Friday April 19, 2024 
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Congratulations to all of the Averill Park Central School District Class of 2021 graduates! Over the course of their senior year, they have faced many struggles and hardships due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Our students have learned how to adapt to unexpected changes and have demonstrated resilience during this challenging time. Congratulations to the Class of 2021 and good luck in all of your future endeavors.
Twenty employees called the 2020-2021 school year their last as they have decided to retire. Congratulations to Paul Anderson, Victoria Boulay, Frederick Corie, Deborah Dewey, Michele Doodian, Brian Dunson, Barbara Gettig, Laura Kyer, Lee Levings, Suzanne Long, Carol Lopez, Lori Lossi-Stephenson, Cherie Morizio, Ted Mosher, Mary Paris, Linda Primeau, Mindy Smith, Ruth Sutton, Mary Anne Valentine and Richard Wynne! Thank you for your service to the Averill Park Central School District community.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Local SUNY Potsdam Athletes Named to SUNYAC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll for 2020-21 Season
POTSDAM, N.Y. – The following local residents were among the 100 SUNY Potsdam student-athletes to earn a spot on the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll for the 2020-21 school year, the conference announced this morning. Athletes named to the honor roll had a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA for the year.
Kristina Sanchez of Averill Park, N.Y. is a junior member of the SUNY Potsdam women’s soccer team.
Anita Reitano of Averill Park, N.Y. is a sophomore member of the SUNY Potsdam women’s lacrosse team.
New York Army National Guard Promotions
LATHAM, NY – Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Charles Volcheck from Rensselaer, N.Y. (zip code 12144), and assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters received a promotion to the rank of sergeant 1st class on May 12, 2021.
Steven Holzman from West Sand Lake, N.Y. (zip code 12196), and assigned to the Recruiting & Retention Battalion received a promotion to the rank of sergeant 1st class on May 11, 2021.
Jonathan Rosado from Troy, N.Y. (zip code 12180), and assigned to the 466th Area Support Medical Company received a promotion to the rank of staff sergeant on May 14, 2021.
Victoria Harrington from Averill Park, N.Y. (zip code 12018), and assigned to the Company G, 427th Forward Support Battalion received a promotion to the rank of corporal on May 3, 2021.
Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.
These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com
Averill Park’s Claire Flynn Named to Illinois Wesleyan University’s Spring 2021 Dean’s List
BLOOMINGTON, ILL. (06/22/2021)– Claire Flynn, of Averill Park, New York was named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2020-21 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University. Flynn is a first-year majoring in Music Theatre.
Flynn was among 801 students from 30 states and 15 countries named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a GPA of 3.50 or better during the semester, based on 4.0 for straight As.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Announces Spring 2021 Dean’s List
WORCESTER, MA – The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differs from most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects. The following undergradutes were named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List:
Noah Roberts of Castleton On Hudson, NY class of 21 majoring in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Lauren Paul of Schaghticoke, NY class of 22 majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Michael Beskid of Averill Park, NY class of 23 majoring in Aerospace Engineering
Emily Jorden of Averill Park, NY class of 23 majoring in Civil Engineering
Eric Schuman of Nassau, NY class of 24 majoring in Data Science
University of New Hampshire’s Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 Semester
DURHAM, NH – The following students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire for the spring 2021 semester.
Zachary Marx of Castleton, NY for earning Highest Honors
Gabriella Pugliese of Castleton On Hudson, NY for earning Honors
Haley D’Angelo of East Greenbush, NY for earning Highest Honors
Julia Lindemann of East Greenbush, NY for earning Honors
Riley Barton-Schwartz of Nassau, NY for earning High Honors
Stella Fairall of Nassau, NY for earning Highest Honors
Tricia Gardy of Rensselaer, NY for earning High Honors
Kaitlin Brown of Rensselaer, NY for earning Highest Honors
Maya MacDonald of Rensselaer, NY for earning Honors
Logan Caola of Wynantskill, NY for earning High Honors
Students named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire are students who have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance during a semester enrolled in a full-time course load (12 or more graded credits). Highest honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better out of a possible 4.0. Students with a 3.65 to 3.84 average are awarded high honors and students whose grade point average is 3.5 through 3.64 are awarded honors.
