It's December, folks, whether you're ready for it or not. And with December comes our big Dutch celebration, the annual Evening With St. Nicolaas, complete this year with a Festival of Trees and Craft Fair, sponsored by the Schuylerville Community Theater, and Story Time with Julie Martin reading “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. The Trees, Entertainment, Story Time and crafts will be located at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall. Children and St. Nicolaas, on his white horse, attended by his Piets, will gather at the corner of Spring St. and Broad, Rts.4 and 29. St. Nicolaas will lead us all on a lantern parade through downtown to light the village tree. There will be carolers, story tellers, food and drink, along with festival revelers. Timetable for the various events follows:
*10AM The Festival of Trees sponsored by the Schuylerville Community Theater. Beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Kissing Balls, Entertainment and Crafts for your shopping pleasure!
*3PM Story Time with Librarian Julie Martin reading, “THE MITTEN” by Jan Brett followed by a craft activity for children.
*4:15PM Children may pick up lanterns to accompany St. Nicolaas in his parade.
*4:45PM St Nicolaas Arrives !! The Parade Begins!
*5:30PM St Nicolaas ceremony and Tree lighting at Schuylerville’s Village Park.
Most businesses will be open for the celebration, displaying their holiday wares and decorations, and many will be offering refreshments. Schuyler Sweets will be selling Chocolate, St Nicolaas Chocolate Letters and serving goodies; Dwell will be open for your holiday shopping, as will Olde Saratoga Bike & Boards. Gallery on the Hudson will be open for gallery viewing and refreshments, as will Riverfront Studios and The Gallery Down Under. The Canal Street Arts Center will be offering finely crafted items in the holiday shop; Old Saratoge Books and Dana Clark Accounting will be open and serving treats. The Canal Crossing Mosaic Workshop and Badger's Cigar Den will be open for visitors, and Second Hand Rose will offer 10% off everything in the shop all day. Turning Point Rotary will provide coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to warm you as you stroll, Eli's will have goodies to go with it, and and if you'd rather drink than eat, Old Saratoga Wine and Spirits will be serving "Gluvein", warm wine punch. Byron's Market will top off the evening with their delicious pea soup.
So put on your warmest woolies and join the fun as we continue our Dutch Christmas tradition. SEE YOU THERE!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
SWEET PEA THANKS VICTORY MILLS
(A personal note from the webmaster, Dotty Robinson)
After four years living at large, Sweet Pea, the gray “ghost dog” of Victory Mills is home. She was captured Monday evening on the porch of the St. Stephens parish hall by Douglas Durning and Nancy Knapik, who had seen her taking refuge in their sand barrel, especially during storms. A Katrina rescue who had lived in a succession of shelters for most of the year afterward, Sweet Pea dug her way out of our fenced yard the day after we brought her home in June, 2006. She has been literally running scared ever since.
For several weeks, she came to our back porch during the night to eat the food we left out for her, though no amount of coaxing or chasing could snare her. Neighbors tried to catch her too, and kept us up to date on her whereabouts. I did a daily “Sweet Pea Sweep” to make sure she had not been hit by a car. When duck hunting season started, however, with shots heard all around us, Sweet Pea high-tailed it into town. Flyers posted throughout the area yielded many phone calls but no dog. House to house canvassing revealed that many Victory Mills residents were finding their cat food left on the back porch was disappearing rapidly, and many people had seen her walking down the street, “just as if she was going somewhere”, one person said. She was seen by the post office, in the cemetery, at the mill, everywhere, it seemed, but could not be caught.
As days went by, and then weeks, we worried about the coming winter. We hoped her fluffy chow coat would protect her. Bob Donisthorpe and Lorraine Petralia reported that Sweet Pea seemed to be taking shelter in a leaning piece of scrap metal behind their house, down by Fish Creek, so they started putting out food for her. That was almost four years ago, and they put out the last bowl of food on Monday before they learned that she had been caught.
