The Advertiser 020223

Back in the days of the early Dutch settlers all communities needed a barber-surgeon. In the settlement of Wiltwyck (today Kingston) there was Gysbert Van Imboch. A barber-surgeon had many functions in 17th century Dutch society.

He was responsible for shaving, bathing, cutting hair, dressing and treating wounds mending fractures, pulling teeth, and performing surgery.

As a learned man, Gysbert became an avid collector of books on history. Some of his other areas

By RICK KARLIN

RENSSELAER

— With the land and financing in place, Bill Brayton said he’s already getting calls from potential partners regarding his company’s plan to construct what would be this city’s only hotel.

He envisions his new building directly across the street from the busy Amtrak train station and with a clear view of Albany’s skyline above the Hudson River.

“We’ve had some dialogue with the city as developers,” said Brayton, who with his brother Bob runs the nearby Brayton Construction firm.

The $15 million hotel would sit on a 2-acre

parcel the Braytons own just west of the train station at 11 Fourth Ave. There is currently a Quonset hutstyle storage building on the site. Brayton said he envisions a fiveor six-story, 110-room name-brand hotel, with a banquet hall on top that would provide visitors with a commanding view of the Albany skyline. His plans were reported earlier in the Albany Business Review.

Brayton said he is working with an engineer and surveyor on site preparation and hopes within several months to approach city officials about getting the spot “shovel ready” for a hotel.

Also needed, he said, is support from the city’s Industrial Development Agency, which can grant breaks on sales and property taxes.

The Amtrak train station is the nation’s eighth busiest, hosting more than 640,000 travelers per year.

Many are headed to cultural, business or political events across the river in Albany, so building a hotel next to the train station makes sense, Brayton said.

Demand could also come from people visiting the Albany Molecular and Regeneron health science facilities just east of Rensselaer.

By CHRIS CHURCHILL

TROY

— As a state lawmaker, Steve McLaughlin made his name as a loud and strident critic of Andrew Cuomo, a governor who had never been known for taking criticism well. It’s safe to say that the pair were not on friendly terms. But McLaughlin and the man he once dubbed “a schoolyard bully” eventually found common ground. They might not be pals, exactly, but they share a nemesis. Her name is Letitia James, and she’s the attorney general of New York. It was James, of course, who released a compilation of sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo, leading to the Democrat’s resignation. And it was James who brought criminal charges against McLaughlin, accusing the Rensselaer County executive, a Republican, of stealing $5,000 from his campaign and falsifying records to cover it up.

I BUY HOUSES!! CASH!!

“This is all speculative nonsense from a weaponized AG,” McLaughlin said soon after the charges were filed. “She’s hunting me, just like she’s hunting Trump, just like she’s hunting Cuomo.”

With all due respect to McLaughlin, if James were, in fact, on a hunt, Donald Trump and Cuomo would be the big game and he’d be ... a hare, perhaps? Not a trophy you’d hang on the wall.

But that isn’t the reason James’ criminal case against McLaughlin always seemed odd. It was that the alleged crime involved such a small sum of money, and

Moreover, hotel space in downtown Albany is finite, with people coming to the city often staying in Colonie, a good 20 minutes away, compared to the five-minute ride from Rensselaer. Guests could walk along Herrick Street over the tracks and reach the hotel through an enclosed pedestrian walkway from the street, Brayton said.

Rensselaer has seen a lot of real estate activity in recent years, with affordable housing and apartments built, he said.

The Braytons’ company already operates the Bell Top apartments on Lawrence Street. They also are proposing to turn a warehouse they own at a former BASF chemical site into a cannabis-growing facility.

Those plans, though, are subject to the ongoing state approval process for such operations.

The 187,000-square-foot building at 2 Rensselaer Ave. was once part of BASF’s sprawling chemical factory.

that the money was taken from campaign funds for which the rules are infamously capricious, opaque and lenient. Plus, the charges were filed four years after the alleged crime.

In this world full of large-scale malfeasance, why was James pursuing this case? My assumption, at least, was that the small-potato allegation must be a precursor to larger, more damaging ones. But it never was. There was nothing more.

In the end, then, James was attempting to take out a democratically elected official on the allegation that he used campaign funds to pay back a loan used, in part, to retrieve his late mother’s ashes from a funeral home. I’m not going to say that would be ethical behavior, if proven true, but this was hardly the most lurid or damning of alleged crimes.

Last Wednesday, a jury acquitted McLaughlin without even deliberating for an hour.

We’ll never know if the jury didn’t find the prosecution’s evidence compelling or if they just didn’t believe the alleged crime really amount-

WILL WALDRON / TIMES UNION

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin listens to closing arguments from his attorney, Benjamin Hill, during his criminal trial last Wednesday at Rensselaer County Courthouse in Troy. He was acquitted on all counts.

The proposed hotel would be across the street from the Amtrak station in Rensselaer.

In this world full of large-scale malfeasance, why did state Attorney General Letitia James pursue the case against Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, columnist Chris Churchill wonders.

CHRIS CHURCHILL

Constituent Report for January 2023 from Schodack Supervisor

Charles Peter

While January may have started off fairly mild, winter certainly made its return in the closing week. As always, our Highway Crew did a tremendous job and put in several long days combating challenging icing conditions and long-duration snowfalls. My thanks to each of our crew members for their continued dedication to our Town.

Additionally, at the close of 2022, the Town appointed Brian Brahm as our new Highway Superintendent. Brian previously was a member of our Highway crew and served as acting Highway Superintendent during 2022 after the retirement of Ken Holmes in 2021. Brian brings those years of experience with our Highway operations and background in our water and sewer department to this new position. I look forward to working with Brian in the years to come in accomplishing our shared goal of constantly striving to improve our operations to benefit our residents.

Even while we work through the snow and the cold, our thoughts have already begun to turn to warmer months and work is underway planning a full slate of activities for our residents to enjoy at our Town Park. After an overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic response, Director of Building and Grounds Kevin Konig and I have been meeting to begin

Greenbush Historical Society

Presents

“Up From Troy”

Please join the Greenbush Historical Society on February 12 , 2 PM, at the East Greenbush Community Library when Jim Flanigan will talk about growing up locally and his many years of public service in Rensselaer County.

Mr. Flanigan is the author of two memoirs, “Up From Second Street” and “The Great Paper Chase.” He was a member of the North Greenbush Town Board for 24 years, was employed in the administration of Rensselaer ARC for 34 years, and taught both on the high school and college levels.

Mr. Flanigan’s talk with recollections of his

the process of planning for our 2nd Easter Egg hunt. Additionally, we have been researching dates and times to host our first ever “Movie in The Park” nights this spring. We intend to host two of these in the spring and an additional two in the fall. And no mention of our summer activities would be complete without our “Music in The Park” concert series. We took the step of expanding the number of dates from 5 to 8 last year and I’m happy to announce we’re continuing that this year. We look forward to sharing updates as to dates and lineups in the coming weeks.

