Family Fun Day to celebrate Earth Day

CANAJOHARIE — The Arkell Museum at Canajoharie is celebrating Earth Day, Sunday April 22, from 1 to 4 p.m., with family activities that are free with regular museum admission.

Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the prints in the new exhibition, “Mark Adams and Beth Van Hoesen: Life Observed Up-Close”, to find fascinating images of endangered species along with family pets and farm animals.

Close-up images of a polar bear, frogs, and colorful axolotls can all be found in Beth Van Hoesen’s etchings and lithographs.

The prints show the animals alone with no environment. Families will have the opportunity to match landscapes to the animals to better understand their natural habitat.

After viewing the captivating prints by Van Hoesen, families can create their own prints to take home.

Valley Voices X plays April 26-28

CANAJOHARIE — The tenth installment of Valley Voices, the popular local production featuring three student-written, directed and acted plays will be held at the Arkell Performing Arts Center at the Canajoharie High School from Thursday, April 26 through Saturday, April 28, with three shows held nightly at 7 p.m.

The comedy, “The (Mostly) Tornado Hour”, is written by Jenna Sierra, and directed by Laine Cyr. When a tornado broadcast is heard from the radio in Jerry McMahon’s shop, he convinces his customers to stay within the confines of the store to avoid the danger from the disastrous tornado that could be coming their way.

“Kaya” was written by Stephanie Terwilliger, and directed by Matthew Soto. A group of teenagers wake up in a state of mind, neither living nor dead. As lost souls, they are guided by an angel, a messenger from heaven, as he walks them through their flashbacks, and they learn the true value of life.

“Relief” was written by Billy Winsman, and directed by Sarah Ells. A relief pitcher on a college softball team discovers the true meaning of sportsmanship when the team loses it all after taking steroids.

“Valley Voices X” marks one decade since the debut of the series in 2002.

Admission each night, at the door, is $5.

Vote on BOCES budget April 25

CANAJOHARIE — The Canajoharie Central School District Board of Education will meet on Wednesday, April 25 at 7:45 a.m. to vote on the HFM BOCES Administrative Budget and for candidates for the HFM BOCES Board of Education.

CHS reunion planned for May 5

CANAJOHARIE — The Canajoharie All Alumni Association will hold its sixth Drums Along the Mohawk reunion of CHS alumni and friends on Saturday, May 5.

This event will take place 10 a.m. at the Canajoharie High School, located at 1 Scholastic Way.

Alumni and friends will gather at 10 a.m. to register, see classmates and friends, and have the chance to talk about the good ol’ days.

There will be displays of Canajoharie history and Beech-Nut circus memorabilia. At noon, a catered luncheon will be served. The cost is $10 per person.

After a short program, and business meeting, the group is encouraged to attend a reception at the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie at 2:30 p.m.

A free tour will be available for pictures of classmates and friends.

Coffee, tea and cookies will be served.

A post reunion gathering will also be held at the Canajoharie Country Club at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are not required for this portion of the day.

It should be noted that the raffle will be drawn during the business meeting, with prizes of $500, $300 and $200 awarded. There are only 200 tickets to be sold and the price of each ticket is $10. Advance tickets can be purchased by contacting any officer. Ticket holders need not be present for this drawing.

Reservations for the luncheon should be received by April 20. Registration forms were mailed to 2010-2011 attendees in mid March. Anyone not receiving a registration form by mail, but wishing to attend this year, may do so by contacting an officer or committee member to receive a form.

For further information, contact President Susan Yuhasz, (518) 673-3537 or Treasurer Clifford Douglass, (518) 673-2394.

Health, wellness fair is April 21

FORT PLAIN — A free health and wellness fair, sponsored by the Child Nutrition and Wellness Committees of the Canajoharie, Fort Plain and St. Johnsville schools, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 21, at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School.

The event features fitness demonstrations, aerobics classes, ZUMBA classes, a stir-fry cooking demo, and a yoga class. You can also receive a free massage, facial, hand massage and paraffin wax drip, or a session of healing touch. And when it’s over, you can take a healthy snack home.

During the event, organizers plan to feature information about bicycle safety, organic dairy and vegetable farming, fire prevention, anti-bullying, dental health, nutrition and physical activity for families. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet a Good Citizen Dog.

The following community organizations will also have information booths set up: HFM Prevention Council, Family Counseling Center, Fulmont Community Action, Montgomery County Public Health, Catholic Charities, Cancer Services of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, Bassett Hospital RHENDOM, Prevent Child Abuse NY, Project ACTION, Fort Plain Paces, Fort Plain Free Library, Take Shape for Life, and Child/Family Health Plus.

Hydrant flushing schedule posted

FORT PLAIN — The village of Fort Plain announces its upcoming schedule for flushing hydrants. Flushing will take place from April 23 to April 27 beginning at 6:30 a.m. The following dates and streets are scheduled:

Monday, April 23: Greenbush section — Willett, Webster, Herkimer, Crouse, Lincoln, Witter, Railroad, River and State St. Ext., Canal, Center and Prospect streets.

