The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

Stephentown Memorial Library Upcoming Events

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Monthly Lego Club – Friday, June 5 at 6 pm. Do you have a Lego enthusiast who could spend hours and hours every day engrossed with creative building? Do you have so many Legos in your house that you never know when you’ll suck one up with your vacuum cleaner? Do you sometimes get down on the floor with your clever builders and create something of your own? Well, this club is for you and your family! The Lego Club meets on a Friday night each month for an hour of building fun. There is no sign-up or charge.  Donations of Lego blocks are most welcome at the library desk.

Story Time – Fridays at 10 am  Calling all preschoolers (and their caregivers)! Join us each Friday for some story time fun! In this half-hour session, we read aloud, sing songs, move about, and explore the world around us through literature. Parents and children are encouraged to stay after story time so children have time for free play while grown-ups browse for books and socialize. Story Time is led by Jane Halleck, a local educator.

Local Author – Dr. Stanley Woods-Frankel – Thursday, June 18 at 7 pm.  Local author, Dr. Stanley Woods-Frankel, will discuss his second novel, Resurrection of Evil. In his first critically acclaimed novel, False Impressions, Dr. Woods-Frankel introduces readers to forensic dentist Steve Landau as he assists the NYPD to track down a serial killer threatening NYC. The adventure continues in his second book in the Steve Landau Mystery series Resurrection of Evil. Landau is called upon to identify the remains of Adolf Hitler, and his findings would change the course of history.

Dr. Stanley Woods-Frankel is a member of the American Society of Forensic Odontology, (a Forensic Dentist.)  He has worked closely with the NYPD, written articles for professional publications, testified as an expert witness, lectured extensively, and appeared on radio and TV.   In addition to his Curriculum Vitae, Dr. Woods-Frankel completed the masters writing program at NYU, is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, and participates in a bi-monthly writer’s group.  He has also attended several conferences and workshops to hone his skills. Drawing on his background, he has fictionalized the most interesting and intriguing cases in his research and career to create compelling yet humorous backdrops for his manuscripts.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.  Light refreshments will be served.

Seed Exchange at SML –  The SMLSeed Exchange still has many great seeds and new seeds are being added all the time.  There is still time to plant, so come in and check out our seed selection. Please feel free to drop off your surplus seeds at the front desk anytime during regular library hours. All we ask is that the seeds be carefully labelled, viable and stored in cool dry conditions so they will germinate properly.

For more information, call the Stephentown Memorial Library at 733-5750.  Check our website,www.stephentownlibrary.org for regular updates.  We are on Facebook – add us to your friend list for up to the minute news!

Grafton Library Events

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Annual Plant Sale & Book Sale Saturday, June 6, 9 am to 1 pm 

It’s a multi-sale event! Get some great plants to get your garden started and support the Library in the process. Proceeds from the plant sale benefit the Lillis Bunce Memorial Award for Grafton high school seniors.We’ve had lots of book donations and there are some great bargains for adults and kids alike. Paperbacks are 50 cents, Hardcovers $1. We also have CDs and DVDs. The library will gladly welcome donations of labeled, non-invasive plants during the week the sale. Plants may be dropped off at the rear of the library. Call 269-9520 with any questions about plant donations.

Digital Content at Grafton Community Library Thursday, June 11 at 5:30 pm AND Friday, June 19 at 6:30 pm. Did you know that Grafton Community Library has over 20,000 ebooks, downloadable audiobooks, and streaming video available free from anywhere for anyone with a library card? We also have a new online public access library catalog with sophisticated search capabilities that allows you to find and request library materials both print and digital from any of the 29 libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System. Find out how to get the most from this new technology at either of these two free sessions with Library Director, Christian Collins.

Summer Reading Sign-Up Begins Monday, June 15. Stop by the library any time during open hours on or after June 15 to sign up for our 2015 Summer Reading Program. This year Grafton Community Library has an Adult Summer Reading program too, so young and old alike can sign up, log their reading and qualify for prizes. Summer Reading starts on Monday June 29 and runs until August 15.

