Monday April 29, 2024 
Broadway Nights
Capital Community Voices, directed by Julie Panke, will present “Broadway Nights” on Saturday, May 6th at 7:00 pm at Genet Elementary School, Route 4, East Greenbush, NY.
The concert will include songs from the Broadway shows Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun, Les Misérables, and Phantom of the Opera. Songs by Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and Irving Berlin will also be presented.
The chorus will be accompanied by pianist Malcolm Kogut, bassist Randy Jennings, and percussionist James Iacketta.
Ticket prices are $15 general admission and $12 for seniors and students.
Community Tables at the Spring Fling!
We have a great opportunity for area community groups to get the word out about their organizations at the SHAC Center annual Spring Fling on May 20th from 9am until 3pm. SHAC is located at 27 Lake Avenue in Averill Park.
We have set aside an area for people to bring a table/tent and offer information about their programs to community residents. This is something that Nopiates/Girl Scouts/Kiwanis/National Guard has done every year. It’s a great way to reach a large group of people at one time – together we will all Raise the Roof!
Want to learn more? Email holliboyd@nullgmail.com or text 518-281-4398. Thanks!
World War II Roundtable
On May 11, 2023, at 10:30 AM Melvin Roads American Legion, 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY, will be hosting a World War II roundtable with Four World War II Veterans.
You can ask questions like “ What was D-Day like” “How did you survive the Battle of the Bulge” “ How hot was it in North Africa” and more. This is a rare event to talk to these Veterans. The day begins with our weekly Thursday Veterans & Friends Breakfast at 08:00 AM followed by the World War II Roundtable at 10:30 AM.
After we are having a belated birthday party for 100-year-old veteran Harold Williams, (D-Day and Battle of the bulge veteran). Everyone is invited to attend.
Town of North Greenbush Memorial Day Parade
Our annual Town of North Greenbush Memorial Parade will be held on Monday, May 29th at 1pm. If you or your organization would like to participate, please contact the Town Supervisor’s office at (518) 283-5313 or email at supervisorsoffice@nullnorthgreenbush.org.
We are inviting all veterans to march and lead off our parade. If you are a business, school group or team in town, we’d love for you to participate. For organizations, please let us know you would be interested so we can include you in the lineup.
All Aboard! SLHS Gala at The Arlington House!
Don’t miss it – the Sand Lake Historical Society’s Annual Gala, Sunday afternoon May 21st from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at the historic Arlington House, 3532 Route 43, West Sand Lake. The Arlington House – also known as the Journey’s End, the Old Journey’s End, the Arlington Hotel, and the Elk Horn Hotel – was Trolley Stop 22 on the Troy and New England Railway which connected Averill Park to Troy and brought visitors (including the mysterious Hazel Drew) to our beautiful town of Sand Lake. Our 2023 theme is “Trolley’s, Transportation, Hotels, and Recreation.”
In addition to food, drink, and conversation, this year’s fundraising gala will feature a special recognition program. This will be buffet-style event (with cash bar). There is limited seating. Additional information, tickets, and sponsorships are available at http://sandlakehistory.org/ . SLHS turns fifty in 2024.
American Legion “Taco Bar” fundraiser and raffle
The Gerald O’Neil Auxiliary, Unit #1683 invites you to join us on Friday, May 5th for “Cinco De Mayo” festivities!
We will be offering build your own tacos (donation $3 ea. or 2 for $5), nachos with cheese sauce and drink specials (margaritas). We also are having a “Piñata” raffle that includes all the fixings to make your own margaritas, tacos and more!
This event will be held at the Gerald O’Neil American Legion Post, 836 Broadway in Rensselaer from 4 to 7. All proceeds will go directly to our Veterans, their families and our community. Your support is greatly appreciated. Ole!
Food Truck Tuesday is May 9 at the Church of the Covenant
If you missed the return of Food Truck Tuesday in April at the Church of the Covenant in Averill Park then be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 9!
