Friday April 26, 2024 
North Greenbush Notes – Rysdorph Homestead
Jim Greenfield,
Town Historian 283-6384
NORTH GREENBUSH – There is a new Historical Marker on Mammoth Spring Road in North Greenbush. This is the 12th marker placed since 2009 and it commemorates the Rysdorph house, one of the oldest dwellings in town. This house was originally built as a tenant house for the East Manor of the Van Rensselaer Patroonship. It appears on the 1767 Bleeker map of Rensselaerwyck as belonging to Laurens Rysdorph.
Dedronchronolgy sampling of the beams dates the house as being built in the mid 1750’s. (Dedronchronolgy is the dating of wooden beams by comparing core samples to the known growth patterns of trees over the centuries.)
Under the patroons, farms were leased to tenants. Rysdorph’s rent was the yearly payment of 23 ½ bushels of good winter wheat, 4 fat fowl, and several days of labor per year. The lease was for 185.6 acres. It was described in the lease as “well watered” which probably led to the naming of Mammoth Spring Road.
Laurens was the son of Johannes Rysdorph, a Palatine emigrant who arrived from Germany in the Hudson Valley in 1710. Born in 1718 and living until 1812, Laurens was a prominent Greenbush early settler. and was a Road Commissioner in Greenbush for a time.
The original house was a story and a half, 2 rooms with a loft above. It must have been crowded since he had a very large family living there. Sometime, perhaps about 1780, an addition was added, and probably the roof of the original two rooms was raised at the same time to make it a full two stories, with a knee wall room over the added room. The addition had a fireplace with a bake oven.
The house remained in the Rysdorph family until about 1850. Currently it is owned by the Miller family. Thanks to Linda Miller for the information about this house.
Accepting Submissions for the Karner Kids Film Festival
ALBANY – The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is now accepting films made by kids for our Karner Kids Film Festival. “This is a great opportunity for kids and teens to show us their perspective on the Pine Bush through film making,” said Education Program Manager, Sara Poggi-Decker. The Karner Kids Film Festival is open to kids ages 10-17. The films must be original creations of 5 minutes or less and must be about the Albany Pine Bush. Films could feature wildlife, plants, history, personal experience or other Pine Bush-inspired themes.
“It always exciting to see how people express their Pine Bush experiences through art,” continued Poggi-Decker. Films can be submitted online and must be received by 4pm on October 31, 2020. Details and submission guidelines can be found at www.AlbanyPineBush.org/visit-the-discovery-center. In December we will celebrate the film makers with a virtual film festival.
Admission to the Discovery Center is free (there is a fee for some programs). The Center is currently open on limited days and hours. For more information, visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org or call 518-456-0655.
South Schodack Volunteer Fire Company Thanks Community
SOUTH SCHODACK – The South Schodack Volunteer Fire Company wishes to thank the community for its outstanding support of our postponed Annual Chicken and Rib Barbeque. 2020 has been a tough year for families and first responders. Our apologies for those who waited in line and had to be turned away due to the unforeseen turn out; we sold 450 dinners in 2 hours. Thank you again for your support!
Annual Fresh Florida Citrus Fundraiser
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The yearly Troy Kiwanis Fresh Florida Fruit sale is on again to raise money for projects that directly assist Troy area youth.
20 lbs for only $25 – Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruit or a Mixed Case.
Most area groups are charging well over $30/case. Orders must be received by Sunday, November 22nd.Call Dean @ 518-322-0826 Today!!
Will arrive in Troy, by December 12th, in plenty of time for Holiday Gift Giving!! Kiwanis is Serving the Children of the World
Looking for Stories About One Room School Houses
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Looking for people who might have stories to tell about one room school houses in the Town of Sand Lake, Averill Park and West Sand Lake, Sand Lake. Do you have a parent, grandparent, or great grandparents who attended one of the several one room school houses in our town? Email me with any information at JTre115@nullyahoo.com. (Jacqueline Tremont)
American Legion Post 1489 Wynantskill Flag Disposal Ceremony
WYNANTSKILL – Attending the flag retirement ceremony at the American Legion Post 1489 Wynantskill Ceremony
(L-R) North Greenbush Councilman, Jack Rogers, North Greenbush Councilwoman, Mary Frances Sabo, Tracey Rex, Schodack Town Board Member, and Mike Helinski, candidate for Town of North Greenbush Council.