I want to thank my fellow Board members and our Town employees for their support and assistance in 2022 during my first year in office and I look forward to continuing our efforts in 2023!

Grafton Senior Center News

Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Rd, Cropseyville, will be open with limited hours. The center is now open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 3:00 with congregate lunch and activities.

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays the center will be open 9:00 to 12:00. Chair Yoga Monday, Wednesday and Friday is offered at 10:00 (note the change in days). Come check it out. Seniors that attend the Yoga sessions say they feel better and have more energy.

The next Senior Membership meeting is Feb 7th. Bring your thoughts and ideas for events and activities at the center. Feb 9th there will

years spent in Rensselaer County is sure to bring back memories of events from the past. Plan to be at the library on February 12 for a journey down memory lane with author, Jim Flanigan. Because seating is limited, please call the East Greenbush Community Library at 518-4777476 to register.

Sand Lake Democrats Seek Candidates

The Sand Lake Democratic Committee is currently accepting resumes from qualified candidates interested in running for the following Town offices in 2023: Supervisor (2year term); Town Council, three seats up for election (two with 4-year terms; one with a 2-year term); Clerk (2-year term); and

Receiver of Taxes (4-year term).

Interested candidates are invited to send a resume and letter of interest by mail or email by February 15, 2023 to Sand Lake Democratic Committee, PO Box 89, Averill Park, NY 12018 or sandlakedems@gmail. com.

From The Desk of the North Greenbush Town Clerk

CALLING ALL VENDORS!!!!!

IF YOU: Make it, bake it or cook it…………. WE WANT YOU IN NORTH GREENBUSH!!!!

We are looking for Food Trucks & Vendors for our 3rd Annual WEDNESDAY Night Food Truck Event. We will begin on May 24, 2023, this event will be ev-

be Senior Jeopardy following lunch. Feb 10th Legal Aid will be at the center by appointment only. Call for a time. Feb 14th is Haircuts/mani’s/pedi’s by Rachel. Call now for an appointment time. The monthly Eat Smart Demonstration will also be Feb 14th. The February birthday celebration with Trivia will be Feb 16th following lunch. Save the date for Feb 21st. There will be a Mardi Gras Special Luncheon with music by Gone Gray. Everyone should plan to attend.

Congregate lunch is served at the senior center Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon for a suggested donation of $3 for seniors. Grab-nGo meals (take out) are also available on those days. Please call early to be added to the lunch list at (518) 279-3413 so we can be sure to have enough food pre-pared.

East Side Seniors

Our next meeting will be February 14, 2023, at The American Legion, 199 Main Av., Wynantskill. Meetings start at 1:00, with the Pledge to the Flag. We have openings for the Wildwood Trip, JUNE 4 to JUNE 8. Call Diane at 518-2735528.

This is always a fun trip and experience. Deputy Mayor Chris Nolan will be our guest at the meeting with good news. Dessert will be served, and games of choice, will be played. Hope to make new friends and futrure members. Hope to see you!!

ery Wednesday night 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. throughout summer until August 9, 2023.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the North Greenbush Town Clerk, Janice Hannigan Kerwin for more information at 518283-4306, Monday- Friday or email the office at townclerk@northgreenbush. org.

Bread of Life Food Pantry FundraiserPoestenkill

Brunswick Elk’s Lodge, Rt. 2 Eagle Mills presents a charity dinner on 2/13/2023 at 5:30.

Roast turkey dinner, stuffing, vegetable, roll and dessert $15.00. Eat in or take out.

Rerervations are encouraged, call Mike at: 518 286-1645.

Feeling Stiff and Tired?

It’s Not The Weather! Join the Rensselaer County Senior Center and get moving. We have great programs that will nourish your minds like Art Class, Crafts Class, Card Games, Line Dancing and Silver Sneakers. We also have Special Dinners with Entertainment. One ingredient you will find beneficial

is laughter and we have plenty of that. After nourishing your mind nourish your body with a great lunch served every day at 12 noon. Call us for more information and seriously consider joining us. You’re going to like the way you feel I guarantee.

Town of Schodack

Property Taxes

Property Tax bills are now in the Penalty period. All payments must include the 1% penalty to be processed. 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 phone number on your check in case we need to contact you about your payment.

After February 28th, all payments will incur a 2% penalty as listed on the bill. Current and past years Tax bills/receipts can be viewed and printed from the Town website, Schodack.org, for income tax purposes. Office hours for February are Monday and Friday 9-4pm. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at 518-477-7935.

Shawn Masters, Receiver of Taxes

Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The majority of the ads in this publication were created by and are the sole property of Local First and cannot be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.

Sycaway Seniors

Greetings to all seniors belonging to or interested in joining the Sycaway Seniors. Our meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, at 12:00 noon at the Brunswick Community Center located at 18 Keys Lane.

We always have a time to meet and great, share in food and fun, usually have a special guest speaker and play 50/050 and Bingo.

On February 6th we will have a guest speaker from the “Alzheimer Awareness Group” to educate us and answer questions. We will not be meeting on the 20th, as it is Washington’s Birthday, but we will meet on the 27th instead. At that time, we will have Salvatore from the Brunswick Fire Department, speaking about safer ways to live as seniors.

In March we have vendors showcasing spring handbags, back packs, etc. There will also be jewelry, (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings).

In April we will have another visit from “Elvis”. Please come out and join us for fun, food and friendship. Visitors are always welcome. If you have any questions please call me, President, Nancy Spring McClosky, 518-279-0847.

Love Lutheran Church

Please join us! We believe there are no strangers here; only friends we haven’t yet met!! Pastor David Dietsche will be leading our worship service on February 19th and 26th . Bible Study: 9:00 am, Worship Service: 10:00 am, followed by Fellowship: 11:00 am. LLC is located on Pheasant Lane and Middlesex Rd., East Greenbush, NY. Telephone: 518-477-8685.

News From Averill Park CSD

Averill Park High School returns its Spring Musical with three performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” from February 10-12. A great team of instructional leaders have come together and reorganized the structure of the musical with a long-term vision of developing an in-house, district-supported production each year. We can’t wait to see the performances!

The VFW Patriot’s Pen scholarship contest was held recently at Algonquin Middle School. Daniel McAlonie placed first, followed by Stella Marcy in second and Anastazia Valachovic in third. Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the contest!

The boys varsity basketball team recently held its annual Teacher/ Staff Appreciation Night, recognizing 11 Averill Park High School employees who have had an impact on player’s lives! Congratulations to Susan Baines, Dave Beck, Catherine Eagan, Sarah Engel, Kierstin Lambright, David Linde-Darrow, Sean Organ, Kimberly Quesnel, Kyle Radley, Sue Sector and Louisa Sorriento.

