Wednesday April 24, 2024 
Mary Krenceski Named Adult Educator of the Year
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County’s longtime volunteer, Mary Krenceski, has been named Adult Educator of the Year by the New York Association for Continuing and Community Education (NYACCE). The award was handed out at the NYACCE Conference at the Marriott Hotel on Wolf Road in Albany, N.Y. on April 20, 2023.
Mary has been tireless in her efforts to instruct and advocate for both English language learners and basic literacy learners since she joined Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) as a volunteer tutor in 2001. According to LVORC’s Executive Director, Nancy Benz, “Mary is a treasure! She always gives 100 percent, whether she’s instructing English language learners in the workplace literacy program hosted by Blasch Precision Ceramics, leading the financial literacy program at the YWCA, or tutoring her individual basic literacy student.”
Mary is also an indispensable member of LVORC’s corps of volunteer tutor trainers, providing in-person and online training to new tutors. She can be seen modeling BLL group instruction as part of Literacy New York’s Intake to Outcomes (I2O) online training. Mary has a particular skill for translating her many years of lived experience as a tutor and group instructor into solid practical guidance for volunteers.
When Mary isn’t tutoring or training, she’s conducting intake interviews with students, and testing in TABE and BEST Plus. Most recently she has been helping to establish LVORC’s program for English language learners at the Refugee Welcome Center and at New Hope Church in Albany, N.Y.
Clothing Barn Re-Opens At The North Chatham United Methodist Church
The Clothing Barn at the North Chatham United Methodist Church will re-open for the season on May 6th. The hours are 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, every Saturday through the end of October.
Clothing and shoe donations can be brought to the barn during these times. For more information on the North Chatham United Methodist Church, please call 518-766-3535 or visit our website (northchathammethodistchurch.org). Thanks and we hope to see you soon, for worship or at the Clothing Barn!
Pickleball Rensselaer County – Informative Open House: May 5th – APHS at 6:30 pm
We are a sport friendly group with a mix of playing levels. We are here to support, and promote local pickleball players in our community. If you already play pickleball or have an interest in learning how to play, we have a place for you in our pickleball family.
Your input is important. To help facilitate our Informative Open House please email your questions and suggestions to 002pickle@nullgmail.com. We are also seeking sponsorships and professional coaches to offer monthly clinics.
League of Women Voters of New York Will Present “The Story of Plastic”
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Capital District Chapters (Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga & Schenectady ) of the League of Women Voters of New York will present “The Story of Plastic” on Tuesday May 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm via Zoom.
This documentary reveals the ugly truth behind plastic pollution and the false solution of plastic recycling. It explains how we got to our current global plastic pollution crisis and how the oil and gas industry has successfully manipulated the narrative around it. The Story of Plastic is a life changing, Emmy winning film depicting one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
Join David Sayer at 8:00 for questions and answers following the film. David is a Community Manager for the Beyond Plastics Virtual Group, a national grassroots organization begun by the President and Founder of Beyond Plastics, Judith Enck .
Please register in advance for this virtual meeting: https://tinyurl.com/StoryOfPlasticFilm. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting. If you have already seen the documentary, feel free to join the Q & A at the end.
News From Averill Park CSD
The Averill Park High School Odyssey of the Mind team is heading to the World Finals after placing second at the New York State competition. A team from APCSD has advanced to the World Finals 13 out of the last 16 years. Way to go, team!
Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School’s Rayonnette Brock achieved a perfect score on her NYSSMA piano solo. Bravo, Rayonnette!
Averill Park High School held its annual Wellness Day with great sessions for students to participate in. This event is focused on providing students with opportunities to explore topics and techniques to promote physical and emotional well-being.
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
Third Annual Lawn Sale
Nassau Lake Association (NLPIA) is looking for crafters, vendors and garage saler’s for our 3rd annual lawn sale on June 10th coinciding with the Nassau Community Wide Garage sale from 9AM to 3PM. Reserve your spot with a $15 donation towards the new NLPIA clubhouse (please bring your own table). There will be food and beverages available as well as a 50/50 raffle. Plenty of space and parking, located at the ball field, Nassau-Averill Park Road on the East side of Nassau Lake. Please contact Jim Prime (518)776-0041.
Sand Lake Union Cemetery Lot Owners Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the lot owners of the Sand Lake Union Cemetery will be held at the Church of the Covenant, 3055 NY 43, Averill Park on Thursday, May 25th at 7 pm. Trustees will be elected as needed. Any concerns of lot owners will be addressed, and other business will be conducted as necessary. All lot owners and interested parties are welcome to attend.
Book Nook Open at Transfiguration Parish
Stop by on Saturday morning, May 6, from 9:00 am until noon and check out the Transfiguration Parish Book Nook on Hillview Dr in Speigletown.
