The Our Towne Spotlight Shines on... Top Form Inc. is a Medical based Performance Center for youth and adults. “We wanted to be much more than a gym,” says Ron Annis President/Owner. Top Form was created with education and service at its fundamental core. Over 20 years serving Southern Rensselaer County, we are also now serving Saratoga & Albany county. Thousands of clients trained over the years, from age 8-80 plus, come to Top Form for a variety of reasons. Most come for fitness, health and performance training. Others come with treatable conditions like:
•Pre diabetic/ diabetic YOUTH & ADULTS •Stroke •Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) •High Blood Pressure •Weight Management Mary-Ann continues •Incorrect Training her recovery after Physical Therapy •Special Needs due to 2 strokes.
•Orthopedic injuries back to work or sport •Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) •COPD/Asthma •Anxiety/Stress •Wheel Chair to Walking Program •Lifestyle Changes •Pain Management
Top Form prides itself on establishing a relationship/partnering with your medical team to achieve your goal and overall health. All Top Form Clients have their own chart outlining all medical history and goals. Your program is professionally developed and by appointment only to ensure excellence in service and training.
We are a Performance Center offering:
•Education Based Programming, empowerment to clients •After School Programs •CPR/AED/FA Classes •NYS License Classes for Coaches •Licensed Athletic Trainers on staff and in local schools •We train & certify our own Trainers/Interns
•Nutritional Programming/Education •Franchising/Opportunities/Internships •Drug/Supplement Free Lift-Off •Drug/Supplement Free Programming for Schools •Summer Camp Series •Over 25 Schools Contracted for Educational Services •Home School programs for PE credit “Top Form has made me strong and ready for my sport for the past 3.5 years. The staff is great & I enjoy coming here.” Ben Forte, Varsity Football Player Columbia HS
What clients have to say about Top Form... “I love the sense of camaraderie. Even with screws and plates in my back, I come here 3 times a week to stay strong and healthy. With Top Form in my life, I feel younger, inspired & stronger and have less pain. It is part of my routine and life & really love coming to Top Form.” Stewart Wagner “I can stay in shape in a social & safe atmosphere. Everyone is really friendly here. I look forward to see my friends I have made and get a nice workout. The trainers keep me on track and keep me healthy & happy” Julius Frankel, Retired Physicist “Top Form has kept me alive. Literally. I have had 2 heart failures and 2 pacemakers. I feel better than ever and celebrate my life and recovery each day here. Top Form Trainers have given me focus and motivation.” Ken Scott, College Professional “Over the past 6 years, I have lost 55lbs and gained muscle mass in a healthy environment. The hardest thing is walking through the door. Once you are here, you are greeted with support and praise. It never gets easier in the gym. But if you come here... everything else in your life does get easier!” Kurt Schlachter, Retired Fire Fighter
“Top Form has made who I am today. I come here 5 days a week. I just love it!” Lucille Campito
“I started working with Top Form after a knee injury in 11th grade. Since joining the National Guard, I rely on Top Form to keep me focused on my fitness goals and preventing injury. The Personal Trainers keep the workouts goal orientated and interesting.” Michael Woods, National Guard “Top Form has changed my life. For the past 5 years, they have motivated me to be fit and healthy. I received a gift certificate from friends and came just before it expired. Getting here was the biggest challenge. It was a BIG deal for me to come here because I was shy and not confident. I am so grateful that I took the risk. Now, they have to ask me to leave. I love it here. This is my second family.” Lyn Lawton
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
MOM & DAUGHTER BETH & MADDIE HART
“We look forward to working out now. It has improved our strength, core & overall health. It is also created a strong bond between us.”
“After 3 breaks on my arm, I felt hopeless. Coming to Top Form has given me back my strength & motivation in a supportive atmoshphere. My arm is healed and I am so grateful to Top Form.” Nick Servidone Colonie HS 3
420 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush
(518) 477-4163
www.beckersfarm.com
BECKER’S FARM
Christmas Poinsettias CyClamen trees Wreaths 3’ – 10’ Kissing Balls BalsamFir Cemetery BlanKets FraserFirs
Holiday open House
Plain*DeCorateD *CustomizeD
Saturday, December 5th
Balsam, White Pine, mixeD roPing
wine
CanaanFir DouglasFir
Featuring: Brookview Station winery taSting – CheeSe – apple giFt paCkS
worldling’S pleaSure gourmet SpreadS CheeSe SpreadS made From FreSh produCe and loCal winerieS
variouS eaSt greenBuSh BuSineSSeS
piCtureS with Santa
From
10-2
treatS For the kidS reFreShmentS
giFt Card drawing
Monday-Friday 8-7 • Saturday 8-6 • Sunday 8-5
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
5
HSO HAIR SALON
Appointments and Walk-In Service
WOMENS CUTS
TANNING SPECIAL
2 WEEKS
$17.95
$15.00
WITH COUPON EXPIRES 12/31/2015
EXPIRES 12/31/2015
MENS CUTS
HIGHLIGHT SPECIAL
$4.00 PER FOIL
$12.95 www.hsosalons.com NOW OPEN!
Fairview Plaza 160 Fairview Ave Hudson NY 12534
Price Chopper Plaza Price Chopper Plaza 714 Hoosick Rd 501 Columbia Tpk, Troy, NY 12180 East Greenbush
477-7773
266-0532
S n or i n g ? Sl eep A p n e a ? C - Pa p I n t o l e r a n t ?
8 FOILS MAX
EXPIRES 12/31/2015
WITH COUPON EXPIRES 12/31/2015
WAXING
COLOR SPECIAL
$39.95
$7.95
INCLUDES: RETOUCH COLOR, WASH & STYLE (LONGER HAIR SLIGHTLY MORE)
EYEBROW OR LIP
WITH COUPON EXPIRES 12/31/2015
WITH COUPON. EXPIRES 12/31/2015
Discovery Place Learning Center,
Discovery Place Learning Center, LLC LLC
No Nappers Club Teaching children their way every day!
Preschool &Celebrates Toddler Learning Groups
24 mos to 5 yrs "WinterAgesWonderland"
Open House
If you cannot make Parents get a break while their child enjoys it on the 28th, a story and activities. Children willplease enrich call to their gross motor skills, enjoy musicschedule and a personal tour movement and participate in open-ended
& Enrollment
28th 10:30 12:00 theme. artJanuary activities related to to a weekly
Openings3-5 for All Ages for the 2012-13 school year year olds Welcome
1-3 pm Monday &479-1110 Wednesday for 6 weeks January 4th - February 749 Columbia Turnpike 10th East Greenbush
Dr. David Starkman, DDS 2870 Route 9 Valatie, N.Y. 12184
518-610-8179
www.isleepismile.com
We bill your Medical Insurance & Medicare
between Enterprise & E. Greenbush or Diner E-mail or call for more information visit our Owned & Operated by: website registration information Teryfor Duncan, Master of Science in Education Lynn LaVoie-Stephens, Master of Arts in Speech Pathology 518-479-1110 749 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
SATURDAY HOURS & INDOOR PLAYGYM Check Owned website& orOperated facebookby: for information
(between Enterprise & East Greenbush Diner; Next to CK Dance)
www.discoveryplaceny.com
Terry Duncan, MS in Education Kathy Arduini, BS Child Care Management www.discoveryplaceny.com
e-mail: discoveryplace@verizon.net
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
7
501 Columbia Turnpike priCe Chopper plaza rensselaer, nY 12144 518-477-7017 Mon-Sat 10am-8 pm • Sunday 11am-5pm Grooming and Day Care by Appointment
Premium Pet Food • Supplies Boarding • Day Care • Grooming For all pets large & small HOLIDAY GIFTS for your pet Babies! Rabbits Guinea Pigs Kittens Ferrets Parakeets Reptiles & Rodents Hand Raised Cockatiels FREE Boarding: $10.00 off N ail Cut 1 Free Night
when you
with aNy
New Customers Any Animal
puRChasE
Buy 2 Nights
$15
One per customer.
Dog Grooming New Customers Only
Stop Smoking Today With one 20 minute session of painless, cold
laser therapy. Less anxiety issues or weight gain! Very Affordable, one time fee.
Free booster, if necessary!
