Friday April 19, 2024 
Hunter’s Breakfast with guest speaker
Scott Bestul
Big Bucks on Small Tracts (Hunting and Managing Parcels Under 120 Acres) Scott is a die-hard outdoor sportsman and accomplished whitetail hunter from Lewiston, MN, with over 40 years of hunting experience. He is also the Whitetail Field Editor and columnist for Field and Stream Magazine, which has been in circulation since 1895. In addition to Scott’s affiliation with F&S, he has written 3 books, feature stories for a variety of national, regional and state-based magazines, newspapers and outdoor journals, and been a featured speaker at major outdoor shows, seminars and expos throughout the United States. Please join us for Scott’s presentation, a delicious maple syrup breakfast and exciting door prizes at West Stephentown Baptist Church (1672 NY 43, Stephentown, NY) on Saturday, March 30, 2019, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Registration and light refreshments begin at 8:00 AM. The cost is $20.00 per person. Seating is limited, so please call Dave or Kim Austin ASAP at (518) 732-7382 or email Dave at dlaustin@nullnycap.rr.com to reserve your seat!!
Upcoming Programs at Grafton Lakes State Park
(Cropseyville, NY) – Join us for our upcoming spring programs:
Saturday, April 13th— Spring Scavenger Hunt at the Welcome Center, 10am-3pm. Drop-in anytime between 10am and 3pm at the Welcome Center to participate in the spring scavenger hunt! Start at the front desk, then go outside to enjoy some spring weather and an active challenge around the building or out on the trails! Family friendly and all ages welcome.
Saturday, April 20th– Birds and Bagels at the Welcome Center, 10am. Enjoy a bagel while observing our most active spring friends– the birds! $3 per person. Ages 8+. Program will be held inside. Pre-register: (518)-279-1155 and let us know what kind of bagel you would like.
Thursday, April 25th—Trout Discovery Day, 1-3pm. Come help us release trout into the park’s ponds! Bring a bucket for your fish friend and be ready for some fun fishy activities too! Event meets at the Deerfield Pavilion. $2/person or $5/family. Pre-registration required: (518)-279-1155.
Friday, April 26th—Tree, Tree, Hooray! at the Welcome Center, 1pm. Join us in celebrating Arbor Day by showing your tall forest friends some love! Enjoy a tree-themed craft and an outdoor walk (weather permitting). Family friendly. $2/person or $5/family. Pre-register: 518-279-1155.
Saturday, April 27th—Celebrate Earth Day at Grafton Lakes State Park at the Welcome Center, 1pm. Enjoy the spring weather and learn positive ways that you can make a difference in protecting the place we all call home– the earth! Games, activities, and a short hike (weather permitting) will make for a fun afternoon. Family friendly. $2/person or $5/family. Pre-register: 518-279-1155.
Creatures of the Air Series: April 6th and May 4th: 1-3pm
Grafton – The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is offering a series focusing on the flying animals of the Rensselaer Plateau. Youth will explore the amazing worlds of Bats (April 6) and Birds (May 4) through these interactive programs. Attend one or both sessions for $3 per session.
Session 1: Bats
Youth will learn about native bats and what makes them special, complete a bat themed craft and play a game to enhance understanding of how bats hunt. Preregistration required.
Session 2: Birds
Youth will learn about the adaptations that make birds unique from all other animals as well as how to identify common local birds by sight and sound. We will cover binocular use before taking a short hike to practice our identification skills and to explore habitat. Binoculars are available for loan to all participants. Preregistration required.
Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Rensselaer County Park open daily during daylight hours for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Preregister for all 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.
Guided Moonlit Walk at Schodack Island State Park
Schodack Landing, NY – Enjoy a free, family-friendly walk guided by Fran Martino at Schodack Island State Park on Friday, April 19, 2019. The program will meet at the Comfort Station, beginning promptly at 7:00 PM and ending at about 9:00 PM. The walk will cover 2 miles of easy terrain at a leisurely pace and will stop to view the illuminated Schodack Creek. Registration is suggested; please call the Park Office at (518) 732-0187. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a bottle of water and flashlight for safety. Sweatshirts will be available for purchase at the Park Office before the event.
For more Information about Schodack Island State Park events, please call the Park Office at (518) 732-0187, check out our Facebook Page Schodack Island State Park, or visit www.nysparks.com/parks.
