Wednesday April 24, 2024 
14th Annual Tomhannock Reservoir Shoreline Clean-up
Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine.
The 6.5 mile-long Tomhannock Reservoir provides drinking water to 135,000 people living in nine communities in three counties. This annual event is sponsored by the Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT), City of Troy, and NYSDEC. A big part of RLT’s mission is watershed protection and protecting water quality is part of the equation; which supplies so many people with drinking water in our region.
Meet at the NYS DEC public access parking lot on NYS Route 7 just before the causeway over the reservoir. Bring gloves and wear weather appropriate shoes and clothing. Garbage bags are provided.
To register go to www.renstrust.org. Questions? Contact Bob Crowley, RLT board member: 518-283-7364 or email: crowleyrh@nullaol.com
Thank You
The Anchor Food Pantry would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to the citizens of the Town of Schodack for their generosity of donations at our recent food drive held at The Spinney .
We also remind our community that food donations can also be dropped off at Schodack Town Hall and Castleton Village Hall during regular business hours at these locations.
A note of thanks also must be acknowledged to District Attorney Mary pat Donnelly and Schodack Town Board Member Tracey Rex for securing the location and their continued sponsorship of promoting the pantry’s mission of aiding those in need during these tough pandemic and economic times.
Take Back the Night
The Family and Friends of Liza Ellen Warner invite the wider community to join in the Take Back the Night Ceremonies to be held on Thursday, April 28th, 2022 at Onderdonk Park (Hampton Manor). The ceremonies begin at 6:00pm. After presentations from our board members and elected officials, all are invited to walk around Hampton Manor Lake [about 1 mile] in solidarity with those who have been victimized by domestic violence. The Clinton Heights Fire Department and East Greenbush Police Department will assist with the walk. These past two years, we have not been able to hold this important event given the COVID issues. So it is our hope that a great turnout this year will bring home the concern and dedication the community has in addressing this scourge to our society. For further information, feel free to call Martha Lasher Warner at 518 928-8346.
Rummage Sale at Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall
Rummage Sale at the Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall located just off NY Route 7 on Friday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bag Sale on Saturday only $2.00 per bag. Buy 2 bags and get 1 free. Bake Sale on Friday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information and to schedule a time to drop off items contact Carolyn at 518-663-8253. Wearing of masks will follow NYS rules.
Volunteers Needed at Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park will host its first ever Volunteer Spring Social. Do you love the park? Have you been coming to the park for years and would love to help keep the park beautiful? Are you new in town and are looking for a great community? Whatever your reason, the park could use your help! The informative session will take place on Sunday, May 1st from 2pm-4pm.
Grafton Lakes has a growing volunteer base. Volunteers can get involved in a range of activities with varying level of commitments. At this session, visitors will learn from committed volunteers about their experiences and why they love volunteering at the park.
From gardening to a welcome center greeter, to a program assistant, to helping with trail work- if you have a passion for something in the park, we can work together to utilize your skills to make the park a better place. No commitment required to attend. Volunteers earn benefits the more hours they serve.
Registration encouraged, but not required. Light refreshments will be served during the event from 2pm-4pm on Sunday, May 1st. Call 518-279-1155 to register.
Grafton Lakes State Park is located off of Route 2, twelve miles east of Troy, New York. Please use the park’s main entrance on Grafton Lakes State Park Way for this event. There is no entrance fee for this event. For more information, please call the park at 518-279-1155.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov connect with us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.
Rensselaer Elks Hold Annual Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt
The Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073 hosted their annual kids Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 16th for children of all ages and their families. In addition to snacks and refreshments, the kids were able to do a coloring activity before the hunt. They also had a chance to have their photo taken with the Easter bunny as well as Elroy the Elk, who was there to hand out drug awareness coloring books to parents. “We continue to look for ways to enhance our community and provide fun, safe, wholesome youth programs”, said Lodge spokesperson, Greg Collin
Pictured in the photo are: Emma Peter (4), Harper Trumbull (5), The Easter Bunny, Maeve Trumbull (9), and Lila Trumbull (7).
News From Averill Park CSD
On Tuesday, May 3 the Averill Park Central School District will hold a Meet the Candidates Night in the High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Residents are invited to hear from the eight community members who are seeking three open seats on the Board of Education. Candidates include Darryl Borton, Nicole Gendron, Ronald Gibson, Samantha Hicks, Meghan McGarry, Jenaliegh Schroeder, Walter Spallane Jr. and Adam Stewart.
The Meet the Candidates Night will include a question-and-answer period. To submit a question, email meetthecandidates@nullapcsd.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 29. Questions should be general and addressed to all candidates. Due to time constraints, all questions may not be answered. The District may compile and edit questions based on similar themes.
Elected candidates will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2022. Detailed bios written by each candidate will be posted on the District website in the near future.
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
Hall of Fame Induction
Rensselaer High School Alumni Association held its Hall of Fame Induction dinner April 9th after a two year hiatus due to COVID.
