The Advertiser 011223

In an effort to improve school bus safety, the East Greenbush Central School District is installing stop arm cameras on its entire fleet of buses. The new technology, which is being added at no cost to the school district, will monitor for motorists who illegally pass school buses and then issue traffic tickets for violations.

Installation of the stop arm cameras began on December 27 at the East Greenbush CSD Transportation Center. The company installing the cameras, Bus Patrol, is able to complete installation on four buses per day. With 102 school buses in the fleet, it is expected that all school buses will have stop arm cameras operational by the end of February.

HOW IT WORKS: The stop arm camera will begin recording any time the school bus’s red lights flash and the red stop sign extends out from the bus. If a vehicle drives past the bus during that time, the camera will record it and identify the license plate number. The video will be automatically uploaded to Bus Patrol where it will be reviewed, and if a traffic violation has occurred, it will be sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency for ticketing.

By ROGER HANNIGAN GILSON

CATSKILL — In the late summer of 2019, when the word “pandemic” was most likely to call up images of the Spanish flu or the Black Death, the average house in Greene County sold for $185,000, according to figures from Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress.

Three years later, in the late summer of 2022, the average home sold for $330,000 — an increase of 78 percent.

But as interest rates rise, will this trajectory be sustainable? Will it plateau? Or will there be a dreaded crash?

Gary DiMauro, the executive vice president at Four Seasons Sotheby’s, which sells highend homes throughout upstate New York, called price increases in the Hudson Valley’s housing market during the pandemic “unheard of in U.S. history.”

The tale is by now well-known: The mad rush to escape the petri dish of New York City resulted in bidding wars for properties, often

between cash buyers, that jacked up housing prices as demand lapped supply. Hudson and Kingston’s metropolitan areas (which included all of Columbia and Ulster counties, respectfully) had the biggest jump in net in-migration in the entire country, according to a New York Times analysis.

However, housing prices were rising all across the nation. According to the National Association of Realtors, for the three years ending in June 2022, the median sales price for an existing home rose 46 percent — far less than in the Hudson Valley, but still at a historical clip.

But rising interest rates have dampened the fire. To fight inflation, the federal reserve raised interest rates seven times in 2022, bringing the number up from near zero, where it had sat since the early weeks of the pandemic.

Nationally, the increases are having their desired effect. After peaking in June at $420,900, the median sales price for an existing single-family home fell almost 11 percent, to $376,700, by November, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The Hudson Valley has begun to feel this slowdown, too.

DiMauro said it began early last fall as rising sales prices and interest rates made bidding wars less common, until they are now reserved for the most desirable turn-key properties.

In Dutchess County, the median sales price for a home still rose from the third quarter of 2021 to the third quarter of 2022, but only by 5 percent, according to sales figures compiled by Hudson Valley Pattern

for Progress — far slower than the 15.7 percent prices rise in the 12 months prior. The “housing inventory” — how long it would take to sell all available houses on the market — also rose slightly in the county, from 3.4 months to 3.6 months, indicating a slight waning of demand.

Professor Marc Norman of NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate said a lack of construction contributed to the surge in housing prices nationwide.

“We were underproducing housing even before the pandemic,” he said. “Almost everywhere has had constrained supply because we’ve been underbuilding since the 2008 (financial) crisis.”

This underbuilding will act as a “buffer” to falling prices, Norman added. “You just can’t have the increase in supply, in the Hudson Valley specifically, in time to meet the demand. I don’t think there will be a crash because of this pent-up demand.”

Are housing prices sustainable?

New York City residents who moved to the Hudson Valley during the pandemic have “been moving dollars but not jobs,” Norman said, as many continue to work remotely. And people who moved to the region “can be just as fickle and go to Vermont or go to another region that’s farther away and cheaper,” he said.

Norman, who has consulted with the city of Hudson and other communities on housing, said he also feared housing prices would continue to increase, and the region to experience

By KENNETH C. CROWE II

EAST GREENBUSH — Town historian

Bobbie Reno’s quest to clear the name of an Ulster County soldier executed during the War of 1812 began on primary day of 2010 when she was an elections worker with Waldi Cavanaugh, who was then the town historian.

Waiting for voters to cast ballots, Cavanaugh told the story of the then-unknown soldier executed for desertion at the Greenbush Cantonment, which is now the site of the Hampton Manor neighborhood and the Red Mill Elementary School where the voting was held.

That set Reno off on the hunt to identify the soldier — who she discovered was Samuel Helms of Capt. Joseph Delafield’s Company

in the 1st New York Militia Regiment — and to redeem him in the historical records for what appears to have been an illegal court martial.

Having run into bureaucratic roadblocks in the U.S. Army rules and seeing an attempt to change the rules by U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko fail in committee, Reno has petitioned Hochul as commander-in-chief of the state militia, to pardon Helms.

“Hopeful,” was Reno’s one-word response Tuesday in asking Hochul to intercede on Helms’ behalf.

“It would appear that the only hope for justice for Pvt. Samuel Helms is for you, Governor Hochul, as the Commander in Chief of the New York State Militia, to review the docu-

Hudson Valley real estate tops in U.S. at height of COVID pandemic begins to moderate

PHOTO BY JIM FRANCO / TIMES UNION

Price spikes in the Hudson Valley’s housing market during the pandemic were “unheard of in U.S. history,” says a Sotheby’s executive

Bobbi Reno of East Greenbush says an executed War of 1812 soldier didn’t desert, he went AWOL. She’s now asking Gov. Hochul to pardon him.

JIM FRANCO / TIMES UNION

At East Greenbush’s Town Hall, historian Bobbie Reno stands next to a recreation of the Greenbush Cantonment, where the U.S. Army trained and stored supplies during the War of 1812. She’s behind an effort to clear the name of an American soldier from Ulster County.

Tracey Rex Reports to the People of Schodack

I believe staying in touch with constituents is an important part of serving in elective office. This report is an example of my commitment to keeping Schodack residents informed about town government news and community events. Town Board meetings can be viewed live or later at https://townhallstreams.com/ towns/schodack.

During December, the Town Board appointed Brian Brahm as Superintendent of Highways, made staff appointments to the Highway Department, and adopted the annual salary expenses for town employees and elected officials for calendar year 2023. Additionally, the Town Board conducted interviews for the open position of Chief of Police.

The Town of Schodack 2023 Youth Wrestling Program will run every Monday and Wednesday beginning January 18 through February 15. The program provides wrestling instruction and exercise for boys and girls grades 1 through 6. All participants will receive instruction from former Maple Hill High School Varsity wrestling coach, Geoff Scheilding. You may register in person at Schodack Town Hall or by mail. Cost is $25 per wrestler or $50 per family (three or more children).

Completed registration forms and registration fees (checks payable to: Town of Schodack Recreation) must be returned by January 16

Town Of Schodack

Property Taxes

Property Tax bills were mailed on December 29th. Taxes are due by January 31st without penalty. Payments can be mailed to Receiver of Taxes PO Box 436 East Schodack, NY 12063, dropped in the green box next to the Town Hall entrance door or paid online at Schodack. org. Please write current phone number on your check in case we need to contact you about your payment.

After January 31st all payments must include the penalty as listed on the bill. Current and past years tax bills/receipts can be viewed and printed from the website Schodack.org for income tax purposes. Office hours for January are Monday, Wednesday and Friday

to: Sheila Golden, Schodack Town Hall, 265 Schuurman Road, Castleton NY 12033. For more information or to download the registration form, visit the Youth and Recreation webpage at www.schodack.org.

The Town of Schodack has two upcoming vacancies on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Residents interested in applying for the positions should submit their name with a brief resume to Supervisor Charles Peter via letter to Town Hall or email: charles.peter@schodack.org.

Thank you to the donors and volunteers who supported The Anchor Food Pantry Christmas Shop event held last month. Because of your generosity and spirit of community, many children were blessed with gifts under the tree on Christmas Day.

