SCHENECTADY– A program that teaches children with disabilities how to ride two wheeled bicycles is coming to  the area. Following is more information:

Every year STRIDE parents of children with disabilities stare in awe as the unthinkable becomes possible when their child finally learns how to ride a two- wheeled bicycle through the STRIDE “I Can Ride” Bike Camp, a week-long program held from June 24th –28th  at the Achilles Rink at Union College in Schenectady.

Using carefully engineered adapted bikes to each child’s height, weight and skill level, each “rider” is assigned a volunteer “runner’, most of whom are local High School students, who pace alongside each rider providing words of encouragement and helping them remain steady as they do laps around the rink.  

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York's maple syrup production surged this year, thanks to better weather for the sweet crop.           

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says production was up 59 percent, from 360,000 to 574,000 gallons.           

Sap flow was held down in 2012 because of the relatively warm weather in late winter and early spring. Federal experts say the colder early spring slowed budding on the trees and extended the season.           

They say only Vermont produced more syrup than New York.           

A total of 3.25 million gallons was produced nationally, up 70 percent from 2012.

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