Prints Paw

The dangers of letting cats roam outdoors

The joy that companion animals bring into a household is what compels millions of people to adopt, purchase or foster pets. Pet ownership requires doing what is necessary to keep the animal content and healthy. Recognizing various common health conditions that can turn up in pets is one component of responsible pet ownership. Popcorn paws is a common yet lesser known condition that affects popular house pets like cats and dogs.

What is popcorn paws?

Popcorn paws, sometimes called Frito® feet, is often discovered when pet owners are tending to their dogs and cats. The condition is so named because pet owners often notice their animals’ paws smell of popcorn or corn chips. That odor is a byproduct of bacteria.

Billions of microorganisms are teeming on the skin of pets like dogs and cats. According to the staff at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, popcorn paws occurs when bacteria called pseudomonas and proteus mix with sweat and other moisture on the paws of pets’ feet. Coupled with microbes on the pet’s tongue, which the animal will likely use to clean areas of its body, including the paws, these microbes grow and give off a yeasty odor that some have likened to the smell of popcorn or corn chips.

Dogs in particular have an abundance of sweat glands in their feet. Furthermore, the area between the pads on their paws is moist and dark, which makes this area ripe for the overgrowth of bacteria and yeasts. Even though these microbes are naturally occurring, an overwhelming smell may indicate they’ve proliferated out of control.

When should I be concerned?

Minor yeasty aromas may be nothing to worry about, and keeping pets’ paws clean and dry may help clear up the issue. Long fur on the paws and in between the pads of the feet should be trimmed to curb odor and reduce the accumulation of debris and dirt in these areas. Various hygienic measures can help the matter.

The dog health and lifestyle experts at Dogster.com say that if the smell is quite foul, or the pet is consistently licking its feet or having trouble walking, the situation may be more serious. An injury or yeast infection could be at play. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and discuss symptoms with a veterinarian. The doctor may suggest certain measures, including changing diet and altering hygiene routines. This is a safer bet than homeopathic treatments or strategies touted on medically unsanctioned websites.

Popcorn paws could be making pets a little more smelly than they need to be. Thankfully, getting on top of this health condition is relatively simple.

House cats make peculiar, interesting and lovable companions. Cat owners often go to great lengths to make their furry feline friends feel good, and some may allow cats to roam outside. Though such a decision may be well-intentioned, it could lead to some troubling consequences.

The animal welfare organization American Humane notes that allowing indoor cats outside could jeopardize their health and safety in a number of ways.

Health

Cats allowed to venture outside may encounter feral cats, which American Humane notes can be carriers of disease. A 2014 study published in the journal Zoonoses and Public Health estimated that between 60 and 100 million feral cats live in the United States, and that figure could be even higher today. The animal rights organization PETA notes that contagious diseases such as herpes viral conjunctivitis, feline AIDS, leukemia, and infectious peritonitis are common in feral cats. Indoor and outdoor cats who catch these diseases could suffer serious consequences, including death.

Infection with parasites is another potential outcome for indoor cats allowed outdoors. Though American Humane notes parasites are not usually life-threatening for cats, they can cause a multitude of symptoms, including scratching, skin infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fleas, ticks, ear mites, gastrointestinal worms, and ringworm, which can be passed on to people in certain situations, are just some of the parasites cats can pick up if allowed outside.

Safety Safety is another factor cat owners must consider as they ponder whether or not to let their cats outside. American Human disputes the notion that cats have an innate instinct to avoid busy streets. Reliable estimates regarding how many cats are struck and killed by cars each year are hard to come by, but it bears noting that cats’ small stature makes them hard for motorists to see, which could make them more vulnerable to being hit by cars than dogs.

Vehicles are not the only outdoor safety threat to cats. Loose dogs and wild animals, including raccoons and foxes, may hunt cats allowed outdoors. Cats also could ingest toxins such as antifreeze, which has a pleasant taste but could prove fatal for cats. And though the image of firefighters saving cats from high perches in trees is common, trees are a significant threat to cat safety. Curious cats may climb trees and then be afraid to come down or struggle to come down safely, potentially leading to severe injuries.

Though owners may allow cats outdoors as an act of kindness, such a decision could place these pets in serious jeopardy.

