Dreaming of Tulips in January! Stockade Assoc

IJanuary 2004 Published by The Stockade Association www.historicstockade.com Vol. 45 No. 5

Stockade Calendar Dreaming of Tulips in January! Stockade Assoc. Visit Nijkerk, birthplace of our founding father, Arendt van Curler General Meeting April 22 to May 6, Also, you may want to be part of 2004 is set for anoth­ a youth exchange. In July of 2004 (exact Thurs., Jan. 15 er visit to Nijkerk, the dates still to be determined) 1O teenage Speaker: Fred Miller Netherlands. The youth are coming from Nijkerk to visit Executive Director of the Nijkerk-Schenectady Schenectady. Host families, drivers, and Mohawk Valley Foundation has invit­ day guides are needed as well as finan­ Heritage Corridor ed 35 guests repre­ cial and other forms of support. Time "How to Improve the senting Schenectady aboard the replica of Henry Hudson's to come and visit 1609 exploration ship, the Half Moon, is Stockade Infrastructure '----'-----=----=-----' Through Community­ their community for being planned as part of the exchange. wide Teamwork" these two weeks. Three annual Dutch Contact Connie Colangelo, 37 4-7355, 7:00 PM refreshments holidays will be celebrated: The Queen's [email protected], 7:30 Meeting Birthday, Remembrance Day and www.timesunion.com/communities/nijk­ Schenectady County Liberation Day. And it's tulip time! erk, or www.Nijkerk-Schenectady.nl. Historical Society 2004 is a special year as it On Sunday, February 1, at 11 32 Washington Ave. marks the twentieth anniversary of AM in Assembly Hall, The First (back entrance) exchanges between the two localities. It Reformed Church on 8 N. Church all began in 1984 when a delegation Street, will host guest speaker, Janny "Death Takes A came to Schenectady from Nijkerk to Venema of the Netherland Project and Holiday" (see p. 5) see and learn about the city founded by author of "Beverwijck: a Dutch Village Sch'dy Civic Playhouse their native son, Arendt van Curler. on the American Frontier, 1652-1664." Jan. 30, 31 Feb. 1 & 4-8 This is how the trip plans work: She will explore the people, businesses participants pay for their round trip air­ and everyday life in Beverwijck's new Save the Dates fare ($645 from Albany Airport), for "American" Society. Arendt van Curler Sun .• Feb. 1 - Sat. Feb 7 thank you gifts and a farewell dinner for played a key role in founding Beverwijck, their host family, $25 dues to join the our present day Albany. All are welcome. Colonial Festival 2004: Schenectady/Nijkerk Council, and a $50 Schenectady Underground processing fee. Railroads, Shivering Stockade Walking Tour, Stockade Brunch For Those Mid-Winter Blues Maritime Academy Open House, Flint House Open Blow those blues away by joining in the fun and great food with friends at the House, Victorian Ball, Stockade Brunch on Sunday, February 15. Mark the date! Your Stockade Colonial Lighting, etc. Association intends to help in your recovery from cabin fever by inviting you to this call 382-5147 for brochure free Sunday Brunch where you can have a personalized omelet while you watch it cook. Also, there will pastries, other sweet treats (feel free to contribute) along with Jan. Spy Deadline coffee, juice and surprises! So stroll on over to the Civic Playhouse, 12 South February 15 Church Street, 11 :00 AM to 1 :00 PM. All are welcome, so take a neighbor to brunch! STOCKADE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & KERST KERMIS ENJOYED BY ALL on Sunday, Dec. 7

