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2011 Archive - Schedule of Events


Press Releases


OCTOBER 6, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE – The Claverack Republican Club will host a free Pizza Night-Meet the Candidates program Thursday, October 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mellenville Firehouse, Country Route 9.

The event offers Claverack residents an opportunity to meet and discuss issues with the Republican candidates for town office this year. On hand will be incumbent councilman Clifford “Kippy” Weigelt and Town Board candidate Stephen Hook, along with assessor candidates John “Jack” Race, an incumbent, and Fred Zitto.

Republican candidates for county offices have also been invited to attend.

The event will also feature pizzas prepared by members of the Mellenville Fire Company, along with desserts and other snacks and a variety of beverages.

The event is free and open to all Claverack residents.

For more information, consult the website claverackrepublicans.com or call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE – Claverack Town Clerk Mary Jean Hoose has initiated a drive to collect toiletries, paper goods and cleaning products for families affected by the recent severe flooding in Greene, Delaware, Schoharie and adjacent counties.

The Town Clerk noted that her efforts are coordinated in conjunction with the clerks in other Columbia County towns who are collecting specific items for flood victims. The collected items will be taken to central distribution centers from which they will be trucked by emergency personnel to towns ravaged by two weeks of flooding.

Mrs. Hoose found there was a dire need for toiletries, including shampoo, soap, deodorant, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand and body lotions, hand sanitizers and particularly, women’s personal hygiene products.

She is also accepting donations of various paper products, including toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins, school notebooks and loose leaf paper, and cleaning products such as mops, brooms, disinfectants, all-purpose cleaners, dish detergent and related items.

“We’ve identified some specific needs,” she said, “but so many of these people lost everything. They’re trying to start all over again. While we’re focusing on particular items, we’ll accept anything that people want to offer for the flood victims. We’ll make sure it gets where it’s needed.”

Donations may be dropped off at the Claverack Town Office Building on Church Street in Mellenville (in front of the town park) weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The relief drive runs through Friday, September 23.

For more information or to get directions to the office building, call the Town Clerk’s office at (518) 672-7911.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


AUGUST 7, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE – The Claverack Republican Club’s “Music in the Park” free summer concert series wraps up with two weeks of rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll Thursdays, August 18 and 25 at the Claverack Town Park, Church Street.

On August 18 the Runaway Boys take the stage with their own particular retro brand of rockabilly that traces its roots back to the original Memphis greats like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash and the “rooster walk man” himself, Chuck Berry.

This local band was founded in April, 2009 and is comprised of Jeff Gonzales on guitar, Adam Klein on stand-up bass and vocals and Bob Klein on drums and vocals. They have performed at Club Helsinki in Hudson, the Creekside Inn in Catskill and the Main Street Pub in Philmont, along with numerous parties and private venues.

The show runs from 7 to 9 p.m.

Longtime local favorites King of the Forest perform Thursday, August 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. The group was founded in 1993, after the dissolution of the popular Propellers of Rabelais and picks up where that band left off, sourcing its material from early rock ‘n’ roll standards via Jerry Lee Lewis to the Beatles and Rolling Stones, straight through the unpredictable ‘70s to the popular artists of the ‘8os, including R.E.M. and Billy Idol.

The band is composed of Rich Hallenbeck on guitar and vocals, Kevin Nooney on drums and vocals, Dan Iuliano on guitar and keyboards, and Wendell Cook on bass.

The grounds open each night at 6 p.m. Food and snacks, including some dishes particular to each night, are available throughout the evening.

Some seating is available under the pavilion, but concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy the music from the lawn.

Admission to the concerts is free. Band fees have been paid by a variety of local corporate sponsors.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


AUGUST 2, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE – Modern country music will fill the evening air when the top-rated Hudson Valley band Thunder Ridge takes the stage Thursday, August 11 for the sixth week of the Claverack Republican Club’s “Music in the Park” free summer concert series at Claverack Town Park, off Church Street.

The Kingston/West Shokan-based band is comprised of Dorraine Scofield on fiddle, mandolin and vocals; Chris Walsh on the rhythm guitar and vocals, Larry Federman on lead and slide guitar; J.B. Hunt on bass; and Dave Ryan on percussion.

