Your Community 11.09.23

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas might be a bit too early and we don’t want to rush Fall. Plans are well underway for our annual Town of North Greenbush Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd. Each year the parade gets bigger and this year, we want it to be our most spectacular yet.

So, if you are interested in participating in the parade with a beautifully decorated float, tractor, old fashioned car, vehicle or boat, walk with your business or would like to be a sponsor of the event, please contact Deputy Supervisor Kelly Hoffman or Councilwoman Jessica Merola at (518) 283-5313, Ext 5.

We will have cookies, hot chocolate, a Christmas T-shirt give aways and a beautiful opportunity to purchase our first ever Town of North Greenbush Christmas ornament.

At the conclusion of the parade, our annual Starry Night Memorial Christmas Tree event will start with our choir of angels singing, reading of the names and lighting of the beautiful trees.

It’s a touching ceremony that has become so very popular and meaningful.

We couldn’t end the night without seeing SANTA! Bring your list of things you want to ask as we know the children in North Greenbush are always on the good list. Please sign up soon!

Sand Lake Town Historian Bob Moore will present a retrospective on the bygone days of Averill Park before the Sand Lake Historical Society Tuesday, November 14th, at 7:00 PM. A lot has changed in the past one-hundred years – and much looks the same too. Come, find out more!

Bob’s program also will include his annual update on what’s been happening in the town historian’s office. There will be brief reports on SLHS’s efforts to save the historic 1873 West Sand Lake Firehouse and on plans for our 50th Anniversary.

November’s program will be held at Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY 66, Averill Park, beginning at 7PM. 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!

Attention Nassau Residents! Please mark your calendar now! BSA Troop 2166 of Nassau Food Drive Saturday, November 11.

BSA Troop 2166 of Nassau is participating in the Scouting for Food Drive. Our goal is to collect as many items of unexpired non-perishable food as possible to help our hungry neighbors.

The need is greater now than ever! Over 100 local families will directly benefit from your contributions.

Donations may be dropped off on Saturday, November 11, from 9am-2pm at our COVID-SAFE drive-thru drop-off location: Nassau Village Commons Pavilion, John St. (next to Post Office). Scouts will be available to remove donations from your car. Please have donations in bags or boxes in your trunk. Please help if you can! Thank you for your support!

Did you ever see a neighbor move out but continued to see their cat? It happens more than you could believe. One morning a very pregnant cat shows up at your door crying for food and shelter? For the months of November and December the Rensselaer County Senior Center will be collecting cat food for the abandoned cats in Rensselaer and surrounding areas. This is a major problem in the city and surrounding area and we are going into a very bad time of the year. Please help save a life, and as Bob Barker use to close the show with every day, “Please Have Your Pets Spayed Or Neutered”. For more information call (518) 463-2166. We are open 9am to 3pm Monday thru Friday. We are located across the street from the Amtrak Train station in Rensselaer.

Please be informed that the Town of North Greenbush town offices will be closed on Friday November 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. We will reopen, on Monday, November 13, 2023 and will resume our regular business hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Thank you and enjoy your Veterans Day and continue to stay healthy and safe.

Now through November 15th the Friends of the Poestenkill Library are sponsoring a drawing for a Thanksgiving Dinner Basket. It includes everything you’ll need to cook up a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner, including a farm fresh turkey generously donated by Grab Farm! Very special thanks to the Grab family for their generosity. (Winner will need to arrange to pick up their fresh turkey directly from Grab Farm.)

The basket includes stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, instant potatoes, all the ingredients for green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole. This year a homemade pumpkin pie will also be included. No need to make it yourself. Just pick it up at the library on Tuesday, November 21. Tickets are on sale at the circulation desk now for just $2 each or 3 for $5. One lucky winner will be drawn on Thursday, November 15. Good luck!

Hyde Park on the Hudson River is the location of ” Springwood ” – the lifelong home of FDR, our 32nd President of the U.S. He was born and he died there, it was the center of FDR’s life at all stages of his career.

Join the Greenbush Historical Society and Jeffrey Urbin on November 19, 2 PM, at the East Greenbush Library to hear about the Roosevelt’s and their Christmas traditions. What was Christmas like during the dark times of the Great Depression and World War II ? How did this compare to Christmas at the White House rather than Hyde Park?

Jeffrey Urbin, an Educational Specialist at the Presidential Library and Museum, will answer these questions and more at this informative program. The historical society meeting is free and open to all, however, seating is limited. Please register with the East Greenbush Library at 518 477 7476 to join us.

Join us from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, November 11th for our annual holiday bazaar at 741 Taborton Road, Sand Lake, for many of your holiday needs, including holiday décor & gifts, Christmas wrapping paper, cards, and supplies. Visit our baked goods table, children’s craft table and enjoy our homemade soups, sandwiches, hotdogs & apple crisp and ice cream for desert. Raffle items include gift certificates to local businesses and a homemade quilt.

St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Wynantskill will be hosting a Liturgical Celebration of Veterans Day on Friday November 10, 2023 at 9:00 am in the Church. This service will honor veterans, living or deceased, who are currently serving or who have served in the various branches of the military in the United States or Allied Forces. The Mass will be concelebrated by Pastor Rev. Patrick Rice and retired Air Force Chaplain Colonel Edward Deimeke. All are welcome.

Our next East Side Meeting will be on the second Tuesday of the month, November 14th, 1 PM at the American Legion in Wynantskill. We start with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by our meeting. We are having a Guest Speaker, State Trooper Steve Rothwein, to talk on the topic of Scammers. Our next upcoming event will be December 12th, the Christmas Luncheon. Any questions contact, Lynne Gould 518-650-6829.

The Van Rensselaer Garden Club (VRGC) has announced that it will award two (2) scholarships this year, each in the amount of $1,000, to Rensselaer County residents.

The purpose of the scholarships is to facilitate and advance horticulture and related studies for residents of Rensselaer County.

The scholarship is named in honor of Nina Pattison, a vital member of the VRGC from 1989 to 2019 and was very involved in community life in Troy and surrounding communities.

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she served as a role model for many. Nina was a Master Gardener and one of the founders of the annual Troy Hidden Garden Tour that benefits Prospect Park.

A life-long learner, Nina enriched herself continuously through new experiences and educational opportunities.

One (1) $1,000 scholarship for educational expenses will be awarded to a graduating Rensselaer County High School student who intends to study horticulture, environmental science or a related field at an institution of higher learning.