Heisenburgers, Gourmeli’s Taste and Pizza Trails will be cooking up the items you’ve loved and some new specialties in the upper lot from 4:00-7:00 for take out or to enjoy at outdoor seating with neighbors, friends and family.
Homemade desserts will be for sale and local performer Val Gray on guitar and vocals accompanied by Lou Amendolara on the cajon will be entertaining! There will be indoor seating if the weather does not cooperate. We look forward to welcoming you!
Handicapped parking will be available off Orient Ave. with general parking in the lower lot.
From The Desk of Janice Hannigan Kerwin, North Greenbush Town Clerk
IF YOU: Make it, bake it or cook it…………. We Want You!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are looking for Food Trucks & vendors for our 3rd Annual WEDNESDAY Night Food Truck Event in North Greenbush. We will be starting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event will be every Wednesday night throughout summer until August 9, 2023.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the North Greenbush Town Clerk, Janice Hannigan Kerwin for information at townclerk@nullnorthgreenbush.org. You may also call the office @ 518-283-4306 any day Monday- Friday.
Friends of the Castleton Public Library Plant Sale
Saturday, May 6th, 10am-1pm. On the corner of Main St and Scott Ave in the Village of Castleton. Variety of vegetables,herbs, flowers(annuals/perennial)Sold. Music by Scarlet Duo. Coffee and donuts sold. Thank you for your support.
NF Northeast Presents: Steps2Cure NF Capital District
SCHENECTADY – Neurofibromatosis (NF) Northeast presents Steps2Cure NF Capital District, taking place at Schenectady Central Park on Sunday, May 7, 2023, and featuring Operation Safe Child administered by the Albany Sheriff’s Department, music by DJ Debonair, face painting by Miss Stacey, refreshments, raffles, and more!
NF Northeast is proud to bring Steps2Cure Capital District to Schenectady for the first year, after operating out of Albany, NY for nearly a decade! Steps2Cure NF Capital District will help to raise much needed funds and awareness for Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on the nerves anywhere in or on the body at any time. NF affects 3 times as many people as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, Tay-Sachs, and muscular dystrophy combined yet is not commonly known.
To register, please visit nfnortheast.org and navigate to the Steps2Cure NF Capital District event page. There you will find the registration link. The registration fee is $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 -17, and free for children ages 5 and under. All registered participants will receive a Steps2Cure NF bandana, fundraising tips, and support.
Steps2Cure NF Capital District (formally Albany) has been operating with the help of dedicated local volunteers, who started the event over 10 years ago. Last year, Steps2Cure Albany brought together over 100 members of the greater Albany, NY community and raised over $12,000. This year, we have set a goal of $14,000!
NF Northeast is a register 501(C)(3) organization headquartered in Burlington, MA. NF Northeast is proud to support a nine-state region that includes MA, NY, PA, NJ, CT, VT, NH, ME, and RI. At NF Northeast we seek to bring hope to those affected by neurofibromatosis and allied disorders.
Latham-Colonie Columbiettes Annual Flea Market
The Latham-Colonie Columbiettes are hosting their Annual Flea Market on Saturday, May, 20th, 2023 at Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, (Rain or Shine)!
Vendor space still available is Outdoor Undercover, area is 4 (w) x 8 (l) $25 or $30 w/electric. Outdoor 10 (w) x 10 ( l ), $30 or $40 w/electric (with your own pop up set up).
Our signed vendors have a wonderful display of items; Paparazzi Jewelry, Original Art Work, Boutique Clothing, Handmade Artisan Crafts; Crocheted Items, Wax Melts and More, also Collectible Items, Books, Household Items, and so much more!
For Vendor Information klmajer@nulloutlook.com or www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/dinners-events, 518 783 0572.
Join Us to Prevent Identity Theft!
Sand Lake Kiwanis is providing a free community shredding event from 9am to noon on Saturday, May 20, 2023. We invite folks in our greater community to bring their outdated bills, bank statements and other personal paper documents to the Algonquin Middle School’s parking lot on May 20th – location 333 NY 351, Averill Park, NY.
