Friday April 26, 2024 
Who Will Be Mr. AP 2019?
Shawn Morgan Photography
Over the past decade, the Averill Park Senior Class has put on a proud and memorable tradition known as the Mr. AP competition.
The first Mr. AP was Adam Polonski in 2004, and most recently, in 2018, Adam Johnson took home the title. This “variety show” provides contestants with an opportunity to demonstrate their best qualities as well as challenge themselves out of their comfort zone. During the event, each contestant is tasked to showcase a talent, participate in student-choreographed dance numbers, and answer character-based questions. The judges have the even harder task of determining which contestant best personifies the spirit of Averill Park High School. While there will be plenty of laughs, there is a lot more to the Mr. AP competition than just the immense comedic tone portrayed throughout the night. It’s an event that promotes volunteerism within the community and a cohesiveness of the senior class. This year’s contestants are: Austin Bradway, Martin Bond, Anthony Carucci, Henry Crawley, Matthew Gaston, Thomas Hacker, Nathaniel Jamison, Matthew Kenneally, Nicholas Maggio, and Cole Swahlan.
Who will be this year’s Mr. AP?
Find out at 7:00pm on Friday, April 12th, in the APHS Auditorium. Tickets at $10.
Easter Egg Hunt in the Village of Nassau
The Village of Nassau Youth Committee is pleased to announce that the annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 13, 11am at the Village Commons located on John Street. Come join the Easter Bunny who will make his appearance bringing candy-filled eggs and fun for children of all ages. Don’t forget to bring your baskets and cameras for pictures with the Bunny! The “Hunt” starts promptly at 11am, so plan on arriving at the Commons 10 minutes earlier. There is no charge for the festivities.
For more information, contact Judy at 518-522-2916.
RPA’s festive annual fundraising Gala!
Thursday, April 11, 6 PM – Old Daley Inn, Averill Park. RSVP by Friday, April 5. Celebrate and support Community Conservation at RPA’s festive annual fundraising Gala! The fun begins with a Silent Auction during the cocktail reception at 6:00PM. Following the auction, guests will be treated to an exquisite dinner prepared by the Old Daley Chefs. Tickets for the event are $75/person; Honorary Committee tickets begin at $125 and can be purchased online or by sending a check. Read more and RSVP: https://www.rensselaerplateau.org. Can’t make the Gala but want to support conservation? Raffle Tickets for a week-long stay at a Vermont Lake House can be purchased online as well or by calling us at 518-712-9211.
Painting Your Plate with Colors
Rachel, a 12th grade Ambassador Girl Scout, will be running this cooking event. She will be demonstrating different cooking with local foods. She will also talk about healthy eating and give out free samples. This event is for all ages and will take place at the East Greenbush Library on Sunday, March 31st, 2019, from 1:30pm to 4pm. This is a walk-in event which means that you can come at any time during the event. Rachel is doing this event for her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts. Please come support Rachel in her project!
For more information, please contact Jennifer DeMarco at jennifer_demarco@nullhotmail.com.
Jennifer DeMarco
Girl Scout Troop 1116
East Greenbush, New York
First Baptist Church Albany Teen and Adult Challenge
First Baptist Church Rensselaer hosts:
Albany Teen and Adult Challenge on Sunday, April 7th, at 11:00 AM.
The group will perform songs and give testimonials on the change that God and the program have brought into their lives.
The Book Nook
The Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish on Hillview Drive, Speigletown, will be open April 6 from 9:00 am until noon. The specials for April Buy One, Get One half-price will be on the following authors: Clive Cussler, Heather Graham, Iris Johansen and Jonathan Kellerman. History and biographies/autobiographies are 10/$1 this month, Religious self-help cookbooks and romance are 6/$1. We have a selection of DVDs and they are on special for 3/$2. Please stop by and see the many new donations that have come in. Thank you for your continued support and we’ll see you at the Book Nook.
Homelessness in Rensselaer Co. Program
Troop 166 Scouting USA Nassau Resource Committee Presents Homelessness In Rensselaer County on April 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., Chandler Young Veteran’s Association, 7 Lyons Lake Road, Nassau.
