See local actresses bring women’s history to life at the 11th annual Famous Ladies Tea on Sunday, March 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy.
You’ll meet women in history who were all trailblazers in their own right, including Nelly Bly, Nina Simone, Gypsy Rose Lee, Georgia O’Keefe, Eleanor Roosevelt, Whitney Houston, and more. Doors open at 12:30, and the program runs from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
The event will include a silent auction and raffle drawing, wine pull, and traditional tea luncheon. Tickets may be purchased online at www.lvorc.org or by mailing your check payable to LVORC, 65 First Street. Troy, NY 12180. For prices and details please visit the website or call 518 244-4650.
Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County depends on funds raised by special events to provide
Public invited to play role in analysis of suburban corridor
By KENNETH C. CROWE IINORTH GREENBUSH — Development
impacts along and near the U.S. Route 4 suburban corridor shared by the towns of North Greenbush and East Greenbush is getting an intensive review by the towns and the Capital District Transportation Committee for the first time in nearly two decades.
“With all the changes related to growth and development in the corridor and the surrounding area, there needed to be an update,” said Sandra Misiewicz, CDTC executive director.
The previous Route 4 study concentrated on East Green-bush where much of the development had taken place. The corridor study area has pushed north along Route 4 into North Greenbush, but doesn’t extend beyond the intersection with state Route 43.
The continued drive north along Route 4 would be into the surrounding area where growth has been occurring from Hudson Valley Community College south along the state highway.
“The U.S. Route 4 Corridor Study Update is a collaborative effort by the towns of East Greenbush and North Greenbush, along with CDTC aimed at addressing the transportation and land use challenges facing the U.S. Route 4 Corridor,” CDTC said.
The municipalities and CDTC are holding public meetings to solicit comments and to explain the study, which covers Route 4 from Mannix Road to Route 43.
“We’ve included the town of North Green-bush in it this time,” Misiewicz said.
The first meeting of three on the update will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, in person at the Defreestville Fire Department, 350 North Greenbush Road (Route 4) and via Zoom. People may register
for the meeting and access the survey by going to the project website at www.nyroute4study. com. The other two meetings haven’t been scheduled.
“This first meeting is to provide information about what the corridor study is going to be looking at,” said Misiewicz, adding that it’s an opportunity to find out what issues people want to see resolved or addressed.
“We hope to use that information as we do some analysis of the study area,” Misiewicz said.
The Route 4 area sees a fair amount of traffic. On the highway going north from Route 43 to Winter Street Extension in North Greenbush, the state Department of Transportation’s latest posted average daily traffic count from 2019 was 16,023.
At the southern end of the corridor between Route 151 and the I-90 underpass in East Greenbush, the 2019 vehicle daily vehicle count averaged 23,873, according to state DOT.
“It’s a challenge to balance all the users and their needs,” Misiewicz said.
By KENNETH C. CROWE II
POESTENKILL — Poestenkill and Sand
Lake town supervisors are converting a building on Route 66 into a dog shelter with 10 kennels that they believe will be opened at the beginning of the summer to serve Rensselaer County communities outside Troy.
Poestenkill Supervisor Keith Hammond and Sand Lake Supervisor Scott Gallerie stood inside the building at the Waste Management transfer station location at routes 66 and 351 Friday afternoon outlining how the facility will be rebuilt for an estimated $50,000 to take in stray dogs until their owners can be found.
Hammond and Gallerie said towns are sending dogs to areas outside
the county or town dog control officers are keeping them at home due to a lack of kennels in the county. The county municipalities outside of Troy lost the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands as their shelter when the private organization was overwhelmed with demands for use of its 86 kennels.
“We’re leasing a building for countywide use. It will be a county dog shelter,” Hammond said before discussing the plans at the future shelter site.
Gallerie and Hammond said they are negotiating a final monthly rental fee with Waste Management to use the building, which has been used previously for auto repairs and by a small local garbage hauling company.
“We’re starting small,” Hammond said.
The new shelter will have six kennels for dogs and an additional four kennels for quarantine purposes. There also will be an indoor exercise area as well as space outside the building, which will be remodeled.
The two supervisors said the state Department of Agriculture and Markets has inspected the location and provided advice. In addition, they said, Richard Crist, the county director of operations, has visited the location to discuss what support the county may be able
to provide.
“Rensselaer County has been discussing participation and involvement in a community dog shelter to help our towns and villages,” said
Please see SHELTER 10
Officials believe new structure will open at beginning of summerJIM FRANCO / TIMES UNION Sand Lake Supervisor Scott Gallerie, left, and Poestenkill Supervisor Keith Hammond talk about converting a building owned by Waste Management at the intersection of Routes 66 and 351 into an animal shelter on Friday in Poestenkill.
