Saturday April 20, 2024 
Two Capital Region Girls Are Among First 1,000 Female Eagle Scouts
Victoria Bubie, from Poestenkill, and Karla Colley, from Glenville earned the prestigious award this year
Victoria Bubie (left) from Poestenkill, and Karla Colley, from Glenville, are among the first 1,000 female Eagle Scouts.
ALBANY – Two young women from the Capital District are among the first thousand female members of Scouts BSA to earn the rank of Eagle Scout since girls were welcomed into the program on Feb. 1, 2019.
Victoria Bubie, a 19-year-old Hudson Valley student from Poestenkilll, and Karla Colley, a 16-year-old high school junior from Glenville earned the Eagle Rank earlier this year.
Both girls earned 21 merit badges, planned and carried out a community service project, and served as leaders in Scouts BSA Troop 3357G, which is sponsored by the Rotterdam Elks Club.
About four percent of all Scouts earn the Eagle Scout rank. Over 2.5 million Scouts-including Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon; President Gerald R. Ford; film maker Steven Spielberg; and Dirty Jobs TV show host Mike Rowe-earned Eagle Scout.
Both Victoria and Karla say they got interested in joining the Boy Scout program, the previous name for Scouts BSA, while watching brothers go through Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting. The things their brothers were doing looked fun and they wanted to do them too, both girls said.
They both joined the Girl Scouts and have advanced in the program. Victoria earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, quivalent of the Eagle Scout rank, and Karla has completed two Girl Scout journeys aimed at leadership development and is working on a third.
But they were still both interested in being part of the Scouts BSA program as well.
When the program was opened to girls in 2019, they both enrolled in one of the first girl troops in Twin Rivers Council, which serves Scouts in northeastern New York.
While Scouts BSA allows girls age 11-17 to participate in what was once a program for boys alone, boys and girls participate in separate troops. The troops can conduct events together, but they each have their own leaders and programs.
While Victoria Bubie could not join Cub Scouts like her brother Dylan, she did enroll in Venturing, a BSA co-ed outdoor high adventure program for youth 14 to 20 years old in 2015. As a leader in her Venturing Crew, she organized trips and programs and served on the camp staff at Rotary Scout Reservation in Poestenkill.
When Scouts BSA opened to girls, Victoria joined because she wanted to become an Eagle Scout, something she could not do in the Venturing Program.
“I wanted to be an Eagle Scout because I wanted to get as much out of the program as I could and inspire some of the younger Scouts,” Victoria said.
Normally Scouts have until their 18th birthday to earn the Eagle Scout rank. As one of the first young women to join the program, Victoria was allowed an extension to earn the rank because she was already 17 when she joined.
She earned 30 merit badges total including the required badges that include Camping and Swimming and Personal Fitness, and optional ones like Rifle Shooting.
For her service project she built and organized a storage shed for the Poestenkill Town Youth Commission to use for its summer day camp program, she served as the senior patrol leader, the highest-ranking youth member, in her Scout Troop.
Along the way, Victoria earned varsity letters in track and field, helped organize the high school prom, worked on the high school yearbook committee, received a community service award, and the National School Orchestra Award as well as earning academic excellence awards for music theory and chemistry.
After finishing at Hudson Valley Community College in the spring she plans to attend SUNY Potsdam and work towards a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Karla Colley is the daughter of Robert and Clare Colley and attends Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School.
Her brother and father were both involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. It looked like fun so she joined as soon as she was able. Her brother is an Eagle Scout and so she decided that she wanted to make that a life goal as well, Karla said.
She served as a patrol leader in Troop 3357G while earning her 21 merit badges. Her favorite badge was Salesmanship Merit Badge, Karla said. In 8th Grade she sold over $10,000 worth of Girl Scout cookies and in 9th Grade, after joining Scouts BSA she was the top popcorn seller in Twin Rivers Council, raising more than $11,000.
She also enjoyed earning the First Aid Merit Badge, Karla said.
For her service project she organized the restoration of the historic 208-year old Yates Family Cemetery in the hamlet of Alplaus. This including marking the graves of two Revolutionary War veterans who are buried in the cemetery.
Karla participates in the track team and cross country team at school and has taken part in a number of volunteer activities ranging from helping at the Senior Center Garden in her home town to assisting with the Rotterdam Veterans flag ceremony.
She was a member of Junior National Honor Society in eighth grade and is a member of the National Spanish Honor Society.