Regional 4-H Horse Bowl
Horse Bowl Team members –
Front left to right: Karissa Scheeren, Olivia Harrington, Kira Colarossi, Annabel Reynolds, Thomas Colarossi, Lauren Krongold, Grace Huffam and Nathan Goodermote.
Middle left to right: CharlieAnne Huffam, Nicole Tilley, Alyssa Maiello, Erin Goodermote, Madison Bulan, Emory Krongold, Lindsey Oswald, Susan Goodermote, Alyssa Jacon and Brigham Logue
Back Row standing – Forrest Johnson
Congratulations and Thank You to all the members, leaders and volunteers who chipped in and assisted our Rensselaer County horse bowl teams throughout the season. For the past couple of months, 4-H members participated in equine educational meetings and field trips to increase their knowledge of horses as well as prepare for the Regional Horse Bowl Event. Thank you to CCE of Schoharie and CCE of Fulton-Montgomery for hosting the Regional Horse Bowl Contest. It was a fun and educational day. Our Novice Team coached by Sue Goodermote placed 1st led by Captain Lauren Krongold and members Nate Goodermote, Thomas Colarossi, Emory Krongold, Emmalee Foucher and Annabel Reynolds. Individually Nate placed 2nd, Lauren 3rd, Thomas 5th and Emory 6th. Our Senior team coached by Forrest Johnson and led by Captain Brigham Logue and members Erin Goodermote, Alyssa Jacon and Alyssa Maiello placed 1st. Brigham placed 1st Individually and Erin 5th both earning a position on the Regional Team to compete at the NYS 4-H Horse Bowl Contest. Our Junior Team coached by CharlieAnne Huffam and led by Captain Olivia Harrington and members Grace Huffam, Lindsey Oswald, Madison Bulan, Kira Collarossi and Nicole Tilley placed 1st. Individually, Lindsey placed 1st, Olivia 3rd, Grace 4th, Madison 6th and Nicole 9th. Additionally, our member Karissa Scheeren played on a mixed county Junior Team which placed 4th. The Junior Team will be representing the region and going on to compete at the New York State Horse Bowl Contest to be held at Cornell University later this spring. A special thanks to Rebekah Colarossi and Laura Schreiner who coordinated field trips for our members. Good luck to our members moving on to the New York State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest. Thanks again to all that made Horse Bowl Season possible. The regional contest was open to 9 counties from the Capital District. The event always allows a great venue for challenging youth to sharpen their teamwork skills as well as their Equine Industry knowledge. Another benefit to the event is providing an environment where youth from different counties can get to know each other and start developing life-long networks. To learn more about this and other 4-H Youth Development Programs, contact your respective county Cooperative Extension office.
Women’s College Basketball Fan Fest to celebrate basketball madness
ALBANY, NY – College basketball fans are invited to enjoy great local food, college pep bands and free family activities during the Women’s College Basketball Fan Fest at the Albany Capital Center on Friday, March 29, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Admission to the Fan Fest is free.
The event will be held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Albany Regional at the Times Union Center, which will include some of the best collegiate women’s basketball teams in the country. The tournament is co-hosted by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and Siena College.
The Women’s College Basketball Fan Fest will be highlighted by sampling opportunities of signature dishes from Albany County restaurants, including 677 Prime; Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen; Black and Blue Steak and Crab; Cider Belly Doughnuts; City Beer Hall; Iron Gate Café; Public House 42; Valente’s Restaurant; Vintage House; and Wellington’s.
Guests will also enjoy samples of wine, cider and craft beer selections courtesy of Saratoga Eagle.
Sampling tickets for the Women’s College Basketball Fan Fest are available at www.albanyfanfest.com. Fans can save $2 per set of tickets with advance purchase. Tickets purchased in advance are $8 and entitle guests to five tasting dishes. Tasting tickets will also be available at the door for $10 (cash only).
Wine, cider and craft beer tasting tickets will be $5 for three samples and are available exclusively at the event (cash only; must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID).
The Women’s College Basketball Fan Fest will also feature free family-friendly activities and entertainment, including face painting, balloon artists, inflatables, and college pep bands.
The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Albany Regional will get underway on Friday, March 29 with matchups at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The winners will face each other in the Albany Regional Final on Sunday, March 31 at noon. The winner of the Albany Regional will advance to the NCAA Division I Women’s Final Four.
For more information about the Women’s College Basketball Fan Fest, visit www.AlbanyFanFest.com.