They were the winners of the 1996 True Value Country Showdown, a major national country music competition, and have since shared the stage with such CMA illuminaries as Ricky Skaggs, Sawyer Brown, the Charlie Daniels Band, Shenandoah, Ricky Van Shelton, Clay Walker, Ricky Lynn Gregg, and Pirates of the Mississippi.

Lead vocalist Dorraine Scofield recently released her first solo CD, entitled I’m Gonna Sing and was the guest opener at Levon Helms’ 2010 Midnight Rambler sessions. Promoting the disc has led to appearances with Diamond Rio, John Sebastian, Bill Staines, Little Texas, John Hall and Kathy Mattea.

The grounds open at 6 p.m., with the band performing from 7 to 9 p.m. under the pavilion. Some seating is available but concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy the music from the lawn.

Food and snacks will be available throughout the night.

Admission is free, with band fees paid by a variety of local corporate sponsors.

Other concerts in the series are the Run Away Boys on August 18 and King of the Forest on August 25.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


JULY 16, 2011 - FOR RELEASE AFTER JULY 21, 2011

MELLENVILLE – Country music is in the spotlight for the fourth week of the Claverack Republican Club’s free “Music in the Park” summer concert series Thursday, July 28 when Peaceful Country takes the stage at the Claverack Town Park, Church Street.

This four-piece Capital District-based band has been wowing area audiences since the mid-1980s with their blend of modern and traditional country favorites and lively square dance rounds.

The band is lead by veteran country musician and champion square dance caller Ralph Barger on lead guitar, fiddle, keyboards and vocals. Lead vocals are handled by two-time NECMA (Northeast Country Music Association) “Female Vocalist of the Year” nominee Melissa Groves, a graduate of the SUNY-Potsdam.

Keven Acton adds bass guitar and harmonies. His extensive musical experience includes stints with blues, rock, pop and country bands. Three-time NECMA award nominee Mike Harlo provides a rock solid tempo behind the drums. He is a veteran of various local bands, including Yukon, Crooked Creek, and the True Tones.

Peaceful Country has performed at the Columbia County, Altamont and Fonda Fairs, the Athens Street Festival, the Windham Country Club, the National Museum of Racing, and the Lake George Firemen’s Convention, among other venues.

The band will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.

The second month of the series kicks off August 4 with local favorites Time Machine performing their blend of rock, country and pop covers from 6 to 8 p.m.

The bands perform under the pavilion at the park. Some seating is available but concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy the music from the lawn.

Admission is free. Food and snacks, including some dishes specific to each event, will be available each night.

Band fees have been paid by a variety of local sponsors.

Other concerts in the series are Thunder Ridge on August 11, The Run Away Boys on August 18, and King of the Forest on August 25.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


JULY 1, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE
– The Saugerties/Woodstock-based band Dust Bowl headlines the second week of the Claverack Republican Club’s “Music in the Park” free summer concert series Thursday, July 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Claverack Town Park, Church Street.

Dust Bowl can best be described as an Americana/country band with influences ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Leonard Cohen to fellow Woodstock artists, The Band. Led by guitarist Josh Tyler, the group has been working steadily throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City and New Jersey for the past 10 years, including gigs at the Saugerties Lighthouse, Bearsville Theatre, Bard College and SUNY-New Paltz.

Besides Tyler, the band is comprised of Barnaby Alter, Bernhard Spirig and Robin Schmidt. Song titles range from such original compositions as “Got Me A Woman” and “Oh May, Don’t You Weep” to standards like “Our Love Is Here To Stay” and the ever-funky “Mustang Sally.”

The grounds open at 6 p.m. Food and snacks will be available.

The third week in the series, July 21, brings a special treat for “oom-pah” lovers as the famous Rymanowski Brothers take the stage for a three-hour show from 6 to 9 p.m.

This Capital District outfit is currently celebrating it 58th year as a “family” band, led by brothers Dennis Rymanowski (drums and sax) and Gerry Rymanowski (bass) with cousin Bob Drozd (clarinet/sax and drums), Brent Wheat (trumpet) and Jerry Romanowicz (accordion).

