Wednesday April 24, 2024 
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).
Students Named to the University of Vermont Dean’s List
BURLINGTON, VT – To be named to the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.
Grace Davis of Rensselaer; Jared Kehmna of Rensselaer; Alyssa Lindheimer of Stephentown.
Guilderland Central High School Class of 1971, 50th Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Guilderland Central High School class of 1971 50th year reunion committee invites classmates to join us on the weekend of July 23-25, 2021. We have established a website at http://www.guilderland71.com that we are asking you to please join. The details of the great weekend we have planned for us to catch up are located on the site. We’d love to hear your ideas for making this reunion special and fun.
North Greenbush Common School District Announces
NORTH GREENBUSH – Little Red School House Kindergarten Registration – North Greenbush Common School District has opened phone registration for children attending Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year. In order for your child to attend Kindergarten, they must be 5 years old on or before December 1, 2021. Parents of children eligible to attend Kindergarten in September must call the District Office at (518) 283-6748 by February 12, 2021.
Averill Park Girl Scout Troop 1260 Start Sustainable Letter-writing Campaign
AVERILL PARK – Averill Park High School sophomores in Troop 1260 wrote over 25 letters to women in public office as part of their “GIRLtopia” Journey. Their mission was to create a vision of what an ideal world for girls looks like, and then move the world a step closer to that ideal through a “Take Action Project.” They took action by starting a letter-writing campaign to women in public office, using sustainable recycled paper and envelopes purchased from small businesses and supporting the U.S. Postal Service with the purchase of stamps. The letters detailed their support of women in politics, their passion for the environment, and the importance of the U.S. Postal Service. The girls (Emma Hanlon, Gwen Jamison, Isla Multunas, and Isabelle Relyea) want to encourage others to keep this campaign going by contacting government leaders to voice their opinions. They want to extend their thanks to Mary Pat Donnelly and Cindy Doran for their encouragement and financial support of this project.
Attention Marines and Naval Corpsman Past and Present
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Capt. Wm. Dale O’Brien Marine Corps League Detachment #241 in Albany NY. – Are looking for Marines and Corpsman who want to continue to share the honors and camaraderie that you had while in the corps? Our Detachment is dedicated to helping other marines, their family and fellow veterans. We do it through several programs like the Rose Program, Honor a Vet, visiting home or hospital bond marine or naval corpsman, with our color guard in parades and other ceremonies. We continue to participate in the Toys for Tots program and more. There is also many social activities available such as our Annual Marine Corps Ball, bus trips to Washington DC to clean our monuments and participation in other Veteran events. We ae brothers and sisters supporting each other still!
If any of this sounds like something you would like to be a part , please contact me Fred Gilmore for more information, my cell phone is (518) 258-8125 (call or text), my email is gunny1074@nullaol.com – Semper Fi.
Make a Difference in the New Year: Be a Literacy Volunteer in Rensselaer or Albany County
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Would you like to help someone learn to read, write, or speak English? Would you like to become a more engaged member of 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, Tuesday, January 5, 12:00-1:00 p.m. via Zoom.
We are looking for tutors to be paired with adult English Language and Basic Literacy learners, as well as math and computer tutors. 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.
News from Averill Park CSD
AVERILL PARK – Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of our yearly traditions have been put on hold, including our concerts. At the High School, the music department continues to find creative ways to keep these traditions alive. This year, the department produced a CD for the holidays, showcasing our students’ talent. The album is available digitally on our district website.
Congratulations to Averill Park CSD varsity girls soccer player, Merry Gaylord, for being named to the All-State Class A First Team! Way to go Merry!
The High School Student Government organized a Toys for Tots drive and gathered boxes full of items for needy children in memory of APHS student Abigail Dutcher. This was a great way to honor the memory of Abigail and support families in need during the holiday season. Great job 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
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