Rensselaer County Bulletins 041416

Rensselaer County

Bulletin Board 13 DAY HOLLAND AMERICA ALASKA CRUISE TOUR Join the Mad Hatters Chapter of the Red Hat Society for a trip of a lifetime - a land-cruise to Alaska - 8 days on a beautiful air-conditioned bus- starts June 20th - July 2nd, 2016. This trip is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. We leave Anchorage, and then we board a dome rail car of the McKinley explorer to Denali for a 2 night stay. Go on the unforgettable Tundra Wilderness Tour. See Mt. McKinley and Denali’s wolves, dall sheep, caribou, and beautiful moose and bear. Pan gold, we will also travel by Yukon River paddle-wheeler a beautiful trip. Then we are off to the Yukon (passport required) Dawson City hosts Gold Tooth Gerties and the famous toe cocktail, drink it if you dare.

We will visit Whithorse and drive on the road the Ice Road Truckers drive. In Fraser, we board historic White Pass old time train to Skagway. In Skagway, we board our ship the Nieuw Amsterdam. Our trip will end in Vancouver. On board the ship you will have as amenities - Free beverage package, Free pinnacle grill dinner, free or reduced cruise fares for 3rd or 4th guests. Also reduced, 50% reduced deposit.

Price for balcony stateroom is $3,928 - $500 deposit per person. Other prices are available for other staterooms.

Call Mary at 518-733-0009 or email me at ladyhawke334@ aol.com.

HIGHLIGHT ACTING TROUPE PRESENTS “FOUR WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS” The Highlight Acting Troupe presents “Four Weddings And An Elvis” on April 15, 16, 22, 23 at 8 PM; and April 17, 24 at 2 PM at the Brunswick Grange, Rt. 7 and 142. “Four Weddings And An Elvis”, written by Nancy Frick, will be directed by Andrew Osterhout with Dianne DeSantis & Bryan Jackson assisting.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.

For reservations, call Tina at 272-7558. Join us for this romantic comedy where our four-time-marriedthree-time-divorced owner of a wedding chapel in Las Vegas, has certainly seen her fair share of matrimonies! In the hilarious production, we witness four of her most memorable. This show contains adult themes, adult language. Parental guidance is suggested.

dition to success in rehoming thousands of dogs, they are a community service organization with programs helping those in need with the cost of pet ownership. Their therapy dogs visit schools and nursing homes and participate in many events throughout the community. For more information about Out of the Pits, please visit their website at Out of the Pits. Org or follow them on facebook at Out of the Pits, Inc. You can help with their mission by enjoying breakfast or lunch at the restaurant from 6am to 2pm or their Italian Buffet dinner from 5 to 8pm. Take-out and delivery are available from 8am to 10pm. Contact Carol’s Place at www.

CarolsToGo.com or by calling 271-7700.

EAST SIDE QUILTERS BUS TRIP TO QUILT SHOW Join East Side Quilters for a bus trip to the XXXVII quilt show of the Northern Star Quilt Guild in Danbury, CT, on Saturday, April 30th. Many of the guild’s members have had their work juried into nationally- and Internationallyknown shows. See past shows at: www.northernstarquilters.com Free lectures will be given by Linda Poole (www. lindampoole.com) and Mickey Lawler (www.skydyes.com).

Over 30 vendors. $40 includes bus ride, show admission and tip for the Driver. Bus cut-off April 23rd or sooner when bus is full. Bus will make one stop on the way down and brief dinner stop on return trip. Get on the bus at Wal-Mart, Rt. 4, Rensselaer (7:15 am) or Crossgates Commons (behind PetSmart) at 7:30 am; depart Danbury at 4:30 pm. Make checks payable to: East Side Quilters. Contact Pat Piniazek, patpen1018@gmail.com; 518 577-0491.

TOWN OF E. G. HYDRANT/WATER MAIN FLUSHING SCHEDULE April, 2016 General Water District April 18 - MON – 3rd Ave Ext. and all streets off it. Deer Run Development, Birchwood Development, Flora Circle, Oriel Lane and August Gate Development.

