Local First Twin Bridges Edition 032323

Craft Supply Give & Take at the Clifton Park -Halfmoon Public Library

CLIFTON PARK -

Dates: Friday, March 24, 2023 Donation intake 2:00 - 6:00 pm, Saturday, March 25, 2023 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sunday, March 26, 2023 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Location: Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065518-371-7410

Reduce, Reuse & Recyle!

Have craft supplies you no longer need? Be sure to put them aside and drop them off between 2 and 6 PM on Friday, March 24 for the Friends of the Library Craft Swap! Then come shop on Saturday, March 25 from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday March 26 from Noon to 3 PM. Pay what you feel is fair AND support the library! What exactly is a ‘give and take’ event you might ask? It is a community wide event designed to reduce, reuse, and recycle all types of crafting materials, thus keeping it out of landfills and into the crafty hands of someone new. We will gladly accept any type of craft related supplies in good, clean, usable condition (fabric, yarn, craft paints, stamping supplies, etc.) during our one-day drop off. Everyone is welcome to donate or shop or both. This is a “Free Will” donation event which simply means that we are asking you to make a donation of what you consider to be fair in exchange for what you are receiving. All donations go towards funding programs at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library. “Craft supply Give and Take” event email address for any additional

Please see CRAFTS 4

Looking to be NCAA ticket again

MVP Arena not planning on another 20-year wait to host men’s tournament

By MARK SINGELAIS

Albany had to wait 20 years, including a three-year delay because of COVID-19, to get the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament back.

With the first- and second-round games concluding on Sunday, how long will men’s March Madness take to return to MVP Arena?

NCAA Division I men’s basketball committee member Keith Gill, who was in attendance, didn’t give a definitive answer but offered a very positive review.

“I think they certainly have put their best foot forward, but it’s really competitive and those bids go out and it’s kind of cyclical, so it’s kind of hard to handicap when the next time it will be here,” Gill, commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference, said Saturday. “But certainly there’s been nothing that’s happened during this time that would prevent it. It’s been really good. The facility has been good, the teams have had good experiences and so I think it’s really been a good event so far.”

The men’s tournament won’t be available again until at least 2027. The preliminary rounds — that is, all games played before the Final Four — are committed to sites through the 2026 tournament. The Final Four is booked through 2030.

MVP Arena general manager Bob Belber said he’s hopeful the men’s tournament will be back as soon as 2027 or 2028. The NCAA hands out bids in four-year cycles with the next round covering 2027 to 2030.

“We’ll bid on all of them,” Belber said. “I think we’ve got a better shot at getting it back sooner. My hope is we get it back in … three to five years, somewhere in there, rather than waiting anything longer than that. Certainly, don’t want to be anywhere near the number of years it was between 2003 and today.”

Belber said the NCAA bid specifications will come out in July and will be due by September or October. The NCAA will make its decisions next year. Belber said MVP Arena will bid for

the first and second rounds, as well as the regionals, which includes the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. Siena and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference are usually the hosting institutions in Albany.

Belber said Albany’s chances are better now because of $43 million in Albany County-funded improvements over the past several years that include an enclosed atrium with new elevators and escalators, new video boards and locker room renovations. He pointed to small touches such as phone chargers and hotel-style safes in every player’s locker.

“I think we have a good shot,” Belber said. “A lot of that has to do with the reinvestment in the building ... It’s something that I think is going to help us a great deal when the NCAA is looking for first-class facilities, they’re going to consider us a lot quicker now because we are a first-class facility.”

Belber said Albany could use one or two more full-service downtown hotels, though he’d heard no complaints from NCAA officials about the hotel situation.

MAAC commissioner Rich Ensor, who is retiring in May, wasn’t quite as optimistic as Belber. He pointed to the number of competing venues in the East and MVP Arena’s capacity of about 14,000 this weekend. He estimated it could be five to 15 years before the men’s tournament returns.

bigger venues, so even when we host in Buffalo, they’re at 19,000, we’re at 14,000. ... And then you have the competition of venues that are supported by institutions in the region that may have influence with the selection committee. I think in favor of Albany is the fact they don’t have a lot of (date) conflicts with pro sports and they get in (the arena) relatively easy.”

Ensor also said Albany would be helped by more full-service hotels.

The Division I women’s regional, expanded to eight teams, comes to Albany next year from March 29 to April 1. Ensor said Albany’s positive history hosting the women’s tournament could help get the men back.

This weekend was MVP Arena’s third time hosting the Division I men’s tournament. It held first- and second-round games in 1995, followed by the East Regional in 2003.