Social Media for Job Seekers – Tuesday, June 16 at 4 pm

Learn how to use Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to optimize your online presence, make connections, search for jobs, and land the one that’s right for you. Part of Grafton Community Library’s “Skills for Job Seekers” series, presented by professional employment counselors from Rensselaer County One Stop. Please sign up in advance.

Wire Wrapped Jewelry Making Workshop – Saturday, June 27, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. The latest in our Arts Grant funded programming, bringing high quality arts programs to Grafton at bargain rates. This class is an introduction to the centuries-old process of wrapping stones for ornamentation.

Learn basic wire wrapping techniques using sterling silver wire to create a wearable pendant. At least one pendant will be completed and ready to wear by the end of class. There is a $12 materials fee, payable at registration. Participants must register in advance.

Grafton Book Group: The Witch of Hebron by James Howard Kunstler Monday, June 29 at 7 pm.  Join the Grafton Book Group to kick off the Adult Summer Reading Program with a discussion of The Witch of Hebron by James Howard Kunstler. Set in a fictionalized version of Washington County, NY in a near future where the world has run out of oil and civilization has collapsed, Kunstler’s “World Made by Hand” series provides a gripping look at how residents of our region try to hold their world together when they are brutally thrust back into the pre-industrial age. Check out upcoming Book Group selections on the website graftoncommunitylibrary.org/bookclub.

Free Legal Workshop At Petersburgh Library

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The Petersburgh Public Library will sponsor a free legal workshop presented by Unity House Law Project on Monday, June 15 from 2:30 to3:30 pm.  Do you think you’re in need of an Order of Protection?  Do you have custody and visitation concerns and just don’t know what to do?  Are you confused about your rights and what services are out there to help you?  Come find the answers to these questions and more at a legal workshop titled “The Expansion of the Family Court Act”.  An attorney will be on hand to provide information and confidential individual consultations regarding family court matters 2:30 to 3:30 pm at the library.  The workshop is free and open to the public.  For more information, call the Law Project at 272-5917.

New Lebanon Country Market At Windswept Farm Opens 2015 Season

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The New Lebanon Country Market at Windswept Farm’s opening day for the 2015 season is Sunday, June 7 from 10 am to 2 pm!  We hope you can join us for a family fun day filled with live music by Chasin’ Grace, delicious hot food from Jem’s Thai Cuisine and Lakota BBQ for lunch, and of course all of our fabulous vendors.   Come fill your fridge with fresh, locally grown produce; local pasture raised meats and free range eggs; vegetable starts for your own garden at home; a variety of herbs and flowers; fresh made jams and jellies; delicious New Lebanon baloney and fresh sausage; gourmet infused salts and peppers; fresh baked goods; pickled products; handmade soaps and body care products; and much, much more!   Come support your local farmer’s and artisans and bring home fresh, local, delicious food!

The market will be held every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm starting June 7 and continuing through September 27.  Each market will feature live music and/or a special event.  June’s entertainment calendar is as follows:

June 7 – Chasin’ Grace – this duo plays everything from Jim Whitaker to Darius Rucker, Cher, Smokey Robinson, showcasing a lot of variety of new/old country and contemporary music.

June 14 – Abby Lappen – a collection of original songs and meaningful covers in a cross genre mix, from haunting folk and satirical blues to jazzy ballads and syncopated melodies – check her out at www.abbylappen.com.

June 21 – Gardening fun for kids of all ages! – our very own vendors will give you tips on gardening and answer any questions you might have about growing your own garden at home.  There will also be an opportunity for you and the kids to plant your own organic seeds to bring home with you.

June 28 – Matchstick Architects – a combination of their own brand of driving original rock music and a selection of cover material played in their own unique way – check them out at www.tmaband.com.

