ANCA 02-2011 Newsletter

Adirondack North Country Association

February 2011

Building Vibrant Rural Communities and Resilient Local Economies

ANCA news Image courtesy of http://blog.timesunion.com/outdoors/files/2009/01/winter_carnival_1714790.jpg

Did you know?

The 114th Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is taking place Feb. 4-13. The carnival, which is the longest-running event of its kind in the Northeast, began as a one-day event to break the monotony of the long Adirondack winter and has grown into a 10-day event with sports, parades, performances and the famous ice palace. For a schedule of this year’s events, go to http://www.saranaclakewintercarnival.com.

MANUFACTURING JOBS: Although the manufacturing sector has been hit hard, those jobs continue to be the foundation of New York State’s economy, as a recent report by the Manufacturing Research Institute of New York State (www.mrinys.org) reveals:

ANCA Energy Tips To give a feel for what to expect from a home energy efficiency audit, ANCA Energy Program Coordinator Jamie Rogers went out in the field with his camera to document the process

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New York ranks sixth among states in total manufacturing employment.

18,888

By Jamie Rogers, ANCA Energy Program Coordinator jrogers@adirondack.org

Number of manufacturing firms statewide.

Overview:

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The home energy audit will provide the homeowner with a written report identifying areas for home energy efficiency improvements. The report will also provide you with a payback cost analysis to inform you about making sound choices for your energy improvements. It is important to note that after energy improvements have been done, the auditor will perform a post-audit to ensure the work was done properly.

Average number of jobs per plant, making the majority of establishments smallto-medium sized businesses.

$57,145 Average wage

$5.1 billion What Empire State’s manufacturers spent on capital investments in 2008, an increase of 12 percent from the previous year.

INSIDE:

More on Page 2

Program News, 2-5

ANCA Applauds, 6

Faces from the Region, 7

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Energy tips Thermal images

Checking the basement

The ins and outs of an energy audit

When we think of improving insulation in our homes, we most generally think of the attic space, but one of the areas often overlooked is the basement. This photo (left), shows the floor joists and basement walls, with no insulation, and in this case they are above ground level, creating a primary area to insulate.

Inspecting the fire box Not only does the home energy audit focus improving efficiencies of your house, it also focuses on safety issues. In this case, the auditor measures the efficiency of the oil furnace, (left) at the same time insuring that no gases are escaping into the living area. In the photo at right, the auditor is measuring the stack temperature and furnace efficiency.

In closing: Special thanks to William Labbate, owner of Tall Pines Home Inspections for allowing us to take part in the audit. ANCA is working in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County on NYSERDA’s Energy $mart Communities program in the North Country which includes promoting NYSERDA’s Home Energy Audit Programs as well as providing available programs to nonprofits, municipal governments, and the private commercial sector. For available program information, contact Jamie Rogers and/or go to www.nyserda.org.

The thermal imaging camera (left) is a useful tool to identify different areas of heat loss. In many cases it’s not the window itself that loses heat, but the lack of proper insulation around the window frame that creates a draft and heat loss.

This photo shows that the window is properly insulated, but as you can see from the dark blue above the window that the insulation has either settled over time or was improperly installed.

Blower One of the last stages performed in the audit is called the blower door test (shown above). This test is used to determine air flow throughout the entire house. It determines if there is too much or too little. Too much means drafty areas need to be improved by either caulking or improving insulation. Too little could lead to poor interior air quality, creating potential health and safety issues.

ANCA updates

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Creating a new look for ANCA This winter, we’ve been hard at work mapping out a five-year strategic plan to guide ANCA, as well as constructing a new visual identity for the organization.

After hunting around for a way to best showcase our work online, we found a template that uses photo “slices” on the homepage. The image at the right gives a rough idea of the new site’s outline.

We are gathering photos that represent our programs and target areas.

When someone clicks on a photo, they will see the whole image, along with a description of that program (see below). From there, they will have the option to go to that program’s page or go back to the home page.

Another key aspect about the site will be a section devoted to “Our Region.” On it, we will showcase relevant information pertaining to the Adirondack North Country, with links to studies, reports and articles.

“Our region” Coming soon

Agriculture Food security is key part of building regional self-reliance With more than 6,000 farms in the Adirondack North Country region contributing to the $4 billion in annual agriculture product sales statewide, farming is crucial to our local economy.

