Thursday April 25, 2024 
Do You Have an Hour a Week to Spare to Help Someone in our Rensselaer County Community? Community Caregivers Could Use Uou!
RENSSELAER COUNTY – We need drivers to take folks to medical appointments, and volunteers to visit or call neighbors in your area. Could you help someone with light housework chores or take them to the grocery store or bank? Could you provide a respite for a struggling family? Our volunteer orientation is online several times a month.
Please call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator for Rensselaer County at (518)366-9173, heidi@nullcommunitycaregivers.org, or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898,meredith@nullcommunitycaregivers.org. Information on, and donations to, our programs can be seen at communitycaregivers.org.
Senior Bowlers Wanted!
EAST GREENBUSH – The Rensselaer Senior Center Bowling is looking for senior bowlers for the upcoming 2021-2022 season starting on Tuesday Sept. 7th. We bowl every Tuesday starting at noon for 27 weeks at the East Greenbush Bowling Center on Columbia Turnpike. Individuals have to be 60 years old to join the Rensselaer Senior Center. This is a fun, relaxed, no pressure bowling league. All bowlers are welcomed from beginners to experts. For more information call the Rensselaer Senior Center at (518)463-2166 or Frank Putallaz at (518)477-4412.
North Greenbush Town Celebration
NORTH GREENBUSH – Town Supervisor Joe Bott is happy to announce the North Greenbush Town Celebration will be held September 10th, 11th, and 12th at town hall, 2 Douglas Street in Wynantskill. This is our annual event filled with carnival rides, games, food trucks, bands and a great celebration of our town. We invite you to bring the entire family as we celebrate summer! Events will kick-off Friday with the opening of the rides, followed by a full day of events on Saturday and closing on Sunday afternoon. We will have music on Friday and Saturday nights at the gazebo. We will also hold a special remembrance on Saturday for the 20th anniversary of September 11th. The event will be coordinated by Deputy Supervisor Kelly Hoffman and Councilwoman Jessica Merola, chair of our youth and recreation committee. Please call the town supervisor’s office with any questions at (518) 283-5313, x-10. Watch for more details in the weeks to come.
Circle Theatre Players Presents “Weekend Comedy”
SAND LAKE – by Jeanne and Sam Bobrick • Friday 9/10 and Saturday 9/11 at 8pm • Sunday 11/12 and 19 at 2:30pm • Frank and Peggy were looking forward to a weekend away in the Adirondacks but because of a scheduling snafus have placed a younger couple in the same cabin as them. They decide to share the cabin and make the best of it. However, the fact that Jill and Tony are considerably younger than they are might make this three-day memorial weekend a living nightmare. Directed by Cheryl Charbonneau. Rated PG13
Charity Motorcycle Riders Raise $12,000 for Local Wounded Warriors
The American Infidels, VMC, presented STRIDE Adaptive Sports Founder & CEO – Mary Ellen Whitney – with an $8,000 check Saturday to support STRIDE’s Wounded Warrior Program, which helps over 100 local combat-injured veterans with disabilities to live a healthy, active lifestyle. When combined with fundraising at S&S Farm Brewery, a total of over $12,000 was raised.
West Sand Lake – STRIDE Adaptive Sports and the American Infidels VMC announced today that they successfully raised over $12,000 to benefit Capital Region veterans with disabilities in the STRIDE Wounded Warrior Program.
On Saturday, charity riders met at Chatham High School and completed the “Ride 4 STRIDE” that ended at S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau. The riders were joined by STRIDE athletes with disabilities, volunteer instructors, and supporters from the general public for an after party that included live music, drinks, food trucks, free ice cream from Stewart’s Shops, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.
Proceeds from the event will help fund STRIDE’s adaptive sport and recreation programs for over 100 local combat-injured veterans, helping them to move beyond their challenges and live a healthy, active lifestyle.
“STRIDE connected with the American Infidels VMC through Steven Onley, a local veteran who participates in and supports our Wounded Warrior Program and is also a rider with their organization,” explained STRIDE Founder and CEO, Mary Ellen Whitney. “Veterans who participate in STRIDE’s adaptive sports programs naturally gravitate towards leadership and initiative. Over 100 local veterans will benefit from Steven taking point and helping to raise these funds during challenging times for any nonprofit.”
“STRIDE is already gearing up plans for our flagship winter veterans program – the STRIDE Wounded Warrior Snowfest – and we are only able to serve year-after-year because of generous help like this,” added Patrick Hayslett, STRIDE’s Development Director. “STRIDE athletes with disabilities are lucky to have friends and supporters like the American Infidels VMC and S&S Farm Brewery. We also have several local businesses that have been quick to support the cause.”
Sponsors of the Ride 4 STRIDE / Brewfest event are: The American Infidels VMC; S&S Farm Brewery; Girvin & Ferlazzo, P.C., Stewart’s Shops, CJ Lawn Care, and County Waste & Recycling.
Questions about STRIDE’s Wounded Warrior Program, and other adaptive sports programs for individuals with disabilities, can be directed to Megan Evans, Program Director, at 518-598-1279, mevans@nullstride.org. Information on sponsorship opportunities can be obtained from Patrick Hayslett, Development Director, at 518-598-1279, phayslett@nullstride.org.
