Monday April 29, 2024 
WSL Fire Dept. Ladies Aux.
Craft Fair/Tag Sale
Vendors Needed
The West Sand Lake Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be holding a Craft Fair/Tag Sale on Saturday, November 17th, in the WSL fire hall from 9am-3pm. If you are interested in selling any homemade, handmade, or gently used items, we are happy to provide a table for $25. You keep your profits and the money from tables will go to benefit the West Sand Lake firefighters. If you would like to be a vendor, please contact Carrie Deutsch at 518-674-5309.
DPS 10th Annual Brown Bag Auction
The PTO will hold its 10th Annual Brown Bag Auction on Saturday, November 17th, 2018, held at Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School in Nassau. Please join us for our auction. Doors will open at 4:30pm and the auction will begin at 5:30. We are very excited about this event as it has always been a huge success.
We need your help once again with the donation of items. Donated items must be new, unused and in original package, if possible. Examples of donated items: Kids toys, hats, scarves, gloves, candles, home décor and gift certificates. If you have any questions, email info@nulldpspto.org or, call/text Kelly Evers Engel at (518) 269-8719.
Pine Bush Perspectives Exhibit Opening
On Friday November 30th, from 6-7:30pm, join us for the unveiling of this year’s juried photo exhibit, celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Browse this year’s show and see some amazing photos all taken in the Albany Pine Bush. Juror selected awards will be presented and light snacks will be provided. All ages.
Location: Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Fee: Free! Reservations are not required for events but knowing how many people are coming helps us to plan better, so please sign up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Make reservations by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www. AlbanyPineBush.org/events
Christmas Bazaar
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual
Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 1st, from 10am-2pm. The Church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & Muitzeskill Road, in Schodack Landing. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, and books, as well as a Luncheon Cafe and a Bake Sale.
For more information, call the Church office at 518 732-7500.
Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees at the former Grafton Elementary School. Invitation to participate: decorate a 2 to 8-foot, Christmas Tree (artificial trees only), trees may be dropped off December 3-7, 2018. Trees may be traditional or completely original, no taller than eight feet and should be in place by December 7. Local businesses, organizations and individual community members are invited to participate, prizes will be awarded, categories for prizes will be; Best of Festival, Business/Organization, Kids and Adults. Festival of Trees Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, December 8, from 10:00 – 3:00 p.m., there will be entertainment and refreshments. Winners will be announced December 8th at 2:45. If you are interested in displaying a tree, please call Betsy Colvin at 518-279-9807 or Donna 518-257-6973.
BUNCO Party
Join us on Saturday, November 17th, at South Schodack Fire Company, Inc., located at 1563 Bame Rd., Castleton. The South Schodack Auxiliary will be hosting a Bunco Party! Doors open at 6pm, and the game starts at 6:30pm. “BUNCO” is a game played with dice. It is a fun way of bringing the whole family together. Admission is $1 and there will be an Annual Harvest Raffle and door prizes. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please call 518 732-2082.
Sand Lake Emergency Services Holiday Parade
The Holiday Season is just around the corner and the Sand Lake Emergency Services have started the planning for the 6th Annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 7th. The parade is float based and welcomes all businesses, organizations, clubs, groups and more to participate. Please contact Barbara Glasser at 518-470-8221 or barbara.pc2012@ gmail.com for more information.
This year’s theme is, Toys!
Upcoming Programs- Grafton Lakes State Park
Saturday, November 17th– Let’s Talk Turkey from 1pm-2pm. Drop in program where you can learn about the Turkey, who’ll be active all winter in the park. Touch a turkey feather, make a turkey craft and check out our display about this forest bird. Donations welcomed.
Friday, November 23rd– Day After Thanksgiving Opt Outside Hike at 1pm. Walk off some pecan pie and skip the Black Friday hubbub with a walk in the park. $3/person or $10/family.
Saturday, December 1st—Holiday Crafting Exchange at 1pm. We invite you in to make gifts & drink hot cocoa for the afternoon with the welcome center decorated for the winter season. Bring your own craft to share for free entry, or simply pay a materials fee of $5/person.
Free Parent Workshops to Address Technology, Anxiety and Stress
Part of the East Greenbush Central School District’s strategic plan for the 2018-2019 school year includes an increased emphasis on the “Whole Child” and Mental Wellness. The district acknowledges that this is a shared responsibility, so it is offering three free evening workshops for parents that will allow for collaboration and rich discussions regarding important topics.