ANCA is working in collaboration with USDA Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and other partners to help establish a sustainable local food system and better food security and access to fresh food for all income groups across the region.

Above: Each photo “slice” will represent an ANCA program and target area. When someone clicks on a photo, they will see the whole image, along with a description of that program (left).

From there, they will have the option to go to that program’s page or go back.

Wireless Clearinghouse Project under way An exciting project that ANCA is involved with will identify potential sites for telecommunications antennae, starting with four pilot communities.

The goal of the Wireless Clearinghouse project is to create an inventory of existing structures in Adirondack Park towns that are suitable for housing a wireless antenna. The database will be a resource for private wireless companies, with the goal of encouraging them to expand wireless telecommunications across the region, a key to economic development.

The inventory produced will be a significant planning asset that will be available through a secure website and will feature a GIS database with maps and images.

Project partners are the Town of Saranac, the Research Foundation of

SUNY, SUNY Plattsburgh’s Technical Assistance Center, Fountains Spatial and ANCA. It is funded by a Department of Environmental Conservation Smart Growth grant. Fountains Spatial Inc., a GIS consulting firm based in Schenectady, has been contracted by the Research Foundation to assist TAC and ANCA with project methodology, data collection, and development of an interactive web-map application to access the data collected in the project.

The data being collected this month will identify existing tall structures within the four pilot communities: Saranac in Clinton County, Brighton in Franklin County, Long Lake in Hamilton County and Chester in Warren County. To start, the firm combed tax parcel data for information on property class codes such as churches, public services and

government structures that could be considered suitable sites for telecommunications antennae. The State’s new broadband mapping tool has also been a big help.

The project is due to be completed this spring. In the process, one of the goals is to inform community leaders of the opportunities provided by these technologies.

“DEC, TAC and ANCA hope that the Wireless Clearinghouse database will encourage wireless carriers to provide service in additional Park communities.

People today want to stay connected using their mobile device or computer, and better wireless service will benefit year round and seasonal residents, and visitors may stay longer,” said Howard Lowe, Director of Economic Development at TAC.

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program news

Buyer Days jurying gives feedback to vendors

By Nadia Korths, ANCA Artisan Program Coordinator nkorths@adirondack.org

Richard’s Vermont Made Sauces

As of Feb. 1, a total of 30 regional artisan producers have signed up for Buyer Days; 24 returning exhibitors and 6 new ones.

ANCA has always viewed the jury system as an opportunity to provide experienced industry specific feedback to artisans. The new vendors were juried into the show by a professional photographer and two retailers with approximately 60 years experience among them. The new exhibitors will receive a confirmation letter rating their product in four categories: technical excellence in design, quality of workmanship, market viability and a distinct and original quality of thought. Jurors’ comments are also provided.

http://www.vtmadebbqu.com

Adirondack Rockware www.adirondackrockware.com PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Unique hand crafted pottery using original glaze recipes made with 100 percent pure crushed Adirondack rock.

ADK Aromatherapy

www.adkaromatherapy.com PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: As new product they will be showcasing their glycerin “aromatherapy bathing bars.”

Our Daily Eats http://shop.ourdailyeats.com/

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Our Daily Eats produces all natural roasted nuts, seeds and granola. Each recipe is unique including varieties like Mexican Cocoa Almonds, Maple Crunch Granola and Spicy Maple Pepitas. Products come in stand-up gusseted zip lock bags as well as in bulk boxes.

MC Flashpants http://www.mcflashpants.com/

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Jewelry and small housewares made from silverware, made from metal and upcycled objects. Also uses materials such as chafing dishes, teapots, candle sticks, old lamp pieces, found objects such as rubber tile samples, old cookie tins, and olive oil cans.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Award winning Barbecue Sauces in Mild, Hot and Hottest made with no gluten or fructose and no preservatives.

Marinades for Game with Beef, Pork and Salmon also Chicken Marinade that locks in juices and flavor, very low sodium and sugar. Hot Sauce that has flavor and “Heat”. Basil Pasta Sauce with no added salt, rich texture right out of the jar for all pasta dishes. Vegan Barbecue Sauce with a Cajun kick, wonderful with all veggies and delicious with chicken and shrimp.

