Friday April 19, 2024 
Books for Troops
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Troops Request More Books to Help the Cope with the Pandemic
Although Books for Troops is officially closed, we are unexpectedly receiving numerous e-mails directly from the troops requesting more books to help them cope with the pandemic. Some of the requests are very specific. While we have many of those books in our inventory, there are still many that we seldom have donated. These we are able to order from a very inexpensive book site (Thriftbooks.com) which does not charge for shipping. When the books arrive, I can safely box and send them from my home. However, the purchase of these books and their postage will badly deplete our already very low funds, since due to the pandemic and our closing, we are rightfully receiving very few donations. We are asking those who can, to make a donation to help fill these requests and those we anticipate in the future as the pandemic continues. To do so, make out a check to Books for Troops and mail it to: Books for Troops, 152 Oak Brook Commons, Clifton Park, NY 12065. All donations are tax deductible.
We will continue with our policy of not accepting books to protect our volunteers. As always, thank you for your support of our troops, especially during this difficult time. Stay safe. Ellen Keegan, Director
Crooked Lake Community Shows Appreciation and Generosity to Our Front Line workers!
AVERILL PARK – The Coronavirus has created many challenges and Hardships to Americans Nationwide and Locally!
The people who live in our small Rensselaer County Crooked Lake Community, rallied to help when called upon! Members of the Crooked Lake Improvement Association personally donated over $6,000.00 within several days, starting on April 4th, 2020. By April 10th, the Crooked Lake Improvement Association was able to purchase and deliver Grab and Go food packages and restaurant gift Certificates for our local Samaritan Hospital Heroes and our Sand Lake Ambulance Responders. In addition to helping Samaritan and SL Ambulance, the CLIA was able to deliver 120 local restaurant gift Certificates to other dedicated local front line workers. Crooked Lake members dropped off Certificate packets to Local town of Sand Lake workers at Hannaford Market (WSL), Walgreens Pharmacy, Youngs Pharmacy, Jif-E-Mart, and Cumberland Farms.
The people who live in our Crooked Lake Community (CLIA) will always remember the Heroism and Sacrifice put forth by our Local Healthcare and Frontline workers! God Bless our Heroes, and Thank You to the people that supported them!
Gary M Favro, President
Crooked Lake Improvement Association
Ava Kelley Johnson Receives Girl Scouts Highest Achievement Award for Developing an Essential Shelf
Columbia High School student, Ava Johnson, earned the highest Achievement Award in Girl Scouts, The Gold Award, which only approximately 5% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully Achieve. Ms.Johnson of Troop 1474, Service Unit 136 created a “Essential Shelf” with an area not-for-profit to assist people with disabilities and the elderly with food and hygiene products when returning to the community after an extended stay at nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities. She also increased awareness regarding vulnerable populations food insecurity needs in the greater capital district. Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award is truly a remarkable achievement and Ms. Johnson exemplifies leaderships in all forms. She saw a need in her community and took action. Her extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and leader ship is making her community a better place. The “Essential Shelf” has been expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic to include more people in need The Girl Scout Gold award acknowledges the power behind each gold award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also making the world and her community a better place for others.
Brunswick Fire Co .No. 1 Participates in Samaritan Hospital Thank You Vehicle Parade
TROY – On April 19, we had 22 members in full firefighter gear with Mask to show our appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and support staff at Samaritan Hospital. Special thanks to Caroline Willson for making our parade banner
Gus Scifo, Brunswick Fire Co No 1
Fire Company Clerk
CCE of Rensselaer County – Harvest Connection
RENSSELAER COUNTY – If people did not realize it before, they definitely are now- that no farms, equals no food. With most farmers markets and even some farms closed due to COVID-19, consumers are struggling to find local, fresh, products. The news has mentioned the need for vegetables, dairy, and eggs. However, it has recently brought up that we need to think about our meat supply. All of those products are available and that is the goal of Harvest Connection; to connect consumers with those products. Harvest Connection is a farm to table initiative that connects consumers with farm fresh products. Consumers are able to use our website and app, search a specific product, and Harvest Connection presents a list of farms and farmers markets closest to them. We advise that all consumers call the location first to confirm what is available and any special measures they are taking to connect with consumers while following public health recommendations for distancing. Check out all of the current farms and farmers markets apart of Harvest Connection: https://www.harvestconnection-ny.com/
If anyone has any questions about Harvest Connection or if there are any producers in the Capital District who would like to join, reach out to Kayela at kls342@nullcornell.edu
Cornell Cooperative Extension Outreach Initiative
RENSSELAER COUNTY – As educators we are doing our best to keep the community informed about updates and opportunities regarding everything going on with COVID-19.
Please see some of the most recent ones below:
Miss local Farmers Markets? They may be closed, but you can still buy from and support local producers! Check out this link that the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market released with vendors who are offering delivery services by going to their Facebook page. Looking for other locations, not listed? Check out the Harvest Connection website, Harvest Connection Facebook page, or a specific farm’s website. Don’t forget to contact them to make sure they are open and that their hours of operation are correct!