All are welcome and there is no need to RSVP.
The Nassau Resource Committee is a Scouting community service initiative developed to help local people in need. The Committee is made up of local citizens, law enforcement, politicians, faith leaders and other community organizations.
We are very excited to welcome Kevin O’Connor, MSW, Executive Director of Joseph’s House and Shelter. Mr. O’Connor will be speaking about the history of homelessness, the impacts of homelessness in Rensselaer County, as well as what services are available to assist persons in need.
Additionally, Nassau Resource Committee members will be speaking about local initiatives and needs.
RPA Lecture Series: Grandma Moses of Hoosick
Thursday, April 4, Sand Lake Town Hall, 7 PM. Rensselaer Plateau Alliance “People of the Plateau” Lecture Series: Grandma Moses of Hoosick, presented by Jamie Franklin. Grandma Moses, renowned folk artist, lived in Hoosick in the later part of her life and is buried there. This presentation will be a summary of an exhibition Franklin curated last summer at the museum where he set out to alter people’s perceptions of Moses. He argues that her work is far more complex than it is typically given credit for, rather she was very much a part of the modern world of the 1940s and 1950s in which she was creating her work and she used techniques in line with her Modern art contemporaries.
Tiffany Windows topic at April SL Historical Society meeting
April 9: Tom Carroll, Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway Senior Scholar, will talk about Tiffany windows around the Capital Region. The City of Troy is estimated to have more Tiffany windows per square mile than anywhere else in the world! Tom will take a look at the life of Louis Comfort Tiffany and discuss the history of his one-of-a-kind, legendary techniques (and those of his studio’s other artisans) that led to great success in stained glass business. Presentation is at 7:30 at the Sand Lake Town Hall. Please “Like”. SLHS on Facebook and visit our web page.
Tuesday, May 14: Sand Lake Historical Society Annual Meeting. Current plans are to hold the meeting at the newly renovated historic Glass Lake House, reopening as Tighe’s Bistro Americain. Details in our Spring newsletter!
Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament Fundraiser
The West Sand Lake Vol. Fire Department Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament will be held on April 6, 1:00 pm (doors open at 12 noon).
Cost: $25 FD Entry Donation.
$50 Buy-in goes to prize pool.
(35,000 in chips)
$20 Additional add-on available.
50/50 raffle available.
The tournament will be held at the West Sand Lake Vol. Fire Dept. Hall, 3695 NY Route 43.
Free refreshments and lunch will be served (roast beef dinner). All walk-ins welcome. Bring your family and friends and hope to see you at the Final Winners Table!!
Future poker tournament dates: May 4, June 1, 2019.
For more information, call Dennis at 518-283-2252 or Fire Hall day of event at 518-674-3677.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with Famous Ladies’ Tea
Troy, N.Y.: Local actresses will portray ten notable women at the Famous Ladies’ Tea, Sunday, March 31st, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick Street, Troy. Among the famous ladies will be Maureen Stapleton, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Carrie Nation, and the biblical Elizabeth.
The event follows a unique format, as the historical women introduce themselves to the audience by joining each table for a personal chat, each telling her own story.
A silent auction and raffle will include tickets and goods from local merchants. Payment is required in advance: $45 per person or $315 for reserved tables of eight. All proceeds benefit LVORC’s programs and services for adults and children in greater Rensselaer County. To purchase online, visit www.lvorc.org
BINGO at Everett Wagar Senior Center
Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center at 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton, will have a special BINGO sponsored by The Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 12:30. Please plan to join us for a nutritious lunch at noon (Breaded Haddock). Call the center at 518-279-3413 for reservations. The center also has BINGO and other fun games most Wednesdays and Fridays. All residents 60 and older are invited to attend.
Thrift Shop
The Church of the Redeemer Thrift Shop in Rensselaer offers a clean, well-organized shopping experience with a very large selection of clothing for all ages and sizes, housewares, toys, jewelry, baby gear, Avon collectibles, Easter decor and gifts and prom dresses. Ask to see our handicapped equipment. You’re sure to find something you didn’t know you needed from the vast selection of one-of-a-kind items.
