Tuesday April 16, 2024 
Next Wynantskill Repair Cafe June 24
Have a favorite stuffed toy with a ripped ear? A lamp that looks great but has a broken switch? Or some yarn knotted up from the cat? A new smartphone with some difficult apps? Don’t toss it out or give it up – come out to the Wynantskill Repair Café.
A Repair Cafe is a fun, no-charge community event where people bring their cranky, futzy, wonky, or torn household items to the volunteer repair coaches from our community who are glad to try to fix ‘em up. All kinds of household things are brought to a Repair Cafe: bikes, chairs, rockers, toys, small kitchen appliances, lamps, stuffed animals, jackets, skateboards, and similar. We again have sewing, mechanical, and electronic fixers. There’s also a “take apart table” where kids can safely unscrew and pull apart small items with simple tools and adult supervision. Small electronics that are found to be unfixable can be put into a bin for recycling. The motto behind Repair Café is “most items can be fixed…but even if they don’t, we have a good time trying!”
Got something in mind that needs fixing? Visit the Repair Café Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m. to noon, at First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, 413 Main Avenue (across from the firehouse). Coffee, hot drinks, and goodies, and restrooms available to all guests. Items need to be small enough to hand carry, and not powered by any combustible fuel. Curious about a possible fixable item? Questions are welcome and encouraged at FRCWRepairCafe@nullgmail.com.
Bustrip to NY Mets Game…Citifield
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Family type bustrip is planned to enjoy SF Giants vs NY Mets on Saturday(4pm game) July 1st. It will be deluxe Ac video bus, games an lots of prizes on the bus, snacks with beverages, FIELD level seats, movies and fun filled day with family/friends. Clifton Park and Latham pick ups. All for $129. Call 518-878-0883 before it’s full. Arranged by International Club members.open to all.
To Love A Child Announces 3rd Annual Nine & Dine Charity Golf Scramble –
Seeks Golfers, Sponsors and In-Kind
Donations
SARATOGA – To Love A Child announces its third Annual Nine and Dine Golf Scramble on Tuesday, August 1st at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club to benefit local and global projects. Locally, the Thyme to Thrive Program empowers individuals of all ages to flourish by providing educational school break camps, field trips, workshops and tools that inspire lifelong learning and wellness. In Zimbabwe, there is a critical need to build a medical center, develop food forests rich with fruit and vegetables, and ensure access to clean drinking water.
Golfers are welcome to sign up for golf and non-golfers are encouraged to join us for dinner.
Advance registration is a must as limited spots are available. $85 per person includes 9 holes of golf with cart, prizes and dinner. Dinner only attendees are $45 per person with cocktails and dinner at 6:30 pm.
NEW this year! A Hole-in-One can win $10,000! And a Putting Contest – sink a putt and win $2500!
Sponsor opportunities are available: Eagle Sponsor $1000, Birdie Sponsor $500, Par Cocktail Sponsor $250, $225 Hole-in-One sponsor, $225 Putting Sponsor, Hole Sponsor $100, and Closest to Flagstick Sponsor $60. Golf swag bag in-kind donations are welcome. Fantastic opportunity to promote your business to local attendees and support children.
Visit www.toloveachild.net for more detailed information on this fun filled event and for online registration and payment. Registration forms on website can also be mailed to PO Box 165, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Questions? Call 518-859-4424 or email directoratTLC@nullaol.com. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you on the course.
Summer Community Fair at Rensselaer Library
The Rensselaer Public Library is having a Community Fair on Saturday, June 17 from 11-2 to start their Summer Reading Program, “All Together Now”. Children make a pledge to read 15 minutes a day during the summer to get a free reader’s kit.
The Friends of the Library will serve ice cream sundaes and popcorn, and there will be a balloon twister and face painting. Community members will have tables, a fire truck, car seat installation inspections, music from Rensselaer High, giveaways and fun activities.
The Library is at 676 East Street, across from the train station. For more information about summer events, visit www.rensselaerlibrary.org or call 518-462-1193.
Sand Lake Kiwanis Summerfest is Coming Soon
Get ready for the Sand Lake Kiwanis Summerfest on June 16th-June 18th at Butler Park, Averill Park, NY. It’s the free admission, 3 day party we throw for thousands of kids, teens and adults each year. We kick off on Friday June 16th with carnival rides for kids and teens, great bands, food, crafters, sports activities including tennis and Pickleball, a car show, a visit by a Blackhawk helicopter and much more.
