Friday April 26, 2024 
Being Controlled or Hurt by your Partner?
CAPITAL DISTRICT – You are not alone. You deserve a respectful relationship. FREE Counseling, Legal, Police and Safe shelter help is available for you and family. Anyone can anonymously call one or more of these 24/7 Hotlines for guidance and help.
* Emergency help – Call 911
* Unity House #518-272-2370, Text #518-720-6161 or Chat at rc.chat/uhdvs
* Equinox #518.432.7865, or Chat at
https://www.resourceconnect.com/equinoxdv/chat
* YWCA of NENY #518-374-3386
* Wellspring #518-584-8188 or Chat at
* NYS Office for the prevention of domestic violence
#800-942-6906 or Text 844-997-2121.Or Chat at
https://www.resourceconnect.com/ndysdvsachat/chat
* National Domestic Violence Hotline #800-799-7233
Text “START” to 88788, Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/
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Risky Relationships: The Link Between Domestic Violence & Problem Gambling
CAPITAL DISTRICT – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While problem gambling may not be something you associate with domestic violence, the link between the two makes it important to bring awareness to this volatile relationship. Domestic violence is defined as violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner, which may include physical violence; sexual, psychological, social, or financial abuse; harassment; and stalking. A recent study of help-seeking gamblers found that forty-nine percent of participants reported being a victim of violence and 43% had perpetrated violence (Bellringer et al., 2017). A person with a gambling problem may experience intense mental and emotional distress which may be expressed through restlessness, irritability, or violence. Someone’s gambling problem may also elicit similar distress from a loved one. The person gambling may be the perpetrator or victim of domestic violence. Furthermore, there is already evidence that domestic violence increases during professional sporting events due to the emotions experienced from a “home team’s” upset loss, citing issues like consumption of alcohol, increased interactions with family members during games, increased expectations for a positive outcome, and increased stress and anxiety. Our community, the state and the country are seeing increased availability and prevalence of sports gambling, daily fantasy sports, and the like. What happens when those high stakes are further intensified by having large sums of money on the line, potentially for multiple sporting events? Problem gambling and domestic violence can impact anyone. If you are experiencing domestic violence or problem gambling, confidential services are available: Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center: 518-801-1491 The Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) is a program of the New York Council on Problem Gambling dedicated to addressing the issue of problem gambling within New York State. Visit www.NYProblemGamblingHELP.org
Local Author Pens 3rd Book In Memory of 2008 AP Grad Kasie Collins
AVERILL PARK – The family of Kasie Collins is excited to announce the release of the third children’s book in the series “Adventures for Kasie”, written by Jennifer Barbic of Colonie, in memory of her cousin, Kasie Collins, who passed away in 2018. A graduate of Averill Park High School, SUNY Geneseo and UMass Amherst, Kasie became a respected environmental scientist, a fierce dog lover, and a zealous adventure seeker. She lived life to the fullest and loved with her whole heart, leaving a legacy of compassion and selfless service to others. Each year since her passing, Jenn and her son, Jake, have written a fantastical children’s book that follows young Kasie’s outlandish adventures with her friends and her dog, Luna. The stories are illustrated by children who knew and loved Kasie, including her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The newest book, Schmergola’s Pergolas, follows books one and two, Luna Moona and The Great Mona Caper. All proceeds from sales of the Adventures for Kasie books are donated to the AFSP in Kasie’s honor, and are matched, dollar for dollar, by Kasie’s former employer, GZA Geoenvironmental. Books are available at Barnesandnoble.com.
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.
News From Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Thank you to all of our District residents that voted on the Capital Project referendum on Tuesday. For more information about the project, and the results of the vote, visit the District website.
The Averill Park Central School District has been ranked as a Top 10 school district in the Capital Region by niche.com. We are very proud of the hard work that our teachers, staff members, and students put in throughout the course of the year.
The Averill Park girls volleyball program raised $916 for the Side Out Fund, which supports the American Cancer Society. The Varsity team raised $766 while the JV team pitched in with $150. Great work in supporting a great cause everyone!
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
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
Sand Lake Democrats Meet the Candidates Live Event
SAND LAKE – The Sand Lake Democratic Committee is hosting a live Meet the Candidates event Thursday, October 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Lakeview on Crystal Lake.
“After so many months of virtual events due to Covid, we welcome the chance to gather in person, but we ask that only folks who have been vaccinated attend, and we will also ask everyone to mask when not eating or drinking,” said Tom Cetrino, acting Committee chair.
Food and soft drinks will be offered to attendees. There will be a cash bar.
Democratic candidates for Town offices include Garrett DeGraff for Town Supervisor, Dee Erickson and Mary Ellen Trumbull for Town Board, Linda Cooke for Town Clerk and David Fryer and Jonathan Bernstein for Town Justice. Other Democratic candidates invited to attend are County Executive candidate Gwen Wright, County Clerk candidate Justan Foster, and County Legislator candidates Andy Bulmer, Alex Flood and Shawntell Mills-Sanchez.
The suggested minimum donation is $50. But anyone can attend by making a donation of any amount at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sand-lake-democratic-committee-1-base or by check mailed to Sand Lake Democratic Committee, PO Box 89, Averill Park, NY 12018. According to Cetrino, “This event is more about the people than the money.”
