Your Community 09.30.21

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.

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – We are less than two weeks away from the Capital Project referendum, which will be held on Tuesday, October 12, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In December 2020, the District put forth a capital project referendum that included two propositions. Both propositions were voted down by the community. Over the course of the past several months, our team developed a scaled back project, bringing the total from $45.5 to $28.5 million.

The project now contains a single proposition that specifically addresses safety priorities and urgent building condition deficiencies. This project will help provide our students and staff with a healthy and secure learning environment.

Be on the lookout for a capital project newsletter, which will be delivered directly to homes of APCSD residents. The District will also be holding an in-person community forum at the High School on Thursday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m.

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

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.

Town of North Greenbush Traffic Safety Advisory

NORTH GREENBUSH – The Town of North Greenbush is advising motorists that construction has begun on the Municipal Water Transmission Line Project along Geiser Road from the Town Beach to Route 43. Work crews from Carver Construction will begin clearing along the road shoulder right of ways to prepare for water pipe installation. This work is expected to continue through the end of November 2021.

Traffic will be controlled by flaggers in the work site Monday thru Friday between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in the work zones and pay close attention to all traffic signage. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone and convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Motorists are reminded to obey the directions of flaggers and slow down significantly whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.

NORTH GREENBUSH NOTES – Jim Greenfield Town Historian 283-6384

North Greenbush Elections

 Since its founding in 1855, the Town of North Greenbush has experienced several interesting contests for Supervisor.

Abram Witbeck was our first Supervisor. He had been a long time justice in the old town of Greenbush and agreed to serve as a transition official for the first two years. He ran unopposed and garnered 185 votes. He was succeeded by R.M. Defreest in 1857. Both these candidates ran on the American party ticket. The nickname for this group was the KnowNothing party because when asked what they believed in they said we know nothing. They probably said this because of not wanting to admit their anti-immigration and anti-Catholic views. Surprisingly, this party did well nationally in the mid-1850’s before dying out.

In the 1890’s candidates from the Village of Bath which was the largest entity in our town, won all the elections. Later that decade, the city of Rensselaer annexed Bath. North Greenbush didn’t put up much of a fight, figuring candidates from Wynantskill and

Defreestville could now become the elected officials.

From 1935-41, Democrat Charles Smith ran for supervisor. He won once and lost the other three elections. One might have thought he would have been more successful since he had been Town Clerk for 10 years.

The town turned decidedly Republican from 1941 until 1965 when Democrat Jim Herbert, a drug store owner from Defreestville broke that streak. Republicans were again the winners until 1977.

In that year, Bob Baker was the Republican incumbent. Although he was the party- endorsed candidate, he suddenly pulled out of the race. Could the Republicans replace him? Court battles ensued but the result was it was too late to name another candidate. Democrat Bill Dedrick and his party handily won the election, which begun a string of 6 victories for the party.

1987 was a most unusual election. Initial vote counts on election night had Democratic incumbent Rocco Fragomeni winning by 92 votes. After a mathematical error was found in the count and the absentee votes were tabulated, Republican challenger Dan Borden was declared the victor by 11 votes. It just proves the saying that every vote counts.

Walter A. Wood Tractor Show

HOOSICK FALLS – The Walter A. Wood Tractor and Agriculture Show is coming Saturday, October 2nd! Come on over to Walter A. Wood Memorial Park in Hoosick Falls and check out all the antique and vintage tractors, horse-drawn farm equipment and implements, and contemporary machinery that will be on display from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The Walter A. Wood Reaping and Mowing Company manufactured horse-drawn farm equipment right here in our village from 1865 to 1924, and sold machinery to farmers in Hoosick and as far away as the Middle East and Russia! The company was a big deal…world famous! It was Wood’s company that made Hoosick Falls a boomtown in the 19th century; so big that it made us the largest village in the United States.

Come get a good, close-up look at antique tractors and antique horse drawn implements made by the Wood Company and others, as well as hit-and-miss steam engines, some of which will actually be working.

The highlight of the day at 12:00 Noon is the Burton Luke Tractor Parade. The tractors and farm equipment will wind around village streets led by the whistle from the Walter A. Wood Plant.

The American Legion will be offering hamburgers and hotdogs. Bistro 42 Food Truck, Lewis Sugar House and the Sugar Shack will be selling everything maple, including milkshakes, ice cream, cotton candy, candy, maple cream, popcorn, and syrup. And pony rides for the kids’!

