Monday April 29, 2024 
Brunswick Historical Society Looking for Vendors
EAGLE MILLS – Brunswick Historical Society is looking for vendors for our Annual Tag and Bake Sale on September 11, 2021. Rain or shine. We are located at 605 Brunswick Rd in Eagle Mills. We will be offering a limited number of spaces (1)- 8×10 for free. Don’t miss out. Sign up now. Contact Tracy for more information at 518-279-3020 or email at president@nullbhs-ny.org.
Sand Lake Summer Concert Series at Sand Lake’s Butler Park
SAND LAKE – The Town of Sand Lake is sponsoring a free Summer Concert Series every other Thursday through September 16. It is free for all to attend! Concerts start at 6:30 and end at 9:00. They include:
August 5: Schmooze
August 19: Diva & Dirty Boys
August 26: Beating the Odds
September 2: Double D Trio
September 16: Refrigerators
Bring your lawn chairs and join the fun! Food vendors will be on site. Social distancing will be in effect. Alcohol is not permitted.
Butler Park is located on Gettle Road, in the hamlet of Averill Park.
Vendors will be available. Bring your lawn chairs. Social distancing will be in effect. No alcohol, please.
USS SLATER Celebrates Coast Guard Birthday
ALBANY – Join us in celebrating the U.S. Coast Guard’s 231st birthday this Saturday, August 7th at 8:30 AM. The Coast Guard’s actual birthday is the 4th, though we are waiting until Saturday to celebrate, with the hopes that more people will join us. Both Wednesday the 4th and Saturday the 7th all Coast Guard Veterans can tour USS SLATER with no admission fee.
During WWII Coast Guardsmen manned hundreds of Navy and Army vessels including 30 Destroyer Escorts. Coast Guard-manned ships hunted enemy submarines, protected convoys to Europe, delivered troops and supplies to the various theaters of the war, and operated landing craft which delivered troops to the invasion beaches. Coast Guard cutters and destroyer escorts played a pivotal role fighting Nazi U-Boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. Following the war, during the 1950s, destroyer escorts were once again called into Coast Guard service to serve as weather ships. The SLATER volunteer crew includes a strong Coast Guard contingent, dedicated to preserving a piece of American history.
Admission is charged for tours of USS SLATER. Adults: $9.00, Seniors: $8.00, Children: $7.00, and children under 5 years old are admitted for free. All Coast Guard Veterans can tour the ship for free.
USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for her 24th season in Albany. Guided tours start every 30 minutes. No reservations are required. USS SLATER is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, through Sunday November 28th 2021. The ship is located in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street.
Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park Trails Hikes and Outings
GRAFTON LAKE – Sign up at: https://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-Grafton-Lakes-State-Park/
All events are free unless otherwise noted. If you would like to support programs like these: Join us at: Friendsofgraftonlakes.org/membership $10 individual / $15 family / $5 students & seniors. Supporting membership @ $35 (silver-contributing) & $100 (gold-supporting). Organizational membership: $50 (regular) & $250 (institutional sponsor)
Trails Hikes (1st Saturdays)
Meet at the Welcome Center.
8/7 (Sat.) @ 10am-1130am: Criss-Cross / Water Tower Trail (10am-1130am)
9/4 (Sat.): @ 330pm-630pm: Fire Tower Trail (part of fire tower lighting event)
Note: Mountaintop BBQ Picnic and Tower Lighting Observation & Ceremony @ 730pm-
9pm, top of Petersburgh Pass.
The hike is free. The BBQ fundraiser for the Friends will be $25 per person. Details and
registration link for the BBQ will be forthcoming.
10/2 (Sat.) @ 10am-1130am: Shaver Pond Trail Revisited
GLSP Dog Walk & Woods Stroll (2nd Saturdays)
Meet at the Welcome Center. Friendly dogs only please, and all dogs must be on leash! Most walks will
be around Shaver Pond (which should take about an hour on a comfortable stroll).
8/14 (Sat.) @ 10am
9/11 (Sat.) @ 10am
10/9 (Sat.) @ 10am
Mountain Bike Ride by SMBA
8/21 (Sat.) @ 9am: Group Ride & Clinic – Beginner
(Note: There is instead the SMBA MTB Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd
10/16 (Sat.) @ 9am: Gravel/Road – Intermediate (Signup)
Soundwalks (4th Saturdays)
Meditative listening walks led by artist, Andrea Williams. Please meet at the “Compass” in front of the
Welcome Center. Fee: $10 Friends members, $12 non-members.
