Wednesday May 8, 2024 
Brunswick Historical Society Looking for Vendors
EAGLE MILLS – Brunswick Historical Society is looking for vendors for our Annual Tag and Bake Sale on September 11, 2021. Rain or shine. We are located at 605 Brunswick Rd in Eagle Mills. We will be offering a limited number of spaces (1)- 8×10 for free. Don’t miss out. Sign up now. Contact Tracy for more information at 518-279-3020 or email at president@nullbhs-ny.org.
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:
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.
Town of North Greenbush Summer Concert Series
NORTH GREENBUSH -Concerts start at 6pm on Sundays and are located at Town Hall on Main Ave in Wynantskill. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. No pets allowed. Current COVID precautions set by the CDC must be followed.
8/15 Blue Hand Luke: Classic Rock
8/22 Mike Miner: Country and Originals
8/29 Kyle Bourgault Band: Country
NEACA Gun Shows Still Only Game in Town
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In the show promotion business since 1982, NEACA, Inc. had promoted the very well attended Saratoga Springs Arms Fair at the city Center for over 32 years until the Democrat controlled City Administration passed their law banning guns on City owned property. The last NEACA show there was on Memorial Day weekend of 2018 — A fitting date for burial of one of the best shows of its type in the Northeast.
NEACA actually opened the City Center with the first commercial activity there, still with the smell of fresh paint in the air. An exquisite Antique Show was held in August of 1984 — A few weeks later, the first Arms Fair was produced, and NEACA then used the facility for over a hundred weekends more … till they were banned.
Many of our NEACA members, over 1800, still will not support any activities or business in Saratoga and many supporters of our shows, over 30,000 in our local mailing lists, follow that trend. “good for them,” says David Petronis, President and promoter of NEACA, Inc. “It was a disgusting display of ridding the city of a well regulated and legal show,” added Petronis
“NEACA is still the only promoter of gun shows in the northeast and has worked thru the pandemic with them. Other promoters are just now emerging from their doldrums and are advertising future events, but we have promoted shows locally and in Vermont since the Covid crises began, “Petronis said.
Future shows on their schedule include a Gun Show in Middlebury, Vermont in August 14 & 15 at the American Legion Post #27. Further information on those events plus others can be found at NEACA.com.
Stop by and see what you have been missing at their sister company, Hudson River Trading Company, 38 North Main Street, Mechanicville, Gun Emporium with antiques and collectibles. For hours call 518-664-9743.
APHS Class of 1981 40th Reunion
AVERILL PARK – Saturday August 14th, 2021, at the Poestenkill VFW Pavillion please join your classmates for our 40th high school reunion. The reunion will be held from noon to 9pm. A Ziti and meatball dinner will be served at 4 pm. Cost for Ziti Dinner and two beverages will be $25.00 per person or $10.00 per person without dinner provided which will be collected at the event. Sue Ellnor can be reached at 518-421-7745 for questions regarding the event.
Patsy Cline Comes to Grafton, NY August 14, 2021
GRAFTON – Article by Betsy Colvin – The legendary Patsy Cline comes to life once again through the sounds and stories of Courtney Shayne Karl. Ms. Karl has been a professional Patsy Cline tribute artist for over
10 years and will take you back in time to the days when this amazing singer graced the stages of America. A lifelong affinity for Patsy Cline’s music along with a nudge from her grandfather has helped transform Courtney Shayne Karl into one of the finest impersonators performing today. She has been recognized nationally for her appearances and now tours throughout the United States in the national touring show Memories of Patsy, bringing to life the iconic music of Patsy Cline in an unforgettable performance. It’s a show not to be missed.
We hope to see you at our free concert Saturday August 14, 2021 from 2 -4 PM at Roxborough Holdings (former Grafton Elementary School) Rte. 2 & Babcock Lake Road, Grafton, NY. Come and enjoy the show! We hope to see you August 14!
1st Annual Sand Lake Kiwanis Car Show, Rescheduled to August 15th
AVERILL PARK – WestFall Village, 13 Averill Ave., Averill Park. 9am-2pm. Free parking for spectators. Dash plaques for the first 100 cars. Top 25 Award and other Special Trophies. Best in Show by Participants. $10 car registration fee. For info please email: lunaroutlaw@nullgmail.com
Need Peace? Come and Join Us for the Sung Vespers in the Spirit of Taize
ALBANY – Tuesday evenings Aug. 17 and Sept. 14, 7 P.M. at St. Matthew St. Paul’s Lutheran Church located at 1500 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203. Sung Vespers in the Spirit of Taize is a worship service which uses silence, scripture, prayer and repetitive singing to better understand God and respond to his love with praise. The Taize community was founded in France in 1940 to promote peace through prayer and meditation.