MFM Designs http://maryfrancesmillet.webs.com/ repurposedjewelry.htm PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Artist Mary Frances Millet makes earrings from paper, including vintage sheet music, newspapers, photographs and more.

Registered exhibitors are listed at www. adknccrafts.com/buyerdayslist.php. The show is open to the trade only. Shop owners who preregister for the show will receive emails informing them of the latest signups and their specials and new products.

Agriculture Program update: Organic meat, dairy farmer to discuss approach LEARN ABOUT WAYS TO BOOST FARM INCOME: Dave Johnson of Provident Farms in Liberty, Pa., will give presentations on his farming methods at three locations throughout the North Country later this month.

Johnson’s family-run farm uses organic, grass-based and diversified practices for its seasonal dairy operation complimented by pastured poultry, eggs, pork and beef sold to restaurants

and retail. He has direct experience in labor-efficient milking parlor design and a passion for stewarding livestock and land in their natural patterns, and restoring abandoned farmland.

His visit is sponsored by Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Adirondack North Country Association.

Johnson will speak at: 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Westport Extension Office (contact: Pete Hagar, 518-561-7450); • 1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Feb. 25 in Canton (early session is for dairy farmers, evening is for livestock. Contact Betsy Hodge: 315-379-9192); • 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 26 at the Watertown Extension Office (contact: Ron Kuck: 315-788-8450).

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program news

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Experiencing Traditions, Foods, and Cultures of the Adirondack North Country

Byways Program to fund new guide for travelers

W

ork has officially begun on an exciting new Scenic Byways project, the creation of a traveler’s interpretive guide, “Experiencing the Traditions, Foods, and Cultures of the Adirondack North Country.”

The print and online publication will highlight significant cultural heritage, agricultural, food, and rural assets on the twelve North Country New York State Scenic Byways and the three National Scenic Byways in the 14-county Adirondack North Country region. Publication is scheduled for mid-2012.

The guide will inform visitors about specific locations where they can experience the special place that is the Adirondack Region –– the people and their time honored traditions, and the natural environment – the weather, geography, and resources.

Key content

The Guide will enable travelers to plan their visits within a specific geographic area, or by major topics of interests for the entire region, as well as by Scenic Byway.

Major distinguishing factors of each geographic area will be included.

Major topics will include places to experience and explore:

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•

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TRADITIONS/HERITAGE – things travelers will see, places to visit, events they can attend that will enable them to connect with the people and the place.

FOOD/CULINARY – places and events to experience eating locally grown foods, observe present and past agricultural traditions, meet farmers and food producers, enjoy food-related community events.

CULTURE –places and events to interact with artisans, musicians, and performers who are inspired by the beauty of the region.

ANCA hired Fuller Communications of Malone, New York to develop and coordinate the content, design, and production of the interpretive guide. Susan Fuller, president, brings years of editorial and publishing experience on projects of this scope.

Key Partners ANCA and Fuller Communications are creating project advisory teams to help inform on content.

Partners include Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY), the Adirondack Architectural Heritage Association (AARCH), the Adirondack Museum, the Wild Center, regional and local museums, historians and historical societies, artisan and crafts organizations, tourism councils, chambers of commerce, representatives of Scenic Byway organizations, Adirondack Harvest, Cornell Cooperative Extension offices, agricultural groups, natural resource conservation services and other interested Byway stakeholders.

This month, Fuller will be issuing Requests for Letters of Interest from graphic designers who would be interested in providing graphic design services for the guide.

Get Involved For questions and more information:

SHARON O’BRIEN Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways Coordinator, sobrien@adirondack. org 518-891-6200 SUSAN FULLER President, Fuller Communications sdfuller@fullerventures.com 518-483-7154 To receive project announcements and updates contact:

ROBERT HEST rhest@adirondack.org 518-483-7593

6 ANCA applauds Gore opens extension trail The new Hudson chairlift connecting the North Creek Ski Bowl with Gore recently opened for skiers and snowboarders. Five trails offer terrain for all abilities, serviced by the Hudson Chair.

Skiing and riding at the Bowl is available at no additional cost to Gore season passholders. News coverage on the event: http:// poststar.com/news/local/ article_3118324a-2bf0-11e0a279-001cc4c002e0.html

Drum plant to run on chips

Turning the former cogeneration plant on Fort Drum into one powered by wood chips is expected to provide electricity for buildings on post and employ 100 people. Rep. William Owens, D-Plattsburgh, made the announcement recently about the facility, which will be run by Catalyst Renewables after being closed for almost

a year.