OUT OF THE PITS FUNDRAISER

April 19 - TUE - Route 4 (Troy Rd) and all streets off it, Thompson Hill Rd. Rd., Tech Valley Dr., Paul and Glaz St., Old Red Mill Rd., Red Mill Estates, Luther Rd., Donna Lynn, Columbia Dr., Old Troy Road ending at Iroquois Pl.

Carol’s Place, located at 536-540 Pawling Ave, Troy, is hosting a restaurant day on Thursday, April 21st, donating 15% of sales to benefit Out of the Pits, a not for profit organization. Founded in 1994, Out of the Pits seeks to educate the public about the true nature of the American Pit Bull Terrier with efforts focusing on restoring the breed to its former position as one of America’s favorite breed of dog. In ad-

April 21 - THU - All streets on south side of 9/20 from Schodack Town Line Middlesex, Van Buren, Bloomingdale, Hays Rd., Taylor Estates, Kriss Krossing, Short end of Phillips Rd.,

April 20 - WED - All streets on north side of 9/20 between Elliot Rd and Schodack Town Line., Albany Pl., Tamarack Ln., Greenwood Dr., Electric Ave., Horizonview Dr., Includes Huntswood Est.

Rensselaer County

Bulletin Board Gilligan Rd., Ternan Ave. April 22 - FRI - Phillips Rd., Sherwood Park and Woodland Park 9/20 and Barber Dr., Celeste Dr., to Ridge Rd to Rensselaer City line, Prospect Hghts., Clinton Pk., City Line including all streets off it.

Hampton Manor Water District April 26 - TUE - Complete flushing Hampton Manor Water District including Lakeview Ave. Flushing will begin at 8:00 am. During flushing, water pressure will be reduced. Water may become discolored due to iron and manganese deposits in the mains. Residents should limit their use of water for cooking and laundering during flushing in their areas.

East Greenbush Water Department (518) 477-9367

NYS DEFENSIVE DRIVING CLASS On Saturday, April 16th, 2016, from 9AM to 3PM there will be a New York State approved Defensive Driving Class to Benefit the Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Southern Rensselaer County. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years & be eligible to receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines.

The class will be held at the Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Southern Rensselaer County, 544 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144.

Fee is only $35 - bring a friend $30 each. Registration is required and can be made by calling the Club at 518-4653403 or Raymond Frankoski at 518-286-3788.

Class size is limited. Additional information is available by calling Ray Frankoski.

WILD EDIBLE FOOD SERIES David Muska, a licensed NYS Wilderness Guide and Wilderness Skills Instructor, with over 20 years of wilderness experience from Ondatra Adventures, will be instructing a five-part Wild Edible Food Series at Dyken Pond Center.

The first two programs will be on April 17th and May 22nd from 10am – 3pm. In this series, you will be introduced to the edible foods of the Dyken Pond Natural area and the greater Northeastern US. This is a hands-on series of classes which will include cooking and eating the foods we gather. Each class costs $30; $25 members. Sign up for all five programs in advance and save on the total cost. The complete Wild Edible Series can be found at: www.dykenpond.org as well as all other Dyken Pond Center programs.

Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting the Center at dykenpond@fairpoint.net or (518) 658-2055.

SAND LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH Sand Lake Baptist Church, 2960 NY 43, Averill Park will hold Worship Service and Children’s Church at 11AM on

Sunday mornings. A verse by verse journey through the lens of God’s Word 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Prayer and Bible Study at 6:30PM on Wednesdays.

Communion is the first Sunday of each month and Worship service is every other Sunday at 7PM.

SHOW UP TO EXHALE YOUR STRESS and INHALE SOME PEACE Casual church around the dinner table. 3-D: Dinner, Discussion, and Devotions--with relaxing live music and singing.

Life -enhancing intergenerational discussions.

Mondays 6:00-8:00, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1583 Carney Road, Castleton, NY. Arrive when you can. Leave when you like. Educational craft table in the same room for children and youth.

Loving-Nurturing-Healing space for families, individuals, and friends. ~ Pastor Dion Marquit, MDiv., MSEd. 518-915-3393.