Kiwanis Summerfest Benefit Tennis Tournament Registration
AVERILL PARK – If top spin, back hand, drop shot and volley are part of your sport, then the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake has a racket for you. Saturday, Saturday August 28th, at Averill Park HS courts. Registration fees: $20.00 for singles; $40 for doubles team for each category entered. Deadline for Registration is Wednesday, August 18th.
For additional information call Joe Behson at 674-8407
or Bruce Perry at 674-2475.
End Gerrymandering: Focus on the NYS Capital District
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady chapters of the League of Women Voters in coordination with the One Person, One Vote Coalition will hold an educational session on the upcoming redistricting of the state’s congressional and legislative districts. This one hour virtual program will take place on August 19 at 7 p.m. It is open to all organizations and individuals who are interested in participating in an effort to have district lines drawn consistent with communities of interest above partisan interests. Political Scientist and League member, Steve Elliott, will be the key presenter.
“We are offering this program in an effort to encourage and increase public participation as the redistricting process goes forward. It is an opportunity for all who seek fair districts to learn how to be an effective advocate on behalf of their interests,” said Vicente Alfonso, Vice President of the Albany Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was joined by April Land, Interim CEO of the Capital Area Urban League, Judy Meyer, Co-President of League of Women Voters Rensselaer, Linda Gush, Co-President of League of Women Voters Saratoga, Patricia Sibilia, President of League of Women Voters of Albany County and Ann Hatke, President of League of Women Voters Schenectady.
Go to https://tinyurl.com/1P1VRedistricting to register. ***
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that promotes political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.
The Capital Area Urban League (CAUL), a nonpartisan, civic engagement, and policy advocacy organization in New York’s capital area, began engagement on Redistricting with its work on the 2020 decennial census and continues to offer trainings on Redistricting and access to resources for communities to define their own districts at urbanleague3v.com. CAUL connects communities in Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Montgomery and Albany Counties and links individuals, communities, groups, and organizations to resources that positively affect human lives.
The One Person, One Vote Coalition (Coalition) is an ad hoc group of individuals and organizations who are committed to the adoption of an equitable redistricting plan that is produced through a transparent, participatory and fair process.
Grafton Lakes State Park to host Dance in the Park
GRAFTON LAKE – Grafton Lakes State Park and Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will host a Dance in the Park event on Saturday, August 21st. Pre-registration is required for the lessons. Dance in the Park is open to dancers at all levels of experience with or without a partner. The event will begin with two lessons, followed by a live band.
Have you been itching to dance, but there hasn’t been the opportunity recently? Come out to the park for this unique summer event. Grafton Lakes State Park is offering lessons for two styles of dance: clogging and freestyle swing dance.
Hill Country Cloggers will be leading a demo at 3pm on the Concession patio followed by a short instruction (no specific shoes needed). The second and third lessons of the evening will be taught by Alpha Dual Adventures and will cover freestyle swing (concrete floor). The main dance will feature the River Road Band. There will also be food available for purchase from the Windstar Catering Company.
Schedule:
3pm-4pm- Clogging- presentation and lesson, Hill Country Cloggers
4pm-5pm- Beginner Swing Dance lesson, Alpha Dual Adventures
5pm-6pm- Intermediate Swing Dance lesson, Alpha Dual Adventures
6pm-8pm- Live Music provided by River Road Band (free)
*Movie on the beach: following the band
Lessons are $6 for singles or $10 for couples. Sign up for two lessons and get the third for free!
Pre-registration for lessons required. Dance in the Park will take place on the concession stand patio by the beach. Swing dance lessons are geared towards adults, minimum age of 14 (no age minimum for clogging or the live music). Call 518-279-1155 to register.
*Following the night’s festivities will be a movie on the beach! The movie is kid-friendly and PG-rated so bring the whole family. We can’t announce the movie title due to licensing restrictions but think of two classic archenemies whose theatrical cat and mouse antics have been reimagined into a live-action film.
