Community Heroes Alert! Thank you, thank you, thank you to Kevin Marin of Wealth Solutions Network at Raymond James, Christine Sheppard Agency, Inc. Farmers Insurance, and Stefanie DeLallo Bitter of Bartlett Pontiff Stewart & Rhodes for hosting an amazingly successful Lawn Party + Mixed Fundraiser to collect food and hygiene products for the Emergency Food & Hygiene Pantry! What an amazing day it was - full of incredible generosity and tons of fun. Thanks also to the Twin Bridges Rotary Club for joining us!

THANK YOU thank you to the team from CDPHP who showed up for United Way of the Greater Capital Region's 518 Day to help with spring cleanup at our Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter! We're so incredibly appreciative of the work done to make the Shelter a welcoming and inviting place for teens in crisis.

Thanks so, so much to the crew from United Way of the Greater Capital Region for coming out to help spruce up Cheryl's Lodge with a spring cleaning! We're truly appreciative of your help on 518 Day and every day in our community!

WOW! What an amazing spring cleanup transformation at our Runaway & Homeless Youth Center, courtesy of Air Liquide's local team for United Way of the Greater Capital Region's 518 Day of service! Thank you, thank you for all that you did to make the Shelter an inviting, warm, and welcoming place for youth in crisis!

Second annual lawn party and mixed fundraiser! The event on Friday will be collecting common hygiene products. Some of the most needed items include shampoo, conditioner, soap and body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Everything will be put on the shelves of CAPTAIN CHS's Emergency Food and Hygiene Pantry.

A HUGE thank you to Grace Fellowship for hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids at Cheryl's Lodge! Everyone had an awesome time "hunting" for eggs, enjoying prizes, and pizza. What a great event!

Community Hero Alert! We're so grateful to State Farm Agent Tom Bullock and staff for your incredible support of kids, families, and seniors in our community!

If you haven't already, give them a call at 518-400-1770 to get a quote and they'll donate $5 to CAPTAIN CHS!

If you run, you are a runner

I coach athletes from 7th grade to 70+ years old, including sub-5:00 milers, 5+ hour marathoners, and everyone in between. I work through rehabilitation and injury prevention programs with people who run every day, and those who find ways other than running to move their body to stay physically active and healthy. When I attend races myself, I see and talk with people who are there to support the charity but don’t run regularly, the parents who are trying to keep up with their kids, and the more consistent or competitive runners who are looking for a personal best time or a win.

In all of these scenarios, I often hear a statement to the effect of “… but I’m not a real runner” and my heart sinks. I hold firm to the idea that if you run, you are a runner. Running takes many different forms and there are a lot of factors that go into one’s running story: natural talent; commitment to training; preferred distances or terrain; age; running age (i.e., how long one has been running rather than chronological age); opting for the climate-controlled treadmill over the blustery winter wind; or simply the intent and focus of one’s running. All of these play a role in each runner’s unique journey.

As a coach, my top priority is for my athletes to be healthy and happy. When that happens, they are more likely to achieve their training and performance goals. Multiple research studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical activity on depression, anxiety, heart health, and even some cancers; running and other forms of exercise such as lifting weights, cycling, and plyometrics, can help you to live a longer and happier life.

Since 2021, I have hosted the Empowering Female Athletes (EFA) Retreat (http://www.ptimmersion.net/efa). This retreat is a beautiful getaway for women of all sports and abilities – yes, even those who identify as “weekend warriors”. We offer a variety of workshops and activities that are structured around the idea that if you intentionally move your body for exercise, you are an athlete. Sound familiar??

There are many races in the Capital Region – and around the world! – that welcome runners of all ages, abilities and levels of competitive spirit. The Route 50 Mile is one of them, and I have been fortunate to run in this race several times since its inception in 2008. I chose to sponsor the Route 50 Mile again this year because of its focus on inclusion of all levels. The crowd support along the route, free Stewart’s ice cream at the end, and a parade right after are all fun additions that make the race stand out among others in the area. My daughter was one of the last to finish in 2022, and she received exactly the same perks as the leaders!