Hoosick Grange News

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submitted by Corinne Philpott

Hoosick Grange celebrated “Memorial Day Past and Present” on May 27. After the business meeting the lecturer had a reading on Memorial Day and how in the past it was called Decoration Day. They decorated the graves of our fallen heroes with flowers.

There are different stories on who first started Memorial Day. In 1966, Congress and the President claimed the first to commemorate Memorial Day was the Town of Waterloo, New York. They had a ceremony on May 5, 1866, when businesses closed and flags were flown at half-staff. Now Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May, like the other holidays, a three day weekend. Stores are open with big sales, and people have picnics – fewer people go to parades. Shouldn’t we give time to remember those who gave their lives in wars and take time to feel grateful?

The lecturer read about “Old Glory” – long may it wave. Born in Philadelphia on June 14, 1777, it became the flag of the United States of America.

She also told about the poppy. It goes back to World War I, when our brave servicemen died and were buried in France where little red poppies grew and covered their graves. The poppy became a symbol of eternal life for the departed comrades. In Holland there are more than 8,200 Americans buried there. The graves are marked with white cross headstones or Star of David. Each monument has an American flag and a Dutch flag. The Dutch people adopt monuments and put flowers on them. The lecturer had a reading on a family in 1933, who took the whole day to go to the cemetery, with their mules and wagon. It took six hours one way over dirt roads. That was a special Memorial Day.

May is also Melanoma month. It is the fastest rising cancer in young people ages 25 to 29. Use a sun screen, hat and cover up. May is also Stroke Month. She told about the symptons of stroke: sudden weakness, numbness of the face, arms and legs on one side. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking and understanding. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. In case of any of these – call 911. A medication can help if given in the first three hours. Every minute counts. She closed the program with a joke and then they all sang Taps.

Our next meeting is on June 10, and David Schmidt is in charge of the program. It is Dairy Princess Night. Refreshment Committee is Marion Hynick and Ralph Philpott.

Academic Honors – Petersburgh

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Brock Award At HVCC

Tonya Brock was recently honored for excellence by an academic department at Hudson Valley Community College.

Each year, high-achieving students from the more than 75 academic programs at the Troy, NY college are chosen for special recognition.

Brock was given the Award for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Service in the Theatre Arts Program, which is given to the most accomplished student in the Theatre Arts graduating class. The awarded is handed out by the Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Broadcast Communications academic department.

Students are selected for honors by faculty and departmental administrative staff.

Books And Beer At Brown’s Brewing

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Please join Cheney Library on June 6 between 3 and 6 pm at Brown’s Brewing in North Hoosick. This is a free event and if you show your Cheney Library card at Brown’s you will receive a discount. Craig Gravina will be talking about his book Upper Hudson Valley Beer; Battenkill Books will be selling beer related books; you would be surprised at the number of published books relating to beer. It will be a fun time and cool by the river side. Be sure to come!

Scrap Booking Teacher Needed

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The Everett Wagar Senior Center in Grafton, is in need of a volunteer who knows some basic Scrap Booking.   This volunteer would help guide a group of seniors with some basic scrap booking techniques at the senior center.   Thank you in advance for helping the seniors in our community.  Some supplies will be included for free, for more information please call Penny at 518-279-3413.    If you are a Rensselaer County senior 60 years of age or older and are interested in learning basic scrap booking come in and check our center.

New Lebanon Community Carnival Rescheduled To June 8

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submitted by Erin Clary

The Community Carnival originally scheduled for May 27 has been rescheduled and relocated. Please join us on Monday, June 8, 3 to 7 pm. at the Jr/Sr High School. Admission is $10 and includes all carnival games, access to swim in the pool, and dinner. Mini golf (18 holes) is available for $5 per round and build-your-own sundaes are $3. Students in grades 4 to 6 have the option of being bused to the carnival following dismissal from school, with permission.

Students in grades PK to 3 are welcome and encouraged to participate, but must have parental supervision at all times. All Proceeds benefit the New Lebanon Travel Club and the Class of 2017. For additional information, please visit www.newlebanoncsd.org.