Many, many times through the years we discovered people who had been feeding Sweet Pea. Claudia Nevins would put out leftovers for her when her husband Bill spotted the dog approaching. “My friend Cathy up on the hill said she’s been feeding her too,” said Claudia, “and she said the dog drinks a lot of water”. Gail Sullivan reported the dog’s habitual path through her back yard, and Mayor Jim Sullivan saw Sweet Pea most evenings as he took his evening walk. “She looked in really bad shape recently,” he said. So Dr. Patti Jolie provided worming medicine, which Bob and Claudia planted in the food they put out.
Ed Cross, our local animal control officer, had been trying to trap Sweet Pea, without success, for a long time. He redoubled his efforts as her health deteriorated. When he called to tell me the news, he sounded incredulous. “Those people will be the heroes of the town!” he said. And indeed they are. Doug took the dog to the nearby vet, Dr. Sarah Schug, who stayed after hours to treat her many ailments and inoculate her. With the help of our daughter, Linda Cook, and our grandchildren, Austin, Hannah, and Graham, we brought Sweet Pea home to recuperate.
We didn’t know that Nancy and Douglas were keeping track of Sweet Pea, just as we never knew who all the people were who called about her, watched out for her, and fed her. What we do know is that there are a lot of very, very nice people in Victory Mills, and to them we, and Sweet Pea, are forever grateful.
After four years living at large, Sweet Pea, the gray “ghost dog” of Victory Mills is home. She was captured Monday evening on the porch of the St. Stephens parish hall by Douglas Durning and Nancy Knapik, who had seen her taking refuge in their sand barrel, especially during storms. A Katrina rescue who had lived in a succession of shelters for most of the year afterward, Sweet Pea dug her way out of our fenced yard the day after we brought her home in June, 2006. She has been literally running scared ever since.
For several weeks, she came to our back porch during the night to eat the food we left out for her, though no amount of coaxing or chasing could snare her. Neighbors tried to catch her too, and kept us up to date on her whereabouts. I did a daily “Sweet Pea Sweep” to make sure she had not been hit by a car. When duck hunting season started, however, with shots heard all around us, Sweet Pea high-tailed it into town. Flyers posted throughout the area yielded many phone calls but no dog. House to house canvassing revealed that many Victory Mills residents were finding their cat food left on the back porch was disappearing rapidly, and many people had seen her walking down the street, “just as if she was going somewhere”, one person said. She was seen by the post office, in the cemetery, at the mill, everywhere, it seemed, but could not be caught.
As days went by, and then weeks, we worried about the coming winter. We hoped her fluffy chow coat would protect her. Bob Donisthorpe and Lorraine Petralia reported that Sweet Pea seemed to be taking shelter in a leaning piece of scrap metal behind their house, down by Fish Creek, so they started putting out food for her. That was almost four years ago, and they put out the last bowl of food on Monday before they learned that she had been caught.
Many, many times through the years we discovered people who had been feeding Sweet Pea. Claudia Nevins would put out leftovers for her when her husband Bill spotted the dog approaching. “My friend Cathy up on the hill said she’s been feeding her too,” said Claudia, “and she said the dog drinks a lot of water”. Gail Sullivan reported the dog’s habitual path through her back yard, and Mayor Jim Sullivan saw Sweet Pea most evenings as he took his evening walk. “She looked in really bad shape recently,” he said. So Dr. Patti Jolie provided worming medicine, which Bob and Claudia planted in the food they put out.
Ed Cross, our local animal control officer, had been trying to trap Sweet Pea, without success, for a long time. He redoubled his efforts as her health deteriorated. When he called to tell me the news, he sounded incredulous. “Those people will be the heroes of the town!” he said. And indeed they are. Doug took the dog to the nearby vet, Dr. Sarah Schug, who stayed after hours to treat her many ailments and inoculate her. With the help of our daughter, Linda Cook, and our grandchildren, Austin, Hannah, and Graham, we brought Sweet Pea home to recuperate.
