Saturday April 27, 2024 
11/14/2019 – 11/21/2019
NYS Federation of Home Bureau celebrates 100 yrs.
The Federation was born on May 29, 1919. It parted from Cornell University and was incorporated in 1956. Various programs were formed to assist women to obtain a higher standard of living in the home and community. The Bureau is proud of the 108 scholarships in various colleges throughout NYS. They continue to help those in need; making items for community service, personal use or gifts; plus learning about health, safety, consumer and legislation info. To learn more visit website: www.nysfederationofhomebureaus.com
Run Once
Castleton-Schodack Kiwanis along with Castleton Road Racing Commission Support the Anchor
Sara Westcott, Race Director of the Ken Morgan Memorial Clove Run, proudly presented a check in the amount of $4,450 to Paula Sancomb, manager of The Anchor, Northeast Regional Food Pantry on November 11th, 2019. The Castleton-Schodack Kiwanis, in collaboration with the Castleton Road Racing Commission, was proud to sponsor / host the annual Clove Run. The 2019 event, held in August, was well-attended and supported by many local businesses. That support results in the ability to provide much-needed financial aid to The Anchor, Castleton’s food pantry.
Save the date:
Sunday December 8, 2019 the Castleton Kiwanis will be selling Bells of Life as a Fundraiser for Albany Medical Center Pediatric ER. We will be at Crossgates Mall from 10:00am to 6pm. Please come out, say hello, and purchase a Bell! Can’t get out? Some area local businesses will be selling the Bells as well. For more information visit www.castletonkiwanis.com.
The Castleton-Schodack Kiwanis Club wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
Run Once
Ringing Salvation Army Bells in Memory of Chris Bascom
Salvation Army bells will be rung at the East Greenbush Walmart on Saturday, November 30, 10 – 8 pm, to commemorate the birthday of Christopher Bascom. On Saturday, Dec. 7, 9-3 pm, students from Columbia High School will likewise man the red kettles in his memory at the same location.
Christopher was 16 and a junior at CHS when he was killed by a hit and run, drunk driver in 2003. Christopher was a giving and caring person and always endeavored to make people happy; thus, it is appropriate that he be honored in a manner which helps others.
The Salvation Army assists the needy throughout the year but at Christmas time their red kettles help redirect focus on those less fortunate. Donations may also be sent directly to the Salvation Army Headquarters, Troy Corps, 410 River Street, Troy, NY 12180. If you want your contribution to remain local and/or made in Chris’ name, please write his name on the memo line.
Run Once
CCE Rensselaer County 4-H Holiday Mitten Tree
The weather is getting colder, so stay warm by visiting the Holiday Mitten Tree, sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County. Stop by the Cornell Cooperative Extension office between 8:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday to grab a warm hat, gloves or scarf. All items are free of charge, so take what you and your family need. Donations of winter clothing items will also be gladly accepted. The Cornell Cooperative Extension office is located on the second floor at 61 State St., Troy.
For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210.
Run Once
Cub Scout Pack 2257 of East Greenbush Food Drive
Cub Scout Pack 2257 of East Greenbush collected food for the Regional Food Bank in Albany. Scouts collected 971 lbs. of food, more than doubling last year collection of 450 lbs. of food. Cub Scouts is for girls and boys in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Scouts would like to thank all that donated food which already has been distributed to local food pantries. The food drive was made possible with support from Price Chopper / Market 32 who donated drop off bags and “Thank You” reusable bags for those that donated at least three food items.
Run Once
Fort Crailo DAR Chapter Good Citizen Awards
November 9, 2019, The Fort Crailo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution had their Good Citizen Essay Award ceremony at the Rensselaer Public Library. Chairmen Doris Roberts presented the award to Andrew Kretzschmar a senior from Rensselaer High. Congratulations to our other winners Taylor Demers a senior from Columbia High School, Makaila Maier a senior from Maple Hill High School and Andrew Gorman a senior from Averill Park High School. Taylor Demers will be moving on to the district level competition.
The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.
