Your Community

Your Community 07.08.21

Averill Park Youth Soccer League 2021 Fall Rec Registration

AVERILL PARK – Now through July 30th. This is an all-play non-competitive league that focuses on learning the skills and fundamentals of soccer with an emphasis on fun! Practices start: Week of August 30th. Games start: Week of September 6 th

Teams: • Pre K/Kindergarten (Pre-K must be 4 years old before August 15, 2021). • Grades 1/2 • Grades 3/4 • Grades 5/6 • Grades 7/8.

***We are unable to honor requests for team placement or siblings practicing on the same night (i.e., coach, carpooling or teammate requests).***

Register online: www.averillparkyouthsoccer.com

(Scholarships are available to those qualifying for the school lunch program.)

John Patwell of East Greenbush Named to The University of Scranton Spring 2021 Dean’s List

SCRANTON, PA – John D. Patwell of East Greenbush was among more than 1,875 students named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2021 spring semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Patwell is a senior electrical engineering major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ithaca College Congratulates May 2021 Graduates

ITHACA, NY –  Ithaca College congratulates all May 2021 graduates.

Christina Bucci of Averill Park  graduated with a BS in Clinical Health Studies.

Cassandra Crucetti of Hoosick Falls graduated with a BS in Biology.

Jack Ferlito of Wynantskill graduated with a BFA in Wrtg for Film,TV,Emerg Media.

James Fleck of Castleton on Hudson graduated with a BA in Legal Studies (HS) and Philosophy.

Shannon Seeberger of Averill Park graduated with a BS in Clinical Health Studies.

UT Student Emily Lubas, of Poestenkill, New York, Earns Dean’s List Honors

TAMPA, FL – Emily Lubas, of Poestenkill, New York, earned dean’s list honors at The University of Tampa for the Spring 2021 semester. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.

Area Students Receive Degrees as Western New England University Celebrates Commencement 2021

SPRINGFIELD, MA – On Sunday, May 16, Western New England University conferred degrees to over 160 graduates receiving masters, law, and doctorate degrees from its Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and School of Law.

Western New England University congratulates the following students:

James F. Sottile of Nassau  graduated with a Juris Doctor.

Michael J. DeVito of Averill Park graduated with a MS in Law.

Hannah Katz Graduates from Hamilton College

CLINTON, NY – Hannah Katz, of Averill Park (12018), received a bachelor of arts degree from Hamilton College on Saturday, May 22, in a Commencement ceremony concluding the college’s 209th year.

An environmental studies major at Hamilton, Katz graduated magna cum laude with departmental honors in environmental studies and was recently elected to the Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Hamilton College. Katz now joins an alumni body of more than 24,000, many of whom have made important contributions to business, the professions, government, and the arts.

Siena College Graduate Student President’s List, Spring 2021

LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena College names students to the graduate student President’s List for the Spring 2021 semester.

Stephen Clemens of Averill Park 

Brittany Kane of Wynantskill 

Annabella Kerwin of Wynantskill 

Siena College President’s List, Spring 2021

LOUDONVILLE – Siena College names students to the President’s List for the Spring 2021 semester. The President’s List requires a 3.9 grade point average or higher.

William Bornt of West Sand Lake

Christopher Caiazza of Troy

Anthony Carucci of Wynantskill

Ronald Devernoe of Troy 

Joseph Gabriel of East Greenbush

Lauryn Grugan of Rensselaer

Rosella Hren of Johnsonville

Ryan Kasuba of Wynantskill

Hamzah Khiati of Troy

Nora Kipp of Hoosick Falls

Connor Krenzer of Rensselaer 

Daniel Loomis of Wynantskill 

Andrew Martin of Castleton On Hudson

John McKenna of Wynantskill 

Julia Milos of Troy 

Alex Perry of Nassau 

Matthew Powers of Schodack Landing 

Sebastian Rossi of Melrose 

Emily Schafer of East Nassau 

Madison Scott of Petersburg

Sage Smith of Rensselaer

McCayla Burns of E Greenbush Earns Dean’s List Honor at The University of Saint Joseph

WEST HARTFORD, CT – McCayla Burns of E Greenbush, NY has been named to the The University of Saint Joseph Spring 2021 Dean’s list. To be named to the Dean’s list, students must have earned a GPA of 3.50 or higher for the semester, with no grade lower than a “B.”

