For the past 33 years the Stephentown Historical Society has hosted a Strawberry Festival, which is enjoyed by many near and far. Plans are in the beginning stages for the June event, but, because of the aging membership, help will be needed this year. To serve everyone who comes, 180 to 200 lbs. of strawberries need to be picked and then hulled and sliced. Without help the event might not happen this year. If you have enjoyed the strawberry shortcake in the past and are willing to help, please call Bill Zimmerman at 794-8430 or Bev McClave at 733-5170.
Liberty Flag Flies At Hoosick Falls Central School
submitted by Gail Smith
At 7:20 am on Friday, May 8, students got off their buses, checked into their homerooms, then returned to watch the flag-raising ceremony at the School flagpole, led by Anna Brewer, Jake Restino and Stephanie Merwin, all participants in the program at the Pacific National Cemetery in Honolulu. [Read more…] about Liberty Flag Flies At Hoosick Falls Central School
Read A Book—Pass It On At Stephentown Memorial Library!
Select libraries in Albany and Rensselaer counties are inviting teens to “Read It Forward” this summer. Interested young people in grade 6 to 12 will receive a copy of a featured book chosen by librarians. After finishing the book, each teen will pass it on to a friend, who will continue the chain. In the spirit of sharing, there are no due dates, no late fees, no lost-book charges—only the pleasure of reading a good book and passing it on.
A collaborative project of the Upper Hudson Library System, Read It Forward will highlight quality teen literature and foster reading and communication among teens. Schools and parents are also encouraged to participate.
Stop by the Stephentown Memorial Library desk for a copy of the book. Tips for teens, teachers and parents on how to talk about the book will be available on the library website, www.stephentownlibrary.org.
Stephentown Memorial Library is planning several programs in support of Read It Forward; check the library website for details. “Read It Forward” will continue through the summer.
Find out how sharing a good book makes great conversation! Call 518-733-5750 for more information.
The Quack Is Back!
St. Mary’s Academy Duck Race is a fun, family-friendly event is hosted by Brown’s Brewery at 50 Factory Hill Road in North Hoosick, New York.
The Second Annual “Quack” will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 3 to 7 pm. The highlight of this event is a quarter-mile rubber-ducky race down the Walloomsac River.
Ducks are on sale now for $10 each, or 3 ducks for $20. First place wins $1000, second place $250, and third place $100.
The atmosphere will include carnival games and food, live entertainment and, of course, the main attraction-the duck race!
Everyone had a such a great time last year that this event has become the newest tradition in our wonderful Hoosick community. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy it. The ducks will be launched at 5:30 pm. While playing the games and eating some great food, you can enjoy music by fab DJ Ben Patten. Last year we sold out so don’t delay. You can get your Lucky Duck ticket or Quack Pack at St. Mary’s Academy, Thorpe’s Pharmacy, and Bagel ‘n Brew. For more information please call St. Mary’s Academy at 518-686-4314.
Grafton Library Hosts Plant And Book Sale
The Grafton Community Library, 2455 NY Route 2, will be the site of a multi-sale event on Saturday, June 6. Doors open at 9 am for the Plant and Book Sale, which will run until 1 pm. Proceeds from the plant sale benefit the Lillis Bunce Memorial Award for Grafton high school seniors.
The library will gladly welcome donations of labeled, non-invasive plants during the preceding week. Plants may be dropped off at the rear of the library. Call 269-9520 with any questions about plant donations.
Book sale will be in the basement. Stop by the library to pick up some fresh reading material, and plants to enhance your garden. You never know what you will find! Visit the Grafton Community Library on Facebook or www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more news about programs and events, or call 279-0580.
5 Hour Pre-Licensing Class
A2Z Driving School is sponsoring the required five-hour pre-licensing course at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation on Danforth Street, Hoosick Falls, NY on Thursday, May 28 beginning promptly at 3:30 pm. The registration fee is $40 prepaid, or $50 at the door. Checks should be made payable to A2Z Driving School. A valid NYS driver’s permit is required. Successful completion of this class, which includes passing a test, provides the student with the necessary paperwork (MV-278) to take the NYS Driver’s Test and is valid for one year.
You must pre-register at 518-686-4854.
HFCS Jazz Band To Perform At Troy Night Out Arts Event
You just never know where you’re going to find the Hooosick Falls Central Schools Jazz Band. They’ve got more gigs than some of our favorite professional bands.
For those of you who are faithful followers, you’ll find them performing during Troy Night Out at the Arts Center at 264 River Street in Troy. [Read more…] about HFCS Jazz Band To Perform At Troy Night Out Arts Event
Rudy Helmo, Rensselaer County And Pittstown Expressionist Artist On Exhibit May 29 To August 28
The Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS) in historic downtown Troy debuts a new exhibit on Rudy Helmo, Rensselaer County’s Expressionist Artist on Friday, May 29 as part of Troy Night Out, from 5 to 8 pm. The exhibit runs through August 28.
Volunteers Needed For Trails Clean-Up
National Trails Day is the perfect time to clean up local parks. On Saturday, June 6, the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park (GLSP) and Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center are hosting the 22nd Annual National Trails Day. Both parks invite volunteers of all ages to help clean up and improve trails on Saturday morning and indulge in the trail activities they enjoy most in the afternoon.
Registration begins at 9 am at both parks; refreshments and snacks will be available. Cleanup and improvement of both trail systems will take place between 9 am and noon, followed by a complimentary barbecue picnic for all volunteers. After the barbecue, participants are encouraged to enjoy the trails and parks. Reservations must be made in advance for the barbecue. Call the GLSP Office or Dyken Pond Office no later than June 4. For more information, call 279-1155 or 658-2055.
Upcoming Events At Bennington Battlefield, GLSP And Cherry Plain State Park
Saturday, May 23 – Grafton Lakes State Park Beach Opens for The Season! Open daily 10 am-6 pm through Labor Day! Gate fees are now $8/vehicle
Camping opens at Cherry Plain Memorial Day Weekend. Camping and swimming are weekends only until June 26, then daily through Labor Day. Camping reservations available through www.reserveamerica.com. Gate fees are $7/vehicle.
4th Annual Geocache Challenge Begins in the Capitol Region! Using a hand-held GPS or smart phone App, go on a treasure hunt in your local state parks and historic sites! Free! Program will get you and the kids outside all summer! Call your local park for how to sign up!
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Sand Sculpture Contest from 12 to 3 pm. Register at noon by the Beach Nature Center at Long Pond. Bring your shovels, props and your creativity as extra points are given for originality! Prizes for everyone!
Saturday, May 30 – Morning Bird Walk to the Dickinson Fire Tower at 7:30 am. Join local birder for a morning walk through the park’s forests, ending with spectacular views from above at the Dickinson Fire Tower. Meets at North Long Pond parking lot. Pre-registration required: 279-1155.