Stockade Residents once again enjoyed the Thanks to all our Stockade neighbors that Annual Ceremony of Lighting the Tree at Lawrence the came and enjoyed our Second Annual Kerst Kermis Indian Circle on Sunday, December 7, 2003, surround­ on Sunday, December 7th at the Van Dyck ed by the beautiful setting of new snow and welcoming Restaurant. In spite of the snow, we had a good turn weather. Father Carlino, Pastor at St. John the out. Evangelist and Holy Cross Churches, did a moving With more artists showing their talents it was Blessing of the Tree. Christmas Carols, under the lead­ a great shopping day! Downstairs and up we had tal­ ership of Sylvie Briber, were sung by neighborhood ents of jewelry makers, candy (chocolate and residents. Joe Fava, President of the Stockade fudge), silk and dried flower designs, folk art and Association, was our Master of Ceremonies. Richard antiques, pottery, bread knives and boards, orna­ Brown rang the bells as our Town Crier. There was a ments, cards, silver guitar picks, candles, photogra­ special visit by Mrs. Claus (Karen Johnson), reciting a phy, hand made baskets and more. Upstairs the Van story about a Christmas Tree. A reception followed at Dyck put out a fantastic brunch in a warm holiday St. George's Great Hall with refreshments provided by atmosphere and we had holiday entertainment while residents of the Stockade. you brunched. Laurie Larsen, vocal teacher, and A very, very special THANK YOU to Peter nine of her students sang holiday songs, and, from Rumora (with the assistance of Connie Colangelo and our own neighborhood, talented Lecea Morris on the Elizabeth Volks) for decorating the tree and supervising piano and Kimberly Hawkey singing made for the the entire event for the Tree Lighting. Thank You to: Lyn _most enjoyable listening pleasure. For those of you Gordon for the donation of the tree in memory of her that missed it this year, mark your calendar now for husband, Maj. Richard M. Gordon, and her granddaugh­ next year to stop by and get into the spirit of the hol­ ter, Erica Lynn Kastberg, the men from the City of iday. Schenectady Department of Parks: Greg Davenport, Thanks to all my helpers: Joe Fava, Eli Taub, Tom Jacobs, Danny Zocco and Joe Vitello and three oth­ John Rotundo, Denise Brucker and my family. ers that are nameless. The tree was lit by Kipling Papa Silveria, a 5 year old resident of Washington Avenue. - Diane DeMeo Thanks to the Polachek family of Arthur's Market, for providing the lighting for the tree. A new loud speaker system was provided by Joe Fava. Debra Volks chaired a special table and activities for children. Very big thanks go to Diane DeMeo once again who chaired the KERST ARTURWACHALA KERMIS (Holiday Bazaar at The Van Dyck Restaurant). PAINTING& CONSTRUCTION - Connie Colangelo FREEESTIMATES • Painting FULLYINSURED • Remodeling • Plumbing • Roofing 1309 Elton Avenue • Masonry Schenectady, NY 12309 • Plowing Home: (518) 381-1644• Cell: (518) 253-1764 Robert D. Prevllle 2 UnionStreet Schenectady,NY 12305 Voice: 518.441.9946 E-mail: [email protected]

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2 Stockade Association General Meeting - All Welcome! Speaker: Fred Miller Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor

"How to Improve the Stockade Infrastructure Through Community-wide Teamwork"

Thursday, January 15, 2004 7:00 Social 7:30 PM Meeting

Schenectady County Historical Society, 32 Washington Avenue (back entrance)

Neighborhood News Bob Briber, Recording Secretary Stockade website: www.historicstockade.com.