Free Movie on the Beach at Grafton Lakes State Park
GRAFTON LAKE – Join the Friends of Grafton Lake State Park and the Timberjack Boyscouts on Aug 21st at 8:00 PM for a free movie on the beach. We aren’t allowed to provide the name of the film, however, we can tell you that a cat and a mouse will be creating havoc. The film will run 1 hour and 41 minutes. The Timberjacks will be running a concession stand.
The film will start directly after the Dance in the Park that runs from 6-8. The park will be offering dance lessons beforehand. Call the park at 518-279-1155 for details if you are interested in participating in the dancing!
Help us to keep supporting these great activities by becoming a Friends Member or Renewing at: Friendsofgraftonlakes.org/membership
$10 individual / $15 family / $5 students & seniors Supporting membership @ $35 (silver-contributing) & $100 (gold-supporting) Organizational membership: $50 (regular) & $250 (institutional sponsor)
Brother Tadpole Live in Concert at Sand Lake Center for the Arts
SAND LAKE – Live Rock ‘n’ Roll comes to Averill Park! Brother Tadpole, a 6-piece band from the tri-cities area who is heavily influenced by the music of the Allman Brothers, is bringing their show to our stage for a summer concert. Saturday, August 21 at 7pm. Only $10! Tickets available online or at the door.
Mohawk Hudson Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club Inc. 17th Annual August Swap Meet
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Current President Michael Glenn announces that the 17th Annual August Swap and Formal Meet of the Chapter will be held this year at the Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum. The event is planned for August 21, 2020 and will be held on the grounds of the Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum on Route 30 in Vail Mills, New York. Attendees come from throughout the Northeast as well as local members and the general public is welcome to attend at no cost. There is no admission fee and no fee to display/buy/sell/trade.
The day is planned to begin at 9:00 AM as a casual open air event that is expected to last until 2:00 pm. The event includes the buying, selling and trading of antique and classic outboard motors, boats and related items from attendees/vendors. Additional vendors are welcome at no cost. The general public is welcome. There will be coffee and donuts available for a donation in the morning.
The swap meet is held in an Antiques Roadshow type atmosphere and interested parties can get parts, advice and resources for their old outboard motors and boats, as well as an outlet to bring their motors to put them in the hands of a collector who can restore it.
The Chapter, organized in March of 2005 has experienced growth over the last 17 years.
For further news of the Mohawk Hudson Chapter of the AOMCI, please visit our website: http://mglen2.wix.com/mohawkhudsonchapter#.
For information about the national organization, please visit their website at www.aomci.org.
Capital Region Veterans Form Fundraising Army for STRIDE Adaptive Sports
Ride 4 STRIDE Motorcycle Event to Benefit Local Athletes with Disabilities
WEST SAND LAKE – On Saturday, August 21st, a group of veteran motorcyclists who ride for charity will gather at the Chatham High School parking lot. At 11:30 a.m., kickstands will go up as the American Infidels VMC and other local riders take to the road to raise money for athletes with disabilities at STRIDE Adaptive Sports. The riders will travel to S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau and stay for food, drinks, live music and a charity raffle. The general public is welcome and invited to join the festivities at S&S, known as the STRIDE Brewfest, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. Attendance is free and requires no registration. To participate in the ride, pre-registration is needed with tickets at $20.00 per rider and $10.00 per passenger. Information is available at https://www.stride.org/r4s.
According to STRIDE CEO, Mary Ellen Whitney, the idea for the motorcycle ride came from a local veteran who participates in STRIDE’s Wounded Warrior Program. “One of our veteran athletes, Steven Onley is a regional chapter organizer with the American Infidels organization. Knowing that fundraising efforts have become difficult after the Covid-19 pandemic, he wanted to do something extra and pitched us on the idea,” explained Whitney. “STRIDE has had success with similar rides organized by UPS employees, so we thought it would be a great add-on to support our annual Brewfest fall fundraiser. The veteran riders will spend the weekend at STRIDE’s summer camp in Chatham as a prelude to our annual Veteran Bootcamp weekend. It should really be a fun time.”
“The party at S&S is not just for veterans – it is for everyone” explained Patrick Hayslett, STRIDE’s Development Director. “S&S Farm Brewery has hosted our Brewfest as a family-friendly event in the past and is donating 10% of beer sales,” said Hayslett. “All are welcome for food truck lunch, live music by Two Lazy Boys, a raffle and small silent auction, and perhaps an ice cream vendor. Attendance is free to our supporters and the general public. We hope to see a large crowd and great weather to welcome the riders!”
