Saturday April 27, 2024 
Transfiguration Parish Book Nook
The Book Nook is open on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00 am until noon. Buy one get one free specials are on Tom Clancy and Fern Michaels. Romance novels and children’s books are 10/$1!! Lots of new donations to check out. Donations are welcome on Monday through Thursday 9:00 until 2:00 pm. Please do not leave donations outside church. Thanks for your continued support and see you at the Book Nook!!
News From Averill Park CSD
Congratulations to David Mooradian for being recognized at the Leaders Recognizing Leaders breakfast at The Vista in Clifton Park. David was one of 12 students from the Capital Region who earned a SAANYS scholarship!
As the weather gets nicer, great outdoor activities are taking place throughout the District, including Special Person’s Day at PES, Outdoor Movie Night at AMS, and Senior Sunset at APHS. Additionally, a joint learning activity at Thacher Park happened with AP students from the High School helping AMS students learn about Earth Science!
The Averill Park High School Music Program held its final concert of the year along with its senior awards presentation. Bravo to all who participated!
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
The Anchor Food Pantry
The Anchor Food Pantry would like to advise that if you cannot make it to the Anchor, we have 2 locations at Schodack Town Hall-Town Clerks Office and Castleton Village Hall during business hours for these municipal locations, to drop off food items in the bins provided.
Also you can redeem and donate bottles/cans for credit to our account at 6cent redemption center located on 9J -Rensselaer. Just inform staff to credit the Anchor Food Pantry account. As always we thank the Schodack Community for their past and continued support in our efforts to help those in these uncertain economic times.
Town of Nassau Youth Committee Bike Rodeo and AMVETS Bike Giveaway
On June 4th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Town of Nassau’s Youth Committee will be holding its annual Bike Rodeo at St. Mary’s Church on Church Street in Nassau.
The local chapter of AMVETS will be conducting their bike giveaway, meaning that any youth that needs a bike can have one. First come first served. Bikes are available for all ages of youth. Refreshments and prizes will be provided. This event is free to all.
To Love A Child Launches June Dollar-For-Dollar Fundraising Campaign To Support Vital Programs
CAPITAL DISTRICT – To Love A Child, Inc. announces the launch of its June fundraising campaign – the “June Dollar-for-Dollar Match”. Each dollar that is donated to To Love A Child, Inc. will be matched by an anonymous donor dollar-for-dollar during the month of June up to a total of $10,000!
Donations during the month of June will help to support our local programs; Thyme to Thrive educational programs, field trips and school break camps; and our international projects in Zimbabwe – clean water and wells, the building of a medical clinic, education, a piggery, food forests; and Haiti –educational support for teachers’ salaries.
Please visit www.toloveachild.net for more detailed information and to make a secure donation through PayPal or checks may be sent to To Love A Child, Inc., PO Box 165, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Thank you for your support. Together we will make a difference in the lives of many. Established in April of 2009, To Love a Child, Inc. is a local nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization.
Seeking Crafters, Vendors and Garage Sailers!
Nassau Lake Association (NLPIA) 3rd Annual Lawn Sale 6/10 9am-3pm, the same date as the Nassau Community wide garage sale. Location: the ballfield on Nassau-Schodack Rd., East side of the Lake. To reserve a spot we’re asking for a $15 donation, which will go toward the new clubhouse.
Plenty of room and parking. There will be food and beverages available as well as a 50/50 raffel and gift basket raffels. Contact Jim or Deb Prime on Facebook or by phone Deb Prime 518-466-2631, Jim Prime 518-776-0041 for more info and to sign up. Hope to see you there!
June Events at First United Methodist Church, 1 Gilligan Rd. East Greenbush
June 3rd from 11:30 am – 3:30pm we will be having our Second Annual Food Truck Festival. We will also have local Performers, Kids Activities East Greenbush Fire, East Greenbush Police, Face Painting and more. Please bring a lawn chair as seating may be limited . Hope to see you there.
The 6/7 Storytelling Night will feature Olan Schillinger, a high school student who attends Emma Willard School and her Narratives of Youth Project. Olan will present her Project with us .Olan volunteers with young children who have emigrated from war torn and unsafe areas of the world. She assists them in writing books to discuss themselves and their experiences in both English and their home languages. This increases their literacy skills and sharing the books have educated others on the current conditions’ children experience in other parts of the world. We will have a time for questions and for light refreshments. A free will offering will benefit our FUMC youth.
