Friday April 19, 2024 
Melvin Roads American Legion Flag Retirement
Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231 is conducting a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Becker’s Farm, 420 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 5 PM Flag Day Wednesday, June 14th, 2023.
Flag retirement subject to change due to the weather/wind and may be rescheduled. Flags can be left in the Flag box outside our post at 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush. Please have all flags delivered to the post before Monday June 12th, 2023. Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony, especially Boy & Girls Scouts.
An exciting update for Sand Lake Baptist Church’s Annual Strawberry Festival!
Greetings to our wonderful community of Sand Lake! We have an exciting update for this year’s Strawberry Festival; MUSIC! Over the past several years there has been some discussion about the inclusion of music into the festival and this year we are finally able to make it happen. Our Lord has truly blessed us again and again.
If you missed past articles, let me fill you in on some of the past updates. A handmade strawberry themed quilt will be raffled off, we will have baby goats in a type of petting zoo setup, an extensive bake sale, food from the grill, fresh strawberries, theatre style popcorn, and of course the wonderful strawberry shortcake and sundaes that have been the centerpiece of our festival for decades.
If the Spirit moves you, and you would like to be directly involved you can contact us at 518-674-3316, or stop by at 11 AM on Sunday for service. This Sunday, June 4th, we have a wonderful message from Pastor Perry Jones from the Capital City Rescue Mission. Being the first Sunday of the month, we will be having communion and a nice luncheon to follow service. Come celebrate Our Savior and give glory to God with us!
Faithfully submitted on behalf of Sand Lake Baptist Church, Brother Russ
“The Pretty Fantastic Mr. Fox” at Sand Lake Historical Society
The Sand Lake Historical Society will present a program Tuesday, June 13th on Albert Rodmond Fox, New York State Senator, industrialist, business and church leader, and one of the leading citizens of 19th Century Sand Lake. Along with his brother Samuel, Fox successfully operated the Rensselaer Glassworks until it was destroyed by fire in 1852.
His Fox Mansion on Routes 43 and 66 in Sand Lake is on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Come learn more about one of Sand Lake’s early leaders, his life and career, and speculate on why our community is called “Averill Park” and not “Foxboro.” The program will be presented by SLHS’s own Peter Finn, author “Rensselaer County Industrialist Albert Fox: A Short Bio” (New York Almanack, November 10, 2021).
June’s program will be held at Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY 66, Averill Park, beginning at 7PM. 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!
Paul Borst to speak on History of Clocks and Clockmaking in the 19th Century
Paul Borst will give an illustrated talk, A History of Clocks and Clockmaking in the19th Century, on Sunday, June 4, at 2:00 p.m. 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.
Borst, BSME, PE, has 38 years of clock repair experience. He is a member of the National Watch and Clock Collectors Association and has been a student of horology for many years. Following a brief overview of early time keeping, he will focus on clockmaking of the 19th century. You will learn of a major event occurring in New England that had worldwide impact on the clock industry of the 19th century. Many of the various clockmakers will be discussed along with a review of the clock industry throughout the 19th century. Many illustrations of early and 19th century clocks will be shown along with many innovations and inventions made by 19th century clockmakers. This will be followed by a discussion of the workings of a simple clockwork mechanism and what makes a clock tick, along with some basic clock repair techniques.
BSA Troop 522 Camping Workshop and Recruitment Night
Scout Troop 522 is hosting a camping skills workshop, recruitment and picnic event on Monday, June 12th at Schodack Town Park. The event is geared for kids ages 12-18 but all are welcome.
Workshop will run from 5:30 – 6:30. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available. Events include setting up a tent, knots and fire building. Afterward, please join the Troop in their Court of Honor Ceremony. Then we will end the evening with S’mores!
Free Car Wash with Food Donation Set For June 3-4
Supporting 17 Local Food Pantries
ALBANY, NY (May 23, 2023) – For the first time in 2023 and for the 12th consecutive year, the staff at Hoffman Car Wash will be collecting non-perishable food items to support local area food pantries. On Saturday, June 3rd, and Sunday, June 4th, Hoffman Car Wash will provide a free Ultimate car wash with every food donation.
Hoffman Car Wash has partnered with 17 different food pantries to provide much-needed assistance for families and individuals in need. Then, each Hoffman location will donate the collected items to a food pantry in its neighborhood.
This year’s pantries include
The Anchor Food Pantry (East Greenbush)
Bethlehem Food Pantry (Delmar)
Captain Community Human Services (Clifton Park)
Franklin Community Center (Northline Rd.)
The Food Pantries of the Capital District (Central, Village, & Albany-Shaker)
Fulmont Community Action Agency (Amsterdam & Gloversville)
Hope 7 Food Pantry (Troy)
Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (Albany)
Loaves and Fish Food Pantry (Vestal & Front St.)
Northeast Regional Food Bank (Circle & Route 7)
People’s Place (Kingston)
Rome Food Pantry (Erie Blvd. & Black River Blvd.)
Salvation Army (Hudson)
South Glens Falls Moreau Community Center (Queensbury)
Utica Rescue Mission (New Hartford)
Utica Food Pantry (Yorkville)
The Wilton Food Pantry (Saratoga)
Suggestions of non-perishable food items to donate include canned meat or fish, canned entrees (stew, ravioli, etc.), canned fruit in juice, canned spaghetti sauce, canned soup, hot or cold cereal, canned 100% juice, and peanut butter and jelly.
To participate, individuals only need to donate one non-perishable food item at any Exterior or Full Service location. A complete list of locations can be found at HoffmanCarWash.com.
The event is part of Hoffman Car Wash’s “Practice Kindness” initiative, which spreads positivity and goodwill in the communities it serves. By practicing kindness, Hoffman Car Wash hopes to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same. To add to this, Hoffman Car Wash has a long-standing relationship supporting Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the American Red Cross, and the ALS Regional Center, among many others.
In addition to helping non-profit organizations, we host two food drives a year, a First Responders’ free wash event and a Veterans Day free wash event.
Hoffman Car Wash also supports many non-profits and youth organizations through its Helping Hands Fundraising program.
About Hoffman Car Wash
Hoffman Car Wash, along with its customer-focused professional team members, has been a leader in the car care industry since 1965. Family-owned and operated, Hoffman Car Wash has locations throughout the Capital Region, Binghamton, Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Adirondacks.
Strawberry Festival In Nassau
Early summer in Nassau means fresh strawberry shortcake at the Grace United Methodist Church. Scheduled for Thursday, June 22 at 7 pm, the event is rain or shine and in addition to those fresh local berries, homemade biscuits and real whipped cream, musical entertainment will be provided by Fiddler’s Tour with bluegrass and old-timey tunes. The Church is located at 42 Church Street (US Route 20) in the village if Nassau.
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.”
“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
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!!
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.
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)
Capital District Chapter Columbiettes June Meeting
On Sunday, June 11th, 2023, at 1:30 pm, the Capital District Chapter Columbiettes will host their June meeting and Baby Shower at Mother McAuley Council, (St. Patrick’s School) 21 Main St. Ravena, N.Y. 12143 (Directions I-787 S to NY RT 9W to Ravena, Left (East) on Main St. then Left on N. Clement St to side entrance to the School).
Capital District Chapter President, Linda Cotch will preside!
Baby Shower will provide gifts to area Mom’s serviced by several organizations.