You are part of the running community too, and we want you to participate in races and events. If you feel unprepared, confused, or intimidated, show up anyway! There will always be plenty of friendly runners milling around at races who won’t hesitate to share their favorite training tips or anxiety-reducing strategies. If you want to commit to more structured training, find a running coach who will support you, teach you, and individualize a plan based on your needs, schedule and goals.

If you run, run-walk, jog, or shuffle -- you are a runner. You belong here. I hope to see you at the Route 50 Mile!

Dr. Coach Megan

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Megan R. James, PT DPT
USATF Level 2 Running Coach
Owner, Immersion PT, PLLC
www.ptimmersion.net
megan@ptimmersion.net

Check out our Junior Culinary Cooking Class at Cheryl's Lodge! Every Monday evening, Cindy from To Love a Child, Inc. and Chef David DeLaMater from Dough Haven Farm work with youth to develop their culinary skills and immerse them in the fabulous world of food!

Thanks to these generations folks and their organizations, the kids were all given toolboxes filled with cooking materials to use every week as they're guided through a variety of foods, skills, and different ways to cook. Recently they learned knife skills, all about different spices, techniques for baking, and so, so, so much more!

The kids have been so inspired by this free and wonderful opportunity - and not only do they get to take home a new life skill and love of cooking and baking, but they keep the toolboxes and contents too!

WOW! How inspiring to see three incredible young people, Jason Colindres, Stan Yeung, and Justin Colindres (not pictured) dedicate their time and energy to others in their community "just because." Philanthropy is the love of humankind, and we could not think of a better demonstration of that kindness than this! THANK YOU to these Community Heroes!

Community Hero Alert!!! Thanks SO MUCH to Stewart's Shops for your incredible donation to the Bike Works program! Because of you, kids and their families have access to bicycles and helmets to enjoy some outdoor recreation this summer, or even use as transportation!

Wow! Thanks so much to Miss Sophia Tsahaloyonnis and the National Junior Honor Society for hosting such an amazing and successful food drive! The very definition of community heroes!!!

Community Hero Alert! Thanks so much to NYSEG for providing 150 energy efficiency boxes for our clients! These boxes, including an energy efficient power strip, a package of lightbulbs, and shower and faucet aerators, are a great way of helping everyday families save on their monthly energy bills. Every little bit counts!

Every April we celebrate our incredible, amazing, spectacular, dedicated, wonderful VOLUNTEERS! YOU are the heart of our agency and at the very core of everything that we do! YOU are the ones that make a difference, every day, all day in our community - volunteering throughout our over 30 programs and services, from Clifton Park to Saratoga to Gloversville and back! And a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to our Treasures volunteers!!!!

THANK YOU to the community heroes: OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!

Thank you, thank you to everyone who came out for Jersey Mike's Day of Giving! It was an AMAZING turnout at all fourteen stores and we cannot thank you enough for your support! And, of course, thank you THANK YOU to Jersey Mike's management and staff for working so hard to make the 13th annual Day of Giving a success!

Community Hero Alert! Thank you, thank you to Siena Men's Basketball and Fenimore Asset Management for not only having the kids from Cheryl's Lodge out for a game, but for choosing to update the basketball court at the Outreach Center as part of your community service initiative this year! We, and all of the youth, are so incredibly excited for this new opportunity and couldn't be more grateful!

This is a bit of a throwback, but we just had to share! Here are some photos from our Christmas Frosting Cookie event at Cheryl's Lodge with volunteer Madelyn Smith and her parents. The kids made cookies and received toys from Impact Athletic!

WOW! Thank you SO MUCH to Curtis Lumber Company for your incredible, amazing, spectacular gift of Carhartt clothing for our local children, families, and seniors in need! This was one of the largest gifts of clothing that we've ever received and we could not be more grateful.

WOW! Community Hero Alert! Thanks so much to Verrillo Motor Car Co. and the Mohawk Valley Pontiacs for all the incredible support that you've given for kids, families, and seniors in our community! We're so grateful for the partnership and can't wait for the weather to clear up and to see some of those beautiful classics on the road again!

