December 29, 2010

Schodack Home Destroyed

Early morning fire destroys Schodack home


Reported by: Talia Kaplan

Videographer: P. Busa
Editor: P. Busa



Updated: 12/26 11:36 pm
 
It was not a very Merry Christmas for some in the Capital Region as an early morning fire in Schodack put a big damper on the holiday weekend. It happened about 6 a.m. Sunday on 3213 Route 150. 
 
“We had four dogs that didn't make it and just the house totally burned down,” Fred Baye, home owner, said. 

It was a holiday nightmare for Baye, as fire took over his Schodack home on Sunday morning not leaving much behind.
“I’ve lived here since 1972 and it's where my kids were raised but, now it’s all kind of gone,” Bayne said. 

“This is the house that I grew up in. It’s crazy because you always see these stories, these Christmas fires, and it happened to us,” Jeremy Bayne, Fred Bayne’s son, said.
No one was home when the fire started. 

December 28, 2010

Despicable Me

Family Movie Night: Despicable Me
Castleton Public Library
Thursday, Dec. 30, 6 PM
Family Movie Night! The Friends, along with the Castleton Public Library, will sponsor the family movie: Despicable Me! (rated PG). Popcorn and juice will be provided.

Tech Valley High Scholarship

A scholarship fund has been established at Tech Valley High School in the name of former Questar III District Superintendent Jim Baldwin.
 
The fund, which recognizes the former district superintendent’s efforts to establish the school emphasizing math, science and technology using project-based learning, will provide college scholarships to graduating seniors of the regional public high school.

Tax dispute settled in Castleton - TU

 

By Larry Rulison Business Writer - Published: 12:00 a.m., Thursday, December 23, 2010

CASTLETON -- The town of Schodack has reached a settlement over a tax dispute with the owners of a power plant here.

Although the dispute is over, the resulting loss of tax revenue -- more than half a million dollars annually -- will have a big impact on school district spending and, possibly, tax rates.

Schodack Central School District officials informed residents in a recent newsletter that the town had resolved its tax dispute with the owners of Castleton Energy Center, a 67-megawatt gas-fired power plant on Route 9J at the village line.

December 24, 2010

Best Christmas Ever

Merry Christmas 
Leave me a comment about your favorite Christmas Story!
Read mine  here -  Notes to Self.

Thanks for visiting my site. Keep stopping, keep reading. Leave me a comment or sign up to follow the SCENE!






December 22, 2010

9/11 First Responders Health Bill

Politcalticker
 
House passes 9/11 health bill
 
 
Deirdre Walsh




Washington (CNN) - The vote for the 9/11 first responders health bill which passed in the house was 206-60.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-California, gaveled it – this was her last time presiding over the House as Speaker.

The bill now moves to President Obama's desk for his signature.
Even though the vote was kept open for over an hour (it was a 15 minute vote), a large number of House Members- over 160- did not vote.
But there was a quorum – a simple majority of 435 House Members present – to vote on the bill. Half of the House Republicans skipped the vote and nearly 80 House Democrats missed it.
This was the last House vote of the day and the year. The House is adjourning until January 5th, when new Congress gets sworn in and incoming Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, takes the gavel from Nancy Pelosi.

 

Pair arrested

NASSAU, N.Y. – Thirty-year-old James Brown and 25 year-old Kayla Morey arrested by state police and charged with these four counts: Conspiracy to produce child pornography, production of child pornography, along with transporting and possessing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

December 21, 2010

Navy Swims at the Y

Dec 21,2010 at 3:57 PM
Members of US Navy Zone 8 Boat Crew are at the Capital District YMCAs Greenbush branch.  They are swimming laps from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to help to raise awareness and money for the Y’s Reach Out For Youth Scholarship Program.  The program ensures that no one is ever turned away from the Y due to their inability to pay.  Last year, it helped over 34,000 children, families and seniors lead healthier and happier lives.  The goal for this year’s program is $1,510,000.

 

December 20, 2010

Lights out for Gaslight Village   click here

The wrecking ball finally fell on Gaslight Village, and amusement park that saw its heydays in the late 1950s and ’60s.

View the photo gallery and read the story by Tim Neff of the T.U.


We had plenty of fun at Gaslight Village.  Did you go?  Tell us about it, share photos and stories here.