Rensselaer County Minority OfficeFebruary 2023 Monthly Report
The Minority legislators submitted a resolution P/45, Urging NYS lawmakers to support, commit and build upon the promise of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York. The NYS Senate in January passed key voting rights and board of elections reforms, which they also passed in 2022. The Assembly has yet to do so. The resolution failed in the Rules Committee by a GOP ‘naye’ vote from Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman and Legislators Robert Bayly and Robert Loveridge.
The Minority legislators also submitted and voted on a resolution recognizing March 12-18, 2023 as Sunshine Week in Rensselaer County. This national initiative promotes the importance of open government and the free flow of information from government to county citizens, ensuring that our government is accessible, accountable and open and void of the dangers of secrecy. The free flow of information from government to the people instills trust and confidence in our democracy. Now, more important than ever!
In 2017 Rensselaer County decided to commence litigation against opioid supply chain participants and seek reimbursement for its expenses resulting from the opioid epidemic. One of the defendants sued, offered a settlement agreement and pay the County a onetime sum in the amount of $ 710,623.31. These funds are assigned certain parameters and will be used for prevention, treatment, training and
First UM Church Storytelling Night
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
research.
NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located at 99 Troy Road, East Greenbush, NY.
PUBLIC FORUM – Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890. www.rensselaercounty.org & follow us on Facebook: “Rensselaer County Legislature –Democratic Team”
“History of the Rensselaer Glassworks” at Sand Lake Historical Society
Phil Bernnard of the National Bottle Museum will present “The History (and People) of the Rensselaer Glassworks”, for the Sand Lake Historical Society, on Tuesday, March 14th at 7PM at the Sand Lake Town Hall Courtroom, 8428 NY 66, Averill Park.
The Rensselaer Glassworks was one of Sand Lake’s early industries (and gave us “Glass Lake”). Come learn about the history of the works, the workers who made the glass, the succession of owners, and the technology of glassmaking in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Phil is asking attendees to bring any “Glass Lake glass” specimens they have and wishes that any descendants of glassworkers (and those who might be living in their former houses!) to please come and share.
Phil Bernnard has a background in both anthropology and archeology. He has been with
encourage, uplift, facilitate, and gather around the telling and hearing of stories. Join us if you want to share or hear a story!
Wednesday April Fifth: Roberta Reno, East Greenbush Town Historian.
Wednesday May
Third: Robert Thomsen, the Choir Director of the First UMC of East Greenbush.
Wednesdays at 7 PM
Upcoming Events at Poestenkill Library
LEGO Club will meet on Wednesday, 3/1, at 6:30 PM. The library has a great collection of LEGOs and Duplos, all you need to bring are your building ideas! Registration is required. Please call 518283-3721 to register, or sign up at the library.
The Check It Out Book Club will be discussing Remarkable Creatures, by Tracy Chevalier on Thursday, 3/2, at 6:00 PM. This book, from the New York Times bestselling novelist, is a stunning historical fiction that follows the story of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, two extraordinary 19th century fossil hunters who changed the scientific world forever. New members are always welcome and no registration is required. We have a limited supply of Remarkable Creatures available at the circulation desk. The title is also available in ebook format through the Libby app. Have you ever considered brewing your own beer but weren’t sure where to start? We recommend starting at the library, of course! Join us
eBrunswickDemocraticCommitteeis currentlyacceptingrésumésfrom quali edcandidatesinterested inrunningforthefollowing Brunswicktowno cesin2023:
-TownSupervisor, 4-yrterm ($37,579.96/yr)
-2TownCouncil positions,4-yrterm ($12,221.63/yr)
-2TownJustice positions,4-yrterm ($31,738.63/yr)
-TownClerk,4-yrterm ($53,242.31/yr)
Interestedcandidatesareinvitedto sendarésuméandaletterofinterest viamailoremailbyMarch27thto:
JenniferMann,chairBrunswickDemocraticCommittee
POBox91
Cropseyville,NY12052
brunswickdems@gmail.com
the National Bottle Museum for over a decade, as both a board member and researcher, and a collector of bottles and glass for fifty years.
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!
East Greenbush CSD Renews Pre-K Program for 2023-24
The East Greenbush Central School District will be offering a Pre-K Program for eligible 4-year-old students during the 2023-24 school year. The program, which is free for families, would start on the first day of school in September.
There will be slots for up to 61 students, including one section each at Donald P. Sutherland, Genet and Red Mill Elementary Schools, and seven students at the Early Childhood Education Center.
Students must be 4 years old as of December 1, 2023 and must be district residents.
Pre-K applications will be available at www. egcsd.org starting Monday, February 27.
