Friday April 26, 2024 
The Capital District Garden & Flower Show Has Been Canceled
TROY – The 33rd Annual Capital District Garden & Flower Show schedule for March 27 through March 29th at Hudson Valley Community College has been canceled. Pennie Gonzalez, event manager wrote “It is with great sadness that we are canceling the 2020 Capital District Garden & Flower Show after receiving notification that NYS has placed an indefinite ban on large gatherings. This was not an easy decision, nor one taken lightly. At this time of crisis, it is most important to keep our sponsors, vendors, supporters and visiting families safe.” The Capital District Garden & Flower Show will be back March 26-28, 2021 to continue the most anticipated springtime tradition in New York’s Capital Region.
St. Patrick’s Day Coffee House
EAST GREENBUSH – The First United Methodist Church located at 1 Gilligan Rd. E. Greenbush will be having our fabulous St Patrick’s Day Coffee House on March 20. Celebrate with us at 7:00 o’clock in the Fellowship Hall…singers, poets, minstrels, storytellers, dancers abound. The snack table will be laden with delicious morsels and the audience is plentiful and lively! Our donated proceeds go to local families in need of food, medicine and other necessities of life.Phone: 518-477-9693 Email: office@nullfumceg.org Website: www.fumceg.org
French Film
CAPITAL DISTRICT – “Belle Et Sebastien”, March 21, 2020 1pm, Troy Public Library, 100 Second Street, Troy, NY, free, presented by La Fédération Franco-Américaine du New York. Taken place in the French Alps during World War II, a quiet little boy meets a stray dog and begins a friendship. The boy and his dog prove to be heroes when they help defend their village from the Nazis. For additional information, call the Troy Public Library at 518-274-7071. Follow La Fédération Franco-Américaine du New York at www.albanyareafrenchclub.com and Facebook.
Defensive Driving Class to Benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County
RENSSELAER COUNTY – on Saturday, March 21st 2020 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 forthe next three years & be eligible to receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. The class will be held at the Boys & Girls Club at 544 Broadway, Rensselaer. Fee $35.00 per person. Bring a friend fee is $30.00 each. Registration is required by calling Ray Frankoski at 518-286-3788.
Eco-Fair
EAST GREENBUSH – The First United Methodist Church located at 1 Gilligan Rd., E. Greenbush will be having an Eco-Fair on March 22 from 10:45am – noon. There will be a representative from Common Energy, the community solar provider selected for the church, and displays by church members on a number of topics, including: How to estimate and reduce your carbon footprint. Change your Diet – Recipes to try on Meatless Mondays. Where do I recycle this? (Resources for all kinds of items). Solar Panels on your Roof. The Future Solution -Carbon Capture. Impact of global warming. Community solar: why and how to sign up for it.Home energy audit: why and how to sign up for one. Perils of plastics and how to reduce my use of them. Electrify your Drive: Full Electric or Plug-in Hybrid. Keep Your Clothes On: Waste in the Textile Industry.
Fourth Sunday Ballroom Dance
CAPITAL DISTRICT – March 22, 2020. Polish Community Center, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany.Open To The Public. 6:30 pm – dance lesson by Eileen Spadaro. Open dancing starts 7:15 pm. Dancing until 10 pm with D.J. Ed Sweeney. Featured Dancing Showcase – 8:30 pm – tbd. Great mixers and Lady’s choice dances. Snacks, raffles and lots of fun!! $12 members – ($7 college students w/id). $14 – general admission. For info: 518-452-6883 OR www.Singles Outreach.org.
Hudson Valley Writers Guild Showcases Prose Writers
ALBANY – (hvwg.org) – The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will present a reading to showcase local prose writers. Reading and presenting at this second event in the series will be Moriah Hampton (stories), Keith Willis (romance/fantasy), and Richard Matturro (stories.)
Each of the writers will take 20 to 30 minutes to read from and discuss their work. Members of the Guild and the general public are invited and encouraged to attend to hear these varied works. Light refreshments will be provided.
This event will take place on Sunday, March 29, 2020 between 1:30 and 3:00 pm. It will be at the Washington Avenue main branch of the Albany Public Library in the Community Room on the second floor.
