Friday April 19, 2024 
Mariano Rivera to be honored at Saratoga Race Course during Opening Weekend
Photo by George Kalinsky
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y -The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will host National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and legendary New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, July 12th, as part of Opening Weekend festivities for the 2019 summer meet.
The special visit to Saratoga Race Course comes one week before Rivera heads to Cooperstown where he will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as the first unanimous selection in history.
NYRA will honor Rivera with a ceremony in the winner’s circle in recognition of the all-time Major League Baseball saves leader.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet the 13-time All-Star, regarded as the best closer in baseball history, during a luncheon in the Paddock Tent from noon to 1:30 p.m.
The event will feature an exclusive meet and greet and Q&A session with Rivera, photo opportunities and auction featuring authentic Rivera memorabilia.
Tickets to the luncheon are $250 and limited to the first 100 fans. Tickets include a buffet lunch and non-alcoholic beverages in the Paddock Tent which overlooks the historic paddock at Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are available for purchase online at NYRA.com/Rivera or by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit one of Rivera’s numerous charitable endeavors.
Hiking, Naturalist, & Children’s Programs
Rensselaer Land Trust and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance are partnering to bring our communities unique opportunities to get outside this summer! More information and registration at www.renstrust.org
June 22 • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.:
Trees and Shrubs at RLT’s Kinderhook Creek Preserve:
David Hart will show us how to identify the different kinds of trees and tell us their ecological and cultural stories. Learning Resource at www.renstrust.org.
June 29 • 9 a.m.:
Taconic Crest in One Year: Petersburg Pass to Berlin Mountain and on to Southeast Hollow in Berlin, 7.3 miles.
Some steep ascents on the way to the summit of Berlin Mountain, at 2,818 feet New York’s tallest peak outside of the Adirondacks and Catskills. Co-sponsored with Taconic Hiking Club.
June 29 • 10 a.m.:
Connecting Children to Nature: Alphabet of the Trees
Calling all young naturalists to discover the trees and water of RLT’s Staalesen Preserve using their five senses. We’ll go for a short hike and get to know trees up close and personal through sensory activities, and each child will have a chance to record their studies through bark rubbings and poetry. For children ages six and up. Meet at John B. Staalesen Preserve, Troy, NY.
DEC Launches Second Phase Of “WomenHuntFishNY” Photo Contest
Following the success of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s DEC) statewide photo contest for women hunters, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the second phase of the “WomenHuntFishNY” contest to celebrate women anglers in the state. The contest officially opens on Monday, June 17, and continues through July 8, 2019.
Women who fish in New York State are encouraged to share their photos by emailing womenhuntfishny@nulldec.ny.gov. DEC welcomes photos of all aspects of safe, legal, and ethical fishing. Contest categories include:
*Freshwater fishing
*Saltwater Fishing
*Ice Fishing
*Youth (girls) fishing
*Mothers and Children/Multi-Generational
*Action shots (Casting, reeling, or landing the big one!)
To be considered in the contest, photos must depict women fishing in New York State. Fishing photos entered in DEC’s fall WomenHuntFishNY hunting photo contest will automatically be entered for consideration. Participants are strongly encouraged to include a sentence to describe their image or experience.
The deadline for contest entries is Monday, July 8. All submissions will become property of DEC to be used in promotions and outreach. Winning entries will be featured on DEC’s website, social media posts, marketing campaigns, print products, and future outreach to inspire future generations of female anglers.
Free Fishing Clinic at Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park will offer “Go Fish!” a fishing clinic led by DEC’s Fisheries Educators, on Saturday, June 29th, from 9am-1pm. This program is an opportunity to go fishing without a license as part of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Free Fishing Weekend.
This drop-in fishing clinic meets by the boathouse on Long Pond in Grafton Lakes State Park. Children and parents will learn the basics of fishing and identification. Fishing poles will be provided by DEC for this free class. Many children catch their first sunfish during this program each year, so come try your luck!
For more information about our other summer program offerings, please contact the environmental educator at 518-279-1155, ext. 2, or visit our website at www.nysparks.com/parks.