We didn’t know that Nancy and Douglas were keeping track of Sweet Pea, just as we never knew who all the people were who called about her, watched out for her, and fed her. What we do know is that there are a lot of very, very nice people in Victory Mills, and to them we, and Sweet Pea, are forever grateful.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
SPRING IS HERE!
Now that the temperature has gotten over 80' we can safely say that spring has arrived. Another sure sign are the beautiful lilac postcards that are appearing all around town, heralding the coming Gardener's Weekend on Mother's Day weekend, May 8th and 9th. We are fortunate to have Jeff Young, "Vermont's Mr. Lilac" again this year, for discussion and hands-on workshop. The theme this year is "Lilacs & Herbs", so a session on growing and cooking with herbs will feature Penny Sandora from nearby Northeast Corner Herb Farm in Fort Ann. Area garden shops will be open all weekend, giving discounts and demonstrations. A full, fun weekend for all ages.
If you see a lot of people walking around town dipping into their bags of chocolates, it's because they've just visited Broadway's newest shop, Saratoga Sweets, down on the corner.Bob's Easter confections of bunnies and eggs, in white and dark chocolate as well as milk chocolate were flying off the shelves the past few days. Fudge, turtles, chocolate pops, and traditional bon-bons all get our two thumbs up.
Print Says, across the street, is featuring a Small Business special of 20% discount through May. Cara at Dovegate's Kitchen at the Inn is offering a soup and salad lunch for only $5.95, and Bob at the Alcove Marina, south of town, has specials on food and drink going every weekend.
Fair weather brings out bicylclists of all ages and stages, and it also means Monday night Rides, heading out from Olde Saratoga Bike & Boards at 6:00 PM every Monday. There are two paces of rides, for cyclists who are very fit and those who are not so. Distances vary, beginning about 15 level miles and going up to 25-30 miles on more challenging terrain. And speaking of cyclists, for a real treat, go across the river and check out the world class cyclists at next weekend's Tour of the Battenkill.
This week is school vacation and next week starts baseball season, softball, lacrosse, and track. Tennis season has already started - did you see our triumphant players featured on the front page of the local paper? Lots going on, much to see and do, so get out and enjoy our nice community!
If you see a lot of people walking around town dipping into their bags of chocolates, it's because they've just visited Broadway's newest shop, Saratoga Sweets, down on the corner.Bob's Easter confections of bunnies and eggs, in white and dark chocolate as well as milk chocolate were flying off the shelves the past few days. Fudge, turtles, chocolate pops, and traditional bon-bons all get our two thumbs up.
Print Says, across the street, is featuring a Small Business special of 20% discount through May. Cara at Dovegate's Kitchen at the Inn is offering a soup and salad lunch for only $5.95, and Bob at the Alcove Marina, south of town, has specials on food and drink going every weekend.
Fair weather brings out bicylclists of all ages and stages, and it also means Monday night Rides, heading out from Olde Saratoga Bike & Boards at 6:00 PM every Monday. There are two paces of rides, for cyclists who are very fit and those who are not so. Distances vary, beginning about 15 level miles and going up to 25-30 miles on more challenging terrain. And speaking of cyclists, for a real treat, go across the river and check out the world class cyclists at next weekend's Tour of the Battenkill.
This week is school vacation and next week starts baseball season, softball, lacrosse, and track. Tennis season has already started - did you see our triumphant players featured on the front page of the local paper? Lots going on, much to see and do, so get out and enjoy our nice community!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
SAINT NICOLAAS FESTIVAL
It couldn't have been more perfect: beautiful flakes of snow started to fall just as Saint Nicolaas began his ride down Broadway, the stores twinkled with colorful lights...... but let our fearless leader take it from here:
Saint Nicolaas will be back next year! Thanks to the many good people who made this year’s St. Nicolaas (Sinterklaas) celebration a big success. We are already planning for his arrival next year.
In 2009 Schuylerville’s celebration of its Dutch heritage was more authentic than ever. Photos of our “Sinterklaas” festivities are showing up on the websites that carry news of Dutch cultural events around the country. As our celebration continues to evolve, it will surely fill its intended role as a unique enough event in our media market to boost the good name of our community to a higher awareness in the surrounding area. As such it joins our other three “signature” events, the Gardener’s Weekend/Lilac Festival, the Turning Point Parade, and, as of 2009 the Schuyler Skiff, specifically designed to raise awareness of the potential of our area.