We’ll be open on Thursday, March 28th, from 3 to 6; and Saturday, March 30th, from 9 to 2, weather permitting.
The shop is located at 1249 Third Street, Rensselaer on CDTA Bus Route #214. Enter through the parking lot on the Catherine Street side and be pleasantly surprised.
Reducing Caregiver Stress
Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 4-6 pm, East Greenbush Library.
Presented by: Albany Medical Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease and Rensselaer County NY Connects
Sometimes caregiver stress can be really overwhelming. This presentation will help you find balance that will lead to better health & wellness. You will leave feeling refreshed, affirmed & revitalized.
Seating is limited. Please RSVP: 518-264-1095
April Events at The Rensselaer Senior Center
April 4th – April Fools Dance W/Brian Zappel (Bacon Cheese Burger) Call today for reservations 463-2166.
April 9th – Only Fools Rush In W/Donny Elvis (Sausage Peppers with Sauce). Call today for reservations 463-2166.
April 11th – Anniversary Dinner Dance at Melvin Roads American Legion Post. Join us at the Melvin Roads Post Located at 200 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY 12144 to celebrate another year of serving our seniors. Cocktail and Hors d’oeuvres hour 5pm to 6pm with a cash bar. Dinner served 6pm to 7pm, plated Roast Beef Dinner with baked potato, sour cream, broccoli, cake and ice cream, coffee and tea. Dancing from 7pm to 10pm with music by Paul Slusar. Please call the center for more information; must have a reservation to attend. Call today for reservations 463-2166.
April 18th – Happy Easter (Fresh Ham with the works) Music By Bobby T Call today for reservations 463-2166.
Need Help On Your Car Insurance?
A Two day, AARP Defensive Driving Class, will be held at the Rensselaer Senior Center on April 23rd and 24th. Class begins at 10am and will run until 1:45pm. (Break For Lunch) $20 For AARP Members $25 For Non Members. This is a Nice Deduction on your Car Insurance. Call for Reservations (518) 463-2166.
April 25th – Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond Tribute Show at Chez Josephs ($85) (Menu Consists of Caesar Salad, Pot Roast or Stuffed Haddock, Loaded Potato, Mixed Garden Vegetables, Apple Pie With Vanilla Ice Cream, Coffee and Tea) Anthony Edwards of The Edwards twins performs incredibly accurate tributes to these famous artists with live singing, and no gimmicks, just plain talent. Call today for reservations 518-463-2166.
We Are Still Signing Up for The Following Trips
** Everything Elvis Trip June 17th -22nd – Memphis Tennessee/Tupelo Mississippi Elvis Trip **
Join Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center for 6 days and 5 nights of Elvis.
Call the center for more info. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime tour.
Insurance Available, Call 518-463-2166, Monday-Friday 9am-3pm.
Always looking to receive Donations of good and gently used clothing and shoes for our corner boutique all proceeds benefit senior programs
Rensselaer Senior Center Community Service Volunteers Needed
Looking For Dedicated Seniors To Help With our Community Service Program Every Thursday After Lunch. Making Afghans and Lap Robes For People in Nursing Homes; Stuffed Animals For The Pediatric Departments in hospitals and emergency rooms; Heart Pillows for Heart and Lung Surgery patients. This Is a Very Rewarding Program and we are Needing A Few More Angels to keep this program in place or if you are homebound and willing to crochet or knit from home to help us out, then please call us if interested.
We Are Taking Empty Clear Pill Bottles; Must Be See Thru.
Open Monday thru Friday, 9am-3pm. We are located in Rensselaer on East and Herrick Streets. Call for further info., 518-463-2166.
11th Annual Tomhannock Reservoir Shoreline Clean-up
Volunteers Needed: 11th Annual Tomhannock Reservoir Shoreline Clean-up
Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine.
