Friday April 19, 2024 
Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair: Vendors Needed
AVERILL PARK – Girl Scout Service Unit 151 and Sky High Adventure Community Center is holding a Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 9am – 3pm at the Sky High Adventure Community Center at 27 Lake Ave, Averill Park, NY 12018. We will have a variety of local vendors and crafters, silent auction, concessions, and bake sale. All proceeds will benefit Girl Scout Service Unit 151 and the Sky High Adventure Community Center. If you’re interested in vending, representing a local not-for-profit organization, or hosting an activity during the event please contact Lexi Lane at lexi.lane@nullgmail.com or call 518-859-6878. Please come out and support your community!
Honor a Vet – Town of East Greenbush
EAST GREENBUSH – Town Clerk, Ellen Pangburn, and Town Historian, Bobbie Reno, would like to remind residents that our local town veterans can be honored throughout the year.
In this time of veteran recognition, please consider honoring a veteran in your family, living or deceased, at the Town of East Greenbush Honor A Veteran Ceremony. This is a ceremony held at the East Greenbush Town Hall the second Tuesday of the month. The ceremony lasts about one hour. The only requirements are the veteran at one point in their life lived/or now lives in East Greenbush and have been honorably discharged from service.
The application is available at the Town Hall on the public bulletin board, the Town Clerk’s Office, or at these links online:
Honor_A_Vet_-_Living_Vet_Application.pdf (eastgreenbush.org)
Honor_A_Vet_-_Deceased_Vet_Application.pdf (eastgreenbush.org)
Or, Bobbie Reno, Town Historian, will be happy to mail an application to you. She can be reached at 518.477.4869.
Volunteers Needed – Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association is recruiting volunteers to become new members. We welcome honorably discharged veterans to join the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association and Color Guard. The Honor Guard also joins directly with all active duty branches sharing in the ceremonial procedures.
If you are interested in exploring membership, please go to www.snchga.org and read about our organization. If you feel the Honor Guard may be a good fit for you, complete an application and mail the required forms to the address on the application.
If you would like to talk to someone before applying for membership, please email mjoly@nullnycap.rr.com with your information so you may be contacted or call 518-383-3214 (Mark Joly) or 518-253-3202 (Art Dutcher) to discuss your questions with an Honor Guard member.
Poestenkill Residents
POESTENKILL – As some of you know all too well, there continues to be portions of our town that lack internet service. The Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act, enacted in May of this year, requires the Public Service Commission to study the availability, reliability, and cost of high- speed internet and broadband services in New York state and publish a map indicating access to internet service by location. The Department of Public Service has hired ECC technologies to gather the necessary data to develop the map, and report the findings. ECC will use data collected from internet service providers, its own field activities, and consumers. An on line broadband survey will be the main source of the consumer data. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and includes an optional broadband speed test. The link can be found at: www.empirestatebroadband.com I urge all residents to take part in the survey so our need for this essential service is well documented.
I would also like to provide additional information concerning T-Mobile and their Project 10 Million. The program is offering free internet access and mobile hotspots to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Eligibility for the free program is based upon your child’s eligibility for the National School Lunch Program. To find out more visit www.T-Mobile.com.
Thank you, June Butler, Poestenkill, Town Board Member
The Nassau Sunshine Fund Wants You !!
NASSAU – Do you have time to give back to your community? Do you want to help your neighbors in need? The Nassau Sunshine Fund is looking for interested people to join our Board of Directors.
We are a charitable organization that has been making no interest emergency loans since 2008 to people who live within the Town of Nassau as determined by the tax map. All of the funds to make these loans come from loan repayments and donations. All loan application and repayment information is kept strictly confidential. The Board of Directors meets every other month and decides how loans are processed, how funds are raised, how the community is informed of this program and how our organization collaborates with other local charitable groups. Since the pandemic began we have been meeting using Zoom on the first Monday of alternating months at 6:30PM. We have a website where you may read more information about how we started and what we have done since the beginning.
Please learn about our organization at www.nassausunshinefund.org and consider joining our Board of Directors. You may use the Contact tab at our website to send a message; you may also send a request for information to Nassau Sunshine Fund, PO Box #10, Nassau, NY 12123.
We look forward to including you in our “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” efforts.
Historical Calendars
NORTH GREENBUSH – The 2022 North Greenbush Historical Calendars are now available for purchase. They contain old time pictures including Tess Alber’s 1930’s ice cream stand, the Killmen Drum and Bugle Corps, the St.Jude’s Horse Show and much more. Calendars are for sale at the Town Clerk’s Office in the Town Hall on Main Avenue Wynantskill (518) 283-4306. The cost is $12.00 (exact change or check made out to the Town of North Greenbush.) If you want it mailed the cost is $15.
Good Things Happening in Sand Lake
SAND LAKE – When Rensco town budgets are strapped by flood repair and Covid relief, one aspiring Eagle Scout is finding a way!
There is no secret that Rensco has been challenged by thousands of dollars in flood damage and of course, the Covid crisis. Unfortunately, when this happens, community projects take a back seat to road repair and other critical needs.
This is where the aspiring Eagle Scout Wolfgang Balga comes in. Wolfy, in partnership with the newly established Skyhigh Community Center in Sand Lake, has committed to an ambitious project of building an impressive, much needed pavilion for community use. If that isn’t notable enough, he is doing it all through donations, volunteers and old fashioned elbow grease. This is what he says on the gofundme page:
“Hello, My name is Wolfgang Balga. I am a boy scout from troop 2526 out of Averill Park and I am organizing the construction of a pavilion to be built at the Skyhigh Community Center. By donating your time, expertise, materials or money to this project, you are helping to provide the community with a great outside area for any and all activities, whether it be a for a nice place to meet outside during the summer, or a stage for a concert or other performances, this pavilion is a must for everything that goes on at the community center.”
