NCL Magazine Summer 2015

NORTH COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE • VOL. 4 NO. 2

Vol. 4 No. 2

Two visionary long-time politicians have left their mark Seagle Music Colony and the Ti Chamber have milestone anniversaries

SUMMER 2015

Mountain Music This Schroon Laker transforms logs into guitars

Head for Vermont’s Arbortrek for some sky high zip-line adventure

Bennington Triangle

The mystery behind this suspicious wilderness area

2 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 3

North Country Living Staff Writer Thom Randall

Editor John Gereau johng@denpubs.com

Thom@denpubs.com

General Manager DJ Alexander

Writer Rebeca Schiller

Vol. 4 No.2

Published by Denton Publications, Inc. 14 Hand Ave., Elizabethtown, NY 12932 (518) 873-6368, Fax: 873-6360 New Market Press, Inc. 16 Creek Road, Suite 5, Middlebury, VT 05753 (802) 388-6397, Fax: (802) 388-6399

DJ@denpubs.com

Rebecaschiller425@gmail.com

Writer Pete DeMola

Writer Ryan Edwards

Editor’s

Pete@denpubs.com

Ryan@denpubs.com

Writer Teah Dowling

Writer Lou Varricchio

I

Teah@denpubs.com

Lou@addison-eagle.com

Writer Andrew Johnstone

NY Publisher Dan Alexander

Note

June/July/August 2015

t’s summ, summ, summertime!

Thank you for picking up our summer edition of North Country Living Magazine.

From our humble beginnings just four years ago, this publication has grown exponentially thanks in large part to you, our loyal readers whose support of our advertisers has helped make this magazine what it is today.

At 184 pages, this edition is overflowing with more than two dozen local features as well as articles about things to do and see in both Vermont and New York. It also contains one of the most inclusive calendar of events you will find anywhere in the North Country.

Features inside this magazine include profiles on two visionary politicians who each helped sculpt their respective Adirondack communities. Also inside are articles about milestone anniversaries at the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce and Schroon Lake’s own Seagle Colony.

If that isn’t enough to wet your reading appetite, how about learning to wet a line with an article about the basics of fly fishing? Or, learn about a place where you can walk with wolves or visit a Vermont museum that delves into the history of trains, past and present.

Looking for a day trip? Why not visit the grave of famous Irish painter John Butler Yeats, and learn how he came to be buried in Chestertown, NY. If the paranormal is your thing, there’s an article on the phenomenon known as the Bennington Triangle and a look at the history of the Lake Champlain Monster Champ. Or, you might chose to wallow away a warm summer day reading about the prohibition era in the North Country.

These unique and interesting features are just a sampling of all this edition of North Country Living has to offer, so sit back and enjoy the content contained herein. At the same time, be sure and show your appreciation by patronizing the advertisers who make it possible to distribute this high-quality quarterly product free of charge.

Thank you and I’ll see you in the fall.

John Gereau, Managing Editor

Andrew@denpubs.com

dan@denpubs.com

Writer Keith Lobdell

VT Publisher Ed Coats vermonttimes@gmail.com

Keith@denpubs.com

Sales Team Ashley Alexander David Allaire Tom Bahre Becky Barnes Mark Brady Ashley Charron Thomas Hollingsworth Heidi Littelfield

Scarlette Merfeld Amy Schryer Leslie teRiele Ciara Thompson Tanya Welch Beth Wells Susan Zacharenko

To advertise in our next edition contact Ashley at 518-873-6368 ext 105 or e-mail ashley@denpubs.com

Graphics Team Heather Lamb Kelly Bresett Kerry O’Neil

Richele Young Wanda Cox Laurie Goff

Subscription To subscribe to North Country Living Magazine, visit us at

www.nclmagazine.com/subscribe

$30 for four issues (U.S. Residents) • $40 for four issues (Canadian Residents) Prices include tax, shipping & handling.

You may also mail a check or money order to: Denton Publications, Inc. Attn: NCL Subscriptions P.O. Box 338, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 Be sure to include your full name, mailing address, phone number and email address.

4 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

CONTENTS Vol. 4 No. 2

Features Visionary

8

Bob Blais has been Lake George mayor for 44 years

90th Anniversary

22

The Ticonderoga Chamber has a storied history

Arbortrek

28

The fun and business of zip-lining

Unique Sounds

34

Eric Bright makes masterpieces from sunken logs

Seagle Music Colony

50

The music colony in Schroon Lake turns 100

All Aboard!

56

Rutland museum celebrates trains

Tiffany Heitkamp

62

From a terrible tragedy comes hope

Trout Basics

74

The art of fishing with a fly

A1 NORTH COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE • VOL. 4 NO. 2

On The Cover This photograph, taken by renowned Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman II, shows the sunrise light, clouds above and fog below from atop Cat Mountain in Warren County, NY.

Two visionary long-time politicians have left their mark Seagle Music Colony and the Ti Chamber have milestone anniversaries

SUMMER 2015

nclmagazine.com

Mountain Music This Schroon Laker transforms logs into guitars

Head for Vermont’s Arbortrek for some sky high zip-line adventure

Bennington Triangle

The mystery behind this suspicious wilderness area

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 5

-

CONTENTS June/July/August 2015

Features An Adirondack Refuge

78

A place where you can walk with wolves

Losing Mandaley

82

Rudyard Kipling’s heartaches in Vermont

Sailing to America

94

94

How John Butler Yeats came to be buried in Chestertown

Canon-ball

103

A story of how one local man helped shape a town

Documentary

112

Blake Cortright’s film on the 46ers

Social Scene Eye on the Arts

103 16

Stirring Creations in Schroon Lake

Community

71

Vermont’s famous people

The Paranormal

88

Is Champ fact or fiction?

Out & About

100

The history of Hoss’s Country Corner in Long Lake

Dining Guide Your best bets for dining in the North Country

166

112

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 7

A

Visionary

8 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

Story and Photographs by Thom Randall

ncliving@denpubs.com

Bob Blais has held the position of mayor in Lake George for 44 years. Only one other mayor in the state has a longer tenure in the position

A

LAKE GEORGE man whose larger-than-life personal and political stature mirrors the Adirondack resort village he’s presided over for 44 years, recently shared his thoughts about his life experiences and career in office.

Lake George Mayor Robert Blais, six-foot-six and born on the Fourth of July in 1936, has been the CEO of Lake George Village since March 1971.

There’s only one mayor in New York State and three or so others nationally that have served more years.

Through his years in office, Blais, 78, has weathered a number of controversies and crises, but he’s always prevailed on election day, securing 14 consecutive terms in office — and the latest is not likely to be his last.

While most politicians have found themselves weighed down by detractors after several terms, “Big Bob Blais” as he was known as an accomplished high school athlete in the 1950s, has sidestepped such problems.

nclmagazine.com

“Certainly over the years I have had critics, but very few — and that’s a credit to the Lake George community,” Blais said, sitting in his office underneath a wall plastered with framed certificates citing his achievements, including many annual awards for “Best Elected Official” regionally. “The local citizens have always known my heart’s been in the right place, although my mind hasn’t always followed,” he said.

Blais’ 44 years in office was preceded by three years as a village trustee, as well as tenure as a local police officer.

“Anyone who can do this job longer than 45 years in today’s world, two things are evident — the municipality has no term limits, and the public official must have a very understanding spouse and family.”

Blais smiled as he reminisced about his first contact with Lake George. When he was 20, he contracted an illness that required hospitalization, which cost his summer job at the Saratoga Spa Continued on page 11

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 9

Blais helped create various festivals — the Lake George Elvis Festival, Winter Carnival, Fireman’s Festival and the Queen’s Boat Race and was instrumental in launching Americade

“I’ve always been a promoter, and what better place to be a promoter than Lake George?”

- Bob Blais

ABOVE: Lake George Mayor Robert Blais, who’s served 14 terms as the village’s CEO, talks about the evolution of Lake George over the past 44 years he’s been in charge — and the challenges, highlights and disappointments of his long tenure. Behind him are photos, memorabilia and citations of his achievement — and a number of awards designating him as ‘Best Elected Official’ regionally.

LEFT: Walking through a local lakeside park dedicated to him, Lake George Mayor Robert Blais greets a passerby as he pauses next to boulder bearing a plaque memorializing his achievements.

Photos by Thom Randall

10 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

State Park — and a friend of his advised him that summer jobs were always available in Lake George Village.

In 1956, he walked into the old village hall on Iroquois St., and asked Village Clerk Harriet Smith about summer employment. She deflected the question to Village Police Chief Bill O’Reilly, who was absorbed in work nearby, and he answered abruptly that no jobs were available.

Smith retorted, “But take a look at the size of this guy,” and O’Reilly glanced at Blais, and offered him a job on the spot as a policeman, although Blais responded he had no law enforcement experience.

“You don’t have to know anything — I’ll start you tomorrow — Just get a pair of navy trousers and a white shirt,” O’Reilly said, the mayor recalled.

Blais didn’t reveal that he was only 20 — not yet eligible to serve as a weapon-carrying police officer — but he did take the job.

“I was told to strap a live revolver to my hip, walk around the streets, introduce myself to everybody and direct traffic,” Blais said.

“Everyone treated me like a million dollars — and I fell in love with Lake George.”

Blais returned in the following years to serve as a policeman and subsequently as a deputy sheriff — in a full time position after graduating from Boston University. Then after spending several years working as an insurance adjuster and arson investigator in Brooklyn and Albany, Blais returned to Lake George to take on the full-time position of sergeant for the Village police force.

In 1962, Blais took on a job managing the village’s new bowling alley for about double his former salary. As in his police work, the position brought him into contact regularly with hundreds of local residents, giving his future political career a solid footing. He also started a local arcade, Fun World, which he operated for decades.

In March 1998, Blais ran for the post of village trustee, utilizing the political skills he gained as a youth — Years earlier he’d been elected class president all four years in high school and two years in college.

In the 1998 village trustee race, he won an upset victory, defeating Robert Wilcox, owner of a local soda fountain.

Upset by the increasing lawlessness in the village on holidays Blais was prompted to consider making his next political move.

Unruly crowds of teens and young adults, many of them intoxicated, filled the streets on July 5, 1970, and they were hosed down by firemen — and the so-called “riot” made national news. This incident, and a belief that the village needed better management, convinced Blais to run for mayor.

In March 1971, Blais challenged Mayor Robert Caldwell, whose family had deep roots in the area — the local library, cemetery, a local church and the town itself bore his surname.

Blais said he had doubts about the race’s outcome.

“Robert Caldwell had been in office eight years, the library and town was named after his family, and I was just a young guy from Saratoga who had only been in Lake George for four years and on the village board for two,” he said. “I never envisioned winning the first time.”

The campaign turned out to be a challenge, Blais said. nclmagazine.com

“I went to Caldwell’s old friends and asked for their support.

They called me into a bar and threatened to take away my job at the bowling center if I continued my campaign against Caldwell — I walked out..... I was terrified,” Blais said. “But I campaigned hard, and I won by a healthy margin.”

In his 2014 book — “Lake George — A View From the Top” that traces his career, Blais described this turning point.

“On April 1 1971, I took office and began my journey as mayor, never guessing how long it would last,” he wrote in this 46-chapter illustrated volume.

After his first term, prominent local attorney Jack Mannix challenged him, but Blais won again.

“After that election, I figured I must be doing a good job,” Blais continued.

Since the early 1970s, Blais has worked on various efforts to constrain rowdy behavior and strengthen the village’s reputation as a family destination, to consolidate local government services, to boost commerce and extend the tourism season.

The latter objective, which included a two initiatives to establish a convention center, ended up in disappointment for Blais. Another letdown, Blais said, was the lack of support among locals for a Business Improvement District — envisioned as a way to boost the village’s prospects to attract visitors year-round.

In the ensuing years, however, Blais worked to promote a variety of events which have indeed extended the tourist season, and brought hundreds of thousands of additional people annually to Lake George.

Blais was a founder or co-founder of various festivals — the Lake George Elvis Festival, the Lake George Winter Carnival, the Lake George Firemen’s Family Festival, and the Queens Great Boat Race — and he was instrumental in launching Americade, which now attracts 30,000 or more people to Lake George for up to a week.

He launched the Thursday night fireworks shows, which draw tens of thousands of people each week through the summer.

Blais said he’s proud of the village’s transformation under his long reign.

“Lake George has come from the riots of the 1960s to being named

by Money magazine as one of the top five family resorts in the nation — and we are!”

In recent years, Blais has intensified his role as a promoter of the village, in addition to administrating government functions and improving infrastructure.

Recently, he launched Festival for the Lake, and lined up various concert and performance series.

Back when he took over as mayor, there was one local weekly concert in Shepard Park — and now there are 72 events booked during summer in the lakeside park and amphitheater.

One prominent accomplishment during his tenure was the development of the Charles Wood Park, which features a festival space, for which he’s now booking concerts and creating new events.

This year, it’s booked solid through the summer and into fall.

“I’ve always been a promoter, and what better place to be a promoter than Lake George?” Blais said. “I’m really loving the role, even though I’m not paid for it — I’m paid for government Continued on page 13

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 11

12 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

administration.”

Other major achievements during Blais’ reign include establishing the Lake George Lakefront Walkway, constructing the village Visitors’ Center, conversion of the former Gaslight Village theme park into an environmental park and festival space, as well as his advocacy of the new $24 million project to develop a Marriott Courtyard conference center and hotel in the village which is expected to substantially boost the local economy and introduce Lake George to tens of thousands more visitors. He’s also been a strong advocate of protecting the lake’s water quality.

Salary apparently hasn’t a prime factor in motivating Blais. In 2000, he was earning about $42,000 total annually — of which $12,000 was from his mayoral post. That year, he was offered a sixfigure salary to manage a chain of health facilities, he said.

Blais went back to his village board, and told them he needed more than $12,000 to justify his long hours of work for the village, and they changed the position to full-time, boosting his salary to $40,000 annually.

Blais’ love of Lake George has kept him in the major post, he said.

Over the years, people have urged him to run for county sheriff or for State Assembly— and he’s turned them down.

“People think I’m far more important than I do,” Blais chuckled.

He’s stuck to his mayoral position, he said, because he’s enjoyed “being the guy in charge” rather than working for anyone else.

What keeps Blais going? Undoubtedly, his affection for his resort village.

“Lake George changes entirely with the season — its makeup of residents, store owners and visitors, the complexion is always changing and the challenges are so diverse.....You are dealing with visitors from all over the world too, and business owners too from overseas, coming here with great expectations,” he said. “Every day I go to work, there’s a new challenge — I’m never bored.”

He said that accomplishing things easily as mayor has been satisfying.

“People can come in my office or see me in a diner and propose an idea, and in a matter of weeks or a month, that idea can take place,” he said. “Here, things can get one in a short time — That’s what I love.”

Blais said that while several travel writers have described Lake George as a tacky, honky-tonk destination, it ticks him off, but he knows that the village’s character transcends it all.

“I’ll show you the smiles of all the people walking down the street with an ice cream cone or a slice of pizza, or enjoying themselves sitting in the park,” he said. “We want to be the place that families go.”

The real attraction to Lake George is its diversity of experiences, he continued.

“Where can you go pitch a tent, sit by a campfire at night, go across the street, then go to one of state’s most beautiful free swimming beaches, hop on a horse-drawn carriage, tour a historic fort, take a cruise on one of the most beautiful lakes in nation, go parasailing, jump on a carousel, play miniature golf, then shop until you drop — and this is all within one block on Beach Road,” he said. “There’s no other place else in the country you can do this — Case closed!” nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 13

14 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 15

EYE ON THE ARTS | Stirring Creations

A

Lifetime of

Creativity

Matt Gregson sculpts art from rock

By Christopher Pratt

M

att Gregson, an Adirondack native with a deep love for nature, often finds himself amid sand pits and former mining sites, delighting in the discovery of materials others thought to be of little value.

Gregson is one of the region’s treasured souls capable of seeing how fragments of the natural landscape can be shaped into use for a family’s home.

It is no surprise to people familiar with the Gregson family and the realities of the regional economy that Matt, 43, has made a living with his hands. “Just grew up with it, it came natural,” said Gregson, whose business, Stirring Creations, is located at 302 Old Schroon Road.

Paradox resident Vicky Bruce stopped by the business on a recent Thursday after seeing a bowl created by Matt on display at a nearby bank. Bruce said she was impressed by how materials like iron ore, which are part of the Adirondack landscape, have been fashioned into practical objects.

Matt explained to Bruce that he focuses on making things that exalt “Mother Nature.”

“If it don’t have function then I don’t have nothing to do with it,” Matt said.

Matt, who estimates he has nearly three decades of experience working with natural materials, operates the shop with his 16 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

wife Tiffany. Their business, which is about five-years-old, specializes in handcrafted stone bowls and handmade soaps.

Matt said he’s enjoying the latest phase of his career, which often has people coming into his home located off the rural road just south of the town of Schroon Lake.

When Matt’s job in the family business of building rustic, or ncliving@denpubs.com

as he calls them “forest-inspired,” chairs was wiped out by the 2008 financial crisis, he said he turned back to making wooden spoons out of tree scraps. It was a return to the simple kitchen items that were what he first made as an apprentice under his father.

“That’s where our business came from — Stirring Creations,” said Matt during a recent interview. “Now, it’s just whatever stirs us.”

The couple’s simple home in Schroon Lake serves also as their gallery and soap factory. A visitor might be quick to assume Matt’s domain is to preside over the detailed grinding and grueling lifting associated with stone work and Tiffany’s sole focus is on the soap side. But peer past the front door and gender stereotypes — you’ll see this couple has an intense partnership that depends on the both of them operating interdependently.

“We work like a team,” Matt said.

The objects on display in their driveway and throughout the home reflect a lifetime of creativity.

Matt and Tiffany met in the early 1990s while attending Paul Smith’s College in Saranac Lake. Matt quickly discovered that he was not meant to be confined to the indoor classroom. “That wasn’t my forte, better at working with my hands,” he said.

They turned to the workforce full-time after less than a year at the college, with Tiffany, a new Jersey Native, working also in the Gregson family business.

Matt recalled how a relative used to operate a gallery out of the building that is now Sticks and Stones restaurant on U.S. Route 9.

“People know the name, they know that we’ve all used our hands,” Matt said.

After “eating, sleeping and breathing chairs,” Matt said he embraced the economic curve ball as an opportunity to make smaller items that appealed to recession-shocked consumers.

Continued on page 18

nclmagazine.com

FACING PAGE: Schroon Lake business owners Matt and Tiffany Gregson stand outside Stirring Creations in early May. The Gregsons business sells a variety of soaps and crafts.

ABOVE: A variety of handmade products can be found at Stirring Creations, which is located off of old Schroon Road.

Photos by Christopher Pratt

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 17

“It’s a big complicated world so they might not understand what the hell they’re looking at.”

— Matt on fair and boutique-style events The Gregsons say they were not alone in making the decision to open up a business inside their home after the economic crash.

It can be good for the mind and pocket book, Matt said.

Though the Gregsons can be seen throughout the North Country with their unique products at venues like the Keene Valley farmers’ market, a visit to the home base gives people a better grasp of their work.

“It’s a big complicated world so they might not understand what the hell they’re looking at,” Matt said of the fair and boutique-style events.

Inside their home, soaps with names like Coconut Cream, Peppermint Swirl and Wild One are all sold for $5. The couple, who focuses on producing items affordable to all types of people noted their diverse customer base. Women buy bath bars for baby showers. Mechanics sometimes stop in to buy a soap that handles grease and other messy ingredients.

“It’s better for (customers) to come here,” Tiffany said.

18 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 19

20 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 21

“What an accomplishment that we’ve been working diligently in these communities for so long.”

--Ticonderoga Area Chamber President Matt Courtright

Celebrating nine decades

L

ittle gets Matt Courtright to stray his thinking from the Ticonderoga area’s economic future, but recently he’s been reflecting on the history of the local chamber group he leads.

The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce will mark its 90th anniversary year at a host of events this year, including a major dinner and auction June 5 at Mohican Landing.

The business organization has endured through boom and bust, changing as needed alongside historic businesses in the area between Lake George and Lake Champlain.

“It’s definitely been an anchor,” said Courtright, the chamber’s executive director.

While Courtright wants the 90th year celebration to be a reflection, he also sees it as a stepping stone to a big decade coming forward.

“What an accomplishment that we’ve been working diligently in these communities for so long, Courtright said. “But we really want to show people that by partnering, working together, and pushing resources to offer more services -- to everybody -- is the way it’s going to be.

Office, operations have evolved since 1925 The chamber’s first office was located in what serves today as the Town of Ticonderoga Community Building at 132 Montcalm Continued on page 24

22 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

Matt Courtright, Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, discusses the organization’s 90th anniversary at his office in early May 2015. Courtright, who grew up in the Ticonderoga area, now leads the group comprised of more than 250 members.

Christopher Pratt

ncliving@denpubs.com

73646

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 23

Street. “It was a very, very active organization when it started,” William “Bill” Dolback, president of the Ticonderoga Historical Society, said.

“A lot of merchants were well behind” the chamber in its early years, Dolback said.

Additionally, Dolback said, the chamber issued many position papers in the first half of the 20th century, identifying key lakes, ponds and other natural landscapes. Chamber officials were “very, very aggressive” and “always trying to bring new businesses to the community,” Dolback said.

The current chamber headquarters, 94 Montcalm St., serves as connection point for many. It’s located in the heart of the historic town.

“It gets very hectic around here,” said Courtright. He and Molly Bechard, visitor and member service representative, serve as the face of organization, the only two full-time employees. The office acts as a visitors center, helping tourists get hooked up with services like overnight accommodations and specialty restaurants.

Courtright said a top priority is holding onto the small town values that has made the organization tick for so long. Knowing names and faces, and creating connections is vital to the life of the group.

One undertaking of the chamber in recent years has been to build a relationship with the Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership, which focuses on economic revitalization and historic preservation. Courtright said the chamber essentially acts as the office staff for the Montcalm Street Organization, serving as a conduit to circulate information about items like street improvement projects and art events.

24 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

Katy Rasmus along with her husband and mother operate Libby’s Bakery Cafe, 189 Montcalm St. She said the chamber’s played a key role in helping the business promote activities its passionate about. “They take small things that we all want to do and get it publicized,” Rasmus said.

Courtright’s work also involves building ties with regional groups such as the North Country Small Business Development Center, the Essex County Industrial Development Agency and the Regional Office Of Sustainable Tourism. “I’m a big proponent of not recreating the wheel and not duplicating services,” he said.

“That’s my big thing.”

Since taking the organization’s reigns in 2010, Courtright said he’s worked with community and business leaders to develop a new mission statement and outreach strategy. A series of social media workshops was one of the initiatives organized, providing tips on how businesses can leverage social networking and media tools.

But old school knowledge of the real estate terrain and area economic indicators remain a vital asset for area entrepreneurs who count on the chamber day in and day out. Joe Bodette, whose barbecue restaurant is having its grand opening in Ticonderoga this spring, said the chamber played a key role in helping him find a desirable location along Montcalm Street.

“They live and breathe Ticonderoga,” Bodette said of the chamber staff.

Courtright said membership rates vary depending on the size of the organization or business. Members are eligible to receive weekly email blasts and get invited to workshops and other events.

Among other things, chamber officials also help link members up with organizations that can help them identify and seek grants. ncliving@denpubs.com

That no matter how good a driver you are...

BOOM!

Chamber punches “above its weight” In the past five years, chamber membership has grown nearly two-fold to include more than 250 members, Courtright said. Businesses range from new single-employee companies to longtime community staples like International Paper Co. According to Courtright, one notable aspect of the chamber is its inclusion of members from multiple communities, not only Ticonderoga. Member businesses are also located throughout the winding highways of the Adirondacks in Crown Point, Hague, Moriah and Putnam.

Garry Douglas, president and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said the Ticonderoga area chamber has a reputation of “punching above its weight.”

Douglas said the Ticonderoga group — one of 13 chambers affiliated with the regional chamber — has been particularly apt at focusing on “substantive matters” related to long-term development.”

Past chamber directors including Deb Malaney and Courtright have served the community’s long-term interests by promoting regional cooperation, Douglas said.

“Ticonderoga is certainly a particularly key community in the North Country region, and has been exceptionally wellserved by the Ticonderoga area chamber,” Douglas said.

Someone hits you!

It’s a Given:

That no matter how good a driver you are...

CRUNCH!!

BOOM! Trees Fall, Biblical Hail, You Follow?

Someone hits you!

WHOA!!

CRUNCH!!

BadTrees Road Fall, Conditions, 1 O’Clock!!

BiblicalGuardrail Hail, YouatFollow?

So ThenWHOA!!

After All This:

That Insurance You Pay Good Money For Wants You Bad Roadcompany Conditions, Guardrail at 1 O’Clock!!

To Fix It Their Way.

So Then After All This:

ENOUGH!!

That Insurance company you pay good money for wants you to fix it their way. We Will Restore Your We Think You’ve Had Enough Hassles, Car To It’s Pre-collision Condition.

ENOUGH!!

We think you’ve had enough hassles, we will restore your car to it’s pre-collision condition.

AND:

We work for you, NOT the insurance company.

AND: It’s What We Do.

We work for you, NOT the insurance company.

It’s What We Do.

Professionalism, Excellence And Integrity At Every Turn

To learn more visit our website. parkersauto.com

68526

Director came home to “make a difference” After graduating Ticonderoga High School in 2000, Courtright attended the College of Saint Rose in Albany, where he studied communications. He also traveled and gained work experience abroad. That time away proved instrumental to his understanding that Ticonderoga was a place for him to set down roots and impact future development.

“I saw this area in a different light when I came back,” he said. “I knew from the git-go coming back -- I wanted to make a difference in some way.”

After a stint in a leadership post at the nearby Silver Bay YMCA, Courtright took the chamber’s helm in September 2010. He and his wife Wendy live in Port Henry, with their daughter Alyssa.

FACING PAGE, LEFT:

Libby’s Bakery Cafe owners Katy Rasmus, Andrew Rasmus and Claire Brown gather at the Ticonderoga staple in early May. Katy Rasmus said the business has benefited from its affiliation with the Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership.

FACING PAGE, RIGHT: Ticonderoga business owner Joe Bodette stands at his barbecue restaurant in early May. Bodette said chamber staff helped him in his search for a location to open Bodette’s Barbecue, which is located on Montcalm Street in Ticonderoga.

Photos by Christopher Pratt

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 25

26 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 27

zip-line advenTuring adven

By Lou Varricchio

The fun and business of

28 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

Michael Smith

I

f you think Michael Smith of ArborTrek, located at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, has one of the coolest jobs in Vermont, he’d probably agree. Smith is the president of Vermont-based ArborTrek, an outdoor adventure company which he built, literally, from the ground up.

With a team of passionate, environmentally aware outdoorsmen and women, Smith’s ArborTrek has successfully capitalized on the rapidly expanding eco-adventure market.

“I launched ArborTrek Canopy Adventures’ flagship operation at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in November 2010 with the goal of being the premier provider of zip line canopy tours and aerial adventure parks in the U.S. and Canada,” Smith says. “We provide the opportunity for established tour operators, resorts, and landowners—with wooded property near tourist destinations or near densely populated areas—to enter the emerging eco-adventure park market with all the management experience and financial backing necessary to be successful.”

ArborTrek is unique and is one of Vermont’s top 10 best business success stories. In fact, Travel & Leisure magazine included ArborTrek’s zip-line adventure on its official list of World’s Coolest Zip Lines.

“Thanks to ArborTrek,” according to Travel & Leisure’s stellar 2013 review, “(Smugglers’ Notch) guests can take a break from the slopes to glide along six zip lines, walk across two sky bridges, and rappel down a descent—even in the middle of winter. The tour provides a

nclmagazine.com

gorgeous bird’s-eye view of the Green Mountains and century-old hemlocks, mature sugar maples, and paper birch, all covered in snow.”

In addition to Arbortrek’s popular Smugglers’ Notch Zip Line Canopy Tour, Treetop Obstacle Course and Climbing Adventure, the firm operates the ZIPStream Fall Creek Falls Adventures in central Tennessee.

ArborTrek teamed up with Tennessee-based Adventure Guild to develop the southern aerial adventure park at the Volunteer State’s popular Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Continued on page 30

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 29

“It’s Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park,” according to Smith. “The two and half-hour long, self-guided tour consists of a series of zip lines, suspension bridges and challenge elements.”

Smith keeps the business focused on designing, developing, and delivering novel eco-adventure programs. He says that the programs must “foster an appreciation for the environment,” as well as create personal memories, and help young and old learn more about, and connect with, themselves and the world around them.

“Our adventure locations will serve to be places where clients can always come to escape the negative stresses of life and rejuvenate their energies, enjoy the camaraderie of family and friends, and appreciate the outdoors. That’s why we strive to create experiences where our impacts are minimized. Simply put, our goal is to educate, entertain, and inspire people through unforgettable adventures.”

Being both a hands-on businessman and outdoorsman, Smith can boast that he is one of only a select few entrepreneurs who swings— well, more like zips—through trees for a living.

Smith holds college degrees in wilderness leadership as well as training and development.

His academic background has helped prepare him for the brave new world of eco-adventuring.

He also has a natural talent for selecting superb locales and layouts for zip line adventures.