518-320-8574
Susan Readhead, Owner
East Greenbush Wellness Center 569 ColumbiaTurnpike www.smokefreetimes.com
“I have helped hundreds of local people change their life and quit smoking! Come be my next success story! If you don’t believe me, I have plenty of references from prior smokers. Call today and take charge of your future!”
WE HAVE YOUR Seasoned Hardwood FIREWOOD Large Quantities Available
TREE SERVICES
Trimming Removal Stump Grinding Crane Removal Land Clearing Specializing in High Risk & Emergency Jobs
Delivered
netree8606@gmail.com • Tom Haberland, Owner & Operator • Fully Insured • References
Andrea Bosko Hair Stylist & Nail Tech New Customer Holiday Special Get your ANC Manicure for only $5.00 when you purchase a
Cut & Color Service
(offer valid through January 31, 2016)
Cut Loose Hair & Nail Studio 492 N. Greenbush Road (Route 4), Rensselaer, NY
518-892-0783
Hairbyandreabosko.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
9
Jet’s wishes you a Happy & Safe Holiday! Thank you for your patronage~
CERTIFIED COLLISION REPAIR CENTER
Celebrating
30 years
QUALITY SERVICE
We Work With All Insurance Companies WARRANTY Lifetime 766-4004 If You Hit LIFETIME TheWarranty Rear of
A
WE HAVE RENTAL CARS PICK & DELIVERY • TOWING Deer... UPCALL US!
766-4004
Rt. 20, Nassau, 3½mi. East of 9&20 Jct.
Rental Car ~ Pick Up Service ~ Delivery ~ Towing 3592 US Route 20, Nassau, NY 12123
518-766-4004
Route 20 Nassau ~ 3 1/2 miles east of 9 & 20 Junction
For your Sunshine convenience, a new 2nd location at: Auto Rental Available at JETS! 2532 Route 9H, Kinderhook, NY 12106
518-758-1316
On Site Rental Cars • 24 Hour Towing Pick Up & Delivery Service
www.jetsautobody.com
Christian H. Dribusch Philip J. Danaher Attorneys At Law
EstatE Planning assEt ProtEction rEal EstatE
Good Buy Books New & GeNtly Read Books
December 5th is... BRING YOUR CHILD TO A BOOKSTORE DAY! We will giving a snack & FREE book to all kids! December 19th Join us for our HOLIDAY STORY FUN!
Please call and register!
BOOK$TORE BUCK$
Kids earn when they attend events!
Gift Certificates Available!
330 Columbia Tpk, East Greenbush • 479-BOOK(2665)
Advertising & Community Events
CALL FOR YOUR CONSULTATION 1001 Glaz Street, eaSt GreenbuSh, nY 12061 ConvenientlY loCated off of route 4 near i-90
518-729-4331 • chdlaw.net
Deadline is January 8th for the Winter Issue Call Jennifer Felts at 518-380-1279 • felts66@yahoo.com Our Towne Magazine “Connecting the Community” www.facebook.com/OurTowneMagazineRensco
Free Business Consultation *With This Ad
File Online www.accutaxny.com
Get all of the deductions you deserve!
Let our expertly trained staff of tax professionals prepare your 2015 taxes for you at the lowest price! E-Filing is always FREE with your paid tax preparation!
1837 Columbia Turnpike, CasTleTon aT The rouTes 9 & 20 spliT aCross from The sChodaCk diner 732-4010 • Open MOn-Sat at 9 aM See our reviews on Angie’s List “Like” us on Facebook for financial & tax advice! Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
11
564 Bloomingrove Drive North Greenbush
518-477-1102 phone 518-477-1302 fax
(Behind Cumberland Farms)
429-6380
Instruction for students of all ages, abilities & styles.
Financial Statement Services Forensic Accounting Services Business Valuations Litigation Support Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Services
•violin •guitar & •drums set •woodwinds •school percussion •voice •and more... •piano •brass
Drummers: Masterclass with Rich Redmond
Sunday, November 22nd
Guitarists: Masterclass with Chuck D'Aloia
Saturday, November 28th
*MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ONE DAY SALE!*
*Sunday, November 29th*
www.rockysmusicstudio.com
The Birth
of
Faith
and
Love Fellowship Church
James Van Den Houten Sr. lay dying, awaiting a heart transplant, when God spoke to him, telling him "to go feed My people, help them and love them." Faith and Love Fellowship Church, which is non-denominational opened its doors at 85 Washington St. Rensselaer NY on February 20, 1993. Many outreaches were formed, some of which are 2 thrift stores, The Outreach Mission at 2368 East Schodack Rd, East Schodack NY is open Monday - Saturday 10am to 3:45pm. The second thrift store is at 85 Washington St. Renss. Mon-Fri 11am to 4pm. The other community activities and functions Faith and Love sponsors are; Every 2nd & 4th Friday is a food pantry from 1:30 to 3pm where we serve approx 400 people & emergencies per month, AA meetings held every Mon.6pm, men's breakfast held every 3rd Sat. 9:30am. For Memorial Day, in honor of our veterans, we serve approx.1000 people free food & beverages every year. Our back to school outreach is in August where we serve free food, & give away backpacks & school supplies. In October,we provide a safe place for kids to enjoy themselves on Halloween night. November brings our annual Thanksgiving dinner for the community (Nov 26 2pm) no charge. We provide a Merry Christmas for many families every year. If you know a family in need, please let us know. At the new church at 166 Columbia Tpke , we have our annual Spring Ladies Tea Party every 3rd Fri is Free Family Movie 7pm. In July we offer a week of Vacation Bible Fun. Every Sat, 5pm on 97.3 FM you can listen or call Pastor Jim Jr. for prayer. If you would like to be a part of making someone's holiday brighter, you can donate turkeys & new toys during thrift store hours in Rensselaer. For pick ups or more info on the church or any of our outreaches you can call Pastor Jim at 518-441-9747 or 518-766-3145.
OLD KINDERHOOK SELF STORAGE, INC
Need extra storage space? We rent the size you need Monthy or Yearly
Perfect solution for seasonal items such as: Clothing, canoes, skis, snowmobiles, camping gear, furniture or even antique cars. SAFELY PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS 24/7 ACCESSIBILITY YOU CAN TRUST
ONE FREE MONTH WITH A YEAR LEASE!
Old Kinderhook Self Storage, Inc. 518-758-2919 3067 Route 9, Valatie, NY 12184 (across from Golden Harvest)
518-378-2207
www.oldkinderhookselfstorage.com
OLD KINDERHOOK SELF STORAGE, INC
www.wojeskico.com
OLD KINDERHOOK SELF STORAGE, INC
Estate & Retirement Planning Services David M.Wojeski, CPA Matthew S. Lindemann, CPA, CFE Angela F. Colvin, CPA Thomas J. O’Donnell, CPA
bass
OLD KINDERHOOK SELF STORAGE, INC
Onderdonk’s Tree Care, Inc.
732-4233
Certified Arborist Tree Removal
Trimming & Total Care
Trees Planted & Transplated Power Stump Removal
Free Estimates Fully Insured
Prestige Snowplowing
Let
us do aLL of the hard work for you this winter, Like we
did in the summer...
477-6123
driveway maintenance aLL year Long! Pay Per PLow or seasonaL contracts avaiLabLe. www.prestige-sealcoating.com our services make great hoLiday gifts!!
Free Estimates * Commercial * Residential * References * Insured Dirty Bird Antiques and Uniques For all of your Holiday Treasures & Gifts Welcome to Dirty Bird Antiques and Uniques where our motto is, "Life in the Past Lane." Visit our beautiful and completely restored 1850's Barn. Three and a half years ago we decided to save this wonderful historic structure. The former hay barn on the knickerbocker farm, in the Town of Schodack, was in dire condition. The building was striped to the bones and fully restored, creating 4000 square feet of fantastic retail space. Judi and Jim Matias opened the Dirty Bird to share their lifelong love of antiques. Dirty Bird is an antique store with a twist. Antiques are mixed in with crafts and specialty items. Included in Dirty Bird's inventory are soy candles (made in USA), Holistic goats milk soap (made in PA), natural pet treats (made in NY), gift cards, craft paintings by local artist Terry Littlefield, electric candles, textiles and Stonewall Kitchen products. Dirty Bird has multiple vendors with a wide range of antiques. Visit Dirty Bird Antiques and Uniques and see what the buzz is about. Open Monday thru Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sundays 10am to 5pm. 1851 US Route 9 Castleton, NY 12033 (In the Town of Schodack, 1/2 mile south on Rt. 9 from Rt. 20). Please shop local this holiday season where you can know that your money stays in the community! Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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Help Us Celebrate Our 2nd Anniversary at the Valatie Winterwalk Saturday, December 12th Parade, Music & More Merry Christmas!