The deadline for completion is spring of 22 because Wolfy will be leaving this lifetime legacy to go to college.
For more information about this project please visit the gofundme page by scanning the attached image with your phone or visiting https://gofund.me/d902147c. Check back here for continued updates on the project.
2021 Veterans Toy Drive
WYNANTSKILL – The American Legion Post 1489 in Wynantskill is pleased to announce our annual Veterans Toy Drive party will be held on Sunday, November 28th from 1pm to 5pm at 111 Main Avenue. Admission is $7, or donation of a new unwrapped toy. There will be food, raffles, and a DJ. If you are unable to make the party but wish to donate a toy, drop boxes are located in the following locations: M&J Barber Shop, LaBella’s, and Hannaford in Wynantskill; Green Island Bowl and Grimm’s Building Material in Green Island; and Carol’s Eatery and the Italian Charitable Foundation in Troy. Our toys stay in our local communities to help veterans and their families, so please consider supporting this worthy cause. We look forward to seeing you there!
—The Veterans Toy Drive Committee
Consider The Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park on Giving Tuesday, Nov 30th
GRAFTON – Who are the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park? We are a local organization whose mission it is to support and promote the environmental education and programming offered at Grafton Lakes State Park. We support the park through various volunteer activities such as event staffing and trail maintenance.
This summer, the Friends led an activity such as biking, hiking, sound walks and kayaking each weekend. Did you enjoy one of the movies on the beach this summer? Those movies were sponsored by the Friends. Did you meet one of us handing out goodies on a trail day? Or maybe you stopped by our table and grabbed some food at the Fall Fun Fest. Or maybe you our looking forward to the winter event. These activities are made possible by the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park.
We could use some help in order to continue to offer these programs. There are many ways you can help. The first is to become a Friend. You can become a friend by going to https://www.friendsofgraftonlakes.org/membership and signing up or you can mail a check payable to: Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park, PO Box 163, Grafton, NY 12082. Please include your name, address and email address. The rates are as follows: Individual $10, Family $15, Students/Seniors $5, Supporting member (silver) $35, Supporting member (gold) $100. You will receive a monthly newsletter and information on volunteering as events become available – volunteering is not mandatory. The Friends is a registered 501(C)(3).
If you would like to be a more active Friend, we would love for you to volunteer with us at one of our events or behind the scenes. You can let us know what you are interested in doing by emailing graftonlakesspvolunteer@nullgmail.com. If you are even more ambitious, we would love to have you consider becoming a docent or a board member.
Please consider giving locally this Giving Tuesday. We appreciate any and all help!
Doors of Hope Adopt-a-Family Christmas Project 2021
SAND LAKE – Each year Doors of Hope Food Pantry sponsors a project in which people from our community adopt a needy family and provide Christmas gifts for them. D.O.H. provides a list of family members and a wish list for each person. D.O.H. coordinates this effort, but it is the community and local organizations who provide this generosity. We have been blessed over the years by many warm-hearted generous donors. It is an excellent project for groups, organizations, and places of employment who would like to sponsor a family together. Gifts need to be in the store by early December, so it is important to plan now. Nancy Rockwell, our volunteer coordinator may be reached at the store (5i8-674-4048) for particulars. Nancy is in the store Tuesdays and Thursdays (9:00-4:00). If Nancy is not in, leave your number, and she will get back to you. Doors of Hope is located in the 43 Mall, W. Sand Lake.
Boy Scout Troop 41
EAST GREENBUSH – Boy Scout Troop 41 of East Greenbush will be conducting a Food Drive in December. We will be passing out flyers on December 4th and will be picking up food on December 11th. This will help local pantries restock their shelves. If for some reason we missed you donation on December 11th by one PM, you may drop off your donation to the pavilion at the Elks club on Columbia turnpike.
Deck the Halls!
SCHODACK LANDING – Neighbors in Muitzeskill and Schodack Landing, celebrate the holidays and decorate your home to spread holiday cheer. Hang a wreath, light a candle or more for all to see between Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022. Register your street address to be included on a list of decorated homes and to win prizes. The list of street addresses will be publicized.
To register, email your street address to muitzeskill@nullgmail.com by December 5, 2021. To be eligible to win prizes, your street address needs to be registered. Prizes will be awarded by random drawing from those registered.
This event is hosted by the Four Corners Partnership. The mission of the Partnership is to promote and provide quality activities and services that will contribute to the physical, emotional and social well being of our community. Like us onFacebook @FCPcommunityhouse.
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
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.
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.
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/
Take a picture of this ad with your phone.
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – We are open two times each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays beginning at 4:30 pm and ending at 6:30 pm. Bring proof of your current residence and grocery bags for your food request.
Starting in November 2021, we will now greet our guests inside the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, side entrance.
Please wear a mask and check the extra’s tables. Two guests at a time, fill out food selection forms while waiting in your car. We will continue to practice social distancing and safety for our volunteers and guests.
Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our pantry is available. Call and leave your name and number at (518) 283-6045.
Our newest program offers infant and baby items (food, diapers and wipes) for those who reside in the Poestenkill area. Pre-orders only by a phone message at (518) 428-0124, a private Facebook message, or email: breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com. We do not currently stock these items in our pantry as selections are very individualized.
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.
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
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