Thursday April 25, 2024 
“Knocking Out Alzheimer’s”
PLEASE JOIN US…. Unbreakable Nutrition, 12 Mall Way, Suite 1, West Sand Lake, NY 12196 is proud to announce they will be partnering up with the Alzheimer’s Association & Team “KNOCKING OUT ALZHEIMER’S”.
On June 21 — The Summer Solstice — People across the world will participate in a fundraising activity on The Longest Day. Together, the strength of our light will outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s. Unbreakable Nutrition has created a specialty Tea and Smoothie honoring this day. Forget-Me-Not & Purple Punch. Team “KNOCKING OUT ALZHEIMER’S” will be hosting this event. There will be chances for an amazing gift basket! Alzheimer’s information will also be available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association!
Blooming Grove Rural Cemetery Tour
Jim Greenfield, North Greenbush Town Historian will conduct a walking tour of Bloomingrove Rural Cemetery, Defreestville (Rte 4), on Sunday, June 23rd, at 2PM. The tour will last approximately 40 minutes. Meet at the “shed” in the middle of the cemetery.
Come learn about the lives and histories of the early settlers of Defreestville.
Nassau Village Historian hosting local history presentations
Nassau Village Historian Kurt Vincent will be hosting three “encore performances” of local history presentations at The Nassau Free Library in July and August. Beat the heat in the cool Community Room as the illustrated slideshow “Nassau at 200” traces this history and development of Nassau Village and the surrounding areas in our bicentennial year. Originally presented in March for the Esquatak Historical Society, the Library shows will take place on Monday, July 15 and repeated on Tuesday, August 13, both at 6:30 pm. On Tuesday, July 30, also at 6:30 pm, “Trolleys Across the Hudson” will trace how Southern Rensselaer County once was home to the first intermodal light rail system in America. Through period photos, personal recollections and even a few sound effects, take a ride on the trolley from downtown Albany all the way to beautiful Nassau. This show was first presented at the 2018 Nassau Local History Fair. All presentations are free. The Library is located at 18 Church Street (US Route 20) in Nassau Village.
Comedy DVD
The Hoosick Falls Senior Center, 69 Church Street, will host a Comedy DVD on Tuesday, June 25th, at 12:45. This comedian is sure to bring lots of laughs and giggles. We will be serving a special treat. All residents 60 and older are invited to attend this free entertainment. Come at noon for lunch (Cold ham plate) and enjoy some fellowship. Please call (518) 686-7561 to sign up for the meal.
Woods Forum
Wednesday, June 26, 7 PM – Woods Forum at Averill Park & Sand Lake Firehouse, 35 Eastern Union Turnpike, Averill Park, NY.
Do you value your land and your woods? Discuss how to care for your woods today and plan for the future. Talk with other landowners and hear about their experiences. Share your questions, concerns, and advice. Join fellow woodland owners and forestry professionals for a discussion on how to maintain the value of your woods for timber harvesting, recreation, wildlife, and for future generations. Refreshments will be served.
All are welcome at this free event. RSVP by Friday, June 21st, to Dan Morse at dan@nullrensselaerplateau.orgor (518) 712-9211.
Guest Speaker – Ticks and Tick-Borne Illnesses
Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton, NY will host Kelsey from the Rensselaer County Health Department to speak on ‘Ticks and Tick-Borne Illnesses on Friday, June 21st, at 11:00 am. Kelsey will speak on the booming tick population, what to watch for if you find a tick, when to worry about a tick bite, precautionary methods to avoid tick-borne illnesses, symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, treatment, and more. All residents 60 and over are encouraged to attend this free presentation. Stay for a nutritious lunch (Sliced Turkey cold plate) for a suggested cost of $3. Please call to be added to the list at 518-279-3413.
Help Us Start a Viable Third Party in Rensselaer County!
The Libertarian Party is looking to establish a principled, independent alternative to the two major parties.
On June 15th, from 2-5 at Browns Brewing in Troy, we will be having our Convention, featuring former Gubernatorial Candidate Larry Sharpe.
We are looking for 9 people to form our County Committee, appoint temporary officers, as well as to vote on our charter. Anyone who is willing to enroll as a Libertarian can vote. We welcome anyone who wants to come, whether you’re just curious or willing to get involved.
We welcome anyone who is enrolled in any Party, or not enrolled. We want to fight corruption in both parties and work to empower individuals of all races, religions, and beliefs. More than politics, we want to organize voluntary efforts in our community to help people, clean the environment, and make our community better.