Tracey Rex, Schodack Town Board

Poestenkill Town Board Update

Town Board Meeting - Thursday, December 8, 2022

Supervisor Hammond discussed the need to address the old roof at Town Hall. He plans to ask several roofing companies to inspect the roof and present their recommendations. The Supervisor said the project would be put out to bid and that he thought the money might come from Covid monies available.

Motion made by Councilman Wohlleber, seconded by Councilwoman Butler to designate the Town of Poestenkill as lead agency

9-4pm and Saturdays 1/21 and 1/28 9-12pm. February hours will be Monday and Friday 9-4pm.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at 518-4779735.

Shawn Masters, Receiver of Taxes

Town Hall Closes for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Debra L. Curtis, Schodack Town Clerk, wishes to remind residents that the Schodack Town Hall Offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Schodack Town Hall Offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. The Transfer Station will have regular standard business hours on Tues-

day, January 17, 2023.

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

Rensselaer County Legislature Majority Prepares for Historic Move to

New Offices

The Rensselaer County Legislature Majority is preparing to move to their new office at 99 Troy Road in East Greenbush, in the former Rose and Kiernan building.

The new location will offer modern offices and a new Legislative Chambers that will incorporate modern audio and video capabilities that will dramatically improve the Legislature’s ability to record

6 signs your pet has dental issues

dog is quite happy, are easy to read, it’s not always so easy to determine how a pet is feeling.

Pet parents who are trying to provide the best care possible recognize that pets may make them aware of certain health issues. Diseases of the mouth may cause issues elsewhere in the body if left untreated. Fortunately for pet owners, dental issues are often easily recognized.

1. Halitosis

Bad breath is a strong indicator of a dental problem. Halitosis may stem from tooth decay and gum issues, as well as gastrointestinal problems. In either case, it’s best to address a pet’s bad breath with a veterinarian.

Visible problems

2.

Take a peek inside of the pet’s mouth. Animal Wellness magazine says that if there’s a significant accumulation of tartar (yellow or brown patches on the tops of teeth along the gum line), or if the gums are inflamed and red, periodontal disease may be to blame. Traces of blood in the mouth also can indicate that there is a problem. Pets don’t always like their mouths touched, so if your pet is being difficult, have a vet conduct a comprehensive oral health and treatment appointment (COHAT).

3.

Refusing to eat

There are many reasons a pet may not want to eat, and a dental problem may be one of them. Painful teeth and gums can make eating challenging, so the animal may avoid food. Refusing to eat can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, so it’s best to nip this issue in the bud.

Sensitive mouth

4.

Your pet may yelp, bite or scratch if you touch around the mouth area when there is a dental problem at play. Drooling excessively or dropping food from the mouth also are signs that things are awry.

5. Less grooming

Cats spend around 10 to 15 percent of their days grooming. Dental pain can make grooming challenging. Therefore, if your cat is grooming less or looks unkempt, it may be due to dental problems. Great Vet says 85 percent of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease.

Overgrowth

6.

Rodents’ incisors (front, gnawing teeth) grow continuously throughout their lives. Typically the incisors receive continuous wear as the upper and lower incisors contact each other. However, if incisors are misaligned, they may not wear down effectively. Some incisors can grow out of control, piercing the roof of the mouth and into the nasal cavity. If a rodent’s teeth look long, that could warrant a vet check.

Pets can experience periodontal disease and other dental conditions. Staying aware of signs of dental issues can keep pets healthy.

pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act with respect to the Shuhart Planned Development District application. The motion was passed unanimously.

Councilman Wohlleber informed the Board members that there were seven proposals received for a project planned to update the Poestenkill Town website. The Town Board will review and discuss next steps at future meetings.

Motion made by Councilwoman Butler and seconded by Councilman Hass to approve training hours for the new Deputy Town Clerk, Lindsey Goyer. The board unanimously approved 20 hours a week for the four weeks of training.

Supervisor Hammond reported that he has been working with the County to resolve the kennel issue that several Town’s have encountered. Poestenkill and several other towns currently use Hudson Mohawk Animal Shelter for their kennel needs. However, the Town of Poestenkill and several other Town’s received word that the kennel is not renewing their contracts. Supervisor Hammond stated that one option would be to renovate a building located on the Waste Management property on Route 351 and 66.

These draft minutes to be approved at the next Town Board Meeting on Thursday, January 12 at 7pm.

Submitted by Councilman Eric Wohlleber

and broadcast monthly meetings and our monthly Honor a Deceased Veteran Program.

The move is expected to be completed in late January, and it is expected that the February monthly meeting will be held in the new chambers. Our Honor a Vet ceremony is on hold for January and February, and is expected to resume in March.

We appreciate your patience as we embark on this historic move. While we hope for it to be a seamless transition, we are committed to staying in touch and being accessible throughout the move.

If there are any questions about the move, or any other county issues, we can still be reached at 518-270-2880. Please like and follow our Facebook page: “Rensselaer County Legislators” to stay tuned to the latest news about the County Legislature.

Church of the Redeemer

January 15 service will be at 9:00. Coffee hour and socializing follow the service.

Hot Mess Crafters meets Wednesdays at 10:00, weather permitting. Later in the day, at 2:00, there will be Bible Study where we are studying how the Holy Spirit guides and helps us. The title of our current lesson is “Help is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit.”

Thrift Shop remains closed until February 2.

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.

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Types of bird feed for backyard feeders

Birding is a wildly popular hobby. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, about 45 million Americans are birders, while data from the popular bird observation app eBird indicates that submissions from Canadian birders increased by 34 percent in 2020.

It’s not uncommon for birding enthusiasts to travel great distances to see beautiful birds in serene settings. But individuals also can entice beautiful birds to come to them. Bird feeders beckon birds to millions of backyards every day, making them an ideal addition to properties owned by people with an affinity for avians. After choosing a bird feeder, novices may not know which food to fill it with. This breakdown, courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation®, can help anyone find the right food for their feeders.

• Nectar: Individuals who want to attract hummingbirds can do so with nectar, which the NWF describes as colored sugar water. Nectar must be placed into a hummingbird feeder and also might attract orioles to the backyard.

• Black-oil sunflower: The NWF notes that black-oil sunflower is the most popular bird seed. Black-oil sunflower attracts an array of birds, including blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, and sparrows. Novices may like that black-oil sunflower seed can even be found at many grocery stores, which can appeal to individuals who live in remote locations without specialty bird stores nearby.

• Mixes: Seed mixes also can be found at grocery stores and appeal to a variety of birds. Individuals who want to keep their feeders close to their decks or patios may want to look for mixes described as “no-mess.” The NWF indicates that these mixes have been de-hulled, which means there won’t be as big a pile of unwanted seeds beneath the feeder. That tends to be the case with regular mixes that birds pick through as they choose which seeds they want and discard the others, often dropping them to the ground beneath the feeder. The NWF reports that mixes tend to attract ground-feeding birds, such as doves and sparrows.

• Suet: Suet is sought after in winter by bird lovers who want to help birds stay healthy and strong during times of year when food sources are scarce. Suet requires a suet feeder, which is unlike most bird feeders. Suet comes in squares and isn’t in seed form, though seeds are typically mixed in to the gelatinous cake. Despite its appearance, which can seem like a square block of fat, suet is an excellent source of protein for birds in winter.

• Thistle or nyjer: The NWF notes that goldfinches love this small, highquality seed. Because thistle or nyjer is something of a specialty seed, birders who want to put it out will need to purchase a finch feeder.

Birding has millions of devotees across the globe. Knowing what to feed birds can be a great way for birding enthusiasts to attract these beautiful creatures to their own backyards.

News From Averill Park CSD

Sixth grade student Amelia Hicks was named the Algonquin Middle School Principal for the Day. Amelia did a great job running the show in place of Mr. Messia. Way to go, Amelia!

As part of the High School’s Warrior Wednesday programming, various groups are visiting students during lunch periods throughout the year. Recently, the Rensselaer County Department of Health and our Student Assistance Counselors set up tables, handed out information, played games, and spoke with students. Thank you to all who took time out of their schedules to interact with our student body.

