I have to hand it to Instagram, I am finding out about some pretty cool things through the filtered and unfiltered photo app.
I discovered Bissell Brothers Substance beer on Instagram (a really tasty beer that I'd definitely recommend if you like Double IPAs).
And, most recently, I saw a photo of a monolith structure with the hashtag #Opus40. Since I had never heard of it, I assumed it must be a faraway ruin or structure - it turns out it's a sculpture park (kinda similar to Storm King in that respect) that's just south of Albany, NY in Saugerties.
I'd never heard of Opus 40 and I wanted to share the find. Ya know, for those who don't scour our social media networks looking for cool things to drink and places to visit.

Here's a bit more about Opus 40 from their website:
" In 1938, Harvey Fite (1903-1976), one of the founders of the Bard College Fine Arts Department, purchased an abandoned quarry (reportedly for $250) in the town of Saugerties, NY, in Ulster County, about 100 miles north of New York City. Over a period of 37 years he created the monumental world-acclaimed 6 ½-acre bluestone sculpture now known as Opus 40. During this period he also acquired additional land (70+ acres today) and built several structures, including a beautiful large wood home, a studio, garage, blacksmith shop and the Quarryman’s Museum, home of his unique collection of historic quarrying tools."

Opus 40 is located at 50 Fite Road in Saugerties, NY. They will re-open for the season Memorial Day weekend: Thursday-Monday and Holiday Mondays 11am to 5pm. Admission: $10 for adults, $7 for students, $3 for school age children, Children under 6 are free. No dogs allowed. Picnicking on the grounds is welcome.

Do you know a charity organization that does good work in the community? Refer them to be a benefiting team member for the 5th Annual Grown Up Egg Hunt.

Every year, the Grown Up Egg Hunt in Troy benefits two deserving charitable, community-oriented organizations. We always like to have one medical issue and one community-focused charity annually. We're looking for a Capital District-centric organization to help in April 2016.

Let your favorite local non-profits know about this opportunity and refer them to this site. Anyone can apply but read the information below to see what we're particularly looking for.

Thank you.

Consideration for your organization to be a benefiting team member for the 5^th Annual Grown Up Egg Hunt

Please answer the questions below as thoroughly and accurately as possible. Completed applications are due by August 31. Answers will be reviewed by our committee. The successful applicant will be notified by September 30.

For this application, our committee is especially looking for a local, lesser-known non-profit (preferably a 501 (c) (3) )  that focuses on helping the Capital District and its communities, including but not limited to Troy.

1)      Explain your organization’s mission.

2)      How would you plan to utilize the donated funds?

3)      Do you have any goals for how much you would like to see raised/donated? Explain.

4)      What resources and supplies would you be able to provide for the event and leading up to the event? (ie volunteers, committee leaders, supplies for the event)

Since its inception in 2012, the Grown Up Egg Hunt has donated a total of more than $30,000 to charitable organizations. In 2015, the over $10,000 raised was split between three charities, including one community historic art project, a medical issue, and a community emergency that took place two days prior to the event.

This year’s Grown Up Egg Hunt had over 450 people attend, nearly 20 sponsors, and 165 businesses donate. The inaugural year had about 70 participants and raised $700 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The event, promoting charitable childhood fun for those over 21, brings out everyone’s imagination with new activities and ideas added annually.

We’d like to emphasize that even if your organization is not picked to receive part of the proceeds, our committee is always interested in partnering with local causes that provide good services to the community. Partnerships could include having a table at the event and sharing information online via social media.

In your application, please also include verification (like a signature) from your organization's leader that the application has been authorized.

Completed applications can be sent to:

Grown Up Egg Hunt

Attn: Karen Jamack

35 Old River Rd.

Glenmont, NY 12077

Any questions regarding the event or this application can be referred to Danielle Sanzone at dmsanz01@gmail.com or 518-461-7911.

And this is why you Always, Always, Always stay together when you're hiking.