June 28 is John Wesley’s 320th birthday. John Wesley was an English cleric, theologian, and evangelist who founded the Methodist movement within the Church of England. The societies he founded became the dominant form of the independent Methodist movement that continues to this day. This year, the First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush will celebrate his birthday at the June 25 Sunday service by singing a couple of his brother’s hymns (Charles Wesley), contemplating on the tenets of Wesleyan theology, and of course enjoying his birthday cake. Join us for this special celebration from 9:30 am to 11 am. All are welcome. It’s a free event and no need for a reservation.
Columbia High School Annual 70’s Reunion
Mark your calendar for the annual CHS 70’s Reunion on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Schodack Island State Park – noon until dusk. 1970-1979 attendees/graduates/teachers – but ALL alumni are welcome! $20 entry fee includes food, provided by the Committee members.
Join our Facebook page: Columbia High School 70’s Reunion for more info and updates OR contact Caroline Lynch Zeyak at elvis628@nullfairpoint.net. Spread the word – see you there!
Celebrated Children’s Musician Brings Local Talent to the Screen
Laurie Berkner, the celebrated children’s musician, has brought some local talent to the screen in her latest music video “Wash It.” Sisters Elizabeth and Ezmae Brant of Nassau have been cast in the video, and they couldn’t be more excited to show off their dancing skills.
Laurie Berkner has been in the music industry for over 20 years and has become a household name for her catchy and interactive children’s music. Her videos have amassed over 55 million views on YouTube, and her songs are beloved by children, parents, and educators alike.
With “Wash It,” Laurie continues to create fun and engaging music that encourages kids to get up and move. The song’s catchy tune is sure to captivate young listeners, and with the addition of Elizabeth and Ezmae’s dancing skills, the video is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.
The sisters were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Laurie and work with her on the video. Their energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and they add an extra layer of fun to the already engaging song. Elizabeth and Ezmae are sure to win over viewers with their charm and talent.
Overall, Laurie Berkner’s latest music video “Wash It” is a must-see for anyone who loves fun, engaging, and interactive children’s music. With the addition of local talent Elizabeth and Ezmae, the video is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages. So be sure to check it out and see why Laurie’s music is beloved by kids, parents, and educators across the globe.
Looking For Arts & Craft and Food Vendors for June 16th-18th Kiwanis Summerfest
The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake is reaching out to Capital Region crafters and food vendors to take part in our annual, weekend-long Summerfest, one of the largest summer fairs in Rensselaer County.
The carnival rides, major area bands, adult and youth activities and evening fireworks during the June 16-18th event attract hundreds of people each year.
So this is an event you will not want to miss. Please contact Janet at jmalecki@nullnycap.rr.com for more information and to sign up.
Western Governors University Offers Two Scholarships for Rural NY Residents
To help remove rural barriers to higher education, accredited nonprofit and online Western Governors University (WGU) has announced the new Learn Where You Live Scholarships exclusively for residents of rural communities. Valued at up to $3,000 and awarded at $750 per six-month term for up to four terms, the scholarships are available to new or returning WGU students living in rural areas, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
According to the latest Census figures, 2.5 million New Yorkers live in rural areas, including 31.7% of residents (392,263) in the Capital Region.
“For many rural New Yorkers, it’s just not feasible to drive an hour or more to a college campus, especially if they have work and family obligations,” said Rebecca Watts, who oversees operations in New York as regional vice president for WGU. “Completing a degree program can change lives, families and communities, and WGU is doing what we can to remove the barriers of distance, time, and cost.”
In addition, for those New Yorkers who live in a T-Mobile service area for internet service, WGU offers the Online Access Scholarship, which provides students with a laptop, internet service and a webcam to pursue their education studies.
WGU has more than 60 online bachelor’s and master’s degree program in business, IT, education, and healthcare. WGU serves more than 3,400 students and more than 6,300 alumni in New York.
Both scholarship application deadlines are June 30 and more information is available at www.wgu.edu/learnwhereyoulive and www.wgu.edu/access.