Tuesday April 16, 2024 
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.
Food Truck Tuesday in Wynantskill
WYNANTSKILL – Town Clerk Janice Hannigan Kerwin and Councilman Jack Rogers discuss the success of the First Food Truck Tuesday. Come to North Greenbush Town Hall every Tuesday from 4pm – 7pm and pick out a delicious meal or treat from one of the great food truck vendors.
Postponement – Guilderland Central High School Class of 1971, 50th Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – After consultation with the members of our class concerning the covid pandemic, we have decided to postpone our 50th reunion celebration from this year to the weekend of Sept. 30th -Oct. 2nd 2022. We have established a website at http://www.guilderland71.com that we are asking you to please join.
The Town of North Greenbush’s Tuesday Night Food Truck Night Was a HUGE SUCCESS!!
NORTH GREENBUSH – Thank you to all who attended our new event. We will be having the Food Trucks here every Tuesday from 4-7. The trucks will be located on our baseball field out front for easier access and safety, rather than in the front parking lot. This will allow easier access and additional parking for all attendees. Stop by and try our large variety of food vendors.
If you are interested in becoming one of the vendors on Tuesday nights, please contact the Town Clerk, Janice Hannigan Kerwin for more information on how to participate. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, # 518-283-4306, or you can email her at townclerk@nullnorthgreenbush.org
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.
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.
Drive-thru Food Donations at First United Methodist Church
EAST GREENBUSH – 1 Gilligan Rd. May 16th. Donate to Food Drive Drop-Off for ConcernsU food pantry serving Rensselaer County and V A Hospital Residents. Church garage 9AM-12 Noon. Especially needed: toiletries and reusable shopping bags. Also, sugar, coffee, peanut butter, jelly, creamer, spaghetti sauce, preferably in plastic containers.
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.
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.
The proposed budget of $61,456,847 includes a 0.95% tax levy increase, which is well below the allowed tax levy limit of 1.9% for this budget. The District was able to go below the tax cap due to the welcome addition of Federal stimulus funds.
The community will also vote on a bus and equipment purchase proposition, and will elect two members to the Board of Education. For more information on the budget, Board of Education candidates, and the bus and equipment proposition, visit the District website and click on Budget Corner.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
The Sand Lake Historical Society 6th Annual Fundraiser
SAND LAKE – Down on the Farm. May 21st at June Farms from 5:30 to 9:30pm. Wood Fired Pizza Buffet. Reservations required. Live music, Cash bar, Raffles. Farm Tours and Local Farming History Display! $50 per person; $45 for SLHS members; or become an event sponsor: $150 includes two tickets and two memberships. For more info: sandlakehistory@nullaol.com or visit us on Facebook. Please visit sandlakehistory.org. Reservations required by May 15th by calling 518 527-9926.
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.
Doctors of Albany Braces Donated Trees in Honor of Arbor Day
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Doctors of Albany Braces donated trees, in honor of Arbor Day, to thank teachers in four area school districts. Teachers have worked so very hard to make sure students are staying healthy and safe and continuing to learn during covid 19.
Everyday teachers, like trees, have the chance to make a difference in our lives. They both stand strong despite the things going on around them.
When students look at their tree they should remember that throughout history trees and teachers have filled us with wonder and sparked our imaginations.
Genet Elementary School, East Greenbush Central School District, Dr. Marianne DiCerbo, of Albany Braces and 2 very helpful planters from Skyview Landscaping of Waterford, NY
STRIDE Adaptive Sports Receives Grant from U.S. Tennis Association
WEST SAND LAKE – STRIDE Adaptive Sports announced today that it has been awarded a generous grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to send local adaptive tennis players to Special Olympics competition.
According to STRIDE Program Director, Megan Evans, STRIDE has integrated Special Olympics competition into several of its other adaptive sports programs for years including swimming, bowling, and its skiing race teams. “Special Olympics participation has been enthusiastically popular among STRIDE’s programs,” explains Evans. “We wanted to introduce our adaptive tennis players to the joy of this kind of competition and the thrill of victory. STRIDE is so grateful to USTA’s Eastern Division for making this possible.”
STRIDE Tennis Program Director, Dave Graham, added that Special Olympics goes out of its way to make the competition a positive experience for everyone. “We like how their division setting practices are based on age and skill level, so every match is close and fun. For beginning players, they even allow for shorter courts and slower tennis balls. Equally important, every participant gets some kind of medal and the recognition that goes with it. This is consistent with STRIDE’s emphasis on inclusion.”
