Events 04.29.21

Craft Fair at Pittstown Church

PITTSTOWN – Craft Fair on Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall, 45 Old Route 7, Valley Falls, NY 12185 sponsored by the United Methodist Women of Pittstown. All Vendors are welcome. $20.00 per table. Indoor and Outdoor space available. Tables provided. Interested Vendors please contact: Carolyn O’Donnell, 6 Factory Hollow Road, Valley Falls, NY 12185 at 518-663-8253. Food will be available at event for purchase.

YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. hosts Ride Against Racism

 TROY –  YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. is hosting its inaugural Ride Against Racism on Saturday, May 1 along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Path and virtually.  Ride Against Racism (RaR) will unite our community in a bold demonstration of solidarity that delivers a clear message: We Are On A Mission To Eliminate Racism. This all-abilities event will include a call to action for individuals to create change through action in their own lives and their communities.

RIDE AGAINST RACISM is a part of YWCA USA’s signature campaign STAND AGAINST RACISM, held at over 200 sites annually across the nation. YWCA’s commitment to racial justice and civil rights runs deep. The organization’s intersectional mission to eliminate racism and empower women demands for advocating against the oppression that many groups and individuals endure, including through recognizing the interconnected experiences of discrimination and disadvantage that women face from their overlapping identities.

This is a self-coordinated bike ride with no starting or finish line, chip-timing, or firm start and end times. YWCA-GCR will staff check-in sites along the bike trail in Bethlehem, Albany, and Watervliet from 10AM to 3PM for riders to receive materials, say hello, get food or water, and ride on! Rain Date: Sunday, May 2, 2021. Interested individuals can donate or register to ride here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/RideAgainstRacism

Capital District Fly Fishers Fly Casting Clinic

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Learn or Improve Fly Casting!!! Saturday Date May 1st 10:00 – Noon (Rain date May 2nd- same time). Halfmoon Town Park, 162 Rout e 236, Halfmoon, NY 12065. If you have a rod, bring it. If you do not one will be provided. Pre-Registration A MUST!!! For Information, Registration, Gift Certificate Contact: Rodney Priddle (518) 421-6762 or Rodney Priddle@@gmail.com; Paul Sinicki (518) 885-8257 or cdflyfishers@nullnycap.rr.com – All Students MUST have eye protection and Mask!!! (Rx or sun glasses are acceptable). Non Member Fee $20.00.

Out of the Pits Yard Sale Fundraiser

BRUNSWICK –  Join us Sunday May 2nd at Brunswick Harley Davidson, 1130 Hoosick Road, Troy for our second annual Out Of The Pits yard sale.  Sale will run from 9am-2pm. We will have great finds, raffle baskets, food and OOTP merchandise. Your support helps us rescue more dogs in need! Thank you!

Literacy 5K 2021 In-Person and Virtual Event May 2, 2021

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to join Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County’s 2021 Literacy 5K at Schodack Island State Park on Sunday, May 2 from 8:00a.m.-12:00 noon. Admission to the event covers the entire day, so participants can enjoy all the park has to offer. In addition to the 5K Trail Run/Walk, events will include a Youth Mile, a guided nature walk, a story walk,  music and family fun, and a 50/50 raffle. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest male and female runners of the 5K and Youth Mile. Participants are encouraged to form teams with friends and co-workers. Virtual participants will be able to run on their own at a location they have chosen for themselves. Proceeds will make it possible for LVORC to provide free literacy programs and services to adults and children in Rensselaer County and Albany County.

For full race day details, register at Zippyreg.com. A direct link to the registration is at www.lvorc.org.