The workshops include:
Keep the Tech in Check at Home (December 4, 2018). Recognizing and Coping with Anxiety (January 9, 2019) and Mindfulness at Home (February 5, 2019).
Each of the workshops will run one hour (7:00 to 8:00 p.m.) and be hosted in the Columbia High School auditorium. All parents of students in grades K-12 are invited to attend.
~Submitted by Mark Adam,
Public Information Specialist-East Greenbush Central School District
American Legion Toy Drive
The American Legion 1489 will be hosting a toy drive for our Veterans and their families in Rensselaer County.
The toy drive will be held on Sunday, November 26th, at the Post, located at 111 Main Ave. Wynantskill, from 1:00 to 5:00. Admission is a new unwrapped toy or $5.00 at the door. Come join us for fun-filled afternoon with music from Jonny O.
Please come and support our Veterans and their families at home or away.
E.G. Holiday Parade
The Town of East Greenbush Emergency Services will host the second annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 1, at 6pm. The theme for this event is “Holidays Around the World” and the route will be on Phillips Road between the East Greenbush firehouse and Wisconsin Avenue to Becker’s Farm, where Santa will be available to say hello!
If you own a business (big or small) in the town and would like to enter a float or decorated vehicle in the first annual Holiday Parade, please call or text 518-788-1729, or email patty.mulberry@ bruenrescue.org for details!
~Submitted by P.A. Mulberry,
Director of Administration and Operations, W.F. Bruen Rescue Squad, Inc.
Native American Storyteller Shares Culture of the Mohawk Nation
Join the Greenbush Historical Society on November 18th, at 2 PM, at the East Greenbush Community Library for a presentation by Kay Olan of the Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan. The Mohawk people are the most easterly tribe of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy. The Mohawk were historically based in present day upstate New York west of the Hudson River. Native American culture is noted for its rich oral traditions. Rather than written documents, oral history in stories is passed on from generation to generation, keeping customs, heritage and legacies alive. Along with stories of the Mohawk, various artifacts of the Haudenosaunee will be displayed. All meetings are free and open to the public, but please register with the library as seating is limited. (Phone: 518-477-7478).
NYS Approved Defensive Driving Class
On Saturday, November 17th, from 9am-3pm, there will be a New York State approved Defensive Driving Class to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and be eligible to receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to the NYS DMV guidelines. The class will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County, 544 Broadway, Rensselaer. The fee is only $35. Bring a friend and the cost is $30 each. Registration is required and can be made by calling the Club at 518 465-3403, or Raymond Frankoski at 518 286-3788.
Troy Senior Center Upcoming Events
SPECIAL DINNER: Thursday, November 15, celebrating Veteran’s Day and THANKSGIVING at the Troy Senior Center; with entertainment from Joe C Pro Sound, starting at 11:15. Vets eat FREE! For lunch reservations, please call (518) 270-5349.
“DIABETES SEMINAR” presented by Rensselaer County Health Department, 11:30 main dining room, Troy Senior Center.
Questar III Cosmetology High School Students are offering the Troy Senior Center Members various “Salon Services.” Please contact the office at the Troy Senior Center for further details at (518) 270-5348.
St. Peter’s Assistance Program presents Part II seminar “Seeing through the eyes of a bystander.” Join Michael Fonda, educator, for this important presentation at the Troy Senior Center on Wednesday, November 21, at 11:00. NOON lunch served.
MOVIE AND MUNCH…10:00 Troy Senior Center. Coffee & Muffins provided by United Health Care.
Cornell Cooperative Extension will have a tasting at the Troy Senior Center on Thursday, November 29, 11:00…EAT SMART NY.
Holiday Happenings in Nassau
Visit from Santa! Holiday ornaments! Tree lighting ceremony! Sunday, December 2nd, the Village of Nassau will be transformed into a holiday wonderland for children and adults alike.
Santa will be visiting at the Nassau Fire House located on Chatham St. (Rt 203). He’ll arrive at 3pm and he’s inviting children to visit and spend time chatting with him. Santa will be staying until 5pm. In addition to his visit, the Village of Nassau Youth Committee will be making holiday ornaments with children at the Fire House from 3:15-4:15pm.
