Local First Twin Bridges Edition 042023

Area families gather for Missing Persons Day

Event an opportunity to share resources, keep memories alive

By H. ROSE SCHNEIDER

ALBANY — Families from across the state gathered Saturday at the State Museum to share resources and keep memories of missing loved ones alive at New York State Missing Persons Day.

But it also gave them the rare chance to meet others with the same experience.

“It brings these emotions that other people are feeling,” said Andrea Wakefield, whose sis-

Saratoga County Will Present the Program

Stay Safe at Home

CRESCENT - Do you want to stay in your own home as you age? Sometimes, limitations of various kinds can arise as we get older and make living at home challenging. Find out how to make your home safer, less cluttered and easier to navigate.

Shenendehowa Neighbors

Connecting (SNC), a local non-profit serving older adults in southern Saratoga County, will present the program Stay Safe at Home at St. Mary’s Crescent on April 27, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

The presenter is Lynda Shrager, a registered occupational therapist with a master's degree in social work. She is a certified aging in place specialist and has 38 years of experience in the field of senior health and wellness. The presentation will include tips on gadgets and equipment that help make daily tasks safer and easier to do. Learn more about Lynda Shrager at www.otherwisehealthy.com.

This program is free and open to the public, courtesy of a grant from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Please register for this program on the SNC website (snc.clubexpress.com), or call SNC at 518-801-4517, by Monday, April 24

ter Lutricia Steele disappeared nearly 15 years ago. “I’m not alone.”

It’s the 20th annual event organized by Mary Lyall, who founded it with her late husband Doug Lyall through their Ballston Spa-based nonprofit, the Center for Hope. Her own daughter, Suzanne Lyall, disappeared 25 years ago. The 19-year-old University at Albany student was last seen in March 1998 taking the bus from her job at Crossgates Mall to Collins Circle on her way back to her dorm.

“I hope they get a sense of community,” Mary Lyall said of event attendees.

Over 1,000 missing persons cases are currently open in New York, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Wakefield’s sister, a then-27-year-old mother of four, left her Schenectady home to go shopping and never returned in May 2008. But Wakefield said she has discovered resources at past Missing Persons Days, and even met a retired state trooper to work with on the case.

One resource is the Cold Case Analysis Center at Saint Rose, in which the college’s student interns delve into cold cases, conducting research and digitizing evidence, among other tasks. They also communicate with law enforcement and present evidence and potential leads, said program director Christina Lane, an associate professor of criminal justice at the college.

Local banks avoiding crypto

Region’s institutions focus on more stable savings deposits, mortgages

By MELISSA MANNO

Once considered a fleeting fad, cryptocurrency has teetered toward becoming a more mainstream financial medium in recent years, causing an increasing number of U.S. banks to explore the decentralized system. But reaping its rewards means embracing an industry rife with volatility and risk — causing smaller, local banks to steer clear of the venture altogether.

As of January, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reported that it was aware of 136 insured banks that were involved in ongoing or planned cryptocurrency-related activities, such as allowing bank customers to buy and sell cryptocurrency assets through arrangements with third parties or providing deposit services and lending to crypto asset exchanges. Banks can also sponsor debit cards that offer crypto asset rewards.

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For those who have yet to be initiated into the multifaceted world of cryptocurrency, it’s defined broadly as a digital, encrypted medium of exchange that differs from traditional forms of currency in that its value is not managed or maintained by a central authority. Most cryptocurrencies, including the two most popular, Bitcoin and Ethereum, are built on blockchain technology and are categorized as being “pseudo-anonymous,” meaning transactions can’t be easily traced back to a user’s real-world identity.

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Larger institutions can afford to run the risks of engaging with cryptocurrency, which has soared in popularity since it was first introduced in 2009.

JPMorgan Chase, for example, debuted its own digital currency, JPM Coin, in 2020 and employs one of the largest crypto teams in the banking sector to help enable instant transfer and clearing of multi-bank, multi-currency assets on a permissioned distributed ledger, according to its website.

Not all big banks have been as quick to jump on board. Bank of America doesn’t directly support the purchase of cryptocurrencies through its online banking platform, although customers can still buy crypto assets by connecting their accounts to a regulated exchange platform.

“There’s obviously a lot of inherent risk with the way those markets are and how volatile they can be and with it not being accepted on a federal level to use as a payment necessarily, depending on what you’re doing, it’s something that many of the larger financial institutions have no interest in adopting,” said Dana Martincic, business solutions adviser at Bank of America in Albany. “It kind of goes against banking. I think crypto, in reality, is people trying to circumvent banks most of the time they’re using it.”