The band was founded in 1947 by the late John and Alex Rymanowski and originally consisted of nine musicians. The band immediately became very popular and played every Saturday night for 10 years straight at St. Michaels Pavilion in Cohoes. In 1950 they recorded on the Decca record label and have since produced albums on the Stella, Lamb and Sunshine labels. Siblings John And Alex joined the group in the 1970s while Drozd and Wheat are marking their 23rd and 31st years respectively with the band.

Because of the extra-long set that night, the club is offering a complete chicken barbecue for just $10 each starting at 5 p.m. Additional food and snacks will also be available.

The bands perform under the pavilion at the town park. Some seating is available but concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy the music from the lawn.

Admission is free. Band fees have been paid by a variety of local corporate sponsors.

Other concerts in the series are Peaceful Country on July 28, Time Machine on August 4 (another 6 p.m. start), Thunder Ridge on August 11, The Run Away Boys on August 18, and King of the Forest on August 25.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


June 22, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE – Political newcomers pushed aside the old guard, picking up two significant victories at the Town of Claverack Republican caucus June 21 at the Town Park.

In a three-way race for two council seats, Stephen Hook outpolled longtime Town Board member James Van Deusen two to one to easily nab the town GOP’s endorsement to run this fall. Hook is chairman of the town Planning Board but this is his first attempt at elected office.

The top vote-getter in the race was longtime councilman Clifford “Kippy” Weigelt. Weigelt and Hook will face as-yet-unnamed Democrat opponents in the general election this fall.

In another three-way race for two assessor seats, political neophyte Fred Zito of Philmont outpolled incumbent assessor Ed Jacklin to pick up the party’s nomination. Zito is a retired truck driver.

The top scorer in that contest was incumbent assessor Jack Race, who sailed to an easy victory. Both will face unnamed Democrat challengers this fall.

A total of 195 people turned out for the event.

“It was a big night in Claverack,” said Republican councilman Mike Johnston, who also served as clerk of the caucus. “The days of the RINO (Republican-In-Name-Only) are over. In these times of outrageous tax-and-spend policies epitomized by Obama and the Democrat administration, people want real Republicans who are not afraid to stand up and say ‘enough already.’ Claverack may just be a small town, but this is where it all starts.”

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


June 16, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE – The Claverack Republican Club’s new “Music in the Park” summer concert series kicks off Thursday, July 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. with the swing era sounds of the Big Blue Big Band, an 18-piece orchestra from Ulster and Dutchess Counties.

The repertoire includes classic Big Band era tunes along with more contemporary ballads, swing, Latin, jazz, blues and rock.

The band, which has been performing in the Hudson Valley for more than 20 years, has been featured at such venues as the Vanderbilt and Mills historic sites, the Senate House, the Bardavon Theatre, the FDR Library, Vassar and New Paltz Colleges, and various resorts throughout the region.

To add to the vintage vibe, the band will feature a special Frank Sinatra-style singer that night.

The band performs under the pavilion at the Claverack Town Park, Church Street, Mellenville, the site of all eight of the concerts in the series. Some seating is available but concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy the music from the lawn.

Admission is free. Food and snacks, including some dishes specific to each event, will be available each night.

Other concerts in the series are Dust Bowl on July 14, the Rymanowski Brothers on July 21 (special 6 p.m. start time), Peaceful Country on July 28, Time Machine on August 4 (another 6 p.m. start), Thunder Ridge on August 11, The Run Away Boys on August 18, and King of the Forest on August 25.

Band fees have been paid by a variety of local corporate sponsors.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


May 29, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILMONT – The Claverack Republican Club will sponsor a country music hoedown Sunday, June 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Vanderbilt House, upper Main Street, Philmont.

Local favorites Head West will perform country songs from the past to the present.

Admission is free. Free finger goods and desserts will be available along with a cash bar. In addition, Bob Mansfield and Marci Groll of the Vanderbilt House are preparing a special menu for the event that includes such “finger-lickin’” favorites as BBQ chicken, brisket, ribs and all types of southern side dishes.

“This is a great opportunity to come hear some good country music and meet your friends and neighbors,” said club spokesman Clifford “Kippy” Weigelt. “Hopefully we’ll get some country and line dancing going too.”

The country music hoedown is a kick-off for the club’s “Music in the Park” summer concert series which offers live bands every Thursday night in July and August at the Claverack Town Park, Church Street, Mellenville. The series opens July 7 with the Big Blue Big Band, an 18-piece orchestra with a Frank Sinatra-style singer.

