Saturday April 27, 2024 
News From Averill Park CSD
The District is proud to have two Averill Park High School students selected to Conference All-State ensembles this year in David Morelli (Flute – Symphonic Band) and Curtis Gorman (Alternate – Mixed Choir). Great job, David and Curtis!
Congratulations to Lisa Olsen for being named the Averill Park Central School District Employee of the Month for September 2022! Mrs. Olsen transitioned from being the District’s COVID coordinator last year to the Front Desk Typist at the High School this year. As the COVID Coordinator, she coordinated contact tracing and testing, and oversaw reporting and communications to families. In addition to her COVID duties, Mrs. Olsen filled in as necessary in a variety of roles.
A big thank you goes out to the Sand Lake Kiwanis organization, which annually provides school supplies for students in need throughout the school district. We appreciate their generosity and support!
As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us. You can also follow AP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Special Meeting
Please be advised that The North Greenbush Town Board will have a Special Meeting for the presentation of the 2023 Preliminary Budget. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. at the North Greenbush Town Offices located at 2 Douglas Street, Wynantskill, New York 12198.
Respectfully submitted, Janice Hannigan Kerwin
Town Clerk, Town of North Greenbush
Kiwanis of North Greenbush Assists Foster Children
The newly formed Kiwanis Club of North Greenbush recently completed a service project to provide duffle bags and comfort items to local youth entering foster care. We look forward to providing continued service in the community. Our meetings are 2nd and 4th Weds of each month, 7pm at NG Town Hall, Wynantskill.
Kiwanis is an international organization providing service and support to children locally and throughout the world.
If you are interested in joining or supporting a local Kiwanis club, go to https://www.kiwanis.org/clubs/find-a-club.
TLC Daycare in Brunswick
TLC Christian Daycare is a community ministry of Brunswick Church, providing loving care to children 8 weeks to 5 years old. The daycare, which has been in operation for 31 years, is located in the church building on White Church Lane (just off Route 351).
If you would like to know more about the program, or if you would like to inquire about the employment opportunities, please email tlcboard@nullbrunswickchurch.org. We would love to have the opportunity to talk with you!
Rensselaer High School Student Serves as Walk Ambassador for
Annual Walk to END EPILEPSY®
ALBANY: The support the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York provides through their 22-county service area is critical for their consumers, which includes Rensselaer high school student, Kayla Beaudoin.
Kayla’s mother, Jerilee, is board president of EFNENY and says, “My daughter, Kayla, had over 40 seizures before the age of one. This included many trips to the ER, stays in the PICU, 5-day EEGs and a trip to Boston Children’s hospital. We felt alone and very afraid.” Finally, in 2008, Jerilee found the support they needed with the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York (EFNENY).
Executive Director of the Organization, Jeannine Garab, said, “Our Walk to END EPILEPSY® supports the 45,000 people living with epilepsy throughout northeastern New York. We are excited to have the support of the many teams walking in their own communities throughout our 22 counties. Wherever you are, together, we are all walking to END EPILEPSY.”
The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York is excited to offer a fun way to get some fresh air AND help a good cause with their Walk to END EPILEPSY® on Sunday, September 11, 2022. The Organization chose to make this a hybrid event, so walkers can join at Saratoga Spa State Park, Arrowhead Park in Inlet, NY or wherever they choose to walk!! There’s no fee to register, and you can find the registration page as well as more information on our website www.efneny.org.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder defined as having two or more recurring seizures; it can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time. One in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime. Epilepsy is more common than Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined. For more information, call the Epilepsy Foundation at 518-456-7501 or visit our website at www.efneny.org
Refugee Welcome Center seeking playgroup volunteers
The Refugee Welcome Center in Albany is looking for playgroup volunteers. We have a playgroup for preschoolers while their moms are in English class. You just need to like little kids, no education required. Our program starts back up in September. You can volunteer 1 or more days a week. It’s only for a couple of hours. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please call Kasey at (518) 795-5678.
Joe Stevens, Jr #33 Memorial Award
I’d like to take this opportunity to announce that Ryan Heffner is the 2022 recipient of the Joe Stevens Jr. #33 Memorial Award. This award is given to a senior who played football for APHS and demonstrated leadership, dedication, loyalty and honesty on and off the field. Given in Memory of Joe who wore #33 and was a 2001 graduate of APHS. Ryan was voted unanimously by the members of the football team, stating he exemplified the most qualities like Joe did. Ryan’s name has been added to the Memorial Scholarship plaque and will be displayed outside the high school gym. I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed, and made this award possible to present for the 20th year. Thank you again. From the family of Joe Stevens, Jr.