The other $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Rensselaer County resident who demonstrates financial assistance need for continuing education, master gardener certification, landscape design, horticulture or any related field.

Applications are available by emailing vrgcgrows22@nullgmail.com. The deadline for submission is May 31, 2024. Award recipients will be notified on June 30, 2024.

Each recipient will submit a written report to VRGC detailing his/her experience and make a brief presentation to the VRGC at one of its regularly scheduled meetings.

The Sand Lake Town Library Friends would like to thank the community for your support this fall.

Book and puzzle donations helped us have a successful Book and Puzzle Sale at the library during the Townwide Garage Sale in September.

Thank you to those who donated or shopped that day…mark your calendars for June 29th, the tentative date for the summer Book Sale. Friend Pat Wager lent her talents to teach crafting and sewing workshops in early October. (Please let us know if you have an idea for future craft or sewing workshops.)

Our Pumpkin Decorating Event was a lot of fun for kids and their families.

It was great to see their creativity shine! This event was made better with donations from Hannaford, Shop Rite and Windy Hill Orchard.

Thank you one and all, enjoy the fall – we’ve got more in store for the winter months so keep an eye out for our articles, flyers at the library and on Facebook.

The SLTL Friends are a group of readers who care about the library and are committed to keeping it vibrant. We meet the 4th Tuesday of every month, but you don’t have to attend our meetings to join us.

Find out more by emailing sltlfriends@nullgmail.com or clicking our link on the SLTL website.

Pre-K Lottery Applications are now available. Please submit an application to be considered in a random lottery to determine seats in our 2024-25 Pre-K class by visiting our website at wynantskillufsd.org

Jason Comet, organist and teacher, will be at Hope UMC (566 Brunswick Road, Troy) on Sunday afternoon, November 12th, to present a recital of organ music laced with hymns and patriotic tunes beginning at 5:00 p.m. Prior to the concert Hope UMC will host a community pot-luck dinner beginning at 3:45 p.m. It is our intent this year to fill the church for this wonderfully moving and fun event.

If you are a veteran, or have ties to a veteran’s group, let them know that all are invited. We would like to see all branches of the Armed forces represented so they can be honored for their service and the service of all who are presently serving.

There will be a free will offering to cover the expenses of the organist who “wowed” us last year by making our beautiful organ sing.

Please mark your calendars for this amazing time of singing and listening for the men and women who have and continue to keep our country free.

For information and to let us know your coming call 518/779-2553.

The Friends of Dyken Pond are holding their annual wreath fundraiser. We’re looking for a few elves, also known as volunteers, who’d like to get into the holiday spirit and help us decorate the wreaths on Saturday, November 18 from 9am – noon. We buy the wreaths already made and volunteers decorate the wreaths with pine cones, bows, berries and an ornament.

We supply brunch: snacks, juice, coffee and camaraderie. Would you like to help out? It’s a fun way to help with our fundraiser. Please preregister (so we know how much food to have on hand) by contacting the Center at: jp844@nullcornell.edu or 518 658-2055.

Location: Roxborough Holdings (former Grafton Elementary School), 13 Babcock Lake Rd., Petersburg, NY (corner of Babcock Lake Rd & Rte 2)

If you haven’t ordered your wreath yet, the deadline is Sunday, November 12 and you can take it home with you at the end of the morning. Visit www.dykenpond.org to order wreaths.

This year once again we will be holding our Cookie Contest, held at the Hoags Corners Volunteer Firehouse located at 7237 Route 66 in East Nassau on Sunday, November 19 from 1 to 4 PM. This is an afternoon of local entertainment, with auctions, free ice cream sundaes, wonderful cookies, and a chance to visit with your neighbors.

Prize for First Place winning cookie be $100 cash with $50 each for Second and Third Place winners. Entry form to submit your cookie for the contest can be obtained on the village website.

Please support this community event which also highlights neighborhood businesses for their donations. Proceeds from this event will be used for Village projects and charities. For further information or an entry form, contact Diane Maguire the Village Clerk at (518) 766-5811.

1. Sand Lake will be holding their 11th Annual Holiday Parade, Friday, December 1st at 7:00. The Parade route will run <FZ,3,0,60>from Miller Hill School to Gettle Road, ending at Butler Park. All information and Applications to enter a float or vehicle in the Parade are available at the Town’s website: townofsand.us. Inquiries can be directed to Councilman Glasser at pglasser@nullsand-lake.us.

2. DEC has re-opened the DMP program (doe permits) in certain designated areas. It’s on a first come, first served basis and the supply is limited. Call my office for details.

3. DEC has designated Veterans Day as a free fishing. Fishing licenses are not required that day.

4. 2024 Convenience Facility Permits are available in the Town Clerk’s Office and will cover the rest of 2023 and all of 2024. Cost is $30.00 if you are under 60 and $20.00 if anyone in the household is over 60 years of age.

5. There will be a ceremony honoring our Veterans at the Veterans Park, Saturday, November 11th, at 11:00 am. In case of rain, it will be held in the High School.

Respectfully submitted: Barbara Hansen, Town Clerk.

6. Military Banner Program. I will be accepting Applications for Military Banners again after the 1st of the year. More to come about at a later date.

Any questions please call me at 518-674-2026 Ext. 122 and I will do my best to answer them.

Here is something that your community center – the SHAC Center at 27 Lake Ave in Averill Park – is now offering – Chair Yoga! This is great for those that need a less strenuous workout – maybe a senior citizen, someone just starting an exercise program or someone who has difficulties with full yoga programs but wants to get in a workout!

Sign up per class! https://shaccenter.org/ols/products/wholehearted-yoga-drop-in – and while you are there check out all of the fall course offerings!

Practicing chair yoga can: Increase balance and flexibility. Maintaining balance and flexibility is critical for health and well-being.

Improve muscle tone and strength.. Boost your mood and mental well-being. Help manage chronic conditions. Reduce chronic pain.

This course will focus on gentle to moderate yoga sequences and breathwork with no previous yoga experience necessary. This supportive, slow-paced series will focus on connecting breath and movement. We strive to provide yoga classes in a safe, non-competitive environment for everyone. It is highly recommended that you consult with your medical provider before participating in any physical activity. Please wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move around in and also bring some water. Chairs, mats, props and blankets will be provided for those who wish to use them.

Instructor Jen Glasser is a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and a Certified Women’s Holistic Health Coach.

For more information please contact Joe Behson at jbehson@nullnycap.rr.com or 518.527.9685.

