Thursday, June 13
“Good Garden Tools”: The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County will present a tool round-up from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Demonstration Garden at the Robert C. Parker School, 4254 Route 43, North Greenbush. Master gardener Bob Sherwood will demonstrate a number of sharpening techniques you can use to keep your tools efficient and easy to use. We’ll also take a look at other tools (and not just sharp ones) that are available to make your gardening jobs more enjoyable. Bring your own tools to this “show-and-tell” time; master gardeners will bring theirs too. This program is free and open to the public.
Basic Farm Business Management: The Cornell Cooperative Extension is holding a Basic Farm Business Management Planning meeting with the Capital Area Ag and Hort Program’s Farm Business Management Educator Sandy Buxton. The evening meeting will take place at the CCE Columbia/Greene County’s office at 479 State Route 66 in Hudson. Buxton will teach how to avoid some of the pitfalls that strike many businesses and connect participants with helpful resources, find out about regulations, and build a business plan to attract financing. Registration is $25 for the first person from the business and $10 for each additional participant.
Friday, June 14
Dudley Observatory Star Party & Program “Getting Started” at 8 p.m. in the Octagon Barn, with star-gazing to follow. All are welcome. Amateur astronomers and families are encouraged to bring binoculars or telescopes. Free refreshments. Call 872-1879 for more information.
Hiawatha Grange Grand Reopening Lunch at noon at the Hiawatha Grange Hall, in Westerlo.
Evening Bird Program at Five Rivers: An outdoor study of birds of the evening will be conducted at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, at 7 p.m. As the daylight lingers longest at this time of year, bird species are active well into the evening; singing, feeding, or tending to their young before nightfall. On this outdoor foray along gentle trails, Five Rivers naturalists will search field and fen for our fine-feathered friends. Staff will discuss management strategies for birds of conservation concern, such as bluebirds and bobolinks. This program is open to the public free of charge. Binoculars are helpful, but not necessary. Call 475-0291 for more information.
Flag Raising and Dedication Ceremony at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, New Salem at 4 p.m. Albany County Veteran’s Bureau director, Charles Burke, will be present. The flag will be placed next to the historical statue of the Civil War Soldier. Veterans, historians, scouts, and other interested parties are invited to attend.
Q.U.I.L.T. Inc. will meet at the Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Ave., Delmar, at 9:45 a.m. General meeting, show-and-share, and quilt show viewers’ choice on display. Please come early with your piece for hanging. There is a $5 vistor donation.
Family Fun Fair and Community Sale: Join us for a day of fun, food, vendors, and crafts, live music, and face-painting and games for kids — all to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The event will take place at Atria Crossgate, 140 Washington Avenue Extension, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free; please consider donating gently used items to the community sale.
Nervosity Battle of the Bands: The “Nervosity Battle of the Bands to Help Stop AIDs” will be held at the Guilderland Performing Arts Center, in Tawsentha Park, from 6 to 10 p.m. Nervosity began in the summer of 2003, to give teens a fun, safe place to celebrate the end of school. In 2006, Nervosity partnered with World Vision to help stop the AIDs epidemic in Africa. Since 2006, Nervosity has raised over $15,000. The main event at Nervosity is the Battle of the Bands, and many local bands have had their start playing at the event. Bands are judged are their musical talent, originality, stage presence, and overall impression. The event will be open to all middle and high school students, and is free to enter.
16th Annual Child Safety Seat Check Program: Car accidents are the number one killer of kids and 90 percent of child safety seats are not used correctly. Albany County is working to change that by demonstrating to caregivers the proper way to install the seats to keep kids safe by hosting a child safety seat check program. The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Garden Center parking lot at Sears of Colonie Center.
Saturday, June 15
Star-Studded Evening at the Carey Center for Global Good: The Carey Center for Global Good continues its film series with a screening of the film Downtown Express, with a special appearance by director David Grubin, followed by a live performance from the star of the movie, singer-songwriter Nellie McKay. The evening begins with a BBQ picnic, on the lawn of the Huyck House estate home, overlooking the Catskill Mountains. The doors and a cash bar will open at 5 p.m., a picnic will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the film will begin at 6:30 p.m. The price of admission is $25 and will include the BBQ picnic, film, and the live performance. Call 797-5100 for more information.