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.

The Anchor Food Pantry

deserves.

Submitted by Dr.

James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent

Transfiguration

Parish Book Nook

The Book Nook at Transfiguration Parish on Hillview Drive in Speigletown is open on Saturday, February 4 & 18 from 9:00 am until noon.

The February buy-one, get-one specials are on authors James Patterson and Nora Roberts. All romance novels are12/$1! Stop by and check out the new donations and add to your winter reading supply!

Thanks for your continued support and see you at The Book Nook!

Bingo at South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co.

The South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co. is having Bingo the first and third Sundays each month through May. Doors open at noon with card sales starting at 1:00 PM and games start at 2:00 PM. South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co. 1563 Bame Rd., Castleton, N.Y. 12033 (518-732-2082).

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 9am130pm ,and the first Saturday of every month from 10am-1230pm.

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, Rensselaer,NY; Monday-Saturday.

Free Movie Matinee at EG Library:

Ticket To Paradise

Join us at the East Greenbush Community Library on Thursday, February 16 at 1 pm for a showing of “Ticket to Paradise” PG13 - 104 mins.

A light-hearted comedy starring David (George

Clooney) and Georgia (Julia Roberts), two divorced parents who can’t stand each other, head to Bali after their daughter, Lily, announces her plans to marry a local islander she just met while on holiday.

This movie is free of charge and will be shown in our spacious meeting room which has been newly upgraded with top-notch audio and visual technology and room-darkening shades for the full movie house effect.

Please register for this event. Titles may be subject to change due to availability.

Call us at 518-4777476 or register online at https://eastgreenbushlibrary.librarymarket. com/3rd-thursday-movie-ticket-paradise or https://events.eglibrary. org. Event contact: reference@eglibrary.org and 518-477-7476 ext. 101 or 102

The East Greenbush Community Library is located at 10 Community Way in East Greenbush, NY 12061.

For more information about programs, collections and services please call 518-477-7476, email us at eglibraryinfo@ eglibrary.org or online at eglibrary.org.

A Reminder

The Friends of the North Greenbush Public Library are still accepting your donations of recyclable bottles at the 6 Cents Deposit Center at 401 Main Avenue in Wynantskill, NY.

We also have a delightful Valentine Basket for your loved ones at the library. The drawing will be on February 13th at 12 Noon. Why not become a member of the Friends and see what you can do to further the activities and programs of your beloved library? Call the library @ 518 283-0303.

Leave your name and phone number and a member of the Friends will contact you as soon as possible.

Mary Edmonia Lewis Presentation

The Esquatak Historical Society invites you to a presentation on “Mary Edmonia Lewis, Locally-Born Sculptress.”

Join East Greenbush Town Historian Bobby Reno as she tells the almost forgotten tale of Edmonia Lewis....a woman of color, who faced racial and gender discrimination to become a world-famous sculptor, and Ms. Reno’s effort to bring her unique story the attention it

The presentation takes place on Friday, February 17, 7 pm at the Castleton Fire House, Green Avenue. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Luncheon with Carmen and Life’s Guilty Pleasures

Join Rensselaer County Senior Center on Tuesday February 14th, to enjoy our luncheon of Sausage, Peppers and Onions, Pasta, Italian Blend Vegetables and Desert.

After lunch be treated to the beautiful voice of Carmen of Carmen and Life’s Guilty Pleasures accompanied by Joe Carrick. Never before performed at any of our senior centers.

This is truly a special treat. We want to thank the Musician Union Local 14 Musicians Trust Fund and Jim Clark and Community Performance Fund.

Join us for a very unforgettableable afternoon.

Call us for reservations (518) 463-2166 we are open Monday Trough Friday 9am to 3pm. We are located on East and Herrick Streets in Rensselaer.

Brooks’ BBQ Chicken Dinner Fundraiser at APHS

The Unique Opportunities Club at Averill Park High School is hosting a Chicken Dinner Fundraiser on Wednesday March 15th, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Let the famous Brooks’ BBQ take care of dinner that night! Dinners cost is $15 which includes 1/2 a chicken, a baked potato, coleslaw and a dinner roll. Unique Opportunities is a new club at Averill Park High School with the goal of planning experience based experiences for AP High School students outside of the school day and to fundraise to make these experiences affordable to all students.

Students will expand their horizons, and make connections with their peers. Examples of trips include: professional sporting events, Broadway performances, and hikes in the Adirondacks. Pre-ordering your dinner is strongly encouraged. You can use the link: https:// tinyurl.com/APHSBrooksBBQ2023 until March 6th, or email Nicole Freeman at freemann@apcsd.org for more information.

Sand Lake Ambulance Receives Challenge Grant

Sand Lake Ambulance has received a challenge grant of $1200 that will be donated to the Ambulance if the ambulance can raise $1200 in donations made in the name of Charles Van Brocklen. The grant, from the Van Brocklen family will be used by the Ambulance to pay for expenses incurred in the upcoming year.

The cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and fuel has skyrocketed in the past year, as has the cost of medicines and other life-saving items. This grant and any matching contributions are VERY welcome. The mailing address for Sand Lake Ambulance is PO Box 222, West Sand Lake, NY 12196.l

Sand Lake Ambulance is a not-for-profit corporation that contracts with the Town of Sand Lake to provide ambulance services. Many of the town’s residents have used this service. The number of calls received increases every year. Not only are financial contributions wel-

come, but we are in great need of volunteers. Providing assistance to a neighbor in need is very rewarding!

Anyone interested in learning to drive the ambulance or being trained as an EMT should call 518 674 2221 for more information.

Church of the Redeemer

On February 5 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.

Thrift Shop is now open on Thursdays from 3-6 and on Saturday February 4 and 18 from 9-2. We look forward to seeing our shoppers again.

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

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

Storytelling Night,

First United Methodist Church, 1 Gilligan Rd. East Greenbush

We are people of story. Our traditions, religions, histories, and biographies are compilations of stories told and received, handed down, edited, redacted, metaphorized, dreamed up. Storytelling Night is a monthly evening of food, fellowship, and storytelling. We gather monthly around the stories of people. And, we believe that each story - of our fears, of our hopes, of our lives, of our families, of our undoing, of our renaissance, of our redemption - can be inspiring to us and to others . . . but only if that story is shared. The practice of storytelling (and of story-hearing) is an essential part of being human, and we want to encourage, uplift, facilitate, and gather around the telling and hearing of stories. Join us if you want to share or hear a story!

Wednesday March First: Elaine M. Rudzinski, the Chief of Police of the East Greenbush Police Department.

Wednesday April Fifth: Roberta Reno, East Greenbush Town Historian.