Most local banks like Trustco, Capital Bank, Pioneer, Keybank and M&T Bank don’t offer crypto-related services and instead, rely primarily on the more stable practices of accepting savings account deposits and writing home mortgages.

It’s likely that the recent turmoil in the financial sector only further solidified their disinterest in entering the space. Last November, cryptocurrency exchange FTX filed for bankruptcy when it ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run. The crash rattled the already unstable crypto market, causing billions of dollars in loss. There were 11 banks that had been doing business with FTX and may have been involved in alleged wire transfer fraud, according to a February report from the Office of the Inspector General.

The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a joint statement in January advising U.S. banks on the risks

The center has developed leads for missing persons cases like Suzanne Lyall’s as well as Jaliek Rainwalker’s, a 12-year-old boy who disappeared from Greenwich in 2007, Lane said. In a presentation Saturday, she took questions from families — some of them who were desperate to know how to find answers about their loved ones.

The program’s interns were also at the event. Lane said she wanted them to see “the other side of the equation”: the families of the ones they have been researching. Juliana Venduro and Lauren Monroe, both juniors at Saint Rose, are in their second semester of the program. Venduro has been researching the over-60-year-old murder of Ruth Whitman, and Monroe is looking into an unnamed case from the 1990s.

“It makes me feel better, knowing their family member’s not forgotten,” Venduro said.

MARIO DUNCANSON / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, center, is led away Dec. 13, handcuffed by of cers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in Nassau, Bahamas. Bankman-Fried

of dealing with cryptocurrencies and the importance of preventing crypto-related risks that cannot be mitigated or controlled from migrating into the banking system.

“The events of the past year have been marked by significant volatility and the exposure of vulnerabilities in the cryptoasset sector. These events highlight a number of key risks associated with crypto-assets and cryptoasset sector participants that banking organizations should be aware of,” the statement reads, citing fraud and scams among crypto-asset sector participants, legal uncertainties related to custody practices, redemptions and ownership rights and inaccurate or misleading representations and disclosures by crypto-asset companies.

Days after the failure of California-based Silicon Valley Bank, which sent shock waves through the economy, New York City-based Signature Bank was seized by the state Department of Financial Services to prevent a subsequent bank run. DFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris said while cryptocurrency wasn’t Signature’s main business — the bank didn’t have its own crypto coins, but it offered a platform for crypto trading — the knowledge that it was involved with the medium caused enough withdrawals by nervous customers to get the bank on the state regulators’ radar.

Some say the regulatory takeover sends a strong message to other banks to stay away from crypto assets or risk facing the same fate.

Please see CRYPTO 8

H. ROSE SCHNEIDER/TIMES UNION

The family of Lutricia Steele wear shirts with her photo for Missing Persons Day on Saturday at the New York State Museum.

Latham-Colonie

Knights of Columbus

Sp aghetti nd

Me atball inner

LATHAM - On Saturday, April 22nd 2023, the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus along with Steve and Jude Chiera are hosting a Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy Schenectady Road.

Serving from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Dine In and Take

Out options are available!

Menu; Tossed Salad, Italian Bread, Spaghetti and Meatballs and Dessert.

Reservations 518 892 3750 or 518 783 0572, $15 per person.

Se nior enter Sp ring Fa shion

Sh ow t he ista

CLIFTON PARK - Senior Spring Fashion Show at the Vista in Jonesville

Hosted by the Clifton Park Senior Center –OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Sunday, April 23rd

12:00pm-4:00pm

Enjoy a delicious three course sit down luncheon

of Chicken Piccata, Bistro Steak, Grilled Salmon Filet or Pasta Primavera. There will be Door Prizes, Chinese Auction, and a Silent Auction.

Enjoy an afternoon out with new and old friends! Don’t miss out on the fun! Call for tickets today 518-383-1343.

Capital istrict Chapter

Columbiettes

Ap ril Me eting

LATHAM - On Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 at 1:30 pm, the Capital District Chapter Columbiettes will hold their April Chapter Meeting at Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road (Route 2), Latham, N.Y. 12110.

Our Annual Covered Dish Dinner and Chapter Raffle will be held after the Meeting.

All Columbiette members are invited to attend,, we ask everyone in attendance to provide a dish to share and a Raffle Donation if possible.

Capital District Columbiettes Chapter President, Linda Cotch

will preside!

