Friday April 19, 2024 
West Sand Lake Fire District Seeking Community Input for New Station
A beacon of the Rensselaer County community for 150 years, the West Sand Lake Fire District No. 1 remains committed to providing critical fire services that ensure the safety of the surrounding region. In an effort to better serve its dedicated volunteers, members, and community, the district is developing feasible options for an improved fire station that equally considers the needs of devoted emergency responders and its responsibility as stewards of the taxpaying community. To date, the work has included assessments of the existing facility, site, systems, and equipment to begin identifying needs for a new structure to replace the aging station. The members of the West Sand Lake Fire District No. 1 want to facilitate a transparent planning process that respects the values, needs, and sentiments of all stakeholders. Over the coming months, the district will be gathering public input to help inform a referendum for an improved fire station. Please refer to the district’s social media pages and website for more information on upcoming community forums and public information sessions. https://www.facebook.com/wslfd and www.wslfd.org.
News From Averill Park CSD
Four APHS French 5 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, a NYS Department of Education graduation distinction that recognizes high school seniors who have attained a high level of proficiency in a world language. Congratulations to Emily Walsh, Jeana Monaco, Frankie Morone and Alex Gaboury!
Former NBA player Chris Herren visited the High School and delivered a powerful message about addiction, recovery, and self-worth. Thank you to APEF, NOpiates and the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office for donating funds to bring Mr. Herren to APCSD.
Elementary students kicked into high gear recently. At West Sand Lake Elementary School, students participated in the annual Fun Run, which is one of the school’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Students from Poestenkill Elementary School’s Girls on the Run team participated in the Girls on the Run 5K Race at Central Park in Schenectady along with 800 other attendees. Great job everyone!
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
Community Caregivers Expands
Community Caregivers, a Nonprofit agency, has continued to expand in Rensselaer County! We have over 50 clients but not enough volunteers to serve all of these nice people. Are you looking to help someone in your community remain living independently with a little assistance from you?
We need your help! Our volunteers can take someone to the doctors, grocery or other errands as well as visiting and calling. We have a simple orientation process. Call Heidi Buono, Rensselaer County Service Coordinator, at (518)366-9173 or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898, if you would like to volunteer. To learn more or donate to our agency, see Community Caregivers.org.
Nopiates Committee Appreciates Community’s Generosity and Support!
Nopiates Committee appreciates the generosity and support of our community, and our members thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Nopiates Committee is local grassroots not for profit organization, developed by dedicated community members committed to raising addiction awareness. Our devoted members work towards ending the shame and stigma associated with the disease of addiction. Committee members also offer educational and community events that focus on prevention, awareness and support for individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction in our community. Our organization wouldn’t be able to do what we do, without the continued support of local organizations and the generosity of members of our community.
We are honored to receive financial support from local organizations such as the members of The Church of the Covenant’s Men’s Breakfast Group & Salem United Methodist Church. These local churches sponsored a Chicken BBQ in April. With the donations that we receive, it allows us to partner with other groups, such as the Averill Park Education Foundation and bring impactful speakers like Chris Herren to Averill Park High School in May. Other community partners like the Delmar Rotary Club and Hudson Valley Community College, allowed us to provide the theater production Epicenter that took place last month, which brought to light the challenges of loving someone with a substance use disorder.
Again, we are truly grateful for our community’s support, that allows us to continue to with our mission to provide awareness, prevention and support to members of our community. Thank you! If you would like to learn more or want to join us don’t hesitate to contact us at nopiatesevents@<span class=”oe_displaynone”>null</span>gmail.com.
East Greenbush Flag Retirement
Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231 will conduct a FLAG RETIREMENT Ceremony at Becker’s Farm & Nursery, on Flag Day Tuesday, June 14th, 2022, at 6 PM.
Our flags deserve a proper retirement . The public is invited to attend. Please have all flags to be retired brought to Melvin Roads American Legion, 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush by Friday June 10th, 2022. We have a box outside our facility, to leave the flags in. Do not place flags in plastic bags, these cannot be burned. A big Thank You to Clinton Heights Fire Department for their support.
