The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Local News

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!

Opportunities For Youth At Dyken Pond

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Scholarship applications are now being accepted for the Summer Outdoor Learning Adventure, a summer nature day camp at the Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center. This popular one week nature program is for youth ages 6 – 13.

The Forest Conservation Corps, for teens aged 14 -16, will reconvene for its third year at the Dyken Pond Center. The program runs from June 29th – July 3rd from 9am – 3:30pm.  FCC crews work on valuable conservation projects while developing job skills, personal values and knowledge of the environment. This experience and the skills gained can enhance your education, leadership and future job opportunities.  Participants work on conservation projects and participate in environmental education for a one week session. There is no cost to participate in FCC and students who attend can gain community service hours. Applications can be found on our website at www.dykenpond.org.  If you have any questions please e-mail us at dykenpond@fairpoint.net or call (518) 658-2055.

Spring Home-School Series

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Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is offering a Series for students 3rd grade and up every Tuesday for five weeks May 19 until June 16. Each Tuesday covers a different special habitat and run from 1 pm to 3 pm. Cost is $5 per student or $15 per family. More infomation is at www.dykenpond.org. Pre-registration is encouraged.Contact the Center at dykenpond@fairpoint.net or (518) 658-2055.

Arthur J. Hess

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Pittstown – Arthur J. Hess 94, passed away on Friday February 27, 2015 at the Bennington Health & Rehab Center. He was the husband of the late Kathleen (Rushia) Hess, who passed away in 2012. They were married for sixty-eight years.

Arthur was born on October 14, 1920, in Springfield, Illinois, son of Albert and Rosa (Hoff) Hess. He attended Troy High and Hudson Valley Technical School. Arthur was a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1943-1946. He was employed at the Watervliet Arsenal where he worked on projects with the space program, involving the re-entry space nose cone. He was a member of Victor Masonic Lodge in Schaghticoke, New York, Pittstown Planning Board, Pittstown Historical Society, 4-H Leader, Rensselaer County Agricultural Society and a director of the Maverick Drum & Bugle Corp.

Survivors include his daughters Connie (John) Gilbert, Kathy Hess-Reneau, Debbie Hess and Joyce (Arthur) Parmelee, son Bill (Sue) Spain, also seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by two brothers Albert and William Hess.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Mail Code 119, Albany, NY, 12208.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vermont for all the care they gave to Arthur.

Celebration of Art Hess’s Life will be at the Victor Lodge Masonic Temple in Schaghticoke, May 23, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.  Attendees are welcome to bring written personal stories of their memories of Art.

Senator Kathy Marchione Names Dr. Catherine Allain of Grafton As Her 2015 “Woman Of Distinction” For The 43rd Senate District

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Senator Marchione praises Dr. Allain’s lifelong dedication to the cause of education 

Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon), Chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee, recently proudly announced Catherine Allain, Ph.D. Edu, of Grafton as her 2015 New York State “Woman of Distinction” for the 43rd Senate District. The 43rd District includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties, and all of Columbia County.

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