Although most shredders charge $5.00 to $10.00 per “banker’s box” this event is free! And yes, Sand Lake Kiwanis will graciously accept your donations. There is a limit of 5 banker’s boxes per family. No plastic: DVDs, thumb drives, etc. can be accepted.
So start now to and gather all your shedderable paper items. Remember this is one day only, Saturday, May 20th, event.
For additional information you may contact Kiwanis member Pat at conif1989@nullgmail.com.
To learn more about our Kiwanis Club go to www.SandLakeKiwanis.org or visit and friend us on www.facebook.com/Kiwanis-Club-of-Sand-Lake.
Sand Lake Kiwanis Hosts the Dissipated Eight’s Annual Free to the Community Spring Concert
On May 5th Kiwanis will once again host a free-to-everyone Annual Spring Concert of Dissipated Eight of Middlebury College. The D8 will be back in Averill Park with their lively and entertaining a cappella singing for a 7:30pm performance at the Averill Pak High School auditorium.
As always, this concert promises to be a fun filled evening for children, teens and adults of all ages. So bring your whole family and invite your friends. Come early to get a good seat.
Community “Repair Café” Gathering May 6th in North Greenbush
Toss it away? No way! Bring in your used, broken items for free on-the-spot repairs.
The all-volunteer group Rensselaer Repair Café is offering a community repair café on Saturday, May 6th, from 10AM to 2PM at Robert C. Parker School, 4254 NY Route 43, North Greenbush, NY 12198.
A “repair café” is a free meeting place where people come together to repair items they might otherwise throw away, while passing on practical knowledge from one generation to another. It’s an ongoing learning process, which can build community along the way. If you have nothing to repair, you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or lend a hand with someone else’s repair job. You can also get inspired at our reading table – by leafing through books on repair or DIY.
We welcome all broken items, but examples of things we can help you repair include: clothing, furniture, electrical appliances, toys, bicycles and electronics.
“We throw away vast amounts of stuff. Even things with almost nothing wrong, and which could get a new lease on life after a simple repair,” said Greg Watson, Coordinator, Rensselaer Repair Café. “The trouble is, these days it’s often not cost-effective to have something repaired. Our café is an opportunity for the community to get help fixing their items at no cost, and they may even learn enough from our experts to repair things on their own the next time.”
Volunteers Needed!
We’re still looking for volunteers with a variety of skills who enjoy sharing their knowledge with their neighbors. We need community members who can help with this or future repair cafes. We are especially looking for people who are handy with: clothing/textile, electrical appliances, bicycles and furniture/wooden objects. To volunteer, email us at info@nullrensselaer-repair.cafe.
For More Information
Rensselaer Repair Café website: rensselaer-repair.cafe. International Repair Café website: repaircafe.org.
Press contact: Andrea Hartman, Director of Communications at Robert C. Parker School; 310-968-0459; ahartman@nullparkerschool.org.
Sapling Giveaway and Nature Walk
Join the East Greenbush Conservation Advisory Council on May 7th for a bare root tree/shrub giveaway and nature walk.
Bare roots will be available for East Greenbush residents from 1-3pm while supplies last (limit 5 per household) at the Red Barn in EG Town Park. Species available include Red oak, Black oak, Virginia rose, Ninebark and Witchhazel. Nature walk begins at 2:30pm. CAC@nulleastgreenbush.org
For the Cause: Women of the Civil War at Stephentown Heritage Center
Historical reenactor Phyllis Chapman will present “For the Cause: Women of the Civil War” on Sunday, May 7, at 2:00 p.m. She will appear as Dr. Mary Walker, Civil War surgeon, telling of her work and the contributions of other women during that bitter conflict. This Stephentown Historical Society program meeting will be held at the Stephentown Heritage Center, 4 Staples Road, Stephentown, New York. The program is free and the building is handicapped accessible. For directions, telephone (518) 733-0010.
