Wednesday April 24, 2024 
Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild Holds 42nd Annual Show & Sale in Virtual Format
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild invites the public to its 42nd Annual Show & Sale. This yearly event will be held online for the first time in response to the current coronavirus pandemic.
Although this event is usually held in-person, with more than 500 attendees each year, the Guild has organized an exciting virtual alternative, including a livestream featuring both live demonstrations and interviews as well as hours of pre-recorded video. The livestream technology will allow attendees to interact with weavers. A full schedule of events is set for both Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22 from 10 am to 5 pm. The Show & Sale is produced exclusively by Guild members, giving the public a chance to meet the makers and learn more about this craft.
Always known for its educational content and demonstrations, the Show & Sale will feature:
· A 30 minute pre-recorded demonstration with handspinner Joan Jensen, who will discuss spinning various fibers and demonstrate woolen and worsted style spinning of wool.
· An interview with Nancy Sharples, a weaving teacher in the Saratoga region, who will discuss options to start learning to weave during the current environment
· A pre-recorded demonstration with master weaver Grete Reppen, in which she will provide an overview of a project from start to finish: project design, loom setup and finally weaving a complex project on a computer-assisted loom
· Live weaving demonstrations on a variety of looms, during which attendees can ask questions and interact with the demonstrator
· Open studio live discussions
· And much more.
The ever-popular Fashion Show will return this year in pre-recorded format at 2 pm on both days. This is a great opportunity to see ways to style these unique handwoven garments and get a taste of the individual aesthetic of different makers.
Participating weavers are available to connect with shoppers in a range of formats. Some weavers are booking appointments during which people can visit their studio in-person. All weavers are available by phone or email for consultation, and most weavers can set up video shopping appointments. Items are available for local pick-up or shipping. Participating artisans have a wide range of items for sale, from clothing (both women’s and menswear) and accessories through towels, home goods, gifts and even catnip mice!
Weavers’ Guild President Jan Rowell says, “Although we are disappointed we cannot be in person with our dedicated audience, we have worked hard to produce an exciting online Show & Sale with lots of fun, interactive content. We hope everyone will check us out, learn something about this craft and shop handmade this holiday season. With most live craft shows canceled this year, the virtual Show & Sale is one of few opportunities for our Guild members to connect with the public this year.”
Event Hours – Saturday, November 21 from 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, November 22 from 10 am – 5 pm.
Event Website – https://www.hmwg.org/show
About the Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild – The Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild was formed on April 12, 1978 as a special interest group for handweavers. Its chief aim is to bring together handweavers to share knowledge and enthusiasm and to promote weaving as a viable craft through education, demonstrations and exhibitions. Membership is open to anyone with interest in handweaving and/or handspinning and currently stands at 125 members. www.hmwg.org
Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents Virtual Retreats
CAPITAL DISTRICT – Saturday, November 21, 2020. 10:45am-3:00pm. Losing a child under any circumstances is horrendous. Focusing on the spirituality of the grieving process can help tremendously. Just as He comforted His grieving disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus comforts us and we comfort each other in this very special ministry.
Join other Emmaus Parent Companions in a warm and loving place— to think, to talk, to feel, and to pray. Find compassion, rest, and peace… at least for a time.
Donation: Optional Free-Will Offering to cover technical support, retreat materials and shipping costs.
Pre-registration is required. Price: Optional Free-Will Offering to cover technical support, retreat materials and shipping costs.
Internet connection and computer literacy required. You will receive an Emmaus Zoom Meeting ID and Password after you register.
More information & registration link: https://www.rcda.org/offices/pastoral-care-ministry/emmaus-ministry-grieving-parents-retreat. Contact 518-641-6818 for information or to register.
American Legion Post #1489 Toy Drive
WYNANTSKILL – The Holiday Season is approaching quickly. The American Legion Post #1489 111 Main Avenue Wynantskill, NY is hosting a fundraiser for the Veterans Toy Drive on Sunday November 29,2020 starting at 1:00PM. The public is welcome to come join us for a day of fun, food, raffles. Admission is a new unwrapped toy for a girl or boy or a $7.00 donation at the door. We would appreciate anything you could do to help raise money and toys for the needy Veterans families in the Capital District. Any donations or gift certificates you could donate would be greatly appreciated . Any checks should be made payable to the American Legion Post #1489 and in the memo write toy drive. Social distancing and masks are required.
Salvation Army Bells Ring for Christopher Bascom
TROY – Following a 15 year tradition, family and friends of Christopher Bascom will again man the Salvation Army kettles on his birthday, Tuesday, December 1, from 10 am until 8 pm at the Wal-Mart in East Greenbush. People can also donate by sending checks to: Salvation Army, Troy Corps, 410 River St., Troy, NY 12180. Please write “Christopher Bascom” on the memo line.
Christopher was a junior at Columbia High School when he was killed by a hit and run, drunk driver. Students at that school have previously also rung the bells in his memory, but due to current circumstances they are unable to participate this year. Because Christopher was such a kind, loving, and giving boy, it is fitting that his life be remembered by this effort to help others. Need is greater than ever but resources are much more limited this year. Please donate to the Salvation Army as you are able as well as to honor the spirit of a boy who died far too young.