Dog & Cat Grooming
Nail Cutting~ Walk-In’s Welcome Natural Skin Treatment Solutions
Countdown to Christmas With the Capital District Vendors!
Shop Online 11/1-12/19
Select from a variety of handmade crafts, unique gifts, jewelry, beauty & more!
Shop our event & share
www.facebook.com/events/738125422984053/
Only $5 to be eligible to win raffles! Support our Local Small Businesses! Contact Stephanie at sjd8765@yahoo.com or
www.EventsAroundTown.net
A portion of our proceeds benefit local childrens and ovarian cancer charity.
3143 Route 9, Valatie, NY
3038 Main Street, Valatie • 518.758.2013
518-758-2554
Lisa Staib, Owner/Groomer • Fully Insured
The Gallery
Buffet Tables for Rent Custom Tables, Mantels, Bar Tops A Unique Gift Shop Gift Certificates Available
518-479-0729
www.kjsgymnastics.com kjsgymnastics@gmail.com
VACATION WEEK OPEN WORKOUTS CHECK WEBSITE FOR SCHEDULE
Drop the kids off and get your stuff done!
Book your Birthday Party!
4119 US Route 20 Nassau, NY 12123 www.capitalsawmill.com
2 Parent’s Night Out!!!
Dec. 11th & Dec. 22nd: Register Early!
Register now for our:
KJ’s Ninja Warrior obstacles! All new and exciting challenges!
Limited time only! Our gift to you!
Buy a $ 100.00 Gift Certificate and receive a $25.00 one FREE. Two offers per customer. Offer thru 12/19 at KJ’s. No phone orders.
GIVE THE GIFT OF FUN & FITNESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
Advertising & Community Events: WINTER ISSUE 2016 Deadline is January 8th Call Jennifer Felts at 518-380-1279 • felts66@yahoo.com • www.facebook.com/OurTowneMagazineRensco Our Towne Magazine is “Connecting the Community”
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
15
OUR TOWNE TEENS STAR in “A Christmas Story The Musical” Seeing a holiday show makes the spirit of the season even more magical. It is more exciting when you know some of the talent came from our community! Two local middle school boys are starring in “A Christmas Story the Musical.” This musical will be playing at the Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, New York. This classic Christmas tale is playing December 1st through the 27th, and tickets can be bought online at Capitalrep.org. Jake Goodman and Adam Salerno, both thirteen years old, and starring in the performance. Jake attends Goff Middle School, while Adam goes to Maple Hill Middle School. It is exciting for our community that two young and local boys will be performing in a professional performance. Jake as Ralphie and Adam as Schwartz, have been working diligently to prepare for the shows. Both of these boys were prepared for the hard work ahead of them because they are experienced actors. Jake has been acting for five years and Adam has been acting for three years. From this experience in several roles, the boys have a favorite. Jake said his favorite role was playing “Ralphie from “A Christmas Story the Musical.” I had the opportunity to play this role last year in ST. Paul MN.” Adam’s favorite role was playing Pugsley from “The Addams Family.” Although Adam loved playing Pugsley he said, “I can see Schwartz being my new favorite.” It is very impressive seeing boys in our community acting in a professional musical. The hard work is paying off, and the boys shared the most difficult part of the preparation. The most challenging part of the show for Jake has been singing the song “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun.” The most challenging aspect of the performance for Adam has been, “Trying to be angry when I’m never angry. It’s just not my personality.” Please go support these local actors as they perform in “A Christmas Story the Musical.” The tickets are sold on Capitalrep.org. The musical will be shown December 1st through the 27th. Now don’t forget where you read about them first when they pick up a Tony or Oscar Award in the future... Our Towne wishes the boys congratulations on landing such professional and competitive parts. Best of luck! We are proud of you!
Computer Fare
East Greenbush CSD Continuing Education presents
“Yoga is for EveryBODY”
Solving your computer issues since 1998
SELLING PRE-OWNED COMPUTERS & DASH CAMS
Buy where you can get your computer serviced!
This multi-level yoga practice combines strength, balance, flexibility, and relaxation practices, with mindful movement and breathe. There will always be modifications offered so you can work at the level best suited for you. Please dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat.
Servicing & Selling New and Refurbished Laptops and Desktops
Computers with Windows 7 in stock!
518-479-0948
Classes are held at Red Mill Elementary on Thursday evenings (when school is in session) at 6:45. The cost is $9.00 per class or you may purchase a 6 class coupon book for $45.00. Pre-registration is not necessary. For more information please leave a message at 207-2150.
1590 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack
Home Cooking with Stephanie Daly
STEVEN NOEL 518-423-0611
SNow Plowing Roof Raking Fully Insured • References
CROCK POT CHICKEN PARMESAN See all of our yummy recipes here- www.facebook.com/groups/ crockpotrecipesathome Ingredients: * * * * * * * * *
2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (use what you have) 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1 Tbl. olive oil 1 egg, beaten sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese favorite jarred marinara sauce (23 oz.) or homemade Preparation:
Spread the olive oil into the bottom of your crockpot stoneware insert. Beat the egg with a fork in a separate bowl. Mix the bread crumbs with the seasonings and the Parmesan cheese in another separate dish. Dip the chicken into the egg, then into the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides with crumbs, cheese and seasonings. Place the chicken breast pieces in the bottom of the crockpot. Layer 2-3 slices or 1-2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top, depending on how much cheese you like. Cover chicken and cheese with entire jar of marinara sauce. Close lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3. Serve with your favorite pasta. The Friends of the Kinderhook Memorial Library Book Shop at the Feed and Seed building will be open on Candlelight Night to celebrate the holiday season. The store, just steps from the Library on Hudson Street in Kinderhook, will be open 5:30pm to 8:30pm Friday, December 11th. The shop has been restocked and will feature adult fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, craft books, and collectible books. In addition, the Shop has hundreds of new and very gently used children’s and young adult books. Follow the luminaria from the Library where the Friends will be providing home-baked cookies and the Nat Phipps Jazz Trio will be playing holiday jazz. Join us for a festive evening of books, music and delicious baked goods. For more information about the Friends of the Library please visit the Kinderhook Memorial Library website: http://www.oklibrary.org
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
17
Making an Offer Below Asking Price? By Cathy Graziano
You have found a house you love. It’s the perfect size, layout, condition and even has your must-haves. There’s only one problem. The seller’s asking price is too high. It’s time for the phase of home buying that most people dread and even fewer are skilled at: the art of negotiation. Make no mistake; negotiation is part skill and part art form. An experienced buyer’s agent will know how to finesse the contract negotiations and save you a lot of hassle. Your gut might tell you that the asking price for the house is too much, but you will have a better chance of getting a lower offer accepted if your agent can back it up with facts. Comparables and Statistics The best way to determine the fair market value of a house is to measure its asking price against similar homes that have sold in the same area, providing a set of numbers known as comparables or comps. Your agent will handle this, providing data from the local multiple listing service, or MLS. Your agent will also consider other factors, including the original listing price of similar homes versus their selling price, as well as the number of days the house has been on the market. All of this information can help make a better factual case for making an offer lower than the asking price. FOLLOWING A PROCESS Your agent will prepare a written offer to submit to the seller or seller’s agent. Along with this written proposal, your agent can present facts such as the comps and other data to justify your offer. Also, writing a letter to the sellers about your situation and your feelings about their home can make a big impression. SELLER MOTIVATION One of the strongest negotiating factors is understanding the seller’s motivation. This may be hard to do on your own, but your agent may be able to help. If your agent learns, for example, that the sellers are moving and have closed on a house elsewhere, this tells you they’re probably motivated to sell quickly. Knowledge is power – especially in negotiations. MAKING YOUR LOWER OFFER WORK FOR THEM Sometimes buyers can make their lower offers more palatable to sellers by offering concessions or compromises. Something as simple as being flexible on a closing date can be attractive. If, for instance, the sellers are facing a one-month gap between the sale of the current home and their purchase of the next, they might appreciate it if your offer included an extension of the closing date or an opportunity to lease their home back from you for a month. If you don’t need assistance from the sellers to pay closing costs, they could see this as a big plus. Also, having a pre-approval letter from your mortgage lender is one of your best advantages. This tells sellers that your financing is secure and not likely to fall through. It can be a gamble for sellers to accept an offer from someone who hasn’t yet secured financing. MAKING THE ASKING PRICE WORK FOR YOU Depending on how far off the asking price is from your budget and your understanding of the home’s value, you and your agent might consider agreeing to a higher price but requesting additional concessions from the sellers. For instance, your agent could include in the offer a request for the sellers to pay your closing costs. Perhaps there are household items, such as the washer and dryer, you would be interested in keeping; these also can be written into an offer These types of seller concessions could offset the gap you and your agent see between asking price and the fair market price. A BACKUP PLAN Not all negotiations result in an agreement. Sometimes the parties are too far apart in price, and there’s nothing to be done. In these cases, your agent can be ready with other properties that fit your needs. In any negotiation, you have more leverage if you are willing to walk away. THE END GAME Above all, remember that negotiating the price you are willing to pay for a house is just that – a negotiation. You’re trying to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both you and the sellers. The object is not to beat the sellers or win the negotiation. The object is to purchase the house. Good agents know this – and will use their expertise to make it happen
Cathy is a resident of East Greenbush and an associate broker with RE/MAX Park Place. This year marks 25 years of experience in the real estate business for Cathy. She is also a member of NYSAR Professional Standards and Education Management Committees. E mail Cathy at cgraziano@remax.net
December Feature Home Try condo convenience! 2 Bedrooms, 1 ½ Baths, New carpet, remodeled kitchen w/stainless appliances, granite countertops & tile flooring, remodeled half bath, newer central air unit. Covered Carport Parking. So close to so much, & no lawn to mow. More time for living in this move in condition condo. 603 Chatham Ct., East Greenbush. $119,500
Now is the time to
order your custom holiday creatioNs!
