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DISNEY DANCE PARTY
    ROTTERDAM — Rotterdam Square Mall and Radio Disney AM 1460 will sponsor a “Kids Club” event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, at the mall food court, 93 West Campbell Road. This pre-Valentine’s Day dance party will invite children to sing along to their favorite Disney songs

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NURSERY OPEN HOUSE
    ROTTERDAM — The Nursery School of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 210 Princetown Road, will conduct an open house event from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30. There are openings for 3- and 4-year-olds in the morning and afternoon sessions. For more information, call Karen Motyka at 357-0049.

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FREE ORGAN CONCERT
    SCHENECTADY — Proctors will have a free organ concert at noon Tuesday.
    The MVP GOLD Organ Concert Series is presented by the Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society. Featured organists are Helen Makimicz and Claudia Bracaliello playing “Goldie,” Proctors’ mighty Wurlitzer.

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CHICKEN ON THE FLY
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam United Methodist Church at Curry Road and Helderberg Avenue will host a drive-through Brooks chicken barbecue from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday .
    The cost for the full dinner is $9 for adults, $5 for children. A half-chicken only is $5.

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PROCTORS TOUR
    SCHENECTADY — Proctors will offer a free public walking tour of its new performing arts complex from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday .
    The tour will include the Proctors main stage and a visit to the new star dressing rooms, the two new theaters, the GE Theatre with its Iwerks extreme screen, 440 Upstairs, the new 100-seat acoustic space, the atrium, the art gallery and the new conference spaces.
    The tour will last approximately two hours. Participants are asked to meet in front of the theatre doors in the Arcade

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BOOK CLUB MEETS
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam book club will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to discuss “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen at the Rotterdam branch library, 1100 North Westcott Road. Two book clubs will meet at the main branch of the Schenectady County Public Library on Feb. 12. The 2 p.m. group will be reading Amanda Elyot’s “By a Lady.” The 7 p.m. group will discuss Diane Setterfield’s “The Thirteenth Tale.”

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ITALIAN DINNER
    ROTTERDAM — Dance Force will sponsor an Italian dinner buffet fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday at Mallozzi’s Restaurant. Proceeds will benefit The American Cancer Society. There will also be music, raffles and entertainment. The cost is $22 per person and free for children ages 3 and under. Tickets may be purchased at Dance Force, 2235 Broadway in Schenectady or by calling Cara Jones at 382-8480 or e-mailing carad414@yahoo.com.

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BOOK DISCUSSION
    ROTTERDAM — The Wingate Readers book discussion group will meet at 10 a.m. on March 4, at the library, 1100 North Westcott Road. The topic of discussion will be “Before You Know Kindness,” by Chris Bohjalian.

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FLEA MARKET
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam United Methodist Church at Curry Road and Helderberg Avenue will have a fl ea market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday . Breakfast and lunch will be available.

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CABBAGE DINNER
    ROTTERDAM — The Schonowe Volunteer Fire Company will host a ham or corned beef and cabbage dinner from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the firehouse, 112 Gordon Road.
    Tickets, available from members or at the door, are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children under age 5. Takeouts will be available.

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Rotarians to serve pancakes
First published: Friday, March 7, 2008

ROTTERDAM -- The Rotterdam Sunrise Rotary will hold its seventh annual family pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at the South Schenectady Fire Department, Old Mariaville Road.
     
Proceeds will benefit the environmental education program for the Rotterdam bike/hike trail and the Northeast Regional Food Bank.
The cost is $6 for adults. There is no charge for children under 6. Take-outs will be available.

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MUSIC MAN TICKETS
    ROTTERDAM - Tickets for Mohonasen High School’s production of “The Music Man” will be sold from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the school’s lobby.
    Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. The high school production begins April 3 with a dress rehearsal at 6:30 p.m., followed by full productions at 7 p.m. April 4 and 5, and at 2:30 p.m. April 6.
    Tickets will be also be sold from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 15.

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FLEA MARKET
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam United Methodist Church, located at Curry Road and Helderberg Avenue, will host a flea market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Breakfast and lunch will be available. For more information, call 393-5045.