Approval from the Public Service Commission in July determined the plant’s capacity to be 40 megawatts using wood chips.

That should be enough to substantially or completely power Fort Drum, reported Owens in a Watertown Daily Times article.

Alcoa reopens Massena plant

The Massena area received a boost of good news when Alcoa announced in early January it was restarting its idled Massena East Plant. The former Reynolds site was shut down last year and will be brought online in phases, the company reports.

According to David W. LaClair Jr., president of United Steelworkers Local 450, in an article in the Daily Courier-Observer, 95 employees who were laid off from the plant when it was idled in 2009 were being called back and that 20 to

Photo courtesy of Gore Mountain: http://www.goremountain.com Hundreds of skiers, riders, and community members gather Jan. 29 for the opening of the Hudson Chair.

30 additional employees on top of that will also be hired.

Recalled workers are heading back this month, and the company will begin bringing in new employees after that.

Regional Appointments

Congratulations on the appointment of Darrel Aubertine, an experienced legislator and Adirondack North Country Farmer as state Commissioner of Ag and Markets and Joe Martens (seasoned administrator, legislative staffer, gubernatorial advisor and conservationist) as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Also, congratulations to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who will play a key role in supporting New York state’s military installations and jobs http://www.genisim.com/aluminum/smelters/massena-alcoa-plant.jpg serving on the Senate Armed Alcoa Plant in Massena, photo by Dominic Tricase: Services Committee.

New Marina in Port Henry To Valez Marine, LLC, the Village of Port Henry and the Town of Moriah, Essex County, for their cooperative effort to establish a 94 slip marina adjoining the existing State boat launch in the Port Henry hamlet. And, to the NYS Adirondack Park Agency for providing the shoreline development variances necessary for this important project to move forward.

The addition of significant dock space for power and sailing craft at the southern end of Lake Champlain is critically important to the ongoing revitalization of Port Henry, an attractive and historic mining community which has been working hard to diversify its economy in part through tourism development.

Trudeau Institute Commits to staying in Saranac Lake Great praise to Trudeau Institute on the recent announcement that shows its commitment to Saranac Lake and dedication to advancing biomedical research in Adirondacks.

The Tri-Lakes area breathed a collective sigh of relief upon hearing

the news from the Institute’s Board of Trustees.

“The Trudeau Institute is committed to Saranac Lake and is dedicated to advancing biomedical research in the region,” said Trudeau President Dr. David Woodland.

“As we further develop our longterm plan focused on maintaining our status as a premier research organization, our goal is to continue to thrive in the Adirondacks while pushing the frontiers of biomedical science.”

Faces from the Region “Why I Love It Here” Note: This is a new feature spotlighting people around the region who moved here, stayed and now call it home.

Name: Jaci Kelleher Age: 46 Residence: Au Sable Forks Hometown: New Jersey How long in the area: Moved up summer 2000.

What brought you here?

Kelleher’s husband, photographer Mark Hobson, is from Syracuse and Rochester and grew up vacationing in the Adirondacks. The couple had always planned on retiring up north, and that dream became a reality sooner than they thought, when they landed jobs and happily relocated, she said. Kelleher, a lawyer, is a partner with the Stafford, Piller, Murnane, Plimpton, Kelleher & Trombley Law Firm in Plattsburgh.

Family: Two kids in college. In addition, son, Aaron Hobson, and daughter-in-law Brandy live in Saranac Lake, where grandson Hugo is rising a star in the Saranac Lake Youth Hockey Program.

What do you love about living in the Adirondack region? “The snowy winters, cool-ish summers, and their long days.” An outdoors enthusiast, she also enjoys canoe camping into the wilderness a few times a year and attending World Cup competitions at ORDA facilities. “We also love the fact that there’s not much traffic,” she said.

Absolute favorite? “Living in a place where I can have good friends, good work, and walk out my door at night and see a million stars in the sky.”

