Local First Twin Bridges Edition 100622

Send-Off for Veterans to visit war monuments and Arlington National Cemetery

COLONIE - Capital District Patriot Flight will fly 50 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans as well as 30 guardians and volunteer on a Southwest flight to visit war monuments, Arlington National Cemetery and other historic sites in Washington, D.C. Friday, Oct. 14

At 4 a.m., the veterans will be escorted from Colonie Center by the Patriot Guard Riders, Colonie Fire departments, State Police, Colonie Police, and Albany County Sheriff deputies.

Anyone can join in to honor our veterans during a send-off ceremony at 4:30 a.m., says Bob Wolfgang, a Patriot Flight volunteer. The public is invited to welcome the veterans back at about 10:45 p.m.

For information regarding the send-off and welcome back, contact Wolfgang at (518) 858-9690.

Veteran and guardian applications for future Honor Flights can be downloaded from PatriotFlight.org. For information, contact Sean Lyons at (518) 872-0812 or lyonssean@ymail.com.

Crying in baseball OK when it’s mom

JOYCE BASSETT

Susan O’Keefe of Colonie watched her son achieve his childhood dream this weekend. The family’s story is easily one of the Capital Region’s most heartwarming athletic tales of 2022.

When Brian O’Keefe got his first major league hit after eight years in baseball’s minor leagues, many in the crowd of 42,512 at the Seattle Mariners’ T-Mobile Park gave the 29-year-old a standing ovation. His teammates in the dugout also erupted in cheers.

And the tears started flowing.

“You know they say there’s no crying in baseball. Yes, there is, for mom, there’s happy tears,” O’Keefe said after Saturday’s game. “It was just unbelievable to see your kid’s dream come true.

My heart was racing, tears were in my eyes, we all teared up. I can’t even describe this.”

Susan O’Keefe and I met as CBA moms in 2012. Her younger son Christopher was a year younger than my son and they played hockey together for the Brothers.

At the time Brian was at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, playing Division I baseball after a stellar career at Colonie High.

Throughout Brian’s life, Susan said she always knew his love of baseball and desire to excel was something unique.

When he was young, Brian would beg her to go out and hit baseballs to him. She smacked endless grounders and pop flies when his brother Christopher wasn’t available and her husband Jack was traveling as a Division

IAA football official. He started playing when he was 4 years old at Westland Hills.

“I had bruises all over me,” she laughed. “Even as a kid before high school he would have a Little League game, and maybe not have a great game in his mind … he would come home and we had a net set up in our basement and he would hit off the tee … hundreds and hundreds of balls to improve his swing.”

His first hit in the majors was a solid liner that landed in front of the left fielder for a single.

The weekend was a whirlwind.

At 2 a.m. on Friday, Jack’s cellphone rang. The initial fear of something being wrong with one of their kids was quickly supplanted by joy. Brian told them he was called up to replace one of the team’s catchers, who was going on paternity leave.

O’Keefe was playing on the west coast at Triple-A Tacoma and was in the minor leagues for eight years after being drafted in the seventh round by the Cardinals in 2014. After spending five seasons in St. Louis’ system, O’Keefe joined the Mariners farm system. Now at the highest minor league level, he went to work behind the plate just 30 miles from the big league park. So close yet so far after many years of solid play, overcoming injuries, illness and disappointments.

The Mariners put the right-handed catcher on notice in early September. He was told a call-up could happen anytime — given the uncertain timing of childbirth.

Personal matters — including a wedding shower in Albany with his fiancée’s family — would have to be set aside when the call-up was official. But that isn’t always easy. A wedding shower for Emily, Brian’s fiancée, was already in the works.

“He called us two weeks ago and said hey you might not be able to have Emily’s shower. I thought what am I going to do with all these people if we get the call? But we had the shower last weekend and it all worked out,” she said.

Emily and Brian met at St. Joe’s and lived in the Philadelphia area for many years. The couple just bought a home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and plan to get married in November.

The O’Keefes didn’t get much sleep after the call, making travel and dog-sitting arrangements. They booked a flight out of Albany at 12:30 and after a connection in Detroit they arrived on the west coast at 5:30 p.m. Seattle time.

They dumped their bags and walked to the ballpark from their downtown hotel. They arrived a little late for Friday night’s game, but the timing of the rest of the weekend was impeccable.

That night the Mariners clinched the team’s first postseason birth in 20 years when pinch-hitter Cal Raleigh hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth, setting off a wild celebration.

“The families were allowed

on the field with the team. When the players came out of the locker room let me tell you they were soaked with champagne,” O’Keefe said.

The Mariners — still wearing goggles draped around their necks — ran around the field, hugging family members and slapping hands with fans. Group pictures were taken with families; selfies snapped with fans. The night ended with fireworks.

It was then they learned Brian would earn his first Major League start as the team’s designated hitter the next day. They crashed in the hotel after midnight Pacific time ending a 24-hour whirlwind they will always treasure.

Drained from Friday’s travel and excitement, there was no time to rest. Saturday was a 1 p.m. start and their son Christopher was flying in. Christopher, who works in the cruise industry, was in the midst of a two-week golf vacation

Cellular dead zones are big pain

Survey finds many in region still cope with poor connectivity

By LARRY RULISON

BETHLEHEM — The dreaded cellphone dead zone.

