Sunday April 28, 2024 
NORTH GREENBUSH NOTES
Jim Greenfield, Town Historian 283-6384
Hi-Way Recreation Closes
In the Spring of 2021, bowling ceased in Wynantskill. Art Hoffman announced that the Hi-Way Recreation Bowling Alley would close. In November 1948 three men Walter Vanderpool, Roy Ottman and Bill Sturgess invested in the construction of a bowling alley at 115 Main Avenue. Sturgess managed it for a percentage of the profits.
After World War people had more leisure time and the hobby of bowling took off. In the early “dark ages” of bowling, pins had to be reset by hand using “pinboys “who replaced the pins and returned the ball. Today everything is automated.
In 1974, the three founders sold the business to Arthur H. Hoffman whose son Arthur P. Hoffman “Artie” ran the bowling alley for 48 years, expanding the lanes to 12 and adding a lounge.
Throughout its history, Hi-Way sponsored many leagues. There were leagues for seniors, children, parents and children together, men’s and classics. Hi-Way hosted tournaments with trophies and awards given. Schools including St. Jude’s, Averill Park and Gardner-Dickinson formed teams for competition.
Often there were special occasion bowling parties for birthday and holiday celebrations. There was even a gender reveal party with blue pins only.
Hi-Way had a moment on the national scene when YouTube played a Comedy Central segment filmed in Wynantskill which spoofed a bowling match between two characters named “Sober vrs. “Boozy”. You probably can guess who won.
The end came when COVID-19 restrictions mandated capacity limits and social distancing hurting the financial bottom line. After 48 years, Artie called it quits.
Facebook has posted many tributes to the bowling alley. One tribute says it all. Hi-Way is the “Cheers”of Wynantskill. You always found a friend there.
Do You Have an Hour a Week to Spare to Help Someone in our Rensselaer County Community? Community Caregivers Could Use Uou!
RENSSELAER COUNTY – We need drivers to take folks to medical appointments, and volunteers to visit or call neighbors in your area. Could you help someone with light housework chores or take them to the grocery store or bank? Could you provide a respite for a struggling family? Our volunteer orientation is online several times a month.
Please call Heidi Buono, Service Coordinator for Rensselaer County at (518)366-9173, heidi@nullcommunitycaregivers.org, or Meredith Osta, Volunteer Coordinator, at (518)456-2898,meredith@nullcommunitycaregivers.org. Information on, and donations to, our programs can be seen at communitycaregivers.org.
To Love A Child, a Local Non-Profit, Launches Haiti Relief Fund $5,000 Match
CAPITAL DISTRICT – To Love A Child announces a special urgent Haiti Relief Fund Match to assist victims of the recent earthquake and tropical storms. An anonymous donor will match donations up to a total of $5,000. Your donation will make twice the impact. To Love A Child was on the ground when the 2010 earthquake struck and is ready and willing to assist again. As we discovered in 2010, a tragedy of this magnitude affects thousands of people. Haiti is already suffering from poverty, the recent assassination of their president, economic hardship and environmental challenges. Anything we can do to help–even a few people–is well worth the effort.
Funds will be used to purchase rice, oil, water, clothing, tarps, medicine and personal hygiene supplies for people who have lost everything in the earthquake in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Please visit www.toloveachild.net for more detailed information and to make a secure donation through PayPal or checks may be sent to To Love A Child, Inc., PO Box 165, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Please note “Haiti Relief” in the memo section.
Thank you for your support. Together we will make a difference in the lives of many.
Hunting Licenses 2021
SCHODACK – Debra L. Curtis, the Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind hunters that hunting licenses are on sale now. For hunting and trapping licenses, the license year runs form September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022. Annual fishing licenses and recreational marine fishing registration are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
Deer management permits (DMPs) will be available via an instant lottery from Aug. 2, 2021 through the close of business on Oct. 1, 2021.
We also have a limited supply of Federal Duck Stamps available at a cost of $26.00 ($25.00 plus $1.00 revenue for the town).
The Town Clerk’s Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please be sure to have your driver’s license or an old hunting license to expedite processing of your new license.
From the Desk of Janice Hannigan Kerwin, North Greenbush Town Clerk
NORTH GREENBUSH – The 2021 -2022 Season for Licenses & Deer Management permits are now on sale! Stop by the North Greenbush Town Clerk’s office, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday to purchase your 2021 – 2022 licenses on the spot!!
I have the 2021-2022 Official Guide to Laws & Regulations, Volume 15, issue No. 1, September 2021 for you right here in the office. In addition to the magazines, I have printed out the 2021 Wildlife Management Unit Boundary map for you to review while choosing your Deer Management Permit locations.
