Local First Twin Bridges Edition 042122

Twin Bridges Edition | Thursday, April 21, 2022

Afghan family at home on Siena College campus Program helps refugees transition to life in America

By MASSARAH MIKATI

Albany History Fair Returns To Cherry Hill

ALBANY - On Sunday, May 1, noon to 5:00 p.m., the Albany History Fair will once again be held at Historic Cherry Hill as an in-person, onsite event. An annual tradition for the past 23 years, the fair went virtual during the COVID crisis but returns this year with a full roster of presentations and activities.

The fair’s 2022 theme is Albany and the Gilded Age. From exuberant architecture and industrial tycoons to bluebloods, immigrants and labor unrest, it is no secret that the Capital Region is rich in Gilded Age history. The fair will feature scholar’s talks, special tours, costume installations, period music by Friends Union, hands-on activities on “Getting Dressed in the Gilded Age,” games and family activities, vendors, and a teaser performance of one scene from Swept Clean, an original play by Krysta Dennis set at Cherry Hill in 1884. Among the presenters will be music historian Dr. Christopher Brellochs, who consulted on the HBO series by Julian Fellowes; Hon. Jack McEneny, who will discuss immigration, labor, and politics in Gilded Age Albany; City of Albany Historian, Tony Opalka, on Albany’s trolley system; and the duo Julie O’Connor and Lorie Wies, who will share their research on Albany’s 19th-century free Black community.

The fair is a free event sponsored by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and the Times Union.

LATHAM - One by one, the provinces were falling to the Taliban.

Abdul Hameed Danesh watched in anguish in August from his Kabul home as his country became more and more endangered, the announcements of provinces being usurped by the militarist group broadcast on his TV. Still, he never thought Kabul would fall. He never thought that, in a matter of hours, his life would change so drastically, and he would have to desperately scramble to get himself and his family out of the country they called home.

Today, 29-year-old Danesh is one of nearly 400 Afghan evacuees who have settled in the Albany area since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August. But unlike other local refugees, Danesh and his family have been able to take advantage of the newly established Every Campus a Refuge program, within the unique support system and network of a college campus.

Founded in 2015, ECAR’s mission is to utilize resources at college campuses to help refugee families through their transition to the U.S. Founder Diya Abdo, a professor at Guilford College in North Carolina, believed college campuses would be an ideal home for new refugees because they have access to everything including medical care, pharmacies, housing and career services.

Through the program, Danesh and his family are being provided free housing by Siena College, as well as utilities, ameni-

ties and access to campus resources over the course of a few months — contrasting with the typical experience of refugees resettling in the country, who face fewer resources and less support.

“They really want me to not feel alone. Many people are coming here for visiting, telling us welcome,” Danesh said in his campus apartment.

“They gave us ID cards, so I can use the gym, I can use the dining services, I can go to the sports games.

These services and entertainment provided for us have changed our feelings, and we are really feeling great.”

Dream job, dangerous outcome Life changed for Danesh after his father left Afghanistan for Germany in 2012, searching for a better career and escaping Taliban death threats for his prior role in the Afghan military.

Two years into studying computer science at Kabul University, Danesh, who was 19 at the time, had to drop out of college to provide for his mother and siblings. He started teaching at private schools, then was promoted to headmaster of a school.

But when one of Danesh’s friends told him about an opportunity to be an interpreter assisting the U.S. military, he knew he couldn’t afford to pass it up, despite the danger the job, a position with a U.S. government contractor, entailed.

“We have many sad stories, especially for interpreters, because they were being killed by the Taliban,” he said. “Being an interpreter was a very, very hard job in Afghanistan because you were always in military camps, under the rockets of enemies.”

But Danesh also knew that after working as an interpreter alongside the military for two years, he would automatically be eligible for a special immigrant visa to the U.S. Despite his family’s protests, that opportunity was what motivated him to take the highly competitive job. Danesh was able to go back to school, and his salary provided a comfortable life for himself and his family.

His first day working as an interpreter was the same day as the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and Danesh continued working the job for the next five years — up until the very last minute when he had to escape during the Taliban takeover. During those years, he and those in the U.S. military were often stuck in bunkers for 10 hours a day, waiting for the rocket fire to subside.

Nearly every day at the Logar U.S. military base, there were “incoming” alerts. He lost friends to that rocket fire, and he risked his life.

Yet six years later, Danesh has yet to receive his SIV — a common issue among many like him, particularly in the wake of former President Donald Trump's election.

During the Trump administration, the number of SIVs approved for Afghan applicants dropped by nearly 60 percent compared to the Obama administration. The numbers were on par with the Trump administration’s policy on immigration, which ultimately resulted in the refugee intake ceiling being slashed from more than 110,000 during the final year of the Obama administration, to just 18,000 in 2019.

After years of setbacks to immigration programs, the shutdown of

PHOTOS BY LORI VAN BUREN / TIMES UNION

Abdul Hameed Danesh, right, talks about his family’s escape from the Taliban as his 18-month-old son Abubaker Danesh, plays at home in Latham. The Afghan family was resettled on the campus of Siena College through the Every Campus a Refuge program.

embassies and a pause on interviews during the pandemic, there was an even larger backlog to the SIV program. The number of pending SIV applications for Afghans has been reported to be more than 17,000, as well as at least 53,000 family members. And while the State Department reports the processing time for SIV applications to be about 700 days, advocates say that number is a gross underestimate.

“It was never making sense because I was working in a very dangerous position,” Danesh said.

“For me it was really hard, and I lost my hope when the Taliban took over.” ‘ My worst days’ For 10 days, Danesh barely slept.

In the immediate aftermath of the fall of Kabul, he grew his beard long and drove in circles around the capital city, always making sure to avoid the home where his wife, baby and other family members lived in case he was being watched by the Taliban.

When he passed through Taliban checkpoints, he spoke in Pashto instead of Farsi to minimize suspicion. He knew they were on the hunt for interpreters such as himself, knew what punishment would be inflicted upon him if he were discovered by the Taliban, or his family if they couldn’t find him.

“I was in my worst days,

but I wasn’t scared of anything — I was only scared for my family,” Danesh said. “Because in my heart, I did good things.

I worked for removing terrorism. I worked for the greatest military in the world.”

A fellow employee in the armed services, who was living in Texas, emailed Danesh that he could expedite a visa for him to go to Turkey.