When the sun goes down at 5pm, the Village Commons on John Street will be the site of the annual Tree Lighting ceremony. To get everyone into the holiday spirit, there will be musical entertainment from members of the Nassau Community Band, a roaring bonfire and a visit from Santa. We will also be collecting new unwrapped toys for the Nassau Resource Center at the ceremony.
All events are offered free of charge and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 518-522-2916.
Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Woodland Hill Montessori School is holding an Entrepreneurs’ Forum event on Tuesday, November 27th, from 9-11am. WHMS has held two similar forums in past years, and they were equally educational, informational, and inspiring. The forum features five TED-style talks from area entrepreneurs about their business and how education played a role in their success. Our 6th-8th grade students attend, and we extend the invitation to other local independent schools as well. Featured presenters:
- Tobi Saulnier, Founder and CEO (and a former Montessori student)
1st Playable Productions
- Guha and Karthik Bala, Founders
Velan Ventures and Velan Studios
- Nuhar Jaleel, P.T., Founder
The Pilates Principle
- Gunther Fishgold, Owner
Tierra Farm
- Doug and Derek Grout, Owners
Golden Harvest Farm and Harvest Spirits
~Submitted by Moira K. Rienzo, Director of Development and Communications, Woodland Hill Montessori School
Free Family Fun Movie Night
Join us on Friday, November 16th, at Faith & Love Fellowship, located at 166 Columbia Turnpike,
Rensselaer, for a movie!
The Featured animated movie will be, “The Star”.
FREE popcorn, beverages, candy & snacks will be available. The doors open at 6:30 and the start time is 7pm.
For more information, call 518-330-1509.
Model Train Show
On December 2nd, the Annual “Great Train Extravaganza” Model Train Show will take place at the Empire State Convention Center underneath the Egg. Hosted by the non-profit Hudson-Berkshire Division, National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), from 10am-4pm. Adults are $7 and children under 12 are free. The Operating layouts will be in most scales including giant Legos layout for the kids/grandkids. Sell out of 300+ tables of model trains, train sets, parts, accessories, scenery items, books, videos, DVDs, prints, railroad memorabilia. There will be education displays and door prizes. Refreshments will also be available. For more information, www.gtealbany.com, (518) 668-9892 or trains@nullgtealbany.com.
There will be other family-oriented events same day and same general location, such as NYS Christmas Tree Lighting, Caroling, Fireworks and Santa.
Adirondack Bluegrass League Show
Join us on Sunday, Nov. 25th at 1pm at the Parting Glass, located at 40-42 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Members cost $12; non-members $15; children under 12 and special need folks are free.
For more information, visit www.adirondackbluegrass league.com; www.facebook.com; adirondackbluegrassleague@ gmail.com; or call 518 221-6231.
Looking for a Bargain?
The Church of the Redeemer Thrift Shop has earned an excellent reputation
by offering quality merchandise at very reasonable prices. The shop will be open on Thursday, November 15th, from 3-6pm; and Saturday, November 17th,
from 9-2pm. We offer a huge selection of clothing in all sizes, shoes, jewelry, household goods, baby equipment, toys, children’s
books, greeting cards, puzzles and many unique items. Check out our over-flowing Christmas Shop for decorations and gifts. Ask about our handicapped equipment. Located at 1249 Third Street, Rensselaer, the shop is on CDTA bus route #214.
Wreath Making Workshop
Join the Garden Club of East Schodack for a free holiday wreath making workshop on Sunday, November 18th, from 1-3 pm, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (2420 Hoags Corner Rd, East Schodack). Brian Schell, Garden Club member and owner of Bountiful Blooms, will lead us as we create beautiful holiday wreaths. Please bring the following supplies: a metal wreath form (can be purchased at any craft store), pruning shears, floral wire, greens, pinecones, berries, other decorations to share and ribbon for a bow. For more information, call Marilyn Michaels at 518-265-1525.
Slavery in the Hudson River Valley Presentation
The Poestenkill Historical Society presents, “Alexander Hamilton-Fort Crailo: Slavery in the Hudson River Valley.” Our presenter this month is Sam Huntington. He is presently the Interpretive Programs Assistant at Crailo State Historic Site and develops lectures, tours, and educational programs on a variety of subjects related to the van Rensselaer patroonship and Dutch Colonial History. This program focuses on the history of slavery in New York’s Hudson River Valley from the settlement of the Dutch of New Netherland (Albany) in the seventeenth century through British and American periods in New York State history. Come and join us on Tuesday, November 27th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall on Route 351 in the downstairs meeting room. The program is free, everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be provided.