Gallupville Methodist Church Annual Strawberry Fest at 7 p.m., rain or shine. Music will be provided by the Esperance Town Band. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music or strawberries.
MUD MANIA: Guilderland Parks and Recreation presents the 3rd annual mud race and obstacle run from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tawasentha Park. Visit www.townofguilderland.org for more information.
Unionville Reformed Church Strawberry Dinner at 1134 Delaware Turnpike, Delmar, with servings at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. The dinner includes chicken and biscuits, mixed vegetables, potato salad, coleslaw, relish, rolls, and strawberries with real whipped cream on homemade biscuits. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call 768-2184 to make reservations and reserve your take-outs.
Program on Coloration in Birds at Five Rivers: A study of red, white, and blue birds will be conducted at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, at 10 a.m. On this ornithological overview of bird coloration and the science behind pigmentation and feather structure. A field foray to search for bluebirds, redbirds, and other birds that “fly the colors” will follow. Staff will also discuss management strategies for species of conservation concern. This program is open to the public free of charge. Binoculars are helpful, but not necessary. Call 475-0291 for more information.
Five Rivers Sets Program on Fatherhood in Nature: A family-oriented study of male parenting behaviors of common creatures will be conducted at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, at 2 p.m. In celebration of Father’s Day, Five Rivers naturalists will compare and contrast the varied approaches to fatherhood found among birds, mammals, and other wildlife, then lead an outdoor search along gentle trails for bucks, drakes, and males of other species. This program is free, but space is limited, call 475-0291 for more information.
Insect Investigation: They fly, they wiggle, they crawl, and they leap. It’s the amazing world of insects! This is a family-friendly hike to investigate the different types of insects that live here in the Pine Bush. There will be opportunities for hands-on activities and exploration. We will be hiking one mile over rolling sand dunes. Please remember to wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants, and bring drinking water. Meet at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, at 11 a.m. The fee is $3 per person or $5 per family, and registration is required; call 456-0655.
StoryWalk at Thacher Nature Center: Take a walk while enjoying a fun children’s story. We’ll walk the Nature Center Trail with stops for reading along the way. This is a great way to spend time outdoors and get some exercise with the kids. Call 872-0800 to register. Meet at the Thacher Nature Center at 10 a.m.
Hot Rods in the Hollow Cruise-In at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Route 143, Coeymans Hollow, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a car cruise-in of fully restored or barn fresh classic cars. The Coeymans Hollow Fire Company will also be on site with a truck and Jaws of Life demonstration. The Coeymans Police will have an information booth, music from the 1950s and 1960s, and food with fresh lemonade. There is no admission charge, but we invite you to bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry.
46th Annual GAS UP 2013: The Gas Up is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of mechanical means of a bygone era. Action takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, including demonstrations of antique steam, gasoline, and oil engines ,as well as wood sawing, water pumps, shingle sawing, stone crushing, and steam cranes and tractors. A parade of antique equipment will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The event features free admission and free parking; breakfast, lunch, barbecue, and homemade ice cream will be available for purchase. The Gas Up is located on Rt. 443 between Gallupville and Schoharie.
The Enterprise — James E. Gardner
Precious cargo: Charles Stewart Jr. holds his 6-year-old daughter, Theresa, on Sunday as they ride around the Gas-Up grounds on a shiny red Farmall tractor. Stewart is the president of the Hudson-Mohawk Chapter of the Pioneer Gas Engine Association. The annual event is held two weekends in a row and will be open again this Father’s Day weekend, on Route 443 between Gallupville and Schoharie.
Sunday, June 16
Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast: at the North Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department, 589 Russell Road, from 8 a.m. to noon. The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, bagels, toast, muffins, milk, juice, coffee, and tea. The cost is $8 for all you can eat. Call 489-6556 for more information.
Father’s Day Hike: Daughters and sons, bring your favorite dad to the Pine Bush for this one-mile hike. We will take an extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush, the best remaining example of an inland pine barrens. Our experts will guide you through this hike over rolling sand dunes, where you will discover Pine Bush natural history, seasonal surprises, and transformations. Meet at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, at 1 p.m. The fee is $3 per person or $5 per family and registration is required; call 456-0655.
