Events 12.19.19

Around Troy

11/14/2019 – 12/19/2019

Guided Meditation

The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Tuesdays, November 12th – December 17th from 5PM – 6PM.

Learn a surprisingly simple yet powerful practice that can help your reduce stress, get recharged, experience overall improved physical health and possibly get you “blissed-out” all while sitting comfortably in a chair. Led by Michael Fuselli, with over 30 years of meditation teaching and practice experience. Beginners always welcome. Registration is encouraged, but not necessary!

This program is free and open to the public. To register call 518-274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy, New York.

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French Film

“Sans Famille”-Saturday, January 18, 2020, 1pm, Troy Public Library, 100 Second Street, Troy, NY, free, presented by La Fédération Franco-Américaine du New York. Young Rémi, a foundling, lives on the farm run by his impoverished foster parents. When their money runs out, unbeknown to his foster-mother, Rémi is sold by his hard-hearted foster father to an old street performer named Vitalis. Vitalis was once a famous opera singer, but became destitute after a tragic love affair. Ever since that time he has been a traveling showman, touring the country with three dogs and a monkey. Rémi is given a warm welcome by the strange troupe, and actually learns how to read and write. (Source-IMDb) For additional information, call the Troy Public Library at 518-274-7071. Follow La Fédération Franco-Américaine du New York at www.albanyareafrenchclub.com and Facebook.

At Your Library

11/14/2019 – 12/19/2019

Guided Meditation

The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Tuesdays, November 12th – December 17th from 5PM – 6PM.

This program is free and open to the public. To register call 518-274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy, New York.

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Nassau Free Library Upcoming Programs

Please call the library to register for programs. (518)766-2715.

Storytime: Every Wed. 10:30am

Beginner’s Yoga: Sat. 12/21 10:30am

Coming in January: New! Writers Get-Together!- Call for 4 to 8 people putting pen to paper and/or fingers to laptop! Creating a supportive space for writers. We will explore the memoir, creative writing, short stories, and essays. Ask for our information packet at the library!

*The Library will be closing at 5pm on 12/24, closed on 12/25 Christmas Day, closing at 5pm on 12/31 and closed 1/1 on New Year’s Day. Happy Holidays!

We’re on Facebook & the web at www.nassaufreelibrary.org.

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Events at Castleton Public Library, 12/22-1/4

Events at Castleton Public Library, 12/22-1/4

Located at 85 S. Main St., Castleton, NY 12033 – All events are free. Questions? Call 518-732-0879.

Build-It Challenge! – Monday, December 23, 12:00-4:00pm – Build something unique out of paper rolls, cups, craft sticks, & more!

Cool Science: Marbled Paper – Monday, December 23, 4:00-6:00pm – Learn about color absorption and create a unique piece of paper using food coloring & shaving cream.

Learn & Play Storytime – Thursday, December 26, 10:30am – Children ages birth-5 are invited to enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and movement.

Duct Tape Crafts – Thursday, December 26, 12:00-6:00pm – Drop in to make wallets, flowers and more!

Early Literacy Playtime – Friday, December 27, 10:00-11:00am – With a variety of toys & blocks, this playtime is designed for children ages birth-5.

New Year’s Day Crafts – Friday, December 27, 12:00-6:00pm – Stop in to make special New Year’s Day crafts!

Marble Run Fun – Saturday, December 28, 10:00am – 4:00pm – Design & build a maze, then drop in a marble and watch it work!

Pool Noodle Unicorns – Monday, December 30, 12:00-6:00pm – Make your own special unicorn using a pool noodle! Ages 5 & up.

Storytime with Goodie the Therapy Dog – Thursday, January 2, 10:30am – Meet Goodie the therapy dog at this special storytime. All ages welcome.

Paper Clip Jewelry – Thursday, January 2, 12:00-6:00pm – Use paper clips & decorative tape to make a bracelet, necklace, or other craft!

Early Literacy Playtime – Friday, January 3, 10:00-11:00am – With a variety of toys & blocks, this playtime is designed for children ages birth-5.

Bridge Club – Friday, January 3, 10:30am – Geared toward beginners & players who need a refresher.

Perler Bead Crafts – Friday, January 3, 12:00-6:00pm – Come make something awesome out of perler beads!

Painting Fun – Saturday, January 4, 10:00am – 4:00pm – Stop by the library to have fun with all kinds of paint!