Community Hero Alert! Thanks so much to International United Miss North New York Jr Preteen Cailin for your incredible support of kids, families, and seniors in our community!

Your hard work, compassion, and dedication to your community are an inspiration to us all!

Thank you to the United Way of the Greater Capital Region for your generous support in awarding CAPTAIN Community Human Services the inaugural Luminosity award in partnership with Saratoga Hospital and the Saratoga Community Health Center.

We're excited to kick-off this work to bring about transformative change in the local health and transportation systems. This project aims to build a new collaborative transportation model that will meaningfully change the landscape of health equity and mobility in Saratoga County.

Wow! Thank you SO MUCH to the wonderful ladies in Jackie Sorensen's Aerobics Class for your generous donations of hygiene products! You are true COMMUNITY HEROES!!!

WOW! It's a DOUBLE COMMUNITY HERO ALERT! Thanks so much to the New York Army National Guard for your service and sacrifice, and for taking even more time out of your day to make a difference for kids, families, and seniors in our local community.

Local Guardsmen helped to pack over 150 holiday food bags for families in need!

Community Hero Alert! Thanks so much to Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) for your support of kids, families, and seniors in our community! And special thanks to volunteer Ann Sharpe for presenting this generous donation!

What a FUN FRIDAY it was at Cheryl's Lodge! All thanks to Starpoint Church for bringing in frosted cookie kits! It was an educational event too, as the kids learned the importance of balanced meals as they munched on healthy snacks.

The weather might be cold, but these community heroes still warm our hearts!

What an absolutely MAGICAL time the teens at our Youth Shelter had at Christmas Land this year! Thank you so, so, so much for bringing holiday cheer to those kids who will be spending their Christmas at the Shelter. It was truly a special experience!

Thanks to the youth at Cheryl's Lodge for fashioning these terrific blankets - all gone to good use! Check out this update from Ibi Semper Training, Inc and the Fulton County Regional SPCA - NY:

"We just adopted a dog from the FCRSPCA today and matched it with a Marine Veteran. Please let the kids know that these blankets will go to great use and we’re very!!! much appreciated! The FCRSPCA was one of a number of shelters that took in a large number of dogs coming from a hoarder situation that was in the news this year. Those blankets are very much welcome!"

Thanks so much to the Capital District YMCA - Southern Saratoga Branch for helping out with this year's Care Links Senior Holiday Project! What a wonderful way to brighten a local senior's day this holiday season!

WOW! Thank you so, so much to The Mill on Round Lake for your incredibly generous gifts for this year's holiday programs! You'll truly bring smiles to so many children this coming Christmas morning!

WOW! Check out this amazing youth who collected bottles and cans over the last 15 months in support of kids, families, and seniors in our community. She returned 5,500 bottles, not even counting the CLYNK bags she dropped off! Hats off to Mini Miss Spirit International 2021, Cailin Moore!

WOW! Thank you SO MUCH to Britney FIitzmaurice, NP IN Adult Health, for hosting a food drive and for your INCREDIBLE donation to the Emergency Food & Hygiene Pantry, which will go a long way to helping kids, families, and seniors in our community keep food on the table throughout the often difficult holiday season.

Wow!!! Maggie from All Saints Episcopal Church delivered over 20 beautiful gifts from the Giving Tree for Care Links of Southern Saratoga County care receivers! What a way to brighten the season for local homebound seniors!

This is truly community! Thanks SO MUCH to the Leads Group at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce to putting together these beautiful Thanksgiving Baskets - giving the gift of warmth, family, and food this holiday season.

Thank you too for all of the continued partnership and support. We cannot say enough about the Chamber's commitment to community!

WOW!!! Talk about getting into the holiday spirit of charity. THANK YOU to John W Danforth for putting together these wonderful baskets for our local families! #CommunityHeroAlert

Thank you SO SO much to Hangr CoWorks for your incredible support of families during this holiday season! Your incredible donation of Thanksgiving Baskets will make a huge, dynamic difference for kids, families, and seniors in need on the upcoming holiday.

We can't say enough that #ThisIsCommunity and we are beyond grateful for heroes like these!