This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Do you have a patriot in your family tree? Are you actively looking to help out veterans and your community through volunteer work? The Fort Crailo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are looking for you! Please visit : https://fortcrailochapterdar.weebly.com
Run Once
Church of the Redeemer Thrift Shop
The Church of the Redeemer Thrift Shop has earned an excellent reputation by offering quality merchandise at bargain prices. We offer clothing, jewelry, household goods, games, toys, puzzles, CD’s, Records, DVD’s, one-of-a-kind items, gift baskets and Christmas decorations.
The shop will be open on Thursday December 5 from 3 to 6PM and on Saturday December 7 from 9 to 2, weather permitting. Located at 1249 Third Street in Rensselaer and on CDTA bus route #214, the shop can be entered through the parking lot on the Catherine Street side. Visit us and be amazed!
11/14/2019 – 12/05/2019
Library lights at Brunswick Community Library
As the holidays approach, we think of loved ones with whom we have shared so many memories. For the month of December, Friends of the Brunswick Community Library will be asking community members to sponsor a candle or wreath to be lit at the library in their loved one’s honor. Information on sponsorship costs is available in the library. Spread the light of memory and community while supporting the library programs.
11/14/2019 – 12/05/2019
Christmas Madrigal Dinner
The Lord and Lady of Greenbush Manor invite you as their honored guests for an evening of Merriment, Feasting and Song to lighten your hearts for the Christmas Season and year long. Join us in Our Great Hall at The First United Methodist Church of East Greenbush, 1 Gilligan Road. December 6th at 7pm and December 7th at 6pm Guests with enjoy Wassail (mulled cider), Roast Beef and gravy, potatoes and vegetables as well as Bread pudding, tea and coffee. Guests are invited to dress in period costumes to honor their hosts this eve. For reservations call church at 518-477-9693 or Sharon Wheeler at 407-718-7707. This is a fund-raising event held very infrequently so don’t miss this opportunity! Tickets $35 and for those who cannot attend, consider paying it forward in the spirit of Christmas for those who are less fortunate.
Follow us on Facebook: Madrigal Dinner Show 2019 FUMC
11/21/2019 – 12/05/2019
Sand Lake Historical Society – Community Dinner and Discussion of Christmas Past
December 10: Holiday Party. Members and guests are invited to bring a covered dish to share, a canned good or other nonperishable for Doors of Hope, and your memories of Christmas past; trustees provide desserts. We’ll also talk a bit about “Virginia” (of “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus!”) and her connection to our southern neighbor, North Chatham. 6:00 p.m. at Knowlson House, the home of Ron and Barbara Berti, 42 Schumann Road, Sand Lake. Like us on Facebook or visit Sandlakehistory.org
11/21/2019 – 12/05/2019
Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony
Melvin Roads American Legion is conducting a Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance ceremony on December 7th, 2019 at the post, 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor caused our entry into another world war. All those that served during World War II will be remembered. Refreshments are served after the ceremony.
11/21/2019 – 12/05/2019
Town of Sand Lake Holiday Festivities
Mark your calendar! On Friday, December 6th The Town of Sand Lake will be hosting Holiday Festivities. A holiday parade, organized by the town’s Emergency Service Organization will be leaving Miller Hill Elementary School at 7:00 pm and arriving at Butler Park shortly after. After a tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be available for pictures and to hear children’s holiday requests. After the parade the Town will be serving refreshments until we run out.
****We will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots the week prior to the parade, at the Averill Park Fire Department, West Sand Lake Fire Department, and the Sand Lake Ambulance. We will also collect toys at Butler Park after the Parade.
Please call Lindsy Marshall at 526-0938 or email lekehn@nullyahoo.com with any questions.
11/28/2019 – 12/05/2019
Breakfast with Santa in East Greenbush
Melvin Roads American Legion is hosting a breakfast with Santa on December 8th, 2019 from 9 AM to noon, at the post 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY. All you can eat breakfast, Adults $8, Children (5 to 12) $5, children under 5 free, Photo with Santa $7, pets are welcome to come for photo.