Like the country music hoedown, admission to “Music in the Park” is free, with the cost of the bands underwritten by a variety of corporate and individual sponsors. Food will be available for purchase each evening.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


May 19, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Photo by Jack Race


Clifford “Kippy” Weigelt (center) of the Claverack Republican Club shows off the promotional brochure for the club’s “Music In The Park” program during the organization’s “Meet, Mix And Mingle” May 18 at the Vanderbilt House in Philmont. Looking on (l-r) are Columbia County Treasurer candidate P.J. Keeler, Dave Costanza, Mr. Weigelt, Ernie Cutler, and Steve Hook. The event drew approximately 150 people.

Planning ahead The “Music In The Park” program will present a series of free concerts by regional bands Thursday evenings during July and August at the Claverack Town Park, Church Street, Mellenville. Bands scheduled to perform are The Big Blue Big Band on July 7, Dust Bowl on July 14, The Rymanowski Brothers on July 21, Peaceful Country on July 28, Time Machine on August 4, Thunder Ridge on August 11, The Run Away Boys on August 18, and King Of The Forest on August 25. The cost of the bands is underwritten by various corporate sponsors. Food will be available each evening. The club will also sponsor a special kick-off for “Music in the Park” with a country music night Wednesday, June 22, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Vanderbilt House, with live music by Head West. Admission is free and the venue will offer a special menu in addition to its regular fare. For more information on the Claverack Republican Club and its activities, call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


APRIL 26, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CLAVERACK - The Claverack Republican Club will hold its Spring roadside clean-up Saturday, May 14, beginning at 9 a.m.

Participants should meet behind the A.B. Shaw Firehouse on Route 9H at 9 a.m., where they will be issued special safety vests, hardhats, bags and pick-up tools.

Several years ago the club "adopted" three 1-mile stretches of state highway in the town and has since held roadside clean-ups each spring.

In the event of rain, the clean-up will be moved to May 21.

Anyone wishing to help out in the clean-up effort can simply show up at the staging area on the morning of the event or contact club president Jim Keegan at (518) 851-7276.

For more information on the Claverack Republican Club and its activities, visit the website www.claverackrepublicans.gov.

For information or confirmation
contact Charles Schram at 851-7570


APRIL 25, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(see photos of event) PHILMONT – The Claverack Republican Club will sponsor a second “Meet, Mix and Mingle” Wednesday, May 18, at 6 p.m. at the newly-renovated Vanderbilt, 161 Main Street, Philmont.

The purpose of the informal event is “bring together people who are interested in what goes on in Claverack,” said club spokesman Jack Race.

“It’s a relaxed setting for people to get together and talk about what’s happening in our county”, he continued, “and what they’d like to see happen and how to go about getting things moving in positive directions.”

Race stressed that it was not limited to “Republicans only,” but open to all people with an interest in Columbia County politics and the business and social climate during these fiscally-difficult years.

A similar event held last October drew more than 175 people.

Admission is free but there will be a cash bar. Finger foods will be served. Music will be provided by a local D.J.

For more information, call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570.



Photo by Jack Race


Mike Johnson of the Claverack Republican Club (standing) confers with Marci Groll, general manager, and Bob Mansfield, owner of the Vanderbilt, 161 Main Street, Philmont, on the club’s “Meet, Mix and Mingle” scheduled for May 18 at the newly-renovated venue. The event is open to all interested Claverack and Columbia County residents and provides an informal opportunity for concerned persons to get together and discuss the future of the area. Admission is free.

FOR INFORMATION AND CONFIRMATION
CONTACT CHARLES SCHRAM – (518) 851-7570


MARCH 30, 2011 - NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(see photos of event) MELLENVILLE - The Claverack Republican Club will hold its annual community Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 23 at the Claverack Town Park, off Church Street.

The grounds open at 10 a.m., with the egg hunts getting underway at 11 a.m., rain, snow or shine.

The event features egg hunts for all Claverack children in three age categories - 1 to 3 years, 4 to 6 years, and 7 to 9 years old. First, second and third place prizes are awarded in each age category. Kids are reminded to bring a bag or basket to collect the Easter eggs which are "hidden" around the fields.

