New York State and federal officials are reminding those who were affected by tropical storm Irene that they have less than two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for possible federal disaster assistance.

It's important that those who may need to register for aid do so as soon as possible. Registrations cannot be accepted after the October 31 deadline.

"Registration keeps open the possibility of a wide range of assistance," said Philip E. Parr, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer in a statement. "If your insurance coverage comes up short, or other damage appears later, you need to be registered with FEMA to be considered for disaster assistance."

The Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering an initial training session on Renovation, Repair, and Painting on Wednesday, August 31.

The EPA’s new lead Renovation Repair & Painting Rule (RRP) requires that anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified.

Funding for this training is provided by the Rensselaer County Public Health Services.

There’s no cost to attend; however, pre-registration is required. For more information,

contact Nancy at NKL1@cornell.edu and 518-765-3521 or Lisa at LKC29@cornell.edu and 518-765-3512.

The sessions are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rensselaer Boys & Girls Club at 544 Broadway in Rensselaer.

Capital District Community Gardens (CDCG) will celebrate its 35th anniversary and honor founder Dean Leith at a Summer Celebration at Pat's Barn in Rensselaer Technology Park on June 12 from 2 to 5 p..m.

What began as a program of Garden Way, manufacturer of the Troy-Bilt rototiller in the early 1970’s, is now an independent organization with 47 gardens and a variety of other programs serving more than 50,000 members of the community each year. With the mission to nourish healthy communities by providing access to fresh food and green spaces for all, CDCG engages people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds through the following programs: 

·       Community Gardens

·       Veggie Mobile

·       Healthy Convenience Store Initiative