Would Your Child Benefit From a Section 504 Plan at School?
ALBANY – As students begin the new school year, some may qualify for additional help. Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act protects children with disabilities. Programs which receive federal funds must not discriminate against such children. They must not deny such children the right to participate in or receive benefits from those programs. Since all public schools and most private schools receive federal assistance, they must follow this law.
To qualify under section 504, a child must have a disability which substantially limits one or more major life activities. The disability could be a mental or physical condition. Major life activities include personal care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
Some students with disabilities may be eligible for special education under an Individualized Education Program (IEP). A student with disabilities who does not qualify for an IEP may be eligible for a “504 Plan”. A parent or teacher may refer a child if they think the child’s disability is affecting access to school programs.
Parents can participate in a “504 meeting” to discuss a plan. 504 plans list the changes and services a child needs in order to have a chance to perform at the same level as other students. They are individualized for each child’s needs. For example, a child might get extra time on a test or a certain seating arrangement.
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York’s Children’s Law Project can advise and assist low-income children with disabilities at no cost. You can learn more about the Children’s Law Project by visiting https://www.lasnny.org/clp/. If you have questions about an education matter, please contact LASNNY by calling (833) 628-0087.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – The Averill Park Central School District received the Utica National Insurance Group’s “School Safety Excellence Award” for 2020 at the Titanium with Honors level, which is the highest level for this award. Thank you to everyone who has worked extremely hard at creating a safe school environment for our students and staff.
Congratulations to Violet Dupuis for winning the “Looking Forward … to Change” writing contest! Violet submitted her entry into the contest as an eighth grader last year and won the 13-to-15-year-old division for her essay which talks about experiences and observations with regard to racism in communities. Way to go Violet!
APCSD has updated its District Goals to now include, “Students will be digitally fluent by demonstrating the ability to live productively and safely in a technology-influenced society.” As many school districts across the country, including our own, have transitioned into a blended learning environment with a heavy emphasis on digital tools, we feel this goal is very important.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Sand Lake Dog Park News! Sand Lake Dog Park Making Strides
SAND LAKE – Motivation is high as we move into our second year of fundraising to reach our $25k goal for the Sand Lake Dog Park.
Sand Lake is a kind and generous community. The ever enthusiastic Councilwoman Dee Erickson has brainstormed, shared ideas and supplied numerous volunteers to the Open Spaces Committee and the Dog Park Committee this year!!
Girl Scout Rachael Strickland (Rock Star), recently completed her Silver Award by constructing a dog house and picnic table for the park. If your pup has yet
to gobble up some of Rachel’s amazing Dog Scout cookies, they will have their chance at this years Howl-o-ween in the Park!
Yes!! This year we will have the Second Annual Howl-O-Ween in the Park at the Sand Lake Walking Trails, & future site of the Dog Park.
On Saturday Oct 17th (rain date Oct 24th) from 5pm- 7:00pm we invite you, and your friendly werewolf, to join in a social distanced Costume Parade through the trails! Enjoy a bonfire and local food vendor.
The event is free, donations are encouraged!
Mark your calendar and plan your costume!
That’s all fur now!
Shannon DeCelle
Send questions to openspacessandlake@nullgmail.com
Books for Troops Looking for a New Director
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Books for Troops, a not-for profit, all volunteer organization since 2010 is looking for a new director. Ellen Keegan, its present director, has decided to leave her position due to poor health. Ellen founded Books for Troops in April 2010 to send books and other reading material to the troops as a temporary form of escape. Books for Troops now sends an average of 60 boxes per month to individual soldiers or whole units who in turn share them with others These books are sent to all deployed troops within the states and around the world. Books are also sent to many VA hospitals or veterans rehab centers within the states and in Landstuhl, Germany. Books for Troops is based in Latham NY and is supported by donations across the nation from individuals, organizations and companies. Its donated office is in Latham, NY. It now has a very loyal all=volunteer base of 10 people.