The Friends of the Troy Public Library and Market Block Books in Troy are co-sponsoring a benefit for the Troy Public Library. The shopping event will take place on Sunday, November 19 from 11-3:00.

20% of all sales on that day will benefit the Troy Public Library. Customers can also purchase books from The Library’s list on that day and have their gift count twice. Come join us for this special event. Market Block Books is at 290 River Street, Troy.

There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive here at our church on Tuesday, November 14. They are scheduling both “blood” and “power red” donations.

You can add your name to the list of donors by contacting the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcroswsblood.org use sponsor code:egumc.

HOLIDAY COFFEE HOUSE The Mistress of Chatter says, “SAVE THE DATE”.

The Holiday Coffee House will be held Friday, November 17 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

We have a talented roster of performers, delicious snacks, and our enthusiastic audience. Contributions at entry help support struggling families in our community.

Hope to see you there. 1 Gilligan Rd., East Greenbush.

On November 15 at 6 PM, meet bestselling author Catherine Bruns and learn about her cozy mysteries, like her latest, “Syrup to No Good.”

Please call 518-462-1193 to sign up. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East Street in Rensselaer. More info at Rensselaerlibrary.org.

Off-Broadway Players performed their fall production of “Scariest Play – Ever!” last week.

More than 45 students were involved in acting and tech roles to bring this play to life, and they did an amazing job. Bravo, everyone!

Friday, November 10 is Veterans Day. Thank you to all of our veterans, both past and present, for your service. We appreciate every one of you!

As a reminder, the Averill Park Education Foundation is holding its annual gala on Friday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. at The Old Daley on Crooked Lake. Register through the APEF website or visit https://tinyurl.com/2023GalaRegistration.

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

18” Wreath Decorated with a hand-made Dyken Pond collectible ornament, pine cones, berries, and a red bow for just $30. Fundraiser for FRIENDS OF THE DYKEN POND CENTER. Proceeds from sales are used to support Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center’s activities, such as scholarships for school field trips and trail improvements.

Larger wreath sizes available. Pre-Order sale. Multiple days and locations for wreath pick-up. Order by 11/12. Orders and more info available at www.dykenpond.org, wreaths@nulldykenpond.org or (518) 658-2055. Wreaths make great holiday gifts!

Join Donny Elvis & The Rennselaer Senior Center on Wednesday, Dec 6th. Bus leaves Yankee Trails at 9am.

First stop The USS Chowder Pot III for a great meal. Choice of Baked Stuffed Shrimp, Prime Rib, Baked Stuffed Chicken or Vegetarian.

Then off to Ivoryton Playhouse for the actual studio meeting of four rock and roll legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis before their careers skyrocketed.

Call Gloria for more info we are open 9am-3pm Monday Thru Friday Call (518) 463-2166.

We are located on East and Herrick Streets in Rensselaer across from the Amtrak Train Station.

We are offering to provide a one-time supplemental winter fuel payment assist to Poestenkill residents who are experiencing great difficulty in heating their home. To qualify for consideration you must be a Poestenkill resident living within the Town of Poestenkill who has applied to HEAP but be denied because your income put you above their cut-off limit.

Applications and info letter are available at the Poestenkill Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Poestenkill Baptist Church, Union Gospel Church, Poestenkill Christian Church, Poestenkill Town Hall and the Poestenkill Library. You may download the Application at www.evangelicallutheranchurch.wordexpress.com or call 518-283-6045 to leave a request. Please include your HEAP Denial Letter with your application. Strict confidentiality will be maintained.

This program is coordinated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church Poestenkill (ELCP). Donations are also most gratefully accepted.

Tax deductible donation checks are to be made payable to “ELCP” with “Heating Assistance” placed in the memo section and mailed to ELCP, P.O. Box 167, Poestenkill, NY 12140.

We are Poestenkill residents caring for fellow Poestenkill residents in their time of need. Thank you.

Veterans of Sand Lake

The Veterans of Sand Lake have been approved with The Wreaths Across America (WAA) and selected to act on behalf of their mission for the 2023 Campaign to honor Veterans across America. The goal of the group is to support efforts that help unify our community and celebrate the freedom Veterans have brought to us for their service. We will place live wreaths this December 16, 2023, on Veterans Grave sites. For each purchase of $17 through the Veterans of Sand Lake on local cemeteries or the purchase can be designated for other approved WAA Cemeteries. Net proceeds will go to support local Veteran causes. Due to privacy issues and logistics, we can only place wreaths on designated specific sites by the families to the site coordinator listed below.

Site coordinator: John Brownrigg 518-281-7090. jbrownrigg2015@nullgmail.com.

To Order and Pay for Wreaths Contact: By Check: Wreaths Across America POBox 219, Columbia Falls, ME 04623. Note on Check NY0463P

Or internet: www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. Click Local Sponsorship Group Veterans of Sand Lake id # NY0463P to support the Campaign or Sponsor wreaths for: Elmwood Cemetery 12196, St Henry’s Cemetery 12018 or Sand Lake Union 12153 or Select from Web site Approved site- i.e.: Gerald H.B. Solomon National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY 12871 or Arlington National Cemetery, Ft Myers, VA 14720

Please place your order by November 27, 2023.

Thank you for your generous support of the 2023 Wreaths Across America Campaign.

Grief Support meetings will be held one Thursday every month starting at 6pm at Hope Lutheran Church in Troy. Please read below for details and to learn about our facilitator – Camie Engel.

This monthly 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 <FZ,4,0,60>support, validation, and education about grief, helping you feel less alone.

Camie Engel 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. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, November 16th.

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

The Melrose United Methodist Church (located at 20 Church Street, Melrose, NY 12121) will hold a Christmas decoration and cookie sale fundraiser from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

A variety of Christmas decorations, as well as as sortments of Christmas cookies, will be available for purchase. All are welcome to attend.

On Saturday, November 18th, the Sand Lake Historical Society will host a book launch for its latest publication, “Sand Lake Remembers the Covid Pandemic of 2020.”

This book reflects on the experiences of over 60 local residents during the pandemic.

In the words of author Grace Elizabeth Hale, “All history is somebody’s family story.” The pandemic is now part of our shared history.

The event will be held at the Sand Lake Town Library, 8428 Miller Hill Road (Route 66), Averill Park, from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon.

Come meet the authors, share your own stories, and buy a keepsake copy of the book for yourself or that certain someone. Makes a great gift! Please join us.

SLHS turns 50 in 2024.

The Sullivan Jones VFW Post 7466 will be hosting our annual Veteran’s Day Services at 11:00 AM on November 11th. Services will be held at the Post Home located at 25 Veteran’s Street, Poestenkill, NY 12140. All are welcome to join us.