Church/Spiritual

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Chanukah Party and Story Time at Nassau Synagogue

The Nassau Synagogue and Jewish Community Center invites the community to join us for the first night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 22, at 5 PM.

The evening will start with lighting the first candle. Bring your menorah if you have one, and share in the beauty of the flickering lights.

At 5:15 we will hear a Chanukah story from Amy Drucker, the PJ Library Coordinator for the Jewish Federation of NENY. The PJ Library sends free books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with young children. The program is geared to children being raised “Jewishly.”

After the story, enjoy a delicious light supper, with of course latkes and all the fixings!

This is a free event (donations appreciated) but please RSVP to nassausynagogue@nullgmail.com.

The synagogue is located at 12 Albany Avenue, Nassau NY.

For questions or more information call Faith at 518-441-0856.

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West Sand Lake Community Church Candlelight Service

West Sand Lake Community Church invites you to join us on Sunday, December 22 as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Candlelight service will be held at 6:00 PM with refreshments to follow. We are located at 4363 Route 150 (next door to Walgreens). For more information about our church, visit wslcc.org.

12/05/2019 – 12/19/2019

Love Lutheran Church Christmas Schedule

Please join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Christmas Eve Service, 12/24 at 7:00 pm and Christmas Morning Service, 12/25 at 10:00 am. Love Lutheran Church is located: Pheasant Lane & Middlesex Road, East Greenbush, NY. For more information or directions, please call: 518-488-4991

12/12/2019 – 12/19/2019

Live Nativity

From Hope UMC – Eagle Mills – Our Gift to Your Family – no charge, no donations

Live Nativity on the front lawn – Come Join Us Sunday, December 22nd – in the re-telling of the story of the birth of Jesus. A short 20 minute presentation will include live animals – if the weather permits. Enactments at 5pm & 6pm, each followed by refreshments of Christmas cookies and hot cocoa inside the church. Hope United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Rte. 2 and Garfield Rd. Dress Warmly!

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Community Congregational Church Christmas Eve Service

Please join us at Community Congregational Church on December 24 at 6:00 PM for our annual Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols. We’ll read the Christmas story. We’ll sing many of your favorite Christmas hymns, and we’ll sing Silent Night by candlelight. It will be a joyous celebration for the whole family. Find us at 221 Columbia Turnpike.

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Christmas at Church of the Redeemer

On December 22, Sunday services are at 8:00 and 9:30 with coffee hour in the Hearth Room between and after services.

Christmas service will be on Tuesday, Christmas Eve, at 4:00 with Father John Scott presiding. We welcome you to come to see the decorations, sing carols, and celebrate the birth of Jesus with us.

Our Wednesday, Hot Mess Crafters and Bible Study are suspended until January 8 in celebration of Christmas.

The Church of the Redeemer is located on CDTA bus route #214 at the corner of Third and Catherine Streets. There is handicap parking, a ramp in front, and a parking lot in the rear. Email RedeemerRensselaer@nullgmail.com or call 518-650-8181.Our website is www.RedeemerRensselaer.com.

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Outdoor Christmas Party and Live Nativity

Saturday, December 21 – 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The community is invited to join in the celebration that will take place on Saturday, December 21 at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Castleton, NY. We will be outdoors for a party to celebrate Christmas. What better time to have a party than to celebrate someone’s birthday! On December 21 we will gather under our pavilion to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There will be warm beverages and carols to enjoy before the Christmas Story is acted out. Then we will share a warm meal and goodies and just enjoy each other’s company as we listen to some Christmas jazz. We are located at 1150 Maple Hill Road in Castleton, NY. Call 518-732-7766 if you need more information or go to www.EncounterERC.com

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St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Service Info

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 751 County Route 7, directly off of Route 150 in East Schodack, NY invites you to join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Holy Communion on evening, December 24th at 9:00 pm. Pastor Christopher Hoyer will lead worship.

St. Stephen’s welcomes visitors from the community during the holiday season and year round at our regular 11 am Sunday services. Please call our church office at 477-6950 for directions and additional information.

Community

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It takes a village…

On behalf of Community, Work & Independence, Inc. and Tri-County United Way, we would like to thank everyone who volunteered, collected food donations, donated to and sponsored the Sixth Annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive that took place on November 1-2 at Price Chopper/Market 32 in Queensbury. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the food drive raised 8.34 tons of food to benefit 20 food pantries in Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga Counties! This was double the amount collected last year.

