OUR TOWNE Brad Rose Landscaping
Celebrating 41 years in
East Greenbush “Creating beautiful one yard at a time”
Your Hometown community resource
July 2013 2013
OUR TOWNE
SOUTHERN RENSSELAER & NORTHERN COLUMBIA COUNTIES
JULY 2013 Dear Readers, Happy summer! Our family made it through the school year & are thrilled to have a break from the academics and activities. I hope you all have plans to escape your everyday routine, get out of town and relax with your friends & family. As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, I am feeling even more grateful to be an American. The possibilities are endless in the United States of America. I am grateful to live here and enjoy all of the freedoms that being an American brings me. Thank you to all that have served our country, protected us and our freedom!!! I believe that WE as a nation need to take care of our veterans after they have served our country. Recently, I have heard about a few fantastic programs that encourage and assist in the hiring of veterans. The following websites connect job seekers & employers: http//www.hireheroesusa.org/ http://www.showyourstripes.org/ http://www.dol.gov/vets/ If you are a veteran, take advantage of the MANY programs that the government and private sector offers. Certainly, it can’t be easy adjusting to life outside of the military. However, now more than ever, there are programs and services available to help with this part of your journey. Happy 4th of July to my Our Towne readers and I hope you do find some time to relax and renew during this beautiful time of year! Thank you for reading Our Towne and please remember to support your local businesses! And don’t forget to let them know you saw them in Our Towne. Jennifer Felts Our Towne Owner & Publisher
OWNER/PUBLISHER/ EDITOR/ SALES/DESIGN
JENNIFER FELTS 518-380-1279 WWW.OURTOWNERENSCO.COM FELTS66@YAHOO.COM OUR TOWNE’S MISSION: OUR TOWNE SEEKS TO CONNECT LOCAL BUSINESSES TO LOCAL CONSUMERS BY HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST OF WHAT
SOUTHERN RENSSELAER AND NORTHERN COLUMBIA COUNTIES HAVE TO OFFER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ~ OUR TOWNE IS PUBLISHED BY OUR TOWNE MARKETING & CONSULTING LLC. 3 LYNCH AVENUE, CASTLETON, NY 12033 PRINTED MONTHLY & DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO VIEW CURRENT & PAST EDITIONS ONLINE:
WWW.OURTOWERENSCO.COM
Contributors DR. PATRICK BERGMANN DR. JOE LAPINSKI VINCE COPPOLA ADDICTED TO SAVINGS
CATHERINE GRAZIANO ALLISON FELTS CANDY MARRERO
DEAR ANGIE DARYL BART PATRICK CIRAULO TERESA BROWN KENNETH & DEB LANE STEVE NOEL MIKE BIFANO
Please check out http://ourtownerensco.com to view current & past editions view demographic & rate information
Deadline for Advertising & Community Events is the 20th of the month Please contact Jennifer Felts at 518-380-1279 or felts66@yahoo.com for more information
THE OUR TOWNE SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON...
BRAD ROSE LANDSCAPING
Brad Rose Landscaping officially began 41 years ago when Brad was a teenage boy looking to make a little money. Eight years later, it turned into a supplemental income for his wife and family. Fifteen years later they began hiring employees and now 41 years later they are one of the area’s longest running family owned andoperated landscaping companies. Brad Rose Landscaping is unique in many ways. What stands out most about this company is that it is lead by a Father/Daughter team. Stephanie, now the company Vice President, joined the company over 10 years ago. Stephanie loves the flexibility that working for the family business offers her. She truely values the ability to have a career and also be at home with her own family. And she is just one of the 14 local, hard working, experienced, honest and trustworthy staff members that they have. Brad Rose notes that “without my dedicated staff and the tremendous support of my family, all this could not have been possible.” When asked why they think their business has grown over the past 41 years, they say “Our business has been successful because we are honest, trustworthy, hard working and generous. We do not look at our clients as clients. We look at them as friends and family and treat them as such.” In 2010, Brad Rose Landscaping opened the doors to their new facility located at 3609 River Road – also known as 9J in Rensselaer,just one mile south of the 9&20 intersections. In doing so, they are able to offer bulk materials for sale such as,mulch, topsoil and #2 stone for pick up or delivery. With so many companies to choose from, rest assured that when you choose Brad Rose, you are getting a fully insured, certified New York State corporation that has been doing business in Albany County & Rensselaer County for almost four decades. Being family owned and operated we are able to be completely hands on, experienced, approachable, trustworthy and visible to our clients. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and providing our clients with stellar workmanship.
Brad Rose Landscaping is a full service lawn maintenance and landscaping company offering our services toboth residential and commercial properties. We offer a wide variety of services such as full service lawn maintenance, seasonal clean ups, revamping of old landscaping, installation of new landscaping, landscape design, garden and planting, bed weeding, shrub trimming, mulching and edging as well as decorative walls, patios and walkways. Why not take advantage of our FREE landscape design program? We will visit your property, take photos, re-work the photos according to your budget and our mutual ideas then show you the outcome prior to beginning your project! Our goal and ability is to take you from design to install to annual maintenance. For the clients whom we already serve we would like to thank you for your dedication and for allowing our staff to provide our services to you. Knowing our clients by their first name and stopping to talk to them is extremely important to us. If it wasn’t for you, your referrals and loyalty we would not be here for 41 years! For those of you whom we don’t know yet please take this opportunity to walk your property, write down your likes and dislikes then give me a call, we can help you plan the rest regardless of your budget, no job is too small. Call 426-9315 for a free consultation today!
Before Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
After 3
Morning, evening and lunch hours are available Monday through Friday to accommodate your scheduling needs!
FREE PC Cleaning With Any Other Work $35 Value
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
5
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.LWFKHQV %DWKV $GGLWLRQV )RXQGDWLRQV 6WRQH :RUN Owner/Operator~ Tammy Severance 518-653-4271 SYNNN999@gmail.com ~Fully Insured~ References~ “Living Comfortably shouldn’t be a Luxury!”
BY TERESA BROWN Every day in a veterinary clinic is different. We never know what will come through the door. One day it might be the senior-citizen dog we’ve known and cared for since it was a puppy or a cat with a urinary tract infection or maybe a middle-aged dog with an abnormal lump on its rib cage. Sometimes it’s an adorable 8-week old puppy or irresistible kitten (our favorites) coming in for the first time. Over the years, we’ve had goats, pigs, hawks and even a chimpanzee grace our halls. At Nassau Veterinary Clinic, we’ve seen a lot of animals since our doors opened some 76 years ago. Back then, we made a lot of house calls, tending to the veterinary needs of cattle, horses and other farm animals. Today, we still make house calls, but we focus on small animals, dogs, cats and pocket pets. We’re one of 12 percent of veterinary clinics accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. For 20 years, we’ve voluntarily been evaluated for hundreds of rigorous standards. We’re pleased to say we were re-accredited in June. Our clinic is a well-rounded facility led by Dr. Thomas Phillips and Dr. Lisa Dietrich. Some folks may know Dr. Dietrich’s father, Herbert; Dr. Herbert Dietrich joined Nassau in 1956, before retiring in 1992 and handing over the reins to his daughter and Dr. Phillips. One of the greatest benefits of Nassau is our team. Our veterinarians have special interests within veterinary medicine, enabling us to offer a wide variety of services. Dr. Dietrich has a special interest in ultrasound. It may surprise you to learn that most dogs are very calm on the ultrasound table as Dr. Dietrich glides the ultrasound instrument over their bellies and gets a “sound wave view” of internal organs. Dr. Phillips and licensed technician Tina Patton are a highly trained dentistry team. Dr. Phillips is a Fellow in the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and Tina is one of just a handful of licensed veterinary technicians who has been accredited as a Specialist in dentistry. He and Tina often see dental referrals from surrounding veterinarians. Sometimes people might be perplexed by an odd behavior from their cat or dog and that’s when Dr. Carolyn Sanford comes in, handling animal behavior cases. Dr. Beth Ann Shane brought acupuncture to our clients when she became a certified veterinary acupuncturist in 2010. Dr. Rose Broglio, who performs surgeries every week, and Dr. Claire Hamer, who takes an interest in breed-specific problems, round out our superb veterinary team. They are assisted by a staff of more than 20 veterinary technicians, assistants, administration and other support employees. Nassau’s comprehensive health care services for pets include surgery, laboratory work, ultrasound, radiology and other diagnostics, dentistry and pharmacy. We don’t stop there; we are a full-service clinic. We have two on-site groomers; a clean, heated and cooled indoor boarding facility with a large grassy, fenced-in play yard for dogs and our roomy cat condos are secure in a separate room. We offer a large array of dog-training classes, from puppy kindergarten and bonding with an adopted dog, to agility and tricks. In short, we’ve been in the East Greenbush and Nassau area long enough to be considered the “old-timer” but we’re anything but old. Our modern facility and professional staff work hard to meet high expectations. Thank you for bringing us into your home and we look forward to a future sharing some laughs and, along the way, learning a little something to.
