Tuesday April 23, 2024 
Charcoal Making in Taborton is topic for Stephentown Historical Society on Sept. 9, 2019
Loren Dobert and Frank Kehn will present their video “Making Charcoal in Taborton” on Monday, September 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Stephentown Historical Society meeting. The event will be at the Stephentown Heritage Center, 4 Staples Road, Stephentown, New York. The program is free. For directions, telephone (518) 733-0010.
Dobert is a master collier and teacher who made his family’s living by producing charcoal and firewood. Kehn is a junior collier and Dobert’s student. They will show how charcoal is produced from native hardwood in a carefully controlled burn in a “pit,” a mud-covered mound.
The making of charcoal was once a major industry in the mountain districts of Sand Lake, Poestenkill, Taborton, Berlin and Stephentown. Charcoal burning in Rensselaer County began prior to the Civil War, and was at its height during and after the conflict. The Dobert family was involved in the making of charcoal for generations going back to the 1800s.
Restoration Of The Van Rensselaer Cemetery
All across the country and locally, grassroots organizations and individuals are working to take care of historic cemeteries that may be found along the road, in someone’s backyard, or connected to an old church. Often they are in need of maintenance or total restoration, the occupants relatives having moved on long ago.
Please join the Greenbush Historical Society Sunday, September 15, 2 PM, at the Greenbush Community Library to learn about the Restoration of the Van Rensselaer Cemetery. Chris White, a local cemetery conservator and genealogist, will tell about the restoration project at the historic cemetery located between Route 9J and Amtrak’s Boston Railway in East Greenbush.
Cemeteries are an important part of our history and the gravestones tell stories of the people who once lived and worked, usually memorialized in a few carved words. The Greenbush Historical Society under the expert guidance of Joe Ferrannini from Gravestone Matters rescued and restored the Karner Family Cemetery on Best Road in East Greenbush. Photos of that project will be displayed at the meeting. The program is free and open to the public. As seating is limited, please register with the library at 518-477-7476.
Clog Dancing
It’s fun!! It’s fitness!! It’s clog dancing!! Clogging is a type of folk dancing that draws on many different traditions and has evolved into a truly American art form. It is a community–based activity that offers exercise, stress release, and great family fun that appeals to all ages.
Please join us at the Brittonkill (Tamarac) School for a 12 week beginner course starting on Tuesday, September 17, from 6:00 – 6:45 pm. Our class is open to anyone 7 years of age and older. We have many children, parents, and grandparents who love to clog!! For more information, please contact Fran Beaudoin by email at franb@nullnycap.rr.com or by telephone at 518-279-3067.
Half Moon Button Club
The Half Moon Button Club will meet on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 12054 in the Board Room. The meeting starts at 12:30 p.m. followed by the program, which will be presented by Karen Kammer on “Wee People” buttons.
Bring a bag lunch. Dessert will be provided. For more information call Lisa at 518-469-7420 or Kirsti at 518-869-8125. Everyone is welcome!
Capital Dist. Chapter of the Embroider’s Guild of America
Do you enjoy needlework? Would you like to stitch with others that have similar interests? Whether you are a beginner or have experience, come join us. The NY Capital District Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America meets in various locations and at various times. The Day Group meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month at Blooming Grove Reformed Church in Defreetsville. Evening meetings are offered in two locations: The Community Room at The Terrace at Beverwyck in Slingerlands from 7p-9p on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month and from 6:30p-9p in the Fellowship Hall of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clifton Park on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. In addition, there are specialty interest groups that also meet. For more information, check out our website at http://www.nycapega.org or on facebook.com/nydcega. Come Join Us!