Schodack Island 5th Annual Fishing Derby
Schodack Island 5th Annual Hudson River Fishing Derby Saturday, June 29th, 7:00 AM– 12:00 PM.
Valuable prizes in three age categories for accumulative weight of fish. Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Free Fishing Weekend– no license needed, but all NYS DEC rules apply. Shoreline Fishing encouraged!
Schodack Island State Park, 1 Schodack Island Way (Route 9J), Schodack Landing, NY 12156. For more information, call (518) 732-0187.
Co-sponsored by Hudson River Bait & Tackle.
Sand Lake Town Beach opening date
The Sand Lake Town Beach will open on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Hours are from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM every day. The cost for residents is free. Passes can only be issued at the Town Clerk’s office during regular hours starting on Friday, June 21, 2019. Non-residents may not use the beach. For more information, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 518-674-2026 ext. 122.
Upcoming Programs at Grafton Lakes State Park
(Cropseyville, NY) – Join us for our upcoming June programs:
Saturday, June 22nd—Guided Hike to Dickinson Hill Fire Tower @ 1pm: Enjoy a 3-mile moderate hike to the historic Dickinson Hill fire tower with an environmental educator. On a clear day you can observe the Adirondack Mountains, the Green Mountains, and the Taconic Range from the top of the tower. Program meets at 1:00 PM at the welcome center before driving to the trailhead. Please RSVP at (518) 279-1155.
Saturday, June 29th– Go Fish! Free Fishing Clinic 9am-1pm. On free fishing weekend, no license is required. Educators from DEC’s I Fish NY program will be on hand to show you how to fish, who’s in the lake, and they even provide poles to use! Ages 6 & up. Clinic is free, but gate fee of $8/vehicle still applies. Gate fee is refundable if leaving directly after program.
Saturday, June 29th—Busy Beavers at 1pm. Learn about all the great things these forest workers do to create a healthy habitat for themselves and many other creatures. Weather permitting, we will take a 25-minute walk to a beaver habitat to see the lodges that beavers at Grafton build! Please call to pre-register (518) 279-1155.
4-H Shooting Sports Archery Session for Youth
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H Youth Development program is holding a four week 4-H Shooting Sports archery session. This program is for youth nine and older (as of January 1, 2019) who would like to learn about the safe and responsible use of archery equipment 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 archery session will meet on Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Castleton Fish & Game Club. There is a $40.00 registration fee for 4-H members and $50.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required no later than Wednesday, July 3, 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.
Grafton Fitness Opportunities
Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton, has several opportunities to keep our residents 60 and older in shape. Chair Yoga is offered 3 times a week at no charge. This is a low-impact workout for the body and mind. Aerobic Swimming is available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Bennington Rec Center with transportation. Water aerobics offers a resistance and buoyancy that cannot be experienced on ground. The center has a small exercise room with a treadmill and stationary bikes. Regular exercise reduces the risk of injury, decreased symptoms of depression, and improves mobility. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure, strengthen muscles, correct body posture, relieve pain and promotes weight loss. Residents 60 and older are encouraged to get into a good exercise routine. For more information, call the center at 518-279-3413.
17th Annual Schodack Valley Fire Co. Golf Tournament
Please Join Us for the 17th Annual Schodack Valley Fire Co. Golf Tournament on June 20th at Winding Brook CC in Valatie. Registration starts at 9 am; shotgun start at 10am. $100 entry gets you 18 holes of golf with cart, beer & soda, breakfast, BBQ lunch, buffet dinner, and chance to win a new car compliments of Goldstein Auto Group. Call Brian at 518-429-1410 for details.
Senior Domino Group Seeks More Players
The Town of East Greenbush Senior Domino Group meets each Wednesday from 12-3 PM in the Town Hall Community Room.
Join in the fun by stopping by any Wednesday to check it out! You do not need to be an experienced player. They will teach you. For questions call 518-477-4194.
Town of East Greenbush Adult Bocce
Bocce players meet in Onderdonk Park on Hampton Avenue at 5:45 PM each Thursday evening throughout the Spring and Summer.