The tournament was supposed to return with first- and second-round games in 2020, but the COVID pandemic canceled the event and the NCAA reawarded it to Albany for this year.

Gill said he couldn’t find any glitches this weekend, despite a snowstorm that hit Albany with almost a foot of snow on Monday and Tuesday.

“The city did a good job of getting the streets cleared, the sidewalks

“You have to look at the number of arenas in the region, which is pretty broad,” he said. “You’re in a lot of competition. You’ve got

Political storm over snow

Officials trade barbs over access to town website, social media

By WENDY LIBERATORE

CLIFTON PARK — Just before the arrival of a storm that dumped about 12 inches of snow on the town, Clifton Park’s supervisor blocked its elected highway superintendent from posting road updates on the town’s website and social media platforms.

Surprised by the move, Superintendent Dahn Bull wrote a March 14 letter to Supervisor Phil Barrett asking why his department had been singled out for suspension of its online access.

“It appears this newly imposed restriction on posting on both the town’s website and social media platforms is limited to the highway department and that other elected officials and departments still have the ability to post, making such restrictions on the highway department arbitrary and inappropriate,” Bull wrote in

the letter delivered to Barrett’s mailbox as the snow continued to fall on Tuesday. “The highway department’s ability to communicate with the public is paramount, especially during significant weather events like the current winter storm.”

While Bull said he received no response, Barrett told the Times Union he had never received the letter. He offered no direct response to Bull’s assertion that the superintendent lost his ability to communicate with the public during the storm.

Instead, Barrett pointed to the findings of an unreleased 2022 report on town hall’s allegedly toxic work culture that was written by the law firm Bond Schoeneck & King. Barrett has declined to release the report or discuss its content — other than to claim that it includes criticism of Bull.

The two Republicans were once political allies.

Earlier this month, Bull posted a notice on the town’s website about a giveaway of salt and sand to residents before another snow-

storm. Bull said the town typically does this for residents.

But Barrett posted a letter on the town’s Facebook page saying that the giveaway was “a misuse of publicly owned material ... The highway superintendent does not have the authority to take this unilateral action.”

The apparent feud between Barrett and Bull is part of a continuing controversy at town hall after two former councilwomen accused Barrett of fueling a toxic work environment. Both women have since resigned; Bull has backed their allegations that Barrett is a driving force behind the tumult.

Barrett, who has been in office

for 24 years and is seeking a 13th term, will sit at the top of the town’s Republican ticket this November.

Bull, on the other hand, lost his GOP endorsement. Republicans have chosen to support town employee Michael Traider in June’s primary.

cleared and the sun came out, and so everything’s really been nice,” Gill said. “Community’s been great.

JIM FRANCO / TIMES UNION

Drake fans cheer for their team during the first round of the NCAA tournament against Miami on Friday at the MVP Arena in downtown Albany.

BELBER

JIM FRANCO / TIMES UNION

UConn freshman Donovan Clingan signs autographs for fans Friday after his team beat Iona in the NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena in Albany.

Please see NCAA 4

/

UNION Clifton Park Highway Superintendent Dahn Bull oversees the loading of road salt at the town garage in Clifton Park. A website announcement about a salt and sand giveaway stirred up controversy earlier this month.

Bethlehem Grange 137 Hosts a Weekend of Mid Winter Rummage Sales and an Upcoming Chicken & Biscuit Dinner

BETHLEHEM - Bethlehem Grange 137 will host the Mid Winter Rummage Sales. Friday & Saturday March 24 & 25 9-4PM. Many New or Gently used items are available. We have lots of housewares, kitchen items, linens, toys, puzzles, small kitchen appliances, small wooden furniture, records. Lots of men’s, ladies & children’s clothing & shoes are available. Jewelry, decorative items, holiday items, dishes, glassware, pictures, mirrors, books, collectibles, craft items, yarn, fabric, antiques, pet items, and so much more. You name it, you’ll most likely find it here!! If you don’t see it, please ask us!! It’s probably here!! No Tires, TV’s, or Computers are available! New Items will be added daily!! There will be lots of indoor tables of items. 2 Handicap Accessible Ramps & Handicap Accessible Bathrooms. Cash or Checks only accepted for payment. No Credit or Debit Cards accepted!!

Saturday April 1st is our Annual Chicken & Biscuit Take-Out Dinner, with dessert included. Please pre-order by Thursday March 30th, by calling Carol Carpenter at 518-421-1384. Dinner includes 2 vegetables, green beans and carrots and dessert. We’re also handicap Accessible for easy pick-up of your dinners. The Chicken & Biscuit Dinner is at Bethlehem Grange 137, at 24 Bridge St., Selkirk, NY 12158.

