Your Community 10.22.20

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

North Greenbush Notes – Tess Alber’s Tavern

Jim Greenfield, Town Historian  283-6384

NORTH GREENBUSH – There is a fine restaurant just outside of Wynantskill called Paolo Lombardi’s Ristorante.  Old- timers will remember another great restaurant on that site called Tess Alber’s Tavern.

Theresa DeMaria, always know as “Tess” was born in New York City in 1905.  She and her family came to Rensselaer County by 1915 and she married John W. Alber in 1930.  They bought a house on the south side of Route 150 and in 1931, which became Tess’ Tavern. The family lived upstairs in the building.

Tess started with a  hot dog stand but it wasn’t profitable. She then switched to what was to become her specialties: Italian foods, especially pizza. If you google “Tess Alber’s Restaurant” there is a website called “Who sells the best pizza on the planet.” There is a quote mentioning Tess and saying “I never had a pizza better anywhere or any place.” Most locals would agree. She also served veal and peppers that “would turn a vegetarian into a meat eater.”

Many well known names frequented her restaurant such as Ray DuFour (former postmaster in Wynantskill), Red McLaughlin (owner of a bar on Main Avenue), and Billy Worthington (the florist). Billy Sharp and Charlie Franklin had their political gatherings at Tess’ place.

At one time, Tess had a three piece band made up of local musicians: Henry Meusberger (former Highway Superintendent) played the banjo, Ike Berringer the violin and Bruce Fisher played the piano. Their “gig” would last from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. some nights.

People from all backgrounds frequented Tess’.  Teens visited after sports games, jockeys from the Saratoga Track, local businessmen, hunters and of course politicians made their way to her place. The atmosphere must have been like the bar in Cheers “where everybody knows your name.” 

Even after she retired in 1987, Tess and her daughter Beverly helped Frank and Steve Giuliano run a restaurant in East Greenbush called “Tessie II” from about 1992-96.

Thanks to Beverly O’Neil, her daughter Beverly and Frank Giuliano for information used in this article.

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – On December 8, members of the Averill Park CSD community will vote on a Capital Project. This week, we would like to tell you about our Building Condition Survey (BCS) and what will be repaired and enhanced should the referendum pass.

Much of the project will include many things that you may not typically see, or even think about, such as roofs, boilers, electrical systems and other infrastructure items. A BCS is required by the NYS Education Department to be conducted every five years by a licensed architect. It helps identify areas of the district that need repair, upgrading or replacement. This survey stated that the District needs fire alarm replacements, LED lighting upgrades, roofing replacements, heating and ventilation system upgrades, electrical upgrades, overhead door replacement at the bus garage, masonry restoration, and more.

Thank you to our local volunteer firefighters who took time to come to each of our elementary schools this month. Firefighters greeted students on their way into school as part of Fire Prevention Week!

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay

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)

Bird Seed Sale to benefit Friends of the Dyken Pond Center

Grafton –The Friends of Dyken Pond have been connecting kids to nature for the past thirty years. As more people use the outdoors during COVID-19, it is more important than ever to have programs and places for people to enjoy. You can help the Friends of Dyken Pond by ordering a premium bag of bird seed. This is a one-time sale and bird seed must be pre-ordered by Monday, October 26th. There will be a pick-up day on Saturday, October 31st at the Capital Agway located on NY Route 7 in Brunswick from 9am -12pm or on Monday, November 2nd at the Rensselaer County Government Building from 12pm – 2pm. Everyone picking up their orders at Capital Agway will receive a 10% store discount for all other bird related items purchased that day. We offer black oil sunflower, premium mixed, niger, sunflower hearts and suet cakes. Order information can be viewed and placed from our website at www.dykenpond.org or by contacting the Center at (518) 658-2055.

Town of Brunwick Leaf Schedule

BRUNSWICK – Leaf pick up will start on Monday, October 26th and run through Wednesday, November 25th unless there’s a significant snowfall. There is not a set schedule for pick up. The Highway Dept. will be out on a weekly basis.

This will be a leaf pickup only. No brush, tires or metal will be picked up. Leaves must be raked to the edge of the road (not in the road because it is a vehicle/traffic law violation) with no sticks, weeds or other debris in the piles. If sticks are found, the piles can’t be picked up. Sticks will damage the machine.

