Harpist Huntley to perform Aug. 10

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Harpist Elizabeth Meriwether Huntley will perform Friday, August 10, at the St. Johnsville Community House, Washington St. Scheduled for 7 p.m., the program is sponsored by the Margaret Reaney Memorial Library.

Elizabeth Huntley is one of the Capital District/Saratoga/Lake George Region’s busiest musicians. She regularly performs for weddings, parties and corporate functions at popular venues, including the Glen Sanders Mansion, the Hall of Springs, the Desmond, the Gideon Putnam, the Washington Inn and Skidmore Chapel.

She loves to showcase the harp’s versatility. Not only does she enjoy playing classics, from Bach to Debussy, but she also loves to perform show tunes, including songs from “Les Miserables”, “Wicked” and “The Lion King”. She also performs a variety of modern pop music by acts such as The Beatles, Sting and Green Day.

Huntley has played for the Irish Tenors, Garrison Keillor, Josh Groban, Manhattan Transfer, and Roger Daltrey. Huntley is the principal harpist with the Glens Falls Symphony where she has twice been guest soloist. She has played in the Hubbard Hall productions of Carmen and Hansel and Gretel. She has also performed with the opera companies of Boston, New York City, Glimmerglass, and Lake George, as well as with the orchestras of Springfield, Hartford, Albany, and Schenectady.

In addition, Elizabeth is a BOCES artist, bringing the harp into the schools. She also does a variety of solo programs in area libraries and nursing homes, showcasing the harp and its wide variety of music.

The St. Johnsville program, free to the public, is suitable for all ages. Anyone desiring further information is invited to contact the library at (518) 568-7822.

Locals to attend SUNY Oswego

OSWEGO —  Several local residents have reserved places as freshmen at SUNY Oswego. Fall classes will begin August 27. Set to attend SUNY Oswego are: Taryn Jones, of Canajoharie; Alicia Stetin, of Canajoharie; Nicole Nestler, of Fort Plain; Katie Walther, of Sprakers; Courtney Laquay, of St. Johnsville.

Several local residents have also reserved places as transfer students at SUNY Oswego. Set to transfer to SUNY Oswego are: Corirae Anderson, of Canajoharie; and Keven Coleman, of Palatine Bridge.

Arkell Hall News

CANAJOHARIE — The following news from Arkell Hall is for the week of July 19 through July 26:

Residents took an annual summer outing July 19 to the home of Linda Klump, activities director, for a picnic on a gorgeous afternoon. Everyone enjoyed lunch on the covered patio, and found joy in the gardens, and in watching the wildlife in the fish pond. Assisting Advisory Helper Barbara Smith brought dessert. Dorothy Mailloux, Kim Lawerence, director; and guests, Dally Davi and Barbara Kramer, added to the fun of the day.

The Liberty group from Carlisle Rd. visited Arkell Hall to play bingo Saturday, July 21.

On Tuesday, July 24, eleven residents went out to the Canajoharie Golf and Country Club for lunch with Barbara Smith and Nancy Mace.

Pastor Dave Prahst came in for the Wednesday morning service July 25.

Bonnie Kerr, afternoon advisory chairperson, facilitated a video presentation on the “Gardens of Virginia”, including the gardens at Mt. Vernon.

On Thursday, July 26, Arkell was blessed again with music (old favorites)  performed by Fran-Miller-Dybass and pianist Frank Topliff, followed by refreshments.

Also, several ladies went out to card parties.

Eve Fuelleman went out with friends. Anna Pipola was visited by her daughter, Maragaret Gayduchik. Bonnie Kerr was in to visit her mom, Mary Renison. Lorraine May had a visit from her grandchildren. Jay and Gail Summerson were in to visit mom, Mrs. Summerson, “Aunt” Brust and the ladies. Ruth Austin went out with son, Alvin and his wife, Judy. Mary Heiser went out with her daughter and great-great-granddaughter, Olivia. Reva McGowan’s daughter was in to visit. She also went out to church with Ellie Sitterley on Sunday.

Carpenter named to Paul Smith’s list

PAUL SMITHS — William Carpenter of Fort Plain, was named to the Dean’s List at Paul Smith’s College during the spring 2012 semester. Carpenter majors in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.

Koch named to dean’s list

ONEONTA — Chelsea Koch, of Nelliston, has been named to the spring term Dean’s List at Hartwick College. Koch is the daughter of Colleen and Robert Koch. She is majoring in Biology and Chemistry.

Inclusion on Hartwick’s Dean List is an indication of excellent academic work, including the completion of a full course load with at least a 3.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale.

Laquay receives SUNY scholarship

OSWEGO — SUNY Oswego has awarded merit scholarships to more than 600 incoming students, including Courtney Laquay, of St. Johnsville. She received a $2,000 Merit Award. The award recognizes past academic achievement and potential for success.