Columbia Kicks Cancer Campaign

Julia Harbour and Rachel Ostiguy, two seniors at Columbia High School, are leading the Columbia Kicks Cancer campaign for 2023. The campaign runs from February 2,2023-March 23, 2023.

Together they have compiled a multi-generational team to help in their fundraising efforts and would love your support. Every dollar will be donated directly to LLS, as they continue their mission to

find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation at the link below or visiting the Columbia Kicks Cancer Facebook page.

Follow along with their campaign to see upcoming events and more! We thank you in advance for your generosity.

https://events.lls.org/ uny/svoyuny23/jharbour

Gerry Robinson to Speak on Freedom Riders at Stephentown Heritage Center

To mark Black History Month, Gerry Robinson will give a talk about the Freedom Riders of the 1960s, on Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m. This Stephentown Historical Society program meeting will be held at the Stephentown Heritage Center, 4 Staples Road, Stephentown, New York. The program is free and the building is handicapped accessible. For directions, telephone (518) 733-0010.

As background Robinson will give his personal take on growing up in Kansas in the 1940s and 50s, a time of a powerful Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow laws and horrific domestic violence in the southern states.

Beginning in May 1961 small groups of white and black activists set out on buses bound for southern states to desegregate bus terminals and other public facilities. The late Albert Gordon, of Stephentown, was one of these Freedom Riders.

Robinson, a Stephentown resident, was an organizer for civil rights with the NAACP and the Black Unitarian Universalist Caucus in his home state

Wednesday May Third: Robert Thomsen, the Choir Director of the First UMC of East Greenbush.

Wednesdays at 7 PM

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.

Tutoring Changes Lives for the Better

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County helps more than 160 adults each year to gain the skills they need to be employed, participate in community life, and become U.S. citizens. LVORC needs volunteer tutors to do this work, 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. To find out more, join us for a Volunteer Opportunities Information Session via Zoom at 12:00 noon on February 7. Contact mhellerlvorc@aol.com to register. Visit the website for more information: www. lvorc.org

of Kansas. He retired from a career in health and human services management and was Commissioner for Children and Families in the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. He holds a Masters degree in public health from Yale University and a certificate in Senior Management from Harvard’s Kennedy School.

Sand Lake Historical Society Program on Edmonia Lewis

East Greenbush Town

Historian Bobbie Reno will present “The Life and Art of Edmonia Lewis” before the Sand Lake Historical Society on Tuesday, February 14th at 7PM. Her program will discuss what is known (so far) of the life of Edmonia Lewis and feature photographs of some of her more well-known sculptures. Lewis was a noted American sculptor of mixed African American and Native American heritage, born in Greenbush, Rensselaer County, in the early 1840s. Reno successfully championed the effort to have the Postal Service honor Lewis with a Forever stamp, which was issued in 2022. No doubt you’ve seen Edmonia Lewis on a postage stamp, now come hear her story.

A native of East Greenbush, Bobbi Reno has been the town’s historian since 2016. She previously worked in town and state government and has written, illustrated, and published three children’s books. Last August, her program on Edmonia Lewis headlined the Emancipation Day celebration at the Gerritt Smith National Historic Landmark (at the National Abolition Hall of Fame) in Peterboro, NY.

February’s program will be held at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom,

8428 NY 66, Averill Park, beginning at 7PM. SLHS monthly programs are open to the public and are live-streamed on the SLHS website -- http://sandlakehistory.org (archived video also will be posted there).

A $5 donation is suggested for non-members. New members are always welcomed. Like us on Facebook. SLHS turns Fifty in 2024!

Sand Lake Town Library Events

Seed Swap on Saturday, February 4, 10:00 – 2. Stop by to share seeds and gardening tips. Don’t have seeds of your own to share? Come anyway!

Take Your Child to the Library Day, Saturday, February 4, 10:00 – 2. Scavenger hunt, seed planting, and more. LEGO Tuesdays, 3:30 – 6pm. Drop in, bring a friend, get creative. We have lots of LEGOs to design with. Storytime, Wednesdays, at 11am. Join us for stories, rhymes and a simple craft.

February 8: Valentine’s Day; February 15: Birds! Bring Your Own Device Tech Help, Thursday, February 16, 11 – 12 Art Exhibit –We have two new art exhibits: local photographer Tom Chesnut’s photos of local spots and of the West, plus a display of mini-quilt book covers from the Capital District Modern Quilt Guild.

Break up the winter doldrums with a museum visit. We have 3-day loans of museum passes to The Clark, MASS MoCA, Hancock Shaker Village, & Norman Rockwell Museum. Located at 8428 Miller Hill Road, Averill Park. Hours: M-TH 11 – 8; F 11 –4; Sat 10 – 2. Call 518-6745050 with questions.

Do You Depend on Depends?

Are you an active senior with an active bladder! Do you always have the urge to go? On a strong water pill? Special underwear can be very costly. We have an assortment of sizes for men and women. Call and ask for Gloria at The Rensselaer County Senior Center. We would like to help at no cost to you. Call the Rensselaer Senior Center (518) 463-2166 9am to 3pm Monday thru Friday.

Trinity Lansingburgh

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Supper

Trinity Episcopal Church Lansingburgh will hold its Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Supper in the Parish Hall, 585 Fourth Avenue, Troy, from 5 PM until 7 PM on February 21, 2023.

This traditional meal features pancakes, sausage, applesauce, syrup and butter.

Tickets are $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children aged 5 to 12, and free for children under 5. Shrove

Tuesday, like Mardi

Gras, is a celebration that precedes the Christian Lenten season which begins the following day, Ash Wednesday.

Reservations are required. Call (518) 2791215 to RSVP. For more information, visit www. trinitychurchlansingburgh.org or visit Trinity Church Lansingburgh’s Facebook page.

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 518-8928095 or Nancy 518-7950644.

Free Chicken and Biscuits Dinner

Pawling Ave United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Woodlawn and Pawling Ave in Troy, NY, is holding a FREE chicken and biscuits dinner on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 4-5:30 pm.

Dinners will be take out and include chicken in homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, homemade biscuits, green beans and desserts. Reservations are requested NLT Feb 6 at 5 pm - call Melanie at 518-779-6004. Treat your valentine to a nice home cooked meal!

Brooks BBQ

Please joins us again for a Brooks Barbecue at Center Brunswick United Methodist Church, 990 Hoosick Road, Troy on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 3-6 pm.

This will be a drive through - take out only event.

Full dinner includes ½ chicken, potato, vegetable, roll, dessert and drink for $15.00 , Half chicken only $7.00. For tickets and information call Kathleen (518) 528-6725.

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 Communi-

Glendora Vegeterian Club

ty 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.

Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus

Lenten Fish Fryday

The Latham-Colonie

Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fryday Dinners will begin on Friday, February 24th , 2023 and continue every Friday thru April 7th, (with the exception of Friday March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day).

Serving from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Eat-In or TakeOut at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

Menu; Baked Fish Dinner($15) served with Twice Baked Potato, Veggie, Coleslaw and Dessert. Fish Fry ($15) or Clam Roll Dinners ($12) are served with French Fries or Onion Rings, Coleslaw and Dessert.

*Fish Fry Only $10, Clam Roll Only $8, New England Clam Chowder $5.

Children’s Menu available for Eat in Only! (Call for Pricing)

For Reservations, please call 518 892 3750.

Does Amelia Earhart have any local ties to us? Yes, the Aeronautical Museum in Schenectady/Scotia has a replica of her plane. In 1931 she married author and publisher George Putnam of Rye, NY, Westchester Co. Before she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in July, 1937, at age 40, she lived on Locust Ave. just south of Harrison, NY, on the border of White Plains. That street is now Amelia Earhart Lane. What was she trying to do? She was trying to be the first person to fly around the world. It is believed that her plane ran out of fuel, and she was declared lost at sea in January, 1939. Is there a statue of Earhart in Harrison? Yes, at the railroad station. Glendora, why are you so enamored of this circumstance? Around 1983 I lived in White Plains just 6 blocks from where Amelia Earhart lived.

Jokes

1. A girl said my boyfriend and I have a strange and wonderful relationship. He’s strange and I’m wonderful.

2. The mother said the choir was flat. Daddy said the sermon was too long. The little daughter said, “I thought it was a good show for a dime.”

3. A customer in a men’s shop asked, “May I try on the navy blue suit in the window?” The owner said, “No, you will have to use the dressing room.”

4. A little girl asked a nun, “Why do you wear the same clothes every day?” Replied the nun, “It’s a habit.”

5. The parents wanted the boy to get used to high class dining, so they took him to a posh restaurant. When the waiter asked the boy what he wanted, the boy answered, “A peanut butter sandwich.” His parents said, “No, order something you’ve never seen before.” The boy said, “I’ve never seen a peanut butter sandwich cost $17 before!”

6. In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content in no matter what state I find myself.” That includes the state of New York.

February at Rensselaer

Public Library

Craft Night for Adults: Thursday Feb 9, 6 PM. Paint a simple landscape while sharing refreshments and crafts you’ve made. Call 518-462-1193 to sign up.

NY’s Hero, the Erie Canal: Wednesday Feb 22, 11 AM. Learn about the Erie canal from conception to creation from a comic book point of view. Participants will then create their own canal themed comic strip based on the story of Winnie Brown. Presented by Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. Please call 518-462-1193 to sign up. More information on the Library and our events is at RensselaerLibrary.org.

North Greenbush

Public Library Update

Six more weeks of winter or an early spring?

Find out at our Thursday Crafternoon, Feb 2, when the ground hogs surface for Groundhog’s Day! We’ll create a ground hog themed craft in the Children’s Room between 3 and 5 PM.

Come for a library scavenger hunt and crafts day this Saturday, February 4, for “Take Your Child to the Library Day”, between 10

AM and 2 PM in the Children’s Room. Find movies and music, books for your youngest or teen reader. “Take Your Child to the Library Day” (TYCLD) is an international initiative that encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. Explore the North Greenbush Public Library for all that’s new and exciting!

Digital Literacy Educator Delia Hubbard, from Cornell Cooperative Extension, returns to the library on Wednesday, February 15 from 1-2 PM. Bring your device-cellphone, laptop, tablet-for technical help. Call the library to reserve a time or drop in to get personal, technical help.

Follow our sledding penguin to our circulation desk, and pick up a game sheet to join our Winter Reading Challenge, open to all ages. Then “slide into winter” with a cozy book and a completed game sheet, and enter to for a chance at winning a prize!

Don’t let the lack of an internet connection slow you down. We have Wifi hotspots available on a first-come, first-served basis, on loan for 7 days.

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

Attention Fashionistas: Rensselaer County Senior Center Boutique Bag Sale

Thanks to our thoughtful and generous community we have some beautiful clothes in our Boutique. We will be having our bag sale February 21st to the 24th all proceeds benefit the senior center. For all you flipping your closets we would appreciate donations of gently used quality clothes, shoes, pocket books and costume jewelry we greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness call (518) 463-2166 for more info.

We are open 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. We are located on East and Herrick Streets in Rensselaer across from the Amtrak Train Station.

Book Sale

Book Sale at the Brunswick Community Library. $5 to fill a bag of books!

February 13 & 14, 10 am - 6 pm. 4118 State Highway 2, Troy. 518-279-4023.

Adult Clothing Swap

Adult Clothing Swap at the Brunswick Community Library, February 20th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. 4118 State Highway 2, Troy. 518-279-4023.

All in the community are welcome to partake in eggs, potatoes, breakfast

meats, breads, etc. Additional information may be found on our facebook page or website at www.sullivanjonesvfwpost7466.com.

East Schodack Fire Company

Pizza & Wings. Eat-in or Take-Out available.

Please join us on Sat February 4th for our monthly Pizza Night. Menu includes: Fresh made pizza-Cheese(red or white) $10, extra toppings $1.50 whole pizza and $1.00 half pizza each. “The Works”- $15 , chicken wings- 10 for $10, mozzarella sticks- six for $4, and a bowl of salad - $3. Serving begins at 4:00, call 518- 479-3366 (after 2:00) to order ahead. Pizza Nights will be the first Saturday of the month till June.

Gilead’s Body & Soul Pantry February 23, 2023

The first dinner of the new year is under our belt, and we are now planning dinner number two. This month we are having baked chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables and dessert. We appreciate all donations to help offset the cost of the meal. We also ask that you please make a reservation which will help

with purchasing the quantities of food. Reservations can be made by calling Lisa at 518-279-3576.

Should you have a question about the dinner being held you can also contact Lisa. Gilead Church is handicapped accessible and is located at the intersection of Routes 7 & 278 in Center Brunswick.

Brunswick Elks Lodge Presents a Charity Dinner

Rt. 2 Eagle Mills Monday 2/13/2023.

Roast Turkey Dinner ,mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, rolls and desserts . $15.00. Starts at 5:30

Eat in or takeout.

All proceeds go to the BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poestenkill

For reservations: Call Mike at 518 286-1645.

A

Night at the Club

The East Greenbush

VFW Post 7338, located at 100 Hays Road is pleased to host:

“A Night Out at the Club”, Friday, February

10th at 6-9:30 PM; with the musical talent of Singer, Songwriter and Musician: Bobbie Van Detta. Open to the Public. Light fare available for purchase. $5 Door Charge.