Volunteers are needed for this community clean-up effort. Meet at the NYS DEC public access parking lot on NYS Route 7 just before the causeway over the reservoir. Bring gloves and wear weather appropriate shoes and clothing. Garbage bags are provided.
The 6.5 mile-long Tomhannock Reservoir provides drinking water to 135,000 people living in nine communities in three counties. This annual event is sponsored by the Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT), City of Troy, and NYSDEC. A big part of RLT’s mission is watershed protection and protecting water quality is part of the equation; which supplies so many people with drinking water in our region.
To register go to www.renstrust.org. Questions? Contact Bob Crowley, RLT board member: 518-283-7364 or email: crowleyrh@nullaol.com
Bus Trip to Explore Ottawa, Canada
Capital District- June 7, 2019 to June 10, 2019: La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY is sponsoring a bus trip to Ottawa, Canada. Rates include round trip deluxe motor coach with lavatory from Latham to Ottawa.
Three nights at the Historic Lord Elgin Hotel including hotel tax and baggage handling. The historic Lord Elgin Hotel is centrally located overlooking Confederate Park. Canadian buffet breakfast daily. A half day Ottawa city tour with step on guide. You will be free the rest of the time to explore the beautiful city. Reservations accepted by April 17, 2019. For details call Lisa LaForest at Plaza Travel, 518-785-3338 or email lisa@nullplazatravel.net.
Spring Quilt Show
Joyful Cabins, by Jo Weatherwax
A spring quilt show with over 200 quilts, sponsored by Quilters United in Learning Together of Delmar, NY (Q.U.I.L.T., Inc) will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, (9-5); and Sunday, April 7, 2019, (10-4) at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, NY. The show is known for its spectacular quilts, and includes 13 vendors, raffles, demonstrations, and Gift Gallery. There will be 4 Guild speakers, a display of suffrage blocks honoring Susan B. Anthony, and a popular Guild-sponsored mini-mart. There is extensive free parking and valet service; the Hilton is handicapped accessible. Admission is $8 for one day, $12 for two days.
For more information, see www.quiltinc.org.
Rensselaer County’s Second Annual Farm Day Out!
When: August 18th 12pm-3pm Where: Kinderhook Creek Farm (5168 S Stephentown Rd, Stephentown, NY 12168)
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County and The Eckhardt Family at Kinderhook Creek Farm from 12-3pm on Sunday, August 18th, for Rensselaer County’s Second Annual Farm Day Out! Kinderhook Creek Farm is an 1150+ acre field crop and vegetable farm that has been owned and operated by the Eckhardt’s since 1959. Once parked, a hay wagon ride will take you through some of the fields at Kinderhook Creek Farm. Through interactive demonstrations you will learn about the different crops (such as hay, grain, sweet corn, and the many vegetables) grown on this farm. You will also see how their farm products get to market and eventually to your family’s table. Also, be sure to visit exhibits set up by local organizations & businesses, experience the equipment used on the farm by the farmers and see the 4-H Club sponsored petting zoo. Food, corn on the cob, ice cold watermelon and other farm fresh foods will be available to purchase for your enjoyment. Admission and parking for this event is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you Sunday, August 18th!!! If you are interested in being a volunteer, a sponsor, or have any questions please reach out to Kayela in the CCE office at (518)272-4210.
Rensselaer Senior Center A.A.R.P. Driving Class
Need Help on Your Car Insurance? A Two day, AARP Defensive Driving Class, will be held at the Rensselaer Senior Center on April 23rd and 24th. Class begins at 10am and will run until 1:45pm (Break for Lunch). $20 For AARP Members, $25 For Non-Members. Call for Reservations, (518) 463-2166; we are open Monday thru Friday, 9am to 3pm, located on East and Herrick Streets in Rensselaer. This is a Nice Deduction on your Car Insurance.
Pittstown Seniors to host guest speaker
The Pittstown Seniors are happy to announce a guest speaker at out next meeting on April 3rd. The speaker is Clifford Oliver, local historian, and professional photographer.
He will be sharing his knowledge of the history of the “Underground Railway” in the Rensselaer County area.