11/21/2019 – 12/05/2019
Carols for a Cause
On Sunday, December 8, 3:00 PM, Greenbush Reformed Church welcomes all to join a holiday lessons & carols service to benefit CoNSERNS-U. The service will include readings, carols, anthems, and instrumental pieces. The Route Fifty 5 Brass Quintet will be part of the service, in addition to choir members from neighboring Reformed Churches. Financial and non-perishable food donations are welcome. Greenbush Reformed Church is located at 688 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY, 12061. For additional information, please contact Justan Foster at justan.foster@nulllive.com or 518-965-2389.
11/21/2019 – 12/05/2019
Craft & Sip December 8th at 1 pm
Come join the Poestenkill Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for our holiday fundraiser of a fun afternoon of crafting and sipping. Paint your own wooden sign or if you are looking to make that hard to buy for person a Christmas gift.
Event cost is $40. Deadline for registering is November 30th. To reserve your spot, visit www.frannysfarmhouse.bigcartel.com
For directions to the firehouse our address is 182 Main Street Poestenkill, NY 12140
Run Once
Forest Friends Story Time
Join Amanda the Forest Fairy from Rensselaer Youth Outdoors at the Grafton Lakes State Park Welcome Center on Saturday, December 14th from 12:00-3:00 pm for Forest Friends Story Time. Amanda the Fairy will read some stories about her friends who live in the forest with her.
– Learn about some of the creatures who live in the forest, both magical and ordinary
– Make a craft or a mask
– Play some games
– Dress up with props and take pictures at our selfie station
– Weather permitting, take a short hike or build a snow castle
– Warm up with some hot chocolate and enjoy some yummy baked goods
– Explore the Grafton Lakes Welcome Center and the wonderful resources that are available all year
This is a fundraiser to keep Rensselaer Youth Outdoors afloat. There is no set charge for the program, donate what you can.
Contact the RYO program coordinator with questions at amanda.ryo.coordinator@nullgmail.com or 518-712-9667
Run Once
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday was started in 2012, in response to the commercialization of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, in the hopes that the holidays could be about giving back as well. The Giving Tuesday time period this year starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs for several days.
In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, please remember your favorite non-profits this holiday season. If you have already contributed to our fundraiser this year, we thank you again for your generosity. If you would like to donate to Sand Lake Ambulance, please visit our website at www.sandlakeambulance.org to donate with a credit card or by PayPal.
Happy Holidays to all from the Sand Lake Ambulance.
11/21/2019 – 12/12/2019
Repair Cafe
What do you do with a broken lamp? Or a sweater with a hole? Toss it? No way! The next Repair Café in the Village of Castleton-on-Hudson will be Friday, December 13 from 4:30-7:30 PM during the inaugural Castleton-on-Hudson Farmers and Artisans Market Winterfest at the Castleton Fire Department, 11 Green Avenue. Then, we will skip January 2020, so the first Repair Café of the new year will be Saturday, February 8 from 11 AM-3 PM, downstairs at the Village Hall, 85 South Main Street. People visiting the Repair Café bring along their broken but beloved items. Volunteers try their best to make repairs, and it’s free of charge! Do you like to fix things and want to volunteer? Contact us via email at gina.giuliano@nullgmail.com or stop by Repair Café. For more information about global Repair Café, visit Repaircafe.org.
12/05/2019 – 12/12/2019
New This Year: Dec.14th Oakwood Christmas Concert Includes 2 Seatings and a Tree Show
New This Year: Oakwood Christmas Concert Includes 2 Seatings and a Tree Show on Saturday December 14th 2 seatings – 11am and 2pm Snow Date Sunday December 15th same times
$5.00 per person Children under 12 Free Reservations required by Thursday December 12th. Call 518-328-0090 Specify which seating, name, phone, how many people including children.
Enjoy the beauty of the Earl Chapel and its excellent acoustics as you listen to seasonal songs by the Highlight Acting Troupe. Sing along with your favorites then sip some warm cider and nibble on Christmas cookies. A jolly man in a red suit may even stop in!