“This is the kind of work I was born to do,” he says. “I’ve worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies as a business consultant, authored and published climbing guides, worked as a chief field instructor for the Outward Bound School, and managed a web design and marketing company focused on the outdoor industry. Through my work as zip line builder and canopy tour consultant, I am presently designing and launching 14 zip line canopy tours in the USA and Canada. I’ve consulted with dozens of other zip line canopy tour and adventure park operations on planning, feasibility studies, staff development, and marketing.”

Smith likes to maintain high visibility within his profession. It has helped promote the business and its services.

As moderator of Zipline Nirvana, an online

social networking site and global directory of zip lines and canopy tours aimed at tracking and promoting the growth of the industry, he has made friends and mentored newcomers to the business.

Like other ski resorts in Vermont, Smugglers’ Notch has become a four-season destination.

During the summer and autumn months, venues like ArborTrek’s Zip Line Canopy Tour, Treetop Obstacle Course and Climbing Adventure attract young and old alike.

While it may be a new thing—in its modern guise of synthetic ropes, zip line trolleys, harnesses, helmets and high-tech accessories— zip line adventuring actually has its roots on the high seas and 18th-century England and New England.

For example, in the Academy Award-winning 1954 movie about the Korean War, “The Bridges at Toko Ri,” actors Mickey Rooney and Earl Halliman, playing naval aviators, are transferred from an aircraft carrier to a helicopter scow in rough seas—all by way of a sturdy ropepulley system developed by the U.S. Navy more than a century earlier.

“Yes, sailors have been making ship-to-ship transfers of crewmen and cargo, via ropes, for centuries,” Smith notes. “As

30 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

far back as the 1780s, here in New England, several men made names for themselves as steeplejacks by steeple chasing—they tied ropes between church steeples and then zipped between them.”

Some died, too, like British steeplejack Robert Cadman; he fell from the top of St. Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury, England, in 1739. But thanks to modern technology and engineering,

ncliving@denpubs.com

today’s sport of zip lining is extremely safe.

For those new to this sport, it’s worth first viewing a fun video in order to appreciate the thrill of zipping through a dense forest canopy, high above the woodland floor.

“Vermont television reporter Gina Bullard joined us in the trees for a zip-line canopy tour through Vermont’s fall foliage,” Smith notes.

“While the zip-line canopy tour is open year round to guests at Smugglers’ Notch Resort, there’s no better time to go zip lining than in the autumn, when foliage is at peak.”

An old skeptic’s adage says “seeing is believing,” so that’s why Smith has posted Bullard’s fiveminute video, produced for Outdoor Journal, broadcast on Vermont Public Television, on ArborTrek’s website www.arbortrek.com.

In addition to operating the Smugglers’ Notch and Falls Creek venues, ArborTrek is available to

nclmagazine.com

help anyone develop a zip line for fun and profit.

In a sense, the Vermont business can create a turn-key adventure package.

Recently, Walt Disney Company imagineers visited ArborTrek in Vermont for advice on how to create a high capacity, “green” zip line adventure at Walt Disney World in Florida.

“ArborTrek provides the opportunity for established tour operators, parks, resorts, museums, zoos, and land owners—with wooded property or unique terrain located near tourist destinations or in heavily populated areas—to enter into the emerging ecoadventure park market with the management experience, systems, and financial backing

necessary to be successful,” Smith says. “In turn for a long-term concession and agreement of exclusivity to operate the canopy tours, zip lines, aerial adventure courses and other park activities on the property, ArborTrek will then finance the tour and provide the brand, experience, systems, and management oversight needed to design, install, operate and maintain the course or courses. A separate company will be created to oversee all of the day-to-day operations, staffing, and basic upkeep, so you don’t have to.

In some arrangements, the land owner may also contribute capital, access to facilities, infrastructure, and ongoing support. Several partnership options are available including a fixed lease, enhanced lease which includes a percentage share of revenue on an escalating scale, and percentage ownership.”

Ok, you just read the fascinating ArborTrek backstory, but now you’re at a crossroads: You know you want to try this. That’s why we suggest you take the road less traveled. Get yourself to Smugglers’ Notch in Stowe, Vt., and experience ArborTrek’s amazing adventure for yourself.

Call 802-644-9300 or visit www.arbortrek.com for directions, prices and everything you need to know about Smugglers’ Notch Zip Line Canopy Tour, Treetop Obstacle Course and Climbing Adventure.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 31

32 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 33

Music from the Roots Hundreds of years ago, Adirondack red spruce took root in the forests surrounding Schroon Lake. Now those very trees, preserved for generations, are part of instruments that are as rich in sound as they are in history.

Story and photography by Andrew Johnstone 34 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

C

all it a journey of sound. The first, harsh, as the tree comes crashing down in the woods.

Soon after, nearly 200 years of muffled quiet beneath the waters of an Adirondack lake.

Then a splash and hands working a rope. The log’s long slumber comes to an abrupt end. It’s pulled from the water and set to dry. Then come the saws, planers, sanders, the music of a mill and workshop.

And finally, a thrum. Smooth and rich, not unlike the guitar from which it emanates. Though any acoustic is a marriage of form and function, a BassRock is different, amping the two qualities to a level at which the finished instrument is as fit for an art gallery as it is a stage. Perhaps it’s the wood, the silt-and-water-aged spruce in the topsheet. Then there’s the craftsmanship, patience and attention to detail. Or maybe it’s the magic.

Eric Bright is an unassuming man. A former educator, Bright worked with special needs students before retiring to a family camp on eastern shore of Schroon Lake that dates back to the early 1900s. The property is shaped like a pie, narrowing as it retreats from water’s edge, and a wall of earth and stone passable only on switchbacks by (continued on next page) nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 35

Eric Bright works on the neck of a guitar in his workshop on the eastern shore of Schroon Lake. Around him are woodworking tools that handle every stage of the build after the initial milling of a log is complete. The guitars are a work of time and labor—he makes a handful a year and imagines that a 10-12 would be the ceiling.

foot lies between the buildings and the distant road. Boats and snowmobiles, rather than cars and trucks, link he and his wife, Mary, to Route 9N on the western side. “This is my favorite place in the world,” says Bright of the property on which he spends 10 months of the year. “My roots are here, my heart is here.”

There’s no one word to describe the man. There’s the woodworker Bright (his resume includes a log cabin on the property); the musician Bright (he writes and performs); and then the luthier Bright—the string instrument builder behind BassRock Guitars. Different those sides may be, when it comes to his guitars, they all come together to create something truly unique and over a century in the making.

Bright began playing guitar as a teen when a friend taught him a few chords. For most of his life, he was a self-described “closet player” until several years ago when he was finally convinced to play in public, leading to jam sessions at the Schroon Lake Boathouse Theatre and Witherbee’s Carriage House. What started as a nervous apprehension soon became what Bright calls “euphorial elation.” He was, and still is, hooked.

After taking a guitar-building class with Custom Pearl Inlay in

36 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

Whippleville, just south of Malone, Bright started down a road he’s been on since: building, playing and selling acoustic guitars that create a high-end sound with material that is, for the most part, locally sourced. In terms of sound, he explains, the top of the guitar is the most important part. It’s where the sinker spruce comes in. Bright demonstrates with two guitars he’d built; one with sinker atop, the other without. The difference between the two is both subtle and profound. They both sound like a wellcared-for, well-tuned guitar, but the sinker...there’s a richness, a quality of the lows, a sustained resonance that’s hard to describe.

“It’s the magic of the wood,” says Bright. The answer explains little, yet feels right given the mystery of what happens to the red spruce in the silt of Schroon Lake.

In the 1800s, the Adirondack red spruce destined for the sawmill in Glens Falls was cut to 13’4” and hauled onto the ice of Schroon Lake for its eventual float south along the Hudson River.

Though the logging companies had men employed with the task of making sure the logs made it downstream, every now and then one would slip away and under, settling out of sight into silt of the lake. And of those few, some have since found their way into Bright’s hands. “If I was a log and I wanted to get lost, where would I sink?” he says of the search. (continued on next page)

ncliving@denpubs.com

Gesturing toward the lake, he explains that some end up in the narrows and bays, all but forgotten to most.

The first came from just offshore from the camp, a log that took him and five or six others to haul out of the water. At the time he didn’t know it was spruce until taking it up to Dave Nichols at Custom Pearl. There he learned it was red spruce—or in guitar terms, “like gold, really,” Bright says. Since then he’s been back in the water. Not all sinkers are spruce, but any log from the depths has been changed in mysterious ways. Perhaps it’s the water, the pressure, the minerals in Schroon Lake. Maybe all three over generations of time.

The trees exceed centuries in age, their closely formed rings indicating a slow growth and unique grain. Those indicators of a year life are hardly distinguishable with the naked eye. Some of the logs bear stamps—the logging equivalent of a cattle brand— that add context to the story. Bright can find out who owned the log and when, roughly, it was cut. One such stamp was registered in 1853, telling a tale of a tree that may have been a sapling in the late 1500s. There’s a preserving quality to the depths of the water.

He’s even found logs with bark preserved. In open air, that same piece of wood would have long since become part of the soil. After

milling, the logs take on a second life. Bright shows off several spruce topsheets. Even before any lacquer is applied, the wood is banded in a rainbow of colors.

There’s an art to the hunt for these buried treasures. He goes out with his daughter Kate to find logs, and when they do come across one, the next step is to check for that exact 13’4” mark.

Then, on a single breath of air, the log is roped and marked. A boat tow and tractor haul later and the logs begin to dry.

Once milled, the real detail work begins. For the sound Bright desires, the margin of error is literally razor thin. The side pieces—often maple or oak—are 91/1,000”. The top, 110/1,000”.

Any deviation would compromise the sound. The sinker spruce is so receptive to sound waves that Bright has to be careful when and how he tunes the instrument. If using a vibration-based tuner, the device can pick up another guitar played nearby.

Scores of steps separate planing from completion, from the forming of the wood to shaping and mounting braces internally.

Bright has drawer after drawer filled with components he’s shaped and stored away. While some parts come in the mail, most of a BassRock guitar comes from (continued on next page)

The inlay work in a BassRock guitar gives the instrument its Adirondack-fine-art style. Bright uses a bandsaw to slice out thin slabs of burl to set into the head and body of the guitar. He then uses pearl inlay to fill any gaps or add character and contrast.

the nearby woods and is shaped by his own hands. Many guitar builders, he says, buy and assemble blanks while he tries to move toward doing even more right from his shop. “I’m into Adirondack stuff,” he says. “Importing (exotic wood) is a stretch when we’ve got woods here.”

The unique appearance to one of Bright’s guitars is far from limited to the topsheet. His inlays are especially eye-catching, a blend of burl wood and pearl. Bright had always liked burls before he built guitars, but didn’t know what to do with them. They ended up on display until BassRock came about. The growths are unique, a swirling grain that makes for dense wood and a myriad of colors and shapes. When a slab is cut in half and its ends placed together, the result looks like nature’s version of a Rorschach test.

Then, in a final touch of style, Bright adds pearl inlay which pops in contrast with the wood. His bridges, the part of the guitar that links the strings with the topsheet, are also burl, rounded and asymmetrical, a reflection of his love for “soft edges and flowy things.” Even the tuning pegs he prefers are without harsh angles.

Both Bright’s ear for sound and building ability have evolved over the years, likely together. As the quality of the guitars has improved, so has his sense for hearing the nuances of their sounds.

“It’s an emotional experience,” he says of playing the instruments.

“If you like your guitar, you can play good music.” It’s apparent in how he plays, a style akin to a Stevie Ray Vaughan with a folk flair.

His guitars have personality to match the music—complete with names of their own. Bright keeps a list of women’s names with an old-fashioned feel to match the history of the wood he uses. When he finishes a build, he’ll choose whatever strikes him— Marianne, Caroline, Olive, Pauline, Emma, to name a few—each with “her” own unique design though grains, inlays and the many parts that comprise a guitar.

With so many intangibles tied into a single BassRock guitar, choosing and purchasing one has more a sense of adoption than material gain. Bright loves for others to play his guitars and to ask them questions about their style preferences. Although the price of one of his instruments can range from $3,200 to $6,000, he’s very hands-on when sharing his crafts. Across the lake from Bright’s camp and workshop is a studio where he keeps several finished guitars and anyone can “play their way around the room.”

While he currently just builds Dreadnought-style guitars, there are variations on the body. Some have edges that are inlaid and smoothed for a smaller player; left-handed or right; and then there’s the design, a fingerprint of grain. Bright is looking into building different sizes in the future, (continued on page 40) It’s all in the details. Above, Bright works on an inlay with laser-precision. Below is a pearl EB, his initials, that is inlaid into the head of the guitar. Courtesy photos.

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 39

1

2

3

4

5

6 Stamps like these squares (1) are much like a cattle brand and tell a story about who owned the log and when. After some 150 years under water, the next step for a log is dry time (2). While sinkers make perfect tops, woods like oak and maple make up the side and back of the guitar (3).

Bright’s use of burl inlays (4) add life and character to a guitar.

When book-ended, the dense and swirling grains resemble a Rorschach test more than a tree. When it comes to the final stages of shaping pieces of the guitar, precision is key. The sides (5), for example, measure 90/1,000”. Any deviation will change the sound of the finished guitar.

The finished inlays, which include both burl wood and pearl, are indistinguishably flush with the rest of the top sheet (6). He also uses the materials in the head and bridge.

7

8

40 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

Bright’s guitars are labor intensive. He makes several a year and handles repairs when need be (7). The luthier said that he can imagine making up to 12 annually, but the time- and laborintensive craft isn’t one to be rushed. His guitars, he says, are much better now than when he started. Bright can play, too (8), and often performs live.

ncliving@denpubs.com

including a smaller one for grandchildren. And, as time goes on, he’s tackling the construction of more of components such as the neck.

Even as it stands now, very little of each instrument comes from beyond the Blue Line.

The guitars are far from mass produced: in early May, he had two awaiting the final stages of assembly. He makes them in the single digits per year and can see himself upping the number to 10-12, though any number past that would be a lot of work. Bright is unable to say—and perhaps doesn’t even want to know—how many hours go into a single instrument. He looks for logs in the summertime; one can provide enough material for 10-25 topsheets. Later on, the rougher work of planing and sanding an already-dried sinker beings. By October, the finer assembly work begins. Though as any workworker knows well, the closer to completion, the finer the details and patience.

Details like humidity. Even the moisture content of the air in his shop is carefully controlled through a humidifier and dehumidifier.

He recommends cases that do the same. In terms of when to spray the finish coats, those little atmospheric details come into play again, over and over as the wood is carefully manipulated—lacquer, dry, sand, repeat. Wood is, after all, susceptible to changes in the air. Just like a house door will swell during a humid week or shrink during a dry one, so will the guitars. Though while a door that’s difficult to shut is a minor inconvenience, joinery failures in a guitar are a major. It’s not to characterize his instruments as fragile, but rather that they’re worth a level of care that matches the investment, not unlike artwork or an automobile.

It’s worth seeing, with one’s own eyes, a finished BassRock. In addition to his studio, Bright travels to shows with his guitars while Giant Mountain Studio, an art gallery and office in Schroon Lake, has some as well. While there’s a business side to BassRock, any time spent with Bright and his instruments seems to indicate that dollar signs are secondary to all else.

“I like to clear my head out, to make some sawdust,” the luthier says of his hands-on second career. Bright goes to the wall at the back of the studio and lifts up Elizabeth. He sits, grabs a pick and runs it across the strings, pausing while the sound fills the studio and lingers long after his hand stops. “Life is good doing stuff you like.” His eyes close, his fingers find the strings, and he begins to play.

More on Eric Bright and BassRock guitars at BassRock.org or at facebook.com/BassRockGuitars

ABOVE,Ê RIGHT:Ê The inside of a burl is a mystery until it’s cut into. Its shape, swirling grain and breaks lead to shapes and uses that come to life as the guitar is built. Here its used as both a bridge and surrounding inlay.

RIGHT:Ê Building a BassRock guitar is only half the joy. Bright takes a break to play a tune on a lake-side swing.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 41

42 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 43

An

Adirondack

Treasure

By David Press

44 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

When Mike Delahant

took over as curator of the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage and Museum in Saranac Lake, he took over for a generation of curators protecting the legacy of one of the first Adirondack writers. Stevenson, famous in the minds of eighth graders for Treasure Island and Kidnapped, was at the height of his fame when he came to live in Saranac Lake in 1887.

Delahant is a grizzled caretaker who welcomes people into his home to celebrate the history of Baker Cottage, where the Scottish author lived for six months with the Baker Family—who were among the original settlers of Saranac Lake.

Stephen Chalmers, an essayist and novelist, and Robert Davis, a newspaper columnist, founded the museum in 1915. It was the first Robert Louis Stevenson memorial museum in the United States. As a result of Chalmers and Davis, the Stevenson Society thrived through the 1920s until the 1960s when the Town of Saranac Lake took it over for tourism reasons, and ran it until the 1970s when Mayor Tom Anderson decided to drop it. Delahant’s father John took over the cottage and the Delahant family has had soleproprietorship since that time.

Originally, Mike did not want responsibility for the place, but his father convinced him to move in. “My father had me coming up here in the seventies to mow the lawn, paint the house, I never dreamed I’d end up here. I came home from a trip in 1980 and he asked, ‘What are you going to do?’ I said I’m going to get a place at the old Berkeley, and he said, ‘Why don’t you move into the cottage, I’m worried about vandalism.’ So I moved in that night on Labor Day weekend 1980 and I expected to be out in two weeks, but I’m still here and that’s about it.”

According to the Stevenson Society website, many people follow in the footsteps of Stevenson since he was—most notably—a travel writer, and many people from around the world go on Stevenson pilgrimages. People from as far as South America have made it to the cottage, but to his dismay barely any locals visit the cottage.

Robert Louis Stevenson traveled to Saranac Lake from New York in 1887.

The city he left behind was pursuing him like he was the Beatles of the nineteenth century. In a September 1887 letter, Stevenson commented on sitting for interviews for 24 hours straight. “My reception here was idiotic to the last degree; if Jesus Christ came, they would make less fuss,” he once wrote in a letter.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde grew Stevenson’s nclmagazine.com

fame in the United States. The book’s popularity had people visiting him and intruding on his life all the time. This took a great toll on his health, so his doctors advised him to spend a year in Colorado, because the mountain air would be good for his bronchitis. They feared it would develop into tuberculosis. Stevenson’s hacking and bloody coughs were of constant concern for him and his family. Their frequent travels took him to specialists to help him. The Colorado travel plan changed, and someone recommended that they travel north to the Adirondacks where Dr. Edward Trudeau opened his center for Tuberculosis sufferers.

Stevenson, his mother, his wife Fanny, her 19-year-old son Lloyd Osborne, and their maid, Valentine Roch, left for the Adirondacks on September 30, 1887, via train to Albany that connected to Plattsburgh. Fanny, Lloyd, and Valentine arrived early to make arrangements with the Baker family.

Stevenson and his mother arrived on October 3, and would stay until April 13, 1888. Fanny, from California, did not enjoy her time at the cottage, because it was far too cold and traveled to Montreal and home to California regularly. However, Stevenson and his mother enjoyed their stay at the Baker homestead. They shared the house with local guide Andrew Baker Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 45

and his family.

Baker was the son of one of the original settlers of Saranac Lake and owned the land from the cottage to Moody Pond and over the mountain, which currently bears his family’s name. Stevenson, as a result of his friendship with the Bakers, nicknamed the cottage his “hunter’s cabin,” and insisted that the decorative fireplace be lit at all time. The fireplace is the first fireplace installed in the Adirondacks, and sports Stevenson’s cigarette burns on the mantelpiece.

Stevenson’s health improved greatly in Saranac Lake thanks to Dr. Trudeau. Trudeau wanted Stevenson to stay at the Sanatorium, but the author refused, because, Delahant says, he didn’t want to be around sick people, thus the arrangement with the Bakers.

Delahant says that people think that Trudeau and Stevenson did not get along but that’s not true. In fact, Trudeau treasured his time with the writer.

“ ...pure and antiseptic air, of pleasant lodging in fine scenery... ”

Top: The Stevenson Cottage on Stevenson Lane in Saranac Lake is open by appointment right now, but open full time starting July 1.

Middle: The Baker Fireplace where Stevenson and Trudeau would frequently sit and chat.

Bottom: Trudeau on his relationship with Stevenson.

46 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

The doctor would stop by nightly and sit with him by the fireplace. Stevenson was so impressed and thankful with Trudeau’s care that he wrote a letter to The Evening Post on March 5, 1888 titled, “Mr. R.L. Stevenson on the Adirondack Cure.” From the Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson: “I was struck to observe the other day, in more papers than one, great praise of the new system of treatment in phthisis, and great lamentation that no establishment on this principle should yet exist in the United States.

These complaints read to me very strangely in this place, where I am almost within sight of the ‘Adirondack Cottages for the Treatment of Pulmonary Disease’. In that establishment patients enjoy the advantages of this harsh but pure and antiseptic air, of pleasant lodging in fine scenery, of a generous diet, continual open air and carriage exercise.”

After he left Saranac Lake, Stevenson had Lloyd Osborne travel to New York City bookstores and collect every available copy of the novelist’s work. In all of the books, Stevenson re-dedicated them with a testament to Trudeau. In Trudeau’s autobiography, Delahant asserts, when the doctor’s house burned down he lost his copies of the inscriptions, but apparently that of all the things he lost in the fire, Trudeau missed the Stevenson books the most.

Stephen Chalmers, founder of the Stevenson Society and author of the Penny Piper of Saranac, which is full of interviews with the Bakers and Trudeau and collects many stories about Stevenson’s stay in Saranac, says that the author was at his most productive in his six-month stay. He wrote 140 letters, completed eight essays for Scribner’s Magazine, completed the book The Wrong Box, and his relationship with his stepson, Lloyd Osborne, bloomed. Fanny’s son had been taking writing lessons and hit upon a theme

ncliving@denpubs.com

penny pipe. One story in particular delights Delahant and he thinks it is indicative of what makes Stevenson a foundational Adirondack writer.

Stevenson came to Saranac Lake to get away from the hubbub of his city life and only allowed visitors on Saturdays. He enjoyed his solitude.

In fact, he only ventured into town a grand total of six times in the six months he lived there. Once, at a dinner at the Coopers’ house (the first people to bring a butler and a maid to Saranac Lake, according to Delahant), Stevenson met General Custer’s widow. Madam Custer, Chalmers writes, “opened fire” on Stevenson, asking him why he hasn’t included Stevenson spent about half a year living near Mt. Baker and Moody Pond, popular spots among tourists and locals to this day. a woman in his work, to which the novelist responds that he has little that Stevenson liked, so they collaborated on The Master of Ballantrae, a book that has unique and specific ties to Saranac Lake. In the “The Genesis knowledge of the Greeks. This reporter shrugs.

The pretentiousness of high society put Stevenson off, and that—for of The Master of Ballantrae” Stevenson writes about how the town inspired Delahant—is what makes him an Adirondack writer. What does that him to write the novel: mean?

Maybe to be an Adirondack writer is to draw inspiration from “I was walking one night in the verandah of a small house in which I lived, outside the hamlet of Saranac. It was winter; the night was very dark; the the outdoors and dislike pretension with a great desire to educate your air was extraordinary clear and cold, and sweet with the purity of forests... community. Mike Delahant maintains that tradition for travelers on a On such a fine frosty night, with no wind and the thermometer below zero, Stevenson pilgrimage. the brain works with much vivacity; and the next moment I had seen the circumstance transplanted from India and the tropics to the Adirondack wilderness and the stringent cold of the Canadian border.”

The bond between stepfather and adopted son grew and together they published three more books: The Wrong Box (1889), The Wrecker (1892), and The Ebb-Tide (1894).

Not only did the Adirondacks inspire Stevenson, but also he inspired many writers who came to Saranac as fans of the author’s work. Delahant cites two specifically: Chalmers and T. Morris Longstreth. Both writers were longtime Adirondack historians. Longstreth wrote a rare piece of historical fiction called Mac of Placid, which features Stephenson’s chore boy—Anson Macintyre—as a character.

Chalmers, also from Scotland, was born in 1880 and grew up on Stevenson’s books. Chalmers, a nearly lifelong resident of Saranac Lake, interviewed the Bakers and Trudeau, reproducing the transcript in the The Penny Piper of Saranac. Stevenson considered himself an Stevenson is best known for classics such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. amateur musician and his favorite instrument was the

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 47

48 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

A

Centuryof

Seagle

By Keith Lobdell

Summer opera School celebrateS

o n e

h u n d r e d

Y e a r S

In the foothills rising up from Schroon Lake, the sound of arias, opuses and more has filled the air for 100 years.

Over the last century, aspiring opera singers have made their way to this small, lakeside Adirondack town to hone their skills with some of the best teachers throughout the country and world as part of the Seagle Music Colony.

50 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

The pAST Seagle Music Colony was founded in 1915 by Oscar Seagle, who decided to bring students to hague-on-Lake-George, then moved to their Schroon Lake base one year later.

Oscar was born in Tennessee and first worked as a semi-pro baseball player and song leader for evangelist Sam Jones. his path toward music was chosen for him when the St. Louis Browns, a Major League Baseball team who moved to Baltimore in 1953 now known as the Orioles, cut him after a tryout.

After meeting his wife, Nell, the couple moved to paris, France, where Oscar started learning voice under the direction of tenor Jean de Reszke.

After becoming his teaching assistant, Oscar and Nell returned to the United States in 1914, taking on students and eventually leading him to the North Country for a summer learning experience.

The colony has had several homes, including the Crane house and the phillip and pearl Rice property which eventually became the Word of Life Inn. The first “studio” where Oscar taught lessons still stands at the site. The school is currently housed on land formerly known as the Nelson Warren and Charles Clark farms, located on Charley hill Road.

When not teaching at his school, Oscar Seagle would travel the nation performing as well as work as a recording artist for Columbia Records, lending his voice to World War I standards “Dear Old pal of Mine,” “There’s a Long, Long Trail,” and “pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag.” Nell also started teaching in Schroon Lake, remaining an active teacher and advocate for the school which bore her name until two years before her death at 95.

After Oscar’s death in 1945, the reigns of Seagle were handed over to John and helen Seagle. John was a driving force behind the colony throughout his 40 years of leadership, teaching, traveling across the country and raising funds for the school.

While John did that, helen, a Glens Falls native, worked behind the scenes, painting scenery, working on costumes, searching for props and supervising the buildings and grounds.

When John and helen were no longer able to run the colony, howard and helen Boatwright took over the programs between 1986 and 1989, with pete and Dodie Seagle serving behind the scenes.

In 1996, Tony Kostecki was hired as a member of Seagle as a staff pianist, making Schroon Lake his summer home.

In 2006, he became part of the administrative staff. Two years later, he would be named as the first full-time executive Director of the school.

“It kind of just happened,” Kostecki said.

“When I started here, I did not think I would be living in Schroon Lake. The board had been talking a lot about having someone who was on staff year-round to help out. I could not do it parttime from Texas and we couldn’t really grow that way. I took the plunge and figured out a way to do it.”

Kostecki said the presence of a full-time director had an immediate impact.

“You saw a change in the attitude of our supporters,” he said. “It’s pretty amazing how our reputation has changed over the past 20 years.

We have raised awareness and esteem in the opera world and in the North Country. It has been cool to be part of something that has been around for 100 years then realize you have been there for one-fifth of that history.”

Continued on page 52

Y e a r S h u n d r e d o n e

Seagle Summer opera School celebrateS

The pReSeNT In 2015, this Adirondack community will join with the Seagle Music Colony to celebrate its first century throughout the summer months, complete with special performances, returning alumnus and, of course, the music ranging from Broadway to the Met. “We still have the four main productions which are the core of our program,” Tony Kostecki said. “Our goal is always to make those really great. We picked this season which would be full of popular events and well attended.”

The typical age range of a student at Seagle is between 24-26, working on or having attained a performance arts based college major.

“They are not quite ready to make the step into professional gigs, but they are right on the cusp,” Kostecki said. “We draw primarily from the United States.

The majority of students outside the states are foreign exchange students who hear about the program at their college.

They come here for the training to make the next step. They come here and learn for one or two summers, then hopefully go on to do fairly well.”

The main season will begin with the opera, Falstaff, by Verdi, running July 1, 2, 3 and 5, with special guest artist Seth Mease Carico, an alumnus of Seagle who has been a member of the Deustche Oper Berlin in Germany for it’s past five seasons.

“This will be a neat experience not only for the audience, but for the troupe to be able to work with a professional like this who can relate to their experience here.”

The season continues with Rossini’s Barber of Seville, July 15-18. Both operatic performances will be sung in Italian with english subtitles projected throughout the show.

The troupe will then dive into the world of Broadway for their final two

main shows, building off the recent hollywood production and presenting Into the Woods July 29 through Aug. 1, and Les Miserables from Aug. 12-15.

“The world of opera is changing where new pieces are in more of a musical style,” Kostecki said. “ More opera houses are starting to do musicals, so the line between the opera and musical theater is being blurred. Since we are focused on building every aspect of the performer, it’s a good set of skills for our artists to learn. It’s also great for ticket sales.”

Other seasonal performances for members of Seagle include the annual children’s performance, where the troupe will present The Ugly Duckling at the Boathouse in Schroon Lake July 11. The other is the annual Vespers Concert, started by Oscar and Nell Seagle in the 1930’s, which will take place July 12, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23. The concerts feature individual presentations by the vocalists, including hymns, and always end with “Now the Day is Over.”

Seagle will also host several events to honor the community as well as those who paved the way.

Old Friends and New will be presented at Schroon Lake Central School June 20.