All are welcome to attend, and there will be light refreshment provided (other drinks and food can be ordered). Come and find out more about Libertarian ideas. You can find out more about us at https://www.renscolibertarians.com/ or e-mail us at renscolibertarians@nullgmail.com
Melvin Roads Flag Retirement Ceremony
In keeping with the spirt of Flag Day, Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231 is conducting a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Becker’s Farm Garden Center June 15th, 2019 at 1 PM. The ceremonies will be assisted by the Clinton Heights Fire Department and the Town of East Greenbush. Anyone that wants to retire their American Flag, POW/MIA Flag or New York State Flag can drop them off at Melvin Roads American Legion, 200 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, New York 12144 before June 14th, 2019. Please retire your worn and tattered, ripped or frayed Flags. The public is welcome to attend to honor these flags that have served their purpose.
4th of July Celebration at MBCC
4th of July Celebration at the Malden Bridge Community Center a/k/a MBCC at 1087 Albany Turnpike in the hamlet of Malden Bridge – zip 12115.
Following the 4th of July community parade in nearby Old Chatham the members of MBCC will hold an Open House while offering delicious strawberry shortcakes covered with freshly whipped cream donated by Stewarts Shops, along with a variety of drinks for a donation of Five Dollars per serving starting at 10AM.
Take outs will be available but why not plan to stay and join with us for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11 AM.
There will be a large number of items donated by area merchants in a Silent Auction area for which attendees may bid.
As always, plenty of space for sitting and visiting while enjoying your shortcake.
Defensive Driving Class
On Sat., June 15th, from 9 am to 3 pm there will be a New York State approved Defensive Driving Class to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and be eligible to receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines.
The class will be held at the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County, 544 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Fee is only $35, bring a friend $30 each. Registration is required and can be made by calling the Club at 518-465-3403 or Raymond Frankoski at 518-286-3788.
Class size is limited. Additional information is available by calling Ray Frankoski.
Save the Date!
The planning of the St. Jude the Apostle Church & School Festival & Craft Fair has begun! The SJF will take place on Saturday, September 28th, from 11:30 am – 7:00 pm, 42 Dana Avenue, Wynantskill, featuring food around the globe, live entertainment, children’s games, haunted house, raffles and much more! FREE ADMISSION We are now accepting vendors, please email StJudesFestival@nulloutlook.com for more information.
Vendors Wanted for the SonShiners’ 5th Annual Craft-Tag Sale
Applications being accepted for our Annual Craft-Tag Sale of the SonShiners of the Stephentown Federated Church on Saturday, September 21, 2019, from 9 am to 4 pm at Ioka Valley Farm, 3475 RT 43, Hancock, MA. The fee to rent a 10′ X 10′ uncovered space outside on the lawn is $20. Bring your own tent/cover, tables, chairs. The event will be held rain or shine and all monies received will be considered a non-refundable donation. Applications are available by calling Barbara at 518-527-0182. Deadline for applications is September 13th. We’ll also be having an Ice Cream Social with make your own sundaes and root beer floats. No food vendors please. Mark your calendars to come and check out our vendors.
Watervliet Senior Center Events
Thursday, June 13- Pool Tournament, 9am, donuts and coffee provided, open to all! Sign up by calling the center at 518-273-4422, or just come that day at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet.
Thursday, June 13- Father’s Day Lunch and Bake Sale-Pepper Steak for lunch at noon; suggested donation of $3 but no-one is turned away! Bake sale starts at 9am. Sign up by calling the center at 518-273-4422, or stop in at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet, from 9-2.
Wednesday, June 19- 4pm. Monthly dinner with after-dinner entertainment with Tom Ragosta from Watervliet Historical Society on the history and beginning of Watervliet (West Troy). Suggested donation of $3 but no-one is turned away! Sign up by calling the center at 518-273-4422, or stop in at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet, from 9-2.
Friday, July 12- Annual Strawberry Festival and BBQ fundraiser with PICNIC SALAD COOK-OFF WITH LOCAL RESTAURANTS! From 4-6pm. $10 per person. Sign up by calling the center at 518-273-4422, or stop in at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet, 9-2.
Pittstown Historical Soc. Vintage Clothing Collection Program
The Pittstown Historical Society has planned the following event: A vintage clothing collection belonging to a Pittstown/Hoosick family is the subject of a talk to be held on June 20th at 7:30 PM at the Pittstown Town Hall in Tomhannock (97 Tomhannock Rd, Valley Falls). Selections from a collection of men and women’s clothing and accessories dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s will be examined and commented on by clothing and textile expert Connie Frisbee Houde. The entire collection was assembled and preserved by descendants of the Baker and Cottrell families. Houde, long-time Curator of Clothing and Textiles at the NYS Museum, has looked extensively at textile and clothing collections across NYS, assisting organizations with the care and identification of their clothing and textile collections. The meeting, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Pittstown Historical Society.