All applicants will be entered into a lottery, which will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Genet Elementary School auditorium.
as we welcome Roger Savoy, owner and President of Homebrew Emporium, to the library for a Basics of Home Brewing program on Thursday, 3/16, at 6:00 PM. During this program we’ll start with some of the history of beer. Then we’ll talk about basic ingredients; malt, hops, water and yeast. We’ll discuss the process of brewing with all grain or extracts, how fermentation works and how long it takes. We’ll also have samples of all the ingredients as well as the basic equipment needed. Participants are encouraged to ask questions at any time throughout the evening. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Registration is not required, but would be appreciated. You can register by calling the library at 518-283-3721.
Town of Sand Lake Updates from Town Clerk, Barbara Hansen
We are now accepting Applications for new Military Banners. The Application is available on the Town’s website: townofsandlake.us or at my office in Town Hall. Cost is same as last year, $225.00 payable to Sand Lake Military Banner. Photos need to be in jpeg. I can help convert your photo to a jpeg on my copier. We plan, with the Highway Department’s help, to have all Banners up by Memorial Day and will be accepting Applications until March 31st. Please call Barbara Hansen, Town Clerk 518674-2026 Ext. 115 with any questions.
News From Averill Park CSD
Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan shared her incredible story with students at Averill Park High School and Algonquin Middle School recently. Her story is one of hardships and horrors, but also of courage and hope. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this presentation to our student body!
Congratulations to Theo Hart for winning this year’s Spelling Bee at Algonquin Middle School. This is the third year in a row that Theo has won the building-wide Bee. Additionally, it is the sixth year in a row that a Hart has won the competition as Theo’s brother, Sam, won three years straight.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Averill Park High School Spring Musical for putting together an outstanding performance of Little Shop of Horrors! This is the first time in a long time that APHS has produced a Spring Musical, and we could not be more proud of the hard work and dedication everyone put forth. Bravo!
As always, for the latest news from the District, please visit our website – averillpark.k12.ny.us.
You can also follow AP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Submitted by Dr. James Franchini, Averill Park CSD Superintendent
East Greenbush VFW Auxiliary Seeking
Flea Market Vendors
The Auxiliary to East Greenbush VFW 7338 is seeking Vendors for their scheduled Flea Market on April 22 , 2023. For further information, please contact Lynda Essenter at (518) 248-0324 or via email at schoolrn52@aol.com.
Wednesday Night Food Truck Event is Back in North Greenbush!
We hope that everyone had a great off-season time the past couple of months.
We are contacting you to let you know that we will be having Food Truck Night again here in North Greenbush!!!
The Town of North Greenbush is looking for food trucks to participate in the WEDNESDAY Night Food Truck Event for the 2023 season.
We will again be having Food Trucks @ town hall between 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We are planning on
the start date of Wednesday, May 24th.
This year’s event will go all the way to August 9, 2023.
We are asking anyone interested in participating again to contact the Town Clerk, Janice Hannigan Kerwin, @ 518-283-4306 or feel free to email anytime at townclerk@northgreenbush.org if you have any additional questions.
Poestenkill Heating Assistance Program
This new program will provide one-time supplemental assistance to those who are struggling to heat their home.
To qualify for consideration, you must be a Poestenkill Resident who has applied to HEAP but was denied because your combined income put you above their cut-off limit.
Applications and information are available at the Poestenkill Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Poestenkill Baptist Church, Union Gospel Church, Poestenkill Christian Church, Poestenkill Town Hall and the Poestenkill Library.
You may download the application at www.evangelicallutheranchurch. wordexpress.com or call 518-283-6045 to leave a request. Strict confidenti-
ality will be maintained. This program is coordinated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church Poestenkill, (ELCP).
Donations are also gratefully accepted. Checks should be made payable to “ELCP” with “Heating Assistance” in the memo section and mailed to ELCP, P.O. Box 167, Poestenkill, NY 12140.
We are Poestenkill Residents caring for fellow Poestenkill Residents in their time of need.
Public Meeting: Route 4 Corridor Study
U.S. Route 4 Corridor Study. (Mannix Road to Route 43). Public Meeting # 1. February 28, 2023: 6:30 PM, DeFreestville Fire Department, 350 North Greenbush Road. Go to www.nyroute4study.com for more information. DeFreestville Area Neighborhoods Association, Inc.
Castleton Cemetery Association
Annual Meeting –March 16th
The Castleton Cemetery Association will hold its annual Lot Owner’s and Their Families meeting on Thursday, March 16th,
at the V.F.W. Hall on Scott Avenue in Castleton beginning at 7pm.
The treasury report will be read, projects for the spring and summer will be discussed and election of officers will be held.
All those who have an interest are welcome to attend and encouraged to join our Board. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: Castleton Cemetery Association C/O Dawne Kelly, 227 Shufelt Road, Nassau, NY 12123.