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HABITAT BOWLING
    ROTTERDAM — Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County will conduct a “Celebrity Bowl-a-Thon” fundraising event from 1 to 3 p.m. April 6 at the Sportsman’s Bowl on Crane Street. Participating bowlers will sign up by calling the Habitat office at 395-3412. A personal web page will be created for each bowler at http://www.firstgiving.com. Sponsors of these individuals may then make pledges directly online on a per-pin or one time donation basis. Habitat will pay all fees for the bowlers, including shoe rentals. Food will be available at concession stands during the event. All proceeds will benefit Habitat’s efforts in providing good, affordable housing for people in Schenectady County.

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HARLEM WIZARDS
    ROTTERDAM — The Harlem Wizards, a professional entertainment basketball team, will play against Mohonasen faculty members at 7 p.m. tonight in the Mohonasen High School gym. Tickets, available at the door, are $10 per person.
    All proceeds will benefit the Sports Boosters, which helps enhance Mohonasen athletic programs. For more information, call Mohonasen Athletic Director Joseph Scalise at 356-8270.

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AFGHANISTAN PHOTOS
    ROTTERDAM — Photojournalist Connie Frisbee Houde will talk about her experiences working as a photojournalist in Afghanistan at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rotterdam Branch of Schenectady County Library, 1100 North Westcott Rd.
    This presentation, titled “One Day a Friend, the Next a Brother,” will feature stories, poetry, music and photographs from Afghanistan combined with interviews from some of the more than 3,000 Afghans living in the Capital District area.
    This is part of the Library’s One County, One Book program in conjunction with the book selected for the community read, “The Kite Runner.”

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FIREHOUSE BREAKFAST
    ROTTERDAM — The Schonowe Volunteer Fire Company, 112 Gordon Road, will host a variety breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
    Tickets, available at the door, are $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children younger than 5. Takeouts will be available.

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Health, wellness
topics in Rotterdam
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam branch library, 1100 North Westcott Road, will host a four-part series on health and wellness topics from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays, presented by holistic health counselor Tamara Flanders.
    On April 21, “Natural Wellness from Within” will discuss the role that food and lifestyle choices have in health and how to improve your immune system and energy levels and maintain a healthy weight.
    “The Sugar Blues” on April 28 will talk about how to end sugar cravings to improve diet and health.
    “Whole Foods 101 — Foods without Labels” on May 5 will discuss the nutritional benefits of whole foods and provide an opportunity to sample them.
    On May 12, “Healthy Meals and Meal Planning” will address how to make time to prepare healthy meals in spite of busy schedules.

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EARTH DAY EVENT
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — The Mabee Farm Historic Site on Route 5S will celebrate Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, with exhibits by Roots & Wisdom, Schoharie River Center, Mohawk Land Conservancy, NYSERDA, Save the Pine Bush, Champion Trees, Peaceful Acres and more.
    Participants will be invited to help build a recycled art sculpture with artist Gail Kort, listen to children’s stories and music, walk through nature trails and watch the replica of the 1614 ship Onrust being built. Admission is free. For more information, call 887-5073.

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CSEA SPEAKER
    ROTTERDAM — CSEA Local 924 will meet at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Rotterdam Senior Citizen’s Center, 2629 Hamburg St. Guest speaker will be Maurice R. Padula, senior consumer fraud representative from the Attorney General’s office.

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HOME SELLING WORKSHOP
    ROTTERDAM — Schalmont Continuing Education will host a home selling workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and also May 1, presented by Carol North of C.A. North Realty Inc.
    The workshop is for homeowners who intend to sell without a real estate agent.
    Topics will include preparing your home, qualifying a buyer, understanding seller expenses and contract negotiations.
    A real estate attorney and a CPA will also be available to answer questions.
    To register, call 355-9200, ext. 4005.

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Even the school administration knows that we're being taxed into moving out of their district so they're even going to educate us on how to sell our homes. We need lower states, city, federal, and school taxes if we're going to be able survive and still reside in NYS.

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BOOK GROUP TO MEET
    ROTTERDAM — The Wingate Readers book discussion group will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 to discuss, “The Plot Against America,” by Philip Roth at the Rotterdam branch library, 1100 North Westcott Road.