Sponsors of this year’s event are: AllSquare Wealth Management, Girvin & Ferlazzo PC, County Waste and Recycling, and Stars for Our Troops. A detailed list of STRIDE sponsors can be viewed at https://www.stride.org/about/sponsors/
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.
Caprara’s Car & Truck Show at Brunswick Elk’s #2556
TROY – Sunday, Aug. 22, 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 DJ Andy Narezynski entertaining. 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 More information at: http://www.capitalcarshows.com/BrunswickElks.html
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 Auction Update
POESTENKILL – Town Residents wishing to donate items to our August 28th Auction at the Sullivan-Jones VFW Post’s Pavillon on Main Street can drop them off Wednesday evening Aug. 26th or Thursday evening Aug. 27th. If you are unable to drop the items off, please contact Roger Bubie at 518-283-4110 to leave your name, address and best contact number. PBA Members will contact you to arrange pick-up on either Wednesday the 26th or Thursday the 27th. The following items are NOT being accepted for this Auction: Televisions, Electronic Items, (including Monitors & Printers), Books, Exercise Equipment and non-working Yard Equipment. Please remember, all items donated are put up for public auction in an serious effort to raise funds to help your Poestenkill neighbors who experience unexpected hardship during the year so please be mindful of this purpose as you choose items to be donated. As a reminder, public viewing will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 28th with the Auction process to start at 1:00 PM. The Kitchen will be open by 10:30 AM offering fine food and refreshments. Please plan on attending for a most enjoyable Saturday to help support a MOST WORTHY cause. The Auction will be held rain or shine.
Thank you in advance for your interest and participation! SEE YOU AT THE AUCTION AUGUST 28TH!!
August 2021 Meeting for the Capital District Genealogical Society
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 PM ET – Online Zoom Meeting. CDGS meetings are presently held on Zoom. Registration is free and will open to the public on August 18, 2021. See www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety.org under meetings and events. There is a 100 person limit.
Topic:The Legacy of Kate Mullany. Paul Cole will highlight Kate and the Troy Collar Laundry Union’s fight for better wages and working conditions in Troy, NY, in the 1860s, as well as a broader discussion of the role women played in early organizing. A new genealogical study of Kate and her family will also be presented.
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.
Rensselaer County’s Annual 4-H Cow Chip Bingo Fundraising Event
RENSSELAER COUNTY – The Renssealer County 4-H Cattle Program is super excited to host their annual fundraising event. The Cow Chip Bingo event will be held on Saturday, September 4th at 6PM at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds.
This year we will be doing virtual and in person sales. Virtual sales will be taken from now up until August 31st.You can get your tickets (via credit card) here: https://ccerennselaer.mahaplatform.com/events/vnqm8zlls8
If you would prefer to pay with cash or check, give Kayela a call and we can schedule a time for you to meet her at our office in Troy. After the August 31st date, tickets can only be purchased by cash or check at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds up until the event at 6PM on Saturday, September 4th.
Each square is $5 and on the day of the event, if your square is “chosen” you will win: $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place.
Selecting your square(s):
A link to a Google Doc should have appeared in your confirmation email after you registered using the link above. The grid on this Google Doc is what we will base our real grid off of. Please select your square(s) by inputting your first and last name. If more spaces need to be added, Kayela will do so as needed.
If you have any additional questions, contact Kayela at 518-272-4210 ext. 105 or kls342@nullcornell.edu.
In order to stay updated, please follow the Facebook event page. Please help us promote the event by sharing the link as well. https://www.facebook.com/events/218142383564365?ref=newsfeed
We thank you all so much in advance for supporting our county’s 4-H Cattle Program.
Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish
SPEIGLETOWN – Yes, your Book Nook is back!!! Finally, after a long year, your Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish on Hillview Drive in Speigletown is coming back. We are starting off by offering the popular $5/bag Blow-Out Sale beginning Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, September 4. The Blow-Out Sale will continue each Saturday during the month of September, from 9:00 am until noon. Remember, bring your bag, ANY SIZE, and fill it with books for only $5.
The Book Nook is again accepting donations but ask that you do not just drop them off and leave them outside the church doors. Please drop them off during church office hours (9:30 am – 2:00 pm) Monday through Thursday. Accepting all types of donations, provided the books are in good, clean condition.