Volunteers Finish Pump Track
AVERILL PARK – On April 3, members of Boy Scout Troop 2526 of Averill Park volunteered to assist the Town of Sand Lake build its bike pump track, located off Eastern Union Turnpike. The pump track is a dirt area made for off-road non-powered bicycles. It has moguls and ridges where bikers can test their riding skills between the bumps.
Scouts of Troop 2526 were joined by other volunteers. Members of Scout Troop 2525 of Sand Lake, Troop 2528 of Poestenkill, and APHS National Honor Society all provided labor. Ryan Holohan of Woodside Construction and Excavating, LLC, and Mike Martin of Legends Hardscaping brought and operated excavators which tremendously sped our progress.
Two Averill Park High School students, Colin Hansen and Matt Dangler, designed the pump track. They also attended the building da
Our troop would like to recognize the leadership of Melissa Toni who was the organizer behind the volunteering event, and planner and developer of the project. John Slyer gave his vital experience, expertise, and unending energy. The pump track could not have become a reality without the support of the Town Board. Lastly, special thanks to the Highway Department for bringing the soil to the park.
Due to the efforts of all involved, the pump track is now a reality. If you have a moment, stop by and watch our kids enjoy the track! This project is a wonderful example of local community spirit working together to achieve a common goal.
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.
Town of Schodack Residents – Do You Need Food, Toiletries During This Trying and Seemingly Never Ending Covid 19 Pandemic?
SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry is open the following days and hours to assist any one in need; Monday 5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm, plus the 1st Saturday of each month 10am-1pm. New requests must furnish proof of residency. We ask clients to call ahead at 518-732-4120 since due to protocol – no entry to the facility at this time. This allows staff to get your food request packed and delivered to your vehicle upon arrival. The Anchor is located off Rte 9J, Village of Castleton behind the Resurrection Nursing Home -physical address 90 North Main St, Castleton.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Congratulations to all 10 high school art students who were featured in the 2021 Capital Region Media Arts Festival! Delaney King and Alex Heap each earned a first-place award for their pieces while Geoffrey Dawes placed second and Ashlee Bayer earned an honorable mention. Also included in the festival were Larissa Karatnycky, Sophia Minich, Elizabeth Daly, Breonna Schreiner, Mikayla Kieley and Noah Bonesteel.
Third grade students from all three elementary schools participated in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Students made goodie bags and cards for teachers, made dog toys for a local animal shelter, created care packages for healthcare professionals, and more. They did this all virtually. Great job everyone!
High School juniors Lauren Bradley, Machara Malone and Sophia Minich all pitched in and helped clean up the Boys and Girls Club Camp Adventure in Averill Park recently. Nice work!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Raffle to Benefit “Angel Gowns-Capital Region”
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Fundraiser sponsored by the Candler-Young Veterans Association Auxiliary for shipping costs and notions for the seamstresses.
“Angel Gowns-Capital Region, NY” is an all-volunteer group helping parents who have suffered the loss of a baby. We provide burial gowns, free of charge, to these families in need. Gowns are made from donated wedding gowns, First Communion dresses and other formalwear and transformed into angel gowns by our seamstresses. We clothe babies weighing from under one pound up to 13 pounds, and serving over 60 facilities also special request.
For Tickets call Maureen (518)794-0552. We are Raffling 4 baskets, tickets are 6 for $5.00 and the drawing is May 31, 2021. OR you may make a donation.
Please send donations to … CYVA Auxiliary Angel Gowns, Maureen Dorr, PO Box 701, Nassau, NY 12123.
Please visit our Facebook page Angel Gowns- Capital Region NY.
Sand Lake’s Memorial Day Parade Getting Organized and Invites You To Join In
SAND LAKE – Plans for the 2021 Sand Lake Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony are underway. In an effort to attract more participation and attendance this year, we encourage all interested civic organizations, businesses, churches, community and youth groups and individuals to participate in this year’s parade.
This year’s Sand Lake Memorial Day Parade will be Monday, May 31, at 10:00 am. The Parade route is from Averill Ave. in Westfall Village to the Sand Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park on NYS Route 43. Ceremonies will begin at about 10:30 in the Veterans Park.
Those interested in participating should contact,
Bill Glasser at wglasser@nullhotmail.com or call or text (518) 322-9583.
Scott Gallerie at sgallerie@nullgmail.com or call or text (518) 766-6575.