You know what it is. It’s that part of the house where the calls you make to your mom are always dropped or she can never hear you. It’s the parking lot at the high school or the YMCA where you can’t surf the web while you wait to pick up your kid. It’s that stretch of road in the middle of nowhere (or somewhere) where it’s impossible to make calls or send texts.

In today’s hyper-connected society where everyone is expected to be available at a moment’s notice — to bosses, spouses, kids, and seemingly almost everyone else on the planet — cellular dead zones are effectually black holes that imprison us, make us anxious, make us scream and sometimes lead us to wish we lived back in the time before cellphones became a thing.

Dead zones can be anywhere

and don’t discriminate. In addition to rural areas, they also can be prevalent in heavily populated suburban neighborhoods of the Capital Region. Slingerlands, Loudonville, Saratoga Springs, Halfmoon, Clifton Park: These are areas where a recent Times Union reader survey identified some of the worst dead zones in the region.

Further south in the Hudson Valley, the rural stretches of eastern Greene and Ulster counties have spotty, at best, data and voice coverage.

Dead zones qualify as a so-called first-world problem for certain. Sure, you can’t order that latte at Dunkin’ for the moment, or you have to walk outside to call your mom. But sometimes, it’s more pressing. There is an emergency. Your boss is trying to reach you, or worse, the school nurse called to tell you your kid is sick. You miss the call. You can’t get in touch. You freak out.

An online Times Union reader survey in late July identified nearly 300 dead zones in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. Complaints were usually over frequent dropped calls or slow or non-existent internet connections.

Dropped calls and dead zones

Reader Evelyn Wright, a T-Mobile customer, says her dead zone is at the Coeymans Marina, a popular tourist destination just south of the town of Bethlehem where she lives on her boat with her partner and their dog, Tucker, half of the year. The rest of the time they live in Florida. Wright doesn’t have a landline. Her cellphone is her main way to communicate

with the world. It’s also her de facto computer.

“When I sit on my boat, I have to be in certain spots or I get dropped calls,” Wright said. “At least one drop on each call I take.”

Like other readers the Times Union spoke to, Evelyn believes that part of the problem is the move by cell phone companies from 4G to 5G, and the 5G coverage isn’t working as well as earlier generations yet. She also says there have been promises to add new towers in the area, but so far that hasn’t happened.

T-Mobile did not immediately have a comment on service levels in Coeymans, but a spokesperson said it was looking into the issue.

Often the dead zones were identified at places readers frequented, such as the gym, the library or their kids’ schools. Often they were at readers’ homes or on stretches of roads they travel every day.

“I have found almost all of Route 9G in Dutchess County has very limited cell coverage,” survey respondent Michael Bozenski wrote. “This is a constant lack of service; it does not improve or get worse than it already is. A single bar is all that is available, at most, while traveling Route 9G.”

The issue can be frustrating because most cellphone carriers — the large ones are Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile — frequently boast, especially in TV ads, how their networks cover the most locations.

That’s true. But there are caveats.

Zoning regulations and physics

First, almost everyone hates looking at

Celebrate Fall with

at

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN O’KEEFE

The Mariners’ Brian O’Keefe is seen with Emily Nonnemacher, his fiancée, after O’Keefe’s first hit in the major leagues on Friday.

Clifton Park Senior Community Center

CLIFTON PARK - 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park, NY 12065 • 518-383-1343

Senior Express -Transportation for Clifton Park Senior Residents – 518371-4444

Saratoga County Office for the Aging - Home Delivered Meals – 518-3634020 or 518-363-4033

Periodic Activities: call or go online to view our newsletter at https://cliftonpark.org/services/senior-services/senior-center.html

Membership to the Center is available to anyone 50+ for ONLY $20 for all of 2022!

*Vaccination may be required for some activities. Please call to register for all programs listed. Thank You*

Crafts with Mary E: Wednesday, October 12th at 12:30pm: $3 cash supply fee paid at registration. Sample on display at the front desk. Advanced Registration Required!

EEE: 13 Financial

Waterford Community Senior Center Schedule and Events

WATERFORD - Come to our much-anticipated Tug Boat Round Up September 9-11, 2022 . See the Tugboat Parade from the Port of Albany to Waterford Harbor on Friday evening. All Weekend enjoy music, tours of vessels, lectures, vendors, food and the best fireworks around at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center.

Future Events down the road- Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 1 p.m.- The Great Chili Cook-Off.

Fall Day Fun DayWednesdays at 1 p.m. in

Resolutions Every Family Should Be Aware

Of: Wednesday, September 12th: Presented by Kevin Marin from Wealth Solutions: These critical items span from basic updates to your Beneficiary Designations to what we call ‘Having the Family Conversation.’ Advanced Registration Required!

Soldier Stockings-Service Project: Thursdays, October 13th- November 10th at 11:00am: We need donations of the following:

• Felt for the Stockings • Leftover Halloween Candy

• Small Games: dice, cards, word-search, sudoku, coloring books • Travel Sized: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, baby powder, toothbrushes • Regular Sized: deodorant, chapstick, baby wipes, nail clippers, sunscreen, cough drops, pens/pencils, hard candy, candy bars, gum, beef jerky, trail mix, dried fruit/nuts, energy bars, flea collars. Stockings will be donated to Blue Star Mothers NY

Flu Shot: Thursday, October 13th at 1:00pm: Provided by CDPHP. *BY APPOINTMENT ONLY*

October and November here at the Center. Lots of activities to choose from: play some Cornhole outside, (weather permitting), games, puzzles, cards and enjoy each other’s’ company.