“We want to really do something for our host community in Schroon Lake and help us celebrate these past 100 years,” he said. “There will be five alumni signers who will perform the greatest hits from the past 100 years of productions, from opera to music theatre and favorites.”

The troupe will also take part in the towns’ Fourth of July festivities, which has become an annual tradition for town and Seagle.

The patrice Munsel Gala will be held July 11, an evening to celebrate the past and honor the present and future of Seagle.

Alumnus - John Boles, actor, Ò TheÊ DessertÊ SongÓ

As part of the colony’s year, students in attendance will be workshopping a pair of new operas through a grant from the National endowment for the Arts.

- Thomas L. Thomas, singer, Ò TheÊ VoiceÊ of Ê FirestoneÓ Ê radioÊ show

The first, Sharon’s Grave, is a collaboration with Seagle and the Sembrich Opera Museum’s Artistic Director, Richard Wargo.

- holli harrison, Jesus Garcia and Matthew Grills, MetropolitanÊ OperaÊ NationalÊ CouncilÊ AuditionÊ Winners

The second, Roscoe, was created by Skidmore faculty member evan Mack and deals with the Albany political machine of the 1940’s and will see a world premiere at Seagle in 2016. post-season events include the children’s opera, where members of the troupe perform at schools throughout the Adirondacks.

“We started it in 2012, so it is a relatively new part of what we do,” Kostecki said. “It is a chance for everyone to engage the people around here.”

To help celebrate the century mark,

- Jane Froman, radio,Ê stageÊ andÊ screenÊ star

- Keith Wolfe, formerÊ SMCÊ director,Ê directorÊ of Ê FortÊ WorthÊ (2001-14)Ê andÊ OperaÊ Birmingham - Sean pankkar, MetropolitanÊ Opera,Ê 2013 finalist on “America’s Got Talent” - Ava pine, Grammy Award nominated performer - Nancy Strohmeyer, MinervaÊ native,Ê worksÊ withÊ NYSÊ Dept.Ê of Ê Education - Jonathan and David Blalock - elizabeth Brooks, soprano - eric Ferring, tenor

The 2015 Schedule Old Friends and New Saturday, June 20, 8p.m., SchrOON Lake ceNtraL SchOOL To celebrate its first century and say thank you to the town of Schroon Lake and North Country, the Seagle Music Colony will host an evening of music for the community featuring former members singing popular tunes from the past 100 years of performances at the school.

During the gala, Seagle will honor alum and current artistic director Darren Woods along with alum Steven Bryant.

“Darren is the driving force behind the growth we have experienced the past 20 years,” Kostecki said.

Seagle will also host a special alumni reunion and performance from Aug. 20-23, with the performance scheduled for Aug. 22.

“It is a four-day chance to have a re-experiencing of what they had here,” Kostecki said. “They will be able to go to classes and social events and reconnect with the colony while putting the show together. The performance will be based on Die Fledermaus, where alumni will be the guests of a party and come out to perform, with a festive scene reception after.”

So far, Kostecki said between 50-75 alumnus have expressed their desire to attend.

The FUTURe As Seagle looks back on its first century of music and performance art, Kostecki said the future is bright in their business.

“Opera in the United States is enjoying a bit of a resurgence,” he said. “As an art, it involves so many things. All of your senses are engaged.”

As opera continues to evolve, Kostecki believes Seagle will be on the forefront of the evolution.

“We have raised awareness and esteem for our programs in the opera world outside as well as here in the North Country,” he said. “Our goal is to continue to improve programs that have the highest quality students going through our doors and leaving to get jobs with a lot of notoriety.”

For more on the Seagle Music Colony, to purchase tickets or to learn how to audition for the program, visit the website seaglecolony.org. Tickets are also available by calling 518-532-7875.

Falstaff July 1, July 2, July 5 at 8 p.m.; July 3 at 2p.m.

OScar SeagLe MeMOriaL theater The Verdi opera will be sung in Italian with english subtitles and will feature special guest artist and Alumni Seth Mease Carico July 2 and July 5. the Ugly Duckling Saturday, July 11, 10 and 11:30a.m. the BOathOUSe The annual free children’s opera performance on the shoreline of Lake Champlain. patrice Munsel Gala Saturday, July 11, 6p.m.

SeagLe MUSic cOLONy It’s largest fundraiser of the season, SMC will be honoring Darren K. Woods and Steven W. Bryant.

Vespers concerts Sundays, July 12, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23, 5p.m.

OScar SeagLe MeMOriaL theater A tradition since the 1930’s, the evening features individual performances of hymns and other tunes. the Barber of Seville July 15, July 16 and July 18 at 8p.m., July 17 at 2p.m.

OScar SeagLe MeMOriaL theater The classic Rossini opera will be sung in Italian with english subtitles projected throughout. into the Woods July 29, July 30, Aug. 1 at 8p.m., July 31 at 2p.m.

OScar SeagLe MeMOriaL theater The most recent musical to receive a hollywood adaptation, this Sondheim tale will be the first musical offering from SMC this summer.

Les Miserables Aug. 12, Aug. 13 and Aug. 15 at 8p.m., Aug. 24 at 2p.m.

OScar SeagLe MeMOriaL theater The Schonberg and Boublil classic will be the final main performance of the SMC season. alumni reunion and Special Performance Aug. 20 through 23, performance Aug. 22, 8p.m.

SeagLe MUSic cOLONy A gathering of alumni from the first century of SMC, along with a special performance of Strauss’ Die Fledermaus.

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 53

54 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 55

l l A

! d r a o b A Rutland R.R. Museum celebrates trains, past and present

By Lou Varricchio

45

56 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

V

ermontÊ hasÊ hadÊ aÊ longÊ historyÊ of Ê railroading.Ê FromÊ theÊ steamÊ trainsÊ of Ê theÊ earlyÊ 1800sÊ toÊ todayÕ sÊ diesel-poweredÊ freightÊ andÊ passengerÊ trains,Ê moreÊ thanÊ half Ê of Ê allÊ VermontersÊ resideÊ withinÊ theÊ soundÊ of Ê aÊ locomotiveÕ sÊ whistle-in-the-night.Ê TheÊ stateÕ sÊ richÊ historyÊ of Ê railroadingÊ isÊ celebratedÊ atÊ theÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ MuseumÊ atÊ theÊ historicÊ CenterÊ RutlandÊ Depot,Ê locatedÊ alongÊ theÊ tracksÊ atÊ 70Ê DepotÊ Lane,Ê behindÊ theÊ RutlandÊ CenterÊ MunicipalÊ Building.

BuiltÊ inÊ 1912Ê andÊ usedÊ byÊ bothÊ theÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ andÊ theÊ DelawareÊ &Ê HudsonÊ RailroadÊ (inÊ aÊ rareÊ spiritÊ of Ê camaraderieÊ amongÊ competitors),Ê theÊ depotÊ isÊ nowÊ aÊ delightfulÊ museumÊ thatÊ isÊ bothÊ educationalÊ andÊ entertainingÊ asÊ wellÊ asÊ nostalgic.Ê AccordingÊ toÊ artistÊ andÊ RutlandÊ RailwayÊ AssociationÊ andÊ museumÊ PresidentÊ MattÊ Rockwell,Ê Ò theÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ MuseumÊ displaysÊ hundredsÊ of Ê rareÊ orÊ antiqueÊ railroadÊ artifacts,Ê modelÊ trains,Ê signs,Ê photographsÊ andÊ memorabiliaÊ savedÊ fromÊ anotherÊ time.Ó RockwellÊ Ê isÊ alsoÊ aÊ modelÊ railroader.Ê AÊ visitÊ toÊ theÊ museumÊ shouldÊ includeÊ aÊ peekÊ atÊ theÊ miniatureÊ HO-scaleÊ trainÊ layoutÊ erectedÊ byÊ theÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ MuseumÊ ModelÊ RailroadÊ Club. Ò ChildrenÊ of Ê allÊ agesÊ willÊ delightÊ inÊ ourÊ room-sizedÊ HO-scaleÊ operatingÊ displayÊ andÊ N-scaleÊ modelÊ railroad.Ê WeÊ runÊ severalÊ trainsÊ atÊ once,Ó Ê RockwellÊ said.

Rockwell,Ê aÊ relativeÊ of Ê NormanÊ Rockwell,Ê theÊ lateÊ painterÊ andÊ one-timeÊ Vermonter,Ê hasÊ addedÊ theÊ familyÊ touchÊ toÊ theÊ railroadÊ museumÕ sÊ HOÊ railroadÊ display.Ê AÊ beautiful,Ê realisticÊ landscapeÊ paintingÊ behindÊ theÊ displayÊ isÊ aÊ viewÊ of Ê theÊ GreenÊ andÊ TaconicÊ mountainsÊ asÊ seenÊ fromÊ downtownÊ Rutland.

TheÊ focusÊ of Ê theÊ littleÊ museumÊ isÊ onÊ theÊ late,Ê greatÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ whichÊ lastedÊ fromÊ theÊ lateÊ 1800sÊ untilÊ 1963. Ò ThisÊ depotÊ isÊ oneÊ of Ê theÊ lastÊ remainingÊ depotsÊ of Ê theÊ formerÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ andÊ theÊ DelawareÊ &Ê HudsonÊ utilizingÊ twoÊ dispatchÊ desks.Ó

RockwellÊ said,Ê Ò Today,Ê thisÊ depotÊ isÊ aÊ greatÊ placeÊ forÊ railÊ fanÊ actionÊ asÊ trainsÊ continueÊ toÊ passÊ byÊ dayÊ andÊ night.Ó RockwellÊ notedÊ thatÊ mostÊ of Ê theÊ museumÕ sÊ artifactsÊ cameÊ fromÊ RutlandÊ businessmanÊ HenryÊ CarrisÕ Ê personalÊ collection. Ò Mr.Ê CarrisÊ hadÊ aÊ hugeÊ collection,Ó Ê heÊ said.Ê Ò HisÊ generousÊ donationÊ of Ê theÊ collectionÊ actuallyÊ providedÊ theÊ impetusÊ forÊ theÊ museum.Ê SinceÊ then,Ê hisÊ familyÊ andÊ othersÊ inÊ theÊ RutlandÊ areaÊ haveÊ continuedÊ toÊ supportÊ theÊ museumÊ andÊ itsÊ goalÊ toÊ increaseÊ awarenessÊ of Ê theÊ historicalÊ importanceÊ of Ê theÊ railroadÊ asÊ integralÊ partÊ of Ê ourÊ l o c a lÊ

andÊ stateÊ heritage.Ó WhatÊ betterÊ placeÊ forÊ RutlandÊ areaÊ railroadÊ buffsÊ toÊ gather? Ò MembersÊ of Ê theÊ ModelÊ RailroadÊ ClubÊ areÊ constantlyÊ buildingÊ andÊ operatingÊ bothÊ theÊ N-scaleÊ andÊ thisÊ largeÊ HO-scaleÊ modelÊ railroadÊ layoutÊ atÊ theÊ Depot,Ó Ê RockwellÊ said.Ê Ò MembersÊ areÊ welcomeÊ toÊ operateÊ theirÊ ownÊ modelsÊ orÊ clubÊ equipment.Ê AsÊ experiencedÊ modelersÊ know,Ê aÊ layoutÊ isÊ aÊ work-inÊ progressÊ andÊ itsÊ expansionÊ isÊ partÊ of Ê theÊ funÊ andÊ challengeÊo f m Ê odelÊr ailroading.ÊT heÊN -scaleÊ modelÊ isÊ currentlyÊ underÊ constructionÊ asÊ aÊ modelÊ of Ê partÊ of Ê theÊ formerÊ RutlandÊ Railroad.Ó TheÊ scaleÊ modelÊ layoutÊ hasÊ toÊ beÊ seenÊ toÊ beÊ believed.Ê AÊ perfectlyÊ scaledÊ andÊ detailedÊ railroadÊ trestleÊ bridgeÊ wasÊ builtÊ byÊ theÊ TomÊ TomlinsonÊ of Ê Shrewsbury,Ê aÊ masterÊ modelÊ makerÊ andÊ long-timeÊ Continued on page 58

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 57

railroadÊ clubÊ member.

MuseumÊ andÊ modelÊ clubÊ membershipÊ has its benefits, according to Rockwell.

ForÊ example,Ê teenageÊ railroadÊ enthusiastsÊ BrettÊ StankiewiczÊ andÊ EliotÊ St.Ê PetersÊ of Ê RutlandÊ areÊ membersÊ of Ê theÊ ModelÊ RailroadÊ Club.Ê BothÊ youngÊ menÊ areÊ learningÊ aboutÊ VermontÕ sÊ railÊ past,Ê presentÊ andÊ future.Ê InÊ PetersÕ Ê case,Ê membershipÊ hasÊ turnedÊ intoÊ aÊ possibleÊ careerÊ avenue.Ê Currently,Ê theÊ teenÊ isÊ VermontÕ sÊ youngestÊ railroadÊ conductor;Ê heÊ hasÊ anÊ internshipÊ throughÊ RutlandÊ HighÊ SchoolÊ workingÊ asÊ aÊ freightÊ conductorÊ onÊ theÊ GreenÊ MountainÊ Railroad.

LastÊ butÊ notÊ leastÊ isÊ aÊ genuineÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ caboose,Ê oldÊ No.Ê 45.

TheÊ redÊ caboose,Ê whichÊ greetsÊ visitorsÊ toÊ theÊ depotÊ museum,Ê isÊ beingÊ restoredÊ toÊ itsÊ formerÊ glory. Ò WeÕ reÊ proudÊ of Ê ourÊ historicalÊ caboose,Ó Ê RockwellÊ said.Ê Ò ManyÊ longÊ hoursÊ wereÊ

investedÊ inÊ theÊ rescueÊ of Ê thisÊ i m p o r t a n tÊ woodenÊ cabooseÊ andÊ itsÊ transferÊ toÊ ourÊ displayÊ track.Ó ThanksÊ toÊ aÊ generousÊ contributionÊ fromÊ theÊ SwissÊ miningÊ companyÊ OMYAÊ andÊ theÊ assistanceÊ of Ê theÊ VermontÊ RailÊ System,Ê theÊ cabooseÊ wasÊ movedÊ fromÊ LeicesterÊ JunctionÊ toÊ theÊ CenterÊ RutlandÊ DepotÊ aÊ fewÊ yearsÊ ago. Ò TheÊ cabooseÊ bringsÊ smilesÊ toÊ children,Ó Ê RockwellÊ added.Ê Ò BeforeÊ communicationÊ technologyÊ replacedÊ theÊ needÊ forÊ mannedÊ crewsÊ atÊ theÊ endÊ of Ê longÊ trains,Ê crewsÊ stoodÊ guardÊ inÊ theÊ caboose,Ê tryingÊ toÊ stayÊ warmÊ byÊ aÊ pot-bellyÊ stove.Ó InÊ aÊ way,Ê caboosesÊ wereÊ theÊ originalÊ RVsÊ forÊ railroadÊ crews.

ThisÊ yearÊ willÊ beÊ aÊ busyÊ timeÊ forÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ MuseumÊ andÊ ModelÊ RailroadÊ ClubÊ

RUTLAND

45

58 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

membersÊ asÊ theyÊ prepareÊ forÊ theÊ FourthÊ AnnualÊ RailroadÊ TrainÊ ShowÊ atÊ theÊ HolidayÊ InnÊ onÊ U.S.Ê RouteÊ 7Ê onÊ Saturday,Ê Sept.Ê 26.

TheÊ publicÊ isÊ invited,Ê butÊ inÊ theÊ meantime,Ê clubÊ membersÊ areÊ lookingÊ forÊ dealersÊ andÊ vendorsÊ of Ê modelÊ railroadÊ items,Ê trainÊ collectibles,Ê memorabiliaÊ andÊ thoseÊ withÊ operatingÊ layoutsÊ toÊ display.Ê TheÊ oldÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ mayÊ beÊ gone,Ê butÊ itÊ livesÊ onÊ throughÊ theÊ passionÊ andÊ dedicationÊ of Ê RutlandÕ sÊ railroadÊ buffsÊ atÊ theÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ Museum.

ForÊ moreÊ detailsÊ aboutÊ theÊ museum,Ê modelÊ railroadingÊ andÊ theÊ upcomingÊ RutlandÊ TrainÊ Show,Ê e-mailÊ astpeter@ieee.org.

ncliving@denpubs.com

Ê Ê HistoryÊ ofÊ the theÊ RutlandÊ Railroad

• The roots of the Rutland Railroad, later the Rutland Railway, began in the years before the American Civil War. • Through various business incarnations, the railroad—owned at times by private investors and the U.S. Government—lasted as a business entity until early November 1963, three weeks prior to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

• The railroad, the greatest line in Vermont, linked Vermont government, businesses and travelers to the outside world. It provided work for hundreds of service businesses, laborers, skilled craftsmen, conductors, baggage handlers, ticket officers, and clerks.

• In a way, the mighty Rutland still exists today in the guise of the Vermont Railway.

This taxpayer-owned railway operates most of the old Rutland Railway.

• Nov.Ê 6,Ê 1847Ê Ð Ê RutlandÊ &Ê BurlingtonÊ RailroadÊ Co.Ê emergesÊ fromÊ theÊ ChamplainÊ &Ê ConnecticutÊ RiverÊ Railroad.

• Nov.Ê 13,Ê 1848Ê Ð Ê TheÊ RutlandÊ &Ê WhitehallÊ RailroadÊ constructsÊ aÊ newÊ lineÊ toÊ CastletonÊ whichÊ parallelsÊ theÊ RutlandÊ &Ê WashintonÊ (N.Y.).

• Dec.Ê 18,Ê 1849Ê Ð Ê TheÊ inauguralÊ runÊ of Ê aÊ RutlandÊ &Ê BurlingtonÊ trainÊ viaÊ theÊ BellowsÊ Falls-BurlingtonÊ route.

• Aug. 1, 1865 – The Bennington & Rutland Railroad Co. is born (from the remainsÊ of Ê theÊ WesternÊ VermontÊ Railroad).

• June 25, 1867 – The first Rutland Railroad Co. is formed out of the Rutland &Ê BurlingtonÊ R.R. • Jan.Ê 21,Ê 1901Ê Ð Ê TheÊ secondÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ Co.isÊ Ê formedÊ whenÊ theÊ RutlandCanadianÊ R.R.Ê isÊ consolodated.

• Sept. 6, 1901 – The third Rutland Railroad Co. is born from the Bennington & RutlandÊ R.R. • Oct.Ê 26-28,Ê 1901Ê Ð Ê TheÊ fourthÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ Co.Ê isÊ created.

• Dec. 23-24, 1901 – The fifth Rutland Railroad Co. is formed.

• 1904-05 – The Rutland Railroad Co. is majority controlled by the New York CentralÊ &Ê HudsonÊ RiverÊ R.R. • July 1, 1914 – The Rutland Railroad Co. must sell off all its maritime shipping interests as ordered by the U.S. Panama Canal Act. • Dec.28,Ê 1917Ê Ð Ê TheÊ U.S.Ê RailroadÊ AdministrationÊ takesÊ controlÊ of Ê theÊ Rutland.

• March 1, 1920 – Uncle Sam’s control of Rutland ends.

• Nov. 3-5, 1927 – Worse than Tropical Storm Irene, the Great Flood of 1927 devastates Rutland Railroad infrastructure. The company focuses on rebuilding tracks, buildings.

• May 5, 1938 – Financial woes force the Rutland Railroad into receivership, • Nov. 1, 1950 – The Rutland Railroad becomes the Rutland Railway.

• June 26, 1953 – A three-week strike, the first strike in the history of railroad forces anÊ endÊ toÊ passengerÊ service.

• Sept. 16, 1960 – A 41-day-long strike by unionized workers puts a nail in the Rutland’s coffin.

• Sept. 25, 1961 – The third Rutland workers strike drives the final nail in the railway’s coffin. The last Rutland train rumbles through downtown Rutland.

• May 29, 1963 – With a $2.7 million funding bill the State of Vermont purchases a large section of Rutland Railway to be leased to various operators.

• Nov. 4, 1963 – Rutland Railway.owners are finally free to sell off remaining railroad property.

SpecialÊ thanksÊ toÊ theÊ RutlandÊ RailroadÊ HistoricalÊ SocietyÊ andÊ theÊ Ê RutlandÊ RailroadÊ MuseumÊ forÊ thisÊ information.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 59

60 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 61

Forgiveness,

“It just seems like from all of this sad, tragic stuff that has happened, now it’s starting to turn around and develop into something good and positive”

--MaryJo Heitkamp-France

Tiffany Heitkamp

62 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

Hope....................... ....................... and the future

By Alyssa LaFaro I photos by Cindy Bell “It’s not easy to forgive,” admitted MaryJo HeitkampFrance. “I find that most people can’t even forgive for simple things. They carry that hurt around, and it’s such heavy stuff that it can really become debilitating.”

MaryJo knows about forgiveness. In fact, she had to make one of the hardest decisions of her life eight years ago in choosing to forgive the man who took her only daughter’s life.

But this story is not only about forgiveness. It is about a partnership. It is about awareness and education. It is about taking the tragic and terrible events of the past and forging ahead with the hope to make the world a better — and safer — place.

Tiffany Heitkamp (I hope you dance)

MaryJo’s daughter Tiffany was a happy and free spirit. And she had a heart of gold. “She loved all people. And she loved the underdog,” MaryJo told me. “If somebody was being bullied or picked on, Tiffany was right there. She was just brave that way.”

Practical jokes were her game. “When she was younger, she had this fake pile of poop she’d put in the middle of walkways. She’d watch people react to it and laugh hysterically. And when she laughed, you laughed, because her laugh was so contagious.” This was just one of the many practical jokes that brought joy to her family and friends and all who knew her.

M a ry Jo H e it k a m p -F ra a n d K e ir We im e r n c e June 23, 2006

On June 22, 2006, Tiffany, 20, headed to the Adirondacks to spend the weekend with five friends — her boyfriend Mike, Nate and his girlfriend Trisha, and Sue and her boyfriend Keir — at Keir’s family cabin. That evening, they hopped in Keir’s 19-foot Four Winds speedboat and went to a local restaurant to listen to some music, shoot pool and grab a bite to eat.

Around 12:30 a.m. — after everyone had been drinking — the crew decided it was time to head back to the cabin. Keir, who had also been drinking, felt he wasn’t as intoxicated as the others and was in the best shape to drive. They hopped in the boat and it wasn’t long before Sue, Keir’s girlfriend, said she really had to use the bathroom. Keir, who spent lots of time in this part of the Adirondacks, thought he had his bearings and sped up. He hit the throttle and the bow rose up for just a few seconds — but when it planed he realized they were headed straight toward Alger Island, a state campground in the middle of Fourth Lake.

It was too late to change course.

The watercraft flew 150 feet inland. Tiffany, who was sitting in the front of the boat, was ejected immediately. She hit a lean-to, broke her neck and died instantly. Sue flew through the windshield, hit a tree and suffered severe injuries. Mike broke his collar bone, Nate experienced neck and head

........................................

She also had her own sense of style. “We learned a lot from each other in that respect,” said MaryJo.

continued on page 64

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 63

trauma, and Trisha sprained her ankle. The emotional injuries Keir suffered from wouldn’t come until later.

With no lights or cell phone service, Nate and Trisha took off to get help. Keir turned the one working boat light on and off in an attempt to send some kind of signal that help was needed.

But no one came. And Keir started to panic.

He made what he would later call “the horrible decision” to leave the island and find help. He dove into the water and swam toward his family’s camp. Upon reaching shore, he was immediately greeted by police officers who took him into questioning. It wasn’t until after his arrival at the station that he learned Tiffany had passed away.

Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law

“Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law” is a NYS Senate bill that would link all prior convictions of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, whether it be an automobile (DWI), snowmobile (SWI), boat (BWI) or all-terrain vehicle, together during sentencing of a subsequent driving while intoxicated conviction. For example, a person convicted of BWI would have that charge considered during sentencing for any subsequent DWI, SWI or ATV offense.

An unexpected partnership

The first and last time MaryJo saw Keir Weimer was Nov. 23, 2007 — the day of his sentencing. And although MaryJo had forgiven Keir at that point and time, Keir wouldn’t actually forgive himself until much later.

“I don’t think I forgave myself until almost two years after the accident,” he told me in a recent interview. “I didn’t forgive myself. I didn’t forgive my addiction. I didn’t address it properly until after one year in prison. I went through a sixmonth, really intensive rehab program. I had to be honest with myself, look at the facts and see my life removed for a bit.

I had to slowly realize I am an alcoholic and can’t ever drink again if I expect to live a good, purposeful life.”

It wasn’t until he finished rehab that he admitted to himself he had an alcohol problem and created a plan to heal — “and to realize I couldn’t blame the addiction to alcohol. I had to take responsibility for what happened. Then I began to slowly forgive myself for what happened.”

During his time in prison, Keir wrote MaryJo a handful of letters expressing his regret and apology for what he did to Tiffany, sharing his gratefulness for MaryJo’s forgiveness. He remained hopeful that one day the two would meet again, under different circumstances.

Prior to the accident, Keir had two other drunken driving convictions. These convictions weren’t, however, considered in his sentencing because — under current New York State law — he received them while driving a car, not a boat.

Therefore, he was only sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular manslaughter. He served threeand-a-half years, released early for good behavior.

MaryJo, on the other hand, just wanted to forget. Even though she had publicly announced she’d forgiven Keir, she tried to put him out of her mind. She only received the first letter he’d ever written her — the others lost to the justice system ether — and was quick to put it back in its envelope and into the depths of her desk, where she didn’t have to think about it.

Shortly after Tiffany’s accident, Sen. John DeFrancisco reached out to MaryJo and explained his efforts to pass the legislation. “He thought if we attached a name and a face to it, it would go farther, quicker,” said MaryJo. And so it became known as Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law.

It wasn’t until this past August, almost eight years since the accident, when MaryJo and her husband Ron received a text from friends saying Keir was on the news. “I was in Nantucket on vacation with Ronnie when one of our friends texted him and said, ‘Did you see Keir on the news? He’s doing this public speaking.’ We didn’t know anything about what he’d been up to. I had not spoken to him since that day he went to jail.

Each year, the New York State Senate has passed the bill.

It stalls, however, once it reaches the State Assembly. “It shouldn’t matter what type of motorized vehicle you are driving while intoxicated to have the second alcohol driving offense make you a repeat offender, and subject you to more punishment,” explained Sen. DeFrancisco. “It’s very frustrating to pass a bill year after year that would address this problem, and have the Assembly not even vote on it.”

“I had been thinking about it,” she went on to further admit.

“I knew Keir was out of jail. I even said at one point, ‘I wonder if he’d be interested in working together. I should reach out to him some time.’ I said it matter-of-factly. This was maybe June or July. So in August, when that text came to Ronnie, I looked him up on Google. His bio came up, and I was impressed. So I decided to write him an email. He responded immediately with this long, lengthy email about how sorry and humbled continued on page 67

64 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 65

he was; how he’d hoped someday I would reach out; how he’d wanted to but didn’t think it would be a good idea.

We’ve been communicating, really, ever since.”

In August, the two met for lunch to discuss the past, the present and Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law. Keir told MaryJo about his new life.

Not only is he the president of his own real estate and investment holding firm, but he regularly speaks — free of charge — at local prisons and high schools, sharing the events of that awful night with the hopes to educate people on the importance of not getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. He also wrote a book, “A Quest for Redemption: Stories from Prison,” all the proceeds of which he donates to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Make a Wish Foundation, in Tiffany’s name.

Before parting ways, he gave MaryJo a copy of his book.

“After lunch, I had to go to a Fair Housing and Diversity Committee meeting as part of the GSAR (Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors). So I arrived early and I had this book. I’m flipping through the pages, and I see this dedication to Tiffany: For Tiffany, forever. Tears started streaming down my face, and I lost it. Then, two women on the committee walked in, and I had to explain myself. I told them about Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law and that Keir and I had formed a partnership with the hope to get it passed.” The women of the GSAR were moved, and today, the group acts as a Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law task force, striving to capture the attention of local politicians to get the law passed.

“It just seems like from all of this sad, tragic stuff that has happened, now it’s starting to turn around and develop

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 67

into something good and positive,” explained MaryJo. “I’m surrounded by these great people who are willing to have my back, push me along and be my strength — and I also have my wind beneath my wings.”

Forging forward for a better future

Since this terrible tragedy, MaryJo has also made big changes in her life, knowing that her future is not going to be what she had hoped it was going to be. “I’ve since retired from a 30-year career as a hair stylist, received my real estate license, and now am working as a buyer agent on the Chip Hodgkins team at Hunt Real Estate. I am finding joy in helping buyers find new homes and the freedom this career has given me to pursue these other very important things I am embarking on.”

“I’m glad Keir is turning his life around and doing great things and giving back to our community,” admitted MaryJo. “However, as much as it makes me happy, it is equally as difficult for me to do this with him and live with my loss, knowing Tiffany and I won’t have all the things he and his family have in the future.”

I asked MaryJo what Tiffany would say to her if she could see her now. She responded: “I’d like to think she would say, ‘My mom is brave, and I am proud.’ Maybe this is her bravery channeling because this is a pretty courageous thing to do. She lived her life to the fullest. She had no regrets.

And maybe she’d be proud that I’m keeping her spirit alive, partnering up with Keir and embarking on these new things we’re going to be doing. If I’d like her to have any thought or feeling that would be it — proud.”

........................................