Ice Skating

The Ice Skating rink at Schodack Island State Park in now open seven days a week. Free admission!
Friday night skating will start Jan 7. On Friday nights the snack bar will be open from 5 to 8 pm. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pork chop on a stick, and more hot foods. 
Food by the Schodack Landing Fire Company!
 Despicable Me (Single-Disc Edition)    Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album  O Holy Night (CD/DVD)

December 19, 2010

Pizza Night with Santa

Santa at Schodack Valley Pizza Night


Eat in or Take out (518) 477-4215. Pizza, wings with home-made wing sauce (mild, hot, BBQ and Garlic Parmesan), mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, fully loaded, freshly made, antipasto and side salads all available!

Pizza Night on December 18,  was hopping on full house and full patrons!


Santa stopped by for a bite and to spread a little Holiday Cheer!

The next Pizza Night is scheduled for Saturday, January 15.




There was plenty going on in the kitchen as well!

December 16, 2010

Sale of the former Town Hall property

Resolution # 380 was passed at the Town Board meeting held Thursday December 9, 2010.  It calls for a referendum to be held on January 20, 2011 at the present town hall on Schuurman Rd. between the hours of 1:00 PM and 8 PM.  A proposition presented to the electors will read as follows.

Shall the action of the Schodack Town Board by resolution number 2010-327, adopted October 14, 2010, authorizing the town to enter into an option agreement with David Bryce for the sale of the former Town Hall property, located at the intersection of routes 9&20 and Route 150, for $300,000 be approved?    Yes_____________   NO_____________

Supervisor Dowds responded [during open forum] that there would not be a info meeting but instead information would be provided in the West Sand Lake Advertiser and also on the Town web-site.

Read more ~

Apple iPod touch 32 GB (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption 

December 14, 2010

Santa's Coming for Pizza

Schodack Valley Pizza Night Saturday



Schodack Valley Pizza Night is scheduled for Saturday, December18, 5:00 - 9:00 pm.

Eat in or Take out (518) 477-4215. Pizza, wings with home-made wing sauce (mild, hot, BBQ and Garlic Parmesan), mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, fully loaded, freshly made, antipasto and side salads all available!

Santa loves David's WINGS!

Eat in or take-out!

Deal of the Day

Amazon Deal of the Day,  MP3 clips or an Amazon Gift Card! 


December 13, 2010

Today's Featured Item

Organic Kona Coffee Sugar Scrub

 

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* The fresh aroma of freshly brewed coffee will awaken your senses, helping you feel alert. Try this in the morning for a bright start to your day.
* In addition, caffeine in the coffee aids in fighting cellulite and varicose veins, wrinkles and the signs of aging.
* Coffee also stimulates skin cells and helps tone your skin by aiding the redistribution of fat cells and shrinking of blood vessels as seen with varicose veins. Suggested use is once to twice a week.

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Packaged in a spa style, adorable reusable, recyclable, non-breakable, convenient flip top bail jar. No parabens. Enjoy. Special introductory price. (Size: 9.7 ounces)

    * Includes a F.R.E.E 2 oz Jar of Coffee Body Cream with Every Purchase


Apple iPod touch 8 GB (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL 

Goff School Turns 50!

Celebrating Half a Century

By Catherine Sager
East Greenbush

 
On Wednesday, December 8th, Goff Middle School celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a day packed with special events.

Students and staff arrived before school to watch Principal, Ryan Groat and Assistant Principal, Steve Taylor open the time capsule that had been placed inside the building’s cornerstone 50 years ago.


The items within the copper lined box were newspapers from 1960, a full set of uncirculated U.S. coins from 1959, and a history of East Greenbush on its 100th Anniversary. There was also a playbill from the East Greenbush Centennial Committee's "Forever Young," an historical pageant. The show was written, directed and produced by Robert J. Shillinglaw and performed on Saturday, July 2, 1955.  Perhaps the most interesting item left inside the box was roll of white paper with a hand-written list with the signatures of student and employee from 1960.

December 12, 2010

Helping stop DWI

Janice Thomas' son Frank was killed by a drunk driver.

On Saturday, December 4, Ms. Thomas stood on Route 9J in Castleton handing out flyers to passersby reminding them that Drunk Driving is the most preventable cause of death.  With the smallest effort the devastation of the senseless loss of a loved one could be avoided.
Janice Thomas and some supporters

The literature handed to drivers simply stated that "Drunk Driving is Never Serious, until it becomes serious."

December 10, 2010

Featured Item

Small Ruma Horn Bangle Set - Set of 3

-

 

Set of 3 small brass-wrapped horn bangles. They look fantastic worn with as many as your arm can handle. Made in Kenya from recycled Ankole cow horn and recycled brass wire. 0.25" wide.