They say it takes a village and we agree. In June, the Stuff the Bus Planning Committee comprised of volunteers from our two agencies as well as the Family Association of Glens Falls, LEAP, Moreau Community Center, NBT Bank, Open Door Mission, Salvation Army and Washington County DSS began to plan the food drive.

In early October, 75 CWI day program participants and staff prepared food collection bins to deliver to 65 area business sites to collect food three weeks prior to the food drive and pick them up once filled. In addition, some of these individuals spent multiple days at Price Chopper/Market 32 prepackaging $5 and $10 bags of food for customers to buy and donate. Kudos to CWI’s Transit Connection team for providing the buses used to collect food donations.

Hats off to the many businesses who collected food donations prior to the food drive (visit www.cwinc.org for a complete list). Special thanks to the Golub Corporation for being our site sponsor for the food drive held at their Price Chopper/Market 32 store for the sixth consecutive year. The managers and staff provided outstanding support, supplied boxes to use as food collection bins, and items for the prepackaged bags.

Special thanks to our sponsors: NBT Bank, Stored Tech, Jaeger & Flynn Associates, Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Co., G&S Printing, Hank’s Quality Flooring, Just-a-Buck Queensbury, M&M Digital Printing, Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park, and media sponsor Adirondack Broadcasting. We are grateful to the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company for allowing us to use their space for the pantries to pick up food donations as well as the SUNY Adirondack baseball team for help unloading food from buses. Last but not least, our sincere thanks to the 105 volunteers from the tri-county region who took time out from their busy schedules to help.

As you can see, it does take a village. By uniting to curb hunger, we are strengthening our community and making the holidays brighter for those struggling to put food on the table.

Our sincerest thanks,

Mark Donahue, CEO/President CWI, Inc.

Duane Vaughn, Executive Director Tri-County United Way

Feel Good

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Memoirs of an Amnesiac: City Sidewalks

My earliest memories of Christmas shopping predate Amazon.com, of course–and even malls like Colonie Center. When I was a little kid, my whole family would pile into the car and head to downtown Albany or Troy. Christmas shopping meant crowded sidewalks. And for every step my parents took, I took two.

I knew we were entering Albany when we passed under the huge RCA dog on top of a tall building. But more often we drove to Troy, which also had a bustling downtown. I recall three or four busy department stores. At least one had an escalator; but even the elevators were classy, each with a full-time attendant. When we got foot-sore, it was fun to take a break at the lunch counter in Woolworth’s.

The ultimate in department stores was Montgomery (“Monkey”) Ward in Menands, at least seven stories tall. Customers came from as far away as Connecticut. I remember squeezing through a dense crowd, holding my Dad’s hand on the way in–but somebody else’s on the other side. Still not sure how that happened.

Department stores were great for grown-ups, but how were little kids supposed to shop for their parents? I couldn’t very well head to Troy by myself, even though there was a bus from Averill Park in those days. Luckily, we had Ray Eastman’s Variety Store and Ben Silberg’s Park Pharmacy, each a treasure-trove of gifts in my price range. One year I bought Mom a Cross ballpoint pen which she used for decades. Ben Silberg even sold Hardy Boys books, my preferred literary genre back then. Finally, some of my Elementary School teachers set aside class-time for making our own cards and gifts. My crowning achievement was a model of our house made out of sugar cubes and icing mortar. Truly a gift that kept on giving!

Gifts were a big deal when I was a kid, but now I look forward to cards. I love staying in touch with old friends.

Ron McKee, Averill Park

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Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Is a most magical night:

It is not a night for deep sleep;

There is too much in the air!

Youngsters toss and turn,

Tingling with anticipation:

What will they find under the tree?

What will Santa bring?

They are much, much too excited

To sleep on this special night.

Their parents, too

Find sleep elusive:

Have they provided the right presents.

Will the children be pleased?

Did they remember to buy batteries?

Are dinner plans in order?

In their case, anxiety

Will overcome fatigue to prevent sleep.

Grandparents will also not sleep well,

But not from anticipation or anxiety:

Oldtimers wish to remember Christmases past:

Memories, not thoughts of gifts, keep them awake.

Rather than sleep, they wish to replay memories

Of friends and family…gatherings…Christmas dinners.

