News & Notes
Veteran Flags, Fort Salem Theater, e-Bike Safety, NY250, Bird Walk, Owlkill, More!
VFW Seeks Help May 16
Greenwich VFW has completed placing over 700 grave markers on Veterans graves in the Greenwich and St. Joseph’s Cemetery in preparation of placing flags on the gravesites.
The Greenwich VFW will be placing flags on Veterans graves in Greenwich on Saturday, May 16 starting at 9:00am. They will be meeting at the circle at the Greenwich Cemetery. Flags will be placed on Veterans graves at the Greenwich and St. Joseph’s cemeteries.
The community is invited to assist in honoring these local heroes by placing flags on their graves. Flags are placed on Veterans graves before Memorial Day every year.
All are welcome to come and recognize our veterans in our annual flag-placing event. Questions contact VFW Commander Don Ward 518-788-0472.
Fort Salem Theater Presents ‘Laramie Project’
Fort Salem Theater announce dthe cast and creative team for their upcoming production of Moisés Kaufman’s evocative play, “The Laramie Project,” running June 12-21, 2026. This is a documentary that explores the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay university student, in Laramie, Wyoming. This production features a cast of
nine local actors, seven of which are making their Fort Salem Theater debut.
“The Laramie Project” is a poignant documentary-style play created by Moisés
Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project based on over 200 interviews following the murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. The play portrays a community grappling with hate-fueled violence, homophobia, and social reflection, highlighting both deep prejudice and profound compassion. It is one of America’s most highly-performed plays that investigates themes of prejudice, and social justice, highlighting the contrast between tolerance and acceptance.
The returning FST cast members include Jonathan Pate as Narrator and Dennis Shepard; and Tom Ferguson as Greg Pierotti, Sgt. Hing, Phil LaBrie and others. Making their Fort Salem Debuts are Spencer Dawson as Stephen Belber, Doc O’Connor and others; Aimee McMasters as Amanda Gronich and others; Earth O. Phoenix as Zubaida Ula, Reggie Fluty and others; David Skeele as Moises Kaufman and others; Christopher Buettner as Andy Paris, Jedadiah Schultz, Doug Laws and others; Tracy Mullen Cosker as Barbara Pitts, Catherine Connolly and others; and Kylie Tripp as Leigh Fondakowski, Zackie Salmon, Alison Sears and others.
The creative team includes Michael Nichols-Pate as director, Alex Cox as production stage manager, Lawrence Nichols as costume designer, Mel Magri as sound designer, Charles J. I. Krawczyk as scenic designer, Nicole McDonald as prop designer, and Courtnie Harrington as producer and lighting designer.
This powerful production of “The Laramie Project” will run June 12-21, 2026, on the Fort Salem Theater mainstage. Additional upcoming events include “Jagged Little Pill” July 17- August 2, and “The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition” August 7-9 featuring a host of talented local youth actors.
Tickets for “The Laramie Project” and all upcoming events are available online at
www.FortSalem.com or by calling 518-854-9200.
Assemblymembers Host NY250 Day
NY250 Day hosts, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) were joined at the Legislative Office Building in Albany by their colleagues, county historians and Revolutionary Wartime re-enactors to highlight the many ways communities across New York State are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence.
“In February 2022, I was pleased to pass legislation that formed the 250th Commission and now, I’m delighted to have helped organize this special event, ” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “Despite different perspectives on the details of past occurrences, history often unites us. It was a pleasure to work with Assemblywoman Walsh’s office and with Lauren Roberts, the Saratoga County Historian and head of the Saratoga 250th Commission, to help bring together organizations throughout the state for the same goal – to increase the awareness of the myriad of unique, local, History in Action events and other experiential educational programs that showcase some our country’s defining moments.”
“The American War for Independence was crucial in shaping New York into one of the leading regions in our nation today. I represent Saratoga County, where the Battles of Saratoga in 1777 changed the course of the war and marked a turning point in the fight for independence. Historic sites across New York connect our communities to this shared history, while new tools like augmented reality, interactive exhibits, and events such as the multi-state Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery Reenactment and Tall Ships bring these stories to life in new ways. This anniversary reminds us that history is not distant or abstract—it happened in our own towns and neighborhoods, and its lessons remain relevant today.”
“Heritage Tourism is a proven economic driver and example of community collaboration,” said Roberts.
“We have seen huge increases in museum attendance and school participation and a wonderful coming together of students, organizations, businesses and elected officials. I am excited to celebrate New York’s significant contribution to our country’s Revolutionary Era. The Declaration was just the beginning!”
For more information about the semi-quincentennial anniversary, go to NY250.com.
