Thursday April 25, 2024 
Joe Johnson Photographs, Paintings and Plants at Sand Lake Center for the Arts Gallery
SAND LAKE – Local photographer, artist and gardener Joe Johnson is at the SLCA gallery until the end of June! Please come check out his work and pick up something special for your garden. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 3pm.
Capital Region Social Happenings© June Concert Series Announced
CAPITAL DISTRICT – 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. 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. Capital Region Social Happenings is a registered name of Singles Outreach Services, Inc. and is a NYS non-profit organization.
Friday Night – June 18th – Enjoy an evening of music. Pat Andreoli will perform an evening of jazz vocals and hits from the big band era. This event is held in Colonie, We comply with all CDC and NYS Covid requirements for safety. Masks are not required if you have proof of vaccination. $12 pp and that includes beverages and snacks. Hanover Square Bldg. at 435 New Karner Road (Hill Door entrance if inside). If the weather is great, the performance will be held outdoors at the rear performance area.
Friday Night – June 25th – Donna Lee will entertain us with a variety popular songs. She is also a Janis Joplin Tribute Artist and will allow you to experience that era all over again. This event is held in Colonie, We comply with all CDC and NYS Covid requirements for safety. Masks are not required if you have proof of vaccination. $12 pp and that includes beverages and snacks. Hanover Square Bldg. at 435 New Karner Road (Hill Door entrance if inside). If the weather is great, the performance will be held outdoors at the rear performance area.
Saturday June 26 at 2 pm – The Colonie Village Singers will entertain us with a variety of songs and there are many that you can sing-along with. You can even get up and dance to the music. This group has appeared at many venues and have delighted many residents of senior centers. This event is held in Colonie, We comply with all CDC and NYS Covid requirements for safety. Masks are not required if you have proof of vaccination. $12 pp and that includes beverages and snacks. Hanover Square Bldg. at 435 New Karner Road (Hill Door entrance if inside). If the weather is great, the performance will be held outdoors at the rear performance area.
July 4th Extravaganza is scheduled for Sunday, July 4th. The event starts at noon with a lunch (and grill) starting at 1 pm. At 2:30 pm we will be entertained by Miss Carla Page to get the party started. There will be a designated dance area. Also available will be card and board games as well as some outdoor games. “Leftovers” will be served to start off the evening with a campfire and stories. Hanover Square Bldg. at 435 New Karner Road (Hill Door entrance if inside).R.S.V.P by June 25th. $14 covers the entire day’s activities. Bring a folding chair for a spot to relax.
Music In The Park – Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center Proudly Presents 2021 Summer Concert Series
RENSSELAER – 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.
The Schodack Town Park Presents “Music In the Park” Summer Series
SCHODACK – FREE CONCERTS, Tuesdays from 6-8 pm. 518-477-7918
Tuesday, June 22nd: Triskele. Rain-date Wednesday, June 23rd. Traditional & Contemporary Irish Music
Tuesday, June 29th: Yankee Doodle Band. Rain-date Wednesday, June 30th. Traditional repertoire, blending Sousa marches with Broadway show tunes, Popular hit songs, and music from the movies
Ecology Programs with Rensselaer Plateau Alliance
RENSSELAER COUNTY – Stream Forensics – Barberville Falls Preserve, East Poestenkill--Saturday, June 19, 10 am – 12 pm. We invite you to join us as we visit the world of freshwater organisms living in our streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes! We will collect a variety of aquatic insects and do some basic field identification of these critters that call our watershed home. We’ll talk about the basics of collecting specimens, how to identify organisms at the family level, and the niches in a watershed lead to diversity of organisms. We’ll also discuss some of the basics of stream ecology, water quality protocols, and the importance of protecting our local streams. Please bring a mask, water, a snack, appropriate footwear and layers, a cushion or towel to kneel on, and your curiosity. Pre-registration required. Learn more/register at www.rensselaerplateau.org.