Tuesday, May 18
Food Preservation Classes: The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County will be hosting its first home food preservation class of the season from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the extension office, 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville. Participants will learn how to make strawberry rhubarb jam, and take a jar home. Samples and recipes for other jams will also be offered. All materials will be provided. The program fee is $15, and pre-registration is required for June 21. Call 765-3554 to register.
Brooks BBQ at the East Berne Firehouse from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., take-out only. The cost for a chicken dinner is $10, a half-chicken only is $7.50, a rib dinner is $11, and ribs-only are $8.50. Pre-sale available and encouraged. Call 872-0187.
Wednesday, June 19
Voorheesville Farmers’ Market, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., at 68 Maple Ave., Voorheesville, featuring music by Two’s Company and art by Diane Woniak.
Free Musical Performance at the Esperance Gazebo, located off Church Street on US 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. Band? is a four-member folk/alternative group from SUNY Potsdam. They perform original material such as the Duanesburg Hitchhiker, based on that familiar figure we see this time of year along US 20, as well as covers of other bands, such as The Lumineers, the Head and the Heart, and Blind Pilot. Sponsored by the Esperance Historical Society.
Science Lecture Series — “The Ants of the Northeast, To Know Them is to Love Them”: Speaker Dr. Aaron Ellison, lead author of A Field Guide to the Ants of New England, will give a lecture from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and Grace Barber, graduate student, will lead a field visit and ant specimen collection from 6 to 7 p.m. Ants are the little things that run around your kitchen and backyard while they are running the world. Ants are everywhere, they are beautiful, and they are important to us in many ways. Without ants, plants would not grow as well as they do; ants turn over soil, disperse seeds, and even farm fungus and tend micro-livestock. Ants also have a lot to teach us about the evolution of behavior and sociality. Meet at the Albany Pinebush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road.
Thursday, June 20
Chamber to Host Safe Workplace Workshop: The Schoharie County Chamber will hold a small business workshop at the chamber office located in the KPI Technology Center at 143 Caverns Road, Howes Cave, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Regardless of the number of staff, from one to 100, you will leave with a different perspective on workplace safety considerations. This is not intended as an OSHA conformance seminar; this is intended as an awareness workshop. The cost is $25 per person, or $15 for chamber members.
County Executive to Honor Voorheesville Boy’s Baseball Team for winning the Section II Class C title and for advancing to Binghamton for the Class C final four. Daniel P. McCoy will be at the high school at 3 p.m.
Friday, June 21
Merry Mohicans Square and Round Dance Club: A picnic will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Queensbury United Methodist Church, with a dance from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Casual Dress. The caller is Jay Silva and the cuer is Maureen Wall. Couples and singles welcome. The cost is $7 per person.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries Fund-raiser to benefit the Rodino Family Fund, from 5 to 8 p.m. Come enjoy a delicious Five Guys burger and help us raise money. 20 percent of all sales will be donated. Please remember to bring your flyer.
Mainstream Level Western Square Dance: The Schoharie Valley Hayshakers will hold a square dance at the Berne Firehouse, 30 Canaday Hill Road, Berne, at 7:30 p.m. The dance theme is Strawberry Festival. Casual dress encouraged due to warm weather. The caller is Ray Taylor and the cuer is Dolores Randall. Please wear soft-soled shoes.
Five Rivers Program on the Cultural History of Plants: A field study of the natural and cultural history of wildflowers will be conducted at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, at 7 p.m. Many of the plants which immigrants introduced to the New World were brought not for their food or medicinal uses, but because of their reputed supernatural powers. In celebration of the solstice, Five Rivers naturalists will lead a field foray along gentle trails to study the lore and magic of wildflowers of the season. Participants will learn savvy tips on plant identification. The impact of alien and invasive species on native plant populations will also be discussed. This program is open to the public free of charge. Call 475-0291 for more information.