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CHICKEN BARBECUE
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam United Methodist Church, located at Curry Road and Helderberg Avenue, will host a drivethrough chicken barbecue from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday. The cost for the complete dinner is $9 for adults, $5 for children. There is also a halfchicken only option for $5.

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ROTTERDAM MEMORIAL DAY PARADE SET

Posted on: 05/15/08
Written by: Ross Marvin, Spotlight Staff
email: marvinr@spotlightnews.com

Rotterdam's 48th annual Memorial Day Parade is set for Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m.

The parade will begin at the Mohonasen Campus and wind its way west to town hall on Sunrise Boulevard.

Stan Wynewski will serve as the event's grand marshall.

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SCHENECTADY — The Rotterdam Branch Library, 1100 North Westcott Road, will host a seminar titled “How Money Works" at 11 a.m. today . Experts will discuss debt and getting out of it, investing and insurance. The program is free and open to the public.

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MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
    ROTTERDAM — The town of Rotterdam’s 48th annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, at the Mohonasen High School and will continue west to the Town Hall on Sunrise Boulevard.
    The grand marshal of the event will be Stan Wynewski. Parade participants are asked to use the Helderberg Avenue entrance to the school for the line-up.
    The town’s memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, May 26, at the John J. Kirvin Government Center, 1100 Sunrise Blvd. The public is welcome to attend.

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FIREWORKS THURSDAY
    ROTTERDAM — Mohonasen will host a fireworks display at the High School campus Thursday.
    The display was originally slated for the Community Day festivities Saturday, but was cancelled as a result of bad weather. The fireworks will be folded into Rotterdam's Memorial Day parade and will begin after dusk.

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STRAWBERRY FEST
    ROTTERDAM — Mohonasen Music Parents Association will host a strawberry festival to support music scholarships from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the high school.
    There will be entertainment, student art, food for sale and children’s games.

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ROTTERDAM — The High Bridge Civic Association will host its sixth annual neighborhood garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday, June 6 through 8, rain or shine.
    More than 60 homes are registered for the sale.
    Participating residents must pick up their permits on May 29 or 30 or June 2.
    For more information, call 355-0500.

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CHICKEN BARBECUE
    ROTTERDAM — The Schonowe Volunteer Fire Company District 7 will have its annual chicken barbecue from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the firehouse, 112 Gordon Road.
    Tickets, available at the door, are $8 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children younger than 5. Takeouts will also be available

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CAR SHOW
    ROTTERDAM — Rotterdam Elks Lodge No. 2157 will sponsor its 12th annual car, truck and sport compact show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at Schalmont High School on Route 7.
    There will be trophies, awards, door prizes, raffles, a craft fair and food and beverages. The “K-man & K-lady” will provide musical entertainment. The donation for entering a vehicle in the show is $10. Craft fair registration for a 20-by-20-foot space is $25. General admission is $2 for adults and free for children younger than 12.
    The rain date will be Sunday, June 8. Proceeds will benefit cerebral palsy research.
    For more information, call Karl at 355-6994.

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BOOK GROUP
    ROTTERDAM — The Wingate Readers book discussion group will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the library, 1100 North Westcott Road.
    The topic will be “The Double Bind” by Chris Bohjalian.

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FIREHOUSE MEETING
    ROTTERDAM — The Commissioners of Rotterdam Fire District No. 7, Schonowe Fire Department, will conduct a public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the firehouse.
    The future of the building, whether to rebuild or plan for new construction, will be discussed. All residents of the district are invited.

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TOASTMASTERS MEETING
    ROTTERDAM — The Mohawk Toastmasters will meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday , at the Rotterdam Senior Citizens Center at East Campbell Avenue and Hamburg Street.
    The meeting is open to the public. People who are interested in improving their leadership and communication skills are invited to attend. For more information, call 864-5521.

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SOCCER TRYOUTS
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam Youth Soccer Club will conduct tryouts for U10, U12 and U14 boys and girls from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 16, 23 and Aug. 11 at the Rotterdam fields on Princetown Road.