The Arc of Rensselaer County Cents for Our Sensory Room Fundraising Event

RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Arc of Rensselaer County is hosting a COVID friendly drive through fundraising event on May 2, 2021 from 9-am-3 pm. Find us at Heims Gas Station 458 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer, where we will be collecting returnable cans and bottles, clothing and textiles and cash donations. Just load your trunk, drive over to Heims and we will unload it from there. You never have to leave your vehicle! Items such as shoes, boots, clothing, rags, stuffed animals, bedding, pillows, blankets, worn out dog beds, leashes, curtains, fabric etc. are among accepted items. Mattresses or furniture are not accepted. The Arc of Rensselaer County is a not for profit agency that provides advocacy, resources, as well as community and daily support services. 100% of the net profits from this event will go toward the development of a technology integrated state of the art sensory room at our Brunswick Center Day Services. BCS provides day services to adults, many who have sensory sensitivities that affect their daily lives. Our Sensory Room will help to provide opportunity for exercising motor skills and emotional regulation, as well as the chance for integrative experiences that might not be possible otherwise. Especially in our present day restrictions due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are relying on technology to bridge many gaps. The utilization of an interactive touch wall system would be an invaluable tool for meeting daily living goals and providing the capability of visual and sensory experiences limited only to the imagination. So go ahead, clean our those closets, grab your cans and bottles then bring them over to us! You will feel better meeting your goals while helping us meet ours!

Brunswick Grange Annual Spring Agricultural Tailgate Sale

SCHAGHTICOKE – On Sunday, May 2,2021 Brunswick Grange will hold their Annual Spring   Agricultural Tailgate Sale at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, Rt. 67 & 40, Schaghticoke, NY. From 7:30am.-12:30pm. More than 50 vendors will have various varieties of chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, veggies, plants & other agricultural items.  Absolutely no dogs, cats, puppys or kittens will be allowed for sale.  A donation of $15.00/Vendor will be charged at the gate. Spectators free. Masks required and there will be no food vendor.  Event will be held rain or shine.  For more information please call 518-279-9113.

Brunswick Historical Society Presents Troy’s Oakwood Cemetery –
Speaker Michael Barrett

BRUNSWICK – Monday, May 3 at 7pm at our headquarters located at 605 Brunswick Rd. Oakwood Cemetery is the resting place for many of Troy’s most famous (and infamous) residents. Not officially opened until 1850, records of deaths date back to the birth of the city. This illustrated program by Michael Barrett features stories of founding families; prominent educators; industrialists and business people; military heroes; and other colorful characters who helped make Troy the great city that she is. Advance registration is required. Please RSVP at 518-279-4024 or president@nullbhs-ny.org. For your safety, The Brunswick Historical Society will observe all recommended COVID-19 protocols.

Town of North Greenbush Food Truck Tuesdays

NORTH GREENBUSH – At Town Hall, 2 Douglas Street, Wynantskill. Tuesday, May 4, 2021, 4:00pm-7pm.  “Food Truck Tuesdays” will be every Tuesday throughout. Trucks will be ready to serve between the hours of 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please stop by and enjoy numerous choices of food from the vendors. You can even relax here at the park with dinner and desserts or take it to go for home. For more information please contact Janice Kerwin, North Greenbush Town Clerk at 518-283-4306.

East Greenbush CSD Adopts Proposed Budget with No Tax Levy Increase; Goes to Vote on May 18

EAST GREENBUSH – The East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education adopted the proposed school budget for 2021-22 at a public meeting on April 14. The school budget will be voted on by district residents on Tuesday, May 18.

The proposed budget totals $103,535,117 and requires a simple majority to pass the budget. The proposed tax levy increase is 0.0%.

The district was able to avoid any tax levy increase in the proposed budget due to an increase in State and Federal Aid and through deductions in some district expenses.

“Due to sufficient state aid, during this difficult period, the district is pleased to offer a budget to our community that preserves all programs for students, ensures we have the resources to fully reopen in the Fall and offers no increase to the tax levy for the 2021-22 school year,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons.

The proposed budget maintains all current programs and includes funding for a new Summer School Program, additional academic intervention support services and a new system for online student registration.

