Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper
By Alex Brooks
The Graton Volunteer Fire Department held its Installation Banquet on Saturday, May 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. After a welcome from Master of Ceremonies Jim Goyer, the invocation was given by Paster Jason White of the Grafton Baptist Church, and a sumptuous dinner was provided by the hotel.
[Read more…] about Grafton Fire Department Installation Banquet
Imagine saying yes to the dreams that live in your heart and soul. How would your life be different if you knew exactly what your greatest gifts are and you could spend your time sharing them? What if you could find a way to do what you love? On Friday, May 29 at 7 pm, Grafton Community Library will host a free talk by solo-preneur mentor and master teacher, Jeannie Thomma. She will share the mindset, heartset and skillset required to create a life (personal and professional) that is infused with happiness. Join Jeannie as she shows you how to connect with your own inspiration and develop a powerful vision to create meaningful change in your life. Contact Grafton Community Library for more details.
Skype Basics At Grafton Community Library
On Friday, May 29 at 5 pm, Grafton Community Library will offer a free workshop for anyone who wants to get started using Skype for video chatting, teleconferencing and more. Taught by experts from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County the program will also address using Skype for job interviews. Participants are asked to sign up in advance at the library, or by calling 279-0580.
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.
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
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.
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.
by Alex Brooks
The issue receiving the most attention at this month’s Grafton Town Board meeting was revaluations that have been done by Grafton’s new Assessor, David Galarneau. At public comment time at the beginning of the meeting, local realtor Gary Charlton spoke at length and in detail about what a “flawed document” the tentative assessment roll is. [Read more…] about Grafton Town Board Action – Assessments Questioned
The Grafton Fire Dept sponsored a Biggest Loser Contest again this year. It began on January 3 and ended on May 2. Twenty-five people entered the competition. Weekly weigh-ins took place on Saturday mornings. [Read more…] about Grafton VFD “Biggest Loser” Contest
The Annual Grafton Summer Festival is scheduled for July 18 from 9 am to 4 pm in the Grafton Town Park. The park is located 12 miles east of Troy on Route 2 in the heart of town. The festival includes a Flea Market featuring the wares of local artisans. Set up for the flea market will begin at 7 am. Numerous community organizations will be on site providing presentations and regional history. Entertainment is provided all day.
Our Lady of the Snow Parish will feature Sister Kenan’s Giant Raffle which is a fund raising event for the parish. Prizes for the Giant Raffle, which has over 100 total prizes, include handcrafted items, gift certificates for many local restaurants and businesses, and Grand Prize of $1500!!
The Parish is also sponsoring a Bake Sale and Chicken BBQ. BBQ tickets are $12 for a half-chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, beverage, and a brownie. Serving will begin at noon and continue until 3 pm. Limited seating will be available. For tickets, call Gloria at 658-2435 or Julie at 421-5070. For information or to reserve spaces call John at 271-8555 or the Parish Office at 279-4943.
Kathleen Sheehan, Rensselaer County and Troy Historian, will present a program on the Underground Railroad in Rensselaer County and the key people and important events of the Abolitionist Movement in the nineteenth century. Estella Hovnanian will sing examples of Black Spirituals, which illustrate the suffering of the slaves and their longing for a better life after death.
This program will take place at the regular meeting of the Grafton Historical Society in the Grafton Town Hall on May 20 at 7 pm. Come and learn more about this period in American history and the local connection with the Underground Railroad.
Refreshments will be served following the program.