Valley Falls VFW Post 1938

Monthly Breakfast

The monthly breakfast at VFW Post 1938, Poplar Ave., Valley Falls, NY 12185 will be held on Sunday, February 5 from 8 - 11.

The menu includes eggs cooked to order, french toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, potatoes, sausage gravy with biscuits, fruit, juice, coffee, tea snd hot chocolate. Cost is $12 (age 13 and over, $6 (children 5 - 12), free (children under 5), active duty free.

Valley Falls VFW Roast Pork Dinner

VFW Post 1938, Poplar Avenue, Valley Falls, will host a roast pork dinner on Friday, February 10 from 5 - 7 p.m. Dinner is free for Veterans, $15 for ages 13 and over, $5 for children 5 - 12, free for children under 5.

Come to St. Henry’s

Knights of Columbus Great

Spaghetti Dinner

The Knights of Columbus at St. Henry’s Church on Old Route 66 in Averill Park will be holding a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, February 18th. This will be a Drive- Through- Take -Out Only.

We will be serving spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and bread. The price of the dinner is $10.00 for adults, $5 for children under 12, or $25 per family (2 adults with children).

Pick-up time begins at 4:30 pm through 6:00 pm.

We would greatly appreciate early pre-orders between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm the day of the dinner by calling or texting (518) 322-9583.

Please leave your name, phone number, the number of dinners you would like, and the time you will be picking them up. Thank you for your support, the proceeds help the Knights of Columbus to provide assistants to many charitable programs.

For more information, call (518) 322-9583.

Hoags Corners

Volunteer Fire Company

Breakfast Is Back

Hoags Corners Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting its First Sunday of the Month All You Can

Eat Breakfast ( February 5) from 8am to 11am at the Hoags Corners Fire Station, 7237 State Route 66, East Nassau, NY 12062.

Our Buffet-Style All You Can Eat Breakfast includes: Scrambled Eggs - Plain or with Ham & Cheese, Home Fries, Bacon, Sausage, French Toast, Pancakes - Plain and/or Blueberry & Apple. Plus: Applesauce, Fruit Cocktail, English Muffins, Coffee, Tea, Milk - Regular and/or Chocolate, and Orange Juice.

Coast is Adults $12, Children (6-12yrs) $5, 5yrs and younger are FREE. Eat in or Take out. Phone

518-766-5474. Come and enjoy a delicious meal, friendly atmosphere and bring your neighbors and friends.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

Hosted by VFW Auxiliary Post 7466

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us! We will be hosting a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on March

17th at the Sullivan Jones VFW (Post Hall) at 25 Veterans St., Poestenkill, NY.

Dinner will be served at 6:00 or take-outs will be available at 5:00. Tickets are limited so pick yours up today in the Post Canteen! Corned Beef, Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, rye bread, and dessert,

Adults $20.00 and Children under 12 $10.00. For questions contact Dennis 518-795-5854.

Souper Bowl Sunday Fundraiser TROY--- “Souper Bowl”

Sunday will be observed with a Soup ‘n Smores Takeout Fundraiser at First United Presbyterian

Church of Troy on Sunday, February 12 , 2023, from 11 to 11:30 AM. The event will feature pre-packaged frozen homemade soups and s’mores bars and will raise funds for summer camp scholarships. Partic-

ipants are asked to donate whatever they wish for the soup and bar cookies.

The church is located at 1917 Fifth Avenue in downtown Troy. For more information contact 518272-2771.

First Course: Lobster Bisque or Chicken Vegetable Second Course: Tossed S alad, Caesar S alad & Fixins; Choice of one Entrée, “ser ved for two” Seafood Mixed Grill (Blackened Sea Sc allops, Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna & Teriyaki S almon) $55

• Prime Rib & Stuffed Shrimp $65

• Chateaubriand $65 / couple

Choice of Créme Brulee, Bread Pudding or Lemon Cello Cream Cake

• Meatball Ziti

till 8:00pm

• Chicken Wings (4 types)

• Chicken Fajitas

• Homemade Chili

• Potato Skins

•

REAL ESTATE / HOUSE OF THE WEEK

TThe 4,000-plus-square-foot home features four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. his classic Loudonville colonial features a picturesque and private retreat-like backyard with an inground pool, flanked by mature trees and a sprawling composite deck. Built in 1991, there’s plenty of space to spread out in this 4,000-plus-square-foot home boasting four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf bathrooms and a bright two-story foyer exposing two elegant staircases — one to the second floor and another to an unfinished attic. Mediumtone wood floors stretch throughout the home. Other features include a finished basement and open-concept kitchen with an island cooktop adjacent to a large family room with a fireplace, arched windows,

bold floral wallpaper and custom-built bookshelves with a wet bar. Listing price: $799,000. Taxes: $22,680. Contact Steven Girvin, associate broker, with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-852-1315 for more information. —Shannon Fromma

HISTORY

CONTINUED FROM 1

of interest were medicine, religion, music and gardening. Over the years things have changed, but one thing has not and that’s loyalty to the one who cuts your hair. It is hard to cut the cord with a barber. Harry Rosenfeld, The Times Union opinion writer says in one of his old essays. “Having through fortitude, perseverance and good luck finally found that practitioner who will cut your hair to your unique needs, you enter into a lifelong commitment”.

A few years ago, Arthur Rubinoff opened the NYC Barber Museum Shop on Columbus Ave near 74th Street. The museum will contain antique and vintage barbershop equipment like chairs, striped poles towel steamers and straight razors.

Reading about this museum I thought of one of Sand Lake’s barbers, Botsy. Botsy’s shop includes several antique barber poles and old barbering photos. Last summer I ran into an old friend Peter in his shop and had lots of laughs listening to Botsy’s jokes and reminiscing about long-ago parties on Lark Street, my first Albany address. Botsy was recently given a book of Henny Youngman’s one liners, of course he claimed most of the jokes were stolen directly from him. In the end he reminded us, “Barbers are all the same, they just want to get ‘ahead’ “.

CHURCHILL

CONTINUED FROM 1 ed to much of one. Either way, a trial that seemed meant to demonize McLaughlin — “a puppet master,” Assistant Attorney General Christopher Baynes called him — instead gave him the air of a martyr, despite his past controversies.

What was the point of all this? How could a lengthy fishing trip that began in 2019, involved the FBI, and combed through McLaughlin’s personal life and financial records result only in evidence that could be so quickly thrown aside by a jury? Why did James bring this weak sauce to court? How much did this farce cost taxpayers?

After those initial comments about being hunted, McLaughlin didn’t say much about James or the case — a

reticence that is not in character but pleased his lawyers. But since his acquittal, McLaughlin has been happy to again describe James as a biased prosecutor who uses her office to go after political opponents.

“A malicious prosecution,” was how he described it to me. “This is not acceptable what went on here.”