A Holiday Fair will be held at Cornerstone Community Church of Lansingburgh on Friday, November 10 from 4PM to 6PM (Early Bird Sale) and Saturday, November 11 from 9AM to 1:30 PM. Preview Friday will feature the sale of takeout Lasagna. Saturday a lunch of Chili and Hot Dogs will be available.

Items for sale include baked goods, Holiday decorations, toys, jewelry, next-to-new and much more.

The Laurel’s Cornershoppe (thrift store) will also feature sales and be open Friday from 4-6 and Saturday from 9-1.

The church is located at 570 Third Avenue in Lansingburgh (corner of 3rd Avenue and 115th Street). For further information, you may call 518-235-3851.

Please join us for a holiday craft fair! Gardner Dickinson School, 25 East Avenue Troy.

Saturday, Nov 18th, 2023, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

We will have over 60 vendors, featuring crochet, woodwork, glassware, clothing, jewelry, gardening, art, home decor, seasonal items, baked goods, kettle corn, candles, soaps, kitchenware, and more!

There will be activities for the kids, free gently used books, and free balloon art. We will be raffling off some great prizes from our vendors as well. We hope to see you there! Please contact pta@nullwynantskillufsd.org for questions.

Veterans Day at The Rensselaer Senior Center, Thursday November 9th.

Join us On Thursday November 9th For a Butter Crumb Cod Lunch w/ Music By Bobby T. To thank all our beautiful Veterans.

November 14th – Volunteer Recognition Day. Penne Pasta W/ Meatballs, Make Your Own Sundae w/ Music By Gone Grey. Hope to See Our Hookers Here.

November 16th – Thanksgiving Celebration. Turkey W/ Gravy and All the Fixins’ w/Music By Rockin’ Rob Carson. We want to wish you all a Happy Healthy Thanksgiving and hope you join us through the month.

To reserve a seat please call (518) 463-2166. We are open 9am to 3pm Monday thru Friday. We are located across the street from the Amtrak Train station.

The Nassau Sunshine Fund is a community-based nonprofit that provides small, interest free loans of up to $500 to members of our community. We have recently updated our by-laws to include those residing in the 12123 zip code as well as in the Town of Nassau. As we begin our 15th year of service, we can report that we have given 69 emergency loans for such issues as car and home repairs, car payments, fuel and utility bills, insurance payments. Without the generosity of many donors, we would not be able to continue our mission. A heartfelt thank-you to all of our supporters!

For more information go to www.nassausunshinefund.org or call 518-256-6878.

The Dyken Pond Center is looking for a few hardy volunteers to help us gather firewood for the winter season. We plan to cut, gather, split, haul and stack about 3 cords of firewood. This will heat the main office and cabin 1 for the winter. For your efforts, we’ll treat you to a free lunch! Please preregister by 11/9/23 at (518) 658-2055 or dykenpond@nullgmail.com so we may plan enough food.

Trinity Church Lansingburgh will hold its Holiday Fair in the Parish Hall, 585 Fourth Avenue, Troy, from 9 AM until 2 PM on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Holiday hand-crafted items and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.

Breakfast and lunch will be served. There will be a silent auction and basket and 50/50 raffles. For more information call (518) 892-8865 or visit www.trinitychurchlansingburgh.org.

Esquatak Historical Society invites all on Friday, November 17 to learn about “An Injustice at Greenbush Cantonment – The Illegal Execution of Private Samuel Helms.” Presented by Bobbie Reno, East Greenbush Town Historian.

Ms. Reno has conducted ten years of research regarding the illegal court martial and execution of a War of 1812 soldier. This is an ongoing endeavor. In July 2018, Congressman Paul Tonko introduced a bill that would allow a Historian to file for change in military record for events that happened more than 175 years ago. The program takes place at the Schodack Town Hall starting at 7 pm. Refreshments served.

This year we will be holding our Veteran’s Day Ceremonies on Saturday, November 11th, at 11:00 am to honor our Veterans at The Sand Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park. Our honored speaker will be Ryan Smithson.

He was an engineer in the Army Reserve and served in Iraq from 2004-2005. He fortified military posts, repaired roads, and convoyed supplies across northern and western Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning, and for therapeutic reasons, he wrote his memoir, “Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI” (HarperCollins, 2009), which is read in high schools and colleges around the country, including many in NY’s capital region.

He has had several short stories and poems published in various journals and anthologies and enjoys visiting schools to talk with young people about writing, war, and life.

He wrote a play, “10 Klicks South of Whiskey” for his master’s thesis, and he was lucky enough to see it produced at Averill Park High School in 2015. Having earned his MA in English from SUNY Albany, he currently works in technology sales and has two school-age children.

Come and honor “Those Common Men And Women Who Proudly Served Our Country With Uncommon Valor”.

Grafton, Everett Wagar Senior Center. 518-279-3413.

Congregate Meals Tuesday and Thursday at 12:00. Eat in or grab and go, suggested donation $3.00.

Mondays and Fridays – Chair Yoga 10AM. Tuesdays- Indoor walking 10AM. Wednesdays- Games and conversation 10AM. Thursdays- Strings and Things 10AM.

Tuesday, November 14th Grafton Seniors Meeting 10:00. Hair by Rachel (appointment needed). Special Music, Brian Zapel 12:30. Lunch- Orange Glazed Popcorn Chicken.

Thursday, November 16th Invitation to Troy Senior Center, reach out and Play classic board games 9:30. Lunch- Sliced Turkey w/Gravy.

Tuesday, November 21st Thankful Tuesday /Celebration of November Birthdays 12:30. Lunch- Veal Patty w/ Mushroom Marsala Gravy.

Tuesday, November 28th Public Health awareness presentation presented by RENSCO Department of Health 12:30. Lunch- Breakfast for Lunch, Hot French Toast w/Syrup.

Thursday, November 30th Variety Bingo 12:30. Lunch- Butter Crumb Cod w/tartar.

Debra L Curtis, Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents of Schodack that the Town Hall Offices and Highway Department will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023. The Town Hall offices will resume standard business hours on Monday, November 13, 2023.

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

St. Jude’s Christmas/Holiday Craft Fair

St. Jude’s Christmas/Holiday Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, November 11, from 9 am – 3 pm! 42 Dana Avenue Wynantskill! Come shop at over 45 vendor tables and get your holiday shopping started! Santa will be there from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. We will also have our first Ornament Exchange – bring an ornament $5 or less in value and exchange it with one someone else brought! What a fun way to spread holiday cheer! We will also have a basket raffle and kitchen available for snacks! Hope to see you there! Contact 518-283-1162 with questions.