The day also includes a visit from the Easter Bunny and free refreshments for parents and kids.

Last year's egg hunt drew more than 250 local children and their families.

Club meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Claverack Town Hall on Route 217. Anyone interested in joining the club should come to a meeting or contact Charles Schram at 851-7570.

For more information on the club’s upcoming activities, visit our website at claverackrepublicans.org.

For information or confirmation
Call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570


MARCH 15, 2011 - PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MELLENVILLE – The Claverack Republican Club will sponsor a series of eight free concerts this summer at the Claverack Town Park, Church Street, Mellenville.

Dubbed “Music In The Park”, the shows will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on eight successive Thursday nights in July and August and will feature top bands from the Hudson Valley region.

The series opens Thursday, July 7 with the Big Blue Big Band, a genuine big band experience comprised of twenty-plus medical professionals from the Dutchess and Ulster County areas.

The schedule continues July 14 with Dust Bowl, followed by The Rymanowski Brothers on July 21 (special extended hours 6 to 9 p.m.) and Peaceful Country on July 28.

The shows continue in August with Time Machine on August 4, Thunder Ridge on August 11, The Run Away Boys on August 18, and local favorites King Of The Forest on August 25.

The concerts will be held rain or shine under the park pavilion. Food and snacks will be available each night.

These performances are underwritten by corporate sponsors.

More information on this free series will be announced in coming weeks.

For information or confirmation
Call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570


CLAVERACK REPUBLICAN CLUB SETS FIRST MEETING OF NEW YEAR

CLAVERACK – The Claverack Republican Club will have its first meeting of the new year on Thursday, February 3 at 7 p.m. at Claverack Town Hall, Route 217, Philmont.

As is club tradition, there will be no meeting in January.

New President Jim Keegan will lead the group with discussions focusing on a full slate of activities scheduled for the year ahead, including the June chicken barbeque, the new Music in the Park program, a possible vintage truck show, a spring “Meet, Mix and Mingle” and other events, as well as the upcoming political season and its ramifications.

More than ever, new members are needed to help with this increased schedule of activities.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in Republican/Conservative politics in Claverack should call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570 or come to the meeting on February 3.


December 3, 2010 - PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
PHILMONT – Jim Keegan was elected president of the Claverack Republican Club at the group’s Christmas meeting December 2 at Claverack Town Hall.

Other officers are Vice-President Charles Schram, Treasurer Charles Brewer and Secretary Janice Anderson.

This slate takes office as of January 1, 2011.

In other business, the group heard from Jack Race, who is organizing the “Breakfast With Santa” slated for Sunday, December 12, from 8 a.m. to noon at the A.B. Shaw firehouse, Route 9H, Claverack. The breakfast will include eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, toast, muffins and coffee and will feature a visit from Santa Claus, who will meet with local youngsters and hand out candy canes.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 10, and free for kids 5 and under and are available at the door.

The group also accepted a proposal from Wambach Communications of Red Hook to administer the club’s website, claverackrepublicans.org. Schram reported he had worked with Richard Wambach previously and was confident that the site could be up and running within days.

For information on the “Breakfast With Santa” or any other club-sponsored events, call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570.

For information or confirmation
Call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570


November 23, 2010 - PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA COMING TO CLAVERACK

CLAVERACK – The Claverack Republican Club will host a community “Breakfast With Santa” Sunday, December 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at the A.B. Shaw firehouse, Route 9H.

The menu will include eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, toast and coffee followed by a visit from Santa Claus, who will meet with the youngsters in attendance and hand out holiday candies.

“This is a traditional affair,” said club spokesman Clifford “Kippy” Weigelt. “There won’t be any politics involved here – no speeches or campaigning. It’s for the kids. It’s open to everyone in the community, regardless of party affiliation. There’s no Republican or Democrat in Christmas.”

Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 10, and free for kids 5 and under and are available at the door.

In other club business, Jack Race reported that more than 75 people came to the “Meet, Mix and Mingle” program the club sponsored last month at The Vanderbilt, describing the event as “a great kick-off” to the club’s increased schedule of activities in the upcoming year.

For more information on the “Breakfast With Santa” or any other club-sponsored events, call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570.

For information or confirmation
Call Charles Schram at (518) 851-7570

 

 

 

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