Friday April 19, 2024 
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.
Nassau Scout Food Drive a Success
NASSAU – Scout Troop 166, in conjunction with the Nassau Resource Center, thanks all those who contributed to the annual Scouting for Food campaign. Over 3800 items of non-perishables were collected. Food was distributed to over 100 families in need in the Nassau area. Thank you, again, for helping to brighten up the holiday season for our community.
Community Caregivers
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Community Caregivers has continued to expand in Rensselaer County! Are you someone who could use help staying living independently in your home ? Our volunteers can help! Our volunteers can take someone on errands to the grocery store or elsewhere in the community, can visit, call, and help a bit with chores once and awhile. Volunteers drive clients to the doctors also. Call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator, at (518) 366-9173 if you are someone interested in our services. Call Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518) 456-2898, if you would like to volunteer. To learn more, see Community Caregivers.org.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Four Averill Park Central School District student-athletes signed their National Letters of Intent to compete at the collegiate level. Merry Gaylord (softball) and Amelia Wood (basketball) both signed to play for Sacred Heart University while Michelina Lombardi (basketball) will compete for Le Moyne College and Abbey Nagel (softball) will attend the University at Buffalo. Congrats to all and good luck at the next level!
The Averill Park High School World Languages Department held its 12th annual Lip Sync Contest in-person with spectators. Great job by everyone who performed and made this event a success!
Students in Grades 3-5 at West Sand Lake, Poestenkill, and Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary Schools hosted author Alyssa Bermudez virtually. The event was courtesy of Northshire Book Store. Ms. Bermudez shared how her personal journals and diaries during 9/11 became the basis for her debut graphic novel Big Apple Diaries. Our students left the session inspired!
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
Girl Scout Giving Tradition
This is the third year in a row that the girls from Girl Scout Troop 1762 took money from their bank account ($10 each) to shop for the local food pantry. It is something that they voted on and have made it a holiday tradition.
Congratulations to Two Cousins Achievements
Jessica Ewald, daughter of Rick & Alice Ewald of Columbia TN, and granddaughter of Dick & Sally Ewald, recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Her achievement follows an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. After graduation Jessica started working as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Iowa researching how we can use bacteria to clean up pollution.
Her cousin Nicholas Aukerman is the son of Jan & Erika Aukerman of Ann Arbor MI and is a graduate of the University of Calvin with a degree in Political Science and Pre-Law. He then graduated from Michigan State Law and is currently working at a law firm in Michigan.
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.
Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The addition of mobile sports betting in New York State has brought access to gambling to everyone’s pocket. Anyone in New York with a cell phone can now gamble 24/7 from anywhere. With the increase in access to gambling opportunities will inevitably come an increase in individuals, families and communities impacted by negative consequences.
In response to increased access to gambling in NYS, NYCPG has launched a brand new, solution-focused resource in NYS that’s designed to highlight all of the ways New Yorkers can work together on this cause to reduce these negative consequences.
StrongerThanYouThinkNY.org has something for everyone, whether you’re in need of treatment, have a loved one struggling, or want to be a part of the solution on a community level.
Problem gambling can impact anyone, and its effects go far beyond the individual. Relationships, employment, finances, and mental health all take a hit when gambling is no longer entertainment. Often the symptoms are invisible to others until they can’t be hidden any longer. It’s never too late to get help or become an advocate for this cause.
For help with problem gambling, please reach out to the Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center at 518-801-1491 or email us at NortheastPGRC@nullNYProblemGambling.org
Rensselaer County Kicks Off Freedom Box Drive to Send Supplies to Our Troops Overseas
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Rensselaer County kicked off a drive to fill Freedom Boxes that will be shipped to our troops serving overseas. Chairman of the Legislature Michael Stammel made the first donation last week. The drive, organized by our local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers, will collect food items, toiletries, black socks, insect repellant, and other related items needed by our troops serving abroad. The collection box is located at the 3rd floor entrance to the County Office Building and donations will be accepted through the first week of December. Donations to cover the cost of shipping these donated items overseas are also needed.
Anyone wishing to learn more, or make a financial contribution to this effort can email: Capitalregion2bsm@nullgmail.com, or mail a check to Blue Star Mothers of America PO Box 243 Delmar, NY 12054
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.
Rensselaer County 4-H Mitten Tree
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The weather is getting colder, and we want to support members of our community by providing cold weather gear to those in need. We are taking donations of items such as new gloves, hats, scarves, coats, etc. at our office to distribute. The building is currently closed to visitors, please call the CCE office at 518-272-4210 to have a staff member meet you at the door to take your donation, or to assist you with picking up some winter clothing items.
Items will be available from the Mitten Tree beginning December 1st. If you or someone you know are in need of items, please feel free call for an appointment to pick up items at 61 State St. Troy NY 12180.
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 – 8 Sessions Various Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 pm – Jan. 12th, 26th, Feb. 2nd, 9th, 23rd March 2nd, 9th, 23rd, March 30th Makeup Session. Location: 5 Locust Lane, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Learn to Tie the following flies: Streamers Nymphs, Wet Dry, Terrestrials Caddis & Leaches, Deer Hair. Course Includes: ALL materials to tie 70 flies (5 each of 14 flies). Material give a way at the classes. Must have own tools, which are covered at the 1st session. Class size limited (First Come First Serve). For Information or Gift Certificate,Contact: Rodney Priddle (518) 421-6762 or flyrod@nullnycap.rr.com
Paul Sinicki at (518)885-8257 or cdflyfishers@nullnycap.rr.com
For Registration go to https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/cliftonpark 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