Thursday April 25, 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 Kiwanis Makes Donation to Local Domestic Abuse Shelter
EAST GREENBUSH – The Kiwanis Club of East Greenbush recently made a donation of sheet and pillowcase sets as well as towel and washcloth sets, to a domestic abuse shelter in our community. Van Rensselaer Division Lt. Gov. Lynne Catelotti is pictured here, along with members of the club, as they prepare to make the donation. The East Greenbush Kiwanis Club serves the children, veterans, and those in need in our community. If you would like more information or would like to join us, email Anne Cronin at acronin922@nullgmail.com.
Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York Award Local Girl Scout Gold Award for Supply Shelf for Patients Returning Home
West Sand Lake – Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) congratulates Ava Kelley Johnson for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout, a designation she earned by creating a food and supply shelf for people returning home from extended care facilities. Ava took action to raise awareness within the community to ensure the continuation of the supply shelf.
Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just change the world for the better, they change it for good. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades 9–12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national, and global challenges. Since 1916, Girl Scouts have answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change.
The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable—earned by a Girl Scout who works to address an issue she’s passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and lasting change. Whether it’s on a local, national, or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts provide innovative solutions to significant challenges.
“Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just change the world for the better, they change it for good—and Ava embodies everything this achievement stands for,” said Mary Buszuwski, GSNENY CEO. “Ava addressed an issue that’s important to her—the challenges faced by people returning home from extended care—for her Gold Award, and we congratulate her on this momentous accomplishment.”
Roger Williams University Announces Spring 2020 Dean’s List
BRISTOL, RI – Select students have been named to the Spring 2020 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.
Lindsey Dreher of Troy (12180)
Brian Giddings of West Sand Lake (12196)
Shirah Strock of Castleton on Hudson (12033)
Elizabeth Kiley-Bergen Named to Dean’s list at Bates College
LEWISTON, ME – Elizabeth Kiley-Bergen of Troy, N.Y., was named to the dean’s list at Bates College for the fall semester ending in December 2019. This is a distinction earned by students whose cumulative grade point average is 3.8 or higher.
Kiley-Bergen, the child of J. Michael Bergen and C. Abbie Kiley of Troy, N.Y., is a 2016 graduate of Emma Willard School. They are a senior majoring in politics and French and Francophone studies at Bates.
Though we have been delayed in sharing this news due to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that our pride in our students who reached this high level of academic achievement is as strong as ever. Congratulations to Elizabeth and to all of the students on our Dean’s List!
Local Students Achieve Spring 2020 Dean’s List at SUNY Delhi
DELHI, NY – SUNY Delhi announces its Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester, a recognition of academic achievement for students who enrolled in six or more credits and earned a 3.5 or higher grade-point average for the semester.
Local students who earned a spot on the list include:
Olivia L. Bransky of Nassau (Columbia High School)
Crystal A. Burns of Troy (Shaker High School)
Gabrielle L. Cahill of Troy (Shaker High School)
Tiffany L. Ciccarelli of Cropseyville (Lansingburgh High School)
Rebecca M. Galusha of Berlin (Berlin Junior Senior High School)
Keisiah Griffin of Troy (Bishop Maginn High School)
Tara Hayes of Troy (Saint Vincent Ferrer High School)
Alyssa M. Hoffman of East Greenbush (Hudson High School)
Usukhbaatar Munkhbileg of Rensselaer (Columbia High School)
Erin G. Prendergast of Rensselaer (Columbia High School)
Micayla Slattery of West Sand Lake (Averill Park High School)
Jennifer Wilcox of Averill Park (Columbia High School)
Local Students Graduate from SUNY Delhi Spring 2020
DELHI, NY – More than 500 students graduated from SUNY Delhi this spring. Commencement was held virtually on June 27, 2020, where certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees were conferred upon the Classes of Summer 2019, Fall 2019, and Spring 2020.
Local students include:
Olivia Bransky of Nassau (Columbia High School) graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Erin Prendergast of Rensselaer (Columbia High School) graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Veterinary Science Technology.
Rebecca Galusha of Berlin (Berlin Junior Senior High School) graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Usukhbaatar Munkhbileg of Rensselaer (Columbia High School) graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Charlotte Marek of Troy (Millbrook High School) graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Michelle Guler of Wynantskill (Troy High School) graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing.
Giavanna Gumlaw of Troy (Troy High School) graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Veterinary Science Technology.
Girl Scouts Learn from Local Business
CASTLETON – Girls from Girls Scout Troop 1474 visited Kristy’s Barn as part of their environmental Justice journey and to get a jump start on course work they will take during their Senior year at Columbia High School. Through an interactive presentation they learned how environmental concerns are handled at the Farm and what regulations are needed to be followed to help protect the land. They also learned about the economics and marketing aspects of running a business. The Journey program is opportunity to learn about environmental concerns and how “Doing the Math” with even the simplest acts can lead to powerful and positive changes in the world. From scientists and doctors to lawyers to farmers and environmentalists, this journey is rich with eye-opening career possibilities – all focused on caring and collaborative work that helps both people and the planet.
In photo Ava Kelley Johnson, Annie Patwell, Meghan Sambrook, Bailey Tator, Brenna Sambrook, Katelyn White and Ken Johnson from Kristy’s Barn.
National Purple Heart Recognition Day
CASTLETON/SCHODACK – At 6:00 PM on August 7, 2020 the Castleton Memorial VFW Post 7337 will recognize some of our Castleton/Schodack veterans that have been awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received as a result of direct enemy action. This brief ceremony will be held during the Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers’ & Artisan Market (COHFAM 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM) at the corner of Main St and Scott Ave.
** Have you been awarded a Purple Heart and are part of the Castleton/Schodack community? If “Yes”, please contact me immediately, so that you can be honored during this event. **
Ricardo E. “Rik” Cosgrave, Commander, Peter Andrews Castleton Memorial VFW Post 7337, 105 Scott Ave, Castleton, NY 12033
Email: vfw12033@nullgmail.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VFWCastletonNY, My Cell Phone: 518-694-2070.
2020-2021 Hunting License Sales
SCHODACK – Debra L. Curtis, the Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind hunters that hunting licenses will go on sale August 10, 2020. For hunting and trapping licenses, the license year runs form September 1, 2020 – August 31, 2021. Annual fishing licenses and recreational marine fishing registration are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
Deer management permits (DMPs) will be available via an instant lottery from Aug. 10, 2020 through the close of business on Oct. 1, 2020.
We also have a limited supply of Federal Duck Stamps available at a cost of $26.00 ($25.00 plus $1.00 revenue for the town).
The Town Clerk’s Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please be sure to have your driver’s license or an old hunting license to expedite processing of your new license.
Town of Brunswick Monthly Brush Pick Up Schedule
TOWN OF BRUNSWICK – Pick up schedule: 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
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 5:00 to 7:00 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.
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 5:00 to 7:00 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.
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. COHFAM will be held every Friday from 4:30-7:30 pm until September 25. During COHFAM on August 7 at 6 PM, the Castleton Memorial VFW Post 7337 will recognize some Castleton/Schodack veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart. 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!
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.
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