A special thanks to the committee, Marie Foster, Lois Dudley, Susan Miller, Carol Hammer, Kate McMahon, Joanna Albertson, Mary Roberts and Deb Mathis. Thanks to Mary and Deb for the two beautiful Dutch villages, and to Mary for all the costumes. Thanks to Lorraine Thompson, Ralph Brooks, the Community Theater, and the Methodist Choir for the music; to Mayor Sherman and the Village crew for the new tree, the pole decorations, and the clean-up of the street and park; to the “over sixties” (Bob, Bob, Dave and Richard) who set up the bandstand; to the Garden Club for the beautiful wreaths and decorations; to the Lions Club for the children’s lanterns; to the Rotary Club for the coffee and coco; to Chris Tucker for the sound system; to the State Police and the Sheriff’s Office for the traffic control; to the merchants and businesses who stayed open and served treats and welcomed visitors; to our marching Burgermeisters John Sherman and Tom Wood; to all the great kids who served as “Piets”; to Karlene Bulson and her wonderful white horse “Dell”; and, of course to the Saint himself, Walter Grom.
Next year we would like to have many more activities for young people, especially the little ones. Please make your ideas and suggestions known – AND - if at all possible - volunteer for the committee.
Warm wishes for an early Spring,
The Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce
/ by David W. Roberts, President
Saint Nicolaas will be back next year! Thanks to the many good people who made this year’s St. Nicolaas (Sinterklaas) celebration a big success. We are already planning for his arrival next year.
In 2009 Schuylerville’s celebration of its Dutch heritage was more authentic than ever. Photos of our “Sinterklaas” festivities are showing up on the websites that carry news of Dutch cultural events around the country. As our celebration continues to evolve, it will surely fill its intended role as a unique enough event in our media market to boost the good name of our community to a higher awareness in the surrounding area. As such it joins our other three “signature” events, the Gardener’s Weekend/Lilac Festival, the Turning Point Parade, and, as of 2009 the Schuyler Skiff, specifically designed to raise awareness of the potential of our area.
A special thanks to the committee, Marie Foster, Lois Dudley, Susan Miller, Carol Hammer, Kate McMahon, Joanna Albertson, Mary Roberts and Deb Mathis. Thanks to Mary and Deb for the two beautiful Dutch villages, and to Mary for all the costumes. Thanks to Lorraine Thompson, Ralph Brooks, the Community Theater, and the Methodist Choir for the music; to Mayor Sherman and the Village crew for the new tree, the pole decorations, and the clean-up of the street and park; to the “over sixties” (Bob, Bob, Dave and Richard) who set up the bandstand; to the Garden Club for the beautiful wreaths and decorations; to the Lions Club for the children’s lanterns; to the Rotary Club for the coffee and coco; to Chris Tucker for the sound system; to the State Police and the Sheriff’s Office for the traffic control; to the merchants and businesses who stayed open and served treats and welcomed visitors; to our marching Burgermeisters John Sherman and Tom Wood; to all the great kids who served as “Piets”; to Karlene Bulson and her wonderful white horse “Dell”; and, of course to the Saint himself, Walter Grom.
Next year we would like to have many more activities for young people, especially the little ones. Please make your ideas and suggestions known – AND - if at all possible - volunteer for the committee.
Warm wishes for an early Spring,
The Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce
/ by David W. Roberts, President
Friday, November 6, 2009
GALLERY OPENING
We have just the thing to lift your spirits during these difficult times: an opening reception of the Holiday Show at the Riverfront Studios, 96 Broad Street on Saturday, the 7th, from 5:00 till 7:00, complete with munchies and music by Ria Curley and her band. The West Gallery will feature small works by artists from past shows and exhibits. In the East Gallery, Laura Von Rosk and Deb Hall will present new work. Come meet the artists and enjoy an evening of great jazz!