Note: this event is rescheduled from a previous date.
Gilead’s Body & Soul Pantry New Dates for 2020
CENTER BRUNSWICK – I know 2019 was confusing as far as what date we would have pantry and the dinner. As of January 2020 and through April of 2020, we will return to the old schedule of the last Thursday of each month. The hours will be the usual 3:00-6:00 pm.
Last year many of you enjoyed a delicious Chicken Parmesan and Ziti Dinner in February. You are in for a treat because last year’s guest chefs have agreed to recreate the same meal for you this January. Should there be questions about being open due to inclement weather please call 518-279-3576.
In case you have not visited us before, we are located in the Fellowship Hall of Gilead Lutheran Church. The church is at the intersection of Routes 7 and 278 in Center Brunswick and is handicapped accessible.
Basic Poultry Management
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Are you interested in raising chickens? Join us to learn more about basic poultry information to help you get started. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County will be hosting a Basic Poultry Management program on Thursday, March 26th at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Troy (61 State Street Troy, NY) at 6:30PM. Topics will include: hatching egg care, breeds, animal care and handling, housing, and health management. Admission is $5. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. If you would like to register or have questions, please contact Kayela at 518-272-4210 or kls342@nullcornell.edu.
Cornell High Tech Citizen Science Nature Kit Training
Grafton –Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County and the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center are offering a free training for all educators looking to engage youth in environmental science at the Grafton Lakes State Park Welcome Center. Friday, March 27: 8am-4pm. Don’t miss this chance to help youth connect to the natural world using modern technology.
What do iPads, binoculars, trail cams, and wind meters have in common? They’re all part of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s new High Tech Nature Kit. Join our March workshop and learn how to use these tools to inspire kids in grades K-12 to participate in citizen-science projects, and conduct their own outdoor investigations. You’ll get hands on experience with all the tech in the kits, and discuss how to create inquiry investigations, and discover how to facilitate authentic science experiences inside and outside the classroom. Kits are available for loan to participants and include 5 iPad minis, 10 pairs of binoculars, 3 Garmin GPS units, 2 StealthCam trail cameras, a Kestrel wind meter, bird ID resources, and a citizen science and inquiry-based curriculum. Breakfast and lunch will be provided as part of this free training. Minimum number of participants 10. Maximum 20. Preregistration required at (518) 658-2055 or jp844@nullcornell.edu.
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Call for more information and a complete schedule of our winter events or visit www.dykenpond.org .
Vendor/Craft Fair at Cornerstone Church
LANSINGBURGH – On Saturday, March 28, Cornerstone Community Church in Lansingburgh will hold a Vendor/Craft Fair. There are a limited number of spaces available. To reserve a space or for further information, you may contact Jill Manupella at 518-330-8288. The fair will be held at 570 Third Avenue in Lansingburgh (at Cornerstone Church, corner of 3rd Avenue and 115th Street). Items for sale include crafts, jewelry, and baked goods Hours are from 9-1 and a lunch of chili and hot dogs will be available.
For the Love of Bags & Bling Couch Party | St. Paul’s Center
RENSSELAER – Support homeless families at our online For the Love of Bags & Bling Couch Party. Shop for new and gently loved purses, scarves, and jewelry from the comfort of your own home! All proceeds will benefit St. Paul’s Center a local nonprofit serving Rensselaer County families experiencing homelessness. Tuesday, March 31st. Time: 7-9PM. Your couch! Join us online here: https://www.facebook.com/events/484257078927638/
We will post pictures of each item for sale on our Facebook page from 7-9PM. Pick up your items from our Center in Rensselaer, or have them shipped to you for a flat rate of $10.
It Is Time Again For Mr. AP
AVERILL PARK – It’s almost time for Averill Park High School’s most loved tradition… Mr. AP!! On April 3rd at 7pm come see some of the boys in the senior class show off their talent, rock it in the sports wear, and many more exciting things! It’s going to be a really fun time! Will you be there to see who becomes MR.AP 2020?