Weekly Schedule Monday- Cards at 10am. Sewing Activity 1pm. 3rd Monday of month Women’s Club Meeting 1pm.

Tuesday- Bingo 1pm. October 18th 2022 Senior Monthly Business and monthly Birthday party 1pm.

Wednesday- Walking Group 1030 am. Fall Day Fun Day 1pm at Center, come for cornhole outside (weather permitting),

Call the Center to Sign Up for your yearly flu shot!

Jewelry Making Class: Friday, October 14th at 1:00pm: $3 cash supply fee paid at registration. Sample on display at the front desk. Register in advance as space is limited.

EEE: Stress-Proof Your Brain: Strategies for Managing Stress: Thursday, October 20th at 12:30pm: with Sheryl Kaplan, LCSW-R, CPP: Prolonged stress can have a negative impact on both the brain and body. Sheryl will present recent findings on how stress affects the brain and share strategies and techniques for managing everyday stress. Advanced Registration Required!

Living with Loss: Monday, October 31st from 10:00am-1:00pm: Monthly Drop-in Program with Melissa Cuoco, LMSW, Senior Social Worker and Clay Mewbourn, LMSW, Bereavement Counselor. Grief is a natural response to loss. There is no timetable for grieving; people grieve in their own way and heal at their own pace. Participants have the opportunity to talk about

games and karaoke.

Thursday- 1030am Chair Yoga. Arts and Craft Class, including jewelry making 1pm.

Friday- cards at 10am. Watercolor Class at 1pm.

Special events are held throughout the year. Trip Club is planning an outing to the Yankee Candle Flagship Store in Deerfield, Mass. On November 9th. The trip will be open to Senior members only, until October 18th. After that Senior members may invite Senior non-members to join.

October will bring on lots of activity here at the Center. Aside from all our regular daily activities, there will be Chili Cook

their loss and, share their story with others who have experienced similar losses. Learn the signs of normal grief, self-care, & coping strategies. Upcoming dates (Last Monday): November 28

Our Daily Lunch Program (12:00pm Noon) is ongoing. Call for details.

MONDAYS: Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Tap Dance, Jazz Dance, Bocce Ball, Chair Yoga, Beginner Clogging, Intermediate Clogging, Discussion Group, Rummikub, Ukulele, Quilting Group, Soulful Line Dancing, Healthy Bones

TUESDAYS: Exercise to Tape, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Yoga, Dice Games, Learn to Play: Bunco, Duplicate Bridge Group, Qi-Gong and Tai Chi, Scrabble, Hand and Foot Cards, Square and Round Dancing, Tai Chi for Seniors

WEDNESDAYS: Exercise to Tape, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, &

Off Contest on Thurs Oct 20th.

The Fall Day Fun Day is a new activity being introduced. This will be held on Wednesday afternoons in October and November. It will be a great place to drop in and play some games and socialize.

The Seniors will be taking a trip up to the Saratoga Racino on Fri Oct 21st.

Coordinating with the Saratoga Co Public Health and Marra’s Pharmacy, The Waterford Community/Senior Center will be hosting a Flu Vaccination/ Covid Booster Clinic on Tues Oct 25th from 10 am- 12 pm. Questionnaire (stop at Center to fill out) must be completed; you

ping pong), Investment Group, Ukulele Group, Dice Games, Intermediate Bridge, Bowling, Beginner Soulful Line Dancing, Soulful Line Dancing, Learn to Play: Euchre OR Mahjong, Poker, Canasta, Knitting and Crocheting, Healthy Bones

THURSDAYS: Golf, Exercise to Tape, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Chorus, Rummikub, Yoga, Watercolors, Pinochle, Mahjong

FRIDAYS:

Tap Dance, Ballet, Orchestra, Big Band, Woodcarving, Game Room Activities (darts, air hockey, billiards, & ping pong), Bocce Ball, Dominoes, Jewelry Making Class, Bingo, Latin Line Dancing, Healthy Bones

Trips! Trips! Trips! Call or stop by today to sign up!

Beardslee Castle Murder Mystery Luncheon: Sunday, October 16th (Wait List Only)

A Nashville Christmas at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA: Wednesday, December 7th

can sign up in person or via link Marra’s Pharmacy can provide.

Not a member? It’s only 15.00 yearly for membership. Come check us out!

For more specific information, please call the Center.

Jonesville United Methodist Church Food Pantry

CLIFTON PARKThe Jonesville United Methodist Church Food Pantry is open each Friday from 9am-12 noon and serves residents of Burnt Hills/ Ballston Lake and Shenendehowa school districts.We are located at 963 Main Street, Jonesville,518-877-7380.

Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. Monthly Guild Meeting

DELMAR - Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. is a not-for-profit guild of quilters interested in learning about the art of making quilts. Members live in the Capital Region and surrounding communities. All levels of quilters are welcome. Meetings are held the second Friday of each month (September through June) at the Delmar Reformed Church (386 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY.)