Tahawus Lodge Center After more than two decades of working continuously throughout the Tri-County Region, Craig Brashear and Rebecca Kelly, of the Appleby Foundation and Rebecca Kelly Ballet, decided to create a cultural and commercial base in the community of Au Sable Forks, occupying an anchor building in the heart of the business district.

The Tahawus Lodge Project (TLC) is an important community renewal project and an economic stimulus taking place in the former Masons’ Lodge, located on Main Street in the village.

The project, which began in

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Craig Brashear and Rebecca Kelly, courtesy of Tahawus Lodge Center

July 2009, has the enthusiastic commitment of the community and grass roots fund-raising success.

This year is the 100-year anniversary of the historic building, signifying an important milestone in the project.

“It’s a critical year to raise the major portion of funds needed to make a difference, turn the corner and substantially rehabilitate the building and start our cultural programming,” said Rebecca Kelly.

photo courtesy of Mark Hobson

Favorite place: Lows Lake and Bog River Flow camp area.

economic activities for young people, so they don’t have to leave to find jobs.”

If you could change anything about living here, what would it be? “We need to create increased

Note: Mark Hobson’s photo exhibition “The Forks: There’s No Place Like Home” is on display through March 14 at the Tahawus Lodge Center.

In this feature, we shine a light on businesses, farms, artisans, and organizations that embody the spirit of the region. The highlighted counties shows ANCA’s 14-county service region.

Appleby Foundation, Inc, better known to the region as Rebecca Kelly Ballet, has provided dance activities to many towns across upstate New York over the past two decades, nurturing and mentoring dancers, developing teachers, and originating many programs, with the goal of strengthening and connecting rural communities through participation in the arts.

Another key component of the Center is the Windows of Change Gallery. In the gallery, the art world and the village community engage with innovative projects in a flexible, entertaining, gathering place, which is the essence of artistic creativity. Currently, Mark Hobson’s photos are on display through March 14.

More information can be found at www.TahawusLodgeCenter.org

About ANCA The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has a long history of providing innovative, grassrootsbased leadership for the Adirondack North Country, and creating strong and effective partnerships that provide direct support to program constituents. Since incorporation in 1955, ANCA has developed and managed programs across all 14 counties in Northern New York State, successfully ‘investing’ millions of dollars, mostly from federal and New York State grants as well as private funding, to build capacity and to support community economic development across the region.

ANCA’s portfolio of programs, as well as its strengths in fostering dialogue and effective partnerships, bring together the many components that are needed to build stronger, more self-reliant and localized economies throughout the Adirondack North Country.

Our Vision Vibrant rural communities and resilient local economies where people and businesses thrive in a cherished environment ANCA organizes its work around 3 key goals, each one supported by strategic objectives and a portfolio of programs and projects.

• Resilient local economies: Provide the foundation for local business development that will create family-sustaining jobs in rural communities, increase economic diversity, and build opportunities for the region to thrive as a more efficient, self reliant and localized economy, linked to the global economy, and protective of the region’s extraordinary natural environment • Vibrant communities: Foster connections between communities and people, enable visitors and residents to fully experience the region’s abundant cultural and natural assets, empower and support the region’s artisans, farmers, and other local producers, and to encourage investment in community infrastructure and assets • Distinct sense of place: Recognize and highlight the exceptional assets that make this region unique, create a strong regional brand, and build the case for investment in rural places

Contact Us 67 Main Street, Suite 201, Saranac Lake NY 12983 Main line: 518.891.6200 ANCA’s newsletter is emailed on the first Thursday of the month. Deadline for content is one week prior to publication. Send notices, announcements and other items to Melissa Hart, mhart@adirondack.org.

A D I R O N D A C K N O R T H C O U N T R Y A S S O C I AT I O N

Adirondack North Country Association 67 Main Street, Suite 201 Saranac Lake NY 12983 Established in 1955 Roger W. Tubby Founder (1910–1991)

Stephen M. Erman President

John K. Bartow, Jr. Vice President

Ross S. Whaley Secretary

Dale G. Brown Treasurer

Richard R. Bird Central Region VP

Paul M. Cantwell, Jr. Northern Region VP

Michele E. Ledoux Western Region VP

Ron Montesi Southeastern Region VP

Kate Fish Executive Director

67 Main Street, Suite 201 Saranac Lake, NY 12983 518.891.6200

FAX

6203

anca@adirondack.org www.adirondack.org