Looking for Educational Opportunities? 4-H, farms, and other businesses/organizations are offering virtual tours and activities to keep youth engaged during this time.
Looking for Information about COVID-19? Due to the large amount of speculation regarding COVID-19, this is a reminder to rely on OFFICIAL sources for accurate information. Help control the spread of rumors by checking out FEMA and Federal Agencies website as well as sign up for the latest updates from your local & state officials.
We are trying our best to stay up-to-date. Check out our website or follow CCE Rensselaer County on Facebook for information about these various opportunities as well as other updates regarding COVID-19. Questions? Send Kayela an email at kls342@nullcornell.edu.
North Greenbush Memorial Day Parade Cancelled
NORTH GREENBUSH – The Town of North Greenbush is, unfortunately, forced to announce that the 2020 Memorial Day Parade scheduled for Monday, May 25, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Under current CDC guidelines, it would be impossible to maintain mandated physical distancing at such a large-scale event.
“It is with great disappointment that we must make this announcement,” said Supervisor Joseph Bott. “However, our decision was made for the greater good of our community, parade staff, parade participants and our spectators.” With New York on PAUSE, and the uncertainty over when large gatherings will resume, the Town of North Greenbush will instead honor the day with solemn wreath laying ceremonies at seven sites throughout town. The Wreath Laying Ceremonies will begin at 9:45 am at the Bloomingrove Cemetery on Route 4 in Defreestville. Then on to the Bloomingrove Monument at the intersection of Winter Street Ext and Bloomingrove Drive, the Donald “Bucky” Egan Monument at the entrance to Twin Town Little League on Williams Road, St. Jude on Brookside Avenue, the American Legion on Main Avenue, the Evergreen Cemetery on Main Avenue, and end at Town Hall on Main Avenue.
It is always a privilege to honor all those who have sacrificed so much for our country’s freedoms on Memorial Day. Even though we will not be able to honor our fallen veterans together in person as we do each year, it is still incredibly important to keep all those who have lost their lives in our hearts and minds on Memorial Day, and every day.
Mohawk Humane Offers Pet Food Pantry, Home Delivery for those in Isolation in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga Counties
Menands –The Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, located at 3 Oakland Avenue in Menands, is available to anyone who needs help feeding a pet. Those needing food can stop by the shelter any day between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm and be met by a staff member at the door. For those who are ill or in self-isolation and live in Albany, Rensselaer or Saratoga County, the Society can deliver food. Please call 518-434-8128, ext. 227 or email ngagnon@nullmohawkhumane.org to make arrangements. No pet should go hungry.
Blood Drive at Brunswick Church
BRUNSWICK – Brunswick Church will partner with the American Red Cross for a blood drive on Saturday, May 9, from 9 am – 2 pm on the church campus. Many donation sites have been unable to hold drives, so there is an added sense of urgency for blood donations. During this time of social distancing, the Red Cross is taking special care to ensure the safety of their donors and their personnel. Temperatures will be taken of staff and donors. Staff will wear the required protective equipment. All donors are required to wear masks — if unable or unwilling, they will be directed to donate at a time when these precautions are no longer needed. Sign up to donate online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.
The Decline of the Middle Class: How and Why it Happened and What to do About it
CAPITAL DISTRICT – This talk will review the changes that have taken place in the US economy as it shifted from one which values workers to one that places shareholder interests above all else. The extreme inequality thus created has significant implications for the coming election, as well as future policies.
Paul F. Cole was secretary-treasurer of the 2.3 million member New York State AFL-CIO from 1984 to 2006. He served as a vice president of the American Federation of Teachers from 1974 to 2006 and on the Board of Directors of the New York State United Teachers from 1972 to 1997. Mr. Cole has a BA in Political Science from Marquette University and a Masters of Science degree from Canisius College. He has completed additional graduate work at Niagara University, SUC at Buffalo and the University of California, Irvine.
This talk will take place online on Sunday, May 10th, at 1 PM. Current paid members of CDHS will automatically receive, via e mail, a link to join the talk. Anyone who is not a current paid member of CDHS is welcome to join us online, simply send an e mail to Webmaster@nullhumanistsociety.org requesting the link.
When you receive the link feel free to share it with family and friends, but please do NOT post it to any public forums/sites.
The Capital District Humanist Society provides a supportive community for exchanging ideas, heightening our knowledge of the world and ourselves, fostering moral and ethical growth, and promoting the principles of secular humanism. CDHS is a member organization for people with humanist values. Our values include commitment to free inquiry, rational thought, life-long education, democracy, social concern, and fellowship.
www.humanistsociety.org https://www.meetup.com/Capital-District-Humanist-Society/
Attention Poestenkill High School Seniors
POESTENKILL – The Leo B. Clement/ Poestenkill Library Scholarship of $500 is ready to be claimed by a High School Senior who is a resident of the town of Poestenkill. The student, from a public, private or home school must be planning to attend a two or four-year college after graduation.
A 500-750-word essay based on the applicant’s love of reading is due by May 31, 2020. No specific font or spacing is required. Applicant’s name should not be on the essay page since the judging is done solely on the content of the essay. A cover sheet must be attached which includes: applicant’s name, address, phone #, High School currently attending (or equivalent) and College attending in the Fall.