“I worked for you guys to go to the States, not go to Turkey,” Danesh told him. “You know my condition very well, but instead of offering your country, you offer me another country.”

He knew that accepting the offer would further complicate the possibility of resettling in the U.S. Danesh and his family finally made their way to the Kabul Airport on Aug. 25, and amid the throngs of people desperate to escape, Danesh went to a sergeant and showed him his yellow interpreter’s badge, telling him his story.

“By God’s grace, he came to me, he checked my badge, and called to the soldiers, ‘Hey, come here, take his hand,’” Danesh said.

When the sergeant asked if he was OK, Danesh said yes — then asked for a cigarette. It had been a stressful few days.

Please see REFUGEES 8

Delight, utility of bulletin boards DONNA LIQUORI

DELMAR - Earlier in the pandemic, I spotted a handwritten note tacked to the “Community Board” in the entranceway of my local market. The writer of the note was looking for a friend, someone to talk with on the phone during these tough times. The next day or so, I noticed the note was gone. I hope someone befriended that person.

As we (hopefully) emerge from these pandemic days, one of my goals is to live life more offline. I’ve spent way too much time reading social media posts. A more enjoyable way to keep up on the latest is a tool that’s been in place for generations: The bulletin board. And as I browsed the boards at the Bethlehem Pub-

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lic Library, the Delmar Marketplace and the Perfect Blend Café and Bakery in my neighborhood, I could see our community coming back to life after a long hibernation.

I learned about the chicken barbecue coming up, where I could rent a Dumpster, and that the cheerleaders were going to the finals and were fundraising (they wisely included a QR code so you could donate right there).

The Albany Diocese was seeking stories about folks buried in their cemeteries, the town grange was hosting a garage sale, and two cats escaped a fire and were now lost. There was a quilting meet-up every second Friday through June, someone was selling a vintage 1966 pink drum set, there was a blood drive next week, and “Les Misérables” was being performed at

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Entrepreneurs seemed to be killing it: the tree service and the firewood selling businesses had very few phone numbers left on those tear-off phone number tabs people fringed on the bottom of fliers. (Maybe they should partner up.)

A baseball card-sized flier pictured a colorful hot air balloon and offered rides. There were a lot of services for self-improvement. I could perfect my tennis game, learn Spanish or call a mobile massage therapist. There were the other kinds of therapists, mental and physical, and an event for Mental Health Awareness Day. And if I wanted to sell my house, there were many, many Realtor business Please see BOARDS 10

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LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

Clifton Park Senior Community Center 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-383-1343 Senior Express -Transportation for Clifton Park Senior Residents – 518-371-4444 Saratoga County Office for the Aging - Home Delivered Meals – 518-3634020 or 518-363-4033 Periodic Activities: call or go online to view our newsletter at https://cliftonpark.org/services/senior-services/senior-center.html Membership to the Center is available to anyone 50+ for ONLY $20 for all of 2022! *Vaccination may be required for some activities.

Please call to register for all programs listed. Thank You* Music at the Center featuring “Chuck Oakes and the Acorns”: Wednesday, April 27th, 12:30pm Bring a lunch or snack, or join us for lunch with the Gather and Dine Program and listen to music at the Senior Center.

FREE - Our Daily Lunch Program (12:00pm Noon)

Brooks BBQs at Newtonville United Methodist Church NEWTONVILLE - Newtonville United Methodist Church is happy to announce its BROOKS BARBECUE dates for 2022. NUMC is located at the corner of Rt. 9 & Maxwell Rd. near Siena College. Our dates for 2022 are: Thursday, May 12; Thursday, June 9; Thursday, August 4; Thursday, September 15; and Thursday, October 6. We offer a chicken dinner for $12 or a rib dinner for $14. Dinners include a baked potato, roll, apple-

is ongoing. Call for details.

MONDAYS: Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Tap Dance, Jazz Dance, Chair Yoga, Beginner Clogging, Intermediate Clogging, Discussion Group, Rummikub, Ukulele, Quilting Group, Soul Line Dancing, Healthy Bones TUESDAYS: Exercise to Tape, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Yoga, Dice Games, Duplicate Bridge Group, Qi-Gong and Tai Chi, Scrabble, Hand and Foot Cards, Square and Round Dancing, Tai Chi for Seniors WEDNESDAYS: Exercise to Tape, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Investment Group, Ukulele Group, Dice Games, Social Bridge, Bowling, Poker, Canasta, Beginner Tai Ch, Knitting and Crocheting, Healthy Bones THURSDAYS: Exercise to Tape, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Chorus, Rummikub, Yoga, Watercolors, Pinochle, Mahjong

FRIDAYS: Tap Dance, Ballet, Orchestra, Woodcarving, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Dominoes, Jewelry Making Class, Bingo, Latin Line Dancing, Healthy Bones Trips! Trips! Trips! Call or stop by today to sign up!

Riverview Inn in PA - Lunch & a Show with Rich Wilson: Wednesday, May 18th Lobsterfest, Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA - Lunch & a Show: Corvette’s Doo-Wop Revue: Thursday, June 9th Medieval Times, Lyndhurst NJ: Wednesday, July 13th New York City Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 2pm: Saturday, July 16th Lake George Dinner Theater – First Night: Thursday, July 28th MacHaydn Theater, Chatham – The Full Monty: Thursday, August 18th Erie Canal Cruise, Waterfront Grill & Herkimer Diamond Mines: Wednesday, August 24th A Day in Boston, MA: Date TBD Proof of Vaccine is required for all trips.

Newtonville UMC Garage Sale Returns!

sauce and a homemade brownie. We also offer the option of just meat – a half chicken for $9 or a half rack of ribs for $11. The doors will open at 3:30 PM and we will serve from 4:00 PM until we sell out.

Please see our church website www.numc.net for the current COVID protocol.

Take Out Only; $15.00 each Includes ½ BBQ Chicken, Baked Potato, Coleslaw, Roll, Butter.

For Tickets call Dean at 518-322-0826.

Funds raised go to Troy area children’s projects.

We will sell out, so reserve your dinners now!!

GREAT FOOD FOR A GREAT CAUSE!!!

or check - made out to SALS Post 1040) Half Chicken, Baked Potato, Coleslaw, Dinner Roll Proceeds fund our programs for the Veterans Orders can be placed by phone message or text to 518-250-9266 or email DelmarSAL1040@gmail. com.