“Students on the Dean’s List exemplify academic excellence and their ability to achieve their goals. We are very proud of these students who join the network of accomplished USJ scholars competitively pursuing a range of studies from health sciences to criminal justice,” said Provost Michelle Kalis, Ph.D.

Congratulations on earning this academic achievement, McCayla!

Siena College Graduate Dean’s List, Spring 2021

LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena College names students to the Graduate Student Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester.

Zachary Brimmer of Poestenkill

Steven Lewis of Troy

Siena College Dean’s List, Spring 2021

LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena College names students to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student’s grade point average for the semester must be between 3.5 and 3.89.

Anthony Barbera of Troy

Christian Beber of Castleton On Hudson

Margaret Berger of Averill Park

Mark Bodner of East Greenbush

Laura Bornt of Troy

Andrew Brunner of Castleton On Hudson 

Maura Callahan of Troy

Alyssa Ciccarelli of Rensselaer

Trevor Collins of Poestenkill

Jarret Currier of Troy

Jaime Davis of Castleton On Hudson 

Nodiaus Ditonno of Schodack Landing

Gabrielle Dowdell of Troy

Anthony Ferris of Troy

Mackenzi Flynn of Averill Park

Mara Golden of Troy

Dylan Hansen of Averill Park

Sarah Herbold of Wynantskill 

John Herrington of Troy 

Sarah Hoffmeister of Troy

Sudarat Hormhuan of Rensselaer

Dominic Huneau of Troy

Zoe Hunter of Troy 

Sarah Insull of Rensselaer

Sarah Kennelly of Melrose

Trevor Kozak of Troy 

Lillian Kronau of Poestenkill

Abigail LeMay of Rensselaer

Isabelle Lewis of East Greenbush 

Lauren Lockrow of Troy

Olivia Lombardi of Troy 

Michael Lostritto of Rensselaer 

Olivia MacGregor of Troy

Dani Martuscello of Wynantskill

Matthew Morin of Averill Park 

Victoria Morrissey of Troy

Sean Neeson of East Greenbush

Natalie Obermayer of East Greenbush 

Benjamin Perkins of East Greenbush

Amy Perry of Eagle Bridge 

Jacob Plumley of Rensselaer 

Nicole Presti of Rensselaer 

Shania Reid of Rensselaer 

Tori Reinhard of Troy 

Marcus Shafer of Castleton On Hudson 

Brigid Thornton of Troy 

Melina Vasil of Troy 

Laura Vellucci of Buskirk

Amani Walker of Troy 

Brett Young of Wynantskill

328 Students Named to SUNY Oneonta’s Spring 2021 Provost’s List

ONEONTA, NY – A total of 328 SUNY Oneonta students earned Provost’s List honors for the spring 2021 semester. To qualify for the Provost’s List, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

 Gabrielle Daigneault of Rensselaer – Communication Studies, Sociology

Ashley Gwin of Valley Falls – Adolescence Education.: Mathematics

Marissa Nagel of Averill Park – Adolescence Educ.: Mathematics

More than 1,600 SUNY Oneonta Students Named to Spring 2021 Dean’s List

ONEONTA, NY – A total of 1,664 SUNY Oneonta students earned Dean’s List honors for the spring 2021 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

Lia Casale of Troy) – Early Childhood/Childhood Education (B-6)

Hadley Chan of Sand Lake – Physics

Emma Crawley of Poestenkill – Biology

Mark Dearstyne of Wynantskill – Biology

John Giannone of Sand Lake – Adolescence Ed: Social Studies

Sam Haita of Stephentown – Exercise Science

Lucas Harland of West Sand Lake – Physics

Abby Haskin of Troy – Early Chld/Childhood Ed (B-6)

Julia Haworth of Wynantskill – Childhood Education (1-6)

Laurel Hay of Castleton – Sport Management

Julia Huntley of Averill Park – Biology

Ariel Loucks of Averill Park – Adolescent Education: Social Studies

Kane Malone of East Greenbush – Adolescence Education: English English

Julia Manny of Averill Park – Fashion and Textiles

Rachel Morris of Rensselaer – Communications and Business Economics

Danielle Muth of Wynantskill – Computer Science

Lauren Obermayer of East Greenbush – Undeclared

Rachel Quell of West Sand Lake – Childhood Education (1-6)

Todd Scaccia of Nassau – Business Economics

Gabrielle Signorelli of Wynantskill – Child and Family Studies

Andrew Stevens of Hoosick Falls – Undeclared Major

Ryan Strevell of Rensselaer – Criminal Justice

Kieran Teator of Rensselaer – Environmental Sustainability

Amelia Wilson of Averill Park – Biochemistry

Abigail Zalucky of Wynantskill – Biology

Holy Cross Announces Spring 2021 Dean’s List

WORCESTER, MA – College of the Holy Cross congratulates more than 1,451 students who were named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List.

