Your Community

Your Community 05.19.22

Murder at Teal’s Pond ll

In the first part of my review, I talked about the backstory and how the events came together.  In the beginning I found a slim blue folder labeled Gilead Lutheran Church.  Within I found the reprints that got me interested in the case.  As with anything I come across I usually head downstairs to the Town of Sand Lake offices.  In the case of the murder of Hazel Drew no one had heard of the crime, and why should they, it occurred over 100 years ago.  Even the location of Teal’s Pond was in question.  Ron Hughes appeared a short time later and we began searching for the pond (a call to Betty and Ken Teal answered that question), and the Taylor farmhouse where the Drews lived for a short period of time.  Hazel’s uncle William Taylor was a prime suspect in the case and a visit to Rensselaer County Clerk’s Office confirmed the location of the house up on Mosher Road.  Ron’s publishing of Who Killed Hazel Drew? along with several Advertiser articles brought people interested in the case into my office.  It was then that Mark Marshall volunteered, and John Walsh explained the Twin Peaks connection.

I purchased the Twin Peaks DVD and began watching.  It was true, Mark Frost had tapped into something unexplainable.  The stories go deeper than the two women being found murdered in or near the water.  The logging industry, the Great Northern Hotel and the isolated hunting camps of Twin Peaks seem oddly related to the Sand Lake of the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Hazel was found in a pond just beyond a sawmill near Taborton Road.  Now with a 2017 reboot of the Twin Peaks, Fire Walk With Me, things were getting interesting.

All this interest brought local filmmaker, John Holser to my office.  I’ve known John for many years and was excited about his idea to make a film on the subject.  I was able to attend a shoot on a farm near Hudson where the scene near Teal’s Pond was recreated complete with costumed actors in horse drawn wagons and carriages brought life to a scene that occurred in 1908.  Kathy Sheehan and the Rensselaer County Historical Society opened the Hart-Cluett for interiors to be shot.  Again, another chance to see history recreated.  Unfortunately, because of COVID John’s openings planned for the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and the Cohoes Music Hall were cancelled.  The video however is still available for sale and loan from the Sand Lake Public Library.  Next time…roundtables and community involvement.

Woodlawn Cemetery Association

President Frank Curtis of the Woodlawn Cemetery in East Schodack would like to inform the lot owners of the following Improvements and Development projects recently approved by the trustees. 

The cemetery driveway has been plagued with potholes and ruts in the past. The trustees approved to level the driving surface on the main portion of the cemetery driveways, encompassing almost the entire old section of the cemetery. In conjunction with the drive way work, The trustees approved 3 other cemetery improvements. First relocate the current flag pole to a new location behind the main entrance sign. The existing flag pole location, which is in the middle of the western driveway, would then be straightened to provide a more uniform, straight driveway. Secondly, the driveway adjacent to the fountain would be improved. Third there is an ambitious project to clean up and replant the shrubbery and greenery around the main entrance sign. Please be tolerant of the impending work that will be done this summer. These projects will be a vast improvement to our cemetery. Donations would be appreciated to help with these endeavors. Please send and donations to Woodlawn Cemetery, P.O. Box 14, East Schodack, NY 12063. Thank You

Order of the Eastern Star

TROY – The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong.  Worldwide, there are over 500,000 members.  

Female members must be of eighteen years of age or older and be vouched for by a Masonic lodge member.  Male members must be a Masonic lodge member in good standing.  

Many Americans have family members who were members of the Order of the Eastern Star or were Masonic lodge members.  Many well-known Americas were members of the Order or were Masonic lodge members as well.

Among our projects is the highly rated Eastern Star Home and Campus in Oriskany, NY.  The Home offers multiple levels of care including independent senior living, a New York State certified Enriched Housing Program and a Licensed Skilled Nursing Facility providing a full array of long-term services as well as short term rehabilitation.

Locally, Palestine-Star Chapter #167, Troy, NY offers membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.  Palestine-Star Chapter meets bimonthly at the Oriental Shrine Center on Water Plant Road.  

If membership in the Order of the Eastern Star appeals to you, call or text 518-526-4771.

East Greenbush Cemetery Association Annual Meeting

All cemetery plot owners, families, friends, and persons interested in the East Greenbush Cemetery on Hayes Road (behind Greenbush Reformed Church) are invited to attend our 7:00 pm Annual Meeting on June 8, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, 1 Gilligan Road, East Greenbush. 