Area SUNY Potsdam Students Named to President’s List
POTSDAM, NY – The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 967 students to the President’s List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Spring 2021 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Kristin G. Esterberg.
The students included:
Whitney Adams of Stephentown, NY, whose major is Anthropology
Michael Digman of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is Music Education
Catherine Gagnon of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is Archaeological Studies
Andrew Gorman of Wynantskill, NY, whose major is Music Education
Maeve Morrissey of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Exercise Science
Cameron Newman of Rensselaer, NY, whose major is Music Education
Anita Reitano of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Childhood/Early Childhood Education
Phoebe Reuther of Troy, NY, whose major is Music Education
Kristina Sanchez of Averill Park, NY, whose major is Business Administration
Haley Surprenant of Sand Lake, NY, whose major is Music Education
Zian Taylor of Troy, NY, whose major is Music Performance
To achieve the honor of being on the President’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Ithaca College Students Named to Spring 2021 Dean’s List
ITHACA, NY – Ithaca College congratulates students named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2021 semester.
Cassandra Crucetti of Hoosick Falls
Jack Ferlito of Wynantskill
Ainsley Rogers of Averill Park
Matthew Wimmer of East Greenbush
Maria Sabo makes Dean’s List at Highpoint University
NORTH GREENBUSH – North Greenbush resident Maria Sabo qualified for the Dean’s list for the 2021 spring semester at Highpoint University in Highpoint North Carolina by maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher. Ms. Sabo graduated from Highpoint in May 2021 with a major in psychology and dual minors in French and biology. Highpoint University, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students.
Submitted by Mary Frances Sabo
SUNY Potsdam Names Area Students to Dean’s List
POTSDAM, NY – The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 221 students who excelled academically in the Spring 2021 semester to the College’s Dean’s List.
The students included:
Sarah Davidson of West Sand Lake, NY, whose major is Psychology
Shayna Lenney of East Greenbush, NY, whose major is Environmental Studies
Rishi Ramsingh of East Schodack, NY, whose major is Music Performance
To achieve the honor of being on the Dean’s List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of between 3.25 and 3.49 in the given semester.
Friends of Grafton Lake State Park Trails Hikes and Outings 2021 Events Schedule
GRAFTON – Please join us for nature/trail hikes, mountain biking, dog walks and Soundwalks at Grafton Lakes State
Park on Saturdays between July and October. These events are organized by the Friends of Grafton
Lakes State Park on behalf of, and as supervised by the park, and will be posted on our Meetup page at https://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-Grafton-Lakes-State-Park/
• Trails Hike (1st Saturdays))
• Dog Walk (2nd Saturdays)
• SMBA Mountain Bike Events (3rd Saturdays)
• Soundwalks (4th Saturdays)
Sign up at: https://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-Grafton-Lakes-State-Park/
• Most events are free; some have a fee that goes to the leader/artist leading the event
• Meeting location and other information will be included with each listing
• Please bring water – hydration is important!
• Please also make sure to wear clothing and footwear appropriate for each event!
If you would like to support programs like these,
please join us at: Friendsofgraftonlakes.org/membership
$10 individual / $15 family / $5 students & seniors
Supporting membership @ $35 (silver-contributing) & $100 (gold-supporting)
Organizational membership: $50 (regular) & $250 (institutional sponsor)
Scout BSA Troop 2528 Eagle Scouts
POESTENKILL – On Saturday June 19, 2021, Troop 2528 held its first in a series of Eagle Scout Court of Honors in Poestenkill, NY. Dylan Bubie and Adam Film were awarded the highest rank in Scouts BSA. In this photo Mr. Hart gives the Eagle Scout Pledge to the 2 new Eagle Scouts!. Troop 2528 is sponsored by Sullivan Jones VFW Post 7466. Meetings are Wednesday evenings. If interested in finding out more about Troop 2528 contact by email Troop2528@nullgmail.com.
