Your Community 10.05.23

Do you believe in ghosts? The people of 18th century Greenbush did!

Join us around the campfire on Saturday, October 21, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in Crailo’s riverside park for an evening of haunted tales, spectres, and portents of doom!

Bring your lawn chairs and dress for the outdoors. Program appropriate for ages 10 & above. Younger siblings and the faint of heart are invited to paint spooky pumpkins. Mulled cider and donuts will be available.

Reservations required by 10/18 and can be made by calling (518) 463 – 8738. <FZ,1,0,50>Donations happily accepted.

Once part of the Van Rensselaer family’s vast landholdings, today Crailo tells the story of the early Dutch inhabitants of Albany and the upper Hudson River Valley. Located at 9 ½ Riverside Ave in historic Rensselaer, the museum is open for general visitation through 10/29 and by appointment Nov – Apr. For further information about this and other site programs and events, please call us, visit www.parks.ny.gov, or find us on social media.

I believe staying in touch with constituents is an important part of serving in elective office. This report is an example of my commitment to keeping Schodack residents informed about town government news and community events.

During September, the Town Board amended the 2023 Road Program to include the following additional roads to be resurfaced with hot-mix asphalt: Edinburgh Drive, Hunters Road, and Scotland Lane. Thank you to our Highway Department employees for successful completion of the road program this year and the excellent work you do year-round to keep our roads maintained and safe for our residents and visitors.

Our Annual Fall Clean-Up Days will be held on October 12, 13 and 14 at the Transfer Station from 7 AM to 3 PM where items can be disposed of for free or at a reduced fee. TVs and computer monitors have a limit of two per household and furniture has a limit of three per household.

The Friends of Castleton Library is hosting a Free Halloween Costume Giveaway on Saturday, October 14 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Stop by and browse a selection of donated costumes to take home.

Our final Document Shredder Day this year will be held Saturday, October 21 from 9 AM to 12 PM at Rensselaer City Hall, 62 Washington Street. The event is open to Schodack, East Greenbush and Rensselaer residents and has a 3-box max per household.

‘Tis the season for the return of Pizza Night, a delicious and affordable way to support our first responders. Pizza nights are held through May at the East Schodack Fire Company the first Saturday of the month and at the Schodack Valley Fire Company every third Saturday of the month.

The East Schodack Fire Company is hosting their Annual Trunk or Treat event at the firehouse (3071 NY Route 150) on Sunday, October 29 from 1 PM to 3 PM — a safe and fun afternoon of treats for the family! If you would like to participate with your trunk, please email dawright680@nullgmail.com or call 518-479-3366.

Tracey Rex, Schodack Town Councilwoman

On October 14th the hamlet of North Chatham will be holding its third annual Community Day. All are invited to come to North Chatham and see what makes it a great place to live! The North Chatham Free Library will be open with books for sale on the front lawn (weather permitting) and some residents of the hamlet will be having yard sales.

The North Chatham United Methodist Church clothing barn will be open and the church will have a “sweet treats” sale, silent auction, “tailgate sale”, donated items for sale, and lunch available. If you would like to donate items for the sale or sell your own items as part of the “tailgate sale”, please see the church website listed below.

The Neighbors of Northern Columbia County will have an informational table at the church.

The North Chatham Volunteer Fireman’s Association will have a truck at the church and kids can spray a fire hose!

There will be games for kids on the church lawn and the Buccaneers 4-H club will be selling pumpkins. Free parking will be available behind the church. For more information please go to northchathammethodistchurch.org. Thanks, and we hope to see you in North Chatham on October 14th!

(Grafton, NY) – Join us at Grafton Lakes State Park for our annual Trick or Treat Nature Trail on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Discover some of our weird and wonderful forest friends along the jack-o-lantern lit trail. Participate in fun fall activities including a bonfire and crafts at the welcome center. Be sure to wear a costume! Special guest, Uncharted Wild, will also be in attendance showing off some of their spook-tacular creatures.

Time slots begin at 3:00PM and go every 15 minutes through 7:00PM. Time slots before 5:00pm are designated for families with small children, or those with sensory sensitivities. Preregistration is required to reserve your family’s time slot; please call 518-279-1155, ext. 2. Cost for this program is $4/person.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which were visited by a record 78 million people in 2020. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov

Supervisor Joe Bott is happy to announce our annual Community Day on Saturday, October 7th from 11am to 3pm at Town Hall, 2 Douglas Street in Wynantskill.

All residents are invited to attend. The purpose of Community Day is to meet and talk with members of our North Greenbush Police Department, Wynantskill Fire Department, Defreestville Fire Department, North Greenbush Ambulance, Rensselaer County Mental Health and County Health Department staff, Rensselaer County Sheriff, Rensselaer County Search and Rescue (Dogs), Rensselaer County Stop DWI, New York State Dive Team, New York State Police Helicopter, SORT and Capital District Transportation Authority.

Deputy Supervisor Kelly Hoffman, Chair of the Town’s Public Safety Committee, encourages residents to attend this free event for a hands-on, interactive event with our first responder partners and other services provided throughout the town.

A special thanks for Len Johnson and Bonnie Bangburn for their help in organizing this event once again. There will be food and refreshments by our Ladies Auxiliary. Due to other police animals being in attendance, no pets will be allowed.

If you have any questions, please call the Town Supervisor’s office at (518) 283-5313, x5.

Melvin Roads American Legion Family is having a Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, at 200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush. Plenty of parking spaces in the post parking lot , with separate areas for Trunk or Treaters. Come see what the Mad Scientist has cooked up this year. We offer a safe experience during daylight hours. After you visit us, travel to East Greenbush VFW on Hayes road, is also having Trunk or Treat, as well as some of the churches in the area. Enjoy a SAFE Halloween.

The Greenbush Garden club will be offering a presentation on soil revitalization October 3rd, 6:30 PM at the East Greenbush Library.

Presented by Jean Howard, Master Gardener for Rensselaer County CCE, the program is free and open to the public.

Register on library website. The garden club is also welcoming new members.

Averill Park High School Technology teacher, Matthew Duff, has participated in the Questar III BOCES STEM Research Institute multiple times and presented to superintendents from school districts across the region recently. The 7-week Questar III program pairs teachers with private businesses and colleges to conduct research, which leads to new teaching methods and lesson plans. Mr. Duff teaches a course on Video Game Design and Development at APHS and has worked with Vicarious Visions and Tech Valley Game Space as part of the program. This year, he worked with Automated Dynamics/Trelleborg.

The Sand Lake Kiwanis provided donations to the Kindness Closet at Poestenkill Elementary School. The PES Kindness Closet supports Poestenkill families in need of household items that are not readily available at food banks. Thank you to the Sand Lake Kiwanis for their generous donations!

The Averill Park Athletic Department, in conjunction with the Averill Park Athletic Booster Club, is currently accepting nominations for the Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Visit the Athletics page on the District website for more information.

As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us. You can also follow AP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

The Our Lady of Victory Columbiettes of Troy will be hosting a Vendor & Craft Fair. Saturday, October 7th, 9:00 – 3:00, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY.

We are Handicap Accessible.

For more information, contact Louise at olv_columbiette_events@nullaol.com.

