Friday April 19, 2024 
News From Averill Park CSD
It has been great to see our student body come together for in-person events that were put on hold during the pandemic. During the first month of school, we have held assemblies, field days, a movie night, and a homecoming dance. All of these have been very well attended and we can’t wait to hold more of these events throughout the school year!
The District has partnered with Capital Region BOCES for management of its food service this year. The partnership includes many benefits, such as a farm-to-school coordinator who focuses on improving access to local foods in schools, and dietitian who plans our menus, collaborates with school nurses regarding food-related health issues for students and works in conjunction with classroom teachers and coaches to discuss the benefits of proper nutrition. In addition, the District receives aid (reimbursement) from the State for using this service so it is cost effective. We look forward to utilizing all of the program’s tools.
National School Custodian Appreciation Day is annually held on October 2. We are very thankful for the hard work and dedication that our amazing staff does at all five of our school buildings on a daily basis.
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
OLV Columbiette Vendor & Craft Fair
The Our Lady of Victory Columbiettes will be hosting a Vendor & Craft Fair on Saturday, October 15, 2022, 9:00 – 3:00, at 55 North Lake Ave, Troy, Parish Center. We are Handicap Accessible.
There are a variety of Vendors, lots of items! And a Bake Sale! For information contact Louise at olv_columbiette_events@nullaol.com
Transfiguration Parish Book Nook Open
The Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish on Hillview Drive in Speigletown is open from 9:00 am until noon on Saturday, October 15.
Stop by and check out our new arrivals! Favorite authors at great prices. Donations are accepted M-Th between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS OUTSIDE CHURCH!! Thank you for your continued support and see you at the Book Nook!
Brown Bag Auction
Back after 2 years! On October 22, 2022, the Nassau Resource Center will hold its annual Brown Bag Auction at St. Mary’s Church Hall in Nassau. The auction is the only fund raiser for the food pantry each year. It is a fun and inexpensive event held right in the community. The church hall doors will open at 10:30 a.m.; drawing will begin at 12 noon. Admission is $2.00, and food and drinks will be available. For more information, please call 766-9014.
AP Community Education Fall/Winter Programs are Underway
We have something for everyone again this session! FREE Medicare 101 and Notary Public virtual programs are back, as well as the Indoor Walking program (upstairs at the High School or at Algonquin). Registration is required for these and all our programs. They include: Chair Yoga (virtual, starts 10/18), Qigong Infused Yoga (begins 11/1), Defensive Driving (11/15&17), Ballroom & Social Dancing (begins 11/17), Co-Ed Volleyball, Creative Clay, Pi-Yo, Puppy or Advanced Dog Obedience, Kripalu Yoga, Anyone Can Learn to Paint, Wilderness Survival, and Zumba.. Call 518-674-7191 with any questions, but we cannot take registrations over the phone. Check online or on the district’s Facebook or Twitter pages for updates. You do not have to live in Averill Park to register for these programs. View classes, register, and pay at www.familyid.com/organizations/averill-park-community-education or mail the AP District Office with your contact information, program information and a check payable to AP Community Education. Join your friends – or make new ones – at an AP Community Ed program!
COVID Booster Clinic in Castleton
On October 18 from 3:00 to 6:00 the NYS Department of Health is holding a COVID Booster clinic for Ages 5 Years and up at
Sacred Heart Church, 3 Catholic Way, Castleton. Both Pfizer and Moderna available.Walk-ins Welcome or you can pre-register at: VIPSTARNETWORK.COM/REGISTRATION. Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones. A collaboration between NYS DOH and Sacred Heart Health Ministry.
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.
Watervliet High School Class of 1971 and 1972 50th Reunion
The Watervliet High School Class of 1971 and 1972 are having a joint 50th Class Reunion on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
The event will be held at the Watervliet Elks, 501 4th Avenue, Watervliet NY from 6-10 pm. There will be a hot and cold buffet, DJ and cash bar. Price is $35/per person. Please RSVP by October 8th and join us for an evening of reminiscing, fun, music and food!
For more information, or to pay, please contact Charles Patricelli (cvpatricelli@nullgmail.com) 581-378-4051, or Sue Razzano Lotano (slotano@nullaol.com) 518-360-9945.
Capital District Chapter Columbiettes November Meeting
On Sunday, November 6th, 2022, The Capital District Chapter Columbiettes will host their November Chapter Meeting at 1:30 pm at the Waterford Knights of Columbus Council #237 , 76 Grace Street, Waterford, 12188. (Directions 787 exit at Rt 32/N, Cohoes Rd/ Saratoga Street, turn left at Vanderwerken Avenue continue to Grace Street. From the North Rt 32 South to Vanderwerken Avenue continue to Grace Street,).
Capital District Chapter President, Linda Cotch will preside!
The Neil Hook Vocal Music Scholarship
The Festival Celebration Choir will hold a competition for current graduating High School Seniors in the Greater Capital District. The winning applicant will receive a cash prize of $800.00 and will also agree to perform at our Spring concert. Applicants should be attending college in the Fall and continuing their study of music, although not necessarily planning a major or career in music. The cash prize is intended to facilitate the continued study of music.
All written applications must be postmarked by Monday, February 6, 2023.
The auditions for finalists will be held on Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2023. Times to be designated.
In the event of inclement weather, an alternate date will be provided.
Location: The First Lutheran Church, 181 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203.
Audition selections are to be performed with their own accompanist – pre-recorded accompaniments are not permitted. Two copies of each musical selection are required at the time of audition. The scholarship winner will agree to perform at our Spring concert, and dress rehearsal the day before. Your own accompanist is required for the dress rehearsal and the concert.
Applications are available at the choir’s website: http://www.festivalcelebrationchoir.org
For additional information, please contact Anne Cronin at acronin922@nullgmail.com
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 North Greenbush.
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.
Rensselaer County ABATE looking for New Members
Do you enjoy the camaraderie of riding with other motorcycle enthusiasts? Do you want to help and give back to the community? The Rensselear County Chapter of ABATE is looking for active new members no matter what type of motorcycle you ride. American Bikers Aimed Toward Education is a not for profit corporation formed to promote and protect the interests of New York state motorcyclists.
We promote motorcycle safety and awareness for all that enjoy being on two wheels. We host many events such as charity Motorcycle runs for military, first responders, pet rescues and more. We also host many social events such as chapter rides, Dinners, and get togethers. We hold monthly meetings that all are welcome to attend, stop by and see if were a fit for you. We rely on donations and active memberships to be able to host these events. More info available at ABATENY.org and if joining please make sure to select Rensselaer County or call or text Derek Roberts Public Relations Officer 518-312-0735
To donate make checks payable to Rensselaer County ABATE and Mail to P.O Box 462,East Greenbush,Ny 12061
Lansingburgh Historical Society Last Open House for the Season
Lansingburgh Historical Society’s final Open House and Tour of this season is Saturday, October 15,2022 from 10:00 am to 2:00pm. It will also be your chance to purchase the popular Lansingburgh High School and Catholic Central High School porcelain ornaments along with ornaments depicting Lansingburgh Academy/Library and the Melville House ornaments.
These make terrific Christmas presents for present and past residents of the “Burgh” along with graduates from the “old” Burgh High School and the “old” CCHS building. The ornaments cost $20. each and the profits help support the maintenance of the Melville House.
The Melville House is located at 2 114th St., Troy, NY 12182. As always we appreciate a donation of $5 for the tour for members and $6 for not yet members.
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