A Big THANK YOU to the Community

The population of the tiny village of Alplaus increased by approximately 100 on September 30, 2004. Furthermore, the enthusiastic & boisterous crowds of the “Alplaus Kids” reunion at the fire hall were reliving some experiences of 50 years ago. All had a good time, at least I’ve heard of no complaints.

Sorry for all the commotion, but thanks to the community for tolerating us on this special day.

Cliff Hayes

Lynn & Pat Stote

Alplaus Church Youth Thank You

Thanks to a small but devoted group of volunteers and a large and ravenous group of spaghetti eaters, the youth department of Alplaus Church celebrated another successful Spaghetti Dinner in October. It was a great time to come together as a congregation to help raise money for the youth group and for camp scholarships.

At the dinner, there was a nice mix of familiar faces from the church and the after school programs, as well as new faces from the community and beyond. We were pleased and surprised when Pastor Chun pulled up in a van bringing 13 students from the youth group at the Korean church in Niskayuna.

Thank you to all who participated!

What’s inside

On the Hill…………..…….…………….……..2

Alplaus Fire Department Calls - October…..2

Alplaus Post Office News…………………....2

ARA News…………………………………..…3

Sewer Update…….……………….…….….3

Community Information…….…………..….3

Alplaus Avenue Sidewalk………………….3

Community Luncheon………………………..4

Spirituality Seminar…………………………...4

Pecan Sale…………………………………….4

Another Culver Trip…………………………..4

Alplaus Explorer Post 885…………………...5

Ladies Auxiliary………………………….……6

Alplaus Historical Society…………………....6

Alplaus Runaround Results…..……………...7

On the Hill

The autumn leaves are right on schedule and a beautiful, bumper crop, as usual. Judy and I enjoyed the good weather this last month with a train ride in the Catskills with our friend Michael from Bruce Drive and a nature walk in the Lisha Kill Preserve in Niskayuna. Both are recommended, especially at this time of year.

The Alplaus Runaround represents community spirit and cooperation at its finest. There was a great group of runners this year and an equally great group of volunteers. Alplaus makes it look easy to put such affairs together without a hitch. A public thank you to Charlie Casey for another terrific runaround.

Gary Fisher and I are working on getting the Home Town News "on line" again. We'll let you know by e-mail and a notice in the post office when we get there..…AWH

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Alplaus Fire Department

Calls for October 2004 (thru 29 OCT 2004)


Date	Alarm Time	Incident Number	Call Type	Location	Number of Fire Fighters	Fire Fighter-Hours

03 OCT 2004	00:15	000131	Vehicle Accident	Hetcheltown Road	7	6.8
06 OCT 2004	17:43	000132	Medical Emergency	Brookside Avenue	8	2.7
08 OCT 2004	03:05	000133	Medical Emergency	Pinewood Drive	5	3.3
11 OCT 2004	11:22	000134	False Alarm Fire	Glenridge Road	5	1.3
15 OCT 2004	17:35	000135	Vehicle Accident	Glenridge & Maple	7	3.9
18 OCT 2004	21:34	000136	Smoke Condition	Woodcrest Drive	9	4.2
24 OCT 2004	16:35	000137	Medical Emergency	Alplaus Avenue	8	4.9
26 OCT 2004	09:25	000138	Medical Emergency	St Anthony Lane	1	0.4
28 OCT 2004	02:20	000139	Medical Emergency	Glenridge Road	7	1.5

Sewer Update

The ARA sewer committee met with town officials and representatives from Kestner Engineers on October 18^th, and I talked with Mark Kestner, consulting engineer on the project, on October 29^th. Kestner Engineers is submitting the application to the state comptroller’s office in the next few days and expects it will take several months for the application to be approved, although they anticipate that it will be approved.

I’ve asked about steps that can be taken while we’re waiting for that approval, including getting on the list for low-interest funding from the Environmental Funding Corporation (EFC) and getting on the schedules of various contractors who will do such things as soil borings and more detailed mappings. I want to make sure we’re ready to go when approval for the project comes through. Commissioner of Public Works Andy Coppola will work with the Glenville Town Board to determine which steps they might agree to fund before the state gives its final go-ahead. Spring construction is still the plan, folks.

Andy Coppola will also talk with the Niskayuna School District and the Town of Clifton Park about whether or not they might be included in the project, which we hope would lower costs per home. It’s quite complicated to get projects going that include properties in more than one county. So although we’re not hopeful they could be included, we are exploring every possibility.

Community Information

I’ve asked the town to mail a letter (after we have comptroller approval) to outline expected homeowner costs and homeowner responsibilities. It’s premature to mail anything before the project is approved, but I’d like them to do so soon after approval is received.

I’d appreciate resident feedback to let me know if another public meeting would be helpful, either before or after the letter is sent by the Town of Glenville.

