Tuesday June 6, 2023 
Poestenkill Business Association – Praying for Generosity
POESTENKILL – Due to the unfortunate circumstances that we find ourselves in this year, the Poestenkill Business Association was unable to host our 28th Annual Charity Auction. Over the past 28 years we have successfully raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for those in need for our Town. We have provided relief from disasters, crushing medical bills and collapsing roofs during emergencies. We are also proud to have given food to hungry families and to those that have found themselves in tough times.
As we were unable to hold our Auction this year, we will have no source for much needed funds. We are asking all townspeople and businesses in the area to do what you have so unselfishly done for the past 28 years, help us support our neighbors and those that need assistance during these uncertain times. We are accepting any size monetary donation and are most appreciative of your generosity. Please mail your check made payable to the Poestenkill Business Association at the address listed below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call.
Thank you for your help. All donations, no matter the size, are deeply, deeply appreciated and will be put to excellent use to aid Poestenkill Residents in need.
Steve Valente, President 518-322-5225
Poestenkill Business Association
PO Box 174, Poestenkill, NY 12140
Capital Region Businesses Partner with Stride for Virtual Fitness
WEST SAND LAKE – The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses and non-profit organizations hard. STRIDE Adaptive Sports, a non-profit that serves the Capital Region’s children with disabilities and combat-injured veterans, is no exception to the growing list that will face entirely new challenges ahead.
According to Founder/CEO Mary Ellen Whitney, “STRIDE will face an unprecedented need for new program formats to ensure the continued health and safety of our medically-vulnerable populations. These requirements – along with the changed landscape in which we are operating – are also creating a greater need for additional resources than we have ever encountered. Luckily, we have some amazing friends and supporters who are assisting us in this difficult time, especially as we transition our annual 5k event from an in-person to virtual format this Saturday, June 20th.”
The new virtual 5k event has been generously sponsored by the following Capital Region business leaders:
·AllSquare Wealth Management – Presenting Sponsor
·American National Insurance Company – Gold Sponsor
·Regeneron Pharmaceuticals – Gold Sponsor
·NPA Financial – Silver Sponsor
·Hannaford – Silver Sponsor
·DeCrescente Distributors – Bronze Sponsor
·Rust-Oleum – Bronze Sponsor
·Phillips Hardware – Supporting Sponsor
The event, which is being called Virtual Strides 4 STRIDE, also includes an 8 week preparatory session and support group held online through the Strava running site and STRIDE’s Facebook page. Participants can maintain a sense of community safely online while continuing to flatten the curve with social distancing. The group is being led by Megan Evans, STRIDE’s Program Director, who is also sharing her personal fitness journey and goals after having a child.
Registration for the event is $25.00 at https://www.stride.org , and the site also has more information on the event including an FAQ section. More information can be obtained by calling the STRIDE office at (518) 598-1279, or emailing mevans@nullstride.org
In addition to financially supporting the event, several businesses are also registering employees to participate in the event. STRIDE is hoping this will set a positive example of finding safe and creative new ways to stay healthy and active while safely practicing social distancing.
Books for Troops is Collecting Books Again
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Books for Troops is now taking books once again, but only in the Latham office at 688 New Loudon Rd., Latham. The other sites will remain closed. To maintain social distancing. the books are to be left in the 3 collection bins OUTSIDE the building, The books MUST be in very good to excellent condition to protect the troops. NO HARD COVERS! Please place the books in plastic bags and not singly or in boxes. As always thank you for your supporting our “new normal.” Ellen Keegan, Director.
Salute to all Poestenkill Graduates
POESTENKILL – The Poestenkill Fire Co. would like to salute all school graduates for the year 2020. If you know anyone that lives in the Town of Poestenkill and is graduating this year from elementary school, middle school, high school, or college, please email Brian at pfccar1@nulloutlook.com with the students name, physical address, and what school they are graduating from. On June 20th the Fire Company will be doing a drive-by for each graduate to honor them for a job well done.
Town of Brunswick Monthly Brush Pick Up Schedule
TOWN OF BRUNSWICK – Pick up schedule: June 22nd -June 26th; July 20th –July 24th; August 17th-August 21st; September 21th-September 25th; October 19th-October 23rd (last pick-up for season).
Limbs must be piled neatly, 8’ long-no larger than 6” diameter.
Branches must be free of roots and dirt. Avoid piling brush near utility poles and under trees, wires, or out in the street.
