The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

The Grafton Library Presents “Heart Beat” – Native American Musical Traditions

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On Friday, November 21, at 6:30 pm, local storyteller Gil Payette will present the next in his program series on Native American culture and folkways at the Grafton Community Library. His multimedia presentation will focus on Native American musical traditions. “Long before Europeans were here, Native Americans had music. Many Nations were known as singers and dancers for recreation, self-expression and healing. What is known of their whistles, flutes, rattles, rasps, harps, fiddles and bells? There were Bull-roarers and Bear-growlers. The drum represented the heart beat for Mother Earth,” Payette said.

The public is invited to come find out more about the topic in this free program. For more information contact the Library at 279-0580 or visit graftoncommunitylibrary.org/.

Dyken Pond Education Center Events

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November 15 – Get Out and Hike in November – 1:30 to 3:30 pm. When the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler it becomes harder and harder to get outside. Meet some fellow outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy the crisp, fall air at Dyken Pond on this group hike. Remember to dress appropriately for a higher elevation as we are located on the Rensselaer Plateau. We will meet in the parking lot. Call ahead for weather conditions: (518) 658-2055.

December 13 – Get Out and Hike in December – 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Bundle yourself against the cold and make the trek out to Dyken Pond for a group hike. We will be exploring what beautiful and amazing things nature has to offer in the cold of winter. Remember to dress appropriately for a higher elevation as we are located on the Rensselaer Plateau. If there is very little to no snow we will hike as planned; however, if there is a sufficient snow we will snowshoe. Call ahead for weather conditions.

December 14 – Annual Yule Log Tradition – 1 to 4 pm. Beginning at 1 pm, the story of the yule log and the winter solstice will be shared, followed by a search for the hidden yule log. The yule log will be burned in an outdoor campfire, where Gil Payette, Native American Storyteller, will share stories of the season. Greens and ornaments will be available to make holiday crafts. People of all ages are encouraged to come out to this free program, and don’t forget to bring your sleds! Hot chocolate and light snacks will be provided; feel free to bring your own snacks to share.

The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a park owned and operated by Rensselaer County. Open during daylight hours, the park features over 6 miles of trails for hiking,  bird watching and nature photography, with a launch for non-motorized boats, and areas on the shoreline for great fishing. Learn more at dykenpond.org.

Letter To The Editor – A New Low In Grafton Politics

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To the Editor:

Recently a flyer was circulated around our town by handout and mail that contained a derogatory likeness and comments about a Town Board candidate. This flyer indicated that research for this flyer was done by “Town of Grafton Board Member Rick.”

Please be aware that I had nothing to do with this despicable flyer, research or otherwise. I understand politics can be a nasty business, but this flyer sinks to new lows, never before seen in our community.

I am sure all residents of Grafton join me in condemning this sort of politics and demand that it stop, now and in future elections.

Sincerely,

Rick Ungaro, Grafton Town Councilman

Staying Safe Online: A Free Program At The Grafton Library

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On Friday, November 14, at 6 pm, the Grafton Community Library will host the third program in its ongoing “Get Savvy about Computers” series. This month’s program is about how to stay safe online.

Everyone has heard about the dangers lurking on the Internet – viruses, malware, email scams and more. Sarah McFadden, digital literacy coordinator for the Rensselaer County Cornell Cooperative Extension, will show patrons how to protect themselves while enjoying all that the web has to offer. They will learn to spot scams, identify risks and take home all the tools and tips they need to stay safe on the internet.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Attendees are invited to bring their questions about this or other computer related issues. Time will be available after the program for one-on-one help. For more information about this and other programs and events at the Library, visit graftoncommunitylibrary.org or call 279-0580.

Grafton Historical Society Program On The Grafton Inn

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The Grafton Historical Society will present a program on Sunday, November 16, at 2 pm at the historic Grafton Inn.

Built about 1795 by Abel Owens, the first settler in Grafton, the building was later purchased by Lemuel Stewart, who then moved it. It was owned by Stewart’s descendents for more than 100 years, later becoming a restaurant, inn and bed and breakfast among other things.

Learn about not only the early history, such as moving the house, the stairway to nowhere and fun times when it was the Mountain Top House as well as more recent history.   Share your recollections of times spent here.

The program will be presented by Anne Kiely, a member of the Grafton Historical Society who has researched the building and some of the interesting people who have lived there. Following the presentation current owner Elsie Risedorf will offer a tour of the upper floors of the Inn .

Refreshments will be served following the program.

Dyken Pond Educational Center Upcoming Events

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November 2014 – Holiday Wreath Sale. Balsam fir wreaths are for sale each year in November. An 18” wreath decorated with a handmade Dyken Pond collectible nature ornament, pine cones, berries and a red bow costs just $20. Decorate your home for the holidays and support the Friends of Dyken Pond Center. Proceeds from this fundraiser go towards scholarships for children at the Summer Nature Camp and land protection efforts.

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