Wednesday April 24, 2024 
Free Yoga Fridays
Join us for gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7-8pm. The Church is located at 16 Main St., Schaghticoke. For more information, visit presbychurchmouse@yahoo. com.
Baseball Umpires Needed
The Capital District Baseball Umpires Association is looking for new members for the 2019 season. Training classes meet weekly in February and March. Introductory meeting is Thursday, January 31, 7:00 p.m. at Shaker Junior High. Go to cdbua.com or, call Bob at 518-986-5987, for more info”
~Bob Umholtz-President, CDBUA
Free Tai Chi Classes
The Presbyterian United Church is hosting free Tai Chi classes at 10am on Saturdays. All levels- Chair and standing…try Tai Chi. Please share with anyone you might consider interested.
The Church is located at 165 Main Street in Schaghticoke.
Grafton Lakes State Park to hold 24th Annual Winter Festival
Join us on Saturday, January 26th. There will be outdoor events along with indoor exhibits, food vendors, and family-friendly recreational activities. The event is free of charge and runs from 10-4pm.
Join in a guided snowshoe or cross-country ski outing or borrow snowshoes for a free demo around the park. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a morning walk for dogs, as well as a K-9 Unit demonstration. For the kids; snow bowling hill, snowshoe races and a snowball toss, as well as sled rides with the charming Northland Newfoundlands. Also enjoy free snowmobile rides, snow fort building, and an ice dive demonstration.
The Polar Plunge 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.
Note that this year’s Ice Fishing contest is being held on the weekend before, Saturday, January 19th. Please call the park for more info; 518-279-1155.
Dec Encourages Anglers to Put Safety First When Ice Fishing
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encouraged anglers to put safety first when ice fishing. Four inches of solid ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary on waterbodies and even within the same waterbody. Anglers should be particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice buildup. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. DEC strongly encourages individuals to check ice conditions and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. Testing the thickness of ice can easily be done with an auger or ice spud at various spots.
“Ice fishing is a popular sport in New York State and with the temperatures dropping around the region, anglers are looking forward to an early start to the season this year,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The rush to get out onto the ice can lead to tragedy unless anglers remain vigilant about the condition of the ice. Anglers should heed DEC’s recommendation of at least four inches of solid clear ice before venturing out on the ice.”
Ice fishing continues to increase in popularity in New York State. Unlike the open water season, when an angler usually needs a boat to access good fishing locations, no boat is required to access these locations once a water is covered with safe ice. It’s also a great sport for families, as they can mix in skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or other activities during an ice fishing trip.
As part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative February 16-17, 2019, has been designated as a free fishing weekend. The requirement for a fishing license is waived during this period. This is a great opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to take friends ice fishing for the first time.
Anglers are reminded to take these important steps when using baitfish while ice fishing:
Follow the bait fish regulations to prevent the spread of harmful fish diseases and invasive species (please see: Special Regulations by County):
Use only certified disease-free bait fish purchased at a local tackle store or use only personally collected bait fish for use in the same water body in which they were caught. Do not reuse baitfish in another waterbody if you have replaced the water they were purchased in; and
Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.
Anglers are reminded to make sure that they have a valid fishing license before heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
Reiki for Seniors
Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton, NY – Our center is offering Reiki appointments. Reiki is a healing technique where a therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch to activate the natural healing process of the body and restore physical and emotional well-being. We have a Reiki Master available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is non- evasive and very relaxing.
For more information, or if you are interested in making an appointment, please call 518-279-3413.
Bailey Mt. Ice Fishing Contest
Bailey Mt. Fish and Game Club 35th annual Ice Fishing contest. February 2nd, 2019, Fishing on 4 Rensselaer County lakes–Snyders Lake, Glass Lake, Reichards Lake, and Burden Lake.
$10 p/p, Multiple categories; longest Fish Cash Prizes;
$1000 in prizes; Auger and more! 6am to 2pm.
Register at each lake, 5:30am-10:30am.
Measure Fish at each Lake until 1pm.
Measure at club by 2:30pm.
For more information, find us on Facebook.
Bailey Mt. Fish and Game Club NYS
Pre-License Pistol Safety Course
Rensselaer County Pre-License Pistol Safety Course January 22, 2019, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm. Sign up with Joe Gazeley via email jgazeleysr@nullnycap.rr.com
This is the pre-License class. For more information or to find other course offerings, Visit www.bmfgc.org or www.rcfirearmstraining.us and like us on Facebook too!
