Your Community 11.12.20

Historical Calendars Available

NORTH GREENBUSH – The 2021 North Greenbush Historical Calendar is now available for purchase. It contains old time pictures including Tess Alber’s Restaurant, Jordan’s Ice Cream Dairy in Defreestville, Snyder’s Lake photos and many others. The calendars are still only  $10 and are available at the Town Clerk’s office in Wynantskill (283-4306)  for pick up or mailed from the Town Clerk’s office for $12.00. Checks should be made out to the Town of North Greenbush.  Town Historian Jim Greenfield in Defreestville (265-4254).

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)

New York Army National Guard Promotions

LATHAM –  Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Katelyn Bauer from Nassau, N.Y., and assigned to the Intelligence and Sustainment Company, 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters received a promotion to the rank of private on August 21, 2020.

Paul Mulligan from Rensselaer, N.Y., and assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters received a promotion to the rank of Lt. Col. on August 5, 2020.

Skyler Rafferty from Stephentown, N.Y., and assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 501st Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Odrnance Disposal) received a promotion to the rank of private first class on September 17, 2020.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard. For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

Holiday Balsam Fir Wreath Sale to Benefit Friends of the Dyken Pond Center

Grafton –The Friends of the Dyken Pond Center are selling holiday balsam fir wreaths. Proceeds will help provide summer nature camp scholarships and support school field trips to the park. Each lush 18-inch wreath will be crafted with aromatic balsam fir, pine cones, berries, a large red bow and a collectible Dyken Pond nature ornament to be cherished for years to come. This is a pre-order sale and all wreaths must be ordered by November 13th. Cost is $22. Larger wreath sizes available upon request. Wreaths can be picked up at the Grafton VFW on Nov. 21 from 11-1pm or in Troy on Nov. 23 from 12-2pm. Pay on line or order forms can be downloaded from our website at www.dykenpond.org. You may also request order forms by contacting the Center at 658-2055 or wreaths@nulldykenpond.org.

Dyken Pond Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing and non-motor boating.

News from Averill Park CSD

AVERILL PARK – On Tuesday, December 8, residents of the Averill Park Central School District will be asked to vote on a Capital Project referendum. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. in the Auxiliary Gym at Averill Park High School.

The referendum consists of two Propositions. Proposition 1 is $32.7 million focusing on safety and security at each building the District owns. It also addresses critical and high priority facility needs as determined by a long range planning committee, including long-standing issues at Poestenkill Elementary School and Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School. Proposition 2 is $12.8 million and focuses on modernizing the 1967-era Practical and Fine Arts Wing at Algonquin Middle School, along with making the first improvements to the High School physical education facilities since 1996, including a new turf field and parking area in the rear of the school. Proposition 1 must pass in order for Proposition 2 to be considered.

A newsletter detailing the capital project will be mailed to homes by the end of this week, which includes voting information. If you anticipate needing an absentee ballot, please call the District Clerk’s office at 518-674-7085. For more information on the project email capitalproject@nullapcsd.org or call 518-674-7066. To view the estimated tax impact specific to your property, visit: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/taxcalculatortool

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

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

Auxiliary to East Greenbush VFW 7338 Homemade Thanksgiving Pie Sale

EAST GREENBUSH – Place orders by Fri. Nov. 13. Pies will be ready Sat. Nov. 21 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm.at the East Greenbush VFW Post, 100 Hays Road, East Greenbush. For orders or information, please call Lynda at (518) 732-2111 or email at schoolrn52@nullaol.com. Pies are 9’ and choices are apple, pumpkin, cherry and blueberry at $14 per 9” home made pie. Thank you to Windy Hill Orchards for the generous donation of apples. Please support our activity so we may continue to assist our Veterans and Veteran Programs and needy Community members. We look forward to you helping us so we can help our Veterans. In advance, we thank you for your support.

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!

Transfiguration Parish Book Nook is Open!

SPEIGLETOWN – The Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish on Hillview Drive in Speigletown is open on Saturday morning, November 14, from 9:00 am until noon. The half-priced specials for this month are on the following authors: Debbie Macomber and James Patterson. We ask for your patience during the continuing pandemic, which allows for only two people at once inside the Book Nook. Contact tracing and masks are required. We are not accepting any donations at this time, but look forward to seeing you at the Book Nook!

Nopiates Healing Walk

AVERILL PARK – ​Sunday, November 15, 10am-12:30pm, Poestenkill Community Forest, 220 Legenbauer Road, Averill Park. ​The Opioid epidemic and struggles with addiction cause untold grief, loss, and pain. Time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, promote healing, and balance our mental health. If you’ve been impacted, come walk with us. Join Kripalu-Certified Mindful Outdoor Guide Molly Freiberg and other community members to connect and restore, using mindfulness practices, deep breathing, and nature connection to heal together. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome. We will be walking slowly, sometimes sitting, taking in the natural world around us, and sharing our reflections with each other. Just dress for the weather, wear shoes you can walk comfortably in, and bring water to drink. Masks will be required. To register, contact nopiateslaw@nullgmail.com, molly@nullrensselaerplateau.org, or call 518-522-2097. ​Limited to 10 participants. Ages 12 and up. This is a free event. Co-sponsored by the Nopiates Committee and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. “Your healing lifts up the ocean of existence. When you heal we all heal.” — Yung Pueblo

Weddings of the Past

POESTENKILL – On November 18, 1942, Florence Bubie became the bride of Kenneth Miller. On April 23, 1950, Elizabeth Miller, wearing her Aunt Florence’s gown, became the wife of Tod Butler. We are pleased to announce the gown, veil, albums and pictures are on display in our museum. we are also fortunate to have a lovely assortment of vintage wedding gowns and apparel. another example, in 1940 Hilda Yerden walked down the staircase in her family’s farmhouse to become the bride of Wallace Flint. it was noted “the bride wore a powder blue afternoon dress” (which we now have on loan). Not to ignore the grooms, John Zweig has offered his 1866 beaver hat to be on display. This was worn by the father of Lillie Sliter Zweig.