Laquay, from Dolgeville High School, has reserved a place in the incoming freshman class for the fall semester.

OTB presents scholarships

FONDA — Montgomery County OTB Director Peter Bylina, Jr. presented scholarships to four college bond students from Fort Plain Central School District and Canajoharie Central School District.

The following students were selected for their academic achievement by their school’s guidance departments: Monica Boyer, of FPCS, will be attending the State University of New York at Potsdam in the fall; Victoria Carter, of FPCS, will be attending the College of St. Rose, Albany, in the fall; Rebecca Campiglia, of CCS, will be attending Hartwick College, Oneonta. She will be major in Nursing; Sierra Rockwell, of CCS, will attend West Virginia University. She will be studying pre-forensics.

Next year, OTB will award scholarships to students from St. Johnsville Central School District and Amsterdam High School.

Walendziak named to Saint Rose list

ALBANY — The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, announced that Keshia Walendziak, of Nelliston, was among 794 students named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2012 semester:

Full-time students who complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and achieve a semester grade-point average of at least 3.5 with no grades of D, F, incomplete or pass/fail are eligible for inclusion on the Dean’s List.

Artists’ studio tour planned

NELLISTON — The Arts Factory of Montgomery County, Inc., is organizing a tour of artists’ studios on Saturday, September 22 in the five western towns of Montgomery County.  

They have asked the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors to declare the week of September 16-22 Art Week in Montgomery County, and the supervisors have agreed to issue a proclamation to that effect.

The tour will be the final event of the week. The Arts Factory is seeking 12-15 artists willing to show their work spaces. Artists who do not have a studio suitable for viewing will be invited to show their work in selected public spaces that day during the proposed hours of 1-5 p.m.     

The tour will require the purchase of a ticket. A map to studio locations will be provided, as will a brochure with brief descriptions of the artists and their work.  Please indicate your interest in being considered for this event, or for additional information or discussion, please call Robert Smith, Arts Factory secretary, at (518) 542-0542.

Chamber to host home tour Aug. 4

CANAJOHARIE — On August 4, the Canajoharie-Palatine Chamber of Commerce will host a Unique Historical Home Tour so that attendees may take a peek at great stone buildings, grand halls and early settler's homes, while learning from the owners about the history of these buildings.

West Hill tour sites include:

• 122 Cliff St., which features an original 1938 General Electric kitchen still in use

• 32 Cliff St., the former Catholic Church now owned by Eric Stroud, who purchased the building in order to own the magnificent cathedral caliber organ housed therein. Eric will be entertaining visitors on the day of the tour with organ music.

• 69 Otsego St., The Pineapple House, with only the second owner since the home was built in 1860

• 3 Wheeler St., Eckler home, an original Salt Box home built in 1600s

East Hill tour sites include:

• The Van Alstyne Homestead on Moyer St., an original fortified home stead still open to the public

• 26 Moyer St., Church of the Good Shepherd, a building constructed by in the late 1800s for the express purpose of providing a venue for a wedding

• 2 Barclay St., Meadors home, a Tudor-style mansion originally built in 1884, remodeled in the 1930s

• Arkell Home, 55 Montgomery St., features a late 1800s facade made of quartz, minerals and wine bottle bottoms

Downtown Canajoharie tour sites include:

• 143 Church St., St John's-St. Mark's Lutheran Church, featuring beautiful stained glass windows donated in memory of local residents. This building suffered great damage in the flood of 2006 and has been completely restored.

Map and tickets may be picked up at the information booth in Canajoharie on the day of the event. Tickets are $10 each. Homes and churches will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation assistance is available. Please call (518) 332-7999 in advance.

CCS to administer Regents Aug. 13-14

CANAJOHARIE — Canajoharie Central School will be administrating the August regents exams on Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, Aug. 14. Students registered to take an exam should report to the high school by 8:15 a.m. for a morning exam and 11:45 a.m. for an afternoon exam. If a student is scheduled to take two exams that day, the student should report to the high school at 8:15 a.m. for the first exam.

A counselor will be in the district after Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Any students needing to see a counselor regarding their 2013-2014 schedule must do so on after that date. There will be no schedule adjustments after school begins.

Anyone who would like to register to take an exam, or has any questions, call the school counseling office at (518) 673-6336 or the main office at (518) 673-6330 before Friday, Aug. 2.

