Saturday April 27, 2024 
Poestenkill Area Food Insecurity
POESTENKILL – Any greater Poestenkill area residents currently experiencing temporary or long term food insecurity can turn to The Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poestenkill for supplemental food assistance. We provide basic nutritional foods and related items the first and third Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in a very discreet, nonjudgmental manner. We offer drive-thru service where each guest receives a product list to form your order, we then fill your order and bring the completed order back to your vehicle. Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our Pantry is also available. Please try us, we are here to help. Our phone number is: 518-283-6045 to leave a message. Thank you.
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.
4-H Teen Council Scholarship
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Teen Council Scholarship is a very special award. The money is raised by 4-H’ers to honor and support their own. This year I am excited to announce our three scholarship recipients.
Amanda Thrasher is the daughter of Randy Thrasher and Debbie Gutierrez of Brunswick, NY. She has been a member of Rensselaer County 4-H for eleven years. A current member of Stablemates, Teen Exchange and Ambassador/ Council Teens. She has taken advantage of many state and national experiences and received honors such as the Lohnes Award, to honor her hard work and support of our 4-H Program and being an outstanding role model to her fellow 4-H Members. We wish her luck as she pursues her passion in internal relations and international agricultural trade.
Travis Michel is the son of Scott and Kelly Michel of Valley Falls, NY. He has been a member of Rensselaer County 4-H for 13 years and is currently a senior at Greenwich Central School. He is a member of the Southern Livestock 4-H Club and primarily shows dairy cattle but also does photography, metal work and plant science projects. Travis has been a captain of the dairy bowl team for the past two years and participant of our Junior Dairy League Program, traveling to represent NY at the National Dairy Conference in 2019. We wish him luck as he pursues his interests in Agricultural Systems and Technology.
Stephanie Bradbury is the daughter of Robert and Donna Bradbury of East Schodack, NY. She has been a member of Rensselaer County 4-H for 9 years and is a senior at Notre Dame- Bishop Gibbons High School. Stephanie is currently the President of our Ambassador/Council Teen Club and has taken on many leadership roles while in 4-H. Stephanie also participated in statewide career exploration trips to Cornell University and donated her time to community service projects. We wish her luck as she studies to become a labor and delivery nurse.
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
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.
Postponed Verteran’s Day
EAST GREENBUSH – Due to the COVID 19 requirements Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231 had to postponed Veteran’s Day ceremony until Flag Day, June 14th, 2021. We are celebrating with our Veteran’s and the public, at the post 6 PM, 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush. Local leaders will speak and Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, & refreshment are served. Come celebrate All Veteran’s service to our country.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
EAST GREENBUSH – Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231 is having a Flag Retirement Ceremony behind East Greenbush Town Hall (weather permitting) 5:30 on Flag Day June 14th, 2021. We will have a veterans Day program with Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, & refreshments 6 PM across the street at Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231. PLEASE have all flags turned in to the post by Friday June 11th, 2021. Thank you
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Averill Park High School and Algonquin Middle School each earned a Gold Star No Place for Hate designation from the Anti-Defamation League. This signifies that each school is serious about issues related to equality, and that students and staff practice compassion and tolerance among the school community.
Six student-athletes signed their National Letter of Intent to compete at the collegiate level. Congratulations and good luck to Hannah Horrocks (UAlbany, Cheer), Anna Jankovic (D’Youville College, Basketball), Vita Spence (UAlbany, Cheer), Delaney Sutton (UAlbany, Cheer), McKenzie Swinson (UAlbany, Softball) and Mia Tessitore (Merrimack College, Lacrosse)!
Eighth grade student Jasmine Scribner recently completed a service project for Girl Scouts in which she identified a need in the community and delivered a solution. Jasmine raised funds, worked with the Algonquin Middle School Student Council and purchased microwaves for students to use in the cafeteria. Nice job Jasmine!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
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.
4-H Clover Chefs Virtual Workshops
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Many youth are interested in learning about preparing foods and are attracted to the hands-on aspect of cooking. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Junior Chefs program continues to offer valuable life skills to youth through programs such as this. The 4-H Junior Chefs program offers cooking workshops for youth eight years and older as well as Cloverbud workshops for our 5-7 year old members. These cooking opportunities transitioned to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants receive recipes and information about what they will be cooking a week prior to the class and on the evening of the workshop they cook along with 4-H Program Coordinator, Eileen DePaula, via Zoom from their home kitchens.
During each workshop, youth are provided with instruction in kitchen safety, sanitation, nutrition, food safety, and introduced to a variety of food items. Each session has a different theme; such as international foods, baking, and New York State Produced Products (using ingredients found locally).
For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their ability to pay. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration.
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