Your Community 05.27.21

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.

Attention Averill Park High School Class of 2001

AVERILL PARK –  Due to COVID-19, we’ve decided to push our 20 year reunion back a year.  While we’re disappointed to have to do this, we think the turnout will be much better next year.  Save the date!  June 3, 2022.  June Farms.  5-9PM. 

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – On May 18, Averill Park CSD residents supported a $61.4 million budget for the 2021-22 school year by a vote of 576 (yes) to 299 (no), along with a bus and equipment proposition by a vote of 578 (yes) to 297 (no). Additionally, residents elected Jessica Zweig and Jackie Geraci to the Board of Education, each serving a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2021.

Three APHS students were selected for a Rensselaer County Regional Art Exhibition recently. Noah Bonesteel placed second at the exhibition. His piece was joined by the artwork of Seanna DeJulio and Brionna Schriener. Great job everyone!

Congratulations to Ben Ferlito, Nick Marchese and Dan McShane for being named Times Union Large School Football All-Stars! Ben was selected for the first team while Nick and Dan were second team honorees.

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

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

Extension Seeks Candidates for Master Gardener Training

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County is seeking candidates for the Master Gardener training course.  Master Gardeners are volunteers who provide gardening assistance to the community in many ways.  Master Gardeners learn about gardening and the environment, then pass along their knowledge by teaching classes, conducting educational projects, participating in community beautification efforts, and much more.  Candidates should be able to volunteer during weekday, daytime hours and must live in Rensselaer County.  Contact Marcie at (518) 272-4210 or mmp74@nullcornell.edu for more information.

AP Boxing Club

AVERILL PARK – Great workout , while learning boxing skills. No experience necessary. Local gym. You have the choice of an aerobic workout or training to compete. Text 518-339-6999.

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/

Algonquin Middle School Thanks John Gray

AVERILL PARK – Algonquin Middle School was very glad to have author and Channel 10 newscaster John Gray here (virtually) for our 18th annual Richtol’s Read All Day!  John graduated from LaSalle Institute, Hudson Valley Community College and SUNY Oswego.  During his career he has won many awards for his writing, including two Emmy awards.  He has written the books: Manchester Christmas, God Needed A Puppy, Sweet Polly Petals and Keller’s Heart.

AMS students were treated to a reading of Keller’s Heart, a story with positive messages.  Keller is a very special dog John rescued who is blind and deaf, but he owns two other dogs who are deaf.  John answered questions about being an author, what inspired him to write Keller’s Heart and about his five dogs as well.  Thank you John Gray!

AMS has been collecting shoe boxes, old towels and pipe cleaners for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, in conjunction with our RRAD event.  We raised more than $82 through the raffle of a dog lover’s basket for the humane society.  Daniel M was the lucky student who won!  

Notification of Cancelation of The North Greenbush Parade

NORTH GREENBUSH – The Town Board has decided to follow the Governor’s guidance and follow the practice of social distancing; therefore Town’s Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled. We would still like to honor the heroes who have served the country by continuing the tradition of laying wreaths at the various memorial sites in town.

The Wreath Laying Ceremonies will begin at 9:45 am at the Bloomingrove Cemetery on Route 4 in Defreestville. To follow at 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, at St. Judes on Brookside Avenue, at the American Legion on Main Avenue, at the Evergreen Cemetery on Main Avenue, and at Town Hall on Main Avenue.

Town of Brunswick 2021 Summer Recreation Program

BRUNSWICK – Summer Program will begin Tuesday, June 29, 2021 and run through Friday, August 6, 2021 for ages 5-12.

Summer Program Registration Fee:

• $450.00 for one child

• $325.00 each additional child

• Non-residents residing within the Brunswick Central School District $825.00 per child. $600 for each additional child

Please visit our website www.townofbrunswick.org to find all the information. Please complete one form for each child attending and return with payment to Brunswick Town Hall, 336 Town Office Rd, Troy, NY 12180. Also, please read all policies and procedures in the packet. For applications received during Day Camp session, the child will have to wait until the following day to begin. Questions, call 518-279-3461 X 104

Swimming Lessons

For children aged 5 to 12 who are not participating in the camp, free-swimming lessons taught by American Red Cross-certified instructors will be taught in two week sessions:

• Monday, July 5–Friday-July 16 11:00 am–11:30 am

• Monday, July 19–Friday-July 30 11:00 am–11:30 am

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.

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.

Retreat with Jane Austen on Lake George

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Join the Jane Austen Society North America (JASNA)-New York Capital Region for the 11th Annual Jane Austen Retreat at Wiawaka on Lake George, New York, on June 25-27, 2021. Participants will join scholars and enthusiasts in exploring Austen’s world through facilitated discussions of Emma, viewing and discussion of filmed adaptations of the novel, and presentations from local JASNA members Dr. David Shapard, Nancy Duell and Jane Murphy. Special guests are JASNA president Liz Philosophus Cooper, who will discuss “Jane Austen, Working Woman: I must keep to my own style and go in my own way” and visiting lecturer Juliette Wells, who will present “Looking at Emma with 21st Century Eyes.”   The retreat will conclude with a picnic tea on the grounds. (Bring a lawn chair!) In addition to planned events, the retreat will allow time for you to enjoy the splendors of the beautiful Lake George setting by exploring the cottages and grounds, the gardens, the dock and the lake.

The cost of retreat attendance is $25 for JASNA members and $30 for non-members and includes Saturday and Sunday lunches. To register, mail check payable to JASNA NYS Capital Region and send to: JASNA NYCR, c/o Nancy Duell, 56 Fifth Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801. Registration deadline is June 20.  For additional information, contact Nancy at ardhn23@nullnetscape.com or call (518) 321-1887.

Reservations for food and lodging at Wiawaka are $155/night. Day only reservations are available for $15. Visit www.wiawaka.org or call 518-668-9690 for information to make your reservation. 

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