Wednesday June 7, 2023 
Grafton Lakes State Park to Host Fire Tower Anniversary
Grafton Lakes State Park is hosting a Fire Tower Anniversary event to celebrate the 10th anniversary since the Dickinson Fire Tower was reopened to the public. The event will include a presentation about the restoration, a presentation about life as a fire tower observer, and a junior fire tower observer talk. The event is on August 27th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. $8 covers entrance to the park, parking, and admission to the event and patrons are encouraged to call to register for the event.
The Dickinson Fire Tower was originally constructed in 1924 and was later decommissioned in 1972. The Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park led an initiative to restore and reactivate the site in 2012. Today, the Fire Tower stands at 60 feet tall with a spectacular 360-degree aerial view of five mountain ranges visible on a clear day.
Event Schedule:
• 1:00 PM – Fire Tower Restoration Presentation: Dick Gibbs
o Inside Welcome Center
• 2:00 PM – Life of a Fire Tower Observer: Helen Ellett- Linda Laveway and Randy Kneer
o Inside Welcome Center
• 3:00 PM – Jr. Fire Tower Observer talk
o Outside the Welcome Center at the Fire Tower Replica- great for kids!
Visit the Grafton Lakes State Park Facebook page for updated information. Grafton Lakes State Park is located off Route 2, twelve miles east of Troy, New York. Please use the park’s main entrance on Grafton Lakes State Park Way for this event. For more information, please call the park at 518-279-1155.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov connect with us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.
Columbia HS “50s “60s Reunion
It’s back! The Columbia HS classes of the ‘50s and ‘60s will hold their annual reunion September 10 from 4 until 9 at the Phillips Road Firehouse outside pavilion. A food truck from Little Big Fatz will be on site and a cash bar with beer and wine will be available. This is a popular, informal gathering of classmates. A $5.00 donation is requested. For more information or questions contact Valerie Figel Femia (pfemia@nullnycap.rr.com).
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Offers Basic Pet First Aid
The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society will offer Basic Pet First Aid on Thursday, August 18 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Lisa Mitzen Animal Care Center, located at 3 Oakland Avenue in Menands.
Presented by Tara Estra, DVM, the program will cover how to identify pet emergencies and provide basic care. Dr. Estra is the owner and medical director at Canterbury Animal Hospital in Delmar. Registration is required. A donation of $5 is suggested.
Register at: https://mohawkhumane.org/seminar-series. For further information call 518-434-8128, ext. 350.
Happy Birthday City of Rensselaer
You are all invited to a Birthday Party September 10th at the Riverfront Park in Rensselaer from 12 to 5pm.
The City of Rensselaer will be celebrating 125 years young and we will be enjoying music, food and fun. This is a family affair and food will be available by Class Act Catering. You can always pack a picnic basket if you like. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music of Rockin Rob Carson from 12:30 to 2pm and Donny Elvis from 3 to 4:30pm. The park has a great Playground, Tennis Court and Basketball Courts.
We will also have a Bounce House for this special day. We have ordered a gentle breeze off the river and a full moon at night. Plan on joining us. It is going to be a lovely day.
Pro Wrestling is Coming Back to the Kiwanis Summerfest!
Pro Wrestling is back! Be sure to be there for 2 exciting performances on Saturday, August 27th at Averill Park’s Butler Park. Then stay to meet the male and female athletes in person.
This is just one of the many outstanding events to look forward to at the Summerfest, August 25th to the 28th. Kiwanis invites everyone to come out and enjoy all the family fun events planned each day of our August 25th-28th Sand Lake Summerfest.
The Thursday kick-off features thrilling rides, multiple food choices and the area’s premier band “The Refrigerators”. And there is no admission charge any day! For more information please go to www.facebook/Kiwanis-Club-of-Sand-Lake. We hope to see you there!
A Day at the Races with the Rensselaer High Alumni (St. John’s Alumni Welcome)
Join us August 12th, in the picnic area to the right of the main gate near the large screen and bathrooms. Bring a chair and a snack to share.
First race starts at 1pm, gate fee is $7.00. Hope to see you all there for a fun day.
Car & Truck Show at Brunswick Elk’s
Sunday, Aug. 21, 11am-3pm (Rain Date TBD) – 665 Brunswick Rd. Troy NY. 30 trophies in total – 20 of which are favorites and the remaining 10 are specialty picks. Dash plaques, door prizes and registration givebacks. Enjoy a park-like setting with food and beverage by the Brunswick Elks.
Open to all cars and trucks. Registration $15.00 day of the show.
Spectator Admission is FREE. Bill Schroeder e-mail: oldcorvettes@nullgmail.com or http://www.capitalcarshows.com/BrunswickElks.html for more information.
Sustenance and Style: 17th Century Foodways in the Hudson River Valley
Join us at Troy Public Library on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 6:00 for a presentation sponsored by Schuyler Mansion and Crailo State Historic Sites. The Dutch arrived on Manhattan and the Hudson Valley very early in the 17th century.
Here they found some familiar foods, but many were entirely new to the Dutch palate and grew in a landscape vastly different from the one they left in Europe. Learn how colonization changed Dutch dining habits – both in the foods available and in the way these foods were prepared and consumed. Additional insight into Native American and African American dining experiences will be included as well.
This in-person program is free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register call the library at 518-274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy, NY.