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
The Defreestville and Wynantskill Fire Depart-ments invite families, friends, and neighbors to take a Photo with Santa this Christmas season on Saturday, December 8th. Everyone is welcome to take part in this free community event while visiting their local volunteer fire department and enjoying complimentary light refreshments. Plus, you’ll receive your very own photo with jolly ole’ Saint Nick himself! Santa Claus will be at the Wynantskill Fire Station (511 Church Street, Wynantskill) from 9 AM to 11 AM and then at the Defreestville Fire Station (350 N. Greenbush Rd, Troy) from 12 PM to 3 PM.
DFD and WFD would like to thank our co-sponsors in the North Greenbush Police Department for the refreshments. Well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome at the Defreestville station. Have a Merry Christmas!
Town of East Greenbush Annual Gingerbread House Competition
NEW Prize Categories this year! K-2, 3-5, Middle School, High School, and Adult
Registration deadline is 12/3.
Gingerbread houses will be on display and judged during the Tree Lighting celebration on Wednesday, December 5th.
Completed gingerbread houses need to be dropped off no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 4th, in the Town Hall Community Room.
Go to eastgreenbush.org for registration form or call 518-477-4194 for more information.
Town of East Greenbush Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Wednesday, December 5th, beginning at 6:30 PM.
Join us at Town Hall for the official Town Tree Lighting, a visit from Santa, crafts for kids, snacks, Gingerbread House displays and judging; and end your evening with an incredible performance by the Columbia High School Chamber Singers at 7:15 PM. For more information, call 518-477-4194.
Toastmasters Meeting
Do you want to: Increase your self-confidence? Become a better speaker? Become a better leader? Communicate more effectively? Toastmasters can help!
You are invited to attend the next meeting of the Capital View Toastmasters at 12:30PM on November 28th, at the East Greenbush Library! Meet our members and learn how we can help you develop your communication and leadership skills in a supportive and positive environment. Members and guests will enjoy short prepared speeches, Table Topics™ (impromptu speeches) and peer speech evaluations. Capital View Toastmasters is a lunchtime Club, usually meeting the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from noon-1PM at the East Greenbush Library. Guests are welcome at any meeting, so if you can’t make it on November 28th- check our website for meeting updates. http://capitalview.toastmastersclubs.org/ or send an email with questions to pjamison@nullnycap.rr.com. We hope to see you there!
12th Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair
Join us on Saturday, Dec. 1st, from 9-3pm at the Averill Park High School, located on Gettle Road in Averill Park. Perfect time for the Holidays! Plan to stop in and shop a variety of local vendors, crafters, Chinese Auction, Concessions and a Bake Sale too! Shop “local” with area crafters bringing you many unique and one of a kind gifts you won’t find elsewhere! What a great way to finish up shopping for your last-minute gift giving. Over 50 vendors and crafters! For questions, email sallymaco@nullgmail.com. All proceeds benefit our student athletes and sports programs.
Dewey Loeffel Remediation Conference
The public is invited to a free conference about potential cleanup options for the Dewey Loeffel EPA superfund site in the Town of Nassau. The site (with 46,000 tons of highly toxic waste dumped by GE, SI Group, and others), has polluted Nassau Lake, area groundwater, homeowner’s wells, and area streams. EPA will soon evaluate candidate cleanup technologies provided by GE and other responsible parties and determine what remediation will be done at the landfill. The conference will provide information to the public about current remedial technologies available to address the landfill and prepare the public to effectively advocate for their preferred cleanup option. It will involve presentations by companies using various technologies to clean up polluted sites and panel discussions by health and environmental professionals. The EPA selection process is the LAST CHANCE for several generations for the public in the Nassau and Schodack areas to advocate for which cleanup process they want for the polluted areas. Now is the time to educate yourselves, get involved, and advocate for the future vision of your towns.
The conference will be January 5th, 10AM-4PM, at the Comfort Inn, I90 Exit 10, Castleton.
Contact Dan Spilman (spilmandan@nullyahoo.com) for information.