Cover woman makeup artistry and hair by Jillain Salomone of J. Luxe Salon.

AT LEFT: MaryJo Heitkamp-France sits in her living room with a photograph of her and her late daughter Tiffany.

“

“

Outside of generating attention for Tiffany Heitkamp’s Law, MaryJo and Keir have also discussed the possibility of partnering at speaking engagements to share both sides of the story. A “Stop DWI” assembly in early May will be their first official opportunity to do so.

Tiffany was my chick flick chick. We would watch them together, sometimes the same one repeatedly. The last one we watched together was ‘In Her Shoes.’ In the movie, there is an E.E. Cummings poem that is read. I love the poem and was going to read it to Tiffany at her wedding. Each year on the anniversary of her birthday, I put that poem in the paper in the obit section. This one’s for you, Tiffany. i carry your heart by E.E. Cummings i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud And the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

69 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

70 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

s ’ t n o m r Ve

e l p o e P s u Famo

ByÊ LouÊ Varricchio

F

or a tiny state, Vermont has a long history of larger-than-life personalities—from artists to rabble rousers, the fourteenth state has produced dozens of authors, two U.S. presidents, entertainers, and patriotic heroes—among others.

Famous men and women have walked the landscape of the Green Mountain State since its founding in the 18th century.

In this issue of North Country Living, we present the second in a series of mini biographies showcasing famous Vermonters from the past and present.

We have chosen to assign our spotlighted celebrities from all four compass quadrants of the state— northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast.

We thank the State of Vermont, the Vermont Historical Society, the Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, and the Vermont Welcome Center in Fair Haven for assistance in planning this series.

OrsonÊB eanÊ (1928Ê- )

Actor,Êhum oristÊ Burlington,ÊV T

Entertainer Orson Bean is a familiar face to American baby boomers. Immortalized in the title role in the 1960 CBS-TV Twilight Zone series episode “Mr. Bevis,” Bean went on to appear on stage as well as in several popular television

71 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

people s u o m a f ’s t n o erm A sampler of V

shows and movies. He is fondly remembered for his witty appearances on NBC-TV’s “The Tonight Show” during the 1960s and 1970s, and as one of the funniest panelists on the game show “To Tell the Truth.” Born as Dallas Burrows in Burlington, Bean is the son of Marian (Pollard) Ainsworth and George Burrows. His Vermont father is famous, too, as one of the founders of the ACLU, the American Civil Liberties Union. Bean is a cousin of Calvin Coolidge, another native Vermonter, who was President of the United States when the actorhumorist was an infant. Alive and well, Bean lives in the Los Angeles area.

Ò SuzyÓ ÊCha fee (1946Ê- )Ê

Athlete,Ê celebrity Rutland,ÊV T Olympic skier and television personality Suzanne “Suzy” Chaffee was born in Rutland where her mother taught her to ski on Vermont’s mountain slopes at the age of three. As a teen, Chaffee nabbed a place on the U.S. Ski Team. By the time of the 1968 Winter Olympics, Chaffee had advanced rapidly in skiing and was named captain of the U.S. women’s team. Even though she retired from racing after the ‘68 Olympics in France, she continued to win championships in various international freestyle skiing events. As luck would have it, Chaffee became best known for a series of television commercials for ChapStick during the 1970s and ‘80s. The ads can still be seen on YouTube where they are viewed daily by thousands. Chaffee was enshrined in the National Ski Hall of Fame in 1988. She lives in Arizona today. ncliving@denpubs.com

JosephÊS mith (1805-1845)

Prophet, FounderÊo f Ê Mormonism Sharon,ÊV T Vermonter Joseph Smith is America’s first homegrown religious prophet.

He was born in Sharon, Vt., to Joseph Smith, Sr., and Lucy Mack Smith. Life in Sharon was difficult for the Smiths.

In 1812, little Joseph suffered from a bone infection which left him partially crippled. According to most accounts, Smith used crutches to hobble the family farm for several years. Then, in 1817, after several business failures, the elder Smith moved the family to Palmyra, New York, where he started a 100-acre farm in the area. Later in life, Joseph Smith, Jr. married, and his wife Emma bore him 11 children.

In 1820, Smith received a vision while praying for divine guidance in the woods near his N.Y. home.

He believed that the Judeo-Christan God appeared to him in a vision and informed him that all his sins were forgiven. God also told Smith that all churches had “turned aside from the gospel.” This unique, highly personal vision became the basis of the Mormon Church. Today, a beautiful granite obelisk, the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial, stands on a hill above the White River on the site where the prophet was born.

JohnÊD eere (1804-1886)

Inventor ÊR utland,ÊV T Inventor John Deere spent his youth in both Rutland and Middlebury; however, he made his fortune elsewhere. Best known as the man who invented the steel plow, Deere founded Deere & Company, a powerhouse in the world of agriculture. Deere began his career as a blacksmith in Rutland and later opened a shop in downtown Middlebury. In Vermont, Deere was already making farm implements as well as bicycles. As a young man, he demonstrated his brilliant mind for inventiveness. But things did not go well for Deere’s business. By 1836, his struggling smithy was facing bankruptcy. Rather than face the nclmagazine.com

rabid creditors who were hounding him in Vermont, Deere quietly moved his family to Illinois in order to pick up the pieces and start again. By 1842, Deere’s new business showed great promise—the rest, as they say, is history, and the phrase “runs like a Deere” became world famous. If he were alive today, Deere’s personal fortune would be worth in excess of $40 billion

DamonÊW ayansÊJ r.

(1982Ê- )

Comedian,Êa ctor,Êw riter Huntington,ÊV T Show business is in the blood of Damon Wayans Jr. The talented performer, born at his grandmother’s home in Huntington, is the son of comedian and actor Damon Wayans. As a youngster, Wayans moved to Los Angeles where he made his film debut at age 11 in the film “Blank Man.” Even while studying film animation and art, the youthful Wayans auditioned for roles on “My Wife and Kids.” At age 20, he became the youngest television staff writer in Hollywood history. Wayans breakthrough roles were as Brad in the ABC-TV series “Happy Endings” and as Coach in the Fox-TV series “New Girl.” Last year, Wayans received rave reviews for his starring role in the film “Let’s Be Cops.” According to Wayans’ publicist Cecy Galvan, the actor “continues honing his standup skills, performing in comedy clubs across the country, while further pursuing his crafts of acting and writing.”

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 72

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 73

Trout Bum Basics

By Rich Redman

THe InTRICATe ART oF FISHIng WITH A FlY

S

o you’re driving along the AuSable River, or it’s the Battenkill in Washington County, or maybe even a trip out west near the Rocky Mountains, cruising along some rangeland stream, and you spot a line of wader-clad folks standing waist deep in a river, casting slow motion like, whipping the water.

Suddenly, one of them hooks into a fish, and you watch as they slowly bring it to shore. He or she lets fish slide right through an upturned hand before it gently swims away. They are practicing catch and release. You think to yourself, Cool, I would like to try that.

The bright green or yellow heavy line and the motion of the cast makes for a dead giveaway that someone is fly fishing. As a child you fished with worms, moved on to spin fishing, but now the thought of using flies to match the hatch sounds like a new adventure.

After stopping at the local market and picking up a fly fishing magazine, all the different flies and lines makes it confusing.

The terminology alone starts to spook you out. Dozens of different rods and reels, some costing more than you could imagine, make you ask yourself, Do I really want to get into this?

Relax, my friend. I am going to take some of the confusion out of the art and science of fly fishing.

Fly fishing is an art — making a fly rod and line flow like a gentle breeze. Tying your own flies makes you creative. You can follow the recipes, or just invent a one of a kind fly.

74 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

As a science, fly fishing encourages you to discover the invertebrate ecology of a stream as well as the brook, brown and rainbow trout that live there. You will be challenged by the entomology or science of insects and bugs which feed the fish. You will be matching wits with a fish.

You will learn the whereabouts of the trout or their lies, as they are called, the stream geomorphology, or the way a river is formed, with its pools, riffles, runs and glides that contribute to the stream habitat, along with the pockets formed by boulders which will have new meaning.

The senses will be stimulated, the feel and smell of the river, the cool water against your legs, the push of the current, the sounds of life as the earth wakes up in the early morning dew air. It’s not just about catching fish — it’s about the appreciation of life and living.

Plus, there is the peace of mind, stream therapy while being out on the water, which lets you dig on life.

That is the reason that I fish.

So, if I’ve set the hook, don’t struggle. It’s time to gently reel you in and teach you about fly fishing.

Live free or die!

The following are some basic instructions and fundamentals to help get you on that path along some lonely river, where you can hopefully accomplish that dream of landing a trout. Whether you keep it for a stream-side meal or you let it slip back into the water, neither is wrong. It’s your choice.

ncliving@denpubs.com

Stream Entomology First, we must cover stream insects or entomology. Fly fishing is tying on an imitation of a small fish or bug. It’s that simple. But what imitation you use is the science and wonder.

Fish predominantly feed on minnows and crayfish as well as mayflies, caddis flies and stone flies of both immature nymph and adult stages. Minnows swim in the water while crayfish crawl along the bottom.

Immature stages of insects may crawl along the bottom (nymph), but as they mature they swim to the surface (emerger or wet fly) , morphing to a bug that floats on the surface to dry its wings (dun) before flying off into a tree or shrub. It changes once again into a spinner and mates in flight with another mayfly of the same species. The females then fly back to the stream surface and deposit eggs, to start the cycle once again.

What fly to tie onto the tippet is based on what you think the fish is feeding on and the time of year. If the bugs are floating and fish are rising to eat them, you may try a dry fly. If nothing is rising, you may try a streamer, which is a minnow imitation or a nymph imitation, which is a subsurface insect.

upgrade to the Cadillac. once captured by this sport, you may develop a psychosis of collecting rods and reels and all the other paraphernalia that we trout bums get into.

Confused yet?

There are charts (orvis has them online) you can check for each river. These outline the dates and times of when predominant hatches come off so you can get a good idea of what insects and what flies to use.

To simplify things, stop into the local fly shop and talk to the guide or store owner.

They can advise you on what is hatching.

There is usually a chalk board out in front of the store with the names of bugs that are coming off the water and what flies are recommended to use. They will have an assortment of flies to satisfy your entomological needs.

Rods and Reels Secondly, you will need a rod and reel with fly line. That’s a no-brainer.

Fly rods vary in price and quality just like a vehicle would. There are Cadillacs and there are Yugos. What you can afford is up to you, but if you’re serious about fly fishing, try and get a good rod. They sell some great low priced outfits for under $200; a great starter kit. As time progresses and you become more experienced, you can

A good well rounded beginner rod and reel combination with line would be a 5 weight (5wt) rod, eight or nine feet long.

Rods have a number assigned to them; the lower the number, the more flexibility and give.

High numbers indicate stiffer, stronger rods, which are used for fish such as very large salmon or musky and pike. Many fishermen are now going to lighter rods, such as a 3wt rod, for trout and even larger fish. For our area streams, a 5wt is a good start.

Included in the outfit you should have a rod, reel, floating fly line and a leader, which is a tapered mono filament line about the same length as the rod — about nine feet.

When casting a fly rod, it’s the weight of the fly line, the thick green, orange or yellow line that carries the fly out. In spin fishing, it’s the weight of the lure that allows the line and lure to go out into the stream.

To cast a fly line, you must first have about 10 feet of the floating line out along with the leader. The rod is brought back quickly over your shoulder, to about the one or two o’clock position, and allowing it to straighten out behind you. This is the backcast.

The line must straighten out and put Continued on page 76

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 75

to replace the line section of the leader that you use to tie on new hooks or when you lose a hook due to a snag. Flies are tied on different size hooks and you must match the tippet to the hook size. tension on the rod, called loading the rod. once the slight tension is felt, the rod is snapped forward with the elbow to about the 10 or 11 o’clock position and the line loops or unfurls back over your shoulder and extends out over the water. Practice is needed to get this down. The backcast is the key. You must let the line straighten out and then in one strong motion bring the rod forward and let the line loop out in front of you. Patience and practice; it will come to you. Check with your local Trout Unlimited chapter. They have casting clinics to help “probies” learn the art of fly fishing.

Additional equipment If you bought that nice 5wt rod outfit, you will also need some waders to stay dry and a vest or pack to keep your tools of the trade in.

These are the tools: spare tapered leader, tippets and spare reading glasses if you have a few years under your belt, plus nippers, fishing glasses, dry fly floatant and split shot to get started. And, of course, a fly box to hold all those streamers, nymphs, dries and emergers in.

A spare leader will enable you to change leaders if you get a snag and break the line, which happens to the best of us.

Tippets are small spools of monofilament line that come in different thicknesses. Short sections of tippet material is tied onto the end of the leader

A general rule of thumb: the hook size divided by three equals the tippet to use. So, if you are threading on a size 12 dry fly, you want to have a 4x tippet on the end of the line. A selection of 3x, 4x and 5x is reasonable to start with.

If you intend to fish with number 18 or 20 hooks, you will need 6x or 7x, but you need good eyes for that.

That is where the extra set of high power reading glasses come in. You will be tying on a fly in the middle of a stream as the sun goes down. It’s a great time to fish, but you’ll need to be able to get the line through the eye of the hook and good eyes or good glasses are needed. I’m getting old man eyes, so I stay with 16’s or bigger. nippers are just finger nail clippers that are used to cut the line once you have a fly tied on, or you replace the tippet material.

Fly floatant is grease or goop that you cover the dry fly in before you cast it. It allows the dry fly to float on the surface longer.

If fishing a nymph below the surface, you may need some split shot sinkers to get the fly down near the bottom.

The fishing glasses help you to cut the glare of the water and to keep your eyes safe in case your cast brings the hook close to your head. Flying flies can get close to you when they zoom past. Wear eye protection!

Flies and bug imitations It took a little time, but now you feel confident with casting, so it’s time to hit a stream.

Your

fly

76 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

box

is

stuffed

with Adams, Wulffs, Usuals, Hendricksons and pheasant tail nymphs, zug bugs, caddis imitations and other fur and feather creatures.

With the web checked out for the local stream report, you double check at the local fly shop. Tom at the store recommended an Adams dry fly to start, because there are a few different flies coming off the water. no problemo, you have three or four of different sizes and head out.

You’re dressed to kill, new vest and all the tools dangling from it. When you walk, it sounds like a cowboy walking into a saloon; spurs ringing out with all the jingle and jangling sounds of the clippers and other things hanging from the vest clanging into each other. Yeah, you’re bad — half the fly shop is hanging off your vest!

The time has come You look out over the bank and see a fish rising to eat something off the surface. entomology time!

The fish is feeding on the surface, so it could be a dun floating downstream. Check the water surface. Do you see any other bugs floating? Yes, there are a few. okay, cool. let’s tie on an Adams dry fly. It is a universal fly that imitates many different mayflies.

The time has come.

Approaching from downstream, careful not to disturb the water and spook the fish, you advance from the opposite side of the stream where the fish is rising so you can cast above the fish and let the fly slowly drift down through the current to the feeding fish. Stealth is key.

The fly lands on the water, slowly floating along on the water surface. Suddenly the fish rises and takes the fly. You yank the rod

and pull the line and fly right away from the fish and miss. It happens, I’ve been there and done that. Did you really think it was that easy?

Suddenly you see another fish feeding about 40 feet above you; another chance. once again, you slink into position, cast the fly above and into the feeding line.

The fly floats down and this fish rises. You are ready. You set the hook! You have hooked your first fish. now all you have to do is land it, to make it official. It fights and you play give and take. It gets tired. You have a net (another tool) to capture it.

It’s a small brown or brook trout about eight inches — your first trophy. The colors are amazing.

It’s a beautiful fish.

You back out the hook with your hand or a set of fishing forceps; another one of those tools that were clanging on your walk.

The moment arrives, with fish in hand, handled with care, you slowly open your wet grip and it slides out, back into the cold waters of the river.

Catch and release!

The catch and release philosophy was started by fishermen who had the foresight to realize that we shouldn’t deplete our n a t u r a l resources. lee Wulff once said: “The finest gift you can give to any fisherman is to put a good fish back; and who knows if the fish that you caught isn’t someone else’s gift to you”?

Congratulations! You are now on that path along the river that leads to being a trout bum.

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 77

Two geese fly over land owned by the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge & Rehabilitation Center

Walking with

Wolves Adirondack refuge offers wild experience

By Teah Dowling

Chickens roamed freely around the different green-barred wildlife animal enclosures. A goose played in the pond as geese flew over Stephen and Wendy Hall’s property where the couple take in and care for animals both native and non-native to the Adirondacks.

“What we’re

Snowy Owl

doing is connecting the species to the habitat,” Wendy says. “It’s about connectivity: species, habitat and how this helps us too.”

At the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge & Rehabilitation Center owned by the Hall family, visitors can see and learn about animals of the Adirondacks and walk with one of the couple’s keystone species: wolves.

Intern Jonas Borkholder, who started volunteering at the center in 2010, walked into the wolf enclosure with bones for malamute and gray wolf hybrid Cree, black wolf Zeebie and one-year-old Kiska. As Cree, the oldest of the three wolves, lied in the corner enjoying his meal, Zeebie ate his on top of the wolf house, and Kiska directed her attention to Borkholder.

Pictured here is Kiska, a Great Plains wolf

78 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

The young wolf started to play with Borkholder, a true member of their pack.

She playfully nibbled at his hand hidden within his hoodie as he stood there trying to get her to come out for the Adirondack Refuge’s Wolf Walk.

“It gets into all the details of wolves, how we domesticated dogs from wolves and their role in the ecosystems,” Borkholder says. “Better yet, you get to be close to the wolves, pretty majestic animals most people don’t know much about.”

Every day around 10 a.m., and some days around 2 p.m. if the wolves are willing, Stephen, his son Alex and Borkholder take Cree, Zeebie and Kiska on a one-mile hike through the refuge.

Visitors can accompany them, walking along a dirt path over a small creek, up and down hills and through woods to wolf meadow, where, standing behind a fence, they learn about wolves, their behavior and roles in nature through a one -to twohour educational talk with Q&A. Borkholder strapped Kiska into a harness and walked between several specially-designed animal enclosures containing birds and birds of prey, coyotes, bobcats and other Adirondack animals. A silver fox growled and sneered at Kiska as she attempted to go near. She backed away and continued walking to the entrance of the trail.

Intern Jonas Borkholder walks Kiska, who just turned 1, during their daily Wolf Walk

Cree, a gray wolf and malamute mix, enjoys his Wolf Walk.

Joined by volunteer Rachel Muzzy, Borkholder cautioned to stay at least five feet away from Kiska, even though the playful pup showed no signs of aggressive behavior.

While walking across the wooden bridge onto the trail, Cree and Zeebie started howling to Kiska to come back.

Kiska attempted to pull Borkholder back by harness leash attached to his waist, but the howling stopped, and the walk continued through the woods to wolf meadow, where Borkholder talked about Kiska’s extended family.

“It’s a very informative and educational experience,” Borkholder says. “There’s a lot of fear in people that isn’t necessary, and it’s good to be educated about these animals so that people grow to understand, maybe not fear them and hopefully respect them a little more.”

The wolves Zeebie and Kiska are donated from a center in Minnesota.

They’re considered semipets, meaning even though they were raised for educational purposes, they don’t make good household pets. Cree, a malamute/ gray wolf hybrid, came from a home who couldn’t handle him.

Continued on page 80

nclmagazine.com

Kiska, a Great Plains wolf who just turned 1, plays in the sand.

Red-Tailed Hawk

All photos taken by Teah Dowling

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 79

A Snowy Owl protects its dinner.

Kestrel

“A lot of times people think it would be cool to own a wolf hybrid because you’re getting part wolf and dog, but they misunderstand that, genetically, you don’t know what you’re getting,” Wendy explains. “Though Cree is very mellow, the wilderness is innate in these animals.”

The same fate that happened to Cree also happened to some of the animals at the refuge. The Hall’s rescue animals that have been owned by humans, hit by cars and affected by pesticides and diseases, such as metabolic bone disease. A large amount of these cases happen with their birds.

After Borkholder put Kiska back with Cree and Zeebie, Muzzy led an educational tour through the rest of the refuge, focusing on birds and birds of prey from the Adirondack region - owls, hawks, kestrels, eagles and more.

releasing an animal,” Muzzy says. “I think it’s best for people to protect the environment and be more aware of their surroundings.”

also plan to build an interpretive center to further educate and inform the public on caring for these animals, something they’ve been doing for 40 plus years.

Every time the refuge gets a new animal, like a new bird, they study them and have veterinarians do blood work so that the refuge can expedite the correct process of rehab and mimic the rehab animal’s habitat as best as they can.

Years ago, Wendy was a geriatric nurse, and Stephen was an executive briefer for voicemail companies in Manhattan. While working full-time and raising a family, they rehabilitated wildlife out of their home.

State troopers and other people would bring them injured wildlife, including reptiles, birds and mammals. The couple enjoyed rehabilitating wildlife so much that, when they retired, they moved to the Adirondacks, built a center and extended it to education for all.

“Our message to the public is that it’s a very precious planet that we live on, and we should be better stewards of the Earth,” Wendy says. “People should visit here if they’re interested in how they can play a part in the health of the planet and the animals.”

Muzzy, who graduated from SUNY Oswego with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry, started volunteering at the refuge in March in hopes to gain more experience in animal care.

“I like the rehab side of the center; I like to be able to see the progress of actually

Currently, along with creating a new flight cage, they’re trying to set up their own lab for basic blood work for a faster, easier and more accurate rehabilitation process.

Along with the lab and flight cage, the refuge plans to build a wolf enclosure in the woods to give the wolves more space and the public more viewing of them. They

80 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

The center, located at 977 Springfield Road, Wilmington, New York, offers these educational services to the public with a suggested donation from $20 to $50 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days except Wednesday and Thursday.

To schedule a time, call ahead at 855-Wolf-Man. To learn more about the educational services they offer or the animals they take care of, visit their website adirondackwildlife.org.

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 81

Kipling’s heartaches in Vermont “By the old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin’ lazy at the sea, There’s a Burma girl a-settin’, and I know she thinks o’ me; For the wind is in the palm-trees, and the Templebells they say: “Come you back, you British soldier; come you back to Mandalay...”

--Rudyard Kipling’s “Mandalay”

F

or those who have dreamed of romantic travel in the Far East and Africa, the name of author and poet Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) conjures up the glory days of empire, adventurous thrills in exotic lands, and that rare gift of unparalleled storytelling.

Born in India to British teacher parents, Kipling is best known for his many published adventure yarns—some having been immortalized in modern times as award-winning motion pictures, such as “Kim,” ”The Jungle Book,” “Captains Courageous,” “Gunga Din,” “The Mark of the Beast” and “The Man Who Would Be King” (to name a few).

Twenty two years after his death, Kipling even made Billboard’s music hit parade with soaring, rebooted poetry lyrics sung by Frank Sinatra in ”The Road to Mandalay” in 1958 (quoted above).

But not everyone has enjoyed Kipling’s prose, poetry and politics, especially literary intellectuals.

George Orwell, author of the classic dystopic novel “1984,” had a love-hate relationship with Kipling’s legacy.

“Kipling is a jingo imperialist,” Orwell

82 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

wrote in “Critical Essays” published in 1946. “He is morally insensitive and aesthetically disgusting. It is better to start by admitting that, and then to try to find out why it is that he survives while the refined (intellectual) people who have sniggered at him seem to wear so badly...

Although he had no direct connection with any political party, Kipling was a Conservative, a thing that does not exist nowadays. Those who now call themselves Conservatives are either Liberals, Fascists or the accomplices of Fascists.”

Kipling may be frequently associated with European imperialism and colonialism, but a thing he is rarely associated with is — Vermont.

Surprisingly, the Anglo world’s greatest adventure writer and martial poet lived in the Green Mountain State between 1892 and 1896, married to a beautiful Vermonter named Carrie Balestier, He loved it at first, but troubles there were to come.

“Naulakha” was the name Kipling gave the classic New England shingle-style house he and Carrie built at 707 Kipling Rd. in Dummerston.

Continued on page 85

ncliving@denpubs.com

Mandaley Losing Story by Lou Varricchio

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 83

In the rural house outside Brattleboro, Kipling found an initial peace where he penned many of his best literary works. In a way, Kipling’s Vermont home became his symbolic “Mandalay”—and just like that templed, Burma paradise of his celebrated 1892 poem of love’s loss and longing, “Naulakha” was his fondest day dream.

Now a National Historic Landmark, Kipling built his beloved home in 1893. It is the house where the author wrote “Captains Courageous,” “The Jungle Books,” “A Day’s Work,” “The Seven Seas,” “Kim,” “The Just So Stories” and more.

Never having served in the military, Kipling was still a great admirer of all things martial, especially soldiers and sailors of the lower ranks. So, the author’s Vermont house was named after Fort Lahore’s Naulakha Pavilion in his native India.

“Ninety feet was the length of it and 30 the width, on a high foundation of solid mortared rocks which gave us an airy and a skunk-proof basement,” Kipling wrote of the construction of his Vermont estate. “The rest was wood, shingled, roof and sides, with dull green hand-split shingles, and the windows were lavish and wide... Those were opulent days, when timber was

nclmagazine.com

nothing regarded, and the best of cabinet-work could be had for little money.”

According to Kipling, he and Carrie laid out the property to maximize privacy. The only approach to the house was via an iron gate to a narrow, tree-lined driveway.

Even as Kipling enjoyed the changing seasons and rare visits by friends, such as Sherlock Holmes’ creator Arthur Conan Doyle, storm clouds were gathering.

First, daughter Jospehine was born in Vermont in 1895, but the couple’s bundle of joy turned to sorrow a few years later when she died of pneumonia.

Next, anti-British feelings erupted during the 1890s when relations flared between the U.S. and Britain over a flap in South America (now lost to all but the history books). It seems many Brattleboro residents didn’t like the famous Britisher among them, especially because his work was perceived as celebrating empire building.

Then, to make matters worse, Carrie’s alcoholic brother, Beatty Balestier, hounded the couple and ultimately forced them to flee to England.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 85

In 1896, Beatty confronted his famous brother-in-law on the road near “Naulakha.” He accused the author of telling the press that he had been bailed-out financially.

According to the New England Historical Society, “Beatty told Kipling to ‘retract those Goddamned lies you’ve been telling about me.’ He told him he had a week to apologize or he’d ‘punch the Goddamned soul out of him’... Kipling went to his lawyer and had Beatty arrested and charged with assault three days later.”

A very public court hearing in Brattleboro between Kipling and Beatty drew news reporters from as far away as Philadelphia.

At the time of the hearing, the now defunct Vermont Phoenix newspaper reported that, “Almost to a man, the sympathy of the townsfolk is with ‘Beatty,’ as everybody calls him. Kipling, by his eccentric demeanor and his arrogant manner toward the residents of the town, has alienated many friends.”

No doubt bitter and embarrassed, the Kiplings skipped out on the remainder of the hearing; the couple quietly packed their belongs and returned to England in July 1896.

And so it happened that the man who created “Kim” and

86 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

“The Jungle Books” was never to return to Vermont. Leaving “Naulakha” abruptly deeply affected the author for the rest of his life.

Near the end of his years, Kipling wrote to a friend about his deepest regrets in life—“There are only two places in the world where I want to live, Bombay and Brattleboro. And I can’t live at either.”

Kipling’s Naulakha, now a Landmark Trust USA Property, is part of the Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vt. It is available for vacation rentals. The historic estate home sleeps eight with prices ranging from $350–$450 per night. A minimum stay of three nights is required. For details, write to the Scott Farm at 707 Kipling Rd., Dummerston, Vt. 05301.

FACING PAGE: Rudyard Kipling named his Vermont house after Naulakha in India. This fortified stone palace was built for a maharajah in the 1600s. Kipling always loved the structure and wanted to create his own maharajah fantasy in the Green Mountain State.

Public domain image courtesy of Shakti

ABOVE: Exterior and interior views of Kipling’s vermont estate “Naulakha.”

Images courtesy of Naulakha/Landmark Trust USA

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 87

Champ: Fact or

F

Fiction?

rom before Samuel de Champlain first brought his boats into the valley which would eventually bare his name, something fishy has been going on in the waters between New York and Vermont.

Or, maybe more precise, prehistoric?

Since that time, people have been asking what lurks below the dark blue waters of Lake Champlain, other than perch and trout.

Is it possible there could be a creature from another time or place swimming around, rarely surfacing to make an appearance?

So, is there really a Champ?

There’s one in Burlington, where the minor league affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, know as the Vermont Lake Monsters, play.

But what about in the lake itself? There have been many over the years to claim a Champ sighting on the clear blue water of Lake Champlain.

If he is not real, why would the town of Moriah, along with the Vermont and New York state legislatures pass resolutions protecting the mythical creature? However, not one search expedition on the trail of the elusive beast has been able to return with concrete evidence.

Before the colonization of North America, Native Americans lived along the banks of what is now called Lake Champlain and told tales of the “Tatoskok” swimming in the waters.

An August 1978 edition of the North Countryman newspaper quotes from the first published sighting of the lake monster by Clinton County Sheriff Nathan H. Mooney in 1873. “...I then discovered it was an enormous snake or water 88 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

By Keith Lobdell

serpent.

It stood out about five feet from the water, with a long jaw, a snake-shaped head...

It’s body, which must have been 25 or 35 feet in length, was pointed to the north.”