Essay can be e-mailed to: info@nullpoestenkilllibrary.org, sent by regular mail to PO Box 305, Poestenkill, NY 12140, or hand delivered to the library.
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 June 1. Scholarship applications may be obtained by contacting the Averill Park High School guidance department at 518-674-7025 or by emailing jcuilla@nullcfgcr.org.
Ilium Literary Club Cancellation
TROY – Due to COVID-19, the Ilium Literary Club of Troy is cancelling our Annual Meeting and Luncheon, scheduled for June 5th, at the Troy Country Club. If you have suggestions or ideas for speakers/presenters for our 2020-2021 yearbook, please call Barbara at 518-274-2949.
Poestenkill Fire Co 100th Anniversary Vendor/Craft Fair
POESTENKILL – Looking for crafters & vendors for craft fair for June 6 from 3-8 pm. Activities for the day include: dress parade, ceremony, bouncy bounce for kids, food truck with beverages, block dance followed by fireworks. For more information for the vendor/craft fair contact Nancy Rogers at DRogers4@nullnycap.rr.com
A Call to Artists for a Summer Juried Art Show “The Power and the Glory”
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Artists of all media are invited to submit up to two works for a juried art show titled The Power and the Glory! at Sand Lake Center for the Arts. The exhibition opens on July 1, 2020 and ends August 31, 2020. Twenty pieces will be selected with first, second, third, and people’s choice cash awards ($300., $200., $100., and $100.,) will be given. The juror for this show is Matt Crane.He is a Capital Region Artist and Adjunct Lecturer of Art, University at Albany.
Submissions should be sent to slcagallery@nullgmail.com in jpeg format by May 29, 2020. Selections will be announced by June 6, 2020 and selected works must be delivered to Sand Lake Center for the Arts – (2880 NY 43, Sand Lake), NY 12018, from June 8 to June 19, 2020 between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, or by appointment (call 518-674-2007). For more information go to www.slca-ctp.corg.
All artwork chosen will be on display from July 1 to August 31, 2020. There is no submission fee.
There will be an artist reception on July 8 from 5-7pm that is free and open to the public.
Awards will be announced and given out at the reception.
Juried Art Show Specifications:
-No more than two submissions per artist
-Two dimensional pieces should be framed or otherwise ready to hang
-Submissions should reflect the concept of or be inspired by lyrics from the song “The Power and the Glory” written by Phil Ochs. See lyrics below.
-Two-dimensional work should not exceed 3ft x 4ft.
-Three-dimensional work should not exceed 14 inches H x 15 inches W.
*All work must be labeled with the following:
Last name, First name, Title: Medium, Size-(HxW)-Year
Questions or more information please contact Brian Sheldon at 518-674-2007, brian@nullslca-ctp.org.
Chorus: Here is a land full of power and glory
Beauty that words cannot recall
Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom
Her glory shall rest on us all (on us all)
Ilium Literary Club Meeting
TROY – The Ilium Literary Club of Troy, NY will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in Oct 2020. We are looking for members & former members to help us plan this celebration. If you have memorabilia, stories of different events and/or history of the Club, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Barbara at mburban@nullprodigy.net or call 518-274-2949.
Vaping – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Vaping has become almost more common today then cigarettes. Originally marketed as being more safe than other tobacco products recent events have made it clear that this is not the full story. One study found that those who vape the equivalent to a pack of cigarettes a day had a 70% higher risk of stroke. This is only one of the health risks that can arise from vaping. For more information visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/vaping-linked-to-serious-health-problems.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Fentanyl – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Fentanyl has been making headlines recently, this is because the incredibly potent chemical has been contributing to the increase in overdose deaths across America. Most people however do not know much about the chemical. For instance many don’t know that one of the things that makes fentanyl so dangerous is the fact that it can be absorbed into the system through skin contact. Meaning getting it on your skin could cause a potentially fatal overdose.
To learn more about Fentanyl visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-fentanyl.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline
RENSSELAER COUNTY – 1-833-467-3123 – Do you need help with substance use issues? Are you interested in volunteering for the helpline? The Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline offers information, local resources, and referrals for individuals and their families regarding substance use issues. The toll-free line is available 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. Each volunteer chooses shifts of 4 hours at a time to be on-call. When someone calls the number, a volunteer answers on their own smartphone, and can enter information to a database on their own computer, allowing for easy and quick access to resources. The information is sent to one of the 9 leaders, who will then assist the caller. If you or someone you know needs information, resources, or a referral for a substance use problem, call 1-833-467-3123. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Renscohelpline@nullgmail.com
Six Center Redemption is partnering with Alzheimer’s Association
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Return your bottles and cans and help The Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Through an arrangement with: Six-Center Redemption.
Two Locations – 461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say “These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles in to a machine. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you. Join the fight with your bottles & cans!
Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team
CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachesettes. We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
New York State Commission for the Blind
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults. NYSCB assists participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website: visionloss.ny.gov