The group is currently seeking more players. This is not a competitive league and it is a lot of fun with great people! Stop by any Thursday to see what’s it all about.
Any weather cancellations will be posted on the Town’s website and sent as a Nixle alert on the Town’s alert system. For questions call 518-477-4194.
Form a team and join the fight to end Alzheimer’s!
Did you ever think of starting a team to help eliminate Alzheimer’s disease? You’re invited to attend a session on how to start a team and participate in the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. It’s easy to sign up, and it is an extremely rewarding experience. Join us in the fight for Alzheimer’s first survivor!
In the session, we’ll share ideas about how to register your team, team building, and fundraising. Teams can be just one person or as many as you like! One in three people know someone who is living with Alzheimer’s. Here is your chance to help improve their lives and prevent others from having to live with this devastating disease.
Please drop in to learn more on one of the dates and locations below. Stop in any time during the time frame listed. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Lori Gardner at (518) 461-1439 or Thorel Mead at (518) 283-3077. Help us make a difference!
Please join us on:
June 21, 2019- Longest Day Unbreakable Nutrition, 6:00am-6:00pm, 12 Mall Way #1, Averill Park, NY 12018
June 22, 2019- Times Union Center (Albany Empire game), 3:30pm – end.
August 6, 2019- Brunswick Community Center, 6:30-8:00, Concert in the park.
We hope to see you there!
Together we can help end Alzheimer’s disease!
Town of East Greenbush Senior Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga will continue at 11 AM on Wednesdays in the East Greenbush Town Hall Community Room through the end of June and then break for the summer months. If you would like to join, give us a call at 518-477-4194 or walk ins are welcome.
Instructor: Judi England, RN, licensed massage therapist, and professionally certified Kripalu yoga instructor. Judi has offered programs in wellness, yoga, meditation, and stress management for over 25 years throughout the Capital Region. She currently serves as Senior Health Education Coordinator for Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York, and as an Independent Health Educator for businesses and organizations. Her blog “Holistic Health” appeared in the Times Union for ten years.
Reconnect the body, mind and spirit through gentle movements, breathwork and deep relaxation. We’ll work on flexibility, balance and core strength with options to build or modify your practice. All movements will be done seated or standing with a chair for support. All are welcome to enjoy the benefits of yoga – regardless of physical ability or limitations.
Rensselaer Youth Outdoors Forest Conservation Corps Teen Sumer Program
Rensselaer County, NY: Rensselaer Youth Outdoors is announcing an environmental education summer program for teenagers, aged 14-16. The program will combine recreation and education experiences while teens work on valuable conservation projects protecting Rensselaer county’s parks, waters and natural resources.
The four-week program will run weekdays from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, July 22 to August 16, with space for 10 teens each week.
Locations:
Week 1: July 22-July 26 – Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center
Week 2: July 29-August 2 – Grafton Lakes State Park
Week 3: August 5-August 9 – Poestenkill Community Forest
Week 4: August 12-August 16 – Albert Family Community Forest
Participants who complete a full week of the program will receive a certificate and a $100 stipend at the end of the week.
For more information or to download an application, visit ryoutdoors.org and click the Programs tab
Contact RYO Program Coordinator Amanda McCreary with questions at: Email: Amanda.ryo.coordinator@nullgmail.com
Phone: 518-810-4544.
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
Woods Forum
Wednesday, June 26, 7 PM – Woods Forum at Averill Park & Sand Lake Firehouse, 35 Eastern Union Turnpike, Averill Park, NY.
Do you value your land and your woods? Discuss how to care for your woods today and plan for the future. Talk with other landowners and hear about their experiences. Share your questions, concerns, and advice. Join fellow woodland owners and forestry professionals for a discussion on how to maintain the value of your woods for timber harvesting, recreation, wildlife, and for future generations. Refreshments will be served.
All are welcome at this free event. RSVP by Friday, June 21st, to Dan Morse at dan@nullrensselaerplateau.orgor (518) 712-9211.