Elks 2021 Scholarship Results
RENSSELAER – The Rensselaer Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 2073 is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Jack Stewart/Ann Collins Memorial Scholarship. The winners and their high schools are as follows: Averill Park: Rebecca Moore &Jared Lee, Columbia : Madeline Demers & Dylan Tierney, Maple Hill: Jenna Hoffman & Aiden Fletcher , Rensselaer : Makayla Maxian & Devin Krause. Scholarship awards were presented to the 8 high school seniors at the Elks’ annual Flag Day ceremony in June. Congratulations to all 2021 seniors and good luck in the fall!
Brownie Troop Collects Pull-Tabs For Hospital
Girl Scout Brownie Troop 1762 has been collecting pull-tabs for the past year to donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, MA. They are a 40-bed children’s hospital that provides treatments for diseases of the bones, muscles and joints. They recycle the tabs and put the money toward programs that directly benefit the children. The girls will continue their effort, collecting next year as well.
Schodack Faculty Association Retiree Chapter 2021 Student Awards
SCHODACK – The Schodack Faculty Association Retiree Chapter (SFARC) has presented their annual awards in each of the buildings. These awards were established in 2008 to maintain professional ties to Schodack by recognizing students in each of the buildings who have demonstrated a tremendous effort towards learning and who also demonstrate respect for himself or herself, as well as others.
All SFARC award winners received a cash award with a certificate. At Castleton Elementary School one child from each section of the 6th grade was selected by the teachers at the grade level. This year recipients were Natalie DeFrang, daugher of Brenda Ballou and Jeremey Pitts, Ana Cruz, daughter of Adela Cruz-Tapia and Rafael Cruz-Martinez. At Maple Hill Junior High School, two eighth grade students moving to the high school were selected by the eighth grade team. This year Katarina Knapp, daughter of Crystal and John Knapp and Gabriel Flood, son of Liana Borau-Flood and Christopher Flood, received the awards. At Maple Hill High School, the faculty determined that senior Pooja Fitzsimmons. daughter of Ann Fitzsimmons and Barbara Capozzola would be the recipient. Congratulations to all of this years’ recipients.
SFARC is pleased to be able to continue recognizing the efforts of students as we did while active members of Schodack Faculty Association.
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.
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.
The Anchor Food Pantry
SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry in an attempt to keep the residents of the Town of Schodack informed during these pandemic times has an update for our hours of operation and business procedures. The anchor is open the following days for servicing clientele. Monday evenings 5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm , and the first Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm. New clients are asked to furnish proof of residncy on their initial visit. Also if possible call ahead at 518-732-4120 and staff will accommodate and have food call ready which until further notice will be delivered to your vehicle. We have good news on donation front -we will be accepting clothing and houseware donations effective immediately during regular business hours . Clothing request is for summer and fall apparel at this time. As always we thank the citizens of Schodack for their continued generosity in our mission to aid those in need during these seemingly never ending pandemic circumstances.
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.
CHS Annual 70’s Alumni Party
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Graduates and attendees of Columbia High School 1970-1979 – as well as teachers and staff: mark your calendar to attend the annual Alumni Party/Summer Get-Together on Saturday, August 21, 2021, beginning at noon. ALL alumni welcome! Schodack Island State Park, 1 Schodack Island Way (off Route 9J), Schodack Landing. Camping available; reserve now, sites are going fast! Join our Facebook group “Columbia High School 70’s Reunion” for full party details or contact Caroline Lynch Zeyak at 518-928-3223 or elvis628@nullfairpoint.net to obtain an informational flyer and registration form.
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.
Columbia High School Class of 1986 35-Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Columbia High School’s Class of 1986 is celebrating it’s 35-year reunion on Saturday, September 18th at Birch Hill from 6-11pm. There will be a full BBQ, unlimited beer/wine option, bonfire and live music! Visit: www.chs1986.com for registration details and a list of who’s attending.
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