EXPIRES 12/31/14
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3930 U.S. Route 20, Nassau, NY 12123 518-766-2636 www.NassauVet.com Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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WELCOME POND VIEW FARMER’S MARKET! Pond View Farmers market is open! In the 2500 Pond View Parking Lot (off of Miller Road), you can find local products on Saturdays now through September 28th from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Ample Parking! Locally Grown & Locally Made! Come enjoy the Fun and Food! Some of the Vendors are: Avon, Bud's Florist, D &W Animal Rescue, Eight Mile Creek Farm, Freddie's Rockin' Hummus, Jeanne Morris Plants & Produce, Jenn's Sweets, Joe Rullo's Sport Memorabilia, Lembo's Jewelry, Martha's Chair Message, Mike's Food Wagon, Mort's Maple Products, Nicole Pertell's Produce, Pampered Chef, Pucker's Gourmet Pickles, Swartz Dairy For additional information, please call Mark Bruno at 858-8636 or contact mbruno@ thespinneygroup.com.
Discovery Place Learning Center, LLC Teaching children their way every day!
ƦƝƯΎ ƞƧƪΎƫƭƥƥƝƪ Ύ̱̯̰̲˻ Groups Preschool & Toddler Learning ƫȾȳȱȷȯȺȷɈȳȲΎƝȼɀȷȱȶȻȳȼɂΎƛȺȯɁɁȳɁ Ages 24 mos to 5 yrs ƜȳɄȳȺȽȾȳȲΎȴȽɀΎȯȵȳɁΎ̲˹̷˷ΎΎƛȺȯɁɁȳɁΎȽˎȳɀȳȲΎȷȼΎƤȷɂȳɀȯȱɇ˴Ύƙɀɂ˴ΎƥɃɁȷȱΎ If you ˱ΎƫȾȯȼȷɁȶΎɅȷɂȶΎɅɀȯȾ˹ȯɀȽɃȼȲΎȾȺȯɇΎɂȷȻȳΎȯɄȯȷȺȯȰȺȳ˷ cannot make
ƟɀȽɅΎƚȯȰɇΎƟɀȽɅΎƤȳȯɀȼȷȼȵΎƟɀȽɃȾ Open House
it on the 28th,
ƫȾȯȱȳΎȷɁΎȯɄȯȷȺȯȰȺȳΎȴȽɀΎ̱̯̰̲˹̱̯̰̳˷Ύ̱ΎɇȳȯɀΎȽȺȲΎȱȶȷȺȲɀȳȼΎ please call to ȾȯɀɂȷȱȷȾȯɂȳΎȷȼΎȺȳȯɀȼȷȼȵΎȵɀȽɃȾɁΎɂȶȯɂΎȴȽȱɃɁΎȽȼ˶schedule a ̗ΎƝȯɀȺɇΎȱȽȻȻɃȼȷȱȯɂȷȽȼΎ personal tour ̗ơȼȲȳȾȳȼȲȳȼȱȳΎ January 28th 10:30 to 12:00 Ύ̗ƨɀȽȰȺȳȻΎɁȽȺɄȷȼȵ ̗ƝȯɀȺɇΎƤȳȯɀȼȷȼȵ Openings for All Ages for the 2012-13 school year ƛȺȯɁɁΎȷɁΎ̱ΎȶȽɃɀɁΎȯΎȲȯɇ˴ΎɂɅȷȱȳΎȯΎɅȳȳȹ˷
& Enrollment
ƛȶȳȱȹΎȽɃɀΎɅȳȰɁȷɂȳΎɂȽΎȺȳȯɀȼΎȯȰȽɃɂΎȯȺȺΎȽȴΎȽɃɀΎȱȺȯɁɁȳɁ˻ 479-1110 749 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush between Enterprise & E. Greenbush Diner Owned & Operated by: Tery Duncan, Master of Science in Education Lynn LaVoie-Stephens, Master of Arts in Speech Pathology
479-1110
SATURDAY HOURS & INDOOR PLAYGYM Check website or facebook for information
www.discoveryplaceny.com
Buds Florist and Greenhouses Annuals Perennials Flowering Plants Beautiful Hanging Baskets Shrubs Trees Knock-Out Rose Bushes AALL LL O LL ON N SSALE ALE LE IIN N JJULY! ULY! Visit us at the Pond View Farmers Market every Saturday from June 1st-September 28th from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Schedule your Wedding Consultation Today! 1614 Route 9 Castleton On Hudson, NY 12033 http://www.budsfloristandghses.com (518)732-7563 ~ (800)437-8527
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
9
A Condo May Be Right for You By Cathy Graziano An option often overlooked by those desiring homeownership is purchasing a condominium or condo. The traditional detached single family home is not the ideal situation for everyone. For those just starting out, affordability may be an issue. An empty nester may want to downsize and not have the hassles of yard work and other maintenance. Alternatively, it can simply be that the traditional family home doesn’t suit your lifestyle. When you own a condo, you own the title to the space within the walls of your living quarters. Common areas such as hallways, roofs, parking lots, green areas and pools are shared with the other owners in the complex. The more common type of condo is the apartment-style, in which you may have units on either side of you and above and/or below. However, there are other styles. There are units that are designed more like townhomes, with single or multiple levels and one or two common walls with neighbors. You may even find a condo in a building that was a multi-unit apartment converted to condo units. Condos are attractive to many buyers because they offer them a chance to own their residence and build equity at what is usually a lower cost than a single-family detached home. Of course there are exceptions, such as the luxurious condominiums that many developers are building in downtown and affluent neighborhoods. One factor to consider is that owners generally must pay a condo association fee monthly. These fees defray the cost of maintenance, repairs and upgrades to the community’s common areas as well as the cost for the services of a property management company. However, if you would rather spend your free time doing something besides mowing the lawn, painting the outside of your home, or waiting at home for the pool maintenance person, then a condominium may be for you. Other advantages of owning a condo are the amenities that may be part of your complex such as a pool, tennis courts, fitness center or clubhouse. These are some of the benefits you might not be able to afford or even have room for if you were to purchase a single-family home. Of course, as with all things, there are some disadvantages to owning a condominium, such as the lack of privacy that a single-family detached home affords. You are also confined to the rules and laws of the community association, for example, the type of pets you can have. Is a condo the right living arrangement for you? Make an informed decision by weighing the pros and cons. Talk with a real estate professional who is familiar with condominiums and the laws that govern them. Preview the various condos in your area to get an idea of how the properties are run. Condo living isn’t for everyone, but can be an attractive option for those who want to own instead of rent.
