Tuesday April 16, 2024 
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.
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 – 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.
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 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:
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.
Albany Institute of History & Art Virtual Presentation by Rare Book Specialist Ken Gloss
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston’s Downtown Crossing section, will give a virtual presentation via Zoom on Thursday, July 8, 6:30 pm, for the Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany, NY. Ken will discuss the value of old and rare books.
Ken, a rare book specialist and appraiser who is frequently seen on national TV, will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop (www.brattlebookshop.com/about), which goes back to circa 1825. He is a second-generation owner.
Ken will talk about and show some of his favorite finds and describe some of the joys of the “hunt,” as well as explain what makes a book go up in value. He has many fascinating anecdotes to share as well as guidelines for what to look for when starting a collection. There is also a Q&A session before the conclusion of his talk. Following the talk and question-and-answer session, Ken will give free verbal appraisals of books participants have on hand or will do so at his shop in Boston at a later scheduled date.
To participate in the Zoom session, the Institute asks that all interested parties visit https://www.albanyinstitute.org/event/product/VIRTUAL-PROGRAM-Rare-Book-Specialist-Kenneth-Gloss.html
Grafton Summer Music Festival Hosts Yankee Doodle Band
GRAFTON – Article by Betsy Colvin – The Yankee Doodle Band an American Legion Band comes to Grafton NY July 10, 2021.
The Yankee Doodle Band of the Fort Crailo Post 471 of the American Legion in Rensselaer N.Y was formed in 1927. The band originally was a drum & bugle corps then in 1936 the bugle corps became the band as we know it today with a full complement of instruments. The band has members who are Legionnaires and members who have had family members who served in the Armed Forces. The Yankee Doodle Band has a concert band and a marching band. Many of the members participate in both.
The first bandmaster to conduct and lead the band was Robert F. Winters. He immigrated to this country from Scotland where he had been bandmaster of the Queen’s Guard of Edinburgh.
Our next bandmaster was James J. Layden from the Capital District. During WW II he was an instructor at the Navy School of Music in San Diego. His tenure with the band ended in 1972.
Fast forward to today we are proud to have Owen “Smokie” Johnson, a former music teacher, as our musical director since 1974.
The band plays local concerts and parades. The marching band travels the United States playing for the American Legion National Conventions each year. We enjoy what we do and always look forward to our concerts and parades. We play a variety of music. Patriotic music of course. Broadway show tunes. TV theme music like Hogan’s Heroes & the Theme from Jag. Foot stopping tunes like Beer Barrel Polka.
We hope to see you at our free concert Saturday July 10, 2021 from 2 -4 PM at Roxborough Holdings (former Grafton Elementary School) Rte. 2 & Babcock Lake Road, Grafton, NY. Sit inside or bring a chair & sit outside. Dolan Dogs Food Truck and Mr. Ding-A-Ling Ice Cream will be there. Come enjoy the music, the food and feel free to sing along or get up dance. We hope to see you July 10!
Craft and Vendor Fair at Sand Lake Center for the Arts
SAND LAKE – Christmas in July is happening on July 10 from 12 to 4 pm at Sand Lake Center for the Arts! This Craft and Vendor Fair will have 20-plus booths, food trucks and pictures with Santa. Bring the family for an afternoon of fun. Please park in the Miller Hill parking lot.
Book Signing at SLCA Fair
SAND LAKE – Two local authors, Jim Flanigan and Tom Bulger, will be signing copies of their books at the July 10th Sand Lake Center For the Arts Christmas In July Craft and Vendor Fair.
Flanigan’s book, “Up From Second Street…and Other Memoirs”, uses humor and a vivid recall of details to take his readers on a journey from his early years, through high school, college and a career working with people with disabilities. He then provides insight into the world of government and politics based on his 24 years as a North Greenbush elected official, including the development of the Rensselaer Technology Park, opposition to a proposed casino and the murder trial of a fellow Town Board member.
Bulger, a retired professor of English literature at Siena College, has written, “A Runner’s Memories, Dreams, Reflections”, based on 40 years of writing about distance running for area newspapers and magazines. The book includes running advice, philosophical comments on the importance of running, a bit of humor and some entertaining anecdotes.
Both books were the result of the authors having free time to write during the pandemic.
The Christmas In July Craft and Vendor Fair will be held in the parking lot of the Sand Lake Center for the Arts, 2880 NY Route 43 in Sand Lake from Noon to 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 10th.
Summer Open House at Poestenkill Historical Society Museum
POESTENKILL – would you like to bring back some memories? Come and see our displays at the museum. We are featuring over 30 vintage dolls, two outstanding doll houses and many toys we remember our grandmothers giving us. we also have on display our Poestenkill Post Office memorabilla, some of which dates back to 1839. At one point it was situated in Union Hall where James A. Garfield, former President, taught penmanship lessons. So we hope you will join us on Saturday, July 10th, from l:00 – 3:00. Come have a glass of lemonade and a few cookies with our devoted volunteers. Questions? Call (518)283-4890.