The Town of Sand Lake Beach and Park Committee would sincerely like to thank Dan Clemente and the Clemente Family of Troy Sand and Gravel for donating the rocks for Butler Park. The rocks were used to create a parking perimeter for Butler Park and are indigenous to our local environment in Rensselaer County.

We would also like to thank Mac, Evan and David Perry of Perry Construction for the wonderful job they did preparing the access ramp and getting the rocks in place.

In addition, we would like to thank the Averill Park bus garage supervisor, Mark Premo, for facilitating access to Butler Park through the AP bus garage property.

We are truly appreciative of everyone’s willingness to make our park a better place to visit and enjoy! Thank you all very much!! If you have any interest in joining the Beach and Park Committee contact: Sally Perry, Judy Bryan or Amy Lent

On Friday, October 20, Esquatak Historical Society presents Glenn Hankle in “Old Money,” an illustrated talk that will show us how the currency and legal tender we now call Money evolved and changed from Colonial times to the present.

Hear the stories, the history and the local connections on how generations of our ancestors converted good to crowns, greenbacks and bucks. Held at the Schodack Town Hall, US Route 20, starting at 7 pm. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church located at 772 NY Hwy 351 in Poestenkill is now offering a casual “come as you are” evening worship with communion on the first and third Thursdays of every month at 6:45 pm. Please feel free to join us for this time of prayer and reflection.

On October 14,2023, the Lansingburgh Historical Society and Oakwood Cemetery will host a joint Cemetery tour from 9:00 to noon, of the resting places of Lansingburgh’s pre-Revolutionary War founding family as well as of those people who made Lansingburgh an early commercial powerhouse.

Well-known local Historian, Michael Barrett will present the tour. Pre-paid registration of $20/per person is required.

Call 518-328-0090 to make your reservations. The tour is limited to 25 people. In addition, the Melville House at 2 114th St., Troy, NY, will be open for tours from 1 to 3 with cider and donuts.

Grafton, NY. Take a scenic walk along the shoreline and through the forests of the Dyken Pond Center at a time of year when the leaves are likely to be near peak color.

This is a once-a-year opportunity you don’t want to miss. Preregistration required at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com. Free.

The Kiwanis Club of Troy is holding their 26th Annual Fresh Florida Fruit Fundraiser.

Call today to reserve your 20 lb. cases of either Navel Oranges, Ruby Red Grapefruits or Mixed Cases of Both.

We kept the price at $28 per case. Most others are charging $35+.

The fruit will be picked fresh from the Florida groves and shipped directly to the Troy area for your enjoyment or holiday giving!!! All should arrive in Troy around the 6-8th of December.

Call Dean at 518-322-0826. Help fund needed projects for Troy area kids! All orders are due by Sunday, November 19th.

The annual Harvest Festival at the First Reformed Church in Wynantskill returns on Saturday, October 14, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This community event will feature homemade crafts, home-canned goods, bake sale, “second chances” (new and gently used items), and the K-9 unit and Safe Child Program from the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department. Free activities for kids will include pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, and magic tricks. You may also order your holiday pies and our famous frozen meals. To keep up your energy, our snack bar will include walking tacos, a baked potato bar, hot dogs, chili, hot and cold drinks, and warm apple crisp with ice cream. We will also be collecting donations of new (purchased or handmade) hats, mittens, and scarves to be distributed to local organizations if you would like to contribute.

Don’t miss the excitement of the latest version of our Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 14, from 10 AM to 2 PM. First Reformed Church is located at the corner of Main Avenue (Route 66) and Church Street in Wynantskill. For questions or directions, please call 518-283-4420.

Friends of the Nassau Free Library Looking For Artisans & Crafters:

We ask Artisans and Crafters in the areas of Nassau, Schodack, East Greenbush, etc. to join us for our annual Harvest & Craft Festival and frozen Pie Sale on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Chandler Young VFW hall on Rt. 20 in Nassau. <FZ,3,0,50>We expect to have room for about 10 vendors, tables will be available and we hope to offer a variety of hand-made items for sale.

Please submit photos of your crafts or include a brief description of your crafts to the Friends at the Nassau Free Library along with a $25.00 table fee by October 28th.

Mail or deliver to Friends of the Nassau Free Library, P.O. Box 436, Nassau, NY 12123.(or Nassau Free Library, Church Street, Nassau, NY)

Please direct questions to our Email friends@nullnassaufreelibrary.org.

As space is limited we reserve the right to select which vendors we will include. Hours for the sale will be 9:00 – 4:00 (set up at 8:00).

This is a benefit for the Nassau Free Library so please join us and help support the library, Questions? – call 518-766 -2715 or email friends@nullnassaufreelibrary.org

The Reformed Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill is having a Flea Market, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 9 AM – 3 PM.

The church is located at the four corners in Muitzeskill – the intersection of Schodack Landing and Muitzeskill Roads.

This past February, Travel and Leisure magazine named the ” Empire State Trail ” system one of the 15 best multiuse trails in the U.S.

Part of that system, right here in Rensselaer and Columbia counties, is called the ” Electric Trail ” which connects Albany to Hudson.

The trail is free, open year round, and welcoming to all walkers, hikers, and bicyclists.

Join the Greenbush Historical Society on Oct. 22, 2PM, at the East Greenbush Library to learn more about this New York treasure.

Matt Kierstead will host an illustrative talk on ” Trolleys, Trails, and Tales “about the history of the former electric trolley line.

Matt is the owner/proprietor of Milestone Heritage Consulting, a Hudson Valley business that provides documentation and interpretation services for the heritage tourism industry.

Examples of his colorful and informative trailside signage will be on display at the East Greenbush Library from Oct. 16 until Nov. 30th.

The 2 PM Historical Society meeting is free and open to all but seating is limited.

Please call the library at 518 477 7476 to register.

It’s time to make some decorative items for your home or for gift giving! The Sand Lake Town Library Friends invite you to make a toilet paper pumpkin Oct. 5th at 1:30pm.

All you need is a “fat quarter” of fabric and we’ll provide the rest.

Or join us to make a Quick & Easy Table Runner either Oct. 11th at 6:30pm or Oct. 12th at 1:30pm. Bring 2 different fabrics that complement each other (1/3 yard for the top 1/2 for the bottom) and matching thread if you have it.

Stop by or call the library at 518-674-5050 to register. Email us at sltlfriends@nullgmail.com – we’re always looking for new Friends who want to help the library.

There will be a flu / COVID clinic sponsored by Sacred Heart Church Health Ministry on October 8, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Castleton Ambulance Building, 1700 Brookview Road, Castleton, New York. Under 65 and Over 65 flu shots and the new Moderna COVID booster will be provided by Young’s Pharmacy of Averill Park. Shots are free with insurance. Please bring proof of insurance. Registration is necessary. Call 518-732-2155 or email sacredheart1877@nullgmail.com before Wednesday, October 4, 2023 to register and indicate the shots you wish to receive.

The Spiegle-Elders Seniors in Brunswick are planning a trip to the “Finger Lake’s” on Oct. 11, 12, 13th 2023. Cost is $479.00. 3 nights, 2 days. Package includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts,1 dinner, Corning Glass Museum, Willard Memorial Chapel, Sonnnenberg Mansion & Gardens, Finger Lakes Winery Tour & Tasting, National Soaring Museum, Huge Amish Store, Scenic Lake Cruise and Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. Souvenir Gift, Luggage Handling,

All taxes & Meal Gratuities, Motorcoach Transportation. If interested & sign-up Call: Bert Latimore at 518-235-1325.