We probably fail to fully appreciate what this wonderful gallery has accomplished in its relentlesss pursuit of the finest artists from the area, and beyond, to exhibit and demonstrate their skills for us. The recent live demonstrations by Skidmore faculty artists got rave reviews from the SRO crowd. Next time you read about an artist's demonstration at the gallery, do yourself a favor and come to be inspired.
Schuylerville is fortunate to have many prominent artists and craftsmen living and working here. Doug Klein, of Saratoga Clayworks, has his home and studio across from the monument, and offers classes, workshops, and group tours and demonstrations. Ivy Associates, a relatively new gallery on Broad Street, features continuing exhibits of outstanding artists. Sue Reynolds, an artist herself, although some of us remember her best as My Fair Lady, runs the Gallery on the Hudson, upstairs at 92 Broad Street, featuring local artists. Schuylerville resident Noah Savett is a sculptor of national renown, and his daughter Cassandra is a recent honor graduate of Alfred and a fine potter and artist in her own right.
These are but a few of the artists in our midst. Though Schuylerville has been known in the past as a battleground or hub of river transportation, it always has and always will have the beauty of its riverfront location. Current museum exhibits of Hudson River art, commemorating its 400th anniversary, attest to that. Small wonder artists are attracted to the area. Come join some of them on Saturday, or any other day the galleries are open.
We probably fail to fully appreciate what this wonderful gallery has accomplished in its relentlesss pursuit of the finest artists from the area, and beyond, to exhibit and demonstrate their skills for us. The recent live demonstrations by Skidmore faculty artists got rave reviews from the SRO crowd. Next time you read about an artist's demonstration at the gallery, do yourself a favor and come to be inspired.
Schuylerville is fortunate to have many prominent artists and craftsmen living and working here. Doug Klein, of Saratoga Clayworks, has his home and studio across from the monument, and offers classes, workshops, and group tours and demonstrations. Ivy Associates, a relatively new gallery on Broad Street, features continuing exhibits of outstanding artists. Sue Reynolds, an artist herself, although some of us remember her best as My Fair Lady, runs the Gallery on the Hudson, upstairs at 92 Broad Street, featuring local artists. Schuylerville resident Noah Savett is a sculptor of national renown, and his daughter Cassandra is a recent honor graduate of Alfred and a fine potter and artist in her own right.
These are but a few of the artists in our midst. Though Schuylerville has been known in the past as a battleground or hub of river transportation, it always has and always will have the beauty of its riverfront location. Current museum exhibits of Hudson River art, commemorating its 400th anniversary, attest to that. Small wonder artists are attracted to the area. Come join some of them on Saturday, or any other day the galleries are open.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chocolate Initials - A Dutch Tradition! In the 16th and 17th centuries, according to old Germanic traditions, letters made from pastry were presented to children at birth as a symbol of good fortune and this became a part of the St Nicholas legend in the 19th century. A bread dough letter was used to identify whose gifts were hidden in a shoe or under a sheet. Then the children had to find their initial in order to see what else St Nicholas had left for them. When the Dutch, famous as traders, brought home cocoa beans along with coffee, tea and spices from exotic lands, their love affair with chocolate began. They learned to make some of the finest chocolate in the world. Soon, the St Nicholas’ letters were made from chocolate and the tradition continues to this day. The Dutch chocolate makers keep St Nicholas supplied with enough chocolate letters for every household in Holland – and even have plenty for us!
The Dutch Tradition of Chocolate Initials continues!
Just in time for Schuylerville’s St. Nicholas Day Celebration, Saturday, December 5th, 2009. Orders for Chocolate Letters are now being taken for delivery in the first week of December and throughout the Holiday Season. Chocolate Letters, in either Dark, Milk or Sugarless Chocolate, 3 x 4 inches in size, come individually packaged in a festive box. The cost is $6.00 each and can be ordered by calling or emailing Marie Foster, 518-695-5609 or mailto:fostermr@verizon.net Please make checks payable to the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Good fortune to all who receive the first letter of their first name in Chocolate! Delicious!