Please provide Name, Phone #, # of dinners, and pick up time; Pickups available on the quarter hour from 4:30 to 6:30; American Legion Post 1040, 16 W Poplar Drive Delmar NY 12054 We anticipate we may sell out - so please place your orders early. Order forms

Troy Kiwanis Chicken BBQ TROY - The annual Kiwanis Club of Troy BBQ fundraiser will take place this year in May. Tuesday, May 10th; St Michael’s Church 175 Williams Road (Next to HVCC) 4-6 PM

Quality

American Legion and Sons of the American Legion Chicken BBQ Dinner DELMAR - Chicken BBQ Dinner - Drive Thru May 13, 2022; $15 (cash

Loundonville Presbyterian Church Artisan Fair

LOUDONVILLE - May 7th; Original Works and Handmade Goods 9:302:00PM We are hosting an event for local artists and crafters at Loudonville Presbyterian Church - 22 Old Niskayuna Rd, Loudonville.

Check us out on Facebook, or call the church 518-4657277. We have so many wonderful artists in our community and we would love to have you come and see and shop their wonderful handicrafts. There will be knitters, handmade paper cards and crafts, quilting, maple products, ceramics, paintings and jewelry - and so much more. It’s going to be fabulous! A perfect place to get a one of kind Mother’s Day gift too! We hope to see you then!!!

NEWTONVILLE Newtonville UMC, located at the corner of Rt. 9 & Maxwell Rd., near Siena College, will have a garage sale on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 8:301:30. Early birds may pay $3 to come in at 8:00AM. Among the items available are: small appliances, furniture, garden tools, sports equipment, holiday decorations, housewares, jewelry, linens, CDs/ DVDs, books and toys.

There will also be a silent auction table. Baked goods will be available by the cafe, which will be open for hotdogs & chili. We are accepting donations starting Mon. April 18, 12:00 noon through Thurs., April 28 whenever the building is open. All donations must be clean and in good repair. No clothing please.

Please support our church by your donations, shopping and/or your presence.

Please see our church website at www.numc.net for current COVID protocols.

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jennifer Morrell 518-454-5513 jmorrell@timesunion.com

DISPLAY ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Heidi Gaschel 518-965-1714 Heidi.gaschel@theadvertiser.us

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COLONIE - Have fun and win cash. Wednesdays at 1 p.m.No registration required. (With Viola!). 518-459-2857 x 327, cbarrett@colonieseniors.org available in the lounge as well.

(We will have this event on June 10th as well - so mark your calendars!!!)

Thank you for your support and the support to the VETERANS

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CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Margaret Bunkoff 518-454-5503 classifieds@ crwnewspapers.com Fax: 518-454-5542

DISPLAY AD DEADLINE: Friday 4:00pm CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 2:00pm Twin Bridges Edition

COLONIE - Join us for fresh air, friendship and great exercise. Meet in the Lakeview Dining Room.

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. 518459-2857 x 327, cbarrett@ colonieseniors.org

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AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY Vicher Ferry Cemetery Opened VISCHER FERRY - The Winter is over and time for the cemetery to be opened.

Thank you for publishing this timely notice.

The Vischer Ferry Cemetery adjacent to Amity Reformed Church, 335 Riverview Road, Vischer Ferry has reopened.

The Winter conditions are over. The roadway into and exit from the cemetery will be accessible for the coming seasons entry.

Capital District Chapter Columbiettes Will Host Their April Meeting COHOES - Sunday , April 24th, 2022 at 1 PM, the at the Cohoes Council Knights of Columbus, 255 Remsen Street, Cohoes, N.Y. 12047. (Directions: I -787 Columbia Street Exit, west on Columbia Street and Left on Remsen Street, Council Hall is on the left.)

The Covered Dish Dinner and Capital District Raffle Fundraiser will be held at this meeting.

Covered Dish Dinner is $5.00 per person and Raffe tickets will be available for purchase at the event!

The Colonie Art League, The Friends of Pruyn House and The Town of Colonie are Co-Sponsoring an Art Exhibit at Pruyn House LATHAM - 207 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham NY for four weeks from April 4, 2022 – April 29, 2022. This is a juried show and will feature approximately sixty selected paintings by members of

the Colonie Art League.

Pruyn House will be open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and there is no admission fee.

The Colonie Art League was founded in 1974 by a group of Capital District artists to foster the advancement of visual arts in the area. Currently, the League has a membership of approximately 200 artists working in a wide variety of two-dimensional media. A major purpose of the League is to increase public awareness of original art that is being produced in the Capital District by arranging exhibits in public places.

The League also provides a forum for artists to interact and exchange ideas and materials and promotes art as a career for area high school students.

The Friends of Pruyn House is a not-for-profit membership group which manages the Pruyn House Complex, the Cultural Center owned by the Town of Colonie. For information call 783-1435.

Amity Reformed Church Brooks BBQ Drive-Thru Take Out Dinner VISCHER FERRY Friday, April 22 from 3:00-6:00, 335 Riverview Road, Vischer Ferry.

Amity Reformed Church is holding a take out dinner BBQ, until sold out.

Brooks BBQ will have 1/2 roasted chicken, baked potato, cold slaw, roll/butter and a home baked brownie for dessert. Price is $14.00 - CASH ONLY. Cars will be directed to follow sign to drive thru and be conducted by attendant to pick up area. For further information phone 518-371-8237.

Community Caregivers – Neighbors Helping Neighbors Volunteer Orientation Sessions CAPITAL DISTRICT - Can you spare an hour or two a month to help your community? Our volunteers make friendly phone calls & visits, grocery shop and drive our neighbors* to medical appointments.

Orientation is a first step in volunteering with us.

Please allow 45 minutes.

Please register at the email below or by calling 518456-2898.

Individual sessions are available upon request by emailing Meredith Osta at: meredith@communitycaregivers.org April 26th – 12 PM via Zoom Link to be sent via email prior to the session; We look forward to meeting you! *Serving Albany & Rensselaer Counties Community Caregivers is a non-profit agency supported by community donations, and grants from The Albany County Department for Aging, the NYS Department of Health and Office for the Aging & the U.S. Administration on Aging.