9/25 (Sat.) @ 1:30-2:30pm
10/23 (Sat.) @ 1:30-2:30pm
8/28 (Sat.) – Alternate Event @ 130pm-430pm (Signup)
A hot summer day paddle with Atsushi. Must bring own kayak and life jacket.
(This event is Free. For this event (only), please meet at the boat launch on Dunham
Reservoir Rd.)
Town of North Greenbush Summer Concert Series
NORTH GREENBUSH -Concerts start at 6pm on Sundays and are located at Town Hall on Main Ave in Wynantskill. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. No pets allowed. Current COVID precautions set by the CDC must be followed.
8/8 Darryl Daily: Today’s Music, Soft Rock
8/15 Blue Hand Luke: Classic Rock
8/22 Mike Miner: Country and Originals
8/29 Kyle Bourgault Band: Country
26th Annual Poestenkill Fire Company Car Show & Swap Meet Rain or Shine
POESTENKILL – The Poestenkill Fire Company, 182 Main Street, Poestenkill, NY will be holding it’s 26th Annual Car Show and Swap Meet on Sunday, August 8, 2021, 8am-3pm. There will be food, refreshments, vendors and door prizes. The show is free to spectators and free parking available.
Dash plaques will be given to the first 200 cars. 25 Trophies will be awarded as well as other special trophies; BEST FORD (In memory of Leroy Lester), BEST OF SHOW, OLDEST VEHICLE AT SHOW, FIREMAN’S PICK, LONGEST DISTANCE. Judging for best of show will be done by participants until 1 pm. Vehicle Registration Fee $10.00.
Vendors needed; 20 x 20 space, pre-registration fee $20 by August 1st, 2021. Day of event $25. Vendors must have a valid NYS Sales Tax Certificate. Make checks or money orders payable to Poestenkill Fire Company
For more information, contact John Windover (518-956-0621) or Bob Lester (518-424-4283).
Mail Pre-registrations to: John Windover, 2561 NY Highway Rt 43, Averill Park, NY 12018.
The Capital District Humanist Society Presents: Blasphemy – A Medieval Concept with Modern Consequences
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The concept of blasphemy involves all the elements of the First Amendment. The word was coined in the 13th century, but blasphemy ceased to be a major issue in Western countries after the Renaissance and the Age of Reason. The situation is quite different in the Islamic world. Contact and confrontation the two cultures in the last few decades have made blasphemy again an issue in the West. Terrorism and other developments have created anti-Muslim sentiment, and Muslim countries have tried to suppress blasphemy through legislation. Western democracies have to figure out how to counter religious prejudice without sacrificing civil rights and freedom of speech.
JOHN M. SUAREZ, M.D. • Retired Professor of Psychiatry and Director, Section on Law and Psychiatry, UCLA • Former Trustee, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Chairman, Education Committee • Outreach Coordinator, Center For Inquiry, Los Angeles
This program will take place online, via Zoom, on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 at 1 PM EDT. Current paid CDHS members will automatically receive an invite to the meeting via e mail.
Any One Who Is Not a Paid Member Can Attend. Simply log onto our Meetup Page, https://www.meetup.com/Capital-District-Humanist-Society/ and use the RSVP function. The link to the meeting will then be available to you.
Music In The Park – Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center Proudly Presents 2021 Summer Concert Series
RENSSELAER – August 9th Kyle Bourgault Acoustic Live. Sponsored By Rensselaer County Legislator Chair and City of Rensselaer Mayor Michael Stammel … From 6 PM to 8 PM, Riverfront Park Rensselaer NY. Rain Date Is The Following Night
We would like to thank all of our sponsors. Without you this series wouldn’t be happening. Call 518-463-2166 For More Info.
American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training
WYNANTSKILL/AVERILL PARK – The Aug & Sept classes offered:
• Babysitter’s training with CPR for ages 12yr & older on August 10 at St Jude the Apostle School from 8am-2:30pm
• Babysitter’s training without CPR for ages 9yr & older on August 11 from 8am-12pm or 12:30pm-4:30p mat St Jude the Apostle School & September 25 at Algonquin Middle school from 8am-12pm.
Please contact Brenda at brendaleigh7@nullgmail.com for details.