This year there will also be a display of cleverly themed Christmas trees. An Old Fashioned Christmas, Pets, By the Sea, Birds, and a Patriotic tree are just a few examples of the trees decorated by the Friends of Oakwood.
In keeping with the spirit of the season, we are asking that you bring an unwrapped item to help our local Veterans. Anything new and non-perishable, such as toiletries, towels, socks, underwear, gloves, hats etc will be greatly appreciated. The donations will be brought to the Veterans Miracle Center in Albany.
The Friends of Oakwood is a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer group working to support the preservation and maintenance of the non-sectarian chapel and grounds of Troy’s still-active historic 19th C. Oakwood Cemetery. New volunteers are always welcome.
12/05/2019 – 12/12/2019
Local Author Honors Late Cousin, APHS Grad
The tragic and unexpected death of 32-year-old Kasie Collins in September 2018 shattered the hearts of her family and friends. Kasie was a 2004 graduate of APHS, and furthered her education at SUNY Geneseo and UMass Amherst, ultimately obtaining a masters degree in Environmental Science. She was an athlete, a homeowner, an animal advocate, nature lover, a wetlands scientist for GZA Geoenvironmental in Springfield, MA. Her life was full of adventure, achievement, and contribution, but she suffered a long and silent battle with depression. Ultimately, this insidious disease claimed her in the prime of life. Kasie’s cousin, Jennifer Barbic, of Colonie, devastated by her loss, found a way to channel her grief by putting pen to paper. Her musings turned into a children’s’ book titled Luna Moona, chronicling the adventurous of 10-year-old Kasie and her dog Luna. Jenn invited Kasie’s young nieces, nephews and cousins to submit drawings, which illustrate the book. What began as a coping mechanism morphed into an opportunity to help others. On Tuesday, December 17th, at 5:30 p.m., Jenn will sign copies of her book, Luna Moona, at the Sand Lake Town Library. All proceeds from the sale of the books, also available at barnesandnoble.com, will be donated to NAMI Western MA, and the Nature Conservancy, in Kasie’s name. NAMI provides much needed resources and support to those who suffer with mental illness and their families.The Nature Conservancy is a is a charitable environmental organization, protecting more than 119,000,000 acres of land and thousands of miles of rivers worldwide. Kasie’s foray into environmental responsibility was sparked when she worked for the NCA upon graduating from SUNY.
We invite you to stop in at the Sand Lake Library on 12/17 to meet Jenn and share memories of Kasie. Signed copies of Luna Moona will be available to purchase for $20. The book is age appropriate for 8-12 year old, and makes a great gift!
11/14/2019 – 12/19/2019
Cohoes Rotary Christmas Ornament Features Matton Shipyard
In 2004 The Rotary Club of Cohoes started a collectible series of Christmas ornaments featuring historic landmarks in the City of Cohoes. This year’s ornament design is Matton Shipyard. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of the 2019 ornament will be donated to the New York State Society of the Children of the American Revolution toward the Matton Shipyard Restoration Project. Matton Shipyard operated in Cohoes, NY from 1916-1983. The funds raised will be matched 100% by the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund and go toward the restoration of the remaining buildings on the site and the creation of an educational, cultural, and recreational venue with public access to the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Coffee mugs are also available for purchase. Cost for ornaments is $20. Mugs are $10. To purchase ornaments or mugs go to http://www.rotaryclubofcohoes.org for further information. Ornaments and mugs are also available for purchase at Marra’s Pharmacy, 217 Remsen Street, Cohoes. Following are previous ornament designs in the series: 2004-the Cohoes Falls; 2005-the Harmony Mills; 2006-the Cohoes Music Hall; 2007-the Cohoes Mastodon; 2008-Cohoes City Hall; 2009-the Half Moon; 2010-Silliman Memorial Church; 2011-the Van Schaick Mansion; 2012-Keveny Memorial Academy; 2013-Cohoes High School; 2014-Cohoes Library; 2015-the former Cohoes Movie Theatre; 2016-Carlson’s Ice Rink; 2017-Erie Canal Locks; 2018-Cohoes Armory.