Our HUGE selection of Winter Flowers make a great gift! Boxwood Trees Fresh Centerpieces Cyclamen Christmas Cactus Wreaths Grave Blankets Kissing Balls Indoor Plants Taking Special Orders
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
19
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
21
Comprehensive Physical Therapy Solutions, P.L.L.C. Proud Owner & Operator
Deborah A. Ciprioni, P.T. MorNiNg, eveNiNg & lUNCh hoUrS
Individualized & Personal Care Most Insurances Accepted Receive
the attention you deseRve
with your recovery & injury prevention
81 Miller Road, Ste 400, Castleton, NY 12033 Near SeFCU oN Miller road
518-915-1452 • Comprehensiveptsolutions.com www.facebook.com/CPTSny
On-Going Events around Our Towne Tuesday
Free Reiki shares (for Reiki Practitioners who have completed Level 1 and above) the third Tuesday 6.30 to 8.30 at Venture Inward, 568 Columbia Turnipike, #30 VanDenHouten Sqare in East Greenbush. Call 518-477-6566 or check www.ventureinwardcenter.com 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. Caregiver Support Groupsare designed to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings. They help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. The groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia. Alzheimer’s Association meets at Hawthorne Ridge at 30 Community Way in East Greenbush, NY. Contact (518) 867-4999, ext. 209 on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday Farmer’s Market Every Wednesday 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Starting June 10 – October 14, 2015 Building a Healthier Community! Sponsored by The East Greenbush Community Library and the Greenbush Area YMCA. Located in the parking lot between the library and the YMCA. There are currently 12 farms/vendors participating in this year’s market. If you are interested in joining the market please contact either the library at 477-7476 or the YMCA. Visit http://eastgreenbushlibrary.org/farmers-market/# for more information. Family Resource Centers of Columbia County (FRC) is a non-profit organization that offers a free playgroup type setting, circle time and free snacks. frc@familyresourcecenterscc.org. The gopen group meets on Wednesdays, October – May, from 10 – Noon at the North Chatham United Methodist Church, 4274 Route 203 in North Chatham. Glendoras Vegetarian Club is the last Wednesday of the month at the social hall at St. Mary’s Church in Nassau. 6:00pm. Learn about and enjoy free vegetarian and vegan food. Pot luck- bring a vegetarian dish to share. You don’t have to be vegetarian, but your pot luck dish does. Melvin Roads Post Bingo is Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:30pm. Doors open at 5:30pm. $2,700 in prizes plus casinos Storytime Every Wednesday at 10:30am at the Nassau Free Library. Drop in and join Colene for simple stories, songs, and a craft. Nassau Free Library, 18 Church St. Nassau NY. For more information. Call 766-2715 or visit www.nassaufreelibrary.org Thursdays Story Hour with Miss Linda: Join Miss Linda for story time and crafts! Open to all children and their caregivers; suggested age range 0-6. Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Castleton Public Library. The Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:00 PM at Quigley’s Restaurant, Routes 9 & 20 in East Greenbush, NY for dinner, discussion/speaker and friendship. Potential members and visiting Rotarians welcome. Call Pat at (518) 766-0215 with any questions. Fridays Castleton Public Library offers computer help by appointment only. Learn the basics of computer use or ask questions in a one-on-one setting. Please call the library during regular business hours to register. Fridays at 10:00 a.m. (except 1st Friday of each month). Block Party, Castleton Public Library, Fridays from 10:00-11:00 am. Bring your baby, toddler, or preschooler for group play with wooden blocks. FREE REIKI: Reduce stress and promote healing by balancing the body’s energy system. First Friday of the month at Venture Inward, 568 Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush, NY. 6-6:45pm. Call 477-6566 or go to www.ventureinwardcenter.com for more information. Walk-In’s Welcome. Saturdays FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY MEETING: Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? You are not alone. Today there is a solution. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA). No Dues, No Fees, No Weigh-Ins - Weekly meetings on Saturdays at 9:00 am at the Church of St. Mary Parish Center - Rm 7, 163 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer. Contact Ginny 518-465-5469 or www. foodaddicts.org Schodack Valley Fire Company Pizza and Wing Nights are held the 3rd Saturday from September through May. They are from 5pm to 8pm. Eat in or take out. We also offer great antipastos and a large selection of beverages.These fundraisers are held at the Schodack Valley Firehouse at 1553 Schodack Valley Rd. FAMILY STORY TIME, E. Greenbush Community Library, 10 Community Way, 11 am. Stories, songs, crafts; all ages. 518 477-7476 The clothing barn at the North Chatham United Methodist Church (4274 Route 203 in North Chatham) is open every Saturday from 9:30-12:30. There is a great selection of gently used clothing and shoes, at bargain prices. During those hours we will also accept donations for our annual Lord’s Acre Auction and Sale. Sundays Free Spaghetti Dinners at the Blooming Grove Reformed Church off Route 4 in Defreestville. Every fourth Sunday of the month (except December) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Open to all area communities. All are welcome. Come and enjoy pasta with a choice of plain or meat sauce, fresh tossed salad, bread, dessert and a beverage. The South Schodack Volunteer Fire Company has bingo every Sunday from Sept 13, 2015 through May 22, 2016, with the exceptions of December 20, 2015 (the Christmas holiday) and March 27, 2016 (Easter Sunday). The fire company address is 1563 Bame Road, Castleton; the doors open at noon and bingo starts at 2:00 pm. Each week there are prizes worth $1,150 plus two 50/50 games and a progressive game with a prize of $500 if the coverall is achieved on or before the weekly number of balls are drawn. The proceeds go to help our volunteer fire company’s expenses. SUNDAY BREAKFAST at the Castleton Fire House at 11 Green Avenue. 8am-noon. All you can eat breakfast start on the first Sunday of each month starting October-May. Adults $8, Seniors $7, Children 5-10 $5, under age are free. Starting Oct 4, Nov 1st, Dec 6th, Jan 3rd, Feb 7th, March 6th, April 3rd and May 1st. Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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December Community Calendar
CASTLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY 85 South Main Street, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033. (518) 732-0879 Ongoing Programs:
Story Hour with Miss Linda: Join Miss Linda for story time and crafts! Suggested age range 0-6. Thursdays at 10:30 am on 12/3, 12/10, 12/17. Block Party: Bring in your baby, toddler, or preschooler in for group play with wooden blocks, and help develop their skills in early literacy, math, logic, social know-how, and more! Fridays from 10:00-11:00 am. December dates: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18. Computer Help: Computer help by appointment. Learn the basics of computer use or ask questions in a one-on-one setting. Please call the library during regular business hours to register. Selected Fridays at 10:00 am. December dates: 12/11, 12/18. Other December Programs: Tuesday, December 1, 4:00-8:00 pm LEGO Fun: We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Saturday, December 5, 1:00-3:00 pm Wii at the Library: Come play Wii with us! Sunday, December 6, 3:00-5:00 pm Holidays on the Hudson: Join us as we celebrate the holidays with storytime and a craft (3:00), the Village tree lighting (3:45), a special visit from Santa (4:00), and refreshments! Presented in cooperation with the Village of Castleton-on-Hudson and the Castleton Fire Department. Monday, December 7, 6:30 pm Adult Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club Bring a book you’ve read lately. From westerns to graphic novels to non-fiction to poetry and beyond, all books are fair game for discussion! This is a great way to learn about books and authors you might not otherwise encounter. Friday, December 11, 6:00 pm Family Movie Night: Movie lovers of all ages are welcome to join us at our Family Movie Night! Call the library to find out what's playing. Monday, December 14, 7:00 pm Library Board Meeting: Monthly meeting of the Castleton Public Library’s Board of Trustees. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Tuesday, December 15, 6:30 pm DIY Sugar Scrub: A homemade sugar scrub makes a great holiday gift or a special self-pampering treat. Come learn how to make your own! For adults and teens ages 12+ (younger kids are welcome if accompanied by an adult to help them). Thursday, December 17, 2:00-6:00 pm LEGO Fun: We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Saturday, December 19, 11:00 am Holiday Cookie Swap: Bakers -- join our first-ever holiday cookie swap! Here's how it works: BAKE: Bake four dozen of your favorite holiday cookies. BRING: Bring your cookies in one large container. Please do not separate into portions ahead of time. Bring empty containers to hold your new cookie collection. PRINT: Please bring a copy of your recipe to share at the cookie swap. SWAP: Each baker will get to take home some of each cookie recipe — we will divide the cookies equally among the bakers. Perfect for holiday entertaining! Sunday, December 20, 6:30-8:00 pm Open Mic Night: Musicians and spoken word poets - come share your talents at our Open Mic Night! All ages welcome to perform and to watch. Tuesday, December 22, 4:00-8:00 pm 3-D Snowflakes: Come learn how to make a 3-D snowflake to bust your winter boredom! Monday, December 28, 12:00-8:00 pm Winter Break Craft: Suncatchers: Stop by the library any time today to make a suncatcher and brighten up the cold days of winter! Tuesday, December 29, 4:00-7:00 pm Board Game Bonanza: Need something fun to do during your winter break? Join us for a night of board gaming! Wednesday, December 30, 12:00-8:00 pm Hello 2016: New Year’s Resolutions: Blurb Want to learn how to make resolutions that really stick? Stop by the library to learn tips and tricks to make your new year great! For all ages.
RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY DECEMBER EVENTS
Parents as first teachers: Librarian Patricia Dolton will give an interactive presentation of "Every Child Ready to Read" to parents of young children on Saturday, December 5th at 1 PM at the Rensselaer Public Library. She will talk about activities parents can do to prepare their child to become a fluent reader. Candy Houses: Saturday, December 12 at 1 PM Create a house out of graham crackers and candy to decorate your table! Free! Ages 4-12. Must sign up to participate. Teen Time- Every Wednesday from 4-6 kids ages 12-18 are invited to come play video games, talk, make things and hang out with their friends. Rensselaer Public Library is located across the street from the Amtrak parking lot at 676 East Street. To learn more, see http://rensselaerlibrary. org/ or visit the library’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ RensselaerLibrary. 518-462-11963
First United Methodist Church 1 Gilligan Road, East Greenbush December 2015 Calendar
9:30 am Every Sunday - Worship and Sunday School. Join us for coffee and fellowship following each service. 10:45 am – 12 noon – Sunday, December 6 – Transition Group Meets – this meeting is open to the public for people that are in many transitions of their lives – be it a job loss, death, family dynamics – whatever kind of change one is going through. 7:00 pm - Tuesday, December 15 – Blue Christmas Service for those that may not want the complete immersion of the holiday for many reasons and would like to join in a service of prayer during the holiday season. 4:00 pm - Saturday, December 12 and 4:00 pm – Sunday, December 13 – The Christmas Musical “Finding the Christmas Star! This is about the Christmas Star competition at Douglas Fir Grade School performed by the Sunday School Students grades pre-K to 7th grade. It runs about an hour. All are welcome! Join us for fellowship and rejoicing after the Sunday performance for fellowship and rejoicing!!! Christmas Eve Services – 5 pm, 7 pm, 9 pm and Communion at the 11 pm Service. New Year’s Eve “Watch Night Service” – 11 pm
Free Portfolio Review Program for students ages 15-24 the Art School of Columbia County The Art School of Columbia County announces its new Portfolio Review program, free to students ages 15-24. Students may schedule 30 minute individual appointments with ASCC’s staff. Students will receive an individualized, encouraging and supportive review of their needs as a new, growing, or just-needing-a-new-perspective artist. Suggestions suggestions on presenting art, developing a portfolio, or techniques of internet presentation are all topics that can be covered, customized to students’ needs. In its third year of offering high-quality art classes to the community, the Art School of Columbia County is a non-profit organization with a vision of “imagining art for everyone.” ASCC is located at 1198 Route 21c in Harlemville, at the intersection of Harlemville Road and Route 21C, next to the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store. To register for Portfolio Review, go to artschoolofcolumbiacounty.org. For more information, email info@artschoolofcolumbiacounty.org or call 518-672-7140.
Holy Spirit School’s Annual Breakfast
with
Santa
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, 9 a.m. to Noon.
Enjoy a BIG pancake breakfast, our hot chocolate bar and more while you visit with Santa. Our photo ready Santa will visit with your little ones while you snap your perfect picture. Don’t forget to enter to win fabulous prizes like 4 tickets to Disney on Ice while you enjoy the music and great food. Children will enjoy activities including writing letters to Santa, making cards for Veterans and active military members, and a Christmas craft. Holy Spirit is also a Toys for Tots Drop Off location. Adults ~ $10 / Children 3 and older ~ $5 Children younger than 3 ~ Free Call 477-5739 / Visit www.hsseg.com / E-mail hssoffice@hsseg.com / 54 Highland Drive, East Greenbush 12061
December Community Calendar Rensselaer Senior Center (518) 463-2166 McManus Center (old St. John's school) East and Herrick Streets. Rensselaer , NY 12144
Mondays: Tai Chi- 10:00 Silver Sneakers Muscular Strength Range 1:00 Tuesdays: Aerobic Classes 9:15 Line Dancing 10:15, Woodworking Class 12:30 Wednesdays: Line Dancing 10:15, Silver Sneakers Cardio Circuit Wednesdays 1:00. Followed by Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch at 1:45 Thursdays: Tai Chi- 10:00, Community Service 12:30 Fridays: Aerobic Classes 9:15 , Silver Sneakers Muscular Strength Range of Motion 1:00 Lunch at noon, Monday - Friday suggested contribution of $3.00, but no one is denied a meal. For reservations, call 463-2166 DECEMBER EVENTS Dec 3 “Elvis’s Blue Christmas” with Donny “Elvis” Romines sponored by CDPHP Dec 7 Happy Birthday, Celebrating Oct, Nov and Dec b’days Gary Ferris “Pearl Harbor Day” sponsored by County Legislator Mike Stammel Dec 16 In House Blood Pressure Clinic 10:30; Good Food Ideas 11:00 Dec 18 Special Dinner “Christmas” with Santa Lucia Dec. 25 Center Closed
SIXTH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LESSONS AND CAROLS AT HISTORIC KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH, DECEMBER 20th
At 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20th the annual Celebration of Lessons & Carols will be held at Kinderhook Reformed Church. Included in this popular regional event will be readings, congregational singing, and choral and organ music of the Christmas season. Nine distinguished readers drawn from the area will be joined by an ensemble of over forty singers under the direction of David Smith. Pastor Rudy Visser will preside. Last year’s event was very enthusiastically received, with over 475 present. Arrival by 3:45 p.m. is recommended. Lessons & Carols will conclude by 5:30 p.m. All attending will be invited to sing traditional hymns and carols. Choral offerings will include works by Rutter, Poulenc, Vaughan Williams, Willcocks, and others. Smith notes that “this event is open to all. Although its format derives from that used at King’s College in Cambridge, England, our Celebration Lessons and Carols has been effectively adapted for Kinderhook, and seems just the thing for a late afternoon in the Christmas season. I am thrilled that so many fine singers from past years will be with us once again.” Pastor Rudolph Visser observes that "As Kinderhook Reformed Church begins its fourth century we pray that our annual Lessons and Carols will once again be a blessing for all in the community.” The church is handicapped accessible and parking is available. For further information please visit www.kinderhookreformedchurch.com or www. concertsinthevillage.org, or call 518-758-6401.