The agenda includes a business meeting, election of Trustees, and discussion of future operations. By attending the annual meeting, plot owners and volunteers can ensure the cemetery continues as a landmark providing dignified rest for our departed loved ones.

Presenting a Resolution in Memory of Restauranteur Michael LoPorto

The Rensselaer County Minority Legislature presented a resolution (P/178/22) to the LoPorto family in memory of the passing of Michael LoPorto at their Regular Meeting on May 10, 2022.

News From Averill Park CSD

West Sand Lake Elementary School raised nearly $12,000 during its Read for Ronald McDonald House Charities fundraiser. As part of the Principal’s Challenge, Mrs. Rosher dressed up as Little Bo Peep and three sheep were brought to school for students to visit with and learn about. Great job everyone!

Jillian Hogle competed in the statewide SkillsUSA competition in Syracuse recently and placed second! SkillsUSA is a national organization for high school students enrolled in CTE programs. Nice job Jillian!

Congratulations to Amelia Wood for being named a Second Team Small Town All-American for her play on the girls basketball team during the 2021-22 season by Maxpreps. Way to go Amelia!

As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us. You can also follow AP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay

Johnsonville Thrift Shop

The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, NY 12094 is open from 9-12 every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month. 

Closed on May 25 and major holidays. 

Look for our sign at the corner of Rte. 111 and Rte. 67. We have a great selection of adult and children’s seasonal clothing, vintage, special occasion and career clothes, jewelry, shoes, purses, toys, linens, puzzles and games, household and decorative items. We have more than 1.000 books in our well-organized book room.

Volunteers are Needed as Tutors, Reading Mentors, and Special Events Workers

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County needs volunteers in Albany County and Rensselaer County. Anyone who is interested can attend a free information session on Tuesday, June 7 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. via Zoom. To register, contact mhellerlvorc@nullaol.com. LVORC trains volunteer tutors to be paired with adult learners; reading mentors for Everybody WINS! Power Lunch; math tutors and computer tutors. We also welcome one-time events volunteers. As a volunteer you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community. For more information, visit www.lvorc.org

Poestenkill Business Association Annual Auction

The Poestenkill Business Association, (PBA), will hold our annual benefit Auction on Saturday June 4, 2022 at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main St/Route 355 in Poestenkill. 

The Auction has a New START TIME of  10:00 AM, with viewing to begin at 9:00 AM. Assorted items such as loads of Top Soil, Crusher Run, Stone and Fire Wood donated by local businesses will be available for bid as in previous years along with previously owned but highly sought after household treasures. Each Bidder must obtain a Bid Card in order to be able to participate in the Auction. The Kitchen will be open throughout the Auction to provide liquid refreshments and fine cuisine from the grill for your dining pleasure. Activities will be available to amuse the Kids. All net proceeds will enable the PBA to discreetly provide assistance to Poestenkill Residents who experience emergency situations during the year. Please note our new start time of 10:00 AM. So come early and stay for the entire Auction, your interest & participation are deeply appreciated. Thank you and see you on Saturday June 4th.

Spring Cleaning Garage Sale

Center Brunswick United Methodist Church, 990 Hoosick Road, Troy, NY will be holding a Garage Sale, May 21 from 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Gently used items may be left at the church after May 16 or by calling Jean at (518) 694-1887. Another option is to rent an individual table inside the church hall by contacting the same number.

The Youth of the Sunday School will have a Hot Dog sale in conjunction with this sale.

East Schodack BSA Troop 522 Open House

Interested in Scouting? Come to Troop 522’s Open House on Monday May 23rd 7-8pm. Meet at St Stephens Lutheran Church (side entrance), 2420 Hoags Corner Rd, in East Schodack. Boys and Girls 5th grade and up are welcome to join! Come learn about Scouting and all Troop 522 has to offer, including camping trips, summer camp, merit badges, and more! Can’t make it? Contact Scoutmaster Tom Orcutt at cubmaster527@nullgmail.com.

Town of Nassau Military Banner Program

Please take note that the Town of Nassau Military Banner program is still taking applications. Applications are available on the Town website at townofnassau.org., at the Town Clerk’s Office (29 Church St., Village of Nassau), and at the Chandler Young Veterans Association, 7 Lyons Lake Rd. 

There is however a June 30th deadline for complete banner applications for banners to be installed in 2022. Any applications received after June 30th will be processed for 2023 installation. If you have any questions, please email at sandra.rings@nulltownofnassau.org. Thank you for helping us to honor our veterans.