The SL@AMS Club at Algonquin Middle School held a Candy Cane Gram fundraiser to support the AMS food pantry. When all was said and done, the group raised more than $300. Great job by everyone who was involved in this endeavor!

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.

Rensselaer High School Craft Fair

Rensselaer High School’s class of 2024 and the Alumni Association are having a craft fair on March 25 at the high school from 9-2 pm.

If you would like to be a vendor, please email us, and we will send you a contract so you can participate. People who sell Tupperware, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc., are allowed to participate. Spots are filling up, so be sure to get your space reserved. Please email us at alumniassociation@rcsd. k12.ny.us. Thank you!

Nassau Ambulance Needs Volunteers

Nassau Ambulance is responsible for the emergency medical response, and treatment of residents in parts of the Towns of Nassau and Schodack, surrounding the Village of Nassau.

Nassau Ambulance answers approximately 600 calls per year. Most calls involve injury or illness, but we also respond to fire scenes to monitor the health of our local fire fighters and provide service calls to residents in need of immediate at-home assistance. In addition to EMTs who provide medical care we

also need drivers for our ambulances. Drivers are a very important part of the crew, not only assisting the EMTs on the scene but providing safe transport for the crew and patients to area hospitals. Nassau Ambulance will provide or make available any training necessary to perform these tasks.

If you are looking for an opportunity to serve your community, we are looking for you. Please stop in at our open house to be held at the Nassau Ambulance Station, 498 McClellan Road, Nassau, NY 12123, on January 21, 2023 from 1:00-3:00pm if you would like more information regarding what is required to volunteer. Or, you may leave a message at the station 518-931-4160. We will return your call and set up a time to discuss volunteer opportunities or meet in person.

Wynantskill UFSD Kindergarten Registration

The Wynantskill Union Free School District has begun the process of registering new Kindergarten students for the upcoming school year.

Please visit our website at WynantskillUFSD.org or contact Kathy Fazioli in our main office for more

information regarding registering for Kindergarten. You may call the main office at (518) 283-4600 or email kfazioli@wynantskillufsd.org

Community Forum for Parents and Caregivers of Young Children

The Sky High Adventure Center will be hosting a community forum for parents and caregivers of children under the age of 6 on Tuesday, January 17th at 7pm to discuss the need for additional programs and services for young children in our community.

If you are interested in attending this forum either in-person or virtually, please provide your email address and we will contact you with more information.

Cabin Fever Party at The Rensselaer Senior Center January 27th

Join us as we enjoy a beautifully prepared lunch of fresh Pork Loin w/gravy, mashed Sweet Potatoes, Peas and Onions, Dinner Roll, Cinnamon Applesauce and a Special Desert. After Lunch no napping!!

It’s time to move to the music of the 60’s and a little

more with Pete and Friends. These gentlemen are top notch musicians that will get you up and moving.

After a delightful afternoon of good food, company and dancing its home to take that nap you wanted to take right after you had lunch. Call today to make reservations; (518) 463-2166. We are open 9am to 3pm, located on East and Herrick Streets Across from The Rensselaer Train Station.

The Anchor Food Pantry

The Anchor Food Pantry after experiencing a significant increase of over 30% demand from 2021 to calendar year 2022 is seeking support from our Schodack Community for canned goods and toiletries to meet our clientele’s needs at the present time.

Donations can be dropped off at the Anchor Food Pantry Mondays 430-630 pm, Tuesday& Thursday from 9am-130pm ,and the first Saturday of every month from 10am1230pm. Additionally donations can be dropped off at Village Hall -Castleton or Schodack Town Hall during their regular business hours.

Bottles and Cans can also be dropped off @ 6Cent Redemption Center-9J, Rensselae; Monday-Saturday.

Lebanon Senior Citizens

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

For the months of January and February the senior meetings are just one meeting on the third Friday at 1 pm.at the new Lebanon firehouse. If New Lebanon school is closed our meeting is cancelled. 45 of us just enjoyed our Christmas party at the Whitestone Cafe.

Not a member ? Think about joining us. January meeting we are planning a chili cooked to warm you from the inside out. February we will enjoy soup and sandwiches at our meeting.

We are in the planning stages for our 2023 adventures. Interested? Want more information?

Call Mary Defreest at 5187330009 or attend our next meeting.

Looking for Baseball Umpires

CAPITAL DISTRICTCapital District Baseball Umpires Association is looking for new members for the 2023 season.

Training classes are now forming. Please call Bob Umholtz at 518-9865987 or go to cdbua.com for more information.

6 Signs You May Need a New HVAC System

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It can include heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning units. It is an automated system that works by adjusting a thermostat to regulate air temperature, and sometimes humidity, in the home. According to Enviguard, a commercial contracting provider, HVAC systems also may be used to improve indoor air quality through filtration and oxygen replacement.

As with any mechanical device, an HVAC system has a life span that must be considered. Should any of the following conditions

be present, it is likely time to consult with an HVAC technician to see if repairs or replacement of the entire system is warranted.

1. Age If the HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it could be time to begin budgeting for a new unit. Many modern, efficient systems may last 12 to 14 years with routine maintenance. But it’s good to keep an HVAC system’s age in mind so you can readily recognize when it might start to fail.

2. Longer or constant running times

An efficient, properly working system will quickly

heat or cool the home and then turn off. A system that is turning on repeatedly or having to run for awhile before the set temperature is reached could be nearing the end of its utility.

3. Strange noises Groaning, banging or loud humming noises should be addressed. While these noises may indicate that certain components need maintenance or replacement, they also could be symptoms of age and a system nearing failure.

4. Frequent repair visits Knowing the HVAC company’s repair person by name is a sign that the sys-

tem has required too much work in recent months. Repeated issues and repairs are probably signs that it’s time to consider a system replacement.

5. Higher bills Sticker shock when receiving electricity or gas bills likely mean the HVAC system isn’t working efficiently and might need to be replaced.

6. Poor indoor air quality If the home is dusty or humid or even if allergies seem to have cropped up out of nowhere, this could indicate a poorly functioning HVAC system.

residents and be 4 years of age by December 1st, 2023.

Applications collected will be entered into a random lottery in the event that there are more applicants than spots available.

Lottery applications must be submitted by March 16th, 2023 in order to be eligible for the lottery drawing being held on March 20th, 2023. Parents will be notified of the results and have until April 1st, 2023 to accept their seat and fill out the remaining registration forms.

Applications received after March 16th will go on a waitlist should a seat become available.

Please go to our website to find the application at WynantskillUFSD.org

Averill Park CSD Kindergarten Registration for 2023-24

The Averill Park School District has begun the process of registering boys and girls for the 2023-24 Kindergarten Classes. If you, or someone you know, has a child who will be 5 years of age on or before December 1, 2023 please contact the district registrar at 674-7050 exten-

sion 7201 to make sure that the child is listed on our school census. This will guarantee that you will receive all upcoming kindergarten information by mail. Registration paperwork will be started online and completed by appointment with the district registrar at the district office at the Averill Park High School during the month of February. Registration hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3:30 PM. Registration forms are accepted by appointment. All paperwork must be completed by 02-28-2023.

New York State Public Health Law, Section 2164, requires certain immunizations (shots) to enter kindergarten and attend school. Please check with your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure your child has all the needed immunizations. They are listed below. Required

Age Requirements

Children who are five years of age on or before December 1, 2023 are eligible to attend Kindergarten this September. As a parent you have an option to enroll your child in school at age five or withhold your child until the school year in which he/she turns six. Children born between 7/1/17 and 6/30/18 must attend kindergarten in the coming school year. Children born between 7/1/18 and 12/1/18 may attend during the 2023-2024 school year or may wait until the following year.

February Break Drama Camp w/Elyse Young

Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department announces FEBRUARY BREAK DRAMA CAMP for ages 10-15 will run Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24 from10:00am until 3:00pm.

The camp will be taught by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young and will include acting skills, vocal techniques, theater games, crafts, rehearsals and performance of a short play. Camp and performance will take place at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta.