Finally !!! Bingo is returning to the Brunswick Elks #2556, 665 Brunswick Road, Troy, NY on Sunday, January 7th, 2024 @ 1:30 PM!

Doors Open at 11:30 AM. There will be two different Admission Card Packages …

A. $20.00 includes Door Card and 15 Cards on all Special Games.

B. $30.00 includes Door Card and 24 Cards on all Special Games.

Extra Special Game Cards, 50/50 and Share the Wealth Cards will be sold for $1.00 per sheet separately. Food and Beverages will be sold on the Premises. You are urged to let all of your bingo friends know about this new date, as we will be calling all our contacts. We thank you for your patience while we work these things through; we are working diligently to make this Bingo a reality !!!

Please feel free to call and let us know that you are interested in coming so that we have an idea on the amount of people wanting to attend; because we need at least 50 people to begin the Bingo Session !!!

Call Mary Beth Keegan @ 518-312-7291 or call Jeffrey Keegan @ 518-244-5298.

Sunday, November 12, service will be at 9 am. Coffee hour follows in the Hearth Room.

Hot Mess Crafters meets on Wednesday at 10 am. Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 2 for our craft sale Come on Wednesday to create items to help make the sale a success or to learn a new skill.

Bible Study meets on Wednesday at 2. December 20 will be our last meeting until the winter weather leaves.

Thrift Shop is open every Thursday from 3-6 and Saturday, November 18, from 9-2. Shop for winter clothing and begin looking for your Christmas needs and wants.

The Church of the Redeemer is an Episcopal church located on at the corner of Third and Catherine Streets. There is handicap parking, a ramp in front, and a parking lot in the rear.

Fr. Robert Haskell may be emailed at rhaskell2@nullnycap.rr.com.

New hours for the “Bread of Life” food pantry beginning November 16, 2023 will be 4 pm to 6 pm. We serve low-income individuals and families in and around the Poestenkill area.

Open two times each month on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 4 to 6 pm (new hours). We offer a once-a-month three-day supply of food and non-food items of your choosing. Also, we carry wipes and diapers for infants and toddlers up to size six.

On a second monthly visit, we offer a partial food order of eggs, bread and a milk card plus fresh produce available and provide an additional free table for our guests to choose from.

We invite you to come and see 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 Route 351, Poestenkill, NY 12140.

Any questions, call (518) 283-6045 and leave your name and phone number, See you soon.

Have a favorite stuffed toy with a ripped ear? A nice lamp with a broken switch? Wobbly rocking chair? Some yarn knotted up by the cat? Don’t toss it out or give it up – come out to the Wynantskill Repair Café Saturday, November 18.

A Repair Cafe is a fun, no-charge community event where people bring their cranky, wonky, or torn household items to the volunteer repair coaches from our community who are glad to try to fix ‘em up. All kinds of household things can be brought: bikes, chairs, rockers, toys, small kitchen appliances, lamps, stuffed animals, jackets, skateboards, and similar. We again have sewing, mechanical, and electronic fixers. There’s also a “take apart table” where kids can safely unscrew and pull apart small items with simple tools and adult supervision, and a recycling bin for small unfixable electronics.

Got something in mind that needs fixing? Visit the Repair Café Saturday November 18, 9 a.m. to noon (doors close 11:45), at First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, 413 Main Avenue (across from the firehouse). Coffee, hot drinks, and goodies available to all guests. Items need to be small enough to hand carry and not powered by any combustible fuel. Curious about a possible fixable item? Questions are welcome and encouraged at FRCWRepairCafe@nullgmail.com.

Greetings to my wonderful neighbors. Our Thanksgiving Pie Pre-Order Sale is coming to a close. The deadline for ordering is November 9th, for most of you, that is today. You can order your fresh baked Apple and/or Pumpkin Pies from Sand Lake Baptist Church’s website at sandlakebaptistchurch.org or call 518-674-2062. The pick-up date is Wednesday, November 22nd, (the day before Thanksgiving.) Payment will be due upon pick up. We are offering these pies at $15 each. Reserve your pie(s) now!

We are quickly approaching Thanksgiving, and although every day is a perfect opportunity to go to our Lord, giving thanks and praise for the multitude of blessings He provides us, this holiday serves as a great reminder for everyone to do so.

Our regular service is at 11 AM Sunday morning and Bible Study is at 6 PM on Thursday evenings. Join us to learn, grow and praise our Savior! All are welcome. You can also go to our website and listen to past messages as well as stay updated on future events.

On November 19th (the Sunday before Thanksgiving,) at 6 PM, Sand Lake Baptist Church will be having their annual “Pie & Praise” service. We will be singing, praying, praising, giving testimony and listening to a short message. At the conclusion of the service, we’ll be eating many homemade pies in fellowship! All are invited to join us in glorifying God during this special evening.

This Sunday, I will be continuing the series on the book of James, focusing on Chapter 2, entitled “A Look at Love.” Service starts at 11 AM and all are welcome. Next Sunday we will be welcoming Back Pastor Victor Harris as our guest speaker. Bible Study continues every Thursday evening at 6 PM, and it would be a blessing to see you there.

Faithfully submitted, Deacon Russ

Please be informed that the Town of North Greenbush town offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd & Friday, November 24th 2023, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Town Hall will re-open, on Monday, November 27th, 2021 and will resume our regular business hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Thank you and enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday with your friends & family! Please continue to stay healthy and safe during the upcoming holidays.

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.

Presented by the Brunswick Elk’s Ladies Auxiliary on 11/11/2023, from 10:00-3:00 PM.

Over 35 vendors in two rooms. Lunch, snacks and drinks available to purchase. Located 665 Brunswick Road (Rt. 2 in Eagle Mills).

Columbia Girls Wrestling Team In Need of Girls

The Columbia High School Girls Wrestling Team is in need of Girls in grades 9-12 to participate on their all new Girls only Wrestling Team. Practice begins on Monday, November 13th.

The online sign up link is: https://familyid.com/east-greenbush-central-school-district-athletics.

For more information contact: Coach Mike Merhige (MerhigeMi@nullyahoo.com). Athletic Director Ryan Jones (JonesRi@nullegcsd.org).