Volunteers are welcome to help at our spring cleanup day on April 1st. Please call Jayne Robinson at (518) 732-4284 with any questions.
Are You Ready for Your Lenten Journey?
Yes, it is that special time of year once again. The humbling yet exhilarating season of Lent is upon us. You may be looking for opportunities to interact with fellow “travelers” during this time of self-reflection.
Well then, how about the ecumenical Friday Lenten Services to share the good news with a variety of local clergy? They are held at the Church of the Covenant (the round
church) in Averill Park.
A brief (about 30 min.) service begins at 12 noon and is followed by a soupand-sandwich lunch. The first was Friday, February 24 and they will continue every Friday through March 31
A free will offering will go to Unity House of Troy. Hope to see you there as we “travel” to our glorious destination, Easter on April 9!
Fred Erickson, Church of the Covenant
Elmwood Cemetery Association of West Sand Lake Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of The Elmwood Cemetery Association of West Sand Lake will be held on Tuesday, March 7, at 7 PM, at Hoffay’s Harvest House, 489 Sheer Road, off of Rte. 150 out of West Sand Lake. All cemetery lot owners and interested parties are welcome to attend.
The meeting includes a brief financial report and election of Trustees as needed. Volunteers are appreciated. Ample lots are still available for purchase.
$ $ $
East Schodack Fire Company
Pizza & Wings are Back! Eat-in or Take-Out available. Please join us on Sat., March 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.
Hope’s Kitchen Free Community Dinner
Thursday, March 2
Hope’s Kitchen, a ministry of Hope Lutheran Church and Cornerstone Community Church of Lansingburgh, is serving a free community dinner at Cornerstone Community Church, 570 3rd Avenue, Troy on Thursday, March 2nd . This will be a sit-down meal, with an option for take-out, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
On the menu: Roast Beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, tossed salad, and for dessert, St. Patty’s cupcakes!
Coffee and tea for sit-down diners. Free will donations are gratefully accepted.
Reservations are required and must be in by Friday, February 24th. Call (518)-235-3851 and indicate sitdown or take-out, time and number of people in your group.
Brunswick Elk’s Lodge Hosts Charity
Dinner for Brunswick Town Library
Brunswick Elk’s Lodge, Rt. 2, Eagle Mills present a Roast Beef Dinner on Monday, 3/13/2023 at 5:30. All proceeds go to the Brunswick Town Library.
Dinner includes Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetables,
Rolls & Dessert, $15.00.
Eat in or take out. Reservations are encouraged, call Mike at 518 286-1645
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, February 26, 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 your 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.
Selkirk Fire Dept. Station No. 1 Auxiliary
Fish Fry Take-Out Dinners
SELKIRK - On Friday, March 10th & March 24th, and Friday, April 7th of 2023, the Selkirk Fire Company No. 1 Auxiliary will be hosting their Annual Fish Fry Take Out dinners.
The monies raised from these dinners help us to provide food and gifts for families in our community during the holidays, as well as provide food for our firefighters during fire and rescue emergencies. In addition, we offer a scholarship to an (RCS) Ravena, Coeymans, and Selkirk graduating senior.
126 Maple Avenue, Selkirk, NY 4:30 - 7 P.M. $12.00
Dinner Includes: Fish Fry, French Fries, Coleslaw & Dessert
$5.00 New England Clam Chowder
$5.00 Extra piece of fish
Enter to win some awesome raffle prizes!!
First Reformed Church Community Dinner
The First Reformed Church of Wynantskill will be hosting our very popular free Community Dinners beginning Wednesday, March 1st through Wednesday May 31st from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. The dinner will include pasta with sauce, salad with choice of dressing and homemade dessert.
This will be drive thru- take out only. The church is located on the corner of Church Street and Main Ave. in Wynantskill. If you have any questions, please leave a message along with your name and number at the church at (518)283-4420.
Poestenkill Fire Co. Roast Beef Dinner
Please join us for a roast beef dinner on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Poestenkill Fire House, 187 Main Street in Poestenkill.
Dinner will be served family style and will consist of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coleslaw , and homemade desserts. Serving time will be 5 pm to 6 pm.
Cost of the dinner will be $20 for adults, $10 for children (ages 5 - 12) and children under 5 are free. Reservations are strongly recommended at your earliest convenience as the dinner sells out. Please call Don at 518-423-6263 for reservations.
Corned Beef Dinner
The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church on 175 5th Avenue will be hosting a corned beef dinner on Saturday, March 11th from 4:30 - 6:00pm. Cost: Free will donation. Come Join us!
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.