Those words have been echoed by McLaughlin’s newfound compatriots, otherwise known as the Cuomo folks. Spokesman Richard Azzopardi, for example, took to Twitter to note that while he certainly didn’t like the county executive, the case against him “was always weak and reeked of overreach and politics by @TishJames and her team.”

Strange bedfellows, indeed.

To be sure, I’ve admired some of what James has done, particularly her report on nursing homes deaths from COVID-19, and her shortcomings do not mean that the findings of that and other investigations aren’t accurate. But nobody can really deny that James — who has sued abortion protesters, the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Buffalo and Albany, Donald Trump and his children, the Trump Organization, and the National Rifle Association — seems eager to target ideological opponents yet rarely finds fault with those with whom she agrees.

Would James, if presented with precisely the same evidence, have charged a progressive Democrat with the accusation levied against McLaughlin? It’s hard to believe that she would have. It’s as if James selects her defendants and then hunts for something to charge them with.

That isn’t how attorney generals are supposed to operate, of course. But I suppose we could debate whether James is worse in that regard than her predecessors, including the man who used the office as a pathway to the governor’s office and remained there until she released the report that led to his resignation.

James, though, should be embarrassed by the socalled case that resulted in the fast acquittal of McLaughlin. What a waste of time. What an abuse of power.

Upcoming Programs & Events at Poestenkill Library

Are you trying to make sense of the A, B, C, Ds of Medicare? We can help! Join us at the library on Wednesday, February 8th, at 2:00PM as Candy Marrero, owner of Capital Region Medicare Specialists explains the difference between Medicare Part A, B, C & D and provides step-by-step instructions on how to find the best Medicare plan for your needs.

The Friends of the Library are once again hosting a To-Go Chocolate Friendzy. To-Go boxes filled with an assortment of homemade chocolate treats are available for pre-order only, at a cost of just $5.00 per box. Boxes must be picked up at the library on 2/11 between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. You can order your To Go Boxes online at www.PoestenkillLibrary.org, or by stopping by the library during our regular hours. Please note, this year there is a limit of 2 boxes per person as only 50 boxes are available. Payment will be due upon pick-up. For the chocoholics out there whose sweet tooth might not be completely satisfied by a To Go Box, the Friends are also raffling off a scrumptious Chocolate Gift Basket. Tickets for theraffle are $3.00 each or 3 for $5.00 and are on sale

now at the library circulation desk.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Children are invited to drop-in between 2:00 and 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 14th for Valentine’s Day Coloring & Crafting.

On Wednesday, February 15th at 6:00 PM, Ms. Phil will be leading another fun STEM program. Join us at the library to make your own Newton’s Cradle! We will be using a hot glue gun during this project, so we are recommending this activity for children age 8+. Younger children are welcome to attend provided they have an accompanying adult who will provide additional assistance and supervision. Registration is required for this program. Please call 518-283-3721 to register or at your name to the sign-up list at the library.

East Greenbush Community Library

Hours: Mon/Fri 10-6p; Tue/Wed/Thu 10-8p; Sat 105p; Sun 1-5p. We offer programs for adults, teens & kids. View all programs at https://events.eglibrary.org or call 518-477-7476. Located at 10 Community Way, E. Greenbush NY 12061.

The Winter Reading Challenge continues through 2/26 for all ages! To register stop in or go to https://eglibrary.org/winter-reading-2023

The Friends mini-book sale is open year-round! See the sale display in the main library next to the public computers and main entrance. Selections are refreshed often.

2/9, 6:30p: Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation with Disney expert Valerie Gugala. Register.

2/12, 2p: Historical Society: Reflections of Seven Decades in North Greenbush with local Author, Jim Flanigan. Register.

2/15 & 22, 7-9p: What have you been reading lately?

Join our Wednesday Night Book Chat to share your recent reads and gather recommendations from librarians and other readers. Look for our WNBC Facebook post at https://www.facebook.com/eglibrary. No registration required.

2/16, 1p: 3rd Thursday Movie Matinee: Ticket To Paradise (PG13). Register.

2/19, 2p: SNOWDATE FOR “Mrs. Harris goes to Paris.” If you were registered to attend on January 19th and stayed away due to bad weather, please re-register for this event. Register.

2/20, 10:30-5p: AARP SMART Driver. $25 members, $30 non-members. Register.

2/22, 3p: Become an Expert Communicator to Gain Respect and Avoid Conflict. Register.

2/28, 2-4p: Tech Tuesday: Lifestyle Apps. Learn how to search for free or paid mobile apps that will enhance your daily lifestyle or support your favorite hobbies. Register.

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!

No Good Can Come of This

The Sand Lake Town Board should reject the proposed expansion of the Hoffay/Rifenberg, Olsen, Foley, and Hunt mine. I have many close friends with PhDs in geology of varying expertise. I know all too well that as much as the permit applicants insist that they will preserve the quality of life here, that the environmental impact will be mitigated, and that they do not “plan” to use dynamite for bedrock blasting, the consequences of their operation expansion will be long-lived and pervasive.

SL Pandemic Remembrances

The Sand Lake Historical Society is putting together a book of remembrances by residents and businesses of the Town of Sand Lake so future generations will understand and appreciate all we went through during the Covid-19 pandemic. We’d love to include your story!

Did you:

• Work from home or in an “essential” job?

• Have a relative in a nursing home or sick with Covid?

• Have children learning at home?

• Have to close or make changes to your business?

• Spend more time outdoors or doing home repairs?

• Have some other experience you’d like to share?

Please submit your prose or poetry of 600 words or less describing your pandemic story. All experiences can be shared,

whether they made you happy, sad, scared, crazy, brave, thankful, exhausted, etc.

Submit your story or any questions to: SLHSpandemic@gmail.com

Deadline for submissions is February 28, 2023. (SLHS reserves the

Even in the best of cases where organizations sincerely aim to limit the environmental effects of their operations, there are inevitably unintended and unforeseen consequences that follow. In this case, the involved parties have already shown themselves to be unconcerned with laws and regulations as they regularly use Thais Road to transport materials with dump trucks, even though they are not permitted to do so. Allowing the expansion of their operations endangers not just the local environment, but the integrity of this community.

The mine already pays precious little in taxes as

right to edit stories.)

Find us on the Internet at https://sandlakehistory. org/; “Like” us on Facebook!

Thrift Shop

The Johnsonville Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 22 Bridge St., Johnson-

ville, NY 12094 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

compared to adjacent homeowners. If the proposed expansion moves forward, property values on a not insignificant number of houses will subsequently decline, destabilizing the town tax base. The proposed plan then only benefits the applicants and adds no value to the community. I urge the Town Board to reject their request. As part of the town code, board members must “consider the health, safety and welfare of the residents, as well as the aesthetics of all proposed project approvals”.