Reg. Hrs.: Mon-Thu 9a-8p; Fri 10a-6p; Sat 10a-5p; Sun 1-5p, the drive-thru closes 15 min. before the library. Holiday Hrs.: Closing at 5 pm on 11/22, closed all day on 11/23 for Thanksgiving. 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.

11/16, 1p: 3rd Thursday Movie: Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Pt. 1. Register.

11/12, 2p: Nutritious Meals On A Budget. Join Hannaford’s Registered Dietitian, Stephanie McNear, for a fun workshop on how to navigate the supermarket and mealtime on a budget. Register.

11/14, 6p: Living & Working Abroad (It’s Not That Scary!). Former diplomat, John Johnson, gives an entertaining talk about international careers, touristy mishaps, impromptu Zumba sessions with his staff in Indonesia, cultural misunderstandings, and multiple embarrassing moments. But mostly, he’ll share stories about companionship, generosity, and camaraderie you’ll find when traveling abroad. Register.

11/14 & 11/28, 1-3p: Mahjong Learners Group. Drop in to learn the game of American Mahjong with us! American Mahjong (pronounced mah-jongg) is a fun and enormously popular variation of the classic Chinese game of strategy, skill, and summation. This group is open to beginners and experienced players. We help one another learn the game in a fun and relaxed environment. No registration is required.

11/19, 2p: Historical Society: Roosevelt’s at Christmas. Join Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Roosevelt Library and Museum, for a presentation about the customs and traditions followed by the Roosevelt family as they celebrated Christmas. Register.

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: Thanksgiving Crafts – Kits available for pick-up 10/30 through 11/25 – Make fun Thanksgiving crafts to give as gifts or to decorate your home.

CPL Board of Trustees Meeting – Mon., 11/13, 7:00pm – Monthly meeting of the library’s Board of Trustees. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Cool Science: Skittles Science – Tue., 11/14, 3:00-5:00pm – Explore the science of diffusion and make cool color patterns using Skittles candies!

Pajama Storytime – Tue., 11/14, 6:00pm – Feel free to wear your pajamas or bring a stuffed animal friend to this evening storytime! Ages birth-8.

Afternoon Book Club: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny – Wed., 11/15, 1:00pm – Join us the third Wednesday of each month for a book discussion! Books available at the front desk.

Special Storytime: Hibernation – Thu., 11/16, 10:30am – An environmental educator from Schodack Island State Park will join us for this special storytime about how some animals hibernate in the winter.

Make Your Own Puzzle – Fri., 11/17, 10:00am-6:00pm – Looking for something to do on your day off from school? Stop in to color your own design on a blank puzzle you can take home and put together!

Bridge Club – Fri., 11/17, 10:30am – Come play bridge with us! Geared toward beginners and players who need a refresher.

Yarn Pom Poms – Sat., 11/18, 11:00am-3:00pm – Learn to make your own cute pom poms using yarn!

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 Sand Lake Library is hosting the East Bank Arts Alliance Exhibit November 6, 2023 thru December 28 . Members are a diverse group of artists living in the Capital region and upstate N.Y. Work in watercolor, pastel, acrylic and photography will be hung and available to enjoy and purchase in the community room of the library . This would be a great opportunity to find that special gift for the holidays. The public is invited to a reception on Saturday December 2 11:30 – 1:30 pm where light refreshments will be served and the artists available to meet and discuss their process.

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

Kids Biodiversity Nature Collage Workshop with Rich Daley – Monday, Nov. 13, 3 p.m. (Lansingburgh) Calling all kids aged 5+! Come and learn all about biodiversity with Rich Daley!

Adult Craft Monday: DIY Autumn Wreaths – Monday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m. (Main) Come to the library

and kick-start the Thanksgiving and Holiday season by making an adorable autumn wreath. RR

NaNoWriMo Writing Group – Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. (Main) Participate in National Novel Writing Month with the library! Write together, participate in writing exercises, discuss ideas, and more!

Perspective Drawing – Tuesday, Nov. 14, 3 p.m. (Online) This workshop will teach you the basics of one and two-point perspective drawing that will improve your drawing skills in one session. RR

Adult Yoga – Wednesday, Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m. (Lansingburgh) A class that is focused on a gentler style of hatha yoga practice. RR

From Galaxies to Kingdoms Book Club – Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. (Main) This month we will be discussing Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune.

Teen NaNoWriMo – Thursday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m. (Main) National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is this November, and that’s the perfect time to write a novel. Ages 13-18.

Tree of Life Pendant Workshop – Friday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m. (Main) Join the library for an in-depth tutorial and workshop on making your very own tree of life pendants in this 2-hour class! RR

Lecture: The Local History of Factory Bread – Saturday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. (Main) Join Amy Halloran for an exploration of Troy breads, and hear the stories of Freihofer’s and a few area bakeries of much smaller scale.

On Saturday October 14th, chefs from around the Wynantskill area competed making delicious soups, chili and chowders!

The winners are…. Judges (crowd) pick – 1st place – Valerie Bidwell, Reuben Soup, 2nd place – Jack & Maureen Rogers/KOC, Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.

3rd place – Flannigan Family, Pasta Fagioli! Best Chili – Dallas McGrath, Best Chowder – Anna Smith & Kris Dworakowski, Clam Chowder, Best Soup – Bill Antalek, Hungarian Goulash beef soup. Principals Award – Joann Hall, Pumpkin Chili, Pastors Award – Italian Vegetable Soup, Mary Ellen Sullivan and the Clemenzi Family Award – Shawn O’Rourke Seafood Chowder.

Thank you to the many chefs, volunteers, organizers, entertainers, and attendees! Our community has so much talent and that was evident with everyone’s warm bellies, smiles and that the votes were literally separated by 1, in many cases!!!

Thank you to our sponsors – The Clemenzi Family, Baker Well Drilling, a donation made in memory of Ric Dworakowski and Betty & Tom Zemanick. A REMATCH has been requested and scheduled for Saturday October 19, 2024!!

North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) Announces live musical program “Bach to Rock” featuring Cellist Alex Prizgintas on Sunday, November 19 at 1 P.M. Free Event is Located at 4287 Route 203.

Experience centuries of music, from classical to rock, with Alex Prizgintas and his amplified cello as he journeys through a variety of musical selections interspersing interesting facts and back stories about each.

Classically trained, Prizgintas employs modern musical effects tools like distortion, delay, and the iconic “wah-wah” guitar pedals symbolic of 1960s Rock n’ Roll bands – all in conjunction with a looping station to craft a wall-of-sound through his 1,000-watt amp.