Enjoy hayrides courtesy of JC Tractor of Hoosick Falls with a tour of the downtown areas.

Purchase your fall decorations, including pumpkins, gourds and hay stalks along with other farm products. Sample dairy products made from milk produced by Hoosick Area farmers.

Folks from Hoosick and the surrounding communities are welcome to enter tractors, farm implements, hit and miss engines, livestock, and agricultural products.

For more information or to register, call Kevin at 518-894-5035 .

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.

Green Meadow Named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School

EAST GREENBUSH – Green Meadow Elementary School was named a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education on September 21. The recognition was based on the school’s overall academic performance.

Green Meadow is one of only 325 schools in the country, including one of 19 schools in New York to receive the 2021 National Blue Ribbon School award.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

“We are truly honored and excited to be recognized as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School,” said Green Meadow Principal Daniel Garab. “I am so proud of our students, staff and the greater Green Meadow community for earning this national award. This is a reflection of the true sense of teamwork that we have here at Green Meadow.”

This is the second school in the East Greenbush Central School District to be named a National Blue Ribbon School (Red Mill Elementary School – 2011).

“The district is extremely proud of Green Meadow Elementary School,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons. “Through the leadership of Mr. Garab and the contributions of all of the teachers, staff, PTO leaders and all of the parents, the school excels at offering a positive climate for all children to learn and flourish.”

Poestenkill Business Association Offers Our Annual “Meet The Candidates Night”

POESTENKILL – On Monday night October 18th the Poestenkill Business Association will again present our annual “Meet the Candidates Night” for all Poestenkill Residents. The event will be held at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main St. The event will begin at 7:00 PM with doors open by 6:30 PM and will go until approx. 8:30 PM. Candidates for County Executive, County Clerk, County Legislature, Town Supervisor, Town Board, Town Clerk and Town Highway Superintendent will be in attendance to state their positions and then answer questions from the audience. This is your opportunity to ask questions on topics important to you and/or topics you need further information on. Please plan on attending. Your participation in the election process is most important. Light refreshments will be available. Thank you in advance for your interest and active participation. Looking forward to seeing you Monday night Oct.18th.

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

2021 Jones Award Dinner to Honor Judge Leslie E. Stein

RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Rensselaer County Bar Association will honor recently retired Court of Appeals Judge, Leslie E. Stein, with this year’s E. Stewart Jones Award at a dinner to be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Franklin Plaza in Troy. The Jones award, according to Hon. Edward O. Spain, co-chair of the dinner committee, is named in memory of the late E. Stewart Jones, Sr. of Troy, legendary criminal defense and personal injury attorney. This year’s recipient is “most deserving of this prestigious award”, according to Jennifer C. Shatz, Esq., President of the Rensselaer County Bar Association. “We are delighted to be honoring Judge Stein. She has been a loyal and longtime member of our organization, and such a wonderful example to each of us in the way she has conducted her private, public and professional life; a life that so well reflects the dedication and service to both her profession and her community, as did Mr. Jones.”

Judge Stein was elected to Albany City Court in 1997 and to the Supreme Court in 2001. She served as the Administrative Judge of the Rensselaer County Integrated Domestic Violence Part from 2006 until 2008, when she was appointed to the Appellate Division, Third Department. She was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 2015, receiving the highest rating possible from seven different bar and legal associations throughout the state. She served with distinction on the Court of Appeals until her retirement this past June.

All proceeds from this annual event, which is open to the public, will support the ongoing restoration and preservation of the photos and oil on canvass paintings of the attorneys, judges and prominent community leaders of the past that have graced the inside walls of the courthouse.

At this year’s dinner, Peter R. Kehoe, Esq. and Thomas V. Kenney, Jr., Esq. will be honored as 50 year members of the Association. For dinner reservations please contact: info@nullrenscobar.org

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/

Fresh Florida Fruit Fundraiser

 CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Kiwanis Club of Troy is once again conducting their Annual Florida Fruit Sale!! 20 lb. cases of Navel Oranges; 20 lb. cases of Ruby Red Grapefruit; or 20 lb. cases Half Oranges/Half Grapefruit. Only $25 Each. We have not raised our prices in years!!! Picked fresh from the Florida groves and shipped directly to Troy for your enjoyment!! All orders are needed by November 21st!! All will arrive in Troy about December 10th. Call Dean today at 518-322-0826. All monies go to children’s causes locally!!!

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