DEC Announces State of Salmon River Fishery Meeting
The public will have the opportunity to learn about the state of the Salmon River fishery at a public meeting to be held in Pulaski, Oswego County, on April 11, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Pulaski High School auditorium, 4624 Salina St., Pulaski.
“The Salmon River provides world-class angling opportunities that generate substantial recreational and economic benefits to the surrounding communities,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This first-ever State of the Salmon River meeting will provide an excellent opportunity for everyone interested in the river to interact with the professionals that study and manage the fishery and learn about the progress we’ve made to improve this fishery.” At the meeting, DEC will provide an overview of ongoing activities and report on recent progress toward achieving the objectives outlined in the plan. In addition, staff will review planned activities for the coming year. The meeting will provide ample time at the end of the scheduled program for the audience to ask questions and interact with the presenters.
For additional information, contact David Lemon, DEC Region 7 Fisheries Manager, at the Cortland office, (607) 753-3095 or email fwfish7@nulldec.ny.gov.
Averill Park Youth Soccer League 2019 Spring Rec Registration
Opened February 25th! Season runs April 22nd-June 7th
**Pre-K**– Monday Kindergarten/Grade 1 – Tuesday
Grade 2nd/3rd – Wednesday Grade 4th/5th/6th –Thursday
Register now through March 17th: $65.
Late registration March 18th through March 30th: $80
Register online: www.averillparkyouthsoccer. com
**Pre-K- must be 4 before June 30, 2019** will focus on fun and fundamentals.
East Greenbush-Castleton Youth Baseball League announces Little League registration
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.
Time is running out – Enroll now so you don’t miss out!!
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.
For questions, please contact our Player Agent at: playeragent@nullegcybl.com.
DEC Announces Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Examinations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that examinations are scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2019, for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals.
The exams will run from 10 a.m. to noon at most DEC Regional Offices across the state. A list of DEC Regional Offices can be found on DEC’s website. The deadline for registering to take any of these free exams is Friday, March 22, 2019. Exam registration forms can be found on DEC’s website.
Apprentice Falconry License
Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. A falconry study guide and examination manual are available at no cost from DEC and can be found on DEC’s website. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.
Wildlife Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals to then return rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available at no cost from DEC’s website. There is no cost for a wildlife rehabilitator license, which is valid for five years.
Leashed Tracking Dog Handler
Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service by helping hunters locate wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. A leashed tracking dog study guide is available at no cost from DEC’s website. There is a $50 license fee for the five-year license and a $25 non-refundable application fee.
To apply for any of these exams, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit website and complete an exam registration form. Applicants can mail, fax, or email the completed form to: NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752 Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925, Email: SpecialLicenses@nulldec.ny.gov.
Dance Alliance Pat & Sven Peterson Summer Dance Scholarship
The Dance Alliance of the Capital Region is proud to announce the Pat & Sven Peterson Summer Dance Scholarship program for Summer 2019! Dancers in grade 7 though sophomore year in college who are planning on attending a summer dance intensive program are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be a current student member of the Dance Alliance and for a small fee of $6.00 may join to become a member by going to http://www.dancealliance.org/membership/join/.
The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of the applicant’s past dance experience and potential to make a contribution in dance to the applicant’s local dance community or to the field of dance in general. Preference is given to those who are in the Capital District and those who have not recently received a scholarship from the Dance Alliance. The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 28th, and all scholarship applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, May 20, 2019. To apply go to www.dancealliance.org/scholarship/. For questions contact Tina Baird at 518-581-1791 or tfbtap@nullnycap.rr.com.
Search and Rescue Volunteers Needed
The Tri-State Emergency Team is recruiting volunteers to provide wildland and underwater searches within a 100-mile radius of Waterford, NY. This includes all aspects of field and underwater search. The Tri-State Emergency Team responds when requested by NYS Forest Rangers and other Police Agencies throughout New York State, Western Vermont and Massachesettes.
We are looking for certified scuba divers, experienced boat handlers, and people who enjoy hiking and the outdoors in general who wish to help people in need. The team will provide training and complete support as needed. Our headquarters is located in Waterford. Applicants need not live in Waterford to volunteer. If interested, please call 518-237-6744 or visit our website at www.tri-stateemergencyteam.org
Registration Open For 41st Freihofer’s Run for Women in June
ALBANY, N.Y.— Online registration for the 41st Freihofer’s® Run for Women (Saturday, June 1 at 9 a.m.), the Capital Region’s premier all-women’s 5K road race, is now open at freihofersrun.com.