Such a great selection of novels by your favorite authors. May BOGO specials are on authors John Grisham and Iris Johansson.
Children’s books are 10/$1. Stop by and check us out! Thanks for your continued support and see you at The Book Nook!
Buy Mother’s Day Gifts at Trinity Church Lansingburgh’s Spring Fest on May 13
Trinity Church Lansingburgh will hold its 18th annual Spring Fest on the church grounds, 585 Fourth Avenue, Troy, from 9 AM until 2 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023. We will be selling special spring flower arrangements, both fresh and artificial, in teacups and mugs – perfect for Mother’s Day gifts. Hand-crafted items, homemade baked goods and selected garden plants will be available for purchase.
There will be a basket raffle. Coffee and donuts and lunch menu items will be sold. Free tours of the historic church building and the graveyard will be given throughout the day. For more information call (518)892-8865 or visit www.trinitychurchlansingburgh.org.
Castleton-Schodack Memorial Day Parade
The Castleton-Schodack Memorial Day Parade will “step-off” on Monday, May 29th at 10:00am.
The parade will begin at the corner of Boltwood and Seaman Avenues and will conclude with a brief ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery. We will have five divisions with the VFW Post 7337 leading the parade. As we take time to honor those who served our country, we would like to show our appreciation to any veteran or Gold Star Mother in our community by asking that they join us in the special seating area that has been reserved for them during the ceremony.
We are honored this year to have as our Grand Marshall for the parade Mr. Jeff Conlin, an Army Vietnam veteran. The Community Appreciation Award will be presented to Carol and Bud Wilkinson, in recognition of their many years of volunteer service to our community. Our guest speaker will be Ryan Marshall, an Air Force OIF OEF ODF veteran. Please join us on the day that we honor those who have served their country so valiantly.
Brunswick Elk’s Lodge Presents A Free Medicare Seminar
Brunswick Elk’s Lodge #2556, 665 Brunswick Road, Troy, New York is hosting an informational seminar with a Medicare Specialist.
April 27th at 2:00 PM, open to the community. Events nincludes snacks & a raffle.
Poestenkill Lutheran Church 2023 Garage Sale
On Friday and Saturday, May 19th and 20th, 2023, from 9 am to 2 pm both days, the Poestenkill Evangelical Lutheran Church, 776 NY Rt. 351, Poestenkill, will hold our bi-annual Garage Sale “Fundraiser.”
Aside from our own treasures, anyone may rent out a space to “sell your own stuff” in the parking lot for 1 or both days for a donation of $10 per day.
Also, because of the closing of the nursery school located here, we will have hundreds of pre-school inventory materials, toys and educational items to choose from.
Items in very good condition may be donated for the church sale and are greatly appreciated. Please do not drop off items before May 8th. We are not accepting TVs, electrical items, computer components or large appliances or furniture. Any questions, leave a message at (518) 283-6045. Thank you for your support.
Brookside Cemetery of Poestenkill Annual Meeting
We will be holding our annual meeting on Friday, April 28th at 6:30PM at the Historical Society Museum in Poestenkill.
All members are encouraged to attend or any member of the community. For questions please contact Gail at 518 283-4890.
Rummage Sale and Food/Bake Sale at Pittstown Church Hall
Rummage Sale and Food/Bake Sale at the Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall (located just off NY Route 7 in village of Pittstown, NY) on Friday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bag Sale on Saturday only $2.00 per bag….buy 2 bags and get 1 free. For information call Carolyn at 518-663-8253.
Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship
Applications are being accepted for the scholarship award of $300.00 for the best essay on “What Freedom Means To Me” by a graduating senior from Brunswick Central School District or Berlin Central School District including home schooled or those going to private school who live in the two districts who is continuing on with his or her education. The essay should not be less than 250 words or not more than 500 words. The scholarship is being given by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340 in memory of a former member Elmer A. Grogan.
The deadline for applications is June 2nd. Applications are available at the guidance counselor offices of both high schools or contact Commander Claus at LClaus@nullrensco.com and should be mailed to Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340, PO Box 361, Grafton, NY 12082, Attn: Commander Len Claus
Sand Lake Garden Club
Join the Sand Lake Garden Club on Thursday, April 27, 6:30, at the Sand Lake Town Hall for an informative presentation.
Kathy Hartley, a Rensselaer County Master Gardener, will talk “ All About Greenhouses “. Kathy will share with us her years of experience growing semi-tropical plants in a greenhouse. We will learn about managing heating, cooling, ventilation, and watering among other things. Meetings are free and open to all. [ Refreshments at 6 PM, meeting at 6:30 ]
Greenbush Cemetery Association Lot Owners Annual Meeting
The Greenbush Cemetery Association Annual Meeting will be held at the East Greenbush Library Meeting Room B on April 30th at 2:00pm. The financial status of the cemetery, new business and old business will be discussed. All lot owners and interested parties are welcome.