Flea Market, Vendors Wanted
LATHAM – On Friday and Saturday May 28th and 29th, 2021, the Latham-Colonie Columbiettes will be holding a Flea Market at the Knights of Columbus Council #3394, at 328 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.
The Flea Market will be held from 9 am to 3:30 pm. both days. Spaces available are indoor, and outdoor undercover, (limited availability) and Outdoor with the vendor’s own set-up.
For Vendor information and an application please contact Kathy Majer, klmajer@nulloutlook.com or 518 272 8831. www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/dinners&events.
Poestenkill and Sand Lake Summer Camp
POESTENKILL/SAND LAKE – Poestenkill and Sand Lake Summer Camp will run together at Poestenkill Elementary School from July 12th to August 13th. Camp is for kids entering kindergarten to ninth grade. Registration is online and specific information about camp is posted on Poestenkill and Sand Lake website. Positions are available for CITs, Counselors and Med Team. Applications can be found on each town’s website. Counselors need to be 16 years old and CITs need to be 15 years old.
Town of Nassau Fishing License Sales
NASSAU – Fishing season is here! Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Nassau Town Clerk’s Office, 29 Church Street Nassau, NY 12123. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and by Executive Order we are still conducting all business at the Town Hall by appointment. Please call 518-766-2343 option 1 to schedule your appointment.
Fishing License Sales
NORTH GREENBUSH – The Town of North Greenbush Town Clerk’s Office is available for you to purchase your Fishing License. Our office hours are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. call the office at 518-283-4306 to set up an appointment. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s Executive Order, our Town Hall is not yet open to the public. We are trying to make things as simple as possible for our town residents. Online availability and creative ways are always in the works during the Pandemic, for example we have our Walk-Up Window located on Douglas Street for all your Town Clerk needs.
St John’s Thrift Shop
TROY – The Basement on First Street is pleased to announce our re-opening on Saturday, May 1, from 9am-noon, and we will be resuming our regular operations on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9am-noon, starting May 5. We have lots of clothing–both adult’s and children’s–along with many household items. We will begin accepting donations beginning April 19, from 9am-noon. We are located at 146 First Street in Troy–of course–in the Basement! 518.274.5884. We hope to see you here!
Dunham Hollow West Stephentown Scholarship
AVERILL PARK – 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.
Elks Scholarship Applications Now Available
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Rensselaer Elks Lodge No. 2073 B.P.O.E. is accepting applications for the 2021 Jack Stewart/ Ann Collins Memorial Scholarships. If you are a high school senior at Averill Park, Columbia, Maple Hill or Rensselaer High School pick up an application from your guidance counselor. Applications are due May 7, 2021. Two students from each high school will be awarded a $500 scholarship at a Flag Day Celebration to be held in June at the Elks lodge.
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 must be planning to continue their education at 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, 2021. 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 must 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 e-mail to info@nullpoestenkilllibrary.org. It can also be dropped off at the library. Call 518-283-3721 for instructions on covid-19 protocol if you wish to drop it off in person.
Guilderland Central High School Class of 1971, 50th Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Guilderland Central High School class of 1971 50th year reunion committee invites classmates to join us on the weekend of July 23-25, 2021. We have established a website at http://www.guilderland71.com that we are asking you to please join. The details of the great weekend we have planned for us to catch up are located on the site. We’d love to hear your ideas for making this reunion special and fun.
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
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – NEW HOURS – Since September 2015, the Poestenkill “Bread of Life” food pantry has been offering staple food items to individuals and families in Poestenkill and surrounding communities who need food for themselves and their families. Beginning on May 1st, 2021 our NEW HOURS will BEGIN at 4:30 pm END AT 6:30pm on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of every month.
We thank our friends, community and many organizations who continue to support this effort through their most generous donations of time, resources and staple foods. Our new volunteers are the best, most kind, compassionate individuals. We are so grateful they have joined our pantry.
We are located at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140. If you have an urgent need for food, please call us at (518) 283-6045 and leave a message.
This year, we have begun a new program with the pantry by offering baby food, diapers and wipes for the youngest in the Poestenkill community. The pantry does not currently stock baby supplies, but can provide select items upon request. If you are experiencing difficulty affording these items for your baby, please reach out to us. Please send a private Facebook message, email breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com or leave a message at (518) 428-0124.
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!
Team “Knocking Out Alzheimer’s” Bottle Drive, The Fundraising Continues …
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – 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.
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
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
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