TheHilltowns.com Event Calendar

The Writers Open Mic

2012-03-13T17:43:51.000Z

When: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:30pm to Fri Apr 13, 2012 9pm EDT

Where: 16 Maple Avenue, Slingerlands, NY 12159
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: The Writers Open Mic held at Pine Hollow Arboretum is beginning the 2012 Season with poet Phil Good as the feature reader. The event will be held at the Pine Hollow Arboretum Visitors Center building at 16 Maple Ave. in Slingerlands, New York on Friday April 13, 2012 starting at 6:30 PM. In the Open Mic format,others poets can read three short poems or two longer poems. Also two pages of prose will be acceptable. Featured poet Phil Good lives near the convergence of the Kinderhook and Tsatsawassa Creeks in Rensselaer County, New York State. He is a graduate of The School of Visual Arts. He co-edited in New York City with Bill Denoyelles, the last of the mimeograph poetry magazines, Blue Smoke. He is the author of Drunken Bee Poems and Coffee Poems and the recently published Untitled Writings From a Member of the Blank Generation, issued by Trembling Pillow Press, New Orleans, Louisianna. He has given poetry readings all across America and abroad. Michael Gizzi said of Untitled Writings the “100 poems, maybe more—should have appeared a hundred moons ago.” Dennis Sullivan compares his writing to that of Gregory Corso. Lisa Jarnot said “An old friend comes to visit and keeps you up far past your bedtime. The conversation is joyously animated. The gossip is gentle. Curious questions waltz through the room. Who unleashed this light in the darkness? Phillip Good, of course.” Light refreshments. Donations welcomed. Contact Alan Casline at acasline@aol.com for more information.. Funding to support this Reading Series comes from Hudson Valley Writers Guild and Rootdrinker Institute. Future Features: May 25th, Helen Ruggieri, June 15th Gary Lawless The grounds at Pine Hollow Arboretum are open dawn to dusk on the day of the reading so come early and visit the collection.

Boy Scout Troop 79 Pancake Breakfast

2012-02-24T00:18:43.000Z

When: Sun Feb 26, 2012 9am to 12pm EST

Where: Berne Masonic Lodge
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Boy Scout Troop 79 Pancake Breakfast Sunday, February 26th 9 AM - Noon Masonic Lodge, Berne Adults $7.00 Seniors and Children 5 - 12 $5.00 Children under 5 are free Menu: Pancakes Bacon Suasage Scrambled Eggs Coffee, Tea, Juice Proceeds from this event will go towards purchasing a trailor for the scouts to use on their outings!

Winter Botany Workshop at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:43:06.000Z

When: Sun Feb 26, 2012 10am to 2pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Learn about the anatomy of tree branches and the use of keys and other aids in identifying native trees and shrubs in their winter condition with botanist Ruth Schottman. Indoor study will be followed by time outdoors. Please dress for comfort outdoors with minimal activity. Bring a bag lunch. Program fee is $2. Call 872-0800 to register.

Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:42:27.000Z

When: Sat Feb 25, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Enjoy a guided snowshoe walk on the Nature Center trails. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5 per person and may be reserved in advance. Call 872-0800 to register and/or reserve snowshoes. In case of extreme weather, please call ahead to confirm program.

Snow Day at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:41:50.000Z

When: Wed Feb 22, 2012 10am to 3pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Join us for a day of winter fun! Take a snowshoe walk, help build a snow shelter, look for animal tracks, and make a snow painting. Warm up indoors with food, crafts and stories. Make your own smoothies, trail mix, and more with Honest Weight Food Co-op’s healthy snacks program! Storyteller Claire Nolan will be here to share entertaining winter-themed stories. Program is appropriate for all ages. Materials fee of $10 per family. Please call 872-0800 to register, reserve snowshoes, and for the activity schedule.

“The Power of Water” at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:41:04.000Z

When: Sun Feb 19, 2012 2pm to 3pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Driven largely by the energy of the sun and gravity, water is a key geological force that continually alters the landscape through rainfall, floods, currents, waves, tsunamis, tides, landslides, glacial ice, and even the daily action of freezing and thawing in fall and spring. The year 2011 provided a few key examples of water in action: the Japanese tsunami, the Keene Valley landslide, and Tropical Storm Irene. Speaker is Dr. Chuck Ver Straeten, geologist at the NY State Museum. Feel free to bring along your fossil rocks for identification. Call 872-0800 for more information.

