Your Community 09.23.21

The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Announces the Forests Forever Campaign

The Forests Forever Campaign Will Conserve Land and Establish an Endowment for Continued Land Management and Stewardship on the Rensselaer Plateau

Rensselaer County –  The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance announces the Forests Forever campaign, which will raise $2 million over a three-year active campaign. The funds will conserve land on the Rensselaer Plateau and create an endowment to support land management and stewardship in the future.

“This is a project that is defined by its very name, “Forests Forever.” And if you’re going to have forests forever, you need to have a community that’s forever committed to making it happen,” Shari Gibbs, Founding Board Member.

“Since 2008 we have conserved more than 12,000 acres of forests and wetlands on the Rensselaer Plateau. We depend on many volunteers and committed donors, but we need more capital in order to be responsive to conservation opportunities. With development pressure rising in Rensselaer County, and the effects of climate change increasing, now is the time to be primed and agile as an organization.” – Jim Bonesteel, Executive Director

The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance works with the community to promote and facilitate the conservation of the Plateau’s forests and important wildlife areas. An alliance of diverse organizations and individuals, we share a common vision that 100 years from now the Plateau remains a large forest that provides clean water for thousands of people, habitat for wildlife, and support for the local economy. Learn more about the Forests Forever Campaign at www.rensselaerplateau.org/ForestsForever or by calling Jim Bonesteel at 518-712-9211.

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.

Refugee Welcome Center Volunteers Needed

ALBANY – The Refugee Welcome Center, located at 104 Ontario St., Albany, is in need of volunteers for our playgroup. During our English classes for refugees and immigrants, we offer a playgroup for preschoolers while their mothers learn English. This would be a 2-4 hour/week commitment. We have 7-9 children in the playgroup and have 3 volunteers for each class. Class days/times are Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 and 11:30-1:00. Right now we are closed due to the spike in the Coronavirus but we are planning to be prepared when it’s safe to open. Please call Sue for more information at 518-428-3291. Thank you.

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – On Tuesday, October 12, Averill Park Central School District residents will vote on a proposed Capital Project that focuses on the health and safety of our students and staff. Be on the lookout for a newsletter, which will be mailed to each household in the District. More information can be found on the District website and on our social media platforms. The District will also be holding community forums on September 29 (virtually) and October 6 (in-person).

Congratulations to the 12 new members of the Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame! Due to the pandemic, the Class of 2020 induction ceremony was postponed and combined with the Class of 2021. The Class of 2020 includes Doug Childrose (‘83), Kevin L. Nichols (‘81), Rebecca Ortolano Clark (‘00), Deb Prendergast-Sanderson (‘81), Deborah Springer (‘91), Morgan Wheeler (‘09) and Mike Malenfant (‘86). The Class of 2021 includes Jenna Brooks (‘06), Michael Collopy (‘04), Katie Duma (‘10), Thomas Mangan (‘89) and Susan Spierre Clark (‘01).

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.

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay

Did You Receive an IRS Notice About Changes to Your Tax Return?

CAPITAL DISTRICT – The IRS has been sending “math error” notices to taxpayers.  The notices list changes the IRS has made to the amount the taxpayers owe in tax or how much they will receive as a refund.  If you receive this type of notice, it does not necessarily mean there was a math or computational error on your return.  There are time limits to act if you think the notice is incorrect.

So far this year, the IRS has sent about 11 million math error notices. This is many times more than in past years.

The IRS sent most of these notices to taxpayers who filed a return seeking the Recovery Rebate Credit. Taxpayers claimed this Credit on their tax return if they did not receive the full amount of the Covid-19 economic stimulus payments they believed they were entitled to.  The IRS used these notices to advise taxpayers that it believed they were wrong and that all or part of their Recovery Rebate Credit was not allowed.

 If you receive a math error notice and do not agree with it, you have sixty days from the date on the notice to contact the IRS and let them know you disagree. The phone number to contact the IRS is provided in the notice. There are still limited things you can do even if you miss the deadline.

Some math error notices the IRS sent taxpayers in early 2021 did not have any information about the sixty-day deadline. The IRS is therefore correcting that problem by issuing new math error notices that give the taxpayer a new sixty-day period to object.  Please be aware that the notices may not say “math error” on them. 

If you have questions about this or other 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. You can call the LASNNY Legal Line at (833) 628-0087 and ask for our LITC.  The Clinic does not generally provide tax preparation services.

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!

East Greenbush CSD to Start New Pre-K Program this Fall

EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education endorsed a projected timeline to start a new full-day Pre-K Program in partnership with Questar BOCES for eligible 4-year-old students. The program, which is free for families, is tentatively scheduled to start Monday, October 18 for students selected through the lottery process.

There will be two sections of 18 students (a total of 36 students) located at Red Mill Elementary School and operated by Questar III BOCES. Students must be 4 years old as of December 1, 2021 and must be district residents.

The Pre-K Program will follow the East Greenbush CSD school calendar and the school day will run 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Transportation will not be provided.

A Pre-K application is now available at www.egcsd.org and can be submitted online. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

All applicants will be entered into a lottery, which will be held Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Genet Elementary School auditorium. Independent auditors will conduct the lottery and each applicant will be assigned a number prior to the lottery draw. The first 36 students drawn will receive spots in the new Pre-K Program and all other applicants will be added to a wait list.

There will be no tax impact for this program. It is being funded by a state grant with the balance being funded by the American Rescue Plan.

Golf Tournament for the Benefit of NF2Biosolutions

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Schuyler Meadows Country Club, 17 Schuyler Meadows Road, Loudonville, NY 12211. 518-785-8558.