For more information, go online to www.maltaparksrec.com or contact Town of Malta Parks and Recreation Department at (518) 899-4411.

the Plunge! Registration is open for Polar Plunge at Grafton Lakes State Park

Registrations is now open for the Polar Plunge at Grafton Lakes State Park. The Winter Fest is in its 38th year with events occurring all day on Saturday, January 21st, 2023. The plunge happens promptly at 11:30am with check-in beginning at 11:00am at the center of Long Pond beach.

Participants will take turns jumping into the frigid water while the New York State Police Ice Dive team provides safety. Spectators are welcome on the shore and provide a nice wind block for the event. The Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will provide a fun prize for the Silliest Costume but come in whatever “swim attire” you like.

The Plunge will once again this year raise funds for the food pantry at Our Lady of the Snow Church. Your participation will help provide food to families in need in the New Year.

This event is open to the first 100 people who register. The fee is $25 and includes a t-shirt for pre-registrants. Day-of registration is based on availability and does not include a t-shirt. Heated changing areas are available nearby but bring water shoes to wear and warm clothes for before and immediately after. For more information and an application for the Polar Plunge call or email Ray Dozois at 518-663-5648 or kofc14164@gmail.com or check the park website at parks.ny.gov/parks/ graftonlakes under Documents.

The 38th Annual Winter Festival will also include snowshoeing, kid scavenger hunt, indoor exhibitors at the welcome center, guided outings, food vendors, and much more. Main events run from 11:30am-3pm. For more information on the Winter Fest visit: parks. ny.gov and look up Grafton Lakes State Park or call the welcome center at 518-2791155. There is no entrance fee for the event.

East Greenbush CSD Kindergarten Registration Information

The East Greenbush Central School District is now enrolling kindergarten students for the 2023-24 school year. To be eligible for kindergarten in September 2023, your child must turn five years old by December 1, 2023.

Kindergarten registration packets will be mailed to all eligible families in the district database during January 2023. If your child is not currently in the district database, please call the school your child will attend to have the registration packet mailed to you. The packet will provide you with a list of all the documents you need to bring as well as all the forms you need to fill out prior to registration.

For more information, visit www.egcsd.org/registration.

Sand Lake Town Library News

Bereavement Support

Group

Grief is a difficult emotion to cope with and can be very isolating. We recognize and experience the grief of loss with our visitors every day. So many visiting the cemetery feel an emptiness that can be overwhelming and difficult to share with others. Grief is not something that can be cured; however, you may find comfort and understanding in talking with other people that are experiencing grief and loss, similar to you.

Our bereavement support group provides a safe and confidential place for those who are grieving to share their stories, experiences, show compassion to one another, and remember loved ones.

Are you unsure if you’re ready or want to talk or share your experience?

We welcome those who may just want to try a bereavement support group and listen in a comforting, no pressure environment.

Please note that this is not formal counseling. Our trained facilitators will help guide the conversation and ensure everyone is comfortable in a safe and confidential environment. Our bereavement support group is free of charge and open to anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one. January 18, 2023, 10:00 – 11:30 AM

The Living Room Art Gallery at Historic St. Agnes Cemetery, 48 Cemetery Ave. Menands, NY 12204 There is no fee to attend, but please pre-register with Kelly: (518) 350-7679 or Kelly@ ADCemeteries.org.

More information: https://blog.capitaldistrictcemeteries.org/ bereavement-support-group/.

LEGO Tuesdays, 3:30 – 6pm. Drop in, bring a friend, get creative. We have lots of LEGOs to design with.

Art Exhibit –Newly hung exhibit by photographer Tom Chesnut includes local sights plus photos from Wyoming, West Virginia and Yellowstone National Park.

Tech Help – Thursday, January 19, 11 – 12 Bring Your Own Device and get help from Digital Lit Educator Delia Hubbard.

SLTL Board Meeting Thursday, January 19, 6:45pm. 2023 Committee Appointments, review of year-end expenditures, updates on survey & fundraising responses. Storytime returns on Wednesday, January 25 at 11am with the theme of “Snow”. Have you returned your SLTL Planning Survey? Please help us plan for the future by sending in your responses. We are also looking for people to participate in a focus group. Let us know if you are interested; call or email info@sandlaketownlibrary.org Looking for things to do? Check the SL Calendar at sandlaketownlibrary.org for events around town.

Thanks to The Dressners, Patricia Carley, Meeli Leith, Megan Lyons, Peggy & Jim Goold and all our other donors for your year-end donations to the library. Located at 8428 Miller Hill Road, Averill Park. Hours: M-TH 11 – 8; F 11 – 4; Sat 10 – 2. Call 518-674-5050 with questions.

Thank You From Friends of the North Greenbush Public Library

Thank you to all our patrons who donate their recyclable bottles to the Friends of the North Greenbush Library Account at the 6 Cents Deposit Center at 401 Main Avenue, in Wynantskill, NY . Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Bread of Life Food Pantry Donation Request

The “Bread of Life” food pantry in Poestenkill has just begun our 8th year of serving our community and neighbors. As we see food costs rising dramatically, we realize more donations of food will be needed.

When you are shopping for grocery’s, we would greatly appreciate it if you would pick up a few food items to donate to our pantry. Here is a list of our most requested staple food items that our guests want..

Breakfast cereal for adults and kids, sugar, flour, baking oil, bottled apple juice, canned fruit, canned hash, canned chili, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, cookies and snacks, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, Parmesan cheese, canned baked beans, instant and ground coffee.

Just a few of these items two times a month would be so helpful for our neighbors in need. You may drop them off at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poestenkill,side entrance in the container. We check it daily and date and shelve each item for our open dates. Please check use by and expiration dates before donating. Thanks so much for your help. Our contact number is (518) 283-6045.

Grafton Lakes State Park and Our Lady of the Snow Parish would like to thank the New York State Police Dive Team and the Grafton Rescue Squad for their assistance in providing for the safety of participants during this event.

Castleton-Schodack Kiwanis Chicken BBQ on January 22

The Castleton-Schodack Kiwanis Club will be firing up the grill and selling Chicken BBQ dinners on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023. All proceeds stay right here in our community, to improve the lives of local children. The cost of the dinners is now $12 each, and each meal includes a half-chicken, baked potato, and coleslaw. Dinners can be picked up between 12:00 noon and 4:00pm behind the Castleton Fire Company, located at 11 Green Ave in the village of Castleton - this will be a drivethrough event.

To pre-order dinners, call (518) 364-1965 or email castletonkiwanis@gmail.com by January 21st . The Maple Hill Jr/Sr HS Key Club will also be holding a bake sale, to satisfy that sweet tooth!

Averill Park Fire Department Breakfast Sandwich Fundraiser

Relax and let the fire company prepare made-to-order breakfast sandwiches for you and the family. Please support our Breakfast Sandwich Fundraiser being held Sunday, January 22 , 2023 from 8:00 am until 11:30 am at the Averill Park Fire Station located at 35 Eastern Union Turnpike.

Drive up and order your choice of ham, bacon or sausage on this 2-egg delicious sandwich prepared on Bella Napoli hard rolls, served with a hash brown for just $6 each!! In addition, fresh donuts will also be available for you to purchase.

We really appreciate your support and invite you to stop in and see what we do. This is a very rewarding activity for someone who would like to volunteer to help others in their community as both firematic and non-firematic members. We would love to talk to you more about the opportunity.

Schodack Valley Vol. Fire Co. Pizza & Wings Night

Come join us Saturday January 21st for our family favorite pizza and wings night. You can eat in or take out. For to go orders please call 518-477-4215.

Hours are 4-7pm. The special pie of the month is bacon/tomato. We also offer home made salads, bountiful antipastos , mozzarella sticks and a large selection of beverages. This fundraiser is held at our fire station located at 1553 Schodack Valley Rd. Castleton NY.

Chicken Parmesan Dinner

Saturday, February 25, 2023. 4:30PM - 7PM. West Albany Fire Department, 113 Sand Creek Road, Albany.