“I think Bach to Rock says it succinctly in that I try to harvest the best and work diligently to not only recreate but rather create a unique retelling of what we might already personally know,” he said.

His first performances in 2022 were well received resulting in more than seventy bookings. In fact, that that simple program has expanded into more than twelve samples, and for 2023, Prizgintas has secured more than 125 bookings.

A recent summa cum laude graduate of Marist College, he holds a bachelor’s degree in regional history and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration, also at Marist.

This project is made <FZ,2,0,61>possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered in Columbia County by CREATE Council on the Arts.

On Saturday, November 11th, the Grafton Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, Black River Raiders and the Grafton Lakes State Park will host a NYS Youth Snowmobile Safety Class for youth ages 10-17. Students must be at least 10 years old the day of the class. Parents are encouraged to attend and participate.

The course will be held at the Grafton VFW/Fire Hall on South Road from 8:15am to approximately 4:15pm. The course will be taught by NYS certified volunteer instructors Jim Blessing and Dominic Jacangelo.

The course will cover topics such as NYS laws and regulations, riding skills, trail emergencies, protecting the environment, trail etiquette, maintenance and repair, trailering, etc. To register on-line, go to https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/202751. Space is limited, pre-registration required. The course is free of charge and lunch/snacks will be provided. Questions, please call Jim at (518) 469-2656.

This Wilderness First Aid course is open to anyone who is 14 years of age or older and has a current adult CPR/AED certification. It will be held at the SHAC Center on Wednesday and Thursday 11/15 and 11/16 from 5 – 9 pm and costs $350. Led by instructor John Slyer, an American Red Cross instructor, both classes are designed for scouts, scout leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who works or spends time in remote environments. You will learn advanced skills to be used in emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away. Based on the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines, this course aligns with OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

Topics include: Primary and Secondary Assessments, Head/Brain, Neck and Spinal Injuries, Heat-Related Emergencies, Hypothermia, Altitude-Related Illnesses, Allergies and Anaphylaxis, Burns, Bone and Joint Injuries, and Wounds/Wound Infection.

For more information please contact Joe Behson at jbehson@nullnycap.rr.com or 518.527.9685

Center Brunswick United Methodist Church Announces Financial Scholarship for 2024.

The Scholarship Committee of the Center Brunswick United Methodist Church has announced that it will award $500 to a student to be selected from the Tamarac High School Class of 2024. The money may be used for any type of expenses related to further education. Students do not have to belong to this Church, any other church or religion to be eligible for this award.

Interested students must apply for this award no later than March 1, 2024. The application can be obtained from the school’s guidance department or from our website at (www.CenterBrunswickUMC.company).

This award is given in memory of Harold and Mabel Keyes through a trust funded by their last will and testament. Mabel taught in the Brunswick schools and continued teaching Sunday School at Center Brunswick UMC for many years after she retired. Through this award, her love of helping young people learn and grow will continue to reach the youth of our community.

The Center Brunswick United Methodist Church is located at the intersection of Routes 7 and 142 in Troy.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H program will hold a Winter Fair on Friday, November 17th at the Tamarac Elementary School cafeteria from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The 4-H Winter Fair will be hosted by the Clover Kids & Critters 4-H Club. The 4-H Winter Fair has transitioned to an open house format and all youth are welcome to attend. There will be a community service project, a place to drop off canned goods for the local food pantry, and projects for youth to make and then enter in the Winter Fair! Registration is requested in case we need to cancel due to inclement weather. To register for the Winter Fair, or for more information, please contact Eileen DePaula at emd32@nullcornell.edu.

For more information about this event or other Rensselaer County 4-H programs, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County at 518-272-4210.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

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.

Your donation supports the Knights to raise money for the Coats for Kids Drive and gets warm winter coats to families 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!

Rensselaer Senior Center Boutique Bag Sale

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.

What’s soft, fuzzy, silky, simple, complex and more? Handwoven fabric! The Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild invites the public to visit its 45th Annual Show & Sale to experience all that and more. This popular event continues to grow each year, and the Guild expects 800 visitors over three days, with attendees coming from across the entire Northeast.

The event will be held Nov 10-12 at Pat’s Barn in North Greenbush. The Show & Sale will feature ongoing demonstrations of both weaving and spinning, using a variety of looms, spinning wheels and spindles, allow the public to learn more about weaving and spinning. The event is staffed entirely by volunteers from the Guild, who can explain more about the textiles on display and share their love for this craft with the public.

Pat’s Barn offers a historic setting with expanded room for displays and demonstrations. Admission and off-street parking are free. The Show & Sale will have two full floors of exhibits, including: housewares such as rugs, blankets and table linens, garments such as scarves, shawls and jackets, as well as holiday gifts. The event features a wide range of options suitable for everyone’s holiday shopping list and budget.

Weavers’ Guild President Jan Rowell says, “We are looking forward to another opportunity to connect with the community and share our love for handmade textiles, including the new things we learned at MAFA 2023. We will also have information on local teachers and resources, as we find that every year many people are inspired to take up weaving after they see the amazing creations on display.”

More information available online at www.hmwg.org/show.

The congregation of First Bible Baptist Church of West Sand Lake invites you to join us for worship services. New friends are waiting to meet you. Pastor George Hadden has a message prepared for our busy lives every Sunday. Here is a listing of our events.

Adult Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting in Adrian Hall coffee and treats: 9:30 a. Sunday Morning Family Church Service with Children’s Church mid service: 11:00 a. Sunday School for Adults in the sanctuary: 10:00 a. Sunday School for Children and Teens in Adrian Hall: 10:00 a. Adult Wednesday Eve Bible Study and Prayer in Adrian Hall: 7:00 p. Teen Activities are held as announced.

Ladies Bible Study Second Saturday of Each Month in Adrian Hall: 10:00 a. ‘Seniors’ Get Together Breakfast’ at Hometown Diner second Monday each month: 9:30a. ‘Bring a Dish to Share Luncheon’ every last Sunday of the month after Sunday Morning Service in Adrian Hall.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet for the community Nov. 23 in Adrian Hall 12:00 p to 2:00 p. Special Children’s Christmas Program Dec.17 in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a. Please know that you and your family are welcome. If there any questions feel free to phone 518-674-2515. A friendly member of the congregation will be happy to speak with you.

Burden Lake Ski Club

Come join us on Sunday afternoons for 7 weeks starting on January 21, 2024 from 2:00-6:30 PM! The 4.5 hour lift pass is $305 and a lift pass with a one-hour ski or snowboard lesson at 3:00 PM is $410.