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WAR RE-ENACTMENT

    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — The Mabee Farm Historic Site, located on Route 5S, will host a Revolutionary War encampment re-enactment on Saturday and Sunday .
    Because of a grant from Schenectady County, admission is free. The event is also sponsored by the Burning of the Valleys Military Association, whose members will portray Colonial militia, British loyalists, American Indians and local settlers. The event will feature amphibious battles in period boats, horseback demonstrations, a cricket match, cannon battles, camp and historic house tours and children’s activities. There will also be a barn dance with a live band on Saturday night and a church service at 9 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit http://www.mabeefarm.org.

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Young at Heart
group sets meeting

    ROTTERDAM — The Woestina Young at Heart Seniors will meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, at the Rotterdam Senior Citizens Center, 2639 Hamburg St.
    A guest speaker from the Schenectady County Affairs Offi ce will give a talk on scams.
    A trip to Beck’s Grove is planned for Thursday, July 24. The cost is $47 per person. Payment must be made at the meeting.

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OUTDOOR CONCERT
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam United Methodist Church, located at Helderberg Avenue and Curry Road, will host an outdoor concert and ice cream social at 7 p.m. Wednesday . Music will be provided by the Esperence Band. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets.     

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CHICKEN BARBECUE
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam United Methodist Church will hold a drive-through barbecue from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the church. Cost is $9 for an adult dinner, $5 for a child’s dinner and $5 for a half-chicken

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GARDEN TOUR
    SCOTIA — Soroptimist International of Schenectady County will hold its fifth annual Gardens and Gazebo Tour Saturday.
    Nine gardens in Rotterdam, Scotia-Glenville and Niskayuna will be featured.
    Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour.
    They are available at Oliver’s Cafe, Glenville; Experience and Creative Design, Open Door Book store and Salamack’s Card Shop.

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MORTGAGE WORKSHOP
    ROTTERDAM — Better Neighborhoods, Inc. will hold a workshop on handling mortgage payment problems at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Rotterdam branch of the Schenectady County Public Library, 1100 N. Westcott Road.
    The workshop will explain the foreclosure process. Call 372-6469.

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VACCINATION CLINIC
    ROTTERDAM — Schenectady County will hold a rabies vaccination clinic Saturday at the Rotterdam Senior Citizens Center, 2639 Hamburg St.
    Cats and ferrets will be vaccinated from 10 to 11 a.m., with dogs vaccinated from 11 a.m. to noon.
    The clinic is free for county residents.

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http://www.dailygazette.com
GARDEN TOUR

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Can someone explain to me why they'd pay $15 to see nine (9) gardens in someone's backyards?

Same with the stockade ... I just don't get it.

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TOASTMASTERS MEET
    ROTTERDAM — Mohawk Toastmasters will meet at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Rotterdam Senior Citizen’s Center at East Campbell and Hamburg Street. People who want to improve communication skills are invited to attend.

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CANALFEST PLANNED
    ROTTERDAM — The Mabee Farm Historic Site will host a free two-day music festival as part of the regional celebration of Canalfest 2008 Lock 7-12 on July 12-13.
    The festivities on July 12 kick off with the folk/bluegrass group Landfill Mountain Boys at 11 a.m. followed by the traditional mountain dulcimer music of Susan Trump at 12:30 p.m., the Grammy award-winning music of Jay Ungar and Molly Mason at 2 p.m. and the bluegrass tunes of the Riverview Ramblers at 3:30 p.m. Saturday will also feature a dulcimer workshop with Trump at 2 p.m.
    Entertainment on July 13 will begin with the historical folk music of Gary Van Slyke at 12 p.m., the country-tinged bluegrass folk of Blake Christiana’s group Yarn at 1 p.m., followed by the Adirondack folk tunes of Roy Hurd and the blues of Little Toby Walker at 3:30 p.m. There will be food from Mosall’s Grove.

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BOOK GROUP
    ROTTERDAM — The Wingate Readers book discussion group will meet today to discuss “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, at the Rotterdam Library at 1100 N. Westcott Road.

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What is Toastmasters?
No, we don't make toasters!

From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 226,000 members in 11,500 clubs in 92 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills.

Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or two. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian.

There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a member in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.