Justin Hillman, Averill Park

Rte. 111 and Rte. 67.

A great selection of adult and children’s seasonal clothing, vintage, special occasion and career clothes, jewelry,

shoes, boots, purses, toys, linens, puzzles and games, household and decorative items. Our well-organized book room has over 1,000 books.

Where to take the chill off in Hudson Valley Businesses offer hot toddies, sweat sessions, more

By MICHELLE FALKENSTEIN

Baby, it’s cold outside. But there are plenty of ways to warm up in the Hudson Valley, après ski, après shoveling or après schlepping.

Here are a few businesses that may have the cure you’re looking for.

Hot Bikram yoga at The Hot Spot Yoga — Kingston

The smiling, sweaty people featured on The Hot Spot’s website are dressed appropriately for exercising in a room where the temperature is 105 degrees, which is to say, scantily.

“You lose your inhibitions pretty quickly,” said owner Stephanie Nystrom, who started The Hot Spot in 2011 and moved to her Kingston Plaza location in 2017. Hot yoga, she said, reduces your risk of injury and is great for cardio, flexibility and mental discipline. “Your mind keeps telling you that it’s hard, you should stop, but you keep going.” Those who want to ease into it can try warm yoga, where the room is a mere 90 degrees.

218 Plaza Road, Kingston 845-331-8800; hotspotkingston.com

Hot chocolate at Verdigris Tea & Chocolate — Hudson

Verdigris Tea & Chocolate got its start in Park City, Utah, where owner Kim Bach’s mother ran the business for 18 years. Upon retirement 16 years ago, Bach’s mother shipped the fixtures, furniture and shelving to her daughter, who set up Verdigris in Hudson.

The café offers seven types of hot chocolate, all beginning with melted disks of organic dark, milk or white Valrhona chocolate. The most popular variety is Hudson Hot Chocolate: melted dark chocolate blended with milk (regular or vegan) and topped with whipped cream and a

Artwork Needed for Community Wide Art Show

The First United Methodist Church at 1 Gilligan Rd. East Greenbush is looking for artwork of all kinds done by all ages for a Community Wide Art Show. The Art Show will debut on March 25th, 2023. All artworks will be due by March 19th at 2:30 pm. The theme of the art show is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Art can have one item of

the theme or incorporate the full theme. Please email Amber Telford at Youthleaderamber@ gmail.com for the Art Work agreement form and any questions. You can also call 518-477-9693 and leave a message for Amber.

VFW Post 7338’s

“Night Out at the Club”

The East Greenbush VFW Post 7338, 100 Hays Road.

Is pleased to host: “A Night Out at the Club”, Friday February 10th , 6-9:30 PM, with the musical talent of singer,

chocolate drizzle, Bach said.

Also popular is the spicy Mexican hot chocolate, with warming cinnamon and cayenne.

135 Warren St., Hudson 518-828-3139; verdigristea-.com

Pho at Miss Saigon Pho — Wappingers Falls

Owner Leon Bui came to America from Vietnam in 1998 when he was 23, carrying with him a family recipe for pho, a complex beef-based soup that he serves in his simple restaurant. “The broth takes eight hours then another hour with the seasonings,” Bui said.

Steaming bowls of pho are accompanied by noodles, sprouts, sliced jalapenos, cilantro, Thai basil, lime wedges and a choice of beef, chicken or shrimp. Bui recommends a generous application of hoisin, Sriracha and chili garlic sauce, which are served on the side. (“When you eat french fries, you can’t miss the ketchup,” he explained by comparison.)

1582 US-9, Wappingers Falls 845-765-2100; misssaigon-ny.com

Blankets at Bosco’s Mercantile — Saugerties

Five days after a weekend visit in 2016 to her cousin’s place in the Hudson Valley, Laura Huron leased a retail space in Saugerties and was ready to realize her bedding-store dreams. Two months later, she packed up her New York City apartment and moved up full-time, burned out after a long career in merchandising for Armani, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and others.

When choosing products for her shop, Huron considers only fair trade manufacturers, organic materials and environmental effects. Stock includes organic wool and cotton momo blankets from Guatemala, recycled wool throws designed in Scotland and woven in India, and

songwriter and musician: Bobbie Van Pettra Open to the Public. Light fare available for purchase. $5 Door Charge.

Capital Area Beekeepers Open House at East Greenbush

Community Library

The Capital Area Beekeepers will host an open house on Wednesday February 8th at the East Greenbush Community Library from 5:45-7:15.

If you’re interested in bees, pollinators or beekeeping this is the perfect event for you. We expect

representatives from Better Bee, Bee Hollow Farm, Jeans Greens, Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association (SABA), Columbia County Beekeepers among others. Learn about beekeeping, meet the local pros and learn about classes and clubs. You may even win a six week beekeeping class.

Bingo is Returning to the Brunswick Elks Lodge #2556 in Troy !!!

Finally !!! Bingo is returning to the Brunswick Elks #2556 in Troy on

German blankets made with organic Turkish cotton. “We’re all about cozy,” she said.

89A Partition St., Saugerties 845-247-3157; boscosmercantile.com

Hot toddy at Huckleberry — New Paltz

The word “toddy” was first used in the late 18th century to describe a drink from India made with the fermented sap of palm trees. More recently and much closer to home, Huckleberry serves two varieties: a hot ginger toddy, made with bourbon, ginger syrup, lemon juice and a clove and cardamom liqueur; and a hot apple cider that includes spiced rum or bourbon, orange slices, mulled clove and cinnamon sticks (also available in a virgin variety).

“They’re very popular and delicious,” bartender Kelly Martin said. Toddies are on the menu from October until the region melts in the spring.

21 Church St., New Paltz 845-633-8443; huckleberrynewpaltz.com

Sunday, March 5th, 2023

@ 1:30 PM ! We normally would be starting on this Bingo one month earlier, as hoped, but a little snag in the licensing process through the state has moved that back until March 5th, tentatively, as we have to get licensing also through the Town of Brunswick before starting up. We are confident that the new date of March 5th, 2023 will be a bonafide date to let everyone know about.

If you have any questions about this endeavor, please call Jeff Keegan at 518-728-1795 or Mary Beth Keegan at 518-312-7291.

Please remember that the earlier date of February 5th, 2023 cannot be feasible and the new date of March 5th, 2023 is more firm.

You are urged to let all of your bingo friends know about this new date, as we will be calling all contacts when the license has been firmed up.

We thank you for your attention to this matter, and if all goes as planned, Bingo will indeed start on Sunday, March 5th, 2023 ... We also thank you for your patience while we work these things through; we are working diligently to make this Bingo a reality !!!

Yogis at The Hot Spot in Kingston, where the Bikram yoga sessions get as hot as 105 degrees.