Garrett DeGraff, Averill Park
North Greenbush Climate Smart Vision Survey
NORTH GREENBUSH – As the Town of North Greenbush continues efforts to become a certified NYS DEC recognized climate smart community, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County is providing support for a Climate Smart Resiliency vision document to be developed. All residents of the Town of North Greenbush are encouraged to be heard in this process. Please take the survey which is short and easy to navigate which will be a critical means to gather input from as many stake holders as possible for the vision document. You can access this link here
https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QG2UwJtc5W1slo
If you are unable to access the online survey to provide input please contact Bernie Wiesen at bw27@nullcornell.edu or at 518-272-4210. Deadline to take the survey and provide input is October 27th. Why a vision document? A vision document will represent the community members’ on the topic of strengthening the town’s resiliency capacity. The final document will serve as a guiding statement to help frame the direction the town aims to take when considering the longevity and well-being of their residents. This project is made possible through the Climate Resilience Partnership. The Climate Resilience Partnership is a collaboration between Cornell Cooperative Extension associations in the Hudson Valley, with funding and assistance from the Hudson River Estuary Program and the New York State Water Resources Institute. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Hoffman Car Wash Bolsters Food Pantry Supplies Ahead of Holiday Season – Free Car Wash with Food Donation on October 23-24
CAPITAL DISTRICT – For the second time in 2021 and the 10th consecutive Fall, the staff at Hoffman Car Wash will be collecting non-perishable food items to support local area food pantries. On Saturday, October 23rd, and Sunday, October 24th, Hoffman Car Wash will provide a free Ultimate car wash with a food donation.
“Both our staff and customers look forward to the Food Drive every year,” said Hoffman Car Wash CEO Tom Hoffman Jr. “Each year we collect thousands of pounds of items, and our hope is this fall’s food collection will be more successful than ever before.”
Hoffman Car Wash has partnered with 14 different food pantries to provide much-needed assistance for families and individuals in need. Each Hoffman location will donate the collected items to a food pantry in its neighborhood.
This year’s pantries include: The Anchor Food Pantry (East Greenbush), Bethlehem Food Pantry (Delmar), Captain Community Human Services (Clifton Park), Columbia Opportunities (Hudson), The Food Pantries of the Capital District (Colonie), Franklin Community Center (Balston Spa), Fulton Community Action Agency (Amsterdam), Hope 7 Food Pantry (Troy), Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (Albany), Loaves and Fish Food Pantry (Binghamton), Northeast Regional Food Bank (Latham), People’s Place (Kingston), South Glens Falls Moreau Community Center (Queensbury), The Wilton Food Pantry (Saratoga).
Suggestions of non-perishable food items to donate include canned meat or fish, canned entrees (stew, ravioli, etc.), canned fruit in juice, canned spaghetti sauce, canned soup, hot or cold cereal, canned 100% juice, and peanut butter and jelly.
To participate, individuals simply need to donate one non-perishable food item at any Exterior or Full Service location. Individuals wishing to participate can find a complete list of locations at HoffmanCarWash.com.
The event is part of Hoffman Car Wash’s “Practice Kindness” initiative to spread positivity and goodwill in the communities it serves. Within the last year, Hoffman Car Wash has supported Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), American Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and First Responders and Hospital Personnel.
Later in 2021, Hoffman Car Wash will continue its Veteran’s Day tradition, which includes a free car wash for active and retired military members and/or a $9.99 Hoffman Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change.
Hoffman Car Wash also supports many non-profits and youth organizations through its Helping Hands Fundraising program.
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!!!
Registration Open for 105th Anniversary Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Morning:
TROY – Officials at the Troy Turkey Trot, presented by Pioneer, have opened registration for the event’s 105th anniversary on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, Nov. 25) at TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
A signature event of the Collar City’s holiday festivities, the Trot begins at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s only Thanksgiving Day 10K. The 10K course will close at 9:30 a.m. to facilitate the start of the Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk at 9:30 a.m. The shorter 5K distance kicks off at 10 a.m. Both the 10K and 5K feature “out and back” course configurations which start at 4th and Fulton Streets and finish at River Street’s Monument Square. Family members are invited to show their support by cheering on loved ones.
Besides offering a welcome return to in-person racing, this year’s Trot will again feature a virtual option for those concerned about being around others or who plan to be away. Virtual participants will use a custom mobile app, which allows them to race with others, real time, regardless of their location. Last year, 14 other Troy communities across the nation, including elected officials from Troy, Kan., Troy, Mich. and Troy, Ill. took advantage of the app during the event’s three-day virtual running window.
Free event parking is available at a number of Front and River Street parking lots. A comprehensive map of Troy parking lots can be found at troyny.gov/parking.
For more information or to register, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
Capital District Fly Fishers Annual Fly Tying Class
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Capital District Fly Fishers is holding their annual fly tying class starting the 2nd Wednesday of January, ending in late March. Come learn the art tying flies. During the 8 session course that runs over 3 months, you will learn the tools needed, receive 14 kits with materials to tie 5 flies in each kit (for a total of 70 flys). You will also receive a host of handouts and participate in free raffles of materials. Space is limited.
Date: Jan 12, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9, 23, 30* (*extra date for weather). Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Site: Locust Lane Clubhouse – 5 Locust Lane Clifton Park, NY 12065. Fee: $85.00. Instructors: Members of Capital District Fly Fishers. Face Mask may be required, Hand Sanitizer available. For information about the class contact Paul at (518) 885-8257, Rodney Priddle (518) 421-6762 or cdflyfishers@nullgmail.com.
To Register: Go to https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/cliftonpark select adult classes or call (518) 371-6651
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