Cathy is a resident of East Greenbush and is an associate broker with RE/MAX Park Place. She has over 20 years experience in real estate and is a member of the NYSAR Professional Standards, Education Management & Housing Opportunities Committees. "I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and referrals" Cathy
“If you’ve been considering a career in Real Estate or moving from your current company, give me a call I’d be happy to discuss opportunities with RE/MAX! Oh, by the way, I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and referrals" Cathy
Contact Cathy Graziano at RE/MAX Park Place 518-383-8300 or 518-496-2297 cgraziano@remax.net www.cgraziano.remax-ny.com
WO ORD RD
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D R . J O E L A P I N S K I , DDS I’ve had a few patients deciding how to replace missing teeth. Their situations are all different: missing molars, missing front tooth, a non-restorable tooth that needs to come out…but ultimately restoring the smile & having functional, chewing, biting, smiling teeth is the goal. My first step in any dental plan is an evaluation with options, giving pros and cons of each solution…implants, partial denture, crown, bridge or a combination. At that consultation we consider your ideal restorative solution, factor in price, time, and expected end results…how function & esthetics will improve. There are basically 3 main ways to replace missing teeth:
Implants: Small titanium screws placed in the jaw bone, heal over 3-6 months, act like the root of a missing tooth. They support crowns & bridges. The restoration is very secure, and solves the problem without involving adjacent teeth. Also, titanium can never decay. Fixed Prosthetics “bridge”: A bridge is a great option if you have stable teeth on either side of the space. A bridge can span the gap of one or several missing teeth. It’s constructed as a single unit made of crowns that support a central false tooth(teeth) & is cemented permanently in place. It is not removable. Newer ceramic materials allow for very beautiful natural looking replacements for both front and back teeth, eliminating dark lines.
QR CODE SCAN FOR CURRENT REVIEWS OF LAPINSKI DENTAL
Removable Partial: A removable appliance can be a good
option if you’re trying to replace several teeth in the same arch. The partial is made to fill in missing teeth & restore your smile. There’s often an adjustment period since you “wear” it and take it out daily. You often need to have certain teeth present to be used as anchors to hold the partial in place and ensure it is functional enough to eat with. Your mouth is evaluated for secure anchor teeth as well as any tooth conditions, decay, remnants, cracks, etc. As always, please discuss your concerns with your dentist or hygienist. We can’t help you or treat the problem if we don’t know about it. Visit our website for photos of these and other procedures. www.LapinskiDental.com or www. ADA.org for many dental topics. Email me at DrJoe@LapinskiDental.com Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
11
KIDS BOOK REVIEW
19 Years of Experience
wanted: Children ages 8 & up to write a book review for Our Towne Magazine Each month I will publish a book review as a way to encourage our smallest readers & writers! To be considered for this special opportunity, send: ~Your name, age & town or school. ~Name of the book & author ~Summary of book & why you would recommend this book to another young reader. 250 words or less please. ~Two book reviews maximum per writer. Every published critic will receive a $10.00 gift certificate to Good Buy Books! SEND BOOK REVIEWS TO: OUR TOWNE MAGAZINE
Jennifer Felts 3 Lynch Ave Castleton, NY 12033 or felts66@yahoo.com
My name is Madeline. I am 8 years old. The book I chose is called: The Neddiad by Daniel Pinkwater. When Neddie gets a magic stone turtle from a shaman weird things start happening. Will Neddie be able to save the world or will it be an ice age again?! If you like adventure and fantasy this is the book for youthere are monsters, ghosts, magic and more. Daniel Pinkwater writes really good books. I love them all! I would give this book a five-star rating. I loved it so much!
Congratulations Madeline Epping Madeline will receive a $10.00 Gift Card to Good Buy Books in East Greenbush.
ADDICTED TO
AVINGS!
There are so many sites and offers lately, it makes my head spin! Here are a few new sites I discovered and maybe some not so new, but check them out!!!
Totallytarget.com- breaks down each weeks ad for the coupon enthusiast and puts up some free bees and some contests too. Cartwheel by Target- This actually gives you extra savings by setting up a link with your smart phone, it can be a little confusing for the beginner, check it out, it gives you an extra percentage off on many different items, they update it regularly so look at it often!! You can also print the sku!
Common.kindness.com- Great organic coupons, plus when you print and redeem them you pick the non-profit it donates too!!! Dollar Tree- did you know they take coupons!!! CVS - Get to know how to use your extra-buck! I have scored many free items each week, know how to stack coupons at CVS and getting extra-bucks to spend. I leave with bags of items I pay very little for and get extra-bucks (free money)to play with!!!!
Savingstar.com and cellfire.com- these sites link up to your shoppers card and save you extra money and can even earn money that
can be redeemed for gift cards!
Remember to be patient (kill them with kindness) and do your homework before you go to the store. Be organized! Some cashiers do not know the stores policies, print it off, this can help get the deal done! Targets cartwheel is new and it is easier to print off the SKU and have it to show them instead of trying to pull it up on your phone. A little patience can go a long way and get the deal you went shopping for!!!! Addicted To Savings is a recovering shop-a-holic in East Greenbush who wishes to remain anonymous.
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DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING & COMMUNITY EVENTS IS THE 20TH OF EVERY MONTH CALL JENNIFER FELTS AT 518-380-1279 OR E-MAIL FELTS66@YAHOO.COM WWW.OURTOWNERENSCO.COM Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
13
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
www.kraftsbykim.com 395 Columbia Tpke, East Greenbush, 518.477.1274 As we enter into the wonderful months of "Summer" we have LOTS of exciting news here at Krafts by Kim.I amLet me please first wake startmeoff by the introducing our newest to our family "Juliet". Happy AUGUST....If dreaming up cause months are flying by and I have soaddition much to tell you. For those of you who are curious(seen about the here her older Tothat say thebuyer. least our has grown Juliet,please Trouble, futurewith of the building of Kraftsbrother by Kim, we Trouble). are still looking for perfect In fact we family have just reduced the price!!!!(Romeo, If you are interested keep in & Jingles). No empty nest here!!! mind it does not have to be a craft/gift store. It can be whatever type business you have always wanted. Essentially a place where all your DREAMS come true. We have had many inquires regarding the sale of the building and as stated in previous articles that Onceare the building does sell get the BIGGEST Sale Ever. So, until then we will to continue discounting our have SALE ROOM) and we truly taking onready anforaggressive/serious approach getting ourmerchandise building(especially sold. in We reduced creating newto designs for the upcoming Fall months.itFor those of you about future Krafts Kim, I will continue showcasing my designs the price $199,900. Although breaks mycurious heart tothesell it offor sobylittle I feel it is important to at letareait go at and thisalsopoint life sohasthat we can get one step closer to being by our children. I would like to shows on-line in oncemy the building been sold...... offer another incentive for all of you (my friends). If you or someone you know would like to purchase this beautiful (for difficult whatever they dreamed about) This month is goingbuilding to be an incredibly month forbusiness me in so many ways.have We are moving my daughter to I will create a years supply of wreaths for each season as a thank you for helping me get to the next chapter in my life. WyomingAnd to pursue educationitin is Bio-Medical Sciences will with also givethe her the opportunity toofbesome closer to shorter asheralways business aswhich usual exception her brother inHours. Colorado. Please surestill to callcreating, the store or check the website and (www.kraftbykim.com) for Augustamazing Store SUMMER We be are designing displaying some product with Saleand room isI growing andtoall windows areamazing only life $5 each. So Hours.incredible Life is certainlyprices. always changing each day count my blessings haveold accomplished so many hurry in and deals. Hope all of you have a safe and experiences. Pleasetake stop byadvantage and see me real of soonsome and havefantastic a safe and happy rest of the summer... FABULOUS July and I look forward to seeing you real soon..!!! STORE HOURS: SUMMER STORE HOURS... Wed. & Fri. 10-5:30 / Thursday 10-6/ Saturday 10-4 / Sunday - closed for Summer/ Closed Monday & Tuesday
Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 - 5:00 * Friday -10:00 - 5:30 * Saturday -10:00 - 3:00
Congratulations to the East Greenbush Girls Minor Division Softball Champions! Team sponsored by Curtis Printing and coached by Tony LaPointe! Great Job!