Dec. 30 New Years Party (call 463-2166 for information) We are asking anyone who comes to the center to enjoy our program to bring a non-perishable food item for our local food pantry. The need is great and it is a way for our seniors to give back to our community. Call the center at 463-2166 for reservations and more information.
Sand Lake Town Library Events December Library Board Meeting, Thursday, December 17th at 6:45 PM. Public is welcome to attend Family Movie Night: Tuesday December 29th at 6 PM. Bring your blanket and pillow to get comfortable. Popcorn and juice will be provided. Lego Club: Wednesday, December 30th from 4 to 5 PM. Bring your builder to build with our blocks. Ages 4+ Library Holiday Schedule: The Library will be closed December 24th and December 25th for Christmas. We will re-open on December 26th at 11 AM. The library will also be closed on December 31st and January 1st for the New Years holiday. We will re-open on January 2nd at 11 AM. Weekly programs BEST (Bringing Educators and Students Together)—Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30. BEST is a FREE tutoring program for students in grades 3-10. Stop in anytime between 4:30-7:30 pm to get help with homework, organization, research…whatever the students need! Story Time for Preschoolers—Thursdays at 11:15 AM. Join Miss MaryMargaret for stories, rhymes, and songs followed by a simple craft. Sand Lake Town Library, (518)674-5050, www.sandlaketownlibrary.org
Glendora’s Vegetarian Club Free Vegan Supper on December 16th at 6:00pm at the Trolly Line Diner on Route 20 in Nassau Village. Free Vegan Supper on December 30th at the Trolly Line Diner in the Village of Nassau. 6:00pm. Please call Glendora at 518-610-5810 with any questions.
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION /OPEN HOUSE / WELLNESS FAIR WITH THE SACRED DREAM CIRCLES Zelda Hotaling: Sacred Dream Circles will meditations from 4-8pm on December 16th-18th. hosted by
Starting
the event the
be on display for viewing and/or
At Saint Paul's Methodist Church, Carney Road, Castleton, NY On December 18th from 4- 8pm there will be a Wellness fair with various Professionals, including Yoga Nidra with Kathleen Fisk from 6-6:30pm FREE! The main event is on Saturday, December 19th. 1-3pm and 6:30-8:30pm: A SYMBOLIC FISH will be created with 17 SACRED DREAM CIRCLES with three new ones which will hold the IMAGE of the fish. This will represent all walks of life, religions, races to come in balance with the harmony of each other. This is a spiritual gathering with no specific religious affiliation. Everyone is welcome and the purpose is for all to pray for peace, harmony, and balance. There is a Native American influence. Children are welcome under their parents guidance. Suggested Donation $20 Children and students free. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: zeldahotaling.com. Or pinetree444@msn.com fb Zelda Hotaling This project is presented at a church - can not sell tickets - First Come, First Served to be sure to get a seat.
APPLY NOW TO SAVE UP TO $5000 PER YEAR If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan, and have limited income and resources, you may be eligible to receive extra help to assist with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments related to your prescription drug coverage. For more information and assistance, please contact Tammy Childrose, Rensselaer County HIICAP Coordinator at 2702768.
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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December 2015 Dear Our Towne Readers, The Holiday Season is officially upon us. There is no better time to support local, family owned businesses in your community. Where you choose to spend your money is where you show support. I have heard many community members over the years complain about the lack of businesses in our area. If you want the current businesses to stay alive, you have to support them! If we don’t make an effort to shop with small, family owned businesses they will not survive. Resist the urge to pick up your holiday items at the big box, corporate owned stores. Will it cost a little extra to buy your desserts, wine, plants, Christmas trees and other gift items at a small business? Maybe. But the quality is higher and you get the very warm feeling that comes from supporting a person live their dream. Owning a business is so very rewarding, and so very much work. Most business owners don’t like working every day. There aren’t set hours, days off or lunch breaks. There certainly isn’t a steady paycheck or vacation time. No retirement account or sick hours. There are many things we sacrifice as small business owners. I have lived both lives and prefer this one. But, I can’t survive if advertisers don’t support me. And the community would not have this resource magazine if they didn’t advertise here in Our Towne Magazine. That is why I am so very grateful for the businesses that work with me. Our Towne is filled with such special people that are living their dream. It brings me so much joy and fulfillment knowing that I can help these businesses be more successful. Please join me in supporting small businesses from this day forward, not just during the holiday season. Have a happy and safe holiday season. I think the best gift ever is the present. Not a present. Enjoy life and those around you. The next issue comes out mid-January; so I can take some time and enjoy the present, with my family & friends. I thank you for reading Our Towne Magazine.
Jennifer Felts
Jennifer Felts O •P wner
ublisher
felts 66@ yahoo . com
518-380-1279 www . ourtownerensco . com www . facebook . com O ur T owne M agazine R ensco
Our Towne’s Mission: To connect local businesses and organizations to the consumers that live in their communities. We highlight what Southern Rensselaer & Northern Columbia Counties have to offer. Our Towne Magazine content can be read in print, online & via Facebook. 20% of the magazine is donated to the communities served for promotion of events.
Our Towne Magazine’s goal is
“Connecting the Communtiy”
Distribution 18,000+ Our Towne Magazine “connects the community” by directly mailing 17,000 copies to homes and businesses in the following communities: Rensselaer, Schodack, Castleton, Nassau, East Greenbush, North Greenbush, Averill Park, Wynantskill, West Sand Lake, Valatie, Kinderhook & Niverville.
Plus another 1,000 copies in High Traffic Locations! All Rights Reserved. Our Towne Magazine is published by Our Towne Marketing & Consulting, LLC. Printed Monthly and
Distributed Free of Charge.
The Gallery
Buffet Tables for Rent Custom Tables, Mantels, Bar Tops A Unique Gift Shop Gift Certificates Available
518-479-0729
4119 US Route 20 Nassau, NY 12123 www.capitalsawmill.com
Word of Mouth By Joseph R. L apinski, D.D.S.
www.LapinskiDentaL.com Dear Dr. Lapinski: I have a front tooth that keeps chipping. It started small but the filling never lasts very long. My old dentist told me I’ll eventually need a cap. I’m hesitant because my mom has a cap & it’s really dark near the gums & doesn’t look good. What can I do? Great question That’s not an unusual progression. Your front tooth is 2 sided and flat – not an easy spot when the filling material needs to bond to the tooth. If you think about a molar, it’s 4-sided and can usually contain the filling material within the tooth walls. Caps, AKA “Crowns” are restorations that go over the entire tooth to protect or reinforce it so it’s perfectly functional (or change the shape/ color in the case of a cosmetic restoration). Crowns are most commonly recommended when a tooth is compromised in some way, like missing a corner or piece & a filling just won’t work. When you see a dark line around the edges of the tooth, what you’re usually seeing is that metal from the underside of the crown. Traditionally, crowns were made out of all gold or other metal, and sometimes covered with a porcelain layer. The metal is the strong part. The porcelain is the tooth colored part. When the gums receded from the edges of the crown over time, a dark line can appear. I won’t get into all of the reasons gums recede – but unfortunately there is no resolution for that line except for replacing the crown. In modern dentistry, there are several really good options that contain no metal at all. These options can provide both good strength but beautiful esthetics at the same time. With these newer, stronger materials, there is no longer a metal base, so patients never get a dark line. Plus, with the high cost of metals compared with the look, lustre and quality of these newer materials, I can keep the lab costs down, and long term success high. Win Win. So, when a crown is your recommended treatment, you can be confident that you can achieve the look you desire. As always, if you have questions, ask – because we can’t help you if we don’t know about it. Send questions to DrJoe@LapinskiDental.com
114 T roy r oad • E asT G rEEnbush • 518-477-8428 WElcominG nEW PaTiEnTs
$2.50 Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
27
n o $5 OFF d ! e r ak ANY ONE VACATION DAY o b re Dec. 2015 - Feb. 2016 e b b r t ’ te Break up that winter recess boredom! Sign n your child up for vacation club at the Greenbush Do win YMCA and receive $5 off one day! Simply bring this coupon with you. Offer valid thru February 2016. CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA • Greenbush Branch 20 Community Way, East Greenbush • 518.477.2570 • CDYMCA.org
Reach 17,000 in Print, on the web & Facebook with Our Towne Magazine
Deadline for Advertising for the WINTER ISSUE IS JANUARY 8th Call Jennifer Felts at 518-380-1279 * felts66@yahoo.com Our Towne Magazine is “Connecting the Community”
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
East Greenbush Community Librar y www.eastgreenbushlibrar y.com~ 477-7476 The Library is a drop off location for the Children’s Book Drive to support the CoNSERNS-U Holiday Store. Their goal is to collect 2,000 new books for ages infants to Teens). Donations will be taken until December 10.