We are once again looking forward to offering the greatest little secret in our area. If you’ve never taken advantage of the Book Nook, come visit and see what you’ve been missing.
Thank you again for your support and see you at the Book Nook!
Time to Sing – Saratoga Voices
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Saratoga Voices, formerly known as the Burnt Hills Oratorio Society, invites all singers to join them for their first performance of the 2021-22 season. The opening concert is Handel’s Judas Maccabeus, to be performed on November 19, 2021, 7:30pm at the newly renovated Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. To take advantage of the hall’s unique theater in the round, the performance will have an interesting twist – a semi-staged concert version of this well-known choral masterpiece. Rehearsals are held Tuesday nights, 7pm, at the O’Rourke Middle School in Burnt Hills and start September 7. Singers are asked to complete a vocal placement interview beforehand and must be vaccinated. Go to the saratogavoices.org website and click on the “Participate” menu for more details and to sign up for a vocal placement interview. Further questions email info@nullsaratogavoices.org or call 518-416-4060.
Clinton Heights 19th Annual Reunion
RENSSELAER – The Clinton Heights Annual Reunion will be held at the Melvin Roads American Legion Post, 200 Columbia Turnpike on Friday, September 10th, 2021 (the Friday after Labor Day) from 3pm – 7pm. Please come and join us if you grew up in Clinton Heights, Hampton Manor, Prospect Heights, Clinton Park or Hillview in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or beyond. Everyone is welcome. If you are in contact with anyone who has left the area, please give them a call also, This is an informal gathering. There is no charge but donations to cover expenses would be appreciated. Please join us for another great afternoon. For more information, please call Mona Orciuoli at 518-465-9564 or Pam Sanford Dundon at 518-766-9289.
2nd Annual West Sand Lake Fire Dept. 9/11 Memorial Walk
WEST SAND LAKE – The West Sand Lake Fire Department will be hosting a charity event to honor 9/11, the 20th Anniversary on Saturday September 11th, 2021. West Sand Lake will have the privilege of walking with 22 other Fire Departments for 9.11 miles. The route will start and stop at the West Sand Lake Fire Department. Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 8:15am rain or shine at the fire house and the public is invited to attend. The first group of walkers are tentatively scheduled to begin walking at 8:47am. The walk is limited to Active and Associate members of the fire companies involved, however the public is invited to the ceremony.
Adirondack Balloon Festival Returns this September – Reinvented with Brand-New Events
Queensbury – The nationally-known event, the Adirondack Balloon Festival, is back this September for its 48th year, with a brand-new format, expanding to include a new event at East Field in Glens Falls, multiple launch sites throughout Warren and Washington counties, a drive-through moonglow, and more.
“This will not be the same-old, same-old Adirondack Balloon Festival you know from years past,” says Mark Donahue, President of the organization’s Board of Directors. “Due to COVID, we had to totally reinvent the festival this year. We are excited to bring back the joy and wonder of the mass ascensions, while keeping safe and still having fun. Our group of volunteer organizers has been working around the clock to make this happen, as we know how much it means to the community.”
The 48th annual Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place Thursday to Sunday, September 23 to 26, 2021, in multiple locations. As always, the event is 100% free for the community. Festival Merchandise, one of the event’s biggest fundraisers, will be for sale at select events, with a smaller selection than in previous years. The Adirondack Balloon Festival’s launches are subject to weather conditions. The balloons cannot fly for safety reasons if it is too windy or if there is inclement weather.
Contact the Adirondack Balloon Festival, a registered 501(c)3, to sponsor this free event for the community and make a tax-deductible contribution to keep the festival going.
For more information, visit www.adirondackballoonfest.org or follow @adirondackballoonfest on Facebook for breaking updates.
St. Jude’s 16th Annual Festival, Super Raffle & Craft Fair
WYNANTSKILL – Save the date, September 25th, for St. Jude the Apostle’s 16th annual Fall Festival featuring international food and entertainment from around the globe! Super Raffle tickets are now on sale and going fast!! Grand Prize is $10,000, with 12 prizes in total. Ticket cost is $100, with only 250 being sold!! Order now by going to https://StJudesWyn.square.site or calling Renay at 518-701-7369. We are still accepting craft fair vendors email StJudesFestival@nulloutlook.com. See you September 25th! Proudly sponsored by MAC Equipment, Wynantskill Funeral Home & Troy Sand and Gravel.