Sandy Rings, Nassau Military Banner Program

CCCDW Community Forum on PFAS via Zoom – May 19 at 7pm

The Community Forum hosted by Concerned Citizens for Clean Drinking Water (CCCDW) and scheduled for Thursday May 19 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, will now be held exclusively on Zoom rather than in person.

Representatives from the Town of Poestenkill, Rensselaer County Department of Health, the state Department of Health, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Clean Water Environmental Advocates NY will attend and give brief updates on efforts to find the source or sources of PFAS contamination as well as other water related issues. After the updates, a CCCDW steering committee member will facilitate a discussion among attendees. We hope you’ll be able to join us. 

Registration for the event is necessary. Information on how to register can be found on our website at cccdw.org or visiting our Facebook page.

Annual Meeting of Lot Owners of Sand Lake Union Cemetery

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, 3055 NY Rt 43, Averill Park, on Thursday, May 26th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Trustees will be elected as needed. Any concerns of Lot Owners will be addressed and other business conducted as necessary. Nancy Dunn, Trustee

The Bread of Life Food Pantry now offers baby supplies!

The Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poestenkill now offers baby diapers, wipes, and baby food. We continue to offer supplemental food and household products. 

Please stop by on the first and third Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm. We are here to help!

Rummage Sale at Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall

Rummage Sale at the Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall located just off NY Route 7 on Friday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bag Sale on Saturday only $2.00 per bag. Buy 2 bags and get 1 free. Bake Sale on Friday, May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information and to schedule a time to drop off items contact Carolyn at 518-663-8253. Wearing of masks will follow NYS rules.

Refugee Welcome Center seeking playgroup volunteers

The Refugee Welcome Center in Albany is looking for playgroup volunteers. We have a playgroup for preschoolers while their moms are in English class. You just need to like little kids, no education required. You can volunteer 1 or more days a week from 9:15 – 12:00. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please call Kasey at (518) 795-5678.

Are You a Veteran?

VFW Post 7338, East Greenbush, at 100 Hayes Road is extending an invitation to all veterans in the community! 

If you are a Veteran you are invited to visit our Post to see if you are qualified to be a member of the VFW. If you are a Veteran and looking to contribute to your community this is the place to be! We were open during the Pandemic (on a limited basis) and are still open! We invite you to be a member of the world’s largest veteran organization! 

All members eligible to join the VFW also qualifies your family to join our VFW auxiliary. We need new members of our Post to help us to continue to service our veterans, their families and our community. If someone in your family is a qualified Veteran then your family is eligible to join the Auxiliary to help us continue to operate the Programs that will help us to keep the VFW solvent for years to come. Please consider joining our organization. We are in need of new people to help run our Post properly. 

We have monthly Pancake Breakfasts, usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month! We are open to the public and offer our hall for your meeting! We have a seating capacity for 125 people! We can be your 1st choice for Weddings, Baby Showers, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Get-togethers for families and friends or a quiet place to have a Celebration of Life of a loved one that has passed. We offer reasonable rates and can accommodate your wishes! 

Please contact us by emailing us at VFWpost7338@nullgmail.com or calling 518-477-7770 and leave a message with your name and number. We do not have a full-time person at the Post to return your call. Your message will be forwarded to another number which is checked every day. Your telephone call will be returned. 

Thank you for your support!

Cornell Cooperative Extension Now Offering “Microsoft Monday” Webinars

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County (CCE) is pleased to announce that it will offer “Microsoft Monday” webinars beginning on May 16th. Each webinar will be led by Delia Hubbard, Digital Literacy Educator for CCE and certified Microsoft Office Expert. 

These intensive-study events offer an affordable option for learners to explore intermediate- and advanced-level skills with the support of a trainer. Microsoft Monday events focus on specific topics within with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office software programs. They are perfect for small business owners, those seeking to bolster their skills in order to pursue Microsoft certifications, or employees who want to increase their productivity in the workplace or expand their options for advancement in employment.

The first four Microsoft Monday sessions are focused on Excel skills:

May 16, 2-4pm: Charting Data with Excel

June 13, 2-4pm: Data Analysis Shortcuts with Excel

June 27, 2-4pm: Pivot Tables, Pivot Charts, Slicers with Excel

July 11, 2-4pm: Create Dynamic Spreadsheets in Excel

Visit the “events” listing on the CCE website, www.ccerensselaer.org, to learn more about what specific skills will be demonstrated in each training session and to register to attend. 