Fish Fry Dinner at Brunswick Elk’s Brunswick Elk’s Lodge, Rt. 2, Eagle Mills, presents the first Lenten Friday Fish Fry Dinner on 2/24/2023
To include French Fries, coleslaw, chowder and dessert. $15.00 eat in or takeout, starts at 5:30. Reservations are encouraged. Call Mike at 518 286-1645.
Buffettoinclude:
Friday,February24th•Joe’sBoys
Friday,March3rd•TheBrianKaneTrio
Thursday,March9th•MichaelMiner
Saturday,March10th•MelissaSgambelluriTrio
Thursday,March16th•TBD
Friday,March17th•TBD
Thursday,March23rd•DarrylDaley
Friday,March24th•JustNate
Thursday,March30th•TBD
Friday,March31st•Carmen&Life’sGuiltyPleasures
Thursday,April6th•TheTradition
Friday,April7th•DoubleBarreled
EntertainmentbyMoeGreene &theDiveBarJuicers
Pleasecallearly 518-712-5212 ForReservations
FestiveWineDinner BurdenLakeCountryClub
Saturday,February25,2023
BabySpinachSalad
PoachedPear,HumboltFogBleuCheese,CandiedNuts &RoastedShallotVinegrette
ProteaPinotGrigio
AhiPoke
ServedwithDaikonSlaw LapisLunaChardonnay
GremolataCrustedNewZealandRackofLamb
WithYukonMashed,GrilledAsparagus&ThymeJus
Annual Fish Fry Dinners at South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co
The South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co will again offer Fish Fry dinners on Friday evenings, 5:15 to 7:00 p.m., at 1563 Bame Rd. Castleton, during Lent.
Dinners will began on February 24 and end on Good Friday April 7 Hot dogs, Chicken, and Clam chowder will also be served. Eat in or Take out. Phone: 732-2082. Please call after 4:00 P.M. for take out.
Love Lutheran Spaghetti Dinner
Come and enjoy an authentic Italian Dinner, Saturday, March 25th from 3 to 6pm.
Menu: spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for children under 12. Dine in or take out.
Location: Love Lutheran Church, Pheasant Lane & Middlesex Road, East Greenbush. For information call 518-477-8685.
Minor Exterior Upgrades That Can Help Sell a Home
The home improvement industry has been booming for years, but forecasters are projecting a deceleration in 2023 and perhaps beyond. Estimates from the Home Improvement Research Institute, which is the leading market research resource for the home and building products industry, indicate that growth in the home improvement products market is expected to decelerate
from 7.2 percent in 2022 to 1.5 percent in 2023. Inflation continues to affect consumer spending, and homeowners may be looking to spend less on renovations in the year ahead.
Minor upgrades that aren’t as costly as larger projects can still make a big difference, especially among prospective buyers. When looking for minor upgrades that
can help sell a home, homeowners can rely on Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” That report analyzes costs for an assortment of remodeling projects and determines the value of those projects at resale. Though resale value depends on a host of variables, including location, the following are some relatively minor exterior upgrades that impress buyers and provide a strong return for homeowners.
• Garage door replacement: Garage doors matter more than sellers may recognize, as various real estate professionals note that buyers appreciate homes with updated garage doors. That’s good news for homeowners, as the “2022 Cost vs. Value Report” indicated homeowners recoup roughly 93 percent of their garage door replacement investment at resale. The average cost of such a job is right around $4,000, making this a budget-friendly remodeling project.
• Window replacement: The cost of new windows will depend on just how many windows must be replaced. But there’s no denying buyers like the idea of low emissivity (low-E) windows, which can cut energy bills by a significant amount over time. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows is responsible for between 25 and 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, so sellers who can tell buyers they have new low-E windows can emphasize those savings in home listings. The “2022 Cost vs. Value Report” indicates that homeowners recoup roughly two-thirds of their investment in new windows at resale.
• Landscaping: Well-maintained landscaping is another home exterior component that can make a strong first impression on buyers. A recent survey of nearly 7,000 realtors conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that upgrading a landscape recouped roughly 83 percent of homeowners’ initial investment at resale. In addition, 11 percent of realtors surveyed indicated that an upgraded landscape was the decisive factor that closed the deal for the house.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
Troy-St Patrick’s Day dinner, Friday, March 17th . 3-7pm Polish American Club, 507 First St. Troy.
Corned Beef, Potatoes, Carrots and Cabbage.
$17. Dine-In or Take Out. Catered by the Giuliano’s. Reservations Suggested. Call 518-272-2676.
Corned Beef Dinner
Pawling Avenue United Methodist Church, 520 Pawling Ave, Troy, NY 12180, invites you to a
Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
TAKE OUT ONLY Cost is $15 Adult and $8 Child. RESERVATIONS RE-
QUIRED – limited to 100 dinners. Call Melanie at 518-779-6004 by March 7, 2023. Pick up time is between 4-5 PM ONLY.
