Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper
by Jen Burhans
The Berlin varsity track and field team is winding up its season as the weather warms up and sectionals and States loom near.
The combined boys and girls teams have fared well in the WASAREN league, setting two new school records and racing in five invitationals this season.
[Read more…] about Berlin Track Team Has High Hopes For Post Season
by Andy Zlotnick
Troop 222 took 15 scouts and their leaders to Columbia County to participate in the Mahikan District Woodsman Challenge. On May 15 through 17, the troop traveled to the Columbia County fairgrounds along with about 300 other scouts from around the region. [Read more…] about Petersburgh Boy Scout Troop 222 Attends The Mahikan District Spring Camporee In Columbia County
National Trails Day is the perfect time to clean up local parks. On Saturday, June 6, the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park (GLSP) and Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center are hosting the 22nd Annual National Trails Day. Both parks invite volunteers of all ages to help clean up and improve trails on Saturday morning and indulge in the trail activities they enjoy most in the afternoon.
Registration begins at 9 am at both parks; refreshments and snacks will be available. Cleanup and improvement of both trail systems will take place between 9 am and noon, followed by a complimentary barbecue picnic for all volunteers. After the barbecue, participants are encouraged to enjoy the trails and parks. Reservations must be made in advance for the barbecue. Call the GLSP Office or Dyken Pond Office no later than June 4. For more information, call 279-1155 or 658-2055.
Saturday, May 23 – Grafton Lakes State Park Beach Opens for The Season! Open daily 10 am-6 pm through Labor Day! Gate fees are now $8/vehicle
Camping opens at Cherry Plain Memorial Day Weekend. Camping and swimming are weekends only until June 26, then daily through Labor Day. Camping reservations available through www.reserveamerica.com. Gate fees are $7/vehicle.
4th Annual Geocache Challenge Begins in the Capitol Region! Using a hand-held GPS or smart phone App, go on a treasure hunt in your local state parks and historic sites! Free! Program will get you and the kids outside all summer! Call your local park for how to sign up!
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Sand Sculpture Contest from 12 to 3 pm. Register at noon by the Beach Nature Center at Long Pond. Bring your shovels, props and your creativity as extra points are given for originality! Prizes for everyone!
Saturday, May 30 – Morning Bird Walk to the Dickinson Fire Tower at 7:30 am. Join local birder for a morning walk through the park’s forests, ending with spectacular views from above at the Dickinson Fire Tower. Meets at North Long Pond parking lot. Pre-registration required: 279-1155.
By Steve Bradley
Vs. Cambridge – After the quick trip up Route 22, the Panthers took to the field against rival Cambridge (2 – 8, 2 – 11 overall). After getting a one run lead in the top of the first, the Panthers surrendered that lead in the bottom when Cambridge plated two runs. From there, the Panthers dominated, outscoring the Indians 9 – 0 for a 11 – 2 win. The Panthers scored in every inning but the second. Josh McCart had two singles and two RBI’s. Ryan Sanders had two singles.
[Read more…] about HFCS Baseball – Hitt Out After Getting Hit
by Steve Bradley
Vs. Cohoes – The Panthers hosted Cohoes on the HFCS field and came out with a 12 – 11 victory. Jordyn Haynes scored five goals, Ally Burdick had three. Kara LaFlamme scored twice, and Anna Wysocki and Rachael Lewsey each scored once. Zaynah Poore had three saves. The Panthers out-drew Cohoes 14 – 9 (this is the play that begins play after a goal, winning the draw is important).
by Steve Bradley
Vs. Stillwater – After traveling to Stillwater last Friday, the Lady Panthers held a 3 – 2 lead going at the top of the third inning. The Warriors scored six in the bottom of the inning and that was all they needed to take a 9 – 3 win over the Panthers. Liz Ryan and Erika Quackenbush each had two singles, with Quackenbush batting in one run. Maddy Ryan, Alyssa Ellis and Chelsea Stevens had one hit apiece. Ellis had two RBI’s. Erika Quackenbush pitched four inning to take the loss.
While the fish may be biting, the Brown’s Cup Annual Trout Fishing Tournament planned for Saturday, May 16 at the Walloomsac Brewery will be cancelled this year. Brown’s apologizes to all anglers but plans are already underway for the event next year in May. The trout dinner will also be cancelled. The tournament registration fees and dinner tickets already purchased will be refunded. Keep fishing and please join us next year. If you have any questions, please connect through our website at www.brownsbrewing.com.
Ephemeral Ponds Sunday, May 17 1 to 3 pm
This free program focuses on the importance of seasonal ponds and the life cycles of amphibians and plants that inhabit them. We will use nets to catch varius herpetofaunal species and microscopes to get a close up look. Rubber boots recommended but not necessary. You can bring your own frog catching nets. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Newcomb Pond Fundraiser at the Lucas Confectionery
Wednesday, May 20 6 to 9 pm
Join us at the Lucas Confectionery in Troy to raise money to protect 56 acres of land on Newcomb Pond, home to moose, river otter, great blue herons and more. The Lucas Confectionery Wine Bar has agreed to donate 20% of all beverage sales from 6 to 9 pm on Wednesday, May 20; additional donations will be accepted. It is also Artisanal Grilled Cheese Night. Donations may also be accepted through our website.
Bird Club
Wednesdays at 7:30 am
We are big fans of birds up here at Dyken Pond Center and enjoy bird watching when we can. We invite you to join us in our birding adventures throughout our 500 acres of forested land, home to many different birds. This club is informal and free.
Wildflower Walk Saturday, May 23, 10 am to 12 pm
Join us for a leisurely walk on Center’s trails focusing on the identification and folklore of wildflowers. Free.
Volunteer Tuesdays
Every Tuesday is volunteer day beginning at 9:30 am. This is a drop-in day, but please let us know if you plan on coming out so we can plan accordingly. Feel free to call the center for information on what projects we are currently working on or if you can’t make it by 9:30. We appreciate all of you and your help!