Sp ring Sa le Al l roceeds o o the apital Districts iscarded and Ho meless ats

Spring Sale! Always great bargains to be had. Come up and see us. All proceeds go to the Capital Districts discarded and homeless cats.

Sunday, May 21st 9AM to 3PM (Rain or Shine)Location: Brunswick Hadley-Davidson 1130 Hoosick road, Troy, NY.

There will be a special guest so come out and snap a picture of the kids or yourself with the special guest while finding some really great bargains.

Na ssau ake

As sociation Se eking Crafters/Vendors/ Garage Sa lers Nassau Lake Association (NLPIA) 3rd Annual Lawn Sale 6/10, 9am3pm, the same date as the Nassau Community wide garage sale.

Location: the ballfield on Nassau-Schodack Rd., East side of the Lake. To reserve a spot we’re asking for a $15 donation, which will go toward the new clubhouse. Plenty of room and parking. There will be food and beverages available as well as a 50/50 raffel and gift basket raffels.

Contact Jim or Deb Prime on Facebook or by phone, Deb Prime 518466-2631, Jim Prime 518776-0041 for more info and to sign up. Hope to see you there!

Ne ws Fr om

Averill ark CSD

Averill Park High School’s Maryssa Crosier and Jason Strickland were part of a group of students from the Questar III BOCES New Visions program that presented to superintendents and principals from the region on mental health awareness in schools.

The group prepared a presentation as part of their government class, focusing on the need for more mental health awareness for both students and teachers. Great job, Maryssa and Jason!

Seven of our Spring athletic team have been designated as NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Teams.

Congratulations to the following programs:

Baseball, Softball, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Outdoor Track & Field, Girls Outdoor Track & Field, and Boys Tennis!

Averill Park High School students Brady Battista, Hazel Miller and Nicole Wing had their artwork selected to be a part of the Questar III BOCES Regional Exhibition. Way to go, everyone!

As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us.

You can also follow AP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

St St ephen s Sp ring Tag Sa le Ma y 3

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 751 County Route 7 (directly off Route 150), East Schodack, NY will host its annual Spring Tag Sale on Saturday, May 13th at 9 am.

We are just a few miles from Routes 9 & 20 directly off of Route 150.

Grab some bargains and maybe a Mother’s Day gift. We have something for everyone! The sale is in the basement fellowship hall - so we will be there rain or shine from 9 am to 3:30 pm. We hope you will join us. Sale proceeds will go towards repairs to the steps leading to our church sanctuary.

Na ssau ake Park mprovement

As soc. Me eting

Come join us Thursday May 11, 7pm at the Nassau

VFW on Lyons Lake Road for our annual Spring meeting.

We will be discussing the 2023 season on the Lake, talking about this years yard sale (June 10) at the ballfield, docks and maintaining the areas around said docks, July 4th boat parade and much more.

A reminder that dues are due and will be accepted at the meeting. As always, we are looking for new members, volunteers and folks that just care about making this a great place to live. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Looking Fo r Ar ts & raft nd Fo od Vendors or une 16th-18th iwanis

Su mmerfest

The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake is reaching out to Capital Region crafters and food vendors to take part in our annual, weekend-long Summerfest, one of the largest summer fairs in Rensselaer County.

The carnival rides, major area bands, adult and youth activities and evening fireworks during the June 16-18th event attract hundreds of people each year.

So this is an event you will not want to miss. Please contact Janet at jmalecki@nycap.rr.com for more information and to sign up.

AARP efensive Driving ourse

All RESIDENTS 18 AND OVER are Invited to Attend AARP Defensive Driving Course

Refresh your driving skills. Learn the new safety rules. You may be eligible for a reduction in your auto insurance.

Wed, May 31, 2023.

9:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Rd., Grafton.

Course fee is $25 AARP member / $30 non-AARP member. Payment by check or money order (made out to AARP) is strongly preferred. If paying in cash, exact change is needed. Bring to course driver’s license and, if member, AARP card. 30 minute lunch break, recommend bringing your lunch. Can eat in classroom. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Call to sign up at (518) 279-3413. Material needs to be ordered.

WantedOc togenarians

If you graduated from any Troy area High School In 1955, 1956, or 1957, please join us for some fun and great conversation.

When: May 31, 2023

Where : Browns Brewery, River St. Troy , Time 11am to 4 pm.

