Friday April 26, 2024 
01/02/2020 – 01/09/2020
January Mindful Nature Walk
Sunday, January 12, 10 am – 12:30 pm, Albert Family Community Forest, East Nassau – Wintertime Mindful Nature Walk. Join Kripalu-certified Mindful Outdoor Guides Molly Freiberg and Moriah Cutro-Kelly for our January Mindful Walk, sponsored by Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. We will be walking slowly, sometimes sitting, to take in the forest atmosphere, so we will not be building much heat. Bundle up in your warm winter layers and then add 1 or 2 more! Please no cotton layers as these will not keep you warm. Wear extra socks and boots with good tread or microspikes. We’ll warm up with tea and a fire at the end of the walk. Contact molly@nullrensselaerplateau.org or 978-239-8105 to register ahead of time in case of weather-related cancellation (drop-ins also welcome!). Ages 12 and up. $5 – $10 suggested donation goes directly to support conservation on the Rensselaer Plateau.
Photo credit: Kate Lovering
01/09/2020 – 01/16/2020
Town Of Schodack Pee Wee Wrestling Program
The Town of Schodack is pleased to announce the 2020 Pee Wee Wrestling Program t
o be held at the Maple Hill High School Multi-Use Facility (MUF). The program will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning January 22, 2020 and continuing through February 12, 2020. The cost is $25.00 per wrestler or $50.00 per family (3 or more children) and includes tee-shirt and awards. Children in kindergarten through 2nd grade will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and those in 3rd through 8th grade will meet from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Registration forms will be available beginning January 2, 2020 at the Schodack Town Clerk’s Office, 265 Schuurman Rd., Castleton, NY 12033 and will be accepted through January 17, 2020. Checks should be made payable to Town of Schodack Recreation.
Further questions can be directed to Recreation Director Sheila Golden at youthdirector@nullschodack.org.
01/09/2020 – 01/16/2020
Register for Averill Park Community Education Classes
Registration is open for Averill Park CSD’s Community Education classes! The Spring 2020 brochure of classes for all ages is now online on the district website (www.averillpark.k12.ny.us under “Programs”) or pick up a copy at one of the schools or local libraries. As always, you can register (and pay!) online through Family ID, through the mail, or in person at the District Office. We often add new classes after the Advertiser insert comes out, so keep checking the website and Family ID for updates.
There are classes every day of the week except Sunday from January through May! In addition to returning favorites, we also have 7 new classes and there is still no charge for informational classes (although registration is required). Classes beginning in January are: Dexie’s Exercise, PiYo, Learn to Crochet (new class), Get Down with Jenn Brown, Dog Obedience, Anyone Can Learn to Paint, Zumba Gold, Qigong Infused Yoga, and YMCA Yoga for Families (new).
Our goal is to connect people in our community. Even if you don’t live in the Averill Park school district, you are welcome to participate in or teach our Community Education classes! We look forward to expanding the scope of the program and want feedback and input from YOU! If you have an idea for a class or a one-time-only event, a talent or expertise to share, please contact us today: email communityeducation@nullapcsd.org or call 518-674-7191. -Nancy Bush and Julie Ernest, Co-Directors
01/02/2020 – 01/18/2020
35th Annual Ice Fishing Contest at Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park will host its 35th annual Ice Fishing Contest on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Join in on the fun as several hundred anglers brave the cold temperatures for their chance to make a winning catch on several of the park’s ponds.
Registration begins at 5:30 AM and ends at 11:00 AM (or 12:30pm for youth) on January 18th in the park’s maintenance building, accessible via the Main Entrance. There is a $10 entrance fee required for all participants age 16 or older, with no fee for children under 16. All participants 16 and older must have a valid NYS fishing license to fish in the park at any time, including during the contest.
Big cash prizes are awarded for adults with 1st place fish and the longest length catch in all three categories of trout, walleye/chain pickerel, and yellow perch. Winning entries will receive gift cards and other prizes.
Certified bait will be available on site from Hudson River Bait in the registration area. Bait is also available from Conroy’s Bait Supply in Watervliet and Flying Arrow Sports in East Greenbush. Do your part to help keep the waters at Grafton Lakes healthy and productive by using certified bait.
Tournament areas are located on Second Pond, Mill Pond, Dunham Reservoir, Shaver Pond, and Long Pond. Please note that due to preparations for Winter Fest, ice fishing is not permitted adjacent to the beach on Long Pond.
For more information about Grafton Lakes State Park events, call the park office at 518-279-1155, check out our Facebook page at “Grafton Lakes State Park”, or visit our website at nysparks.com.
01/09/2020 – 01/23/2020
East Greenbush-Castleton Youth Baseball League announces Little League registration for 2020 Season
Come join us for 2020 Spring Recreation and Travel Baseball and take part in what is sure to be another exciting season in the largest youth sport in the world. Children born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2016 are eligible to play. Go to our new website, EGCYBL.com, and click on the registration tab to get started.
Enroll before 1/15/20 and receive $10 off your registration fee!!
***Also watch out for upcoming events such as Winter Clinics and Pitch, Hit and Run dates. Stay tuned and check our website (EGCYBL.com) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/EGCYBL)
for regular updates and info.