We will also pick up other yard waste, such as grass clippings, provided biodegradable paper bags are used
We do not go on private property. Clean wood only. Please no clear cutting of lots
No sticks, dirt or rocks or any material other than leaves and grass should be placed in bags.
We do not pick up rocks, stumps, rubbish, etc. Please do not put these items out with your branches.
Residents are also encouraged to dispose of leaves and grass at our Recycling Center, it is located across from the Town garage.
If you have any questions, please call 279-3461, Ext 100. Thank you
Rensselaer Lodge No. 2073 Scholarship Winners
RENSSELAER – The Rensselaer Lodge No. 2073 is proud to announce the winners of the Jack Stewart/ Ann Collins Memorial Scholarships.
Averill Park High School: Lindsey Hitchcock &Joshua Ward
Columbia High School: Makenna Salway &Michael Digman
Maple Hill High School: Sariah Stewart &Angel Garcia
Rensselaer High School Areej Christi & Angel Garcia
Congratulations and best of luck to you all in the fall!!!
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County Volunteer Opportunities Information Session
RENSSELAER COUNTY – In-person meetings are still suspended, but Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County is open — remotely! New volunteers can join at this time by calling (518) 244-4650 or sending an email to LitVolDirector@nullaol.com. Find out about tutoring, special events, and all of the other ways that you can help to make a difference in your community, An information session for new volunteers is scheduled for June 23 at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. Contact mhellerlvorc@nullaol.com to register.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Congratulations to Lydia Ware and Eric Schuman for earning the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Suburban Scholastic Council. Each year the Council recognizes a male and female student-athlete from each member school who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in athletics. Way to go Lydia and Eric!
The District has started a Reopening of School Task Force. Within the Task Force, there are five committees, including Teaching and Learning, Social-Emotional Needs, Finance and Operations, Staff and Student Heath, and Staff Culture and Well Being. The committees were open to all employees who wanted to join. Well over 100 employees signed up to be on one of our volunteer committees that will work through the summer.
Due to the overwhelming generosity of the Averill Park CSD community, our food pantry and backpack programs had such a large supply of food that a surplus was made available to anyone in the community that was in need. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our programs throughout the 2019-2020 school year!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Malden Bridge Community Center Cancels 4th of July Celebration
MALDEN BRIDGE – We regret that the Malden Bridge Community Center a/k/a MBCC will not be holding their annual 4th of July Celebration this year. After much consideration, discussion and disappointment, the Board determined that there is simply no feasible way to hold such an event in a socially distant manner and in compliance with local and state guidance. We are committed to keeping our community safe as we look forward to gathering together for a great celebration in future years.
Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market
CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – The Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market (COHFAM) has returned to its summer home at the corner of Scott Avenue (150) and Main Street (9J) in the Village. COHFAM will be held every Friday from 4:30-7:30 pm until September 25. During Phase 2 of New York Forward, the market will feature fresh vegetables, take-away food items and crafts, but no entertainment. Patrons will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available. New vendors welcome; visit COHFAM on Facebook to get an application or email gina.giuliano@nullgmail.com for more information. Come to COHFAM, the little market with the big heart, enjoy the river view and support the local economy!
Problem Gambling – Northeast Resource Center Here To Help
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Isolation due to the COVID-19 can be especially difficult for those struggling with gambling problems. Extra time, stress and anxiety, access to gambling on the internet, and an increase in online gambling options are a recipe for trouble. People struggling with gambling problems, or in recovery from problem gambling, may find this isolation to be especially difficult. If you have noticed extra stress, anxiety, anger, uncontrollable urges to gamble or an increase in gambling activities there are options for help. If your loved one is struggling to control their gambling, help is available for you too.
The Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center (NE PGRC) is a program of the New York Council on Problem Gambling and has been working to increase the awareness of problem gambling and connect those adversely affected by problem gambling to the care they need. The NE PGRC provides referral and treatment options, including connections to the recovery community, to individuals and families in need. We also provide education and training to groups and organizations who want to learn more about this disorder. The NE PGRC works with a network of qualified clinicians trained in problem gambling to provide barrier-free treatment to anyone seeking assistance.
Contact the Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center
Call: 518-801-1491
Email: NortheastPGRC@nullNYProblemGambling.org
Website: www.NYProblemGamblingHELP.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NortheastPGRC
Team “Knocking Out Alzheimer’s” Bottle Drive
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Six Center Redemption is partnering with the team Knocking out Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association.
NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR CANS BOTTLES LET US HELP…..
Return your bottles and cans and help he 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.
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.”
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles into a machine. 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!
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 Massachesettes. 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