CENTENNIAL VILLAGE HALL EDITION 518-869-7562 Mayor Tom Tobin 518-869-6760 TRUSTEES Ed Sim • 518-869-1742 Patty Schwarz Lockart 518-456-3866 Art White • 518-390-4888 Jim Rubino • 518-378-3312 Villager UPCOMING EVENTS The — Your Calendar— October 23 A Message from the MAYOR  Boy Scout Bottle Drive Dear Residents, October 29 As summer ends and the fall season begins, the weather becomes crisp- Halloween Drive Thru Event er, school buses begin to run, and everyone is getting back to their regular routines. In spite of the restrictions of the pandemic, this past summer was November 6 very busy in the Village.  Scouting for Food • Our Department of Public Works started the season with lawn repairs in various areas of the Village due to plow damage from the winter storms. As summer comes to an end, paving has recently been completed on Hart- wood Street, Sebring Avenue and Stirrup Drive (Locust Park to Tattersall Lane). • The Village was able to resume facility rentals this summer. Many of our residents May 14, 2022 and business owners were able to once again enjoy our pavilions and Family Recreation Village Complex Center for parties and events. • Our Tuesday Nights in the Park Concert Series, was a welcome retreat and once again Open House our community was entertained by some of the best bands in the business. • In June, our Senior Citizen Center was able to open its doors again for in-person activ- July 16, 2022 ities and to continue our daily lunch program. Centennial Picnic • Our Centennial Committee continues to meet on a regular basis to plan activities for the coming year. In response to the rise in COVID numbers due to the Delta variant, all visitors to our August 13, 2022 buildings must now wear a facial covering. Mayors Cup Run & Walk Please continue to check our website at colonievillage.org for the latest Village news. September 17, 2022 Sincerely,  Centennial Parade October 8, 2022 Tom Tobin, Mayor Centennial Dinner An Official Publication of the Photo L to R: Patty Schwarz Lockart , Art White, Tom Tobin, Ed Sim, Jim Rubino, Village of Colonie • Fall 2021 Village Directory • Message from Department of Public Works Department of Public Works 518-869-6372 Leaf Pick-Up Trustee Art White, Liaison The Village’s Department of Public Works will begin Les Decker, Superintendent using the leaf vacuum on Monday, November 1st, and will Chris Bisognano, Assistant Superintendent continue until the weather precludes further operation. Chris Ciota, Recycling Coordinator ABSOLUTELY NO STICKS, ROCKS, OR OTHER DEBRIS WILL BE PICKED UP. There is no set schedule for operation, Village Hall 518-869-7562 and there is NO guarantee that leaves will be vacuumed. Jamie Blot, Clerk Therefore, given the weather-dependent nature of the leaf Christina Secor, Treasurer vacuum machine, all residents are encouraged to bag their Benjamin Neidl, Attorney leaves when possible. The leaf vacuum will not be used in Victor Caponera, Attorney freezing temperatures, heavy rain, or snow. Weekly leaf bag pickup will continue until Monday De- Building Department 518-869-7562 cember 6th. Trustee Patty Schwarz Lockart, Liaison Steve Meservey, • Message from the Code Enforcement Officer, Head, 518-275-3666 Randy Rivera, Stormwater Management Officer, Traffic Committee Code Enforcement Officer, 518-857-3654 Dear Village of Colonie Residents, Please join us in welcoming the season of fall and helping Senior Citizens Center 518-869-7172 to keep our Village streets safe for all who use them. The Village of Colonie Traffic Committee would like to remind Trustee Patty Schwarz Lockart, Liaison you that fall signals back to school! Please take extra care Chrissy Lanza, Recreation Leader when driving near and around schools, bus stops and Ginny Ritz, Office Administrator school buses. Yellow flashing lights on buses mean “CAU- TION”, red lights mean “STOP!” Do not go around stopped Family Recreation Center 518-218-7782 school buses, this is the law on all roads whether residential Brian Casey, Youth Monitor roads, commercial streets, Central Ave, or the Northway! Katie Ciota, Youth Monitor When turning onto Central Ave, please use caution when making left turns. Even when legal, left turns can be very Outreach Center 518-218-1030 dangerous. Please be encouraged to use a traffic light for left turns when possible. We are very proud to live in such Trustee Patty Schwarz Lockart, Liaison a wonderful community where we can enjoy our many Joan Rueckert, Outreach Worker parks, trails, and