Town of North Greenbush Summer Concert Series Kick’s Off with The Refrigerators
NORTH GREENBUSH – Town Supervisor Joe Bott is excited to announce the line-up for the 2021 North Greenbush Summer Concert Series. Kicking off the season will be The Refrigerators on Sunday, July 11th. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy some great music behind Town Hall on Main Avenue in Wynantskill. Concerts are from 6-8pm on Sundays during the summer.
7/18 Side Show Willy: A Traveling Jukebox
8/1 Nite Train: Classic Rock & Blues
8/8 Darryl Daily: Today’s Music, Soft Rock
8/15 Blue Hand Lue: Classic Rock
8/22 Mike Miner: Country and Originals
8/29 Kyle Bourgault Band: Country
Grafton Merrymakers Meeting
GRAFTON – A Grafton Merrymakers will be meeting on July 14 at 5:15 at the Everett Wagar senior center with dinner followed by our meeting at 6:15 PM. Subs will be provided for dinner – please bring your own utensils (plastic ware plates cups) and your own beverage. If you would like to join the Merrymakers there is a membership fee of $3 a year and is open to all residents of Rensselaer County 55 and older. If you would like more information please call Betty Jean at 518-272-8624.
Indoor Yard Sale
AVERILL PARK – The Indoor Yard Sale is coming soon at the Church of the Covenant, United Methodist, located at 3055 Rte 43 in Averill Park. Sale dates are Fri and Sat July 16 & 17, 9 am – 2 pm with a $3 bag sale Sat noon – 2 pm. We will gladly welcome your donations of clean, gently-loved kitchen items such as china, glassware, dishes, silverware, utensils, small appliances and other household items. We also accept holiday decorations, books, DVDs, CDs, toys, crafts of all kinds, artwork, frames, baskets, tools, cameras, camping equipment, sports equipment and much more. Please……no clothing, large items, car seats, televisions or computers.
Donations may be brought to the church weekdays 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, June 28 – July 14.
Sale sponsored by GOOFS (Girls Organization of Fun and Service)
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.
Live Theatre Returns to Sand Lake Center for the Arts
SAND LAKE – SLCA presents “Pipeline” by Dominique Morisseau, a drama that delves into the urgent issue of the “School-to-prison” pipeline that ensnares people of color. Issues of class, race, parenting and education in America are brought to the frontlines, as we are left to question the systematic structures that ultimately trap underserved communities. Performances are July 23, 24, 30, 31 at 8pm and July 25 and August 1 at 2:30pm. Tickets are $18, available now at slca-ctp.org. Reserve your seats today! Directed by Siobhan Shea.
Summer Juried Art Show at Sand Lake Center for the Arts
SAND LAKE – July 3 through August 28 on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3pm. This year’s collection was inspired by the song Hands by Phill Ochs.
Join us at our opening reception on July 24 from 4 to 6 pm!
31st Annual American Legion Post 1489 Golf Outing
WYNANTSKILL – Saturday, 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.
Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake, Summerfest Is Back!!!
AVERILL PARK – Mark your calendars – Friday, Saturday & Sunday, August 27-29th. Summerfest is a three day extravaganza planned and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake with the generous support of many local businesses and organizations.
This is an admission free event that will feature great bands, thrilling rides for children and adults, fireworks, a pep rally for our local students and sports teams, a car show, petting zoo, tennis tournament, a visit from a Blackhawk helicopter with helicopter tours, craft vendors and a variety of food and beverage choices to appeal to every taste. Even more fun and exciting activities will soon be added. So circle the dates and plan to come out to Butler Park in Averill Park to celebrate summer by enjoying all the great music and fun-filled activities being planned.
The Poestenkill Business Association’s Annual Auction Fundraiser
POESTENKILL – The Poestenkill Business Association’s Annual Auction Fundraiser will be held Saturday August 28, 2021 at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main Street under their Pavilion. Viewing of all Auction items will begin at 11:00AM with the Auction to start at 1:00 PM. All participants will be asked to purchase a Bidders Number to assist in properly identifying the winning Bid by the Auctioneer. Selections will again run from interior home items including that rare, diamond in the rough long sought after keepsake to topsoil, firewood, mulch & stone by the truckload. The Kitchen will be open from 10:30 AM to the end of the Auction with mouthwatering delights such as Sausage & Peppers, Hamburgers and Hot Dogs along with cold beverages including Beer. Activities for the children will also be provided. All proceeds will go to support the Poestenkill Business Association’s fund to discreetly assist Poestenkill Residents who experience unexpected emergency situations during the year. Please mark the date on your calendar for a most enjoyable outing and plan on attending the Poestenkill Business Association’s Auction on Saturday August 28th! Thank you in advance for your support.
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.