Defensive Driving Classes at the Beltrone Living Center

ALBANY - Roger Dames, CSSC’s Driver Fitness Coordinator, will conduct Defensive Driving Classes on the following dates:

Thursday, March 30, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM

-Saturday, April 8, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM

-Friday, April 21, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM

Classes will be held at The Beltrone Living Center, located at 6 Winners Circle in Albany, NY. Cost of the class is $25 per person due before the day of the class. To reserve your seat, call (518)459-2857 ext 340.

Afternoon Tea on the Titanic at Delmar Reformed Church

DELMAR - All are invited to an Afternoon Tea on the Titanic featuring Phyllis Chapman as “the Unsinkable Molly Brown”. Enjoy a delicious selection of tea sandwiches and fancy treats.

The tea takes place on Saturday April 22 at 1 p.m. at the Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Avenue, Delmar. Reservations are requested by April 7 as seating is limited to 60 people. The cost is $25 per person. Call Barbara at 518-439-4351 or email bbcastle08@gmail.com for info or to RSVP.

All funds raised support the work of the Bethlehem Historical Association and its Cedar Hill Schoolhouse Museum.

Selkirk Fire Dept.

Station No. 1

Auxiliary Fish Fry

Take-Out Dinners

SELKIRK - On Friday, March 24th, and Friday, April 7th of 2023, the Selkirk Fire Company No. 1 Auxiliary will be hosting their Annual Fish Fry Take Out dinners.

The monies raised from these dinners help us to provide food and gifts for families in our community during the holidays, as well as provide food for our firefighters during fire and rescue emergencies. I n addition, we offer a scholarship to an (RCS) Ravena, Coeymans, and Selkirk graduating senior.

126 Maple Avenue, Selkirk, NY 4:30 - 7 P.M.

$12.00

Dinner Includes:

Fish Fry, French Fries, Coleslaw & Dessert

Bethlehem Lutheran Church is Hosting a Seminar

“Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia”

DELMAR - Wednesday, April 5th from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Avenue Delmar NY 12054

Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.

Join us to learn about:

The impact of Alzheimer’s

The difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors.

Current research and treatments available to address some symptoms.

Alzheimer’s Association resources.

To register: bit.ly/alzseminarblc or email derenches@blcdelmar.com

There is not charge or fee for this event.

Jubilate Singers and Orchestra will Perform their 20th and Final Concert Called

“God is Love” at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

DELMAR - Jubilate

Singers and Orchestra will perform their 20th and Final concert called “God is Love” on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar NY. Admission is free but seating is limited. Call to reserve your seats at 518-4394328. For more information visit: https://www. blcdelmar.com/event-calendar/2023/4/16/jubilatesingers-and-orchestragod-is-love

$5.00 New England Clam Chowder

$5.00 Extra piece of fish

Enter to win some awesome raffle prizes!!

Sunday Bible Study - Sermon on the Mount WATERFORD - A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven. March 26 and April 2- 12:15 start time

Living Hope Metho dist Church

126 Middletown Road, Waterford, NY

“You Can Be a Freelance Writer”

Offered at SUNY Adirondack

CAPITAL DISTRICT - The Zoom course “You Can Be a Freelance Writer” (CRN: 20087) will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through SUNY Adirondack. Instructor Pauline Bartel will teach the nuts and bolts of the business plus tricks of the trade to launch a successful freelance writing business.

Registration fee is $49 and includes a course book. Register by phone (518.743.2238) by email (conted@sunyacc.edu) or online (sunyacc.edu/continuing-ed/registration).

Sons of the American Legion 1040

Monthly Breakfast Buffet -

All You Can Eat

DELMAR - Adults $12, Children $6 (under 12)

Enjoy our extensive buffet which includes omelet stations, breakfast sandwiches, eggs, break-

fast meats, potatoes, and pancakes.

Includes beverages (coffee, tea, juices)

Proceeds used to fund our various projects and programs that directly support our Veterans.

March 26, 2023 from 9 to 12 (noon)

American LegionBlanchard Post 104016 W. Poplar Drive Delmar NY

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Easter Egg Hunt

DELMAR - Bethlehem

Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Avenue, Delmar will be hosting an Easter Egg

Hunt on Saturday, March 25th with two hunts available - 10:00 am & 1:00 pm. Come and join us for children age 0 though 4th grade. We will have age specific rooms, coloring table, photo booth and lots of eggs and fun. We have two times to choose from. Grab a friend and join us!