Please call for details. 518-727-4689 or email: studedude12180@yahoo. com John or Marilyn Reichard.

East reenbush

CSD udget ote and oard lection

The East Greenbush Central School District has proposed a school budget for 2023-24 that maintains all programs and services with a 0.5% tax levy increase. The proposed budget, totaling $108,812,882, would include staffing additions, technology upgrades, facility improvements and funding to continue the Pre-K Program. Residents will vote on the proposed school budget on Tuesday, May 16.

Other items on the ballot include the purchase of eight replacement school buses from the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund with no impact to taxpayers and the election of three individuals to serve on the Board of Education.

For more information including polling place locations, visit www.egcsd. org/budget.

Columbia Hi gh Sc hool Se nior ins ronze

Me dal t NYS Sk illsUSA hampionships

Columbia High School senior Will Inman ’23 won a bronze medal in HVAC at the 2023 NYS SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Championships last week in Syracuse.

He qualified for the state championships by winning the SkillsUSA Area III Regional competition in March.

During the state competition, contestants took a written test and then completed a circuit of different stations where they were tested in their knowledge of HVAC such as heat pumps, propane furnaces, window air condition- er units and compressors.

“It was fun,” he said. “I thought of it as a learning experience.”

For the past two years, Mr. Inman has attended technical education classes in the HVAC and Renewable Energies program through Questar III BOCES at the Robert H. Gibson Technical School in Troy.

He receives classroom instruction and training for HVAC for half of the day at that school and attends regular classes at Columbia for the other half of the day.

As part of his technical education classes, Mr. Inman has learned about the design, installation and repair of HVAC systems and emerging technologies. He also has a part-time job installing HVAC systems for a local company.

Following graduation in June, Mr. Inman plans on attending SUNY Delhi to study Plumbing and HVAC.

Buy Mo ther s ay ifts t rinity hurch

Lansingburgh s Sp ring Fe st

Trinity Church Lansingburgh will hold its 18th annual Spring Fest on the church grounds, 585 Fourth Avenue, Troy, from 9 AM until 2 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

We will be selling special spring flower arrangements, both fresh and artificial, in teacups and mugs – perfect for Mother’s Day gifts. Hand-crafted items, homemade baked goods and selected garden plants will be available for purchase.

There will be a basket raffle. Coffee and donuts and lunch menu items will be sold. Free tours of the historic church building and the graveyard will be given throughout the day. For more information call (518)892-8865 or visit www.trinitychurchlansingburgh.org.

Castleton-Sc hodack Me morial ay arade

Castleton-Schodack Memorial Day Parade

The Castleton-Schodack Memorial Day Parade will “step-off” on Monday, May 29th at 10:00am.

The parade will begin at the corner of Boltwood and Seaman Avenues and will conclude with a brief ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery.

We will have five divisions with the VFW Post 7337 leading the parade. As we take time to honor those who served our country, we would like to show our appreciation to any veteran or Gold Star Mother in our community by asking that they join us in the special seating area that has been reserved for them during the ceremony.

We are honored this year to have as our Grand Marshall for the parade Mr. Jeff Conlin, an Army Vietnam veteran. The Community Appreciation Award will be presented to Carol and Bud Wilkinson, in recognition of their many years of volunteer service to our community. Our guest speaker will be Ryan Marshall, an Air Force OIF OEF ODF veteran. Please join us on the day that we honor those who have served their country so valiantly. Ethel Si mmons Me morial Award

The Grafton Community Library and Grafton Historical Society announce that applications are now being accepted for the Ethel Simmons Memorial Award of $1,000. All high school juniors and seniors who reside in the Town of Grafton are eligible.

Entrants may submit either an essay or a narrated video introducing a visitor to Grafton. Include places of significance to you, and tell why you included them.

Entries must be received by 6 pm, June 2, 2023, and must include your name, address, and phone number. Entries can be submitted to Director@Graftoncommunitylibrary.org or dropped off at the library, or mailed to: Ethel Simmons Memorial Award, PO BOX H, Grafton, NY 12082.

St . ude he Ap ostle nights f olumbus

Bottle an onations

Help Support Local Charities – St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption located at 461 Main Avenue in Wynantskill to accept bottle and can donations that have a NYS deposit.

This is to support local charities and those in need.

• Bring your clean, NYS deposit empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill.