(Directions; 787 North or South 23rd St Watervliet Exit, West to Route 2, or I 87 North or South exit 6 East to Route 2)

Diocesan

Charismatic rayer

Mo nthly Me eting

LOUDONVILLE - 4th

Saturday of each month

Christ Our Light RC Church, Parish Hall 1 Maria Drive, LoudonvilleTime: 11:00am SHARP!

Until: 12:30pm

April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, 2023

Check us out on: www.AlbanyCCR.org

“St ep y St ep Sp ringtime vent, Sp onsored y Ho pe for oman s He art

LAKE GEORGE - All women are invited to attend an all day “Step by Step” springtime event, sponsored by Hope For A Woman’s Heart, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Lake George from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 29th.

Participating activities will include: Dance numbers with husband and wife team Aaron & Christy Coulson; the Glorious Praise Dancers group; music by singer Danielle Hoag and a floral arrangement demonstration by Gina Whalen. Raffles and vendor shopping will also

be available. Featured speakers Jillian Pelkey and Christy Coulson will give inspirational messages of Hope.

Ticket cost is $60.00 per person ($50 with group of 10 or more). A Continental breakfast and Buffet lunch is inclusive. Registration and shopping begins at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the website at https://urldefense. com/v3/__http://www. h4awh.com__;!!Ivohdkk!nNqe06551wLigoTp7fJcf_jq-INvxaG4BwXiXEQibs5Mr28ZdEQz3Ztcl0CgQyB2MJMsAGV3YbkqfMgdrg21a1wijg$ or call Debbie Geer, President of HFAWH, at 518-796-2895. * Reservation deadline is Friday, April 21.

Hope For A Woman’s Heart is a non-profit organization.

Veteran alkathon

COLONIE - On Saturday, April 29th, at Cook Park in the Village of Colonie, the 17th annual Veteran walkathon will be held with registration starting at 11:00am and Walk starting at noon from the Sharon Drive Pavilion. All donations will go to the homeless veteran programs at the NYS VA Medical Centers and to non-profit Honor Flight Hub Network of NY, providing trips to veterans to the memorials built in their honor in Washington, DC at no cost to them.

You can call Judy Benner at 518-869-8668 or Dave Bishop at 518-590-6483 with any questions. This Walk is sponsored by the Albany County Sons of the American Legion and the Albany County Auxiliary.

Boght adies

Au xiliary An nual

Garage Sa le

COHOES - Indoors -

Rain or Shine • 8 Preston Drive, Cohoes, NY 12047 • May 13, 2023 8am to 2pm

Rent a table for $25Contact Kristi at 518-608-5154

Latham-Colonie

Columbiettes

Sp ring Fl ea Ma rket

LATHAM - Latham Colonie Columbiettes, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, are hosting their Spring Flea Market on Sat., May 20th, 2023 from 9 am to 3:30 pm! Rain or Shine!

Vendor Space available both Indoor and Outdoor, Undercover and Outdoor Areas for your own popup displays

For pricing information klmajer@outlook.com or www.lathamcoloniekofc. com/dinners&events.

Hu dson-Mo hawk

Re gional EMS ouncil 023

Public Me eting

Sc hedule

ALBANY - 24 Madison Ave. Extension, Suite 1 Albany, NY 12203 - *all meetings start at 6pm

4/24/23

5/22/23

6/26/23 9/25/23 10/23/23 11/27/23

December TBA

Updates, schedule changes, and remote options will be posted on the website: remo-ems.com

Waterford Community

Se nior enter Ap ril vents

WATERFORD - Friday March 24 Trip Club going to HVCC Flower Expo.

Tues March 28 at noon open to anyone in the community, a National Grid Consumer Advocate will be coming to center to discuss 3 grants available, one for HEAP eligible customers, one for customers that are low-to-moderate income, and then a food grant as well. The program is co-sponsored by Waterford Public Library and the Waterford Community/Senior Center.

Friday April 21 Trip to Crossgates Mall, transportation provided. Bus leaves Center 10:30 a.m. and returns at 3:30 p.m. Sunday April 30 Trip Club planning a trip to the Curtain Call Theatre in Latham to see a play entitled “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”.

Interested in joining?

Yearly membership is only 15.00. As always, please call Eileen Haldeman, Director at Waterford Community/Senior Center at 518-235-8500 for further information on any of our upcoming events.

My asthenia ravis Su pport roup

LATHAM - Announcing an ongoing support group for individuals suffering from Myasthenia Gravis. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 11:00 AM at the Latham Fire Department , 226 Old Loudon Rd, Latham NY12110. Participation is free and is open to patients and/or their caregivers. Before attending, please call David Newkirk at (518) 725-7187 or (518) 251-2695 or Bill Van Dyne at (518) 281-6968 for more information.

