News & Notes
Updates: Bottskill, Fort Salem, Book Club, More!
Bottskill Baptist Church Launches “Preserving Our Light” Campaign to Restore Iconic Rose Window
The Bottskill Baptist Church is officially launching the “Preserving Our Light” restoration project, a church and community-driven fundraising initiative to save the church’s historic Rose Window.
For nearly two centuries, the Rose Window has served as a beacon of art and history in Greenwich. However, time and the harsh Northeast elements have brought the window to a critical turning point. The intricate stained glass, lead mortar, and supporting wood & brickwork are currently suffering from significant deterioration and structural cracking.
To ensure this masterpiece continues to shine for future generations, the church has partnered with restoration experts to undertake a comprehensive overhaul. The project is estimated to cost upwards of $50,000, covering:
Structural Stabilization: Repairing the surrounding brickwork to prevent further shifting and keeping the window from falling out.
Removal of the window.
Window Preservation & Repair: Meticulously repairing and replacing the lead mortar keeping the stained-glass pieces in place and repairing cracks and bulging throughout the window.
Weatherproofing & Glass Protection: Installing new protective Plexi-glass material to guard the window against weather and breaks.
“This window is more than just glass, lead and stone; it is a piece of our Church and the Greenwich community’s shared history,” says the Bottskill Baptist Board of Trustees. “We are calling on our neighbors, history buffs, and art lovers to help us ensure this light doesn’t dim. The trustees also added that they have applied for a grant through the New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Program to help reach the project’s financial goal.
How you can help: The “Preserving Our Light” campaign invites the public to become part of the window’s history. Every donation, regardless of size, goes directly toward the $50,000 goal for repairs.
To view photos of the current damage, read the full history of the window, or make an online donation, please visit: bottskillbaptist.org. Or, or you can mail your helping donation directly to the Church at Bottskill Baptist Church, PO 45, Greenwich NY 12834.
GOP Chair Endorses Smullen
There will likely be a primary for the NY-21 congressional seat currently occupied by Elise Stefanik, who is not running for reelection. Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino is a well-funded Republican who will circulate petitions to try to get on a primary ballot to take on Robert Smullen, an assemblyman, who has won the favor of county chairs in the district.
Because the district skews heavily Republican, the winner of the June primary will be favored to take the general election in November.
We at the Journal & Press are set to interview the GOP candidates before the primary.
NYGOP Chair Ed Cox today released the following statement:
“Robert Smullen is exactly the kind of leader we need representing Upstate New York in Washington. After 24 years of distinguished service as a United States Marine Corps Colonel, including multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, Robert has already proven his commitment to defending our country and the values we hold dear.
“Robert is the only candidate in this race appointed by President Donald Trump, and I know he will be a strong advocate for President Trump’s agenda in Congress. From securing our border to restoring American energy independence and standing up for working families, Robert will fight to advance the policies that are putting America back on track.
“Since coming to Albany, Robert has been a fearless champion for conservative principles and for the people of Upstate New York. He has stood up to one-party rule, defended our constitutional freedoms, backed law enforcement, and fought for the rural communities that are too often ignored by New York’s political establishment.
“Robert Smullen has served our nation with honor, served Upstate New York with distinction, and he will serve the people of NY-21 honorably in Congress. I’m proud to endorse him and look forward to helping send him to Washington.”
Call For Vendors – East Poultney Day
The Poultney Historical Society is planning its 91th Annual East Poultney Day celebration for Saturday, August 8th, 2026 from 9am to 3pm. We are looking for vendors at the event.
This year’s theme is the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, sometimes called the “Semiquincentennial.” Vermont and Poultney played important roles in the American Revolution, and we have a lot to remember. This year’s keynote speaker is historian Phyllis Chapman who will present a talk entitled “Woman and the American Revolution.”
Tthe day is full of education and entertainment, remaining a much-anticipated community event. Please email info@poultneyhistoricalsociety.org or call 802-287-5252 to request a vendor contract. Fee is $35 or $15 for a nonprofit. Contracts are due by July 1.