	DEC Contact: David Winchell 518-897-1248 PressOffice@dec.ny.gov May 11, 2015
Adirondack Forest Ranger Search and Rescue Highlights: 5/4-5/10/15
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured or distressed people from the backcountry. “DEC Forest Rangers’ knowledge of first aid, land navigation and technical rescue techniques are often critical to the success of their missions,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “Search and rescue missions often require Rangers to function in remote wilderness areas from rugged mountainous peaks to white-water rivers, and through vast forest areas from spruce-fir thicket to open hardwoods.” Recent missions carried out by DEC Forest Rangers in the Adirondacks include: Essex County High Peaks Wilderness Town of Wilmington Missing Hiker: On May 8, 2015 at 3:50 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a member of a hiking party reporting that one member of their group had failed to meet them at their rendezvous point at the Reservoir trailhead.  They had set out at 9 a.m. to hike Whiteface Mountain. The 29-year-old woman from Eagan, Minnesota was last seen on the trail at 10:00 a.m. when she decided to turn back and return to their vehicle at the trailhead.  The party agreed to meet her there after they completed the hike, but when they arrived back at the vehicle she was not there.  Forest Rangers arrived on scene, interviewed the party and initiated a search of the general area including nearby trails. The woman was located at 5:50 p.m.back at the Reservoir Trailhead. The woman had never returned to the vehicle.  After taking a brief rest, she changed her mind and proceeded up the trail to catch up with her companions.  Unknown to her, they had decided to splinter off and go up Ester Mountain. After failing to meet up with the group she turned around.  While descending she took a wrong turn down the Flume Trails and hiked 2.2 miles in the wrong direction. She encountered a hiker on the trail who walked her out to the Flume Trailhead. The hiker provided her with a ride back to the Reservoir Trailhead where she was reunited with her companions. The incident concluded at 6:15 p.m.

WITNESS THE FIRST EVER BREWING OF CRAFT BEER WITH HOT GLASS 

CORNING, NY – How often do you get a chance to witness, live and in person, something that has never been done before? Well, you'll have that chance from 5:00-8:00pm on May 16^th, 2015 which is when Corning will be home for yet another innovative glass experience. Only this time, hot glass will be used to create something tatsy. Craft beer!

As part of Finger Lakes Craft Beer Week, Douglass Schuckers, brewer at The Brewery of Broken Dreams in Hammondsport, is collaborating with local glass artist Rodi Rovner and the crew of talented glassblowers at Hands-On Glass Studio in Corning to create a new style of beer – Glas Bier – using a method that doesn’t appear to have ever been done before. Anywhere!

Leave it to the folks in America’s “Crystal City” to put a hot glass twist on the traditional method of brewing Stein Bier. Imagine brewing beer by using a material hotter than volcanic lava!

Of course, Douglass and Rodi are bringing in the expertise of brewer Pelham McLellan and chef John Paul Burris from Market Street Brewing Company to make this event even more special. The first craft brewery in Steuben County, the Brewpub hasmastered the art of crafting delicious brews and tasty meals making it a pillar of Corning’s Historic District for 18 years.

In addition to a never-been-done-before live hot-glass brewing demonstration, the event will feature special hors d'oeuvres from the Brewpub, as well as tastings of select brews from Market Street Brewing Company and The Brewery of Broken Dreams, and each attendee will receive a commemorative glass sun catcher courtesy of Hands-On Glass.

There will also be live music and a free shuttle service to and from the event and Market Street Brewing. 

With a background in ceramic engineering and a career working for Corning Incorporated, a world leader in glass technology, it makes sense that Douglass would envision putting a twist on the traditional methods of brewing Stein Bier by tapping into the rich history of glassblowing found here in America’s “Crystal City.”.