Steamer Car Show STILLWATER - The Stillwater Fire Department will hold its 25th Annual “Steamer Car Show” on Saturday, April 30th at the Stillwater High School, 1068 Hudson Avenue (Routes 4 and 32), zip 12170. The rain date will be Sunday, May 1st. This event is open to all vehicles. Registration will take place at the gate. Food available from Sarchioto’s Concession, music, a 50/50 raffle, and Silent Auction. $10 donation for vehicle There is no charge for admission for the public. For more information, please contact Jeri at 518-281-5920 or email jeri590@nycap.rr.com.

St. Matthew & St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ALBANY - 1500 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203 (across from Stuyvesant Plaza). (518) 464-2648. Join us every Sunday for worship at 10:00am followed by adult Bible study at 11:20am. Children are welcome in worship and Sunday School at 11:20am. Coffee and snacks provided each week. All are welcome!

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The Jubilate Singers and Orchestra Will Present “Sing for Joy 2” DELMAR - Sunday, April 24th at 4:00 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Avenue, Delmar, NY. Under the direction of Dr. Ralph Schultz, the program will share the Joy of knowing Jesus, beginning with His birth at Christmas, through His life and death, and finally to the Joy of the empty tomb. Included are works

by Bach, Handel, Rutter, Stopford, and Schultz.

Admission to the concert is free as we welcome our singers and audience back after a two-year hiatus, but those who wish may leave a donation at the door as they leave. We invite you to join us in celebrating our Lord and Savior in song. Questions? Call the church office at 518-4394328.

Trip Committee Afternoon Tea Social CAPITAL DISTRICT - On Thursday, April 28th at 1:00 pm, please join us for “An Afternoon Tea Social”. Bring your favorite tea cup too! Enjoy delectable offerings such as delicate finger sandwiches and fruited scones to compliment one’s choice of tea. If you are so inclined, wear your hat and white gloves as well. If you have a favorite tea, please bring it along to share! An RSVP is requested, please call 518-235-8500.

Trip Committee met for the first time this year and there will be information shared in the near future about some great places we hope be visiting.

Regular scheduleMonday- Cards 10 am,

Sewing 1 pm Tuesday- presentations, bingo 1 pm Wednesday- Walking group 1030am, special events.

Thursday- Chair Yoga 1030 am, Art class 1 pm.

Friday- Cards 10 am, Watercolor Class 1 pm.

THE CENTER at Colonie Senior Service Centers April Classes and Events COLONIE - THE CENTER is a place for individuals 55 years of age or older to learn, grow, exercise and be creative. Best of all, it’s a place to have fun!

Prices are listed as member and not-yet-member.

Price listed are member/ non-member. Please note, proof of vaccination is required for all events.

April Art Events include: Ombre Shells Wreath, 4/27, 1:00 p.m., $10/$15 April Travel Events include: NYS Military Museum and Lunch, 4/26, $15/$25 Tour of Olana, 4/29, $35/$45 April Fitness Events include (classes continue through June): Bowling Lessons and Games, starts 4/22, $45/55 Meet ups include book club, writer’s group, open studio, and a kitting group.

Games include bridge, pool, bingo, poker, cribbage and Mah Jong.

Call 518-459-2857 x 327 or email THECENTERatCSSC@colonieseniors. org for information. All events take place at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany NY. Registration required.

Waterford Knights of Columbus Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station WATERFORD - Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes, French toast, Sausage, Bacon, Seasoned Home Fries, Toast, coffee, tea, orange and apple juices.

Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing.

Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast !

WHEN: Sunday, May 1st, 2022, 8:00am – 11:00am Every 1st Sunday of the Month WHERE: K of C Hall, 76 Grace Street, Waterford waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330 $10.00 adult - $5.00 children (Children under 4 free)

Please send your news and photos to bulletinboard@crwnewspapers.com.

Please include contact information.

Dessert Social

COLONIE - Friday – April 29 @ 7pm: Join us for a Dessert Social. Enjoy desserts that will delight your senses and palate.

Conversations and music over dessert. Bring your favorite dessert to share. $5 with dessert to share and $10 without. Seating is limited. Plenty of free parking. Handicap accessible. Call 518-452-6883 for information. Location in Colonie: Hanover Square Building, 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Offices and Apts.) at “Hill” door.

Colonie VFW Auxiliary Community Tag Sale Spaces Available

COLONIE - Robert L. Weininger VFW Post 8692 Auxiliary will host a Community Tag Sale on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 9am to 4pm.

140 VFW Drive, Colonie 12205. (New Karner Road/ Route 155 to Rifle Range Road or to VFW Drive.)

Rent a 12-ft by 8-ft area for your sales. Limited number of covered (pavilion) areas each with a picnic table at $30 each. Open (outdoor) areas at $25 each, plus $5 for table if requested. You may bring your own table(s) and/or pop-up(s). Reserve your area by calling Mary at 518-785-3301.

Community Caregivers – Lunchtime Chats

CAPITAL DISTRICT Simply call 518-992-6661 OR You can contact us and we will can set it up for us to dial you!

Friday, April 22 1 PM Topic: Think Green, Keep It Clean: Happy Earth Day!

Tuesday, April 26 1 PM - Topic: Working on Wellness with MHANY Speaker: Mental Health Association in New York Friday, April 29 1 PM Topic: The Life of William Shakespeare Community Caregivers Office: 518-456-2898 Chat Number: 518-992-6661 COMMUNITY CAREGIVERS IS A NON-PROFIT AGENCY SUPPORTED BY COMMUNITY DONATIONS, AND GRANTS FROM THE ALBANY COUNTY DEPARTMENT FOR AGING, THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OFFICE FOR THE AGING & THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION ON AGING. All are welcome! Our Lunch Time Chat program is open to all. Each call has an interesting program that includes an opportunity to discuss the topic.

Chats are most Tuesdays and Fridays, always at 1 PM Simply dial-in to hear about a variety of interesting topics! It’s free and easy to join!

All-Bach Concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

ALBANY - Sunday, May 1 at 3 PM. Organ music will be performed by Dr. Brian Glikes, organist at St. Andrew’s Church in Albany. The soloists from St. Paul’s Choir will present arias from Bach’s B Minor Mass and from several Cantatas. They will be accompanied by chamber orchestra conducted by Steven Rosenberry. The public is cordially invited. Admission is $20 and there is ample free parking at the church. located at 21 Hackett Blvd in Albany.