For the October meeting, a brief business meeting begins at 9:45 followed by a Lecture and Trunk Show by Marianne Hatton. All are welcome. Please join us. Please visit our website https://www.quiltinc.org/ for more details.

ADVERTISING

Community Caregivers’ Lunchtime Chat Schedule: October 2022

ALBANY - All are welcome! Please dial-in to hear about interesting topics –it’s free and easy to join! Simply call 518-992-6661. 2021 Western Avenue, Suite 104, Albany NY 12203

Website: www.CommunityCaregivers.org Email: info@communitycaregivers.org

Friday, Oct. 7 • 1 pm -

Topic: Mysterious Short Stories

Tuesday, Oct. 11 • 1 pm -

Topic: To be determined Friday, Oct. 14 • 1 pm -

Topic: Molly Pitcher, the American Revolution Hero Who Never Existed Tuesday, Oct. 18 • 1 pmTopic: Some Things Different with Andy

*Our monthly chat about all sorts of things. Each time we’ll present a variety of topics, stories, news, poems, tips, experiences, and other interesting items.

Friday, Oct. 21 • 1 pm -

Topic: Autumn in Salem! Tuesday, Oct. 25 • 1 pm -

Topic: Discussion on Long Term Care Options

Speaker: Renee Birnbaum and Melonie Pratt, Choice Connections NY Friday, Oct. 28 • 1 pmTopic: Happy Halloween! Spooky Tales and More

The Society of American Magicians

HALFMOON - The local group of The Society of American Magicians (SAM), Assembly #24, meets on the second Tuesday of the month at The Halfmoon Diner, Route 9, Halfmoon. For meeting details and information about our organization visit our website: WWW.SAM24.SYNTHASITE.COM

League of Women

Voters of Saratoga County Offering Voter Registration Tables

SARATOGA COUNTY - The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will be offering Voter Registration tables on the five Saturdays in October from 9am to 1pm at the Saratoga Farmers Market, 112 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Residents can learn where to find information about polling places, information about registration, early voting, absentee voting , and pick up absentee voting applications and voter registration forms.

Murder at Cherry Hill: A Harrowing Walk through a Historic Evening

ALBANY - On May 7, 1827, a notorious murder occurred at Cherry Hill that resulted in two sensational trials and Albany’s last public hanging…Historic Cherry Hill invites the public to come relive that night! Visitors will meet the historical players, walk in the footsteps of a murderer- played by actor James Keil- and revel in harrowing titillation during this annual October event. The tour is recommended for patrons 12 years and up.

The program will be offered Wednesday thru Saturday, October 1922 and October 26 - 29, 2022 . Tours begin at 5:30 and 7 pm each night. General admission is $20, members pay $15. Reservations are required. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. Members of Historic Cherry Hill

should contact info@ historiccherryhill.org to receive the promo code.

Covid-19 Protocols: Masks are suggested indoors for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. These guidelines are subject to change according to the latest CDC and NYS Dept of Health recommendations for Albany County. For the most recent protocols, please contact the museum prior to the event.

Historic Cherry Hill is a historic house museum at 523 ½ South Pearl Street in Albany, NY, and the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer family from 1787-1963. For more information, visit our website at www.historiccherryhill.org.

Free Fall Festival at Clifton Park Center Baptist Church

CLIFTON PARK - Free Fall Festival on Saturday, October 15th from 3pm – 5pm at Clifton Park Center Baptist Church. 713 Clifton Park Center Road. Pony rides, small farm animals to see and pet, games, craft and a Chili/Chowder Cook Off! Any questions call (518)371-6023.

Latham Colonie Columbiette Breakfast Buffet

LATHAM - The Latham-Colonie Columbiettes are hosting a Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, October 9th, 2022 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

Menu includes; Scrambled Eggs, an Omelet Station, Home Fries, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon

Discussion at the Congregation Beth Shalom on the Environmental Bond Act

CLIFTON PARK - On Sunday, October 9 at 11 am, at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clifton Park, there

be a presentation and discussion about the $4.2 billion environmental bond act, which will be voted on in the upcoming November election. Michelle Ostrelich, a county legislator, will be leading the discussion along with members of the League of Conservation Voters. The bond act, originally proposed in 2019 and approved in the 2020 budget for $3 billion, was ultimately pulled, due to the Covid-19 financial crisis. This new bond act, if approved by the voters, renamed “Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bond Act” would be the first such act since 1996. Investments from previous bond acts have yielded benefits for every corner of New York, investing in public parks, wildlife conservation, open space preservation, water infrastructure investment, toxic site cleanups and more. A new environmental bond act would provide much needed long-term and dedicated funding for New York to prepare for the worsening impacts of climate change and invest in restoring wildlife habitat. This program is sponsored by the League of Conservation Voters and is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Christ Our Light RC Church Healing Liturgy

LOUDONVILLE - Christ Our Light RC Church, 1 Maria Dr.,Loudonville, NY

Date: Wednesday October 12th, 2022

Time: 7:00 pm Prayer and Praise, 7:30 pm Liturgy, Healing Prayer to follow. There will be individual prayer teams available after Mass.

For more information about the Charismatic Renewal check out the website: AlbanyCCR.org

and Sausage, Pancakes and French Toast served w/ Warm syrup, A Variety of Cereals and Juices, Bananas and Hot Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate.