Good communicators tend to be good leaders. Some well-known Toastmasters alumni include:

Peter Coors of Coors Brewing Company
Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies
Tom Peters, management expert and author
Linda Lingle, Governor of Hawaii

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    ROTTERDAM — The Mohawk Valley Library System, through a $2,500 grant from the GE Volunteers Foundation, is sponsoring its annual Science in the Summer program for youngsters.
    In the program, GE volunteers work with participants in handson activities and expose them to real world science and scientists, fostering their interest throughout the summer months and providing supplemental support to school-year programs.
    Participating libraries are the Northville Public Library, Frothingham Free Library in Fonda, Fort Hunter Free Library, Schoharie Free Library, Sharon Springs Free Library, and the Glenville branch of the Schenectady County Public Library.
    For more information, contact Sue Rokos at 355-2010.     

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CANALFEST
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — The Mabee Farm Historic Site will host a free, two-day music festival as part of Canalfest 2008 at Locks 7 through 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 Sunday.
    At Mabee Farm, the music starts Saturday with folk/bluegrass entertainers Landfill Mountain Boys, followed by mountain dulcimer of Susan Trump, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason and ending with the Riverview Ramblers at 3:30 p.m.
    Sunday, Gary Van Slyke starts things off at noon. Blues performer Little Toby Walker ends the day’s entertainment. The weekend at the farm also features hayrides, exhibits, artisans, food and family fun. Admission is free. Boat rides on the Wofford will be available for $10 a person.
    Canalfest also features the Barge Bash Friday evening at River Stone Manor, Glenville, and the annual boat parade starting at 6 p.m. in front of Jumpin’ Jacks in Scotia. For a complete schedule, see http://www. lock7-12canalfest.com.

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SUMMER SCIENCE
    ROTTERDAM — The Mohawk Valley Library System, through a $2,500 grant from the GE Volunteers Foundation, is sponsoring its annual Science in the Summer program for youngsters.
    In the program, GE volunteers work with participants in handson activities and expose them to real world science and scientists, fostering their interest throughout the summer months and providing supplemental support to schoolyear programs.
    Participating libraries are the Northville Public Library, Frothingham Free Library in Fonda, Fort Hunter Free Library, Schoharie Free Library, Sharon Springs Free Library, and the Glenville branch of the Schenectady County Public Library.
    For more information, contact Sue Rokos at 355-2010.

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ROTTERDAM
Fundraiser to help fire victim
Severely injured Mercer Street resident returns to area
BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Justin Mason at 395-3113 or jmason@dailygazette.net

    Corin Reilly only recently regained her voice.
    The 26-year-old fire victim spent the past month whispering after sustaining serious damage to her lungs during a house fire on Mercer Street that almost killed her. Firefighters from the Carman Fire Department rescued Corin after she blacked out while trying to flee her smoke-filled residence.
    “When you look inside that house it’s a miracle she survived,” said Joe Reilly, her husband of three years, who was away in Maine on the morning of the fire.
    Now, friends and family are trying to raise money for Corin and the volunteer firefighters who pulled her from the fire. The group is sponsoring a car wash at the Carman station off Hamburg Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
    “We just want to get as much was can to help Joe and Corin and to give to the fire department,” said Dave Lang, a friend of the Reillys who is helping to organize the event.
    On the morning of the blaze, firefighters found Reilly collapsed in the home’s rear kitchen with fl ames engulfing a front bedroom. She was found near her two cats, which both perished.
    Corin spent nearly a week in an intensive care unit at the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx and much of the last month under supervision of a nurse on Long Island.
    Reilly said his wife continues to struggle with injuries. She’s unable to walk up a flight of steps without becoming winded and still has trouble projecting her voice. But he said her healing has been nothing short of remarkable.
    “She’s made a hell of a recovery,” he said. “We thought it was going to be a long time before she could talk again.”
    Corin finally returned to the area last week, in time to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with her husband and family. Reilly said the couple is now staying with friends in Niskayuna.
    Now the Reillys are searching for a new home. They had rented the home on Mercer Street from Reilly’s grandmother and were hoping to buy it.
    But even though the home is repairable, Reilly said his wife isn’t emotionally prepared to live in it. He said the couple is instead trying to find an affordable home.
    “We’re looking onward and upward,” Reilly said.

