Be Safe this New Year's Eve!

This isn't going to be the typical don't drink and drive, have a designated driver on New Year's Eve post. I want everyone to go out have fun and celebrate the end of what was hopefully a great 2010 and celebrate the beginning of 2011. But do it smartly. There is a program locally that takes the burden off you, the celebrator, and your family and friends, it's called the Netters Fund. The Netters Fund is a Not-for-Profit Fund that will aid in the Education and Prevention of Drunk Driving. The Fund was established by a friend of mine, Mark Balistreri, when his wife Annette “Netters” Nichols Balistreri was tragically taken by a drunk driver in 2005.

If you're going to be out an about in Troy this Friday evening/ night take full advantage of the Netters Fund "Safe Ride Program." Through this program the folks at the Netters Fund have teamed up with numerous establishments in the Capital District to offer you a safe and sober ride home.  These places will proudly display the safe ride decal in their window indicating their participation (as seen on the right).  All you need to do is ask the bartender about the program, they will assist you in getting a safe ride home. This is a free service, funded through sponsorships and donations from community members. So, go out have a blast, but do it smartly and locally at a "Safe Ride Program" participant.

To learn more about the Netter Fund and the "Safe Ride Program" visit www.netters.us for more information.

Also, please take a moment to listen to Troy City Councilman Dean Bodnar's comments on the importance of practicing what I'll call "Safe and Smart Celebrating."

Happy New Year to everyone, I hope 2011 is a prosperous one for you and yours.

Putting for Dough - Local Charity Golf Outings

I love to golf. If possible I would play everyday of the week. I routinely travel near and far to experience all the great courses in and around our region and state. When we go away for vacation my clubs come with me. Golf has become a passion and an enjoyable past time for many individuals. But what makes it even more enjoyable is when you’re playing in one of the many benefit outings held each summer season. Benefit golf tournaments have proven to be a great way to raise money for any cause or an organization. Below are a few outings conducted by Troy organizations that are coming up and being a few are even being played at our own Frear Park. Sorry if I have overlooked your event, if I did please email me, jgordon003@nycap.rr.com, the events information and I will gladly add it to the list!

• On June 25th, the “Mayors Cup Charity Classic” will be held. This year the proceeds raised through the tournament will benefit Troy’s “Hook a Kid on Golf” initiative. This initiative is an introductory program for kids ages 8-15. Kids will be introduced to the rules and etiquette of the game, as well as take part in instructional classes on driving, iron play, chipping, and putting. This is a six week program that begins July 12th at Frear Park. In addition to the funds raised through the Mayors Cup, the program also accepts sponsors to help offset the $135 cost per child fee. Visit www.Troyny.gov for more information on this tournament and the “Hook a Kid on Golf” program.
  
  
• On July 11th, the 4th Annual “Big Mac” golf tournament will be conducted by the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club at the Fairways of Halfmoon. For 73 years the LB&GC has provided children with educational, social, and recreational activities to help prevent delinquency in the community. Services and activities offered include peer tutoring, academic support, a technology center equipped with 10 computers, a “Kids Café” open three afternoons a week, and after school snack provided twice a week. Each year operational costs continue to rise and money becomes increasingly tougher to raise. The golf tournament has become one the LB&GC’s top fundraisers and offers all those who attend a very enjoyable time. Call 235-4143 for more information on the 4th Annual “Big Mac” golf tournament.
  
  
• On July 11th, the Netter’s Fund Memorial Golf Outing will be held at Frear Park. The Netter’s Fund is a not-for-profit fund that aids in the education and prevention of drunk driving. Through-out the year the Netter’s Fund and their 23 local sponsors offer the Safe Ride Program. The safe ride program offers free rides to anyone who may have had a very enjoyable evening and has no business getting behind the wheel. As a not-for-profit organization the Netter’s Fund relies on donations from the community in addition to their Safe Ride sponsors to continue offering their programs. Visit www.netters.us for more information on the Memorial Golf Outing.
  
  
• On September 18th, the 14th Annual Veterans of Lansingburgh Golf Tournament will be held at Frear Park. Call 233-8656 for more information.

These are just a few of the hundreds of tournaments available this season. Generally these events are a half-day affair. Registration includes greens fees with a cart, sometimes lunch, a dinner, and an award ceremony to end the day. I find them to be well worth the money and a very enjoyable time. I would encourage you to participate in an event. You’ll have a great time supporting our local youth and community betterment programs. See out on the links!