WE ARE GLORY BOUND! St. Henry’s Church in Averill Park is preparing to welcome you to our 2016 MISSION “We Are Glory Bound!” from April 26 through April 28th, beginning at 7 PM each night. As we celebrate the Year of Mercy which Pope Francis initiated, we look forward to sharing the ways we can encourage each other to be merciful to ourselves, to each other and to all others.

The church will be open for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each evening from 6:00 to 6:50 PM for those who desire quiet time for prayer and reflection. Each evening includes a presentation, time for sharing and time for socializing. Call 674-3818 to inquire about babysitting assistance, and we will try to accommodate your needs.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 6:50 PM. We encourage you to join us for each evening. We will offer live-streaming of each evening presentation and will also have a video of each presentation that can be uploaded conveniently from our website at http://www.sthenrysaverillpark.org for viewing at another time. Contact Sister Rosemary at 674-3818 or sisterro550@aol.com should you have any questions. All are welcome! Visit www.crcards.org

LEARN ABOUT ISLAM FROM A CATHOLIC PRIEST! All are cordially invited to join St. Michael the Archangel Parish in welcoming Fr. Jim Kane, Diocesan Director of Evangelization and Interreligious Affairs. Father Kane will celebrate the 10AM Mass at St. Michael’s on Sunday, April 24th. After Mass, Father will talk with us about this growing, World-Wide religion of Islam:

Rensselaer County

Bulletin Board • the origins and history of Islam, followed by 1.6 billion people, 23% of global population • similarities and key differences in articles of faith between Christians and Muslims • the very difficult challenges created by 9/11 and subsequent terrorist attacks committed by extremists in the name of Islam.

Lunch will be provided, so please plan to come, learn facts about the Islam faith, help us to communicate and empathize with our Muslim neighbors, and strive together to disarm fears and misunderstandings so prevalent in the current political conversations today.

Call to reserve a seat and lunch! Parish office at 518-2836110 or Ellen Hotz at 518-283-4286.

SUNDAY EVENING SUNDAY SCHOOL at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday School at Trinity Lutheran Church continues to grow with more children attending on Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. Classes are held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on April l7, May 1, May 15, and June 12th, which will be the last day until the Fall.

Many children participated in our Easter Service and they did a wonderful job. So if you have any children (ages from three years and on up until confirmation age) and would like them to join, please feel free to bring them. They do so many hand-on Projects which are displayed throughout the church, and what a good job they do expressing their love for Jesus Christ and His teachings! If you have any questions, please call Jane Meissner at 766-5675 or at 937-2849! Trinity Church has their Sunday Worship at 9:00 A.M. on Sunday mornings and begins with a musical guitar offering and the lighting of candles! Holy Communion is offered each Sunday for those who wish to partake. The office phone is 674-5501 or email us at wsltrinity@juno.com. We are located at the four corners of West Sand Lake on Church Way next to the Rite Aid Store...one can also hear the beautiful chimes playing throughout the village.

BIBLE STUDY at CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER Hallelujah! We invite you to join us for Bible Study on Wednesday at 7:00 pm as we read John 20:1-25, The Resurrection. The fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies gives us grace, peace, a mission, and the power to live the life God has provided.

Our Sunday services are at 8:00 and 9:30 am, with Sunday School at 9:00. Join us after each service in the Hearth Room for light refreshments.

The church, which is fully handicap accessible, is located at

1249 Third Street, Rensselaer, at the corner of Third and Catherine Streets, on CDTA bus route #214. If you have any questions, please contact Mother Nancy at 518-3266722 or email RedeemerRensselaer@outlook.com. Our website is www.RedeemerRensselaer.com.

SAVE THE DATE! SL ECUMENICAL VBS Save the Date! Sand Lake Ecumenical VBS invites you to join us for Cave Quest VBS, Sunday, July 24 –Thursday, July 28, 2016, 5:45pm-8:30pm, at the Salem United Methodist Church, 349 Shaver Rd, West Sand Lake of Rte. 150.