Our menu includes corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, homemade Irish soda bread, and pistacchio cake. Hope to see you then!
Nassau-Shatford
Baseball
Spaghetti Dinner
Please join us on Saturday, February 25th for an All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the youth of Nassau-Shatford
Baseball.
Dinner will be served from 4pm-7pm at the Tsat-
sawassa Firehouse located at 9 Firehouse Lane, East Nassau. Dinner includes, Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad, Roll and Drink. Adults $10.00 Kids $5.00 Kids under 5 eat free. There will also be a 50/50 and other raffles. Hope to see you there!
Emmanuel Reformed Church Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
Emmanuel Reformed Church in Castleton will be having their Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, Fund Raiser, on March 11th. There will be 2 sittings, 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm and will be served family style in the Fellowship Hall at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 1150 Maple Hill Rd., Castleton, NY 12033.
The dinner includes: Corned Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, Cabbage, fresh Irish Soda Bread and Homemade Pies for dessert. The price is $13.00, children ages 6-12 is $5.00 and under 6 is free. Please call the Church Office at: 518-732-7766 for reservations.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
Hosted by VFW Auxiliary to Post 7466
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us! We will be
“Sir, What Shall We Do With All the Dead?” A Talk By Civil War Historian Robert Shuey
Noted Civil War historian Robert Shuey will give a talk, “Sir, what do we do with all the dead?” Mortuary Practices During the American Civil War, on Sunday, March 5, 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.
Shuey grew up within earshot of the cannons at Gettysburg. The Union trenches that protected Harrisburg were literally in his backyard. Bob has been writing and presenting programs on a variety of Civil War subjects for over the past 50 years.
The program offers insight into a problem that hadn’t been adequately considered before the first shots of the war were fired. A problem that caused a national outcry. Where are all of those dead soldiers, and who took on the responsibility of dealing with them with the respect they had earned?
Greenbush Historical Society
Please join the Greenbush Historical Society in celebrating Women’s History month on Sunday, March 12 2PM, at the East Greenbush Library.
Our speaker will be Barbara Urban – historian for the Illium Club which turned 100 years old last fall. The club was formed at a time when women’s opportunities were restricted by societal expectations. However, women across the country were hungry for socialization and self education in the early 20th century. The Illium Club brought to Troy just these things – an opportunity to get together, to be active in the community, and a way for women to further their education. Learn about this active group today on March 12 .
All GHS programs are free and open to the public but registration at the library is required. Please call 518 477 7476 to reserve a seat.
The Great UHLS Spell-Off is coming!
If you love words, the Sand Lake Town Library Friends has a challenge for you! The Great Upper Hudson Library System Spell-Off is happening at the end of April and we’re buzzing with excitement about hosting a preliminary spelling bee here in our community.
We’re still working on when and where it’ll happen, but we wanted everyone to start thinking about participating. Two-person teams will compete in both a written and an oral portion of the bee. Spelling words will be selected with adults in mind.
High schoolers may form teams. Children 10-13 can be on a team with an adult 18+. Children under age 10 may attend, but cannot participate. The SLTL winning team will be eligible to compete against winners from other libraries in the The Great UHLS Spell-Off at the
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glendora
Vegeterian Club
We are jumping for joy with these recipes we found in a recent issue of American Vegan magazine.
Potato Cabbage Filling
2 c. Potatoes peeled and diced
Colonie Town Library on Saturday 4/30 at 2:30pm. More d-e-t-a-i-l-s to come! Email sltlfriends@gmail.com with questions.
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.
There are lots of activities going on at the center. Stop in for the monthly calendar of activities and a lunch menu.
Feb 28th we will be holding Bingo after lunch. March 7th is the Monthly Senior Meeting. Come with your suggestions to help our Center grow. March 9th will be Birthday Trivia following lunch. Congregate lunch is served at the senior center Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon for a suggested donation of $3 for seniors. Grab-n-Go 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.
2 tbs oil
1 c. Onion diced
3 c. Green cabbage, chopped and packed
2 tbs water
1 medium carrot grated
2 tsp prepared mustard
2 tsp juice from dill pickles
Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
Simmer potatoes in salted water till tender, then drain, mash and put through a ricer.
Sauté onions and cabbage until softened. Add water as needed. Add carrots toward the end of the sauté. Combine all ingredients and season to taste.
Prune Almond Filling
1 c. Pitted prunes
1/4 c. Orange juice
1/2 c. Toasted almonds
1-2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
Pinch of ground black pepper
A few drops of hot sauce
Soak prunes in orange juice for at least 20 minutes, turning the container over occasionally to distribute the orange juice. Coarsely chop the almonds and add all ingredients together. Pulse to a coarse pate.
