Friday April 19, 2024 
The 1987 October Snow Storm
North Greenbush Notes, Jim Greenfield Town Historian 518-283-6384
For those who lived in the capital district in 1987, the word “October Storm” brings back many memories.
Sunday, October 5 was supposed to be a typical fall day when people could be outside enjoying nice weather and perhaps raking leaves. However, North Greenbush residents woke up to a blizzard which broke records for the earliest snowfall in October, most snow for the month. North Greenbush measured over eight inches.
The main problem was that leaves were still on the trees and the wet, heavy snow brought down power lines and tree branches which clogged roads. Most state, county and town roads were impassable by late afternoon. The radio announced that Rensselaer County was “closed” because of the weather. Personally, I was able to return from central New York and “plow” halfway into my driveway.
By Monday, things started to improve. It was sunny and in the 60’s. Although power was out, people with grills starting cooking meat from their freezers so as not to loose their food.
True Value got a shipment of generators and chainsaws but they sold out within a day. The Defreestville Fire Department sign said “31 hours, 80 alarms and still counting”.
Clean up started immediately. Town plows were busy clearing the roads. All other available trucks were used to pick up storm debris and Highway Superintendent Frank Guliano had to scour the area for additional trucks to help with the backlog. I remember seeing logging trucks on my street cleaning up branches I’d piled up at the edge of the road. Most power was restored by the end of the week.
An unintended consequence of the storm was seen in the results of the election one month later. Supervisor Rocco Fragomeni lost his reelection bid to Dan Borden by 11 votes. He attributed the loss in part to the slow removal of brush left from the October storm.
Lansingburgh Historical Society Open House
On October 12,2019 from 10 am to 2pm the Melville House at 2 114th St, Troy, NY 12182 will be open for tours. The added event that day from 12pm to 2pm will be poetry and prose readings from the 4 contestants that won the contest, which ran in August, “Dear Herman”; funded by Hudson Valley writers Guild and coordinated by Nancy Klepsch and Dan Wilcox, founders of Sunday @ 2 Open Mic Poetry and Prose in celebration of Melville’s 200th birthday. For further information please call John and Mary Ellen Ward at 518-885-4295. As always a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.
Half Moon Button Club
The Half Moon Button Club will meet on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 12054. The social time starts at 1:00 p.m. and the business meeting starts at 1:30 followed by the program, which will be presented by Cathy Abbott on Finding 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!
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham
Bernard Ouimet, President of La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY, will give a presentation on “The Battle of the Plains of Abraham”. Mr. Ouimet, a native of Quebec, will speak on the reasons for the French and Indian War and its most important battle, that took place at the Plains of Abraham. The discussion will also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the British and the French, and the reasons why the French lost the battle. The presentation will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 7pm, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY. Sponsored by La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY, is free and open to the public. Information by calling the library, 518-371-8622 or albanyareafrenchclub.com and Facebook.
The Pittstown Historical Society Has Planned The Following Event
Learn about the history of the Schaghticoke Fair in a presentation on October 17th at 7:30 PM
at the Pittstown Town Hall in Tomhannock and share your memories of it. Celebrating the fair’s 200th anniversary, historians Kathy Sheehan and Chris Kelly will relay the many chapters of the fair’s history, starting in 1819 with the formation of the Rensselaer County Agricultural Society. The Society’s mission became thefair’s mission, which was to allow farmers to show off the results of their hard work and provide education on new and improved farming practices. Sheehan and Kelly ask those attending to share their memories and photos of their best fair experience. Kelly is the Town of Schaghticoke Historian and Sheehan is the Rensselaer County and Troy City Historian and Registrar of the Rensselaer County Historical Society. The meeting, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Pittstown Historical Society.
For further information, email: pittstownhs@nullgmail.com or call Connie Kheel at 518-686-7514
Saving Your Family History Presentation
Have you ever wondered how your children and grandchildren will remember you? Do you know the old family stories, but don’t think anyone else does? Join the Esquatak Historical Society when Jonathan Palmer, Head Archivist and Acting Director of the Vedder Research Library of the Greene County Historical Society shares his knowledge of saving personal documents for future generations.