LAPINSKI DENTAL General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Welcoming New Patients Providing heathly, beautiful smiles for your entire family 114 Troy Road ~ East Greenbush, NY
477-8428 www.LapinskiDental.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
15
HEALTH INSURANCE CORNER… BY CANDY MARRERO OF KLEEBER INSURANCE SERVICES
Long gone are the days in the health insurance industry where you have “down-time”. Summer time used to be the slowest time of the year because it was months after as well as months before the hustle & bustle of January open enrollments. So it was a time when health insurance people could catch up on things they had to set aside because they were too busy, and July was always a great time to take a week off and relax by the shore to re-energize!! These days however there is NO down-time, it’s just one continuous crazybusy time and if I take any time at the shore, you can be sure that my computer will be with me!! Fortunately for me I love it (but unfortunately for me, my husband doesn’t!) As The Affordable Healthcare Act gets closer to it’s initiation date of January 1, 2014, there is much more to learn and much more for me to explain to my clients all of who are very anxious about this new process, as I am sure many of you are as well. So please stay tuned to OUR TOWNE for updates each month. This month I wanted to touch on penalties because this is something brand new for all of us and it’s very confusing! I am here to help anyone in any way that I can, so if you have questions please feel free to call me. But here is the lowdown on penalties. For small groups (2-50 employees) there are no penalties imposed for companies not offering health insurance. Small employer groups are not required to offer health insurance in the upcoming year. For large groups (51+) they must offer health insurance to their full time employees, and it must be “affordable”. This means that the employees contribution to the premium cannot exceed 9.5% of their earnings. It is broken down by 2 different penalties, 1) For the employer who does not offer coverage at all to their full time employees, the penalty to the employer could be $2000 per full time employee (minus the first 30 which are waived). 2) For the employer who offers coverage, but it is not affordable or does not meet the guidelines, the penalty could be $3000 per employee that accesses the exchange. For individuals for 2014, the penalty is $95 individual adult, $47.50 per child and up to $285 for a family. In 2015 it will increase to $325 per adult, $162.50 per child and up to $975 per family. In 2016 it will increase to $695 per adult, $347.50 per child and up to $2085 per family. Everyone is going to need help with this as this is a whole new world for all of us. Next month I will talk more about the Exchange itself. Hold on tight, its going to be a bumpy ride!
KLEEBER INSURANCE SERVICES WE ARE SMALL “ON PURPOSE”
Are you tired of feeling like a number when you call your insurance company? Everyone says that customer service is what separates them from their competitors – but it seems they are all the same!! This is very typical, but not at Kleeber Insurance Services!!
We are an insurance company who still cares about our clients and we take care of you in that “old fashioned way”. Call me and experience the difference.
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A Modern Day Love Story
By Daryl Bart
So, my husband called to tell me that he just heard a quiz on the radio...the DJ asked the listeners to call in with the answer to the question “98 is the oldest recorded age for a man to do what?” Whatever you’re thinking – you’re so far off. The answer is “get divorced”. I quickly googled it and have since read other versions of this statistic online – but I know, unequivocally, that they are ALL wrong. At the time of this “quiz”, my Grandpa Stu was turning 100, he had just dumped his not very nice third wife and was granted a divorce on grounds of mutual hate. Their story started in the usual way. He had just lost his wife of 47 years. Ellen had died suddenly in September. It was tragic, mostly because she had just had a really good facelift. She was a caricature of an old time Gabor sister turned Floridian...all of 4’ 11’, sporting a teased blond bouffant, long dragon red nails, a leopard print muumuu and high heeled puffy slippers – I kid you not. Her only job was to feed, bring cold drinks and putter. Man, she could cook a brisket, chop a liver & bloody a mary like no one else. Grandpa’s friends were supportive. One day, Irving said “I know a nice widow I’d like you to meet”. Stu was lonely - who could blame him. This was the first time since 1934 that he was alone. Plus, it had been almost 8 entire weeks. Simple as that, Stu was on the market. Grandpa seemed quite the catch – distinguished looking – in a Monopoly guy kind of way, with an oceanfront condo, strewn with antiques, & a golf club membership. He didn’t look 86. To add fiction to fact – he somehow obtained a fake driver’s license shaving off 5 years from his true age. We don’t know how or when he got it, but it had to be at a time when you could just tell the DMV when you were born…I mean who would argue when you said you were born in 1913 instead of 1907? So it was kismet, destiny, doom. After just a short courtship, Gloria moved in. A 180 from the former Mrs.… almost 20 years younger, trim & preppy, with a single digit golf handicap. She drove a snappy little Mercedes and did her own hair. Oh, and she didn’t cook. She made reservations & frozen dinners. You’d think by the looks of their freezer they had bought stock in Lean Cuisine.
Grandpa was smitten and made room in his stylish apartment for her Mickey Mouse figurines, photo collages and bookends that read “World’s Best Golfer”. Times had changed & Gloria was home. They spent the next decade spending summers in the Catskills, fundraising for charity, and golfing. They were hard core bickerers and pretentious together but made it work somehow – proving there is someone for everyone. It was not always pleasant around them but we endured…like families do. Then came the rapid decline – in the heat of their hatred for one another, Grandpa pointed one of his antique guns on her…For the record, it was unloaded and once owned by General John Burgoyne and is now the property of the Miami Dade police (she probably deserved it). Then came the “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up incident” when she literally pushed him off his mobile scooter, took the key and left the apartment (he probably deserved it). Well, after 14 years, they lawyered up, enforced their pre-nup – and like that – Stu was stag at 99 and 10 months old. Just a few months shy of his 100th birthday. And that is how my Grandfather came to be the oldest man in the world to get a divorce. In an effort to give him a memento for his milestone birthday – I tried to get him into the Guinness Book of World Records – but that cost $300 so I didn’t pursue it. I settled for procuring him a handwritten note from Willard Scott and was comforted in the knowledge that one of his poker buddies had just introduced him to a little 95 year old chippy named Edith.
Daryl Bart Dcbart1@gmail.com
View Current & Past editions of Our Towne at: http://ourtownerensco.com Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
17
Have You Heard About... About...