Puzzle Lovers Alert!
The Friends of the North Greenbush Public Library are having a puzzle sale on Saturday,September 24 from 9 AM –
3 PM in the Annex Bldg. of the Town Hall.
The Annex is located at the end of the Town Hall by the playground. It is handicapped accessible. We have vintage,1,000 piece, children’s, opened and unopened puzzles for sale – all at reasonable prices. Hope to see you there!
Columbia High School 1972 – 50th Reunion
Columbia High School, class of 1972, is holding their 50th Reunion on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Rensselaer Elks Lodge, Columbia Tpke., East Greenbush.
If you are a class member and have not been contacted please send information to chseg72@nullgmail.com.
Joe Pierson Named Stride Athlete of the Year
STRIDE Athlete Joe Pierson received the STRIDE Athlete of the Year Award. He has been a part of STRIDE’s swimming program since 2015. Joe continuously puts forth his best at every practice. He is determined to grow personally and as an athlete. This high level of dedication, sportsmanship and leadership is infectious. He cheers on teammates during difficult sets and reminds them of their lofty goals.
A true testament to Joe’s commitment to helping others was when he began early Saturday morning practice to volunteer with beginner swimmers. Joe worked to teach freestyle, backstroke and critical swim skills to a new learner, who joined the swim team after Joe’s help. For these reasons Joe was named STRIDE Stingray’s Swim Team Captain.
“Joe has definitely set a very admiring bench mark for aspiring athletes at STRIDE. His dedication in and out of the pool inspires other athletes to do their best, and I am proud to have him on the swim team” said Swim Team Coach Emelia Carlino.
ABOUT STRIDE ADAPTIVE SPORTS
Celebrating 36 years, STRIDE Adaptive Sports is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides over 11,000 adaptive sport and recreation lessons each year to individuals with disabilities, focusing on youth and Wounded Warriors. With a focus on individual life-time sports, STRIDE programs use specialized equipment or teaching aids for successful participation to “level the playing field” for all. STRIDE is a partner member of MoveUnited Sports (formerly Disabled Sports USA) and Professional Ski Instructors of America; a US Paralympic Sport Club; a training club for Special Olympics; and an official Red Cross provider. STRIDE is recognized as one of the leading adaptive sport programs in the Northeastern United States.
Time to Register for the Sand Lake Garage Sale
SAVE THE DATE! Save your stuff. Sell your stuff. Register now for The annual Sand Lake Town-wide Garage Sale Sat. & Sun., Sept. 17 & 18 sponsored by the Sand Lake Business Association.
You can participate three ways. List your home garage sale and it will be publicized for free in all our social media and on our event map. Join our Vendor Corral open both Sat. & Sun. and rent a booth (two sizes) conveniently located on NY43 (corner of NY 43 & Averill Ave across from Eastview Dr).
Or travel among the home sales and the Vendor Corral to find treasures of all kinds! This is a wonderful opportunity to sell your crafts, antiques, collectibles, and items of all kinds. Great for sport teams, the Scouts, and social organizations too. To register your garage sale or reserve a vendor booth go to www.sandlakebusiness.com. Don’t miss our 2022 event!!
THS Class of 1971 to hold Reunion September 17
Troy High School’s Class of 1971 will hold its (COVID-delayed) 50th Reunion Weekend September 16-18, 2022 in Troy. Classmates interested in attending may contact Mike Whalen at mwhalen3@<span class=”oe_displaynone”>null</span>nycap.rr.com.
Friday Night September 16 an informal welcome gathering will be held at Ryan’s Wake, 403 River Street beginning at 5 pm. Cash bar.
Saturday morning classmates will gather at Troy’s Waterfront Market. In the afternoon a special Gilded Age tour will be offered by Kathy Sheehan of the Hart Cluett Museum. Cost is $20 pp.
Saturday evening the main Reunion Event will be held on the Rooftop of Franklin Plaza from 6:30-10 pm. Cost is $85 pp. Sunday at 10 am a Farewell Brunch is being organized.
Reservations in advance may be made by contacting (518) 274-5423 or mwhalen3@<span class=”oe_displaynone”>null</span>nycap.rr.com
Old Chatham Cemetery annual meeting
The annual meeting of the Old Chatham Union Cemetery Corporation will be held on Saturday, September 17th, at 2pm in the Vedder Hall of the Malden Bridge Community Center located at 1087 Albany Turnpike, Malden Bridge NY 12115.