A reception follows the concert.

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PAGE 4 | APRIL 21, 2022

LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

OPINION

The Biden administration is addressing medical debt.

It's about time.

By Paul Waldman

(c) 2022, The Washington Post Politics is and always has been the art of the possible; no public official unwilling to pursue immediate, incremental progress will accomplish much of anything. That particularly applies to presidents, who have to do plenty of small-scale governing even as they wage attention-getting battles over bigger questions.

But politics is also about imagination, and if you lose that while trying to eke out small victories, small victories are the only kind you'll win.

Keep those ideas in mind as we consider a Biden administration initiative you probably haven't heard about, on medical debt. This is an enormous problem for huge numbers of Americans. Because our health care system is incredibly dysfunctional, tens of millions of people are carrying medical debt that they can't immediately pay.

One study estimated the total amount of medical debt Americans owe in collection - meaning that the bills haven't been paid and they've been referred to collection agencies - at a staggering $140 billion.

Who is hit hardest? People suffering from poverty who live in Republican-run states that refused to accept the expansion of Medicaid in the Affordable Care Act. In the South, nearly a quarter of all adults are carrying medical debt, though it's a problem in every part of the country.

So the White House just unveiled a new set of policies to address the problem. The administration will be evaluating providers' billing practices; investigating credit reporting companies and collection agencies to make sure they aren't violating consumers' rights; eliminating medical debt as a factor in assessing federally-backed mortgage applications and other kinds of government credit; and streamlining the process for low-income veterans to get their medical debt forgiven.

These steps could, over time, make having that debt somewhat less onerous, but you'll notice that apart from veterans, it doesn't actually remove anyone's debt.

That the administration is doing anything on medical debt is a good thing, since it brings attention to the issue.

But the underlying reality is that so many Americans are burdened by medical debt for both short-term and longterm reasons.

In the short term, it's because in recent years, insurance companies have moved more and more to plans with high deductibles and other kinds of cost-sharing, meaning that even if you have insurance, there's a good chance that having an accident or an illness will saddle you with bills you can't pay.

A s a nother recent study found, "About half of households could not afford a typical employer plan deductible and almost two in three households do not have enough resources to cover a higher-end deductible of private health plans."

The longer-term problem is that we have what is without question the worst health care system in the developed world. Unlike every other advanced democracy, our system is organized to maximize profits for a large group of influential and wealthy interests, from doctors to hospitals to drug companies to insurers. Which is why we spend far more than any other country while leaving tens of millions without any coverage at all.

We didn't set out to make it so terrible. Unlike some of our peer countries, we never had a single moment when we debated and decided on what the whole system would look like, then implemented our decision. It happened incrementally.

So we w ind up engaged in a decades-long game of whack-a-mole with the health care and insurance industries, in which one horrifically abusive practice comes to light, we spend some time trying to address it while the industry fights reform tooth and nail, and then finally a law or regulation takes effect to scale it back, at which point the industry shifts its attention to another method of squeezing vulnerable people for more cash.

That's what happened with rescissions and with surprise billing, and now it's happening with medical debt. And this is where the question of imagination returns. If you asked someone from Canada or England or France or Japan how their country deals with the problem of medical debt, they'd respond, "Medical what now?" They all have different systems and some may require a bit more out-of-pocket costs than others, but one of the things they have in common is that people in those countries don't go bankrupt because they got sick or were in a car crash. Medical debt on anything but the tiniest scale is just not a thing.

A sane health care system makes sure that everyone is covered and can afford what they have to pay. So even as we're taking every step we can think of to address the problems and inequities in our health care system in whatever ways our political system allows, we shouldn't forget that it doesn't have to be this way.

We all know how hard it is to create a rational, affordable and humane health care system, especially given all the money at stake and all the interests who like the status quo. But other countries have done it, and we could too. And we shouldn't ever stop trying.

Loose Nuke Talk Victor Davis Hanson, Tribune Content Agency

Americans, like the planet's other 7.5 billion people, are not prone to talk or think much about nuclear weapons.

Of course, some of us are old enough to remember how "mutually assured destruction," or MAD, was supposed to ensure the general peace.

Some recall the eerie Cold War-era nuclear bomb movies like "Dr. Strangelove" or "Fail Safe" or the more recent post-nuclear Armageddon films like "The Book of Eli." Millions have grown up referring to the scary "doomsday clock" of atomic scientists that usually ticks closer to a midnight nuclear holocaust in times of crisis.

So the planet is not naive about the dangers of its 13,000 to 15,000 nuclear weapons. In 1961, the Soviet Union terrified the world when it exploded history's greatest nuke - the 50-megaton "Tsar Bomba."

The Cuban Missile Crisis a year later brought the United States and the Soviet Union closer to a nuclear exchange than at any time since.

In 1983, former President Ronald Reagan countered the Soviet nuclear-tipped SS-20 ballistic missiles aimed at Europe by stationing American Pershing II missiles in Germany.

In response, for a few months Hollywood and the media began talking about a "nuclear winter" to follow the supposedly reckless war talk of the American cowboy president. But what followed was a series of superpower missile negotiations that lowered the tensions of the waning Cold War. During the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, Russian-backed Serbia was bombed by NATO air forces intent on stopping the slaughter of Kosovars. At one point in 1999, a senior British NATO commander Lt. General Michael Jackson refused an order from his superior U.S. counterpart General Wesley Clark to block Russian use of an airfield with the now famous rejoinder, "I'm not going to start Third World War for you."

Every time a nondemocratic nation joins the nuclear club - Pakistan in the mid-1980s, North Korea in 2006 - the chances of a nuclear exchange supposedly increase.

But we forget that a number of powerful European and Asian states could easily go nuclear at any time within months. Instead, influential, wealthy nations like Australia, Germany, Japan, and South Korea rely on either NATO or the huge nuclear arsenal of the U.S. to deter their nuclear enemies. If that assurance is ever in doubt, then at any moment they may decide to go nuclear themselves.

Nuke talk especially heats up anytime a rogue nation - usually one ostracized by the United Nations, such as Saddam Hussein's Iraq, the late Muammar Gaddafi's regime in Libya, or theocratic Iran - begins enriching uranium.

Yet for the most part as long as the world's three largest nuclear powers the U.S., Russia, and China - do not square off in a war or are not sucked into a third-party conflict, the world assumes nukes are out of sight and out of mind.