Each set comes with a cloth drawstring bag, handmade in Rwanda using traditional African wax cotton fabric.

*Due to the organic nature of the material, each piece is unique and may vary slightly in color and texture.



 

December 8, 2010

Through January 2


6:00 p.m. Hannaford Capital Holiday Lights in Albany's Washington Park, presented by the Albany PAL. Runs through January 2, 2011. 
$10 in advance, $15 at gate - per carload. 
Load up the family and take a ride through the park.

December 7, 2010

Notice of Public Hearings

Schodack NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS December 9 on long awaited Comprehensive Plan for Schodack at Town Hall.

This Thursday, the 20 plus years long awaited response to the call for a Town Master Plan will come up before the Town Board. This is an only lightly altered version of the Plan created by a committee of the Town Planning Board in collaboration ($40,000 worth) with Laberge Engineering and presented at the Maple Hill High School in January 2009. It presents pretty much the same only very general outline and principles for a vision of Schodack. It can be viewed using the link at the Town Website shown below.
 
In terms of importance for the direction a Town takes, a good clear Comp Plan can provide a very constructive vision of the way forward.
 
Does this plan take us anywhere? What do you think?
 
Please try to attend the Thursday Town Board hearing to provide your input and to listen to the input of others, as well as, to the Town Board and Supervisor. Please come and ask your questions and let the Board know how you feel before they vote to approve this plan.
 
Will this Plan accomplish anything or direct us anywhere?
 
 

Featured Item

Small Ruma Horn Bangle Set - Set of 3

-

 

Set of 3 small brass-wrapped horn bangles. They look fantastic worn with as many as your arm can handle. Made in Kenya from recycled Ankole cow horn and recycled brass wire. 0.25" wide.

Each set comes with a cloth drawstring bag, handmade in Rwanda using traditional African wax cotton fabric.

*Due to the organic nature of the material, each piece is unique and may vary slightly in color and texture.



  

December 4, 2010

Castleton Kiwanis Party!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Sunday, December 5, the Castleton Kiwanis invited Kris Kringle to a party at Caslteton Elementary School from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  

Every year area families are invited for pizza, cake and present for all registered children up to 10 years old.  For every child registered, the Castleton Kiwanis buys, wraps and personal tags a gift specially chosen for him or her.

The Annual Kiwanis Christmas Party is a free event sponsored by the Castleton Kiwanis. Kiwanis member Mary Lou Kulpa says that 60 children have signed up so far and the Kiwanis members spend countless hours lending a hand to Santa by shopping and wrapping gifts. 










Santa and Mrs. Clause were there to join in the fun and share some holiday spirit.

December 3, 2010

Holidays on the Hudson

Holidays on the Hudson
Visit the Castleton Public Library

Sunday, December 5, starting at 3:00 p.m.

Come to Holidays on the Hudson starting at 3:00 p.m.
The Friends of the Castleton Library has  many activities planned for the holiday season.

Sstop by for Story Time starting at 3:00 p.m. There will be Caroling, and the Village Tree Lighting.  Later there is a visit planned from someone special!

The friends offer a big Thank You to the Village of Castleton, The Castleton Fire Department, and Stewarts.

Free Stuff! I love Free Stuff!

Free Music!

Amazon is giving away one free Christmas music MP3 every day for 25 days beginning earlier this week, Dec. 1, 2010. So the last free MP3 will be available on Christmas day. Amazon is kicking off the free music series with "White Winter Hymnal," by the Fleet Foxes. I listened to the 30-second sample and liked it enough to download the free MP3. No word on what free MP3s are in the pipeline, so you'll have to check back daily to find out.

Free French Fries!

Get free fries at Wendy's with this coupon for its new natural cut fries with sea salt. The fries are made from whole russet potatoes and come with the skin on. The coupon expires Jan. 1, 2011. No purchase necessary. This coupon is valid at participating Wendy's only. Call ahead to check if your local Wendy's is accepting the coupon if you're worried about getting turned down. To print the coupon, you'll need the Coupons.com coupon printer program, which is easy to install. Caveats: One coupon per person per visit. May not be combined with any other coupons. Photocopies are not accepted.

December 2, 2010

Chasing Santa

This weekend is a busy one for Santa Clause!  The jolly old elf has a full schedule of  "lap" appointments and holiday parties with families in the area.



