Friday April 19, 2024 
Christmas Bazaar
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual
Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 1st, from 10am-2pm. The Church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & Muitzeskill Road, in Schodack Landing. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, and books, as well as a Luncheon Cafe and a Bake Sale.
For more information, call the Church office at 518 732-7500.
Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees at the former Grafton Elementary School. Invitation to participate: decorate a 2 to 8-foot, Christmas Tree (artificial trees only), trees may be dropped off December 3-7, 2018. Trees may be traditional or completely original, no taller than eight feet and should be in place by December 7. Local businesses, organizations and individual community members are invited to participate, prizes will be awarded, categories for prizes will be; Best of Festival, Business/Organization, Kids and Adults. Festival of Trees Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, December 8, from 10:00 – 3:00 p.m., there will be entertainment and refreshments. Winners will be announced December 8th at 2:45. If you are interested in displaying a tree, please call Betsy Colvin at 518-279-9807 or Donna 518-257-6973.
Sand Lake Emergency Services Holiday Parade
The Holiday Season is just around the corner and the Sand Lake Emergency Services have started the planning for the 6th Annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 7th. The parade is float based and welcomes all businesses, organizations, clubs, groups and more to participate. Please contact Barbara Glasser at 518-470-8221 or barbara.pc2012@ gmail.com for more information.
This year’s theme is, Toys!
Free Parent Workshops to Address Technology, Anxiety and Stress
Part of the East Greenbush Central School District’s strategic plan for the 2018-2019 school year includes an increased emphasis on the “Whole Child” and Mental Wellness. The district acknowledges that this is a shared responsibility, so it is offering three free evening workshops for parents that will allow for collaboration and rich discussions regarding important topics.
The workshops include:
Keep the Tech in Check at Home (December 4, 2018). Recognizing and Coping with Anxiety (January 9, 2019) and Mindfulness at Home (February 5, 2019).
Each of the workshops will run one hour (7:00 to 8:00 p.m.) and be hosted in the Columbia High School auditorium. All parents of students in grades K-12 are invited to attend.
~Submitted by Mark Adam,
Public Information Specialist-East Greenbush Central School District
E.G. Holiday Parade
The Town of East Greenbush Emergency Services will host the second annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 1, at 6pm. The theme for this event is “Holidays Around the World” and the route will be on Phillips Road between the East Greenbush firehouse and Wisconsin Avenue to Becker’s Farm, where Santa will be available to say hello!
If you own a business (big or small) in the town and would like to enter a float or decorated vehicle in the first annual Holiday Parade, please call or text 518-788-1729, or email patty.mulberry@ bruenrescue.org for details!
~Submitted by P.A. Mulberry,
Director of Administration and Operations, W.F. Bruen Rescue Squad, Inc.
Holiday Happenings in Nassau
Visit from Santa! Holiday ornaments! Tree lighting ceremony! Sunday, December 2nd, the Village of Nassau will be transformed into a holiday wonderland for children and adults alike.
Santa will be visiting at the Nassau Fire House located on Chatham St. (Rt 203). He’ll arrive at 3pm and he’s inviting children to visit and spend time chatting with him. Santa will be staying until 5pm. In addition to his visit, the Village of Nassau Youth Committee will be making holiday ornaments with children at the Fire House from 3:15-4:15pm.
When the sun goes down at 5pm, the Village Commons on John Street will be the site of the annual Tree Lighting ceremony. To get everyone into the holiday spirit, there will be musical entertainment from members of the Nassau Community Band, a roaring bonfire and a visit from Santa. We will also be collecting new unwrapped toys for the Nassau Resource Center at the ceremony.
All events are offered free of charge and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 518-522-2916.
Model Train Show
On December 2nd, the Annual “Great Train Extravaganza” Model Train Show will take place at the Empire State Convention Center underneath the Egg. Hosted by the non-profit Hudson-Berkshire Division, National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), from 10am-4pm. Adults are $7 and children under 12 are free. The Operating layouts will be in most scales including giant Legos layout for the kids/grandkids. Sell out of 300+ tables of model trains, train sets, parts, accessories, scenery items, books, videos, DVDs, prints, railroad memorabilia. There will be education displays and door prizes. Refreshments will also be available. For more information, www.gtealbany.com, (518) 668-9892 or trains@nullgtealbany.com.
There will be other family-oriented events same day and same general location, such as NYS Christmas Tree Lighting, Caroling, Fireworks and Santa.
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
The Defreestville and Wynantskill Fire Depart-ments invite families, friends, and neighbors to take a Photo with Santa this Christmas season on Saturday, December 8th. Everyone is welcome to take part in this free community event while visiting their local volunteer fire department and enjoying complimentary light refreshments. Plus, you’ll receive your very own photo with jolly ole’ Saint Nick himself! Santa Claus will be at the Wynantskill Fire Station (511 Church Street, Wynantskill) from 9 AM to 11 AM and then at the Defreestville Fire Station (350 N. Greenbush Rd, Troy) from 12 PM to 3 PM.