Books for Troops is now looking for a person who strongly believes in books as a means of escape for the troops. As director, this person must be willing to be a hands on person, working side by side with its volunteers. He/she must have good people skills working with its volunteers and the public. Training will be hands on. Computer skills would be helpful, as well as familiarity with Facebook.
Anyone interested in becoming the Books for Troops’ director, may send their name to Ellen Keegan at: ekeegan3@nullnycap.rr.com. Please place the word Director in the subject area. Please include some background information that would be pertinent. Ellen will contact you by e-mail or by phone.
Books for Troops will continue as usual during this pursuit of the director and the transition. Donations of books and postage will continue to be needed.
Books for Troops Continues to Help the Troops Cope with the Pandemic
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Books for Troops would like to thank all those who have donated thousands of books in the past few weeks. We appreciate that most of the books are in very good condition and do not include hard covers and romances. We now have a great inventory to fill our boxes. We send 80-100 boxes per month to the troops to help fill their many empty hours caused by the pandemic. The cost of postage to send this number of books is about $1000/month. While many people have donated generously for the postage, the money goes very quickly. We want to remind the people who donate books that their books stay in our Latham office unless we have the money to send them. Each box of about 40 books costs an average of $15.00 to mail. To send a donation for one or more boxes, please make a check out to: Books for Troops and mail to: Books for Troops, 152 Oak Brook Commons, Clifton Park, NY 12065. A tax receipt will be sent. Your donation will be a wonderful way to thank more of our “essential workers”, the troops and to remind them that we remember them with pride, gratitude and concern.
If any companies, organizations, etc. would like to make a donation or do a fundraiser, it will be greatly appreciated. To do so, contact: ekeegan3@nullnycap.rr.com. Thanks as always for your support. Ellen Keegan, director, Books for Troops
Brown Bag Auction Cancelled
NASSAU – Dear Community Members, The Nassau Resource Center Mission of the Nassau Reformed Church is sorry to announce that we must cancel our Brown Bag Auction for this year as Social Distancing requirements would not be possible. This Pandemic has brought out the best in our communities. We have seen folks step forward to help others who are in need. The Center has remained open to help local families with food, clothing, health and hygiene products, and people to listen and offer sympathy and referrals. Our volunteers have continued to do the Lord’s work by remaining open and able to assist others.
So many individuals, organizations, local businesses, and our County Legislators have stepped forward to help us help others. Their gifts have provided emotional uplifting for many families and individuals. With extra funds, we have been able to distribute gift certificates for Village Pizza, Zia’s, Smiles Ice Cream, Gas Cards from Cumberland Farms, My Money gift cards for Stewarts, along with 7 days of food and health and hygiene items. This may not seem like much to some people, but I can tell you that one family said, “We haven’t had pizza since last year, and we’ve never been to Smiles.” These gift certificates had the additional bonus of providing income to our local businesses that may be struggling due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. We have also recently been able to deliver fresh fruit and vegetables to a local senior housing complex with the help of local farmers and Capital Roots. While we are unable to have our Brown Bag Auction (our only fundraiser), with God’s guidance we will continue to provide food and other essentials to community members in need along with a listening ear to provide additional support of referral and advocacy.
Linda Clark, Auction Chairperson
PO Box 495, Nassau, NY 12123
Athletic Department Seeking Nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2021
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 2021 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 (not eligible until 2022), 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 2021 induction ceremony and dinner will be held on Saturday, April 17th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy.