Apple-Apple Butter
Topping
1 Granny Smith apple, finely diced
1/2 c. Apple butter
Stir together and season with salt and pepper.
Jokes
1. A man walked down the street carrying a dar-
ling Cocker Spaniel puppy. He met a friend and said, “What do you think of this puppy I got for my wife?” His friend said, “That’s not a bad trade.”
2. An ad in the classified said, “Cut glass vase for sale by a lady slightly cracked.”
3. Did the doctor give you a clean bill of health? No, he’s waiting for the check to clear.
Google Glendora Folsom Book Presentation
Local author Jim Flanigan will release his newest book and give a presentation on Thursday, March 9th at 7:00 PM at the Sand Lake Center For The Arts. His third book, “People, Places and Politics”, introduces readers to some unique characters and travels to memorable places.
A final section draws from Jim’s years as an elected official to explore the world of government and politics.
This is Flanigan’s third book following “Up From Second Street” and “The Great 2020 Paper Chase”. His presentation will use examples from all three books to illustrate his writing strategies and techniques.
This will be the second in the monthly Authors Series at the Sand Lake Center For The Arts.
East Side Seniors
Our next meeting will be on March 14, at 1;00 at The American Legion Post, Main Av.,Wynantskill.
We start by saying the Pledge to Flag and a moment of silence.We have openings for the trip to Wildwood, only if you want to have FUN, June 4th to June 8th. Call Diane at 518-273-5528 for details and reservations.
Deputy Mayor Chris Nolan was at our last meeting with much needed $$$. This will be used on future trips and events. THANK YOU CITY of TROY.
Come to the meeting and help make plans for upcoming events. The BOCCE league is in full swing on Monday mornings at the ICC players and subs welcome,start is 9;00 AM. Hope to see you and your neighbor at the meeting.
NAMI Capital Region NY Holds Family To Family Class
NAMI offers the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program free of charge to participants, beginning March 4th 2023 – April 22nd 2023 2022, 10:00am-12:30pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 420 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208.
For more information and how to register, please contact NAMI Capital Region, NY at 518-588-6949 or namicapitalregionny@ gmail.com
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family, friends and significant others of adults with mental health conditions.
NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.
Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment and recovery.
The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain their own well-being.
The program is taught by trained family members who have a loved one with a mental health condition.
NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program (EB). For information on the research base for the program, visit nami.org/research.
Rensselaer High School Craft Fair
The Alumni Association of the Rensselaer City School District and the class of 2024 are sponsoring a craft fair on March 25, 2023, from 9 am-2 pm at Rensselaer High School, 25 Van Rensselaer Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144. There will be over
30 vendors with a wide assortment of items available, including artwork and sewn items. There is a concession stand with breakfast and lunch items, raffles, and a 50/50. Enjoy the afternoon with us!
The Luck of The Irish Special Dinner Thursday, March 16th
Join The Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday March 16th. Yes that’s right the 16th because March 17th is on Friday and our Special Dinner is Corned Beef And Cabbage and it falls on Friday during Lent.
So we are celebrating it on Thursday so everyone can celebrate a day full of great food, company and music by Bobby T. Bring your best moves for the Irish jig and don’t hold back. We are open Monday Thru Friday 9am to 3pm. Call today for reservations (518) 463-2166. East and Herrick Street Rensselaer. MUST DINE WITH US TO ENJOY THE SHOW.
The Capital District
Genealogical Society of New York
Announces Monthly
Presentation
CAPITAL DISTRICT
- Topic: Researching and Interpreting the People who were Enslaved in New Netherland and Colonial Albany...with a Focus on the Van Rensselaer and Schuyler Families
When: Saturday, February 25, 2023. Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM.
Where: Online via Zoom.
Speaker Heidi Hill is the historic site manager of Crailo and Schuyler Mansion State Historic Sites, where she has fostered interpretive growth since 2005.
The Zoom presentation allows a maximum of 100 participants. At this time only members are invited to register. On the 16th we will open registration to all if there are places remaining. See our website under meetings and events. Registration deadline is Thursday, February 23rd, 11:55 PM.
FREE Registration: https://www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety. org/event_registration
New Moon
Make Your Own Sundae Party
Tuesday, March 21th
Join The Rensselaer County Rensselaer Senior Center as we celebrate the Second Day of Spring and Full Moon.
Lunch Consists of Chicken Parmesan w/ Pasta, Vegetable and Special Desert of Stewarts Make Your Own Sundae. Must Dine with us to enjoy special desert and oh by the way there will be no mooning at this full moon party.
We are open Monday Thru Friday 9am to 3pm. Call today for reservations (518) 463-2166. East and Herrick Street Rensselaer.
Church of the Redeemer
On February 26 service will be at 9:00. Coffee hour and socializing follow the service.