Birding Skills & the “Great Backyard Bird Count” at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:40:28.000Z

When: Sun Feb 19, 2012 9:30am to 10:30am EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Learn how to use binoculars, field guides and bird identification keys. Practice your new skills at the bird observation window, where participants will identify and count bird species for the “Great Backyard Bird Count”. This citizen-science project can be done from your own living room! We’ll teach you how! Bring binoculars and field guides, or we will provide. Call 872-0800 to register. This indoor program, open to adults and families, is part of our Jr. Birder series.

Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:39:42.000Z

When: Sat Feb 18, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Enjoy a guided snowshoe walk on the Nature Center trails. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5 per person and may be reserved in advance. Call 872-0800 to register and/or reserve snowshoes. In case of extreme weather, please call ahead to confirm program.

“The Evolutionary History of Birds”

2012-01-19T00:39:08.000Z

When: Sun Feb 12, 2012 2pm to 3pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Did you know that birds are a highly specialized group of reptiles? In fact, birds are the last remaining lineage of the dinosaurs. In celebration of Charles Darwin's 203rd birthday, Dr. Jeremy Kirchman, Curator of Birds at the NY State Museum, will discuss evidence from the fossil record and from genetics research for the origin and evolutionary diversification of birds. Call 872-0800 for more information.

Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Park

2012-01-19T00:38:17.000Z

When: Sat Feb 11, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Park
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Enjoy beautiful views from the escarpment on a snowshoe walk in the park. Call 872-0800 to register and for meeting place. Snowshoes are available to rent and may be reserved in advance. In case of severe weather, please call ahead to confirm program.

Homeschool Snowshoe Program

2012-01-19T00:37:28.000Z

When: Wed Feb 8, 2012 1pm to 3pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Break the monotony of the season and join other homeschooled children and parents for some outdoor winter fun. We’ll take a snowshoe walk to examine animal tracks and sign, and discuss some of nature’s adaptations for winter. Then we’ll warm up with hot cocoa and indoor activities. Space is limited, call 872-0800 to register and reserve snowshoes.

“Archaeological History and Site Preservation in the Schoharie Valley”

2012-01-19T00:36:36.000Z

When: Sun Feb 5, 2012 2pm to 3pm EST

Where: Thacher NAture Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Flooding and other natural disasters can have detrimental effects on the preservation of archaeological sites. State Archeologist, Dr. Christine Reith, will discuss the archaeological history of the Schoharie Valley and the impact that Hurricane Irene has had on the preservation of archaeological sites in the region. Call 872-0800 for more information.

Family Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:35:38.000Z

When: Sat Feb 4, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Bring the kids and enjoy a family-paced snowshoe walk on the Nature Center trails. Snowshoes for all ages are available to rent for $5 per person and may be reserved in advance. Call 872-0800 to register and/or reserve snowshoes. In case of severe weather, please call ahead to confirm program.

Snowshoe Walk in the Woods at Thacher Park

2012-01-19T00:34:52.000Z

When: Wed Feb 1, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Park
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Do you enjoy and appreciate Thacher Park, the Nature Center, and Thompson’s Lake campground? Come and meet with Friends and find out how you can help support the parks. Refreshments will be served. Call 872-0800 for more information.

Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:33:44.000Z

When: Sun Jan 29, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Enjoy a guided snowshoe walk on the Nature Center trails. If there is no snow, we’ll hike. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5 per person and may be reserved in advance. Call 872-0800 to register and/or reserve snowshoes. In case of extreme weather, please call ahead to confirm program.

“The History of Geology in Thacher Park”

2012-01-19T00:32:59.000Z

When: Sat Jan 28, 2012 2pm to 3pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: “The History of Geology in Thacher Park” at Thacher Nature Center The plaque at the west end of the Indian Ladder trail honors “pioneering geologists whose researches in the Helderbergs from 1819 to 1850 made this region classic ground." The list includes James Hall, our first State Geologist; Sir Charles Lyell, the Scottish geologist; Louis Agassiz, the Swiss geologist who discovered the Ice Ages; and James Eights (what was he doing in the Antarctic?). Find out more about these famous individuals and their historical significance with Thom Engel, who has been tracking their footsteps in the park for decades. Call 872-0800 for more information.

Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:31:47.000Z

When: Sun Jan 22, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Enjoy a guided snowshoe walk on the Nature Center trails. If there is no snow, we’ll hike. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5 per person and may be reserved in advance. Call 872-0800 to register and/or reserve snowshoes. In case of extreme weather, please call ahead to confirm program.

“All About Fungi” at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:30:54.000Z

When: Sat Jan 21, 2012 2pm to 3pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: “All About Fungi” at Thacher Nature Center Bring your curiosity to this discussion with Dr John Haines, mycologist. Dr. Haines will talk about some of the fungi that can affect your health, especially the molds that inhabit your basement and those in the air you breathe. He will discuss, as well as possible, questions you may have about rot, mushrooms, molds, plant disease or any other mycological topic. Call 872-0800 for more information.

Snowshoe Walk in the Woods at Thacher Park

2012-01-19T00:28:06.000Z

When: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10am to 11am EST

Where: Thacher Park
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Snowshoe Walk in the Woods at Thacher Park Join a snowshoe walk on the beautiful park trails. Call Joy at 872-1237 for meeting place and more information.

Meeting of Friends of Thacher Park at Thacher Nature Center

2012-01-19T00:29:11.000Z

When: Wed Jan 11, 2012 7pm to 9pm EST

Where: Thacher Nature Center
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Meeting of Friends of Thacher Park at Thacher Nature Center Do you enjoy and appreciate Thacher Park, the Nature Center, and Thompson’s Lake campground? Come and meet with Friends and find out how you can help support the parks. Refreshments will be served. Call 872-0800 for more information.

Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center

2011-12-02T02:31:06.000Z

When: Sun Jan 8, 2012 10am to 12pm EST

Where: 87 Nature Center Way Voorheesville, NY 12186
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center Enjoy a guided snowshoe walk on the Nature Center trails. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5 per person and may be reserved in advance. Call 872-0800 to register and/or reserve snowshoes. In case of extreme weather, please call ahead to confirm program. This is the first of our winter weekend snowshoe walks, scheduled on Sundays in January and Saturdays in February.

Local History Talk and Book-signing at Thacher Nature Center

2011-12-02T02:30:14.000Z

When: Sat Jan 7, 2012 2pm to 4pm EST

Where: 87 Nature Center Way Voorheesville, NY 12186
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Local History Talk and Book-signing at Thacher Nature Center Local authors Tim Albright and Laurie Ten Eyck will talk about our rich local history and sign copies of their recently released book “John Boyd Thacher State Park and the Indian Ladder Region.” This is the first program in our winter weekend presentations, scheduled on Saturdays in January and Sundays in February. Call 872-0800 for more information.

“First Day” Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Park

2011-12-02T02:28:09.000Z

When: Sun Jan 1, 2012 11am to 1pm EST

Where: 1 Hailes Cave Road Voorheesville, NY 12186
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: “First Day” Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Park Ring in the New Year with a walk in the woods. Meet at Hop Field for a snowshoe walk through the Yellow Rocks picnic area. Trail leads through woods to breathtaking scenic views from the Glen Doone Escarpment. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the year’s first day. Enjoy hot chocolate and refreshments afterwards in the warming room. Walk lasts about 2 hours. Snowshoes available to rent at the park office and may be reserved in advance. Please call 872-1237 to register.

“Wish it Would” Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center

2011-12-02T02:26:30.000Z

When: Sat Dec 31, 2011 10am to 12pm EST

Where: 87 Nature Center Way Voorheesville, NY 12186
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: “Wish it Would” Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center Will wishing make it snow? If not, we’ll take a winter hike. Snowshoes are available to rent and may be reserved in advance. Call 872-0800 to register and/or reserve snowshoes. In case of extreme weather, please call ahead to confirm program.

Fantastic Furbearers at Thacher Nature Center

2011-12-02T02:25:16.000Z

When: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10am to 12pm EST

Where: 87 Nature Center Way Voorheesville, NY 12186
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Fantastic Furbearers at Thacher Nature Center Fur is in fashion if you’re a wild mammal living in New York State! Using our fur and skull collections, we’ll find out how wearing fur benefits animals during the harsh winter season. We’ll play fun and educational games including ‘Mammal On Your Back’ and ‘Furry Friend ID’ to learn about animal habits, diet and habitat preference. Make your own realistic mammal mask to take home. Please dress warmly for a short outdoor portion. Program is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Call 872-0800 to register.