Please stay safe & healthy, I am looking forward to seeing you all here in the office this year.
Did You Explore AP This Summer?
SAND LAKE – Hopefully you found some new places in our community this summer using the map activity from the Sand Lake Town Library Friends. It was a companion to the Town Library’s “Tails and Tales” summer reading program, but we know some adults joined in too. Please write your name and age on the back of the map and turn it in either Saturday, August 28 at the library table at Summerfest or after that date in the library. You’ll get something sweet in return. Friends book-sized tote bags are for sale at the library and we’ll sponsor a Book Sale during September’s Townwide Garage Sale. If you’d like to join this vibrant group of people called the “SLTL Friends,” contact jill@nullbonesteel.com or check out our brochure in the library or on the library’s website.
NØpiates Committee Memorial Awareness Event – Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day
AVERILL PARK – Nopiates Committee International Overdose Awareness Event, Tuesday, August 31st 6pm – Join NØpiates Committee as we gather to remember our lost loved ones, bring hope, support for those in need and celebrate those who are in recovery. Our vehicle procession will start at Miller Hill/Sand Lake Elementary School and proceed to the West Sand Lake Elementary School.
Join us as we “take over the airways” during the time of our event 6pm-7pm.Everyone is urged to TUNE-INTO 88.3 FM To listen to our Memorial Event.
Do you have a loved one that you would like remembered during our memorial event? Do you want to share a prerecord a message of hope and encouragement or do you have a recovery support opportunity that you want to promote? If so Email: nopiatesevents@nullgmail.com for additional information. Participants are encouraged to promote awareness along with positive recovery messages on their vehicles.
“We continue to encourage community involvement as we promote hope, provide awareness, prevention and support. With your support we work for a healthier community. “ -Tim Murdick
Six Averill Park High School Graduates Named Opalka Scholars at Russell Sage College
AVERILL PARK – Russell Sage College’s Opalka Family Scholarship is awarded to graduates of Averill Park High School who will study elementary education or art at Sage. The scholarship is funded by Chet Opalka, a member of Sage’s board of trustees, and Karen Opalka. The 2021-2022 Opalka Scholars from Averill Park are Ryan Long, Delaney Burton, Vince Carucci, Bailey Bates, Kaitlin Bates and Marissa Carey.
Pictured (L to R) are Ryan Long, Delaney Burton, Vince Carucci, Karen Opalka, Chet Opalka, Bailey Bates, Kaitlin Bates and Russell Sage College Undergraduate Dean Deborah Lawrence. Missing from photo is Opalka Scholar Marissa Carey.
Barbara J. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship Awardee Announced
EAST GREENBUSH – East Greenbush Fire Company President Trace Cullum proudly announces the recipient of the Barbara J. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship Program for 2021. Through the Barbara J. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship Program, the East Greenbush Fire Company provides scholarship grants to qualified applicants seeking to advance their education in their chosen field of study. The 2021 recipient is Taylor O’Brien. Ms. O’Brien, a 2021 graduate of Columbia High School, is entering Bentley University in September and will be focusing on a Business curriculum. Ms. O’Brien was introduced and presented with her Scholarship award during the August meeting of the East Greenbush Fire Company. The Fire Company commends this college entrant for her admirable academic achievements and pursuit of a higher education.
Senior Bowlers Wanted!
EAST GREENBUSH – The Rensselaer Senior Center Bowling is looking for senior bowlers for the upcoming 2021-2022 season starting on Tuesday Sept. 7th. We bowl every Tuesday starting at noon for 27 weeks at the East Greenbush Bowling Center on Columbia Turnpike. Individuals have to be 60 years old to join the Rensselaer Senior Center. This is a fun, relaxed, no pressure bowling league. All bowlers are welcomed from beginners to experts. For more information call the Rensselaer Senior Center at (518)463-2166 or Frank Putallaz at (518)477-4412.
North Greenbush Town Celebration
NORTH GREENBUSH – Town Supervisor Joe Bott is happy to announce the North Greenbush Town Celebration will be held September 10th, 11th, and 12th at town hall, 2 Douglas Street in Wynantskill. This is our annual event filled with carnival rides, games, food trucks, bands and a great celebration of our town. We invite you to bring the entire family as we celebrate summer! Events will kick-off Friday with the opening of the rides, followed by a full day of events on Saturday and closing on Sunday afternoon. We will have music on Friday and Saturday nights at the gazebo. We will also hold a special remembrance on Saturday for the 20th anniversary of September 11th. The event will be coordinated by Deputy Supervisor Kelly Hoffman and Councilwoman Jessica Merola, chair of our youth and recreation committee. Please call the town supervisor’s office with any questions at (518) 283-5313, x-10. Watch for more details in the weeks to come.