well-kept streets for walking, bicycling and other outdoor activities. We are asking that you help us Fire Company 518-869-9306 all and be responsible. Slow down when driving; remind Trustee Jim Rubino, Liaison family, friends, and neighbors to be aware of the speed Jeffrey Kayser, Fire Co. Chief limits and report problem drivers to the Police by using the Ronald Coy, Fire Co. President non-emergency line 518-783-2744. However, if you need to report an emergency, please call 911 or 518-783-2811. For a complete list of all Lookout for children playing, people exercising and walk- Village board and commission ing their pets and yield to pedestrians in cross walks. Also members, please visit the remember that in the fall we continue to share the road Village Website. with bicycles and motorcycles, so please be patient and alert when out and about. Be careful of children playing in and around leaf piles. You may have noticed the many lawn signs reminding people to “SLOW DOWN”, that were placed along various streets this year. If you would like to display these signs in the future. We invite you to send requests to the Village Visit the Village Website at: Hall; attention “Traffic Committee”. Also please remember www.colonievillage.org to “DRIVE 25” through the Village residential streets. After all, this is your community, and we all want to be safe. 2 • The Villager / Fall 2021 • Message from Village Hall 2021 Planning Water Bills October Water Bills were mailed on October 1, 2021 and Commission Approvals are due by November 15, 2021. We will be sending receipts The Mayor and Board of Trustees would like to back on a “requested receipt” basis only, make sure to WELCOME the fol­lowing businesses approved by the mark the box on your bill if you would like a receipt. Village Tax bills can be paid up until the 31st of October. Anything Planning Commission and wish them much success! left unpaid after the 31st will be sent to Albany County for collection. For your convenience, there is a drop box located 13 Walker Way – LS Power Grid New York Corp at curbside outside Village Hall. Please utilize this to leave 8 A Petra Lane – Instant Bath Inc. payments afterhours, it is checked daily. We are currently only taking credit cards as payment in person, with a 3% 12 Jupiter Lane Ste. 4 – Adapt Health processing fee. We ask that you please not staple your 1770 Central Ave – Town of Colonie Republican Committee remittance checks to your bills, as they go through a check reader. 1701A Central Ave – M&T Legacy Nails Inc. 1560 Central Ave – Stewart’s Shop Corp • Message from 1500 Central Ave – Heaven Cultural Center Code Enforcement 16 Computer Drive West Ste. 104 – TM Glow Studio With the winter season coming fast upon us, we want 12 Wolf Road — Grandma’s Gift LTD to remind all residents that all basketball hoops and poles must be removed from the Village streets and right-of-way, 1814 Central Ave – Fresh India Market so they are not damaged by snowplows. According to Vil- 18 Computer Drive West Ste. 102 — RGWC, LLC lage Code, basketball hoops and poles cannot encroach on any Village right-of-way or public thoroughfare or be placed 11 Walker Way – Pro Edge Remodeling, Inc. within ten feet of a Village street line. Any basketball hoops and poles found to be in violation may be removed by the 1770 Central Ave – Crown Castle/Verizon Village upon ten day written notice to the property owner. 1704 Central Ave – Barber Apothecary If it is determined that it is a public hazard or a threat to public safety or motor vehicle traffic, it will be removed 12 Petra Lane – Laced Up by the Village immediately. If you would like to reference 20 Wolf Road – Spirit Halloween the Village of Colonie ordinance that addresses this issue: Visit our website colonievillage.org under Government and 1524 Central Ave – PTM Solar Village Code. Reference Local Law #4 of 2010: Sec. 1 242 12A Wolf Road – AT&T/New Cingular Wireless (I) (4) (e) Portable Basketball Apparatus. Questions or concerns can be addressed to the Building Department at 4 Fritz Blvd – Fleetwash Inc. 518-869-7562. 