Empire State Capital Volkssporters News

Sunday April 26 Weekly Update

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:16:35 GMT

Sunday, April 26 — Thank you to POC Teresa for guiding us on the Year-Round Schenectady walk through the beautiful Union College campus (chartered in 1795, making it one of the oldest colleges in the U.S.), across the historic Whipple Truss Bridge, and through the GE Realty Plot a historic residential neighborhood Established around 1900, it features roughly 150 architecturally distinct homes designed for GE engineers and executives, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On Wednesday April 29 join POC Louise for a scenic walk on the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Choose a 5K out-and-back across the bridge or a 10K route extending into downtown Poughkeepsie with river views and historic landmarks.

Parking: Hudson Valley Rail Trail Parking Lot and Caboose, 75 Haviland Rd., Highland, NY 12528. Carpooling: Encouraged

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park (weather permitting) or join the group afterward at Gateway Diner.

see you at the walk,

Louise

Weekly Updates

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:59:50 GMT

Earth Day is Wednesday 4/22/2026

Come walk a Year Round Walk with us at The Colonie Crossings with POC Donna Farber.

Rails to Trails Celebrates 40th Anniversary Saturday 4/25 come walk a Traveling Guided Walk with us at Shenantaha Creek Park with POC Chris Yost.

Schenectady Year Round Walk Sunday April 26 START POINT MOVED - behind St. John's, 806 Union St, Schenectady, Registration 1:00 - 1:25. Walk at 1:30 pm. walk to the Stockade neighborhood, the first designated historic district in the state and one of the oldest in the country.

Sign up for the ESCVC one-day bus trip to Boston on Saturday, August 29, in conjunction with Walkn’Mass club’s AVA 50th Anniversary Walk. Participation in the walk is encouraged but not required. Cost is $60 per seat, open to members, friends, and family on a first-come, first-served basis. For More information: escvwalks.org

Come walk with us—let’s make some fun memories together! Louise

Weekly Update

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:03:14 GMT

Weekly Update
Happy National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day! Sunday April 12,2026

Wednesday April 15 with POC Liz Walsh for the Year Round Cohoes Neighborhood Walk

There are no bathroom facilities at the start point or along the walk route. Walkers are advised to use facilities at a gas station or grocery store before starting the walk.

There is an outhouse located at the adjacent baseball field.

Wednesday April 22 join POC Donna Farber for the Year Round Colonie Crossings walk. Stroll along paved trails, pass a scenic pond, and enjoy views of playgrounds and open spaces.

Saturday, April 25
Celebrate Rails to Trails Day with a scenic walk at Shenantaha Creek Park with POC Chris Yost. Come enjoy fresh air, great company, and the beauty of local trails!

May is National Walking Month! ‍Join the Empire State Capital Volkssporters (ESCV) for weekly walks every Wednesday:

May 6 – Albany Washington Tulip Walk

May 13 – Saratoga Springs Museum Walk

May 20 – Walk in Historic Round Lake

May 27 – Albany Shaker Farms Historic Site Walk.

Come walk with us—let’s make some memories and have a little fun along the way! Louise

Weekly Update Sunday April 5, 2026

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:35:44 GMT

Spring into Walking with ESCV!

Come join us on Wednesday, April 8 for a Year-Round Walk in the village of Scotia with POC Vera Weiss.

This scenic walk follows residential streets through this charming community, along the beautiful Mohawk River, and through local highlights including Collins Park, Scotia Public Library, and the Glen Sanders Mansion grounds.

Saturday, April 11, for a Year-Round Walk in Albany, the state capital! Join POC’s Barbara Feeney, Irene Hawkins and Sophia Palasz—we’re looking forward to a great day on the trail together.

Saturday, April 25

Celebrate Rails to Trails Day with a scenic walk at Shenantaha Creek Park with POC Chris Yost. Come enjoy fresh air, great company, and the beauty of local trails!

May is National Walking Month!

Join the Empire State Capital Volkssporters (ESCV) for walks every Wednesday in May:

May 6 – Albany Washington Tulip Walk

May 13 – Saratoga Springs Museum Walk

May 20 – Walk in Historic Round Lake

May 27 – Albany Shaker Farms Historic Site Walk.

Don’t Miss This Special Event!

Have you registered for the Northeast Walking Weekend – A Revolutionary Event? May 16–20, 2026 Lake George

Come walk, explore, and connect—there’s something for everyone this spring! Be seeing you on a walk

Louise

Weekly Update

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:33:44 GMT

Happy April! Happy Spring!