NEACA Gun Shows Still Only Game in Town
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In the show promotion business since 1982, NEACA, Inc. had promoted the very well attended Saratoga Springs Arms Fair at the city Center for over 32 years until the Democrat controlled City Administration passed their law banning guns on City owned property. The last NEACA show there was on Memorial Day weekend of 2018 — A fitting date for burial of one of the best shows of its type in the Northeast.
NEACA actually opened the City Center with the first commercial activity there, still with the smell of fresh paint in the air. An exquisite Antique Show was held in August of 1984 — A few weeks later, the first Arms Fair was produced, and NEACA then used the facility for over a hundred weekends more … till they were banned.
Many of our NEACA members, over 1800, still will not support any activities or business in Saratoga and many supporters of our shows, over 30,000 in our local mailing lists, follow that trend. “good for them,” says David Petronis, President and promoter of NEACA, Inc. “It was a disgusting display of ridding the city of a well regulated and legal show,” added Petronis
“NEACA is still the only promoter of gun shows in the northeast and has worked thru the pandemic with them. Other promoters are just now emerging from their doldrums and are advertising future events, but we have promoted shows locally and in Vermont since the Covid crises began, “Petronis said.
Future shows on their schedule include a Gun Show in Middlebury, Vermont in August 14 & 15 at the American Legion Post #27. Further information on those events plus others can be found at NEACA.com.
Stop by and see what you have been missing at their sister company, Hudson River Trading Company, 38 North Main Street, Mechanicville, Gun Emporium with antiques and collectibles. For hours call 518-664-9743.
APHS Class of 1981 40th Reunion
AVERILL PARK – Saturday August 14th, 2021, at the Poestenkill VFW Pavillion please join your classmates for our 40th high school reunion. The reunion will be held from noon to 9pm. A Ziti and meatball dinner will be served at 4 pm. Cost for Ziti Dinner and two beverages will be $25.00 per person or $10.00 per person without dinner provided which will be collected at the event. Sue Ellnor can be reached at 518-421-7745 for questions regarding the event.
Patsy Cline Comes to Grafton, NY August 14, 2021
GRAFTON – Article by Betsy Colvin – The legendary Patsy Cline comes to life once again through the sounds and stories of Courtney Shayne Karl. Ms. Karl has been a professional Patsy Cline tribute artist for over
10 years and will take you back in time to the days when this amazing singer graced the stages of America. A lifelong affinity for Patsy Cline’s music along with a nudge from her grandfather has helped transform Courtney Shayne Karl into one of the finest impersonators performing today. She has been recognized nationally for her appearances and now tours throughout the United States in the national touring show Memories of Patsy, bringing to life the iconic music of Patsy Cline in an unforgettable performance. It’s a show not to be missed.
We hope to see you at our free concert Saturday August 14, 2021 from 2 -4 PM at Roxborough Holdings (former Grafton Elementary School) Rte. 2 & Babcock Lake Road, Grafton, NY. Come and enjoy the show! We hope to see you August 14!
1st Annual Sand Lake Kiwanis Car Show, Rescheduled to August 15th
AVERILL PARK – WestFall Village, 13 Averill Ave., Averill Park. 9am-2pm. Free parking for spectators. Dash plaques for the first 100 cars. Top 25 Award and other Special Trophies. Best in Show by Participants. $10 car registration fee. For info please email: lunaroutlaw@nullgmail.com
Need Peace? Come and Join Us for the Sung Vespers in the Spirit of Taize
ALBANY – Tuesday evenings Aug. 17 and Sept. 14, 7 P.M. at St. Matthew St. Paul’s Lutheran Church located at 1500 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203. Sung Vespers in the Spirit of Taize is a worship service which uses silence, scripture, prayer and repetitive singing to better understand God and respond to his love with praise. The Taize community was founded in France in 1940 to promote peace through prayer and meditation.
Kiwanis Summerfest Benefit Tennis Tournament Registration
AVERILL PARK – If top spin, back hand, drop shot and volley are part of your sport, then the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake has a racket for you. Saturday, Saturday August 28th, at Averill Park HS courts. Registration fees: $20.00 for singles; $40 for doubles team for each category entered. Deadline for Registration is Wednesday, August 18th.
For additional information call Joe Behson at 674-8407
or Bruce Perry at 674-2475.
