The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department presents Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Sentinel of Amsterdam WILL RESCHEDULE due to inclement weather. It is will bigger and better!
Category: General News
Events
GRAND OPENING OF VILLAGE WATERFRONT & RECREATIONAL PARK SLATED FOR AFTER THE 4TH CELEBRATION
The Village of Fonda Recreational & Waterfront Park will celebrate the new facilities and park renovations together with the After the 4th Celebration on July 9.
“We are proud of this project,” Village Mayor William Peeler said. “Our goal is to attract folks to utilize the natural resources by enjoying the river and eventually campgrounds. We want to attract new visitors and make Fonda a destination rather than a community you pass through. Overall, we want this Park to be self-sustaining and provides years of entertainment for not only Montgomery County residents but tourists visiting our area,” Peeler said.
The Park opening celebration commences with a parade that will begin at 6 p.m. It will go from Wemple Avenue to the Park Street Memorial Wall. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Village of Fonda officials will dedicate the Memorial Wall to military, law enforcement, fire & EMS. Events, including food, a concert, and fireworks, will go until 11 p.m.
View the full schedule of events for Friday and Saturday at https://fondapark.org/events/after-the-4th-celebration/.
Park revitalization has been made possible through grants from the New York State Canal Corporation, the New York State Department of State, the Montgomery County Executive through the Local Tourism Grant Program, and private donations. Some work completed is a public restroom, parking attendant booth, lighting, memorial wall, fountain, and an entertainment pavilion, which will serve as a stage for live music, movies, and other performances.
Peeler commended village crews who have completed a majority of the construction work at the site.
“Our village workers have done a fantastic job at this site,” Peeler said. “I would also like to thank the Town of Mohawk and Montgomery County Highway Departments for their assistance at the park, the Town of Mohawk Fire Department who donated 300 chickens for the After the 4th Celebration,” and the many not-for-profit organizations that support our community.
Peeler said in several months, the Village will install a visitor center that includes a touch screen digital display so visitors can locate different services or activities available within the county. They will also offer kayak rentals with the completion of the boat launch, an antique fire engine display, and many other amenities.
For future Park, updates visit https://fondapark.org/park-revitalization/.
“We hope the local communities will come out and enjoy our After the 4th Celebration and participate in the grand opening of our new facility,” Peeler said. “We anticipate our park revitalization will have a tremendous impact on the overall well-being and growth of our village for years to come.”
National Canal Museum program for Schoharie Crossing
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) will be hosting Martha Capwell Fox of the National Canal Museum to present, “Geography, Geology, and Genius: How Coal & Canals Ignited the American Industrial Revolution,” on Thursday, June 24th at 6:30pm via Webex.
This presentation describes how a rather unique set of circumstances–the geography of rivers and mountains, along with geology that includes anthracite, iron ore, and limestone of northeastern Pennsylvania led several men with incredible energy, inventiveness, and courage brought about the beginnings of heavy industry in the US.
Martha Capwell Fox is the Historian and Archives Coordinator for the National Canal Museum/ Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. The National Canal Museum is dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals and interprets the history and culture of canals as well as the science and technology behind their building, through exhibits and hands-on activities. The museum occupies the first floor of the Elaine and Peter Emrick Technology Center in beautiful Hugh Moore Park, a 520-acre City of Easton park nestled between the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River in Pennsylvania.
This program is offered for FREE and is open to the public. No registration is required; the Webex link goes live at 6:20pm and can be found on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook or NYS Parks website.
For information or a direct link for this program, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 71 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter
Governor Cuomo Announces June 26-27 is Free Fishing Weekend in New York State!
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, is a Free Fishing Weekend in New York State, the second of six Free Fishing Days recognized across the state each year.
“As the school year closes out and the summer officially begins, the timing of New York’s upcoming Free Fishing Weekend couldn’t be better,” Governor Cuomo said. “Whether you’re returning to the angling as an expert, introducing a friend or family member, or casting a line for the very first time, Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect opportunity to experience firsthand all the benefits of fishing.”
During designated free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. Participating anglers are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Remaining 2021 Free Fishing Days include National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 25) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11).
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “New York is home to some of the most exceptional fishing opportunities in the nation and anglers from around the world visit our state’s waters every year in search of their next big catch. I encourage all anglers, from first timers to experts, to take advantage of the upcoming free fishing weekend by casting a line in New York’s waters and experiencing the joy that comes with fishing.”