Grafton, NY. An annual event to help the Dyken Pond Center cut, gather, haul, split, and stack enough firewood to last the winter. We’ll treat all hardy volunteers to a free lunch for your efforts. Please preregister at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com by Thursday, October 20 so we can plan enough food for everyone.

First Reformed Church Wynantskill has strawberry rhubarb and blueberry pies for sale. The pies are frozen and ready for baking at your convenience – $15. Contact the Church Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 – 1, located at the corner of Church Street and Main Avenue or call (518) 283-4420. Thank you!

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Budget of the South Schodack Fire District of the Town of Schodack, County of Rensselaer, State of New York, will be presented to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the South Schodack Fire District, for its consideration. A PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 7:30 pm, at the South Schodack Fire House, 1567 Bame Road, Castleton, NY 12033, in the Town of Schodack, County of Rensselaer, State of New York, on the 17th day of October, 2023. Pursuant to Town Law 105, the Board of Fire Commissioners must hold a public hearing on the budget, make the proposed budget available to the public prior to the budget hearing, and allow the public to comment on the budget at the hearing. This public hearing must be held to allow maximum public participation in the hearing. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow any person to be heard in favor of or against the proposed budget as it is submitted, or for or against any items contained in the proposed budget, and hearing all persons interested in the subject concerning same. That a copy of the proposed budget is available at the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Schodack and the Fire District Secretary where it may be inspected.

Currently the USS Albany Association Heritage Exhibit committee is working on the restoration of the USS Albany CA-123/CG-10 Bow section and preparing it for installation in a new memorial park. The proposed new park will be located in the Rensselaer Riverfront Park, Broadway & 5th Ave. in Rensselaer, New York 12144 and viewable by all visitors and citizens during park posted hours.

The Heritage Exhibit committee is accepting donations of Contractor Services or Financial assistance for this major project.

All supporters will be recognized in the USS Albany Association quarterly Newsletter and a letter of appreciation for donations will be available to all supporters for tax purposes.

For additional information relative to providing services please contact us at: ussalbany@nullussalbany.org or call 518-265-4072.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York chapter is hosting its 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Albany on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Siena College. Participants may check in beginning at 10:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m. The walk will begin immediately following the opening ceremony.

On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color symbolizing their personal connection to the disease.

“This Walk means so much to the community – to those living with the disease, to those providing care, to those who have lost someone to the disease,” said Andrew Sagarin, Development Events Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York chapter. “Walk is a reminder that we’re fighting for a different future. We are closer than ever before to ending this disease, but we have more work left.

“We hope that everyone impacted in our community will join us by starting a Walk team. By helping us raise awareness and funds, our chapter can continue to provide free care and support services for families facing the disease today, as well as invest in research to finally find a cure,” said Sagarin.

More than 6 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 410,000 New Yorkers. It’s not only a leading cause of death in the U.S., more than 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The Albany Walk is supported by local presenting sponsor, The Kerry Crew Charitable Gift Fund. The goal for this year’s Albany walk is to raise $350,000.

To register, visit alz.org/walk.

Have you, your family, or friends been affected by Substance Use Disorder? Do you have a creative outlet to process your experiences? The NOpiates Committee, Arts Letters & Numbers, and the Sand Lake Center for the Arts are extending an open invitation to submit work (finalized or in process) for the upcoming show: The Transformation Project. The show, running throughout December 2023, aims to raise awareness about Substance Use Disorder and its impact on <FZ,4,0,50>individuals, families, and communities in Rensselaer County.

This call for art is open to artists of all levels (from established to first-time makers), all ages, and all forms of art.

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit artslettersandnumbers.com/transformation-project-open-call.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Frida at frida@nullartslettersandnumbers.com.

Do you have a family member who was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s? Have you been to Cherry Plain State Park and wonder about how it got here? Have you visited the many state and national parks and forests that were developed by the CCCs? Come hear author, historian, and CCC champion Marty Podskoch, on Tuesday, October 10th, at 7PM, for “The 90th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Its History & Legacy, and Company 219 at Cherry Plain” at On October 10th, presented by the Sand Lake Historical Society. The CCC began on March 31, 1933 under President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” to relieve the poverty and unemployment during the Depression. The CCCs built trails, roads, campsites, and dams, stocked fish, built and maintained fire towers and observer’s cabins, and planted millions of trees before being disbanded in 1942.

Marty Podskoch is a retired teacher and author of eleven books, including Adirondack Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Their History, Memories and Legacy of the CCC and Fire Towers of the Catskills: Their History and Lore. His weekly column, “Adirondack Stories,” appears in five Adirondack newspapers. October’s program will be held at Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY 66, Averill Park. SLHS monthly programs are open to the public and are live-streamed on the SLHS website — http://sandlakehistory.org (archived video also will be posted there). A $5 donation is suggested for non-members. New members are always welcomed. Like us on Facebook. SLHS turns Fifty in 2024!

The North Chatham United Methodist Church worships every Sunday morning at 11:00 AM, with Adult Bible Study at 9:45. All are welcome!

Our Clothing Barn is open from 9:30-12:30 every Saturday morning, through the end of October.

We will be part of the annual North Chatham Community Day activities on October 14th, along with the North Chatham Free Library and the North Chatham Volunteer Fire Company.

The church is located at 4274 Route 203 in the hamlet of North Chatham. If you can’t make it in person our worship services are available on Zoom – please see our website (northchathammethodistchurch.org) for details.

For more information on North Chatham United Methodist Church, please call 518-766-3535 or visit our website.

Thanks and we hope to see you soon, in person or on ZOOM!

The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake has been providing a wide-range of services to the greater community for 75 years. To commemorate this milestone we are planning a gala 75th Anniversary Party and we want the Rensselaer County community to celebrate with us. So, please save the date of Saturday, December 2, 2023 and join us at the lovely Burden Lake Country Club starting at 5:30 PM.

There will be appetizers, dinner and dessert options and will feature after- dinner entertainment by the popular Donnie Elvis Show, tickets $60 pp. For more information and for tickets please contact Kiwanis President Wayne Gendron at 518-698-9623. We will have additional information to share as the date gets closer.

To learn more about our Kiwanis Club go to www.SandLakeKiwanis.org or visit and friend us on www.facebook.com/Kiwanis-Club-of-Sand-Lake.

The Auxiliary to East Greenbush VFW 7338 on Hays Road will be having their annual Craft/Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Tables are available to be rented for $25 per 8′ table with 2 chairs. The Auxiliary will also have their giant raffle, 50/50 raffle, Bake Sale and the kitchen will be open for breakfast and lunch. Contact Lynda Essenter for more information and rental form at: schoolrn52@nullaol.com or (518) 248-0324.

Blueberry, strawberry wand apple pies frozen and ready to be baked at your convenience $15. Stop by or call the Church office at (518) 284-4420 located at the corner of Church Street and Main Avenue Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9-12. Thank you!

The Walter A. Wood Tractor Agriculture Show. is almost here.