1593 Central Ave – Brownie’s Brand LLC 1892 Central Ave – Trends Barber Salon 14 Walker Way – Dreamlab Productions LLC 1510 Central Ave – Hearts Ablaze Ministries 20 Walker Way – AYS Ventures Inc: D/B/A 518 IT 1526 Central Ave – Green Catering, LLC Please Support Your Local Businesses! www.colonievillage.org • 3 Senior Corner For Village Residents 55+ and Village Senior Center Members: We are here for you Monday-Friday 8:30am to 2:30pm. Delicious lunches are served Monday-Friday 12pm-12:30pm. We end the week (Friday) with popcorn Congratulations to the graduating seniors from the 2020-2021 school year at and a movie during lunch. Colonie Central High School. You achieved success during an unprecedented time in history, you should be very proud of your accomplishment! Come join us! Sincerely Homemade lunches are avail- -Mayor Tom Tobin & Board of Trustees able for our Village residents and Senior Center Members. 2020 – 2021 Dine-in meals are $5 each, take-out meals are $6 each, Village of Colonie Graduates cash & checks are accepted. To of Colonie Central High School pick up a take-out meal, you must come into the building for Colin Allen Evan Kvinlaug pick up. Parking for the Senior Tanner Amell Alyssa Lambert Center is located behind Vil- Alex Bailey Zwe Lay lage Hall in front of the main Aidan Batchelder Samuel Owen Lindemann Senior Center Entrance. To Brandon W. Baumann Rifaat M. Othman order a lunch, you MUST CALL Shelby Elizabeth Bilicki Jacklyn Paige Mantica AHEAD At 518-869-7172! Menus Leo Chen Elizabeth G. Mazzie and order tickets are released Tymere Xavier Dean Christopher Meyer monthly, check out our website Merideth Alyse Diegel Joseph Lawrence Murray at www.colonievillage.org/se- Bella DiNovo Autumn J. Peckowitz nior-citizens/ You can order and Michelle Dong Leianne Marie Tantiaq Polanco pay up to a week in advance! If Cori R. Ebel Alyssa Marie Rafferty you are shut in and can’t leave Autumn Rose Fennelly Michelle Rahal your home, we can arrange for Michael Edward Flood Adel Rizvanovic accommodations Joseph Michael Flynn Samantha E. Ryan We would like to thank all of Caroline E. Fuller Christine U. Shiyam our seniors who supported our Jeremiah Micah Fyan Jasmine Smith curbside lunch program during Evan Gardy Charles H. Spaulding our shutdown due to the Covid Carly L Gemmett Zackary R. Sussman 19 pandemic. We are excited to Michael N. Geraci Olivia L. Tarrant say that we opened the center Cate Golding Dillan Layne Tidd as of July 6th, 2021. It was so Benjamin Hollner Nicholas VanBuren good to see you all again! Every- Corrine Jehealoa Jackson Hailey Wood Elite N. Kaleel Jared Zalucky one is welcome, and must wear Mohamed Osman Khalafalla a mask while visiting the center. Safety is our first priority! 4 • The Villager / Fall 2021 Neighbors Make the Village of Colonie Difference Day with Halloween Drive-Thru Event Key Bank at the Village Friday, October 29th N eighbors Day began in 1991 when a group of Key Bank employees in Beginning at 6pm Alaska volunteered for service projects and named the effort “Neighbors Make the Difference Day.” By 1993, the idea had swept across many of Join us for a drive-thru Hallow- the communities Key Bank serves and became an official day of employee vol- een event. We will be giving out unteerism. It is now the hallmark of KeyBank’s commitment to its neighborhood. Halloween goody bags for kids, Neighbors Make the Difference is a day of volunteerism supported by paid time Pre-K to Grade 4, filled with a off. This year is the event’s 30th year celebrating. Employees spent the afternoon coloring book, candy & crafts for volunteering for many service projects in various markets throughout the country. you to enjoy at home! All employ- The Village would like to thank Sheri Stempel and Armando Spring of Key Bank ees will be masked. You must call for planting and beautifying the area around the Village Hall. ahead and register, limited quan- tity available. Call the Family Rec- reation Center at 518-218-7782 to reserve your spot today! Sheri Stempel and Armando Spring of Key Bank volunteering to spruce up the front of Village Hall for Key Bank’s “Neighbors Make the Difference Day.” OUTREACH Center Mayor Tom Tobin The Village of Colonie Outreach with Sheri Stempel Center Office has been relocat- and Armando Spring ed to the Senior Citizens Center of Key Bank behind Village Hall. The entrance is located around the side of Village Hall, directly across from the Locust Park Playground. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. If you have questions or need assis- tance, please call Joan Rueckert at 518-218-1030. The Outreach Center is currently only able to ac- cept donations of gift cards. Food and personal items are no longer being accepted at this time. www.colonievillage.org • 5 The Origin of the Family Recreation Center T hanks to Deputy Mayor, Ed Sim and his son Brian, the idea for the Family Recreation Center began. “During the school winter break in 1997 my son, Brian who was 12 at the time, went to the old Colonie Community Center (1653 Central Ave) with some of his friends. They asked to play basketball in the gym, but they were turned away because they didn’t have insurance. So as a group of 12-year-olds with nothing to do they became mischievous and decided to throw snowballs at passing cars. This did not sit well with the Colonie Police. Interior construction of Rec Center gym. I then went to Mayor Frank Leak and asked him if the Village could build a recreation center where kids could play and stay out of mischief. He agreed to put $50,000 per year away and eventually built what we now know as the Family Recreation Center. The main purpose of this building was, and still is to keep kids off the street.” – Deputy Mayor, Ed Sim The Village saved for 8 years and began construction on the Family Recreation Center in 2004 and finished with a grand opening on June 11, 2005. Brian Casey became the first director of the building and is still overseeing the Village DPW workers hang 16 foot sheet rock panels in Rec gym. department. Over the years programs have changed with the times, but the building is still open to kids of all ages. Brian continues to focus on the Rec’s purpose, “Fun, safe, non-threatening environment where Village residents, families and children always feel welcome.” The Recreation Center now serves all the residents of the South Colonie School District. A resident can use the facility when they bring in proof of residency, such as a license or school id. From the left, Trustees Betty Film, Mike Aidala, Jack Murphy, Tom We have open gym hours during the week for residents to Tobin & Mayor Frank Leak during construction. use the gym, game room or computer lab. We also rent out the facility to Village residents and businesses for family parties and events. In 2019 the Family Recreation Center, in addition to open gym attendance, we hosted events such as birthday parties, baby showers, after funeral receptions, tu- toring classes for high school seniors, scout meetings, police training and more. Our total attendance was over 16,000 people. We hope to continue this work and support new programs that will keep us current. Mission Statement “The mission of the Village of Colonie Family Recreation Hanging the basketball hoops in the Rec gym. Center is to improve the quality of life in the Village of Colo- nie area, by providing facilities and programs where people of all ages can enjoy a variety of recreational activities safely, inexpensively, and in a wholesome environment. The Center is designed to meet the physical and social needs of youth and adults alike. It is intended to provide a wholesome fam- ily atmosphere that will encourage a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.” Paving the Rec parking lot. 6 • The Villager / Fall 2021 Outdoor Boy Scout Bottle Drive Watch for an upcoming flyer that will be deliv- ered to your door with more information on the Village Boy Scout’s Fall Drive-Up Socially Dis- tanced Bottle Drive for Saturday, October 23rd. Assistant Superintendent of DPW Ed Sim showing Mayor Frank Leak the computers in the new classroom computer lab at the Rec Center. Scouting for Food Help our Village of Colonie Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts and the community when you give to the “Scouting for Food” Food Drive. Each year, Boy and Girl Scout Troops from the Village of Colonie host this food drive as part of their mission to help others. This drive comes at a time when food Finished exterior construction of Rec Center, 2005. pantries are typically low. With the holidays right around the corner, now is the time to help. On Saturday, November 6, 2021 look for the “Scout- ing for Food” bag at your front door. On Saturday November 13th, Boy & Girl Scouts will be back with their Drive-Up, Socially Distanced “Scouting for Food” Food Drive. In keeping with CDC guide- lines, all scouts and organizers will be masked and maintain social distance guidelines. Because Ribbon cutting at Grand Opening, June 11, 2005. of these guidelines, it makes it more difficult for us to pick up a large number of residents dona- tions. We respectfully request that if you are able, please drop off your food donations to the Family Recreation Center at 3 Thunder Rd between 7am and noon. For residents that are unable to, we will have a small crew of Scouts and parents doing pick-ups. This process may take us longer, so please have patience if they are not picked up by noon. Leave the full bag of food items in a Local kids using the basketball gym for the first pick up game at visible spot on your front step and the Scouts will the Rec Center Grand Opening, June 11, 2005. pick it up. It is your generous donations that help provide support for our community throughout the year. As always, thank you for supporting the Scouts! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Brian Casey, Scout Master caseyb@colonievillage.org 518-218-7782 Local kids playing in Rec Center game room during Grand Open- ing, June 11, 2005. www.colonievillage.org • 7 The Village Courthouse... I n 1980 John Keller and family received permission to move the abandoned Village Courthouse from the area on Central Ave, approximately where Cumberland farms currently sits, to his property on Tattersall Ln. John Keller and his family refurbished the courthouse to be used for John’s workshop. Over the years, they put additions onto the building where John was able to work on his many projects. One of Johns most notable projects in the Village was the totem pole he carved out of an old utility pole that stood in his front yard for many years. The Totem pole still lives on at his daughter’s house and the Courthouse is still in his family’s backyard on Tattersall Ln. If you have any information about the early days of the Village Courthouse, we would be very grateful to hear from you. Please contact the Village Hall at 518-869-7562. 8 • The Villager / Fall 2021 The Truth about the Recycling Symbol Did you know that the three “chasing arrows” recycling symbol is not regulat- ed? That means it can be used any where on any product. Check out this info from DEC’s Solid Waste & Recycling Newsletter: MYTH: “It has the recycling symbol on it so it must be accepted by my recycling program.” FACT: Just because an item has the recycling symbol on it doesn’t mean it’s accepted by your local recycling program. That’s because the recycling symbol is not regulated, and the types of items accept- ed by recycling programs vary throughout the state. Next time you encounter an item you are unsure about, look beyond the three chasing arrows and check your local recycling guidelines instead. (The Village of Colonie accepts all plastics that are numbered 1-7, the number is located within or next to the recycling arrows on the bottom of a container.) MYTH: "It has the recycling symbol on it, so it’s probably made with recycled content.” FACT: Unfortunately, just because a product has the recycling symbol on it doesn’t mean it was made from recycled materials. Look for the phrase: “made from post-consumer recycled content” to Photo Captions... be sure. Whenever possible, opt for goods Top left: John Keller and family get- made from recycled materials. This cre- ting ready to move the Courthouse ates demand for the items we put in our from Central Ave. recycling bins, increases their value, and Left middle: The refurbished Court- supports our local recycling programs. house. A friendly reminder as everyone heads back to school and work in the colder Left bottom: John Keller sitting in weather while masking up and staying safe: front of the refurbished Courthouse. • Use reusable masks when safe to Top: The Courthouse after the addi- do so, making sure to follow CDC guide- tion was added. lines for masking. Single use masks are not recyclable, please throw them away. Top middle: John Keller’s house on Remember that any other single use Tattersall Ln with the totem pole in personal protective equipment such as front of it.. gloves, should go into the trash and not Right: Close up of the totem pole. be thrown onto the ground. Keep it Green, Keep it Clean — Chris Ciota, Recycling Coordinator www.colonievillage.org • 9 10 • The Villager / Fall 2021 Centennial Open House – May 14, 2022 L et’s kick off our Centennial Celebration by welcoming all hood. Event to be timed by AREEP. Age division awards for our residents, families, friends and Village business own- top men and women. Don’t want to run or walk the race? ers, to come check us out! Our Centennial Open House We are encouraging resident participation by cheering on will include tours of the following locations: Village Hall, our racers throughout the route, there may even be prizes including our HBK Senior Center, Family Recreation for most creative/enthusiastic participation! Enter- Center, Village Fire House, and Department tainment before and