Saturday, June 22
Car Show to Benefit Rodino Family: A car show will be held in the Café Court overflow lot of Crossgates Mall to benefit the Rodino family, who are struggling with Huntington’s disease, and Cooper Lare, who is 21 months old and battling cancer. Show cars can begin lining up at 9 a.m. Hot rods, customs, trucks, bikes, rat rods, imports, muscle cars, classics, and car-related vendors are all welcome. Trophies will be awarded to top show cars in various categories at 2 p.m. Goody bags will be handed out to the first 50 cars. The cost is $10 per car or bike. There will be a drawing and music.
Friends Union Band: Join us for an evening of music and entertainment with the Friends Union Band. Steve Iachetta on fiddle, mandolin, frailing banjo, and tenor guitar, and Rod Driscoll on hammered- and lap-dulcimers, guitar, banjo, and bodhran span the best in Celtic, Appalachian, and traditional music. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Happy Cat Rescue, Inc. Benefit featuring Belly Sisterhood Middle Eastern Belly Dancing and Outtatheblue DJ Service with Rodney and Nikki Haley. The belly dancing will take place from 2 to 4 p.m., and vendors will be on site from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be silent and Chinese auctions, door prizes, and refreshments and baked goods for sale. The event will take place at 11 Mill St., Altamont. Call 334-3195 for more information.
Charity Carwash at Advanced Car Wash, 48 Voorheesville Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit Victory Baptist Church Children’s Vacation Bible School. There will be a drawing for prizes.
Hiking/Backpacking Safety Program at Five Rivers: A presentation on hiking and backpacking safety will be conducted at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, at 10 a.m. At this indoor program, Five Rivers staff will discuss basic equipment, tips on map reading, how not to get lost — and what to do if you do — and other expert advice about safety on the trail. Come prepared to ask questions. Scout groups are welcome. This program is open to the public free of charge, but space is limited; call 475-0291 to register.
Camping Clinic at Five Rivers: A hands-on clinic on how to go tent camping will be conducted at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, at 2 p.m. In celebration of Great American Backyard Campout Day, Five Rivers naturalists will show and tell everything you need to know to have a successful and enjoyable tent camping experience. Participants will help select a site, pitch a tent, set up a dining fly, collect firewood, and more. This clinic will discuss basic equipment, safety, hygiene, and wildlife pests, as well as the best places to go tent camping. This program is open to the public free of charge but space is limited; call 475-0291 to register.
Hike to Bullfrog Park at Thacher Park: Join us for a fun and easy hike to an exciting habitat full of life. We’ll take a walk to a Bullfrog Pond and look for eggs, tadpoles, adult frogs, and other signs of wildlife. Wear rubber boots or old sneakers, your feet will get wet. This program is appropriate for all ages, so bring the family! Meet at Thacher Park Nature Center at 10 a.m.
Summer Solstice Hike: Enjoy the longest day of the year while hiking the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. We will explore several habitats and seasonal changes while hiking one mile over rolling topography. Meet at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, at 10 a.m. The fee is $3 per person or $5 per family, and registration is required; call 456-0655.
Sunday, June 23
Board Game Challenge at the New Scotland Historical Association, Wyman Osterhout Community Center, New Salem, from 2 to 4 p.m., as part of the continuing museum exhibit of “Entertainment Before 1950 and TV” Prizes will be awarded to the oldest and youngest players, the winners of each game, and others. This is a free event, and open to the public. Call 765-4212 for more information.
Ephrata Cloister Chorus Concert: Enjoy the sounds of music from America’s past at this special concert with the Ephrata Cloister Chorus, at 3 p.m., at the Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany. This chorus presents music from the historic Ephrata Cloister as well as selections from other early communities, including the Shakers. This is a fund-raising concert; all proceeds will be used for the stabilization of the 1915 Shaker Barn Complex. The cost is $10 per person.
Summertime in the Park Summer Exhibit 2013 opening day ice cream social, from 1 to 4 p.m., sponsored by the Bethlehem Historical Association, at 1003 River Road Selkirk. Thereafter, ice cream socials will be held Sundays through Sept. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Antlions — Ferocious Creatures in the Sand: Join us for a walk to discover the amazing world of antlions, a unique insect in the Pine Bush. We will walk for about one mile to explore antlion pits and be able to investigate larva up close and personal. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore an interesting detail of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Meet at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, at 1 p.m.