STRIDE’s adaptive tennis program welcomes players with developmental and/or physical disabilities at Indian Meadows Park in Glenville this spring. Each participant receives instruction from trained coaches in a small-group, socially-distanced format that emphasizes fundamental skills and drills. Equipment is provided and includes tennis balls and rackets of varying speeds and sizes to ensure success and a rewarding experience. The program will be offered in one 20-week indoor session, and one 8-week outdoor session. Each session has room for up to 15 players.
Anyone interested in STRIDE’s adaptive tennis program, or any of STRIDE’s other adaptive sports programs, should contact Program Director Megan Evans at 518-598-1279, mevans@nullstride.org. Information on sponsoring or donating to support these programs can be obtained from Patrick Hayslett, Development Director, at 518-598-1279, phayslett@nullstride.org.
Sidewalk Warriors Make a Difference
TROY – Sidewalk Warriors of Troy, New York, announces another successful evening serving the needs of local residents. On Thursday, May 6, some 98 people were given hot meals, personal items, and staples such as bags of potatoes and apples and gallons of milk.
This Thursday was highlighted with a visit from sponsor Alexis Lekkas, owner of Alexis Diner in North Greenbush, who videotaped a “tour” of the site, which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/alexisdiner/videos/502095724309787.
Another highlight was a Mother’s Day gift table that supplied an array of quality items such as jewelry, wallets, purses, cosmetics, and greeting cards so that friends, as recipients are known to Sidewalk Warriers, could honor their moms and special women in their lives.
Bicycles were donated, either new or refurbished for the children whose parents could not afford to purchase them. Children were seen riding through the parking lot, proudly showing off their new bikes.
“Each Thursday, a group of dedicated volunteers gathers to distribute needed items to fill in gaps created by poverty and homelessness,” said Robin Ford, Troy Coordinator. “We like to call it a ‘hand up,’ as opposed to a ‘handout’ because there’s no judgment here, but a chance for neighbors to share in a way that is direct and personal. Each week, it’s a challenge to decide who has the bigger smiles–the friends or the volunteers.”
Sidewalk Warriors is a grassroots group of volunteers who run a pop-up distribution site at the Roarke Center/St. Anthony’s parking lot at 107 4th Street in Troy each Thursday. Setup begins at 5:00 and distribution starts at 6:00. Meals and necessities are provided to those who are homeless, food insecure, or who run short at the end of a month. Volunteers and donations are always gratefully welcomed.
Phone (518) 265-7026 call or text • Sidewalkwarriorstroy@nullgmail.com • Team Leader Robin Ford • http://sidewalkwarriorstroy.com/
Problem Gambling and Mental Health: What’s the Connection?
CAPITAL DISTRICT – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the millions of Americans who face the reality of living with a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mood disorder or personality disorder. But did you know that problem gambling can lead to another diagnosable and treatable mental health disorder called gambling disorder?
Problem gambling and mental health are connected. Nearly two-thirds of gamblers surveyed reported that their mental health has suffered as a result of their gambling (Nash et al, 2018). People with depression may engage in gambling to elevate their mood. People with anxiety may gamble to manage their symptoms, as people who gamble tend to report feeling little to no anxiety. People with bipolar disorder may use gambling to elevate their mood during depressive states or impulsively engage in gambling during their manic states. Some individuals may gamble to deal or cope with various forms of psychological trauma. Gambling disorder has one of the highest rates of suicide than any other addiction. Nearly 37% of those experiencing a gambling problem and 50% of those with disordered gambling experience suicidal thoughts and ideations. Over 17% of those individuals have attempted suicide (Moghaddam et al, 2015).
Problem gambling does not just affect the individual who is gambling, but also their loved ones. Each person struggling with gambling problems affects at least 10 people closest to them. In one study, over 90% of those affected by someone’s gambling behavior reported feeling emotional distress (Nash et al, 2018).
The Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center is here to support anyone affected by problem gambling. Give us a call at 518-801-1491 or email us at NortheastPGRC@nullNYProblemGambling.org.
For more information and resources visit www.NYProblemGamblingHELP.org/Northeast
We are always looking to expand our network of private practitioners to help treat those with a gambling problem. If you are a licensed mental health professional with a private practice and are looking to expand your practice to serve those individuals and families adversely impacted by problem gambling reach out to the Northeast PGRC today. Training and clinical supervision are provided.
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.
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.
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.
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