Very early Saturday, St. Nick will be at Applebees from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

The Genet PTO has sent an open invitation -

Come join us for Genet's first Breakfast with Santa!
Santa will be at Applebees to take pictures and hear Christmas lists. Bring your cameras. Every child will receive a candy cane and small gift.

For only $5 breakfast includes Pancakes, Bacon, Juice, Milk, Coffee and Tea. 


Bring your friends and family this is open to anyone that wants to come!
Hope to see you there!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After breakfast, Santa hurries off to the Town Fire Stations on Saturday 12/04/10. Wynantskill Firehouse 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and then straight to Defreestville Firehouse 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Snacks will be served. Photos are sponsored by North Greenbush PBA and Paulson Photography.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Sunday, December 5, the Castleton Kiwanis invited Kris Kringle to a party at Caslteton Elementary School from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Families are invited for pizza, cake and present for all children up to 10 years old.  To register for the party, call the Castleton Kiwanis at 732-2644 or 732-4228.

The F Word

The F Word











Find it Here

Saving money has become very much in vogue. Partly because it's become so necessary for many families. This column is about how and where to save money.  Sometimes it's about clicking or cutting coupons. Sometimes it's be about the easy ways to save a buck.  Today's topic -find great deals with Groupon.
 
Teri Mayor, a follower of the SCENE and Book Club girlfriend :-) has some advise to share:

HI folks,

I just found out about this website, it's  an interesting idea for saving money.  I just signed up for an NYS car inspection for $4!  It's in Glenville, but that works for us because Paul works in Schenectady.  Thought you might be interested.
Check out Groupon's daily deal - huge discounts on the coolest stuff in your city. http://www.groupon.com/r/uu13002843

If you have a money saving tip to share, leave a comment, spread the word.

November 30, 2010

Featured Product

SPORT+STORE stainless steel water bottles solve two age old dilemmas: 1) How can I help reduce the number of plastic bottles disposed of every day? and 2) Where can I put my keys, ID, cash, credit card, inhaler, and dog bags/treats when I go on a… read more
Usually ships within 2 business days.

 

Free Shipping will apply on all orders over $50 with use of the coupon code "FREESHIP50."

The F Word




Freebie at Bath & Body Works With $10 Purchase

Filed under: Bargain Babe
Bath & Body Works gift cardHere is an almost-freebie that is worth checking out. Use this Bath & Body Works coupon to get a free item up to $13 in value when you spend $10 or more. Expires Dec. 24, 2010. Online use coupon code FREE4U while checking out and the price will automatically adjust. Sale merchandise may not qualify for the discount.

Depending on what you buy, you could end up paying $10 plus tax and shipping for $23 worth of goodies. Another plan is to use coupon code F102785 to get $10 off your order. Or get 25% off your order through Nov. 30, 2010 with coupon code CYBER25. Most sites only let you use one coupon code per online order, so do the math and see which coupon saves you the most.

Caveats: Valid at U.S. stores only and online. Excludes gift sets. One per customer. No change given. Not valid in Canada and at Outlet stores. Cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons or discounts. Offer not redeemable for cash, gift certificates, gift cards, e-gift cards, sale merchandise, previous purchases. Gift wrap services and taxes are not applicable toward minimum purchase requirements.

Featured Product

Organic Kona Coffee Sugar Scrub by essensu - 9.7 oz *Includes Gift 

 

Our Organic Kona Coffee Sugar Scrub will cleanse while exfoliating dry skin, removing patchy dryness, leaving your skin smooth as silk, renewed and moisturized. 

Includes a F.R.E.E 2 oz Jar of Coffee Body Cream with Every Purchase

Free Shipping will apply on all orders over $50 with use of the coupon code "FREESHIP50."

Holiday Lights

6:00 p.m. Hannaford Capital Holiday Lights in Albany's Washington Park, presented by the Albany PAL. Runs through January 2, 2011. $10 in advance, $15 at gate per carload. Load up the family and take a ride through the park.

BINGO

Who doesn't love a good game of bingo?

Doors open at noon. Where: South Schodack Volunteer Fire Co.

When:
DAYDATETIME
TodayNovember 282 p.m.
SundayDecember 52 p.m.
SundayDecember 122 p.m.
Phone: 732-2082

November 29, 2010

Cyber Monday

Shop at the SCENE for unique items from Open Sky: books, jewelry, unique items of all kinds!















Amazon Deal of the Day,  MP3 clips or an Amazon Gift Card! 




Click on these Great Offers from  Barnes & Noble, Aeropostale  or Spa Wish