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Woestina Seniors will meet Friday
    ROTTERDAM — The Woestina Young at Heart Seniors will meet at 10:30 a.m. Friday, at the Rotterdam Senior Citizens Center, 2639 Hamburg St.
    Guest Speaker Bill Massoth will speak on the origins of the names of local areas.
    Pizza will be served.
    Members should bring monetary donations for Schenectady Inner City Ministry, which helps local families in need.

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ROTTERDAM JUNCTION
Weekend powwow first on acquired site
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter

    With quick strokes of his brush, Art Ellis, an Algonquin, put finishing touches Wednesday on a large wooden gate that the Keepers of the Circle group hopes will welcome hundreds of people this weekend to its first official powwow.
    The gate represents the eastern entry into the spiritual heart of the 2.6-acre property on Route 5S in Rotterdam Junction, now owned by American Indians for the fi rst time in centuries.
    To members of the Keepers, the circle is sacred ground, representing the continuous flow of life. Come Saturday, they will light a fire within the circle and will keep it burning until the powwow ends sometime Sunday, said Tim Christian, president of the Keepers board of directors.
    “The sacred fire pit signifies the light of life. We will have people there all day and all night, keeping it burning during the event,” Christian said. “When the fire goes out, the powwow is over.”
    The powwow’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It will include American Indian dancing, storytelling, drumming and food. At least 21 vendors from throughout the country are scheduled to attend, selling a variety of American Indian items. The museum will be open as well.
    The powwow is the Keepers’ main fundraiser this year, and members hope to raise enough money to cover the nonprofit organization’s expenses for some time, said Director Jessica LaPan.
    The Keepers signed the deed for the land in March, assuming full ownership from Schenectady County. With the land, came bills for utilities and other needs. Prior to the sale, the county covered most of the bills and periodically maintained the property.
    The county purchased the 29-acre parcel for $171,000 in 2000 but gave the Keepers control over it. The Keepers of the Circle was supposed to develop and offer programs to promote American Indian culture and the historical aspects of the Mohawk River. None of this occurred because of infighting.
    Last year, the county agreed to give Keepers 2.6 acres and the 17th century Bradt farmhouse and to sell the remaining 27 acres to the Schenectady County Historical Society for $180,000. The society needs the land to build a year-round educational center on the Mabee Farm, which it owns and which is adjacent to the Keepers’ property.
    Since taking over the property, Keepers volunteers have repaired the house’s foundation and parts of its crumbling structure, painted the formerly white house red and meticulously maintained the grounds, even planting a garden.
    In addition, Keepers has stepped up efforts to integrate the multicultural education center into the community. To date, it has held 24 outreach programs and provides periodic education events, Christian said. It also operates a food pantry that assists approximately 45 people each week.
    Their efforts have paid off in many ways, LaPan said. The Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department and the local U.S. Post Office sponsored food collection events for the pantry and the county provided the Keepers with a $1,000 tourism grant toward the Powwow.
    The work isn’t over, Christian said. In the future, Keepers wants to build a replica longhouse on the grounds and bring in different American Indian speakers three times a month to teach drumming, singing and dancing.
    “I am proud of the membership here. They are doing their jobs, doing outreach to the community and now the community is reaching back,” Christian said. “The old Keepers are now the new Keepers.”

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CHURCH BARBECUE
    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam United Methodist Church will hold a Brooks’ Chicken barbecue on July 25.
    The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church at the corner of Curry Road and Helderberg Avenue. An adult dinner will cost $9, a child’s dinner $5 and a half-chicken dinner $5.

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CRAFTERS SOUGHT
    ROTTERDAM — The Mabee Farm is looking for artists and crafts people to exhibit at the Mabee Arts and Crafts Festival on Aug. 23.
    The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 36-acre historic site and will feature artists, wood crafters, potters, spinners, weavers, candle makers, glass blowers and basket weavers.
    Call 887-5073 or e-mail mabee@nycap.rr.com  for an application.

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BOOK GROUP MEETS
    ROTTERDAM — The Wingate Readers book discussion group of the Rotterdam Branch Library, 1100 N. Westcott Road, will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 at the library. The topic of discussion will be “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” by Khaled Hosseini.