Neurofibromatosis 2 is a neurological disease in which tumors form on the nerves of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves throughout the body. The tumors can do significant damage. Surgery is the only treatment which can reduce the tumors, but surgery can cause serious collateral damage. NF2Biosolutions was formed to support research to find treatment options. NF2Biosolutions is a 501(c)(3) charity. Contributions are tax deductible.

Registration is $200/golfer. Schedule: 8:00 AM Registration; 9:00 AM  Shotgun start – scramble; 1:00 PM Awards luncheon.

Ultimate sponsorships (There will only be one sponsor in each of these categories and sponsors may distribute products at breakfast, lunch and/or on the course.)

Golf Sponsor – $10,000  – Sponsor the golfing portion of the outing and receive greens fee, cart, lunch for four; extensive on-course signage; special recognition in program; and recognition at the breakfast and luncheon.

Lunch Sponsor – $5,000  – Includes greens fee, cart and lunch for four; on-course signage; special recognition in program; and additional recognition at the breakfast and luncheon. 

Prizes Sponsor – $5,000 – Includes greens fee, cart and lunch for two; on-course signage; special recognition in program; and additional recognition at the breakfast and luncheon. 

Breakfast Sponsor – $3,000  – Includes greens fee, cart and lunch for two; on-course signage; special recognition in program; and additional recognition at the breakfast and luncheon. 

Additional Sponsorship Opportunities – (multiple sponsorships available in these categories) 

Chairman Emeritus- $1,000  – Includes greens fee, cart and lunch for four; multiple on-course signage; recognition in program; introduction at awards luncheon. 

Chairman of the Board Level- $600 – Includes lunch for two; introduction at awards dinner; on-course signage; recognition in program (full page advertisement- 5”x7”). 

Chief Executive Officer Level-$250  – Sponsor of golf carts. Includes on-course signage and recognition on golf carts; 1/2-page (3.5”x4.5”) advertisement in program. 

Tee Box Sponsor – $150 – Signage at a tee box; listing in the program.

Flag Sponsor – $100 – Name on flag; listing in the program.

President Level- $75  – Name displayed on sponsors listing on-course and in program. 

Vice President Level – $50  – Name displayed on sponsors listing on-course and in program.

To reserve a sponsorship email: Vito Grasso at Vgrasso1@nullnycap.rr.com

Crossroads Center for Children Announces 2021 “Dare to Be Different Gala” to be Held on October 23

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Tickets are now on sale for Crossroads Center for Children’s 2021, “Dare to Be Different Gala, a night of celebration in support of Crossroads programs for children in the Capital District (or Northeastern New York). This year’s Gala will take place on Saturday, October 23, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Terrace at Waters Edge in Glenville.

Each year at the Gala, Crossroads Center for Children chooses to honor someone with the “Connecting the Community Award” in gratitude for their help over the past year, which is always a meaningful and challenging review, as the center truly appreciates the contribution of everyone in the Crossroads community. This year, both Capital District Physicians Health Plan, (CDPHP) and the CAP COM Community Foundation were chosen.

“This year, though, we have two honorees, and both were easy selections for their assistance not only to Crossroads but to others in our community” said Young. In fact, that is the nature of this award – “Connecting the Community Award”.

Heather Morrison from Spectrum News 9 will serve as Emcee throughout the evening’s presentation again this year, and LeGrande Serras will again serve as live auctioneer. Gem Behind The Mic will add a special song to the festivities.

Students come to Crossroads for the applied behavior analysis and specialized services that Crossroads provides in the school and clinic. Any school district or county may refer students and the organization has worked with up to 30 school districts and 10 counties surrounding the center, located in Rotterdam. In the 2020-21 school year, Crossroads Center for Children served school-age children from the following school districts in the greater Capital Region: Greenbush, Fonda Fultonville, Ft. Plaine, Gloversville, Greenville, Guilderland, Hoosic Valley, Menands, Mechanicville, Niskayuna, N. Colonie, Oppenheim-Ephratah, Schenectady, Shenendehowa, Troy, and Watervliet. Pre-school students from the following counties were also served: Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Albany, and Schenectady.

All proceeds from this event will bring vital funds and support to Crossroads Center for Children’s programs and services.

Find ticket registration, other opportunities to get involved, and more information here : http://crossroadcenter.org/crossroads-gala-2021/

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.   

Athletic Department Seeking Nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022

AVERILL PARK – The Averill Park Athletic Department, in conjunction with the Averill Park Athletic Booster Club, is pleased to announce that the nominating period for the Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022 is now open. The Hall of Fame recognizes former athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors who have made significant contributions to the Averill Park athletic program through their service, performance, dedication, commitment, and accomplishment.

The Hall of Fame committee is comprised of administrators (past and present), coaches (past and present), and community members. For information regarding the committee, Hall of Fame guidelines, and nomination forms please see the Hall of Fame link on the Averill Park Athletics page at www.averillpark.k12.ny.us.

Any member of the public can nominate an athlete, coach, team, or contributor for induction assuming the criteria as outlined in the guidelines are met. Nomination forms are available by going to the Hall of Fame link on the Averill Park Athletics page at www.averillpark.k12.ny.us or by contacting the Athletic Department at (518) 674-7010.

The nomination period will run through November 15th. The 2022 induction ceremony and dinner will be held on Saturday, April 30th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.

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 apprised during these Covid 19 times has an update regarding hours  of operation and procedures. The Pantry is open on the following days for servicing clientele and the general public.

Monday Evenings-5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursdays -9am-2pm, and the first saturday of each month 10am-1pm. We ask to call ahead at 518-732-4120 for food calls so staff can prepare order for delivery to your vehicle.New clients are asked to provide proof of residency on their initial visit.

Donations are currently being accepted clothing wise for fall /early winter apparel preferably during business hours. As always we thank  the citizens of Schodack for their present, past, and future support of aiding those in need during these seemingly never ending difficult economic times.

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