This years show will be on Saturday, October 7. 9-4 PM. Antique and Classic Tractors. Vintage Garden Tractors, Hit and Miss Engines, Hay Rides, Petting Zoo and Pony Rides.

Over 25 Vendors with food,drink and crafts. its not to late to enter. Contact Kevin O’Malley at 518-894-5035 or email hoosickkid@nullgmail.com

The FAA Cow Plop will also take place at the town park with food and vendors. A fun filled day of activities in Wood Park, 24 Main St. Hoosick Falls.

On Monday night October 16th the Poestenkill Business Association will present our annual “Meet the Candidates Night” Forum at the Poestenkill Sullivan-Jones VFW Post on Main Street.

All Candidates running for County Sheriff, Town Supervisor, Town Board, Town Highway Superintendent, Town Clerk and Town Judge have been invited to attend and will present their respective positions.

Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM with all Candidates offering a concise position statement.

Pre-submitted Questions from Town Residents will then be read by the Moderator to the respective Candidates.

If time remains, questions may be entertained from the audience.

We sincerely hope that you are able to attend and listen to the Candidates responses on issues facing Poestenkill.

Refreshments will be provided.

Thank you for your interest and participation. See you Monday Night 10/16/2023!

Hear about Troy’s Tiffany Treasures from Michael P. Barrett on Tuesday, October 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Peebles Island Visitor Center, 1 Delaware Ave., Cohoes.

This program, co-sponsored by Shenendehowa Neighbors Connecting and The Friends of Peebles Island State Park, is free and open to the public.

Michael P Barrett will present a program entitled “Troy’s Tiffany Treasures.”

This presentation will cover the life of Louis Comfort Tiffany and the fabulous artworks which are located in Troy.

Mr. Barrett is a member of many local historical societies and is a frequent lecturer and tour guide for several organizations such as the Lansingburgh Historical Society and the Albany Rural Cemetery.

His service includes board membership, past president, and past editor for these and other organizations.

This presentation is co-sponsored by The Friends of Peebles Island State Park and Shenendehowa Neighbors Connecting.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Thousands of used books, DVDs, and puzzles for adults and children. Huge selection, everything $1! Cash, check, or credit card accepted. Friday, October 13 – Noon – 5:00 PM; Saturday, October 14 – 10 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, October 15 – BAG SALE – 11 AM – 3 PM. Proceeds to benefit the East Greenbush Community Library

Greetings and Welcome!

Sand Lake Baptist Church is now accepting pre-orders for our fresh baked apple and pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving! A very user-friendly order form is on our website, sandlakebaptistchurch.org, or if you’d rather, you can call 518-674-2062 to place your order. The deadline for ordering is November 9th and the pick-up date is November 22nd, (the day before Thanksgiving.) Payment will be due upon pick up. We are offering these pies at $15 each, with the proceeds going to help pay for repair work on our Parsonage. Reserve your pie(s) early as we have a limit as to how many we are able to bake.

In other news, the line-up of speakers for the month of October will be as follows: October 08, Pastor Chuck Mosher; October 15, Pastor Victor Harris; October 22, Brother Gary Blauvelt; and on October 29, Brother Dominic Brignola from CompassCare will be joining us. Service starts at 11 AM every Sunday and all are welcome. I would like to thank all of these Brothers in Christ for their support and the wonderful messages they deliver from the Lord.

Evening Bible Study is going strong and all are welcome to join us at 6PM every Thursday. We are doing a study on “Characters” of the Bible and are analyzing early Genesis. We had several wonderful sessions discussing the creator of those characters; God, as well as other beings He created, angels. We are not into the study of Adam & Eve and their children… yet. So far this study has been very eye opening and a true pleasure. We hope to see you join us.

God bless, Deacon Russ

In commemoration of the federal holiday Columbus Day, the library will be closed on Monday, October 9, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 10, at 10 AM.

Thursday Crafternoons continue in the library’s children’s room with Fall-related crafts, from 3-5 PM; join our preschool Storytime every Tuesday at 11 AM in the Town Hall Annex.

Get the low-down on our community this Saturday, October 7, at the North Greenbush Community Day exposition behind Town Hall. Come to our table for a library card and see what programs we have going, some just up your alley.

Is technology getting you down? Don’t despair! Michelle St Louis from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County is coming on Wednesday, October 18, at 1 PM, to save the day! Call the library at 518-283-0303 to set up a 15-minute appointment with her. Bring your phone, laptop, or tablet and all your questions!

Our third annual Halloween Hullabaloo is fast approaching! Save the date, Saturday, October 28, from 10:30 AM to 1 PM. Details to follow!

Library hours are Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. Questions? Call the library at 518-283-0303.

Open Mon-Thu 9a-8p; Fri 10a-6p; Sat 10a-5p; Sun 1-5p. The drive-thru closes 15 min. before the library. We offer programs for adults, teens & kids. Register: https://events.eglibrary.org, call 518-477-7476, or stop in at 10 Community Way, E. Greenbush.

10/5, 1p: Cinema Society: Vertigo (1958) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak & Barbara Bel Geddes. Rated PG. Register.

10/7, 10a: In-person registration begins for The Great Greenbush Quest, a townwide clue hunt for all ages! Quest runs 10/7-10/29. For details, stop in or visit us online at https://bit.ly/GreenbushQuest_2023 or eglibrary.org.

10/8, 2p: Swing Era in the Capital District, 1935-1945. What did this Era look like in the Capital District? Join Michael Catoggio as he answers this <FZ,5,0,50>question. Register.

10/10, 3p: Viva La Vida! (Live Life) Frida Kahlo Workshop. October is Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrate the art of Mexico’s most famous female artist Frida Kahlo. Register.

10/13 (12-5), 10/14 (10-4) & 10/15 (11-3): Friends Fall Book Sale–Huge selection of books, media & puzzles for all ages at great prices!

10/13, 11-2p: EGPD Drug Take Back Day at the library. Accepting unused or expired medication for safe disposal. No needles or fluids accepted.

CPL is located at 85 S. Main St., Castleton, NY. All events are free. Questions? Call 518-732-0879.

Events & Take-Home Kit:

Take & Make: Monster Puppets – Kits available for pick-up 10/2 through 10/28 – Celebrate the spookiest time of the year with fun paper bag monster puppets you can make at home!

Pajama Storytime – Tue., 10/10, 6:00pm – Feel free to wear your pajamas or bring a stuffed animal friend to this evening storytime! Ages birth-8.

Cool Science: The Floating Ping Pong Ball – Wed., 10/11, 3:00–5:00pm – Make a ping pong ball float in the air using only a plastic straw and learn the science behind how it works!

Open Mic Night – Wed., 10/11, 6:00–8:00pm – Musicians & poets – come share your talents! If your instrument requires an amplifier, please bring one with you. All ages welcome to perform and to watch.

Learn & Play Storytime – Thu., 10/12, 10:30am – Children from birth to age 5 are invited to enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and movement while building their early literacy and motor skills!

Bridge Club – Fri., 10/13, 10:30am – Come play bridge with us! Geared toward beginners and players who need a refresher.