F.B. Webb? By Mike Bifano As you bear down on the City of Albany, traveling along I-787, you've probably noticed the F.W. Webb Company sign under lights just south of Huck Finns Warehouse. F.W. Webb is the largest distributor of plumbing, heating, cooling and industrial supplies in the Northeast, employing more than sixty associates right here in the capital district. With product lines including everything from refrigeration material to HVAC parts and equipment, F.W. Webb in Albany is made up of over 50,000 square feet of local warehousing and nearly 5,000 more square feet at our retail showroom, Frank Webb’s Bath Center. This is just a small part of an otherwise expanding network of F.W. Webb locations across the Northeast. This family-owned company has been in business for nearly 150 years and has had a positive presence in our local community for almost a third of that time. Here at the Albany branch we consider ourselves a part of the capital region community. Our goal is to maintain a meaningful contribution to our local economy and to strongly support our region's many small business owners who count on our products and services to fulfill their needs and help them thrive. As we strive to stay innovative and add to our overall customer service initiatives, we also maintain a fundamental commitment to social responsibility. The capital region is full of life and is quickly becoming a world hub for many Nano and computer chip related technological research, development, and fabrication. The multiplier effect from this burgeoning industry, right here in our own backyard, will undoubtedly create jobs, boost property values, and have a subsequent positive effect on our home town economy in the years to come. F.W. Webb is excited about these developments and looks forward to facilitating that growth by strengthening our obligations to the community. We've recently teamed up with the Sage Graduate School of Management and the graduating MBA class of 2013, led by Dean Robeson, on economic development research. F.W. Webb welcomed the students and introduced them to the world of distribution. In collaboration with our management team, they were challenged with a project to support the expansion of F.W. Webb’s footprint in the region by determining potential sites for adding new jobs. This joint partnership with Sage uncovered several opportunities for regional expansion and gave the students practical hands-on experience working collaboratively as members of a real life strategic growth committee. So, hopefully, the next time you see that F.W. Webb Company sign lit up from I-787, you'll have had a little more exposure to what we do and who we are. Like many of you, the capital district is our home, and we are committed to the growth and success of our community. Please feel free to stop in and see what that commitment looks like on an everyday basis.
Your MidYear Financial Market Update By Kenneth & Deborah Lane Center Square Asset Management I normally prefer to send out my midyear review and outlook at the midpoint of the year (naturally), but the events of the last two weeks prompted me to move my timetable up a bit.
The major stock market indices capped of a strong start in 2013 with another positive month in May. But while the Dow and S&P 500 reached all-time highs, the positive returns masked a great deal of intra-month volatility, especially in the final week of the month. That volatility has spilled over into June, sending the Dow back to the 15,000 mark as of today. Overall, recent stock market fundamentals are unchanged. Volatility seems to be driven largely by comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who suggested in a May 22 appearance before Congress that the Fed might start to reduce its bond purchases (designed to keep interest rates at their historically low levels) in the second half of this year, much sooner than had been previously indicated. This unexpected revelation surprised the markets and led investors to reconsider their future expectations for stocks. Chairman Bernanke’s comments also caused volatility in the fixed income markets, pushing down prices and causing a jump in yields. Yields on the benchmark 10-year treasury bond quickly jumped from approximately 1.65% to 2.15%. Long duration treasury bonds were especially hard hit, and the floating-rate bank loan sector was the only fixed income sector to post positive returns in May. Despite the recent volatility in the stock and bond markets, the real economy continued its slow, steady recovery. Employment gains have continued, unemployment claims have been trending down, and the housing market has improved. Overall household wealth levels are near their pre-crisis peak, and consumer confidence is up. Economic growth for the first quarter came in at a respectable 2.40%, despite a decline in government spending. Taken together, many forecasters expect economic growth to continue at reasonable levels for the rest of 2013. While the real economy appears well positioned for continued growth, the financial markets suddenly appear a bit less stable. The volatility triggered by Chairman Bernanke’s comments highlights a major risk for investorsthe degree to which the markets have grown dependent on Fed support. Right now, significant interest rate increases do not look likely in the short term. But in the long term they look inevitable, and how and when this is done could put stock and bond valuations at some risk. For now, cautious optimism and a continued focus on the long-term is the appropriate stance. As always, the degree of exposure to stocks should be consistent with an investors risk tolerance and time horizon. On the fixed income side, I do not believe investors are being sufficiently compensated (interest rate wise) for the risk they take by investing in longer maturity bonds. Instead, I would focus on shorter term bonds, and perhaps some exposure to floating rate bank loans to add some yield and further hedge against a potential rise in interest rates. As always, please do not hesitate to call us at 518-477-5468 or 1-800-630-9313 to discuss your investment portfolio in greater detail. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network Ž, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed Insurance Products and Services offered by Center Square Asset Management are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
21
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DEAR ANGIE, Dear Angie, I recently ran into an acquaintance and didn't know if I should have acknowledged that I heard she is separated from her husband. I didn't say anything, but then wondered if that I seemed insensitive. What would you suggest? From, Trying to be sensitve in East Greenbush Dear Sensitive, You absolutely did the right thing.You definitely don't want to throw salt into the wound. Most couples that get separated need time to deal with it. It probably took her a month just to go out in public. Once you do you definitely don't want to feel like you have been the talk around town. Wait for her to say something. If she never does then she doesn't want to talk about it. From, Angie
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THE TWEEN BOOK REVIEW BY ALLISON FELTS
PRINCESS FOR HIRE BY LINDSEY LEAVITT IS A WONDERFUL BOOK COMBINING REALISTIC FICTION AND FANTASY. FOR READERS 10 AND UP, THIS BOOK GIVES A DESCRIPTION OF A LIFE OF A 13 YEAR GIRL AND FANTASY PRINCESSES WORLDWIDE.
DESI BASCOMB LIVES IN SPROUTVILLE, IDAHO AND WORKS AT PETS CHARMING PET STORE. GLADYS GROUNDHOG COSTUME HANDING OUT COUPONS. DESI IS ALREADY WORKING TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE, BUT WORKING AT A PET STORE AND HAVING HER OWN T-SHIRT BUSINESS ISN’T ENOUGH FOR HER. SHE WANTS A NEW JOB. SO HER BOSS AT PETS CHARMING, DRAKE, LETS HER WISH ON SOME MAGIC FISH. DESI WISHES FOR A MORE GLAMOROUS JOB (MORE GLAMOROUS THAN WEARING A GROUNDHOG HEAD). THAT NIGHT AFTER A HUMILIATING EXPERIENCE AT WORK SHE HOPS IN THE BATH. SHE LOOKS THROUGH THE CLASSIFIEDS PAGE. ONE AD STANDS OUT TO HER. IT SAYS “PRINCESS FOR HIRE” BUT DIDN’T GIVE ANY PHONE NUMBER ONLY; “PLEASE CALL MEREDITH” DESI IS IN LUCK. MEREDITH FLIES OUT OF A FLYING BUBBLE, AND ASKED DESI TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PRINCESSES! OF COURSE DESI AGREES, AND IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT ABOUT DESI’S NEW GLAMOROUS JOB, READ PRINCESS FOR HIRE. PRINCESS FOR HIRE BY LINDSEY LEAVITT IS A MAGICAL BOOK. I SUGGEST IT TO ANYONE looking for a summer book to read. Lindsey Leavitt uses real life experiences mixed with royal adventures. SHE
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518.462.7006 To Advertise or List a Community Event Contact Jennifer Felts at 518-380-1279 OR felts66@yahoo.com
ARTISTS WANTED For “Art In The Garden” Show and Sale. The Troy Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County is seeking artists to participate in the juried art show and sale entitled “Art In The Garden,” to be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013. This event will take place at the Algonquin Middle School, 331 NY Rt. 351, Averill Park, NY. Art can include but is not limited to pottery, sculpture, jewelry, woodworking, paintings, collage and textiles. There is free admission to the public and the event is held rain or shine. In 2012 this event attracted over 1,000 people. For information on how to apply to be in the show please call David Chinery at (518) 272-4210 or dhc3@cornell.edu
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
23
July Happenings
East Greenbush Community Library www.eastgreenbushlibrary.com~ 477-7476
Events for Adults: All programs are free and open to the public. Due to limited space, registration is required for all programs, concerts & movies. Call 477-7476 or visit our webpage and use our online registration.
