The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Sports Outdoors

Dyken Pond Center Historical Research Project

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We are gathering information on the land use history of the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center and surrounding area. We would like to document past uses and history of the Dyken Pond Center for a future exhibit. We are looking for photographs, maps, stories and/or personal knowledge of the lake itself, historic farms and businesses, land use practices and people who have historically visited or vacationed in this area. If you are willing to share items or information, please contact Mary Alice Pasanen at Mary_Alice_Smith@hotmail.com or 229-1936.

Contact the Center at 658-2055 or dykenpond@fairpoint.net or visit our website at www.dykenpond.org for more information and a complete schedule of our events.

Rensselaer Land Trust Annual Meeting

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Please join Rensselaer Land Trust (RLT) at its annual meeting on Saturday, December 6, from 8:30 to 11:30 am at Brown’s Brewing Co., Revolution Hall, Troy. The keynote speaker will be Tom Lake, presenting “Climate Change: We’ve Been Here Before!”

In the first half of the meeting learn about the RLT’s exciting 2014 accomplishments for land conservation and watershed protection in Rensselaer County. Over 150 community members will also be inducted into RLT’s new Blue Bird Society for their continued loyalty and support to RLT over the last decade.

The second half of the meeting will include a lecture by Tom Lake, NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program naturalist. Lake’s talk will bring guests back to earlier times in human history when severe climate change forced life on Earth to either adapt or become extinct. From Ice Ages to severe droughts, climate extremes have long been the catalyst for human change.

The Brown’s Brewing Co. breakfast buffet costs $15 per person. Please RSVP to Julie@renstrust.org or online at www.renstrust.org.

Panthers Run Over Red Storm, 24 – 6

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by Steve Bradley

Last Saturday the Hoosick Falls Panthers made a run up the Northway to play the Saranac Lake Red Storm. It was cold with a bit of a breeze, but the fans made the almost three hour trip. Everyone must have been dressed for the thirty degree temperature, as everyone stayed in their seats until the end.

The Storm came into the game with a 9 – 0 record and the stats to back it up. On paper they were a good passing team and an average running team. Saranac Lake and Hoosick Falls are familiar foes who only meet as sectional champions, so it’s always a good game.

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Boots And Bridles Elects Officers

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submitted by Allison Acton, Boots & Bridles News Reporter

The Boots and Bridles 4H club held its October meeting on October 18 in Berlin.  Officers for the 2014-2015 club year were elected as follows: President – Emma Woolley, Vice President – Shelly Davis, Secretary – Christina Shupe, Treasurer – Aidan Czub, Club Historian – Molly Czub, News Reporter – Alli Acton.

The Club’s activity for the day was learning about bees, beekeeping and honey extraction.  Club members saw a demonstration of honey extraction, dipped beeswax candles, made beeswax lip balm and bottled raw natural honey.  Many thanks to our presenters!

Many members of Boots and Bridles also attended the Rensselaer County 4H Horse Program end of year banquet held in Poestenkill on October 25.  Several members earned multiple honors and achievements.

The next club meeting will be held on November 22 in Johnsonville, when members will complete a craft project which can be entered in the upcoming 4H Winter Fair.

HAYC3 Announces A New Season Of B-Ball

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Basketball clinics and seasonal sign ups happen Saturday, November 22 and 29. These clinics are free to the public as well as an opportunity to sign-up for the season. The mini clinics will be for co-ed grades 3,4 and 5 from 10 to 11:30 am and grades 6, 7 and 8 from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

Information on the recreational season will be available during these open clinics. The season will focus on skill development, teamwork, fundamentals and fun. All participants must be registered and paid by no later than the final clinic.

For more information, please call HAYC3 at 518-686-9050.

Rensselaer County Legislature – Eastwick Residents Commended And Memorialized

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by Kieron Kramer

The Rensselaer County Legislature held its November regular meeting on Wednesday evening instead of the usual Tuesday because of the Veterans Day Holiday. Three resolutions commending Eastwick residents for their achievements were presented as was a resolution in memory of Berlin’s Maurice L. “Kipper” Maxon.

Most town supervisors, who are in the throes of developing the 2015 town budgets while paring down the property tax levy increases, will be interested in the resolution providing for the distribution of mortgage tax to the towns.

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Panthers Claw Their Way To Win, 31 – 14

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by Steve Bradley

Last Saturday night at Stillwater High School, the Hoosick Falls Panthers faced an unfamiliar situation for the first time all year, a halftime deficit. The Fonda – Fultonville Braves scored 14 first half points; the Panthers scored 7. How the Panthers dealt with this situation is the mark of a good team. Coming from behind, especially against good teams, is what championship teams do.

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Dyken Pond Education Center Events

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November 15 – Get Out and Hike in November – 1:30 to 3:30 pm. When the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler it becomes harder and harder to get outside. Meet some fellow outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy the crisp, fall air at Dyken Pond on this group hike. Remember to dress appropriately for a higher elevation as we are located on the Rensselaer Plateau. We will meet in the parking lot. Call ahead for weather conditions: (518) 658-2055.

December 13 – Get Out and Hike in December – 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Bundle yourself against the cold and make the trek out to Dyken Pond for a group hike. We will be exploring what beautiful and amazing things nature has to offer in the cold of winter. Remember to dress appropriately for a higher elevation as we are located on the Rensselaer Plateau. If there is very little to no snow we will hike as planned; however, if there is a sufficient snow we will snowshoe. Call ahead for weather conditions.

December 14 – Annual Yule Log Tradition – 1 to 4 pm. Beginning at 1 pm, the story of the yule log and the winter solstice will be shared, followed by a search for the hidden yule log. The yule log will be burned in an outdoor campfire, where Gil Payette, Native American Storyteller, will share stories of the season. Greens and ornaments will be available to make holiday crafts. People of all ages are encouraged to come out to this free program, and don’t forget to bring your sleds! Hot chocolate and light snacks will be provided; feel free to bring your own snacks to share.

The Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a park owned and operated by Rensselaer County. Open during daylight hours, the park features over 6 miles of trails for hiking,  bird watching and nature photography, with a launch for non-motorized boats, and areas on the shoreline for great fishing. Learn more at dykenpond.org.