Sunday March 26, 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).
Sand Lake Military Banners
SAND LAKE – Military banners are coming to Sand Lake! The cost is $200 each and it is anticipated the banners will be up annually from Memorial Day-Veterans Day. To be eligible, the service person and/or their family should have called Sand Lake home at some point in their lifetime. Applications are available at Town Hall or on our website at www.townofsandlake.us The website also contains an example of what a banner will look like. If you have any questions, please reach out to Nancy Perry at nperry@nullsand-lake.us. Thank you! The banners will make excellent holiday gifts for the veterans in your life!
Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market
CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON – Due to COVID-19, the Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market (COHFAM) will not have a winter market or holiday events.
Thank You – Holiday Parade
SAND LAKE – I would like to thank everyone who made the Town of Sand Lake Holiday Parade a huge success. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the set up, road closures, lining up the parade and everything else. Thank you to the participants who really outdid themselves this year. The floats looked amazing. I would also like to thank the community for coming out and supporting the event. I think it was just what everyone needed this holiday season. Stay healthy and safe.
Happy Holidays!
Andy Bulmer, Councilman
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Community members voted down both propositions in the Capital Project referendum earlier this month. Proposition 1 failed 676 yes (45%) to 816 no (55%) while Proposition 2 failed 564 yes (38%) to 928 no (62%). Thank you to the 1,492 people who came out and exercised their right to vote.
Students and staff at Miller Hill-Sand Lake Elementary School held a stocking fundraiser recently. The whole school collected items to be donated to students in grades K-5 and for local pre-school children who are part of the Capital Region Boys and Girls Club. In total, MHSL collected 420 books and more than 50 stockings were filled to the brim. Nice job!
Congratulations to the six fall sports teams that received Scholar-Athlete status from NYSPHSAA. Teams that were recognized include boys soccer, girls soccer, boys cross country, girls cross country, girls tennis and girls swimming & diving. Great work everyone!
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
Mission: Meeting the needs of and creating opportunities for every student every day. #AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
Rensselaer County Legislators Present a Check to The Anchor Food Pantry in Castleton
CASTLETON – During these times of uncertainty, our food pantries play an important role in taking care of members of our community. The Legislature appreciates the work of places like The Anchor Food Pantry in Castleton-on-Hudson, and looks forward to supporting their efforts every year.
District 4 Rensselaer County Legislators Scott Bendett, Chuck Peter, and Bob Loveridge presented a donation to Paula Sancomb, Director of the Anchor Food Pantry last week.
Students Named Clarkson University Presidential Scholars
POTSDAM, NY -Students have been named Presidential Scholars for the Fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Gabriella Broga of Nassau, NY, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Jeremy M Ciprioni of Rensselaer, NY, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
George Culver of East Greenbush, NY, a junior majoring in biology, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Nicholas John Frost of East Greenbush, NY, a junior majoring in civil engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Sebastian Reese Geiger of East Greenbush, NY, a sophomore majoring in business intelligence and data analytics, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Alyssa Jager of Stephentown, NY, a junior majoring in business intelligence and data analytics, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Bryan Matthew Kern of Poestenkill, NY, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Troy Michael Krug of Rensselaer, NY, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Lauren Christine Meyers of Wynantskill, NY, a freshman majoring in biology, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Samuel Salvati of Schaghticoke, NY, a freshman majoring in chemical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Rebekah Ann Schaummann of East Nassau, NY, a sophomore majoring in environmental engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University.
Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.
Students Named to Clarkson University Dean’s List
POTSDAM, NY – The following local students have been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University:
Logan Becker Bielawski of Averill Park, NY, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering.
Dean Richard Buttaci of Averill Park, NY, a freshman majoring in biology.
Adam John DiCesare of Rensselaer, NY, a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering / mechanical engineering.
Jamison H Jarosz of Schaghticoke, NY, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering.
Henry J. Klee of East Greenbush, NY, a senior majoring in civil engineering.
Christopher Michael Mahoney of Berlin, NY, a sophomore majoring in computer science.
Benjamin L Venditti of Troy, NY, a junior majoring in electrical engineering.
Laura Alexis Wing of Averill Park, NY, a junior majoring in civil engineering.
Dean’s List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.
Sand Lake Center for the Arts Holiday Gift Card raffle!
SAND LAKE – Don’t miss out on your chance to win $375 worth of gift cards. Let SLCA help you with those last minute stocking stuffers! Tickets are $10. If you buy three, you get one free! Drawing will be held on December 20th. Visit the website slca-ctp.org and click on the tickets link.
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.
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