By Gordon Woodworth Special to The Post-Star
I'll fish or golf until October if I have to.
Now that I'm retired, or at least semi-retired, I can focus on the two things I love: fishing and golf.
Fishing is in my DNA, passed down from my paternal grandfather, Wayne Wood Woodworth, and my father, Donald Wayne Woodworth, who grew up fishing for snapping turtles with his father in northern Quebec and on the fish-rich lakes of Lake Memphremagog.
As a child, my father used to take me fishing upstate with the late, great Albany lawyer Carl Schrade and his son Rick, where our guides paddled big, sturdy canoes out onto beautiful Lake Laurentian and we caught limits of colorful native trout.
At lunchtime, our guide Joe cooked some delicious food over an open fire.
Later, my dad took me to Dead Man's Camp on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. Such a tranquil place. Catching grils (juvenile salmon) was by no means guaranteed. But just being in that special secluded spot with my dad, and later my nephew Gideon and his father Ron, was reward enough.
Anyone else reading this…
Now, I'm fortunate to live on the Schroon River and have my trusty little fishing boat moored at my best friend's pier on the nearby lake. Fishing remains an important part of my peace of mind. I was alone on the lake the other night, and aside from a couple of inquisitive loons swimming by to check me out and an osprey soaring overhead, it was a wonderful experience.
Next month, I'm inviting my great-nephews, Wyatt and Porter Frisbee, to a fishing marathon. Wyatt is the best angler I know and just turned 10. Porter is not far behind; he's 7. It's in their genes.
Later this summer, my dad will come over and sit on the bow of my boat. I'll hand him a fly rod, and as soon as the wind calms down, he'll be casting poppers and waiting for the bass.
It's my happy place and I'm grateful.
Congratulations to Tim Alden for his many years as a lawyer and judge.
Tim Alden, a respected South Glen Falls attorney and former Morrow Town Judge, has retired.
Tim graduated from South High School in 1972. He opened his own law practice in 1981 and served as town judge for 32 years.
Now he enjoys playing golf, playing with his grandchildren and watching hockey. Tim has been attending Adirondack hockey games for decades and is well known in local hockey circles.
Tim has always been kind to our family and we are grateful for his friendship and advice over the years.
Tim, if you're looking for a golfing partner or someone to take you fishing, let me know! You've got my number!
Stanley Cup winners and Adirondack ties abound
Congratulations to the Florida Panthers, who won their first Stanley Cup earlier this week.
It's hard not to be happy for Paul Maurice, a lifelong hockey player. He seems like a great guy. It's been a long struggle, but now his name will be on the Lord Stanley Cup.
Local connections abound: Former Adirondack Thunder player Ryan Romberg was a key member of the Panthers' team, local hockey historian Dan Miner recalled that Brett Clark once played for the Adirondack Flames, former Adirondack Phantom Nick Cousins' name will be engraved on the Cup, and former Adirondack Red Wings goaltender Kenny Holland was Edmonton's general manager.
Dan and others also pointed out that Florida's Evan Rodriguez is the brother of former Adirondack Thunder player Paul Rodriguez.
Maurice's first full season as head coach was with the Hartford Whalers in the mid-1990s. Former Adirondack Red Wings coach Tom Webster and former A-Wings defenseman Randy Ladouceur served as assistant coaches. The team's fourth-leading scorer that year was Kevin Dineen.
Another player on that team was Kent Manderville, who played at Cornell along with Glen Falls' Jason Vogel.
Scott Berliner is THE MAN!
Glen Falls Country Club assistant pro Scott Berliner won his 11th tournament last week at the Donald Ross Classic. Berliner shot a 65 at the GFCC, then carded a 72 to beat the other PGA pros and seal the win. Both rounds were played at Glen Falls. The first round is usually played at Sagamore, another Donald Ross-designed course.
My favorite story about Scott Berliner is from a few years ago. I was at a charity scramble at Cronin's and for $10 your team could let Scott hit a driver on a par 5. We willingly paid the fee. Scott said he'd leave it at 150 yards on a 500+ yard hole.
After a quick shake we were on our way.
We got to Scott's drive, six inches off the stake at 150 yards.