Free Halloween Costume Giveaway – Sat., 10/14, 10:00am–4:00pm – Browse a selection of donated Halloween costumes, wigs, masks, and accessories & pick out costumes to take home! Donations of clean, gently used items accepted through Thu., 10/12.

Friends of CPL Pasta Dinner Fundraiser – Sat., 10/14, 4:30-7:00pm – Pick-Up Location: Residence at 110 Green Avenue, Castleton, NY 12033. Enjoy a tasty dinner and support the library! Dinner is baked ziti with meatballs. All dinners come with salad, bread, and a brownie. Take out only — please preorder. Place your preorder and choose your pick-up time by visiting tinyurl.com/CPL-Pasta or by calling 518-466-8051.

SLT Library will be closed Monday, October 9 <FZ,6,0,50>for Indigenous Peoples Day.

Lego Club Tuesdays 3:30 – 6:00. We have the blocks, you supply the imagination!

Card-Making Tuesday, Oct 10 at 6:30pm. We’ll be making a seasonal card; no experience needed. Please call to register.

SLTL Storytime Wednesdays at 11am; 10/11 theme is Autumn.

Seasonal Tablerunner Wednesday, Oct 11 at 6:30pm OR Thursday, Oct. 12 at 1:30pm. Basic sewing skills helpful. Class limit is 5-6 adults. Call to register and get required materials list.

Bring Your Own Device Drop-in Tech Help on Wednesday Oct. 18, 11am – 12pm.

SLTL Board Meeting Thursday, Oct. 19 at 6:45pm.

Museum passes are available for The Clark, MASS MoCA, Hancock Shaker Village, Norman Rockwell Museum, & the Albany Institute of History and Art.

Check the Community Calendar at sandlaketownlibrary.org for events around town. Submit non-profit community events to info@nullsandlaketownlibrary.org with the subject “calendar.”

Located at 8428 Miller Hill Road, Averill Park. Hours: M-TH 11 – 8; F 11 – 4; Sat 10 – 2. Closed Monday, Oct.9. Call 518-674-5050 with questions or to register for programs.

Drop-in Tech Help: Wednesday October 4, from 2-3 PM. Bring your own device and get help from the CCE Digital Literacy Educator!

Hands Only CPR: Thursday October 12 at 6 PM. Be ready to save a life with this FREE 30 minute Red Cross class. Sign up required.

Friends of the Library Meeting: Thursday October 19 at 6 PM. New members welcome!

TAG (Teen Advisory Group) Thursday October 26 from 6-7 PM. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join the group and improve teen services. Community service hours may be given to participants if applicable.

Pumpkin Story-time: Tuesday October 31 at 3 PM. Children ages 2-8 are invited to this special story-time and craft all about pumpkins! Costumes welcome but not required. Please sign up!

Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East Street in Rensselaer, across from the train station. Call 518-462-1193 to sign up for programs.

You don’t want to miss this community affair that Connecting Point Church is hosting in our courtyard set in Medieval times. The Royal Fun Faire will be filled with a variety of games, activities, prizes, roaming minstrels, candy, and prandial (lunch). Admission is free! Lunch is free! Everything is free!

Let’s recapture some glory from the Dark Ages…bring the throngs with you. Fare thee well!

When: Saturday, October 28, 2023. Time: 12 noon – 4:00pm. Rain date: Sunday, October 29th, 2:00-6:00pm. Location: 568 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, in the Van Den Houten Square, across from Dunkin Donuts.

For more information, visit www.connectingpoint.church

Connecting Point Church is the friendly neighborhood church that endeavors to offer alternative ways of keeping your children safe on Halloween. Be sure to dress up!

North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) Announces “Planning for the Inevitable, A Discussion on Elder Law and Medicaid” with Phillip Tribble, Esq., on Wednesday, October 18 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

North Chatham, NY (September 18, 2023) Join us at the North Chatham Free Library for the 4th segment of our Death, Dying and Bereavement series entitled “Planning for the Inevitable – a Discussion on Elder Law and Medicaid” with Phillip Tribble, Esq., on Wednesday, October 18 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. This program is free of charge.

This program explores one of the priorities of dealing with the death of a parent or spouse – namely ensuring the preservation, protection and valued assets that have accumulated over a lifetime.

Typically, this is achieved through Wills and Trusts and the coordination of asset ownership and beneficiary designation while at the same time maximizing tax considerations.

A Trust is often suggested to help in dealing with nursing home planning – allowing you to retain income, control assets, and avoid probate, thereby reducing the time and cost to transfer assets.

Peace of mind can be found in the knowledge that a professional, compassionate, and knowledgeable attorney is assisting you and your family to navigate the transfer of your loved one’s valued assets.

Register to ensure a seat. RegisterNorthChathamLibrary@nullgmail.com.

This event is made possible by Live & Learn Committee with grateful thanks to the Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation for funding.

Debra L. Curtis, Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents that the Schodack Town Hall Offices and Highway Department will be closed on Monday, October 9, 2023 in observance of Columbus Day. The Schodack Town Hall Offices and Highway Department will resume its regular business hours on Tuesday, October 10, 2021.

The Transfer Station will have standard business hours.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Town Clerk at 518-477-7590, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.

A Rabies Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, October 14 at the Schodack Town Garage. You MUST register to participate. All information and registration is on our website: townofsandlake.us.

If you need assistance please call my office: 518-674-2026 Ext. 122 and we will assist you.

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets require all dogs to be licensed. Please obey the law.

Barbara Hansen, Town Clerk, bhansen@nullsand-lake.us.

TROY – Saint John’s is hosting its fourth annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 29, from 2:00pm until 4pm. Come bring kids of all ages to receive “treats” as they visit the elaborately-decorated “trunks” of cars, trucks, vans, parked in the parking lot of Saint John’s, directly across from the church. It promises to be a fun time for all, and a chance to enjoy the creativity of the trunks on display as well as the imagination of the children’s costumes.

Sunday in-person worship gathers at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The 8 a.m. spoken service follows a more ancient Eucharistic Rite in Elizabethan English. The 10 a.m. modern Eucharistic Rite is preceded by hymns on the tower chime and is both live-streamed and in-person. Hymns are accompanied on the regal pipe organ, and Communion music is often from contemporary repertoire. For more information about music at Saint John’s, be in touch with Tiffany Dzembo, Choir Director, at tdzembo@nullstjohnstroy.org. Coffee hour follows in the gym after the 10 a.m. service. Join us!

Sunday School has resumed! Children can draw near to God as they reflect on passages of Scripture and elements of liturgy in a hands-on curriculum, Sundays, starting at 9:15am. For information about this or upcoming events, including Trunk or Treat, be in touch with Gaby Gastelum, Children’s Christian Education Director, at ggastelum@nullstjohnstroy.org.

Our next food pantries, which include fresh produce, will be Saturday, October 7, from 10 until noon., and Saturday, November 4. All are welcome.

All activities are at 146 1st Street in Troy (518)274-5884. The Rector, the Rev. Judith Malionek, can be reached also at rev.jmalionek@nullstjohnstroy.org.

Stock up on jigsaw puzzles for your winter entertainment, at another huge sale of good condition used puzzles to benefit the Poestenkill Library. The friends of the library will offer hundreds of puzzles on the library lawn (9 Plank Road, 12140) on Saturday, October 21, from 9 – 12.