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. Music Concert Holiday Music with Columbia Strings Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. Take some time out of your busy schedule to join us for a program of holiday and light classical music provided by the talented musicians of the Columbia High School String Quintet and String Ensemble under the direction of Susan Chrzan. Relax and recharge! PLEASE REGISTER. Creative Coloring for Adults Fridays: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.: December 11, January 8, February 12 Adults have rediscovered how relaxing and creative coloring is. The health benefits also include exercising fine motor skills and training the brain to focus. Join us to reconnect with this activity from your past. We’ll provide coloring sheets and colored pencils, or you can bring your own. PLEASE REGISTER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL SESSION. EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM JobNow This dynamic Career and Education website will soon be available to patrons with an East Greenbush library card. Use JobNow to explore careers; conduct a job search; create a resume/cover letter and submit it for review; receive live interview coaching; study for the TASC, SAT, GRE, civil service, or other examinations; and more. Look for the JobNow link on the library’s website. This resource is available through a grant from the Upper Hudson Library System. JobNow Training Wednesday, December 9, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Learn to harness the power of JobNow to explore careers, execute a successful job search, or prepare for examinations. This program will be helpful to job seekers of all ages and at any stage in their career search. Please register for one session. Making the Most of Social Security Thursday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m. John Kalil, a Financial Services Representative with Retirement Solutions, presents a program designed to provide information about retirement income-enhancing strategies, with a major focus on Social Security and the importance of pre-planning prior to receiving benefits. It will include Social Security claiming strategies, including how married couples can enhance lifetime spousal and survivor benefits, as well as “file and suspend,” the “do over,” and “start, stop, and restart” strategies. PLEASE REGISTER.
Free Monthly Movie: Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 pm Mr. Holmes The Library Board of Trustees will meet on Tuesday, December 15 at 7:30 pm HOLIDAY HOURS: The Library will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25. The library will close at 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 31
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN: Family Storytimes (no registration required) Saturdays @ 11:00 am (December 5, 12 & 19) Bring the whole family for stories, songs and simple crafts on Saturday mornings. December Fun Family Fun Night Thursday, December 3 @ 6:30 pm Book Bingo, prizes and board games for the whole family. No registration required. Art Club (grades K-5) Wednesday, December 2 @ 2:00 pm Kids are invited to explore various art techniques by creating hands-onprojects. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. National Cookie Day! (grades K-5) Friday, December 4 @ 4:15 pm Celebrate National Cookie Day by decorating cookies and listening to cookie stories. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Music Together (baby - age 5) Monday, December 7 @ 10:00 am OR 11:00 am Thursday, December 17 @ 10:00 am OR 11:00 am Join Matt Yaeger for a sample class of Music Together®, an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
DECEMBER SCHOOL BREAK WEEK ACTIVITIES ALL BREAK WEEK PROGRAMS REQUIRE REGISTRATION. Registration begins on Monday, December 14 @ 9:00 am. Mojo the Crow (Kindergarten +) Tuesday, December 29 @ 11:00 am Learn about crows with environmental educator Beth Bidwell, and meet Mojo, the star of her new book Mojo, the Fabulous (Talking!!) Crow. Family Movie Night Tuesday, December 29 @ 6:30 pm. Watch Minions and enjoy free popcorn. Rated PG. Makedo – Creative Construction (3rd grade +) Wednesday, December 30 @ 11:00 am Love Legos and building? Then come try out Makedo, a fun way to make cardboard creations. Happy New Years @ Your Library! (ages 3+) Thursday, December 31 @ 11:00 am The balloons drop at noon for our early NYE party. Join us for stories, crafts, and snacks! Middle and High School Students Please register for these programs. National Cookie Day Friday, December 4 Grades 9-12 – 2:15 pm & Grades 6-8 – 3:15 pm Celebrate National Cookie Day with us by decorating (and eating) your own cookies! MIDDLE SCHOOL MAKERS: Holiday Gifts Edition (Grades 6-8) Wednesday, December 9 @ 3:15 pm Join us for crafty gift-making! Supplies and food will be provided! Teen Holiday Party (Grades 9-12) Tuesday, December 22 @ 2:30 pm Food? Check! Holiday jams? Check. Ugly sweaters? That’s up to you! Let’s usher in this holiday break the right way!
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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New Years Resolutions By Daryl Bart
Please excuse my sentimental musings. I get like this sometimes, especially at the end of the year. I did start a quirky, funny family story about Christmas that my kids would certainly groan at…(if they actually read my articles)... but somewhere along the line, I switched topics. A couple of years ago, while scrolling thru digital images to design our family holiday card, I realized I was in very few shots. The pictures were of places we all went together. I was there. I was at that beach, at that restaurant, at that party...but there was no photo evidence. It’s kind of like if a tree falls in the forest...if you aren't in the picture, were you there? I had the morbid thought that if I was somehow no longer around and my kids looked thru my photos, what would they remember? I wrote about it then and swore to be and do better. The good news is that incident sparked a shift in my thinking. I began to evaluate WHY I avoided the lens and started addressing the issues that lurked under the surface. Even at 45 years old, I was struggling with how I saw myself, wanted to see myself and was holding myself back from things I didn’t even see at the time. I know this might be too much information for this light, local publication and I appreciate your patience. But, I found out I wasn’t alone. It turned out that message resonated with a lot of people. They told me they often felt the same way. I couldn’t believe it. These amazing, brilliant & competent women found themselves observers to their own lives, plans cautiously buffered with “someday”, “when those pants fit” and “maybe eventually” being conditions on their joy. What I realized is that we only have NOW. We needed ACTION, and fast. Seriously, all around us, life was happening - what were we waiting for? Every day I scrolled past Facebook messages talking directly to me.