01/02/2020 – 01/25/2020
35th Annual Winter Festival at Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park and the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will host the 35th Annual Winter Festival on Saturday, January 25, 2020. The Winter Fest will feature outdoor events along with indoor exhibits, food vendors, and family-friendly recreational activities. The event is free of charge and runs from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Adults can enjoy guided snowshoe or cross country ski outing, or borrow snowshoes for a free demo around the park. Fans of four-legged creatures will enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a guided morning walk for dogs, as well as a demonstration by the Parks K9 Unit. For the kids, Winter Fest offers its popular snow bowling hill, snowshoe races and a snowball toss, as well as sled rides with the charming Northland Newfoundlands. Other outdoor offerings this year include free snowmobile rides, snow fort building, and an ice dive demonstration.
The Polar Plunge, benefiting Our Lady of the Snow Parish’s food pantry, kicks off the main events at 10:30AM. As always, the Plunge includes a playful prize for the silliest costume offered by the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park, so start planning your January beach attire! To pre-register for the Plunge, please call Ray Dozois for more information at 518-663-5648, or call the park office at 518-279-1155.
Visitors who need to warm up can escape the cold by stopping inside to enjoy indoor exhibits in our new Welcome Center. Engaging and creative activities include kids’ nature crafts, a balloon artist, and a variety of regional community and conservation organizations whose displays will educate and entertain patrons. For those who love wildlife, birds of prey and reptiles are this year’s live animal presentations at the Festival. Refreshments will also be available in the main parking lot.
Note that this year’s Ice Fishing contest is being held on the weekend before, Saturday, January 18th. Please call the park for more information: 518-279-1155.
Run Once
Dec Advises Backcountry Visitors Of Winter Conditions In The Adirondacks
Winter Recreational Opportunities Available with Proper Preparation and Precautions
Recent snow and cold weather have created good conditions for winter outdoor recreation in the Adirondack backcountry, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice, and cold to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter experience.
“Now that snow has arrived in the Adirondacks, visitors can take advantage of all the winter recreation opportunities in the park,” Commissioner Seggos said. “However, winter can also present dangerous—even perilous—conditions to the unprepared. DEC advises visitors exploring the backcountry to dress for cold weather and use snowshoes and skis to navigate trails where appropriate.”
Snow depths currently range from four to six inches across the central and northwestern portions of the Adirondacks. Eight to 12 inches of snow can be found across the southern and northeastern portions of the Adirondacks. In the High Peaks, snow depths range from 24-36 inches above 3,000 feet, requiring the use of snowshoes. Ice is present on exposed outlooks and summits above tree line. The National Weather Service NERFC Snow Page provides detailed maps depicting current snow depths and forecasts.
DEC recommends visitors to the backcountry carry snowshoes and use them when snow depths warrant. Snowshoes or skis ease travel on snow and prevent “post holing,” which can cause sudden falls resulting in injuries and create hazardous trail conditions for other users. Ice crampons and traction devices should be carried on all hikes for use on icy portions of the trail including summits and other exposed areas.
All seasonal access roads are closed to motor vehicle traffic. These roads will reopen after the spring mud season upon completion of maintenance and repair work. Seasonal access roads designated as snowmobile trails will be opened to snowmobile traffic as snow depths allow.
Many snowmobile trails remain closed despite recent snowfall. Additional snow is needed to provide a good base for snowmobile travel. Visitors should check with local snowmobile clubs to determine the status and condition of specific trails or view the New York State Snowmobile Association Interactive Trail Map.
Ice is forming on ponds, bays of lakes, slow moving streams, and backwaters of rivers. Ice is not safe to walk or stand on at this time. Although ice has snow on the surface, it does not mean the ice is thick enough to hold the weight of a person. Ice will remain unsafe until temperatures fall below freezing for a significant, continuous period.
To ensure a safe backcountry experience, visitors should also follow these additional safety guidelines:
Be aware of weather conditions. Check the weather before entering the woods. If the weather is poor, postpone your visit. If the weather worsens during your visit, head out of the woods immediately.
Dress properly. Wear layers of wool, fleece, and other materials that wick moisture. Avoid cotton. Wear a wool or fleece hat, gloves or mittens, wind/rain resistant outerwear, gaiters, and insulated winter boots.
Carry a day pack with the following contents: traction devices, plenty of food and water, extra clothing, map and compass, first-aid kit, flashlight/headlamp, sun glasses, sun-block protection, packable insulated pad, stove and extra fuel, and bivy sack or space blanket.
Eat, drink, and rest often. Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes visitors more susceptible to hypothermia.
Know the terrain and your physical capabilities. It takes more time and energy to travel through snow. Plan trips accordingly.
Avoid traveling alone. The risks of injury, hypothermia, and getting lost are much higher this time of year. Always inform someone of your intended route and return time.
Call the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch at 518-891-0235 to report lost or injured people or other backcountry emergencies.
The DEC Adirondack Backcountry Information web page provides current trail condition information and links to current weather and snow cover as well as other important information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable Adirondack backcountry winter experience. For more information on winter safety in the backcountry, visit DEC’s HikeSmartNY web page.