Tuesday June 6, 2023 
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.
Cameron Coffey Receives Degree from Georgia Tech
ATLANTA, GA – Cameron Coffey of Averill Park, NY, has earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with Highest Honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Coffey was among approximately 4,435 undergraduate and graduate students who earned their degrees during the Spring 2021 semester and were recognized during the Institute’s 260th Commencement exercises May 7-8, 2021, at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Memorial Day
NORTH GREENBUSH – North Greenbush Town Councilman, Jack Rogers and Rensselaer County District Attorney, Mary Pat Donnelly observing Memorial Day in North Greenbush. Honoring those who died while serving in the United States military.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Averill Park High School’s Mr. Michael Blostein has been named a quarterfinalist in the Grammy Museum’s Music Educator Award. The award recognizes educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education. Congratulations Mr. Blostein!
Sixth grade student Theo Tichy won first place in the Rensselaer County School Music Association Scholarship Festival for grades 6-8. He won $300 to be used toward advancing studies in music or he can put it toward an instrument. Great job Theo!
Our Track and Field student athletes performed well at the Section 2, Group 2 meet recently. Winning their events were Logan Barsalow (2000M Steeplechase), Tyler Spink (Discus), Fiona Carroll (Pole Vault), Abbie Wicks (400M), the 4×400 team of Abbie Wicks, Anna Jankovic, Maddie Gile and Lydia Munandi, and the 4×100 team of Fiona Carroll, Caryn Zimmerman, Frankie Morone and Lydia Munandi. Way to go everyone!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Students Earn Degrees from the University of Vermont
BURLINGTON, VT – Determined to maintain the spirit of joy and optimism that is the hallmark of UVM’s commencement ceremony, but doing so in a safe manner, University of Vermont President Suresh Garimella conferred degrees on graduates at multiple, smaller school and college ceremonies. “Our emphasis will be on celebrating our students. We are very proud of each and every one of them and salute their accomplishment,” Garimella said prior to the ceremonies, which marked the end of a highly successful year of in-person education on the UVM campus. An estimated 3,347 graduates, including 2,685 bachelors, 435 masters, 117 doctoral and 110 medical, earned degrees during the university’s 220th commencement.
Nora Brown of Hoosick Falls, NY, Bachelor of Science
Liam Gelder of Wynantskill, NY, Bachelor of Science
Zoe Gliosco of Troy, NY, Bachelor of Science
Emily Haworth of Wynantskill, NY, Bachelor of Science
Ashley Meyer of Castleton On Hudson, NY, Bachelor of Science
Emma Meyer of Castleton On Hudson, NY, Cum Laude Bachelor of Science
Students Named to the University of Vermont Dean’s List
BURLINGTON, VT – To be named to the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.
Grace Davis of Rensselaer, NY
Jared Kehmna of Rensselaer, NY
Alyssa Lindheimer of Stephentown, NY
Emma Meyer of Castleton On Hudson, NY
Lehigh University Announces Students Who Attained Dean’s List for Spring 2021
BETHLEHEM, PA – Students at Lehigh University attained Dean’s List in Spring 2021. This status is granted to students who earned a scholastic average of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.
Mary Patwell of East Greenbush (12061)
Emma Limoges of Averill Park (12018)
Benjamin Forte Named to Castleton University President’s List
CASTLETON, VT – Benjamin Forte of Rensselaer, NY was recently named to the Castleton University President’s List for the spring semester of the 2020-21 academic year. To qualify for this highest academic honor, students must maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 4.0.
Kyle Hurysz of Castleton on Hudson graduates from Edinboro University
EDINBORO, PA – Edinboro University celebrated the academic success of 673 undergraduate and graduate students on May 8.
Bachelor’s and associate degrees were conferred upon 518 students, while 155 students earned graduate and post-baccalaureate degrees.
Kyle A Hurysz of Castleton on Hudson, NY, (12033) earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Connor Leddick Named to Castleton University Dean’s List
CASTLETON, VT – Connor Leddick of Rensselaer, NY, was recently named to the Castleton University Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2020-21 academic year. To qualify for this academic honor, students must maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 3.5.
Keyes Scholarship Winner
CENTER BRUNSWICK – Center Brunswick United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the 2021 winner of the Harold and Mabel Keyes Scholarship Award. This year’s winner is Jessica Heinrichs, a graduating senior from Tamarac High School. Jessica is the daughter of Joe and Trace Heinrichs of Brunswick.