Cael Fleischer of East Greenbush, majoring in Religious Studies

Ava Turner of Troy, majoring in Undeclared

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.

Hope 7 Food Pantry

TROY – The Hope 7 Food Pantry located at 520 Pawling Avenue, Troy NY serves the East Side of Troy, Wynantskill and Northgreenbush.

Pantry Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:30am-11:45am; Thursday – 5pm-7pm. Last Saturday of each month 9:30am-11:45am

What to bring: Proof of residence (Troy’s East Side, North Greenbush, or Wynantskill) – (utility bill to your address in your name). ID’s for each person residing in household.

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.

Changes to Child Tax Credit Payments

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Many taxpayers with children claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) on their tax returns and often receive a large refund check. For 2021, the maximum CTC has increased to $3,600 for each qualifying child under the age of 6 and $3,000 for each qualifying child ages 6 through 17. People with children may be eligible for the Credit even if they do not have any income this year. Your actual credit depends on your eligibility.  

Due to the pandemic, the IRS will now send half of the 2021 CTC as six monthly payments to taxpayers who appear to qualify. These advance payments start on July 15, 2021. If you do not opt out, they will continue each month until December 15, 2021. Those who receive the monthly advance payments may expect their refund from the IRS to be lower next year since it will not include the money already paid in 2021

Taxpayers who claimed the CTC on their 2019 or 2020 tax return and appear to qualify for the Credit in 2021 are automatically enrolled in the new advance payment system.

If you do not qualify for the CTC in 2021, even though you did in past years, you would have to pay the advances back next year unless you opt out of the monthly payments. People who want the full refund next year and divorced parents who alternate years of claiming the Credit may also want to opt out.

The IRS has a new portal you can use to opt out of the monthly payments: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal.  You can also use the portal to update your payment information.  In addition, the portal has a tool that eligible low-income families who do not normally file a tax return can use to register for the advance payments.

If you have questions about income tax issues, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) may be able to help. The Clinic’s services are free of charge. We can be reached at (833) 628-0087. The Clinic does not generally provide tax preparation services.

Christmas in July Sale at The Corner Shoppe

N. TROY – The Corner Shoppe located at Cornerstone Community Church, 570 3rd Ave., N Troy is having a Christmas in July Sale – through July 29th. Hours are 9 am – noon, every Thursday & Saturday. Clothes for the entire family are on sale.. Check out other departments: housewares, linens, home decor, toys, books, arts & crafts and jewelry. For more info: 518-235-3851.

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.

3rd Annual Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner

AVERILL PARK – Saturday, Sept. 11th, 2021. Reception, Cash Bar & Raffles 5:00. Welcome & Buffet Dinner 6:00. Induction Ceremony 7:00. Troy Hilton Garden Inn. Registration Deadline is Aug. 26th. 

Event Sponsor – $2,000 (includes 8 tickets, a full page ad in program, a reserved table and recognition in program)

Platinum Donor – $1,000 (includes 6 tickets, a ½ page ad in program and recognition in program)

Warrior Donor – $500 (includes 4 tickets and recognition in program)

Gold Donor – $300 (includes 2 tickets and recognition in program)

Blue Donor – $150 (includes 1 ticket and recognition in program) 

Class of 2020 Athlete – Doug Childrose ‘83, Kevin L. Nichols ‘81, Rebecca Ortolano Clark ‘00, Deb Prendergast-Sanderson ‘81, Deborah Springer ‘91, Morgan Wheeler ‘09

Athlete/Coach – Mike Malenfant ‘86

Class of 2021, Athlete – Jenna Brooks ‘06, Michael Collopy ‘04, Katie Duma ‘10, Thomas Mangan ‘89, Susan Spierre Clark ‘01

For additional information please contact the Averill Park Athletic Department at (518) 674-7010 or bubniakm@nullapcsd.org . All inquiries –  https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/athletichalloffame. 

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

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