WOW! Thank you so much to these Community Heroes at Orangetheory Fitness Clifton Park! Their Food Drive was a smashing success and has helped many kids, families, and seniors access emergency food supplies when they're most in need.

THANK YOU for making a difference, each and every day!!!

Wow! Thanks so much to Starpoint Church for helping our Cheryl's Lodge kids learn more about meditation and different ways to cope with challenges and build trust in those around you. The group setup a meditation station, a martial arts station, and a trust circle for the youth and brought some delicious snacks to finish out the afternoon!

Community Hero Alert! Thanks so much to Orenda math teacher and CAPTAIN CHS volunteer Chris Bernd for putting on a spectacular STEM night at Cheryl's Lodge of Captain Community Human Services! The kids had a blast!!!

Thanks so much to the YMCA Malta and Malta YMCA Early Learning Center for keeping our neighbors warm this winter by donating TWELVE bags of winter coats to the Coats for CAPTAIN program! The very definition of #community!

Wow! Thanks so, so much to Grace Fellowship - Halfmoon Campus for coming out for Cheryl's Lodge fall cleanup and really sprucing up the grounds for the many local kids that use our playgrounds and basketball courts! This is the definition of community!

Wow!!!! Thank you to On the Move Health & Fitness for your incredible generosity in supporting kids, families, and seniors right here in our community. We were so honored to be a part of your one-year anniversary celebration and look forward to your continued success!

Beginning October 21 and running through December 31, when you spend or donate $20.22 or more at a local business or non-profit, you could be eligible to win one of a variety of $100 gift cards from the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce! 

This year, they want everyone to think big. Whether shopping local, dining out, paying for a service, hiring a contractor, taking a fitness class, donating to a good cause, or sending flowers, any purchase or donation of $20.22 or more counts!

Thanks so much to Empire Financial Advisors for being Community Heroes and supporting local nonprofits! We had a blast at the 1st Annual Oktoberfest at SingleCut North & Side Stage Tap Room!

Thanks so much to Starpoint Church for setting up a kids produce market for the youth at Cheryl's Lodge!

Starpoint volunteers setup tables and created produce stations with samples for the kids to go around and grab. Each student received a Price Chopper Supermarkets bag and went around with a volunteer to all the tables.

Impact Athletics NY was on hand with donated shirts and gift certificates for private lessons!

What an AMAZING DAY! The kids had so much fun!!!

Thank you SO SO much to Verrillo Motor Car Co. and the Mohawk Valley Pontiacs for your incredible support throughout all of the Cars & Coffee events! We loved being there and could not say enough about the many ways you support the kids, families, and seniors in our community!

Thanks so much to Robinson Ace Hardware for hosting a raffle at their GRAND OPENING earlier this month! It was a fantastic day with giveaways, yummy food, product demos, and lots of family fun.

Don't forget - Robinson Ace Hardware will be "rounding up" for the remainder of September to support CAPTAIN CHS!

Please join us in welcoming this new business to our community!

Join Robinson Ace Hardware for their GRAND OPENING on Saturday, September 10th, with a ribbon-cutting at 10:00am. Free give-a-ways, free food, product demos, raffle prizes, and family fun all day! Proceeds of the raffle go to support the kids, families, and seniors in our community. Saturday, September 10th, beginning at 10:00am at 132 Lapp Road in Clifton Park.

WOW! Thanks so much to Community Heroes BUSINESS FOR GOOD for making a huge difference and starting the year off right for our local school-aged kids! This was a tremendous donation of school supplies and we know it will go a long way to help youth succeed in school!

This is community!

Ibi Semper Training, Inc visited this summer's Camp CAPTAIN Cares at Cheryl's Lodge and showed the kids the importance of service dogs along with why service dogs are important for veterans. Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to be there!

Community Hero Alert! Thanks so much to the staff and ownership of Euphoria Beauty Bar in Amsterdam for donating free haircuts for our youth who are homeless or at-risk. While it can seem a small thing to many, the dignity of feeling and looking your best is something all of our kids deserve. Thank you for giving that to them and for your continued incredible support of our CAPTAIN CHS Street Outreach program!