• Say they are to support the St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus.

• They do the rest, that’s it!

Thank you for your support!

Sa nd ake arden Fa ire

On Saturday, May 20th , the Sand Lake Garden Club, in conjunction with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County Master Gardeners, will be hosting their 2nd annual Garden Faire!

There will be plants galore (annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and house plants), new and used garden tools, garden decorations, baked goods and several vendors selling their wares.

A raffle is also being held for items including a three tiered planter, a “Welcome” sign plus gift certificates to Becker’s greenhouse and Dunkin Donuts.

Please join us on Saturday, May 20th from 8am -1pm (rain or shine) at the Salem United Methodist Church, 349 Shaver Road, West Sand Lake, NY 12196.

Poestenkill usiness

As sociation An nual

Au ction

The Poestenkill Business Association, (PBA), will hold our annual benefit Auction on Saturday June 3, 2023 at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main St/Route 355 in Poestenkill. The Auction will START promptly at 10:00 AM, with viewing to begin at 9:00 AM. Assorted items such as loads of Top Soil, Crusher Run, Stone, Landscaping Mulch, Fire Wood and professional services donated by local businesses will be available for bid along with previously owned but sought after household, yard & miscellaneous items.

Each Bidder must obtain a Bid Card in order to be able to participate in the Auction. The Kitchen will be open throughout the Auction to provide mouth watering delights from the grill for your dining pleasure. Freshly cooked Breakfast Sandwiches are available beginning at 8:00 AM. All food will be prepared per individual order. Activities will be available to amuse the Kids.

All net proceeds will enable the PBA to discreetly provide assistance to Poestenkill Residents experiencing emergency situations during the year. So come early, come hungry & bring your entire family for a most enjoyable day at our Auction on June 3rd. Your interest & participation is deeply appreciated. Thank you!!

Church of he Re deemer

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, service will be at 9 am followed by coffee hour in the Hearth Room.

On Wednesday, Hot Mess Crafters gets togeth-

Fo od ruck

Tuesday s Ma y at he hurch of he ovenant

If you missed the return of Food Truck Tuesday in April at the Church of the Covenant in Averill Park then be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 9! Heisenburgers, Gourmeli’s Taste and Pizza Trails will be cooking up the items you’ve loved and some new specialties in the upper lot from 4:007:00 for take out or to enjoy at outdoor seating with neighbors, friends and family.

Homemade desserts will be for sale and local performer Val Gray on guitar and vocals accompanied by Lou Amendolara on the cajon will be entertaining!

There will be indoor seating if the weather does not cooperate. We look forward to welcoming you!

Handicapped parking will be available off Orient Ave. with general parking in the lower lot.

East reenbush

Pop arner

Re gistration

No w OP EN er at 10 am and Bible Study meets later at 2. Thursday, May 11, from 3 pm to 6 pm, there is a plant sale. Bring your friends to buy or donate plants be sold. There will also be items for sale that Hot Mess Crafters have made. Any questions? Call Joanne 518-477-9184

Come join the biggest youth football and cheer program in East Greenbush! Over 50 Years of knowledge in teaching our youth football, cheer and dance.

The only national program committed to tracking and rewarding scholastic achievements!

Football ages 5 to 14, Cheer ages 3 to 18! Register NOW until July 1st @ https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/egpw.

Teams fill up fast, dont miss out!

Come to Thrift Shop to explore our assortment of first communion and prom attire. We also have spring and summer apparel and home décor. We are open Thursdays from 3-6 and Saturday, May 20, from 9-2. The Church of the Redeemer is an Episcopal church located on at the corner of Third and Catherine Streets. There is handicap parking, a ramp in front, and a parking lot in the rear.

Fr. Robert Haskell may be emailed at rhaskell2@ nycap.rr.com

Mu sicians anted

Van Rensselaer Heights is hosting a “mini-Woodstock” for residents and we are looking for bands to volunteer to complete our line up.

The tentative date is August 16th from 10 AM to 5 PM. This will be an awesome opportunity to practice your preforming skills and provide some joy to the residents.

If interested please contact Ashley by July 15th at (518)621-7585 or email: achambers@livemillennia.com

Blessing of he An imals

Are you grateful for the dog or cat, goat or bird, or any other animal that helps you get through the day? Would you like your animal to experience, in the tradition of St. Francis, a blessing? All well behaved animals are welcome to come to the Church of the Covenant on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 1-3 to receive a blessing from Pastor Lori Buno-Taylor.