Dec Offers Free Waterfront Lifeguard Course
Applications Now Accepted for Summer Recreation Jobs
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the agency is offering a free waterfront lifeguard course February 19 through 22, at the Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam, NY. Class times to be determined. DEC encourages New Yorkers looking for seasonal summer employment and who enjoy the outdoors to learn more about this and other summer recreation opportunities.
Individuals 16 years of age and older interested in lifeguarding positions at DEC facilities this summer may register. Candidates who complete the course will be considered for employment. The course includes certification in all required waterfront lifeguarding skills, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the professional rescuer, and first aid.
A prerequisite fitness test will be given the morning of February 19. Candidates must successfully complete each component to continue with the course:
All applicants must meet agency medical and vision (20/70 or better) requirements and will be required to complete the following physical tests:
A 550 yard (22 lengths) continuous swim (front crawl or breaststroke only);
Treading water for two minutes using legs only;
Swim 20 yards, surface dive to retrieve a ten-pound brick, return to surface, and swim on the back returning to the starting point;
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps;
Swim five yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed five yards apart in four to seven feet of water, resurface and continue to swim another five yards to complete the skill sequence.
Immediately following the course, candidates who pass will be given the opportunity to take the DEC qualifying procedure. Only individuals that pass the qualifying procedure can by employed as DEC lifeguards.
Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds throughout the Adirondack and Catskill parks this summer. Most facilities offer free housing.
For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1,
e-mail DEC at Info.LifeGuard@nulldec.ny.gov or visit the Employment Opportunities in Summer Recreation web page on DEC’s website.
Ice Fishing…??
We were ice fishing…
Tip ups were all set;
We were waiting for a flag.
Guy came by, and
Surveyed our set up
With a snide chuckle…..
“Where’s your fish finder?”, he asked.
“Not fishing blind, are you?”
“You won’t catch a thing!”
“And, you don’t have a tent!”
“Were you planning on freezing to death?”
“No propane heater either..??”
I didn’t respond…..
I thought about attacking him with our ice spud,
But I maintained my cool (literally).
“Now look,” said I….
We are fishing….
Fishing is an imperfect science”
“Fishing is more than just catching fish…
We’ll have fun whether we catch fish or not…
And, yes, I am the fish finder!”
“Now, best you move on, or
I will use this here spud
To carve up bits of your anatomy for bait!”
He stomped off, leaving me
Wondering just how I could explain all this
To my six-year-old fishing partner…!!
~Lloyd Barnhart
West Sand Lake, NY
Little League Registration for 2019 season
The East Greenbush-Castleton Youth Baseball League announces Little League registration for the 2019 season.
Come join us for 2019 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, 2006 and August 31, 2015 are eligible to play. Go to our new website, EGCYBL.com, and click on the registration tab to get started.
Enroll before 1/15/19 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.
Siena women’s basketball team visits residents at The Wesley Community
Siena Women’s basketball head coach Ali Jaques introduces the team to residents during an ice cream social at The Wesley Community on Wednesday, January 2. The players spent the afternoon visiting with seniors at the Embury Café and helped serve ice cream to those in attendance.
Players and coaches from the Siena women’s basketball team celebrated the New Year with seniors during an ice cream social at The Wesley Community on Wednesday, January 2.
During the visit, the Siena women’s basketball team spent time with residents from across the continuum of care campus, shared stories and enjoyed ice cream in the Embury Café at the Embury Apartments.
“It’s really wonderful to spend time visiting with these young women,” said Wesley Community resident Maria Seneta. “We love the opportunity to connect with these remarkable student athletes who not only stay in great shape but also succeed in the classroom. They are terrific role models in our community.”
The Embury Apartments offers affordable independent housing for seniors age 62 or older on the campus of The Wesley Community.
“It’s important to get our players out in the community and this was a fantastic opportunity for the team to spend quality time with some of their biggest fans,” said Siena Women’s basketball head coach Ali Jaques. “It also helps bridge the generational gap which allows our players to grow and learn from those who have experienced different things in life. We look forward to these types of visits where our players can interact with fans on a personal level.”