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EARLY TECHNOLOGY
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — Mabee Farm Historic Site and the Native American Institute of the Hudson River Valley will sponsor “Early Technologies Day,” an educational and fun event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Mabee Farm, 1080 Main St., (Route 5S).
    Participants will learn about fi re starting, cordage and deer sinew, brain-tanned leather working, tinsmithing, blacksmithing, beer brewing and more. Highlights of the day will include a hands-on flint knapping workshop and atlatl throwing with Barry Keegan.
    Visitors may bring Native American artifacts for identification by the New York State Archaeology Association.
    This event is free and open to the public.
    For more information go to http://www.mabeefarm.org.     

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SWAP MEET
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — Mohawk Hudson Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club will host its annual swap meet starting at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Mabee Farm Historic Site, Route 5S.
    More than 80 vendors and collectors will be there buying, selling and trading antique and classic outboard motors, boats and related items.
    Admission is free. There will be food available at lunchtime for a donation.

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MABEE FESTIVAL
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — The fourth annual Mabee Farm Arts & Crafts Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Mabee Farm Historic Site, 1080 Main St. (Rte 5S).
    The festival will feature wood crafts, folk art, handwoven goods, candles, jewelry, fine arts, painted furniture, artisan demonstrations, jams, traditional music and much more. The cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children and it includes a free historic house tour.

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READERS TO MEET

    ROTTERDAM — The Wingate Readers book discussion group of the Rotterdam Library, 1100 North Westcott Road, will meet at 10 a.m. September 2 at the library.
    The group will discuss “Plum Lucky,” by Janet Evanovich.     

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ROTARY CAR SHOW
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — The Schenectady East Rotary Club will sponsor the 4th annual Antique and Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Mabee Farm Historic Site on Route 5S.
    The event is to benefit the Jack Falvo III Foundation as well as the Mabee Farm Historic Site. Trophies will be presented for President’s Choice, Spectator’s Choice and 30 favorites. Classics, hot rods, antiques, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. The cost for show cars is $7 for early registration or $10 the day of the event. Dash plaques and a goodie bag will be given to the first 100 vehicles.
    Only cars made before 1988 are eligible for judging. All show cars must be on the field by noon.

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ROTARY CAR SHOW
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION
— The Schenectady East Rotary Club will sponsor the 4th annual Antique and Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Mabee Farm Historic Site on Route 5S.
    The event is a fundraiser to benefit the Jack Falvo III Foundation as well as the Mabee Farm Historic Site.
    Trophies will be presented for President’s Choice, Spectator’s Choice and 30 favorites. Classics, hot rods, antiques, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome.
    The cost for show cars is $7 for early registration or $10 the day of the event. Dash plaques and a goodie bag will be given to the fi rst 100 vehicles.
Only cars made before 1988 are eligible for judging. All show cars must be on the field by noon to be qualified. Trophies will be presented at 3 p.m. There will be music and food. Vendors are welcome at the cost of $25 per space. For further information or to pre-register contact Jean Barnoski at 393-4117 ext. 206.
Correction
A story that appeared in The Sunday Gazette incorrectly identified the alleged attacker in a fatal Albany stabbing. Andre Lopez, 21, of Rensselaer is charged with fatally stabbing Francisco Delacruz, 17, of Albany. Lopez remains at the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail on charges of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

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RIVER CRUISE
    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — The Mabee Farm will hold a boat cruise fundraiser on Friday to benefit the building of Mabee Farm’s George Franchere Education Center.
    Dinner, catered by Anthony’s Canalside Restaurant will be served at 5:30 p.m. in the Mabee’s Dutch barn. The Riverview Ramblers will be the special guests.
    A cruise will follow at 6:30 p.m. on the 50-passenger “Wofford.”
    The cost is $50 per person.

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BARBECUE TAKE OUT
    ROTTERDAM — Rotterdam United Methodist Church, 1915 Helderburg Ave., will host Brooks’ chicken barbecue, at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Drive-thru pickup only.
    Adult dinners $9, youngster dinners $5 and half chicken dinners $5.