Or so we thought until recently.

The current Ukraine war has restarted loose nuke talk. Once outmanned, outnumbered Ukraine unexpectedly repelled Russian invaders - thanks to massive shipments of sophisticated Western anti-tank and anti-aircraft arms - talk arose from Russia about the use of nuclear weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently boasted of possibly using nukes against both Ukraine, and, more ominously, those NATO countries who aided Kyiv. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron reminded Russia that NATO itself has an ample nuclear deterrent.

In theory, should NATO and the U.S. supply Ukraine tanks, artillery, and planes, the fierce Ukrainians could push the entire Russian army entirely out of their country. But would a nuclear Putin allow that?

Over the last few weeks nuclear talk has arisen over a myriad of issues. If the war continues to go badly for Russia, at what point will a seemingly erratic Putin begin issuing nuclear redlines to Ukraine and its allies?

Would a crushing defeat push over the edge a nuclear trash-talking Putin facing the possible end of his regime?

Ukraine nuke talk spins off into lots of other places. Nuclear North Korea is resuming its ballistic missile launches to intimidate non-nuclear South Korea and Japan. China is rapidly expanding its nuclear stockpiles and now talks openly of ending a free Taiwan, warning Taiwan's friends and allies to keep out - or else.

Iran promises to become nuclear soon. Nuclear Russia has assumed the role of interlocutor of all discussions to restart a new nuclear "Iran deal."

Russia controls Syrian airspace. In theory, Putin could stop nuclear Israel either from replying to terrorist attacks emanating from Syria, or from staging a preemptive attack on Iran's nuclear bomb facilities.

Suddenly newspapers and blogs seemed fixated on hyping the relative stockpiles and megatonnage of various nuclear states, as if they were just GDP or energy output data.

The world has become nuclear obsessed. Is there a danger in daily normalizing the abnormal and casually thinking the unthinkable?

Curbing loose nuke talk won't calm tensions or guarantee peace, but it wouldn't hurt either.

Send Us Your Thoughts Regarding Our Opinion Page.

We look forward to expanding our papers with diverse views.

Please send to bulletinboard@crwnewspapers.com

May & June Lacrosse Programs For Boys

May & June Lacrosse Programs For Girls

May & June Field Hockey

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Capitalland lacrosse will be running a boy’s MAY & JUNE lacrosse programs.

Players can chose to play on Tuesdays night, Sunday afternoons or BOTH. Programs will start on May 10 and end on June 26. Each group will play for an hour and a half each day/night. Levels include: a co-ed K – 5th learn to play program; boys instructional programs for beginner & novice players grades 2nd – 5th & 6th- 10th; an advanced instruction program for players in graders 3 – 6 & 7 – 9 who want to refine their game while being introduced to more advanced techniques. All age level will be separated and a scrimmage will be held each night. For more information on all of these programs go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@ capitallandlacrosse.com.

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Capitalland lacrosse will be running a girls MAY & JUNE lacrosse program. Players can chose to play on Tuesdays night, Sunday afternoons or BOTH. All programs will start on May 10 and end on June 26. Each group will play for an hour and a half each day/night. Levels include: a co-ed K – 5th learn to play program; girls instructional programs for beginner & novice players grades 3rd - 10th, an advanced program for players in graders 6th –8th and one for 9 - 10 who want to refine their game while being introduced to more advanced techniques. All age level will be separated and a scrimmage will be held each night. For more information go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@capitallandlacrosse.com.

CAPITAL DISTRICT - Capitalland Field Hockey will be running a MAY & JUNE field hockey program for players in graders K – 12 grades. Players can chose to play on Tuesdays night, Sunday afternoons or BOTH. All programs will start on May 10 and end on June 26. Each group will play for an hour and a half each day/night.

Levels include: a K-3 learn to play program; girls instructional programs for beginner & novice players grades 3 - 10, an advanced program for players in graders 6 –9 and one for 10 - 12 who want to refine their game while being introduced to more advanced techniques. All age level will be separated and a scrimmage will be held each night. For more information go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@capitallandlacrosse.com.

APRIL 21, 2022 | PAGE 5

LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

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PAGE 6 | APRIL 21, 2022

LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

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1. NEVER BLAME THE VICTIM: We tend to blame the victim by asking, “What did she/he do, to be treated that way?” We don’t ask this question to other victims. Instead, we need to ask: “why does he/she choose to abuse?”. Let the victim know that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect.

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Ask the victims what they need to feel safe and offer the desired support.

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5. HOLD THE OFFENDERS ACCOUNTABLE: If it is safe to do so, impose social consequences on the abusers, like telling them they’re not welcome for the family dinner or to hang out, until their abusive behavior stops. Stop condoning their abusive behavior by saying “boys will be boys” or “that person would never abuse.”

Family, friends and community members telling the offenders that their behavior is abusive, is a powerful deterrent against DV. 6. COUNTER THE STEREOTYPES: We need to counter inequalities and rigid gender roles like sexism

and racism and educate the youth to reject these ‘-isms’.

7. BE AWARE THAT ABUSE IS ROOTED IN POWER AND CONTROL: Strategically isolating the victims from family and friends is a common tactic of the abuser, to gain power and control. Abusers may trap their partners by withholding, lying about or hiding financial assets which are forms of financial abuse.

8. WE CAN PREVENT DOMESTIC ABUSE WITH EDUCATION AND ACTION. These are some of the ways: start an informed conversation about DV with your loved ones, support the local DV agencies by donating your time and money and giving wide publicity to the 24/7 DV Hotlines, to make them as well-known as ‘911’.

These agencies provide confidential and comprehensive services to the victims: empathy, guidance, counseling, legal and safe shelter support for the entire family.

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Alcohol and Gambling Don’t Mix – Alcohol Awareness Month

In a national study, 73.2% of individuals diagnosed with a gambling problem also had an alcohol use disorder. Additionally, alcohol can compound the effects of a gambling disorder. For example, people may use alcohol in excess to celebrate a win or cope with anger and depression after a gambling loss. The lack of inhibition caused by alcohol use can also lead to further reckless gambling behavior.

Alcohol and gambling disorders are similar in that they both can take priority over other aspects of your life and have an effect on your relationships, work, physical health, mental well-being, and financial stability.