Tossed Salad with your choice of Italian Dressing or Ranch. Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Sauce over Spaghetti Pasta served with Garlic Bread Stick.

Cost $12.00. Take Out Only.

For more information contact Edwin 518-892-8095 or Nancy 518-795-0644.

Kiwanis Pasta Dinner On PauseTo Resume March 11th

The Sand Lake Kiwanis Club wants to inform the community that we will not be holding our monthly pasta dinners during January and February.

The Kiwanis Community Pasta Dinner fundraiser will resume on Saturday, March 11th from 4PM to 7PM at the West Sand Lake Fire Hall on Rt. 43.

Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for Kids (10yrs. & Younger). Meals will consist of pasta, meatballs, salad, bread, beverage & dessert.

We will look forward to once again preparing delicious pasta dinners for you and your family in March.

All proceeds will support Kiwanis community projects.

VFW Pancake Breakfast

Start off the New Year with a Delicious Breakfast while supporting your local Veterans!

Sunday Jan 15, 2023, 9 am to 11 am. Eat in or takeout.

Breakfast includes Buttermilk Pancakes, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausages, Home Fries, Corned Beef Hash, Toast, Coffee, Tea, Water and Assorted Juices.

Adults - $12.00, Children 6 to 12 - $5.00, Children Under 6 – Free.

We will also have a drawing. Donations are always welcome and very much appreciated!

Please order in advance before Sunday’s Breakfast for take-out by emailing us at VFWpost7338@gmail.com or calling 518-477-7770 and leave a message with your name, number and the desired pickup time. There is no one at the Post to return your call.

Your message is forwarded to another number which is checked the day before the breakfast.

Body and Soul January 26, 2023

Hope you received all you wanted for Christmas and are enjoying the New Year. We are still using the same operating hours 3:00-6:00 PM.

Dinner menu this month will be ham and scalloped potatoes, carrots, salad, and dessert. As of this writing, we are able to seat people for our meal and of course we are still doing take outs.

Should the weather seem bad, and you wonder if we will have pantry, please check with Lisa @ 518-279-3576. No matter what the weather, our location remains at the intersection of Routes 7 & 278 in Center Brunswick.

Gilead is handicapped accessible.

Glendora Vegeterian Club

What do you think of an animal 18 feet tall weighing over 2000 lbs., a ruminant, who eats leaves, fruits and flowers of woody plants, primarily of the acacia family? Well, Love the Universe made such a remarkable animal: the giraffe.

Giraffes live in herds and are gregarious. Females take sole responsibility for raising the young. These animals are beautifully marked in blotches of brown, yellow and black on a white background. The long neck of the giraffe is about 7.9 feet in length.

Just as interesting is the tongue which is 18 inches long. Giraffes live in groups, colonies of companionship and sociability. What do they want from human beings? Appreciation, cooperation, safety, symbiosis and love. We are thrilled by such a fascinating creation in the God Love kaleidoscope.

I would like to have one as a pet!

Jokes

1. A man was looking for a new type of pet, something companionable and interesting. His friend said, “Why don’t you get a centipede? They are good company.” The man said OK and went to a pet store and bought a centipede and brought it home in a box. At noon he said, “Centipede, let’s go out and eat.” There was no answer. At 1:00 the man said, “Centipede, I know of a nice place on Main St. Let’s go.” There was no answer. At 2:00 the man said, “Centipede, let’s go eat. I’m hungry!” The centipede said, “I heard you the first time. I’m putting on my shoes.”

2. The lawyer said, “It gives me a grand and glorious feeling to dispense legal advice.” His client said, “Give him a grand and he feels glorious.”

3. A woman says, “I have the most delicious recipe for a casserole. I simply mention it and my husband says ‘Let’s eat out!’” Google Glendora Folsom 518-931-0266; achatwithglendora@gmail. com

Johnny Rabbs Big Band

On Saturday Feb. 4 2023 The Sons of The American Legion will be hosting Johnny Rabbs Big Band with special guests The Tichy Boys and Blue Hand Luke,performing all your rockin’ favorites.

This is our largest fundraiser event of the year and as part of The Legion Family our main goal is to raise funds aimed at improving the quality of life for our nations children and veterans.

Advance tickets are available at The American Legion,111 Main Ave. Wynantskill for $ 15.00 ea.reserved seating is available with a 4 ticket minimum purchase.

Doors open @ 6:00 pm, band starts at 7:00. Supporters can enjoy food and drink specials ( by Giuliano’s Catering ) outside food and drink prohibited, This event has sold out quickly the past 9 years,so reserve early, tickets are limited. For more info call Bill 518-441-0013.

Say No to Expanded Mining in the Town of Sand Lake!

Mining operations in the Town of Sand Lake are at best a nuisance and at worst an environmental and economic disaster. How many of us have driven down Rte 43 only to catch a stone from a truck that dinged or cracked our windshield? Both times it happened to me I was able to maintain control of my car. Yes, I was insured for glass replacement. But it was a multi-day inconvenience.

MARKET

a housing crisis similar to Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod, whose economies are based on vacationers and second-homeowners.

Adam Bosch, the executive director for Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, said that 20 to 25 percent of home purchases in the Hudson Valley were made in cash as recently as last spring.

Pattern for Progress expected housing prices in the region to begin to fall in the early months of 2022, but they still continued to rise, Bosch said.

“All the way through September, prices were still increasing across the region,” he said. “The number of closed sales did drop significantly, but that’s not because of a lack of demand — there’s still a huge demand for housing — but what ended up happening was we ran out of supply.”

A healthy housing market has six months of inventory. In the third quarter

HISTORIAN

But what about the folks in West Sand Lake whose foundations and interior walls have cracked from the blasting?

What about the people in the neighborhood of the mines whose wells now show unhealthy levels of arsenic?

What about the people who live along Thais Road? It’s illegal for those massive trucks to use this small side road. But they still do.

I understand that we need gravel to build roads and foundations. Geologists tell us that there are miles and

of 2022, all counties in the region other than Sullivan had fewer than six months of inventory, with Orange County only having 2.7 months’ worth of homes on the market, according to Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress.

The Hudson Valley’s housing market was not “following the typical supply-and-demand economics,” Bosch said, because the glut of demand was not being followed by an increase in supply. He cited a few reasons for this: the high cost of building materials, a lack of construction labor and zoning in Hudson Valley communities that discouraged additional construction.

Still, Pattern expected housing prices to come down in the Hudson Valley in 2023, with the pace of the downturn determined by interest rates, new home construction, and whether homeowners were putting their properties on the market. The “crystal ball” question was whether they would fall less than the

miles of minable gravel throughout New York State. So why mine in a residential neighborhood?

The Hoffay/Rifenberg mine has applied for permission to expand its current 143 acres of mines an additional 70 acres. Representatives of the company assured the Sand Lake Town Board that this will not mean additional traffic, blasting, noise, cracked windshields.

Sorry. I don’t buy it. The Sand Lake Town Board should reject their application for expansion.

Bridget Ball Shaw, Averill Park

country as a whole, or at a similar rate.

Sandra Park, a Hudson Valley realtor who produces the regional real estate newsletter The Brick, said prices in the Hudson Valley could not go up forever.

“There is absolutely no historical pattern to suggest that we could sustain the trajectory that we had been experiencing,” she said. “None.”

Still, there would be no housing crash in the Hudson Valley, according to Park, but “a leveling off,” something already being seen in Dutchess County, which had price increases over the last year more in tune with appreciation seen in 2018 or 2019 than during the pandemic.

Sellers who priced their homes in line with the appreciation seen during the “wild west” of 2020 and 2021 would most likely have to lower their sales price, but Park liked to remind clients their homes would still be selling for far more than before the pandemic.

DiMauro said housing prices would not

take the hit in the Hudson Valley that was expected nationally, but that there would be a leveling off, though prices could continue to rise by a few percent a year.

Bosch said he could not say how much prices would go down in the future, but that the rapid rise in prices has had some negative effects in the region.