The rain date will be Sunday, October 22. Come right at the start to get your first choices of puzzles by Wysocki, Pomegranate, White Mountain, Ravensburger, Hometown, and many other good brands.

Puzzles will be displayed by number of pieces. Prices are $6 for 1000 pieces, $4 for 500 to 1000 pieces, and $2 for fewer than 500 pieces. For more information about the puzzle sale contact Marcia at 518-283-5353 after October 8. This year the Library Friends will also offer selected crafting materials alongside the puzzle sale, including premium yarns and knitting accessories.

Local author, Jim Flanigan, will give a presentation as part of the Authors Series at the Sand Lake <FZ,7,0,50>Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 19th at 7:00 PM.

Flanigan is the author of three books, “Up From Second Street”, “The Great 2020 Paper Chase” and “ People, Places and Politics”. His writings draw from his early years in South Troy, growing up in Wynantskill, his work with people with disabilities and his 24 years as an elected official.

Flanigan’s memoirs include the New Year’s Day flood in South Troy, the day the Wynantskill School burned down, the murder trial of a fellow Town Board member, the development of the Rensselaer Technology Park, the fight against a casino in East Greenbush, the search for toilet paper during the pandemic and the account of a native of Wynantskill who played a key role in the release of the Iranian hostages.

He also has written about travels to Italy, Alaska, Ireland and a fire tower in Idaho.

The event is free and Flanigan will be available for signing copies of his books.

The Sand Lake Center for the Arts is located at 2880 NY Route 43 in Avril Park.

October 29th, 2023 the Meeting for the Capital District Chapter Columbiettes will be held at St. Isaac Jogues Knights of Columbus Council #11428, at Sacred Heart Church Parish Center, 53 Mohican Street, Lake George, N.Y. 12845. (Directions; Northway I -87 North to Exit 21, take a right off the exit then a left at traffic light, follow signs to Rt. 9 North to Lake George, just past the Fort William Henry Hotel take a left on Mohican St. continue to the Parish Center).

An Initiation Ceremony for New Columbiette Members will precede the Chapter Meeting! Capital District Chapter President, Linda Cotch, will preside!

New Grief Support Group

This monthly, one-hour group is a safe, welcoming, and judgement-free place where people who have recently experienced a loss (death of loved one, loss of job, pet, friendship, marriage, or home, children who left for college, to name a few) can come together to share their struggles and learn some coping skills. This group will provide emotional support, validation, and education about grief, helping you feel less alone.

This new group will be led by Camie Engel, who holds a master’s degree in Grief Counseling from Regent University of Virginia Beach, VA. Her monthly column in “Our Towne” magazine, “Good Grief with Camie”, is written to be a window into the often confusing and painful topics of grief and loss. Having experienced life-altering losses of her own, she had a passion to get more educated and trained to help others.

Join us when you are ready, the next meeting will be on Thursday, October 26th at 6pm at Hope Lutheran Church in North Greenbush.

Feel free to reach out to Lois with any questions – Lois.Batsios@nullGmail.com.

Community Caregivers, a nonprofit agency, continues to expand in Rensselaer County! We have over 60 clients but not enough volunteers to serve these nice people. Are you looking to help someone in your community remain living independently with a little assistance from you? We need your help! Our volunteers can take someone to the doctors, grocery or other errands as well as visiting and calling. We have a simple orientation process and we work around volunteer’s schedules. Call Heidi Buono, Rensselaer County Service Coordinator, at (518)925-8794 or Izzy Abrams at (518) 456-2898 to receive information on volunteering. We have also paired with AmeriCorps to provide older volunteers with stipends based on their income and hours. To learn more or donate to our agency, see Community Caregivers.org.

Grafton Senior Center

Everett Wagar Senior Center. Phone 518-279-3413.

Congregate meals or grab and go 12:00 every Tuesday & Thursday. Monday& Friday at 10:00 Low impact Chair Yoga. Tuesdays 10:00 Bocce (weather permitting).

October 9 – center closed. October 10 – Grafton Senior Meeting 10:00.

Haircuts/mani/pedi’s by appt only. Birthday Celebration w/Trivia contest 12:30. Lunch at noon : Chicken Parmesan.

October 11- Legal Aid by appointment only. October 12th Lunch is BBQ Chicken Salad Cold Plate. October 16 – Medicare Monday 9:00- 12:00 appointment needed.

October 17 – Eat Smart Demo at 11:00. October 18 – Merry Makers Meeting 5:30pm bring beverage/dessert to share. 6:15 meeting.

Friday, October 1st is our next business meeting at l:00 pm at the firehouse.

Saturday, October 7th is our bake sale. If you can’t help out, you can bring your baked goods to the meeting on Friday. We will need help getting tables set up and people to help sell the baked goods. Let us know on Friday.

Tuesday, October 10th is the trip to the Log Cabin for Octoberfest. Cost is $70 per person. If you would like to go on this trip, please contact Mary to reserve your seat on the bus.

Friday, October 20th will be a catered Halloween luncheon. We would love to see you come in costumes. Prizes will be awarded.

Join us at the Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center as we enjoy a afternoon with Donny Elvis. Donny is the #1 Tribute Artist in the area for many years. Lunch will be Veal Parmesan w/pasta, vegetable and desert. When Donny Elvis is with us its always a memorable experience. Reservations are needed to enjoy the show. Call early we want to accommodate all. If you make a reservation and something comes up please call to cancel so we can offer the seat to someone else. Call Today (518) 463-2166. We are open from 9am to 3pm Monday thru Friday. We are located on East and Herrick streets in Rensselaer across the street from the Amtrak Train Station.

Bring your bag and have some fun! We have great finds due to the generosity of your wonderful people that have donated to our little boutique. We are open 9am to 3pm and close 12 to 12:30 to serve lunch. Come shop and stay for lunch with a reservation. As you turn your closet from summer to winter please continue to think of us with your donation. For more information or to make a lunch reservation or a donation give us a call at Call (518) 463-2166. We are open from 9am to 3pm Monday thru Friday. We are located on East and Herrick Streets in Rensselaer across the street from the Amtrak Train Station.

The Sand Lake Seniors have put together a 3 days/2nights trip to Niagara Falls, Canadian side for Oct 16th through the 18th.

A valid ENHANCED Driver’s License or a current PASSPORT is required. We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Fallsview which is across the street from the Fallsview Casino (Bonus $35/pp).

Two breakfasts and 2 dinners are included one of which is at the Skylon Tower. Enjoy the 20 minute Hornblower Cruise of the Falls! There is a guided full day tour of historic Niagara on the Lake where you can lunch on your own followed by a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

A ride on the Skywheel prior to departure for home as well as a Duty Free stop at the border.

All taxes, meal and driver gratuities are included in the price: $509/pp/DBL, $639/pp/SNG, $499/pp/TPL. Contact Bette Bieg 518-663-8292 for reservations or questions.

The Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society will be presenting its 2023 Club Show in partnership with the Albany Center Gallery on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from noon to 5 PM <FZ,8,0,50>and Sunday October 8, 2023 from noon to 4 PM. There will be Bonsai trees of different species in various stages of development on display as well as demonstrations of Bonsai techniques, opportunities to ask questions, and sales. Admission is free on both days and will pair with the gallery’s annual photography show.