Poestenkill Concert on the Green
POESTENKILL – The Poestenkill Historical Society is pleased to announce they will be presenting a concert outside, on the front lawn of the Town Hall, on Friday, June 18th beginning at 7:00PM. We are featuring the Keller and McGowan Duo who perform music of the 60s through the 2000s with great harmonies and tight instrumental interplay. This will be held rain or shine, we have a canopy! So bring your lawn chair or blanket, relax and enjoy. Refreshments will be available. Questions? please call (518)283-4890. (P.S. it is a free concert).
USS SLATER Celebrates Destroyer Escort Day
CAPITAL DISTRICT – SLATER is hosting a ceremony for Destroyer Escort Day 19 June 2021 at 9 A.M.
All attendees to the ceremony can tour the new Collections Space free of charge.
DE Veteran Ted will be on deck for demonstrations in Morse Code & Semaphore.
Dads tour SLATER for free on Father’s Day, 20 June 2021.
Visit USS SLATER this Saturday, 19 June 2021, for Destroyer Escort Day! The third Saturday in June is recognized and celebrated nationwide as Destroyer Escort Day. On this day we celebrate all Destroyer Escorts and their sailors as well as honor those who were lost in action. There will be a ceremony at USS SLATER at 9:00 a.m.
Over 150,000 men served in destroyer escorts during World War II and through the Vietnam War. Their numbers are dwindling each year, but several of these veterans will be present to remember their lost shipmates. USS SLATER, a National Historic Landmark, is the last DE afloat in America. She is a fitting tribute to so many sailors who gave so much for their country in its time of need.
All who attend the ceremony will gain free admittance to the newly opened Collections Space. This space is filled with museum artifacts donated from DE sailors and their families. It is an excellent opportunity to see how these sailors lived aboard these ‘tin cans.’
Finally, our DE Veteran and Signalman, Ted will be aboard demonstrating and teaching Morse Code and Semaphore! You don’t want to miss this!
On Sunday, June 20th, SLATER will be open for Father’s Day. All Dads will tour the ship for free! Come on out and celebrate with Dad and maybe even learn something!
Admission is charged for tours of USS SLATER. Adults: $9.00, Seniors: $8.00, Children: $7.00, and children under 5 years old are admitted for free.
USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for her 24th season in Albany. Guided tours start every 30 minutes. No reservations are required. USS SLATER is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, through Sunday 28 November 2021. The ship is located in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street.
Free Concert at Sand Lake Center for the Arts
SAND LAKE – Keller & McGowan will be performing at SLCA on Saturday, June 19 from 6 to 8:30 pm, performing the music of the 60s through the 2000s with great harmonies and tight instrumental interplay. For free! Food, wine and beer will be available for purchase. Donations will be accepted. Bring a chair and enjoy the show!
12th Annual STRIDE Disability Awareness 5k to be Held at Jennings Landing
WEST SAND LAKE – Assemblyman Jake Ashby will deliver words of inspiration and hope to kids with disabilities, combat-injured veterans, and adults with special needs as they line up in front of the Amphitheatre at Jennings Landing this Saturday, June 19th, at 9:00 a.m. to conquer the 5k course that passes through Albany’s Corning Preserve. 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 to advocate for equal opportunity in sports and raise funds for STRIDE Adaptive Sports programs. Chip timing will be provided by ARE Event Productions, and the Presenting Sponsor of the event will be American National Insurance Company, which will have a team of participants on hand and will hand out the prizes for each division.
Tickets for the 12th Annual “Strides 4 STRIDE” event are available for $25 online at www.stride.org. The inclusive, family-oriented event features virtual or on-site participation and offers casual or competitive options, so there is something for everyone. There will be refreshments including Stewarts ice cream and food from Hannaford. Tickets will also be available the day of the event with an added surcharge. 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.
Questions about STRIDE Programs can be directed to Megan Evans, Program Director, at 518-598-1279, mevans@nullstride.org. Information on sponsorship opportunities can be obtained from Patrick Hayslett, Development Director, at 518-598-1279, phayslett@nullstride.org.