Town of Schodack Fall Clean-Up Days
SCHODACK – Schodack residents please note the Town of Schodack is sponsoring Fall Clean-up Days on October 15th, 16th and 17th at the Transfer Station on Poyneer Rd. During this event many items that normally have a charge are free and others are reduced up to 50%. This is a great time to clean out your garage before winter comes! The following price list is only for the dates noted above:
Refrigerators, Freezers, Air conditioners & Dehumidifier -$8.00
Tires, rimless (maximum size 16”) – $2.00*
*larger and rimmed tires priced by size
TVs, computer monitors (limit 2), Propane Tanks, Furniture (limit 3), Metal goods, Gas grills, Bicycles – FREE
All other prices remain the same
2020 Photography Contest
ALBANY – Albany Diocesan Cemeteries 2020 Photography Contest is now open to the public! With 19 cemeteries located in the Capital District, all feature beautiful nature, statuary, architecture, interesting gravestones, and many have spectacular views.
Digital enhancements of your original image is allowed.
Participants are invited to submit up to TWO (2) original photographs with their registration. No entry fee. Prize money will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Photos must be of a subject located in one of Albany Diocesan Cemeteries 19 cemeteries.
Digital enhancements of your original image is allowed.
Visit https://blog.capitaldistrictcemeteries.org/adc-photography-contest-2020/ or call 518-350-7679 for a list of cemetery locations, contest information, rules & registration form.
Submission deadline for all photographs and registrations is October 15th, 2020.
Good luck shutterbugs!
HVCC Announces LiveStream Lecture Series for Fall 2020
TROY – Hudson Valley Community College presents Voices: A Library Lecture Series each fall and spring semester. This fall, the lectures will be streamed live online due to the current COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. All are open free to the public. Each lecture has a unique virtual address (see below).
Mindfulness for The Busy Person: Why Slowing Down is the Fastest Growing Trend
Elections 2020: A Perspective from Albany
Thursday, Oct. 15, 11-11:50 a.m. / https://livestream.com/hvccstreaming/events/9235041
Spectrum News political reporter Susan Arbetter shares her insights on what could happen in the national, state, and local elections, and what those results could mean for New York State.
Tiny Homes… From Pinterest Dreams to Affordable Housing
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1-1:50 p.m. / https://livestream.com/hvccstreaming/events/9235043
Local businesswoman Brittany McAndrew of Upstate Tiny Homes, a Tiny Home Industry Association board member, will illuminate this new tiny world.
Using Adversity to Fuel Positive Change
Wednesday, Nov. 11, noon-2:50 p.m. / https://livestream.com/hvccstreaming/events/9235044
Bridie Farrell, a three-time American record-holding speed skater, founded NY Loves Kids, a non-profit advocacy organization for child sexual abuse victims. She discusses the alarmingly high rates of child sexual abuse and its effects on our communities, and will suggest ways we can help.
Hunting as a Conservation Tool
Thursday, Nov. 19, 1-1:50 p.m. / https://livestream.com/hvccstreaming/events/9235046
Katrina Talbot, NYS DEC wildlife biologist, discusses her job and public opinions on hunting.
Town of Brunswick Monthly Brush Pick Up Schedule
TOWN OF BRUNSWICK – Pick up schedule: October 19th-October 23rd (last pick-up for season).
Limbs must be piled neatly, 8’ long-no larger than 6” diameter.
Branches must be free of roots and dirt. Avoid piling brush near utility poles and under trees, wires, or out in the street.
We will also pick up other yard waste, such as grass clippings, provided biodegradable paper bags are used
We do not go on private property. Clean wood only. Please no clear cutting of lots
No sticks, dirt or rocks or any material other than leaves and grass should be placed in bags.
We do not pick up rocks, stumps, rubbish, etc. Please do not put these items out with your branches.
Residents are also encouraged to dispose of leaves and grass at our Recycling Center, it is located across from the Town garage.
If you have any questions, please call 279-3461, Ext 100.