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CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL
    ROTTERDAM — St. Gabriel’s Church, 3040 Hamburg St., Rotterdam hosts its fall festival from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and 3 to 11 on Saturday.
    There will be amusement park rides and games.

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CARDS AND FASHIONS
    ROTTERDAM — Ladies of Rotterdam Elks will hold a card party and fashion show at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Elks Lodge, 1152 Curry Road.
    Fashions will be provided by Christopher & Banks.
    Admission is $4.

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TOOLS AND TRADES
    ROTTERDAM — The fall meeting of the Hudson Mohawk Antique Tools and Trades Association will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Mabee Farm Historic Site, Route 5S, Rotterdam Junction.
    John Ackner will discuss patent models on brick making and wagons from the Schenectady County Historical Society. Members are asked to bring any patented tools on which they have information about the patent, unusual items and “What is it? for group discussion.
    Tailgate and swap will begin at noon followed by the meeting at 1:30 p.m. This event is open to all.

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READERS GROUP
    ROTTERDAM — The Wingate Readers book discussion group of the Rotterdam Library, 1100 North Westcott Road, will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the library.
    The book is “Five Quarters of the Orange,” by Joanne Harris.

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CRAFT FAIR
    ROTTERDAM — Our Own Productions hosts a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Senior Citizens Center on Hamburg Street.
    Admission is free.

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FARM AND FOLIAGE

    ROTTERDAM JUNCTION — The Mabee Farm Historic Site, Route 5S, will hold a Farm and Foliage Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
    Admission is free.

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HALLOWEEN BASH

    ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam Boys and Girls Club will host its annual Happy Halloween Bash from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday .
    Some of the activities are a haunted house, a haunted kitchen, bounce house, a funny fortune teller, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, prizes, candy and beverages.
    It’s free to children of any age.

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PANCAKE SUPPER
    ROTTERDAM — The Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, corner of Giffords Church Road and Dunnsville Road, will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake supper from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday .
    The cost is $7.25 for adults, $4.50 for kids 5 to 10 and free for kids younger than five.

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BAKE/RUMMAGE SALE
    ROTTERDAM — The Ladies Auxiliary of Rotterdam District 2 Fire Department, 1400 Curry Road, has scheduled an annual bake/rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4.

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VETERANS DAY SERVICE
    ROTTERDAM — The town of Rotterdam will hold its 49th annual Veterans Day service at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the monument at Town Hall, 1100 Sunrise Blvd. The public is invited to honor veterans.

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CHICKEN BARBECUE
    ROTTERDAM — Rotterdam United Methodist Church, Curry Road and Helderberg Avenue, will host a drive-through chicken barbecue at 2 p.m. today.
    The cost for an adult dinner is $9. A child’s dinner $5, and half a chicken is $5.

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CALLING CROCHETERS
    ROTTERDAM — Girl Scout Troop 2246 invites crocheters and knitters to the Rotterdam Senior Center, 2639 Hamburg St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to craft hats for newborns, which will be sent to the Save the Children Foundation..

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'Sandwich generation' event rescheduled

ROTTERDAM — Managing the Sandwich Generation, a program by the Schenectady Job Service Employers Committee and The Chamber of Schenectady County, has been rescheduled. The event will take place from 8-10 a.m. on Jan. 21 at Mallozzi's Restaurant, 1930 Curry Road, Rotterdam.

The guest speaker is Caitlin St. George, community liaison for the housing division of The Eddy. Included in the program is a breakfast buffet.

Admission is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. To register, contact Cathy Bucci at 462-7600, Ext. 153.

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Boys & Girls Clubs plan mall walk fundraiser

ROTTERDAM — The staff of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady are holding a Mall Walk for Kids to raise funds to benefit the clubs' after-school programs on Jan. 25 at Rotterdam Square Mall, Campbell Road, Rotterdam. Walkers should meet at 9 a.m. in the food court.

Activities for the day also include a Super Raffle, face painting and more. To get a pledge sheet and start raising money, visit your neighborhood Boys & Girls Club or contact John or Julie at 355-7440. All participants who raise at least $40 will receive a Mall Walk for Kids 2009 T-shirt.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady is also offering business sponsorship opportunities for the Mall Walk for Kids; for more information contact John at 355-7440.