The story sparked a surge in sighting stories over the next several years, from St. Albans to Willsboro to Port Henry. So many stories came to light and were reported so widely, P.T. Barnum of Barnum and Bailey’s circus put out an advertisement offering $50,000 ($1,095,514.81 now) for the “hide” of the monster in order to display in his show.

Sightings have continued throughout the years, with Port Henry receiving the bulk of the hits. To honor their place as a Champ hot spot, the town created a mural next to the Bulwagga Bay campground which has the names of those who have seen the monster along the town’s shores. ncliving@denpubs.com

ABOVE: A sign with the names of those who have seen the mythical Lake Champlain Monster can be found at the entrance to the Bulwagga Bay campsite in Port Henry.

RIGHT: Famed Essex Cartoonist, the late Sid Couchey, would often use Champ as a centerpiece for his work. One such rendering can be found on a Lake Champlain Ferry.

The tales from the lakeshore village also inspired a mockumentary on the search for the creature, “Champosaurus,” which featured local residents playing different roles throughout the film, including Moriah Supervisor Tom Scozzafava, who played a version of himself.

In August of 2003, the Valley News newspaper reported on a group sighting of the monster off the shores of Willsboro by members of the town’s youth commission summer program.

“It went up and down in the water three times,” said then camper Ashley Pauley. “The second time, we could see the tail and the head. The third time we could see him a lot better and there was a lot more of the body out of the water.”

“It was so foggy, and I saw what I thought was a bird in the air,” said counselor Phoebe Clarke. “It was close enough I could soon see it was not a bird. I was joking when I told the kids at first it was Champ, but I am not sure what it was now.” nclmagazine.com

“I did not believe before, but now I definitely think there is something out there,” counselor Lindsay Garvey said.

“Whether it’s Champy, sturgeon or something else, there is something in this lake.”

Also in 2003, the Discovery Channel made an interesting find while filming their own champ search, echolocation recordings which sounded like a Beluga Whale or Orca, but slightly different.

In 2005, the ABC morning news show, “Good Morning America,” reported on a video taken by Dick Affolter and Pete Bodette which was reviewed by two former FBI agents.

While they confirmed the video was not tampered with, they could not confirm the image in the video.

So, does the Lake Champlain Monster exist? Have you seen the creature? Let us know by emailing ncliving@denpubs.com.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 89

90 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

91 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 92

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 93

Sailingto America

By Ryan Edwards

How the Yeats family patriarch came to be buried in the Adirondacks

“

…The mists move slowly in the ancient trees Above the circled cross and the birds sing As long ago, piercing the elegy He did not hear.

Now each one listening, Doubting his senses, hears an overtone As of a voice that still threads ancient dreams Upon a silver chain…

”

—Lines from an untitled poem on the setting of John Butler Yeats’ grave, by Jeanne Robert Foster.

94 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

I

t was during the same month that I am writing this, two years ago, that I first encountered the final resting place of Irish painter and writer John Butler Yeats.

And no, I was not in Ireland. I was in Chestertown, New York.

I had overheard in a classroom conversation that William Butler Yeats, perhaps the most popular English language poet after Shakespeare, was buried in the town of Lake George. I knew this to be untrue, as Yeats’ grave—with its hauntingly foreordained epitaph—is one of the most popular literary sights in Ireland. Still, my curiosity piqued, I took to the Internet to see what truth I may find in the rumor.

While the dead man and the location of his bones were incorrect, I found, to my bewilderment, a thin thread of veracity running through my classmate’s claim.

John Butler Yeats—W.B.’s father—is, in fact, buried in the Adirondacks, in the unassuming little hamlet of Chestertown, New York—not 10 miles from where I had lived all my life.

I drove immediately to the Chestertown Rural Cemetery, brimming with anticipation, and yet devoid of the first clue where to look.

It was April in the Adirondacks, which of course meant icy winds and snow flurries.

The damp ground yielded to my feet as I navigated the rows of broken, mossy headstones, most half-sunken into the earth, until finally I caught a glimpse of something that didn’t belong—Irish flags.

Amid a sea of muted gray, two miniature banners of green white and orange blew in the breeze on either side of an old headstone in a forgotten corner of the cemetery. I’d found it.

Carved from a slab of Adirondack granite and adorned with stones and paint brushes left by visitors, Yeats’ monument stands a stone’s throw from the wayside of Route 9, a Celtic cross and an inscription penned by W.B. etched into its surface:

“IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN BUTLER YEATS OF DUBLIN IRELAND PAINTER AND WRITER BORN IN IRELAND MAR. 16. 1839 DIED IN N.Y. CITY FEB. 3. 1922”

nclmagazine.com

Although perhaps most recognized for siring two famous sons—W.B., winner of the 1923 Nobel Prize in Literature, and his brother, painter Jack B. Yeats, who won Ireland’s first Olympic medal in the 1924 Games’ arts and culture segment for his painting “The Liffey Swim”—John Butler Yeats is considered by some to be Ireland’s foremost portrait artist, but it would be a disservice to his memory to consider him only that.

During his fascinating and often misunderstood life, Yeats was fettered by crippling perfectionism, which rarely afforded him the confidence to declare a work complete and surrender it unto the world. Naturally, he struggled financially, often relying on the charity of family and friends to get by. His relationship with his wife and his six children was often as tempestuous and unpredictable as his mood. Yet, for all his faults, Yeats managed to leave a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him—for better or for worse.

The journey that led him to this unusual grave, however, began in late 1907, when, then 68 years old and a widower, Yeats decided to sail to New York City with his daughter Lily, planning to stay only a few weeks.

But, for reasons only known truly by him, he remained until his death, 15 years later.

On a characteristic whim, Yeats bought himself a new suit and boarded a ship to the Promise Land, certain that countless commissions awaited him, and that,

according to Yeats family biographer William Murphy, in his book “Prodigal Father: The Life of John Butler Yeats (18391299),” he would “return in triumph with sheaves of American Dollars to wave in the eyes of his detractors.” He left his studio full of supplies and unfinished paintings and declined to cancel a speech he was scheduled to give in the near future, planning to be back in Ireland in time to make it.

Although, as in Ireland and England, where he’d spent his entire life until he embarked on his American odyssey, he never managed to make enough from commissions to keep himself afloat—his stubborn idealism and tragic doubt often standing in his way.

While he did not find streets paved with gold, in New York Yeats discovered what he had struggled fruitlessly for decades to find in Europe—a place to belong. Journalists, artists, socialites and literati alike flocked to his table at the Petitpas Restaurant, where he rented a room, seeking his paternal wisdom, quick wit and compelling conversation. He became a staple of the New York arts community and a mentor to a number of celebrated artists and writers of the day.

Yeats became estranged from his children during his time in New York, more so than when he was in Europe. W.B.—who had bankrolled the majority of his father’s ostensible furlough—wrote him dozens of letters over the years, all but demanding him to return to Dublin. But Yeats always found an excuse to stay—chief among them an unfinished self-portrait commissioned by his friend and benefactor, Irish American lawyer and art collector John Quinn.

Although, ironically, it was the pressure put upon him by Quinn to expedite his fathers’ homecoming that finally drove his son—who himself would later author the famous line “That is no country for old men,” referring to Ireland—over the edge on the subject. W.B. wrote to his father, “You cannot stay on with any dignity while Quinn resents the necessary claims upon his thoughts and upon his time, the necessary anxiety which it forces upon him.”

Despite W.B.’s personal assurance that a studio would be arranged for his father to finish the work in his native land, Yeats’ tenacity prevailed. Murphy writes, “The old painter won out in the end, defeating family and friends alike. He refused to discuss

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 95

another date for departure, saying simply to Quinn when the subject was raised, ‘I will not leave America.’”

And he never did.

JEANNE ROBERT FOSTER

The most important and enduring relationship Yeats forged in America—and perhaps in his lifetime—was with a woman whose grave I paid no mind at my 2013 visit to the Chestertown Rural Cemetery—a mistake I rectified this time around.

At the corner of a raised family plot beside Yeats’ grave, a blotchy rectangular monument raised only a few inches from the ground reads: “JEANNE ROBERT WIFE OF MATT FOSTER 1970”

The woman buried mere feet from Yeats—whose tombstone appears to stand watch over hers—was born Julia Elizabeth Oliver in Johnsburg, N.Y. in 1879.

Better known by nom de plume Jeanne Robert Foster, she was a poet, journalist, fiction writer and fashion model—and a dear friend to the cantankerous Irishman throughout the final decade of his life.

Foster, along with her Chestertown native husband John Matlack Foster, moved from the Adirondacks to Boston to New York City, where she took a job as editor of the Review of Reviews.

According to “Dear Yeats, Dear Pound, Dear Ford: Jeanne Robert Foster and Her

Circle of Friends” by Richard and Janis Londraville, Foster was offered by a friend named John Weare what was a common piece of advice during the era: “When you reach New York, do not wait. Go directly for your first dinner to Petipas restaurant, West 28th St. John Butler Yeats is there. He presides over a long table. I am sure you will meet him.”

Heeding Weare’s advice, Foster made her way to Petipas for dinner in early 1911, where she met a man whose influence played an integral role in shaping the future of her life and career. According to the Londravilles, “Jeanne was a beautiful woman, and JBY seldom ignored beauty.

Intrigued by Jeanne’s presence, he asked her to join them for dinner.”

From that night on, Foster and Yeats grew to become—at least in the case of Yeats— lifelong friends. Over the years Foster became Yeats’ most prized model for his sketches and paintings, and Yeats became a mentor to Foster and a crucial critic of her poetry—one whose opinion she valued above all others.

More importantly to this story, however, it was Foster who arranged a grave for Yeats after his death, when it appeared no one else among his surviving friends and family would.

In the same year that she died, Foster wrote of Yeats in a letter, “John Butler Yeats, more perhaps than any other man living in his time, was able to instantly penetrate the hearts and minds of friends and acquaintances with understanding and sympathy and view their problems from the angle of each individual cosmos. He was a good listener…But withal he was the best talker that ever came to our shores, a

96 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

master of the lost art of conversation. He was perhaps a greater personality than an artist but both his art and his personality will live.”

ILLNESS AND DEATH

In 1918, Yeats suffered from a severe case of influenza, which progressed to pneumonia, narrowly surviving an epidemic that killed thousands across the country. Yeats never fully recovered from the illness, and over the following four years his health continued to decline.

In June 1921, Quinn and Foster, now in love, visited Yeats. During their visit Quinn saw something that, according to the Londravilles, he found so unnerving that he waited until after Yeats had died to tell his children: That day, while Quinn spoke on the phone in the hall, Yeats passed him on his way to the bathroom. When he passed by again, his lips were red and he looked feverish.

“When I came back to my bathroom afterwards I found traces of blood on the toilet seat. He had wiped most of it off but there were traces of a hemorrhage. It was a tragic thing and very brave of him not to speak of it. I knew what that hemorrhage meant.”

On February 1, 1922, two days before he died, Yeats wrote Lily about a budding relationship between mutual friends— adorned with a sketch of Stonehenge with the moon behind it—in which he confessed to her the news of his worsening condition.

His closing sentiments were something all Adirondack folk can relate to at least once every year: “How I hate N. York and its

ncliving@denpubs.com

winter!”

Those were the last words John Butler Yeats ever wrote.

The day he scribbled those all-toorelatable words, Yeats visited a doctor to find that he was suffering from “a tired heart,” which gave way later that evening, causing him to wake the next morning in severe pain that worsened with every breath he drew. Foster summoned a second doctor to his room, who worked to alleviate his suffering with an injection of morphine.

After meeting with a third and final doctor that day, Yeats was diagnosed with edema of the lungs caused by a malfunctioning heart.

Assisted by the drugs, Yeats fell asleep and awoke an hour later feeling like his old self.

He said to Quinn and Foster, who had been with him since the morning, “I thought I was in hell and I awaken to find myself in heaven and you are all here with me.”

He slept well that evening, and was met in the morning by Foster and Quinn. The three of them sat and talked like old times, Yeats kept comfortable by a series of injections.

The couple left him in the evening in good

spirits. According to Murphy, “When his friends left him that night, there were no ‘good-byes,’ no ‘last words.’ Everyone expected to be back listening to the talk the next morning.”

That night, however, Yeats took a turn for the worse. According to the nurse’s report, he was “restless” throughout the night, finally falling asleep at five a.m. He awoke again at 6:40 and tossed for ten minutes before he “turned over on his right side, closed his eyes and went into his eternal sleep,” the unfinished self-portrait—which he spent 11 years trying to perfect—gazing down on him from the foot of his bed.

Murphy wrote of this final scene, “The portrait was both finished and unfinished simultaneously, as were the life and works of John Butler Yeats… To imagine that John Butler Yeats would ever have ‘finished’ it would be to misunderstand all that he stood for.”

According to Murphy, “As it was inconvenient and expensive to transport the body to Ireland for burial, the Yeats children accepted Mrs. Foster’s offer of a gravesite next to the Foster family plot.”

The ground was frozen at the time of Yeats’ death, however, and the body awaited burial in a receiving vault at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westchester, N.Y., until late July of the same year.

From there, the body was shipped to Chestertown, where it remains today.

HORSEMAN, PASS BY

According to Murphy, a month before he died, Yeats sat with Foster, apparently distracted by what he had finally admitted to himself to be his looming oblivion.

He asked of Foster a final opportunity to “capture her essence on earth.” He said, “Give me another chance to save my soul, and your face—both are for eternity.”

The increasingly morbid conversation continued as he sketched. Yeats asked Foster if she thought a person could retain some awareness of the immediate universe shortly after death.

She replied that, although she never gives it much thought, she knew that she’d be aware.

“Willie would

have a good deal to say about it, I daresay,” he replied. “By Jove, I’d like to believe it, because I would enjoy going to my own funeral.”

“You would,” Foster told him.

He continued, “Yes, I’d enjoy seeing all the strangeness…looking at myself, watching the people, hearing what they said. I’d like to go through it all with my sketchbook.

Think of what a sketchbook a man would have! Sketches of his friends at his own funeral! And I’d have such a curiosity about everything. By Jove! I would be interested. I might even do a sketch of myself.”

Two days after he died, on February 5, an Episcopal service was held for Yeats at the Church of the Holy Apostle in Ireland, with 250 people present, and on March 29, a memorial dinner was held in his honor in New York, attended by 80 of his friends.

Certainly he’d have been able to fill his sketchbook at these gatherings, but I think he’d prefer to capture the moment his body was lowered into the earth—besides a minister and a couple of grave-diggers, Foster was the only person present for his Chestertown burial.

I think he would have sketched Foster, whom he once called “the loveliest woman ever,” standing in the shade of waving evergreen boughs, looking down on him through the fresh hole in the earth—before the dirt was piled on and John Butler Yeats was reduced to mere memory, no more than a name incised in cold stone.

98 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

Iconic Long Lake business melds past with future Story by Pete DeMola Above photo courtesy of Jim Swedberg

A look through history Hoss’s Country Store has been an Adirondack destination for over 40 years. It’s pictured below in its various incarnations over the years.

t’s as synonymous as the lakes and pines are to the Adirondack Park: Hoss’s Country Corner, the iconic family-owned business in Long Lake that has become a balsam-scented bastion of tradition. The story of the birth, evolution and continued success of the general store mirrors that of the North Country itself — Resilience, growth and untapped possibility.

Co-owner Lorrie Hosley recalled the genesis of what has become a landmark destination for all Adirondack visitors.

It happened more than 40 years ago during a ski trip with her husband, John, who was then in the Army.

At the time, the simple wooden building, located at the corner of Routes 28 and 30, was known as Freeman’s.

“John stopped in and said to Fred, ‘When are you going to sell me the store?’” recalled Lorrie. “We’d always wanted to own an old general store, and we were afraid if we didn’t take this opportunity, we might never get one.”

And that was the beginning.

The pair returned to Long Lake in Spring 1972 after John, a fourth-generation Long Laker, finished his service at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Compared to now, the sales space was much smaller.

Freeman’s primarily sold horse feed and all sorts of tack, which is why the building was so cavernous, recalled Lorrie.

While the structure was originally built in 1914, the footprint once housed the progenitor of Adirondack Hotel, which burned down. The original cornerstone still exists, buried somewhere in the current structure’s bowels.

John, a skilled handyman, immediately got to work sawing and hammering and reconfiguring the empty space.

“We had to take over the space to turn it slowly into a store,” said Lorrie.

“John loves to build, change and construct.”

“Typically on holidays,” quipped Jules Hosley-Pierce, their daughter.

Over the years, the family commandeered each spot of empty space, reclaimed it and turned it into store.

John even incorporated logs from an old cabin which was once located on Indian Lake.

One day, an elderly woman, accompanied by her granddaughter, strode in.

“For 30 years, she’s been saying that her cabin was in the store,” Jules recalled the granddaughter as saying.

The old woman ran her hands against the rough-hewn logs and the tears began to flow.

I

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 101

John said the cabin was built in 1836, the year before Long Lake was founded.

Its incorporation into the building serves a symbolic role.

“It’s my warped sense of keeping the old with the new,” said John.

Hoss’s Country Corner is full of fascinating characters and legends.

John pointed at the scenic border running the length of one portion of the shop, a bucolic Adirondack landscape that was painted sometime in the 1940s by a local cabinet maker.

Each day, the fellow would come to paint.

And each day, the crowd of onlookers grew.

The more he painted, the better he got, said John.

The attention fueled his creativity.

“As he painted, the compliments made him more aware — he did better and better,” said John.

Midway through its path around the interior, the trim became increasingly detailed, with more animals, people, foliage and other treats speckled within.

You can still see it today.

And then there’s the tree growing from the roof, the result of a complex engineering sleight of hand.

Back in the 1980s, one section of the original building was lifted up, rotated 90 degrees and set back down, with a special annex created for the pine, which continues its ascent skyward.

John and Lorrie also discovered a hidden room when converting the upstairs, the former ice house, which is now used for storage.

Over the years, contractors, at least 10 of them, have marveled over these feats of constructive ingenuity.

As the space grew, morphed and shifted — the business now boasts 5,500 square feet across two floors — the family filled it with an astounding miscellany of items and crafts: Amish baskets. Handmade jewelry. Camping gear. Hunting and fishing licenses. Christmas ornaments and all manner of rustic art and souvenirs.

“We carry a little bit of everything,” said Jules.

“We’re always looking for local products.”

The family prides themselves on the local, offering a wide range of state and local food items — like cheese, craft beer, maple products and jams — alongside one of the North Country’s largest selection of books from local authors, who gather each summer for the wildly popular Adirondack Author’s Night, now in its 31st year.

Like the building and stock, the community has also changed over the years.

There are not as many families with young

John Hosley incorporated logs from this Indian Lake cabin into the ever-changing interior of Hoss’s Country Corner.

children as there once was, reflected Lorrie, while year-round residents are fewer and far between and employment opportunities have decreased.

But the summer season has seen an extension.

While everything traditionally ground to a halt on Labor Day, tourists continue to stream into town until Columbus Day Weekend.

June, however, remains a hard sell due to the black flies.

“But we have lot of bug dope,” said Jules.

“All locally made.”

The family sees the future of the business — which has also grown to include a satellite of Hoss’s branded businesses, including Hoss’s Country Campground and ice cream joint Hoss’s Country Coner (get it?) — as bright.

Still chugging along, passed down through the generations.

Their children come back each summer to help out, often with their young’uns.

“There’s lots of kids coming along,” said Lorrie.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said John. “I’ve enjoyed building this.”

102 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

Canon-ball Story by Rebeca Schiller

The story of how one man helped sculpt the future of a tiny Adirondack town

N

ewcomb Town Supervisor George Canon wants to fish, hunt, visit Nashville and even get to Cooperstown once he retires.

There’s a hitch: the folks of Newcomb keep voting for him to remain in office.

In the vast Adirondack Park, Newcomb is one of the many tiny towns popular with visitors who answer the call of the wild to camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

The town is famous for hosting vice president Theodore Roosevelt, who had come to hunt and hike and where he later learned of the impending death of President William J. McKinley.

Fast forward 37 years later—when another Roosevelt was sitting in the White House—Newcomb’s future Town Supervisor George Canon was born in nearby Continued on page 105

Pictured above is Newcomb Supervisor George Canon at Henderson Lake with Sen. Elizabeth Little, then DEC Commissioner Erin M. Croty, Gov. George Pataki, Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, current DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens and Assemblyman Chris Ortloff during a dedication ceremony for the Tahawus Tract.

104 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

During his 26 year tenure as town supervisor, Canon has faced a number of challenging projects, including reviving Great Camp Santanoni. With Canon’s leadership, and a combination of state and local funds,Great Camp Santanoni has been restored.

“You’ve got to love the interaction. You’re going to meet a lot of wonderful people”

- George Canon on being a politician

ABOVE: Supervisor George Canon with Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward.

LEFT: Former Tahawus resident Leonard Gereau shows Newcomb Supervisor George Canon a Post-Star article about the 1963 Tahawus move to Newcomb.

Indian Lake. It was a modest childhood, but one that offered him the natural wealth and beauty of the Adirondacks.

The Canon family moved from Indian Lake to Massena, NY in 1941 where Canon’s father worked at a defense plant until the end of World War II. It was the matriarch of the family who said enough was enough to living in the city and opted to head back to the Adirondacks. They settled near Tahawus, NY where Canon’s father worked at a sawmill run by W. E. Ward.

“I lived at the sawmill as a child from the ages of eight until 18,” he recalled.

After graduating from Newcomb high school in 1957, Canon split and as he put it, “Banged around a little bit. I did some dishwashing. I did some short order cooking. I did some laboring. In 1960, just past my 21st birthday I went back and got a job at National Lead in Tahawus.”

Canon started at the bottom working at the mines with a shovel in his hand. He eventually landed a desk job as mine clerk for approximately five years. Wanting to diversify his skill set, Canon jumped at the opportunity when a job in the computer department opened and he learned computer programming.

“It was kind of a strange thing. I was a number five in a five man office, but then in a year two of the people quit, and the other two passed away. So they made me a big guy,” he said with a laugh. He became a computer supervisor with other responsibilities such as safety officer, tour guide, and pulling guard duty during his stint at National Lead Industries until the mines closed in 1990.

Canon first entered local politics in 1965 when he became a Town Councilman, but was defeated in 1969 for reelection.

With politics in his blood, he ran again in 1979, serving 10 years from 1980 until 1990 as Town Councilman.

By 1990, then longtime Supervisor Charlie Madison retired and created an opening. Canon became a candidate, ran against another councilman—a retired school principal— whom he beat. Since that first run as Town Supervisor, the electorate love Canon and keep voting for him. This term will be the last for him.

“I’ll be 77-years-old when this term is over,” he said.

“It’s time to go smell the roses. Do a little golfing, do a little gardening, and doing other things like working around the house.”

During his 26 year tenure as Town Supervisor, Canon has faced a number of challenging projects including reviving Great Camp Santanoni now known as Santanoni Preserve.

The camp’s structures were designed by architect Robert H. Robertson between 1892-1893. Camp Santanoni was regarded, after its completion, as the grandest of the Adirondack camps.

The three main buildings include: The Gatehouse Complex, located at the edge of the hamlet of Newcomb, a magnificent

106 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

gatehouse with a stone, gateway arch and eight staff bedrooms, a caretaker’s home, assorted barns, wagon sheds and other buildings.

In 1973, New York state purchased the property with the intent to use the buildings for historical tours and educational purposes. Due to lack of funding and issues of maintaining the buildings, action was stalled for several years.

With Canon’s leadership, a coalition was formed with a historic preservation group, Adirondack Architectural Heritage. Since the start of the coalition, the state has contributed funds as has the town of Newcomb to restore Great Camp Santanoni.

Another project Canon helped spearhead: the preservation of the McIntyre Blast Furnace built in 1854, located in the historic Tahawus Tract. Working with the Open Space Institute, which purchased the area in August 2003, a grant was awarded to clean the area and restore the old MacNaughton Cottage where vice president Theodore Roosevelt stayed and learned of the assassination attempt on President McKinley.

Apart from working on preserving the historical structures, a golf course was also built under Canon’s guidance in 2006 with no outstanding debt. In 2013, the town replaced and upgraded the 50-year-old sewer system. The town is currently in the process of upgrading its water system that serves part of the community.

One of the more exciting projects is the construction of the $500,000 Welcome to Newcomb Center, which will include a historical wing that will educate visitors about the town’s history.

Canon along with the other town supervisors from Indian Lake, North Hudson, Long Lake, and Minerva, have worked closely together on the Essex Chain of Lakes classification.

These five towns, across two counties, joined forces so they could all mutually gain economically.

How well does Supervisor Canon play with others? Brian Wells, Indian Lake’s town supervisor shared the following, “If you know anything about George, no matter what room he’s in, people just gravitate to him. Not just local people, but leaders, senators, whatever. They all go to George because he’s been there that long. He’s been like a mentor for me….he’s unique.

He’s one of the old-time leaders for the Adirondacks.”

Canon says he’s had a good life. The mines were good to him as well as his long tenure in local politics. His advice for anyone who wants to enter public service is the following: “You’ve got to love the interaction. You don’t always win the battles, but you don’t hold any animosity towards those who are successful when you’re not. Don’t gloat when you are and they’re not. I’ve made a lot of friends over the years, and you should approach this business with the thought that’s one of the benefits. You’re going to meet a lot of wonderful people.”

ncliving@denpubs.com

107 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com 73635

108 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

ANTIQUES | Miller Art & Frame

A Main Street Destination Story by Thom Randall

Warrensburg’s Miller Art & Frame offers an eclectic array of antiques, collectibles and curiosities

I

n a town known as “The Gateway to the Adirondacks,” there’s a store on Main Street that for generations has been a prime destination for people seeking to take home a piece of the area’s history.

Miller Art & Frame at 3729 Main Street in Warrensburg offers an eclectic array of antiques, collectibles and curiosities — as well as goods handcrafted by local artisans, plus giftware and unique home furnishings.

Miller Art & Frame at 3729 Main Street features everything from framed art and vintage postcards to Adirondack bent-wood furniture and antique skis and nclmagazine.com

snowshoes.

The building that houses the Miller Art enterprise was originally owned by Charles Prouty, who operated an antiques shop in the structure since the early 1900s, according to Yvonne Miller, the current owner.

Up through the 1980s, it hosted both an antique shop Continued on page 110

ABOVE: Yvonne Miller of Miller Art & Frame in Warrensburg N.Y. takes a break from arranging the eclectic inventory of her shop —which features an array of antiques, collectibles and curiosities that reflect lifestyles of bygone years as well as contemporary giftware.

Photo by Thom Randall

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 109

and Bel Hagar Fashions.

Miller first occupied the building in 1997, seven years after she started her art and frame shop several blocks north in The Pillars, another historic building in Warrensburg.

The specialties of Miller Art & Frame include primitive antique furniture, rustic crocks, small accessories, antique kitchen implements, decorative items, old toys, vintage Adirondack signs, stained glass windows, as well as antique lawn furniture, including some hickory items.

One room in the storefront, decked out as a general store, features contemporary gift items, candles, lotions, maple syrup, gourmet honey, a wide selection of books on Adirondack themes or penned by local authors, plus bulk potpourri — popular with shoppers — and handcrafted jewelry.

Clark Orton, a Warrensburg native, has stocked one of the six rooms of the store with vintage radios and antique outboard motors and other artifacts that reflect lifestyles of bygone eras. Up a narrow stairway, a room on the second floor hosts vintage sewing supplies and antique linens and quilts.

A room at the rear of the enterprise is what Yvonne Miller calls her store’s “man cave” — it’s full of

110 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

thousands of vintage Life magazines as well as issues of Mechanics Illustrated and car magazines from decades ago.

“We lose men back here for hours,” she said as she recently hosted a tour of the room.

Miller said she and her husband Donald obtain antiques and collectables by attending auctions, scouting out estate sales, and making personal calls to area residents and obtaining some items from itinerant antiques “pickers.”

Miller said she continues to enjoy the business, primarily because the antiques and collectibles she and her husband discover offer insight into the region’s history.

“Collecting and buying vintage pieces is so much fun,” she said. “We’re always looking for quality items.”

“We never go anywhere that we don’t stop at an antiques store or yard sale,” she continued. “It’s been such a good business during our retirement.”

Miller added that she derives considerable enjoyment from sharing the experience with her customers.

“It’s such a fun enterprise to be involved in,” she said. “We meet a lot of great people who come back again and again.”

ncliving@denpubs.com

111 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

AsFar as he

Could see

By Teah Dowling

Blake Cortright documents the legendary 46ers in film “The 46ers” is a new documentary film from young filmmaker Blake Cortright, who sought to discover what transforms ordinary men and women into the legendary 46ers who hike all of the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondack Mountains.

“I’m trying to communicate to people something about that experience of the mountains’ call,” he explained. “It’s not about the people anymore; it’s about the mountains.”

At the end of his freshman year at college, Cortright decided to go hiking with his dad, John, and brother, Bradley. Him and his brother were both eagle scouts, and their father was their scout master. “We all had an outdoor-sy streak, and we would go out and go camping and different things,” Cortright reminisced. “But we never went to the High Peaks before.”

In August 2012, they made a goal to hike Mount Marcy, Table Top Mountain and Phelps Mountain the first day and Algonquin Peak, Iroquois Peak and Wright Peak the second. “We were subsequently humbled when we got out butts kicked on Mount Marcy and made our way crawling up Table Top Mountain, and then the following day we crawled up Wright Peak and looked at Algonquin Peak — that was all we achieved in three days,” Cortright laughed. “There was something about the hiking that was much more difficult than anything I encountered to that.”