West Albany

Fire DepartmentBreakfast with the Easter Bunny

ALBANY - Sunday

March 26, 2023

8:00AM – 12:00PM

West Albany Fire Department 113 Sand Creek Road,

Albany, NY 12205

Omelet station – eggs made to order, Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, Bacon and Sausage 50/50 Raffle, Basket

Raffle

Adults - $13.00, Seniors (60+) - $11.00

Children Ages 4-10 - $6.00, Children 3 and Under Free

POSTPONED

LECTURE“Brave and Gallant” at the Waterford

Historical Museum

WATERFORD - Due to the snowstorm, the upcoming lecture at the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center, “Brave and Gallant” Black and African-American Military Men at Saratoga, will be postponed. This lecture will be offered Tuesday, March 28 at 7pm. This lecture will be held at the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center at 2 Museum Lane, Waterford. Admission is $10 and may be paid at the door. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend a reservation to ensure a seat (seating is first come first served for those without a reservation). Contact the museum at (518) 238-0809 or info@ waterfordmuseum.com

St. Luke’s on the Hill

Annual Chowder FestDrive Thru Only

MECHANICVILLE4:30pm to 6:30pm Friday, March 31, 2023 40 McBride Road, Mechanicville, NY 12118

Purchase by the Quart only $12.00 (Served cold)

Waterford Knights of Columbus Host Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station

WATERFORD - Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes (Plain or Blueberry), French toast, Sausage, Bacon, Seasoned Home Fries, Toast, coffee, tea, orange and apple juices. Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast! Irish Coffee and Mimosa’s now available !!

WHEN: Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, 8am – 11am Every 1st Sunday of the Month

WHERE: K of C Hall, 76

Grace Street, Waterford waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330

$12.00 adult - $6.00 children (Children under 4 free)

American Red Cross Blood Drive

LOUDONVILLEGood Shepherd Lutheran Church 510 Albany Shaker Road Loudonville will be having an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, April 12th from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Walk ins are welcome if there is an available appointment when the person arrives. Any questions or to sign up contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-GiveLife or go to the American Red Cross web site.

Boght Ladies

Auxiliary Annual Garage Sale

COHOES - IndoorsRain or Shine • 8 Preston Drive, Cohoes, NY 12047 • May 13, 2023 8am to 2pm Rent a table for $25Contact Kristi at 518-608-5154

We’ve had great crowds and some wonderful basketball.”

With UConn a large attraction featuring Andre Jackson Jr. of Amsterdam, the four Friday games drew 14,010 for the afternoon session and 13,989 for the evening session. Belber said he considers that a sellout with the arena’s capacity of 14,118 because there were upper-level single seats that just didn’t sell because fans were looking for multiple tickets.

NCAA CONTINUED FROM 1 questions (folcrafterssuppliesgandt@gmail.com). We hope that you will join us in celebrating National Craft Month in March! Visit our new website for additional information: (http://www.friendsofcphlibrary.org).

msingelais@- timesunion.com A 518-454-5509 A @

MarkSingelais

CRAFTS CONTINUED FROM 1

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Rotary Club, Camp Stomping Ground & Immersion Pt Host: 4 Seasons 4k Fun Run Events

BURNT HILLS - The second installment of the new fun run series, the 4 Season 4K, will take place on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 am at Camp Stomping Ground (3430 Boyhaven Rd, Middle Grove NY). Community members, families and pets of all ages and abilities are welcome to run, walk or dance through the trails of Camp Stomping Ground.

Megan James, owner of Immersion PT & coach of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake cross country & track teams, designed the fun run series as a way to inspire new runners, and foster appreciation for our natural spaces in a fun, family-friendly environment. “It will be spring in upstate New York, so we are hoping for a muddy run to kick off the season!” says James.

Laura Kriegel, Executive Director of Camp

Stomping

Ground, is excited to welcome the local community to the property to highlight the rehabilitation work that has been done at camp since 2020, including the recently-completed renovation of the 1830’s farmhouse. “Camp is all about gathering and building community. We are looking forward to hosting this event and sharing this beautiful space with the local community,” says Kriegel.

Proceeds from the events will go to BH-BL Rotary Club, which supports many other local organizations and events, including Camp Stomping Ground, and Immersion PT’s “Team Teen” programming for young female athletes.