There is a $25 registration fee per person for each training session, and pre-registration is required. Registration fees may be paid online with a credit card or by mailing a personal check.

Participants should have some basic level skills in place prior to registering for these training webinars. If you aren’t sure of your skill level, reach out to Ms. Hubbard to discuss your concerns and learn about free online resources you can use to establish foundational skills. Call (518) 272-4210 or email delia.hubbard@nullcornell.edu.

Elmer A. Grogan Scholarship

Applications are being accepted for the scholarship award of $300.00 for the best essay on “What Freedom Means To Me” by a graduating senior from Brunswick Central School District or Berlin Central School District who is continuing on with his or her education. 

The essay should not be less than 250 words or not more than 500 words. The scholarship is being given by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340 in memory of a former member Elmer A. Grogan. 

The deadline for applications is May 31st. Applications are available at the guidance counselor offices of both high schools and should be mailed to Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340, PO Box 361, Grafton, NY 12082, attn: Commander Len Claus, Jr.

Attention Poestenkill High School Seniors

POESTENKILL – The Poestenkill Library/Clement Memorial Scholarship of $1000 is ready to be claimed by a High School Senior who is a resident of the town of Poestenkill. The student from a public, private or home school setting must be planning to continue their education at a two or four year college after graduation.

A 500-700 word essay expressing the applicant’s love of reading is due by May 31,2022. No particular font or spacing is required. Applicant’s name should not be on the same page as the essay since the judging is done solely on the content of the essay. A cover sheet is to be attached which includes applicant’s name, address, phone #,school currently attending and college attending in the Fall. 

Mail to P.O.Box 305 Poestenkill, NY 12140, or email to info@nullpoestenkilllibrary.org, or just drop it off at the library in person. For more information call 518-283-3721.

Latham-Colonie Columbiettes Flea Market

LATHAM – The Latham-Colonie Columbiettes are hosting a Flea Market on Saturday May 21st 2022, at 328 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. 

The Vendor Spaces available for reservation are Indoor and Outdoor Covered areas (4 x 10 ft) and Outdoor areas (10 x 10 ft) for your own popup set up! 

Contact info; Kathleen Majer, klmajer@nulloutlook.com or 518 272 8831.

www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/dinner&events

Poestenkill 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.

Hope 7 Food Pantry

TROY – The Hope 7 Food Pantry located at 520 Pawling Avenue, Troy NY serves the East Side of Troy, Wynantskill and Northgreenbush.

Pantry Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:30am-11:45am; Thursday – 5pm-7pm. Last Saturday of each month 9:30am-11:45am

What to bring: Proof of residence (Troy’s East Side, North Greenbush, or Wynantskill) – (utility bill to your address in your name). ID’s for each person residing in household.

St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus Bottle & Can Donations

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!

The Anchor Food Pantry 

SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry  in an attempt to keep the residents of the Town Of Schodack apprised during these Covid 19 times has an update regarding hours  of operation and procedures. The Pantry is open on the following days for servicing clientele and the general public.

Monday Evenings-5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursdays -9am-2pm, and the first saturday of each month 10am-1pm. We ask to call ahead at 518-732-4120 for food calls so staff can prepare order for delivery to your vehicle.

Donations are currently being accepted clothing wise for spring apparel preferably during business hours. As always we thank  the citizens of Schodack for their present, past, and future support of aiding those in need during these seemingly never ending difficult economic times.

Looking for ways to help The Anchor Food Pantry. Just a suggestion: 

 Return your recyclable cans and bottles to The 6  Cent Redemption Center 550 South Street-Rensselaer  – Rt9J.

Just inform the staff you are donating to the Anchor  Food Pantry account and account will be credited automatically.

8 Tips for an Informed Conversation about Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse, also called Domestic Violence (DV), can be in one or more of these forms – emotional, verbal, financial, sexual and technology-based.

1. NEVER BLAME THE VICTIM: We tend to blame the victim by asking, “What did she/he do, to be treated that way?” We don’t ask this question to other victims. Instead, we need to ask: “why does he/she choose to abuse?”.  Let the victim know that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect.

2. TRUST THE VICTIM’S PERSPECTIVE: Often, abusers deny their partners, the right to make their own choices. Taking a victim-centered approach by prioritizing their needs and wants, empowers them. Ask the victims what they need to feel safe and offer the desired support.