Adult Summer Reading Club Programs Colorful Companions in the Garden: Monday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. Master Gardener Denise Maurer will share the secrets of combining annuals and perennials for spectacularly colorful displays in your garden and containers. REGISTRATION BEGINS JUNE 24 Explore the Geology of the Helderbergs Tuesday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten from the NYS Museum/Geological Survey will present a fascinating program on the ancient environment and modern earthquakes of the Helderberg Escarpment. REGISTRATION BEGINS JULY 9
SUMMER MUSIC SERVICES
Marty Wendell & His Tour Band Wednesday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. Marty Wendell is a unique artist who has shared the stage with numerous legendary artists including Arlo Guthrie, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. His concerts include rockabilly classics and oldies from the Golden Age of Rock and Roll, as well as some of his original songs. This program is funded by Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library. REGISTRATION BEGINS ON JULY 10 Summer Food Series Program Stir Fry Meals: Thursday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m. In Stir Fry Meals, learn how to make meals low in sodium but high in fresh food flavor using the summer bounty of local farmers markets, preserved through tray freezing and vacuum packaging to extend the season year-round. You’ll go home with the recipe too! Healthy Back Workshop Monday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. 80% of Americans will suffer some type of back pain in their lives. Dr. Richard Shade of East Greenbush Chiropractic will talk about workplace ergonomics, proper posture, exercise and stretching, nutrition, and spinal biomechanics. REGISTRATION BEGINS ON JUNE 24
Gals Who Play Jazz Wednesday, July 3 at 7:00 p.m. Gals Who Play Jazz is a special project of professional jazz artists, Peg Delaney (piano), Linda Brown (bass), and Patti Melita (vocal) who will be joined by guest sax player Kristina Johnson. They can be heard throughout the year performing timeless selections from the Great American Song Book and original compositions in the improvisational idiom of jazz. REGISTRATION BEGINS ON JUNE 12
Free Monthly Movie at 5:30 pm: Wednesday, July 24: The Hobbit
Susan Trump Wednesday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. For years, Susan Trump has been winning fans with her singing and her outstanding instrumental skill on the mountain dulcimer, guitar and banjo. She has won awards in both banjo and mountain dulcimer competitions and released four bestselling solo CDs. Her songs touch the heart, recall the past, and inspire the times ahead. This program is funded by Friends of the East Greenbush Community Library. REGISTRATION BEGINS ON JUNE 19
The 2013 Children’s SRC Theme is “Dig Into Reading.” Kids of all ages can read books to earn prizes, and they can join the annual hunt to find our Children’s Room mascot, Sully, around town! Be sure to check out our website www.eastgreenbushlibrary.org or visit the youth services librarians for details about all the special events and weekly programs. Registration is required for weekly programs. Don’t forget to sign up.
Elizabeth Huntley on Harp Wednesday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m. This presentation highlights the harp with music from the Baroque to the present, from Bach to the Beatles. Elizabeth Huntley, harpist, gives background information on the development of the instrument and its uses as she plays a wide range of tunes. She is a member of the Glens Falls Symphony and teaches at Skidmore College and SUNY Adirondack. REGISTRATION BEGINS ON JUNE 26
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Children Summer Reading Club - “Dig Into Reading”
Drop In Programs Family Storytimes @ 10:00 OR 11:00 am Wednesdays, June 26 – August 14 Pajama Time @ 7:00 pm Thursdays, June 27 – August 1
CHECK WEBSITE FOR ALL PROGRAMS! TOO MANY TO LIST!
July Happenings
East Greenbush Community Library www.eastgreenbushlibrary.com~ 477-7476
EVENTS FOR TEENS: Teen Summer Reading Club Programs Teen SRC events are for students entering grades 6-12 in the fall. Registration opens on Monday of the week before the event. T-Shirt Transformations: July 3 @ 3:00pm Bring a shirt and we’ll supply the stuff to decorate and/or make it into a bag! Cosplay! July 10 @ 3:00pm Who are YOU beneath the surface? Superhero? Anime character? Zombie? Dress up and join us for fun and games! “Firefly Moments” with Coleen Paratore July 17 @ 3:00pm Join us for an inspiring conversation and writing workshop with Coleen Murtagh Paratore, author of 17 books for young readers – including the popular 6-book “Willa” series and her new autobiographical novel, Dreamsleeves, set circa 1970’s Troy, New York. Hobbit Party July 24 @ 3:00pm Join us for food, fun, and games based on JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit… and then stay for a screening of the movie! [NOTE: You need to register separately for the movie screening. See “Free Movies” below for further details.] Craftapalooza July 31 @ 3:00pm Decorate bottle cap magnets, flower pots, Shrinky Dinks, and more! These programs are supported in part by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. American Red Cross Babysitting Class Tuesday, July 9; 9:00am - 5:00pm REGISTRATION CLOSES @ 9:00 PM ON TUESDAY, JULY 2! Earn a Red Cross Babysitting Certificate. $70/person fee is required at PRE-REGISTRATION. No phone or e-mail registrations accepted. Boys & girls ages 11+ welcome. There will be a public hearing on the preliminary 2014 budget at the library on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to attend. There is a five-year Trustee position available in the upcoming election. East Greenbush registered voters who wish to be considered as candidates to the Board of Trustees can pick up an information packet at the library after June 19. The deadline for returning nominating petitions is August 6, 2013, 5:00 pm. The Library Board of Trustees Meetings will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:30 pm Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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To Advertise or List a CommunityEvent Contact Jennifer Felts at 518-380-1279 OR felts66@yahoo.com
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JOKES & RIDDLES
What do you get when you cross a duck with a flame on the Fourth of July? A fire quacker. Why does Uncle Sam wear red, white, and blue suspenders? To hold up his pants.
Grow Baby Grow Learning Group
What is the Declaration of Independence? A note excusing you from school.
Kindergarten Readiness Learning Groups
"God bless America!"
Children ages 2-3 years old participate in learning groups that focus on early communication, learning & problem solving. They will learn to What would you say if everyone in the U.S. separate from parents, interact with other children and follow sneezed at the same time? directions in a group setting. Space is available for current year as well. Children ages 3-5 participate in learning groups that focus on problem solving, classroom & communication skills. Pick 3 or 5 mornings a week.
What would you get if you crossed a patriot with a small curly-haired dog? Yankee Poodle!
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SUMM CRAF ER T FUN !
Bring a little sunshine into your home with this super easy sun handprint craft for summer! And as it involves some painting, some tracing, some cutting and some sticking, it proves a particularly popular craft for kids! You will need: A Paper plate, Yellow paint, Black marker, Yellow, orange and gold construction paper, Scissors & Glue Instructions: Start by painting the paper plate and leave to dry. In the meantime, trace around your child's hand onto the three colours of construction paper. You will need about 12 handprints. A mixture of colours looks great but you could just use yellow if you prefer. Cut out the handprints. Use the black marker to draw a cheerful face on your sun. If you are using a permanent marker, you should supervise this bit carefully! Now turn the sun over and stick the handprints around the edge to form the rays. Source: www.Activity Village.com Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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JULY 2013 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
O’KENNY’S SUMMER CRUISE IN CAR SHOW WITH LIVE MUSIC, AWESOME CARS AND GREAT FOOD. EVERY 1ST & 3RD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 5:30-8:30 AT 3321 ROUTE 9 VALATIE CALL 518-784-2491 FOR DETAILS JULY 5th Honoring All Who Served our Country
Valley Cats Welcome Home! Veterans Night at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. Friday, July 05, 2013 7:00 p.m. Free tickets available on a first come first-serve basis for Veterans, in addition to ticket discounts for VA employees. For additional information, please call Leah MacDonald, Albany VA Medical Center, (518) 626-6962.