While Civil War generals, armies, and battles have been the subject of countless books, magazine articles and films, the contributions of women in the conflict have been less noted. Women were no less involved than the men, sometimes in strikingly similar roles. The first woman ever to lead a military mission for the U. S. Army did so in 1863, and, she was a woman of color. The only female Medal of Honor recipient ever, of over 3500 recipients, was a Civil War surgeon who struggled for recognition both during and after the War.
Women on both sides of the conflict supported their respective causes in ways great and small: from serving as nurses, spies, writers, in battle, in industry, or by simply keeping their homes and farms running. For some, their war activities propelled them toward a new, independent mindset, and more active future roles in society.
I Love My Park Day at Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park will be hosting their annual I Love My Park Day event on Saturday, May 6th, 8:30am-12pm. The park invites volunteers of all ages for a morning of service on park trails, shores, and fields and to indulge in the trail activities they enjoy most in the afternoon.
Check-in is at 8:30am at the Beach Tent, with the event wrapping up at noon. The Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will be providing snacks before the event as well as a pizza party afterwards. Pre-registration guarantees a t-shirt provided by Parks and Trails NY. After the pizza party, participants are encouraged to enjoy the trails and park. Scout troops, outdoor clubs, families, and anyone interested are all welcome.
Pre-registration is required. For more information call the park at 518-279-1155. Register at: https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day
Grafton Lakes State Park is located off of Route 2, twelve miles east of Troy, New York. Please use the park’s main entrance on Grafton Lakes State Park Way for this event. There is no entrance fee for volunteers for this event. The Beach Tent is located on the right side of the main parking lot at the end of the main park road. For more information, please call the park at 518-279-1155.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 79.5 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
“History of the Rensselaer Glassworks” at Sand Lake Historical Society
Phil Bernnard of the National Bottle Museum will present “The History (and People) of the Rensselaer Glassworks”, for the Sand Lake Historical Society, on Tuesday, May 9th at 7PM at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY 66, Averill Park. This program was originally scheduled for March 14th but was postponed due to the snowstorm.
The Rensselaer Glassworks was one of Sand Lake’s early industries (and gave us “Glass Lake”). Come hear the history of the works, the workers who made the glass, succession of owners, and the technology of glassmaking in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Phil is asking attendees to bring any “Glass Lake glass” specimens they have and wishes that any descendants of glassworkers (and those who might be living in their former houses!) come and share.
Phil Bernnard has a background in both anthropology and archeology. He has been with the National Bottle Museum for over a decade, as both a board member and researcher, and a collector of bottles and glass for fifty years.
SLHS monthly programs are open to the public and are live-streamed on the SLHS website — http://sandlakehistory.org (archived video also will be posted there). A $5 donation is suggested for non-members. New members are always welcomed. Like us on Facebook. SLHS turns Fifty in 2024! The May 9th meeting will also serve as the Society’s Annual Meeting for 2022-23.
Capital Area Flute Club 25th Anniversary Concert
The Capital Area Flute Club (CAFC) is celebrating their 25th anniversary season with a concert on May 21st at 3 PM at the Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park. This concert will include the World Premiere of Silver Jubilee by Ricky Lombardo.
Following the concert, there will be a flute “petting zoo” where audience members can explore the various types of flutes and ask questions. There is no charge to attend thanks to the generosity of donors. For more information follow Capital Area Flute Club on FaceBook or email us at capitalareafluteclub@nullgmail.com.
Mendelssohn Club of Albany Announces Annual Spring Concert
The Mendelssohn Club of Albany will perform its traditional spring concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19th in the New York State Education Building’s historic Chancellor’s Hall.
“The club is thrilled to continue our long tradition of performing at Chancellor’s Hall, singing a program that blends old favorites with several fresh compositions and arrangements,” said Mendelssohn Club President Claiborne Walthall. “Folk music speaks to a wide range of experiences and cultures, and we’re excited to share this music with some great folks-our audience.”