All registrants will receive a high-performance women’s commemorative t-shirt. Other perks include: a box of delicious Freihofer’s® chocolate chip cookies; a fresh loaf of Freihofer’s® bread; chip timing; live results; printable finisher certificates; free massages; chiropractic adjustments and discounted running gear at the event’s Health & Fitness Expo; live music both around the course and post event; post-race refreshments courtesy of Price Chopper Supermarkets; and, races for the kids throughout the morning. To sign up, visit freihofersrun.com. The first 500 women will be able to register for just $25.
To help participants get in shape for race day, registration is also underway for the 9th annual Freihofer’s® Training Challenge starting Monday, March 18. You can sign up for the 10-week program when you register online for the Freihofer’s Run 5K. Online registration through the 5K registration is the only method of registering for this program.
The Training Challenge costs $55 and includes a Training Challenge tech shirt; seminars and clinics relating to strength training, nutrition, injury prevention, running form and core strength; and, offers from program partners, including a free 10-week CDYMCA membership and class discounts at Brick House.
For those who can’t attend in-person Freihofer’s® Training Challenge sessions, but would still like to increase their fitness levels, a virtual Training Challenge program is also offered. The program, which costs $10, features e-mails sent 3-4 times a week outlining workouts for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners.
To register for the Training Challenge or virtual program, visit freihofersrun.com/training-challenge/. Registration closes April 1. A dedicated Training Challenge Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/freihoferstrainingchallenge.
For more information about the 41st annual Freihofer’s® Run for Women, 32nd annual Kids’ Run and 9th annual Freihofer’s® Junior 3K Run, visit freihofersrun.com. From the home page, you can also link to the event’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube pages.
4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle Session for Youth
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Youth Development program is holding a four week 4-H Air Rifle session. This program is for youth ten and older who would like to learn about the safe and responsible use of firearms as well as equipment maintenance and other related topics. In doing so, the 4-H Shooting Sports program provides opportunities for youth to gain valuable skills, practice leadership, and build relationships with non-parent adults. This 4-H Shooting Sports session will meet on Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. There will be a mandatory safety class on Thursday, March 28, at 6:00pm at the CCE office, located at 61 State St., Troy on the second floor. There is a $40.00 registration fee for 4-H members and $50.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, and registration will be limited. To register a youth, or for more information, please contact Eileen DePaula at 518-272-4210 or emd32@nullcornell.edu. For more information about this and other programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, please call 518-272-4210. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their ability to pay. If you have special needs that we can accommodate please let us know at the time of your call.
2nd Annual Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame
You are cordially invited to attend the 2nd Annual Averill Park Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner Saturday, April 13th, 2019. Reception, Cash Bar & Raffles 5:00pm.
Welcome & Buffet Dinner 6:00 pm.
Induction Ceremony 7:00pm. Troy Hilton Garden Inn.
Registration Deadline is April 1st. $50/ticket.
For additional information please contact the Averill Park Athletic Department at (518) 674-7000 or bubniakm@nullapcsd.org.
For ticket inquiries or donations, you may go to:
https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/athletichalloffame
Class of 2019 Honorees:
Athlete
Steven Allard ‘83
Mollie DeFrancesco ‘98 Suzanne Ernst Howell ‘96
Ken Gunderman ‘83
Abby Jackson ‘04
Jared Morine ‘06
Suzie Snyder ‘00
Coach
“Coach” Earl Retzlaff
Paula “Miss Mann” Maniscalco (deceased)
Brunswick Baseball League – 2019 House League Registration
Minors 13-16, Majors 17 & Up
The Brunswick Baseball League is currently registering players for the 2019 Minors & Majors House League programs. All players 13-16 and 17 & UP are eligible to register. The Brunswick Baseball League is an independent league, all interested players regardless of residence are welcome. The Minors program begins in late April and the Majors program begins on Memorial Day Weekend.
For additional information on all programs and to register, please visit our website at: www.brunswickbaseball.com .
For any questions please call Mark Phillips @ 527-5757
Averill Park Road Runners Track and Field Program
Register now for the Averill Park Road Runners 2019 Track & Field season! The club is for anyone ages 7-14 who enjoys running, jumping, throwing and having FUN! Events include sprints, distance running, hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put, turbo javelin and discus. AP School District residency is NOT required. Practices at AP High School Monday & Thursday evenings and some optional Saturday mornings. Several meets throughout the season, from April 8th through the USATF Junior Olympics in July and August.
