Friday April 19, 2024 
Town of East Greenbush Polling Locations for Residents on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2, 2021
EAST GREENBUSH – Ellen Pangburn, East Greenbush Town Clerk, would like to remind residents of their polling location on Election Day:
District 1 – EG VFW Post 7338, 100 Hayes Rd.
District 2 – EG Community Library, 10 Community Way
District 3 – Town Hall, 225 Columbia Tpk.
District 4 – Melvin Roads Post 1231, 200 Columbia Tpk.
District 5 – Melvin Roads Post 1231, 200 Columbia Tpk.
District 6 – Town Hall, 225 Columbia Tpk.
District 7 – Community Gospel Church, 487 3rd Ave. Ext.
District 8 – EG VFW Post 7338, 100 Hayes Rd.
District 9 – Melvin Roads Post 1231, 200 Columbia Tpk.
District 10 – EG Community Library
District 11 – Community Gospel Church, 487 3rd Ave. Ext.
District 12 – Melvin Roads Post 1231, 200 Columbia Tpk.
If you are not sure which voting district you reside in, please refer to the following Rensselaer County Board of Elections links:
https://www.rensco.com/departments/board-of-elections/district-maps/
Please note that you will need to follow the COVID-19 protocols of your respective polling location which may require masks and social distancing.
Please call me or Deputy Town Clerk, Michelle Eckler in the East Greenbush Town Clerk’s Office (open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday) if you have any further questions at 518.477.7145. We would be glad to help you.
STRIDE Adaptive Sports Players Keep Learning To Glide Despite Disabilities
Members of The Capital District Sled Warriors team from STRIDE Adaptive Sports enjoy the Paralympic Sport of sled hockey, practicing locally at the Albany County Hockey Facility and competing at events throughout the area.
WEST SAND LAKE – With just days before their first practice, a handful of local sled hockey players with disabilities still needed volunteers to skate with them and push their sled so they can play. A sled hockey pusher is the unsung hero of the team, assisting any player who cannot propel himself due to mobility disabilities. One of these athletes was Abigail Radliff, a 27 year old with cerebral palsy who trades her wheelchair for a sled and plays defense for STRIDE’s “Capital District Sled Warriors” team. Volunteers to push the sleds come and go, and Radliff was one of the players who needed a pusher for the upcoming season. Luckily, members of the RPI men’s hockey team found out about the need and immediately stepped forward to volunteer.
“I know it will mean a lot to our adaptive players having Division 1 college athletes by their side to share their hockey experiences with,” said Mary Ellen Whitney, STRIDE’s Founder/President. “Our sled hockey team are the defending gold medal champions from the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid, and I know RPI’s hockey program won a national championship. It’s great to bring competitive successes together like that, but at the end of the day everything is about participation and inclusion. We’re all grateful these student-athletes will be sharing their passion for the game and enabling players with disabilities to get out on the ice and fly. Many of our athletes tell me that when they play, it’s like they don’t have a disability.”
According to STRIDE’s Program Director, Camille Pawlowski, members of the RPI men’s hockey team will volunteer as their schedule allows for practices and competitions. STRIDE’s sled hockey team hopes to return to Lake Placid to defend their title, and they also are defending champions at the Amelia Park New England sled hockey tournament. There is also a pond hockey event scheduled for late February at Crooked Lake, so there are fun adventures ahead for everyone.
RPI Hockey shares the same enthusiasm. “We are thrilled to be working with and helping out with the Sled Warriors hockey team. This year will be a great experience for our team to share the ice with them and help them in any way we can. Most of all it will be an opportunity we all can learn from,” said Shane Sellar, a graduate student and #26 on the team. Head Coach, Dave Smith, added, “This is something our guys love, giving back to the community. The fact that it is at an arena with hockey players and people that love the game is even better. One of our team goals is to give back to the people in the community and this is a great opportunity. We are excited to partner together.”
STRIDE’s sled hockey team practices every Sunday at Albany County Hockey Facility – 830 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211. The team is open to Capital Region athletes with disabilities who are looking for a new sport. Newcomers are invited to join the team on the ice to try a sled on the first weekend of practice each month. Anyone interested can RSVP to cpawlowski@nullstride.org or call STRIDE’s office at (518)-598-1279.
Fox Mansion Marker Dedicated
Fox Family Descendants Unveil New Marker
SAND LAKE – On Sunday October 3rd, the Sand Lake Historical Society dedicated the town’s newest historic marker, commemorating the Fox Mansion in Sand Lake. There were over forty plus attendees, including Fox family descendants, former residents (or their descendants) of the house itself, neighbors, and special guests. Special thanks to Larry Corbett and Gretchen Griesler (and their two kids!) for letting us into their home (and for agreeing to a marker on their lawn!), the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the SLHS Pomeroy committee (Joan Feuss and Andy Mace), Supervisor Nancy Perry and the Town of Sand Lake Highway Department, and the Sand Lake Historic Neighborhood Project.
