Like the swallows of Capistrano
It’s been a while since I wrote my column, which ran in this paper from 2002 to 2016. I ended it because I was just basically too busy to contribute any longer. After having a conversation with Assistant Senior Editor Nick Buonanno recently, I thought it might be fun to get back into the swing of things. My new entry will be focusing on people, places, and things around Rensselaer County.
Like the swallows of Capistrano, they return to Lansingburgh every year for this annual rite of passage. Men come from all over the country to reminisce, eat, drink and laugh. The year’s apart never seems to dim the kinship developed growing up in this tight knit community simply called, ‘ The ‘ Burgh’. They come not to experience the bitter cold, nor to sit on the sidewalk to be Snowman’s first customer of the year. They’re here for the official start of the ‘ Burgh’s social season, The Friends of 112th St. Dinner. Now in its 43rd year, The Friends of 112th St. dinner / roast continues to roll along. The first dinner was made up of a group of ‘Burgh guys meeting at Doug Ladd’s apartment more than 40 years ago, and has evolved into this incredible phenomenon that it has become today. If you’re in the public eye and have thin skin, you should probably just go hang at 41 Sport’s Bar till it’s over. The current committee is comprised of Mick Cahrenger. Scott Ryan, Tyler Fane, Scott O’ Hara, Jared Henkle, Ron Bounds, Matt Dahl, Joe Henkle Sr., Tim McDonough, and the last original member Gene Blair. Together, they plan, scheme, and organize this time- tested tradition of unity, friendship, revelry, and sadomasochism. You go, you eat, you laugh, and enjoy. The skits are over the top funny with terrible acting. The evening always begins calmly enough, with everyone getting re- acquainted, and then the bombs get thrown. And believe me – nothing is sacred at that point. It’s all happening on Saturday, February 29, 5pm, at the CCHS gymnasium.
The 7th Annual Dustin Mele Memorial Concert will be happening on Saturday, March 7, at Revolution Hall at Brown’s Brewing Co., beginning at 6pm. Dustin lost his life to the disease of suicide 8 years ago. His family made a decision to use their own personal tragedy, to do something positive, with the hope that they could help others avoid the devastation that suicide brings to the victims friends and family unit. The event is ALWAYS a total musical extravaganza, featuring some of the biggest names in 518 music. This year’s theme will be, ‘A Night of the Beatles’, with performances by Super 400, Soul Sky, Across the Pond, Johnny Rabb, Erin Harkes, Scotty Mac, Brian Bowes, Tony Perrino, Steve Candlen, Todd Hanhurst, Josh Bloomfield, Chris busone, and many more. All proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Catholic Charities CoNSERNS-U Program. Suggested donation is $20.
Death is part of life, but when you lose one of the good guys, it tends to sting. Russ Laustrup passed away a few weeks ago. He was one of those unassuming guys who really cared about his community. I got to know Russ and his wife Elinor, when I ran the Better Burgh Club years ago. They always attended the meetings with their dear friends, Bob & Grace Bashford. They not only participated and donated to whatever we were raising money for, they also just went ahead and very quietly did things that needed to get done. After Mayor Tutunjian had the stage built at Powers Park, some skateboarders thought it would be a good idea to cause some damage to the side rails. Before the city could do the repairs, Russ & Bob went to Collins Lumber, purchased the wood and other materials needed, and just got it done with no fanfare. That’s the kind of guy Russ was. Sending heartfelt condolences to his bride and entire family.
Foodstock 7 / Music to Feed Capital District Families, is fast approaching. Organizer Bob Gamache just keeps making this worthwhile event a bit bigger every year. The production is hosted by the Rustic Barn, and will feature Izzy Singer, The Tradition, The Gama Rays, Soulsky, Acoustic Trauma, and the Bear Bones Project, from 2pm till 8pm., Sunday March 22. Over the years, they’ve literally collected numerous tons of non-perishable food items, which they’re once again encouraging folks to bring. Cash/ Check donations are also welcomed, and are tax deductible.
I’ve been seeing the lights on at The Snowman lately. Owner John Murphy always burns the midnight oil when preparing for his traditional March 1 opening. He’s like a ‘mad scientist’ when it comes to coming up with new flavors, and always striving to offer up new, low - calorie sweet treats. He’ll really impress me when he finally offers up a tomato sauce flavored ice cream. Until then, I guess I’ll just have to settle for a chocolate dipped cone.
Vito Ciccarelli is the Rensselaer County Director of Tourism & Special Events.