We hope you will visit our museum on Saturday Nov. 14th or Sunday Nov. 15th, open from l – 3. Since we have newspaper clippings from the 40s to the 80s, you may see your wedding clipping! Please wear a mask – we will comply with social distancing.

Board of Trustees, Poestenkill Historical Society

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.

Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association Hearing

SAND LAKE – The Town of Sand Lake Planning Board refused to approve the Bailey party barn at its November 4th hearing. The vote was 3 in favor of approving the party barn , with conditions, 2 “no “votes, and 1 abstention. One member was not present and did not vote. The matter will be brought up again at its next meeting scheduled for November 18.

The overwhelming opposition to the party barn application is based on it being entirely inappropriate in a Residential and Agricultural district. The Town master plan calls for development in the hamlets and along Rt. 43, and not in AG districts. The Planning Board members who do not support the party barn are following the facts of the case, and the law. We are confident that the majority of the Board will reject the application at its next meeting. After all, would you like such a commercial operation right next to your house and family? The zoning ordinance requires that a “special use” must be compatible with the area. The neighborhood Association, with over 70 active members, is looking to the Town to protect their neighborhood. We thank the Planning Board for its consideration.

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County Volunteer Information Session

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Literacy Volunteers Welcomes You to Be a Volunteer!

Would you like to help someone in your own community? We can train you! Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) is actively seeking volunteers. Please join us to find out more at our next Volunteer Opportunities Information Session, Wednesday, November 18, 12:00-1:00 P.M. via Zoom.

We are looking for tutors to be paired with adult English Language and Basic Literacy learners; math and computer tutors; and conversation partners for English Language Learners.

Literacy Volunteers welcomes all kinds of volunteers, from tutors to administrative helpers and event planners. As a volunteer you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community.

To register for the information session, contact mhellerlvorc@nullaol.com. To learn more about LVORC, visit www.lvorc.org or call 518 244-4650.

Conserving Habitats & Wildlife on the Rensselaer Plateau

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Part of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s Lecture Series. Conserving Habitats And Wildlife On The Rensselaer Plateau, with Ingrid Haeckel November 19, 2020, 7pm. What lives here, what is most vulnerable, and what we can do about it? Ingrid Haeckel is a Conservation and Land Use Specialist at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program through a partnership with Cornell University Department of Natural Resources. In this lecture she will introduce priority habitats and wildlife of conservation concern on the Rensselaer Plateau, maps and resources for learning more, and basic conservation strategies. Please register in advance to receive a Zoom link here: https://www.rensselaerplateau.org/lecture-registration.

November Mindful Nature Walk

RENSSELAER COUNTY – November Mindful Nature Walk. Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 10 AM – 12:30 PM “Forest Bathing” is a Japanese wellness practice that welcomes us to take in the forest atmosphere with all of our senses. Kripalu-Certified Mindful Outdoor Guides Molly Freiberg and Sandy Wilson will guide our group to engage with nature in the present moment, as we experience it through all of our senses, to appreciate the complex wonders we often don’t notice when we are rushed or distracted. During this walk, we will be sauntering slowly on gently rolling forested trails. No experience is necessary — beginners are welcome! Bring water and a snack. Masks are required when we first meet up and when we gather, but may be removed while we are walking in the forest with at least 10’ between participants. Bundle up in warm layers to keep yourself warm, as we will be walking slowly, and sometimes sitting. Please wear wool or synthetics and extra socks. A warm beverage is also recommended. Participants will be pre-paid and pre-registered, so no contact with money or sign-in sheets is necessary. Learn more & Register here: https://www.rensselaerplateau.org/mindful-walk. Questions? email molly@nullrensselaerplateau.org. Questions or thoughts? Contact molly@nullrensselaerplateau.org.

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.

Holiday Wreath Making at Sand Lake Center for the Arts

SAND LAKE – Join us to make your own personalized wreath for the holidays! November 22 from 12 to 4pm. Only $25. Reserve your space now at slca-ctp.org.

Town of Brunwick Leaf Schedule

BRUNSWICK – Leaf pick up has started and will 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

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!

Keyes Scholarsship for Tamarac High School Seniors

TROY – The Finance Committee of the Center Brunswick United Methodist Church has announced that it will award $500 to a student to be selected from the Tamarac High School Class of 2021. The money may be used for any type of expenses related to further education. Student does not have to belong to this Church, or any other church or religion to be eligible for this award.

Interested student must apply for this award no later than March 1, 2021. The application can be obtained from the school’s guidance department of from our website at www.CenterBrunswickUMC.company

This award is given in memory of Harold and Mabel Keyes through a trust funded by their last will and testament. Mabel taught in the Brunswick schools and continued teaching Sunday School at CBUMC for many years after she retired. Through this award, her love of helping young people learn and grow will continue to reach the youth of our community.

The Center Brunswick United Methodist Church is located at the intersection of Route 7 and 142 in Troy. NY.

Thrift Shop

JOHNSONVILLE – Johnsonville Methodist Church, 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville 12094. Route 40 to Route 67 East. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 111 & Route 67. Open 9-12 on Wednesdays and the first Saturday of each month. Closed on November 25. Newly arrived clothing and household goods every week, career clothing, special occasion dresses and gowns, jewelry, purses, shoes, toys and over 1000 books. Masks and social distancing are required.

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

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.

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