Hot Mess Crafters meets at 10:00 on Wednesday. All are invited to come and see what Hot Mess Crafters is about. Later in the day, at 2:00, there will be Bible Study. We are continuing Max Lucado’s series “How Happiness Happens”.
Thrift Shop is open on Thursdays from 3-6. Come to see what we have for Spring.
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
American Red Cross Babysitting Class
The American Red Cross Babysitting Class will be held at the Sand Lake Library on 3/18/23 For more information please contact Brenda at brendaleigh7@gmail.com
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).
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.
The home is just two blocks away from Broadway and has more than 3,000 square feet of living space. uilt in 1890 and two blocks away from Broadway, 49 Franklin St.
appears stuffed). The adjacent ensuite offers vintage flair, including a claw-foot tub. You’ll also find two amenities coveted by any city dweller — a small backyard and a three-car garage. Saratoga Springs schools. List price: $1,499,000.
Taxes: $9,697. Contact Kate Naughton, Roohan Realty, at 518-441-8527.
AnthonyM. Gucciardo
HISTORY
CONTINUED FROM 1
literacy programs and services at no cost to learners in Rensselaer County and Albany County.
Since 1968, LVORC has trained volunteer tutors to help adult learners learn to read, write, and speak English. For more information, visit www.lvorc.org.
North Greenbush Public Library Update
Bring your children to create a seasonal craft at the library’s Thursday Crafternoons, February, 23, 3-5 PM, in the Children’s Room.
Tuesday Storytime for preschoolers continues in the Town’s Annex at 11 AM.
The North Greenbrush Library’s Board of Trustees monthly meeting, open to the public, will be held today, Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM in the meeting room at Eastwyck Village (1 Eastwyck Circle off Best Road.)
dents of the Rensselaer Plateau. This ancient art/science will give you a fun way to connect with and get to know the local ecology, wherever you may be. From the signs animals leave, we can learn what they like, where their favorite places are, who they avoid or gravitate to and how they interact with all the species of plants, trees mammals and birds around them. Sometimes, we can even figure out what they are thinking or feeling!
SHELTER
CONTINUED FROM 1
Crist, who praised Hammond and Gallerie for their work on the project. “There are now fewer and fewer opportunities to safely care for dogs that are lost or abandoned in the area,” Crist said.
Gallerie said the towns will start with the dog shelter. Eventually, they may be able to expand to have a full-service animal shelter that could take in cats and other animals. The push for the legislators to take action found a sympathetic audience as Republican and Democratic legislators said the issue has to be studied and a plan developed for dealing with animals in a humane way.
Gallerie said Sand Lake handled about 12 stray dogs that needed to be sheltered in the past year. Poestenkill had about four dogs that required placement in a shelter, Hammond said.
The Rensselaer County Legislature leadership said it would explore establishing a full-service animal shelter and its financing after hearing residents speak earlier this month about the growing need in the county to house dogs, cats and other animals.
Saturday, February 25, is the last day to hand in your completed Winter Reading Challenge game boards. Enter for a chance to win a prize!
The role of youth hockey in the shaping of a community as evinced in the book “Beartown” by Frederik Backman, will be discussed at the next Virtual Book Club meeting, February 28, at 6:30 PM. Call the library for the Zoom meeting link.
March brings spring, but also the Saturday meeting of the Tween Book Club, for ages 10-12. Join us for a discussion of “The Westing Game” by Ellen Rasken, and stay for a craft and snacks, on March 4 at noon.
Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 AM-7 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM-2 PM. Call the library at 518-283-0303.
RPA Book Club Continues
You are warmly invited to RPA’s Nature Book Club, with Rama Hamarneh, PhD. The book club provides a space to discuss books related to nature, together as a community! 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.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 28 at 7pm on Zoom
For February 2023, we’ll read Forest Walking: Discovering the Trees and Woodlands of North America by Peter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst. Do you use all five senses to explore your surroundings when you walk in the woods? For most of us, the answer is no—but when we do engage all our senses, a walk in the woods can go from pleasant to immersive and restorative. Forest Walking teaches you how to get the most out of your next adventure by becoming a forest detective, decoding nature’s signs and awakening to the ancient past and thrilling present of the ecosystem around you.
This book is available through the Upper Hudson Library System in physical format, on Libby and hoopla via the library as an ebook and audiobook, at Market Block Books, and through other book sellers.
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.
RPA Winter Tracking Workshop with Dan Yacobellis
Winter Tracking Workshop with Dan Yacobellis; Sunday, March 5, 9am - 12pm; Gutierrez Family Forest, 720 Garfield Nassau Road, East Nassau.
Learn to read the tracks and sign of the animal resi-
Frank Coppa, East Greenbush