Registration and more information at www.aproadrunners.com. Registration fee includes a uniform ($65 before 3/18, increasing to $75, 3/18-4/8; and $90, 4/9-5/8; $10 sibling discount). Membership in the U.S. Track and Field Association ($20) is required and provides insurance coverage. Contact tfcoaches@nullaproadrunners.com for help with registration or questions.
We’re a parent-run organization, and parental involvement is required. All abilities and skill levels are welcome. See you at the track!
Berlin Central School 3rd annual 5K Walk/ Run & Wellness Fair
The Berlin Central School 3rd annual 5K Walk/Run & Wellness Fair will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019.
*5K starts at 9am (see details below) *Wellness Fair 10am-3pm *The 5K proceeds will go to the following: 1.) The Berlin SMITH Scholarship – The SMITH Scholarship will go to a graduating Berlin student who demonstrates the following qualities: Service-Merit-Integrity-Truth-Honor in honor of Bob Smith, a Berlin Graduate. 2.) The Sturge Weber Foundation in honor of a current Berlin student, Evan Arena. There will be a Wellness fair following the 5K. We will have a variety of free activities for the young and old, alike. The focus for this event is as follows: Mental Wellness, Financial Wellness, Physical Wellness and Social Wellness/Safety. Starting at 10am at the top of each hour there will be games, presentations, and fun. There will be activities for all ages, food, and many local vendors/businesses sharing their expertise. The race will start in the Berlin Middle/High School parking lot at 9 am (race day registration 8-8:30 am). There is a registration fee for both walkers and runners: *Register before April 4th — $20 *Berlin students, register before April 4th — $10 *Race day registration will be $25. *Register by April 4th to be guaranteed a t-shirt!
Contact Ariel Gilbert. 518-258-7274. Agilbert@nullberlincentral.org
Berlin Central Schools, PO Box 259, Berlin, NY 12022 ATTN: Mrs. Gilbert. Checks made payable to: Berlin Middle School Student Council
Troy Student-Athlete Named to New York Inst. of Technology Honor Roll
OLD WESTBURY, NY — Shalie Frierson of Troy was among the 139 New York Institute of Technology student-athletes named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2018 semester. Students named to the honor roll achieved a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Frierson is an athlete on New York Institute of Technology’s women’s basketball team.
Arianna Papas, of Castleton, Earns Spot on Assumption Softball Team
WORCESTER, MA) — The Assumption Department of Athletics has announced that Arianna Papas, of Castleton, has earned a roster spot on the 2019 Assumption Softball team. Papas, Class of 2022, will compete during the Greyhounds’ spring season.
“I am honored and humbled to be coaching such a strong group of student-athletes,” said Jon Ladino who is entering his second season as head coach of the Assumption Softball team. “Every day we strive to be better than the day before both on the field and in the classroom. The hard work and effort that this team puts forth every day is unmatched and will contribute to a successful 2019 season. I am excited to see how we perform.”
Coming off an NE-10 Tournament appearance each of the past three seasons, the Assumption Softball team was picked fourth in the NE10 Preseason Coaches’ Poll for the 2019 season. The team began their season with the annual spring break trip to Florida, where they went 5-5, and returned to Assumption for the home opener on March 16.
For more information on Assumption athletics, visit www.assumptiongreyhounds.com.
Dermot Coughlin, of Castleton, Earns Spot on Assumption Men’s Track & Field Team
WORCESTER, MA — The Assumption Department of Athletics has announced that Dermot Coughlin, of Castleton, has been named to the 2018-19 Assumption Men’s Track & Field roster. Coughlin, Class of 2020, is competing during the Greyhounds’ spring season.
During the 2018-19 indoor season, the Men’s Track & Field team matched its best finish in program history at the 2019 Northeast-10 Championships by placing fifth. Though the team finished fifth last season, this year’s team accumulated its highest point total ever, four short of fourth place. Throughout the indoor season, the team broke nine school records. The men look to build on their indoor success when they head for outdoor competition this month.
“This young team is incredibly talented, especially our group of first-year student-athletes,” said Head Coach Trent Baltzell. “We anticipate that the success of our indoor campaign, coupled with the increase in skill, maturity, and natural development of our athletes, will translate into a fruitful outdoor season. Maintaining top performance in the classroom is also an important piece of our success, as we have found that there is a direct correlation between performance in the classroom and on the track.”
For more information on Assumption athletics, visit www.assumptiongreyhounds.com.