Register now for Boiling Pot 5K

CANAJOHARIE — The Canajoharie Community Youth Center will hold a fundraising Boiling Pot 5K on August 17, 6 p.m. This is the first of what the center hopes to make an annual event, featuring a 5K run/walk and a free Kids Fun Run. The event will also feature music and food. It is open to all age groups, with awards provided to the top male and female finisher in each age group. T-shirts will be provided to the first 75 registrants. The Kids Fun Run will follow the 5K, with the first 60 registrants receiving a free t-shirt. Refreshments provided after the race at the youth center. Volunteers will be needed for this event, and donations are being accepted. For more information, or to register, email race director Tim Shepard at Boilingpot5K@yahoo.com, or contact the CYC directly at (518) 673-5117.

Rabies vaccination clinics in August

There will be two rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in the month of August:

• Tuesday, Aug. 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Palatine Town Barn, Stone Arabia Road, Fort Plain.

• Saturday, Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, Rural Grove Fire Department, Route 162, Rural Grove.

New York State Public Health Law requires that all dogs, cats and domestic ferrets shall have initial vaccinations administered against rabies no later than four months of age and stay up to date with re-vaccinations. Re-vaccinations are required one year later and a booster shot every three years.

Pet owners should bring proof of their pet’s last rabies vaccination. This helps the veterinarian determine whether the pet will receive a one or three year vaccination. Without it your pet will receive a one-year vaccination only.

To assure the safety of other pets and people, dogs must be leashed; cats and ferrets must be contained in a pet carrier or box when attending the rabies clinic.  

Veterinarian administration fee is $10 per rabies vaccine.

For more information about rabies, contact Montgomery County Public Health at 853-3531. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Block party moved to Wiles Park

FORT PLAIN — The Fourth Annual Block Party sponsored by Victorious Life Church will be held this year on Saturday, September 15, and Sunday, Sept. 16, at the new location of Wiles Park.

While the event used to be held on the street adjacent to the church, in downtown Fort Plain, it has been moved to accommodate the large list of events and entertainers, which includes live music all day, each day, inflatables, games, a dunking booth, cotton candy, a barbecue, chicken dinners, and more.

Musical acts scheduled to perform include Isaiah Six, Jay Witham, Angel Band, and local youth bands from Valley Alliance Church of Nelliston, and River of Jubilee in Sprakers.

To donate, volunteer, or with questions, contact Pastor Donnie Semple at (518) 993-3102.

HFP volunteer day is Aug. 5

FORT PLAIN — Historic Fort Plain’s next volunteer day will be Sunday, August 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are projects inside and outside Unity Hall that are suitable for everybody. Outdoor work that needs to be done includes mowing, watering plants, weeding garden beds and sidewalks, and picking up litter. Inside work includes linoleum and plywood sub-floor removal in the kitchen and corner room (a circular saw would be handy for this if anyone has one),  pipe and wire removal in the front basement area, and clean-up in main room downstairs.

There are also other miscellaneous projects available. Lunch and drinks will be provided for volunteers around noon.

Special children’s programs to begin

ST. JOHNSVILLE — Patrons are invited to Dream Big and Read during the month of August at Margaret Reaney Memorial Library, 19 Kingsbury Avenue. For every book or magazine read, readers will put their name on a leaf helping to create a Tree of Knowledge in the library foyer.

Three special children’s programs have been scheduled for August.

On Saturday, Aug. 4, kids are invited to What’s the Scoop, a one hour workshop about the history of ice cream with a hands on opportunity to make some.

An art workshop, Clay Pictures, will be held Saturday, Aug. 11. The workshops, which begin at 10 a.m., are in conjunction with the Scotia Glenville Children’s Museum with funding from the Mohawk Valley Library System.

Science at the Library, a program developed to bring science education to elementary school children and their families will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. GE volunteer scientists will direct the program in a science fair format with hands-on experiments in energy, surface tension, buoyancy, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and chemistry. Stations will be set up throughout a library and GE volunteers are positioned at each station to assist with the activities.

Registration is required, as space is limited. Parents are invited to contact the library at (518) 568-7822 to reserve a seat.  

The programs are appropriate for children 6 and up.

Trinity Lutheran to host special music

STONE ARABIA — Trinity Lutheran Church of Stone Arabia will host special musical guests on August 5 at their 9 a.m. Sunday Service.

Erin Nellis, of Trinity Lutheran Church, and Matthew Hazzard, of St. John’s-St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, will sing a vocal duet. Nellis will be a senior at the Fort Plain School and is a member of the school Harmony Singers. Hazzard will be a senior at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. All are invited to attend.

Klock family reunion set for Saturday

ST. JOHNSVILLE — All Klock-Clock family members are invited to attend the Klock Family Reunion to be held Saturday at Fort Klock. A barbecue luncheon will take place at noon. After lunch there will be time to visit with family and friends. Members of the Snell, Zimmerman and Timmerman family reunion are invited to join the Klock Family.

A small fee is charged for registration and barbecue. Register early by calling Fort Klock at (518) 568-7779 to insure adequate food is prepared.