Mount Marcy impressed Cortright the most, as the view from the mountaintop captivated his imagination and inspired him. “When I sat down on top of Marcy, it took my breath away not just because I was out of breath from running, but just the view of seeing as far as I could see and seeing as much wilderness as I could see.”

He was amazed that the mountains hadn’t been given better cinematic attention. And after an exhausting weekend hiking Mount 112 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

TOP: L-R: Ryan Wichelns, Director of Photography Matthew Elton and Director Blake Cortright filmed on Cascade Mountain/Photo by Grant Sponable.

ABOVE: Director Blake Cortright interviewed Tony Goodwin, editor of the Adirondack Mountain Club High Peaks Guidebook/Photo by Matthew Elton.

ncliving@denpubs.com

Marcy, Table Top Mountain and Wright Peak, Blake asked, “why do people do this?” That started the idea for the project. “LIttle did I know that I was going to embark on a project that would be taking two and a half years of my life — and two dislocations in my knee, a lot of different ups and downs and a lot of turns,” he said. “But I’ve never seen anything so beautiful, so wild.”

In October of the same year, Blake received a letter of interest from Mountain Lake PBS based in Plattsburgh, and the team at Arche Productions, founded by Cortright, began preparations to launch a nclmagazine.com

fundraiser on Kickstarter in the months that followed.

The team launched their Kickstarter campaign in January 2013, hoping to raise $12,250 in 35 days. The next month, they reached their goal and began the production process.

Principle photography began in March 2013 on Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain. Over the last year, the filmmakers interviewed over 20 46ers and aspiring 46ers, hiked over 100 miles and filmed over 100 hours of footage, with the last piece of footage being from a helicopter. “I’ve personally never seen the Adirondacks like that before,” Cortright reminisced. “The High Peaks, to see them from the Continued on page 114

TOP:L-R: Director Blake Cortright, Jason Cristman, 1st Assistant Camera Allison Zdunczyk, Director of Photography Matthew Elton and Producer John Cortright filmed on Whiteface Mountain/Photo by Thom Riley.

ABOVE: 1st AC Allison Zdunczyk, Director Blake Cortright and DP Matthew Elton interviewed Julia Goren (Adirondack Summit Steward) for the film/Photo by Grant Sponable.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 113

PICTURED HERE: L-R: Director Blake Cortright, Aerial Cinematographer Gary Sears and Aerial Pilot Bruce Mowery of Northcountry Heliflite get ready to go up/ Photo by Connie Cortright.

sky from 5 to 6,000 feet up, is an absolutely breathtaking experience.”

The crew - Director Cortright, Cinematographer Matthew Elton, Executive Producer Daniel Swinton, Audio Supervisor Thom Riley, Second Unit Cinematographer Daniel McCullum, First AC Allison Zdunczyk, Second AC Grant Sponable and Composer Justin Michael Brittian - summited several High Peaks and many shorter hills, carrying camera gear to capture the views of the mountains by both the sights and the people who see them.

Cortright revealed several key interviews within the hour-long film, including ADK Guidebook Editor Tony Goodwin, ADK Summit Steward Julia Goren, 46er number 42 (1946) Helen Menz and Peter Fish, a legendary ranger who climbed Mount Marcy 777 times.

After transcribing 300 pages of interviews, Cortright created a 60page script for the hour-long film. “Part of what helped me guide that was I would just sit down and listen to music, sit down and look at footage or go outside and go for a walk,” Cortright said. “And I would write down these poetic narrations that would guide within the story structure to guide the discussion along; there is something dynamic with it.”

Right now, they’re in the editing process. Though the edited story is coming together, they need to finish editing sound, music and postproduction visual processes — something Cortright’s been doing for a long time now.

The 21-year-old filmmaker began editing at 14 at the advice of his mentor, Steven Budlong. He told Cortright to learn how to edit and how to use post-production software. Since then, he’s learned how to handle imagery and how to tell a story visually, similar to what the movies he watched as a child did.

Growing up in the Suburbs near Albany, Cortright, at 5 years old, was allowed to stay up on Easter Sunday and watch “The Ten 114 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

Commandments” (1956), an American religious epic film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille.

While watching the classic film, he had a little picture book. After turning one page of his picture book, it went from Moses in the bushes to the burning bush story, which is told in the film over a span of two hours. “At that young age, the idea that two pages of this book could take two hours on screen made an impression on me, and the scope and the scale of how far you can see those images made an impression on me.”

Cortright began his long history of filmmaking by making Star Wars fan films with friends. When he began to take it more seriously, he attended Compass Film Academy Summer Film Camp, made his first local documentary “The First Encampment” that aired on PBS, did an internship with a PBS-affiliated station, founded Arche Productions in 2011 and got a scholarship to Regent University. “I’ve served in different roles on set in the last four years, but the 46ers is really been unlike anything else I’ve experienced,” Cortright said. “All those experiences taught me something that was helpful for the film.”

After graduation, Cortright, besides wanting to do feature films, wants to promote the film and get the DVD’s out. He hopes the film will be out by this summer, possibly answering the question to others he asked himself in the beginning, “what transforms ordinary men and women into the legendary mountaineers known as the 46ers?”

“I think that the film within the story that it tells give a really strong impression of what [the answer] is,” Cortright revealed. “I think that when people see the film, they’ll understand it.”

For more information or recent updates, visit “The 46ers” website at www.the46ersfilm.com or their Facebook page “The 46ers Film.” ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 115

117 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

t h e m y s t e r y o f t h e

Bennington triangle

By Lou Varricchio

118 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

F

utureÊ historiansÊ willÊ haveÊ toÊ creditÊ VermontÊ authorÊ JoeÊ CitroÊ forÊ coiningÊ theÊ termÊ Ò BenningtonÊ TriangleÓ Ê backÊ inÊ theÊ 1990s.Ê Citro, who is well known for his fictional and non-fictional macabre tales of VermontÕ sÊ backwoods,Ê madeÊ aÊ deliberateÊ connectionÊ betweenÊ theÊ famousÊ BermudaÊ TriangleÊ andÊ VermontÕ sÊ junior,Ê butÊ equallyÊ weirdÊ triangleÊ of Ê mystery.Ê EvenÊ theÊ otherwiseÊ soberÊ AppalachianÊ MountainÊ ClubÊ referredÊ toÊ theÊ areaÊ asÊ theÊ Ò TriangleÊ of Ê DoomÓ Ê inÊ oneÊ of Ê itsÊ memberÊ newsletters.

WithinÊ VermontÕ sÊ ultra-weirdÊ BenningtonÊ TriangleÊ areÊ enoughÊ things-that-go-bump-in-the-night to keep cold-case file and paranormal researchersÊ intriguedÊ forÊ years.Ê BeyondÊ Vermont,Ê publicÊ interestÊ inÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ TriangleÊ isÊ commensurateÊ withÊ itsÊ exposureÊ inÊ theÊ mediaÊ of Ê popÊ culture.Ê The box-office smash 1999 horror movie,Ê Ò TheÊ BlairÊ WitchÊ Project,Ó Ê isÊ purportedlyÊ basedÊ looselyÊ onÊ theÊ BennngtonÊ Triangle,Ê atÊ leastÊ accordingÊ toÊ aÊ PeopleÊ interviewÊ withÊ co-directorÊ DanielÊ Myrick.

InÊ OctoberÊ 2011,Ê NickÊ SmithÊ of Ê CryptoÊ ParanormalÊ InvestigationsÊ of Ê NewÊ YorkÊ tookÊ aÊ teamÊ intoÊ theÊ GlastenburyÊ wildernessÊ toÊ shootÊ a documentary film. At the time, BenningtonÊ BannerÊ writerÊ ZekeÊ WrightÊ reportedÊ onÊ theÊ teamÕ sÊ goal,Ê as Smith said, to find ”anything anomalous,Ê anythingÊ thatÊ canÕ tÊ beÊ explained,Ê anyÊ possibleÊ traceÊ of Ê theseÊ peopleÊ thatÊ haveÊ goneÊ missing.Ó

Vermont author and researcher Joe Citro coined the term “Bennington Triangle” to refer to goings on in the Glastenbury wilderness area of Bennington County, Vt. Citro has written the most about the triangle mysteries. His term for the area is a nod to the famous Bermuda Triangle.

File photo courtesy of Joe Citro

InÊ JulyÊ 2012,Ê actorÊ WilliamÊ ShatnerÕ sÊ Ò WeirdÊ orÊ What?Ó Ê televisionÊ seriesÊ featuredÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ TriangleÊ inÊ anÊ episodeÊ aboutÊ missingÊ persons.

So,Ê considerÊ thisÊ listÊ of Ê theÊ BenningtonÊ TriangleÕ sÊ moreÊ unusual,Ê intriguingÊ features:Ê • ItÕ sÊ amongÊ VermontÕ sÊ largestÊ wildernessÊ areas, • ItÊ containsÊ theÊ ghostÊ townÊ of Ê oldÊ Glastenbury,Ê andÊ itsÊ FayvilleÊ section,Ê pepperedÊ withÊ cellarÊ holesÊ of Ê long-vanishedÊ homes,Ê remainsÊ of Ê aÊ resortÊ hotel,Ê andÊ tracesÊ of Ê aÊ loggingÊ railroadÊ andÊ trolleyÊ line, • ItÕ sÊ associatedÊ withÊ atÊ leastÊ threeÊ decadesÊ of Ê unsolvedÊ missingÊ personsÊ reports,Ê • ItÕ sÊ theÊ sceneÊ of Ê oddÊ lightsÊ inÊ theÊ sky,Ê andÊ • ItÕ sÊ theÊ centerÊ of Ê tallÊ talesÊ aboutÊ aÊ Bigfoot-likeÊ creature,Ê calledÊ WejukÊ byÊ VermontÕ sÊ nativeÊ AbenakiÊ peopleÊ (see North Country Living Magazine, spring 2015 issue).

AtÊ theÊ heartÊ of Ê theÊ infamousÊ TriangleÊ isÊ broodingÊ GlastenburyÊ Mountain,Ê 3,747Ê feetÊ inÊ elevation.Ê BothÊ theÊ 2,170-mile-longÊ AppalachianÊ TrailÊ andÊ theÊ 272-mile-longÊ VermontÊ LongÊ TrailÊ traverseÊ thisÊ lonelyÊ peakÕ sÊ summit,Ê althoughÊ onlyÊ dedicated,Ê in-shapeÊ hikersÊ botherÊ toÊ climbÊ it.Ê Continued on page 120

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 119

WITHOUTÊ AÊ TRACE ReportsÊ of Ê missingÊ peopleÊ withinÊ theÊ boundariesÊ of Ê theÊ BenningtonÊ TriangleÊ beginÊ appearingÊ inÊ VermontÊ newspapersÊ asÊ farÊ backÊ asÊ theÊ 1920s,Ê andÊ itÕ sÊ possibleÊ thatÊ atÊ leastÊ fourÊ casesÊ fromÊ theÊ 1800sÊ andÊ earlyÊ 1900sÊ mayÊ beÊ linkedÊ toÊ it.Ê But,Ê accordingÊ toÊ theÊ websiteÊ UnsolvedMysteries.com,Ê Ò TheÊ first recorded victim was a 13-year-old boy namedÊ MelvinÊ Hills,Ê whoÊ disappearedÊ inÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ areaÊ onÊ orÊ aboutÊ Oct.Ê 11,Ê 1942.Ê HeÊ wasÊ neverÊ found.Ó

theÊ LongÊ TrailÊ reachesÊ VermontÊ StateÊ RouteÊ 9,Ê resultedÊ inÊ anÊ extensiveÊ searchÊ of Ê theÊ forestÑ well,Ê atÊ leastÊ asÊ extensiveÊ aÊ searchÊ canÊ beÊ inÊ aÊ shadowy,Ê denselyÊ woodedÊ area.Ê TheÊ onlyÊ breakÊ inÊ theÊ searchÊ cameÊ alongÊ aÊ streamÊ bank,Ê notÊ tooÊ farÊ from Route 9; searchers found a rifle cartridgeÊ of Ê theÊ sameÊ caliberÊ usedÊ byÊ Rivers,Ê however,Ê thatÕ sÊ allÊ theÊ evidenceÊ thatÕ sÊ everÊ beenÊ found.Ê ByÊ mostÊ accountsÑ includingÊ CitroÕ sÊ locally bestselling 1994 non-fiction book,Ê Ò GreenÊ MountainÊ Ghosts,Ê Ghouls,Ê andÊ UnsolvedÊ MysteriesÓ Ñ RiversÊ mustÊ haveÊ Ò leanedÊ overÊ andÊ theÊ cartridgeÊ droppedÊ outÊ of Ê hisÊ pocketÊ intoÊ theÊ water.Ó Ê At least one unofficial search party of Ê localÊ huntersÊ lookedÊ forÊ RiversÊ theÊ followingÊ summer,Ê withoutÊ anythingÊ to show—not even a rifle cartridge.

MiddieÊ Rivers,Ê soÊ itÊ seems,Ê vanishedÊ intoÊ thinÊ air.Ê If Ê hisÊ bonesÊ remainÊ inÊ theÊ GlastenburyÊ wilderness,Ê theyÊ haveÊ yetÊ toÊ beÊ locate

Detail of an 1856 colorized map showing the boundaries of the old town of Glastenbury, Vt. The town thrived as a logging hub and later, served by a short-lived trolley line, as a summer resort destination. Not much remains of the wilderness community today.

Actually,Ê theÊ bestÊ knownÊ TriangleÊ casesÊ tookÊ placeÊ afterÊ WorldÊ WarÊ II,Ê betweenÊ 1945Ê andÊ 1950: • Middie Rivers: Vanished 1945

File photo

Left: In December 1946, Vermont newspapers covered the strange story of missing Bennington College student Paula Welden. The 18-yearold woman disappeared on a hiking trip in the Glastenbury Mountain wilderness area, now referred to as the Bennington Triangle.

InÊ NovemberÊ 1945,Ê 74-year-oldÊ VermontÊ backcountryÊ guide,Ê anglerÊ andÊ hunterÊ MiddieÊ RiversÊ walkedÊ intoÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ TriangleÊ andÊ neverÊ returned.Ê TheÊ strangestÊ thingÊ aboutÊ RiversÕ Ê vanishingÊ isÊ thatÊ heÊ knewÊ theÊ GlastenburyÊ forestÊ extremelyÊ well,Ê havingÊ huntedÊ theirÊ forÊ mostÊ of Ê hisÊ lifeÊ withoutÊ incident.

AccordingÊ toÊ newsÊ reportsÊ of Ê theÊ time,Ê RiversÊ wasÊ contactedÊ byÊ fourÊ huntersÊ toÊ escortÊ themÊ intoÊ theÊ GlastenburyÊ wildernessÊ inÊ searchÊ of Ê deer.Ê ItÕ sÊ unclearÊ justÊ howÊ longÊ RiversÕ Ê huntingÊ partyÊ wasÊ inÊ theÊ woods,Ê butÊ asÊ theÊ menÊ wereÊ returningÊ toÊ campÊ onÊ Nov.Ê 12,Ê RiversÊ trampedÊ aheadÊ of Ê themÊ inÊ searchÊ of Ê moreÊ game.Ê However,Ê itÊ wasÊ theÊ lastÊ anyoneÊ everÊ sawÊ of Ê theÊ oldÊ guide.

TheÊ incident,Ê whichÊ occurredÊ nearÊ whereÊ

Image: Library of Congress

• Paula Welden: Vanished 1946 PerhapsÊ theÊ mostÊ widelyÊ publicizedÊ of Ê theÊ post-WorldÊ WarÊ IIÊ TriangleÊ disappearancesÊ wasÊ theÊ tragicÊ caseÊ of Ê PaulaÊ Welden.

Welden,Ê 18,Ê wasÊ aÊ studentÊ atÊ nearbyÊ BenningtonÊ College,Ê atÊ theÊ time,Ê anÊ all-femaleÊ

120 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

college.Ê OnÊ Dec.Ê 1,Ê 1946,Ê theÊ attractiveÊ blondeÊ freshmanÊ toldÊ herÊ roommateÊ ElizabethÊ JohnsonÊ thatÊ sheÊ wasÊ goingÊ forÊ aÊ hikeÊ onÊ theÊ LongÊ Trail,Ê noÊ doubtÊ toÊ exerciseÊ andÊ perhapsÊ seeÊ theÊ spectacularÊ vistaÊ fromÊ theÊ GlastenburyÊ summit.Ê SheÊ wasÊ neverÊ seenÊ again.

ByÊ oneÊ account,Ê whichÊ appearedÊ inÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ Banner,Ê ErnestÊ WhitmanÊ mayÊ ncliving@denpubs.com

haveÊ beenÊ oneÊ of Ê theÊ lastÊ personsÊ toÊ seeÊ WeldenÊ alive.Ê SheÊ hadÊ askedÊ WhitmanÊ forÊ directionsÊ toÊ theÊ trail.Ê AÊ coupleÊ alsoÊ reportedÊ seeingÊ WeldenÊ alongÊ theÊ trail.Ê TheÊ olderÊ hikersÊ saidÊ theyÊ sawÊ aÊ youngÊ womanÊ matchingÊ WeldenÕ sÊ descriptionÊ aboutÊ 100Ê yardsÊ aheadÊ of Ê themÊ onÊ theÊ trail,Ê butÊ thatÊ sheÊh adÊd roppedÊo utÊo f sÊ ightÊa roundÊa cÊ urveÊ inÊ theÊ woods.Ê WhenÊ theÊ coupleÊ roundedÊ theÊ sameÊ curve,Ê theyÊ sawÊ noÊ signÊ of Ê theÊ woman,Ê aheadÊ orÊ behind.Ê TheyÊ didnÕ tÊ thinkÊ muchÊ of Ê itÊ untilÊ WeldenÕ sÊ photographÊ andÊ storyÊ appearedÊ inÊ theÊ localÊ newspaper.Ê TheÊ AssociatedÊ PressÊ reportedÊ onÊ WeldenÕ sÊ disappearanceÊ andÊ theÊ wireÊ storyÊ madeÊ headlines,Ê forÊ aÊ fewÊ days,Ê throughoutÊ NewÊ England.Ê AÊ $5,000Ê rewardÊ wasÊ offered,Ê theÊ FBIÊ investigated,Ê andÊ evenÊ soldiersÊ fromÊ FortÊ Devens,Ê Massachusetts,Ê helpedÊ withÊ theÊ searchÑ butÊ justÊ likeÊ MiddieÊ Rivers,Ê sheÊ hadÊ vanishedÊ intoÊ thinÊ air.Ê WithinÊ aÊ fewÊ years,Ê twoÊ backcountryÊ mythsÊ emergedÊ aboutÊ WeldenÕ sÊ fateÑ oneÊ versionÊ hadÊ herÊ runningÊ off Ê toÊ liveÊ inÊ Canada,Ê theÊ otherÊ accountÊ hadÊ herÊ revertingÊ toÊ aÊ reclusiveÊ Ò wildÊ womanÓ Ê livingÊ inÊ theÊ deepÊ woodsÊ belowÊ GlastenburyÊ Mountain.

• James Tedford: Vanished 1949 ToÊ makeÊ thingsÊ justÊ aÊ littleÊ weirder,Ê theÊ nextÊ victimÊ toÊ vanishÊ inÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ TriangleÊ didÊ soÊ exactlyÊ threeÊ yearsÊ toÊ theÊ dayÊ PaulaÊ WeldenÊ disappeared.

U.S.Ê ArmyÊ veteranÊ JamesÊ E.Ê TedfordÊ disappearedÊ onÊ Dec.Ê 1,Ê 1949,Ê exactlyÊ threeÊ yearsÊ afterÊ PaulaÊ WeldenÊ hadÊ disappeared.Ê WasÊ theÊ timingÊ of Ê theÊ disappearanceÊ coincidental?Ê InÊ TedfordÕ sÊ case,Ê heÊ hadnÕ tÊ beenÊ hikingÊ inÊ theÊ woods,Ê butÊ insteadÊ steppedÊ off Ê aÊ busÊ whileÊ returningÊ homeÊ fromÊ aÊ familyÊ visitÊ inÊ St.Ê Albans.Ê ByÊ allÊ accounts,Ê TedfordÊ leftÊ theÊ busÊ justÊ beforeÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ stop.Ê HisÊ suitcaseÊ remainedÊ onboardÊ withÊ aÊ busÊ timetableÊ leftÊ onÊ hisÊ seat.Ê ItÕ sÊ hardÊ toÊ knowÊ if Ê TedfordÊ steppedÊ off Ê theÊ busÊ withinÊ theÊ Triangle.Ê NoÊ eyewitnessÊ accountsÊ haveÊ beenÊ foundÊ althoughÊ passengersÊ recallÊ himÊ snoozingÊ beforeÊ heÊ vanished.

areaÊ farmÊ atÊ whichÊ sheÊ wasÊ care-taking.Ê AnÊ hourÊ later,Ê Mrs.Ê JepsonÊ returnedÊ toÊ retrieveÊ herÊ sonÑ butÊ heÊ wasÊ gone.Ê TheÊ boyÕ sÊ redÊ jacketÊ didnÕ tÊ helpÊ theÊ searchÊ party,Ê althoughÊ aÊ motoristÊ reportedÊ seeingÊ theÊ boyÊ alongÊ theÊ road.Ê AnotherÊ accountÊ saidÊ bloodhoundsÊ followedÊ theÊ boyÕ sÊ scentÊ toÊ RouteÊ 9,Ê notÊ tooÊ distantÊ fromÊ whereÊ PaulaÊ WeldenÊ vanishedÊ inÊ 1946.

• Frieda Langer: Vanished 1950 AÊ littleÊ overÊ twoÊ weeksÊ afterÊ eight-year-oldÊ PaulÊ JepsonÊ hadÊ disappeared,Ê theÊ TriangleÊ claimed its next—and so far—final victim.

OnÊ Oct.Ê 28,Ê 1950,Ê FriedaÊ Langer,Ê 53,Ê wasÊ campingÊ alongÊ theÊ SomersetÊ ReservoirÊ withÊ husbandÊ MaxÊ LangerÊ andÊ aÊ cousin.Ê LeavingÊ MaxÊ inÊ campÊ toÊ nap,Ê sheÊ hadÊ accompaniedÊ cousinÊ HerbertÊ ElsnerÊ onÊ aÊ shortÊ hikeÊ nearÊ theÊ theirÊ campsite.Ê NotÊ tooÊ farÊ fromÊ theÊ camp,Ê LangerÊ slippedÊ intoÊ aÊ creekÊ andÊ soakedÊ herÊ clothing.Ê SheÊ decidedÊ toÊ runÊ backÊ toÊ camp,Ê slipÊ intoÊ dryÊ clothes,Ê wakeÊ MaxÊ toÊ joinÊ her,Ê andÊ thenÊ returnÊ toÊ Elsner.Ê HerÊ cousinÊ waitedÊ andÊ thenÊ becameÊ worriedÊ whenÊ sheÊ didnÕ tÊ return.Ê HeÊ returnedÊ toÊ camp;Ê MaxÊ hadÊ notÊ seenÊ FriedaÊ sinceÊ theÊ twoÊ hadÊ setÊ outÊ onÊ theÊ hikeÊ earlier.Ê

Vermont’s Green Mountains have dozens of isolated, difficult to reach peaks, including Glastenbury Mountain at the center of the “Bennington Triangle”. Over 150 years ago, the mountain was denuded by sheep ranching. Today, a thick forest covers the slopes.

File photo

ForÊ twoÊ weeksÊ followingÊ LangerÕ sÊ disappearance, five search parties were deployedÊ aroundÊ theÊ reservoir.Ê EachÊ groundÊ team was linked, via radio, to both a fixed-wing aircraftÊ andÊ aÊ helicopterÊ inÊ theÊ searchÊ effort;Ê theÊ largestÊ of Ê theÊ searchÊ partiesÊ hadÊ includedÊ 300Ê volunteers,Ê butÊ nothingÊ turnedÊ up.Ê Continued on page 123

Stone cellar walls mark the sites of Vermont ghost towns such as old Glastenbury, West Castleton and Somerset. At Glastenbury, foundation ruins mark the sites of former homes, a hotel, and an early sawmill in the Fayville section.

File photo

• Paul Jepson: Vanished 1950 OnÊ Oct.Ê 12,Ê 1950,Ê anÊ eight-year-oldÊ boyÊ becameÊ theÊ nextÊ TriangleÊ victim.Ê LittleÊ PaulÊ JepsonÊ of Ê ShaftsburyÊ wasÊ withÊ hisÊ motherÊ whenÊ sheÊ leftÊ himÊ toÊ playÊ atÊ aÊ Glastenburynclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 121

Vermont is replete with remote backroads in forested areas.

While nothing remains of the old town of Glastenbury, Vt., several roads still lead into this wilderness area of legend.

File photo

ItÊ wasÊ lookingÊ likeÊ LangerÊ hadÊ vanishedÊ intoÊ thinÊ airÑ justÊ likeÊ Rivers,Ê Welden,Ê Tedford,Ê andÊ Jepson,Ê andÊ othersÊ beforeÊ them.Ê However,Ê onÊ MayÊ 12,Ê 1951,Ê aÊ hikerÊ cameÊ acrossÊ LangerÕ sÊ decayedÊ bodyÊ nearÊ theÊ reservoirÊ shore.Ê AÊ pathologistÊ wasÊ unableÊ toÊ determineÊ howÊ LangerÊ diedÊ sinceÊ herÊ remainsÊ hadÊ deteriorated.Ê NoÊ oneÊ hasÊ foundÊ anyÊ policeÊ recordsÊ thatÊ castÊ ElsnerÊ orÊ MaxÊ LangerÊ asÊ suspects.Ê BothÊ menÊ dropÊ outÊ of Ê newspaperÊ recordsÊ afterÊ theÊ incident.Ê

InÊ additionÊ toÊ theÊ shapeshifterÊ describedÊ byÊ Citro,Ê aÊ fewÊ questionableÊ reportsÊ of Ê bothÊ aÊ Sasquatch-likeÊ creatureÑ knownÊ asÊ WejukÊ byÊ nativeÊ peoplesÊ hereÑ andÊ UFOlikeÊ lightsÊ inÊ theÊ skyÊ nearÊ GlastenburyÊ MountainÊ onlyÊ addÊ toÊ theÊ auraÊ of Ê mystery.Ê

STRANGEÊ VISIONS VermontÊ historiansÊ andÊ scholarsÊ discountÊ aÊ paranormalÊ connectionÊ withÊ theÊ disappearancesÊ of Ê individualsÊ withinÊ theÊ boundariesÊ of Ê JoeÊ CitroÕ sÊ Ò BenningtonÊ Triangle.Ó Ê InÊ fact,Ê theÊ Triangle,Ê perÊ se,Ê isÊ never mentioned on official state websites although it’s difficult to ignore the true storiesÊ of Ê itsÊ missingÊ persons.Ê InÊ hisÊ 2009Ê book,Ê Ò TheÊ VermontÊ MonsterÊ Guide,Ó Ê CitroÊ recountsÊ yetÊ anotherÊ oddityÊ withinÊ theÊ TriangleÊ boundaryÊ nearÊ GlastenburyÊ MountainÑ theÊ storyÊ of Ê aÊ shape-shifting,Ê carnivorousÊ rock.Ê ThisÊ localÊ folktaleÊ appearsÊ toÊ dateÊ backÊ toÊ aÊ timeÊ beforeÊ EuropeansÊ arrivedÊ inÊ theÊ region.Ê Ò NoÊ oneÊ aliveÊ hasÊ seenÊ thisÊ dangerousÊ anomalyÊ onÊ GlastenburyÊ Mountain,Ó Ê accordingÊ toÊ CitroÕ sÊ guidebook.Ê Ò NativeÊ AmericansÊ knewÊ of Ê it,Ê andÊ warnedÊ peopleÊ away.Ê WeÊ canÊ onlyÊ imagineÊ itÊ asÊ aÊ sizableÊ rock,Ê largeÊ enoughÊ toÊ standÊ on.Ê ButÊ whenÊ someoneÊ standsÊ uponÊ it,Ê theÊ rockÊ becomesÊ lessÊ solid,Ê and,Ê likeÊ aÊ livingÊ thing,Ê swallowsÊ theÊ unfortunateÊ trespasser.Ê AÊ numberÊ of Ê disappearancesÊ haveÊ beenÊ reportedÊ onÊ GlastenburyÊ Mountain.Ê Ê CouldÊ allÊ theseÊ vanishedÊ folksÊ haveÊ steppedÊ inadvertentlyÊ onÊ thisÊ hungryÊ stone?Ó

nclmagazine.com

19th-centuryÊ authorÊ CharlesÊ DickensÕÊ ScroogeÊ characterÊ fromÊ Ò AÊ ChristmasÊ CarolÓ Ê mayÊ beÊ theÊ bestÊ guideÊ whenÊ itÊ comesÊ toÊ theÊ TriangleÕ sÊ strangeÊ visions:Ê Ò YouÊ mayÊ beÊ anÊ undigestedÊ bitÊ of Ê beef,Ê aÊ blotÊ of Ê mustard,Ê aÊ crumbÊ of Ê cheese,Ê aÊ fragmentÊ of Ê underdoneÊ potato.Ê ThereÕ sÊ moreÊ of Ê gravyÊ thanÊ of Ê graveÊ aboutÊ you,Ê whateverÊ youÊ are!Ó CheckÊ ItÊ Out:Ê If Ê youÕ reÊ curiousÊ aboutÊ exploringÊ theÊ BenningtonÊ Triangle,Ê thereÊ areÊ severalÊ accessÊ points.Ê WeÊ suggestÊ takingÊ theÊ AppalachianÊ TrailLongÊ TrailÊ accessÊ pointÊ onÊ VermontÊ StateÊ RouteÊ 9Ê betweenÊ of Ê BenningtonÊ andÊ Wilmington,Ê Vt.Ê FromÊ theÊ intersectionÊ of Ê RoutesÊ 7Ê andÊ 9Ê inÊ Bennington,Ê travelÊ eastÊ aÊ proximatelyÊ 5Ê miles.Ê AÊ parkingÊ lotÊ isÊ locatedÊ onÊ theÊ northÊ sideÊ of Ê RouteÊ 9.Ê LookÊ forÊ white-blazeÊ marksÊ toÊ followÊ theÊ trail.Ê DueÊ toÊ anÊ increaseÊ inÊ vandalismÊ throughoutÊ Vermont,Ê stateÊ officials suggested that you remove all valuables fromÊ yourÊ vehicleÊ andÊ leaveÊ theÊ gloveboxÊ open.Ê AlwaysÊ tellÊ aÊ friendÊ whereÊ youÊ areÊ going.Ê MobileÊ telephoneÊ receptionÊ isÊ spottyÊ toÊ nonexistentÊ onÊ theÊ trail.Ê AÊ handheldÊ compassÊ orÊ GPSÊ deviceÊ areÊ essentialÊ whenÊ exploringÊ off Ê trail.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 123

124 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 125

Bootlegging

Adirondacks in the

By Ryan Edwards

Two great Adirondack stills and the men who paid their price

T

126 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

he term “Adirondacks” conjures up many familiar images of ancient, stately mountainscapes and halcyon waterways— scattered villages populated by simple, neighborly folk where man and nature coalesce peacefully, undisturbed by the trivialities of urban life.