At Cave Quest VBS, kids learn that Jesus’ love lights our way and no matter the challenge, God is always with us- to give us hope, courage, direction and love! Learning about the power of God’s love will help your child feel grounded in their faith and confident about sharing it with others.

We’re looking forward to sharing this exciting event with the children and parents in the community.

Registration for children ages 3 and older opens on April 17th. There is no registration fee. You can get your registration forms on or after April 17th in the church offices of Salem United Methodist, Church of the Covenant, St. Henry’s, Zion’s United Church of Christ of Taborton, or Trinity Lutheran Church. Or, you can request one be sent to you via email by contacting us at sandlakevbs@yahoo.com. If you have any questions, please call Melissa Barber at 817-5320. All are welcome!

EASTER LIVES ON! The theme of worship at Nassau Reformed Church on April 17, 2016 will be based on Acts 9:36-43, the story of a beloved member of the church who dies leaving a legacy of caring and sharing for the poor. Peter is called from a nearby town to come and raise the woman to life. In the sermon, titled “Easter Lives On,” the Reverend Edward L. Van Kampen will focus on Easter, the power of God in the risen Christ, which continues in the world. In the resurrection of the crucified Jesus, God shows God’s intentions for all creation. Among the poor and the wretched of the world, among those who are trapped, helpless, and hopeless, Easter goes on. Join us and come to more fully appreciate this Good News!

The Nassau Reformed Church worships at 11 a.m. in its chapel on the second level of its Church-School-Building, 43 Church Street (Route 20).

THE CHURCH OF THE COVENANT INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO WORSHIP! • Sunday, April 17, 8:30 a.m. - Worship and Communion in the sanctuary; 9:15 Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Worship in the sanctuary with choir and organ. Professional child care provided. 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hour in the social

Rensselaer County

Bulletin Board hall. Noon - 1:30 pm, Empty Bowls meal in the social hall.

Empty Bowls is a soup-and-bread symbolic meal that reminds us that this is the only sustaining meal some people have. A free will offering to benefit Doors of Hope will be collected. This meal is open to the public.

• Saturday, April 16, 7:30 a.m. - Men’s Communion Breakfast in the social hall. Men wishing to join us may reserve a seat at the table by calling Ralph LaMontagna at 674-1563.

• Friday, April 22 - Blood Drive 1:00 pm.

• Wednesday, April 27 - Potluck supper at 6:00 pm in the social hall, program at 7:00. The Holden family will present an update and overview of their years working in the Dominican Republic. Bring a food item to share and your place setting.

• Mark your calendar: Spring Clothing Only Rummage Sale - May 6 & 7, 9:00 - 2:00 each day.

Office hours are 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Church of the Covenant, the round church near the blinker in Averill Park. Rev. Joe Auslander 674-3664.

BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY at EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Open the First & Third Thursday each Month from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Next Date: April 21 Helping our Neighbors in need in the Greater Poestenkill area from the Evangelical Lutheran Church near the flashing light in the Village of Poestenkill. Delivery service also available for those unable to get out to our Pantry. Call 283-6045. We are here to serve those going through short term or long term economic hardship or difficulty.

West Sand Lake for Worship.

Our Services: Sunday School 10AM; Sunday Worship 11AM; Wednesday 7PM. Nursery for ALL Services. www.firstbiblebaptistchurchwsl.com

LIFE IN CHRIST FELLOWSHIP All our welcome to join us at Life In Christ Fellowship located at the corner of 5 N. Nassau Rd and Renss. Co. RT 18 for our 10:30AM Sunday services. Come with an expectant heart, a willingness to have fun & a seriousness to learn how awesome God really is! For directions, please call 766-3026.

LOVE LUTHERAN CHURCH High definition television has changed how we look at the world around us, how we enjoy comedies and dramas – even old restored movies. Nature shows especially come alive with HD, allowing us to visualize ourselves in the middle of a rain forest, relaxing at the beach or skiing the Alps under a vibrant blue sky. The resurrection of our Lord was a high definition event, allowing us to vividly see Him as our Good Shepherd as we visualize a secure eternal future to which He leads us. Join us as we mark Good Shepherd Sunday with a sermon entitled “Vision HD,” based on Revelation 7:9-17.

