To the Editor:

The Rensselaerville Historical Society is hosting its third annual benefit, Hilltown Hoedown Community Contra Dance on Friday, Aug. 22, at Conkling Hall in Rensselaerville.

The hall opens at 5 p.m. with food for purchase being provided by High on the Hog and Scarpas Catering food trucks. The dance is from 7 to 9 p.m. with Paul Rosenberg calling to the live music of Tamarack. This is an evening full of family fun.

The dance is in memory of Janet Haseley. Janet was the research chair of the Rensselaerville Historical Society for many years and, after her husband passed in 2002, she became an avid contra dancer at the age of 71.

She loved both the historical society and the contra community and would often bring the two together at her favorite place on earth, Rensselaerville. Janet passed in 2020, and it was great to have another community dance in Conkling Hall the last two years.

Together, the Rensselaerville Historical Society and Paul Rosenberg revived what Janet started. In 2023, close to 200 people came. Individuals of all ages attended and the dance floor was packed with everyone dancing and singing along.

Many of the participants expressed how much fun they had and they encouraged historical society to host another one. So, the society is once again hosting the event.

All proceeds will benefit the historical society and the requested donation at the door is $10. All ages are welcome and no partners are required. Come on out and have a great time dancing at the community dance and supporting the Rensselaerville Historical Society.

Karen Haseley

Rensselaerville

Editor’s note: Karen Haseley is Janet’s daughter and a volunteer with the Rensselaerville Historical Society.