Join us for a Seasonal Walk on Wednesday, April 1 in the charming village of Altamont with POC Charlene Campanella. Nestled at the base of the Helderberg Escarpment, Altamont offers scenic views, historic homes, an A-MAZ-ing Labyrinth and the home of the annual Altamont Fair.

Enjoy a wonderful Easter season! celebrate the joy of spring as you keep an eye out for colorful Easter eggs and friendly Easter bunnies along the way.

On Wednesday, April 8, we will meet for the Year-Round Walk in the village of Scotia with POC Vera Weiss. The walk follows residential streets of village, along Mohawk River and through Collins Park, Scotia Library and Glen Sanders Mansion.

Come walk with us!

Weekly Update

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:49:10 GMT

Sunday 3/22/2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25 and join us to CELEBRATE TRAILS DAY at Shenantaha Creek Park with POC Chris Yost. This year is extra special as Rails-to-Trails Conservancy celebrates its 40th Anniversary with America’s Walking Club. Celebrate Trails Day is a nationwide moment of awareness and appreciation—spotlighting the joy and impact of America’s trails. Come be part of the movement that helps make it possible for more people to safely walk, bike, and stay active right in their own communities. Let’s get outside and celebrate together!

FYI: Andrew Schmidt member of former West Point Volkssporters Club is planning to drive up to Poughkeepsie (actually, Highland across the river) to walk the Walkway on Sunday, 26 April at 10 AM. I'll start at the WEST side near the caboose. Parking probably along road (75 Haviland Rd., Highland, NY 12528) or in the parking lot, both of which are now paid parking.

If you wish to walk for AVA Credit, be sure to register (and download the directions) at:https://my.ava.org/event-view.php?sn=130427Note that this walk is now 'owned' by our friends at ESCV in Albany, and is OSB-only registration. I will be walking for AVA credit by registering beforehand, of course.

So please let me know you're coming in case something comes up at the last minute so I can get a hold of you. I'll acknowledge all emails or texts so you'll know I received your "RSVP". But I'm not a martyr, so if it is any bad weather, I ain't going, but I'll let you know that morning!

ESCV HAS A GROUP WALK SCHEDULED ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 29 at Walkway Over the Hudson. Starting at 10:00 am.

See you at a walk!

Louise

Sunday 3/15/2026

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:00:52 GMT

Weekly Update for Sunday 3/15Please join us for Fun, Fitness, and Friendship for the rescheduled Slingerlands TGW on Wednesday March 18th. Walk starting at 10:00 am from the Price Chopper Plaza Parking Lot 1395 New Scotland Ave.Slingerlands, NY 12159

NOTE: Park on South End of Price Chopper Plaza AWAY from Price Chopper.

Marjorie Wtzsck and Karin Berzins have let us know they will be stepping down as Year Round & Seasonal Walk Coordinators. We thank them both for their hard work and their three year commitment to keeping our walks organized and scheduled smoothly. At this time no one has been named to fill this position, so if you have suggestions or may be interested in helping, please let me know. Email me at; louiseremillard3@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who attend the ESCV Meeting on Wednesday March 11 after the Glenville Walk and to Barbara Nigro and Irene Hawkins for taking minutes at the meeting.

See you on a walk!

Louise

March 8, 2026

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:38:57 GMT

Big Give Complimentary Walk Coupons

some ESCV Members received 2 complimentary walk coupons from AVA as a thank you for making an individual donation to the Big Give last year. The coupons expire March 31, 2026, the December Checkpoint on page 2, has more information, AVA will credit clubs $2 each for the redeemed coupons. The value of the coupon is the equivalent of $4 for walk fees.

Save the Date – March 11

I’ve reserved a meeting room at 12:30 PM at the Glenville Library for our next ESCV meeting, which will take place following the Glenville Walk.

Please mark your calendar—we look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any items you’d like added to the agenda, or any concerns you’d like discussed, please let me know ahead of time so we can be sure to include them.

Boston Anniversary Walk. August 29, 2026. Possible Bus trip to Boston

ESCV will be offering a one day bus trip to Boston, Saturday August 29, to provide an opportunity to participate in Walkn'Mass club's AVA 50th Anniversary weekend August 28-29. Please provide your interest by signing up for this event. We need your responses ASAP. The sooner we capture the interest the sooner we can contract with the bus company to ensure we get a bus.

NE Weekend May 16-20, 2026 we are looking for volunteers to help with several important tasks that will keep everything running smoothly. Volunteer opportunities include:

Distributing goodie bags after collecting the required signed waivers

Stamping books at the walk start points and at the hotel
Checking in pre-registered, paid attendees at the hotel
Checking in attendees at the Meet & Greet, Dinner, and Boat Cruise.