Center Brunswick Fire Company Spring Vendor and Craft Fair
CENTER BRUNSWICK – Join us Saturday, April 4th at the Center Brunswick Fire House, 1045 Hoosick Road, Center Brunswick (across from the Town Hall), from 9AM-2PM, for our Spring Vendor & Craft Fair. This event will feature many local crafters and vendors for your shopping needs. There will also be raffles, 50/50, bake sale, free admission and parking. Proceeds from this event will benefit our 75th Anniversary celebration in August 2020.
Adult Tractor Safety Workshop
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County is excited to offer a Tractor and Farm Safety Course on Saturday, April 4th at White’s Farm Supply in Schaghticoke (1205 State Route 40 Schaghticoke, NY 121544). This program is geared for adult audiences. Statistics show that farming and operating equipment is a hazardous and dangerous endeavor. Help yourself reduce the risks of an accident and attend this informative morning session. The program will begin at 10:00 A.M with a presentation from the New York Center of for Agriculture Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) followed by an opportunity to give your newly learned skills a try. This program is perfect for farmers old and new as well as any adult who currently works with machinery on the job, in their backyard, or plans to in the future. To register, please call CCE office at 518-272-4210. There is a registration fee of $5 payable at the class. If you have special needs that need to be met in order to participate, please let us know at the time of registration. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity employer and programmer.
Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York 2020 Caregiver’s Conference
CAPITAL DISTRICT – April 14, 2020. 8:00AM to 3:30PM. 189 Wolf Road. Albany Marriott, Albany NY. The 2020 Caregiver’s Conference features a Keynote Speaker, a motivational Closing Speaker, Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, Vice President of Scientific Engagement for the National Alzheimer’s Association. David E. Hart, M.D., FAAN, attending physician at the Alzheimer’s Center at Albany Medical College will also speak at the conference. There will be an array of educational workshops on various Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related topics, specifically geared towards the needs of caregivers. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from local experts and visit more than 50 exhibitors, including home health care agencies, assisted living communities, memory care options, elder care attorneys, financial advisors, and many other community supportive services.
For more information or help registering, call 518.867.4999 ext. 1693, or visit www.alz.org/northeasternny/events
Visitation to the Sick, Elderly and Homebound: Formation & Skill Building Workshops
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Pastoral Care Ministry will offer skill building and formation workshops this Spring for those of any faith interested in volunteering as a visitor to the sick, elderly, and homebound.
The workshops will take place Mondays, April 20, 27 and May 4, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturday May 9 from 8:30 AM-3 PM at St. Edward the Confessor Church, Clifton Park, NY.
Information includes topics on pastoral visitation, communication, illness issues, spiritual assessment, grief, loss, suffering, faith, death, dying, ritual, sacraments, theology of pastoral care and care giving issues.
$60, includes book/materials. Registration required, space limited. Registration deadline: April 13, 2020. All faith traditions welcome. Registration: https://www.rcda.org/PastoralCareTraining; email: Maria.Schollenberger@nullrcda.org or (518) 641-6818.
9th Annual Ladies Spring Tea Party and Fashion Show
RENSSELAER – Fancy hat, lacy gloves, & delicate china adorn the tables at our 9th annual Ladies Spring Tea & Fashion show On Saturday May 2nd, 2020 at 12 noon 166 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer NY. Please join us for a lite lunch & delicious desserts, along with many flavors of tea (& coffee), followed by a small skit & our “Dress for Less” fashion show including items from our 2 thrift stores.. This year we will be playing a few games , & as always you will not leave without one of our hand made favors & door prizes. Bring a friend or maybe even make a new one. All this fun & food is only $7. So please reserve by April 25th to secure a seat, call Linda 518-380-9572 with questions or to reserve your seat… This will be a “Tea-riffic” time.. Hope to see you there
Get a Heads-Up on This Year’s Trout Season! Fly Fishing 101, A Fly Fishing Mini-Course
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Have you always wanted to learn to fly fish? Need a little tune-up? Here’s your chance with a fly fishing mini-course offered by Clearwater Trout Unlimited. The course will cover all the basics: equipment, knot tying, casting, presentation, and reading the water. we will have equipment available or bring your own.
Day one will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish Center: 45 Mac Arthur Drive, Scotia. An optional day two will be held on the water at one of our local streams or ponds. (probably Cobleskill Holding Pond)
Here’s your chance to catch your first fish on a fly.