Woodlawn Cemetery Association Inc. Annual Meeting
EAST SCHODACK – The Woodlawn Cemetery Association Inc., 111 Burden Lake Road, East Schodack will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday evening September 14, 2021 at 6:30 pm at the East Schodack Fire House, 3071 NY Route 150 in East Schodack.
On the agenda will be the report of the Treasure, discussion of general upkeep of the cemetery, including cost, election of Officers and Trustees as well as any other business that comes before the Association.
Donations for mowing, ect are greatly appreciated and may be sent to Woodlawn Cemetery Assoc. Inc. P.O. Box 14, East schodack NY 12063.
All lot owners, or their designated representatives are encouraged to attend and your participation is most welcome. This is your opportunity to be part of the decision making concerning your cemetery. If you have any questions please feel free to contact President Frank Curtis at 518-766-3318 or mail your comments to Woodlawn Cemetery Association.
Columbia High School Class of 1986 35-Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Columbia High School’s Class of 1986 is celebrating it’s 35-year reunion on Saturday, September 18th at Birch Hill from 6-11pm. There will be a full BBQ, unlimited beer/wine option, bonfire and live music! Visit: www.chs1986.com for registration details and a list of who’s attending.
1959 Graduates of Draper High School
CAPITAL DISTRICT – A reunion has been set for Saturday, September 18 at 5:30 at the Turf Tavern in Scotia, NY. Menu is a choice of chicken milanese, roast sirloin of beef or baked scrod. Cost of the meal is $35 and includes tax and tip. Deadline for reservations is September 1st. Send your check made payable to Carol DeSilva, 1027 St. Lucille Drive, Schenectady, NY 12306. Please pass on this information to as many classmates as you can as the committee is not sending mailing out invitations this year.
Walter A. Wood Tractor & Agriculture Show
HOOSICK FALLS – The 2021 Walter A. Wood Tractor and Agriculture Show is looking for vendors, tractors, hit & miss engines, horse drawn farm equipment, antique trucks and agricultural products.
Preparations are under way for the annual the 2021 Walter A. Wood Tractor and Agriculture Show in Wood Park in Hoosick Falls, with the application period now open for vendors, tractor enthusiasts, hit and miss engines and horse drawn equipment.
One of the unique features of the festival is the display of antique and rare tractors and vintage farm equipment, along with a 12 noon tractor parade.
Typically, every color of tractors is represented at the festival. Organizers are accepting applications from tractor clubs and individuals interested in displaying equipment during the event.
Interested craft, merchandise and farm equipment vendors also can submit applications until September 25th. All spaces will be outside and power is optional. For more information contact Kevin O’Malley at 518-894-5035. hoosickkid@nullgmail.com or Brian Luke Gizmoe403@nullgmail.com
Stillwater Class of 1971 – 50 Year Reunion
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Stillwater Class of 71 is now planning their 50 year reunion. Event date is October 16, 2021 at the Hideaway Restaurant at the Saratoga Lake Golf Course. Anyone interested in attending or needing information, please call Chuck Capeci at 518-371-3225 or Cathy Sgambati at 518-664-7927. Deadline for tickets is Sept. 16, 2021.
Tour Belgium and Holland with Saratoga Arts
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In April, just as spring begins, leave your daily routine behind and join Saratoga Arts in an art and history-filled visit to Belgium and Holland April 20-29, 2022. We will stay in Brussels and Amsterdam with excursions to nearby treasures and plan to taste as many gourmet chocolates as ten days permit. We will waffle or way through Belgium, learn about the history and magic of the medieval Belgian tapestries, travel to Bruges, Delft and Amsterdam for romantic waterways, revel in the beauty of the Dutch Masters and Van Gogh, and admire the colorful blooms of the seven million bulb flowers of the Keukenhof Gardens.
Give yourself a chance to escape just for a while among the cultural and historical experiences of this small group tour.
To receive a detailed itinerary, contact: goedventures@nullgmail.com.
Poestenkill Area Food Insecurity
POESTENKILL – Any greater Poestenkill area residents currently experiencing temporary or long term food insecurity can turn to The Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poestenkill for supplemental food assistance. We provide basic nutritional foods and related items the first and third Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in a very discreet, nonjudgmental manner. We offer drive-thru service where each guest receives a product list to form your order, we then fill your order and bring the completed order back to your vehicle. Delivery service to Poestenkill Seniors unable to visit our Pantry is also available. Please try us, we are here to help. Our phone number is: 518-283-6045 to leave a message. Thank you.