For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying catch and understanding fishing regulations. DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. In addition, DEC recently launched an interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map on the DECinfo Locator to provide a one-stop shop for information on stocking, fishing access, season dates, and regulations.
To improve public safety and encourage visitors to State-owned and managed lands to practice responsible recreation, DEC recently launched the ‘Love Our New York Lands’ campaign. The campaign is responsive to the steady increase in the number of visitors to state lands, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the decade prior, as more and more New Yorkers and visitors from other states and countries discovered the natural beauty of New York State. For details and more information, visit the Love Our New York Lands webpage.
City of Amsterdam Sunset Festivals Kick off the Season on Saturday, June 19th!
The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department presents Sunset Festivals Sponsored by Lanzi Family Restaurants beginning on Saturday, June 19th with J. Marco Johnson performing at 6pm in Riverlink Park.
The evening will begin with Jen Marshall and Paul Cirillo finishing their 50 mile run from Mohawk, NY to Riverlink Park in Amsterdam, NY via the Erie Canal Bike Path. The duo is running to raise funds and awareness for child hunger in our community. The run is slated to finish at about 6pm in Riverlink Park. Funds raised from the run will benefit Weekend Backpack Program Fundraiser.
The City then welcomes back live music back to Riverlink Park with J. Marco Johnson performing. As always, enjoy great food and drink specials at Astoria Landing at Riverlink Park Marina. Support a great cause, enjoy great food all while listening to some great music on our beautiful waterfront.
Lunchbox Lesson: Preservation League of New York
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is excited to host the next installment of the Summer 2021 Virtual “Lunchbox Lesson” series. Join us on Wednesday, June 23rd at 12 noon for a presentation by Erin Tobin of the Preservation League of New York.
Tobin will discuss the work that the Preservation League does, provide updates on special projects, and share information on how communities and individuals can seek tax credits on their historic structures. She serves as the Preservation League’s Vice President for Policy and Preservation and has been with the League since 2007. Tobin directs all aspects of the League’s Public Policy and Technical Services Programs. Her work includes collaborative pursuit to a statewide policy agenda that advances historic preservation in New York State at the federal, state, and local levels, and builds and maintains a statewide coalition to assist the League in achieving its goals. She also oversees the League’s Technical Services and preservation grants programs, including oversight of the Seven to Save Endangered Properties Program and all preservation workshops and community outreach.
This program is free and offered via Webex. The link is available on our Facebook page, or by contacting Schoharie Crossing. If you are unable to attend the 12pm program, it is slated to be recorded for later online release.
Schoharie Crossing will offer this and other free online lunch time programs during the next several months covering a range of interesting history topics. Links for the programs can be found on Schoharie Crossings NYS Parks webpage, on their Facebook, or by contacting the site.
For information about this program series, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 71 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
Schoharie Crossing offers program on the Morris Canal of New Jersey
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will be hosting Tim Roth of the Canal Society of New Jersey as he takes a look at one of that state’s great canals, the Morris Canal. The program will start at 6:30pm on Thursday, June 10th. This is part of an ongoing series of “virtual” programs being offered by Schoharie Crossing via the free conferencing platform Webex.
In 1824 the Morris Canal & Banking Company was chartered to build a canal that would carry coal to developing markets along the eastern seaboard. The canal would pass through the heart of New Jersey’s iron district and provide the long-needed transportation system that would create new commercial activity. The completed canal extended 102 miles and opened for business in 1831. By the early 1900s, the canal became obsolete. However, it took until 1924 to adopt a plan to close and dismantle the canal. The ownership of the canal’s vast water resources, including Lake Hopatcong, Lake Musconetcong, and Greenwood Lake, passed to the state of New Jersey. Today, the Morris Canal Greenway, a partnership between local communities and the Canal Society of New Jersey, seeks to preserve the surviving historic remains of the canal, interpret canal sites, and offer recreational opportunities to the public.
This program is offered for FREE and is open to the public. No registration is required; the Webex link goes live at 6:20pm and can be found on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook or NYS Parks website.
Schoharie Crossing is also offering free online lunch time programs during the next several months covering a range of interesting history topics.
For information about this program series, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 71 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter
Disc Golf Course at Thomas H. Burbine Memorial Forest Grand Opening!
