🌱 Which December events near Rensselaer are worth bundling up for?

What's up Rensselaer! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Which December events near Rensselaer are worth bundling up for?
• Why have ICE arrests in Rensselaer County surged so dramatically?
• How a $112M overhaul will change Van Rensselaer Manor care

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Rensselaer? Post it to Rensselaer photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Some sun, then clouds, with a high of 29 and low of 23 degrees.
• Wednesday: Clouds and sun; not as cold, temps: high: 42, low: 25.
• Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 44 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• What's Happening - December 16, 2025 (tapinto.net) — Several nearby holiday events are happening this week, including a Red Cross blood drive in Stephentown today and Christmas services and breakfasts in Stephentown and Schaghticoke. For Rensselaer residents, Fort Crailo Historic Site will host Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery ceremony on January 3, featuring the passing of a ceremonial linstock. These gatherings offer easy ways to connect with neighbors across the county.
   

• New data shows how much I.C.E. arrests have increased in Capital Region (cbs6albany.com) — Newly released ICE data show arrests in Rensselaer County jumping from just two in 2024 to 60 so far in 2025, signaling a sharp local escalation in enforcement. The report, covering the wider Capital Region, also highlights disproportionate targeting of Latino immigrants across New York State.
   

• A comprehensive renovation and update to Van Rensselaer Manor announced. (nyvtmedia.com) — Rensselaer County is planning a $112 million, two-year renovation of Van Rensselaer Manor, the county’s 362-bed nursing and rehabilitation center, with residents remaining on-site during construction. The project will modernize rooms, common areas, and rehab facilities, with 85% of costs covered by New York State’s Health Department. County leaders say the overhaul will improve long-term care options for local seniors.
   

📸 Around Rensselaer

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rensselaer

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 17

• Elementary Winter Concert
  Rensselaer City SD Rensselaer, NY 12144
  6:30 pm

Saturday December 20

• Drive Thru Food Pantry
  Rensselaer City SD Rensselaer, NY 12144
  8:00 am

📣 Rensselaer Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• UREC Board Meeting
  The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence , 194 Livingston Avenue , Albany
  12:30 pm
• Mahjong Players & Learners Group
  East Greenbush Community Library , 10 Community Way , East Greenbush
  1:00 pm
• Boys Varsity Bowling v. Bethlehem High School
  East Greenbush Bowling Center , 570 Columbia Turnpike , East Greenbush
  4:00 pm
• English as a New Language
  East Greenbush Community Library , 10 Community Way , East Greenbush
  4:30 pm
• Elementary PTA Sponsored Cookies, Crafts, and Clause Night
  Rensselaer City SD Rensselaer, NY 12144
  5:30 pm
• Family Child Care Orientation and Info Session- December 2025
  Brightside Up , 91 Broadway , Menands
  6:00 pm
• CHS Holiday Concert #2 (Chorus/Orchestra/Concert Band)
  Columbia High School , 962 Luther Rd , East Greenbush
  7:00 pm
• School 2 Winter Concert
  Troy City SD Troy, NY 12180
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Bring Your Own Device Tech Help
  North Greenbush Public Library , 141 Main Avenue , Wynantskill
  1:00 pm
• Elementary Winter Concert
  Rensselaer City SD Rensselaer, NY 12144
  6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Kudos to the East Greenbush highway department!
  Roads have been cleared & salted so quickly! Much appreciated! (Nextdoor Hampton Manor)

• Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member - Late Night / Closer - Full Time in Rensselaer. Apply here.
• Target posted a job opening for Seasonal: Overnight Inbound (Stocking) (T1796) in Rensselaer. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rensselaer here.

🗞 Nearby News

East Greenbush

• East Greenbush teen Henry Fitsik self-publishes sci-fi debut (timesunion.com)
• This Is New York's Most Popular Christmas Movie (1045theteam.com)

Albany

• Albany Co. plans for new fire training facility (news10.com)
• Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home even during the holidays (news10.com)
• Albany, Schenectady Counties declare Code Blue (news10.com)

Ok Rensselaer! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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