The hrist hild So ciety, Al bany Chapter Ho sting

a Re d agon

Luncheon nd

Fa shion Sh ow

ALBANY - The luncheon is Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Italian American Community Center, Washington Avenue Extension in Albany beginning with coffee and pastry at 10:30am followed by Fashion Show at 11:00am by J. Jill sharing unique and fashionable women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. Our models will be the members of the Christ Child Society. There will be drawings for many lovely, themed baskets as well as door prizes. Please come and join us. All are welcome - reserve a table for friends and family to enjoy the event.

Lunch will be served at 12:00pm. Selections are Chicken Parmesan with Penne Pasta, Broiled Haddock with Fresh Lemon and Eggplant Roulade with a Pasta Nest. Adult reservations are $50.00 per person and child reservations are $20.00 per person to be paid in advance by either check or PayPal.

The Guest Speaker will be Mary Giordano, Executive Director of Family Promise of Capital Region. There will be a drawing for many lovely theme baskets put together by volunteers, along with door prizes.

Your reservation is necessary no later than April 19 and cancellations are a must. Please call Cathy Pastore at (518) 669-4446 for further information and to make your reservation(s}. If you are unable to attend,

Fo od ank

Distribution

Calendar Re minder from he olonie Se nior Se rvices Center

COLONIE - On the 2nd

Tuesday of each month, Colonie Senior Service

Centers makes food items like produce, staples, and frozen meats from The Regional Food Bank available from 11:30 to 12:30 pm during our congregate meal service. Those who are in need are welcome to participate. Please bring your own reusable grocery bag. As the area’s largest provider of senior programs and serices, CSSC Inc, recognizes recent inflationary impact on food costs on those seniors who would appreciate some assistance. For additional information or questions,

please consider making a donation to assist the needy children of the Diocese of Albany.

So uthern Sa ratoga

Ar t So ciety

SARATOGA COUNTY -

The next meeting of SSAS will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 24th at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., Tel.#, 518-383-1343. Takeyce Walter will do a “Gouache Painting” demonstration.

Takeyce is an award winning contemporary American painter focusing on natural landscapes of the Northeast, working primarily with oil paint and soft pastels. She is especially inspired by bodies of water and there is a great sense of familiarity, tranquility and reverence in each piece of her artwork. You can visit her website: https://takeyceart.com/ home/ and https://www/ facebook.com/takeycewalter/ The meeting and demonstration are open to the public.

The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Commons Ct., Tel. #: 518-383-1343 and SSAS will be hosting an exhibit in the Gallery during the months of April and May featuring seven photographers and members of SSAS. Artists include Cheryl Jenks, Rebecca Jenkins, Denise Kornak, Meda Rigatti, Brian Skanes, Anup Sood and Bill Staudinger. The Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main Street, Tel.#: 518-664-4646 and SSAS will host a Student Art Show featuring students from Mechanicville High School. A reception will be held for students, families and friends on Wednesday, April 19th

please call Diane at 518-459-2857 ext 305.

Vocal Sc holarship Competition

CAPITAL DISTRICT

- Saratoga Voices will hold its 26th annual vocal scholarship competition for high school seniors. Two scholarships will be awarded to the top two competitors along with an opportunity to sing in a Saratoga Voices concert. Applicants need not plan a career in music, but the scholarships are intended to facilitate the continued study of singing in college. This year’s audition will be held on Friday, June 2 at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs. Details and applications can be found at https://saratogavoices.org/vocal-scholarship/

at 6:30 p.m. Please visit these venues and support the arts in Southern Saratoga county. For further information about SSAS visit our website: southernsaratogaartist.com or check us out on facebook.

Am erican Re d ross

Blood rive BURNT HILLS - The Burnt Hills Baptist Church, 193 Kingsley Road, Burnt Hills, NY will be having an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. To schedule an appointment, contact Red Cross at redcrossblood. org or 1-800-RED CROSS and user sponsor code BURNTHILLSBAPTIST.

Am ity Re formed Church

An nual rooks BQ Drive-Thru ake-Ou t Chicken inner VISCHER FERRYFriday, April 21 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm the Amity Reformed church, 335 Riverview Road, Vischer Ferry will hold its annual Brooks BBQ take-out chicken dinner. The dinner includes 1/2 roasted chicken, baked potato, cole slaw, roll, butter and a home baked brownie for dessert. Price will be

$14.00. CASH ONLY. Get your ticket early to avoid sold out. Tickets may be purchased on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 during our Rummage Sale between 9am and 2pm.