Please join us as we celebrate the grand opening of the Disc Golf Course at the Thomas H. Burbine Memorial Forest. The course is the first in Montgomery County!
We will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 4 at 5:00pm.
Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals!
Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals
Walk, run, cycle, roll, or paddle to achieve your mileage goal
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2021 and enjoy the great outdoors along New York’s canals and Canalway Trails. Participants choose a mileage goal of 15, 90, 180, or 360 miles. They then walk, run or cycle on the Canalway Trail or paddle on the NYS Canal System to achieve it. People with disabilities are welcome to participate in a 1st Mile Challenge by completing one mile.
“As New York begins to open more, the Canalway Challenge is a great way for people to get outside and discover all they can do along the canals and Canalway Trail,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “The range of mileage options is suited to people of all ages and abilities, from those who are just taking their first steps toward fitness to more experienced athletes.”
The Canalway Challenge is free and registration is open to individuals and teams. People can complete their miles in one big trip or many small ones.
The 1st Mile Challenge offers people with disabilities and their family and friends opportunities to recreate together and build more active lifestyles. There are numerous places along the canals and Canalway Trail that are accessible and several that offer adaptive bikes and kayaks.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “New York’s Canals and adjoining trails offer unparalleled opportunities for safe, socially-distanced outdoor recreation. The Canalway Challenge showcases the tremendous investments made in both our canalside communities through Governor Cuomo’s Reimagine the Canals program, and in opening of the 750-mile Empire State Trail – the longest multi-use trail in the nation. As we continue to seek new and engaging ways to get outdoors while remaining safe and responsible, the Canal Corporation is thrilled to support this initiative and to invite all New Yorkers to experience the unmatched history and natural beauty of our magnificent Canalway Trail system.”
New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “With more New Yorkers looking for ways to safely recreate outside and experience parts of the state they haven’t previously visited, the Canalway Challenge is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to explore the state’s canal system and the Erie Canalway Trail.”
The Canalway Challenge is funded with support from the National Park Service, the NYS Canal Corporation, and Market New York through I LOVE NY/New York State Division of Tourism as a part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Participants should follow all New York State Department of Health guidelines for COVID-19 safety while on the Canalway Trail and while visiting state parks, historic sites, and communities.
This year’s Challenge runs through the end of October. Sign up at www.canalwaychallenge.com
ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. We achieve our mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.
http://www.eriecanalway.org/
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Photo: The 2021 Canalway Challenge is on! New Yorkers are invited to sign up, choose a mileage goal, and explore the great outdoors along New York’s canals. The program is free and runs through October.
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/5FHm28f791o
Dueling and Rationing History Programs Offered!
Dueling and Rationing History Programs Offered
by Schoharie Crossing and the Fulton County Historical Society
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) and the Fulton County Historical Society and Museum (opens in a new tab) have partnered to provide a two-part presentation program series this month. These programs will be offered for free via Zoom and livestreamed on the Fulton County Museum Facebook page.
On Thursday, May 12th at 6:30pm, David Brooks from Schoharie Crossing will be presenting, “DeWitt’s Duel: Political Rivalry at Ten Paces.” The life of DeWitt Clinton is an interesting exploration into the politics of early America and New York State. Recognized now as the Father of the Erie Canal, New York State Governor and former mayor of New York City, Clinton had tended to personal and political rivalries to accomplish legislative goals. Discover some of the intrigue, wrangling, and dirty politics that lead ultimately to DeWitt’s duel on the plains of Weehawken, New Jersey.
Two weeks later, on Thursday, May 26th at 6:30pm, “Service on the Home Front: Rationing During WWII” presented by Samantha Hall-Saladino, Executive Director of the Fulton County Historical Society will explore how the American people felt the effects of World War II long before they fought in it. When America entered the war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it became clear that the creation of a nationwide mandatory rationing program would need to be created. Discover the ways Fulton County residents fulfilled this patriotic duty.
These programs will begin at 6:30pm and are offered for free via Zoom or you can watch live on the Fulton County Museum YouTube page: https://tinyurl.com/FultCoHS (opens in a new tab) . Be sure to like the FCM and Schoharie Crossing on Facebook for more great programs.
For information about this program series, please call the FCHS (518) 725-2203, contact SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit the web page: www.fultoncountyhistoricalsociety.org