Thursday May 2, 2024 
Beryl Moul Scholarship
CASTLETON – The Beryl H. Moul Memorial Grange Scholarship was established in 1958 by West Sand Lake Grange #949 in memory of prominent Grange Member Beryl H. Moul.
This year we are proud to announce Makaila Maier as the 2020 Beryl H. Moul Grange Scholarship Recipient. Makaila, daughter of Kurt and Regina Maier of Castleton, graduated from Maple Hill High School with plans to attend SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall. She is a member of Maple Hill Key Club (Castleton Kiwanis), Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, Mellenville Grange and served as a Girl Scout of Northeastern NY. Makaila’s teacher, Mrs. Racz states, Makaila is one of the most reliable students at Maple Hill High and given her intellectual abilities and community involvement, Makaila is sure to continue to thrive.
Congratulations Makaila and good luck in your future endeavors!
Rensselaer County 4-H Teen Council Scholarship
WEST SAND LAKE – 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 Adam Film, son of Stacy and William Film of West Sand Lake
as a hardworking, dedicated 4-Her and 2020 Teen Council Scholarship Recipient.
Adam Film has been a member of Rensselaer County 4-H for thirteen years. A current member of Green Earthlings, Teen Exchange and Teen Ambassadors. Adam graduated from Averill Park High school and plans to attend Clarkson University to study engineering this fall. We are excited to announce Adam as the recipient of the $1,000 4-H Teen Council Scholarship. Thank you for your dedication to 4-H, we wish you luck as you start a new chapter in your life.
Singles Outreach Elections Meeting
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Singles Outreach held a Virtual Zoom Elections meeting on June 3rd to vote for the new Officers and Board Members for the upcoming year.
The New Officers Elected are as follows: President: Dave Freeman; Vice-President: Gerald Boileau; They are joined by Existing Treasurer: Scott Stewart; and Existing Secretary: Louella Dozois. Newly elected Board Members are: Pat Clarke and Bonnielee Russell. They are joined by Existing Board Members: Esther Miklic, Joyce Ringermacher and Loretta Raymond. Continuing Singles Outreach Board Advisers are: Ann Parillo, Maria Immediato and Joan Slingerland.
Singles Outreach is a Not For Profit organization that provides a variety of events for all singles living in New York State. We are currently following New State guidelines during the Corona Virus Pandemic.
Beginning in July we will have a wide variety of social events that all Singles are welcome to participate in. If you would like to receive our newsletter with all of our July activities listed, please call us at 518-452-6883 and please provide your name and best telephone number where you can be reached so that we can right back to you.
We have so many fun events planned for the summer and hope that you can all join us!
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! Also we do not accept romances. 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.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Thank you to the Averill Park Central School District residents who voted for the 2020-21 school budget. This year we saw a record turnout even though voting was conducted solely through absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This budget will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission of meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day.
During the week of June 15-19, our High School, Middle School and all three Elementary Schools held reverse parades to honor students who are moving on to the next level. Thank you to everyone who made these events special and provided memories that our students, families and staff members will cherish.
At a recent virtual Board of Education meeting, tenure was granted to 10 APCSD educators. Congratulations to Brian Banks, George Brooks, Nancy Bush, Kristen Fasoldt, Joann Harnden, Erin McCue, Christina Mein, Nicholas Pendergast, Valerie Perrotta and Bethany Reddy!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
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 and began its fifth season on Friday, June 5. COHFAM will be held every Friday from 4:30-7:30 pm until September 25. During Phase 3 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!
Stephentown Food Pantry will not be open July 4
STEPHENTOWN – The Stephentown Food Pantry will not be open on Saturday, July 4. The pantry will be open its usual hours of 9-11 a.m. all other Saturdays to provide food assistance. Please plan ahead for this holiday closure. Those needing food may currently visit the pantry every Saturday.
Extra health precautions have been put in place so you can be served as safely as possible. You are served from your car so safe social distancing can be maintained. Drive up and park your car. We’ll come over with an order form where you can see what’s available. Let us know what you need and your preferences. (We’ll be wearing masks and gloves and sanitizing pens and clipboards after each client.) We will assemble your order and bring it to your car.
The Pantry is housed at the Stephentown Federated Church, 1513 Garfield Road (County Route 26). The Pantry serves residents of Stephentown, New York, and Hancock, Massachusetts. New clients should bring a current form of identification showing their street address. For information, call (518) 487-8606 or check out the photos and information on the Stephentown Food Pantry Facebook page.
Town of Brunswick Monthly Brush Pick Up Schedule
TOWN OF BRUNSWICK – Pick up schedule: 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
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 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