Fathers Day Car Show
ALBANY – Sunday, June 20 10am to 2pm (Rain date: June 27) Dad Fest Car Show, 1 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY. (in Washington Park). Awarding 38 trophies within 3 divisions. Open to all years, makes and models. Dash plaques to the first 100 cars. Great food and vendors. Registration $15 day of the show. Benefiting Henry Johnson Vet House. Spectators are free. More information at: http://www.DadFestCarShow.com Car show contact Bill: oldcorvettes@nullgmail.com
Adopt A Senior – Show Your Love and Support
AVERILL PARK – At the high school, we started this program last year with great success, and would like to continue it for years to come. But we need your help! On Monday June 21st, we would like to deliver surprise graduation gifts to members of the Averill Park Class of 2021 from anonymous members of the community. If you would like to participate or support the effort please find more information here: https://tinyurl.com/21-Adopt-A-Senior. Organizations, families, and groups of friends are encouraged to team up to “Adopt a Senior” together if that works for them. Thanks for showing this class how lucky they are to live in our awesome community! Email Nicole Freeman, Senior Class Advisor with any questions: freemann@nullapcsd.org.
Mental Health & Wellness 101 Workshop
CAPITAL DISTRICT – June 23rd, 2021, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm – Community Caregivers is partnering with the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. (MHANYS’) Capital Region Project AWARE. This project provides FREE training to individuals who work with or support Veterans, Older Adults, and the General Public. Participants will improve their mental health literacy by increasing awareness, care, and support that the General Public receives for behavioral health challenges.
Mental Health & Wellness 101 (MHW101) is a 1-hour training which reframes the conversation about mental health – teaching that we ALL have mental health; it’s not just about the presence or absence of an illness. The training will help participants understand mental health as an integral part of overall health, prevalence of mental illness, and risk & protective factors; and promote help-seeking behavior, recovery, and self-care.
Register Now – https://mhanys.org/registration/ For more information, email or call Matthew Delaney, MHANYS’ MHFA Program Associate at mdelaney@nullmhanys.org or (518) 434-0439.
MHANYS’ Capital Region Project AWARE is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Community Caregivers is a non-profit agency supported by community donations, and grants from The Albany County Department for Aging, the NYS Department of Health and Office for the Aging & the U.S. Administration on Aging.
Sand Lake Summer Concert Series at Sand Lake’s Butler Park
SAND LAKE – The Town of Sand Lake is sponsoring a free Summer Concert Series starting on June 24th and running every other Thursday through September 16. It is free for all to attend! Concerts start at 6:30 and end at 9:00. They include:
June 24: Whiskey Highway with Val Gray (Tribute to Barbara Biittig)
July 8: Gone Grey Guys
July 22: Acoustic Rye (sponsored by the Sand Lake Business Association)
August 5: Schmooze
August 19: Diva & Dirty Boys
August 26: Beating the Odds
September 2: Double D Trio
September 16: Refrigerators
Bring your lawn chairs and join the fun! Food vendors will be on site. Social distancing will be in effect. Alcohol is not permitted.
Butler Park is located on Gettle Road, in the hamlet of Averill Park.
Vendors will be available. Bring your lawn chairs. Social distancing will be in effect. No alcohol, please.
June 2021 Meeting for the Capital District Genealogical Society
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Online Zoom Meeting, Saturday, 26 June 2021 at 1:00 PM. CDGS meetings are presently held on Zoom. Registration is free and will open to the public on 16 June 2021. See www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety .org under meetings and events. There is a 100 person limit.
Topic: Introduction to Forensic Genealogy by Kelvin L. Meyers. Our speaker will give an overview of forensic genealogy and the role of the genealogist in such cases. He will discuss some of the types of cases in which a forensic genealogist may be involved such as guardianship, oil and gas, unidentified and unclaimed persons and probate. The role of a forensic genealogist will also be discussed.