The Albany Center Gallery is located at 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany, NY. The Mohawk Hudson Bonsai Society was formed in 1968 with the purpose of generating interest and engagement in the art of Bonsai by offering education and events for its members and the public.

The Albany Center Gallery is located at 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany, NY. It is a non-profit organization that encourages community appreciation of art by promoting and exhibiting works produced by the region’s emerging and established artists.

For more information please visit https://mohawkhudsonbonsai.org/ or contact us at mohawkhudsonbonsai@nullgmail.com.

VFW Post 7338, East Greenbush, located at 100 Hayes Road, is available to handle all of your family gatherings/activities, whether inside or outside!

We can be your 1st choice for Weddings, Showers, Anniversaries, Holiday Parties, High School Graduations, Club Meetings, get-togethers for families and friends or a quiet place to have a Celebration of Life of a loved one that passed.

We have a seating capacity for 125 people! We also have an Outdoor Pavilion which can accommodate any size party or gathering, along with a large outside Barbeque Pit! We offer reasonable rates and appreciate your business! As everyone knows we offer a Delicious Pancake Breakfast, usually on the 3rd Sunday of every month!

Donations are always welcome and very much appreciated!

Please contact us by emailing us at VFWpost7338@nullgmail.com or calling Ginny at 518-479-0767 and leave a message with your name, number and your request. She will return your call ASAP. (We do not have a person at the Post to return calls.) Thank you for your support!

Girl Scouts is wonderful organization in our local community! Most girls participate in troops in which they plan and carry out different activities. These activities can be based on badges, journeys (bigger projects), service projects (ex. Collecting items for people, making items for others), or just for fun activities. Troops usually meet once every 2 weeks.

The younger troops tend to focus more on badge work. The middle school troops and high school level troops tend to focus more on travel and fun activities.

Girl Scouts is for all girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our neighborhood supports girls attending all Troy and Lansingburgh Schools. These include Turnpike Elementary, Rensselaer Park Elementary, School 2, School 14, School 16, School 18, Carroll Hill, Troy Middle School, Troy High School, Troy Community School, Knickerbacker Middle School, and Lansingburgh High School.

There will be an interest meeting at the Lansingburgh Boys and Girl Club on Wednesday, October 11th from 6 to 7pm.

Please contact Jennifer DeMarco at jennifer_demarco@nullhotmail.com for more information.

Troy Public Library (Main) is located at 100 2nd Street, Troy, NY. The Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27 114th Street, Troy, NY. Cafe Euphoria is located at 225 River St, Troy, NY.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration may be required and is designated with an “RR.” Call (518) 274-7071 with any questions or to register.

Kid’s Yoga – Monday, Oct. 9, 1:00 pm (Main) Come to Main for yoga with instructor Allie! Bring a mat if you have one. Ages 7-12.

Chair Yoga – Monday, Oct. 9, 1pm (Lansingburgh) A class that is focused on a gentler style of hatha yoga practice. It is performed using a chair for balance and support. RR

Adult Craft Monday: Acrylic Miniature Paintings – Monday, Oct. 9, 5:30 p.m. (Main) Join the library and super talented local artist Kayla Jolin for an acrylic miniature painting class! RR

Winterizing your Garden featuring Seed Harvesting tips with Rich Daley – Tuesday, Oct. 10, 4pm (Lansingburgh) As the gardening season winds down and winter approaches, this workshop will focus on preparing our growing spaces for the colder months ahead!

Feral Hues: A Natural Paint-Making Demo – Wednesday, Oct. 11, 5pm (Lansingburgh) Join artist Ellie Irons for a hands-on workshop creating watercolor paints from locally sourced wild and weedy plants. RR

Storytime Learn and Play – Thursday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:15 am (Main) Join us for your child’s enrichment through stories, song, movement, and play! Ages 0 to 5 with caregiver.

Microsoft Excel Basics Part 1 – Thursday, Oct. 12, 2:00 p.m. (Main) Join us at the library to learn the ins and outs of Microsoft Excel. RR

DIY Candles with T&J Soap! – Thursday, Oct. 12, 6:00 p.m. (Main) Join the library and owner of T&J soap, Theresa Van Duyne, for a candle-making class! RR

Tutor Time with RPI – Saturday, Oct. 14, 10:30am to 3:30pm (Lansingburgh) Tutor Time is intended to help children learn and be academically successful. For grades PreK-12. RR

Are you a Veteran?

VFW Post 7338, East Greenbush, at 100 Hayes Road is extending an invitation to all veterans in the community!

If you are a veteran, you are invited to visit our Post to see if you are qualified to be a member of this great organization here in our local community! If you are a veteran, and looking to contribute to your community, this is the place to be! We are open and have been for some time! We invite you to be a member of the world’s largest veteran organization!

Joining the VFW as a Life Member or as an ongoing Member can also make your family members eligible to join our VFW auxiliary. If you are already a Veteran, they are eligible to join the Auxiliary We need new members of our Post to help run our Post properly, and to continue to help YOU, our veterans, your families and our community. We want to continue to administer the many programs that will help us to keep our East Greenbush VFW post active for many years to come. Please consider joining our organization.

We have monthly Pancake Breakfasts, usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month! (Except July and August). Every month or so we are planning additional dinners alternating between either a Chicken Bake, Spaghetti or Roast Beef. Recently, we just had a successful “Night at the Club” with light fare, music provided by a DJ and dancing. We are open to the public and offer our hall for your meeting or family affair! We have a seating capacity for 125 people! We can be your 1st choice for Weddings, Baby Showers, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Get-togethers for families and friends or a quiet place to have a Celebration of Life of a loved one that has passed. We offer reasonable rates and can accommodate your wishes!

Please contact us by emailing us at VFWpost7338@nullgmail.com or calling 518-477-7770 and leave a message with your name and number. Your message will be forwarded to another number which is checked every day. Your tel. call will be returned.

Several Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County 4-H members had their outstanding projects that were entered at the 2023 Schaghticoke Fair selected for the 2024 New York State Fair.

The following 4-H members’ projects were selected:

Emilee Roadcap (Troy) Recycled Tire Game Board, Photograph; Owen Campanella (Johnsonville) Decorative Skull, Wooden Flag, Photograph; Thomas Colarossi (Melrose) Woodworking, Photograph; Carlo Colarossi (Melrose) Woodworking, Cranberry Orange Shortbread; Glendora Kilmer (Troy) Knitted Hat, Painting, Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, Tye Dye Shirt, Apple Bread, Decorated Cookies; Lillian Sliwinski (Waterford); Tye Dye Dress; Sydney Valcik (Buskirk) Fabric Painting, Painting; Luke Giglio (Petersburgh) Knitted Scarf, Recycled Guitar; Brett Giglio (Petesburgh) Painting; Pyper Bliss Rafferty (Johnsonville) Decorated Flower Pot; Lily Bell Ellis (Troy) Recycled Book; Kara Allen (Wynantskill) Paintings; Brice Retell (Troy) Wooden Coasters, Creative Framing; MacKenzie Diamond (Wynantskill) Painted Stone Decoration; Wesley Brownell (Buskirk) Pumpkin Muffins; Daylynn Byas (Averill Park) Banana Bread; Amellia Pello (Hoosick Falls) Recycled Mittens; and Lucy Haynes (Hoosick Falls) Recycled Mittens.