The Siena women’s basketball team will have their annual Kid’s Day game on Friday, January 11 at 11 a.m. against Manhattan. The Saints will conclude their home stand against Rider on Sunday, January 13, at 2 p.m.
Sand Lake Town Beach Accepting Applications for Lifeguards
The Town of Sand Lake is accepting applications for lifeguard positions at the Town Beach. Applications may be picked up at the Town Clerk’s Office or you can email abulmer@nullsand-lake.us.
Andy Bulmer, Sand Lake Town Councilman
Wildlife Tracking Workshops in Rensselaer County
Join local tracking experts Dan Yacobellis and Josh Wood for a series of three workshops to learn animal tracks or to enhance your skills. Attend one or all; each workshop will add a new layer to the tracking experience. The second two workshops will also include GPS mapping and documenting of all observed wildlife signs, using citizen science to contribute to an online, active map of animal activity on the Rensselaer Plateau. These workshops are jointly sponsored by the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Rensselaer Land Trust, and Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center. Fee $20 per workshop.
Registration:
www.renstrust.org. Questions? Annie at annie@nullrensselaerplateau.org.
January 12, 10 am – 1 pm —Tracking Basics with Josh Wood at Albert Family Community Forest, Nassau.
February 16, 9:30-4:00–Bringing Tracking Home with Dan Yacobellis at Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Grafton.
March 10 – 9:30-4:00– Animal Tracking in Late Winter with Dan Yacobellis at Poestenkill Community Forest, Poestenkill.
Dan Yacobellis runs Tamakoce Wilderness Programs in Grafton, immersing children and adults in wilderness living experiences. Josh Wood is the Program Director of Flying Deer Nature Center in East Chatham. He’s an avid tracker, naturalist and wilderness skills mentor.
February Events at Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center
Grafton – The Dyken Pond EEC is offering the following fun outdoor events in February.
Make your own Weather Stick: Saturday, Feb 2: 1-2:30pm
We will create weather predicting sticks from recycled Balsam fir Christmas trees. Weather sticks are not magic. They are able to predict the weather based on relative humidity. Learn about the science that makes this handmade natural tool function. Participants will take home their own self-made weather stick at the end of the program. Preregistration required. Cost $5.
Winter Break Snowshoe Program: Wednesday, February 20: 1-3pm
Are you looking for something to do outdoors as a family over winter break? Youth, families and adults can congregate in a beautiful natural setting while learning the fundamentals of snowshoeing. After a brief introduction, we will snowshoe for about 2 hours, looking for signs of animals and enjoying a winter day outdoors. Preregistration required. Cost is $5 and includes individual snowshoe rental.
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Preregister for events by calling (518) 658-2055 or email dykenpond@gmailcom. Call for more information and a complete schedule of our winter events or visit www.dykenpond.org.
Austin Crosier Named to ECFC All-Academic Team
CASTLETON, VT–Austin Crosier (Averill Park, NY) was named to the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) All-Academic Team on Tuesday, as announced by the league office.
To qualify for the award, individuals must have a minimum cumulative 3.30 GPA through the fall semester, be at least a sophomore in standing at their respective institution and have competed on the football team for two years. In total, 11 members of the Castleton football program earned the recognition for the 2018 season.
Castleton University is small enough to be a community where every student matters, yet offers more than 75 programs of study for undergraduate and graduate students, 28 varsity sports, and over 50 clubs and organizations. The university stresses experiential learning through internships, community service and research opportunities provided by more than 400 community partnerships.
St. Jude The Apostle K of C Breakfast and Hoop Shoot Contest
Knights of Columbus will be holding 2 Great Events! “Hoop Shoot Breakfast and Hoop Shoot Contest”. Join us for the monthly K of C “All-You-Can-Eat” Pancake breakfast on Sunday, January 20th, from 8am-11am in Damman Hall. All Children participating in CYO activities or who sign up for the K of C Hoop Shoot Contest on January 21st eat FREE! Otherwise, Kids 5 and under are FREE, adults $8 and kids under 12 $4.
Cannot make the Hoop Shoot breakfast but like basketball? Join us for the annual K of C Hoop Shoot Contest on January 21 at 6pm in Damman Hall at St Jude the Apostle School. Boys and girls ages 9-14 compete with their own age/gender group by shooting 15 free throws. Trophies awarded to those that make the most free throws in their age/gender group. FREE signup starts at 5:45pm.