*$12 Adults, $6 Children (5-10) and under 5 Free! www.lathamcoloniekofc. com/dinners&events

Bethlehem Historical October Lecture

BETHLEHEM - DATE: Wednesday October 12 TIME: 6:30 PM - PLACE: Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar

Registration suggested as seating is limited. Call 518-439-9314 or online at Bethlehem.LibraryCalendar.com

Have you ever wondered about 18th Century hygiene practices? Ian Mumton, Historic Site Assistant at Schuyler Mansion, explores the topic “Coping with Life’s Necessaries” on Wednesday October 12, at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Bethlehem Historical Association’s Fall Lecture Series.

The Schuyler family enjoyed many luxuries as part of their refined lifestyle, but what might their hygiene practices have looked like? How did their practices differ from or align with those of other residents of 18th century Albany? Learn more about the changing practices of this aristocratic Dutch colonial family and their household with Schuyler Mansion’s “Coping with Life’s Necessaries” program!

This event is free and open to the public. Visit BethlehemHistorical.org for details.

Car Show at Maple Ski Ridge

SCHENECTADY - Saturday, Oct. 8 , 11am-3pm - 2725 Mariaville Road, Schenectady, NY. Open to all makes and models, dash plaques to the first 100 cars, 25 trophies in total. Special events: craft show, small engine display, chair lift rides and more for the kids.

Registration $15 day of the show Visit: http:// www.capitalcarshows. com/MapleSki.html or email Bill Schroeder oldcorvettes@gmail.com

Colonie VFW 8692

Oktoberfest Take-Out Dinner

COLONIE - Robert L. Weininger VFW Post 8692 in Colonie will hold our annual Oktoberfest Dinner on Saturday, October 15th. This take-out ONLY event at $15 per dinner includes bratwurst, Black Forest ham, sauerkraut, German potato salad, a German pretzel and dessert. Drive thru to pick up between 3pm and 5:30pm. Located at 140 VFW Drive in Colonie (Albany NY 12205 for your GPS). Advance reservations (required) by calling Bill at 518-8695888 or Jim at 518-4521395, preferably by Saturday, October 8th - before we sell out!

Sons of the A merican Legion Squadron 1450 Chicken Dinner Fundraiser

CLIFTON PARK - This function is a fund raiser meant to provide our ability to donate support to local organizations in need. These organiza-

A Moment in Time: 99 Portraits and Perspectives Exhibit Opening and Reception

ALBANY - On Thurs., Oct. 20, 2022 from 4–6 pm, please join Colonie Senior Service Centers for the exhibit opening and reception at the Gallery Hallway at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany for “A Moment in Time: 99 Portraits and Perspectives”. Traveling throughout the Capital Region for more than six months, a group of local artists (photographers, makeup artists and oral historians) interviewed and photographed 99 area seniors from all walks of life asking the question, “What are you looking forward to in the future?”

Come view their candid responses and see their beautiful portraits. As we get out of the COVID pandemic, its isolation and aftermath, it is refreshing to read the perspectives of older adults. The exhibit opening is free and open to the public. For questions or further information, please call Colonie Senior Service Centers at 518-459-2857 ext. 305.

St. Luke’s on the Hill Craft Fair

MECHANICVILLE - Craft Fair - handcrafted items only - Saturday, October 15th from 9 AM to 3 PM - rain or shine - at St. Luke’s on the Hill (40 McBride Rd Mechanicville) free admission - bring a food pantry donation and get a free raffle ticket - for more information call 518-664-4834 or officeadmin@stlukesonthehill.org

tions include Homeless War Vets, American Cancer, The Quest for Grace Foundation, Boys State, local youth sports activities, and many others, especially those helping our Veterans.

The Chicken BBQ will be held on October 8, 2022 at the American Legion Post 1450 located at 275 Grooms Road Halfmoon, NY. The facility is located off Exit 8A off Interstate 87, heading East on Grooms Road 1 mile on the left. Dinner includes ½ chicken, Baked Potato, Vegetables, Dinner Roll, Desert, and coffee and Soda. The function will be offered from 4 PM – 6:00 PM at a cost of $15.00 per dinner. It is available as EAT IN or TAKE- OUT. Tickets are available at the Legion Post Lounge, or from members of the Squadron. For further information please call Post 1450 at (518) 371-4463.

“Passion for Fashion”

Fall Fashion Show

ALBANY - The Woman’s Club of Albany will present a “Passion for Fashion” Fall Fashion Show open to the public at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, in the second-floor ballroom of its historic house at 725 Madison Ave. Albany, N.Y. 12208.

The Fashion Show will feature WCA member models wearing apparel from New York City fashion houses, as well as restyled fashions by Maria of Maria de Socorro Fashions. Refreshments and discussion will follow the show.

Admission is $20 and seating is limited. Register online at https:// womansclubofalbany.

com/event-4955883/Registration. Please note that the ballroom is not ADA accessible.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Woman’s Club of Albany, a non-profit organization founded in 1910 to improve conditions for women and children in Albany. The club continues that mission today, providing philanthropic and hands-on support to other non-profit groups throughout the Capital Region that offer direct services to women and children.

