Thursday April 25, 2024 
Home Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited monthly meeting
Home Waters Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 9th, at 6:00 PM at the Grafton Lakes State Park Welcome Center, which is located at the end of the main parking lot. If main gates are closed, please enter via the Winter Entrance at the four corners in Grafton.
Our clinic this month will be: Casting, learn how to cast or just to practice…from 6:00–6:45 PM. If you do not have your own rod, we will have some available for you to use. Please RSVP your attendance to the address below so we have sufficient equipment available.
Business meeting immediately following clinic. All are encouraged and welcome to attend.
Contact us at homewaterstu@nullgmail.com or 518-326-6201 for more information.
DEC Announces Fishing Season Opens May 4
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that the first Saturday in May marks the beginning of the fishing season for several popular coolwater sportfish species, including walleye, northern pike, pickerel, and tiger muskellunge. The coolwater conditions of early spring can render walleye and northern pike fishing particularly good and anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities New York has to offer.
“Exceptional fishing opportunities can be found across New York, with many lakes and rivers renowned for abundant walleye and aggressive pike and pickerel,” said Commissioner Seggos. “I encourage all anglers to find the time to enjoy, and share with others, the great fishing that can be found here.”
A complete listing of Fishing Hotspots recommendations can be found on the DEC website.
Where to Fish
Anglers searching for places to fish should visit the Places to Fish page on the DEC website. A variety of helpful fishing information can also be requested via the website. The New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App is another tool available that gives both novice and seasoned outdoorsmen and women essential information to plan and prepare for fishing trips with up-to-date access information on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching sites. The app also provides immediate access to species profiles, rules and regulations, and important permits and licensing details.
New York Angler Achievement Awards Program
Each year, New York State’s lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams produce large numbers of trophy-sized fish. DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program recognizes exceptional catches in several categories, including the Annual Award recognizing anglers that caught the three heaviest fish of the year for 43 different species, the Catch-and-Release awards for 21 major gamefish species, and the State Record award that recognizes anglers who break current state records for any of the 45 eligible fish species.
For more specific information on the rules, see Rules for Entry. Download the Entry Form (PDF, 60 KB) from the DEC website. Anglers can also obtain these rules from any DEC Regional Fisheries Office, or by writing to: NYSDEC, Bureau of Fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4753.
License Requirements
Before heading out to fish, anglers must have a current fishing license. Anyone 16 years of age or older who desires to fish in New York is required to have a state fishing license, which are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Anglers desiring a reminder of when their license expires should be certain to provide their e-mail address at the time of license purchase. Anglers can purchase a license and print it for immediate use on their home computer via the NY License Center. Anglers can also purchase their license by phone by calling 1-866-933-2257, or from the numerous license issuing agents across the state. Those purchasing over the phone will receive a confirmation number allowing them to fish immediately.
Those interested in purchasing a lifetime fishing license should consider a New York State Adventure license, which is incorporated on their New York State Driver’s License and provides a free fishing themed license plate.
STRIDE Sled Hockey Team Wins New England Tournament with Thrilling Double Overtime Goal
(Westfield, MA, April 26) –Capital Region athletes skated past their disabilities and scored a winning goal for equal opportunity in sports on Friday at Amelia Park Arena. The Capital District Sled Warriors, a program of STRIDE Adaptive Sports in West Sand Lake, won their first tournament in five years with a thrilling double overtime goal in the championship game against the New York Rangers at the 21st Annual New England Invitational Sled Hockey Tournament. Captain Stefon Stillwell captured the winning goal in a 6-5 victory. Earlier in the season, the team also competed in the NYS Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid, winning a silver medal.
The 21st Annual New England Invitational Sled Hockey Tournament is held at the Amelia Park Rink in Westfield, MA. Sixteen teams from Delaware to Ontario, Canada, competed in junior and adult divisions for the Amelia Cup Championship Trophy.
The team (originally Bethlehem Sled Hockey) was founded by Tom and Kim Wilson of Slingerlands for their son and other teenagers with physical disabilities twelve years ago to make hockey accessible to those with lower limb disabilities. STRIDE Adaptive sports took over the fledgling team in 2009, and the team has grown exponentially since then. Just as fast-paced and physical as stand-up hockey, sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception of equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades, and each player uses two sticks instead of one. The team is now made up of 15 members plus 2 pushers with a varsity and junior varsity squad and includes numerous wounded warrior veterans.
Newcomers are invited to join the team on the ice to try a sled on the first weekend of practice each month. Anyone interested can RSVP to mevans@nullstride.org or call STRIDE’s office at (518)-598-1279.
Register Now for the Literacy 5K Run/Walk at Schodack Island
There is still time to register for the Literacy 5K Run/Walk, Sunday, May 5, 7:45-11:30 a.m. at Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy a 5K trail run, guided nature walk, story walk, youth mile, prizes, raffles, and fun for the whole family. All proceeds to benefit Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County.