In addition to the school budget, voters will decide on the purchase of eight new school buses out of the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund and elect four Board of Education members. All of the buses would be purchased from the district’s Bus Purchase Reserve Fund with no impact to taxpayers. The district would be reimbursed for approximately 66.6% of the total school bus purchase.

Residents can learn more about the proposed budget by watching the public hearing on Wednesday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. The event will be live streamed.

Capital Region Social Happenings Concert Series

CAPITAL DISTRICT –  Month of May 2021 – Friday Night Events at 7 pm at 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Offices and Apts) at “Hill” door entrance.  Weather permitting these events will be held outside. Open to the public at large. 

Friday, May 7th – Mark Tommasone will be performing hits from the Beatles and the 60s.  He will also make up some songs just for fun. This is guaranteed to be an enjoyable evening.  Starts at 7 pm. CDC & COVID compliant. Seating limited if indoors. Outside seating is unlimited. Snacks provided. Plenty of free parking. Handicap accessible. Call 518-452-6883 for more information. 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Offices and Apts.) at “Hill” door entrance. $12.

Friday, May 14th – Joe Sinatra is back again.  He’ll be singing hits from the big band era and “Ole Blue Eyes”. Starts at 7 pm.  CDC & COVID compliant. Seating limited if indoors. Outside seating is unlimited. Snacks provided. Plenty of free parking. Handicap accessible. Call 518-452-6883 for more information. 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Offices and Apts.) at “Hill” door entrance. $12.

Friday, May 21st —Brian Zapel, guitarist will perform. Starts at 7 pm. CDC & COVID compliant. Seating limited if indoors. Outside seating is unlimited. Snacks provided. Plenty of free parking. Handicap accessible. Call 518-452-6883 for more information. 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Offices and Apts.) at “Hill” door entrance. $12. 

Friday, May 28th — Miss Carla Page, popular area performer, will perform at 7 pm.  She is often referred to as the “Queen of Motown”. She’ll perform music from the 50s, 60ds and 70s mixed with a little bit of country. Starts at 7 pm. She also has a radio show on WPTR 1240 AM or WPTR 97.1 FM on Saturdays and Mondays at noon where she plays Mo-Town music.  CDC & COVID compliant. Seating limited if indoors. Outside seating is unlimited. Snacks provided. Plenty of free parking. Handicap accessible. Call 518-452-6883 for more information. 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Offices and Apts.) at “Hill” door entrance. $12. 

Capital Region Social Happenings is a registered name of Singles Outreach Services, Inc. and is a NYS non-profit organization. Mailing address: P. O. Box 12511, Albany NY 12212. Location: 435 New Karner Road (Hill Door Entrance), Albany (Colonie), NY 12205. Office Phone: 518-452-6883.

Rensselaer County 4-H Cloverbud Chefs Workshop

RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Youth Development program is holding a 4-H Cloverbud Chefs workshop via Zoom on Monday, May 10th at 6:00pm. Youth five to seven years old are invited to participate. The participants will cook along with CCE Rensselaer County 4-H Program Coordinator, Eileen DePaula from their home kitchens. They will be preparing Vegetable Pizza and No-Bake Cinnamon Rolls. There is a registration fee of $5.00 per child. Register for this workshop can be found here: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/91818083350?pwd=VzBtV2djZXAwU25BT2w3cC9vUllBZz09

Registrants will receive further information and recipes closer to the workshop. For safety, please have an adult present in the kitchen to assist during the workshop. For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their ability to pay. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration.

May Meeting for Ch. 60 Korean War Veterans’ Assoc.

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Welcome Back Korean War Veterans and Associates.  We are now being allowed to gather together for our monthly meetings.  The May meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13 at the VFW home,  off Veteran’s Way, North of Saratoga Springs off the arterial.  Veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War, or in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend.  New members are always welcome.  For an application to join or for further information, please contact. Comm. Paul O’Keefe at 518-603-4186.  We hope to be able to resume our monthly luncheons soon.