One does not generally associate such headlines as “Rum-runners outdo movie thriller in getaway attempt” or “Reported liquor chief announces his retirement after more gun play” with a region made famous for its promise of a quiet, campestral getaway.

Contrarily, however, during the bootlegging days of prohibition between January 1920 and December 1933, and continuing for about another decade, the same intrinsic virtues that attract millions to the region also made it the perfect location for virtually unobstructed illicit alcohol operations.

Soon the North Country became home to a “rum highway,” connecting Canada to Albany, New York City and beyond.

Illicit alcohol production and distribution was an unprecedentedly lucrative industry in the area, and many North Country residents cashed in on their unique access to this liquid goldmine to help make ends meet.

The golden age of Adirondack

bootlegging was as effervescent as the 18th amendment itself, however, as violence among competitors drew local, state and federal heat to the region.

Soon rum-runners who had grown accustomed to operating in broad daylight were forced into the shadows.

Naturally, some were more adept than others.

THE GREATEST ADIRONDACK STILL THAT EVER WAS

Among the preeminent bootleggers of the Adirondacks was Pietro “Pete” Tanzini, an Italian native who immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s, eventually opening a construction company in Saranac Lake specializing in cobblestone masonry—a skill that would serve him well years down the line.

During his time in Saranac Lake, Tanzini became one of a litany of residents who got wrapped up in the world of rum-running. The town saw regular visits from such infamous bootleggers as brothers Eddie and Jack “Legs” Diamond—the latter referred to as the “clay pigeon of the underworld” for the number of assassination attempts he’d survived—Bert LaFountain—the subject of “Bert LaFountain’s Packard,”

ncliving@denpubs.com

an Adirondack folk song commemorating his exploits—and Dutch Schultz—public enemy number one at the time.

Over the years, Tanzini became an infamous figure in the illicit alcohol game as well. According to an article in the Aug. 27, 1922 Buffalo Courier, Tanzini earned the title of “bootlegging will-o-the-wisp” among federal and state authorities for his unparalleled knack for eluding them in a series of automobile chases.

This same article calls Tanzini a “bootleg king,” and details an escape attempt that, as the headline suggests, rivals that of any crime thriller. According to the article, Tanzini and his son-in-law Tony Salvaggio were spotted by a local sheriff and a state police officer “coming across the line from Canada with a liquor-laden automobile.”

The pair began to flee, in keeping with the driver’s fast and furious reputation, and, when the coppers started gaining on them, they commenced “breaking bottles of beer in the road in the hope that the officers’ car would have its tires blown out.”

The attempt, while resourceful and imaginative, proved fruitless, as they were overtaken by police and arrested. Salvaggio exited the car and tried to flee through a nearby field, but was brought down by a police dog in what the article describes as “a short fight.”

The following year, Tanzini was shot in the back and almost killed by what a June 12, 1922 article in the Plattsburgh Sentinel designates a “hold-up party.”

According to the article, between 11 p.m. and midnight, Tanzini’s driver Oscar Saunders failed to stop at a roadblock just north of Elizabethtown, citing his speed and inadequate distance to slow down as his reasoning.

When Saunders continued past the party, one among them stepped into the street and opened fire, popping one of the car’s back tires and piercing the kidney of Tanzini, who had been asleep in the backseat at the time.

His soon-to-be-wife was riding up front.

The unidentified men approached the car and shined a flashlight into the window, allegedly looking for alcohol. When Saunders pulled away from them to get Tanzini to a hospital, the men followed his car for a few miles and turned around.

The stop was set up by a group of men who identified themselves as prohibition enforcement agents, but, according to the article, “The authorities are not certain whether or not the men who did the shooting were prohibition enforcement agents or holdup men.”

Tanzini narrowly survived the shooting, and apparently jarred by the near-death experience, he told a local newspaper nclmagazine.com

reporter, “I have made my last trip over the Adirondack booze trail.”

Tanzini appeared to have turned over a new leaf. He married and had two children with his second wife, Augusta “Gussy” Menzel—the woman riding in the front seat during the shooting—and, ostensibly, began to lay low.

In reality, Tanzini was building and operating what the Potsdam Courier Freeman would later describe as “the most elaborate and complete still for the manufacture of alcohol that has ever been uncovered in upstate New York since the passage of the Volstead Act.” The still, however, would not be discovered until two months after Tanzini mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again—a disappearance that local police believed to be linked with foul play.

According to a report by local police at the time, he was last seen by his wife around five o’clock in the afternoon on December 17, 1930, whom he told he was meeting with a friend at the Club restaurant on Main Street.

He’d be home in an hour, he said. According to the report, Tanzini’s friend at the Club asked him to return around eight o’clock—a meeting he promised to keep, but never did.

Pietro Tanzini had vanished into thin air.

A February 20, 1931 article in the Plattsburgh S e n t i n e l claims that the d i s a p p e a ra n c e “resulted in one of the greatest man hunts ever held in the North Country and the case has been listed among unsolved mysteries of the Adirondacks.”

The same article says that state and village police “rounded up half a dozen alleged bootleggers, gamblers and others” for several hours’ worth of questioning.

But, according to police, the men had no information to offer on the disappearance.

Two months to the day after Tanzini disappeared, “Gussy,” then 29 years old, was found dead beside a .22 caliber revolver—an apparent suicide—in the Olive Street home she shared with her husband. Her body was found by the family caretaker, who allegedly ran into the house after he heard the shot.

She and her husband’s children—a boy of

8 and a girl of 6—had been at school when they became orphans.

A corpse was not the only discovery made at the Tanzini residence that day, however, as a full search of the premises resulted in the location of Tanzini’s coveted still—at this point, fully dismantled.

The still was uncovered from, what the February 25, 1931 Potsdam Courier Freeman article refers to as an eight square foot “underground treasure chest.”

According to the same article, a bit of fresh-looking cement in the masonry on one part of the foundation wall caught the eye of a state police officer, who, along with a few Continued on page 130

Pietro “Pete” Tanzini Augusta “Gussy” Tanzini

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 127

128 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 129

THE GREATEST ADIRONDACK STILL THAT NEVER WAS

a reporter the following morning if the hijackers had any luck, The Doc replied, “A little, but not much.” When asked if he knew who they were he replied, “Sure I do. And this business about their being hooked up with Diamond or Schultz or any of the big racketeers is the bunk. They are just a bunch of hijackers.”

Despite his announcement—which came at the heels of the police commissioner’s order to increase the police department by eight men and his declaration that he was going to stop the gang warfare, and “stop it at once”—Farone continued to head up his gang even after prohibition had ended, utilizing his stills and equipment to manufacture alcohol that his organization distributed themselves to circumvent the liquor tax.

But, unfortunately for Farone, Agent Donahue was sent to the area to glean some insight into the behaviors of the local gangs, and in 1939 he followed a hunch that would eventually take down the North Country’s bootleg baron—for a few years, anyway.

He had found through his solitary observation of the gang’s activity, centered at the Chicago Club in Saratoga—ironically now the location of the Salvation Army headquarters—that they were storing all the components necessary to constructing a functioning still at Shady Acres farm, nine miles north of Saratoga. There, Donahue took note of “a large, new, dark blue rack body Ford truck,” which proved to be the key to his missions’ success.

On August 14, 1939, Donahue decided to tail the truck, which he believed to be carrying still components, as it travelled north to what he believed to be location of a new still.

He followed the truck from South Glens Falls to Lake George, to Loon Lake, to a fork in the road in Pottersville, where, at 1:20 a.m. he decided to turn around, knowing that it would not be the truck’s only trip north and fearing that he might be made by

While Tanzini’s still was seized after it had already apparently begotten gallons of illegal liquor and been dismantled by its proprietor, another still, assembled in the Adirondacks by the Saratoga-based gang of Louis “Doc” Farone, didn’t produce a single drop before its eventual seizure.

According to his 1965 book Illicit Alcohol, James A. Donahue, long-time special agent of the Treasury Department’s Alcohol Tax Branch, writes of Farone, “The rackets boss of the North Country in New York during and after the 1920s was a short, mediumThe Tanzini Cottage on three Olive built, well-dressed, quick-thinking American Street, Saranac Lake. known as ‘The Doc’…He moved in sporty circles, ruled with a firm hand, and had a way of getting things done.” colleagues, took sledge hammers and In addition to being about the same height crow bars to it. The wall gave way to a as Tanzini—who stood a mere five feet tall— room which contained the still, “complete Farone also announced his retirement to a in every detail,”—estimated to be worth local newspaper following a shooting, and, approximately $45,000. like Tanzini, he had no intention of actually What’s more, the officers, evidently retiring from the booze game. unsatisfied by their monumental discovery, According to a July 30, 1931 article in the took to the upper floor of the house, where Schenectady Gazette vividly detailing a gun they found another mysterious-looking wall. battle between Farone’s gang and a band of This one was wooden, and its secret panels hijackers—who it is believed were making an attempt on his life—Farone was out of the were operated by cords and pulleys.

Once opened, the panels revealed “another booze game. He told reporters, “I’m going out amazing assortment of booze manufacturing of business, not because anyone has forced essentials,” as well as a number of five- me out but at the suggestion of the police gallon jugs of unstrained liquor, “genuine commissioner. You can say that all my places which I have used for storehouses are for sale. looking labels of all of the popular brands of I’m out of the racket for a year at least. I’m liquors,” Canadian Liquor Commission seals, going to rest and take it easy this summer.” stamps and corks, as well as some labels with By the account of Farone’s brother, Alfred “Edinburgh, Scotland” printed on them.

“Chinny” Farone, at about The article suggests that Tanzini, afraid midnight the previous of police who were hot on his trail, had night, gunmen in dismantled his still, sealed it in the wall, and a black sedan “made a getaway until the scare blew over.” ‘pumped his Another, more probable theory is that car full of Tanzini was whacked by the Brooklyn gang lead.’ The two run by Legs Diamond—rivals of the Rochester men in the gang who allegedly sold Tanzini the still. sedan were According to a March 13, 1931 article in the armed with Lake Placid News, Gussy, when questioned a u t o m a t i c about her husband’s disappearance, told rifles, and two were police Tanzini had “been forced into an more agreement with the Brooklyn bootleggers,” stationed across who only allowed him to distribute in certain the street—one locations, and had allegedly stopped and wielding a revolver questioned Tanzini on at least one occasion and the other a sawedoff shotgun. The trap was set, for selling in “forbidden areas.” and when Chinny drove by, one Rumors abounded around the time of of the men standing watch his disappearance that Tanzini had been yelled “There he is! Plug him! involved in a number of heated altercations Plug him!”—and the leadwith Diamond, from which Tanzini came pumping ensued. away the victor. If his outright flouting of the Chinny managed to notorious gangster’s distribution boundaries make it through the is any indication, it very well may have been assault unscathed, this fearlessness—recklessness, perhaps— and when asked by Above: An illegal gambling chip from that dethroned Saranac Lake’s bootleg king. the Chicago Club in Saratoga. ncliving@denpubs.com 130 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

the driver and blow the investigation.

He followed the truck on the same run three days later, but this time he remained cleverly ahead of it all the way to Pottersville, already aware of its route to that point.

Once at the fork where he previously aborted his mission, Donahue maneuvered himself behind the truck and continued his pursuit northwest to Olmsteadville, and continued it another three miles to the town of Minerva.

There, the driver pulled into a semi-circle driveway, making an about-face turn, and passed by Donahue as he travelled back the way they had come. Donahue made an attempt to pursue, but lost the truck in a network of nameless dirt roads.

Donahue resolved to discern the destination of the truck and the still before it was built—he “borrowed” three investigators from the Albany unit to assist him in his mission.

The trio was stationed at a hotel in Loon Lake and given orders to “stand by for action” at the Pottersville fork when Donahue called to inform them that a run was taking place.

From there, the agents were to proceed to Olmsteadville, where two were to get out to cover different sections on foot and be picked up in an hour. Donahue was to wait at the fork.

Sure enough, on August 25, Donahue spotted the truck travelling north through South Glens Falls, “loaded to the gunnels.”

He placed a call to the Loon Lake agents and pursued.

By then it was after dark, and the driver made the same curious move in Minerva, this time cutting the truck’s headlights before beginning his ascent up a steep dirt driveway.

Although it was too dark to see, one of the Loon Lake agents could hear the sound of the truck’s tires crushing gravel on its steady climb up the private lane.

Upon their return the following day, agents discovered the Ricketson farm at the end of the road, complete with an old frame dwelling house and several dilapidated buildings on the premises. Donahue and his team had finally uncovered the site of a still to rival the great Tanzini’s.

They watched for weeks from a nearby cliff with binoculars as bootleggers labored tirelessly to build the still, laying pipe from the barn to a nearby spring and even killing a deer for food while they worked.

But one day the agents arrived to their stakeout point to find the still had vanished right from under their noses.

Upon inspecting the premises for clues as to why the bootleggers would pack up and leave so suddenly—naturally fearing that they had been tipped off—the agents discovered that, according to Donahue, “the springs were entirely inadequate for the nclmagazine.com

needs of a large size still.”

This was a crippling blow to the investigation, but luckily for Donahue, he had little difficulty in discovering the new location of the still, as it was right in his and Farone’s backyard—an old pig farm on the outskirts of Saratoga.

Donahue and his men again watched as the still was erected in a barn on the site, and, on November 2, 1939, agents raided the farm, arresting everyone on the property. Farone and the rest of the gang were rounded up shortly after for their involvement in the operation.

Farone and six members of his gang were tried in a federal court in Malone, N.Y., where a member of the jury exposed to the judge that another juror had taken a bribe to ensure that a verdict of not-guilty would be submitted. The judge replaced the tainted juror and hit the gang with an additional jury tampering charge.

Farone was given a two-year sentence on August 2, 1940, for conspiracy to operate illicit alcohol stills, later pleading guilty to the jury tampering charge and extending his sentence by three years.

According to an Aug. 15, 1940 article in Troy newspaper The Times Record, when Farone and his gang were handcuffed and loaded into the vehicle that would ferry them to a federal penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pa., one of his co-defendants, Clifford Mackey, wailed, “Wish they’d give us a choice to join the army—I’d rather fight than stay in jail.”

Farone uttered a somber “Me too,” before they took him away.

During his time in prison, Farone had been profoundly changed—upon his release

he dropped the title of booze boss to focus more of his attention on his role as a local underground gambling kingpin. It was a new world, after all.

And, unlike Tanzini, Farone died a free man at 66 years old, following a heart attack in 1970. His Schenectady Gazette obituary, in addition to citing his “vast real estate holdings in the area,” describes him as a legitimate business owner and a member of both St. Clement’s parish and the Saratoga chamber of commerce.

It does mention, however, that the late “Doc” was “a figure to be reckoned with when Saratoga Springs was a gambling mecca.”

By that time, evidently, the roaring 20’s and Farone’s gun-slinging, bootlegging heyday were a thing of the past.

Louis J. “Doc” Farone is buried at the St. Peter’s Cemetery in Saratoga.

Photo by Ryan Edwards

The Salvation Army Headquarters in Saratoga now sits on what was once the site of the Chicago club—a hub of gangster activity during the reign of Louis J. Doc Farone.

Photo by Ryan Edwards

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 131

Is Your Car Sick?

CallIsUsYour ForCarA Cure!

Sick?

Call Us For A Cure!

Automotive

J&L AUTO REPAIRS AND SERVICES J&L Automotive 66366

Exit 27, 203 US Route 9 AUTO REPAIRS Schroon Lake, AND NY SERVICES (North of Exit Mountainside Bible 27, 203 USChapel) Route 9 Owners John and Leanna Welch Schroon Lake, NY Mon. - Fri. 8 AM - 5 PM • NYS Inspections Mon. - Fri. 8 AM - 5 PM • NYS Inspections

(518) 532-0253

nclmagazine.com

66366

(North of Mountainside Bible Chapel)

(518) Owners532-0253 John and Leanna Welch

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 132

133 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

RECIPES | Vegetarian Dishes

Grilled Vegetables - 3 Easy Possibilities -

Shopping List

3 zucchini 1 to 2 yellow summer squash 2 sweet potatoes 1 medium eggplant 2 red onions 1 to 2 red peppers 1 green pepper 1/3 cup olive oil and a brush to apply Optional:

2 portobello mushrooms 2 medium ripe tomatoes For day 2: Cheese ravioli Red or white pasta sauce Provolone or mozzarella for topping Prep:

Begin with sharpening your slicing knife. This will make the entire slicing process easier and faster.

Scrub the sweet potatoes well.

These will be served skin on.

Cut them lengthwise in ¼ inch slices. Repeat for both the zucchini and the yellow squash.

Cut the stem off the eggplant and slice in ½ inch rounds. When slicing the red onion keep the round intact. Slice a thick ¼ inch slice.

Cut the peppers in half and remove the stem and seeds. If using the Portobello mushrooms leave whole but remove the gills.

Slice the tomatoes in ½ inch rounds from top to bottom.

Preheat your grill on high while you lightly brush olive oil on both sides of the sliced veggies lightly salt and pepper if desired.

When the grill reaches 500 degrees you are ready to start. Have all the veggies on a tray and have another platter for them when they are done.

134 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

Begin your grilling with the eggplant and onion rounds while the grill is the hottest. If your grill is equipped with a warming rack put your pepper halves there to allow them to cook more slowly.

In 3 to 5 minutes the eggplant will be ready to turn. Onions will take a minute or 2 longer. Use your judgment. You are looking to cook as well as grill the veggies. If you like a crisp-tender veggie cook fast on a very high heat. A lower heat will take longer to grill but will cook the veggies to a softer state.

Proceed with the other veggies.

Near the end of grilling move the peppers down

ncliving@denpubs.com

However you decide to serve these grilled veggies... just enjoy them.

to the heat to blister the skin.

When all the veggies are cooked you are ready to serve! These grilled vegetable go great with steak, grilled chicken or hamburgers and hot dogs.

Note About Sweet Potatoes…

It is very difficult to get the sweet potatoes to cook to soft on the grill. A better idea is to just get the grill marks and finish them in the microwave, oven or wrap them in foil and put them on a cooler part of the grill to continue cooking.

Using the Leftovers...

Combine bite sized leftovers with cheese ravioli and either red or white sauce, to make a “deconstructed” lasagna. Boil the ravioli until it floats. In an oven safe dish, start with some sauce on the bottom, a layer of the hot ravioli, the veggies, more sauce and slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese. Place in a 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese becomes bubbly and browns and the veggies are warm.

OR... omit the ravioli just stack the leftover grill veggies with cheese on top in an oven safe dish. Make a stack for each person. Bake until hot and cheese is melted and golden. About 20 minutes.

Serve with a side of marinara. Serving suggestion: Serve on a thick slice of toasted garlic bread

Ò DeconstructedÓ

nclmagazine.com

Veggie Stacker

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 135

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Adirondack Region Everything you need to know about what’s happening this summer in the North Country

Arts & Entertainment

Fri., May 29 - Sat., June 6

WARRENSBURG — The Adirondack Bike Rally begins at 3965 Main Street 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The annual motorcycle rally runs along Main Street with free parking and vendors. For information call 623-2559 or go to adirondackbikerally.com.

Sat., May 30, Sat., July 18 & Sat., Sept. 26 Scan this QR-Code for the latest events listed on nclmagazine.com

Through Sun., Oct. 18 TICONDEROGA — Visitors to Fort Ticonderoga and the general public are invited to attend the “Mount Defiance: Witness to History Tour” to observe a birds-eye view of Fort Ticonderoga’s epic military landscape and discover how the summit of Mount Defiance shaped American history. Mount Defiance will be open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admittance at 4:30 p.m. The “Mount Defiance: Witness to History Tour” will be offered daily at 4 p.m. Visitors can either purchase tickets to Mount Defiance as a part of the Fort Ticonderoga package and the cost is $2.50 per adult, $1.50 per child, or pay directly at the base of the mountain using an electronic kiosk system at $10 per car. Members of Fort Ticonderoga and Resident Ambassador Pass holders are admitted free of charge and can pick up their Kiosk coin at the admissions booth of Fort Ticonderoga. For more information call 585-2821 or visit fortticonderoga.org, click on the “Visit” tab, and select “Mount Defiance” from the drop-down menu.

BRANT LAKE — ATV Rides will be held at different times. They start at the Tin Tee Pee campground. They might also be sponsoring a Jeep Poker Run to benefit Toys for Tots. For information contact 573-4386.

Sun., May 31 - Sun., June 7

HAGUE — The Hague Senior View Cafe will be held at the Hague Visitors Center, 9060 Lake Shore Drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop and enjoy the view! A great rest area while out touring. Good food and clean rest rooms. For information call 543-6502 or go to townofhague.org.

BOLTON LANDING — The Bolton Landing Emergency Squad Arts and Crafts Festival will take place at Rogers Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be 30 to 40 Art & Craft vendors. This is a free admission event.

SCHROON — Help get the summer started in Schroon Lake at 1075 US Rte 9. Join them rain or shine as they celebrate opening weekend and welcome summer to the Schroon Lake region! Enjoy great events sponsored by local vendors, including live music on the Strand’s newly refurbished stage, free community yoga, restaurant specials, and more! For more information call 532-7675.

16th annual Saranac Lake’s Third Thursday Art Walks

Americade Motorcycle Touring Rally Begins June 6

136

events Through Sat., July 18

GLENS FALLS — Rare eARTh Gallery & Events features Ten Artists, Ten Feet, Ten Weeks at 176 Glen Street. There will be ten selected 2D and 3D artists features oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, sculpture, one-of-a-kind jewelry, wearable art, mixed media, pencil and hand crafted wood items.

For more information call 683-4744 or go to northcountryarts.org. The hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 to 6 p.m.

Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Through Fri., July 31

GLENS FALLS — Rodney Bentley will be featured at 2nd Floor Gallery at City Hall, 42 Ridge Street. For more information go to northcountryartscenter.org/calendar.html.

The season hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. This is free of charge.

Through Fri., Sept. 4

BOLTON LANDING — The Bolton Landing Farmers’ Market is held at 7 Goodman Ave, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. These are new hours for 2015 with an extra hour to shop.

Enjoy the open air, rain or shine featuring local products, crafts and more. EBT cards and tokens, pets on leashes, stroller and wheelchair friendly. There will be weekly special events.

Through Sun., Sept. 13

GLENS FALLS — The Hyde Collection presents Homer’s America at 161 Warren Street. The collection features two dozen works from the permanent collection including engravings, paintings, and etchings focusing on the Homer chronicling American life. For more information call 7921761 or go to hydecollection.org. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Monday and most national holidays.

Artist Rodney Bentley Featured at City Hall Gallery

GLENS FALLS — S R Stoddard Camp Life exhibit will be shown at Chapman Historical Museum, 348 Glen Street. The exhibition showcases fifteen images of camp life in the Adirondacks in the 1870s and ‘80s, Lake George to Raquette Lake. The photos capture the full range of camping options, small lakeside tent sites to permanent camps that featured log lean-tos and even kitchens.

For more information call 793-2826 or go to chapmanmuseum.org. The season hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday noon to 4 p.m. The museum is closed major holidays.

Through Thurs., Sept. 17

SARANAC LAKE — The 16th annual Saranac Lake’s Third Thursday Art Walks takes place throughout the village, downtown businesses, nonprofits and galleries will host the talents of regional and local artists and musicians of various genres from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Beginning a self-guided tour, Art Walkers can go to any participating venue, pick up a map/schedule and experience the work of established artists and emerging talents from all over the North Country. One can start the Walk at any of the 30+ venues, each marked with a festive balloon. Starting on Main Street. Near the Harrietstown Town Hall, the venues include Riverside Park, The Waterhole, Ampersound, Adirondack Artists’ Guild, Mark Kurtz Photography & Art Annex, Blue Moon Café, Main Street Exchange, Downhill Grill, Small Fortune Studio, Upstairs Gallery, Berkeley Green, The Community Store and the Saranac Lake Free Library. And that’s just the start, with a variety of arts and activities going on. All musicians and artists will be outdoors unless the weather dictates otherwise. For more information, contact Jill Wenner, Art Walk Coordinator, at 637-2745.

Through Sun., Sept. 27

GLENS FALLS — The Hyde Collection presents the Late Drawings of Andy Warhol: 1973-1987 at 161 Warren Street. The collection features 50 pieces, many of which have not been displayed, are from the Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie museums of Pittsburgh. For information call 792-1761 or go to hydecollection.org.

The hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

The museum is closed Monday and most national holidays.

Through Sun., Oct. 11

GLENS FALLS — Out to Work, The Transformation of Women’s Labor exhibit will be at the Chapman Historical Museum, 348 Glen Street. This is a look at the history and

LAKE GEORGE — The Americade Motorcycle Touring Rally will take place at the Fort William Henry Hotel, 48 Canada Street at various times. Americade is the world’s largest motorcycle touring rally and convention offering more factory demo in one place! This is a world-class trade show, with entertainment, contests, judging and much more including family friendly activi-

Sat., June 1 - Tues., June 30

LAKE GEORGE — The Spirits of History Ghost Tours will be held at the Fort William Henry, 48 Canada St. With this much history there are bound to be ghosts! Will you see a ghost? Learn about some of the spirits still calling the Fort and grounds home. Not recommended for children younger than 12. This is a walking tour, and not recommended for those with medical conditions.

For more information call 964-6647 or go to fwhmuseum.com.

Tues., June 2 - Sat., June 6

LAKE GEORGE — The Best Bet Americade Motorcycle Rally at the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center starting at 9 a.m. The Americade has become the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally. Local estimates indicate it attracts 50,000 to 100,000 riders annually.

Wed., June 3 - Thurs., July 2

KEESEVILLE — The Keeseville Free Library is hosting a quilters exhibit and sale.

The library is extending an invitation to local quilters to show or sell their creations.

If interested in participating in this show, contact the Keeseville Free Library at 8349054 or kesvlib@yahoo.com. All quilters are welcome.

Fri., June 5 WARRENSBURG — The fifth annual Rhubarb Festival will be held at the Farmers’ Market at the Warrensburgh Riverfront at the Warrensburgh Mills Historic District Park, 173 River Street from 3 to 6 p.m.

Celebrate the Heirloom Plant and dash; samplings, cooking demonstrations, food contests, horticultural information, plants.

Shop the market too for locally grown produce, maple products. For information call 466-5497 or go to localharvest.org/ warrensburg-riverfront-farmers-marketM22857.

TICONDEROGA — The Command Performance Dance Studio will present its 26th yearly recital at the Ticonderoga High School Auditorium, at 7 p.m. With this year’s theme “Rock This Party” students from Ticonderoga and the surrounding areas will present routines in tap, modern, ballet and acro dance. This year’s ‘parent’ group is also ready to perform. New to the studio this year is a group of little tykes, only one and two years old. Tickets will be on sale at the door only for $3. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. Proceeds to benefit the Ticonderoga Fire Ladies’ Auxiliary.

For more information call Marge Cross at 585-7927.

Arts & Entertainment

Sat., June 1 - Sat., June 6

ties throughout the week. For information call 798-7888 or go to americade.com.

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Fifth Annual Rhubarb Festival Starts June 5

impact of changing societal attitudes about gender roles as they played out in the Glens Falls region. Women who found work outside the home as telephone operators, nurses, secretaries, teachers, clerks, and factory workers at the dawn of the 20th century.

The exhibition combines the stories and photographs with relevant artifacts from area museum’s collections, including such work related tools as typewriters, sewing machines and women’s clothing. Seasonal hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Museum is closed major holidays. For more information call 793-2826 or go to chapmanmuseum.org.