Come be our guest as we worship the risen Christ this Sunday at 10:00 AM. Love Lutheran Church is located at Middlesex Road and Pheasant Lane in East Greenbush.

For more information, a summary of this Sunday sermon, or directions, please visit our website: www.lovelutheran.net, or call 477-8685.

ST. PAUL’S UMC

RESERVE NOW FOR OAKWOOD’S ANNUAL DAFFODIL BRUNCH

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Carney Road, Castleton.

Sunday, April 17, the Friends of Oakwood will hold their annual brunch and it’s still only $18.00 pp.

• Tuesdays at 3:30 Yoga.

This popular event offers a feast of stuffed French toast, bacon, quiches, baked goods, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, baked ham and more. The noon seating will also offer $5 mimosas (cash only).

• 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30, Café Theo - an organized, relaxed discussion circle for flexible folks comfortable with a progressive, theological, philosophical, spiritual, interfaith, scientific and sometimes mystical bent.

If this sounds interesting, call D. Marquit; MSEd., MDiv. 518-915-3393.

GRACE UMC Grace United Methodist Church, Nassau.

• Wednesdays at 4:00 - Topical study/discussion gathering at Valatie Bar and Grill. RSVP: D. Marquit 518-915-3393.

FIRST BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH of WSL Please join the First Bible Baptist Church, 4331 RT 150,

Dine amid intricate mosaics, rich oak furnishings and magnificent Tiffany windows. Enjoy the beauty of the Earl Chapel where souvenir gargoyle key rings will be available for $10 each.

Take a stroll among thousands of daffodils or experience a ride through the cemetery in one of Jack Byrne’s antique cars as you view Oakwood’s ornate monuments.

Reservations are a must, and limited to 100 people/seating. Sells out fast. Call 1-800-556-6273 for your choice of time: 10:00 am or 12:00 noon. State name, phone, time, # of people. Children under 5 are free but must have re-

Rensselaer County

Bulletin Board served seats.

WINE, DINE and STEIN to BENEFIT ST. ANNE INSTITUTE St. Anne Institute will host its Wine, Dine and Stein annual fundraiser on Friday, April 15, 2016, from 6:00pm until 10:00pm at the Normanside Country Club in Delmar, NY. The evening will feature wine, craft beer, and spirits tasting, with delicious food stations and delectable desserts. A Silent Auction and a prize drawing will be held, and music will be provided by Anthony Michael Sax and Liza & Bob Play the Classics.

office at (518)273-6859. The Pawling Avenue United Methodist Church is located at 520 Pawling Avenue in Troy. Plan now to attend for a delicious, homemade meal.

TIME CHANGE EMPTY BOWLS On April 17th, serving time is 12Noon to 1:30PM. This fundraising endeavor to benefit the Food Pantry at Doors of Hope, is at Church of the Covenant, United Methodist, Averill Park, NY RT43.

Bring your own bowl or use church bowls for this modified EMPTY BOWLS. Free will donation to sample soups of local vendors with bread.

A special part of this year’s event will be the presentation of Awards of Appreciation to members of the community who have supported St. Anne Institute in a variety of ways. The “Spirit of the Community Award” will be presented to Marri Aviza, of Rumors Salon & Spa, a former St. Anne Foundation Board member. “Community Partnership Awards” will be presented to two Albany organizations: The Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. and the Albany Citizens’ Review Board.

Thank you for your support prior 9 years.

All proceeds from this event will benefit St. Anne Institute, a private voluntary, non-sectarian not-for-profit residential and community-based treatment center located in Albany, NY.

John Panichi

For further information, contact the St. Anne Institute Development Office at (518) 437-6563.

ANNUAL ROAST BEEF DINNER and BAKE SALE at HOPE UMC Hope United Methodist Church will hold its annual Roast Beef Dinner and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 23rd, from 4:30-6:30PM. The church is located on the corner of Garfield Road and Rte. 2 in Eagle Mills. The dinner is served family style and includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, peas, cabbage salad, rolls, homemade pie, and beverage.

