Friday April 19, 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 https://www.wellspringcares.org/get-help/services/chat/
* 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
News From Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – On October 12, a Capital Project referendum was approved by a vote of 411 (yes) to 343 (no). This $28.5 million project will address critical safety needs and building deficiencies. Over the coming months, architects will finalize plans for the project which will be submitted to the State Education Department for approval before work can begin. We will update the community as work progresses on this project.
The Reading League worked with our elementary school teachers recently. The Reading League is a nonprofit led by educators and reading experts, featuring the latest instructional practices. This organization will help give our teachers new skills that they can share with our students immediately.
Thank you to our local fire departments and its volunteers who visited all three Elementary Schools during Fire Prevention Week. Students learned about fire safety, had the chance to speak with firefighters, and got a tour of fire trucks.
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
Johnsonville Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE – The thrift shop at the Johnsonville Methodist Church, 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville, NY 12094 is open every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month from 9-12. Look for our sign at the corner of Rte. 111 and Rte. 67. We have a great selection of adult and children’s fall and winter clothing, coats, boots, shoes, purses, special occasion and career clothes, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Christmas decor is now on display. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books available.
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.
Rensselaer County 4-H Member Projects Selected for the New York State Fair
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Several Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County 4-H members had their outstanding projects that were entered at the 2021 Schaghticoke Fair selected for evaluation at the New York State Fair. The following 4-H members and projects were selected: Emilee Roadcap (Quilt and Chicken Mix Feeder), Troy; Lucy Haynes (Record Book), Hoosick Falls; Glendora Kilmer (Decorated Cookies), Troy; Karina Schmid (Drawing), East Greenbush; Daylynn Byas (Zucchini Bread), Averill Park; Amelia Pello (Dress), Hoosick Falls; Ava Helou (Recycled Feed Bag), Rensselaer; Star Whydra (Bleached Applique Shirt), Valley Falls; Bridget Denley (Overalls), West Sand Lake; Elizabeth Campenella (Painting), Johnsonville; Maddy Galese (Photography), Hoosick Falls; Allison Michel (Photography), Valley Falls; Cristian Abate (Photography), Troy; Amber MacNeil (Photography), Hoosick Falls; Scarlett Gearwar (Photography and Painting), Troy; Maya Melendez (Photography), Niskayuna; Kevin Cooper (Photography), Poestenkill; and Brice Retell (Porch Cooler), Valley Falls.
The projects selected will be on display at both the 2022 New York State Fair and Schaghticoke Fair. For more information about the Rensselaer County 4-H program, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County 4–H at 518-272-4210.
Youth Outdoor Photography Contest – Capital District Sportsman Center 2022 Calendar
CAPITAL DISTRICT – To enter the contest: One entry per contestant, with the Photographers’ name, age, and county in which the image was taken All photos must be taken in New York State. The subject can be anything to do with Nature, wildlife, fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, gardening, etc.
The top 12 winning photos get a spot in our Calendar with Photo Credit and the age of the photographer, location (county only).
Must be 18 or under (parental permission required)
Submit all photos to cdscrobin@nullgmail.com no later than November 7, 2021. Sponsored by: HANYS Printing Services, Rensselaer NY.
St. Paul’s Center Holiday Wreath Sale is Back
RENSSELAER – Give the gift of shelter this season, and decorate your home for the holidays with a handcrafted, locally sourced, fresh wreath. For just $30, you’ll get a beautiful, double-sided, 22”-24” wreath topped with a gorgeous bow. Wreaths make great gifts for your family, friends, and coworkers, all while providing life-changing shelter and support to local families experiencing homelessness. All payments are due at the time of order. Orders must be received by November 8th, 2021. Call us at 518-434-2910 and ask for Charlee.
Taste of Troy Food Tours Again Offering Holiday Boxes of Local Love
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Taste of Troy Food Tours LLC is supporting small, local business and entrepreneurs again with its 2021 Holiday Boxes of Local Love. With guaranteed delivery dates in time for Thanksgiving, Chanukah and/or Christmas, the Boxes are an easy way to express your love while supporting eight different local businesses and the South End Children’s Café.
Each Box of Local Love offers you a chance to personalize the specially curated items from seven Capital Region businesses. Boxes contain six items, and purchasers are offered choices for five of the items. Every box will include an authentic, sweet taste of New York: a maple leaf-shaped bottle of Wells Maple Farm’s Grade A syrup.
A portion of proceeds from each sale will be donated to South End Children’s Cafe located in Albany, New York. South End Children’s Cafe’s mission is to impact food equity and food justice, enhance academic success and positively influence the physical and mental health of children residing in the South End of Albany. Currently the Cafe provides to-go meals to children and families in need.
What’s in the 2021 Holiday Box of Local Love? Each Box of Local Love* includes:
• Collar City Candle: Choice of Cider Doughnut, Winter Solstice or Holiday Sparkle scented 9-ounce, candle jar;
• TieBerry Sweets: Choice of six chocolate covered, seasonally decorated pretzel sticks (choice of white, milk, dark or mixed chocolate) or two pack of Hot Chocolate bombs;
• Parchment Baking Company: Choice of Kraneskake cookies or Pepperkaker cookies;
• What’s Poppin: Choice of Albany Mix (Cheddar Caramel flavor) or Hot Cinnamon bag of gourmet popcorn;
• Short and Stout Tea: Choice of 1-ounce bag of Blue Moon Tea, OR
• Stack’s Espresso Bar: Choice of a 12-ounce bag of Lark Street House Blend coffee;
• Wells Maple Farm: Grade A maple syrup in leaf bottle;
• Taste of Troy Food Tours: $15 coupon toward any tour;
• Meet our Vendors guide and Amy’s favorite recipe this holiday season;
• Your Personal message;
• Domestic shipping via US Postal Service Priority Mail OR curbside pickup option
*Slight selection variations may be made due to product availability.
The Holiday Box of Local Love is on sale now. Order by November 9 to ship in time for Thanksgiving and/or Chanukah, and by December 9 to arrive in time for Christmas. Price: $95 including taxes and domestic shipping; or save curbside pickup for $89. Only the offered choices are options; please no substitutions.
ORDER TODAY – To order or for more information about the Holiday Box of Local Love or Taste of Troy Food Tours LLC tours, visit www.tasteoftroyfoodtours.com or phone 518-495-2277.
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!!!
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.