3. LET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS KNOW THAT DV IS NOT A “PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER.” DV is a crime under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994/96 which affords equal protection to women and men. One in three women and one in four men will be a victim of severe physical violence in their lifetime. Victims of DV are in every age, economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion and education. They are the family members, neighbors, coworkers or friends of some of us. 

4. CHALLENGE THE WIDELY-HELD MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DV: “why doesn’t the victim just leave?”, “only physical violence is DV” and “it’s a private, family matter”.  We need to be aware of multiple hurdles to leaving, for example – the safety of children & pets, financial security, and reaction from the family and community.

5. HOLD THE OFFENDERS ACCOUNTABLE: If it is safe to do so, impose social consequences on the abusers, like telling them they’re not welcome for the family dinner or to hang out, until their abusive behavior stops. Stop condoning their abusive behavior by saying “boys will be boys” or “that person would never abuse.” Family, friends and community members telling the offenders that their behavior is abusive, is a powerful deterrent against DV.

6. COUNTER THE STEREOTYPES: We need to counter inequalities and rigid gender roles like sexism and racism and educate the youth to reject these ‘-isms’.

7. BE AWARE THAT ABUSE IS ROOTED IN POWER AND CONTROL: Strategically isolating the victims from family and friends is a common tactic of the abuser, to gain power and control. Abusers may trap their partners by withholding, lying about or hiding financial assets which are forms of financial abuse. 

8. WE CAN PREVENT DOMESTIC ABUSE WITH EDUCATION AND ACTION. These are some of the ways: start an informed conversation about DV with your loved ones, support the local DV agencies by donating your time and money and giving wide publicity to the 24/7 DV Hotlines, to make them as well-known as ‘911’. These agencies provide confidential and comprehensive services to the victims: empathy, guidance, counseling, legal and safe shelter support for the entire family. 

Equinox  518.432.7865

Unity House  518. 272.2370

YWCA of NENY  518.374.3386

Wellspring   518.584.8188

National Hotline  (800) 799-7233

How to Prevent ‘Domestic Abuse’

Domestic abuse is also called Domestic violence (DV). It is a crime under the Violence Against the Women Act of 1994/96 which affords equal protection to women and men. DV can be emotional, financial, verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, and technology-facilitated abuse. It is affecting millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, gender, economic status, religion and education. We can prevent DV by spreading awareness, challenging the myths and confronting the abusers.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY LEVEL 

NEVER BLAME THE VICTIM: We tend to ask “What did the victim do to deserve the abuse?”. Instead, we need to ask: “why does the abuser choose to abuse?”. 

TRUST THE VICTIM’S PERSPECTIVE: Listen to and believe the victim to empower them to make their own decisions. Tell the victim that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect. Ask them what they need to be safe. 

TAKE A CLEAR STAND THAT DOMESTIC ABUSE IS NOT A “PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER.”: One in three women and one in four men will be a victim of severe physical violence at some point in their lifetime. Each day, an average of three women die at the hands of someone who claims or claimed to love them. Every abused person is someone’s sibling, parent, friend or co-worker. 

TELL THE VICTIMS about the DV Hotlines: Equinox 518.432.7865; Unity House 518. 272.2370; YWCA NENY 518.374.3386; Wellspring 518.584.8188 and the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233. If the victim is in immediate danger, call 911. Support your community by volunteering or donating to the DV agencies.

CONFRONT THE OFFENDERS: If it is safe, tell them that their abusive behavior is unacceptable. Impose social consequences like not welcoming for family dinner or to hang out, until they stop their abusive behavior. Study ‘bystander intervention training’ on YouTube and put it into practice. 

EDUCATE THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH about healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships. It is some of today’s children who will become tomorrow’s abusers and victims. Discuss DV at the family table and encourage everyone to respectfully speak up without fear when something doesn’t feel right. Set a healthy example by not using coercive measures to control your children’s’ behavior under any circumstance. Be respectful to everyone, irrespective of their age and sex. Losing your ‘cool ‘, is a big “No,’. If parents have difficulty managing their emotions, they need to seek help.  

COMMUNITY LEVEL 

CHALLENGE THE WIDELY-HELD MYTHS ABOUT DV AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY: That ‘DV’ means only physical violence’, it’s a “private family matter’, ‘the victim is weak’ and the victims can “just leave”. In reality, the woman is at the greatest risk of being hurt or even killed when trying to leave or after leaving. She has to carefully plan her escape, to protect herself, her children and pets and ensure financial security.

