Friday April 19, 2024 
Patriotic Dachshunds
Goodie(left) and Scout are Wirehaired Dachshunds.
Robert Jansing, Castleton
Barberville Falls Preserve Gets New Parking and Trail, Help Us Keep It Safe
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Rensselaer Plateau
Alliance is excited to announce that Barberville Falls is open for the summer, with a new parking lot and new Falls Trail directly off of Blue Factory Rd, just north
of the falls. Many determined people have worked together
to make this iconic destination safe for visitors. Please help maintain this special place. Please stay on the Falls Trail, park in the lot and not on the road, stay off private property, practice COVID-19 protocols, and please refrain from swimming. A HUGE thank you goes to: Warren Fane, who donated most of the materials for the parking area, EMI Earth Movers, who donated some materials and time, the tireless and talented crew of Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Inc. / Rensselaer Land Trust trail volunteers, and the Barberville Falls volunteer committee, made up of neighbors and local residents who love the preserve. We ask that you please respect the neighbors and honor all of this hard work by fellow nature lovers and volunteers. Questions or concerns? Please reach out to: info@nullrensselaerplateau.org or 518-712-9211.
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.
Town of Sand Lake Town Offices Holiday Hours
SAND LAKE – Town of Sand Lake Town Offices will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of 4th of July holiday.
USS Slater Departing for Shipyard
CAPITAL DISTRICT – USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is expected to depart Albany via tugboats Sunday July 5th, time 0500. for her voyage to Staten Island for shipyard repairs. We expect the voyage to take approximately 20 hours, but due to traffic on the river it is impossible to predict arrival times. Updates on our location will be posted on our Facebook page, throughout the day.
Viewing this WWII warship moving down the Hudson River was a special treat that many New Yorkers enjoyed during our last voyage in 2015. The best places to view the ship are your city’s riverfront parks and the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie.
It may be possible to track USS SLATER’s progress by following the tugs on www.marinetraffic.com. Names of tugs will be released as that information becomes available.
It is expected that the ship will return and staff will have the ship open to the public by August 5th, 2020. More specific information will be released as it becomes available. For updates, please visit the website at www.ussslater.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Slater.
Once open, USS SLATER’s hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through the end of November. The ship will be located in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street.
Doors of Hope will Reopen on July 6th in 43 Mall
WEST SAND LAKE – The best thrift shop in the Capital District has moved around the corner into the 43 Mall in West Sand Lake and we will be open for shopping and to accept donations beginning July 6th. Face masks and proper distancing will be required.
Thrift Shop hours will stay the same; Monday thru Friday from 9AM to 4 PM and Saturday 9AM to Noon. Donations will be gratefully accepted Monday thru Friday until 3PM but our volunteers can only do so much so please be patient with how much we can accept and process at any one time.
Our food pantry operated by appointment only during the pandemic under restrictions imposed by New York State and we will continue that schedule of 9AM to Noon, Monday thru Saturday. For an appointment, call 518-674-4048.
Stop in. You’ll like what you see.
Tax Day is July 15
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, both the IRS and New York State extended their deadlines to timely file 2019 income tax returns. Returns are now due on July 15, 2020 rather than April 15, 2020. The time to pay 2019 taxes owed was also extended until July 15, 2020. Taxpayers do not need to do anything to receive these extensions.
The IRS also stopped collection activities and new audits during this time. Collections, audits, and notices are expected to restart on July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can use a portal on the IRS website (www.irs.gov) to electronically prepare a 2019 return for free. A portal to prepare a New York State return for free is on the NYS Department of Tax and Finance’s website (https://www.tax.ny.gov). Taxpayers who have an adjusted gross income of $69,000 or less can also electronically file for free using the portals.
You can also check the status of a refund or your Economic Impact Payment (EIP) on the portal. The EIP is also known as the “stimulus check”. The IRS EIP call center, (800) 919-9835, can also provide information about your EIP.
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York has a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic to assist with income tax questions and problems. The Clinic’s services are free of charge. The Clinic does not generally provide tax preparation services. If you have a question about an income tax matter, please contact our LASNNY Legal Line by calling (833) 628-0087.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Congratulations to all of the Averill Park Central School District Class of 2020 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 2020 and good luck in all of your future endeavors.
Twenty-one employees called the 2019-2020 school year their last as they have decided to retire. Congratulations to Liz Sager, Grace Bradley, Phyllis Scheeren, Rhonda Smith, Susan Radley, Bob Davis, Christopher Blais, Catherine Caruso, Colleen Cioffi, Nancy Hajduk, Timothy Herbs, Merry Kraft, Thomas Ladd, Gertrude MacRoberts, Patricia Petrone, Patricia Shaver, Robin Stokes, Darlene Stuto, Dorothy Surprise, Penny Terk and Helen Wicks! 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
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
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. The current New York Forward Phase we are in at the time of writing permits the market to feature fresh vegetables, take-away food items, crafts and massage, but no entertainment, and Repair Café is on hold, whether at COHFAM or the Village Hall (or globally). Patrons are required to wear masks and observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer is 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 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