Community Conversation: Data Privacy & You

RENSSELAER COUNTY – Why does my social media account send me ads after mentioning something I want to buy? Am I allowed to ask an organization to delete my information from their systems? If I use my customer’s information for something unrelated to their account, could I be sued? Data Privacy is an issue that is forcing many questions and confusion. As social media platforms take center stage during Congressional hearings and public and private sector organizations face significant regulatory changes, it it helpful to have learn about rights, responsibilities, and best practices that we can use at home or work. On Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 5:30 PM, Justan Foster will offer a virtual opportunity to learn about the role of Data Privacy in your life and business. Justan Foster is a graduate of the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy program at Albany Law School and candidate for Rensselaer County Clerk. The event will be hosted via Zoom with an option to attend by phone, and is being offered to the public at no charge. To learn more about the event and Justan, visit www.FosterRensCo.com, email info@nullFosterRensCo.com or call (518) 965-2389.

Rensselaer County Soil & Water Conservation District Spring Fish Stocking Sale

RENSSELAER COUNTY – On Thursday, May 20, 2021 the Rensselaer County Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting a Spring Fish Stocking Sale to the public. Pre-Orders are due May 14th. Order forms can be found online at https://www.renscosoilandstormwater.org/annual-fish-sale.

RAINBOW TROUT: Available in size 4” – 6”; LARGEMOUTH BASS: Available in size 4” – 6” and 6” – 8”; CHANNEL CATFISH: Available in size 6” – 8”; FATHEAD MINNOWS: Available in size 1”- 3”; TRIPLOID GRASS CARP: Available in size 10” – 12”; FISH FOOD: Silver cup floating fish food pellets sold in 40 lb bags; and BLUE BIRD NESTING BOXES.

Pick-ups will be at 12 Noon at the USDA Service Center’s parking lot, in front of the Agriculture & Life Sciences Building in Troy. Checks can be made payable to: RENSSELAER COUNTY SWCD, Order forms and checks can be mailed to: 61 State Street – Troy, NY 12180, Completed ORDER FORMS and/or questions can also be E-mailed to: Megan.Myers.RenscoSWCD@nullgmail.com .

Rummage and Food Sale

PITTSTOWN – Rummage and Food Sale on Friday, May 21 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturday, May 22 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Pittstown Methodist Church Hall, NY Route 7, Pittstown, NY 12185. Bag Sale on Saturday only. $2.00 per bag. Buy 2 bags and get 1 free. For information call Carolyn at 518-663-8253 for clothing and small items; call Herb at 518-753-4427 or 518-593-0003 for other items.

Evergreen Cemetery Association Meeting 2021

WYNANTSKILL – Evergreen Association of Wynantskill, NY , will hold its annual meeting on Monday, May 24th at 6:30 pm. at the North Greenbush Town Office Building. located on Main Avenue in Wynantskill. (use back entrance). If you are a Deed Holder or Family Member of Lot owners, We invite you to attend this meeting.  We  are in need of new volunteers and help in keeping our cemetery well taken care of.  Many lots are still available for purchase. We will be having fundraisers throughout the year to help with the cost of maintenance.  Please come and see where you can help or send your donation to ( PO box 2, Wynantskill, NY  12198. Questions call Bonnie Beaulie at 518-283-4304.

Call for Entries at Sand Lake Center for the Arts Gallery

SAND LAKE – SLCA and A Still Small Voice 4 U are calling on visual artists for the 2021 Summer Juried Art Show! Artists of all media are invited to submit up to two works for this show titled “Hands”, inspired by the song by Phil Ochs. Submissions should be sent to slcagallery@nullgmail.com in jpeg format by May 31, 2021. Selections will be announced by June 4, 2021 and selected works must be delivered to Sand Lake Center for the Arts on Mondays (or by appointment) beginning June 7th. All selected pieces must be delivered by June 28, 2021. Twenty pieces will be selected with first, second, third, and people’s choice cash awards. This year’s juror is Phil Williamston. For more information go to www.slca-ctp.org.