11/28/2019 – 12/19/2019
Banners for Veterans in the Town of Nassau
The Nassau Town Clerk, Sandy Rings, is pleased to announce that the Town of Nassau, Villages of Nassau and East Nassau and the Chandler-Young Veterans Association are undertaking a new project to honor our military veterans. We will be facilitating the sale, production and installation of individual veterans’ banners to honor their service to our community and our country. The banners will be installed on power poles in several locations throughout the Town. Applications are available on the Town website at townofnassau.org, the Town Clerk’s Office at 29 Church Street and at the Chandler-Young Veterans Association at 7 Lyons Lake Road. We are hoping to be able to install banners whose applications are received prior to March 31, 2020 in time for Memorial Day, 2020. If you have any questions or need more details please feel free to call the Nassau Town Clerk’s Office at 518-766-2343, extension 1 or email sandra.rings@nulltownofnassau.org.
Sandra L. Rings, RMC
Nassau Town Clerk
12/05/2019 – 12/19/2019
The Latham-Colonie Council Knights Colonie K of C Blood Drive
On Friday, December 20th, 2019, The Latham-Colonie Council Knights of Columbus #3394, will hold a Blood Drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross at Latham-Colonie Council Knights of Columbus #3394 located at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.
The donation hours are from 1:00-6:00 pm
To schedule an appointment please contact edhillenbrand@nullgmail.com or 518-209-6739 or www.redcrossblood.org.
12/05/2019 – 01/30/2020
NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group
NAMI Capital Region, NY the local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, offers its NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group the Second Wednesday of each month from 5p.m.-6:30p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,420 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. NAMI Connection is a recovery support group program that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. NAMI Connection groups are:
• Free and confidential
• Held weekly for 90 minutes
• Designed to connect, encourage, and support participants using a structured support group model
• Led by trained facilitators living in recovery themselves
About NAMI
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI Capital Region, NY is an affiliate of NAMI New York State. NAMI Capital Region, NY and dedicated volunteer members and leaders work tirelessly to raise awareness and provide essential education, advocacy and support group programs for people in our community living with mental illness and their loved ones.
11/14/2019 – 02/27/2020
Six Center Redemption is partnering with Alzheimer’s Association.
Return your bottles and cans and help The Northeastern New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Through an arrangement with:Six-Center Redemption
Two Locations – 461 Main Ave Wynantskill (Corner of Sharpe and Main Ave) & 550 South Street Rensselaer.
The Alzheimer’s Association will receive six cents for every container you donate to the cause. Simply drop off your containers and say
“These are for the Alzheimer’s Association.”
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles in to a machine. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
The first survivor of Alzheimer’s is out there, but we won’t get there without you.
Join the fight with your bottles & cans!
10/17/2019 – 12/17/2020
Support Local Charities with Your Cans and Bottles
The St Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption Center located at 461 Main Street in Wynantskill to accept qualifying bottle and can donations to support local charities and those in need.
Simply bring your clean, qualifying empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill and say they are to support the St Jude Knights of Columbus. They’ll do the rest! That’s it! Thanks for your support.
12/05/2019 – 02/27/2020
Center Brunswick United Methodist Church Announces Financial Scholarship for 2020
The Finance Committee of the Center Brunswick United Methodist Church has announced that it will award $500 to a student to be selected from the Tamarac High School Class of 2020. The money may be used for any type of expenses related to further education. Students do not have to belong to this Church, any other church or religion to be eligible for this award.
Interested students must apply for this award no later than March 1, 2020. The application can be obtained from the school’s guidance department or from our website at (www.CenterBrunswickUMC.company).
This award is given in memory of Harold and Mabel Keyes through a trust funded by their last will and testament. Mabel taught in the Brunswick schools and continued teaching Sunday School at Center Brunswick UMC for many years after she retired. Through this award, her love of helping young people learn and grow will continue to reach the youth of our community.
The Center Brunswick Methodist Church is located at the intersection of Routes 7 and 142 in Troy.