Castleton-On-Hudson Farmers and Artisans Market
CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – 4:30-7:30 P.M. Every Friday Night – Right on Main Street, Across from the store in Castleton-on-the-Hudson. Participating Vendors are as follows: Cassy’s Homemade Sweets and Treats, Lovemoore Family Farms, Bitter-Sweet Finds Co., Mary-Alice Massage, 52 Hilton on Main, Austin’s Lemonade, Dog E Style Gourmet Hot Dogs, Kate Naples Nails, Vine and Fig Farm, Norwex, Usborn Books, Senegence by Cassandra, Pure Romance by Cassandra, Gregs Woodwork and CML Craftworks. We look forward to seeing you here!
Woodlawn Cemetery Association Inc. Annual Meeting
EAST SCHODACK – The Woodlawn Cemetery Association Inc., 111 Burden Lake Road, East Schodack will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday evening September 14, 2021 at 6:30 pm at the East Schodack Fire House, 3071 NY Route 150 in East Schodack.
On the agenda will be the report of the Treasure, discussion of general upkeep of the cemetery, including cost, election of Officers and Trustees as well as any other business that comes before the Association.
Donations for mowing, ect are greatly appreciated and may be sent to Woodlawn Cemetery Assoc. Inc. P.O. Box 14, East schodack NY 12063.
All lot owners, or their designated representatives are encouraged to attend and your participation is most welcome. This is your opportunity to be part of the decision making concerning your cemetery. If you have any questions please feel free to contact President Frank Curtis at 518-766-3318 or mail your comments to Woodlawn Cemetery Association.
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.
1959 Graduates of Draper High School
CAPITAL DISTRICT – A reunion has been set for Saturday, September 18 at 5:30 at the Turf Tavern in Scotia, NY. Menu is a choice of chicken milanese, roast sirloin of beef or baked scrod. Cost of the meal is $35 and includes tax and tip. Deadline for reservations is September 1st. Send your check made payable to Carol DeSilva, 1027 St. Lucille Drive, Schenectady, NY 12306. Please pass on this information to as many classmates as you can as the committee is not sending mailing out invitations this year.
2021-2022 School Year Public Announcement for School Meals – Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program
AVERILL PARK – Averill Park Central School District announced an amendment to its policy for Averill Park area school children for serving breakfast and lunch under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program for the 2021-2022 school year, which would allow for all children attending the following schools to be served meals at no charge:
Poestenkill Elementary School
Miller Hill Elementary School
West Sand Lake Elementary School
Algonquin Middle School
Averill Park High School
For additional information please contact the following person: Colleen Wise, Food Service Director, 146 Gettle Road, Averill Park, NY 12018. 518-674-7004. wisec@nullapcsd.org – This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Stillwater Class of 1971 – 50 Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Stillwater Class of 71 is now planning their 50 year reunion. Event date is October 16, 2021 at the Hideaway Restaurant at the Saratoga Lake Golf Course. Anyone interested in attending or needing information, please call Chuck Capeci at 518-371-3225 or Cathy Sgambati at 518-664-7927. Deadline for tickets is Sept. 16, 2021.
Walter A. Wood Tractor Show
HOOSICK FALLS – It’s time to enter. The 8th annual Walter A. Wood Tractor and Agriculture Show is coming soon to Hoosick Falls. Antique and vintage tractors, horse-drawn farm equipment and implements as well as contemporary machinery and hit and miss engines will be on display in Walter A. Wood Park on Saturday, October 2nd from 8:30 AM to:3:30 PM.
The Walter A. Wood Reaping and Mowing Company made wooden horse-drawn farm equipment right here in our town from 1865 to 1924 and sold machinery to farmers on Hoosick and around the world, as far away as the Middle East and Russia. It was Wood’s company that made Hoosick Falls a boomtown in the 19th century. Following his lead, many other businesses came into town, bringing people and money with them. Because of this, the Wood Company is often credited with building Hoosick Falls back in the day.
Another fun part of the day is the Burton Luke Tractor Parade. Tractors of all makes, models,years and colors will wind through the streets of Hoosick Falls at 12:00 Noon.
New this year are pony rides and a small petting zoo for the kids. As always you won’t go hungry with food vendors on site.
The show is also looking for vendors of agricultural based products and hand made products.This unique event is a great place to showcase your products.
Kevin O’Malley is organizing this event and is looking for folks from Hoosick and the surrounding communities to enter their equipment in the show. He is interested in people showing all different makes and models and years, but most especially, he is hoping for vintage Walter A. Wood equipment and memorabilia For more information or to register,call Kevin at 518-894-5035 or email him at hoosickkid@nullgmail.com. Can’t wait to see you (and your tractors) there!
Tour Belgium and Holland with Saratoga Arts
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In April, just as spring begins, leave your daily routine behind and join Saratoga Arts in an art and history-filled visit to Belgium and Holland April 20-29, 2022. We will stay in Brussels and Amsterdam with excursions to nearby treasures and plan to taste as many gourmet chocolates as ten days permit. We will waffle or way through Belgium, learn about the history and magic of the medieval Belgian tapestries, travel to Bruges, Delft and Amsterdam for romantic waterways, revel in the beauty of the Dutch Masters and Van Gogh, and admire the colorful blooms of the seven million bulb flowers of the Keukenhof Gardens.
Give yourself a chance to escape just for a while among the cultural and historical experiences of this small group tour.
To receive a detailed itinerary, contact: goedventures@nullgmail.com.
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 9-12 every Wednesday. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. We have a huge selection of adult and children’s summer clothing, as well as special occasion and career clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Our newly organized library has over 1,000 books for sale.
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.
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
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