The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

Volunteers Needed For Trails Clean-Up

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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.

Upcoming Events At Bennington Battlefield, GLSP And Cherry Plain State Park

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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.

Grafton Town Board Action – Assessments Questioned

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by Alex Brooks

The issue receiving the most attention at this month’s Grafton Town Board meeting was revaluations that have been done by Grafton’s new Assessor, David Galarneau. At public comment time at the beginning of the meeting, local realtor Gary Charlton spoke at length and in detail about what a “flawed document” the tentative assessment roll is.  [Read more…] about Grafton Town Board Action – Assessments Questioned

Grafton Summer Festival

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The Annual Grafton Summer Festival is scheduled for July 18 from 9 am to 4 pm in the Grafton Town Park. The park is located 12 miles east of Troy on Route 2 in the heart of town. The festival includes a Flea Market featuring the wares of local artisans. Set up for the flea market will begin at 7 am. Numerous community organizations will be on site providing presentations and regional history. Entertainment is provided all day.

Our Lady of the Snow Parish will feature Sister Kenan’s Giant Raffle which is a fund raising event for the parish. Prizes for the Giant Raffle, which has over 100 total prizes, include handcrafted items, gift certificates for many local restaurants and businesses, and Grand Prize of $1500!!

The Parish is also sponsoring a Bake Sale and Chicken BBQ. BBQ tickets are $12 for a half-chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, beverage, and a brownie. Serving will begin at noon and continue until 3 pm. Limited seating will be available. For tickets, call Gloria at 658-2435 or Julie at 421-5070. For information or to reserve spaces call John at 271-8555 or the Parish Office at 279-4943.

Grafton Historical Society Underground Railroad Program

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Kathleen Sheehan, Rensselaer County and Troy Historian, will present a program on the Underground Railroad in Rensselaer County and the key people and important events of the Abolitionist Movement in the nineteenth century. Estella Hovnanian will sing examples of Black Spirituals, which illustrate the suffering of the slaves and their longing for a better life after death.

This program will take place at the regular meeting of the Grafton Historical Society in the Grafton Town Hall on May 20 at 7 pm. Come and learn more about this period in American history and the local connection with the Underground Railroad.

Refreshments will be served following the program.

Poestenkill Historical Society – Home At Last?

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The Poestenkill Historical Society has been given a rare opportunity to establish our very own Heritage/Research Center.  It would be located in the parsonage of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poestenkill on Route 351.

PHS would lease the building and pay for utilities.  In addition, the organization would be expected to pay for any renovations required to fulfill its needs.  Currently this is not possible given our very limited funds.

The Historical Society is asking for donations to help make the dream a reality. Please consider the importance of preserving Poestenkill history for not just for this generation, but for future ones as well. We need your support to preserve local history. Donations are tax deductable and can be sent to The Poestenkill Historical Society, PO Box 140, Poestenkill, NY 12140 or dropped off at the Town Hall.

Grafton Volunteer Fire Department Monthly Breakfast

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The Grafton Volunteer Fire Department along with the Grafton Ladies Auxiliary will be serving you an All You Can Eat Buffet Breakfast on Saturday, May 30 from 8 am to 11 am at the Grafton VFW – Fire Hall on South Road (County Route 85) .  On the menu: Belgian Waffles, Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs (made to order), sausage gravy and biscuits, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast, orange juice, coffee, and milk.  Cost is $10 per adult, kids 12 and under $5, kids 5 and under free!  We look forward to serving you!

Lots Going On At Dyken Pond

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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!