German-American Club Park Concerts
The German-American Club of Albany will host two free concerts by its newly formed German brass band on Thursday, June 30 and Thursday, July 28. Scheduled to take place outdoors at the Club grounds located at 32 Cherry Street, just off Fuller Road and Central Avenue in Albany, and will start at 7 pm. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating, otherwise picnic tables will be in place. German cakes and coffee will be available as well as liquid refreshments.
The concert program will consist of a wide variety of polkas, waltzes, marches with everything from Strauss to Latin favorites mixed in. Return to a simpler time when the village band was the focal point of town life and enjoy the over 125-year tradition of German-American’s in Albany.
Patrick Kern helps cancer patients, one mile at a time
Patrick Kern of Rochester knows firsthand how hard it can be for cancer patients to find transportation to and from their appointments. For eleven years, until her death in 2012, Kern was the caregiver for his wife, Elizabeth, who fought a long battle with breast cancer.
“Elizabeth and I used to wonder during our trips to her appointments how people who are alone manage this,” Kern commented. “I was her caregiver and her main source of transportation to and from her many doctor and hospital visits.”
Transportation is one of the main barriers cancer patients face to receiving treatment. This is why the American Cancer Society created the Road To Recovery volunteer program – in order to provide cancer patients with free rides to treatment.
“Inevitably, when I pick up a cancer patient for the first time, they ask me if I am a survivor, thinking that is why I volunteer to drive. I then tell them about Elizabeth,” Kern added.
After pausing the Road To Recovery program due to public health concerns during the COVID pandemic, the American Cancer Society is now set to relaunch it in select areas throughout the country. Volunteer drivers are currently needed to support the effort in the New York counties of Dutchess, Putnam, Albany, Saratoga, Orange, Greene, Ulster, and Washington.
Kern noted, “My favorite part of being a driver, without a doubt, is the real bond I have been able to make with many of the patients I have driven. They are such wonderful people and have become much more than some random patients.”
People wishing to become drivers for the Road To Recovery program must possess a current and valid driver’s license, have a good driving record, show proof of adequate automotive insurance, have access to a safe and reliable vehicle, and the ability to access the internet to schedule availability and secure rides.
American Red Cross Babysitting Course
This class provides babysitters with information on how to care for infants and children, how to choose age-appropriate activities, what to do in an emergency situation and basic first aid. Upon completion of this class the American Red Cross will email the certificate to the students.
The class locations are listed below. Email Brenda for more information: brendaleigh7@nullgmail.com; 6/25 @ APHS; 6/28 @ St.Jude the Apostle School; 7/12 @ Sand Lake Library.
Hoffman Car Wash Bolsters Food Supplies for Local Food Pantries
Free Car Wash with Food Donation on June 4th-5th
CAPITAL DISTRICT – For the first time in 2022, the staff at Hoffman Car Wash will be collecting non-perishable food items to support local area food pantries. On Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, Hoffman Car Wash will provide a free Ultimate car wash with a food donation.
Hoffman Car Wash has partnered with 14 different food pantries to provide much-needed assistance for families and individuals in need. Each Hoffman location will donate the collected items to a food pantry in its neighborhood.
This year’s pantries include
The Anchor Food Pantry (East Greenbush)
Bethlehem Food Pantry (Delmar)
Captain Community Human Services (Clifton Park)
The Food Pantries of the Capital District (Colonie)
Fulmont Community Action Agency (Amsterdam)
Hope 7 Food Pantry (Troy)
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (Albany)
Loaves and Fish Food Pantry (Binghamton)
Northeast Regional Food Bank (Latham)
People’s Place (Kingston)
South Glens Falls Moreau Community Center (Queensbury)
The Wilton Food Pantry (Saratoga)
Franklin Community Center (Saratoga)
Utica Food Pantry (Utica)
Suggestions of non-perishable food items to donate include canned meat or fish, canned entrees (stew, ravioli, etc.), canned fruit in juice, canned spaghetti sauce, canned soup, hot or cold cereal, canned 100% juice, and peanut butter and jelly.
To participate, individuals only need to donate one non-perishable food item at any Exterior or Full Service location. Individuals wishing to participate can find a complete list of locations at HoffmanCarWash.com.
Hoffman Car Wash also supports many non-profits and youth organizations through its Helping Hands Fundraising program.