Fair exhibits have been an important part of the 4-H Youth Development Educational Program for over 100 years. Research shows that when youth strive toward mastery and have a growth mindset they will put in extra time and effort leading to higher achievement.

It’s exciting for 4-H members to showcase what they have learned; and in return they learn important things about their projects and themselves by going through the evaluation process and learning how to make their best better!

For more information about the Rensselaer County 4-H program, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County 4-H at 518-272-4210.

The Everybody WINS! Power Lunch program needs volunteer reading mentors at elementary schools in Troy for the 2023-2024 school year. The required one-hour training for the program will be held on Wednesday, October 11 from 1-2:30 PM at Hart Hall (3rd floor) on the Troy Russell Sage campus. Pre-registration is required. Please phone (518) 244-4650 or email litvoldirector@nullaol.com to reserve a place or to get more information.

Everybody Wins! Power Lunch is an innovative reading and mentoring program that improves children’s prospects for success in school and in life. Once a week, Power Lunch pairs elementary school children with adult reading mentors who book aloud to a child while the child eats lunch.

“Children who develop a love of reading are on their way to becoming lifelong learners,” says Nancy Benz, Executive Director of LVORC. “Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County provides a wide range of programs and services to promote literacy in the Capital Region. The Power Lunch program is a great way to engage volunteers in building a more literate community.”

LVORC provides free, confidential tutoring to adults in Rensselaer County and Albany County. Since 1968, we have trained volunteers to help learners to improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand English; empowered our learners to be advocates for themselves; and educated the community about literacy issues. We also offer math, computer, and financial literacy; English Literacy Civics and citizenship prep.

New volunteers are always welcome. Call (518) 244-4650 or visit www.lvorc.org for more information.

Veterans Launch Wreaths Across America drive

A committee of five war veterans has launched a new Wreaths Across America drive to commemorate veterans buried in three Rensselaer County cemeteries.

Retired Army Col. John Brownrigg, a Vietnam War veteran, committee chairman, and his helpers Paul Glasser Sr., Navy Seabee veterans of the Vietnam War, Bill Glasser, an Army veteran of the Korean War, Paul Glasser Jr., a Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War, and Dave Barnum, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, are promoting the sposnorship of wreaths through the national Wreaths Across America organization at $17 each.

“The Veterans of Sand Lake and its Averill Park Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts have been sanctioned to put Wreaths Across America wreaths on veterans’ graves,” said Brownrigg. “Our objective is to place a wreath on each of the veterans’ graves in Elmwood Cemetery in West Sand Lake, St. Henry’s Cemetery in Averill Park and the Sand Lake Union Cemetery.

The decorative wreaths will be placed on those graves of veterans who fought in the Revolutionary War through the present.

“The goal of Veterans of Sand Lake is to support efforts that help unify our community and celebrate our freedom by thanking the 675 veterans that rest in these cemeteries with the placement of live, balsam, veteran’s wreath,” he added

The wreaths will be placed on the graves on National Wreaths Across America Day Dec. 16 to remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach the next generation the value of freedom, Brownrigg added.

So, when families and friends who visit the gravesites will see grave decorated during the Christmas holidays as a way to let the visitors know the fallen are not forgotten for service to our country, he said.

Veterans of Sand Lake will receive $5 for the sponsorship of each wreath, according to Brownrigg.

That money will benefit veterans programs, homeless veterans, the Fischer House in Albany, employment transition programs and Averill Park High School scholarships.

To sponsor a wreath online, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/NYO463P. For more information, contact John Brownrigg at (518) 281-7090 or jbrownrigg2015@nullgmail.com.

“Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded and to expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Main businessman Morrill Worchester in 1992,” said Sean Sullivan, WAA spokesman. “The effort has expanded to more than 3,700 locations in 50 states.”

Scheduled for Tuesday, October 17th

Albany, NY – The Capital District Women’s Employment and Resource Center (WERC) is excited to announce that WERC’s 2023 Constellation Building Event: Recharge Your Light From Within So We Can Shine Brighter Together will be held on Tuesday October 17, 2023 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick Street, Troy.

The Capital District Women’s Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is thrilled to host a special luncheon program, featuring two remarkable individuals renowned for their dedication for empowering women and fostering well-being through the magic of laughter.

We are honored to introduce this year’s distinguished guests: Benita Zahn, a certified health and wellness coach, motivational speaker, podcaster, and journalist, alongside Jennifer McMullen, a seasoned human resources professional with a talent for comedy. Together, they will lead a program crafted to deliver a refreshing and uplifting experience, brimming with light-hearted camaraderie.

Proceeds from this luncheon event will provide support for WERC’s Programs and Students. Tickets are $65 per person. All are welcome to attend. Chances to win incredible prize giveaways are also on sale to raise additional funds.

For more details on the event, information about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit: http://cdwerc.org.

Retired U. S. Magistrate Judge Randolph F. Treece and Rensselaer County and City of Troy Historian Kathy Sheehan will each be honored by the Rensselaer County Bar Association with this year’s E. Stewart Jones Award at a dinner to be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Franklin Plaza in Troy. The Jones Award, according to Hon. Edward O. Spain, co-chair of the dinner committee, is named in honor of the late E. Stewart Jones, Sr., legendary criminal defense and personal injury attorney. This year’s recipients are “most deserving of this prestigious award,” according to Jaime B. Thomas, Esq., President of the Bar Association. “Each of them, in their own way, has been a fine example in their leadership and service to our community and beyond.” All proceeds from this annual event will support the ongoing restoration and preservation of the photos and oil on canvass portraits of the attorneys, judges and prominent community leaders of the past that have graced the inside walls of the Rensselaer County Courthouse. At the time the building was renovated and restored, many of these treasures were in serious disrepair and badly in need of preservation. To date, with funds previously raised, 24 pieces in the collection of more than 30 pictures have been cleaned, repaired, restored and returned to the walls of our historic courthouse. This year the newly restored C.P. Newell portrait of prominent Troy lawyer and Assembly Speaker Charles E. Patterson (1842-1913) will be unveiled at the dinner. Prior to the dinner, those attending will be invited to a tour of the courthouse. For more information and reservations, call (518) 948-1639.

We serve low-income individuals and families in and around the Poestenkill area. Open on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. We offer a once-a-month three-day supply of food and non-food items of your choosing. We also carry wipes and diapers for infants and toddlers up to size six.

On a second monthly visit, we offer a partial food request of eggs, bread, milk card and fresh produce available plus a free extras table for you to choose from.

We invite you to come and check out what we offer and take home a supply of food to help your food dollars go further. We are located at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 776 Rt. 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140. Any questions, call (518) 283-6045 and leave your name and phone number. Come and visit us.

Help Support Local Charities – St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus has teamed up with 6 Center Redemption located at 461 Main Avenue in Wynantskill to accept bottle and can donations that have a NYS deposit.

This is to support local charities and those in need.

• Bring your clean, NYS deposit empties to 6 Center Redemption in Wynantskill.

• Say they are to support the St. Jude the Apostle Knights of Columbus.

• They do the rest, that’s it! Thank you for your support!