Stephentown Historical Society to Hold Strawberry Festival
STEPHENTOWN – Strawberry shortcake will star once again at the Thirty-Ninth Annual Strawberry Festival to be held this year on Sunday, June 27th at Gardner’s Ice Cream and Coffee Shop, located at 15879 NY Route 22 in Stephentown (just south of the traffic light at the intersection with Route 43). This fund-raiser for the Stephentown Historical Society will run from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Fresh strawberries will be served on sponge cake or home-baked biscuits with whipped cream, or you can add ice cream for a sundae (“the works”!). Strawberry rhubarb pie a la mode and whole strawberry rhubarb pies will also be available for purchase, as will books, t-shirts and other Historical Society memorabilia. For additional information, please call (732) 841-3457 or (518) 733-5923.
The Stephentown Strawberry Festival began in 1982 when the Historical Society was in its infancy and was preparing for the town’s 1984 bicentennial celebration. Over the years, volunteers from the society have prepared and dished up over 8000 servings of this summer favorite. Hope to see you there!
Tay Fisher Basketball Program
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Tay Fisher, Siena College standout, Harlem Globetrotter, Firefly (2009-2019) and Kingston HS grad, returns to the Capital NY region with two new Basketball programs. A Shooting & Dribbling Clinic will be held June 27th and a 4- day Basketball Camp will be held June 28 – July 1, 2021 at the Albany Capital Center.
Tay Fisher’s Basketball June 27th Shooting & Dribbling Clinic -Albany Cap Center – The co-ed S&D Clinic is open to athletes ages 7+ interested in improving shooting and dribbling skills. 9am-1pm ages 7-11 year olds. 2pm-6pm ages 12+. S&D Clinic only- $75. S&D Clinic plus Tay’s 4 day Camp- $60.
Tay Fisher’s Basketball 2021 Summer CAMP June 28-July 1, 2021-Albany Cap Center – The co-ed camp is open to athletes ages 7+ interested in improving fundamental skills. *Strong emphasis on ball handling, passing, defense and shooting, leadership techniques and work ethics are also incorporated. 9am-1pm ages 7-11 year olds. 2pm-6pm ages 12+. The 4-day camp costs $235 for each student.
Tay Fisher said, “I am excited to be able to offer these basketball programs to the public. This is a great way to stay active and keep our skills sharp. We have all struggled over the past year due to COVID. The team and I want to help while ensuring our campers safety and health remains priority #1.”
Note: State safety guidelines will be will be followed at ALL Tay Fisher’s Basketball programs, which includes temp check at arrival, mask, small group settings, etc…
More Info: visit TayFisher.com http://tayfisher.com/
To Register: https://bit.ly/2QoZGPy
Follow Tay on Facebook: @TayFisherBasketball
AP All-Sports Camp
AVERILL PARK – Chris Anderson and Mike Cavotta are proud to announce the return of AP All-Sports Camp, a non-competitive games camp for children ages 6 and up. It will take place from June 28 – July 1, 9 AM to noon, at Algonquin Middle School. The cost is just $100 dollars for 4 days of fun and discounts are available! You can find more information and register for camp by visiting apallsportscamp.com.
Grafton Lakes State Park to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
GRAFTON – Admission Reduced to Original 25 Cent Fee From 1971. (Entrance is first come first serve until capacity is reached).
Grafton Lakes State Park, in partnership with the Grafton Historical Society, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with community programming on Thursday, July 1. In honor of the event, park entry will be reduced to its original 1971 opening day fare of 25 cents. A lunch will be held to commemorate the anniversary. No charge to attend the commemoration, $5 to obtain a lunch ticket. All other activities and programs will be free of charge.
“Grafton Lakes State Park’s breathtaking ponds and miles of trails are just some of the features that make this site a jewel of the State Park system that has drawn many visitors over the decades. This celebration will join past accolades with the next generation of park visitors who appreciate all this special place has to offer,” said NYS Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid.
