Menu
Log in

Empire State CAPital Volkssporters


President's corner

  • 24 May 2026 10:21 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Did anyone lose a pair of sunglasses at the Round Lake walk on 5/20/26. They were found on the table after the walk while packing everything up. See Louise Remillard to collect them. 

    Check the supply of ESCV business cards in your walk boxes, wallet, or purse. Do you have cards with the old website address or the updated website address: ESCVWALKS.org?

    ESCV’s updated business cards with the current website address will be available at each upcoming walk. See Louise Remillard.

    Thank you to everyone who helped make the Northeast Weekend “A Revolutionary Event” such a memorable 50th Anniversary celebration filled with fun, fitness, friendship, and the spirit of AVA.

    A heartfelt thank you to all the leaders, sweeps, POC’s, stampers, sign-in volunteers at the start points, photographers who captured and shared memories, walkers, people who created, update, upgraded the 5 and 10k walks, the committee who chose the beautiful venue for our stay, the meet & Greet, and dinner and everyone who contributed their time and energy throughout the weekend.

    Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication helped create a wonderful celebration of walking and camaraderie. We could not have done it without each and every one of you!

    On Wednesday 5/27/26 Join POC Deborah D’Arcangelis for a walk at Albany Shaker Farms. The route follows sidewalks, floating bridges, wooded trails, and bike paths through the old Shaker Settlement. 

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

    Louise





  • 17 May 2026 9:30 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Weekly Update 

    Saturday 5/16

    First walk of the Northeast Walking Weekend on Saturday May 16th in Johnstown where we witnessed a parade, visited Johnson Hall, a key British trading post during early stages of the the American Revolution, shopped in a market with many people wearing period clothing. Lots of familiar faces at the walk. Lots of sunshine and beautiful weather.

    Sunday 5/17 there was three walks starting at Crown Point with POC Wayne Knapp, Walkers crossed the bridge into Vermont, saw French and British ruins and an August Rodin sculpture on the lighthouse.

    Next was a walk at Fort Ticonderoga with POC Teresa Kennedy starting at the Log House Welcome Center and proceeded through the Fort and the Kings Garden, then meanders along Sandy Redoubt to the Ticonderoga Ferry. 

    Last walk of the day was in The Lovely village of Ticonderoga with POC Linda Morzillo walking along the La Chute River, home of the iconic Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil. Several Trekkies, visited the unique Trekonderoga museum.  

    Monday 5/18 Schuylerville guided Walk with POC Karen Berzins & Marjorie Wytzka visit “Surrender Site" where one of world's top 10-victories of all time occurred: Saratoga - Turning Point of American Revolution. Rag-tag Patriots defeated world's most prestigious military.

    Tuesday 5/19 Lake George guided walk with POC Debbie Hummel. Join us in viewing The beauty of Lake George, the contour of the mountains, and charming village atmosphere contribute to an enjoyable and memorable walking experience.

    Round Lake 5/20

    Come walk with POC Suzanne Daly and visit Round Lake’s quaintness with its restored tiny Victorian cottages from summer revival Methodist camp days - think Oak Grove. Walk along tree covered Zim Smith Rail Trail viewing waterfalls and ravines.

    Zim Smith Bike 5/23

    Please join us for our first bike 2026 on the Zim Smith bike trail. Start point Shenantaha Creek Park in Malta off Eastline Rd. Ride starts at 9:00 am. Helmets must be worn. Enjoy a leisurely ride on a paved path to Mechanicville with POC Brenda Streed. 

    Williamstown 5/24

    Join POC Sue Grey for a walk through a beautiful village in the Berkshires home to Williams College, the Clark Art Institute and the Tony-awarded Williamstown Theatre Festival.


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

    Louise

  • 10 May 2026 12:26 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Happy Mother's Day! 