The Dutch Tradition of Chocolate Initials continues!
Just in time for Schuylerville’s St. Nicholas Day Celebration, Saturday, December 5th, 2009. Orders for Chocolate Letters are now being taken for delivery in the first week of December and throughout the Holiday Season. Chocolate Letters, in either Dark, Milk or Sugarless Chocolate, 3 x 4 inches in size, come individually packaged in a festive box. The cost is $6.00 each and can be ordered by calling or emailing Marie Foster, 518-695-5609 or mailto:fostermr@verizon.net Please make checks payable to the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Good fortune to all who receive the first letter of their first name in Chocolate! Delicious!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
SCHUYLERSKIFF
An Autumn Colors rowing race for single shells – “The Schuylerskiff” will be held on Sunday October 11th on the Hudson River in Schuylerville NY. The first of what will become an annual event will see eight winners sent off to Italy to the World Singles Championships – “The Silverskiff” – held each November in Turin.
The Schuylerskiff is being organized by the Saratoga Rowing Association and the Schuylerville Chamber of Commerce. It will kick off with a musket volley at the starting line at 8:00 AM by Revolutionary Era re-enactors involved in the Surrender Week activities at the Saratoga National Historical Park.
Judy and Phil Dean will host the race at the Schuyler Yacht Basin located at the bridge in Schuylerville. Prizes are sponsored through the generosity of The Fort Miller Group and the Adirondack Trust Company.
The Schuylerskiff is a “head” race in which competitors race against the clock. It will be open to all four classes of rowers each with a men’s and women’s division: Juniors A, B & C; Elite & lightweight, Open & lightweight and Masters A, B, C & D. Junior racers will compete over 4 kilometers and all the others will be 8 kilometer races. The course is set “down and back” with the start and finish lines both visible from the Yacht Basin.
Spectators are encouraged and welcome. Spectator parking is in Fort Hardy, and boat parking is at the beach across from the Yacht Basin. Registration and award ceremonies will all be at the Yacht Basin.
The Champlain Canal Tour Boat Company will be on-site offering fans opportunities to ride out on the river, Schuylerville galleries, eateries and merchants will all be available to greet rowers and their friends. All three National Park venues, the Schuyler House, the Victory Monument and the Battlefield, will be open and celebrating Surrender Week. There is a reggae concert at Saratoga Apple in the afternoon, and the Schuyler Farms Corn Maze will have hayrides for families of rowers.
The Schuylerskiff is being organized by the Saratoga Rowing Association and the Schuylerville Chamber of Commerce. It will kick off with a musket volley at the starting line at 8:00 AM by Revolutionary Era re-enactors involved in the Surrender Week activities at the Saratoga National Historical Park.
Judy and Phil Dean will host the race at the Schuyler Yacht Basin located at the bridge in Schuylerville. Prizes are sponsored through the generosity of The Fort Miller Group and the Adirondack Trust Company.
The Schuylerskiff is a “head” race in which competitors race against the clock. It will be open to all four classes of rowers each with a men’s and women’s division: Juniors A, B & C; Elite & lightweight, Open & lightweight and Masters A, B, C & D. Junior racers will compete over 4 kilometers and all the others will be 8 kilometer races. The course is set “down and back” with the start and finish lines both visible from the Yacht Basin.
Spectators are encouraged and welcome. Spectator parking is in Fort Hardy, and boat parking is at the beach across from the Yacht Basin. Registration and award ceremonies will all be at the Yacht Basin.
The Champlain Canal Tour Boat Company will be on-site offering fans opportunities to ride out on the river, Schuylerville galleries, eateries and merchants will all be available to greet rowers and their friends. All three National Park venues, the Schuyler House, the Victory Monument and the Battlefield, will be open and celebrating Surrender Week. There is a reggae concert at Saratoga Apple in the afternoon, and the Schuyler Farms Corn Maze will have hayrides for families of rowers.
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