Tickets to this one-of-a-kind premiere event are limited to the first 75 people. Advance tickets are available for only $40.00 thruMay 13th. After May 13th ticket prices will be $50. The event which will run from 5:00-8:00pm on May 16^th and includes shuttle service to and from Hands-On Glass and Market Street Brewing Company.

To learn more about Hot Glass! Cool Brew! or to get your tickets for this event, visit or call Market Street Brewing Company(607) 936-2337, The Brewery of Broken Dreams (607) 224-4050, or Hands-On Glass Studio (607) 962-3044.

Corresponding with the annual International Jazz Festival in Montreal this year is their inaugural Poutine Festival. Here's a bit more about that festival which will have a myriad of poutine vendors all in one place: http://www.mtlblog.com/2015/04/montreals-first-ever-poutine-festival-begins-july-2015/#
The festival is the weekend of July 4th. So, who's up for spending Independence Day in Canada?

750 acres of pristine forest will be opened to park visitors

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced that 750 acres of the former Mount McGregor State Correctional Facility property in Saratoga County will be transferred to Moreau Lake State Park.  A map identifying the new parkland is attached. “I’m thrilled that New York State will open these 750 acres of beautiful forested land to the public for outdoor recreation,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “Moreau Lake State Park is visited by hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year for camping, swimming and exploring its popular trail network. Adding this land to the park will greatly expand the recreational opportunities in the region, preserve open space in fast-growing Saratoga County and ensure access to the Grant Cottage State Historic Site.” The new park lands, located in the towns of Corinth, Wilton and Moreau, include extensive forests and wetlands and the shores of Lake Bonita, a scenic undeveloped lake.  The transfer extends the park's protection of a mountain ridge known as the Palmertown Range and includes a key segment of a planned long-distance Palmertown Ridge Trail that eventually will connect Saratoga Springs to Moreau Lake. State Parks will undertake a public planning effort in the coming months to give the public an opportunity to comment on how best to provide recreational access to the new parkland, which will include creation of hiking trails and access to Lake Bonita.  Public access to the property is currently limited with no parking areas or maintained trails. The lands transferred to State Parks also include Grant Cottage State Historic Site, the site where President Ulysses S. Grant died in July 1885.  General Grant spent the last five weeks of his life at the cottage, writing his memoirs while battling cancer. The Cottage became an historic site in 1890 and today the cottage remains essentially the same as during the Grant family's stay.  Visitors can tour the downstairs of the cottage, viewing the original furnishings, decorations and personal items belonging to Grant, including the bed where he died, and floral arrangements that remain from Grant's August 4th funeral. The site opens for the season Memorial Day weekend. The reuse of the full 1,025-acre former Mount McGregor Correctional Facility property is being coordinated by Empire State Development and the Office of General Services. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “By working in collaboration with our partner agencies, the New York State Office of General Services and New York State Parks, we have been able to realize a unique approach for the reuse of the Mount McGregor facility that addresses both an opportunity for private investment and public uses.   The transfer of hundreds of acres of land to Moreau Lake State Park will no doubt draw visitors and help boost the tourism economy in Saratoga County, while offering more open space for residents to enjoy outdoor recreational activities.” “Governor Cuomo has made it a priority to encourage visitors and residents to enjoy all our state has to offer, especially our rich history and glorious parks,” Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said.  “Adding this acreage to Moreau Lake State Park and ensuring access to historic Grant Cottage will open up even more ways for families to see and enjoy New York.” "The transfer of 750 acres of land to Moreau Lake State Park is good news as it will enhance and expand access to hiking trails and other outdoor recreational activities. Most important, it will ensure the continued operation of Grant's Cottage, a historic site and popular local attraction, and that it is cared for and maintained under the close, careful supervision of the State Parks Department," said New York State Senator Kathy Marchione, Chair of the Senate's Local Government Committee. “The addition of Mount McGregor to Moreau State Park will make an already beautiful asset even more appealing,” said Senator Betty Little, who chairs the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Parks and Recreation Committee.  “That’s great news for area residents looking to enjoy the outdoors and for the region, which depends a great deal on a strong tourism economy.” “These lands will be a wonderful addition to our State park system, and will provide environmental, recreational and tourism-related benefits for the region,” said Senator Hugh T. Farley. “I applaud the efforts of the Governor and his state agencies in working with local officials and organizations to ensure the preservation and public use of these wild lands, while also taking steps to find productive uses for the facility campus which will benefit the local economy.” “The publication of this Request for Proposal is a key step to ensuring an expeditious transition from correctional facility to new development that will benefit the residents of Saratoga County and our neighboring regions,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. “I look forward to partnering with Empire State Development, as well as other state agencies, municipalities, and community stakeholders, to maximize the potential of the Mount McGregor site.” Assemblyman Daniel Stec said, “I am pleased to see this proposal moving forward.  The environmental, historical and economic benefits this project offers to the community are very positive.” Wilton Town Supervisor Art Johnson said, “I’m pleased that ESD has released the RFP for the sale and redevelopment of Mount McGregor, and that undeveloped lands will be added to Moreau Lake State Park.  This is a very desirable site that should bring lots of interest.  There are many potential reuses for the property.  I especially look forward to replacing the many jobs lost with the closure.” “Our board has been very supportive of creating more parkland and trails,” said Moreau Town Supervisor Preston Jenkins, Jr. “We’re very happy the land will be used for expanding Moreau Lake State Park. It’s one of the best State Parks in the nation.” “I’m glad to be part of a partnership to develop new lands that can be accessed by the public, and that the public will have a say in how the park is used,” said Town of Corinth Supervisor Richard Lucia. “We look forward to working with the community on this project.” “The designation of a portion of the former McGregor Prison lands as permanent parkland is an outstanding gift to the people of New York State,” said Maria Trabka, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN. “The Palmertown Range is a jewel in northern Saratoga County, a 62-square mile complex of wild woodlands and wetlands, providing environmental services like clean air and water and wildlife habitats, while offering ample opportunities for compatible public access and outdoor recreation close to local population centers.” “Congratulations to the Cuomo administration for their commitment to protecting the natural and historic resources located on the grounds of Mount McGregor.  For more than 20 years OSI has worked with State Parks to build and expand Moreau Lake State Park,” said Kim Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute.  “Transformation of Mount McGregor into a protected recreational asset will not only greatly serve the residents of Saratoga County, but also advances our shared vision of connecting Moreau Lake and Saratoga Spa State Parks.” “Audubon New York commends Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Harvey for expanding the Moreau Lake State Park and ensuring the protection of this critical forest habitat,” said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “The Southern Adirondack Audubon Society has been a leading voice for protecting this Important Bird Area, and we applaud all the partners who worked to ensure these acres are permanently preserved.” The additional park acreage underscores Governor Cuomo’s commitment to improving and expanding access to outdoor recreation. NY Parks 2020 is a multi-year commitment to leverage a broad range of private and public funding to invest approximately $900 million in State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The 2015-16 State Budget includes $110 million toward this initiative. Moreau Lake State Park is a 4,531-acre park that attracts almost 400,000 people each year as a destination for swimming, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, hunting and more. The park’s Nature Center provides educational programming for park visitors and local students throughout the summer months.  With its proximity to both Lake George and Saratoga Springs, the park is attractive to visitors year-round as it offers ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities. In recent years the park has become a very popular destination for bald eagle watching in the cold winter months, when eagles winter along the shores of Moreau Lake itself, or along the Hudson River, which runs along the west side of the park property.

GOVERNOR CUOMO, JETBLUE, CUBA TRAVEL SERVICES ANNOUNCE DIRECT CHARTER FLIGHT FROM NEW YORK TO HAVANA

New York State Trade Mission to Cuba Positions JetBlue as Leading Cuba-Bound Carrier

Governor Andrew Cuomo joined with JetBlue Airways, New York’s Hometown Airline™, and its charter partner, Cuba Travel Services, today to announce a new flight from New York to Havana, Cuba. The milestone makes JetBlue the first major carrier to announce a new flight to Cuba from New York since travel restrictions were recently eased.