End Gerrymandering: Focus on the NYS Capital District
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady chapters of the League of Women Voters in coordination with the One Person, One Vote Coalition will hold an educational session on the upcoming redistricting of the state’s congressional and legislative districts. This one hour virtual program will take place on August 19 at 7 p.m. It is open to all organizations and individuals who are interested in participating in an effort to have district lines drawn consistent with communities of interest above partisan interests. Political Scientist and League member, Steve Elliott, will be the key presenter.
“We are offering this program in an effort to encourage and increase public participation as the redistricting process goes forward. It is an opportunity for all who seek fair districts to learn how to be an effective advocate on behalf of their interests,” said Vicente Alfonso, Vice President of the Albany Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was joined by April Land, Interim CEO of the Capital Area Urban League, Judy Meyer, Co-President of League of Women Voters Rensselaer, Linda Gush, Co-President of League of Women Voters Saratoga, Patricia Sibilia, President of League of Women Voters of Albany County and Ann Hatke, President of League of Women Voters Schenectady.
Go to https://tinyurl.com/1P1VRedistricting to register. ***
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.
The Capital Area Urban League (CAUL), a nonpartisan, civic engagement, and policy advocacy organization in New York’s capital area, began engagement on Redistricting with its work on the 2020 decennial census and continues to offer trainings on Redistricting and access to resources for communities to define their own districts at urbanleague3v.com. CAUL connects communities in Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Montgomery and Albany Counties and links individuals, communities, groups, and organizations to resources that positively affect human lives.
The One Person, One Vote Coalition (Coalition) is an ad hoc group of individuals and organizations who are committed to the adoption of an equitable redistricting plan that is produced through a transparent, participatory and fair process.
Free Movie on the Beach at Grafton Lakes State Park
GRAFTON LAKE – Join the Friends of Grafton Lake State Park and the Timberjack Boyscouts on Aug 21st at 8:00 PM for a free movie on the beach. We aren’t allowed to provide the name of the film, however, we can tell you that a cat and a mouse will be creating havoc. The film will run 1 hour and 41 minutes. The Timberjacks will be running a concession stand.
The film will start directly after the Dance in the Park that runs from 6-8. The park will be offering dance lessons beforehand. Call the park at 518-279-1155 for details if you are interested in participating in the dancing!
Help us to keep supporting these great activities by becoming a Friends Member or Renewing at: Friendsofgraftonlakes.org/membership
$10 individual / $15 family / $5 students & seniors Supporting membership @ $35 (silver-contributing) & $100 (gold-supporting) Organizational membership: $50 (regular) & $250 (institutional sponsor)
Caprara’s Car & Truck Show at Brunswick Elk’s #2556
TROY – Sunday, Aug. 22, 11am-3pm (Rain Date TBD). 665 Brunswick Rd. Troy NY. 30 trophies in total – 20 of which are favorites and the remaining 10 are specialty picks. Dash plaques, door prizes and DJ Andy Narezynski entertaining. Enjoy a park-like setting with food and beverage by the Brunswick Elks. Open to all cars and trucks. Registration $15.00 day of the show. Spectator Admission is FREE. Bill Schroeder e-mail: oldcorvettes@nullgmail.com More information at:
http://www.capitalcarshows.com/BrunswickElks.html
Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake, Summerfest Is Back!!!
AVERILL PARK – Mark your calendars – Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 27-29th. Summerfest is a three day extravaganza planned and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake with the generous support of many local businesses and organizations.
This is an admission free event that will feature great bands, thrilling rides for children and adults, fireworks, a pep rally for our local students and sports teams, a car show, petting zoo, tennis tournament, a visit from a Blackhawk helicopter with helicopter tours, craft vendors and a variety of food and beverage choices to appeal to every taste. Even more fun and exciting activities will soon be added. So circle the dates and plan to come out to Butler Park in Averill Park to celebrate summer by enjoying all the great music and fun-filled activities being planned.
The Poestenkill Business Association Auction Update
POESTENKILL – Town Residents wishing to donate items to our August 28th Auction at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post’s Pavillon on Main Street can drop them off Wednesday evening Aug. 26th or Thursday evening Aug. 27th. If you are unable to drop the items off, please contact Roger Bubie at 518-283-4110 to leave your name, address and best contact number. PBA Members will contact you to arrange pick-up on either Wednesday the 26th or Thursday the 27th. The following items are NOT being accepted for this Auction: Televisions, Electronic Items, (including Monitors & Printers), Books, Exercise Equipment and non-working Yard Equipment. Please remember, all items donated are put up for public auction in an serious effort to raise funds to help your Poestenkill neighbors who experience unexpected hardship during the year so please be mindful of this purpose as you choose items to be donated. As a reminder, public viewing will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 28th with the Auction process to start at 1:00 PM. The Kitchen will be open by 10:30 AM offering fine food and refreshments. Please plan on attending for a most enjoyable Saturday to help support a MOST WORTHY cause. The Auction will be held rain or shine.