“Over the past few years in your neighborhood, you had a better chance of not being able to afford a house than you had in the past, and that’s not great if we want people to stay here, that’s not great if we want people to have two-to-three kids instead of one kid, that’s not great if you want to be sure we can house the workforce for all these companies were trying to attract to the region,” he said.

This issue can be seen in Columbia County, where a study last spring showed the average wage-earner could not afford to buy a home in 16 of the county’s 19 municipalities.

CONTINUED FROM 1

ments enclosed and consider granting Pvt. Samuel Helms a pardon,” states Reno’s Dec. 26 letter that she mailed late last week to the governor.

“We have received the letter and are reviewing it,” the governor’s press office said Tuesday.

Reno’s tenaciousness paid off last year when her years of research and lobbying efforts resulted in a U.S. postage stamp honoring Edmonia Lewis, who was born in the town in the 19th century and was of Black and Native American ancestry. “Our rock star town historian,” is how Supervisor Jack Conway described Reno Tuesday.

The issue for Helms is whether he deserted from a post in Ulster County or went AWOL (absent without leave) to see his wife and their three young children.

Town Little League Spring 2023

Baseball

Registration Open!

Registration for Twin Town Little League’s Spring 2023 baseball season is now open! Twin Town Little League will be offering programs for the following levels and ages: T-Ball (4-5 yrs old), Rookie (5-6), Farm (7-8), Minors (9-10), Majors (11-12), and Senior (13-16).

Registration fees are $125 for T-Ball and Rookie, and $155 for Farm, $160 for Minors and Majors, $180 for Senior. There is a discount for families with more than one player. Register by January 31st to receive an early bird discount of $10 off the registration fee!

Register on-line by visiting our website www. twintownbaseball.org.

If you have any questions, please email twintownlittleleague@gmail. com.

Website: www.twintownbaseball.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TwinTownLL

The Path

To Publishing

The Upper Hudson Chapter of Sisters in Crime hosts Jessika Hazleton of Troy Book Makers at their meeting, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:15 a.m.

Jessika will discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing, steps an author must take to get from rough manuscript to polished book, and answer questions. The event is online only. Register at https://upperhudsonsinc. com/events/.

Cornell Co. Ext.

Rensselaer County

Annual Mitten Tree

Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County will be collecting mittens, scarves, and hats for our annual mitten tree.

The weather is getting colder, and we want to support members of our

community by providing cold weather gear to those in need. We are taking donations of items such as new gloves, hats, scarves, coats, etc. at our office to distribute beginning Monday, January 9th, 2023.

New, unused items may be dropped off at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office at 99 Troy Rd., East Greenbush from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Additionally, items will be available from the Mitten Tree beginning January 9th for anyone in need of items.

“All of my research doesn’t support desertion. It proves he went AWOL and was tried on charges before an illegal court martial,” said Reno, seated in her Town Hall office where she pulled out records to back her claim.

“I believe he was from around Ulster County,” Reno said. Helms, she said, was sent to the provost marshal jail at the Greenbush Cantonment, a major army base during the War of 1812 where some 4,000 soldiers were housed and trained.

Helms always intended to return and was not running from his military service, Reno said. War of 1812 records show that he was listed as AWOL on Oct. 2, 1812 and he came back to his camp and was placed back on the muster rolls on Oct. 22, 1812. It appears, however, Helms became an example for what would happen to deserters.

For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210.

Thrift Shop

The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville is open every Wednesday and the first Saturday of each month from 9- 12. Closed on major holidays. Look for our sign at the corner of Rte. 111 and Rte. 67.

A great selection of adult

Helping Everyone Live Well with Parkinson’s

Do you or your loved one have Parkinson’s Disease? Do you live or work in the Upstate NY, Greater Capital Region? Did you know there is so much you can do to Live Well with Parkinson’s?

Did you know recent clinical studies have shown that a good personal wellness program, including exercise, good nutrition, and an overall healthy lifestyle, can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and improve the way you feel? Make today the day you gain control of your life and Live Well with Parkinson’s!

Join us today by signing up for our newsletter Start learning about local and online exercise and wellness programs, resources, and information, all geared toward people with Parkinson’s disease and their Care Partners.

There is no charge to use the Help for Parkinson’s service.

Feel free to contact us at info@helpforpd.org or 518-350-7399

** Help for Parkinson’s is a locally based 501(c)(3) charity solely focused on helping improve the lives of folks dealing with Parkinson’s Disease. **

and children’s seasonal clothing, vintage, special occasion and career

Helms was ordered in July 1813 to be tried at the Greenbush Cantonment for desertion. He was convicted and executed by firing squad in either late August 1813 or early September 1813 before the entire camp. Reno said she believes Helms is buried in an unmarked grave somewhere on the grounds of the cantonment, perhaps at the school fields.

Unearthing Helms’ name was like “finding a needle in a haystack,” Reno said. Then there’s the evidence that his court martial was determined nearly two centuries ago to have been illegally conducted, Reno said.

With the 210th anniversary of Helms’ execution occurring later this year, Reno said, “I thought it might be a good thing to go to the governor.”

clothes, jewelry, shoes, boots, purses, toys, linens, puzzles and games, house-

hold and decorative items. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books.

This town house in the

Here’s a town house in the gated community of the Village at Shaker Creek in Latham, just off of Route 9, with plenty of room and lots of newer amenities. Built in 2017, the 2,300-square-foot property has three bedrooms and twoand-a-half bathrooms. The main bedroom is on the first floor with an attached full bath and walk-in closet. The kitchen comes equipped with a convection oven and a nearby pantry with stylish pegboard storage. While the lot’s size doesn’t far exceed the home’s square foot-age, there’s a Trex deck to enjoy the environs. (And if you’re thinking of making delegation one of your New Year’s resolutions, the monthly HOA fee

includes grounds maintenance, snow removal and trash services.) Other features include a tankless water heater and a gas fireplace in the family room.

Taxes: $12,891. Listing price: $590,000. Monthly HOA fee: $300. For more information, contact co-listing agents Shana Edwards (518-365-1915) and Linda Foglia (518-281-4445), of Keller Williams Capital District.

“Student safety is the top priority of our district,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons. “Each year we receive several reports from our bus drivers regarding cars passing our school buses when the STOP Arm is engaged. We hope that the implementation of this new technology, at no cost to our taxpayers, will deter such actions on the part of drivers and keep our students safe.”

“We are grateful to Rensselaer County and all of the law enforcement jurisdictions within our school district for their partnership efforts in bringing this program to full fruition,” Mr. Simons continued.

In addition to the stop arm camera, Bus Patrol is installing cameras on the dashboard, passenger side, rear side and the interior of every school bus.

Geneology Basics

Join professional genealogist Holly MacCammon via Zoom on Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30 PM for an overview of the basics of genealogical research. This is a good starting point for those who are new to researching their history or for those who have a bit of experience.

Topics to be covered include: the first steps to take before beginning your research, the best records to look for to advance your research and where to find records, both online and in repositories. The session will conclude with a question-and-answer period. A second program is being offered in February at the North Chatham Free Library for those participants who attend the first presentation.

The later program will be more casual with Ms. MacCammon addressing questions specific to attendees’ research. Both programs are provided by the Library’s Live & Learn Committee and are supported in part by the Fund for Columbia County, a fund of the Berkshire Taconic Foundation, and the Bank of Green County Charitable Foundation. Registration required. Email: RegisterNorthChathamLibrary@gmail.com.

Historical Calendars

The 2023 North Greenbush Historical Calendars are now available for purchase. They contain old time pictures including Frank Houser’s Store and Gas Station, the old Defreestville Hotel, the St.Jude’s Horse Show and much more.

Calendars are for sale at the Town Clerk’s Office in the Town Hall on Main Avenue Wynantskill (518) 283-4306. The cost is $12.00.

Sand Lake Historical Society Schedule

February 14th, Edmonia Lewis. East Greenbush Town Historian Bobbie Reno will discuss Edmonia Lewis, noted American sculptor of mixed African American and Native American heritage, born right here in Rensselaer County. You’ve seen her on a postage stamp, now come hear her story.