Cars will be directed to follow sign to drive-thru and be directed by attendant to pick-up area. For further information phone 518 371-8237 or the church office at 518 371-2838.

Thursday Mu sical Club resents

The arth n Sp irit nd So ng SCHENECTADY - The Thursday Musical Club will present a concert, “The Earth in Spirit and Song,” on Saturday, April 22 at 3 pm at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady, 8 N. Church Street in the Stockade. The Thursday Musical Club is a women’s chorus founded in Schenectady in 1913, directed by Julie Panke and accompanied by Elinore Farnum.

The concert will include songs by Barber, Vaughan Williams, Rutter, and a choral arrangement of the Blue Danube transcribed by former director Roger Hannahs. Folk and popular selections celebrating Earth Day will include songs by Pete Seeger,

Woodie Guthrie, and Irving Berlin.

Scotia-Glenville High School student and club scholarship recipient Anna Muscatiello will perform a song by Alessandro Scarlatti.

Tickets are $15 for adults and free for children under 12. Tickets are available from TMC members and at the door.

For more information call 518-370-5434.

Contact : Cindy Kelley, Publicity Chairperson

Defensive riving Classes t he

Beltrone

Living enter

ALBANY - Roger Dames, CSSC’s Driver Fitness Coordinator, will conduct Defensive Driving Classes on the following date: -Friday, April 21, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM

Classes will be held at The Beltrone Living Center, located at 6 Winners Circle in Albany, NY. Cost of the class is $25 per person due before the day of the class. To reserve your seat, call (518)459-2857 ext 340.

Ne wtonville UMC

Garage Sa le

NEWTONVILLE - Newtonville United Methodist Church, located

on the corner of Maxwell Rd and Rt 9 (near Siena College), will have a garage sale on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 8:30 - 1:30.

Early birds may pay $5 to come in at 8 o’clock. At 1:30 we will have a bag sale costing $5 per bag. Among the items that will be available for sale are: appliances, furniture, garden tools, holiday decorations, jewelry, household tools, housewares, linens, toys, plants and books. Baked goods will be available by the cafe which will be serving hotdogs and chili. We will begin to accept donations on Monday, April 10. Donated items may be left downstairs just inside the fellowship hall. All donations must be clean and in good repair. We will NOT accept clothing, CD’s or DVD’s, nuts, bolts, screws, hardware, craft items nor encyclopedias. We appreciate your support.

Country Ro und and Sq uare ance

SCHUYLERVILLEOld Saratoga American Legion, 6 Clancy St., Schuylerville NY has Country Round and Square Dance coming. April 23rd, 1-4:30PM. Save the date!

Did You now?

Home renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States in 2022, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home

renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular. According to the Canadian lifestyle resource Icy Canada, which culled various data points and sources, window and door upgrades, kitchen and bath remodels and deck projects are the most popular renovations in Canada.

The Ro le f Na ture n Ho me esign n he ears Ah ead

Outdoor living spaces were prioritized during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when public gatherings were greatly limited and individuals were urged to stay home as much as possible. Such demands have had a ripple effect on various industries, including home design. According to a survey conducted by the New Home Trends Institute in collaboration with Pro Builder, 58 percent of the more than 300 residential architects, designers and design-minded builders who participated said connection to the outdoors/nature will be an important influence on their design choices in the years to come. In addition, 45 percent of respondents indicated increased attention will be

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afforded to outdoor entertaining spaces.

So what might the outdoor spaces of homes built in the not-so-distant future look like? Respondents to the survey anticipated a growing demand for various built-in outdoor features, including: • Firepits or fireplaces • Outdoor kitchens • Gazebos or pergolas • Pools • Spas or hot tubs

Though trends and consumer demands are ever-shifting, architects and designers are anticipating that future homeowners will want more developed outdoor living spaces and greater access to nature, which is something current homeowners can keep in mind when renovating their properties.

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REAL ESTATE / HOUSE OF THE WEEK

city

laundry room with pantry shelving is located off the kitchen, which features granite counters, Aristokraft cabinets and stainless steel appliances. There is underground parking for two cars and 24-hour security. The $504-per-month HOA fee includes access to the building’s rooftop terrace and fitness

facility, as well as water, garbage service and snow removal.

List price: $400,000. Taxes: $4,183. If you’d like to learn more, contact Alexander Monticello, real estate broker and owner of Monticello realty, at 518-227-0718.

CRYPTO

CONTINUED FROM 1

But others, especially fintech professionals and crypto investors, say smaller banks opting out of crypto are missing out on lucrative opportunities for growth.