DFD and WFD would like to thank our co-sponsors in the North Greenbush Police Department for the refreshments. Well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome at the Defreestville station. Have a Merry Christmas!
Town of East Greenbush Annual Gingerbread House Competition
NEW Prize Categories this year! K-2, 3-5, Middle School, High School, and Adult Registration deadline is 12/3.
Gingerbread houses will be on display and judged during the Tree Lighting celebration on Wednesday, December 5th.
Completed gingerbread houses need to be dropped off no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 4th, in the Town Hall Community Room.
Go to eastgreenbush.org for registration form or call 518-477-4194 for more information.
Town of East Greenbush Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Wednesday, December 5th, beginning at 6:30 PM.
Join us at Town Hall for the official Town Tree Lighting, a visit from Santa, crafts for kids, snacks, Gingerbread House displays and judging; and end your evening with an incredible performance by the Columbia High School Chamber Singers at 7:15 PM. For more information, call 518-477-4194.
12th Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair
Join us on Saturday, Dec. 1st, from 9-3pm at the Averill Park High School, located on Gettle Road in Averill Park. Perfect time for the Holidays! Plan to stop in and shop a variety of local vendors, crafters, Chinese Auction, Concessions and a Bake Sale too! Shop “local” with area crafters bringing you many unique and one of a kind gifts you won’t find elsewhere! What a great way to finish up shopping for your last-minute gift giving. Over 50 vendors and crafters! For questions, email sallymaco@nullgmail.com. All proceeds benefit our student athletes and sports programs.
Dewey Loeffel Remediation Conference
The public is invited to a free conference about potential cleanup options for the Dewey Loeffel EPA superfund site in the Town of Nassau. The site (with 46,000 tons of highly toxic waste dumped by GE, SI Group, and others), has polluted Nassau Lake, area groundwater, homeowner’s wells, and area streams. EPA will soon evaluate candidate cleanup technologies provided by GE and other responsible parties and determine what remediation will be done at the landfill. The conference will provide information to the public about current remedial technologies available to address the landfill and prepare the public to effectively advocate for their preferred cleanup option. It will involve presentations by companies using various technologies to clean up polluted sites and panel discussions by health and environmental professionals. The EPA selection process is the LAST CHANCE for several generations for the public in the Nassau and Schodack areas to advocate for which cleanup process they want for the polluted areas. Now is the time to educate yourselves, get involved, and advocate for the future vision of your towns.
The conference will be January 5th, 10AM-4PM, at the Comfort Inn, I90 Exit 10, Castleton.
Contact Dan Spilman (spilmandan@nullyahoo.com) for information.
Kick Off the Holiday Season at Castleton-on-Hudson
The Village of Castleton-on-Hudson will kick off the Holiday season on December 2nd from 3:30 to 4:30 PM at the Village Hall, 85 South Main Street. This annual event is sponsored by the Village Board, Castleton Public Library, and Castleton Fire Department. Santa will be arriving on a fire truck. There will be story time, a craft, the lighting of the outdoor tree, and the serving of light refreshments. Please join us for this Annual Holiday Tradition.
Annual Yule Log Celebration
Grafton –On Sunday, December 9th, from 1-4PM, the story of the Yule Log and the Winter Solstice will be shared at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, followed by a search for the hidden Yule Log. We start the afternoon by sharing the traditional story of the Yule Log and the science of the Winter Solstice. Folks will be given a few hints before searching for the hidden Yule Log. Once found, it will be carried back and enjoyed at the outdoor campfire. We will then talk about some of the native animals of the area around the campfire while examining real animal furs and skulls before going on a children’s wildlife walk to look for evidence of animal activity. Holiday crafts and greens will be available to make. People of all ages are encouraged to come out to this free, informal program. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be provided and feel free to bring your own snacks to share. For more information, please contact the Center at dykenpond@nullgmail.com or 518-658-2055.
Call for a complete schedule of our winter events or visit www.dykenpond.org.
North Greenbush Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration
On Saturday, December 8, 2018, the Town of North Greenbush will host its 4th annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. Please bring your holiday cheer and help us celebrate. The parade will kick off from the front parking lot of St. Jude the Apostle School promptly at 6:00pm. The parade will continue directly to Town Hall for a tree lighting celebration complete with refreshments and surprises for the children from Santa himself.
Your participation is welcomed – so bring on your floats, decorated classic cars, and costumed pets and join the parade! If you are interested in participating in the parade, please contact Lou Desso at 518-283-5313 ext. 10 or ldesso@nullnorthgreenbush.org
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to All!