Woodside 56 Road Cemetery Association Annual Meeting
The Woodside 56 Road Cemetery Association of East Poestenkill will hold it’s Annual Lot Owners and their families meeting on May 2,2023 at the Union Gospel Church Hall at 7:00 p. m.
Finances and care of the cemetery will be discussed. Election of officers will be held. The offices of President, Secretary and Superintendent will be open due to retirements. Please come out to this very important meeting. The association is very dependent on the tax deductible donations of concerned citizens send checks to Box 76 Poestenkill, NY 12140. Questions: PH: 518-283-5303.
Dunham Hollow- West Stephentown Scholoaship
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.
Tutors are Needed in Rensselaer County
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County helps more than 160 adults each year to gain the skills they need to be employed, participate in community life, and become U.S. citizens. LVORC needs volunteer tutors to do this work, and you can help! As a tutor you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community.
Would you like to help someone to read and write, improve their math skills, or to speak English as a new language? We can train you. To find out more, join us for a Volunteer Opportunities Information Session via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on May 1. Contact mhellerlvorc@nullaol.com to register. Visit the website for more information: www.lvorc.org
5K Run/Walk to Promote Literacy in Albany County and Rensselaer County
The Literacy 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, May 7 at the Corning Preserve in Albany. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Registration and packet pick-up opens at 8:30 a.m., the Youth Mile begins at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 10:00 a.m. Awards will be given to the fastest runners. For full details and to register, visit Zippyreg.com. Proceeds will make it possible for Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County to offer literacy programs and services at no cost to adults in Albany County and Rensselaer County.
Nancy Benz, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, says “We’re excited to continue this family-friendly event, which LVORC has offered every year since 2002. This is our first time at the Corning Preserve, and we hope to see a good turnout from our supporters in Albany, as well as our longtime participants from all over Rensselaer County.” This year’s event sponsors include Cohoes Savings Foundation, Stewart’s Shops, Blasch Precision Ceramics, HMS Agency, Inc., Aflac, BBL Companies, Hannaford and The Record/The Saratogian.
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County trains volunteers to help learners improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand English; empowers learners to be advocates for themselves; and educates the community about literacy issues. LVORC also offers math, computer, and financial literacy; English Literacy Civics and citizenship prep; and Everybody WINS! Power Lunch reading and mentoring for children. New volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit www.lvorc.org or call 518 244-4650.
Agriculture & Trades Scholarship for Rensselaer County Students
The Hilldale Farm Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from Rensselaer County students seeking higher education in Agriculture and related trades. Applicants should be graduating high school seniors who have resided in Rensselaer County for the last two years, and have been accepted to a college, university, vocational or trade school in New York State. Suitable majors and trade programs include, but are not limited to, agriculture, horticulture, pre-veterinary studies, food science, welding, diesel mechanic, etc.
Applications must be emailed or postmarked by May 1. For additional information and application form, please email hilldalefarmny@nullgmail.com, or contact Linda King at collegeconnect05@nullaol.com. Award recipient will be announced in June.
The Hilldale Farm Foundation was formed in 2022 to honor the heritage of the Rensselaer County farming community, and support future agricultural industry in New York State. We seek applicants who share our values of hard work, discipline, education, and commitment to family and community. Visit online at www.hilldalefarmfoundation.org.
Wednesday Night Food Truck Event is back in North Greenbush!
We hope that everyone had a great off-season time the past couple of months. We are contacting you to let you know that we will be having Food Truck Night again here in North Greenbush!!! The Town of North Greenbush is looking for food trucks to participate in the WEDNESDAY Night Food Truck Event for the 2023 season.
We will again be having Food Trucks @ town hall between 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We are planning on the start date of Wednesday, May 24th. This year’s event will go all the way to August 9, 2023. We are asking anyone interested in participating again to contact the Town Clerk, Janice Hannigan Kerwin, @ 518-283-4306 or feel free to email anytime at townclerk@nullnorthgreenbush.org if you have any additional questions.
Sand Lake Historical Society Announces 2023 Schedule
SLHS will be presenting the following public programs, from January to June 2023:
May 9th, Annual Meeting. Elections, annual report to the membership – and more!
June 3rd, (tentative) Annual Gala. Final date and location to be announced. Don’t miss this highlight of our year!
June 13th, The Pretty Fantastic Mr. Fox. Albert Rodmond Fox, industrialist, glassworks owner, State Senator, mover-and-shaker, and the Fox who gave us Fox Mansion. Learn about one of Sand Lake’s early leaders and speculate on why we live in Averill Park and not “Foxboro.”
All SLHS programs (unless otherwise noted) are held at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY Rte. 66, Averill Park, beginning at 7:00 pm. More information at http://sandlakehistory.org/. Like us on Facebook.