Greetings                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Summer 2010

Here comes Summer and family and friends are planning their summer time outdoor trips and annual get togethers.  One of those activities may be going camping or picnicking in your favorite State Park.  Stop, before you go you better check to see if it is open.  Due to the State budget crisis some State Parks have been closed and their parking areas will be padlocked to prevent the taxpayers from entering.  I won't go into the logic of these closures because I fail to find any.  But, the ADK is appealing the decision and we could use everyone's help.  Please go to our web page www.adk-albany.org and see what you can do to help.  You will find this message and links to your representatives on the web page.

Here's what you can do to help keep your favorite state park or historic site open: State Sen. Jose Serrano, chair of the Senate state parks committee, and Assemblyman Steve Englebright, chair of the Assembly state parks committee, have asked their colleagues to sign letters opposing the park closure plan. Time is of the essence, so please call or e-mail your state Senator and Assembly member and ask them to add their names to these letters.

The Albany Chapter Banquet was a huge success with 140 participants attending and a fabulous speaker, Jon Bowermaster, a National Geographic writer and producer.  Visit his website for a review of his work and videos www.jonbowermaster.com.  I'd like to thank the Banquet committee for the great job they did organizing and managing the banquet.  You all did a great job!  They are Dave and Angie Newell, Hank Bickel, Jack Landry and Sharyn Flesher, Thea Hoeth and Laurie Schweighardt.  Special thanks to Lee Shaller, who is our General Lee on the front line and The Chairperson, the Wizard behind the curtain, Ken Wehner.  And thanks to all who attended hope you had a great time.

This past March we lost a member who I believe left a lasting memory on many of our Chapter members who exemplified what ADK is all about.  Fred Schroeder was 85 years old and was actively leading hikes into his 80’s.  Fred's untiring love for the outdoors and dedication to leading hikes and preserving the land is something we can all be proud of.  To honor Fred, we have renamed the Chapter Recognition award to the Fred Schroeder Memorial Recognition Award.  The first winner of the newly renamed award is Jan Peterson our Recording Secretary who has dedicated over 20 years of service to the Chapter.  Congratulations Jan we are grateful for your service, good nature and humor you have given us through the years.

Please enjoy a safe, fun and adventurous summer!  Happy Trails!

Phil Seward, Chairman