Alplaus Avenue Sidewalk

Finally, we raised the issue of including a sidewalk on Alplaus Avenue from the bridge to the post office. The thought was that if there would be construction as part of the sewer project, it might be a good time to install a sidewalk on Alplaus Avenue. We’ll need to explore issues of cost and maintenance, but Andy Coppola will take the first step for us and talk to Schenectady County (who owns that road) about receiving approval for installing a sidewalk.

I’m hoping the e-mail list that I’ve compiled for sewers will become a way for me to keep in touch with residents and others on other issues. If you’d like to be on the list, please let me know. And as always, I’d love to hear from you about other issues that are on your mind.

Barb Casey

399-5714

bcasey@skidmore.edu

Community Luncheon

The Alplaus Community Luncheon at Alplaus United Methodist Church will be held on Tuesday, November 9th, 11:30 am to 2 pm in Fellowship Hall. It is open to the public and an event to look forward to with good food and good fellowship.

Bring a dish to share if you can and come join us in any event.

Spirituality Seminar

The Alplaus Church will have Angela Son, a Professor of Psychology and Religion at Drew University in New Jersey, as a guest speaker on Sunday November 7 at the Sunday morning 10:15 am service.

Professor Son will also present a seminar and workshop on Spirituality immediately after the service. Her presentation is intended for the community as well as for the church members. Please call the church office at 399-6000 for further information.

Pecan Sale

The Women's Group of Alplaus Church is selling PECANS again this year. The cost is $7 per pound for the new crop, which will be available mid-November.

Please contact Mary Herrick (399-2113) if you wish to order.

Another Culver Trip

by Bob Culver

The Culvers went on another trip, albeit a relatively short one.

Bob and Sally Druckenmiller, who lived in the house at the corner of Alplaus Avenue and Hill Street, invited us to visit them at a "time share" near Davis, West Virginia.

Davis bills itself as the highest incorporated town in West Virginia, some 3800 feet above sea level!

Due to location, it is close to a "farm" of 44 large power generating windmills.

The greatest claim to fame is the nearby Canaan Valley resort area, home to state parks and ski areas.

We were fortunate to be there during the week that the foliage changed, each day bringing on more and more spectacular colors. It was an altogether enjoyable period with lots of old time reminiscence about Alplaus and families.

The Druckenmillers now live on a twelve acre farm in southern Delaware near their daughter Sally and her family.

Sponsored by the

Alplaus Ladies Auxiliary

Alplaus Explorer Post 88

by Kathleen Sheppeck

The Explorers had a busy and exciting October. They started the month out with a nighttime search and rescue exercise at the Indian Kill Preserve. They also participated in a drill with the Air Guard to practice water supply to the crash trucks. Just last week they were involved with a car fire / victim extrication drill with the Alplaus and Thomas Corners Fire Companies.

In addition to all of this, they assisted with the Fire Company’s annual fund drive and Open House, the Run Around and the Halloween party. If you know anyone who would be interested in Fire Service Exploring give me a call at 399-7115. We have a limited number of spaces available for seriously minded boys and girls between 14 & 20 years who have completed 8^th grade.

If any of you are wondering about the Explorer program in general, visit www.learning-for-life.org/exploring for more information. If you would like to know more about Post 885 come by the firehouse some Tuesday night, or give me a call at 399-7115.

E. GRAY WATKINS

ATTORNEY AT LAW

GENERAL PRACTICE

REAL ESTATE

WILLS, TRUSTS & ESTATES      371-6125

CORPORATE LAW                      1745 RT. 9

PERSONAL INJURY               Clifton Park, N.Y.

Ladies Auxiliary

by Vicki Watkins

November will be a busy month for the Auxiliary. We’ll start off by baking pies, cookies and other treats for the Election Day Bake Sale at the Firehouse. We’ll be there from 6:00 am until the goodies run out. Please remember to vote on Tuesday.

There are still several openings for the “Heartsaver CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Course” being offered on Thursday, Nov 4^th or 11^th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Firehouse. The course includes CPR, relief of foreign-body airway obstruction, rescue breathing and how to use an automated external defibrillator. These skills can truly be lifesavers. Class size is limited. Please call Vicki at 399-0184 to sign up.

We are also planning to make Lap Quilts for Wounded Soldiers on Sunday, Nov 14^thfrom 1:00 to 4:00 at the Firehouse. Please come and join us. No sewing experience is necessary. If possible, bring fabric (pre-washed/100% cotton), an iron, thread, and/or a sewing machine. Call Elizabeth Burke at 399-2072 with any questions.

We have ordered more Alplaus sweatshirts since we sold all of our remaining larger adult sizes at the Alplaus Reunion. Large, X-large and 2XL will be available shortly (and we still have some smalls) at the Post Office or call Robin at 399-4911.

We will continue to collect toiletry items, slippers, infant clothing, used cell phones or monetary donations for the Schenectady Battered Women’s Shelter. A collection box is located in the Post Office. Many thanks to those of you who have already made a contribution.