All local seniors are welcome.
We begin our meeting at 11:45 with a covered dish lunch. Hope to see you there.
For more information, contact Silvia Ward at 518-478-3338.
Vendors Invited To 8th Annual Nassau Tailgate & Plant Sale
The 8th annual Town of Nassau Tailgate Sale will be held on April 27th from 8:00am until noon at the Highway Department, 599 Central Nassau Road, County Road 16 in East Nassau. Vendors are encouraged to contact the Farm Committee at farms@nulltownofnassau.org or (518) 766-3559 ext. 2 option 1 to reserve a spot, which is free.
Vendors of small livestock such as chickens, ducks, rabbits, piglets, goats and sheep should bring crates for sale or a suitable carrier for buyers of their livestock. Vendors with garden or yard plants, seedlings, inspected packaged local meats, jams and jellies, honey and maple syrup are encouraged to attend. Vendors please comply with applicable rules and regulations.
Admission to this event is free and it will be held rain or shine. Food and drink will be available for a modest price. Youngsters under 12 get a free hot dog.
Vendors Needed for Spring Into Summer Malta Marketplace
The Malta Department of Parks and Recreation is announcing the date for their Spring Into Summer Malta Marketplace as Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Vendors selling art, handcrafts, seasonal products and more are being sought for this lovely indoor/outdoor market at the Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Drive in Malta. Outdoor space fee is $40 each and indoor space fee is $50 each. Call 518-899-4411 or visit www.MaltaParksRec.com for a show application.
Craft Festival Seeking Applicants
Applications are currently being accepted for the 40th Annual Friendship Craft Festival sponsored by the Church of Christ Uniting in Richfield Springs. It will take place on Saturday, June 8th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Spring Park on Scenic US Route 20. For information, an application and festival details go to www.rschurchofchristuniting. com or call Lani King at 315-858-9451.
Craft Vendors Wanted for Kiwanis Summerfest
Sand Lake Kiwanis is seeking craft vendors to participate in our annual Summerfest celebration at Butler Park, Averill Park. This well-attended event will take place on Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9. Participation cost is $50.00 for the event.
Contact Janet Malecki for further information.
jmalecki@nullnycap.rr.com 518-528-3273
Rensselaer HS Alumni Hall of Fame
Rensselaer Alumni Association holds its Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 27, 2019 ~ 5-9pm ~ Birch Hill, 1 Celebration Way, Castleton, NY 12033. Inductees this year: Tony Butler, Jr ’67; Tracy Farley ’83, RCSD staff; Arthur Felt ‘67; Susan Garrigan Piela ‘75; G. Arthur & Marie Lee Hall 1901, Posthumous; James Kapp ’69 Lasalle Institute & RCSD Faculty & Coach; Robert Lewis ’67, Posthumous; Lt. Col. Ret. Thomas Mulyca ‘69; Karen Urbanski Faculty & Administration; and Robert J. Whitford ’82, Posthumous.
Cocktail hour ~ hors d’oeuvres & cash bar; followed by dinner & induction ceremony.
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:
Chicken with prosciutto, spinach, peppers, cheese, and a garlic cream sauce or
Flank steak over portabella mushrooms or Cavatelli pasta with tomatoes, spinach, garlic and olive oil
Child’s meal: Chicken fingers & fries
Salad, potato, vegetable, beverage and dessert
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED ~NO REFUNDS
Contact Lynne Beiermeister at 518-765-2624 if needed.
Union Gospel Easter Egg Hunt
The Union Gospel Church of East Poestenkill, 1039 Plank Rd, will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20th, from 10am-12. Families with children ages 1-12 are welcome to come and celebrate the true message of Easter.
Easter Egg Hunt
Families with children ages 1-12 are invited to Sand Lake Baptist Church, 2960 NY-43, Averill Park, NY on Saturday, April 20th, from 2-4pm for an afternoon of hunting for candy-filled Easter eggs followed by an Easter story with a gift for each child. Come and enjoy the fun as we celebrate the empty tomb of our risen Savior!