Sand Lake Holiday Parade
SAND LAKE – The Town of Sand Lake will be holding its annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 4th. More information will follow over the next few weeks. If you have questions or wish to participate in this fun event, please contact Town Council member Andy Bulmer at abulmer@nullsand-lake.us.
NYS Youth Snowmobile Safety Course Offered
GRAFTON – On Saturday, December 5, 2020 the Grafton Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club and Grafton Lakes State Park will host a snowmobile safety course for young people ages 10 to 18. Students must be at least 10 years old on the day of the course to attend. Parents are encouraged to stay and participate. The course will be held at the Grafton VFW/Fire Hall at 581 South Road from 8:15am to approximately 4:30pm. The course will be taught by NYS certified volunteer instructor Jim Blessing. Topics covered include NYS laws and regulations, riding skills, trail emergencies, protecting the environment, maintenance and repair, and trailering.
To register, email Grafton Lakes State Park at graftonlakessp@nullparks.ny.gov with the parent and student’s first and last name, student age, and your phone number. Adults are encouraged to attend as well so please let us know if a parent will be accompanying the child. Space is limited, so no walk-ins please. The course is free of charge. Please bring your own bagged lunch and snacks to enjoy. Please note that masks are required for all participants to limit the spread of COVID-19 and symptom screening will take place at program sign-in.
Good ‘Ol St. Nick is Coming to Town
DEFREESTVILLE – Good ‘Ol St. Nick is coming to town on Dec. 5th. St Nicholas himself is coming to The Blooming Grove Reformed Church parking lot on Dec. 5th at 3:00 pm. 706 Bloominggrove Drive, Defreestville across from CDTA Park and Ride lot. We will have a present for everyone, sing some of your favorite carols, light our 20 ft. Christmas Tree for the first time. Enjoy all of this from the comfort of your car (we will broadcast all things over your FM Radio) Come and kick off the Holiday Season with this visit from St. Nick.
East Greenbush Emergency Services Holiday Parade
EAST GREENBUSH – Please join us for the East Greenbush Emergency Services Holiday Parade on Saturday December 5, 2020. The parade units will step-off at 5:30 PM from Martin Electric/OCFS (old Big Lots/K-Mart) parking lot, heading east on the Turnpike to Miller Road. For best viewing, we recommend that you park on the Hannaford/Beckers/Stewarts side of the Turnpike. Please observe Covid safe behaviors – 6 ft apart, masks on, hands sanitized! Like W. F. Bruen Rescue Squad’s Facebook page for any updates.
Toy Drive
NASSAU – The Town and Village of Nassau Youth committees are sponsoring a toy drive for the Nassau Resource Center. We are looking for donations of new, unwrapped toys which will be collected through Friday, December 11th. The toys can be dropped off at the following locations: Village Hall (open M-F, 8:00 – Noon); Nassau Free Library (open M-F, 2:00 – 6:00); Nassau Town Hall (open M-F 9:00 – Noon); Transfer Station (open Tues 10:00 – 6:00, Fri 10:00 – 6:00, Sat 8:00 – 4:00); and the Chandler Young Veteran’s Association (call 518-766-3577). In particular we are seeking gifts suitable for children newborn – 2 years, and for teenagers (jewelry, hats and gloves, electronics such as phone accessories, headphones and personal care items). Stocking stuffers are always welcome (card games, coloring books, crayons, markers, play doh, hats and gloves, scrunchies, hair clips).
Capital District Fly Fishers Fly Tying Classes
CAPITAL DISTRICT – The Capital District Fly Fishers is having their annual fly tying class. 8 Sessions Various Wednesdays 7:00/9:00 pm – Jan. 13th, 27th, Feb. 3rd, 10th, 24th March 3rd, 10th, 24th. March 31st Makeup Session. Come learn the art tying flies. During the 8 session course that runs over 3 months, you will learn the tools needed, receive 14 kits with materials to tie 5 flies in each kit. You will also receive a host of handouts and there are free raffles of materials. Space is limited.
For information about the class contact Paul at (518) 885-8257, Rodney Priddle (518) 421-6762 or cdflyfishers@nullnycap.rr.com.
To Register go to https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/cliftonpark select adult classes or call (518) 371-6651.
The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake Fundraising Drive
SAND LAKE – The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake is supporting a charity fundraising drive within the Averill Park Central School District to benefit the Capital Region’s Ronald Mc Donald House. The fundraising drive has been extended until February 28th since schools have not been in session for over four months. The goal remains to collect enough pull tabs from soda, beer, soups and pet food cans to fill a school bus!
We ask that parents of our school children and other interested citizens join this effort by removing and collecting as many pull tabs as possible during the months ahead and while schools remain closed take them to the Town Clerk’s office at Sand Lake Town Hall. When schools reopen all collected pull tabs may again be dropped off at the office of one of our three elementary schools, the Algonquin Middle School’s office or to the office at the Averill Park High School.
Please join us to help the Ronald McDonald House as it continues to offer a haven of comfort, love, hope and support – free of charge – for critically ill children and their families. Thank you.