The “Alplauskill/Indiankill Ecosystem” presentation by Mark Storti, President of the Schenectady County Conservation Council and Senior GIS Specialist, Sch’dy County Economic Development, was well attended. We learned about the history of the Alplauskill watershed and about fishing and other wildlife programs at the Indiankill Preserve. He shared his hopes for preservation of additional land within the watershed in the towns of Glenville, Clifton Park and Ballston. It was also interesting to hear of the sizable populations of beaver, wild turkey, mink, owl, beaver and even fisher cats right in our backyards.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, Nov 22^nd at 7 pm. We will be making fruit baskets for our neighbors who are shut-ins or just in need of some cheer. If you are interested in attending or learning more about us, please call Vicki at 399-0184.

Cool weather and overcast skies greeted the runners and volunteers for the 24^th edition of the Alplaus Runaround on Saturday, October 30. We had great running weather (cool and overcast) for the one-mile and 5K races. Complete race results are presented below. so I want to use this space to thank residents for coming out to cheer on the runners, help with traffic control, and run.

It was wonderful to see Grace and Bradley Johnson (with dog, Nina) out cheering on the runners, to have Jessica Evans’ smiling face behind the registration table, and to visit with longtime volunteers Joan and Paul Holtermann out keeping time and providing refreshments for weary runners and not-so-weary family members. Some new residents tried out their legs on Alplaus roads, including Cindy Leveillee, Jason Goldberg, and Andy Gilpin, who’s just moving in this weekend.

Besides Jessica and the Holtermanns, other volunteers included Vicki Watkins (doing double duty with registration and race results), Art and Judy Harris, Bob Culver, Drew and Janice Coppola, Mike and Kathleen Sheppeck, Keith Abatto, Kirk Herrick, Pete Collisson, Tom Kiernan, Mike Graham, Betty and Al Fonda, Greg Isles, and Lee Scott. We couldn’t do it without you.

Thanks also to Goldstock’s for donating two gift certificates and to Riccitello’s Restaurant, who also donated a gift certificate as a door prize. Give these great folks your business!

Finally, we’re looking for someone to take the helm for next year’s race. My husband, Charlie Casey, who has directed the last three years, is happy to help with much of the pre-race coordination and to spend time sharing his system with someone new. There’s no obligation, but if you’re interested, give me or Charlie a call at 399-5714.

One-mile run

1. Christopher Murphy, M, 9, 6:13

2. Ryun Murphy, M, 8, 6:36

3. Tristan Wilkinson, M, 9, 6:46

4. Ian Cutting, M, 9, 6:47

5. Cathy Murphy, F, 46, 7:09

6. Bill Shrader, M, 61, 7:35

7. Phillip Weeber, M, 9, 7:37

8. Ashley Devine, F, 11, 7:58

9. Sarah Casey, F, 11, 7:59

10. Amanda Welge, F, 11, 8:13

11. Maddie Hopkins, F, 8, 10:08

12. Marianne Shrader, F, 52, 10:09

13. Lyndsey Devine, F, 11, 12:03

14. Cassandra Coppola, F, 11, 12:07

15. Andy Casey, M, 8, 13:24

16. Drew Cassidy, M, 9, 13:51

17. Helen Robinson, F, 61, 15:29

5K run

1. James Louison, M, 50, 18:50

2. Michael Murtagh, M, 44, 20:05

3. Joel Landis, M, 65, 20:21

4. Russell Clark, M, 52, 20:25

5. Andy Gilpin, M, 33, 21:33

6. Colleen Grossner, F, 26, 21:51

7. Konrad Weeber, M, 43, 22:03

8. William Kowal, M, 35, 22:15

9. John Dickson, M, 46, 22:20

10. Gray Watkins, M, 53, 22:30

11. Karl Sheldon, M, 32, 22:54

12. Niall Williams, M, 10, 23:01

13. Dominic Weeber, M, 11, 23:05

14. Gwen Williams, F, 46, 23:07

15. Kirk Mathews, M, 42, 23:21

16. Tim Minahan, M, 40, 24:27

17. Ray Lee, M, 62, 24:51

18. Tom Berkery, M, 22, 24:52

19. Jason Dexter, M, 30, 25:07

20. Joshua Bopp, M, 27, 25:14

21. Larry Bopp, M, 55, 25:15

22. Richard Daley, M, 55, 25:45

23. Heather Sheldon, F, 34, 26:27

24. Jason Goldberg, M, 30, 26:48

25. Lynn Swank, F, 53, 27:00

26. Cindy Leveillee, F, 27, 27:37

27. Lewis Riccitello, M, 60, 29:00

28. Jack Berkery, M, 56, 31:51

29. Christian Esposito, M, 10, 33:10

30. Jill Burwell, F, 40, 33:17

31. Robin Driskel, F, 46, 35:03

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Art Harris REPORTER ????????????

HTN e-mail address: arthur.harris@earthlink.net

HOME TOWN NEWS

ALPLAUS, NEW YORK 12008

November 2004 Vol. 128 No. 9 ____________________________________________________________________________

A Big THANK YOU to the Community

THOMAS H. CULVER 399-5557

BLACKTOP

E. GRAY WATKINS

Alplaus Historical Society