The expanded charter service comes on the heels of Governor Cuomo’s trade mission to Cuba, where the Governor, joined by JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes and other New York business leaders, led a dialogue to connect New York businesses to new opportunities in Cuba.

"Our Global NY initiative and our trade mission to Cuba are all about opening the door to new economic opportunities, and JetBlue's exciting announcement today is proof that our approach is delivering results for New York businesses,” Governor Cuomo said. “By leading one of the first state trade missions to Cuba as the United States reestablishes diplomatic relations, we placed New York State businesses at the front of the line for new prospects in Cuba, that will in turn support jobs and economic activity here at home. I commend JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes for his leadership in making JetBlue the first major carrier to announce a direct flight from New York to Cuba in this new era between our nations." 

Cuba Travel Services is offering the flight, operated by JetBlue, on Fridays from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Havana’s José Martí International Airport (HAV) beginning July 3, 2015. Travelers should make arrangements directly with Cuba Travel Services (www.cubatravelservices.com).

Cuba Travel Services, a leading authorized carrier service provider, believes expanding its flight network will provide licensed travelers more travel options for a lower cost. The additional service offers customers additional options to travel to Cuba from New York without connection delays or extra domestic travel expenses to connect in Florida.

“We appreciate Governor Cuomo’s commitment to leading a discussion about the role New Yorkers can play in Cuba,” said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. “The Governor’s trade mission is helping position JetBlue as the leading carrier to Cuba. In teaming with an experienced charter partner like Cuba Travel Services, our first flight from JFK to Cuba brings JetBlue’s award-winning experience to Cuba-bound customers and offers new direct travel options from New York, where many Cubans live today.” 

The New York metropolitan area has the second largest Cuban-American population in the United States after Florida.

JetBlue serves all charter flights to Cuba on its Airbus 150-seat A320, and will offer the airline’s award-winning service featuring comfortable seating; free Fly-Fi, the fastest broadband internet in the sky; complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and non-alcoholic/soft drinks; free, live DIRECTV® programming and 100+ channels of SiriusXM® radio in every seatback; and the most legroom in coach (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch of U.S. airlines).

“We are very excited to partner with yet another prestigious carrier such as JetBlue,” said Michael Zuccato, general manager at Cuba Travel Services. “A second JFK rotation will provide additional options for travelers in the Tri-State area as well as those connecting passengers that prefer a New York gateway to Cuba. This new partnership will provide our clients with the high quality of service that they've grown accustomed to with Cuba Travel Services at a more competitive price.”

With the addition to the New York-Havana flight, JetBlue will operate five weekly round trips to Cuba, including flights from Tampa (TPA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) with various charter partners. Cuba will one day play an important role in JetBlue’s overall Caribbean network, a region where JetBlue is the largest airline. The airline began flying to Cuba for charter companies in 2011.

Schedule between New York and 
Havana on Fridays as of July 3, 2015:

JFK – HAV	HAV – JFK
12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.	4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

About Cuba Travel Services
Cuba Travel Services Inc. arranges daily, non-stop public charter flights between the United States and Cuba and is licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as an authorized Carrier Service Provider specializing in travel to Cuba. They offer full service travel arrangements to individuals, groups, families, educators, students, professionals and organizations, under Specific or General Licenses issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. For additional information, please visit www.CubaTravelServices.com or call 1-800-963-CUBA (2822).

About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 32 million customers a year to 88 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 825 daily flights. Upcoming destinations include: Reno-Tahoe, Nev. on May 28; Grenada on June 11, 2015 and Albany, N.Y. on December 10, 2015. For more information please visit JetBlue.com. 

*JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach, based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.