“If not now, when?” “A year from now you will wish you’d have started today” “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try” “Life Begins at the End of your comfort zone” It was time. Time to make a new list that didn’t start with someday...but instead “tomorrow, I will!” “today I can!” I said YES to opportunities and became one of those pod-cast listening, endorphin seeking people that smile a lot and answer “awesome” when asked “how are you?” Anyway, what got me thinking about this again was last night I asked my kids what they wanted for Christmas. My son said “I’d like a Mets shirt and that’s all”. My daughter’s list was a little longer but mostly consisted of fashion items appropriate for a 12 year old.. I replied…”That’s it? Can you give me any help here? Your relatives will be asking for ideas” My son summed it up, briefly glancing up from his phone. “Maybe we can just all go do something together” Wow. I guess I still have some learning to do on my journey. Clearly my 15 year old seems to already get it and can teach me a thing or two. That amid the hustle and bustle of these crazy, technology filled, over scheduled and complex lives, that something as simple as time together, a personal experience, could make the top of the open ended list I was offering him. So, when they ask, I’ll tell the relatives a gift card to Target is always a good fallback choice but maybe this year, just give our kids your time. Oh, and Please make sure to take a picture so we’ll always remember that you did it together. “All of our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them” ~ Walt Disney Happy New Year to you and yours!!! Wishing you the courage to set out to make your dreams come true in 2016! Oh, and bring a camera. dcbart1@gmail.com
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Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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Discover the Magic of Candlenight Night Candlelight Night is an annual holiday celebration in the historic Village of Kinderhook. Now in its twentieth year, the event invites visitors of all ages to embark on a traditional holiday stroll and discover free events throughout the village. The evening is brimming with fun, food, and music, as well as artisans and local merchants selling holiday gifts. Visitors will find antiques, hundreds of new and gently loved books for children, and an array of unique fiction and nonfiction for adults at the Friends’ Book Shop at Feed & Seed. There are home goods, hand-printed fabrics, hand-turned wooden bowls, colorful totes, mid-century-style light fixtures, fabric pet collars, personal-care products, ornaments, folk art birdhouses, wreaths, alpaca socks and gloves, and more. Brookview Station Winery and Albany Distilling Company are on hand for tastings and sales. There’s music galore. The Reverberators bring holiday cheer to the bandstand. Adirondack Baroque Consort welcomes visitors to the historic Kinderhook Reformed Church. Sax-o-Claus is the evening’s wandering minstrel. Stroll down Hudson Street where The Friends of the Library provide refreshments and holiday jazz by the incomparable Nat Phipps Trio at Kinderhook Memorial Library. Members of the Broad Street Chorale perform in the acoustic wonder that is the main gallery of the Jack Shainman Gallery: The School, featuring the exhibition “Winter in America.” There’s Santa and Mrs. Claus, Tots the Clown, live animals, horse-drawn wagon rides, and Teen Night. Professional family holiday pics are available for a special price of $5. Visitors can eat out with hot fare from Pippy’s Hot Dog Truck, the local boy scouts, and American-style comfort food from Riverview Café. Or eat in at Kinderhook’s fine eateries: Broad Street Bagel Co., Carolina House, DYAD Wine Bar, and The Flammerie (reservations recommended). There’s complimentary hot chocolate, treats, and eggnog at various local merchants throughout the village.
Call Us For A Complimentary Consultation | www.KinderhookDentalArts.com Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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THE SOUTHERN RENSSELAER COUNTY ROTARY CLUB
Southern
The SRC Rotary Club is one of thousands of such service groups around the world, part of a membership in Rotary International of more than 1,200,000 men and women working to improve their communities, their regions, and their global neighborhoods through many efforts and programs. This club, which is composed of your neighbors from all walks of life, now is in its 56th year. It waschartered as the East Greenbush Rotary Club, but in the 1990s changed its name to reflect the expansion of its area of service. It bears the motto “Service Above Self.” We are involved in sponsoring a variety of community activities. Here is asampling -- and it truly is just a sampling.
Rensselaer County
• Winter Indoor Simulator Golf Tournaments: Each winter, we hold a series of such events open to the public at the Burden Lake Country Club. Revenues have gone to a variety of charitable organizations, such as Ronald McDonald House, the international disaster relief program known as ShelterBox and others. • Bowling for Vets: An annual bowl-a-thon open to the public to support programs for the Wounded Warriors and Blue Star Mothers military family support efforts. • Scholarships: We provide grants to cover student participation in such programs as the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards academy, and summer enrollments at camps run by the Boys Scouts and the YMCA. • Community CPR Certification: A bi-annual workshop and practical examination for all in the community needing official Red Cross certification. It draws many from the local medical and education communities. • Scouting: Support for the local Troop 41 to encourage following the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America. • Food Programs: Semi-annual community drives in support of local food pantries throughout the region. • In addition, the club provides financial grants for a variety of community projects and activities every year -- family shelters, local and global relief aid, historical groups, civic projects, student projects, medical philanthropies, etc. --supported by annual membership dues, individual member contributions and various fundraising projects. The club holds weekly dinner meetings and monthly breakfast meetings, thereby providing scheduling flexibility for members with busy business and personal lives. We frequently have representatives of many sectors of the community as afterdinner speakers. The meetings are held September through June (the Rotary Year runs from July 1 to June 30). During July and August, we meet informally for picnics, cookouts, baseball games, summer theater performances, and other field trips open to families and friends as well. It is important to known that no one is expected to attend every meeting or participate in every activity. But, what we do ask is some level of involvement on a regular basis. That is the difference between “being a Rotarian” and “just a member of Rotary.” Anyone interested in knowing more about Rotary can get a lot of information online at SRCrotary.com or by attending one of our meetings as our guest. Reservations are appreciated, and may be made by calling club president Terry Brewer at 465-0934 no later than Monday each week. Or, you can direct questions to us via e-mail atSRCrotary@gmail.com at any time. In addition to Terry Brewer, our current board includes President-elect DebbieRodriguez, Treasurer Murray Forth, Secretary Patricia Bailey, Immediate Past President William M. Dowd (also our webmaster), and Directors-at-Large Dr. James C. Leyhane and James Butterworth.
Rotary Club
Please Join Us
Weekly meetings at Quigley’s 593 Columbia Tpk., East Greenbush
Thursday’s at 6:00 PM
Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated human rights purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.
www.srcrotary.wordpress.com srcrotary@gmail.com
Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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By Nassau Veterinary Clinic, PLLC
10 Pet Tips for a Safe Holiday Ho-ho-ho, it’s
the holidays and we want everyone, especially our furry,
four-legged friends, to have a happy, safe holiday!
1. Skip seasonal treats. We love the goodies, but many foods at this time of year are loaded with fat and grease: foods like ham, the dark meat on a turkey, gravies, nuts, cookies and candies. Five extra pounds means a 10% weight gain for a 50-pound dog. 2. Put a lid on it. The garbage pail can be too enticing to ignore, and it can be full of dangers. Rich foods leftovers like ham or chocolate can cause severe GI upset, pancreatitis or toxicity. Food wrappers and bones can get lodged in the throat or in the stomach, requiring surgery to remove, or the access to toxic foods. Keep trash under lock and lid. 3. Hazard: Decorations. Tinsel is pretty hanging on trees, but that sparkly string becomes a foreign body in the intestines if a cat eats it. Hanging Christmas balls look like tennis balls to our canine friends. One bite and their mouths could be fullof glass, plastic or metal shards. Hang both out of reach or consider keeping the pets out of decorated rooms when not supervised. 4. Christmas lights twinkle and glow until the dog chews the wiring and bites into 120 volts. Keep the wiring covered, taped to the underside of a heavy rug, or opt for lights powered by 9-volt batteries. 5. Mistletoe, holly, amaryllis and daffodils are toxic for pets and lilies are especially dangerous for cats. Keep these holiday greens out of the house. 6. Visitors coming and going can mean opportunities for pets to dart past distracted owners and through an open door. Keep ID on collars and be extra careful opening the door. Consider putting a leash on dog when there’s extra foot traffic or setting up a baby gate or temporary fencing around the exterior door. 7. Spirits are for human adults only. We may enjoy spiked eggnog, but dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to alcohol and even small quantities can be deadly. 8. Frostbite bites. Even with the furry coat, pets are still susceptible to frostbite, the body tissue damage caused by exposure to freezing temperatures. Any warm-blooded animal can potentially develop it. Feet, tails and ears have the highest risk for damage. 9. Baked, not raw. Never feed your dog raw, unbaked bread dough. The yeast in the dough can rise in the dog’s stomach and release carbon dioxide, causing the dog’s stomach to distend and turn into gastric dilatation-volvulus (often called bloat). 10.Sugar-free isn’t so sweet. Sugarfree alternatives are a lot in human foods, but a natural sugar-free sweetener called Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Xylitol can be found in gum as well as mints, mouth wash, chocolate, baked goods and some peanut butters. Always read the label. — Dr. Carolyn Sanford
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Triple H Seamless Gutters “We put water in its place� Established in 2007
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B u d s F lo r i s t & G r e e n h o u s e s Poinsettias Christmas Trees Fresh Garland Wreaths Kissing Balls Fresh Flowers Holiday Gifts
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Wish friends & family near and far a Happy Holiday with Fresh Delivered Flowers!Call Today!
Make Your Own! Holiday Wreath, Swag or Centerpiece Design Class December 15th & 17th
Celebrate the holiday with a beautiful handmade floral centerpiece for the table, custom evergreen wreath or sway. Perfect for your home or to give your hostess! Class starts at 6:30 and costs $25.00. Register to reserve your spot today.
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Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ Jennifer Felts~518-380-1279
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OUR TOWNE
Rensselaer & Columbia Counties Community Resource
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