Adopt-a-wish campaign starts

GUILDERLAND — The 26th year of the Adopt-awish campaign, Make-awish Northeast New York’s longest-running fundraising event, has begun.

B95.5 program director and afternoon host Chad O’hara and WRGB CBS6 meteorologist Alyssa Caroprese hosted the kickoff Thursday at Crossgates Mall.

Changes include a new Adopt-a-wish logo. Makea-wish grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Stars will be available at three different prices, $1, $3 and $5. The chapter received feedback that donors wanted to see these options available: People can still get all six stars for $15.

Trustco Bank has renewed its role as the presenting sponsor and Make-a-wish is thankful for their support of the mission and making stars available at all of their area branches. NYSCOPBA has signed on as a Wish Champion in support of the campaign.

Wish ambassadors featured on this year’s stars are: Anne, 12, from Albany, “I wish to go to Hollywood;” Joseph, 5, from Amsterdam, “I wish to go to Universal Orlando;” Natasha, 18, from Clifton Park, “I wish to go on a Disney Cruise;” Colby, 16, from Ghent, “I wish to be an animator;” Olivia, 4, from Clifton Park, “I wish to go to Disney World;” Brady, 3, from Latham, “I wish to have a swimming pool;” James, 9, from Saranac Lake, “I wish to go to Disney World;” and Aubrie, 16, from Plattsburgh, “I wish to go to the American Music Awards.”

Amsterdam turkey will win a reprieve

AMSTERDAM — A Turkey Pardoning Ceremony will take place during a spaghetti dinner at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary’s Institute, 10 Kopernik Blvd.

The school has partnered with the city and Wm. H. Buckley Farm of Ballston Lake to present the ceremony resembling the annual tradition at the White House. Mayor Michael Villa will preside and pardon the live turkey, followed by a photo opportunity for guests.

Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

Museum presents WWI speakers

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The author of a book about the World War I experiences of the 42nd Infantry Division, now a New York National Guard unit based in Troy, will talk about his latest World War I book at the New York State Military Museum, 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1.

“The Best World War I Story I know, On the Point in the Argonne,” by Nimrod T. Frazer, tells the story of 35th Division, the 1st Division, and the 42nd Division and their attack on German positions on the Cote de Chatillion ridge during the American Army’s Meuseargonne offensive in the autumn of 1918.

Frazer’s remarks will be followed with a presentation by Dr. Monique B. Seefried, a member of the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission. She will speak about the French National Office of Forestry WWI Trail which connects some of the important sites where Americans fought during the war.

Forum will address Selkirk Park uses

BETHLEHEM — The town of Bethlehem plans a community forum on Selkirk Park at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the Selkirk Fire Station No. 1 at 126 Maple Ave.

The park includes tennis and basketball courts and a playground.

Town officials want to know what people think of the park and what new amenities would be useful.

— Staff reports