Hope 7 Food Pantry
TROY – The Hope 7 Food Pantry located at 520 Pawling Avenue, Troy NY serves the East Side of Troy, Wynantskill and Northgreenbush.
Pantry Hours: Mon-Fri – 9:30am-11:45am; Thursday – 5pm-7pm. Last Saturday of each month 9:30am-11:45am
What to bring: Proof of residence (Troy’s East Side, North Greenbush, or Wynantskill) – (utility bill to your address in your name). ID’s for each person residing in household.
Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop
JOHNSONVILLE – The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, located at 22 Bridge Street, Johnsonville, NY 12094 is open 9-12 every Wednesday. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. We have a huge selection of adult and children’s summer clothing, as well as special occasion and career clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry, toys, linens, household and decorative items. Our newly organized library has over 1,000 books for sale.
The Anchor Food Pantry
SCHODACK – The Anchor Food Pantry in an attempt to keep the residents of the Town of Schodack informed during these pandemic times has an update for our hours of operation and business procedures. The anchor is open the following days for servicing clientele. Monday evenings 5pm-7pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm , and the first Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm. New clients are asked to furnish proof of residncy on their initial visit. Also if possible call ahead at 518-732-4120 and staff will accommodate and have food call ready which until further notice will be delivered to your vehicle. We have good news on donation front -we will be accepting clothing and houseware donations effective immediately during regular business hours . Clothing request is for summer and fall apparel at this time. As always we thank the citizens of Schodack for their continued generosity in our mission to aid those in need during these seemingly never ending pandemic circumstances.
Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Consider Attending PD SELF – Parkinson’s Self-Efficacy Learning Forum
CAPITAL DISTRICT – A national program being offered in Albany. The program provides people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s with an in-depth understanding of the disease and the tools to manage it with confidence. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required. Space is limited. Care partners are encouraged to attend.
This year the program, starting in September, has been adapted to be fully online. Find out more at www.cdparkinsons.org/pd-self
Poestenkill “Bread of Life” Food Pantry
POESTENKILL – NEW HOURS – Since September 2015, the Poestenkill “Bread of Life” food pantry has been offering staple food items to individuals and families in Poestenkill and surrounding communities who need food for themselves and their families. Beginning on May 1st, 2021 our NEW HOURS will BEGIN at 4:30 pm END AT 6:30pm on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of every month.
We thank our friends, community and many organizations who continue to support this effort through their most generous donations of time, resources and staple foods. Our new volunteers are the best, most kind, compassionate individuals. We are so grateful they have joined our pantry.
We are located at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 Route 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140. If you have an urgent need for food, please call us at (518) 283-6045 and leave a message.
This year, we have begun a new program with the pantry by offering baby food, diapers and wipes for the youngest in the Poestenkill community. The pantry does not currently stock baby supplies, but can provide select items upon request. If you are experiencing difficulty affording these items for your baby, please reach out to us. Please send a private Facebook message, email breadoflifepoestenkill@nullgmail.com or leave a message at (518) 428-0124.
St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus Bottle & Can Donations
WYNANTSKILL – Help Support Local Charities – St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption located at 461 Main Avenue in Wynantskill to accept bottle and can donations that have a NYS deposit.
This is to support local charities and those in need.
• Bring your clean, NYS deposit empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill.
• Say they are to support the St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus.
• They do the rest, that’s it!
• Thank you for your support!
Team “Knocking Out Alzheimer’s” Bottle Drive, The Fundraising Continues …
WYNANTSKILL/RENSSELAER – Team “Knocking out Alzheimer’s” is partnering with the 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.
No need to count the cans or bottles, no waiting or standing in lines to feed your cans or bottles into a machine.
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.”
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! Check us out on face book – Knocking out Alzheimer’s
Hudson-Mohawk Search & Rescue is Looking for Volunteers to Join our Team
CAPITAL DISTRICT – If you enjoy being outdoors in the wilderness, working with others to help people, follow directions well and have a willingness to learn, then our SAR team might be for you! Prior knowledge is helpful, but definitely not required as we provide the training. Check out our website at: www.humsar.org for more information.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
CAPITAL DISTRICT – the Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100 mile radius of Waterrford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other police agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachusetts. We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
New York State Commission for the Blind
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides free vocational rehabilitation and other services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and older adults. NYSCB assists participants in achieving economic self-sufficiency and full integration into society. Call toll-free (866) 871-3000 or visit our website: visionloss.ny.gov