March 14th, The Rensselaer Glassworks. Phil Bernnard of the National Bottle Museum will discuss Rensselaer Glassworks, one of Sand Lake’s early industries (and gave us “Glass Lake”). Hear the history of the works, the succession of owners, and the technology of 18th and 19th century glassmaking. Phil is asking attendees to bring any “Glass Lake glass” specimens they have, too.

April 11th, Covid-19 History Project. Committee report and presentations and a sharing of experiences from the SLHS Covid History Project. Let’s make Covid history!

May 9th, Annual Meeting. Elections, annual report to the membership – and more!

June 3rd, (tentative) Annual Gala. Final date and location to be announced. Don’t miss this highlight of our year!

June 13th, The Pretty Fantastic Mr. Fox. Albert Rodmond Fox, industrialist, glassworks owner, State Senator, mover-and-shaker, and the Fox who gave us Fox Mansion. Learn about one of Sand Lake’s early leaders and speculate on why we live in Averill Park and not “Foxboro.”

All SLHS programs (unless otherwise noted) are held at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY Rte. 66, Averill Park, beginning at 7:00 pm. More information at http:// sandlakehistory.org/. Like us on Facebook.

PHOTOS

gated community of the Village at Shaker Creek in Latham was built in 2017.

— Sara Tracey

GREENBUSH RENEWAL HOLDINGS, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/18/22. Office: Rensselaer County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o RPCP CONTROL LLC, 77 Troy Road, Suite 4, East Greenbush, NY 12061. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Mini Minds Home Childcare, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 31, 2022. Office location: Rensselaer County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 649 5th Avenue, Troy, NY 12182.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Grunt Works Design & Development LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 18,2023. Office location: Rensselaer County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 938 Broadway, Rensselaer NY 12144. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Sound Therapy Shop LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/26/2022. Registered Agent location: Albany. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 34 Wildwood Drive, Pearl River, NY 10965. Purpose: any lawful activity

and older.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Hayfield Grill LLC. Articles of organization filed with the secretary of state of New York (SSNY) on September 26, 2022. Office location: Rensselaer County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it shall be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 22 Boyce Road, Nassau NY 12123. Purpose: for any lawful purpose.

RAY’S AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/19/22. Office: Rensselaer County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 25 North Street, Troy, NY 12180. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SLANTE VALLEY, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/02/2022. Office loc: Rensselaer County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Denes Laplante, 600 Muitzeskill Road, Schodack Landing, NY 12156. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Willa’s World LLC Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 11/14/2022.

Cty: Rensselaer. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 2107 Bridle Path, Austin, TX 78703. General Purpose

LEGAL

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF THE AVERILL PARK –SAND LAKE FIRE DISTRICT # 2, TOWN OF SAND LAKE, COUNTY OF RENSSELAER NEW YORK 2023 MEETING DATES FOR THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE AVERILL PARK - SAND LAKE FIRE DISTRICT #2

In compliance with Article 7 of the NYS General Municipal Law which governs open meeting notification.

In calendar year 2023, the monthly meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Averill ParkSand Lake Fire District #2 shall be held on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm, with the exception of the following: the March meeting shall be held on March 16, 2023 beginning at 7 pm and the November meeting shall be

meeting held on November 16, 2023 at 7 pm. In addition, there will be a Workshop Meeting held on January 31, 2023 at 6:30 pm, a Special Meeting held August 29, 2023 at 7 pm to develop the 2024 Fire District Budget and a Special Meeting held on December 28, 2023 at 7 pm to conduct any end-of-year business that may be required.

The location of these meetings will be the Fire District Office, 35 Eastern Union Turnpike, Averill Park, New York.

The above calendar shall be followed unless the Board makes notice to the public of a change.

Rensselaer Plateau Alliance January Speaker Series

RPA warmly invites you to Culverts and Aquatic Organism Passage on the Plateau with Andy Dangler and Melissa Toni as part of our January Speaker Series. Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 7pm on Zoom

Many different agencies fund, permit, and deliver projects involving culverts under roadways. This discussion covers the Federal level of involvement in culvert replacement and the incorporation of Aquatic Organism Passage through the culverts. We will talk about the biology of the streams on the Plateau, how culverts interact with the watercourses, and the regulatory setting at the Federal level regarding replacement, rehabilitation, and restoration of culverts and stream crossings. The discussion will include several local examples, including the July 2021 flooding events.

Pre-registration is required. The suggested voluntary donation is $5, though any amount is welcome. Head over to rensselaerplateau.org/events to register and receive the zoom link or reach out to Dan Morse at dan@rensselaerplateau.org for more information.

Grafton Lakes State Park 38th Annual Winter Festival

Grafton Lakes State Park and the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will host the 38th Annual Winter Festival on Jan 21st . The Winter Fest will feature outdoor events along with indoor exhibits, food vendors, and family-friendly recreational activities. The event is free of charge and runs from 11:30AM - 3PM.

The Polar Plunge, benefitting Our Lady of the Snow Parish’s food pantry, kicks off the main events at 11:30AM. As always, the Plunge includes a playful prize for the silliest costume offered by the Friends of GLSP, so start planning your beach attire! To pre-register, call the Polar Plunge organizer, Ray Dozois, for more information at 518-663-5648.

This year’s hike schedule is as follows, call the park to register at 518-279-1155. Day of registration is dependent on availability:

Mindful Walk, 10am-12pm: Let yourself be guided on a slow walk through the woods, with senses fully opened, aware of the present moment. Led by the RPA. Ages 8 and older.

Animal Signs, 11:30am-1:30pm: Join Dyken Pond for a 2-mile hike exploring the shoreline of Shaver Pond for animal signs and other season items of interest. Ages 5

Snowshoe Walks, 12pm-1pm, 1:30pm-2:30pm, 3pm4pm: Led by LLBean, these snowshoe walks are great for the whole family. Snowshoes provided. Trails taken will depend on the ability level present.

Snowshoe Hike, 12:30pm-2:30pm: Join the THC on a snowshoe hike around Shaver Pond including a side trip to see the West Family cemetery. About 2.5 miles. Snowshoes/traction devices required. Ages 8 and older.

Kids Scavenger Hunt, 1pm-2pm: The forest may look still, but come play, explore, and get to know who’s moving, what’s growing, and where life is flowing with the RYO.

Nature Hike, 2pm-4pm: Explore the outdoors with the RLT, looking for signs of wildlife, identifying different kinds of trees, and talking about nature in winter. Ages 8 and up.

Note, the Ice Fishing Contest is being held on the weekend after, Saturday, Jan 28th.

SKYHIGH Community Center Ushers in the New Year with Activities for All!

SKYHIGH Community Center ushers in the New Year with a full range of educational, informative, and healthy life style activities for all

Our Community Center, located at 27 Lake Avenue in Averill Park, offers an array of classes and programs for elementary school kids, teens, adults and seniors that start in January and continue through the winter months. Here’s the initial lineup:

Let Your Artistic Talent Shine with John Hebert, for teens, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-8pm starting on 1/3 for 10 weeks, Wholehearted Yoga for adults, with Jen Glasser, Sundays 9-10am from 1/8-3/12

Monthly Open Mic Sessions with Patrick Ryan, performance opportunities for all ages and talents, Wednesdays 1/11, 2/15 & 3/8, 6-8pm

Quilters Group with Joan Pasquarelli, for teens and adults - starts on Wednesday 1/11 from 6-8pm and meets all winter

Yoga for Adults and Older Teens with Keri Stern, Tuesdays 5:30-6:30, from 1/17-3/28

Parent & Child Team Foam Ball Tennis Fun with Coach Joe Behson, Wednesdays & Thursdays 5:30-6:30, from 1/18-2/9

Monthly Bring Your Own Device Tech Support with Delia Hubbard, for adults and seniors, on 1/19, 2/16 & 3/16 from 9-10am

Community Information Forum, sponsored by The Church of The Covenant and The Pride Center of the Capital Region, Friday 1/20 from 7-8pm

Senior Strength & Agility Training Workshop with Rebecca Armsby - on Friday 1/20 from 10-11am

Hula Hoop It Up, exercise fun for adults and teens with Kerri Stern – on Saturday 2/4 & 2/11 from 9-10am

Community Substance Abuse Informational Forums with Tim Murdick, for adults and teens – forums will continue monthly throughout the winter

For additional information and to register go to: www. shaccenter.org

Tutors are Needed in Rensselaer County

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County needs volunteer tutors in Rensselaer County and Albany County, and you can help! As a tutor you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community. Would you like to help someone to read and write, or to speak English as a new language?