The loss of a night’s sleep is a small price to pay

To savor the memories of many a past Christmas.

Yes….Few will sleep on this special night;

It is Christmas Eve !!

– Lloyd Barnhart

West Sand Lake 12196

Cuisine

12/05/2019 – 12/19/2019

Troy Elks December Dinners

Your support as customers at our December fund raisers are appreciated.

Wednesday Night Dinner $11.00 Serving 4-6:30PM. Includes coffee/tea & dessert. Take outs available.

December 18th Chicken Parmesan

Friday Night Dinners $12.00 Serving 5-7:30PM includes soup, coffee/tea & dessert.

No dinners on December 6th. December 13th, BR/FR Haddock & Roast Turkey Dinner. December 20th, BR/FR Haddock & Meat Loaf Dinner. No Dinners on December 27th.

12/05/19 – 12/19/2019

Gilead’s Body & Soul Pantry And Community Dinner

November’s very successful dinner has left us a little tired. We decided to take it a little easier on the staff and also our waistlines after the Thanksgiving Feast. Thursday December 19th we will be rolling out our soup and sandwich menu. We will offer our Manhattan Clam Chowder, Vegetable Beef Soup, and Cream of Broccoli Soup. Our sandwiches will be chicken salad and grilled cheese. We are hoping for homemade cookies and maybe ice cream. Dessert will depend our how much dough our chef has after buying presents for the family.

From the number of people who attended our November dinner, we are sure you know where Gilead Lutheran Church is located. For those who do not, we are located at the intersection of Routes 7 & 278 in Center Brunswick. Dinner is served from 3:00-6:00 pm and the pantry will be following those same hours. We are handicapped accessible.

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Schodack Valley Fire Co. Pizza Night

The Schodack Valley Volunteer Fire Company is hosting it’s Pizza & Wings Night with Santa Claus Saturday December 21st. Hours are 5pm-8pm at our firehouse located at 1553 Schodack Valley Rd. Eat in or take out. Dial 477-4215. The special pie of the month is Bacon & Tomato. Don’t miss this great family event !

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All You Can Eat Breakfast

Poestenkill Christian Church, 721 Snyders Corners Rd., Poestenkill, NY will have its monthly all you can eat breakfast on Saturday, January 4 from 8 to 11 AM.

Cost is $8 for adults and $3.50 for children under 10. Menu includes eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, pancakes, home fries, French toast, juice, coffee or tea.

Giving Back

11/14/2019 – 12/19/2019

Cohoes Rotary Christmas Ornament Features Matton Shipyard

In 2004 The Rotary Club of Cohoes started a collectible series of Christmas ornaments featuring historic landmarks in the City of Cohoes. This year’s ornament design is Matton Shipyard. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of the 2019 ornament will be donated to the New York State Society of the Children of the American Revolution toward the Matton Shipyard Restoration Project. Matton Shipyard operated in Cohoes, NY from 1916-1983. The funds raised will be matched 100% by the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund and go toward the restoration of the remaining buildings on the site and the creation of an educational, cultural, and recreational venue with public access to the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Coffee mugs are also available for purchase. Cost for ornaments is $20. Mugs are $10. To purchase ornaments or mugs go to http://www.rotaryclubofcohoes.org for further information. Ornaments and mugs are also available for purchase at Marra’s Pharmacy, 217 Remsen Street, Cohoes. Following are previous ornament designs in the series: 2004-the Cohoes Falls; 2005-the Harmony Mills; 2006-the Cohoes Music Hall; 2007-the Cohoes Mastodon; 2008-Cohoes City Hall; 2009-the Half Moon; 2010-Silliman Memorial Church; 2011-the Van Schaick Mansion; 2012-Keveny Memorial Academy; 2013-Cohoes High School; 2014-Cohoes Library; 2015-the former Cohoes Movie Theatre; 2016-Carlson’s Ice Rink; 2017-Erie Canal Locks; 2018-Cohoes Armory.

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Tracey Rex Reports to the People of Schodack

I believe staying in touch with constituents is an important part of serving in elective office. This monthly report is an example of my commitment to keeping residents informed of the activities of the Schodack Town Board. All meetings of the Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board can be viewed live or at a later date at https://townhallstreams.com/towns/schodack.