during the race to be of Public Works. We are opening all provided by AREEP, but stick around our buildings up to you so we can for a community afternoon with show off everything we love to food and music entertainment! do for our Village. Check out Stay tuned for sign-ups on the some great Village memorabil- AREEP website. ia at the Village Hall and while Centennial Parade – Septem- you’re there, don’t forget to ber 17, 2022 pay our wonderful Senior staff a Be witness to our Centennial visit and enjoy some light refresh- Parade! The route is set to parade ments. Take an up-close look at all down Central Avenue and turn down our big machinery in our Department of Lincoln Avenue on our way to a finale in Public Works and see all our amazing appa- Cook Park. There will be fire departments, local ratus located in our Fire House. Stop in to the Family Recre- business representation, local dignitaries, social organiza- ation Center and shoot some hoops or play a quick game of tions, bands, and floats. We invite you to come out and cel- billiards. Let’s all be reminded of all the great amenities and ebrate with us. If you would like to participate in the parade, growth we have achieved for our residents and community contact the Village Hall. over the past 100+ years. Centennial Dinner – October 8, 2022 Centennial Picnic – July 16, 2022 Our grand finale to our yearlong celebration of our Come one, come all to a seriously fun Centennial Picnic 100th birthday will culminate with our Centennial Dinner at Cook Park. With vibes of our annual Family Fun Day, this Celebration. It will feature a Roaring 20’s theme in recog- picnic will incorporate even more than the usual delights of nition of the year we were founded. We hope to celebrate food, fun, games, rides and more! There will be live music with friends, family and neighbors with good food, drinks and plenty of all-day fun! and dancing. 20’s dress style optional, but always encour- Mayors Cup 5K & Fun Run – August 13, 2022 aged. What better way to celebrate then putting on your best In celebration of the Village’s Centennial, the Mayor’s Cup shoes and dancing the night away to all those classic big- 5K & Fun Run is back! Come out to enjoy our fast and flat band hits! Check back for more details on how to purchase scenic route through Cook Park and surrounding neighbor- tickets. REMINDER The Village Hall, DPW, Family Recreation • Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 25, Center, Outreach Center and Senior Center will 2021 be closed: • Day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) - • Columbus Day - Monday, October 11, 2021 Friday, November 26, 2021 • Election Day - Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Thursday & Friday’s garbage and recycling Tuesday’s garbage and recycling will be will be picked up on Friday, November 26, picked up Monday, November 1, 2021 2021 • Veterans Day - Thursday, November 11, Please remember to have your garbage and 2021 recycling out by 6am on your pick-up day. Thursday’s garbage and recycling will be Residents can have up to 2 garbage barrels picked up on Friday, November 12, 2021 that are no more than 40 gallons apiece. www.colonievillage.org • 11 The Villager PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PA I D VILLAGE HALL ALBANY, NY PERMIT NO. 532 2 Thunder Rd, Albany, NY 12205 518-869-7562 villagehall@colonievillage.org Visit the Village website at… www.colonievillage.org MAYOR • Tom Tobin TRUSTEES Ed Sim Patty Schwarz Lockart Art White • Jim Rubino You're Invited Village of Colonie Trustee Meetings held 1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm, Village Hall. To submit pictures, stories or ask questions about our Centennial Celebration, contact us at colonievillage100@gmail.com Andy's Colonie Hardware Andy’s Colonie Hardware was a celebrated Vil- lage business from 1966 until 1998 It was located at 1789 Central Ave that is now an Auto Zone. It was a family run hardware store owned by Andy Bisognano. Throughout its 32 years of business, Andy, his two sons and his son-in-law worked at the shop. Andy himself worked for Terminal Hard- ware by Osborne Rd for twenty years before open- ing Andy’s Hardware. Andy’s prided themselves on Andy’s Colonie Hardware excellent service to their customers and commit- ment to its community. They were a proud sponsor of Colonie Little League teams for many years. Andy and his son Chris behind the counter, 1997 Andy in front of the store, 1997 12 • The Villager / Fall 2021