Anniversary Programming:
• Art Gallery: 9am-4pm- Art pieces inspired by Grafton’s natural beauty.
• Commemoration Lunch: 12pm- No charge to attend the commemoration and Meet-the-Artists discussion. Pre-registration required to obtain a lunch ticket- $5 per person. Call 518-279-1155.
• Historic Talks and Walks: 10am and 1:30pm- Join in on a cemetery walk or look back at photos with Grafton historian Anne Kiely.
• Fire Tower Chat: Linda Laveway, granddaughter of fire tower observer, Helen Ellett, will offer stories and recollections of her grandmother.
• “Remember When”: 7pm- An informal gathering for community members to share their memories and stories of Grafton’s history.
• Oral History Movie: 9pm- Hear tales from staff, visitors, and those who used to own land at the park in this oral history of the park.
All aspects of the event will follow current COVID-19 protocols with masks and social distancing. Entry into the park will be based on a first come first serve basis.
Grafton Summer Festival
GRAFTON – After taking the year off due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, the original Grafton Summer Festival is back and hopes to be bigger and better than ever before.
The Festival is again scheduled to be held in the historic Grafton Town Park on Saturday, July 17, 2021. The park is located on NYS Route 2, one mile east of the State Park entrance.
For more than 30 years, the Grafton Summer Festival has been a tradition enjoyed by all the residents of Grafton, the surrounding towns and visitors to the area.
This year we are again featuring Civil War reenactors known as the Crenshaw Battery. There will be soldiers in authentic uniforms including weapons and equipment. At past festivals this has been a very popular exhibit. The people of Grafton have many ancestors who served in the Union Army during the Civil War and we’re very proud of that heritage.
Sister Kennan McGowan’s Memorial Giant Raffle will have close to 100 prizes with a growing monetary grand prize. Tickets are available from most parishioners of Our Lady of the Snow Mission and Our Lady of Victory Church. Tickets will also be sold all day on Saturday, July 17, 2021.
There will be a chicken BBQ to be served from 12:00 noon until 2pm, or when the meals are sold out. The dinners consist of ½ chicken, baked potato, coleslaw and dessert and can be enjoyed on site or for take-out. It is suggested that tickets for the dinner be obtained ahead of time and reserved by calling 518- 421-5070 or 518-953-0363.
The local Boy Scouts will be providing hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage and peppers and cold soft drinks. In the morning, coffee, donuts and other breakfast items will be available.
There will again be music and singing in the gazebo.
Since the inception of the Grafton Festival over 35 years ago, we have had a craft fair and flea market with vendors selling a large selection of crafts and exotic items, including antiques, collectibles, handcrafted jewelry and wood-working items. It is anticipated that 50 or more vendors will be participating.
The Grafton Community Library and the Grafton Historical Society will have booths, as will several other community organizations.
Our Lady of the Snow will offer homemade baked goods, including “mini” pies, cupcakes and numerous other sweets.
The festival provides the people and friends of Grafton the opportunity to meet their neighbors and the people who serve them in various volunteer capacities.
To join in the festivities, call 518-466-8555 for more information and registration forms as a vendor or participant.
31st Annual American Legion Post 1489 Golf Outing
WYNANTSKILL – Sat.July 31 2021,Pioneer Hills Golf Course,Price $100.00 ea.-Includes,18 hole shotgun scramble w/cart,Lunch at the course at 11:00 (hot dogs,hamburgs,mac salad). Tee off at 12:00,Beverages will be available on the course,2 domestic beer chips included per person.Barbeque dinner following golf back at The Legion w/ 1Hr.Draft beer and soda.Prizes,raffles, auction and plenty of laughs.Sign up at The Legion 111 Main Ave. Wynantskill or call Bill McGuirk at 518-441-0013. If you don’t have a foursome,sign up and we will match you up.Proceeds to benefit Sons of The Legion charities.
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.