If you are willing to help with any of these tasks, go to Sign Up Volunteer Genius. even a small amount of time makes a big difference and helps ensure a successful event for everyone.

Thank you for supporting the ESCV. See you on the walks! Louise

Weekly Update 3/1/2026

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:33:31 GMT

Weekly Update

Sunday 3/1/2026

Big Give Complimentary Walk Coupons

Several ESCV Members received 2 complimentary walk coupons from AVA as a thank you for making an individual donation to the Big Give last year. The coupons expire March 31, 2026, the December Checkpoint on page 2, has more information, AVA will credit clubs $2 each for the redeemed coupons. The value of the coupon is the equivalent of $4 for walk fees.

Save the Date – March 11. Club Meeting I’ve reserved a meeting room at 12:30 PM at the Glenville Library for our next ESCV meeting, which will take place following the Glenville Walk.

Address: 20 Glenridge Road, Glenville NY 12302

Please mark your calendar—we look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any items you’d like added to the agenda, or any concerns you’d like discussed, please let me know ahead of time so we can be sure to include them

Boston Anniversary Walk

August 29, 2026. Possible Bus trip to Boston ESCV will be offering a one day bus trip to Boston, Saturday August 29, to provide an opportunity to participate in Walkn'Mass club's AVA 50th Anniversary weekend August 28-29 IF there is sufficient interest. Doing a walk is encouraged but not mandatory. We expect the bus drop off point to be the walk start point Courtyard by Marriott - South Boston 63R Boston Street, Boston, MA 02125. Please provide your interest by signing up for this event. We need your responses by March 9. The sooner we capture the interest the sooner we can contract with the bus company to ensure we get a bus.

See you on the walks!

Weekly Information Sunday 2/22/2026

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:51:03 GMT

Hello fellow ESCV friends,

We’re starting to make plans for a few upcoming events—hope you can join us!

Mohawk Harbor Walk Wednesday 2/25 Sign in will take place in the lobby of Courtyard Marriott, 240 Harborside Way with Bathrooms available to walkers in lobby area.

Please bring your walking sticks, Yaktrax, ice cleats, crampons, whatever you have in case conditions are snowy or icy. Some sidewalks are better for walking than others. Better to have them and not need them than the other way around!

Save the Date – March 11

I’ve reserved a meeting room at 12:30 PM at the Glenville Library for our next ESCV meeting, which will take place following the Glenville Walk.

Please mark your calendar—we look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any items you’d like added to the agenda, or any concerns you’d like discussed, please let me know ahead of time so we can be sure to include them

Boston Anniversary Walk

August 29, 2026

Bus trip to Boston anyone?

ESCV will be offering a one day bus trip to Boston, Saturday August 29, to provide an opportunity to participate in Walkn'Mass club's AVA 50th Anniversary weekend August 28-29

IF there is sufficient interest.

Doing a walk is encouraged but not mandatory. We expect the bus drop off point to be the walk start point

Courtyard by Marriott - South Boston

63R Boston Street, Boston, MA 02125

Please provide your interest by signing up in this event. We need your responses by March 9. The sooner we capture the interest the sooner we can contract with the bus company to ensure we get a bus.

See you on the walks!

Northeast Weekend and Boston 50th Anniversary Bus Trip

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 22:07:22 GMT

Check out our February ESCV Newsletter particularly page 1 on the upcoming Northeast Weekend May-16-20, 2026. If you haven't yet signed up to attend or volunteered to help now is the time to do so!

Please be sure to respond to the bus trip to Boston 50th Anniversary interest email if you have not already done so.

thank you

Weekly Update

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:47:55 GMT

Fellow ESCV Walkers,

We have no walks scheduled for this coming week.

Wednesday’s Slingerlands walk was canceled due to unsafe conditions — freezing rain and icy sidewalks are no joke. And looking at the forecast, Wednesday (2/18) especially shows snow, sleet, and freezing rain turning to rain, with more mixed precipitation again Friday and Saturday. It’s definitely shaping up to be a challenging week for safe walking.

Rather than staying inside, this might be a great time to try out a Year Round walk using the Online Start Box (OSB). It’s a flexible and convenient option that allows you to choose a walk that fits your schedule and head out when conditions are safest for you.

You can still get those steps in — just on your own timetable and at your own pace.

Let’s keep moving, even if winter is trying to slow us down!

Stay safe and warm,

Louise

Weekly post

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:34:34 GMT

Fellow walkers and friends,

February has certainly reminded us that winter is still in charge! ❄️ Snowstorms, icy conditions, and cold temperatures have forced us to cancel a few of our scheduled walks.