Jessica has been part of JV and Varsity Soccer and Softball as a center defender and captain for soccer and a pitcher for softball and a member of stage crew for school plays. She also was a member of Junior National Society and currently part of National Honor Society. Her community activities include Brunswick Community Soccer coach for u10 as well as various travel softball teams. She serves the St. Jude’s the Apostle Church in their faith formation program, filling Thanksgiving food drive baskets, children’s activities, Stations of the Cross and working the annual festival.
She will be attending Castleton University in Vermont playing both soccer and softball while majoring in Athletic Training and being in the Honors Program. Congratulations, Jessica.
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.
Community Caregivers Expanding Program in Rensselaer County!
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Do you know someone who needs our help?! Do you have a few hours a month to give to someone in our community?! Community Caregivers is expanding our program in Rensselaer County!
Community Caregivers is a non for profit agency that has provided services for over 20 years in Albany County. Our goal is to help individuals of any age maintain their independence and dignity within their homes with our support. Last year, Community Caregivers began “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” in Rensselaer County in response to COVID isolation by many in our community.
We pair carefully vetted and trained volunteers with folks for friendly weekly phone calls. Volunteers check in to make sure that individuals have groceries, medications, and supplies. They provide a listening ear to those who may need one. As COVID has lessened and our staff and clients have become vaccinated, Community Caregivers in Rensselaer County is expanding the program and starting in home visits, transportation to appointments, help with light housekeeping and paperwork, and grocery shopping. All of our services are free to clients.
Currently we are in need of volunteers and clients to service in our county. Volunteer Orientations take place several times a month and our applications are online. Please contact Meredith Osta , Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement at (518) 456-2898 or at volunteer@nullcommunitycaregivers.org for information on how to become a volunteer for our agency. Please contact Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator for Rensselaer County at (518) 366-9173 or at info@nullcommunitycaregivers.org for information on how to refer an individual for services. Donations and pledges to our organization are always welcome. See www.communitycaregivers.org on how to do so.
Cap Com Cares Foundation Golf Tournament Sets Fundraising Record
ALBANY – CAP COM Federal Credit Union and its charitable giving arm, the CAP COM Cares Foundation, hosted their annual charity golf tournament Monday, June 7 at Saratoga National Golf Course. This year marked the 26th annual fundraiser which hosted 180 golfers and raised $146,500, a new record for the tournament. The last in-person tournament in 2019 raised $125,000. Funds raised are distributed to dozens of local nonprofits through grants and other signature giving programs throughout the year.
CAP COM extends a huge “Thank You” to Premier Sponsor CUNA Mutual Group. Keepsake Partners, Lecce Arcodia, and BBL participated in the tournament and provided some wonderful giveaways.
Additional top sponsorship support came from Allied Solutions, Bond, Schoeneck, & King PLLC, Brown and Brown of New York Inc., Capital Luxury Cars, CSEA, Coccadotts, Enact, Exit 9 Wine and Liquor Warehouse, General Control Systems, Inc., Janitronics Inc., Jankow Companies, Kerr deVoe PC, Lavelle and Finn, LSI, NCR, PNJ Technology Partners, Salesforce, Siena College, St. Peter’s Health Partners, The Hodorowski Group, WCGS Architects, Whittaker Appraiser Group, and Worldpay.
“The CAP COM Cares Foundation offers our sincere gratitude to this year’s sponsors and golfers, for their commitment to the nonprofits CAP COM supports in our community,” stated Chris McKenna, President and CEO, CAP COM. “The outing helps make a difference in the lives of many families by supporting programs like Coats for Kids, School Backpacks, and our Thanksgiving ‘Sharing the Harvest.’ Without our partners, our passion to serve thousands of children, families and underprivileged in our region would not be sustainable.”
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.
St. Jude Flea Market / Vendor Fair Vendors Needed
ALBANY – Vendors Needed. Flea Market/Vendor Fair To Benefit ST.JUDE. August 28th,2021 from 10-4. $15.00 Uncovered Space / $30.00 covered space with table. Uncovered Vendors who need a table can rent one for $5.00 per table. Easy up Tents will be permitted on uncovered spaces only. There will also be an uncovered garage sale area for anyone who wants to participate but is not a regular vendor. Contact Information – Polish American Citizens Club, 110 Commerce Ave, Albany NY 12206. E-mail: bobdomalewicz@nullgmail.com for signup information. Phone: 518-227-7142.
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