All lot owners or their designated representative of the Cemetery located on Shaker Museum Road, Old Chatham, are encouraged to attend. Agenda for the meeting will include a financial report by the Treasurer, including a report on a recent letter sent to lot owners requesting help in supporting the upkeep of the cemetery. Other business will include a discussion on general maintenance, election of officers and directors as well as any other business that may come before the Corporation.
The input of all lot owners is most welcome and necessary in the decision making process to make this truly your community cemetery. If you have any questions, feel free to contact President Elizabeth M. Hurley at 518-766-3815.
The Averill Park Community Orchestra is Looking for Musicians!
If you play a musical instrument, the Averill Park Community Orchestra is excited to be starting rehearsals again soon and we are looking for new members! If you or someone you know plays an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion) and may be interested in joining, please call or text Christina Desmond at 518-948-0565. We are especially in need of string players (violin, viola, cello, string bass) and are planning a special event for strings in early 2023.
APCO rehearses at Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30, and we anticipate performing three concerts this year, one in December and two in the spring. Rehearsals begin September 14th, and we will accept new members through early October in preparation for our performance on December 17th (snow date December 18th). You can also find us on Facebook or check out our website at apcorchestra.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Doors of Hope Food Pantry and Thrift Store
All of us at the Doors of Hope Food Pantry and Thrift Store would like to thank the wonderful generosity of our communities who continue to amaze us with their generosity. Your donations amaze us both in variety and amounts! Your encouraging words and appreciation of our efforts make us feel that you are all a part of our team. Together, our Food Pantry is thriving and able to meet the needs of all those who request our assistance. We have also been able to send ten children to summer camp this year.
Doors of Hope assists in times of emergencies such as home fires. We help support the Sky High Community Center. When we have an overflow, we donate clothing and other items to local organizations such as Unity House and Grass Roots, as well as other community groups. We organize our yearly adopt-a-family for Christmas and coat collection. The Doors of Hope is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm, and Saturday from 9am to Noon. Doors of Hope is open late until 7pm on Thursday. Be sure to drop by to say “Hi” and browse through our treasures! You never know what you might find and best of all, you’re helping your community at the same time.
Please remember, donations need to be clean and in good condition. Please call (518) 674-4048 before donating furniture to be sure we have space for it. Household goods, toys, holiday items and collectibles are always welcome, but once again, keep in mind that all things must be clean and in good condition. Also, please drop off your donations when the store is open until 3pm, Monday through Friday (until 7pm Thursday), and 11am Saturday. Please do not leave donations outside our door when we are closed. This can at times be overwhelming to deal with at the beginning of our day! With all the community support, and with all the volunteers of Doors of Hope, we are an incredible team, and great things can be accomplished! **Exciting News! We will be expanding soon!
The Nassau Sunshine Fund Wants You!!
Do you have time to give back to your community? Do you want to help your neighbors in need? The Nassau Sunshine Fund is looking for interested people to join our Board of Directors.
We are a charitable organization that has been making no interest emergency loans since 2009 to people who live within the Town of Nassau as determined by the tax map. All of the funds to make these loans come from loan repayments and donations. All loan application and repayment information is kept strictly confidential. The Board of Directors meets every other month and decides how loans are processed, how funds are raised, how the community is informed of this program and how our organization collaborates with other local charitable groups. During the pandemic we had been meeting using Zoom; we have recently returned to the Nassau Free Library for meetings on the first Thursday evening, every other month. We have a website where you may read more information about how we started and what we have done since the beginning.
Please learn about our organization at www.nassausunshinefund.org and consider joining our Board of Directors. Potential Board members are welcome to attend a meeting beforehand. You may use the Contact tab at our website to send a message; you may also send a request for information to Nassau Sunshine Fund, PO Box #10, Nassau, NY 12123.
We look forward to including you in our “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” efforts.
Power Lunch Needs Reading Mentors
Do you enjoy reading to children? Do you have an hour a week to spare? Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County needs volunteer reading mentors for the Everybody WINS! Power Lunch program at
Van Rensselaer Elementary in Rensselaer as well as School 2 and School 14 in Troy.