The cost will be $13.00 for adults, $7.00 for children 6-10 yrs., and children 5 and under are free. For reservations, please call 279-9601.

SPAGHETTI and MEATBALL DINNER at PAWLING AVE UMC The Pawling Avenue United Methodist Church invites you to a Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Dinner will be served from 5:00 to 6:30 P.M. The menu will be spaghetti with homemade sauce and homemade meatballs, tossed salad, Italian bread, dessert and beverage.

Adult meals are $10, meals for children 6 to 12 years of age are $5, and meals for children 5 and under are free. Take-out will be available.

Tickets can be purchased at the door on Saturday, April 23rd, and reservations can be made by calling the church

~ Missions Commission, C.O.C., U.M.

ST. JUDE the APOSTLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD DINNER St. Jude the Apostle Roman Catholic Church and School with Rev. Anthony F. Ligato, Pastor & Erin L. Baker, Principal are proud to announce the 2015 St. Jude the Apostle Community Service Award Honorees: Jerome Frost (Posthumously) The event will be held on May 2, 2016, at the Franklin Terrace Banquet House, 123 Campbell Ave., Troy, NY. Cocktails at 6PM and Dinner at 7PM. Tickets are $50 per person.

Silent and Live Auction. For reservations, call 283-1162 or email StJude@nycap.rr.com.

The St. Jude the Apostle Community Service Award Dinner benefits the St. Jude the Apostle School Tuition Assistance Program and the Education Fund.

STEPHENTOWN VALLEY ROD & GUN CLUB CHICKEN PARMESAN DINNER The Stephentown Valley Rod & Gun Club will host a Chicken Parmesan Dinner on Saturday, April 16th. Event runs from 1PM to 6PM and Dinner is served at 4PM. Dinner Serving: Chicken Parmesan & Pasta, Sausage & Meatballs, Tossed Salad & Bread; 1 Free Draft/Wine/Soda with admission. $12.50 Donation/Adult; $5 Children 12 and under; Children 5 and under are Free. For tickets, stop at the club or call 7665350. Door Prizes ~ 50/50 Drawing ~ Games of Chance.

WSL FIRE CO. GIFFY’S BBQ It’s Time to BBQ. The West Sand Lake Fire Company is hosting a Giffy’s Chicken BBQ on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016, from 4PM to 6PM at the West Sand Lake Fire Hall. The 1/2 Chicken dinner is $11 and the 1/2 Chicken separate is $7.

The dinner includes 1/2 chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, roll, butter, cookie and drink. Dinners are take-out only. For more information or reservations, please call Jim Salisbury at 674-0604. Call now for reservations, it does sell out!

Rensselaer County

Bulletin Board For reservations the day of the BBQ, please call 674-3677.

GILEAD’S BODY & SOUL PANTRY For those people who have not needed pantry items or have not been able to get to us, we would like you to know that we are still alive and well. We will be here if and when you need us.

It appears that Thursday, April 28th, will be our last meal until September. Pantry and Dinner Hours are 3PM to 6PM. We may have saved the best to last. We have heard the request for beef and here it is. Our meal is roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and rolls. We do not know what dessert will be yet, but I’m sure we will have something good.

For our first time visitors, we are located in the Fellowship Hall of Gilead Lutheran Church. You can find the church at the intersection of Routes 7 & 278 in Brunswick.

SOUTH SCHODACK FIRE COMPANY CHICKEN BBQ & FAMILY FUN DAY The South Schodack Fire Company is having a take-out only Chicken Barbecue on Saturday, April 23, from 1 – 3 pm. The dinners are $10 each and include a half of chicken, baked potato, cabbage slaw, corn and roll. There are only 200 chicken dinners being cooked and it is first-come, first-served!

