Thursday April 25, 2024 
Troy Research Management Facility Reopens
TROY – The City of Troy Endorsed Democratic Legislative Candidates are happy to report that the Troy Resource Management Facility (formally known as The Alamo) in South Troy has reopened. The site has been closed since 2017.
“We are encouraging all Troy residents to drop off debris produced through pruning leaves, branches of trees and bagged leaves at no charge. This will be composted and transformed into wood mulch to be used in gardens and flower beds,” said Legislative Candidate Marc Pallozzi.
“It is important to recycle compostable materials because it not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions, but also saves valuable landfill space, promotes water conservation and returns organic matter back to the earth for beneficial use,” said Legislative Candidate Ken Zalewski.
Residents can visit the Troy Research Management Facility to pick up moving pallets and landscaping mulch free of charge. The facility will be open on Thursday’s from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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.
NORTH GREENBUSH NOTES
Jim Greenfield Town Historian 283-6384
Too Many Defreest Males?
This title highlights the problem faced by many early patriarchs: which son inherits the farm and what happens to the other sons?
An example of this is the property of Martin Defreest (1724-1802). When he died, the farm went to his eldest son Peter. However, Martin had five other sons. What happened to them? David, the second oldest son had land of his own. He ran a tavern/hotel in Defreestville. Daniel, the youngest son eventually had a farm, but not from lands of his father or brothers.
The other three sons moved and interestingly changed their name from Defreest to Deforest which was the original last name when the family came here. Philip and William settled in Albany County by 1790, then later to Montgomery and Cayuga Counties respectively. Their brother Jacob moved to Schenectady County.
Once they decided to leave Rensselaer County, what factors determined where they would go? First, where was there available land? Philip and William found property in Bethlehem and Berne
which were sparsely populated in the early 1800’s. This was the same situation in Montgomery County for Philip and Schenectady County for Jacob. Philip and Jacob’s descendants remained there, but William and his family went to Cayuga County in the Finger Lakes, probably to take up land owned by Rensselaer County Defreests.
Another factor in moving was friends and family. For example Philip’s grandmother was a Winne and there were several families in Bethlehem where he first settled.
A third factor was religion. These Deforests were all members of the Dutch Reformed Church. Records for these locations list many Deforest baptisms and marriages. William and his sons were elders of their church in Cayuga County. Ironically, one of their first pastors was a Defreest who was born in Rensselaer County. There were probably no “hard feelings” against father Martin. The records show many of these Deforests named their children and grandchildren Martin.
To prove that “what goes around comes around”, a Deforest family resettled in Albany 100 years after their ancestors left.
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.
Clothing Barn To Re-open At The North Chatham United Methodist Church
CHATHAM – The Clothing Barn at the North Chatham United Methodist Church will re-open on May 8th! After taking a “COVID hiatus” in 2020, we look forward to seeing our loyal customers once again. The hours will be the same as last year (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM), and masks & social distancing will be required. In order to allow a new group of volunteers to get organized for this year, we are asking that no donations be brought to the church until after June 1st. 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!
Hillside Cemetery Association Annual Meeting
WEST STEPHENTOWN – The Hillside Cemetery Association of West Stephentown will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 13th at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the Education building of the West Stephentown Baptist Church. Social distancing will be observed. All interested are welcomed.
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.
Greenbush Cemetery Spring Clean Up Day
RENSSELAER – May 15th, 1pm. Rain date May 23rd. Greenbush Cemetery on Columbia Turnpike, across from Paesan’s Pizza. Please bring work gloves and large plastic bags. We will be removing old flowers, damaged ornaments and debris. If you have any decorations on the ground, please remove before clean up day. For more info please contact 518-465-7938.
Annual Meeting of Lot Owners Sand Lake Union Cemetery
SAND LAKE – The Annual Meeting of the Lot Owners of the Sand Lake Union Cemetery will be held in the lounge at the Church of the Covenant on Tuesday, May 25th, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Trustees will be elected as needed. Any concerns of Lot Owners will be addressed and other business conducted as necessary.
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.
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.
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.
Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE -The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge Street, Johnsonville, NY 12094 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 great selection of children’s and adult clothing, including special occasion and career clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry, toys and household items. More than 1000 books for sale. Masks and social distancing are required.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – On Tuesday, May 18, Averill Park Central School District residents will vote on a spending plan for the 2021-2022 school year that addresses the educational and social-emotional challenges our students face as we look to move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. In the coming days, residents will receive a newsletter in the mail detailing the proposed budget.
Averill Park High School held its annual Mr. AP contest in-person recently and August Johnson was named Mr. AP for 2021! Great job by everyone who participated and thank you to everyone who made this event possible.
Congratulations to seniors Roy Jacobson III, Fiona Carroll, Kendall Dollard, Benjamin Campbell, Emma Burdick and Mackenzie Rockwell for earning the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence. This award is presented to the top students graduating from high school and, this year, is based on class rank. Way to go!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Sand Lake Ambulance Announces its 2021 Fund Drive
SAND LAKE – In conjunction with EMS Week 2021, Sand Lake Ambulance (SLA), is celebrating over 61 years of service, and is kicking off its 2021 Annual Fund Drive in the Town of Sand Lake. Mailers should be arriving soon. The Fund Drive is an integral part of SLA’s ability to continue to provide high level emergency services to town residents.
It has certainly been a challenging time but even with everything that has happened over the past year we are still here 24/7 365 to serve the Town. Please note some recent changes to federal tax law have created an “above the line” tax deduction for donors, even those who use the standard deduction on their taxes so consult your tax advisor to see how this may help you and the ambulance.
Remember, it is your generous support, which is greatly appreciated, that goes a long way toward keeping this service available in the town.
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.
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.
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