    From Facebook posted by John McClellan:  The Empire State Capital Volkssporters (AVA-0410) of Clifton Park, NY are one of #AmericasWalkingClub's most active clubs with 62 events planned in 2026. The ESCV played host the to 2019 AVA Biennial Convention and they will host the next 50th Anniversary festival: A Revolutionary Event from 16-20 May in and around the Lake George / Ft. Ticonderoga area with 6 events from Saturday through the following Wednesday. The ESCV walk regularly with groups events twice a week most WEDs and SATs and offer an array of 15 self-guided seasonal (open 1 APR) and 17 year-round events including the Capital walk in Albany and Cooperstown, NY - site of the Baseball Hall of Fame!  All of their seasonal and year-round events can also be found on the AVA Online Startbox (OSB). website: https://escvwalks.org/

    From Facebook posted by Kathy Mack:  We're now less than a week away from the start of the Northeast Walking Weekend - A Revolutionary Event, in Lake George, NY, May 16-20, 2026. Full details are available on our website, ESCVwalks.org.     People are asking about the weather. The forecast is calling for partly cloudy, with a 100% chance of fun, fitness and friendship. See everyone soon!  Don’t forget your Name Tags!  

    Have you reserved your seat for the August 29, 2026 Boston Anniversary Bus Trip?  ESCV has a bus reserved for Saturday, August 29, providing an opportunity to participate in the Walkn’Mass club’s AVA 50th Anniversary Weekend on August 28–29. Doing a walk is encouraged, but not mandatory. Spots are still available — sign up today for this special event!  We expect the bus drop-off point to be the walk start point: Courtyard by Marriott – South Boston 63R Boston St. Boston, MA 02125

    Come to Springfield in 2027 - Convention Committee Jerry Wilson                    Springfield Missouri that is!

    Turns out there are 93 populated areas in the United States named Springfield. The location you should have your eyes on in 2027 is Springfield, Missouri. According to the US Geological Society, the Springfield area in Missouri is the largest of the 93, followed closely by Springfield in Massachusetts and Illinois.

    Now is the time to start planning your visit to Springfield, Missouri, in 2027. The walking week and convention dates are June 28 - July 1. Pre-convention walks are being planned for the preceding weekend June 26 - 28. Post-convention walks and activities are being planned for July 2 - 4. Save these dates.  More information will be coming soon. Watch AVA.org. TAW and the Checkpoint  for more information. 
    Come walk with us - lets make fun memories together 

    Louise 







  • 3 May 2026 1:59 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    May is National Walking Month, so all walks that ESCV sponsors in May, including traditional or YRE group walks will be promoted on the special National Walking Month webpage. ESCV has a great line up of walks;  

    May 3 Cooperstown
    May 6 Albany Tulip 
    May 9 Saratoga Battlefield 
    May 13 Saratoga Springs Museums
    May 16- 20 Northeast Weekend 
    May 23 Zim Smith Bike
    May 24 Williamstown 
    May 27 Albany Shaker Farms 
    May 31 Albany Pine Bush Preserve 


    Thank you to all the walkers who joined us for our first ESCV sponsored Walkway Over the Hudson walk on Wednesday, April 29. It was a perfect day for a walk—great weather and even better company, after the walk we gathered at the Gateway Diner for a delicious lunch before heading back home.  

    Don't miss the party! Only twelve days left to go before A Revolutionary Event Walking Weekend in Lake George, NY, May 16-20,  highlighting Revolutionary War sites, walks and biking in Johnstown, Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Schuylerville, Lake George, and Round Lake. Walkers coming from 21 states. You don’t want to miss the great walks and the fun social activities. Come for one or all events.

    Save the Date Saturday, August 29, 2026 ESCV is sponsoring a bus to Boston in conjunction with the AVA 50th Anniversary Celebration.  Go to ESCVwalks.org to register for Bus trip to Boston. Cost is $60 per person and includes bus ride/tip for the driver, and walk registration fee. Seats are available on a first come first serve basis to members and friend/relatives.  

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

  • 26 Apr 2026 3:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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 


  • 19 Apr 2026 11:59 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    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

  • 12 Apr 2026 10:03 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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


     

  • 5 Apr 2026 9:35 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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 

    Sign up online at ESCVwalks.org and be part of an unforgettable walking experience!

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

    Louise


  • 29 Mar 2026 11:33 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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! 

  • 22 Mar 2026 11:49 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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



Empire State Capital Volkssporters is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, P.O. Box 5464, Clifton Park, New York 12065.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software