Last season, if you purchased a four-hour lift ticket online, it was $104! Our Club is now signed up so members can purchase passes on the Snow Sports Program Link at Jiminy Peak. Please email Kathy Andrews at MAndrews13@nullnycap.rr.com for the link information or if you have any questions.

A Holiday Book Fest sponsored by The Woman’s Club of Albany, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza and The Little Book House to benefit the library of the Delaware Community School of the Albany City School District. The event will take place at the Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16.

Enjoy the Book Talk at 5:30 p.m. when Book House staff will recommend books of all genres for adults and children. A percentage of sales will be donated to the school.

North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) Announces a Free Program on “How to Select the Most Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances” on Tuesday, November 14 at 10 A.M.

Event is Located at 4287 Route 203, North Chatham. Join the experts from Frank Cocca’s Appliance Store, a family-owned business in Albany, as they outline the recent innovations and energy efficiency in kitchen appliances on the market today.

Some of the topics to be discussed:

• What products and technologies to look for and what to avoid. • How to tell if your refrigerator or freezer is about to fail. • What are Cocca’s recommendations and experience with various brands and their reliability.

The presentation will utilize Cocca’s website for product overview, as well as a personal testimonial on induction cook tops, energy-efficient refrigerators, and air fryers.

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

New York Naval Militia (NYNM) Rear Admiral Michael Perry, an Averill Park resident, took command of the over 3,100-member NYNM, during a Friday, November 3 ceremony at New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, NY. The NYNM is a federally recognized state defense force and the naval component of the New York National Guard and New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

Ninety-five percent of its members are comprised of United States Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reservists who volunteer to support the New York National Guard, as well as their parent federal service, on a not to interfere basis with their federal duties. The NYNM also operates a fleet of 11 patrol boats which work in support of local, state, and federal agencies. Over 420 Naval Militia members are currently serving on state active duty assisting in the state’s efforts to house the over 100,000 migrants which have entered New York since 2022. Activated members receive pay and benefits similar to the current federal pay and benefits for their rank and years of service. All members may additionally qualify for numerous other benefits. NYNM membership is open to current maritime Reservists as well as honorably discharged and physically fit maritime service veterans and retirees up to age 68 with more information being available at https://dmna.ny.gov/nynm/ .

North Chatham Free Library (NCFL) Announces Studio Visit and Discussion, “Progress? Is That All There Is?” with Contemporary Realism Painter John Morra Event is on Sunday, November 12 at 3 P.M. at 56 Church Street, Stuyvesant.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see and hear contemporary realism artist, John Morra, in his element – a former church which he converted into a studio in historic Stuyvesant. In describing his talk, Morra said, “I intended the title to be provocative, and I hope that what I have to say is equally provocative.”

“My main idea is this: ‘progress’ was initially seen as advancement towards a better world, with science, technology, and belief in the perfectibility of human institutions as the agents of these changes. While great strides were made, especially in the sciences, the visual arts were harmed by these ideas.” said Morra.

His paintings explore two modes of realism. The first, traditional still life, is based on the classical vocabulary. The second consists of a series called “Mertz” compositions, which combine traditional technique with the subject of modern junk and machinery.

Morra received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California, in 1985 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1987. Graduate study brought him to New York, where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the New York Academy of Art in 1991.

For samples of Morra’s work visit, https://www.johnmorrapainting.com/

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of The Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered in Columbia County by CREATE Council on the Arts.

On November 19th Concerts in the Village (CITV) presents Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, in concert at Kinderhook Reformed Church. CITV’s Broad Street Orchestra and Chorale will be joined by seven outstanding soloists. Surprisingly this will be the Capital Region’s first performance of Beethoven’s remarkable opera.

Artistic Director David Smith will conduct, and Wheelock Whitney, Speaker, will guide the opera’s riveting narrative of a wife’s determined love for her husband and courageous actions to save his life, and more universally, Beethoven’s own passionate commitment to personal and political freedom. Composed at the very beginning of the 19th century, the message of Fidelio has clear relevance at the beginning of the 21st.

The dramatic role of Leonore (Fidelio), the opera’s heroine, will be sung by soprano Caroline Dunigan, recently returned from Germany and well-known to CITV audiences for her performances of works by Saint-Säens, Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams, Haydn and Schubert. Ms. Dunigan’s opera roles have included works of Britten, Donizetti, Mozart, Weill, and others. She has performed with the Albany Symphony Orchestra and is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and Bard Vocal Arts Program.

Tenor Eric Finbarr Carey, assuming the role of Leonore’s imprisoned husband Florestan, also returns to CITV, with which he has previously performed the Mozart Requiem, and Vaughan Williams’ moving cycle On Wenlock Edge. Recently his career has taken him to Carnegie Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, the Princeton Pro Music, the Britten-Pears Festival, and Odyssey Opera. He is a former Tanglewood Fellow, and an alumnus of the Bard Vocal Arts Program, Boston University, Peabody Conservatory, and Johns Hopkins University.

Suggested contribution $ 25. Students and children free. Handicapped accessible. Kinderhook Reformed Church: 21 Broad Street (US Route 9), Kinderhook, NY 12106. For further information visit www.concertsinthevillage.org.

Accredited, nonprofit Western Governors University’s (WGU) School of Education will mark American Education Week (Nov. 13-17, 2023) by announcing its WGU Loves Teachers and Become a Teacher scholarship programs for current and future education professionals who wish to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in the Teachers College.

Each WGU Loves Teachers and Become a Teacher scholarship is valued up to $4,000 and aims to help boost the educator pipeline and increase teacher diversity. New York State needs to recruit around 180,000 new teachers by the early 2030s to keep pace with factors such as educators reaching retirement age, according to state officials. Science, special education and career and technical education are among the most pressing shortage areas.

Scholarships are also a key tool for increasing teacher representation, as 22% of New York students attend a school without any teachers of color, according to a recent study by The Education Trust—New York.

“WGU is proud to support teacher recruitment, training and retention,” said Rebecca Watts, Ph.D., who oversees operations in New York State as Northeast regional vice president of WGU. “To continue attracting and retaining new teachers — including educators of color — in New York, we need to address barriers such as cost.”

With nearly 4,000 students and 7,000 graduates in New York, the WGU Teachers College is committed to keeping costs low, reducing the need for student borrowing and resulting in average graduate debt that is about half that of the national average. Prospective and enrolling WGU students may apply for the WGU Loves Teachers and the Become a Teacher scholarship by visiting wgu.edu/aew.

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.