Free Community Dinner at Grace Church

WATERFORD –A Free Community Meal will be served during a Messy Church gathering at 2 p.m. Sun., Oct. 16 at Grace Church, 36 Third St. Messy Church provides an opportunity for people of all ages to worship together in a fun and creative way. Fun activities with a Biblical theme are planned.

For information, call the Episcopal parish at 2377370 or visit gracechurchwaterford.com.

The Rev. Kathy AlongeCoons celebrates the Holy Eucharist at 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Deacon Denise Moore assists.

An Adult Christian Education program begins at 8:30 a.m., A coffee hour follows each service

The Boys and Girls Club of Albany Hosts Adult Bible Study

ALBANY - Each Thursday at 6:00 P.M. The address is 21 Delaware Avenue.

For further info please call 518-885-3149.

Bob

Take Action Against Radon

No one is invulnerable to cancer. When it comes to reducing their cancer risk, individuals take many steps, including changing their diets and following recommended timelines for various health screenings. However, one important strategy may never occur to the average person — getting one’s home tested for radon.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that radon accounts for roughly 21,000 deaths from lung

cancer each year. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who don’t smoke, according to the American Cancer Society.

Radon is a natural substance that is produced from rocks and dirt in the ground, but that doesn’t make it safe. Radon is always present in the air in low concentrations, but heavy concentrations are dangerous. This can occur when too much radon gas from underneath a home leaks into a residence and builds up inside. The higher the radon levels and the longer the duration of exposure,

the greater the risk for illness.

Radon is odorless and colorless, so there is no way to know if it is present without a specific radon test kit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that affordable radon kits are available from hardware stores and can be ordered from the National Radon Program Services website at http://sosradon.org/test-kits.

Not all tests are the same, so it is important to read the directions. Depending on the test, it may take a few days or many months to finish the test and wait for the results from the testing laboratory.

If test results show a radon level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCiL) or higher, it’s adviseable to do a second test. If that test also comes back high, the issue will require remediation. A radon expert can provide advice and some solutions. Large radon problems typically require the services of a mitigation contractor to fix the home radon issues.

The CDC also advises people who have well water to get the well tested for radon, as sometimes well water can carry radon into the house, too.

Radon is a problem that can affect newer and older homes alike. Simple testing can determine if radon needs to be addressed or if a home is safe. It’s a routine safety measure homeowners should not overlook.

Clean, Green and Affordable: Switching to Biofuels Helps the Environment Without Costly Renovations

By Anne Craig

ooking for ways to be part of the solution?

Main-Care Energy, a longtime Capital Region leader in fuel delivery and HVAC, is right there with you. That’s why they carry a full line of cleaner, greener biofuels that help you reduce your home or business carbon footprint immediately, without the need to invest in a major energy retrofit.

“We’re fully committed to finding affordable ways to reduce emissions, and our Bioheat costs the same as traditional heating fuels, yet it reduces emissions considerably,” says Gregory Childs, VP of Corporate Services at Main-Care. “Choosing Bioheat becomes even more affordable when you factor in the New York State income tax credit for residential consumers -- we send you the form and the exact number to enter. Who doesn’t like saving on their taxes? Bioheat is a cleaner fuel that actually pays you back, making heating your home even more affordable.”

Bioheat is produced from biomass, rather than fossil fuels. It can be produced from plants such as soybean, or from certain agricultural, commercial, domestic, and/or industrial by-products.

Bioheat is the heating oil industry’s official registered name for the blend of traditional heating oil with renewable biodiesel. In order for a fuel to be called Bioheat, it can only be made with biodiesel that meets the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The result is a clean-burning fuel used to heat homes with benefits to system performance, human health, energy security, and global climate change.

Bioheat can be used in existing oil heat systems with no modifications -- in fact, it burns more efficiently and will keep your mechanical systems in better shape -- and Childs says customers love having a greener option that doesn’t require major investment. “They say a heat pump installation will run about $20,000, but it can run as high as $40,000. The state’s pushing to get everything electrified, and electrification has its place, but air source heat pumps just aren’t there yet when

360° of Service

Also Means Protecting Our Environment.

it comes to handling the temperatures of a New York winter.”

Main-Care has been working with Bioheat for a decade now, and no longer delivers traditional heating oil. “We live here too; we want clean air and clean water. Everyone does,” says Childs. “So we’ve really been pushing people in this direction, along with our partners and friendly competitors in our industry. We know we have a good answer here, an alternative to the alternative.”

It’s a logical development for Main-Care, founded in 1930 by two brothers who left the company to its employees when they passed in 1960. The company is still 100% employee owned to this day. “We have about 130 employee-owners, and we all share in profits and success,” says Childs. “We’re very conscientious, because what’s best for our customers is best for Main Care.”

And what’s best for customers, he firmly believes, is being empowered with the information to choose what works best for them. “Ultimately, we believe that diversified energy sources are the key to energy security. Right now, if you install a heat pump, anyone worth their salt will tell you not to rip out your old heating system, because heat pumps just don’t work efficiently when it gets really cold and you’ll need a backup.”

Main-Care’s Bioheat can reduce air pollution by 50%, while burning so efficiently that your overall consumption may go down -- a win/win that Main-Care is happy to add to their blend of superior products and services. “And we’re here for you, 24/7/365. If you need us at 3 am, you don’t get an answering service, you’ll always get an employee-owner.”