The blessings will take place outdoors and all animals from the community and their human companions are welcome. Animals may be brought anytime from 1 to 3 to receive their blessing (and possibly a treat).

Brunswick hurch Vacation ible

Sc hool

Brunswick Church, 42 White Church Lane, Troy, NY announces that sign up for Vacation Bible School July 10-14 from 9:00 to Noon is now open. Children ages 3 through completed 5th grade are welcome. There is no cost to attend.

At Stellar VBS, kids will set out on a cosmic quest where they will have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the word. They will participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, have yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, have great crafts that will include a do-it-yourself designed t-shirt and a photo souvenir, while all along collecting Bible memory verses to remind them of Jesus’ light!

Go to our website www. brunswickchurch.org to register or call Kevin at 518-858-8109 to register by phone, get directions or for more information.

Me morial ay Ma ss “Se rving od nd

Country: A Me morial

Day Sa lute o Ou r

He roes

As the country celebrates Memorial Day, Our Lady of Angels Cemetery joins thousands of Catholic cemeteries across the United States in a national celebration, “Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes.” This national program, developed by the Catholic Cemetery Conference, honors men and women who died while serving in the armed forces, as well as recognizing both active duty military and veterans.

Please join us for this special Mass celebrated by Reverend John Bradley on Monday, May 29, at 10am at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, 1389 Central Avenue in Colonie. The Memorial Day Mass will take place outside, under a large tent, rain or shine. Veterans are invited each year to serve as lectors and Eucharistic Ministers, and participate in the presentation of gifts. Veterans attending the Mass are offered special lapel pins.

For more information about our Memorial Day Mass including volunteer opportunities for the service, please call (518) 374-5319.

Lansingburgh

Hi storical So ciety

Porch Sa le

Lansingburgh Historical Society will host an Open House and Porch Sale at the Melville House, 2 114th St., Troy, on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. PLEASE NO EARLY BIRDS!

Come and browse the Porch Sale items and purchase a treasure for yourself or a gift for someone special. Don’t forget to enjoy the garden in the back.

You won’t be disappointed. Our dedicated gardeners have been hard at work making it beautiful and welcoming.

Averill ark

Ar t xhibition

Diane DeBlois & Robert Dalton Harris of aGather- in’ are sponsoring an art exhibition at the Arts Letters & Numbers studios, 1548 Burden Lake, Averill Park NY, to celebrate Robert’s 80th birthday.

Over 60 artists will be represented - with painting, collage, fabric, photographs, sculpture, video, performance - interpreting Stratigraphy: Layering in the Arts. The theme is homage to Amos Eaton, New York’s first stratigrapher, who mapped the Erie Canal and the geology of our area in the 1820s.

The exhibition gala on May 27 is 6 to 9 pm, and viewing is available until May 30. For information: gather@agatherin.com, artslettersandnumbers. com.

Me lvin Ro ads

Book alk n

Great G ouple

Melvin Roads American Legion is having a book talk about a great couple from East Greenbush, New York. The book “A TROJAN’S WAR” is a heartwarming story of Nan Emery & LTC Jim MacArevey. Nam a well know teacher from East Greenbush Schools, and Jim who was captured in North Africa, sent to Poland, and escaped through

Ukraine. The author is Bob MacArevey, their son, an Army Ranger, and past member of Melvin Roads Baseball. Find out about life in East Greenbush after World War II.

We will have two talks, the first is right after the Veterans Breakfast on May 25th, 2023 about 10:00 AM. The Second is MAY 30th ,2023 at 7 PM. Both are open to the public, and everyone is invited. The post is located at 200 Columbia Turnpike (RTS 9 & 20) in East Greenbush.

Town f No rth Greenbush Parade

Our annual Town of North Greenbush Memorial Parade will be held on Monday, May 29th at 1pm. If you or your organization would like to participate, please contact the Town Supervisor’s office at (518) 283-5313 or email at supervisorsoffice@ northgreenbush.org. We are inviting all veterans to march and lead off our parade. If you are a business, school group or team in town, we’d love for you to participate. For organizations, please let us know you would be interested so we can include you in the lineup.