Wednesday June 7, 2023 
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).
Thank You to the Town of Poestenkill Highway Superintendent
POESTENKILL – The trustees and staff of Poestenkill Library would like to express their appreciation to Toby Chadwick, Highway Superintendent, for his years of dedicated service to the residents of Poestenkill and his assistance to the library community. Over the years, Toby has been responsive to the many requests for help with projects, including moving a newly built library shed across the parking lot and removing all the debris left after the gardening committee has a workday. Under Toby’s direction, maintenance of the library lawns during the warm weather months and clearing of the parking lot after winter snows, has helped the library look welcoming and remain accessible.
Thank you, Toby. We wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement.
Wynantskill American Legion’s Veteran’s Toy Drive
WYNANTSKILL – Carole Weaver, Rensselaer County Legislator, Mary Frances Sabo, Councilwoman of North Greenbush, and North Greenbush Councilman, Jack Rogers attended the Wynantskill Post 1489 American Legion’s Veteran’s Toy Drive. The toy drive was a great success with many toys donated for kids in need.
Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association Update
SAND LAKE – The Town of Sand Lake Planning Board, by a 4 to 2 vote, has voted to grant a special use permit for the Bailey party barn in an Agricultural District. Apparently one of the Board members, after abstaining when the matter was first brought up, changed her vote to yes when the matter was brought back to the Board, breaking the tie. The Board provided no explanation whatsoever for its actions, and addressed none of the the concerns expressed by the Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association-an association of over 70 active members. The Planning Board majority completely ignored the over 40 substantive comments and letters submitted by the neighbors and their legal counsel. The majority of the Planning Board’s action is illegal and totally at odds with the Town’s zoning and Master Plan. The neighbors and the Association are not going away. The Association and many individuals will be taking the Town to court to reverse this inexplicable abdication of the Town Planning Board’s responsibilities.
It is the Town Board, of course, and not the Planning Board that will determine if the Town will expend the resources to hire and pay lawyers to defend this indefensible decision.
Chandler Young Veterans Association Inc. Thank You
NASSAU – Chandler Young Veterans Association, Inc. would like to send out a big THANK YOU to the owners and teammates of the New Castle Paving, LLC for the generous donation not only of the product but the man power to get our driveway done.
Santa Returns to Saratoga’s Star Radio
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga’s Star Radio is excited to bring back a warm family tradition for the holiday season, The Talk Live with Santa Show! For five evenings in December, parents can register their children to talk to Santa on Saratoga’s Star Radio. The program will air Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 10, 15, 17 and 22 from 6-8PM.
“We are very excited to be bringing back a Saratoga holiday tradition for the community,” said Ricki Lee, owner of Saratoga’s Star Radio. “At a time when we crave connection with one another and preservation of family ideals and traditions, we look forward to delighting and exciting families with this holiday specialty programming.”
Locally owned and operated, Saratoga’s Star Radio offers a great mix of music, local news and relevant information to listeners living in the Saratoga region. The music focuses on classic hits from the 70s and 80s with a full playlist spanning 1960-2010. The target audience is 35+. Star Radio offers local and national news updates and connects Saratoga area listeners with what’s happening in their community.
“The Talk Live with Santa Show will be broadcast from our studios in downtown Saratoga,” said Fran Dingeman, General Manager of Saratoga’s Star Radio. “The show can be heard locally on 93.3FM, as well as globally via our mobile app and online stream at starsaratoga.com,” she said. Ms. Dingeman continued, “This year, when traditional in-person visits with Santa will not be possible, Star Radio is happy to share the magic of Santa through phone calls with children; and we’ll broadcast their conversations for friends and relatives near and far to enjoy! We ask parents to register their children for this limited specialty programming by going to StarSaratoga.com. Parents will be contacted prior to the broadcast.”
To Love A Child Announces Annual Angel Match $10,000 Challenge
CAPITAL DISTRICT – To Love A Child, Inc., a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization announces its Annual Angel Match $10,000 Challenge. An anonymous “angel” has pledged to match every donation during the month of December up to a $10,000 total. Donations assist people suffering from abject poverty—those deprived of basic human needs; including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health care, shelter, and education. Donations will be used to support local families and our programs in Haiti and Zimbabwe.
To Love A Child invites you to make a difference in a child’s life. Your help and generosity are greatly needed this year to support our vision and mission in helping impoverished children. Over the past 10 years we continue to change lives through our journeys.
Donations can be made on PayPal by visiting the website www.toloveachild.net or by mailing a check to: To Love A Child Inc, PO Box 165, Clifton Park, NY 12065.
Lights in Sand Lake 2020 Christmas Eve Luminary Display
SAND LAKE – Christmas Eve magic in Sand Lake! Join The Sand Lake Historic Neighborhoods Project for an event that is perfectly geared toward Socially Distancing and not adversely impacted by the pandemic!! The neighbors on Routes 66 & 43 and our friends on Shumann Rd. will have our annual luminary display on Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24th. Lighting of the luminaries will begin around 7:00 pm and will continue as long as weather permits or until the candles burn out.
If you live in the area and want to participate, place luminaries along the road on your own property. For more information please contract Dawn or Bruce at 518.674.5210 or by email at knivad@nullyahoo.com.
Indoor Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market
CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – The market has moved 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 Scholarship 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.
Problem Gambling – Northeast Resource Center Here To Help
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Avoiding triggers this holiday season – The holiday season may be full of fun and family gatherings. But for those experiencing or recovering from a gambling problem, it’s also a season full of temptations.
It could be as simple as a card game around the kitchen table, a friendly bet on a college bowl game or getting scratch-off tickets as a stocking stuffer. For most, those are just everyday events during the holidays. But for some, they’re the kind of temptations that can trigger the urge to gamble.
But there are a few simple things that individuals with a gambling problem can do to prepare themselves for potential holiday triggers. They include:
Money: Put someone else in charge of your finances if you’re concerned about your urge to gamble. That way, you won’t have access to extra cash that could create temptation.
Talking: It may sound simple. But simple solutions tend to work. Just ask your family and friends not to gamble when playing games while you’re around them.
Gifts: Make sure your loved ones know not to give you holiday gifts in the form of cash, scratch-off tickets or other gambling games.
The holidays are a time for celebrating. Play it safe and separate yourself from the temptations that could trigger problem gambling. Staying safe from triggers for problem gambling is important.
How do you know if someone you care about has a problem? The simplest way to identify if your loved one struggles with problem gambling is to ask yourself this: Does gambling cause problems for my loved one or our family? If the answer is yes, then this person may be struggling with problem gambling. The good news is help is available! Contact the Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center for local, barrier free help and additional resources. You can reach us by calling 518-801-1491 or emailing us at NortheastPGRC@nullNYProblemGambling.org We’re here to help.
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
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