Delmar Community Orchestra’s Fall Concert

DELMAR - The Delmar Community Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Blostein, will present a Fall Concert on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 7:30 pm at the Delmar Reformed Church (386 Delaware Ave., Delmar). The concert, which will include both classical selections and pops, is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit the DCO website at www.delmarcommunityorchestra.org or contact DCO President Kate Henson at delmarcommunityorchestra@ gmail.com or (315) 363-3844.

HOROSCOPE

Week Of October 9, 2022

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

It may be tempting to throw your weight around and assert power in a situation, Aries. But this may backfire in the long run. Try to be a team player.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, someone close to you may be driving you crazy, and you’re tempted to let them know. However, go with the flow instead and enjoy this calmer approach.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, an important decision must be made in the days ahead. Take a calm approach and do your best to keep your emotions out of this discussion.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Once you involve others in a situation, it can be difficult to dial back their involvement, Cancer. Consider whether you should ask for input or go it alone this week.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, rather than shouting from the rooftops how much you love a person, it may be better to take a more subtle approach. Reel in your excitement for the time being.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Keeping secrets is not the way to go, Virgo, especially when they are kept from someone close to you. Why all the smoke and mirrors? Be open and honest with yourself and others.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

A financial situation may be worked out this week or even inflamed, Libra. The only way to stay ahead is to keep careful track of your expenditures.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Be honest with yourself about

your needs, Scorpio. If you don’t feel like socializing in a loud and public manner, organize a group to come over for some more quiet R&R.

SAGITTARIUS –Nov 23/Dec 21

Getting involved with chores and other tasks can occupy your mind with some busy work, Sagittarius. After a brief mental break, you can return to more serious tasks.

CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20

Finances may get a boost this week as a new income stream falls into your lap, Capricorn. Investigate it fully before getting deeply involved.

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

Opening up about your personal life may relieve some pressure and stress that you have been feeling, Aquarius. Find someone who doesn’t have a close stake.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Don’t spread the word about a big idea until you are sure about it and ready to move, Pisces. Don’t let others steal your thunder.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER 9 Bella Hadid, Model (26)

OCTOBER 10 Mya, Singer (43)

OCTOBER 11 Cardi B, Rapper (30)

OCTOBER 12 Hugh Jackman, Actor (54)

OCTOBER 13 Paul Simon, Singer (81)

OCTOBER 14 Rowan Blanchard, Actress (21)

OCTOBER 15 Bailee Madison, Actress (23)

in Phoenix with three fellow CBA graduates.

MLB Network zoomed in on the family seated close to the field as Brian took his turn in the batter’s box. A questionable third-strike call ended his first at-bat. He left nothing to chance during his second at-bat, jumping on a first-pitch fastball.

“I’ve had so many people reach out. Brian had to shut off his phone. To have the support and love from relatives and family and friends. It’s just been tremendous,” O’Keefe said. “He’s so happy we’re thrilled. Just to see your kid’s dream that he has worked so hard for for so long. It’s indescribable.”

Postseason MLB shirts feature the phrase “October Rise” and Susan is pictured wearing one in a family photo in the tunnel outside the team locker room. For the O’Keefe family, the rise took them all the way to Cloud 9.

Joyceb10bassett@gmail.com @joyceb10bassett A timesunion.com/ author/joyce-bassett

The Christ Child Society of Albany’s Annual Baby Shower

SCHENECTADY - The Christ Child Society of Albany is planning their annual Baby Shower for Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 12:00noon to 2:00pm at St. Madeleine Sophie Parish Center, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY 12303.

Our Chapter Members and volunteers distribute layettes to over twenty local service agencies in eight counties. The needs of our Layette Program continue to grow and we would appreciate your support. All are welcome.

The Layettes we distribute include an afghan or quilt, receiving blankets, disposable diapers (newborn and size 1), booties or socks, onesies (3 to 6 months or 6 to 9 months), sleepers (3 to 6 months), hooded towels, handmade sweater and hat sets and baby board books. We ask that you bring your Layette Item(s) as a donation unwrapped.

Refreshments will be prepared for your enjoyment. With that being said, please RSVP by Sunday, Oct 16 to Carol Kelly (518) 698-6633.

VETERANS

Donations to help finance future flights can be made payable to Patriot Flight Inc. and sent to Patriot Flight, P.O. Box 13776, Albany, NY 12212-3776 or by PayPal.

Seeking Tax Assistance Volunteers

SARATOGA COUNTY - Tax-Aide, the free income tax assistance program sponsored by the AARP Foundation and the IRS, is seeking volunteers for the upcoming tax season at various sites in Saratoga, Warren & Washington, NY counties. You do not need to be an AARP member to volunteer.

Tax-Aide volunteers answer questions, prepare and file returns for low to moderate income taxpayers and seniors from February 1st to April 15th, 2023. No experience is required, but computer experience is helpful for tax counseling.

Volunteers typically participate one or more days per week, with flexible schedules to accommodate volunteer availability. Volunteers who do not wish to prepare returns are also needed to greet taxpayers, confirm appointments or provide computer support. Free IRS certified training is provided for all positions.