The 2020 inductees are: L to R: Capt. Grant Staats Ret.’78, Eileen Wilkinson representing Frances Harrison, faculty postuhous, Eddie Angel ‘71, Jacklyn Nixon’s (staff) family member, Philip Foust ‘76, Jon Badi, Sr.’62, Rikki Terry Allert ‘95, Brian Leahey ‘74. Not pictured Jay Corcoran ‘66 and Carol Davis ‘72.
Rensselaer Elks Hold Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073 held a Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 23rd in coordination with the East Greenbush Police Department. The event provided a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, collecting 20 pounds in total. The Lodge also held a drug awareness event to educate the general public about the potential for misuse and abuse of medications. Finally, Elroy the Elk was on hand to offer coloring books for kids.
Pictured in the photo are Barry Betz Jr., Lodge Drug Awareness Chair and Detective Sergeant, Michael Guadagnino, a 17-year veteran of the East Greenbush Police Department
Are You a Veteran?
VFW Post 7338, East Greenbush, at 100 Hayes Road is extending an invitation to all veterans in the community!
If you are a Veteran you are invited to visit our Post to see if you are qualified to be a member of the VFW. If you are a Veteran and looking to contribute to your community this is the place to be! We were open during the Pandemic (on a limited basis) and are still open! We invite you to be a member of the world’s largest veteran organization!
All members eligible to join the VFW also qualifies your family to join our VFW auxiliary. We need new members of our Post to help us to continue to service our veterans, their families and our community. If someone in your family is a qualified Veteran then your family is eligible to join the Auxiliary to help us continue to operate the Programs that will help us to keep the VFW solvent for years to come. Please consider joining our organization. We are in need of new people to help run our Post properly.
We have monthly Pancake Breakfasts, usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month! We are open to the public and offer our hall for your meeting! We have a seating capacity for 125 people! We can be your 1st choice for Weddings, Baby Showers, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Get-togethers for families and friends or a quiet place to have a Celebration of Life of a loved one that has passed. We offer reasonable rates and can accommodate your wishes!
Please contact us by emailing us at VFWpost7338@nullgmail.com or calling 518-477-7770 and leave a message with your name and number. We do not have a full-time person at the Post to return your call. Your message will be forwarded to another number which is checked every day. Your telephone call will be returned.
Thank you for your support!
Questar III Scholarship Benefit Cruise-In
Date Friday May 20 5- 8 pm
Columbia Greene Educational Center
131 Union Turnpike (Route 66), Hudson.
Entry Donation $10 per vehicle
Open to all specialty vehicles, any year.
Free Spectator Admission
Take Out Chicken BBQ Available (Limited Quantity)
Pre-purchase tickets available Call 518-653-1865
Woodlawn Cemetery Spring Meeting
EAST SCHODACK – The Woodlawn Cemetery Association will be having a Spring meeting on Monday, May 2,2022 at 6;00pm. This will be at the East Schodack Fire House. We will be discussing The Mowing proposals and to discuss and decide on the Paving proposal for the roadways. ALL Trustees are requested to attend. Lot owners are welcome to attend.
County Scouts BSA invites families to information event
EAST GREENBUSH – Families interested in learning about Cub Scouting in Rensselaer County have an opportunity to learn more on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Greenbush Elks at 683 Columbia Turnpike.
Representatives from Cub Scout Packs will be on hand to answer questions and let your prospective Scout experience the fun of a Pinewood Derby. There will be cars for kids to borrow so they can take turns running a car on the track.
This is your chance to learn about local Scouting units near you and how to join. Scouting is open to both boys and girls and families who join now have the opportunity to send their new Scout to resident camp or day camp at Rotary Scout Reservation this summer.
Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program for boys and girls from ages 5 to 10. Cub Scouts learn how to work together and be better citizens through fun activities they can do with other Cub Scouts and their parents. It is a great family activity to help your son or daughter grow.
You can also find out more about the Scouts BSA program which is open to boys and girls from 11 to 18.
For more information contact Eric Durr at 518-366-5767
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 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 May 31st. Applications are available at the guidance counselor offices of both high schools and should be mailed to Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340, PO Box 361, Grafton, NY 12082, attn: Commander Len Claus, Jr.
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 setting must be planning to continue their education at a two or four year college after graduation.
A 500-700 word essay expressing the applicant’s love of reading is due by May 31,2022. 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 is to 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 email to info@nullpoestenkilllibrary.org, or just drop it off at the library in person. For more information call 518-283-3721.
Town of Brunswick employment for summer camp program 2022
Employment for summer program 2022
Deadline for applications is May 6, 2022
The Town of Brunswick is looking for the following position for the upcoming summer camp program.
You have to live within the Town of Brunswick to apply.
• Camp Counselor
• Town Beach: Maintenance Worker, Gate Guard
• Lifeguard
Applicants must be 15 years old or older by July 1, 2022.
Age 15 – 17 attach a copy of working papers. Age 18 attach a copy of birth certificate
NOTE: 15 Year Old employees are limited to the Gate and Boat positions at the Town Beach Only.