To register and to see a full schedule of events, go to www.zippyreg.com.
Bailey Mt. Fish and Game Club NYS
Pre-License Pistol Safety Course
Rensselaer County Pre-License Pistol Safety Course will be held on May 14, 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!
Kiwanis Summerfest
Benefit Tennis Tournament Registration
If top spin, back hand, drop shot and volley are part of your sport, then the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake has a racket for you.
Saturday, June 8th, at the Averill Park High School tennis courts.
Registration fees: $20.00 for singles; $40 for doubles team for each category entered
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS SATURDAY, JUNE 1st.
For additional information, call Joe Behson at 674-8407 or Bruce Perry at 674-2475.
Kiwanis Tennis Tournament Registration Form
(Please Print Carefully)
Please indicate in which category(s) you wish to compete.
$20 for Singles. $40 for Doubles Teams.
Women’s Singles __________
Women’s Doubles__________
Men’s Singles __________
Men’s Doubles __________
Mixed Doubles __________
Women’s Century Doubles* ______________
Men’s Century Doubles* __________
*Both players must be 50 years of age or older.
NAME(S):______________________________________
PHONE:__________________
ADDRESS_______________________________________ CITY____________________
STATE__________ZIP______Email address_____________
AMOUNT ENCLOSED $__________
WAIVER: In consideration of my entry being accepted, I do hereby for myself, heirs, executors, or assigns waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake, and any and all sponsors and their representatives, and assigns or any official or participant for any and all injuries I may suffer in connection with the Kiwanis Benefit Tennis Tournament. Further, I stipulate that I am physically fit and capable to participate in this event. And I hereby grant full permission to any and all the foregoing to use any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, recordings or any other record of this event for any legitimate purpose.
SIGNATURE:______________________________________
DATE:______________
INCOMPLETE OR UNSIGNED ENTRIES CANNOT BE ACCEPTED
Please make checks payable to: Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake
Mail entries to: Joe Behson, 39 Summit Drive, Averill Park, NY 12018.
Annual Spring Bird & Nature Walk at Oakwood Cemetery
Join the fun on Saturday, May 18th, at 8am as the Friends of Oakwood enjoy the beauty of a morning stroll through the cemetery. Get your daily steps in while you experience what Nature has to offer.
Knowledgeable guides will lead us as we visit a variety of habitats and look for migrating birds as well as all sorts of wildlife! In the past, we’ve seen Bluebirds, Orioles, a Muskrat, Deer and even Vultures and Hawks. Bring binoculars if you have them. A few loaner binoculars will be available. Beginners welcome. Registration preferred. 518-328-0090. Pay on arrival. $15.pp A reduced-rate follow-up walk may be offered exclusively to participants. Meet by the Earl Chapel. Rain date: May 19 – Check our FB page for updates.
The Friends of Oakwood is a non-profit volunteer group working to support the preservation and maintenance of the non-sectarian Earl Chapel and grounds of Troy’s still-active historic 19th C. Oakwood Cemetery. New members are always welcome.
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
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 $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: Race day registration will be $25.
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
JDRF Sets One Walk Great Escape for Saturday, May 11
LATHAM, N.Y.— JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Northeastern New York Chapter, the local branch of the national non-profit Organization dedicated to type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, are teaming up again for this year’s One Walk Great Escape.
One of the largest fundraising walks in the northeast, the event will take place at the popular Queensbury theme park on Saturday, May 11, the park’s opening weekend.
“We are thrilled to return to The Great Escape,” said JDRF Development Manager Danielle Unser Slater. “The park is such a fun, family friendly location and an ideal site for our walkers, volunteers and sponsors to gather and fundraise to support critically needed T1D research and create a world without T1D. The Great Escape’s iconic lineup of thrills and entertainment offer tremendous value to our participants and create a fun, memorable day.”
“Last year, 1,600 participants raised $411,000. This year we are hoping to recruit 2,000 walkers who will raise more than $514,000,” she added.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 11 a.m. The route meanders through the park and ends back at the pavilion where lunch is served to all walkers. The festivities include a Kid’s Zone, photo booth station, DJ, jumbotron, magician, and refreshments courtesy of SYSCO Albany.
“In order to maximize funds raised for T1D research, walkers who raise $100 or more will receive free park admission and our commemorative One Walk t-shirt,” explained Unser Slater. “For those who don’t reach that threshold, discount admission coupons will be available to use on walk day. Walkers who opt not to go into the park because they didn’t raise the $100, don’t want to purchase a ticket, or simply choose not to, may return to their car and carry on with their day. We look at going to the park as an added incentive, especially since a ticket to the Great Escape on any other day costs around $60.”
Since the walk will take place on Mother’s Day weekend, JDRF plans to provide a special Moms’ Tent for all mothers of children with T1D. Sponsored by CAP COM Federal Credit Union, the tent will feature massage chairs, delicious mock-tails and a flower for each mom.