For more information on how you can join our team, contact District Communications Coordinator Lorna Olivo at 518 309-8530 or email AARPTaxAideSaratoga@ gmail.com.

The Albany Figure Skating Club Announces the Learn to Skate Program

DELMAR - The Albany Figure Skating Club is pleased to announce that online registration is now open for its popular Learn to Skate program. Group lessons will be held on Saturdays from noon to 1:00 pm at the Bethlehem YMCA (900 Delaware Ave., Delmar) starting October 15, 2022

This program provides beginning and advanced skating instruction for recreational skaters, figure skaters, and hockey skaters aged 3 to adult, and is a fun, safe way to learn to skate or to improve skating skills.

Skate rentals are available, and skaters do not need to be YMCA members to participate.

For more information and to register, please visit the Albany Figure Skating Club’s website at www.albanyfsc. org, or email info@albanyfsc.org.

CELL SERVICE

cell phone towers, and almost no one wants one in their neighborhood or their line of sight. We all know about the “frankenpine” phone tower designed to look kind of like a large pine tree.

And zoning regulations in the Capital Region often are restrictive about allowing new towers. For instance, in Bethlehem, companies that want to enhance or upgrade service have to consider existing towers or locations before proposing to build a new tower. And any towers proposed near residential neighborhoods or schools often are met with vocal opposition.

Many times dead zones are just a matter of physics.

If radio waves from a tower are blocked or obstructed by a building or some other feature on the landscape, like a hill or trees, that also can cause connections to be weak.

Koushik Kar, a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy who specializes in communication networks, says cell phone signals essentially travel like light and are optimized through the line of sight. Buildings, walls and trees can block or make the signals less than optimal.

“It’s not just the direction but what is in between,” Kar said. “That happens across the board.”

Kar said that the transition to 5G could potentially be causing issues since 5G networks rely on higher radio frequencies, which don’t travel as far as lower frequency radio signals, even though they provide more bandwidth. That means that 5G networks need more and closer towers to get to all customers.

“Blockage is an issue, particularly at higher frequencies (like 5G),” Kar said.

But consumers may also be noticing more dead zones than ever because they are using their wireless devices more than ever, especially after the pandemic completely upended the way we all work and communicate with one another.

Will system upgrades help?

The conversion from 4G networks to 5G networks has caused issues as well, although the cell companies themselves won’t come out and admit that.

In fact, all of the cellphone companies contacted by the Times Union for this story essentially said there is nothing wrong with their networks.

“We monitor the performance of our network around the clock to serve our customers,” AT&T spokesperson Sarah Rodriguez said. “At this time, our wireless service is operating normally in these areas. In any location, there are many factors that can impact signal strength, including topography, building materials if a customer is using their device indoors or even the type of device.”

Rodriguez said customers having problems with coverage should use Wi-Fi to make phone calls, a method other service providers suggested, although several Times Union readers complained that that method often didn’t work.

People now regularly use their cellphones inside their homes for both work and personal use — and we are using those devices more in cars and when we are going places. In the old days, we used to work at the office on our PCs and make and get calls on land-line phones.

Many people who have returned to work no longer use those landline phones, and laptops have replaced the PC.

We are working everywhere — and often it’s in places where the phone companies didn’t have to worry about coverage in the past. We do so much of our work now from our homes and cars, which often are the worst places to get the best cell reception.

Readers complained in the survey the most about Verizon. When the Times Union showed Verizon the dead zones identified by readers, the company declined to comment on specific locations and would only say it is always trying to improve coverage for a swiftly changing marketplace.

“Because Albany and its surrounding communities rely on Verizon, we continually work and enhance our wireless network, expanding and improving it for our customers,” Verizon spokesman Chris Serico said. “In the past few years, we’ve seen changes in how our customers use our network, as well as where and when they use it. We are committed to remaining the network Albany relies on.”

Serico said the rollout of Verizon’s 5G network will also help, although many readers who responded to the Times Union survey said they believed 5G wasn’t being expanded quickly enough to meet demand.

“Since August 2021, we’ve added 5G to more than 75 of our exciting cell sites and as a result, many residents of Albany and the surrounding areas — including Latham and Colonie — have access to our next-generation 5G ultra wideband wireless service,” Serico added. “These upgrades added additional network bandwidth to the existing facilities while also maximizing coverage and capacity.”

A @larryrulison

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To Love a Child to Host 13th Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration. Get on Your Feet!

CLIFTON PARK - To Love a Child, Inc. announces its 13th Annual Awards Dinner to be held on Friday, November 4, 2022 6:00pm at The Century House, 997 New Loudon Rd, Latham, NY. The Get on Your Feet Tropical themed event will feature the Circle of Love

Awards presented to Infant Jesus of Prague, Jane Morrison, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and Viola Bramcamp. Come join us for a unique evening of fun and celebration and help support our many programs for children and families.

Ticket prices are $125 per person for Patron tickets, $150 Honorary Committee, $175 for Super Honorary Committee, $75 per person for Students (age13-18) and

UNFURNISHED

Children (12&under) $25. Invitation and sponsor opportunities can be found on our website. RSVP kindly requested by October 24th, 2022

Learn more about the work we do in our local community, Haiti and Zimbabwe and how you can make a difference in the lives of severely impoverished children.

Visit our website at www.toloveachild.net or call 518-859-4424.