American Red Cross Babysitting Course
This class provides babysitters with information on how to care for infants and children, how to choose age-appropriate activities, what to do in an emergency situation and basic first aid. Upon completion of this class the American Red Cross will email the certificate to the students.
The class locations are listed below. Email Brenda for more information: brendaleigh7@nullgmail.com; 6/25 @ APHS; 6/28 @ St.Jude the Apostle School; 7/12 @ Sand Lake Library.
Hoffman Car Wash Bolsters Food Supplies for Local Food Pantries
Free Car Wash with Food Donation on June 4th-5th
CAPITAL DISTRICT – For the first time in 2022, the staff at Hoffman Car Wash will be collecting non-perishable food items to support local area food pantries. On Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, Hoffman Car Wash will provide a free Ultimate car wash with a food donation.
Hoffman Car Wash has partnered with 14 different food pantries to provide much-needed assistance for families and individuals in need. Each Hoffman location will donate the collected items to a food pantry in its neighborhood.
This year’s pantries include
The Anchor Food Pantry (East Greenbush)
Bethlehem Food Pantry (Delmar)
Captain Community Human Services (Clifton Park)
The Food Pantries of the Capital District (Colonie)
Fulmont Community Action Agency (Amsterdam)
Hope 7 Food Pantry (Troy)
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (Albany)
Loaves and Fish Food Pantry (Binghamton)
Northeast Regional Food Bank (Latham)
People’s Place (Kingston)
South Glens Falls Moreau Community Center (Queensbury)
The Wilton Food Pantry (Saratoga)
Franklin Community Center (Saratoga)
Utica Food Pantry (Utica)
Suggestions of non-perishable food items to donate include canned meat or fish, canned entrees (stew, ravioli, etc.), canned fruit in juice, canned spaghetti sauce, canned soup, hot or cold cereal, canned 100% juice, and peanut butter and jelly.
To participate, individuals only need to donate one non-perishable food item at any Exterior or Full Service location. Individuals wishing to participate can find a complete list of locations at HoffmanCarWash.com.
Hoffman Car Wash also supports many non-profits and youth organizations through its Helping Hands Fundraising program.
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.
NYSCA and MANY Award 102 Partnership Grants Across NYS for Capacity Building
CAPITAL DISTRICT – More than $500,000 awarded to NYS Museums in all 10 REDC Regions
The Museum Association of New York (MANY) in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) awarded $500,981 to 102 grantees to assist New York museums with capacity building.
“We thank NYSCA for this partnership and this opportunity to rapidly distribute much-needed funding to New York’s museums,” said Erika Sanger, Executive Director, MANY.
This grant partnership with NYSCA was developed in direct response to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Partners for Public Good (PPG) study “Market
Analysis and Opportunity Assessment of Museum Capacity Building Programs” report published in March 2021.
Capacity Building grants were awarded in amounts up to and including $5,000 to help museums respond to pandemic-related challenges, build financial stability, strengthen board and community engagement, update technology, support leadership, and change systems toaddress diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and justice. Awards were made to museums of all budget sizes and disciplines.
“The arts and culture sector is facing a multi-year recovery process after two years of unimaginable challenges,” said Mara Manus, Executive Director, NYSCA. “We are grateful to MANY for their stewardship of this opportunity that will ensure New York State museums continue to grow and thrive. We send our congratulations to all grantees on their awards.”
Several museums are using grant funding to support institutional DEAI work. In New York City, the Bronx Children’s Museum’s “Accessibility Now” project will expand the Museum’s reach to thousands of children and families with different physical and mental abilities by conducting a multi-day workshop for staff.
In Central NY, the Cayuga Museum of History and Art will work with the Executive Director of the Sing Sing Prison Museum and Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to update their permanent exhibition on the history of the Auburn Correctional Facility to include discussions of mass incarceration and the modern prison industrial complex.
Other awardees will update technology to strengthen their community engagement. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site in the Capital Region will update the technology required to present in-person and virtual talks with scholars, artists, and community leaders. The Museum plans on continuing to serve their broadened online audience developed during the pandemic.
In the North Country, the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical will use this grant to support leadership in updating the organization’s strategic plan that will focus on developing goals and strategies to increase the institutional capacity and the historical society’s service to the community.
Partnership Grants for Capacity Building are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
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