“One thing they should consider is that these risks could be mitigated by ensuring some of these digital assets or crypto or financial products have proper regulations and protections for consumers,” said Nancy Min, founder of ecoLONG, an Albany-based startup that created a marketplace for renewable energy trading built on blockchain technology.

“The way that I see blockchain technology, digital

assets and cryptocurrencies, they hold a lot of potential as a decentralized technology that uses this consensus mechanism to accomplish a democratic process and because of this technology and process, it allows us to build trust in an untrusted environment.”

Min rebuffs the claim that cryptocurrencies as a whole threaten the safety of the banking industry and instead, she encourages banks to consider offering central bank digital currencies, a form of government-issued currency that isn’t backed by a physical commodity like dollars. “I think that’s where there’s a lot of value for banks and a lot of value for consumers,” she said, adding that smaller banks have an even greater opportunity for innovation in

fintech than larger institutions.

As one of the first states to regulate virtual currency businesses that deal in cryptocurrencies online, the future of New York’s crypto industry remains unclear. In November, Gov. Kathy Hochul approved a moratorium on what’s known as “proof-of-work” cryptocurrency mining, a measure that will be in effect for the next two years as state officials study the environmental impacts related to the process and determine whether fossil fuel-based plants will be allowed to be brought back online and used to help power the intense computer processing needed to create the blockchains for cryptocurrency.

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“Fo od lorious

Fo od

LATHAM - Join Colonie Senior Service Center’s staff, visiting chef, foodies, and local food producers for a monthly book club and practicum all about food entitled “Food Glorious Food.” We will explore the serious side of food, how it’s produced, the economics and politics behind it, and the responsibility we have as consumers. This reading and discussion program will also entail some hands-on opportunities. Registration is FREE but will be limited. The group will meet the last Thursday of the month at 11 am in the community room at King Thiel Senior Community, 17 Elks Lane in Latham. We ask that participants plan on attending all scheduled sessions; April 27, May 25, and June 29.

Books Chosen for this Program are as follows:

-The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food by Dan Barber

-Diet Cults: The Surprising Fallacy at the Core of Nutrition Fads and a Guide to Healthy Eating for the Rest of Us by Matt Fitzgerald

-In Defense of Food:

An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan

-Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe

-How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health by Marion Nestle

This program is made possible with funding from Humanities New York. To register, please call Diane 518-459-2857 ext 305.

Jonesville UMC

Fo od antry

CLIFTON PARK

The Jonesville United Methodist Church Food Pantry is open each Friday from 9am-12 noon and serves residents of Burnt Hills/ Ballston Lake and Shenendehowa school districts.We are located at 963 Main Street, Jonesville,518-877-7380.

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CASHFORMETAL/CARS Webuyfarmequip.,metal,cars. Wehavetheequip.totakecareof bigjobs.Highestpricespaid.Demolition.Towing&transportavail. Partoftheproceedsgototheveterans. (518)339-8710

C.L.HOMEIMPROVEMENTS Takingcareofallyourwindow andremodelingneeds.Neat& dependable.Fullyins.Freeest. Rich(518)528-7173

CUSTOMSTONEWORK Patios,firepits,retainingwalls, newsidewalks,sidewalkrepair.Anykindofmasonry/ concretework.(518)423-0946

DENTALINSURANCE from PhysiciansMutualInsuranceCompany.Coveragefor350plusprocedures.Realdentalinsurance-NOT justadiscountplan.Donotwait! Callnow!GetyourFREEDentalInformationKitwithallthedetails!1855-434-9221www.dental50plus. com/44#6258

DIVORCE

$389.00-Uncontested MakeDivorceEasy–only1 Signature,Inc.poorperson app.Info:(518)274-0380

Don’tPay ForCoveredHomeRepairsAgain!AmericanResidential WarrantycoversALLMAJORSYSTEMSANDAPPLIANCES.30DAY RISKFREE/$100OFFPOPULAR PLANS.833-928-1051

DUMPSTERRENTALS Allsizesavailable.Also,dump trailerforthetrickyspots.Laboravailablefordemo&loading.Partoftheproceedsgoto theveterans.(518)339-8710

EXCAVATION,TRUCKING, STONE&TOPSOIL Waterdiversion,driveways,brush hog,landclearing,oiltankremovals,septics,grading,digging, lawns,poolfill-ins,siteprep.Partof theproceedsgototheveterans. (518)339-8710

