Monday April 29, 2024 
Steps2Cure NF
The 6th Annual “Steps2Cure NF” Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the South Pavilion in The Crossings of Colonie. Registration begins at 11AM, and the walk/run kicks off at noon!
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time. NF affects three times as many people as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined, yet it is not commonly known. There is NO means of prevention, NO effective treatment, and NO CURE. Scientists have determined that NF research has broad implications for millions of Americans who are affected by hearing loss, visual impairment, cancer, brain tumors, seizures and learning disabilities — all of which can be symptomatic of NF.
Board members from Neurofibromatosis Northeast, Inc. and medical professionals from Albany Medical Center will be available at the event to answer questions and give insight into the illness and any progress being made by research toward a cure.
Please come out and help us keep hope alive for the 1.5 million people faced with Neurofibromatosis! Proceeds from this event will support Neurofibromatosis Northeast, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. To preregister or make a donation, go online to https://NFNortheast.org/events/event/nf-walk-loudonville-ny. For more information, call Brian (518) 469-7896 or Susan (518) 272-5693.
Ice Harvesting and Semi-Pro Baseball
The Riders Mills Historical Association is proud to present “Ice Harvesting and Semi-Pro Baseball” on October 5th at 1 PM, located on Riders Mills Road at the corner of Drowne Road in Old Chatham, NY. Howard Blue will share some surprising insights discovered in an attic about local history.
Howard Blue is the Copake Grange Historian, the author of Words at War (Scarecrow Press – about US radio’s role in the WWII effort). He publishes the Copake History Facebook page & occasionally writes for the Columbia Paper.
For more information please visit ridersmillsschoolhouse.org
The Great War: New York Answers the Call
The Riders Mills Historical Association is proud to present “The Great War: New York Answers the Call, on September 28th at 1 PM at the Riders Mills Schoolhouse located on Riders Mills Road at the corner of Drowne Road in Old Chatham, NY Stuart Lehman will discuss the participation of New York State in World War I, with an emphasis on Upstate New York. Some of the Military Units from NYS including the 27th Division, the 77th Division, the 165th Regiment and the 369th Regiment will also be explored with an emphasis on the war’s effect on the home front. Also, there will also be a story of one soldier from Nassau who lost his life in France. Mr. Lehman will be dressed in a WWI uniform accompanied by various artifacts from that time period.
Stuart W. Lehman works as an Assistant Curator with the New York State Office of General Services. He develops tours and programs related to the New York State Capitol and researches the history of the Capitol Building. Previously he worked with the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites at Senate House, Herkimer Home, and Schuyler Mansion. On weekends he participates in Revolutionary War re-enactments as a Colonial Doctor. He lives in Guilderland New York
For more information please visit ridersmillsschoolhouse.org
Rensselaer County Home Bureau
Rensselaer County Home Bureau Fall Workshop will be Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the First Reformed Church in Wynantskill. Items to be taught: Chicken Diane & Chicken Flautas; Hummingbird Stained Glass Panel; Wood Burning Plaque; Continental Knitting; Baby Afghan; and a community service project.
Please check your newsletter for further information. Registration deadline is Oct. 10.
Caves and Caverns of New York State
Join us Wednesday, November 6th, at 6:00 pm at the Troy Public Library when Bill Cotrofeld will speak about the caves of New York State, how they were formed, early explorers and caving equipment and safety, along with a video presentation.
Bill and two high school friends in Albany, NY became interested in cave exploring (commonly known as “spelunking”), after finding a book in the Albany Public Library titled “Underground Empire” by Clay Perry of Pittsfield, Mass. Using the cave information in the book they then turned to the New York State Museum Geology Bulletins for the areas mentioned to try and locate the caves themselves. They found two early NYSM publications that had entire chapters written on the caves in several areas of New York State. Together with USGS topographic maps and the NYS Museum information they were able to locate virtually all of the now famous caves in New York State. Next was a trip to the Army- Navy Store to purchase helmets, carbide lamps, boots, etc. For the next four years Bill and his buddies spent just about every free weekend exploring the caves in the Helderberg Mountains and Schoharie Valley.
In 1956 Bill joined the National Speleological Society (NSS), an International organization composed of people interested in the study of caves (speleology) and exploring caves. Bill received his Life Membership in the NSS at his 50-Year milestone , and is now approaching his 65-Year Membership.
This program is free and open to the public. The Library is located at 100 2nd Street, Troy NY 12180.
Women’s hockey team looking for players, all skills welcome
The Troy-based Frozen Assets women’s hockey team is looking for players and goalies of all skills. Players on the team range in age from 21 to almost 70. Some players are just learning to play hockey while others played in college. The team has two squads, one that competes recreationally and another that competes at the D-level.
The team plays on Sunday evenings at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy and competes with teams in Clifton Park, Saratoga and Schenectady at various times through the week. The season runs from November to March.
If you are just learning to skate, the Assets can direct you to some great programs in the area. If you already know how to skate, the Assets will teach you how to play hockey. If you are an experienced hockey player, you may play for the D-team.
For more information, contact cathleenbu@nullgmail.com or call/text 518-966-2896.
Girls! Join Scouts BSA Girls Troop 525
We have a Girls Troop right here in Averill Park! Come and see what we are all about! We take adventure field trips like skiing and indoor skydiving! We learn awesome advanced skills like astronomy, sailing, canoeing, archery, and leatherwork to name just a few of the 140 merit badges! We go on a camping trip every month! If you put in the work, you can achieve the highest and prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Troop 525 invites young women and their parents to learn more about the program and the Troop. You can attend either open house during our regular meetings: Tuesday September 24 and October 1 at 6:30pm in the downstairs of Salem United Methodist Church, 349 Shaver Road, West Sand Lake. There is no need to RSVP, but if you’d like more information, please call/text Melissa Toni at (518) 961-3302.
The Importance of Youth Sports
Youth sports are necessary for kids to stay active and healthy as well as develop socially. Many youth sports programs have been in decline and this is very detrimental to upcoming generations.
Sports in general keep us healthier and give us a sense of community within our teams. For kids these teams allow them to develop socially and make friends. Many kids are so absorbed in electronics and are not establishing social skills necessary for the world. Youth sports provides a great way to connect kids and allow them to explore socially.
Sports also help kids stay active which has many health benefits for them short term as well as long term. Kids love to eat junk food and it is easier than ever to access it now. Youth sports help combat the negative effects that a poor diet can have and naturally leads to a healthier diet for those involved.
By having youth sports programs available to all kids we raise a healthier generation. They are more socially aware and prepared as well as physically healthy. The availability of these programs is important for communities to support the generations to come.