Also on Saturday, April 23, the fire company is having its annual Free Family Fun Day, from 10 am to 3 pm, 1567 Bame Rd, Castleton. The day will include a chance to watch firefighters breach a wall, learn how to use a fire extinguisher, spray water with a fire hose and participate in “Water Wars.” The fire trucks will be available for inspections, both inside and out. Explore the station and equipment. Our firefighters will be happy to give you a tour and answer your questions. Everyone living in the district who is at least 16 years of age is eligible to join the company, either as a social member to support the department or as an active firefighter. Applications will be available. Our partners for EMS, Castleton Volunteer Ambulance Service, will be there to show you their equipment and also provide free blood pressure readings. Join us for free refreshments and to learn more about how your fire company serves you!

5th ANNUAL TASTE and TOAST

$35 per person, reservations required. Help us enhance the education of our students! RSVP and register at www.averillparkef.org <http://www.averillparkef.org/> or mail a check payable to: Averill Park Education Foundation, PO Box 56, Averill Park, NY 12018.

CASTLETON FIRE CO. SUNDAY BREAKFAST The Castleton Fire Company located at 11 Green Avenue, Castleton, will be holding Sunday Breakfasts from 8AM to Noon. The breakfast will be held on the 1st Sunday of each month through May, 2016. Prices: Adults/$8, Seniors/$7, Children ages 5-10/$5, and children under 5 are free. Mark your calendar to join us on April 3, 2016; and May 1, 2016.

Hope to see you there.

HOAGS CORNERS FIRE DEPT. CHILI COOK-OFF The 1st Annual Hoags Corners Fire Department Chili CookOff will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, from 11AM to 3PM. The Chili Cook-Off is being held at the Hoags Corners Firehouse, 7237 Route 66, East Nassau.

Whether you want to cook and compete, or you just want to eat, come on down and join us! For information on how to enter, please email Jritchie@hoagscornersfire.org.

GIFFY’S CHICKEN BBQ The Troy Kiwanis Club is again holding their annual Giffy’s BBQ to raise money for much needed kid’s projects in the Troy area on Friday, May 13th, 4-6PM at St. Michael’s Church (Next to HVCC), 175 Williams Road, Troy. Cost: $12.00 ticket gets you a full ½ chicken dinner including baked potato, coleslaw, roll, butter, dessert and a drink.

TAKE-OUT or EAT-IN. Call Dean for tickets at 322-0826.

GRAFTON FIRE DEPT. & LADIES AUX. BANQUET The Grafton Fire Department & Ladies Auxiliary invites you to their banquet on Saturday, May 21st, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy. Dinner selection is Prime Rib, Stuffed Chicken, or Stuffed Sole. Price per ticket is $35.00 each or $60 for a couple. Hors d’oeuvres start at 6pm, dinner 7pm, installation of officers and awards, followed by dancing.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and auction with some great donated prizes from local businesses! To reserve your spot - please call Jim Goyer 812-3220 or 279-3670 with your dinner selection.

Join the Averill Park Education Foundation on May 7th, at the Burden Lake Country Club from 6:00pm to 8:30pm as they toast the teachers, administrators and students of the school district. FAMILY-STYLE ROAST BEEF DINNER Taste and Toast is a wine, spirits and craft beer tasting and The Valley Falls United Methodist Church at 16 State Street features hors d’oeuvres, pasta and carving stations from in Valley Falls will host a Roast Beef Dinner on WednesCIA Graduate and head chef Tom Choquette. Live music! day, April 20. Sittings are at 5 and 6 p.m., with take-outs Win a chance to see the Yankees play in Delta Sky Box. available after 5:00. The menu will include roast beef and

Rensselaer County

Bulletin Board gravy, mashed potatoes, two vegetables, condiments, rolls, and assorted pies. Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for ages 6-10, and free for age 5 and under. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as space allows. The church is handicapped accessible. Call Sharon or Bob at 541-3039 for reservations and information.