SATURDAY, JULY 6TH 9am to 3 pm.The annual Hampton Manor Garage Sale
THURSDAY, JULY 11TH Castleton Public Library welcomes Dr. Starkman, owner of Dental Sleep Medicine of the Hudson Valley for a short talk on sleep apnea and treatment options. Included in this discussion will be choices that patients may have, such as CPAP therapy, oral appliance and surgery.The power point presentation will be followed by a demonstration of the oral appliances as well as a short question and answer session.6:00 pm
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 Please reserve July 24th at 7pm to come and listen to local historian Chris Peter speak about Castleton.The event will take place at the Castleton Fire House on Green Avenue.Light refreshments will be served.
Rockin on the River, Every Wednesday from 5pm - 8:30pm: •In The Green Island Bridge Lot: 6/19 - Aquanett (80's Rock Tribute) 6/26 - Start Making Sense (Tribute to the Talking Heads) 7/3 - Separate Ways (Tribute to Journey) 7/10 - Funk Evolution (Capital District's #1 party band) 7/17 - The Bayside Tigers (NYC'S Best 90's Tribute Band) 7/24 - Exiles on River St. (Tribute to the Rolling Stones) 7/31 - Robert Eric (Billy Joel Tribute) •In Riverfront Park 8/7 - Astrograss (Brooklyn's Finest Bluegrass Band) 8/14 - Hope Road (Tribute to Bob Marley) 8/21 - Mookie Blaylock (Tribute to Pearl Jam) 8/28 Almost Queen (Queen Tribute) Save the Date! Bobbie Arsenault Memorial Day Car Show and Family Fun Day. Saturday, August 17th from noon-6:00pm. Butler Park on Gettle Road in Averill Park. Live Music, Gift Basket & Silent Auction. Spectators are FREE! $12 BBQ dinners available with advance ticket/reservation. To enter the show, just $10.00 per car. Call Bill Welch at 518-281-0644 or Bob Arsenault at 518-944-5347. All proceeds to benefit Make a Wish of Northeast NY.
MAPLE
HILL “SIXTIES”
ALUMNI WANTED
A summer picnic is planned for Saturday, July 13, 2013 for the Maple Hill Alumni who graduated from 19601969. The picnic will be at the Schodack Island State Park on Route 9J in Castleton. The cost is $15.00 per person. Bring your own beverages and a dish to share. Picnic to begin at 4:00pm. Registration deadline is July 1, 2013. Please call 518-526-6611 or e-mail: mhhs1965@nycap.rr.com for registration form. In addition, a cash bar social gatherng is planned for the evening of July 12 at the Castleton Village Inn.
View Current & Past editions of Our Towne at: http://ourtownerensco.com
ON-GOING EVENTS AROUND OUR TOWNE TUESDAY T.O.P.S. Taking Off Pounds Sensibly: Low Cost, Self-Help Support group for weight loss. Meeting every Tuesday at the Rensselaer Library at 676 East Street. Weigh in at 5:45 & Meeting from 6:00-7:00.
WEDNESDAY CAFÉ THEO SPIRIT CIRCLE -- ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 583 CARNEY ROAD, CASTLETON FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BE PART OF A SPIRITUAL GATHERING, BUT DON’T NECESSARILY FEEL COMFORTABLE ASCRIBING TO THE RELIGIOUS OPTIONS AVAILABLE. ALSO FOR THOSE OF A PROGRESSIVE INTERFAITH NATURE IN THEIR CURRENT SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS PRACTICE. WE VALUE PEACE-LOVING FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND QUESTIONING. HELP GROW THIS CIRCLE OF PEACE WITH INTERFAITH DISCUSSION, SPIRITUAL MUSIC, PRAYER AND MEDITATION, AND TIME FOR FELLOWSHIP. WE MEET EVERY SECOND, FOURTH AND FIFTH WEDNESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. OPEN TO ADULTS AND OLDER TEENS. RSVP AND QUESTIONS: 518-931-4072 STORY TIME, NASSAU FREE LIBRARY 10:30-11:30 AM
FRIDAYS CASTLETON LIBRARY,TEEN GAME NIGHT, CASTLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY, 85 SOUTH MAIN ST, 6:30 TO 8:30 PM, FREE. REFRESHMENTS, MOVIES. 518 732-0879.
FIRST FRIDAY FREE REIKI...FREE REIKI ON THE 1ST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 6:00 – 6:45 PM AT VENTURE INWARD, 568 COLUMBIA TURNPIKE, #16 VANDENHOUTEN SQUARE (BACK ENTRANCE), EAST GREENBUSH. REIKI IS A JAPANESE TECHNIQUE FOR STRESS REDUCTION AND RELAXATION THAT ALSO PROMOTES HEALING. IT IS ADMINISTERED BY “LAYING ON HANDS” AND IS BASED ON THE IDEA. 518-477-6566 WWW.VENTURE-INWARDCENTER.COM
SATURDAYS FAMILY STORY TIME, E. GREENBUSH COMMUNITY LIBRARY, 10 COMMUNITY WAY, 11 AM. STORIES, SONGS, CRAFTS; ALL AGES. 518 477-7476.
The Kinderhook Farmers’ Market is hosting a special Kids’ Month in July. Every Saturday the market will feature special kids events.
The Kinderhook Farmers' Market - runs May 4 to October 12. Every Saturday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, rain or shine. Local food, live music, family fun throughout the season. Located on the village green in the Village of Kinderhook at the intersection of U.S Rt. 9 (Chatham Street) and Albany Avenue.For a complete list of events visit http://www.kinderhookfarmersmarket.com/ or check out our Facebook page. FARMERS MARKET: RIVER STREET IN DOWNTOWN TROY. Every Saturday from 9-2, more than 78 Vendors are registered this year. Food growers, bakers, chefs and artisans gather to offer the Capital Region’s freshest and finest! Buy directly from the producer—the person who grew it or made it and can tell you how to best cook, use and enjoy it. For over 10 years, the Troy Farmers Market has become a community gathering place with live music, great food, family activities and lots of learning opportunities. CRAFT FAIR & FARMERS MARKET The Poestenkill Farmers Market & Craft Fair will be held on Saturdays, June 8 through September 14 from 9-Noon on the front lawn of the Algonquin Middle School, 333 Route 351. If interested in being a vendor call Pete or Karen St.Germain at 283-4990.
FIRST SUNDAY ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST, THE CASTLETON FIRE HOUSE, LOCATED AT 11 GREEN AVENUE IN CASTLETON WILL BE HOSTING AN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 8AM TILL NOON (EXCEPT FOR OCTOBER). 2012 DATES ARE OCTOBER 14TH, NOVEMBER 4TH AND DECEMBER 2ND; 2013 DATES ARE JANUARY 6TH, FEBRUARY 3RD, MARCH 3RD, APRIL 7TH AND MAY 5TH. COST IS $7/ADULTS, $6/SENIORS AND $5/CHILDREN AGES 5 TO 11. PHONE 732-4342.
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
29
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I My name is Brady and I’m a super-soft, approx. 1 year old male kitty in need of a quiet, loving home. I was living outside and somehow getting by until a nice lady decided to help me. I really encouraged her as I would go up to her patio door every morning and put my face right up to the glass, saying “hey, there’s a hungry kitty here!”. She couldn’t keep me in her nopets apartment complex, so I’m now with the rescue group. I’m a bit of a “fraidy-Brady” but I’m coming out of my shell now and want to find someone to call my own. I’m a gentle and sweet kitty with potential for a lot more affection if I could just find the right person willing to help me along that path. I am friendly with other kitties and would get along with your kitty too! Please think about bringing me home and doing something nice for a homeless kitty!