The action just keeps on coming all weekend including our fabulous fireworks on Saturday. Mark the dates and we’ll see you there!
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.
“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”
Strawberry Festival Update
Greetings from Sand Lake Baptist Church! As promised from the last article, here’s the update: the Annual Strawberry Fest will be held from 1pm to 5pm on June 17th. There will be a bake sale, popcorn, items from the grill, lots of strawberries, including shortcakes, and a beautiful quilt will be raffled off. We will have a small petting zoo with baby goats, and a drive thru for those in a bit of a hurry. We are still working on yet more possibilities to make this year’s event as wonderful as we can, so keep looking for future updates.
Anyone in need of volunteer hours for school, scouts or otherwise, please contact us at 518-674-3316.
We are also excited to announce a new 6 part Bible Studies program starting June 22 at 6pm to 7pm. We are offering this well known study called, ”A Case for Christ” for everyone interested. All are welcome to attend, as well as visit us on our regular Sunday service at 11am. We look forward to seeing you.
Faithfully submitted on behalf of SLBC, Deacon Russ
“Unlawning”- Talk by Jean Howard at East Nassau
Do you want to reduce the size of your lawn, create islands of pollinator- friendly native plantings, or convert the entire expanse into a handsome wildflower meadow?
Jean Howard, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, will offer tips, guidance, and advice about sustainable gardening practices, step by step lawn conversion, low maintenance native planting, and more.
This powerpoint talk is presented by the Village of East Nassau Climate Smart Committee and will take place Thursday, June 1, at 6 pm, at 19 Town Garage Rd., East Nassau, close to Route 66 and 10 minutes from Nassau and New Lebanon. Refreshments, free LED lightbulbs, raffle. Come join us and learn more about taking your property in an eco- friendly direction!
For more info, contact us at lydia.davis@nullvillageofeastnassau.org
Castleton Memorial VFW Post 7337 Veteran Flags
The Castleton Memorial VFW has over 550 Flags to place in seven (7) of our Schodack cemeteries and could use some community help placing them. Please meet at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 27th in the VFW Post parking lot. I will pass out flags, cemetery assignments, and name lists. Let’s not miss any of our veterans. Thank 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.
Averill Park Art Exhibition
Diane DeBlois & Robert Dalton Harris of aGatherin’ are sponsoring an art exhibition at the Arts Letters & Numbers studios, 1548 Burden Lake, Averill Park NY, to celebrate Robert’s 80th birthday.
Over 60 artists will be represented – with painting, collage, fabric, photographs, sculpture, video, performance – interpreting Stratigraphy: Layering in the Arts. The theme is homage to Amos Eaton, New York’s first stratigrapher, who mapped the Erie Canal and the geology of our area in the 1820s.
The exhibition gala on May 27 is 6 to 9 pm, and viewing is available until May 30. For information: gather@nullagatherin.com, artslettersandnumbers.com.
SAVE THE DATE – St. Jude’s Family Soup, Chowder & Chili Feud!
Our Fall Festival committee is stirring things up this year and is excited to announce our First SOUPer competition will be held Saturday October 14th starting at 11 am!! Cash prizes will be awarded!! We will also have live entertainment and raffles all day!! Save the date and watch for more details to follow soon!!
Sand Lake Baptist Church Annual Strawberry Festival
To all our neighbors in our wonderful community, it is with great joy and delight to announce that June 17th has been declared as the official day for Sand Lake Baptist Church’s Strawberry Festival!
Food, fun, fellowship, and of course, lots of strawberries! We will offer a bake sale with plenty of pies and cookies. The grill will be working overtime, the popcorn will be fresh, the beverages will be cold and the shortcake just as delicious as it’s been for decades!
We are offering a beautiful quilt designed with strawberries for raffle. We are hoping to be able to offer many more events, so stay posted for additional updates.
If anyone would like to participate and volunteer to help we would be delighted to have you join us. It’s also a fun way earn community hours for those involved in Scouts or other programs. You can contact us at 518-674-3316.
Poestenkill Business Association Annual Auction
The Poestenkill Business Association, (PBA), will hold our annual benefit Auction on Saturday June 3, 2023 at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main St/Route 355 in Poestenkill.
The Auction will START promptly at 10:00 AM, with viewing to begin at 9:00 AM. Assorted items such as loads of Top Soil, Crusher Run, Stone, Landscaping Mulch, Fire Wood and professional services donated by local businesses will be available for bid along with previously owned but sought after household, yard & miscellaneous items.