We can train you. A tutor training workshop starts on January 21 at the Albany Public Library. To find out more, join us for a Volunteer Opportunities Information Session via Zoom at 12:00 noon on January 10. Contact mhellerlvorc@aol.com to register. Visit the website for more information: www.lvorc.org

Robert E. Blaauw Fire District Secretary Averill Park - Sand Lake Fire District

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, the library will be closed on Monday, January 16. We will reopen Tuesday, Jan 17 at 10 AM.

Join pre-school storytime on Tuesday mornings at 11 AM in the North Greenbush Town Hall Annex. Each storytime has a unique theme and engages children with stories, songs, games, and a related craft. Our Thursday Crafternoons, between 3 and 5 PM, feature a new craft project each week.

“This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger will be the topic of our Virtual Book Club on Tuesday, January 17, at 6:30 PM. Books are available at the circulation desk. Call the library for the Zoom meeting link or email us at library@northgreenbushlibrary.org.

Moving from Thursday to Saturday, our Tween Book Club will meet Saturday, January 21 at noon to discuss “Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor” by Ally Carter. A snack and related craft are included. Ages 10-12 are welcome to join.

Hold onto that sledding penguin seen whooshing through the library and “slide into winter with a good book” while joining our Winter Reading Challenge. Children, teens, and adults can join and enter to win a prize by completing a game sheet, available at the circulation desk. Each group has a chance at winning a raffle prize.

Free COVID test kits are available at the circulation desk. Stop in anytime we’re open to pick one up.

Library hours are Monday-Friday, 10 AM-7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM-2 PM. Questions? Call the library at 518-2830303.

Upcoming Programs & Events at Poestenkill

Library

Get Yeti to Read! The 2023 Winter Reading Program is underway at Poestenkill Library, but there’s still plenty of time to join the fun and win great prizes. The program runs from 1/9 - 2/18 and is open to all ages. For more information or to register for the program please visit our website at www. PoestenkillLibrary.org or stop by the library during regular hours!

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will be holding an informal meeting at the library Thursday, Jan 12 at 6:00 PM while playing Escape the Yeti - a virtual escape game. All teens are welcome. You do not have to be a TAG member to join in the game play!

On Wednesday, January 18 at 6:00 PM the library will host a Children’s Marshmallow Building Challenge. Can your child build a new home for yeti using only mini marshmallows and toothpicks? Join us at the library for this fun STEM based program to find out! Registration is required. Please call 518-283-3721 to register. January is National Hot Tea Month and we’re celebrating with a relaxing Tea & Tangles program for teens and adults on Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 PM. No registration is required for this program. Just stop by the library for a cup of tea & an evening of coloring and/or creating your own Zentangle art. Feel free to bring a favorite mug or tea cup from home, or use one of ours. There will be an assortment of teas available for you to enjoy.

Nssau Free Library

Storytime!- Wednesdays 10:30 am

Winter Reading Challenge: The library is hosting a Winter Reading Challenge for adults from January 1st- February 17th. Pick up a challenge card and fill in squares after you complete a reading activity listed on the sheet. For every 4 squares filled in, you will earn a ticket that can be entered into a drawing for a cozy winter-themed raffle prize. Stop at the front desk to get your Challenge card today!

1/24 4 pm Book Club: Reading “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray. Register.

1/24 6-7:30 pm Woven Reed Snowflake Project: Join Suzanne in making a beautiful snowflake out of reeds. Please register, seating is limited.

1/26 6 pm Gardeners Seed Selection & Seed Starting: Dreaming of warm weather and gardening? Gardens start with a dream, but planning is key! Learn from the experts how to select seeds for the home garden, learn about exciting new vegetable varieties and their unique characteristics, how to select lights for indoor seed starting, and how to manage your indoor lighting to enhance plant growth. Local Master Gardeners Bob and Marie Wieboldt will give us their gardening insights on how to get started! Register.

1/31 6 pm Knitting Night: Do you knit? Or maybe you have always wanted to learn? Join us for a fun and casual way to relax. Bring an already-started project or start a new one!

Visit www.nassaufreelibrary.org for more info. about our programs. Library Phone: (518)766-2715

Storytime with Miss Erin is held every Friday at 10:15. No registration is required.

Greenbush Historical Society Presents Hampton Manor, the Past to the Present

Please join the Greenbush Historical Society on Sunday, January 22 , 2 PM, at the East Greenbush Community Library for an interesting presentation about Hampton Manor’s rich history and exciting future. Bobbie Reno, East Greenbush Town Historian and Society Board member, will discuss the historical events leading up to the present.

In 1812 the United States Government purchased a tract of land at Clinton Heights and

established the Cantonment Greenbush as headquarters for the US Army Northern Division, War of 1812. When the government closed the Cantonment Greenbush, the property was subsequently sold.

In 1925 Cantonment Farm and Hathornden Estates were purchased by Harold Veeder who developed the property known as Hampton Manor in East Greenbush. Hampton Manor is a vibrant community in the town and home to many of its residents today. Because seating is limited, please call the library at 518-4777476 to register.

Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Book Club

You are warmly invited to RPA’s Nature Book Club,

Events at Troy Public Library 1/15-1/21

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.

Lego Brick Builders – Mon., Jan 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (Lansingburgh) Join us for some lightly structured Lego fun; build off a theme or get creative! Legos provided. For ages 5 and up. Children under 7 must have a caregiver present at all times.

Tween/Teen Craft Night – Tues., Jan 17, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Main) Join us at the Main Library for our monthly Tween Craft Night! Bring only yourself and your crafty mind as we make new crafts each month. For youth ages 10-16.

Dungeons and Dragons – Wed., Jan 18, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Lansingburgh) Join gamemaster Ernst as he leads you through perilous adventuring and epic storytelling. Open to older teens and adults.

Adult Yoga – Wed., Jan 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Lansingburgh) A class that is focused on a gentler style of hatha yoga practice. All skill levels are welcome, modifications will be provided. Please wear loose/comfortable clothing and bring your yoga mat.

Storytime Learn and Play – Thur., Jan 19, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. (Main) & Fri., Jan 20, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. (Lansingburgh) We will share stories, songs, movements and more! For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

French Club – Thur., Jan 19, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Main) Drop-in for fun weekly French practice led by Ms. Ines of France. For middle & high school students.

with Rama Hamarneh, PhD. One evening a month, we will meet on Zoom to discuss a book we have read, and the work’s relationship to nature. We will explore multiple aspects of nature in literature - represented through multiple genres and authors from around the globe.

January’s meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 31 at 7pm on Zoom. The Zoom link for each meeting will be sent out to the book club email list a few days before the meeting. The book club is free to attend, and all are welcome.

For January 2023, we’ll read All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot. All Things Bright and Beautiful is the beloved sequel to Herriot’s first collection, All Creatures Great and Small, and picks

up as Herriot, now newly married, journeys among the remote hillside farms and valley towns of the Yorkshire Dales, caring for their inhabitants—both two- and four-legged. Throughout, Herriot’s deep compassion, humor, and love of life shine as we laugh, cry, and delight in the portraits of his many varied animal patients and their equally varied owners.

This book is available through the Upper Hudson Library System in physical format, on Hoopla via the library as an ebook and audiobook, at Market Block Books, and through other book sellers. Head to rensselaerplateau.org/ rpa-book-club for more information.