Friday April 19, 2024 
Books for Troops Continues to Help the Troops Cope with the Pandemic
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Books for Troops would like to thank all those who have donated thousands of books in the past few weeks. We appreciate that most of the books are in very good condition and do not include hard covers and romances. We now have a great inventory to fill our boxes. We send 80-100 boxes per month to the troops to help fill their many empty hours caused by the pandemic. The cost of postage to send this number of books is about $1000/month. While many people have donated generously for the postage, the money goes very quickly. We want to remind the people who donate books that their books stay in our Latham office unless we have the money to send them. Each box of about 40 books costs an average of $15.00 to mail. To send a donation for one or more boxes, please make a check out to: Books for Troops and mail to: Books for Troops, 152 Oak Brook Commons, Clifton Park, NY 12065. A tax receipt will be sent. Your donation will be a wonderful way to thank more of our “essential workers”, the troops and to remind them that we remember them with pride, gratitude and concern.
If any companies, organizations, etc. would like to make a donation or do a fundraiser, it will be greatly appreciated. To do so, contact: ekeegan3@nullnycap.rr.com. Thanks as always for your support. Ellen Keegan, director, Books for Troops
East Greenbush Farmer’s Market
EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Farmer’s Market is held every Wednesday 4pm -7pm in between the Greenbush YMCA and the East Greenbush Library at 20 Community Way, East Greenbush. The market runs through September 30th (September hours are 4pm-6:00pm). Visit cdymca.org/farmers-market/ to see our list of vendors. We ask market visitors to please wear your mask and bring your reusable shopping bags.
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
HVCC’s Teaching Gallery Showcases Student Work in Virtual Exhibitions
TROY – Hudson Valley Community College’s Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Digital Media Department moved its annual end-of-year student exhibits to virtual galleries after the COVID-19 pandemic kept students out of on-campus classrooms and studios for much of the spring 2020 semester. Three exhibits that normally draw patrons and proud parents to the college’s Teaching Gallery can be viewed at www.hvcc.edu/teachinggallery. The online galleries are available through Aug. 31, 2020.
“Pulse 5” features class work in drawing, 2-D design, photography, graphic design, video, digital imaging, animation, and web-based and interactive media completed during the summer 2019, fall 2019 and spring 2020 semesters. The college’s Digital Media program offers either an Associate of Science degree or certificate, preparing students for further study or immediate employment in digital media fields.
The Fine Arts End-of-Year Student Exhibit includes drawing, 2-D design, painting and photography, also completed in the current and past two semesters by students pursuing an Associate in Science degree in Fine Arts.
Advanced Study in Drawing and Painting is two semesters of guided study for students who have completed foundation art courses and wish to pursue their own body of work.
Graduates in both the Fine Arts and Digital Media programs may choose to continue their education or enter the workforce. In 2020, the college expects 11 students to graduate from the Fine Arts program and 29 to graduate from the Digital Media program.
The virtual exhibitions were developed by the participating artists with Digital Media and Fine Arts faculty members, and assistance from the Information Technology Services and Graphics departments. The Teaching Gallery is supported by the Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Digital Media Department, Cultural Affairs Program, and the college’s Foundation. Arlene’s Artists Materials of Albany provided student awards for the year-end exhibitions.
SUNY New Paltz Dean’s List: Spring 2020
NEW PALTZ, NY – SUNY New Paltz announces its Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester, a recognition for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.
The following students made the spring 2020 Dean’s List at SUNY New Paltz:
Jennie Buckley of Schodack Landing (12156)
Chantelle Cherniwchan of Troy (12182)
Narelys Chum of Troy (12180)
Danielle Clapham of Wynantskill (12198)
Albina Cook of Rensselaer (12144)
Kathleen Dempsey of Nassau (12123)
Thatcher Deyoe of Castleton on Hudson (12033)
Shannon Dodson of Troy (12180)
Rebecca Ehrlich of Castleton on Hudson (12033)
Zoe Evans of Schaghticoke (12154)
Alanna Gill of Troy (12180)
Michael Guardino of Nassau (12123)
Keirsten Lamora of Troy (12180)
Kevin Martinez of Nassau (12123)
Brianna Maunu of Castleton on Hudson (12033)
Jordan Newman of Troy (12180)
Joel Olzak of East Nassau (12062)
Joan Quinones of West Sand Lake (12196)
Asa Riccardi of Berlin (12022)
Michael Ruth of Rensselaer (12144)
Hannah Tremblay of East Greenbush (12061)
Alexis Van Vorst of Rensselaer (12144)
Allison Wark of West Sand Lake (12196)
Rebekah Zimmerman of Poestenkill (12140)
Crailo State Historic Site Reopened
RENSSELAER – Crailo State Historic Site reopened to the public on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Once the Van Rensselaer family’s fortified home, Crailo State Historic Site is the museum of the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River Valley and is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Due to the continuing risks of the COVID-19 virus, the historic site has changed our operations to ensure the health and safety of visitors, staff, and the public at large.
All tours of the museum and historic house will be self-guided and are offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. We are also offering exterior and grounds tours at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, weather permitting. All tour visits are available by reservation ONLY. Reservations can be made by calling (518) 463-8738.
All visitors over the age of two are required to wear an appropriate face covering in all interior spaces, at all times. Visitors from the same household must always maintain a distance of 6 feet from other visitors and Crailo State Historic Site staff. Protective gloves are required any time visitors need to touch sensitive historic structures and furnishings, such as historic bannisters and railings on stairways, and will be provided to visitors on site.
Admission to Crailo State Historic Site: $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for students and seniors (62 and older), 12 and under are FREE. The gift shop will remain closed until further notice. For more information please call (518)463-8738, or visit www.nysparks.com, or www.facebook.com/CrailoStateHistoricSite.
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, arts, crafts and massage. 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 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