FASTFIXHEATING andPLUMBINGLLC 24hr.service,fullyins.32yrs. exp.Installs/replacements,tuneups,troubleshooting.Fixing allyourheating&plumbing needs.(518)256-1346

FASTFIXHEATING andPLUMBINGLLC 24hr.service,fullyins.32yrs. exp.Installs/replacements,tuneups,troubleshooting.Fixing allyourheating&plumbing needs.(518)256-1346

FENCING

I.C.E.Contracting.Alltypesof fencing.InstallandRepair.Free estimates.(518)451-0531

F.E.PALMACONSTRUCTION PoleBarns,GaragesandPavilions.Since1985.Freeest.Ins. o518-627-4344c518-257-2880

FRIDHOLMPAINTING INTERIORPAINTING-Oneor multi-roomprojects.Popcorn andCathedralCeilings.2-story foyersandkitchencabinets. Exteriorpaintingprojects,too. Freeestimates.CALLUSAT (518)330-9507orvisitusat www.FridholmPainting.com. WeLoveWhatWeDo!

GLASS/SCREENREPAIR Brokenglass,tornscreensrepaired.Homerepairs.Makes housecalls.(518)203-8595

HANDYMAN/PAINTER InteriorandExterior.Freeestimates.Town&Country.(518) 833-4608

JOBSTOOSMALL? Professionalint/extpainting, kitchen,baths&basements! Roofing,siding,electrical, plumbing.Giveusacall,wedo itall!Avail.forafterhours emergenciesBob518-275-7731

JUNKREMOVAL&DEMO Oiltanks,hottubs,pools, sheds,barns,houses,fence& retainingwallremoval,yard cleanup.Res./comm.cleanout &organize.Fullyequippedto handleanyjob.(518)339-8710. Partoftheproceedsgotothe veterans.

KLDrywall,Inc. Smalljobspecialist:Sheetrock, taping,waterdamage&plaster patching.Kenny518-947-9443, kldrywallinc1@gmail.com. Albany,Slingerlands&Delmar

LANDSCAPING&PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Treeservice,clearing/cleanups, drivewayrepairs.Del.stone, topsoil,mulch.(518)451-0531

LAWNCARE-RYANMASON MOWING,TRIMMING,CLEANUPS.FREEESTIMATES.(518) 892-7678

LICENSEDELECTRICIAN Everythingfromnewserviceto switchorreceptaclerepair.All typesoflightinginstld.Nojob toobigorsmall 518-782-1473

MACK’SPOWERWASHING Insuredandfreeestimates. Housecleaningandtrucking. RESTORE-REFRESH-RENEW (518)888-6990

MASONRY&LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION HIGGINSBUILDERS-New installations&oldrestorations. CallJohn(518)269-6804

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PAINT/PRESSUREWASHING Decks,housepainting/alum siding,concrete.Weclean& paintanythingTown/Country. JJ518-618-8051

PJ’SCONSTRUCTION Windows,doors,remodeling,roof repair,smalljobs.Qualityworkfor qualityprice.Ins. (518)527-3067

PROFESSIONALPAINTER Interior/exterior.25yearsexperience.Insured,references. FreeEstimates.(518)373-7982

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STARROOFING AlltypesofResidentialRoofing.26Yearsinbusiness.Fully Insured,Bonded,Factoryand OSHAcertified.(518)449-3422 orstarroofing.net

STUMP’NGRIND Stumpgrindingservice,big orsmall,insured&backyard accessible. (518)301-5712

TOPSOIL,STONE,MULCH Freedel.shale,sand,fill,dirt, gravel,coloredstone,natural & coloredmulch.Installation& haulingavail.518-339-8710

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TREE&STUMPREMOVAL Brushhoggingavailable.Free Estimates.Fullyinsured.Call RayatN&RTreeandProperty Services(518)573-1133

UNSEASONEDFIREWOOD 7(+/-)cordload,cut,split&delivered.$1575.Callforareadiscount. Smallerloadsavail. 518-692-2109

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RESIDENTIALWANTED

IwillsellyourhouseforONLY a3%commission CallYvonneCostanza@Dream StreetProp.561-654-4134

UNFURNISHEDAPARTMENTS

AdultCommunity.Minimum55 yearsold.MohicanHillApts, BallstonSpa.Spacious1BR. Washer,dryerhkups.Lowheat costs.Startingat$825.No pets.(518)885-4232

CliftonPk.Apt.Complex:2BR for$1500.2bath,FP,new flooring,centralair,gasheat, W/Dhook-ups,manyextras. Greatlocation. Woodsedgeapt@gmail.com (518)280-1572Avail.4/1

SCHENE CTAD Y

CI TY SCHOOLDISTRIC T 108EducationDrive, Schenectady,NY 12303 schenectadyschools.org

APPLICATION: Candidatesinterestedinapplyingmustcompleteanonlineapplication: https://schenectady.recruitfront.com/JobPosting?JID=30380

Ifyouhavealreadycompleteda RecruitFrontapplication,pleaseselect JobOpportunities,select the jobyouwishtoapplyfor andclick Apply Now Follow the instructionstologin andapply.