Call For Entries: Artists for Social Justice at Sand Lake Center for the Arts
SAND LAKE – Sand Lake Center for the Arts is seeking submissions for its January and February 2021 gallery installation. SLCA invites artists of color to submit their works for a two-month long gallery presentation to shine light on social injustices. All visual mediums are welcome. Jpeg and pdf submissions can be sent to brian@nullslca-ctp.org. Please include a short bio and brief description of your work. Submission deadline: November 1st, 2020
Poestenkill Area Food Insecurity
POESTENKILL – Any greater Poestenkill area residents currently experiencing temporary or long term food insecurity can turn to The Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poestenkill for supplemental food assistance. We provide basic nutritional foods and related items the first and third Thursday of each month from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in a very discreet, nonjudgmental manner. We offer drive-thru service where each guest receives a product list to form your order, we then fill your order and bring the completed order back to your vehicle. Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our Pantry is also available. Please try us, we are here to help. Our phone number is: 518-283-6045 to leave a message. Thank you.
Problem Gambling – Northeast Resource Center Here To Help
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Isolation due to the COVID-19 can be especially difficult for those struggling with gambling problems. Extra time, stress and anxiety, access to gambling on the internet, and an increase in online gambling options are a recipe for trouble. People struggling with gambling problems, or in recovery from problem gambling, may find this isolation to be especially difficult. If you have noticed extra stress, anxiety, anger, uncontrollable urges to gamble or an increase in gambling activities there are options for help. If your loved one is struggling to control their gambling, help is available for you too.
The Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center (NE PGRC) is a program of the New York Council on Problem Gambling and has been working to increase the awareness of problem gambling and connect those adversely affected by problem gambling to the care they need. The NE PGRC provides referral and treatment options, including connections to the recovery community, to individuals and families in need. We also provide education and training to groups and organizations who want to learn more about this disorder. The NE PGRC works with a network of qualified clinicians trained in problem gambling to provide barrier-free treatment to anyone seeking assistance.
Contact the Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center
Call: 518-801-1491
Email: NortheastPGRC@nullNYProblemGambling.org
Website: www.NYProblemGamblingHELP.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NortheastPGRC
Team “Knocking Out Alzheimer’s” Bottle Drive
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Six Center Redemption is partnering with the team Knocking out Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association.
NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR CANS BOTTLES LET US HELP…..
Return your bottles and cans and help he Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Through an arrangement with:
Six-Center Redemption Two Locations- 461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say
“These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles into a machine. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you. Join the fight with your bottles & cans!
Vaping – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Vaping has become almost more common today then cigarettes. Originally marketed as being more safe than other tobacco products recent events have made it clear that this is not the full story. One study found that those who vape the equivalent to a pack of cigarettes a day had a 70% higher risk of stroke. This is only one of the health risks that can arise from vaping. For more information visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/vaping-linked-to-serious-health-problems.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Fentanyl – Public Service Announcement
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Fentanyl has been making headlines recently, this is because the incredibly potent chemical has been contributing to the increase in overdose deaths across America. Most people however do not know much about the chemical. For instance many don’t know that one of the things that makes fentanyl so dangerous is the fact that it can be absorbed into the system through skin contact. Meaning getting it on your skin could cause a potentially fatal overdose.
To learn more about Fentanyl visit: https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-fentanyl.html
Addiction Screenings – Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1- 800-431-1754.
Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline
RENSSELAER COUNTY – 1-833-467-3123 – Do you need help with substance use issues? Are you interested in volunteering for the helpline? The Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline offers information, local resources, and referrals for individuals and their families regarding substance use issues. The toll-free line is available 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. Each volunteer chooses shifts of 4 hours at a time to be on-call. When someone calls the number, a volunteer answers on their own smartphone, and can enter information to a database on their own computer, allowing for easy and quick access to resources. The information is sent to one of the 9 leaders, who will then assist the caller. If you or someone you know needs information, resources, or a referral for a substance use problem, call 1-833-467-3123. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact Renscohelpline@nullgmail.com
Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team
CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachusetts. We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
New York State Commission for the Blind
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults. NYSCB assists participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website: visionloss.ny.gov