Thank you for your patience—we’re eager to lace up again soon and get back out there together. We’re hopeful the weather will cooperate for our next scheduled Traveling Guided Walk on Wednesday, February 25, at Schenectady Mohawk Harbor.

Hope to see you there!

Warm regards

Louise

Weekly Update

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:11:57 GMT

We wish to extend our sincere sympathies to ESCV member Terry Gitnick on the passing of her mother, Beverly Gertrude Sechrest Mulligan, who passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 98. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

Weekly Update

A big thank-you to Teresa for leading the Schenectady Rose Garden walk—Wednesday, January 31 braving the cold and bringing everyone together for a great winter outing. ❄️

The TGW Albany Redux Walk, originally scheduled for Sunday, January 25, was proactively canceled due to the pending snowstorm, possible hazardous driving conditions, and very cold temperatures. We are working to reschedule the walk for a future date—stay tuned for updates.

Weekly Update January 18

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:49:37 GMT

Longtime ESCV member Shirley Pingelski is currently dealing with some health issues.

If you would like to reach out, Shirley would truly appreciate texts only at this time and would also welcome cards.
Shirley is currently staying with her daughter. For security purposes, please refer to the membership directory on escvwalks.org for her alternate address (daughter’s address). Her phone number is also listed in the directory. Thank you for your understanding and for keeping Shirley in your thoughts, and for the kindness and support that mean so much during times like this.

From the Checkpoint: AVA Webinar

Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00pm-8:00pm Central.

To register for the webinar, go to https://ava.org/monthly-webinar/.

or go to AVA website homepage.

Once you have registered for the Zoom meeting a link will be sent to the email you used to register.

Guest Host: Karen Kaufman, AVA Board Member, Atlantic Region

Presenters: Ron Jones, AVA Deputy Director, Atlantic Region, Beth Stenstrom, Kay Shoemaker, Holly Pelking, and John McClellan.

The Atlantic Region Karen Kaufman, Regional Director and Ron Jones, Deputy, Regional Director will host the

January webinar on “How to Get New Members and Retain Them.”

The panel will present how each reached out to potential members and how they kept them interested in their clubs. The intended audience is any AVA member. Panel members are Ron Jones, Beth Stenstrom and Kay Shoemaker from the Fredericksburg Walking Club, Holy Pelking, Pacific Regional Director, and John McClellan from the Happy Wanderers Club.

Make a New Years Resolution to tune in and get best practices on how to grow your club. Recruiting new members is a great way to celebrate the AVA‘s 50th Anniversary!

Thank you to POCs Marjorie and Karin for a wonderful walk in Greenwich! Temperature was a comfortable 45 degrees, we welcomed 22 happy walkers, including a first-time walker—welcome to the fun!

Thank you to Gail for sharing the Albany Pine Bush Neighborhoods walk with us on Sunday, January 18. We had a great group of walkers come out and join us for a pleasant afternoon walk through the neighborhoods. It was a wonderful way to enjoy the day together.

Come walk with us!l

Louise

Weekly Update

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:57:46 GMT

Happy New Year!
2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic walking year as we celebrate the USA’s 250th Anniversary and AVA’s 50th Anniversary, with special walking events planned throughout the year. More information can be found in December TAW.

In addition, ESCV will continue to offer a full schedule of Year-Round and Seasonal walks and bike events, along with Wednesday Walks, Traditional Walks, and Traveling Guided Walks—providing many opportunities to get out and enjoy fun, fitness, and friendship together all year long.

Please be sure to mark your calendars for the Empire State Capital Volkssporters Northeast Weekend: May 16–20, 2026

Walk the Story That Changed the World

This event will feature walks highlighting locations connected to the British invasion of New York during the Revolutionary War. Planned activities include a Meet & Greet, a group dinner, and a scenic cruise on Lake George.More information is available on escvwalks.org website.

FYI: Please note a date and location change for Oktoberfest — it will now be held on Saturday October 10, 2026, at Tawasentha Park.

May the New Year bring you good health, happy miles, and many opportunities to participate in our walking/bike events. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this milestone year!

Looking forward to seeing you at an upcoming walking event,

Louise

From the Membership Chairman

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 20:43:58 GMT

What a pleasant time we had at the Turf Tavern today. Thanks to all members who have renewed their memberships and gave me renewals at the holiday gathering. If you have not had an opportunity to take care of this task, please take a minute to renew your ESCV membership using the new website. Click on your name in the upper right corner of the Home page, to access your profile and the membership invoice.

We welcome you to all the events of 2026! Happy Holidays to all.

Thanks,
Kate Walsh, Membership Chair