CHALLENGE THE MYTH THAT THE ABUSERS “LOSE CONTROL”: Not true. They don’t “lose control” at work, with friends and other family members! Abuse is a conscious choice rooted in power and control over the partner. Challenge the inequalities and ‘isms’ like sexism, racism, classism and patriarchy on which DV thrives. 

GIVE SUSTAINED PUBLICITY TO THE DV HOTLINE NUMBERS through all the media until they are as well-known as ‘911’. Make sure DV brochures are always visible at public places like libraries, town halls, workplaces, doctor’s offices, religious places and community centers.  

ORGANIZE DV AWARENESS CAMPAIGN EVERY OCTOBER. DV agencies can provide the publicity posters, brochures and speakers. 

Hotlines of Domestic Violence Agencies: Equinox 518-432-7865; Unity House 518-272-2370; YWCA NENY 518-374-3386; Wellspring 518-584-8188; National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233

Have You Been to the Supermarket Lately?

Are you using less meat and making your dinners stretch farther? Many of us are struggling to make ends meet, but there is some help for those who are eligible.  The “Bread of Life” food pantry has a healthy supply of staple foods to help make your limited food dollars go further at your supermarket.

Please consider a visit to our pantry for some really good healthy food items and even some non-food items.  We would be pleased if you would stop by on either the 1st or 3rd Thursdays of the month and check us out.  We open at 4:30 pm and close at 6:30 pm both evenings.

We are located in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poestenkill, side entrance, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill where we meet you at your car outside (rain or shine) and give you a first-time eligibility form and selection sheet to choose food and non-food items you may need.  Delivery is available for home-bound Poestenkill seniors.

We also want to help new moms who are eligible by offering to provide needed infant and baby diapers, wipes and baby food.  Pre-order of diaper sizes and preferred foods are suggested however, we will be storing a small supply including a variety of sizes of diapers and popular food items that may fit your needs.

You may call and leave a message at (518) 283-6045 for questions about our pantry or call (518) 428-0124 for questions about the infant and baby items.  Thank you and hope to see you soon. 

Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry 

POESTENKILL – We are open two times each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays beginning at 4:30 pm and ending at 6:30 pm. Bring proof of your current residence and grocery bags for your food request.

Starting in November 2021, we will now greet our guests inside the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, side entrance.

Please wear a mask and check the extra’s tables. Two guests at a time, fill out food selection forms while waiting in your car. We will continue to practice social distancing and safety for our volunteers and guests.

Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our pantry is available. Call and leave your name and number at (518) 283-6045.

Our newest program offers infant and baby items (food, diapers and wipes) for those who reside in the Poestenkill area. Pre-orders only by a phone message at (518) 428-0124, a private Facebook message, or email: breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com. We do not currently stock these items in our pantry as selections are very individualized. 

Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Consider Attending PD SELF – Parkinson’s Self-Efficacy Learning Forum

CAPITAL DISTRICT – A national program being offered in Albany. The program provides people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s with an in-depth understanding of the disease and the tools to manage it with confidence.  There is no cost to attend.  Registration is required.  Space is limited. Care partners are encouraged to attend.

This year the program, starting in September, has been adapted  to be fully online. Find out more at www.cdparkinsons.org/pd-self

St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus Bottle & Can Donations

WYNANTSKILL – Help Support Local Charities – St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption located at 461 Main Avenue in Wynantskill to accept bottle and can donations that have a NYS deposit.

This is to support local charities and those in need.

• Bring your clean, NYS deposit empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill.

• Say they are to support the St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus.

• They do the rest, that’s it!

• Thank you for your support!

Knocking out Alzheimer’s

Team “Knocking out Alzheimer’s” is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Return your bottles and cans and help the Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Through an arrangement with

Six-Center Redemption , Two Locations:

461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.

No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles into a machine.

If you can’t drop off, contact us we will even pick up! 

The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say:

“These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you. 

Join the fight with your bottles & cans!

Check us out on face book : Knocking out Alzheimer’s

Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team

CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.

Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed

CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY.  This includes all aspects of field and underwater search.  The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachusetts.   

We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need.   The team will provide training and complete support as needed.  Our headquarters is located in Waterford.  Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org

New York State Commission for the Blind 

CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults.  NYSCB assists participants in   achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society.  Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website:  visionloss.ny.gov

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