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APRIL 21, 2022 | PAGE 7

LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

Veteran Walkathon COLONIE - The Albany County American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion are holding our Veteran Walkathon on Saturday, April 30th, at Cook Park in the Village of Colonie. Registration starts at 11:00am and Walk will start at Noon at the Sharon Drive Pavilion. All donations are tax deductible and will go to the homeless veteran projects at the VA Medical Centers in NYS and to the non-profit, American Vet Dogs that raises and trains dogs to help veterans. You can call Judy Benner at 518-869-8668 or Dave Bishop at 518-590-6483 with any questions.

The 42nd Annual Albany CROP Hunger Walk ALBANY - After two years of virtual events, the 42nd annual Albany CROP Hunger Walk (now known as the John U. Miller Memorial CROP Hunger Walk) will take place on Sunday, May 1, starting and ending at First Lutheran Church in Albany, located at 181 Western Ave,, between Quail and Lake. Walkers can register and/or form a team on-line now, and show up

to walk in person on May 1, or walk virtually wherever and whenever they want during the month of May. The important thing is to raise funds to help support local food pantries as well as global hunger relief and development efforts.

Visit the Walk web site at www.crophungerwalk. org/albanyny for details about the walk, to register, or to donate. Last year’s Walk raised close to $104,000; this year’s goal is $100,000. One-quarter of the funds raised stays local, the remainder is used by Church World Service and its partners around the world. This year a portion of the funds will be used for the refugee crisis in Europe. Call the office of the Capital Area Council of Churches at (518)462-5450 for more information.

Jonesville United Methodist Church Food Pantry

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.

Hanging Plants For Sale MECHANICVILLE - There will be a Hanging Flower Basket Sale, Saturday, May 7th, 10 am to 1 pm in the parking lot of St. Luke’s on the Hill, 40 McBride Road, (GPS) Mechanicville, 12118, off Pruyn Hill Road, Town of Halfmoon. This is an outdoor drive-in, drive-out event and is just in time for Mother’s Day on May 8th.

GreenScapes of Melrose will provide the flowers. A 10-inch basket is $30.00 and a 12-inch basket is $40.00.

Gift certificates are available in advance. Call 518-6645346. The proceeds are a benefit for the lumber necessary to construct beds under the supervision of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a local organization that builds beds for children in need. The “Bed Build” will take place Saturday, August 6th, 9 am to 1 pm at St. Luke’s on the Hill parking lot. You do not have to be a member of St. Luke’s to volunteer for the “Bed Build.” All help is welcome and appreciated! Like Us on Facebook, https://urldefense. com/v3/__http://www.stlukesonthehill.org__;!!Ivohdkk!1PNdz8B7yEFL7dEyrXCFsiuavTdEhRuD061UFF7PtBGVZwvrQ845c-2Uc3RbxPOwyIpR6duI$ , 518-664-4834, officeadmin@stlukesonthehill.org

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PAGE 8 | APRIL 21, 2022

LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

REFUGEES CONTINUED FROM 1

Finally, he felt he and his family were safe.

Long way to new home Roughly 4,000 Afghan refugees had rapidly surged into the Fort Pickett military base in Virginia as they awaited a longterm resettlement option in the country.

Danesh and his family joined them Oct.14.

It took nearly two months for Danesh and his family to make it to the U.S., with long waits in Qatar and Germany along the way. When they made it to the military base,

HOROSCOPE Week Of April 24, 2022

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, a mild feeling of discontent has you searching for new projects. There may be something that has been on your to-do list, but you can’t seem to figure it out right now.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 A lot of things are keeping you on your toes, Taurus.

There’s a good chance you have been craving some quiet time. Find a retreat and stay there for a couple of days.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 There are no obstacles in your way on the path to success this week, Gemini. If you have been holding off on big plans, now is the time to push things into action.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, aligning your goals with others is a surefire way to get things accomplished.

You can deviate onto your own course when action is established.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, take a moment and be sure a goal you’re pursuing right now is really worth it.

If finances are involved, you will likely have to pay it back in the near future.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, collaboration could be key in the days ahead.

Another person gets the ball rolling and now you can join in. Follow their lead and trust this person’s judgment.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 So many voices are shouting at you from different directions, Libra. With so much advice coming your way, you may not know which way to turn. Mull it over a bit longer.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Nothing is guaranteed, but taking a risk this week could pay off in a big way, Scorpio.

Things are more likely to go your way this time of the month, so start moving!

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Pay some extra attention to your life at home, Sagittarius.

There are issues that can use a little attention. Letting them fester could lead to big problems.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 A hectic week is likely ahead of you, Capricorn. Things seemingly pop up out of nowhere and you have to figure out how to tackle them all. Try to delegate some of your tasks.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 It’s understandable that you want to make some waves right now, Aquarius. However, it may be better to aim for subtle ripples instead of a cannonball splash.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Express your confident side at work and others will be inspired, Pisces. It’s good to stray out of your comfort zone every so often.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS APRIL 24 Kelly Clarkson, Singer (40) APRIL 25 Al Pacino, Actor (82) APRIL 26 Kevin James, Actor (57) APRIL 27 Corey Seager, Athlete (28) APRIL 28 Melanie Martinez, Singer (27) APRIL 29 Michelle Pfeiffer, Actress (64) APRIL 30 Gal Gadot, Actress (37)

there was more waiting to be connected with a refugee resettlement organization that would take them to their final destination.

“It was never making sense because I was working in a very dangerous position. For me it was really hard, and I lost my hope when the Taliban took over.”

— Abdul Hameed Danesh The food at the base was scarce and average-tasting, he said. Medical care was extremely difficult to access and showers were initially nonexistent.

After another three months, the family’s plane touched down at Albany International Airport, where they were picked up by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

This would be their new home.

At first, Danesh and his family were placed at an Albany hotel along with dozens of other Afghan refugees, which USCRI said it had to resort to due to the shortage of quality, affordable housing in the area. The community was nice to have, but they felt like they were in limbo. Without a washer/dryer, kitchen or space for their toddler, 18-month-old Abubaker, to run around, Danesh and his wife were itching to leave the hotel and start their lives.

That’s when Danesh, two weeks into living at the hotel, met Vera Eccarius-Kelly, a political science professor at Siena College, who told him about an apartment they had available on campus.