2021 Castleton/Schodack Memorial Day Parade

CASTLETON/SCHODACK – Plans for a 2021 Memorial Day Parade are under way. Although a traditional parade is still not completely safe, an annual tribute to those who served our country is deserved and needed by all! Therefore: CALLING ALL VETERANS!

Our celebration this year will be a “safe” drive-by display, bringing the parade to our community. Our parade theme is “Honor All Veterans”. We encourage all our local veterans to join us for this drive-by procession, from the safety of their own vehicle. Rides will be provided for those veterans unable to drive or be driven.

Veterans able to join the parade are asked to rsvp to Rik Cosgrave at the following, with your name and phone #:

VFW12033@nullgmail.com   518-694-2070

Save the Date: Monday – May 31, 2021 10am

4-H Tractor Safety Program (HOSTA)

RENSSELAER COUNTY –  May-June of 2021. Open to all youth ages 14 and above.

Rensselaer County 4-H would like to welcome all area youth 4-H and non, 14 years old and older to participate in the 2021 Capital District 4-H HOSTA/Tractor Safety Program. This program is a great opportunity for youth who currently work on farms or around machinery, those who will be seeking employment on a farm, or anyone who would just like to learn more about farm and machinery safety.

The focus of the curriculum is safe operation and maintenance of large equipment, personal protection, chemical, mechanical and electrical hazards as well as live- stock handling. Employers and parents should be aware that youth aged 14 and 15 years who are not working directly for their parents must have a tractor operator certificate to legally operate large equipment according to OSHA. HOSTA will prepare participants and qualify them to earn a tractor operators certificate if students attend all classes as well as pass a written and operator’s exam.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s program will look slightly different. An orientation, farm tours, and various presentations will take place via Zoom on the evenings of May 6th, 13th, 20th, and June 3rd. A chance to practice using equipment will be held on the morning of June 5th at the Washington County Fairgrounds. The written test will be done virtually though Qualtrics, and the skills test will happen in-person on the morning of June 12th at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

Cost of the program is $35 and will be due on the first day of class.

Please contact Kayela at the CCE Rensselaer office if you have any questions or to pre-register at 518-272-4210 / kls342@nullcornell.edu

You can also use this link to register: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=20214HTractorSafety_241

Music In The Park – Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center Proudly Presents 2021 Summer Concert Series

RENSSELAER – June 7th Opening Night w/Donny Elvis. Sponsored By Blue Shield of NY; June 14th Nightshift. Sponsored By Walter S Pratt and Sons Inc.; June 21st John Hill Live. Sponsored By Walter S Pratt And Sons Inc.; June 28th Winchester And Young. Sponsored By Rich Siek in Memory of Andrea Siek; July 5th Hands of Time, Sponsored By Walter S Pratt and Sons Inc.; July 12th The Lustre Kings. Sponsored By Millienia Housing Management Ltd; July 19th Joes Boys. Sponsored By Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center; July 26th Gone Grey. Sponsored By Clear Captions FREE Captioning Phone; August 2nd Donny Elvis. Sponsored By CDPHP; August 9th Kyle Bourgault Acoustic Live. Sponsored By Rensselaer County Legislator Chair and City of Rensselaer Mayor Michael Stammel … From 6 PM to 8 PM, Riverfront Park Rensselaer NY. Rain Date Is The Following Night

We would like to thank all of our sponsors. Without you this series wouldn’t be happening. Call 518-463-2166 For More Info.

Malta Veterans Appreciation Program 5th Annual Charity Golf Outing

CAPITAL DISTRICT – Save The Date! Monday, August 30, 2021. To Benefit Our LOCAL VETERAN “Hometown Heroes” Register now. $150 per person/$560 per foursome. Saratoga Lake Golf Club. Call Renee Farley (518) 577-8863 or Jim Peterman at
 203-257-1893.