Mr. Palmer traces his roots in Greene County from 1775 and is a staunch advocate for the study and interpretation of local heritage. Recently named Deputy Greene County Historian, learn tips on organization, preserving and making your family memories last long after you’re gone. The presentation will be Friday, October 18th, starting at 7 pm at the Grace United Methodist Church located at 42 Church Street (U.S. Route 20) in Nassau. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For more information visit www.esquatak.com.
Church of the Redeemer
Sunday services are at 8:00 and 9:30 with coffee hour in the Hearth Room between and after services.
Our Wednesday Hot Mess Crafters meets at 10:00. Join us for a fun time creating items for gifting and donating. We can teach knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, and other crafts. A special “Thank You” to our donors who blessed us again with an additional donation of yarn.
Join us in Bible Study on Wednesday as we continue our travel to the Red Sea with the Israelites as they embark on their journey and learn how God began teaching them about Himself. You are welcome to come at 5:30 to share pizza. Bible Study begins at 6:00
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@ gmail.com or call 518-650-8181. Our website is www.RedeemerRensselaer.com.
Book Nook News
The Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish in Speigletown will be open on Saturday, October 5 and 19 from 9:00 am until noon. The October half-priced specials are on the following authors: David Baldacci, Harlen Coben and Fern Michaels. There have been so many new donations since our $5/bag blow-out sale, you may want to stop by and check us out. Of course the children/young adult books are still 6/$1 as well as the cookbooks, historical novels and biographies. Hope to see you at the Book Nook!!!
Sand Lake Garden Club Oct. 24 Meeting – Chef David Burke
The Sand Lake Garden Club will meet on Thursday, October 24, 6:30pm, at the Sand Lake Town Town Hall. All are welcome. This month the Club presents David Burke, formerly a chef at Chez Mike’s, currently at Kristy’s Barn, who will speak about and demonstrate a special holiday dish, unique ways to process food and how to plate food creatively. Audience participation is encouraged. So, come on out and take advantage of this opportunity to learn some chef’s secrets that you can do at home.
The Club’s September meeting was well attended. The speaker was Rhonda Rumsey Van Helvn, owner of Capital Native Plants. Rhonda, also a Master Gardener, gave an informative and interesting presentation about native plants and the environmental benefits they provide. Attendees had many positive comments.
4-H Cooking Class for Youth
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Youth Development program is holding a four week 4-H Junior Chefs program. This session is for youth eight years and older who like to cook, and for those who would like to learn how to cook. The 4-H Junior Chefs will meet at the CCE Office, located at 61 State St., Troy on the second floor, on Wednesday, October 16th, 23rd, 30th, and November 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There is a $25.00 registration fee for 4-H members and $30.00 for non-members or $10 per session if you cannot make it to all four. Pre-registration is required no later than October 11th and registration will be limited. To register a youth, or for more information, please contact Eileen DePaula at 518-272-4210 or emd32@nullcornell.edu. For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their ability to pay. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration.
Nassau Historians Ball
Nassau Village Historian Kurt Vincent and Nassau Town Historian Melody Howarth will host the ultimate good-bye party for Nassau’s 200th anniversary. Scheduled for Saturday, October 19th the event will take place at the Burden Lake Country Club on Totem Lodge Road. The event will start with cocktails at 5 pm and a buffet dinner at 6 pm. Menu selections will accommodate carnivore, vegetarian and vegan options.
While it’s called “a ball,” don’t go looking for you ball gown – come as you are. It will be an evening of good food, friendly banter and a celebration of Nassau’s past. In addition to Nassau’s Bicentennial, the event will mark the final activity for Village Beautification Committee’s long-time chair Kurt Vincent.
With door prizes, surprises and after dinner dancing, advance tickets are required. Tickets will be available at Nassau Village Hall and the Nassau Free Library and are $25 per person. Proceeds from the event will be benefit the Local History Collection of the Nassau Free Library. For more information call (518) 766-2291 or e-mail info@nullNassau12123.com.