For further information, email: pittstownhs@nullgmail.com or call Connie Kheel at 518-686-7514
June Upcoming Events at the Rensselaer Senior Center
June 19th – Happy Father’s Day with Paul Slusar. Call for reservations (518) 463-2166.
June 27th – City Picnic with Rocking Rob Carson. Call for reservations (518) 463-2166.
August 15th at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA.
LOBSTER FEAST! JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE
Changes In Latitudes is the country’s premier tribute show to singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffet, the master of the tropical lifestyle. This Show is the ultimate beach party, Musically transporting you to the tropical paradise, Margaritaville. Each show is good clean fun, with conga lines, beach balls and leis. Tickets are $78 All Inclusive. Call Today For Reservations (518) 512-4026. We are open Monday Thru Friday, 9am to 3pm. We are Located on East and Herrick Streets in Rensselaer.
Perils and Possibilities: Mid-19th Century Actresses in Rensselaer County
Thursday, June 13, Sand Lake Town Hall, 7 PM. Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s People of the Plateau Lecture Series presents: Perils and Possibilities: Mid-Nineteenth-Century Actresses in Rensselaer County. Presented by Nan Mullenneaux. Based on her book Staging Family: The Domestic Deceptions of Mid-Nineteenth-Century American Actresses, Mullenneaux will present a talk on two mid-nineteenth-century actresses who were born, worked, and died in Rensselaer County. While Sand Lake native Mary Devlin rose from ballet girl at the Troy Museum Theatre to act with top stars of the 1840’s and 50’s, the same era saw itinerant player Mary Ann Wyatt murdered within days of her marriage to “bad boy” Henry Green of Berlin, NY. Mullenneaux explores how the unique labor opportunities open to stage actresses at mid-century offered both possibility and peril.
Nassau Flag Day Ceremony
AMVETS-J.J. Yager Post #797 will be sponsoring a Flag Day Ceremony on June 15th at 12:00 sharp. The event will be held at the Chandler-Young Veterans Association, Inc. Post Home at the corner of US Rt. 20 and Lyons Lake Rd. in Nassau, NY. All three local Veteran Service Organizations will be participating in this Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Directly following the Ceremony there will be a Chicken BBQ in the pavilion, eat in/take out. The dinner will be prepared by AMVET member Chickie—“Ole Man Simpson” Jr. (Ask anyone, especially firemen, about this famous family recipe.)
The Ceremony is free to all, if interested in the BBQ, the donation is $11. To reserve tickets, call 518-766-3577 and leave a message; we’ll get back to you. Proceeds to be distributed among local charities. (At door price $12.)
If you were or are in the military, you really should join a Veterans Service Organization to give a louder voice to the Veterans Group to fight for our rights. We will have applications available.
V.F.W.- “Veterans of Foreign Wars” members must have been on foreign soil during a conflict time period (D.D. 214 required)
American Legion- Must be in the service during times of conflict but not necessarily on foreign soil (D.D. 214 required)
AMVETs- We want anyone that was or is in the military anywhere, anytime with an Honorable Discharge, Reserves, National Guard and Merchant Marines during WWII included.
June Events at Dyken Pond EEC
Grafton – The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is offering the following events in June:
Playing in the Pond: Saturday, June 15th: 10am-11:30am Come find out just what is lurking at the bottom of ponds. Catch and release frogs, salamanders, insects and other creepy crawlies. Pre-Registration is required. All ages. Cost $3.
Full Strawberry Moon: Saturday, June 15th: 7pm
A peaceful twilight hike ending by the shoreline to see the almost full moon over the lake. Free. For adults and older teens.
Finding Fish: Saturday, June 29th: 9am-11am
Find out who lives in Dyken Pond and how best to catch them. Fishing poles and tackle provided. For beginner youth. Pre-Registration required. Cost $3.
Tuesday Treks: June 11 and June 25: 1pm – 3pm We will hike about 2-3 miles depending on conditions. Please call or check the website for updated conditions and possible cancellations. For adults and older teens. Leader: Leonard Tremblay.
Music Under the Trees: Hill Hollow Band: June 29 5pm – 8 pm. Free concert in our outdoor amphitheater. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this local popular band. Sponsored by the Friends of Dyken Pond Center. Donations welcome.
Preregister for all events by calling (518) 658-2055 or email dykenpond@gmailcom. Call for more information and a complete schedule of our summer events or visit www.dykenpond.org.
Huge Sale at Franciscan Heights Senior Community
Franciscan Heights Senior Community, located at 1 St. Anthony Lane (next to 517 Washington Avenue) in Rensselaer, will be holding a huge sale on Sat., June 15, between 10 am and 3 pm. Rain Date is June 22 same hours. Items include furniture, books, clothing, household & working sewing machine. Hope to see you!