Everybody Wins! is an innovative reading and mentoring program that increases children’s prospects for success in school and in life. Power Lunch pairs elementary school children one-to-one with volunteers from nearby businesses, colleges and the community. Once a week, reading partners enjoy conversation together at the school, and the adult reads a book aloud to the child while he/she eats lunch.
Readers will be required to attend a training session. The first one will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 1:00p.m – 2:30 p.m. in Troy (location TBD). Other training dates will be announced. To register or for more information, contact (518) 244-4650 or litvoldirector@nullaol.com
Columbia High School Class of 1972 – 50th Reunion
EAST GREENBUSH – Columbia High School, class of 1972, is holding their 50th Reunion on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Rensselaer Elks Lodge, Columbia Tpke., East Greenbush, NY.
If you are a class member and have not been contacted please send information to chseg72@nullgmail.com.
Art Call for an Averill Park Exhibition
aGatherin’ is sponsoring a third Art Exhibition with Arts Letters & Numbers: “Erie, Eerie, Aerie, Wired, Weird & Wild – Art at the Border of Strange” to open October 26 for 3 days.
Inspired by the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal – that audacious slice through New York State – we choose the season of All Hallows Eve, to host art works in all media, representational or performative. The exhibition will be mounted at the Faith Mills Studios in Averill Park.
Deadline for proposals is October 1; deadline for delivery of material October 22. Contact Diane DeBlois, agatherin@nullyahoo.com.
APHS Class of ‘72 Reunión
The Averill Park Class of ‘72 is planning its 50th class reunion to be held on September 24th. If you are a class member and have not submitted your contact information please send details to kakingsbury54@nullyahoo.com to receive event information.
The Anchor Food Pantry
In an effort to keep the citizens of the Town of Schodack informed for ways to aid the Anchor Food Pantry in their mission to help others we mention the following to pitch in.
Food donations of canned goods and tolletries can be dropped off at both Castleton Vilage Hall (lobby area) and Town of Schodack Town Hall at the Town Clerk’s offices drop box during regular business hours., Also 6 cent Redemption Center -9J- 550 South St-Rensselaer Ny is accepting bottle/can returns for the Anchor. Just let clerk on duty to credit the Anchor account. As always we thank all for their continued support of the food pantry.
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
When struggling to purchase enough food to last the month, consider coming to the “Bread of Life” food pantry in Poestenkill.
If you are low income, we are here to help. We are located in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poestenkill, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140.
Open on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm both days. Please bring proof of your address in the form of a utility bill or other official documents.
Along with food products, we are offering baby diapers, wipes and food items for infants and toddlers to those who are low income.
We wish to help those in need in and around Poestenkill. You may leave a message at (518) 283-6045. Thank you to all who have donated. If you wish to donate, make checks payable to ELCP and note in the memo “Food Pantry” and mail to ELCP, P.O. Box 167, Poestenkill, NY 12140. We put every dollar to good use.
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.
St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus Bottle & Can Donations
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!
FREE Helplines 24/7
ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE AND PROBLEM GAMBLING 877-846-7369 or Text 467369.
CHILD ABUSE is when a person does serious physical injury, creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury or engages in sex with a child in their care and when a caregiver allows someone else to abuse the child in their care in a similar manner. 518- 474-8740.
CRISIS FOR FOOD, HEALTH, HOUSING, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSPORTATION: For non-emergency help for paying your bills or to help someone, get the most up-to-date information by calling United Way 3-digit number -211.
DOMESTIC ABUSE of an intimate partner is ‘ridiculing, humiliating, putdowns, isolating, manipulating, ordering, intimidating, threatening, beating, sexual coercion and controlling money’. The abused person, family member or friend can anonymously call one or more of these agencies: Unity House 518-272-2370; Equinox 518-432-7865; St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services 518-271-3257; YWCA NENY 518-374-3386; Wellspring 518-584-8188; National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH RELATIONSHIPS: Dating, personal safety and supporting others. 866-331-9474 or Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Human trafficking crime occurs when a trafficker uses fraud or coercion against a person to solicit labor or engage in commercial sex acts. If the person engaged in commercial sex is under 18 years, it is a crime even when force, fraud, or coercion is not used. 888-373-7888 or Text 233733.
SEXUAL ASSAULT: Eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone who knows the victim. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network 800-656.4673; Albany County sexual assault hotline 518-447-7716.
SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE offers confidential crisis and prevention resources for people in distress and their loved ones. Call 988 or 800-273-8255.
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
Knocking out Alzheimer’s
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.
If you can’t drop off, contact us we will even pick up!
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