There is still time to RSVP with Carol at happyinthehollow@gmail.com

Join us for the NYFOA – Capital District Chapter picnic at the Paint Mine Shelter area of Thacher State Park on Sunday August 17, 11 to 4 (?) pm. As well as being the member picnic, this will be our annual member meeting with election of officers.

Thacher Park with spectacular views and the cool woodlands surrounding the pavilion, is a great place to enjoy the friendship of our NYFOA chapter. Grillmeister Russel is wielding spatula and tongs this year, preparing hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst and other grill items. The grill food, the beverages and place settings, admission to the park and parking fees, are all paid through chapter funds. However, please bring a dish of your favorite picnic food to share – we always have great choices prepared by the many wonderful cooks and bakers in the group.

Grillmeister Russel expects to have the grill items ready starting 12:30-ish, but arrive as early as 11 for time to visit (or help set up), and snack on any contributed hors d’oeuvres.

We expect to have a short presentation about the Master Forest Owner Program followed by a short hike into the woods – on these walks there is always sharing of knowledge and individual experience about the natural world around us. We are a smart bunch!

MEMBER MEETING/ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Any CDC member in good standing is eligible to become an officer on the Chapter Steering Committee. Four positions include:

Chapter Chair – Jason Post, incumbent, agreed to serve another term if elected.

Chapter Vice-chair – Gerry McDonald, stepping down, Russel Freeman agreed to run for this position. (Russel has provided strong leadership and involvement, and holds vast experience and knowledge that will contribute positively for our members).

Secretary – Carol McDonald, incumbent, agreed to serve another term if elected.

Treasurer – Phil Walton, incumbent, agreed to serve another term if elected.

Anyone wishing to apply for one of these positions please contact Tracy Lamanec at tlamanec@msn.com or Carol McDonald at happyinthehollow@gmail.com. Election is by voice vote.

To facilitate our planning, please reserve your place(s) by Wednesday August 13th with Carol at happyinthehollow@gmail.com   We will need to know your grill food preferences (vegetarian options available upon request), possible food allergies, and an idea of the dish you will be bringing. When registering, please provide a good contact phone number should we need to reach you prior to the event.

The Paint Mine Shelter is located at 779 Thacher Park Rd Voorheesville, NY, 12186 (coords 42.65236 N, 74.01541 W)