A SIMPLE SOUP SUPPER Come have supper at the Nassau Reformed Church, Saturday, April 16th, from 4:30 until 6:30 pm. All-You-CanEat for $8; try one soup or try them all! Graze your way through a wonderful assortment of soups, chilis, breads and beverages. Children, age eight and younger, eat for free. Chances for a gift basket of Breakfast, Baking or an Italian meal will also be available for purchase. Come, enjoy the delicious fare and community fellowship. No reservations necessary. If you have any questions, call Judi Markessinis at 766-3092. The Reformed Church is located on Church St. (Rt. 20), about a quarter-mile east of the only traffic light in Nassau. www.nassaureformedchurch. com

GIFFY’S BARBECUE First United Methodist Church, 1 Gilligan Road, East Greenbush will host a Giffy’s Barbecue on April 16th from 4PM to 6PM; Eat-In or Take-Out. Come and enjoy the delicious choice of a ½ barbecued chicken dinner or pulled pork sandwich dinner, along with a baked potato, coleslaw, roll and cookie, $12.00 or chicken by itself, $9.00.

If choosing to eat in, before you are enjoying your meal or afterward, you will have a chance to browse through the bake sale of freshly made homemade international goodies, a craft table and Grandma’s Attic full of treasures.

There will be additional “browsing” hours from 2:00 pm – 6 pm for this.

For reservations and any other information you may need, please call the Church office at 477-9693.

SENIOR CENTER SPECIAL DINNER On Friday, April 22nd, the Nutrition Department will hold its monthly special dinner at noon at the Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton. This month’s theme will be “Earth Day”, menu will be; Roast Beef, Baked Potato, California Blend Vegetables, Whole Wheat Bread, and Chocolate Pudding dessert. Entertainment will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Guitarist David McNally. Our wonderful complete lunch is available to all Rensselaer County Seniors age 60 and older, Monday thru Friday, at noon for a suggested contribution of $3.00.

Stop in anytime Mon. – Fri., 9:00 – 3:00 pm, for a complete monthly menu and activities calendar. Please call 279-3485 to make your reservations for lunch.

STEPHENTOWN FIRE DEPT. ROAST BEEF DINNER The Stephentown Fire Dept. will host an All-You-Can-Eat Roast Beef Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, April 16th, at the Stephentown Fire Hall, 35 Grange Road, 4PM to 7PM. Adult, all-you-can-eat dinners are $15.00, children age 6-10 are priced at $7.00 and youth ages 5 and under eat FREE. Take out dinners available for $15.00 each. Anyone interested in donating homemade pies for the roast beef dinner is encouraged to contact any department member or leave a message at the fire station 733-5151.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT-BREAKFAST The Black River Raiders Snowmobile Club, Inc. will be holding an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Breakfast on Saturday, April 16th, from 8AM - 11AM at the Zion Church, 747 Taborton Rd., Sand Lake. Cost is $7.00 for Adults; $3.00 for Children 5-12; children 4 and under are FREE. Menu includes Pancakes, Eggs, Toast, Bacon, Sausage, Homefries, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Apple and Orange juice.

ROAST BEEF DINNER The Sons of the American Legion will host a Roast Beef Dinner at the Gerald O’Neil Post, 836 Broadway, Rensselaer, on Sunday, April 24th, from 1PM till 6PM. Includes: Roast Beef, potatoes, rolls, vegetable, coffee and tea (cash bar). Donation: $11 per person or $10 seniors. Also: 50/50 and Chinese Auction! Eat-in or take-out. All proceeds to benefit the various programs of “The Sons of the American Legion”.

CHICKEN ‘N BISCUIT DINNER Best-Luther Fire Dept. Auxiliary will be holding a Chicken ‘N Biscuit dinner on Saturday, May 21st, at the Best-Luther Fire Station, 303 Old Best Rd. Our menu includes: Homestyle Chicken ‘N Biscuit, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, cranberry sauce, dessert and beverage. Cost of the dinner is $11 for adults (12+), $5 for children (6-11), and Free for children 5 and under. We have a 4PM seating and a 6PM seating. Please call 283-5641 for reservations by May 14th.

FREE FOURTH SUNDAY SPAGHETTI DINNER FREE Fourth Sunday Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, April 24th, from 1PM to 3PM at the Blooming Grove Reformed Church located off Route 4--behind the Park and Ride parking lot. Dinner includes pasta with a choice of plain or meat sauce, a fresh tossed salad, bread, dessert and beverage.

Stop in! All are welcome!