The new trail will tour through Camp Stomping Ground’s infrastructure, existing trails and the neighboring NYS Forest. Participants should note that trail runs in some areas are ungroomed so caution and surefootedness are advised. The spring run will also highlight maple syrup-based creations for post-run snacking, local maple syrup for sale, and non-traditional prizes, including one for the muddiest runner & the person who brings the “biggest squad” to the run. There will be no time-based, age-group or overall placing awards at any of the events in this series. Tickets to the event can be purchased through: https:// campstompingground.org/4s4k

Note: In the event of extreme weather or extenuating circumstances, the race will be postponed to Saturday, April 8 at 10:00am. Updates will be posted on our registration page.

Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus

Spaghetti

and Meatball Dinner

LATHAM - On Saturday, April 22nd 2023, the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus along with Steve and Jude Chiera are hosting a Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus Council, 328 Troy Schenectady Road.

Serving from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Dine In and Take Out options are available!

Menu; Tossed Salad, Italian Bread, Spaghetti and Meatballs and Dessert.

Reservations 518 892 3750 or 518 783 0572, $15 per person.

Two TownsOne Book Lincoln Highway Luncheon at Halfmoon Senior Center

HALFMOON - Date:

Sunday, April 16th at 12:30 pm

Location: Halfmoon Senior Center - 2 Halfmoon Town Plaza, Halfmoon NY 12065 - 518-371-7410

Directions to Town Hall

Enjoy a delicious luncheon at the Halfmoon Senior Center – the main course, Fettuccini Mio Amore, prepared by Chef Michael Hinrichs, Production Chef at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael has served as chef at many prominent local establishments including The Inn at Erlowest and the Sagamore Resort, both on Lake George. Michael will share some stories about his career in upstate New York.

In our Book of the Year, The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, the characters share a delicious meal together. The author, Amor Towles, provides a recipe for the pasta creation (dedicated to a childhood friend) on his website. Chef Michael will create that meal, adding his creative skills and expertise to make something we’ll all enjoy. The luncheon will include salad, Italian bread from Perecca’s bakery in Schenectady, the main course, Fettucine Mio Amore, special desserts prepared by our FOL Hospitality Committee, and coffee. Your check is your reservation. Make checks payable to Friends of the CPH Library with Lincoln Highway on the memo line. Mail checks to Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065. We hope to have a full house – 90 tickets are available.

Two Towns-One Book:

Clifton Park & Halfmoon Read! was created to bring the people in our Library community together through the shared reading and discussion of a common book. Our choices inspire rich discussion and community activities and encourage younger readers to participate through companion books and related activities.

Community members interested in volunteering for project activities or events should contact Linda Conklin at lindaconklin9@gmail.com. Visit our new website, http://www.friendsofcphlibrary.org for additional information.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

89 Old Canal Road, Halfmoon

a wall of windows, and all three bedrooms.

SHANNON FROMMA

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Mohawk River sits 89 Old Canal Road, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with 50 feet of water access and an attached rental unit. Conveniently located between Route 9 and I-87 in Halfmoon, the first floor features a galley-style kitchen, hardwood floors and natural light-filled living room with a wood-burning fireplace. All three bedrooms are located on the second floor, separated from a wall of expansive windows by sliding glass doors, and what’s dubbed a bonus room/ solarium. There’s also a large front yard and partially finished basement. The attached 900-square-foot rental includes two bedrooms, one bathroom and a laundry

space. It is currently renting for $900 a month. List price: $549,900. Taxes: $3,900 with exemptions. For more information, contact Bridget Archer, Sterling Real Estate Group, at 631-943-6797 or archerdesignny@ gmail.com.

PHOTOS BY KRISTI BENSON

The home sits atop a hill overlooking the Mohawk River and includes a rental unit.

Prayer

Meeting LOUDONVILLE - 4th Saturday of each month Christ Our Light RC Church, Parish Hall 1 Maria Drive, LoudonvilleTime: 11:00am SHARP! Until: 12:30pm - April 22, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, 2023 Check us out on: WWW.AlbanyCCR.org

Did You Know?

Home renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States in 2022, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement,

installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular. According to the Canadian lifestyle resource Icy Canada, which culled various data points and sources, window and door upgrades, kitchen and bath remodels and deck projects are the most popular renovations in Canada.

“Practice Kindness,” Hoffman Car Wash’s initiative to spread positivity and goodwill in the communities we serve.

This Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

Keep your car shining and protected while making a difference between March 24-26! When you upgrade your wash for $5 to include Ceramic Shield & Shine + Rain-X all proceeds will be donated to your local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Fundraising Made Easy!

Hoffman Helping Hands was designed to help you quickly and easily raise funds for your organization. Just sell Hoffman Car Wash tickets in-person or online and keep 50% of the profits. It’s a perfect fundraiser for any sized school, church, organization, or group and works well any time of year.

Learn more at HoffmanCarWash.com