Friday April 26, 2024 
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.
*Please Run April 27th and May 4th
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.
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 We invite folks in our greater community to bring their outdated bills, bank statements and other personal paper documents to the Algonquin Middle School’s parking lot on May 20th – location 333 NY 351, Averill Park, NY.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.
HVCC Theatre Arts Students Present “Macabre”
Students in the Hudson Valley Community College Theatre Arts program will present “Macabre: Tales From Edgar Allan Poe” by Jules Tasca, on April 28, 29 and 30 at the Maureen Stapleton Theatre, located in the Siek Campus Center on the Troy campus. Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free at all performances.
David Freedman, a faculty member in the Theatre Arts Program, will direct four, one-act plays based on some of Poe’s most compelling short stories and poems. Jules Tasca’s adaption was published in 2018. Freedman is assisted by students in his classes – Theatre Production Practicum and Technical Theatre. All HVCC students were invited to audition for parts in the play.
The production is sponsored by the Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Digital Media Department with support from the college’s Cultural Affairs Program.
For more information, please contact Debby Gardner at d.gardner@nullhvcc.edu or (518) 629-8071.
Sand Lakers – “Make Sand Lake Shine”
2023 Town Wide Spring Clean up, Saturday, April 29th (rain date May 6th). Volunteers needed. 8:30 Butler Park for Check-in: 9:00-11:45 clean up at assigned specified sites. 12:00 Closing Ceremony at Butler Park. Sand Lake Kiwanis Food Truck 11:00 – 1:00. Any questions, call Barbara Hansen, Town Clerk, at 518-674-2026 Ext. 122.
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
HVCC Presents The Hammerhead Horns
The Hammerhead Horns and special guests will present an hour-long concert of “roots, ragtime and blues” at noon on Thursday, April 27 in the Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The program is the third of three, noontime concerts scheduled for the Spring 2023 semester by the college’s Cultural Affairs Program. The event is free to the public; no tickets or reservations are required.
The Hammerhead Horns is a local quartet of old friends – who also are world-class musicians – sharing their love of old-timey blues, ragtime and honkytonk. Band members are Mike Kelly, piano; Bob Assini, drums; Bob Button, trumpet, and Jeff Roberts, trombone. This date will feature special guests – Albany singer/songwriter Leslie Barkman and New Orleans tap dancer Chance Bushman. This addition to HHH’s heartfelt vocals and infectious rhythms promises a rousing, cabaret-style tribute to legends Ray Charles, Tom Waites, Willie Dixon, Alan Toussaint and others that shouldn’t be missed!
For additional information, contact Debby Gardner at d.gardner@nullhvcc.edu or (518) 629-8071.
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.
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.
Festival of Music
Do you like music? if the answer is yes, then you should plan to visit Gilead Lutheran Church on April 29th. They are having a Festival of Music at 6:30 PM. There will be various types of music not just religious. A dessert reception will follow the program. There is no admission, but a monetary or non-perishable food would be appreciated. These donations will do to our food pantries.
Hope to see you at the Church, 308 Brick Church Road, rte 278, in Center Brunswick.
For more information, please contact John at 518-279-9552 or jmike50@nullaol.com
All Aboard! SLHS Gala at The Arlington House!
You have your ticket and boarded the trolley – the Troy and New England Railway – in Troy and are on your way to Sand Lake! It’s a beautiful summer-like day. Maybe you’re headed to the beach or to picnic at Crystal Lake or you plan a stay at one of the town’s many magnificent hotels. Hey, is that Hazel Drew in the fancy hat staring out the window in the seat ahead of you? You step off at Stop 22 in West Sand Lake at the Old Journey’s End Hotel …
… and arrive at the 2023 Sand Lake Historical Society Gala!
This year’s event will be held at the Arlington House (3532 Route 43, West Sand Lake) on Sunday afternoon, May 21st, from 1:00 to 5:00. 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/
The current Arlington House building dates from the late 19th century and also has been known as the [Old] Journey’s End, the Elk Horn Hotel, and the Arlington Hotel. We look forward to seeing you there!
“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.
New Lebanon Hosts a Repair Cafe with Tech Section and Student Apprentices
Spring cleaning? Have an old clock you’ve been meaning to have repaired? Trouble with our computer or mobile device? The ColumbiaNE Repair Cafe can help. 25 skilled “fixers,” or repair coaches, will volunteer their time at the New Lebanon Firehouse on Sunday, April 30, from 12-4 to diagnose, consult and in many cases, fix your broken but cherished item. For free! The landfills are piling up and most of us no longer know how to fix things ourselves, or even where to turn to find someone who will. It was from this quandary that the idea of the repair cafe was born. Arriving in the Hudson Valley in 2013, there are now well over 30 and new ones pop up every month.
The ColumbiaNE Repair Cafe committee is a loosely affiliated group of volunteers from the Climate Smart Community task forces of East Nassau, Chatham, Austerlitz, and New Lebanon, who recruit skilled and generous community members. New volunteers are always welcome!
Skilled fixers and student apprentices are ready for you, whether you have a lawnmower, a lamp, a bike, a broken chair, a hole in your jeans sweater, or bedding, a clock or a small appliance that doesn’t work. Knife and tool sharpening, glueing, darning, and knitting, as well as advice on gardening and architecture will all be available. We will have an expanded computer and tech troubleshooting section, with an IT professional and student apprentices on hand. Past successes include a 1938 toaster, a horse blanket, a 19th century clock, and a 3D printer!
Organizers, fixers and visitors alike thrive on the possibility of adding a little bit of sustainability to the community by keeping a few more objects out of the landfill. And we delight on being together Every volunteer and every visitor has a different story, and so does every object that comes in to be fixed.
Sunday, April 30, 12-4 pm at the New Lebanon Fire House (Lebanon Valley Protective Association). 523 Route 20, New Lebanon, 12125. ColumbiaNERepairCafe@nullgmail.com.
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.