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Following Russell Sage College’s September announcement about hosting a refugee family, Siena signed up to participate in the national ECAR program and USCRI Albany’s Good Neighbor Teams program — which allows community groups to sponsor refugees.

Danesh immediately sent a text to his USCRI manager: “Hey, I met Vera. Tomorrow I’m going to leave,” he summarized.

With a snowstorm making its way to Albany, Eccarius-Kelly quickly took Danesh and his wife to buy groceries for their new home so they could leave the hotel sooner.

Now, they have a full kitchen where Danesh’s wife cooks flavors of home, a fenced-in backyard with a grill where they anticipate hosting barbecues during warmer weather, and a large apartment for Abubaker to explore.

Making of a community The smells of cumin, cardamom and lamb filled the apartment on a recent weekday. Danesh’s wife, who the Times Union is not naming to protect the safety of her relatives still in Afghanistan, quickly walked to the door when she heard a knock, letting in Siena third-year students Victoria Mangelli and Kiley Lenahan. It was time for their weekly social hour to practice English.

“I’m excited we finally get to have lunch together,” Mangelli said, watching as Danesh’s wife lifted the lid off the pot and scooped steaming heaps of kabuli pulao — an Afghan dish consisting of rice, lamb, carrots and raisins — onto plates.

Danesh and his family have visitors at their apartment on a regular basis, always checking in on the family to make sure they’re OK and helping them with anything they need and providing them with a sense of community. His wife has made friends with some of the students and is slowly improving her English. Danesh was able to secure an administrative job at Albany Upstate Dental through another student visitor, whose parents own the dental practice. Recently, they also received a visit from Siena President Christopher Gibson, who is a military combat veteran, in addition to being a former congressman.

Danesh's family’s experience as part of ECAR is quite different than that of other Afghan refugees in the area.

Many remained at the Albany hotel for up to three months before securing long-term housing elsewhere, Please see REFUGEES 10

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Clockwise from Top: The great room in the main house, a circa 1880 farmhouse, event space on the property.

PHOTOS BY LINDA CUSMA

Scotch Hill Farm, formerly owned by author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, stands on 148 acres.

A

Washington County compound that belonged to Maurice Sendak is on the market. Sendak bought the 48-acre property approximately 25 years ago as a place for children’s theater and a summer retreat. Owned since Sendak’s death in 2013 by his longtime friend and assistant, it has been a place for emerging children’s book authors and illustrators to live and create, surrounded by tranquility. There are several buildings on the property. In addition to the original 1880s farmhouse and barn, there are two LEIGH additional homes, a pavilion, HORNBECK a greenhouse, sheds and a HOUSE OF stable. The property is under THE WEEK an agricultural easement so it cannot be developed beyond the needs of a farm. Cambridge schools. Taxes: $18,000.

List price: $1.4 million. Contact listing agent Dona Federico of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty at 518-421-6753. n If

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Kitchen in the main house, a bedroom in the caretaker’s house, a sitting room in the guest house.

APRIL 21, 2022 | PAGE 9

LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

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PAGE 10 | APRIL 21, 2022

REFUGEES CONTINUED FROM 8

and will not be financially supported for as long as, nor as much as, Danesh’s family. And with varying English and computer skills, as well as fewer

BOARDS CONTINUED FROM 1

cards.

I could get my leaves raked, my hair cut and my house painted. I could take art lessons. There were a number of people looking to take care of older folks as home health aides. Someone needed a roommate.

At the library, two hand-colored fliers for Tiny Superheroes, an organization that gives superhero capes to kids struggling with illness, wasn’t asking for donation, but giving away tear-offs with these words written on them: courage, kindness, gratitude, wonder, joy and hope. (They were half gone and I took wonder.)

There were educational events: Selected Shorts at the Writers Institute, a book signing, and nature and climate programs for all ages. Oh, and it’s National Poetry Month.

“I think a bulletin board brings us back to the old times,” said John Hooper, one of the owners of the Delmar Marketplace, where my daughter works. “You know how many people look at that bulletin board?” Dozens of business cards were pinned to the board. “I’m glad we have this. No cost and it’s good information,” Hooper said.

The bulletin boards were refreshingly free of political statements, random opinions and amateur medical advice. And they haven’t changed much since the early part of the

LOCAL FIRST | TWIN BRIDGES

networking opportunities, many refugees would not be able to secure an office job like Danesh has.

“Ninety-five percent of them don’t have a job yet, and I know just two or three people just started their primary steps like background

checks,” Danesh said of the refugees he knows.

“In Afghanistan, most of them do not have computer access, and they are not able to speak English.

And when they move from Afghanistan to the biggest country, it’s difficult for them.”

Danesh has an infectious optimism, always saying how grateful he is. He has dreams for the future. He wants his wife to learn English and get her driver’s license, then become a grade-school teacher like she was in Afghanistan. He wants to

transfer his college credits, and continue his higher education in business administration. He wants to save money for his own apartment once the ECAR sponsorship is over at the end of the year.

“We came here to feel we have a home and we are

starting our regular life,” he said. “However, the U.S. is called land of opportunity, and I believe that as soon as you can stand on your own feet, it’s a good thing. I want to stand on my own feet, and I want to find the way of my life.”

20th century.

That’s when, in 1925, George Brooks of Topeka, Kan., got us started with the modern bulletin boards by patenting the corkboards. And it’s still considered an effective communication and marketing tool. Occasionally, you get a treasure like the good vibes from the Tiny Superheroes.

A few years ago, researchers in Sweden sent school children around to snap photos of items on analog bulletin boards and analyzed the data. “The Public Library of Science 2018 study found “the bulletin board continues to fulfill an important function within the close and local surroundings of its placement contributing to maintenance of Swedish culture and social life.”

The study documented local messages on the boards mostly from sports clubs, churches or local cultural groups. “Such groups use the boards to spread invitations to local activities with the goal of gathering people in social activities and therefore also shaping Swedish cultural life.” Educational life was also reflected as a “curriculum of the local community.”

Bulletin boards are ubiquitous, something you start noticing when you look for them, slow down and read their offerings.

They offer the kind of comfort and sense of place that social media can’t, and they do so in a non-invasive, non-data collecting way. Online bulletin

boards sprung from these simple cork-boards, but the analog version with its hodgepodge of handwrit-

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And bulletin boards don’t have trolls.

I think a bulletin board

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