“Folk Music – Songs of the People” will feature a wide range of traditional folk songs and other familiar pieces. To help celebrate the arrival of spring, The Kennedys will join the club as special guests. Pete and Maura Kennedy are wonderful writers, musicians, and performers. Recognized for their harmonies and instrumental prowess, the Kennedys blend elements of country music, bluegrass, Western swing and janglepop.
Tickets for the concert are available in advance for $22, or $20 per ticket for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets in advance, please contact tickets@nullmendelssohn.org for more information. Walk-in tickets may also be available.
Highlight Acting Troupe Presents Moon Over Buffalo
Highlight Acting Troupe presents Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig. This hilarious farce introduces George and Charlotte Hay, performing “Cyrano” and “Private Lives” in repertoire with a down on their luck theater company in Buffalo, NY in the 1950’s.
The comic mishaps and absurd antics of their cast and crew will keep you laughing as the Hay’s attempt to achieve their dream of Hollywood stardom. The show will open at the Brunswick Grange on Rt. 7 and Rt. 142 in Brunswick, NY on May 5th (8pm) 6th (8pm) and 7th (2pm). For Reservations please call 518-237-6936. Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo is presented by Arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Questar III Scholarship Benefit Cruise-In
Date: Friday, May 12, 5- 8 pm
Columbia Greene Educational Center, 131 Union Turnpike (Route 66), Hudson.
Entry Donation: $10 per vehicle. Open to all specialty vehicles, any year.
Free spectator admission.
Take Out Chicken BBQ Available (Limited Quantity)
Pre-purchase tickets available. Call 518-653-1865.
Attention Veterans
The Castleton/Schodack Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 29th at the corner of Seaman and Boltwood Avenues in Castleton, NY.
The Peter Andrews Castleton Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7337 is again inviting all veterans with any kind of connection to Castleton/Schodack to help us honor those that gave their lives for our country, by marching with us.
Guests marching with us should dress appropriately for the day (no politics). If you are unable to march, but still want to be in the parade with us, please contact me as soon as possible so I can reserve a seat in a car for you.
Ricardo E. “Rik” Cosgrave, Commander, Peter Andrews Castleton Memorial VFW Post 7337, 105 Scott Ave Castleton, NY 12033 Email: vfw12033@nullgmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VFWCastletonNY My Cell Phone: 518-694-2070.
Capital District Chevrolet Club Annual Car, Street Rod and Truck Show 2023
The Capital District Chevrolet Club announces its 40th Annual Car, Street Rod and Truck Show 2023 – June 25th, 2023 (Sunday) including all makes, model and years of vehicles.
It will be held at Cook’s Park in the Village of Colonie from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM with registration from 9:00 thru 12:30 PM. Reg is $20 per show vehicle and free to walk-ins as is their parking. Vendors $20 prior to 6/24 -day of show $25. Food available all day, DJ music, door prizes, 50/50 drawings, goody bags and dash plaques to first 150 vehicle owners.
Two (2) Best of Show trophies and 35 plus trophies from participant judging will be awarded. Show is on the Grassed area.
Information: Phil (518) 429-0203, Vendors: Karen (518) 281-8333. We are also looking for any kind of vendors except food type. Location: Lincoln Ave off of NY Rte. 5 (Central Ave.) 1/4 mile from Exit 2W on I87(Northway)
Crafters Wanted in Richfield Springs
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Applications are currently being accepted for two popular craft events in Richfield Springs–the 42nd Annual Friendship Craft Festival to be held on Saturday, June 10 in Spring Park and the 3rd Annual Fall Craft Fair scheduled for Saturday, October 7 at the Cullen Pumpkin, 587 Cullen Road. Both events are sponsored by the Church Of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs.
For information and an application for both events go to www.rschurchofchristuniting.com or call Carla at 315-858-1451.