Thank you in advance for your interest and participation! SEE YOU AT THE AUCTION AUGUST 28TH!!
Malta Veterans Appreciation Program 5th Annual Charity Golf Outing
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Save The Date! Monday, August 30, 2021. To Benefit Our LOCAL VETERAN “Hometown Heroes” Register now. $150 per person/$560 per foursome. Saratoga Lake Golf Club. Call Renee Farley (518) 577-8863 or Jim Peterman at 203-257-1893.
Rensselaer County’s Annual 4-H Cow Chip Bingo Fundraising Event
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Renssealer County 4-H Cattle Program is super excited to host their annual fundraising event. The Cow Chip Bingo event will be held on Saturday, September 4th at 6PM at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds.
This year we will be doing virtual and in person sales. Virtual sales will be taken from now up until August 31st.You can get your tickets (via credit card) here: https://ccerennselaer.mahaplatform.com/events/vnqm8zlls8
If you would prefer to pay with cash or check, give Kayela a call and we can schedule a time for you to meet her at our office in Troy. After the August 31st date, tickets can only be purchased by cash or check at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds up until the event at 6PM on Saturday, September 4th.
Each square is $5 and on the day of the event, if your square is “chosen” you will win: $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place.
Selecting your square(s):
A link to a Google Doc should have appeared in your confirmation email after you registered using the link above. The grid on this Google Doc is what we will base our real grid off of. Please select your square(s) by inputting your first and last name. If more spaces need to be added, Kayela will do so as needed.
If you have any additional questions, contact Kayela at 518-272-4210 ext. 105 or kls342@nullcornell.edu.
In order to stay updated, please follow the Facebook event page. Please help us promote the event by sharing the link as well. https://www.facebook.com/events/218142383564365?ref=newsfeed
We thank you all so much in advance for supporting our county’s 4-H Cattle Program.
Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish
SPEIGLETOWN – Yes, your Book Nook is back!!! Finally, after a long year, your Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish on Hillview Drive in Speigletown is coming back. We are starting off by offering the popular $5/bag Blow-Out Sale beginning Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, September 4. The Blow-Out Sale will continue each Saturday during the month of September, from 9:00 am until noon. Remember, bring your bag, ANY SIZE, and fill it with books for only $5.
The Book Nook is again accepting donations but ask that you do not just drop them off and leave them outside the church doors. Please drop them off during church office hours (9:30 am – 2:00 pm) Monday through Thursday. Accepting all types of donations, provided the books are in good, clean condition.
We are once again looking forward to offering the greatest little secret in our area. If you’ve never taken advantage of the Book Nook, come visit and see what you’ve been missing.
Thank you again for your support and see you at the Book Nook!
Clinton Heights 19th Annual Reunion
RENSSELAER – The Clinton Heights Annual Reunion will be held at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post, 200 Columbia Turnpike on Friday, September 10th, 2021 (the Friday after Labor Day) from 3pm – 7pm. Please come and join us if you grew up in Clinton Heights, Hampton Manor, Prospect Heights, Clinton Park or Hillview in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or beyond. Everyone is welcome. If you are in contact with anyone who has left the area, please give them a call also, This is an informal gathering. There is no charge but donations to cover expenses would be appreciated. Please join us for another great afternoon. For more information, please call Mona Orciuoli at 518-465-9564 or Pam Sanford Dundon at 518-766-9289.
St. Jude’s 16th Annual Festival, Super Raffle & Craft Fair
WYNANTSKILL – Save the date, September 25th, for St. Jude the Apostle’s 16th annual Fall Festival featuring international food and entertainment from around the globe! Super Raffle tickets are now on sale and going fast!! Grand Prize is $10,000, with 12 prizes in total. Ticket cost is $100, with only 250 being sold!! Order now by going to https://StJudesWyn.square.site or calling Renay at 518-701-7369. We are still accepting craft fair vendors email StJudesFestival@nulloutlook.com. See you September 25th! Proudly sponsored by MAC Equipment, Wynantskill Funeral Home & Troy Sand and Gravel.