We are just seeing the beginnings of the colors of fall emerging in the village and up on the escarpment.  Summer finally is in the past and fall activities are about to go into full swing.  Here are some highlights for your information.

Archives and Museum news 

Thanks to our sponsors and to those who have purchased the book Images of America: Altamont, the Archives and Museum has realized over $7,000 towards collections conservation and public programs in conjunction with our exhibitions.

The book continues to sell briskly at the village office in the village hall. A late fall book signing in the Altamont Free Library, with author Keith C. Lee is in the planning stages.

Our first priority in the archives, thanks to this financial support, is to initiate undertaking the conservation of a recent gift from Fred Crounse of Brandle Road, to the collections. The historic 1784 Indenture between Frederick Crounse II and Stephen Van Rensselaer, allowed “Frederick the Patriot” to purchase his farmland from the Patroon, in recognition of his services to the Battle of Saratoga

Another recent gift is a clear glass bottle from the Pangburn Dairy.  This was a gift from John and Kristin Smith.  In a 1932 story in The Enterprise, it was stated that the dairy of Harold Pangburn “has not only continued the policies of his predecessors but enlarged and improved the plant until it is second to none of its size. Tubercular-tested cows, given the best of care and fed carefully prepared rations, provide a milk of rich quality. The bottling plant on Maple Avenue is a model for all dairymen.”

In October 2013, filmmaker Bruce Kennedy showed a “rough edit” of his documentary, Righteous Rebellion: Echoes of the Anti-Rent Era, throughout the region. This past summer, he returned to further his study of this 19th-Century rebellion that included many local farmers as they successfully fought to dismantle a social order dominated by “self-styled aristocrats.” His visit to Altamont’s extensive and very well organized archives yielded many historical facts, including the involvement of our own Dr. Frederick Crounse.

The exhibition “Chapter Photographs: Images of Altamont” continues in the Hallway Gallery through December. The exhibition is open weekdays during regular village office hours.

At the Sept. 2 village board meeting, Keith Lee, volunteer coordinator of the village Park Committee announced a gift of $5,000 from the Schilling Family for the maintenance and ongoing landscaping in Schilling Park. The park was officially named Schilling Park in May 2010 to honor of Phyllis Schilling for her many years of service as a village trustee and master gardener for the village.

Library director accepts new post

It is with deep regret that the board of trustees of the Altamont Free Library has accepted the resignation of its beloved director, Judith Wines. Judith has accepted a position as library director at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Community Library and will be leaving Altamont as of Oct. 10th. 

A search committee has been formed to select a new director in the coming weeks. Judith has been a motivating and dedicated force for our community. We wish Judith much happiness and success in her new position.

AFD hosts

open house and dinner

On Friday, Oct. 10, members of the Altamont Fire Department will host an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Members will provide information on fire safety and prevention along with the benefits of joining a volunteer fire department.

There will be hands-on activities for the children, demonstrations as well as giveaways and educational information. Altamont Police will conduct a bike rodeo and provide information on bicycle safety.

Members will also be hosting a fundraiser dinner that evening. The pulled-pork dinner includes French fries, coleslaw, and drink; it will be available for $7. A hot dog with French fries and drink will also be available for $4. Visitors can eat in or take out. Meals will be available from 5 to 8 p.m. in the community room.

The ladies’ auxiliary of the Altamont Fire Department will hold a pumpkin sale at the Altamont firehouse during the open house.  Pumpkins will range from $4 to $6 per pumpkin.

Sixth Annual Night of Comedy 

The Altamont Fire Department presents the Sixth Annual Night of Comedy on Saturday, Nov. 1.  The show will be hosted by Greg Aidala.

Greg Aidala has been voted “Best Local Comedian” in Albany from 2007 through 2011. In 2012, he was also voted “Best Local Comedian” by Metroland.

This year’s featured comedian is Mike Vecchione. Mr. Vecchione has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and Comedy Central. 

Ticket prices are $ 25 a person. Ticket price includes beer, wine, soda, and finger foods. Tables for 10 may be reserved in advance only if accompanied with payment in full. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

The show is intended for adults 18 and older. Tickets are now available and may be purchased in advance by contacting Mark Wertman at 861-5758 or Kelly Best at the village offices, Monday through Friday, during regular office hours.

Fall water flushing

and waste collection 

Water main flushing began on Wednesday, Oct. 1, and will continue through Friday, Oct. 31. Flushing will occur Mondays through Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. During the cycle, you may experience a drop in pressure or discoloration from your faucets.

Please check your water for discoloration prior to doing laundry. For additional information, or if discoloration persists, please contact the village at 861-8554

Yard waste collection will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 14, and continues through Friday, Nov. 28. The village will vacuum leaves on Tuesdays and Fridays, weather permitting

Bags, if used, must be biodegradable, closed and sealed.   Brush and branches, no wider than two inches in diameter, must be bundled with twine, a maximum of four feet in length and must be able to be lifted to the truck by one person. These items will be picked up on Wednesdays.

Unpaid village property taxes 

Village property taxes not paid by Nov. 3 will be re-levied to Albany County Department of Finance.  All payments of the arrears are to be made to the Albany County Department of Finance, 112 State Street, Room 800, Albany, NY 12207.  Property owners should telephone 447-7062 for the current amount due.

Don't forget to visit the village website for current news and updates:  altamontvillage.org.  Please call the village office at 861-8554, if you have any questions.