Please attach copies of CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard, Lifeguard Management, and Water Safety Instructor Certifications if you are applying for a lifeguard position. Employment application are available on our website at Townofbrunswick.org. or you may stop it at the clerks desk to pick one up.
Register Now for the Literacy 5K Run/Walk
LOUDONVILLE – The Literacy 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, May 1st at The Crossings Park, 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, N.Y. 12211.
The Youth Mile will begin at 9:30, and the 5K will start at 10:00 a.m. All proceeds from this event benefit free literacy programs for adults and children. To register, go to https://www.zippy-reg.com.
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 visit www.lvorc.org.
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.
SHAC Community Center offers May Classes
Starting in May, the Sky High Adventure Community Center, located at 27 Lake Avenue in Averill Park, will offer programs in yoga, computer training, tennis, illustration, and CPR/AED certification.
Wholehearted Yoga, a five-week class open to the general public, begins on May 15th. The class focuses on gentle yoga sequences and breathwork. No previous experience is necessary.
Dynamic Illustration, a six-week program for middle and high school students, will teach the basics of general drawing and figure drawing, and is offered thanks to the SLCA After School Arts Program.
Learning Tennis for Fitness and Fun, a six-week beginning tennis program open to middle school students, begins on May 5th and stresses learning the fundamentals of tennis and sportsmanship.
Professional CPR/AED Certification, a two-night course on May 10 and 11, combines in-person classes with an online component. This course is needed for all Lifeguards in NY and trains professional-level rescuers to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children, and infants.
Two free programs are open to seniors: Computer Training for Seniors beginning on May 12th and include training on laptop, tablet, and cell phone basics, finding reliable information online, staying safe online, and email basics. Laptops will be available for those needing them. Senior Game Days with Pat Lane will be held each Tuesday and Friday for noon until 4:00 PM beginning on May 6th. Local seniors are invited to gather, chat, play cards, games and just relax away from their own living spaces.
The Sky High Adventure Center Inc. is a non-profit organization that facilitates and supports the development of healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages in Averill Park and surrounding communities. More information about the above courses and the community center can be found online at https://shaccenter.org .
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Rensselaer County 4-H Horse Communications
Rensselaer County recently hosted 30 4-H youth for 4-H Horse Communications. Members were able to share and present on an equine topic of their choice to adult and teen evaluators.
Many thanks to our evaluators: Maddy Bechand, Kylin Hemmings, Grace Huffam, Kaylie Millar, Lindsey Oswald, Eileen DePaula, Shari Mantini, Jeanie Scott, Kelli Grab, Val Lavigne, Glenn and Eileen Van Oort. It was an extremely successful night which resulted in the following members receiving “Exceptional Presenter” designation and qualifying to represent Rensselaer County at the Regional 4-H Horse Communications Contest: Ava Severance of Schaghticoke, Liliana Ruepp of Melrose, Nicole Tilley of Averill Park, Kaylie Millar of West Sand Lake, Grace Huffam, Lilja Franklin, and Emilee Roadcap of Troy.
We wish our members luck as they move on to participate in the Regional 4-H Horse Communications event. If you have questions about this and other 4-H Youth Development programs, contact your local Cooperative Extension office. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity programmer and employer.
Drive-thru Food Donation for the VA Hospital Residents and Concerns-U Food Pantry
First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Rd. 518-477-9693.
Sunday May 1, from 9-12 Change the World will be having a drive-thru food donation over by the garage. All nonperishable items will be accepted, but what they really need are toiletries, reusable bags, peanut butter, jelly (in plastic), coffee, creamer, and sugar.
Columbia High School Senior Wins 4th Annual School Bus Art Competition
Italia Verdi, a senior at Columbia High School – East Greenbush Central School District is the winner of the 4th annual Leonard Bus Sales A Day in the Life of a School Bus art competition. As the winner of the competition, Italia will receive a $1,000 one-time higher-education scholarship from Leonard Bus Sales for her original artwork depicting a day in the life of a school bus.
Leonard Bus Sales launched its annual art competition to inspire and recognize young artists in high schools across New York State. A Day in the Life of a School Bus art competition requires participating juniors and seniors from across New York State to artistically depict a day in the life of a school bus and select either an IC BusTM or Trans Tech Bus brand school bus as the subject – the two brands that are sold and supported by Leonard Bus Sales.
“A Day in the Life of a School Bus art competition reminds us that education is a journey with many sights and stops along the way to each student’s personal destination,” said Jon Leonard, President of Leonard Bus Sales. “There are many people who help guide each student in their individual journey including family, friends, educators, coaches, and the often-unseen professionals like school bus drivers. Leonard Bus Sales is honored by the trust our school district partners place in our company, and we are proud to support school children between the many stops along their educational journey.”
Italia’s principal, Michael Harkin, said, “Italia’s love for learning will continue thanks in part to the A Day in the Life of a School Bus art scholarship that will allow her to pursue her studies at Hudson Valley Community College with the intent to one day become a teacher herself. We are extremely proud of Italia and all her accomplishments.”
Italia’s original drawing will be framed and put on display at the East Greenbush Transportation Office.
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