Fort Salem News, Casting Call
Fort Salem Theater announced the full cast and creative team for its upcoming production of the musical “The Bridges of Madison County,” running April 24–May 3, of the Fort Salem Theater mainstage. Tickets, priced from $20–$38, are available now at FortSalem.com or by calling 518-854-9200.
Based on the beloved novel and film, “The Bridges of Madison County” tells the story of Francesca, an Italian immigrant living a quiet life in Iowa, whose world is forever changed when a National Geographic photographer arrives to document the area’s iconic covered bridges. What follows is a brief but life-altering romance that explores love, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to follow one’s heart. Featuring a lush, Tony Award-winning score by Jason Robert Brown, the musical is a sweeping and intimate celebration of connection and longing.
At the heart of Fort Salem Theater’s production is a real-life love story that beautifully echoes the show’s central romance. Iris Rogers and Ryan Canavan, who portray Francesca and Robert Kincaid, first met at Fort Salem Theater during “The Rocky Horror Show” in 2023. Rogers, a lifelong Salem native, and Canavan, a guest artist visiting the theater, quickly formed a connection that has since blossomed into a lasting relationship. Much like their characters, their story began with a chance meeting that changed everything…making their onstage partnership all the more poignant and authentic.
The cast also features Kevin Miner as Richard “Bud” Johnson, Alex White as Michael, and Abigail Weeden as Carolyn. Courtnie Harrington takes on the dual roles of Marian and Chiara, with Miriam Lerner as Marge and Jim Kidd as Charlie. Additional casting includes Arianna Dreher as State Fair Singer and understudy for Marian, Alice Kaplan in the ensemble and understudy for Marge/State Fair Singer, Rebecca Kilpeck in the ensemble, Ryan Coburn in the ensemble and understudy for Carolyn, and Vincent Panetta as Paolo.
The production is directed by Hannah Williams, with music direction by Jessica FitzSisti and choreography by Arianna Dreher. The creative team also includes Amy Collins (Stage Manager), Emily Jenkins (Costume Design), Andre Valverde (Sound Design), and Charles J.I. Krawczyk (Scenic Design). The production is produced by Kyle West, Executive and Artistic Director of Fort Salem Theater.
“This is one of the most romantic scores ever written for the musical stage,” says West. “To have a real-life couple at the center of this story, whose own relationship began right here at Fort Salem Theater, adds an extraordinary layer of truth and magic to this production. It’s a reminder that sometimes, life really does imitate art.”
Audiences are invited to experience this moving and unforgettable story of love, choice, and the roads we take. Performances run for two weekends only, and early booking is highly recommended for the best seating selections.
Fort Salem Theater’s full 2026 season includes “The Bridges of Madison County” (April 24-May 3), “The Laramie Project” (June 12-21), “Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill” (July 17-August 2), “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition” (August 7-9), “To Kill a Mockingbird” (September 18-27), “Lizzie | The Lizzie Borden Musical” (October 23-November 1), and “Snow Business” (December 11-13).
SUNY ADK Book Club
For SUNY Adirondack alumni, the next chapter might start with a good book and conversation. SUNY Adirondack Foundation invites graduates to reconnect through its Alumni Book Club.
The book club is open to students, alumni and friends of SUNY Adirondack, and meets from 1 to 2 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month in Bryan Hall, Room 122, on the college’s Queensbury campus.
“If someone has taken one course, they are considered an alumnus,” said Pam Frazier, Class of 1976, and retired longtime librarian at Crandall Public Library. “Our only requirement is a desire to talk about books and share ideas.”
Frazier started the Foundation’s Alumni Book Club more than 12 years ago, when the college asked alumni for ideas to help foster community involvement. “Since I am a librarian who loves discussing books, I decided to launch a Book Club,” Frazier recalled.
Members have opportunities to select a book for discussion. The group reads across all genres.
The Book Club will discuss “James” by Percival Everett at its April 1 meeting. Email librarypamf@hotmail.com or call 518-260-5837 with questions.