New ‘Lifestyle’ Host
WNYT NewsChannel 13 announced the hiring of Jené Sena to their Lifestyle team. As a Lifestyle Contributor, Sena will work directly alongside anchors Chris Onorato and Caitlin Irla on WNYT’s new program, “Capital Region Lifestyle.”
“Jené brings such a wealth of talent and experience to the table,” says Kate Buzzard, Director of Creative Services at WNYT/WNYA. “We’re excited to welcome her as a regular contributor to CRL and are grateful to have her back at WNYT!”
Jené Sena is a bestselling, professionally published author of three women’s lifestyle books, veteran broadcast and print journalist, and passionate advocate for women and children, bringing more than 25 years of media experience to her work. She got her start in local news at WNYT in 1999 and is thrilled to return to the TV station that launched her career.
“Joining forces with the team at NewsChannel 13 all these years later not only feels like a full-circle moment, it feels like coming home,” Sena said upon her hiring. “Being able to produce content that resonates with local women and moms like myself is a dream come true, as is collaborating with the best broadcast journalists in the business.”
“Capital Region Lifestyle” premieres on Monday, June 1. The program is designed to educate and inspire viewers through engaging, conversational features that spotlight local people, businesses, and experiences. You can find CRLweekdays at 11am on NewsChannel 13 and WNYT’s streaming platforms, and beginning this September on WNYA/My4 at 1pm.
Sheriff’s Warning on e-Bikes
With warmer weather arriving, electric bicycles are becoming a more common sight on roads, trails and bike paths across Washington County. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that while e-bikes offer a convenient way to travel, riders must follow specific state and local laws.
New York recognizes three classes of e-bikes, but only two are permitted outside New York City. Class 1 bikes provide pedal-assisted power up to 20 mph, while Class 2 bikes can be throttle-powered without pedaling and also top out at 20 mph. Both are legal in upstate areas. Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 25 mph, are restricted to New York City and are not allowed elsewhere in the state.
Officials also caution riders to check their equipment. Some e-bikes sold online exceed the state’s legal limits of 750 watts or allowable speeds, making them illegal to operate in New York regardless of how they are marketed.
State law requires riders to be at least 16 years old and to use roads posted at 30 mph or lower, unless local ordinances say otherwise. Riders must use bike lanes where available, travel single file and avoid sidewalks unless permitted locally. Lights are required after dark, including a white front light and red rear light. Operating an e-bike while impaired is illegal. Helmets are required for riders ages 16 and 17 and strongly recommended for all others.
E-scooters follow similar rules but are limited to 15 mph and may not carry passengers.
The Sheriff’s Office also encourages new riders to practice in safe areas, use lower power settings and allow extra stopping distance. Riders are advised not to charge batteries unattended due to fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Bird Walk
The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) invites the community to welcome the day outdoors at an Early Morning Bird Walk on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 AM at Hidley Farm, 287 Hidley Road, Wynantskill, New York.
Led by local wildlife ecologist and artist Steve Sanford, this guided walk will explore the diverse habitats of ASA-conserved Hidley Farm, including open fields and woods. Participants can expect to see and hear a wide variety of breeding birds, along with some late spring migrants, while learning from Sanford’s decades of experience in natural resource conservation.
This program is open to birders of all experience levels—from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. The group will meet at a designated parking area near 287 Hidley Road (look for the ASA event sign) before setting out on a leisurely two-hour walk focused on observation and listening.
Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and wear footwear suitable for walking through dewy grass or uneven terrain. Group size is limited to 20 people, and advance registration is required.
In the event of heavy rain, the walk will be held the following morning, Thursday, May 28.
For more information or to register, please visit www.agstewardship.org.
Owlkill Festival
The third annual Owlkill Festival will return Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Owlkill Commons, 17 W. Main St., Cambridge, marking the opening of the 2026 Cambridge Farmers Market season.
The event will feature live music by Dan Costello and Debe Dalton from 10 to 11:30 a.m., family yoga with Yo Re Mi from 1 to 2 p.m., as well as food trucks, horse-drawn carriage rides, community tables and family activities.
A highlight of the day is the Rubber Duck Derby, with races scheduled throughout the afternoon: a special painted duck race at 11:30 a.m., followed by races for children ages 6 and under at noon, youth ages 7 to 20 at 12:30 p.m., and adults at 1 p.m. Ducks can be registered online for $5 each, with proceeds supporting the event. Organizers note the races sold out quickly last year.
Prizes for the derby are sponsored by Battenkill Books, Black Dog Wines, Cambridge Depot, Country Gals Cafe and Stewart’s Shops.
The festival is organized by the Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership and the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market to celebrate the Owlkill Commons and bring the community together.
More information is available at cambridgecommunitypartnership.org or by emailing info@cambridgecommunitypartnership.org.
And Now for the Comics … Political Cartoon by Joel Pett
More tomorrow!