During November, the Town Board approved the 2020 town budget that stays below the state property tax cap and maintains essential services such as public safety, emergency medical services, water and sewer, street maintenance, libraries, and parks and recreation.

The Town Board adopted a resolution for Girl Scout Troop 1493 to place a Little Library at the Schodack Town Park. Troop 1493 has agreed to provide the books and maintain the library for visitors of the park. We applaud Troop 1493 and their initiative to encourage reading and community engagement.

I had an enjoyable time on Small Business Saturday purchasing a tree and wreath at Maple Hill Trees, warming up with coffee and pastries at The Crisp Cannoli, shopping at The Dirty Bird antique store, and dining at The Hill restaurant. Small businesses are the cornerstone of our local economy and it is important that we support our local businesses not just during the holiday season but all year round.

Rensselaer County elected officials will be holding forums during December to address New York’s criminal justice reforms that take effect in January. One of the forums will be held at Schodack Town Hall on Wednesday, December 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

On Election Day, I was honored to be re-elected to a second term on the Town Board. I am grateful to the people of Schodack for placing their trust in me and I look forward to working with my colleagues in government to make Schodack the best it can be.

At this special time of year, I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!

– Tracey Rex, Member of Schodack Town Board

11/28/2019 – 12/19/2019

Banners for Veterans in the Town of Nassau

The Nassau Town Clerk, Sandy Rings, is pleased to announce that the Town of Nassau, Villages of Nassau and East Nassau and the Chandler-Young Veterans Association are undertaking a new project to honor our military veterans. We will be facilitating the sale, production and installation of individual veterans’ banners to honor their service to our community and our country. The banners will be installed on power poles in several locations throughout the Town. Applications are available on the Town website at townofnassau.org, the Town Clerk’s Office at 29 Church Street and at the Chandler-Young Veterans Association at 7 Lyons Lake Road. We are hoping to be able to install banners whose applications are received prior to March 31, 2020 in time for Memorial Day, 2020. If you have any questions or need more details please feel free to call the Nassau Town Clerk’s Office at 518-766-2343, extension 1 or email sandra.rings@nulltownofnassau.org.

Sandra L. Rings, RMC

Nassau Town Clerk

12/05/2019 – 12/19/2019

The Latham-Colonie Council Knights Colonie K of C Blood Drive

On Friday, December 20th, 2019, The Latham-Colonie Council Knights of Columbus #3394, will hold a Blood Drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross at Latham-Colonie Council Knights of Columbus #3394 located at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

The donation hours are from 1:00-6:00 pm

To schedule an appointment please contact edhillenbrand@nullgmail.com or 518-209-6739 or www.redcrossblood.org.

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Narcan Training for Kiwanian Members

The Castleton-Schodack Kiwanis club was pleased to have Kelsey Sargood-Jacques from the Rensselaer County Department of Public Health speak at their December 4 meeting. Kelsey conducted a training on Heroin / Opioid Overdose prevention, including how to use a NARCAN kit. Every member who attended received a free Intranasal Naloxone kit. Kelsey is happy to offer training to other groups and can be reached at 518-270-2651. The Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline is available from 9am to 9pm daily and can be reached at 1-833-467-3123.

Reminder: The “Bells of Life” campaign is continuing to run through December 23 and benefits the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. Paper bells are being sold for $1 by by the Kiwanis Clubs of Northeastern New York. The Children’s Hospital at Albany Med is devoted exclusively to the medical needs of infants, children and adolescents. It is the referral center for all seriously ill or injured children from 25 counties in upstate New York and western New England. A table selling bells will be located on the lower level by Old Navy on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the Holiday Season.

We wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday season.

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The Continuing Education Program of The Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Southern Rensselaer County

On Saturday December 21st, 2019 from 9am to 3pm there will be a New York State approved Defensive Driving Class to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and be eligible to receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines.

The class will be held at the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County, 544 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144.

December Fee Special is $28. Class size is limited and registration is required. For registration and additional information please call Raymond Frankoski at 518-286-3788.

Hobbies

12/05/2019 – 12/19/2019

AP Fire Texas Hold’Em

Texas Hold’em No Limit Poker Tournament on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the Averill Park Fire House

35 Eastern Union Turnpike, Averill Park, NY 12018

Doors Open at 12:00 pm, Tournament Starts at 1:00 pm Lunch will be served at 2:00 pm. $125 buy-in ($25 donation, $100 prize pool)