Lustgarten Foundation Albany Capital District Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research
The 19th Annual Lustgarten Foundation Albany Capital District Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research is your chance to join our dedicated community of supporters who have been touched by pancreatic cancer.
On September 11, 2022 we will be walking again at Elm Avenue Town Park in Delmar where together we will raise the critical funds and awareness needed to defeat this devastating disease. The Walk raises funds for the Lustgarten Foundation; and thanks to the Foundation’s private funding, 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to pancreatic cancer research.
The 1.2-mile handicap accessible, child-friendly, stroller-friendly and pet-friendly event will include a special jewelry raffle, a 50/50 raffle, a PC information area and a survivors’ table. A live band will provide music. The first 500 walkers will receive a walk t-shirt and refreshments will be available, including bottled water, apple cider donuts, coffee, and apple cider.
Registration begins at 8:00 AM with opening ceremonies at 10:00 AM. We will have an honor guard and a moment of silence in recognition of lives lost on 9/11 and will invite first responders to join our pancreatic cancer survivors as we begin our Walk.
The Lustgarten Foundation is the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the world. To register for the walk or make a donation, please visit: https://events.lustgarten.org/Albany. Day-of registration also available onsite.
Ric DiDonato Comes to Grafton
Do you like the vocalists from the Big Band and Rat Pack eras? Then come to hear Ric DiDonato serenading our audience singing the best songs from that era. Just close your eyes. Be transported back in time or experience that era for the first time. When you open your eyes, you’ll be surprised that you aren’t looking at Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin or Bobby Darin. Ric uses vintage gear, wearing classy 60’s era suits and tuxes transporting you back in time. Let’s make this a fun event! If you have an outfit from the 60’s please wear it. If you want to dance, please do. It’s a show not to be missed.
We hope to see you at our free concert Saturday August 13, 2022, from 2- 4 pm at Roxborough Holdings (former Grafton Elementary School) Rte 2 & Babcock Lake Road, Grafton, NY. Sit inside or if outside please bring a chair. Light refreshments will be for sale. Come and enjoy the show!
We hope to see you August 13!
3rd Annual Car Wash to benefit Stephentown Historical
The Stephentown Historical Society’s 3rd Annual Car Wash on Sunday, August 14, will also include the Stephentown Federated Church’s SonShiners Garden and Bake Sale.
The Car Wash, a fund raiser for the Stephentown Historical Society, will run from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Scrub Board Laundromat and Car Wash located on Route 22 just south of Route 43 in Stephentown, NY. For a mere $20, you will get your car lovingly washed ($10) and dried ($5) by hand as well as 6 raffle tickets ($5) for a chance to win half of a 50/50 Raffle! In addition, you will find various historical albums, t-shirts, and other Historical Society merchandise and memorabilia for sale.
At the same time and location, be sure and stop at the Stephentown Federated Church’s tent for the SonShiners Garden and Bake Sale. You will find freshly baked goodies like cookies, cupcakes, and banana bread as well as vegetables picked from local gardens. The great bakers and gardeners of the SonShiners are raising funds for the Stephentown Federated Church.
In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, August 21, 2022.
Latham-Colonie Columbiettes Annual Fall Craft Fair
Latham Colonie Columbiettes will be hosting their Annual Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, September, 17th, 2022, 9 am to 3:30 pm! Rain or Shine! Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110
Vendor Space available both Indoor and Outdoor Undercover and Outdoor Areas for your own popup display.
For pricing information klmajer@nulloutlook.com or www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/dinners&events.
NEW PROGRAM: Learn to Play Pickleball
Location: Averill Park HS Tennis Courts
Registration: 6:15pm
Play: 6:30 – 7:30+
Cost: Free – donation bucket for SHAC will be available.
All ages welcome (those under 18 must have a parent sign a waiver). Bring paddles/balls if you have some.
The SVFD’s Car Show Is Happening On Saturday, August 20, 2022
Cruise on down to Stephentown on Saturday, August 20 to check out the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department’s Car Show from 10 AM – 2 PM.
Antique Autos, Classic Cars, Antique Tractors, Hot Rods, and Antique Fire Trucks! Plus food, vendors, and raffles. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
The entry fee for vehicles is just $10. Door prizes and trophies will be awarded. Walk-ins and spectators enter for free, but a donation is suggested.
Vendors are also welcome; tables are available for $10. If you are interested in reserving a spot, please email us at stephentownfiredepartment@nullgmail.com.
RAIN DATE: Sunday, August 21
Young Peacemakers Week
Are you interested in contributing to a peaceful world? If the answer is yes, help your child (grades 2-8) learn about peace within their own self, their community, and the global stage.
Young Peacemakers Week, held at the Friends Meetinghouse at 727 Madison Ave. in Albany, is set up to do exactly that during the week of August 22-26, 2022. The hours are 1:30-6:30, with a family meal shared from 5:30-6:30, accompanied by a family activity and singing. Peacemaking skills are learned in the context of typical summer day camp activities, including arts and crafts, music, non-competitive games, and nature-related fun.
The cost is pay-as-you-can, and no child will be turned away for inability to pay. Young Peacemakers Week is a welcoming community, and is open to children of all abilities, ethnicities, religions, etc. For more information, call Nancy Mattice at 518-366-1854, or visit us online at youngpeacemakersweek.weebly.com.