Saturday, April 25, 2020 (classroom) and Sunday, April 26, 2020 (optional). Saturday 9:00am — 5:00pm (lunch provided); Sunday 12 noon. Cost: $15 members, $35 non-members (includes a 1 year tu membership). For more information or to register for the class contact: john morrette jmorette@nullnycap.rr.com – home 518-393-6443 cell 518-275-9288 or Mike Walchko – mwalchko@nullnycap.rr.com – home 518-234-4192 cell 518-231-3276.
The Rensselaer Alumni Association Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Rensselaer Alumni Association will hold its Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on May 17, 2020 ~ 5-9pm ~ Birch Hill, 1 Celebration Way, Castleton, NY 12033. Inductees this year: Rikki Allert ‘95; Jon Badi ‘62, Jay Corcoran ‘66; Carol Davis ‘72; Philip Foust ‘76; Frances Harrison Faculty, posthumous; Edward “Eddie Angel” Heeran ‘71; Bryan Leahey ‘74; Jacklyn Nixon, staff; and Ret. Capt. Grant Staats ‘77.
Cocktail hour 5-6pm ~ hors d’oeuvres & cash bar; followed by dinner & induction ceremony 6-9pm.
Send names, # of attendees, meal choice and check made out to “Rensselaer Alumni Association” for $45/pp for adults or $15/pp for children under 12 to 25 Van Rensselaer Dr., Rensselaer, NY 12144. Meal choices:
Slow-Roasted Prime Rib of Beef or Fresh Tilapia stuffed with Crab and Shrimp served with a Lemon Beurre-Blanc or Cavatelli pasta with grape tomatoes, spinach, and roasted garlic, tossed with olive oil. Child’s meal: Chicken fingers & fries. Salad, potato, vegetable, beverage and dessert. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED/NO WALK-INS ~NO REFUNDS.
Capital District Genealogy Society Conference
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Capital District Genealogical Society (CDGS) will hold a one-day Conference “Improving Your Skills: What Do You Need?” on May 30, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY, the Saturday after Memorial Day. Are you looking to take that first step into the genealogy world? Perhaps you are an avid genealogist who has published your own family history. Maybe you have been involved in the field for awhile and want to improve your skills. Have you received a genealogy DNA kit and want to understand what it means? Join us for an educational day of six sessions with nationally known speakers. Our Keynote is Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist, JD, CG, CGL; with co-presenters Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNG, author of the textbooks Mastering Genealogical Proof and Mastering Genealogical Documentation; and Meryl Schumacker, CG.
Sessions include: “After The Courthouse Burns: Rekindling Family History through DNA,” and “Don’t Forget the Ladies: A Genealogist’s Guide to Women and the Law” presented by Judy Russell; “The Jones Jinx: Tracing Common Surnames” and “Out-of-State Workarounds for In-State Record Shortages” presented by Thomas Jones; and “Let’s Make Trying New Things in Genealogy Less Scary” and “Strategies for Urban Research” presented by Meryl Schumacker. Your registration includes lunch, morning and afternoon breaks with refreshments. Registration closes May 20, 2020. Visit https://www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety.org for details and to register. Questions may be sent to cdgsconference@nullgmail.com.
The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake Fundraising Drive
SAND LAKE – The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake is supporting a charity fundraising drive within the Averill Park Central School District to benefit the Capital Region’s Ronald Mc Donald House. The drive will run from now until October 31st with the goal to collect enough pull tabs from soda, beer, soups and pet food cans to fill a school bus!
We ask that parents of our school children and other interested citizens join this effort by removing and collecting as many pull tabs as possible during the months ahead and taking them to the office of one of our three elementary schools, the Algonquin Middle School’s office or to the office at the Averill Park High School.
Please join us to help the Ronald McDonald House as it continues to offer a haven of comfort, love, hope and support – free of charge – for critically ill children and their families. Thank you.
Seabee Swarm (Veterans Breakfast)
BRUNSWICK – Seabee swarm (all Veterans) Every Third Saturday of each month muster time 0900, Country View Diner 855 Hoosick road, Brunswick NY. Pay your own meal. POC: Gary Washock seabeebuilder42@nullhotmail.com (518) 698-5011.