Stockade Association Board Meeting ers the rules for the awards. 12/2/03 Minutes at SCHS The Board reviewed Association membership requirements: Dues are to be paid between 9/1 and President Joe Fava called this meeting to order 12/31, to be in good standing. It was agreed that Joe at 7:00 pm. Others present included Bob Briber, would collect all the addresses of people who live in Connie Colangelo, Diane DeMeo, Brad Fisher, Dale the Stockade, and a letter would be sent to all, in Miller, Peter Rumora and Susanna Sherwood. The August, urging them to join the Association. Bob minutes of the previous meeting were approved, as Briber will do a first draft. The SPY should have a ban­ was a Treasurer's report submitted by Lyn Gordon: ner headline in its first fall issue, urging folks to join or only one $150 check, for a house painting award, had renew. been issued since the last meeting. Brad Fisher will Joe will write the President's letter for the SPY inquire about Walkabout income, which has not been by its deadline of 12/15. received to date. Eli's suggested topic, that we more Eli, Diane and Peter met to discuss the thoroughly organize the Board, was postponed until he Memorial Day picnic idea. Their resolution was that a could be present. SPY article should be written which describes the A motion was made and seconded, "to abolish pleasant history of the event and solicits new workers the sidewalk and painting awards," and considerable to help reinstitute it. Eli knows its history well. The discussion ensued. The arguments in favor seem to event is g lot of work and needs lots of participation; if be that since the award is targeted to only a few peo­ no one comes forward as a result of the solicitation, ple, it is discriminatory. The money should be spent there is not enough interest. more widely to benefit the whole Stockade and not just The Board then spent considerable time a few homeowners. Furthermore, the amount is too reviewing the Tree Lighting ceremony and social gath­ small to serve as an incentive for painting a house or ering, Kerst Kermis and other administrative matters. repairing a sidewalk. The rules for the awards are not Under new business: • the next general meet­ widely understood so some qualified recipients have ing, January 15, was discussed. Eli has already not applied. The arguments against seem to be that scheduled Fred Miller to talk. • we need a big sign, at the award represents a real value for the Association, the entrance to Washington Ave by SCCC that says in that we want house improvements. House painting "NO TRUCKS." They remain a major problem. and sidewalk repairs are important goals - as such, it • finally, it was argued that we need someone to spe­ doesn't matter if the amount helps much or not; think cialize in publicity for the Association; a name or two of it as a "reward." However, the amount, to some, is was suggested. These matters can go on the agenda significant - it may pay for the paint. Finally, the for the next meeting, January 6, 2004 Board has been under some criticism for not spending The meeting adjoined at 9:00 pm. the money we have amassed. To eliminate modest expenditures like these seems unjustified and possibly Respectfully submitted unpopular. The motion was tabled until Connie gath- Bob Briber

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When I travel out of Schenectady, I tend to go west. Traffic thins, and I love the Mohawk Valley. The drive along route five offers lovely vistas of the river. It is my own personal continuation of walking in Riverside Park. My favorite place is the Schoharie Crossing in Fort Hunter. It is here where the Schoharie Creek meets the Mohawk River, just past lock number twelve in Tribes Hill. In summer the creek is a busy boat launch, often filled with children, frisbies and picnics enjoyed in the shade. Here I can gaze on the aqueduct engineers designed during work on the Erie Canal. The aqueduct is a crumbling mountain of art and in the last few years portions have tumbled into the creek. Chris Dobson and Jazz Nonetheless, it is still a feast for the eye and the imag­ ination. The December of 1996, a little black puppy, Across from this spectacle is perhaps ten acres with white on his nose and feet, started making of cow corn. Bleached a pale yellow color the corn friends with the people of the Stockade. Jazz the dog, dries and waits for harvesting. I don't know why the known for his tail wagging, face licking friendliness farmer hasn't gotten in there yet, but unknowingly he took to the hearts of many people in his life. Sadly, on has done something wonderful for me. My senses December 1, 2003, Jazz passed away after a year cannot get enough of this corn. Color and texture. The long illness. rich Southwestern yellows of the kernels I've peeked We, Chris, Cindy and Myla Dobson, of 106 at in my walks through the stalks. The wind beating the Union Street thank all of you who made Jazzy's life leaves like paper drums and the damp warm smell of extra special by taking the time to pet him with a gen­ earth. tle hand and with friendly conversations along his A friend has made photographs and I keep way. We will miss him forever. them in my studio. My space filled with canvases of corn. Can't make enough paintings. The images in my brain come back again and again. This simple field. CUSTOMINTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS This beautiful place.