Each Bidder must obtain a Bid Card in order to be able to participate in the Auction. The Kitchen will be open throughout the Auction to provide mouth watering delights from the grill for your dining pleasure. Freshly cooked Breakfast Sandwiches are available beginning at 8:00 AM. All food will be prepared per individual order. Activities will be available to amuse the Kids.
All net proceeds will enable the PBA to discreetly provide assistance to Poestenkill Residents experiencing emergency situations during the year. So come early, come hungry & bring your entire family for a most enjoyable day at our Auction on June 3rd. Your interest & participation is deeply appreciated. Thank you!!
Strides 4 STRIDE 5k/2k Run, Walk ‘n Roll
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 ~ 5:00 PM. Jennings Landing, Albany, NY.
Athletes from STRIDE Adaptive Sports with physical and developmental disabilities will walk, run, and even roll their way across the finish line in special three-wheeled hand cycles. They will be joined by able-bodied runners from all around the Capital Region, completing the 5K run to advocate for equal opportunity in sports and raise funds for STRIDE Adaptive Sports programs. Chip timing will be provided by ARE Event Productions.
Tickets for the 14th Annual “Strides 4 STRIDE” event are available for $25 online at www.stride.org/5k. The inclusive, family-oriented event offers casual or competitive options, so there is something for everyone.
All proceeds will go to STRIDE Adaptive Sports to help keep its 18 adaptive sport and recreational programs fully-funded. STRIDE programs use special adaptive equipment and unique instructional methods to help people with disabilities overcome their physical and mental/emotional limitations so they can play sports and enjoy an active lifestyle.
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.
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)
Assemblyman Scott Bendett Donates to Nassau Community Connections
Nassau Community Connections, Inc. (NCC) an IRS verified 501(c)(3) not for profit created to help those in need in the Village and Town of Nassau, New York and its surrounding communities, is pleased to announce a charitable contribution in the amount of $250 from Assemblyman Scott Bendett to help with long-term support of Nassau Community Connections goals and objectives. This commitment follows the Assemblyman’s election to the New York State Assembly in 2022. Assemblyman Bendett has made this donation as a private citizen and businessman in the area.
“Support from local government leaders like Assemblyman Scott Bendett gives our organization the spotlight it needs to broadcast our mission,” said Michael Needham, President of Nassau Community Connections. “The awareness raised by Assemblyman Bendett giving to our organization voices our outreach and helps expand our capabilities.”
“It is my honor to help contribute to the support services and resources Nassau Community Connections (NCC) offers its community.” said Assemblyman Scott Bendett. “Caring organizations such as this one demonstrate the importance of reaching out to local families and businesses in a meaningful way. I am proud of the work the NCC does, and I am excited to see its continued success in changing lives, building community connections and inspiring those in need.”
NCC serves people throughout the Town and Village of Nassau and the surrounding communities. The individual circumstances of these individuals vary from the most fortunate, who are healthy and economically secure, to the least fortunate, who are economically disadvantaged, ill and/or disabled. Each person’s circumstance varies greatly in terms of family support, neighborhood networks, and community and social connections. Nassau does not have direct access to many of the programs NCC connects those in need to. Many programs and services are more than 15 miles or more away, many of which have their own capacity constraints.
North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) Hosts a Conversation with Author Paul Murray
Discussing His Book, Seeing Jesus in the Eyes of the Oppressed. This In-Person Event Takes Place at the NCFL on Sunday, June 4 at 3 P.M. at 4287 Rte. 203.
On Sunday, June 4 at 3 P.M., the North Chatham Free Library will present a conversation with Paul Murray that will focus on issues of social justice, civil rights, and peace. Paul Murray’s book, Seeing Jesus in the Eyes of the Oppressed, tells the story of eight Franciscans and their communities who, following World War II, struggled to create a more just and equitable society. While many Americans enjoyed unprecedented prosperity in that era, these U.S. Franciscans focused on the forgotten members of society. As activists, they moved beyond traditional forms of charity and worked to establish racial and economic justice and promote peace and nonviolence.
Paul Murray is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Siena College and a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement. During the summer of 1966 he volunteered in Madison County, Mississippi for a work camp sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee.
In the 70s, he returned to Jackson, Mississippi to teach Sociology at Millsaps College and served as an expert witness in voting rights cases for the Lawyer’s Constitutional Defense Committee. He has published numerous articles about Catholic activists in the movement. His writing has won awards from the American Catholic Historical Association, the Mississippi Historical Association, and the Catholic Press Association.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered in Columbia County by CREATE Council on the Arts.