Tuesday, April 24: Hancock, State, Dairy, Home, Division, Mohawk, Washington, Lydius and South streets.

Wednesday, April 25: West, Clyde, Martin, Cross, High, Wagner, Main, Spring and Orchard streets.

Thursday, April 26: Reid, Abbott, Silk Ave. and Beck streets.

Friday, April 27: Douglas, Garfield and Kellogg streets and Prospect Hill.

During this time, there may be low water pressure and the water may be discolored. Therefore, doing laundry should be avoided.

Spring rummage sale April 27 and 28

FORT PLAIN — On April 27 and 28, a spring rummage sale will take place at the Fort Plain United Methodist Church, located on 39 Center Street. The hours on Friday, April 27, will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Each day there will be $1 bag sale on all clothing.

For more information, contact the Church office at (518) 993-3863.

Locals schedule party for Kaiser

SPROUT BROOK — A group of local residents met recently in Sprout Brook to discuss the possibility of sponsoring a modest birthday party for their “most famous son”. As local history buffs are aware, the highly successful industrialist Henry J. Kaiser was born in Sprout Brook on May 9, 1882.

Kaiser first achieved fame for his success as a shipbuilder during World War II when he succeeded in automating the assembly of hundreds of Liberty ships that helped turn the tide of the war in favor of America. After the war ended, he turned his attention to the automobile industry, and later to a foundation for family health care.

At the meeting, it was agreed that the party will take place on Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Sprout Brook Country Store, where proprietor Pam Sherman is planning to provide a special luncheon menu featuring sandwiches served on Kaiser rolls.

As an additional attraction, the Bill Brust Quintet will be performing country and jazz music to mark the occasion. In addition to drummer Bill Brust, the group features several local musicians including song stylist Laurie Stewart, Ira Meltzer on the keyboard, Jan Cronkhite on saxophone, and Rick Saba on guitar.

A souvenir pamphlet detailing Kaiser’s accomplishments will be available while supplies last. Interested area residents are cordially invited to join in the fun.

Youth pageant seeks contestants

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Contestants are now being sought for the Miss Springfest Youth Pageant scheduled for Thursday, May 10, at 6 p.m. at the St. Johnsville High School Auditorium. This event is sponsored by the St. Johnsville Chamber of Commerce as part of the upcoming Springfest celebration. The pageant is open to youth from across the Mohawk Valley and prizes will be awarded in the following age groups: Miss Springfest, girls ages 18-24; Teen Miss Springfest, girls ages 14-17; Junior Miss Springfest, girls ages 10-13; Little Miss Springfest, girls ages 6-9; Miss Springfest Sweetheart, girls ages 3-5; and Little Mister Springfest - boys ages 3-7.

Contestants will be judged on personality, stage presence and appearance while modeling a dressy or formal outfit and being interviewed on stage. Winners in each division will receive a crown, sash and trophy and the chance to participate in activities during the Springfest weekend, including riding in the Springfest parade.

Runners-up will receive a trophy and all contestants will receive a participation ribbon. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Miss Mohawk Valley Scholarship Program. Contestants must register in advance by May 5. Applications may be obtained at local businesses or online at: www.missmohawkvalley.com.

Limited number of seats remain

ST. JOHNSVILLE — A limited number of seats remain for the Washington, DC bus trip sponsored by St. Johnsville American Legion Post #168, May 6 to May 9. The four day, three night trip includes deluxe round trip coach, three nights accommodation, breakfast every morning and daily shuttle to the memorials. The cost is $300 per person. Anyone desiring further information, or to reserve a seat, should contact post commander Anthony Susi at 332-1556 or Carmen Licari at 727-6024.

Watercolor art is on exhibit

FONDA — During the month of April, the Frothingham Free Library, Fonda, is exhibiting watercolor art by Jane Fountain, of Sprakers.

Fountain is the mother of six children and 15 grandchildren. She lives in a log cabin which she and her husband built.

During her grammar school years, she attended a one-room school in New Hampshire, called “The Corner School”. Her high school years were spent at St. Michael’s in Brattleboro, Vermont. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a BS in Occupational Therapy. She is a retired occupational therapist, whose interests and activities include volunteering with the Literacy Program and tutoring children, church involvement and walking.

Fountain had some design training in college, primarily related to crafts, and has taken several adult education painting courses, and studied at Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute. She has exhibited at the Arkell Juried Show — where she won Best of Show in 2001 — and various summer shows. She is a past member of the Colonie Art League.

Stop in and view this exhibit during the month of April. Library hours are Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 12-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Police using new information service

ST. JOHNSVILLE — The St. Johnsville Police Department will begin utilizing a new communications service that allows the police department to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology.

Messages may also include alerts, advisories and other relevant safety and community event information.

The Nixle Community Information Service allows the police department to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and/or email.

Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s website at www.nixle.com.

Nixle is a community information service provider built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications.

Nixle has secured a partnership with Nlets, an international Justice and Public Safety Network, allowing local police departments nationwide to send immediate alerts and advisories.

Interested residents can register at the Nixle website: www.nixle.com.