Firewood Day Volunteers Warm Hearts and Hearth
CROPSEYVILLE – Friends and families came together on Saturday October 16th at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center to collect firewood to warm the Center for the 2021-22 winter season. The morning was filled with hard work and smiles followed by lunch and laughs. Children worked hard and played hard alongside adults. Old friends met and new friendships were sown.
Crews collected wood from around the Center while others split and stacked the winter’s cache. The community coming together is a common sight at the Center and warms the hearts of staff throughout the year. Volunteers are the heart of the Dyken Pond Education Center and we can’t thank them enough for their time and dedication. If you’d like to volunteer, learn more about Friends of The Dyken Pond Center, attend a program or get involved at the Center please visit www.dykenpond.org or contact us at dykenpond@nullgmail.com or call 518-658-2055.
Troop 41 of East Greenbush Attends Boy Scout Camporee
EAST GREENBUSH – Troop 41 of East Greenbush attended the 6 Flags Great adventure Boy Scout Camporee in Jackson New Jersey last weekend. Theme was Fright Fest and three merit badges were offered to the Scouts.
Troop 41 meets at the Elks club on Columbia Turnpike on Tuesday nights at 7 pm.
Looking for Ways to Help The Anchor Food Pantry?
RENSSELAER – Return your recyclable cans and bottles to The 6 Cent Redemption Center 550 South Street-Rensselaer – Rt9J. Just inform the staff you are donating to the Anchor Food Pantry account and account will be credited automatically. This method will aid the Pantry for the upcoming Holiday giveaways at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
PFOA/PFOS Testing of Private Wells in Brunswick
Brunswick Residents,
I have been concerned about the safety of my home’s well water since Hoosick Falls, all the more so because I have 2 young children. I’m sure many of you have heard about the new positive PFOA results in private & school wells in Poestenkill. I want to know with certainty that our town’s water is safe. In our county and surrounding counties, PFOA tests are coming up positive 20-30% of the time!! That is alarmingly high.
The Town of Brunswick currently has no plans to test our well water, so I have spoken with the owner of the certified water testing lab that has handled all of the local PFOA testing, from Hoosick Falls to Poestenkill, and have made arrangements for discounted testing for Brunswick residents. If we batch our tests as residents, we will get the same deal as Poestenkill residents, bringing the cost of testing down from $500/well to $350/well.
If you are interested in testing your water, please reach out to me ASAP and we will get this going. Email JenniferMannBrunswickNY@nullgmail.com (no hyphens). If we do have positive detections in Brunswick, then we will be well positioned to find county, state and federal grant money for broader testing, repeat testing, & remediation.
Jennifer Mann, Brunswick, NY
News From Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Congratulations to the 61 Averill Park High School students who were inducted into the National Honor Society! These students were selected based on their outstanding Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service to our school community. Great job everyone!
Michelina Lombardi was named a Spectrum News Scholar Athlete of the Week recently, which comes with a $1,000 scholarship from the organization. Michelina plays soccer and basketball, maintains a 97 GPA, is the President of the senior class, and is the Student-Athlete Advisory Council President. Way to go Michelina!
The CARES program has returned to Algonquin Middle School. This is an after-school program that has a mission to deepen the connection between students and their school, and to improve students’ academic performance in their current grade level. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to bring this program back!
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
Community Caregivers Looking for Volunteers
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Do you have an hour a week to spare to help someone in our Rensselaer County community? Community Caregivers could use you! We need volunteer drivers to take folks to medical appointments and volunteers to visit or call neighbors in your area. Could you help someone with light housework chores or take them to the grocery store or bank? Could you provide a respite for a struggling family? Our volunteer orientation is online several times a month.
Please call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator for Rensselaer County at (518)366-9173, heidi@nullcommunitycaregivers.org, or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898,meredith@nullcommunitycaregivers.org. Information on, and donations to, our programs can be seen at communitycaregivers.org.
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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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.
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
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.
Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers
CAPITAL DISTRICT – TaxAide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the coming tax season. TaxAide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1 to April 15 at various sites in the Capital District.
Volunteers typically participate one day per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. No experience is required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers and confirm appointments. Training is provided for all positions. Volunteers may be reimbursed for a moderate level of necessary travel expenses.
For more information on how you can join our team in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties contact Communications Coordinator [your name], [your phone number or] at [your email address]. For further information, visit www.nytaxaide.org
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