Sincerely,
Lou Desso
North Greenbush Town Supervisor
Christmas with Elvis
The Brunswick Elks Lodge presents Christmas with Elvis on Sat., December 15th. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Price: $25 per person; includes dinner and show, cash bar.
Dinner is your choice of stuffed chicken breast or roast beef.
Please RSVP to Glen Browning at 401.499.5178 or
Brunswick Historical Soc. Holiday Open House
Brunswick Historical Society invites you to our Annual Holiday Open House at the Historic Garfield School located at 605 Brunswick Rd, Eagle Mills, Friday, Dec 7th, at 6:30 PM. Tree lighting at 7:00PM. Santa will be stopping by.
Refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
Never Forget
December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day. Join us at the Rensselaer Senior Center as we start the day at 11:15 with a presentation on diabetes. followed by Lunch at 12 consisting of Veal Pattie Marcella, potato, vegetable and dessert. After lunch, enjoy an authentic USO Show from 1944 hosted by Gary Ferris. This is a very special day for all of us; please join us. Call today for reservations. (518) 463-2166. We are located at East and Herrick Street, Rensselaer.
Walter B Howard Elementary School Craft Fair
Come one, come all! The Walter B Howard PTA is holding our annual craft fair and silent auction on December 1, 2018 from 9 am to 3 pm. Come shop and support our fabulous vendors! The Smoky Sweet food truck will be serving up delicious goodies in the parking lot and you could win a great prize in our silent auction inside. Vendor spaces are still available as well. Contact Valerie Ozga at vwozga260@nullfairpoint.net.
4-H Winter Fairs
4-H Invites all youth ages 5-19: Friday, November 30, 6:30 to 8:00pm at Brittonkill/Tamarac High School Cafeteria, or
Friday, December 14, 6:30 to 8:00pm, Salem United Methodist Church, West Sand Lake. Both locations will have a community service project, a place to drop off canned goods to donate to a food pantry, and a project that can be made and judged on location by entering in the Winter Fair. For more information about this event, or other Rensselaer County 4-H programs, please call Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County at 518-272-4210.
Honor Christopher Bascom by Helping Others
Salvation Army bells will be rung at the East Greenbush Walmart on Saturday, December 1st, 10-8pm, to commemorate the birthday of Christopher Bascom. On Saturday, Dec. 8th, students from Columbia High School will likewise man the red kettle in his memory at the same location. Additionally, this year since the two events coincide, bell-ringing will also take place during the Church of the Covenant’s Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 1st, 9-3pm, in Averill Park.
Christopher was 16 and a junior at CHS when he was killed by a hit and run, drunk driver in 2003. Christopher was a giving and caring person and always endeavored to make people happy; thus, it is appropriate that he be honored in a manner which helps others.
The Salvation Army assists the needy throughout the year but at Christmas time their red kettles help redirect focus on those less fortunate. Donations may also be sent directly to the Salvation Army Headquarters, Troy Corps, 410 River street, Troy, NY 12180. If you want your contribution made in Chris’ name, please write his name on the memo line.
Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament
Join us at the West Sand Lake Volunteer Fire Department on Dec. 1st at 1pm, for a Poker Tournament Fundraiser. Doors open at 12noon and the games start at 1pm. The cost is $25 FD entry donation, $50 buy-in goes to the prize pool (20,000 in chips), $20 additional add-on available and there will be a 50/50 raffle. The Fire Hall is located at 36954 NY Rt 43 in West Sand Lake. There will be free refreshments and lunch. Walk-ins are welcome and bring your family and friends. For more information, call Dennis at 518 283-2252.
The next Poker Tournament Date is Jan. 5th, 2019.
Pine Bush Perspectives: Photo Exhibit Opening
On November 30, 2018, from 6:00 pm to 7:30pm, the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center will host the unveiling of their fifth juried photo exhibit, celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
Jackie Citriniti, Lead Educator and show designer said “The photo exhibit is an amazing display of local talent. Out of hundreds of submissions, it is a daunting task to choose the finalists.” The exhibit will be open through the end of February 2019 and is sponsored by L.L.Bean and Friends of the Pine Bush Community.
Juror selected awards will be presented during the opening and light snacks will be provided.
All ages are welcome. This free, special event will be held rain or shine at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are not required for special events but knowing how many people are coming helps with planning, so please sign up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/ events.
Book Nook News
Christmas is just around the corner and what better gift than books for someone! The Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish on Hillview Drive in Speigletown has had some great donations in the past few weeks, and many of the books would make perfect gifts for Christmas. Please stop by and see the great books we have available. The Book Nook will be open Saturday morning, December 1ST, from 9:00 am until noon. The December half-priced specials are on authors Tom Clancy, Fern Michaels, Nicholas Sparks and Danielle Steel. Thanks again for your support and see you at the Book Nook!