 years old, a duffer, haven’t golfed in a while and do not want to keep score and have fun then this is the league for you.  The newly revitalized Pheasant Hollow Golf Course has reserved Monday’s and Thursday’s at 8:30 AM for these two leagues.  We will have two nine week sessions. In accordance with the latest guidelines for golf courses the dates of the start of the leagues is undetermined at this time. For more information call Mary (518) 949-5740 or (518) 423-5010.

Nature is Here for You, Let Us Help

POESTENKILL – During this unprecedented, challenging time, nature is here for you. And the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance is here to help.

Visit our new pop up Interactive Trail at Poestenkill Community Forest! Practice tree post with a tree, build a boat, observe a stream, and let you imagination go free. Unwind, relax, and get some fresh air. Starts at the beginning of Moose Trail and continues along Hemlock Swamp Trail. Visit the Poestenkill Community Forest: 200 Legenbauer Rd, Averill Park, NY, 12018 (in East Poestenkill). Please help us help you by practicing social distancing on all trails and in parking areas. Consider making a donation for conservation online at rensselaerplateau.org.

Nature is Here for You, Let Us Help

POESTENKILL – Virtual nature experiences, places to hike, idea prompts for families, and more! The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance is here to help you connect with nature during this challenge time. Visit www.rensselaerplateau.org for free resources. How is nature helping you? Share stories and pictures from your time in nature! Send to annie@nullrensselaerplateau.org. You can also call our office at 518-712-9211.

 

Poestenkill Residents

POESTENKILL – The Bread of Life Food Pantry is open the First and Third Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 7:00 PM to service Poestenkill Residents experiencing difficulty feeding themselves and immediate family members. We are here to assist you with basic nutritional food items during these challenging times. Please remember to bring identification showing your current Poestenkill residence. The Bread of Life Pantry is also gratefully accepting food and monetary donations from Town Residents wishing to support our efforts. Donated food items can be left at the side door of the Poestenkill Evangelical Lutheran Church. Our mailing address is: Poestenkill Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 167, Poestenkill, NY 12140. Individuals interested in volunteering at our Pantry can call 518 – 283 – 6045 to leave your name and contact info. Thank you!

Schodack Crafters Home Bureau

SCHODACK – Schodack Crafters Home Bureau would like to thank all who contributed to our basket raffle during the recent Lenten fish fries put on by South Schodack VFD. During our abbreviated run we raised $237.00 which has been given to the fire company. Joanne Lowe, John Gleeson, and Kathy Gallagher were the weekly winners. The ticket for the basket was drawn as scheduled and was won by Jan Dikant. Congratulations to our winners and thank you all for helping us help our fire company. Shereta Gardner, treasurer, Schodack Crafters Home Bureau

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.

Woodland Hill Montessori School Offering an Inventive, Educational, and Fun Spring Break for its Students

NORTH GREENBUSH – Woodland Hill Montessori School students have been taking a break from their schoolwork to learn dog training, magic tricks, Ukrainian egg decorating, and taking part in daily yoga and meditation classes, cooking demonstrations, and virtual games of Dungeons and Dragons. 

Originally scheduled as Spring Break, Head of School Dr. Susan Kambrich wanted to provide students and their families with engaging and educational activities while they are staying home.

WHMS is also working with the NY Steam Bus, an initiative of Niskayuna High School students and teachers that typically provides STEAM lessons on their mobile science lab. NY Steam Bus has created two challenges for Woodland Hill students to do at home, one for Pre-K through 2nd grade students and one for 3rd through 5th grade students on their website. They gave a live introduction to the activities on Monday and are offering another live meeting today at 2 p.m.

A WHMS Spring Break website has been set up with the day’s schedule and links to the webinars. The recorded webinars are placed on the site for all students to reference. The site also includes virtual tours from around the world and fun games to play.

For more information, please contact Susan Kambrich at skambrich@nullwoodlandhill.org

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.

Virtual Troy/Rensselaer CROP Hunger Walk May 3

TROY/RENSSELAER – The Troy/Rensselaer CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, May 3 will be a virtual, individual walk. Proceeds benefit local organizations that feed the hungry.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are encouraged to walk by themselves or at a safe distance to raise money for the hungry in our community and around the world. Those interested in walking or donating may do so at https://www.crophungerwalk.org/troyny

CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by religious groups, businesses, schools and others to raise funds to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world.

Walk virtually. Give online. Change the world. For more information, contact Kathleen Culhane (518) 274-5920 x201 or kculhane@nulltaum.org

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 is Growing

SAND LAKE – Perhaps you’ve noticed “Save Barnes Road” signs popping up along the southern portion of Route 150 and on Barnes Road and wondered why.We are expressing our opposition to a request for a special use permit to operate a commercial business an an area zoned Agricultural/Residential.

Ken Bailey resides on Barnes Road and operates a horse farm. He has submitted a request to the Town of Sand Lake Planning Board for a special use permit to have a commercial party barn on his property. According to the application:He plans to hold catered party events for 125 to 175 people starting in June and ending in October with the goal of having up to 40 events each season. That means an event every Saturday and Sunday during the summer and fall. Parties usually include music. The food vendors will supply alcohol or the people renting the barn can obtain a permit to bring their own alcohol.

Many of us living in this area are opposed to his planned project to operate a commercial party barn in our quiet Agricultural/Residentially zoned neighborhood. We dont want the noise,the music, and the increase of traffic with drivers who may have been drinking. There is nothing in his plan that is compatible with those of us who live here.

Currently the Town of Sand Lake Planning Board has not rendered a decision but i hope that the opposition to this project weighs heavily on their decision. Also, for transparency reasons I would think this matter should be put on hold until such time that the Corona Virus situation is under control and the Town meetings can be resumed.

Castleton-on-Hudson Hydrant Flushing Public Notice

CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – Starting on Monday, May 4, 2020, the Castleton Water Department will be flushing hydrants throughout the entire Castleton distribution system. Flushing will commence at 9 AM and continue to 12 Noon. The flushing will continue on every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until the entire system has been completed. The projected completion date is Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

During the time periods mentioned and for a period afterwards, residents may notice some discolored water and should refrain from doing laundry.

The Water Department thanks everyone in advance for your patience.

Attention Poestenkill High School Seniors

POESTENKILL – The Leo B. Clement/ Poestenkill Library Scholarship of $500 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 attend 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, 2020. No specific font or spacing is required. Applicant’s name should not be on the essay page 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 #, High School currently attending (or equivalent) and College attending in the Fall.

Essay can be e-mailed to: info@nullpoestenkilllibrary.org, sent by regular mail to PO Box 305, Poestenkill, NY 12140, or hand delivered to the library. 

Ilium Literary Club Cancellation

TROY – Due to COVID-19, the Ilium Literary Club of Troy is cancelling our Annual Meeting and Luncheon, scheduled for June 5th, at the Troy Country Club. If you have suggestions or ideas for speakers/presenters for our 2020-2021 yearbook, please call Barbara at 518-274-2949.

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