Ifyouhavenotyetcompleteda RecruitFrontapplication,pleaseselectRegister createanaccountandthengotoMyApplicationtocomplete Onceyourapplicationis complete selectJobOpportunities,select the jobyouwishtoapplyfor andclick

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Internalapplicants may apply viahttps://schenectady.recruitfront.com/JobPosting?JID=32704

Deadline for Applying: Until Filled

JOBDESCRIPTION:THISISA12-MONTHPOSITION.

DISTINGUISHINGFEATURES OF THE CLASS:Thispositionexistsin a schooldistrict andinvolves the responsibility for providing supporttotheNurse Managerandstaf ng coordinationofalldistrictmanagedbuildings toensurethatthere isdaily coverage

Whencoverageofnecessary openingscannotbesecured throughoutsidenursingor substitutes, the Assistant Nurse Managerwillsupport withthiscoverage..Theworkis performed underthe supervisionof the Nurse Managerwithleewaygiven forcarrying out the detailsof the work Supervision may beexercised overRegisteredProfessional

Whereveryournursingpathmaylead,weprovidetheresources andsupporttoguideandgrowyourcareer Ifyou’re a passionate, drivennurse,applytodaytojoinourMagnet®designatedteam.

To apply,visit: sphp.com/careers/nursing

2023St.Peter’s HealthPartners. 2023 TrinityHealth.Allrightsreserved.

Pre-Workout ips or Se niors

As physically active individuals age, they typically must change how they approach exercise. For example, rather than jumping two feet first into new activities like they might have done when they were younger, seniors may have to think about injury prevention and ways to improve their endurance prior to lacing up their sneakers. For most, that may boil down to taking various pre-workout steps.

• Get enough rest. The body requires adequate sleep and other rest during the day to stimulate muscle growth and repair. Exercise may not be as effective and it may be more dangerous if seniors are engaging without enough sleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can reduce reaction times, which can adversely affect workouts.

• Emphasize stretching. Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle injuries. It also can improve range of motion in the joints. Stretching before and after a workout prepares the body for exercise and helps it recover.

• Wear the proper footwear and clothing. Sturdy, supportive athletic shoes and well-fitting workout wear can make working out more comfortable and safer. The National Institute on Aging recommends finding footwear designed for the specific activity you’ll be engaging in. Footwear that offers sufficient heel support and nonslip soles is beneficial as well.

• Warm up. Give the body an opportunity to acclimate during a warm-up period that will facilitate healthy breathing. Warming up also loosens up the joints and muscles for the exercise ahead. After a workout, seniors should cool down to reduce their heart rates and prepare for recovery.

• Carefully consider pre-workout supplements. Pre-workout powders and pills have become quite popular for exercise enthusiasts. Manufacturers may advertise that their products are loaded with vitamins and minerals that will help energize the body for a workout. However, they also may be fortified with caffeine. Do not take a pre-workout supplement without first consulting your physician, as certain products may adversely interact with medications you’re taking for preexisting conditions.

Pre-workout steps can keep seniors safe and reduce injury risk from exercise.

MASSAGE THERAPY and FOOT MASSAGE

8am–8pm.

5Stars

Outof5Stars

OverallbyMedicare2023 HMOD-SNP

*Forthose whoqualify withcertainchronicconditions

MVPHealthPlan, Inc.isanHMO-POS/PPO/HMOD-SNPorganization withaMedicarecontractandacontract withtheNewYorkState Medicaidprogram.EnrollmentinMVPHealthPlandepends oncontractrenewal. This planisadualeligiblespecialneedsplan(D-SNP).Your abilitytoenroll willbebasedonverificationthatyouareentitledtobothMedicareandmedicalassistancefromastate planunderMedicaid. MVPHealthCarecomplies withapplicableFederalcivilrightslawsanddoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin, age, disability,orsex(includingsexualorientationandgenderidentity).Everyyear,Medicareevaluates plans basedona5-starratingsystem.

1741Route9,Suite102,CliftonPark,NY518-817-9183