Participants who raise $1,000 or more will be assigned V1P status, giving them access to the V1P area, an exclusive V1P lanyard, front-of-the-line ride access, as well as a free go-cart or sky coaster ride!
Event parking is free. A discount room block is also available at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark. JDRF participants should use code “GES.”
For more information and to register, visit walk.jdrf.org/GreatEscape or call (518) 477-2873.
Sponsors include The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, Swagelok, CAP COM Federal Credit Union, Sysco Albany, Hoffman Car Wash & Jiffy Lube, and Exyte.
Intercounty Women’s Golf Assoc. Looking for Members
Join the Intercounty Women’s Golf Association – or, play as a guest at any of the events. Fun competition for all levels. Choose the courses you want to play – or play them all! All handicaps welcome. For approximately $45-50 per tournament: greens fees & cart, continental breakfast & lunch, prizes.
2019 schedule: Burden Lake, Sycamore, Winding Brook, Blackhead, Sunnyhill, Wiltwyck, Catskill, Red Hook, Frear Park, Rip Van Winkle, Windham, Rainbow, Thunderhart, Christman’s, Lazy Swan. $20 annual league fee. E-mail Val Chakedis vchakedis@nullicloud.com for more information.
Senior Golf Partners Wanted
The first nine-week session for two senior golf leagues is looking for duffers, golfers who want to have fun and do not want to keep score. The revitalized Pheasant Hollow Golf Course is reserving Thursday and Monday mornings at eight thirty for these two leagues. Golf clubs to use are available in the Pro Shop.
RENSSELAER SENIOR CENTER GOLF LEAGUE: Starting Thursday, May 2nd. Call the Center for more information (518) 463-2166.
EAST GREENBUSH GOLF LEAGUE: Starting, Monday, May 6th. Call (518) 423-5010.
Grafton Lakes State Park Seeks Volunteers For I Love My Park Day
(Cropseyville, NY) – Grafton Lakes State Park will be hosting their annual I Love My Park Day event on Saturday, May 4th. Volunteers will join friends of all ages for a morning of service on park trails, shores, and fields. The parks will thank their volunteers with tasty morning refreshments and a free t-shirt! Check-in is at 9am at the Welcome Center, with the event
wrapping up at noon. Scout troops, outdoor clubs, families and anyone interested are all welcome.
For more information about park events or to pre-register for I Love My Park Day, please call Grafton’s welcome center at 518-279-1155 or find the online registration site through www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day. For future program information you can also visit the “Grafton Lakes State Park” Facebook page.
For more information, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
Burden Lake Junior Ambassadors of Golf
Ron Choquette came up to Burden lake from the Jersey Shore in 1983. For over 30 years, Ron taught Juniors how to play the game of golf. Some Juniors went on to play in College and one became a PGA Professional. Over 2500 kids learned the game of Golf from Ron. This summer, Ron is coming out of retirement to run the Junior Golf Program.
As a kickoff to summer, we are offering an award for two junior golfers as BLCC Ambassadors of Golf. The two ambassadors will get a free membership to Burden Lake Country Club, a set of golf clubs and the chance to meet PGA Professionals at the Traveler’s Championship in Hartford, Connecticut.
To participate for the Junior Ambassador of Golf, you must be between the age of 10 to 17 and a resident of Rensselaer County. We have a questionnaire to fill out on our website, www.burdenlakecountryclub.com. All questionnaires should be filled out and returned by May 20th. We will announce the winners by June 1st.
We plan to make this an annual award to help promote junior golf in the area. Ron made a commitment to Junior Golf a long time ago, and we plan to keep the commitment in the future.
New MS Prevalence Number Inspires People to Join Walk MS
TROY, NY – An estimated 750 people are expected to raise more than $185,000 at Walk MS: Albany on Sunday, May 5th, at Tri-City Valley Cats Stadium. This year, walkers are inspired by a new study conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and published in the February 15, 2019, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, which shows more than twice as many people in the U.S. are living with multiple sclerosis than previously thought. The previous studies estimated the prevalence to be 400,000, but this new study shows that number is closer to 1 million.
“Twice as many people need a cure and to know they have a community to support them,” said Cyndi Zagieboylo, President and CEO of the National MS Society. “Nobody should face MS alone, which is why Walk MS is so powerful as the gathering place for the MS movement….”
WHEN: Sunday, May 5, at 8:00 a.m.
WHERE: Tri-City Valley Cats Stadium, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
Why Walk MS? Walk MS helps fuel groundbreaking MS research and provide life-changing services to those affected by MS through creating a supportive community of friends, families and loved ones who fundraise and connect.
REGISTER: To find a walk near you, to participate or to volunteer, visit walkMS.org, call 855-372-1331 or email fundraisingsupport@nullnmss.org.