Action Now
Mobile Social Media Consultant
Mark E. Johnson 518-487-9846 For Free Video on Mobil Social Media
or
Simply text: “wxyz” to phone # 99000
As with all Purrfect Companion kitties, Brady is up-to-date on routine shots, house trained and neutered or spayed. For more information on Brady, please contact the following Purrfect Companions’ representative: Maryann at 331-2221 or at kitties.purrfectcompanions@yahoo.com. Please use this phone number ONLY for adoption purposes! Purrfect Companions is a non-profit, all volunteer rescue organization. We are always looking for good volunteers to help with the kitties or assist at our adoption clinics. If you’d like to donate a little time to these worthy animals, please give us a call at 463-8709. Our adoption clinics are held 12:30-4:00 most Saturdays and Sundays at Petco, Northway Mall, Albany NY. Stop by and see some of our other kitties! We may have one that is just “PURRFECT” for you!
THE ANCHOR IS AT THEIR NEW HOME The Anchor Food Pantry and Thrift Shop has found a permanent home at The Sisters of the Resurrection Convent located behind Riverside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at 90 North Main St. off Rt 9J. The Anchor will reopen at it's new location on Monday, June 24, 2013. The hours will remain Monday 6PM – 8PM, Tuesday and Thursday 9AM – 2PM and the First Saturday of each month 11AM – 2PM. The entrance to The Anchor is located on the lower level at the 2nd door from the left as you pull up to the back of the Convent. If you have any problems, you can contact them at 732-4120.
GOOD BUY BOOKS
NEW & GENTLY READ BOOKS
330 Columbia Tpke.
479-BOOK (2665)
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
31
TIPS
FROM THE
Summertime is here…sunshine and great times with friends…scrap and junk removal. Okay so Haiku is not our strong point, but we’re working on it - when we aren’t busy working for you! (Editor’s Note: Eddie Haskell helped us with that last line). Summer is perfect for relaxing and taking some much needed vacations, but before you get too comfortable… it is also a good time to clean up around your home or office to make way it safer for grilling, swimming in the pool, sipping a cold beverage of choice or just hanging around catching some rays with friends without having to worry about anything else. A lot of our customers have been calling us up for assistance with cleaning out garages and basements as they start bringing up the coolers and setting up the lawn furniture. All this rain has really helped the grass grow and people are discovering that their old mower just isn’t cutting it anymore (wow, some puns just write themselves). And what is worse than finally bringing some nice steaks out to the deck only to find the mice have turned your grill into another Motel Stinks? Maybe it is also a good time to get rid of that leaning trampoline in the backyard, I mean, the kids have been in college for 2 years now. This way you will be able to see your garden again while you sip your morning coffee, instead of having flashbacks of watching your kids smack their heads together trying to attempt a side twisting reverse double pike with full tuck at the same time. We can help! Scrapster is the Capital Region’s premier NO COST scrap metal and appliance pick up and recycling service. Additionally we are a New York State DEC approved location for business or personal computer, monitor, TV, printer (and cartridges), and all other types of electronics recycling. We also offer LOW COST junk removal, television removal and clean outs. We are convenient, reliable and insured. Everything is properly recycled, disposed of or donated. Scrapster will remove the items from exactly where they are located-you don’t need to do a thing. “Don’t Worry…We Can Take It!”™ Please call us anytime at (518) 505-5055. Please also visit our website at www.scrapster.com for news, tips and information about recycling.
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BOOKBOOKING NOW!!! Limited Bookings for 2013 2012 NOW FOR SEPTEMBER Ask the Expert... A-Z Landscaping Question of the Month. Michael McGovern from Valatie, N.Y. writes, "What is the best way to grow grass?"Well Michael, there are many factors involved when growing grass, but to keep it simple here are 5 steps that I follow to produce excellent results. 1. Decide if you have a shady area, full sun area or a combination of both sun and shade. This will determine the type of grass seed you need to purchase. 2. Prepare the soil for seeding. Loosen the top layer of soil with a metal rake or apply a 2-3 inch layer of fresh topsoil if the ground is too hard. 3. Sewing the seed into the soil. At this point you want to spread the seed generously throughout the soil area (be sure to cover every square inch). Next take a plastic leaf rake and rake the soil and the seed in a back and forth motion to get the seed down into the soil. Once you have finished this step and the soil is raked level in your area you are ready for the next step. 4. Rolling the area. You can either roll the soil or just walk on it if it is not a large area to cover. This will firm up the soil and allow for stronger root growth shortly after germination. At this point it always helps to use a quality starter fertilizer as well. This will speed up the germination process and initial growth will be hardier as well. Lastly don't forget to cover the area with straw NOT hay. Straw will give you less weeds than hay will. Straw will help keep the soil cool and moist as well as helping with erosion control. 5.
Water, water, water and more water!
Michael I hope these 5 tips help you out in the future. As I said there are many factors involved, soil PH, soil density and a whole list of other complicated formulas, but if you follow these 5 steps I assure that your chances are great of having a green first growth. As always keep your questions coming to azlandscaping1@aol.com. I am more than happy to answer and guide you through any landscape project you may tackle. Thank you, Your Our Towne Expert Landscaper Steven Noel Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
33
Greenbush Area YMCA Backyard Pool Program 2013 Have you ever wanted have your children to learn to swim but did not have a YMCA membership? Is it too difficult to get to the Y branch because you do not have transportation? Let the Y come to you and teach swim lessons to your children and their friends. The YMCA offers a quality back yard pool swim lesson program at your home. Each lesson is taught by two certified lifeguards and instructors to ensure safety. All staff is CPR and first aid certified. Each session is 40 minutes long and two skill levels can be taught to the group of eight youth. The YMCA will provide flotation devices for the class. Session
Dates to register:
Session II: July 8th-July19th Session III: July 22nd -August 2nd Session IV: August 5th- August 16th Session V: August 19th -August 30th
Patrick Ciraulo District Executive Director Greenbush Area Branch
Pool Requirements: An above or in-ground pool Pool temperature must be above 80 degrees daily Chlorine levels must be maintained between 1-3 ppm Ph levels must be between 7.2 and 7.8 Pool must have reaching pole and first aid kit readily available For more information or to register for this unique program please Contact Michelle Branch Regional Aquatic Director at the Greenbush Area YMCA. Phone 518-477-2570 ext. 1230 or by e-mail mbranche@cdymca.org
To Advertise or List a Community Event Contact Jennifer Felts at 518-380-1279 OR felts66@yahoo.com Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
35
Fantastic Sams
Fantastic Sams
596 Columbia Tpke., PH: 518-479-4504 M-F 9-8, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-3
740 Hoosick Street, Troy, PH: 518-271-8526 M-F 9-8, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-3
Men's Camo Color
Deep Conditioning Treatment
Adult Haircut
FREE
FREE
$5.00 Off
with Purchase of haircut
With any color service (minumum $45 Service)
With Purchase of 2 FS Products
Expires 7/26/2013. Not valid with any other offer.
Expires 07/26/2013. Not valid with any other offer.
Expires 07/26/2013. Not valid with any other offer.
FREE WITH EVERY HAIRCUT. Most salons independently owned and operated. Š2013 Fantastic Sams Franchise Corporation www.FantasticSams.com
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24 Hour Service
Some Restrictions Apply!
Heating System Installation
Call Now for Great Pre-Paid & Fixed Pricing on Heating Fuel for the Upcoming Winter Season!
www.hlfuel.com ~ Route 20 ~ West Lebanon Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
Fuel Delivery Monday-Friday 8:00-4:00 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
518-794-9066 877-794-9066 37
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
39
OUR TOWNE
Rensselaer & Columbia Counties Community Resource
To Advertise Call Jennifer Felts at 380-1279
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID ALBANY, NY PERMIT #808