"Death Takes A Holiday" at Civic Playhouse RESIDENTIAL AND HISTORICAL WORK Jan. 30 & 31, Feb. 1 & 4-8 Albert Casella's play, "Death Takes A Holiday," BOB HAYNER directed by Barry Corlew and perfomed by the 518-374-6216 Schenectady Civic Players, is a romantic drama fanta­ sy. Death appears (in human form) and suspends all A Restaurant and Banquet Facility in the Historic Schenectady Stockade activities for three days during which he falls in love with a beautiful girl who shows him why mortals fear him. -The······ Charged with exciting moments, "Death Takes a ~---Stockade Holiday" is a love-story as simple as it is appealing. A _Inn_ charming and classic 1930's Broadway hit still has broad appeal with the recent movie version starring Fine Foodand Servicein an HistoricSetting Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. Get a ticket and walk on over to help forget

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7 •••••••••••••• Stockade New Hours At Schenectady County • • • Stockade • Association Historical Society • • Officers & Directors In order to accommodate families and folks busy : Dates : 2002-2003 during the week, The Schenectady County Historical • • Society, starting in January, will open their House • Next Stockade • President 5/03 Museum on Saturdays 10 AM to 4 PM, be closed • Association Meeting• Joseph Fava 27 Ferry Street Mondays and be open Tuesday through Friday, 1 - 5 • Thurs., Jan. 15 • 374-6190 PM. For special Group tour arrangements phone 374- • 7:30 PM • 0263. : at Historical Society : Vice President 5/04 The Grems-Doolittle Library hours will remain • Eli Taub the same: Monday through Friday, 1 :00 - 5:00 PM and • • 105 N. Ferry Street Stockade Brunch • Saturdays, 9:00AM to 12 noon. • • 393-0719 • Sun.Feb.15 • Treasurer • 11 AM - 1 PM • • Civic Playhouse • Lyn Gordon 5/04 Birdsof the Stockade • • 1O N. Church Street One of the birds that I have seen in and • • 370-4324 • Park Cleanu~ • around the Stockade is the Slate-colored race of the • • Recording Sec. 5/04 Dark eyed Junco. It is 6 1/4 inches long. The male is • Sat., May 15 • Bob Briber pretty much dark gray, the female is brownish gray • • 23 Washington Ave. overall. Both sexes have a pink bill, white underparts • Sidewalk Sale • 377-0469 • • and white outer tail feathers. The song is a musical trill • Sat., June 5 • Corres. Secretary on one pitch. They breed in coniferous woods, and • • Brad Fisher 5/04 occasionally feed under feeders. A few years ago in • Garden Tour • 27 Front Street Maine I watched a Junco with its mouth full of mos­ • • • Fri. & Sat. • 393-4605 quitoes feed its chicks. • • - James L Taft AKA Captain Eagle Eyes • June 25 & 26 • Directors • • Connie Colangelo 5/03 • • Shivering Stockade Walking Tour! • • 111 N. Ferry Street • Art Show • 374-7355 Friday, February 6, 7 PM On the night before the • Sat., Sept. 11 • • • Peter Rumora 5/03 314th anniversary of the Massacre, The Schenectady • • 31 Front Street .------. Heritage Area will be conduct- • Walkabout & • 374-4883 Important Numbers ing an after-dark walking tour : Waterfront Faire • Diane DeMeo 5/04 of the Stockade. The Cost of • Emergency • 232 Union Street $1 O includes refreshments. • Sat., Sept. 18 • 911 372-0642 Call 382-5147. : • Sch'dy Police • Ruth Harvey 5/03 •••••••••••••• 20 Washington Ave. 382-5200 377-2628 Snow Parking info. The Stockade Spy The Stockade Spy is Susanna Sherwood 382-5279 published monthly, 142 Front Street 5/04 Trash Pickup Editor September through May, 346-5735 382-5405 Sylvie Briber 377-0469 23 Washington Avenue and distributed to Stockade residents at the Dale Miller Staff beginning of each month. 217 Green Street 5/04 January Dates Diane Buckley 381-6189 Waste Collection Gerald Plante Catherine de Salle Deadline for entries Malcolm Willison Collection starts Tues., Jan. 6 is the 15th of Photography the previous month. at 6:15 AM. Tues., Jan. 13 Don't put waste Bob Briber on the curb Wed., Jan. 21 Finance Printed by before 2:00 PM Wed., Jan. 28 Janie Hayner 374-6216 Capital Printing the day before. 6 Front Street

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