Free talk on Civil War History
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The role of a Civil War infantry regiment recruited from New York City, and Newark, New Jersey as well as villages across Western New York will be the subject of a free talk on Saturday, June 15, at 1 p.m. at the New York State Military Museum.
Rick Barram, the author of the book “The 72nd New York Infantry in the Civil War, A History and Roster” will talk about the history of the unit which in every key battle waged in the War’s Eastern Theater from 1861 to 1865.
The 72nd was part of the Excelsior Brigade, a unit of five regiments recruited by Brig. General Daniel Sickles from across New York.
Sickles, a New York City Democratic Congressman, was infamous for shooting and killing the son of Francis Scott Key, who was having an affair with his wife, and then claiming temporary insanity. He was found not guilty during the trial and then went on to lead Union troops.
Rick’s talk will look at the founding and history of the brigade, Sickles’ enthusiastic but flawed leadership and the difficulty ‘Sickles the politician’ would experience in becoming ‘Sickles the General.’ This talk will use the 72nd’s role within the brigade as a focal point while examining some of the hardest fighting of the Eastern Theater until the brigade’s dissolution in the summer of 1864.
Barram lives and works in northern California where he teaches social studies and theater arts in the Gateway Unified School District. He is a Civil War reenactor and serves on the boards of two Civil War-related non-profits.
The New York State Military Museum is located at 61 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
Celebrate Stephentown 2019 Is Coming August 16-18
Greetings from Celebrate Stephentown HQ:
Three months from today we’ll be kicking off Celebrate Stephentown 2019, the third annual edition of our town-wide, grassroots festival here in Stephentown, New York.
More than two dozen events are already in the works with our farms, businesses, churches and service organizations all working together to present three special days of family-friendly fun.
We’ll announce more schedule details in June, but in the meantime, please mark the third weekend in August on your calendar and keep your eyes open for future updates.
A great way to find out more about what we do and why is on social media, where we’d be glad to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks so much for your interest and support; and we can’t wait to show you all the things we love about living here in “the only Stephentown on Earth.”
~Scott Menhinick
Founder & Co-Organizer
Celebrate Stephentown, LLC
scott@nullcelebratestephentown.com
Learn more at:
https://celebratestephentown.com
Veterans of Stephentown Craft Fair
The Veterans of Stephentown are hosting a Craft Fair on September 7, 2019 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Stephentown. If you are a vendor and are interested in renting a space, please contact Phyllis DeFreest at (518)733-6504 by August 24th. Don’t miss out on the last big selling day of the year.
7th Annual CHS 60’s Reunion
Summer is coming and Labor Day will follow, which means the 7th annual CHS 60’s Reunion will be Saturday, September 7, 2019. Please mark your calendar and save the date. As always, we meet every year the first Saturday after Labor Day. All classes from the 60’s including ’60 to ’69 along with all pre ’60’s classes are invited to attend. We will meet again at the East Greenbush Firehouse pavilion on Phillips Road from 4 to 9 PM. Beer, wine, mixed drinks and soda, along with food will be available at reasonable prices. Pictures from previous reunions are available for viewing at www.QECO.com courtesy of Paul Kardos ’63. No reservation is required. All are asked to pay $5 to cover expenses and the surplus will be donated to CoNSERNS-U for their back to school program. Please share this information with your classmates and encourage them to join you on the 7th. Have a great Summer. Hope to see you in September!
~Bob Flynn ‘63
France Magnifique
La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY is sponsoring a trip to France, featuring the 75th Anniversary of D-Day & Normandy, April 23 – May 7, 2020. Rates include round trip air from New York, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers, and 20 meals. Highlights of the trip: Paris, River Seine cruise, Normandy, Omaha Beach, Le Mont St. Michel, Loire Valley, 2-night Chateau stay, winery tour, Lyon, Les Halles de Lyon, Paul Boscuse Market, Avignon, Creme Brûlée Cooking demonstration, Nice, Monaco. Plenty of time to explore on your own. For more information, pricing or a brochure, call Lisa at Plaza Travel at 518-785-3338 or lisa@nullplazatravel.net.
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.
SAVE THE DATE!! CHS Annual 70’s Alumni Party
Grads/attendees/teachers of Columbia High School 1970-1979: mark your calendar to attend the annual Alumni Party/Summer Get-Together on Saturday, August 17, 2019. ALL alumni welcome! Schodack Island State Park, 1 Schodack Island Way (off Route 9J), Schodack Landing. Camping available, reserve now; sites are going fast! Watch for further details here and on our FB page: SEVENTIES REUNION. Contact: Caroline Lynch Zeyak at 518-928-3223 or elvis628@nullfairpoint.net.