• It’s important to avoid piling leaves in ditches. The vacuum machines cannot access leaves placed in ditches.

• If you are planning to use bags, they must be biodegradable paper bags only. No sticks, dirt or other debris should be placed in the bags.

• This is a labor-intensive job in a short season so it is important that we expedite this program as fast as possible.

• After the regular pickup schedule has been completed, or in the event of an early snowstorm prior to completion of the regular pickup, you must place the remainder of your leaves in biodegradable paper bags.

Please note – the leaf pickup was designed for residents who live in areas that do not have a place to dispose of their leaves. Due to the short season for leaf pickup, we encourage residents that are able to dispose of their own leaves to please do so at our recycling facility. This helps us to complete the town-wide program before inclement weather occurs.

Recycling Department hours are Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday 7am-2pm. Anyone who wishes to drop off their leaves may do so during open hours. No rocks or sticks in bags please.

Highway Department telephone 279–3461 ext. 100

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.

Trunk or Treat in East Greenbush

EAST GREENBUSH – Trunk Or Treat is coming!!! Be sure to bring your friends and neighbors. In fact bring the whole neighborhood!!! Hosted by Connecting Point Church, Trunk Or Treat, also known as Halloween tailgating, cleverly brings Halloween from the uncertain streets to the safety of the church parking lot, turning the backs of cars, trucks, minivans and SUV’s into the new front porch! So bring everyone to Connecting Point Church on October 31st from 6:00-8:30pm for all your tricks or treats from our trunks. We will also attempt to keep you warm with our free hot chocolate and a cozy bonfire.

All this done in the open-air, 6ft between trunks, walk-through style event with pre-wrapped grab & go goodies for your safety.

Located at 568 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, in the Van Den Houten Square, across from Dunkin Donuts, Connecting Point Church is the friendly neighborhood church that endeavors to offer alternative ways in keeping your children safe on Halloween.

For more information, visit www.connectingpoint.church

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

Nassau Scout Food Drive

NASSAU – Attention Nassau Residents. Please mark your calendar now! BSA troop 166 of Nassau Food Drive Saturday, November 14 – BSA Troop 166 of Nassau is participating in the Scouting for Food Drive. Our goal is to collect as many items of non-perishable food as possible to help our hungry neighbors. The need is greater now than ever! Donations may be dropped off on Saturday, November 14 from 9am to 2pm at the following COVID-SAFE drive-thru drop-off location: Nassau Village Commons pavilion, John St. (next to Post Office). Volunteers will be available to remove donations from your car. Please have donations in bags or boxes in your trunk. Please help if you can! Thank you for your support!

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.

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.

Doors Of Hope Annual Adopt-A-Family Project

WEST SAND LAKE – Looking for a heart-warming Christmas project for your church, your organization or yourself? Each year Doors of Hope, our local food pantry, coordinates a project that provides Christmas gifts to needy families. Between now and December 1 you may drop in at our store (our new location in 43 Mall) and sign up to provide Christmas gifts for a family in need. D.O.H. compiles a list of family members, their ages, their wishes, and sizes. Families come in all sizes; you may choose the one that best fits you or your organization. The cut-off date to sign up is Dec.1. If you would like more information you may call our volunteer coordinator, Nancy Rockwell at 518-674-4048. We truly appreciate the ongoing generous support of our community.

Indoor Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market

CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – The Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market (COHFAM) ended its summer season with big news: The market is moving indoors for the winter – every Friday (except for December 25 and January 1) from 4-7 PM at 52 Hilton on Main (52 South Main Street) in the Village of Castleton-on-Hudson. Due to COVID-19, patrons are required to wear masks, observe social distancing, use hand sanitizer upon entering the building, and provide a phone number. Temperatures will be taken at the door, and only ten people will be allowed in at the same time. Come to COHFAM, the little market with the big heart, let us serve you, and support the local economy!

50+ Singles Group

  CAPITAL DISTRICT – We are all experiencing tough times but we must take care of each other, especially older folks.  I decided to open a free contact path for those in communities that have no one to turn to.  If you are very active and love to walk or challenge outside events, we can do that, or for people who just need someone to talk to, share recipes etc., we can do that.  I am looking for your great ideas since this is a new group. Let’s be part of life, we can do that safely by             following the medical protocol.  Let’s try it! Contact:   cbmarcusrobbie@nullaol.com

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 

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