Knick at Night
What ghost will you meet? One of the Knickerbockers or a spouse… Rumor has it that Rachel will be in the Mansion… you never know who may grace us with their presence. Join us on October 25 and 26, 2019 for Knick at Night at the Knickerbocker Mansion, 132 Knickerbocker Road, Schaghticoke, NY. We will be serving a Souper Dinner ($10.00) from 5:00 – 9:00 PM; and hosting Ghost Tours of the Mansion ($8.00) from 6:00 – 9:00 PM (reservations recommended for groups of 8 or more). Contact the Mansion at 518-664-1700 and leave a message or knickinfo@nullaol.com for more information
Town of East Greenbush Jack O Lantern Contest
Pre-Carved Pumpkin Contest! All entries may be dropped off as early as 3:00 p.m. but must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 31st to the contest organizers at the Red Barn at the Town Park.
Pumpkins will be on display and voted on during our Party at the Park Candy with a Cop Event from 6-8PM on Oct. 31st.
The bottom of entered pumpkins must be removed so that the pumpkin can be placed on top of a LED light (provided by the Town) Cutting the top of a pumpkin off causes the top lid to shrink and decay very quickly so the lid falls inside. Pumpkins with the top cut off will be disqualified.
The carved pumpkins must be able to stand without any support or back drop needed.
Inappropriate pumpkins will be disqualified.
Participants may use carving kits or commercial stencils, however, handmade stencils or free hand carvings will earn more creativity points in the judging.
Pumpkins are not to be painted or otherwise decorated. Only carved pumpkins will be entered into the contest.
Prizes will be awarded for each age group winner.
• Kids up to 12 years – Most creative pumpkin and silliest Jack • Teens 13 to 17 years – Most creative pumpkin and Creepiest Jack • Adult 18 years and older – Most creative pumpkin and best use of the entire pumpkin • All entries must be labeled with the following information (on an index card or alike taped to the back of the pumpkin) name, address, phone number, category and please note if a commercial stencil was used. • Please indicate whether you would like your pumpkin returned to you. All pumpkins must be picked up by 8:30 PM. • All pumpkins not picked up will be on display at the park through the weekend and then discarded.
For questions please call the Community and Recreation Department @ 518-477-4194
Rensselaer County Documentary Features Local Landfill Dilemma
With twice the amount of toxic contamination as the infamous Love Canal waste site, more than 46,000 tons of industrial hazardous wastes, PCBs and carcinogens, the Dewey Loeffel Landfill Superfund Site in Nassau, NY has a tragic past and an uncertain future.
The documentary: Love Canal X 2—A Landfill Dilemma in NY is in production. It will attempt to answer such questions as: What is the future of this toxic site, local lakes and waterways? How have people been affected? Will it affect you and future generations?
“I decided to make this documentary because I care about the people who have been, and are still being affected,” said Rensselaer County Writer/Filmmaker Barbara Reina. “History often repeats itself. Maybe by telling this story, I can have a positive effect on future generations.”
Film Trailer on-camera interviews scratch the surface of what’s in store for the full documentary. Local interviews include Nassau Town Supervisor David Fleming, Kinderhook Deputy Supervisor Patsy Leader and EPA Remedial Project Manager Joe Battipaglia, among others. To view the film trailer, updates and ways to support the production, visit the official documentary website at: barbarareina.com/nassau-documentary
Drone views over the Superfund site, Nassau and Kinderhook lakes, also the Hudson River, were filmed by WheelerDrone.com. The film trailer is narrated by Voice Talent Alex Verde, the Voice of the Monorail at Disneyland and Series Voice for ESPN Outdoors, the Discovery Network, CNN and CBS Television.
The finished documentary will feature a broad scope of interviews, history and research regarding the site. Chemical, environmental, human health and government issues will be explored, along with possible cleanup technologies. An on-camera visit to the treatment plant and explanation of how it functions has already been filmed. The release date of the full documentary on DVD is tentatively scheduled for December of 2020.
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!