SARANAC LAKE — Photography and Beyond, an exhibit of new works by Burdette Parks, opens at the Adirondack Artists

137

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Guild, 52 Main Street, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. The show runs through Tuesday, June 30. Everyone is welcome.

Fri., June 5 - Sun., June 7

WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Whiteface Bike Fest is three days of biking bliss in the Adirondacks! The annual Wilmington Whiteface Bike Fest brings a mix of uphill, downhill, serious competition and family fun! The weekend’s family-friendly events begins on Friday with incredible stunts, jumps and tricks at the Jam and trials exhibition at Wilmington Bike Park. The annual welcome party featuring live entertainment, a raffle, prizes and the “Best Calves of Wilmington” contest.

Saturday the day kicks off with the 14th annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race beginning at 8 a.m., up Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway.

There will also be a vendor expo, music, food, children’s activities, demo bikes, free group rides on “Poor Man’s Downhill”. The day will end with a Bike Fest Beach Party including live music, food and contests!

Action on Sunday starts with a 7 a.m., shotgun to signal the start of the fifth annual Wilmington/Whiteface 100K Mountain Bike Race. The 100K is a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race.

Biking Competitions are the 14th annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill and the fifth annual Wilmington/ Whiteface 100k Race (qualifier) Leadville Trail 100. For more information call 946-2255.

PAUL SMITHS — The 13th annual Great Adirondack Birding Celebration is the longest running boreal birding festival in the Northeast held at the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) in Paul Smiths. Participants may sign up for the full three-day event or attend selected events, taking advantage of our a la carte pricing.

The three-day event will offer a wide variety of activities designed to appeal to both experienced and beginning birders.

The cost is $140. For more information call 327-6241.

Sat., June 6

Feeder Canal Canoe/Kayak Race June 6

BRANT LAKE — The Farmers’ Market will also have a Book Signing at 6752 State Rte 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marty Podskoch, author of Adirondack 102. Seasonal New York Grown produce, dairy, seafood, honey, bake goods. For more information go to facebook. com/clarkscountrymall.

PLATTSBURGH — DozerFest at Airborne Park Speedway, 70 Broderick Rd, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Time: 9:00am 4:00pm. Fun for the whole family. Handson demos, ride the equipment, enter competitions & more. Visit: http://www. airborneparkspeedway.com

138

Activities include intermittent guided woods walks to identify trees, National Trails Day learn about meHike up Cat Mountain dicinal plants, June 6 wise wood lot Adirondack Birding Celebration management pracBeginning June 5 tices and selective GLENS FALLS — The cutting. Hands on Farmers’ Market will take activities include plant place at Sanford Street School, a tree to take home, make a 10 Sanford Street from 8 a.m. to fire starter, paper beads and orinoon. There is locally grown produce and more. For information call 307-6239 gami boxes. There will be demonstration including band-saw mill, do it yourself fire or go to gffma.com. logs, wood carving and displays of old tools QUEENSBURY — The Feeder Canal Catraditionally used by Adirondack woodsnoe/Kayak Race & Recreational Paddle men. There will be oven Mountain Farm will be held at Richardson Street at 10 a.m. with their wooden items for fiber arts, local Enjoy a friendly competition! The race runs author, Perky Granger, artists, craftsmen of along 5-miles along the historic Feeder Cawood from our tree farm and home made nal, Queensbury to Hudson Falls. Solo or soaps and lotions. For questions call 623tandem. Rain or Shine! Raffles, Ribbons and 9595.

Picnic! Register online or call Feeder Canal Alliance. For information call 792-5363 or DRESDEN — The Dresden Volunteer Fire Company will be having their annual chickgo to feedercanal.org. en barbecue at the Firehouse, 14092 State POTTERSVILLE — There will be a Chicken Rte 22 in Clemons. The menu will consist and Biscuit Dinner held at the Pottersville of half barbecue chicken, baked potato, United Methodist Church, 7899 State Rte 9 tossed salad, dinner roll and dessert. The 5 to 7 p.m. The food is prepared by some cost is $10 eat in or takeout. Serving begins of the best local cooks! For information call at noon until sold out. For further informa494-2840, 494-3210 or 494-3594. tion, call the fire house the day of the barbeBOLTON LANDING — The National Trails cue at 499-2031.

Day Hike up Cat Mountain starting at Edgecomb Pond Road from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is a moderately challenging hike on the red trail to summit. Advance registration is required. For information call 644-9673 or go to lglc.org.

CROWN POINT — Enjoy pancakes, sausage and locally produced maple syrup with juice and coffee at Penfield Homestead Museum, 703 Creek Road. Serving begins at 8 a.m. The cost is $6 with all proceeds benefiting the Penfield Homestead Museum which celebrates and preserves the rich history of the Town of Crown Point, iron mining and the “birthplace of the electrical age”. The museum and grounds, including Penfield Pond and the remains of the Crown Point Iron Company, are located in the Ironville Historic District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For information call 597-3804.

POTTERVILLE — There will be a Chicken ‘n Biscuit Dinner at the Potterville United Methodist Church, from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes chicken, biscuit, beverage and dessert. The cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children, and under five eat free. This is an all-you-can eat meal with takeout available.

THURMAN — Martin’s Lumber Woods Walk takes place at 280 Valley Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thurman neighbors will join together at Martin’s Lumber to welcome guests, each illustrating some facet of man’s relationship to and dependence on nature, and his need to sustain the resources that sustain us. Presentations are very informal and interactive, suitable for all ages.

HAGUE — The Hague Fish & Game Club will be holding the Chet Frazier Horseshoe Tournament. This is a fundraiser to help a local person who is fighting cancer. This is open to the public.

CROWN POINT — The Penfield Homestead Museum will be holding a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. There will be sausage, assorted beverages and locallymade maple syrup included. The cost is $6 per person.

ELIZABETHTOWN — The ElizabethtownLewis Central School class of 2016 will be holding a car wash, bake sale and bottle drive from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Sat., June 6 & Sun., June 7

SARANAC LAKE — This four-hour, guided field trip from Paul Smith’s College VIC at 8023 St. Rte. 30 to Whiteface Mountain begins at 7 a.m. This trip provides the best opportunity to see the rare Bicknells Thrush, as well as other boreal species. The Bicknells Thrush is among the most rare and probably most threatened species in North America. For more information call 3276241, visit gabc.info or email bmcallister@ paulsmiths.edu.

LAKE LUZERNE — Learn blacksmithing Garden Tools with Lucian Avery at the Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Well made tools can be a pleasure to use and pleasant companions as you go about your garden tasks. In this class we will make the two most used tools in the garden - a trowel and a hoe. These will be forged from salvaged steel and attached to wooden handles. You can choose between a few styles of hoe and design the

size and shape of your trowel. Handles will be provided. You will return home with tools that fit your hands and new tool making skills. This class is appropriate for the beginner blacksmith, but be prepared to be challenged. Hard shoes and long pants are required for student safety. Tuition costs $230, member tuition $210, and the materials fee is $50. For more information call 696-2400.

LAKE LUZERNE — Make Shades of Nature with Teresa Breuer at the Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The cost for tuition is $95, member tuition $85, and materials fee is $75.

Once you learn how to create one of these magnificent lampshades you will feel like you’re out in the deep woods while you sit reading in your comfortable chair at night. The warmth and beauty of the light produced from the botanicals when the light is turned on is magical! This class is divided into two half-day sessions. The goal is to bring nature to life. You will create two lampshades using botanicals that can be found all around us in the Adirondacks, including cedar and ferns. These botanicals will be pressed, preserving their natural beauty. They can be admired only when the lamp is turned on and are hidden when the lamp is off. In addition to a shade, you will create two night-lights. All tools and materials will be provided - just bring your love for nature and some creativity. For more information call 696-2400.

Sat., June 6 - Sat., June 27

BOLTON LANDING — There will be Nature Programs at Up Yonda Farm, 5239 Lake Shore Drive at 1 p.m. Always something fun and educational! What will you learn today? For information call 644-9767 or go to upyondafarm.com.

Wilmington Whiteface Bike Fest Begins July 5

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 139

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Area Restaurant Week at various restaurants Starts June 7

TICONDEROGA — The Multifamily lawn sale will be held at 27 The Portage. This is the first fundraiser of the year to benefit the NY/VT Nurses to Honduras helping us buy much needed medicines and medical supplies and hire doctors for their yearly mission to Honduras.

Sun., June 7

LAKE GEORGE — The Prospect Mountain POW/MIA Memorial Service will be held at Prospect Mountain State Rte 9, at 1 p.m.

Join in honoring all POW/MIA’s at the summit of Prospect Mountain. For information call 504-4202. All are welcome. The event is free.

LAKE LUZERNE — Learn how to make Adirondack floral art, pressed flower wreaths with Roberta Games at the Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, from 1 to 4 p.m. Using both a microwave flower press and traditionally “pressed” methods students will create an 8-10” “wreath” with dried and pressed materials. Students will paint watercolor leaves, on handmade paper, for the backdrop of the “wreath” which will be set into a rustic frame. Tuition is $50, member tuition $45, and the materials fee is $20. For more information call 696-2400.

STONY CREEK — The Stony Creek Inn presents Stony Creek Band at 7:30 p.m.

CHESTERTOWN — Our Town Theatre Group’s series of staged readings continues with performances of David Ives’s Long Ago and Far Away, a collection of short scenes exploring relationships, seduction, odd situations, and past lives Sunday, June 7, at the Chestertown Municipal Building, at 4 p.m.

OTTG staged readings feature actors with a various experience on stage with scripts in hand. Cast members include Mike Corey, Eduardo and Karen Munoz of Minerva, Brenda Foley, Bob Foley, and Judy Stafford of North Creek, Eric Potter, Colleen Potter, and Dennis Wilson of Chestertown, George Wager and Andy Studdiford of Indian Lake, and Kim Smith of Wevertown. Long Ago and Far Away is directed by Eric Potter.

The performance is free. Donations are gratefully accepted and appreciated. This show is not recommended for young audiences. Special thanks to event sponsor: Barton International. Presented with permission from Dramatists Play Service, Inc. BRANT LAKE — The East Shore Schroon Lake Association will hold its eighth annual gourmet pasta dinner at Jimbo’s Club at the Point, 7201 State Rte 8, with arrival from 5

140

to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per adult, $10 for children under 12, two and under eat free. The menu consists of salad, bread, beverages, variety of pasta and toppings and dessert table. There will be a variety of baskets to be raffled off. For reservations, make checks payable to ESSLA, PO Box 206, Adirondack, NY 12808. Also, people can call or email Anne Pieper 494 -7421 or email apieper1@nycap.rr.com. RSVP by June 1.

PetFest 2015

PLATTSBURGH — Join us for an afternoon of food, games, music, and giveaways at Pet Fest 2015 at Melissa Penfield Park, Bailey Avenue, from noon to 3 p.m. This event is family & pet friendly! This is a fundraiser to generate funds for the purchase of specially designed pet oxygen masks to be donated to our local fire departments and for daily operating expenses at Elmore’s SPCA. For more information call 563-6560.

Fri., June 7 & Sat., June 8

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — Crimes of The Heart will be shown at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. The cost is $20 for Nonmembers and $12 for members. Go to adirondackarts.org for more information.

Sun., June 7 - Sat., June 13

LAKE GEORGE — Area Restaurant Week at various restaurants. Enjoy a 3-course meal at participating restaurants for $20.15. For information go to lakegeorgechamber.com.

Mon., June 8

GLENS FALLS — The Battenkill Inspired Lecture takes place at the Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, at 7 p.m. As part of the current Folklife Gallery exhibition Battenkill Inspired. For information call 792-6508 or go to crandalllibrary.org. The event is free.

Tues, June 9

Wed., June 10

spotlight Washington County Businesses and Service Providers. There are numerous ways to become a part of this event.

We have great Event and Premier sponsorship packages available. There will be exhibitor tables with numerous options are available. There will be producers offering samples get a FREE exhibitor table. Donate a door prize to be raffled off at the event in order to increase your business’ exposure, door prizes, appetizers and samples from local producers, cash bar.

GLENS FALLS — The Women’s History Awards will be held at the Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street 6:30 p.m. The annual Women’s History Awards are held to celebrate the fifth grade essay contest winners. The event is cohosted by American Association of University Women and The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library.

For information call 792-6508 ext. 237 or go to crandalllibrary.org.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet business leaders, learn about growing sectors, network, mingle, sample and learn more about the businesses and service providers located in Washington County.

ELIZABETHTOWN — A Professional Development Workshop titled “Organized Play” at the ACAP office, 7572 Court Street, Suite 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Presenting will be Sarah Gould-Houde, M.S.Ed., Regional Infant and Toddler Specialist and NYS Early Learning Credentialed Trainer from the Capital District Child Care Council. OCFS training topics 1 and 3 will be covered.

Contact Kathy B at kathyb@acapinc.org or 873-3207 ext. 236 to register.

STONY CREEK — These will be wolves in the Adirondacks topics covered when Kiska the Wolf from the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge visits the Stony Creek Town Hall, at 52 Hadley Road, at 7 p.m. This is sponsored by the Stony Creek Town Youth Program, families are encouraged to bring their children for this free two hour program.

Kiska will come on a leash. Call the Stony Creek Library to sign-up at 696-5911 and let them know how many will be attending.

PORT HENRY — The Port henry Knights of Columbus will be serving a lasagna dinner at 4 p.m. The meal includes garlic bread, tossed salad and dessert. The cost is $12 with takeouts available.

Thurs, June 11

LAKE PLACID — The National Theatre Live presents Man and Superman, at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m.

Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler’s List) plays Jack Tanner in this exhilarating reinvention of Shaw’s witty, provocative classic. A romantic comedy, fairytale, and fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live. The cost is $16 and $10 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

WHITEHALL — The Washington County Business Showcase will be held at the Whitehall Athletic Club, 62 Poultney Street, from 3 to 6 p.m. This event will

Stony Creek Band

Please consider taking the time to come to this event as we spotlight and showcase the wonderfully unique business base in Washington County to better understand what a diverse, successful and thriving business climate we have here.

Contact Deanna Derway at 746-2292 with any questions. Thank you, we really appreciate any assistance, consideration or support you may be willing to lend. For more information call 746-2292. This event is free to the public.

Thurs., June 11 - June 14

SILVER BAY — Rick Tamlyn, author of Play Your Bigger Game (Hay House), is hosting the “Bigger Game Expo”. This highly engaging event is open to the public and showcases inspiring bigger game players, speakers, influencers, and global participants who share ideas, resources, and personal experiences in a retreat environment. The Bigger Game Expo is very un-conference like. The Expo will feature New York Times best-selling Author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) and multi-day charitable event creator Dan Pallotta (AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Days).

Man and Superman Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes June 11

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

In addition, confirmed speakers include Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, stars of The Fabulous Boys and grand-prizewinners of CBS’ Amazing Race in 2012; Rich and Yvonne Dutra-St. John, co-founders of Challenge Day; and John Robinson, a congenital amputee whose inspirational story shows us what is possible and what it takes to overcome obstacles in life and business.

Tamlyn is the Expo host, and his Bigger Game methodology will serve as a backdrop throughout the program. He co-created The Bigger Game in 2001 as a way to inspire executives, leaders, and individuals to get out of their comfort zones and invent the life they want. This leadership and personal development tool takes nine minutes to learn, and a lifetime to master. The concept has caught the eye of Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, churches, groups, and individuals around the world.

Fri., June 12

MORIAH — The Moriah Fire Department will be holding a Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. A donation is being asked.

LAKE PLACID — The National Theatre Live presents A View From the Bridge, at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. The great Arthur Miller confronts the American dream in this dark and passionate tale. In Brooklyn, longshoreman Eddie Carbone welcomes his Sicilian cousins to the land of freedom. But when one of them falls for his beautiful niece, they discover that freedom comes at a price. Eddie’s jealous mistrust exposes a deep, unspeakable secret, one that drives him to commit the ultimate betrayal. The cost is $16 and $10 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Sat., June 13

LAKE PLACID — Exhibition On screen: Matisse will be held at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 1 p.m. Audiences are invited to enjoy an intimate, behind-thescenes documentary about this acclaimed exhibition with contributions from people who knew Matisse and experts such as curators, historians, and Tate director Nicholas Serota and MoMA director Glenn D. Lowry. The cost is $16 and $10 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

STONY CREEK — The Stony Creek Inn presents Dot and Johnstock and Cindy and Sam Fun seventh annual benefit, from 1 to 5 p.m.

CHESTERTOWN — The Global War on Terrorism Monument Organization will hold its third annual Ride With the Vets charity bicycle ride. The ride begins in Chestertown at 8 a.m. (Buses will be available to transport participants and trailers for bikes at the Crandall Park parking lot at 6 a.m., and will depart for Chestertown at 6:30 a.m.) A brief patriotic ceremony honoring living and fallen veterans will be held and pedaling will begin promptly at 8 a.m., proceeding south on Rte 9. The first stop is at the Warrensburg Recreation Field on James St., continuing south on Rte 9 to the

142

next break at the Lake George Battleground picnic area.

The ride concludes via the Warren County Spring Carnival and Bazaar Bike Trail at GarriJune 13 son and Bay Roads, riding into Crandall Park from Monument Ave. The ride consists of moderate hills, pedaled at a pace of about 15 mph. Snacks and drinks will be provided at each of the stops with a Subway lunch for participants at Crandall Park.

The entry fee is $30 per person ages 18 and older and $20 under 18. Buy a family pack (includes two adults and one child) for $75 and each additional child is $10 with a minimum of 12. Military members ride for free. To register, go to bikereg.com. Proceeds will go towards erecting a monument to commemorate and honor service members of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in Crandall Park.

STONY CREEK — A Nuno-felting workshop will be held at the Stony Creek Town Hall, at 52 Hadley Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is designed for beginners to intermediate felt makers, participants will be introduced to the nuno felting technique.

By using merino wool and silk fibers, and a length of lightweight silk fabric they will have creative reign to make a scarf. They will be adding 18 inches to their original scarf per students’ requests. Enrollees are also encouraged to bring odds and ends if they wish to embellish their scarves with other materials to create their personal surface design. The cost to attend is $15 per person, materials are included. Class size is limited. Sponsored by the Stony Creek Library, call the Library to enroll at 6965911. Students may bring lunch or snacks.

Library hours are Monday and Wednesday 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 1 to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.

SCHROON — The Schroon Lake Central School community trip is set to visit Montreal. It is $55 per person. This is to help raise funds for the students going to Montreal in May 2016. Montreal community trip Saturday, June 13, leaving SLCS 7 a.m. and returning at midnight. The cost is $55 per person. Travelers will need a passport or enhanced driver’s license. Get Canadian money ahead of time at Glens Falls National Bank. They will provide a map of walking distance area and where the bus will be parked for the day. The day is “on your own” but they will be glad to help make reservations.

To reserve a spot or have any questions contact nroyer-loiselle@slwildcats.org or 532-7164 ext. 3392 There are tons of activities within walking distance of the drop-off sight such as Museums galore, IMAX and science museum, Jet boating and other more relaxed boating trips available on the St. Lawrence river, Shopping and restaurants, Notre Dame Cathedral and Chinatown.

Celebrate Scottish culture and military heritage at Fort Ticonderoga June 13

With an easy trip on the metro is La Ronde, a Six Flags amusement park. Bring your Great Escape season’s pass to get in to La Ronde for free. By metro, all at the same stop, participants will find great sights such as Biodome, Botanical gardens, Olympic stadium and its leaning tower Planetarium.

LAKE PLACID — The FRIENDS organization and the Lake Placid Elementary School (LPES) present the annual Spring Carnival and Bazaar taking place at the elementary school, 318 Old Military Road, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. New this year is the Community Bazaar and Tag Sale, open to the Tri-Lakes community. Vendors, crafters or anyone interested in selling merchandise, crafts or gently used items at this tag sale are welcome to join by contacting Carrie Donatello at donatelloc@mac.com or call 524-0537. Community members are welcome to purchase a table for $20 and this is first come first serve. Proceeds from the table purchase go to support Lake Placid Elementary School student programs.

The Bazaar joins the annual Big Top Spring Carnival open to all ages and families throughout the North Country. Activities include games, prizes, professional face painting, Merriloons the Clown, a dunk tank, cake walk, crafts, balloon animals, Adirondack chair raffle, balloon pop, cotton candy, popcorn and Green Goddess food.

For more information or updates on this event go to facebook.com/ events/788392971267893/.

TICONDEROGA — Celebrate Scottish culture and military heritage at Fort Ticonderoga! Discover your own Scottish connection by visiting clan tents and vendors and enjoy the sounds of Scottish music performed throughout the day. Discover the stories of centuries of Scottish soldiers in the British Army through a military timeline and remember the incredible bravery and discipline of the Black Watch against insurmountable odds at the 1758 Battle of Carillon Ceremony. Experience all of this within the beautiful stone walls and vistas of Fort Ticonderoga! The participating Clans 2015 are Clan Buchanan, Clan Campbell, Clan Forbes, Clan Hamilton, Clan MacPherson, Clan Murray of Eastern New York, Clan Rose Society of America. Participating Organizations and Information Tents 2015 include St. Andrew’s Society of the Adirondacks, St. Andrew’s Society of the City of Albany, Tartan and Clan Information Tent (Peter Fish). The Pipe Bands include Plattsburgh Police Pipes and Drums and The King’s Highlanders.

There will be Border Collie Demonstrations by Steve Wetmore from Spring Valley Farm (Vermont). Participating Vendors are Judith Sullivan, Kiltmaker. Judith makes hand-sewn kilts in the tradition of the best Scottish kiltmakers. Each kilt is made to measure and hand-tailored to exacting standards using the finest tartan available from Scotland. She also offers a selection of kilt accessories such as kilt hose, sporrans, belts, and buckles. Sullivan Hand-Weaving.

Frank Sullivan specializes in hand-woven tartan scarves, wraps, and great kilts. He also weaves scarves and wraps in other

Plan your next event with us!!

We specialize in Meetings & Conventions, Weddings, Family Reunions and so much more!

Kids 12 and under stay and eat FREE! Featuring a full service restaurant with fireplace, lounge, indoor & outdoor pools, sauna, hot tub, basketball court & children’s activity room

Holiday Inn Resort 2223 Canada St, Lake George 518-668-5781 www.lakegeorgeturf.com 75308 nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 143

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

fibers. Each item is made and finished entirely by hand using traditional techniques.

Sat., June 13 - Sun., June 14

INDIAN LAKE — The Black Fly Challenge is a classic Adirondack Mountain gravel grinder that takes place every year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The race changes direction every year with the start and finish alternating between Indian Lake and Inlet, NY. Over half the 40 mile course traverses the rugged Moose River Recreation Area on mountain roads composed of dirt, gravel, sand and exposed boulders with several steep elevation changes.

The BFC started as a mountain bike race but is now a top choice for cyclocross racers as well as tandems and even unicycles!

The top racers finish the race in about two hours while the rest of the field may take four or more hours.

Saturday is BFC Race Day at 8 a.m. The shuttle leaves Inlet for Indian Lake. Registration takes place at Byron Park, Rte. 28, from 8 to 10 a.m. Race Official’s Instructions begin at10:15 a.m. Be on the starting line! The race begins at 10:30 a.m. Post-race party begins at Inlet’s Fern Park at noon.

The awards ceremony is held at 3 p.m. The shuttle leaves Inlet at 4 p.m. On Sunday is the Mountain Bike Rodeo and Races including slow race, barrel race, log pull, balance race, longest Wheelie, hill climb, circuit race and great family fun. For More Information Call: 315-357-5501.

Sun., June 14 LAKE PLACID — There will be Ensemble exhibit of large works by members of the Adirondack Artists Guild through at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, from 5 to 7 p.m.

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — Celebrate the beginning of spring with family and friends at the fundraising brunch at noon, at The Hedges. They will be reimagining the Merry Brunch. There will be a delicious meal and supporting The Arts Center’s upcoming programs. The cost for adults is $25, and children under 12 is $12. For more information go to adirondackarts.org.

Thurs., June 18

HAGUE — The Carillon Garden Club will be having their annual luncheon and Card and Game Party at the Hague Community Center, Rte 8. Festivities will start at 11:30 a.m.

This annual event is a major fund raiser for the club to support a youth scholarship to the DEC conservation Camp Colby as well as beautification projects in Ticonderoga and Hague. Members and attendees look forward to the party each year to have an opportunity to relax, have fun, enjoy good food and catch up with friends in a festive atmosphere. Raffle items will be available as well as many door prizes. Tickets are $20 per person and are available from Garden Club members or by calling event chairperson, Judy Walker (984-0088) or reservationist, Liz Nolfe (585-3559). Reservations are due by Saturday, June 13.

For any questions call Chairperson, Judy Walker or Betty Rettig at 585-7247.

Fri., June 19

The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith June 19 & 20

Great Adirondack Car Show, Craft Fair & Giant Garage Sale June 20

144

LAKE PLACID — There will be a Gallery Opening for Kevin Raines, “Share the Experience: Adventures in the Adri Adriondacks”, at the Lake Placid Cen Center for the Arts, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Born out of a deep concern for environmental conservation, Kevin’s landscapes reflect his love of the outdoors and explore the wildness of nature. This exhibit depicts the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and myriad activities of people and families, artists and scientists, sportsmen and recreation enthusiasts experienc experiencing the Adirondacks. Mr.. Raines’ work communicates the importance of Adirondack conservation and the integral role of the human experience in protecting the environmental, cultural and economic assets of the Park. Presented in collaboration with the Adirondack Council.

For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Black Fly Challenge June 13 & 14

LAKE GEORGE — The Hearts for the Arts Gala 2015 will be held at the Lake George Holiday Inn Resort, 2223 Canada Street, with special guest Silda Wall Spitzer, honored winner of the 2015 AFS Patron of the Arts award. There will be live entertainment provided by one of the Northeast’s premier ensembles, The Stony Creek Band, and a silent auction showcasing arts and crafts made by regional artisans and worthy of any gallery. Cocktails and delectable hors d’ouevres (cash bar) will be at 6 p.m.

Dinner is served, brief remarks and awards ceremony, live musical entertainment will be at 7 p.m.

The menu includes a house salad, ovenroasted potato, seasonal vegetable. The entrees include prime rib, chicken francaise, atlantic salmon, grilled pesto-vegetable medley with rice pilaf (vegan). The dessert will be chocolate cake. The dress is business casual. The cost is $45 for Members, $50 for not-yet-Members Reservations are required. Call Adirondack Folk School at 696-2400, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., to reserve a place and make an entree choice.

Support AFS in its vital work to teach the arts of the Adirondacks and preserve our shared heritage.

Fri., June 19 & Sat., June 20

LAKE PLACID — The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith is part of the Lake Placid Blues & Heritage Festival, at 7 p.m. The Devil’s Music dramatizes the turbulent story of the legendary “Empress of the Blues” Bessie Smith, whose life was as large and as outrageous as her talent. The Devil’s Music explodes with the best songs that Bessie Smith made famous, including “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” “Street. Louis Blues,” “Baby Doll,” and “Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do.” The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and free with your Lake Placid Blues and Heritage Festival Pass. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Sat., June 20

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — The Not Too Far From Home Stand Up Comedy Tour stars comedian Aaron David Ward and his hand-

picked fellow comedians will perform at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. For more information on the comedians go to thenottoofarfromhomecomedytour.com. The cost is $15 for advance tickets and $20 at the door. Visit adirondackarts.org for information.

PLATTSBURGH — Great Adirondack Car Show, Craft Fair & Giant Garage Sale, Crete Center (Outside). 10:00am - 3:00pm

Join us for an Antique & Classic Car Show, Craft Fair and Giant Garage Sale! Admission to all three events is only $3 per person.

Kids 12 and younger are free. Call 518-5631000 for more info or visit: http://www. northcountrychamber.com SCHUYLER FALLS — Paddle It Forward Pay It Forward - at Macomb Reservation State Park, 201 Campsite Rd, Schuyler Falls, NY 12985. 10:00am - 2:00pm

A free paddling event in honor of Jan Opal.

For more info visit Facebook - Paddle it Forward or call 566-0505 or 563-8525 or 534-0226

THURMAN — Nettle Meadow Farm has announced the long-awaited availability of tickets for their Cheese and Spirits Pairing, in the loft of their recently-restored 100 year old barn from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Regional vendors of wine, cider, beer and other delectable goods will offer guests samples paired with Nettle Meadow’s assortment of cheesy treats. This year they will be selling beverages to take out, as well. Expect to sample and buy homemade breads, maple products, chocolates, cookies and goods featuring olive oil. Learn more and order tickets at NettleMeadowCheeseandSpirits, where the vendor list continues to grow. Advance sale tickets are $20. Tickets at the door will be $30, pairing tickets also are available at the cheese shop, open daily at 484 South Johnsburg Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offering farm tours at noon sharp on Saturdays. For ticket information, email PersisGrange@ aol.com or phone 623-9305. For cheese Cheese@Nettle or farm questions, email Cheese@NettleMeadow.com. Proceeds from this year’s Cheese and Spirits Pairing ticket sales will be the Joseph F. Kemp Animal Sanctuary at Nettle Meadow.

HAGUE — The Hague Fish & Game Club will be holding a horseshoe tournament.

This is open to the public.

I Love New York Horse Show Starts June 30

Mon., June 22 LAKE PLACID — Cabaret with Denise Lee will be performed on the Lake Placid Center for the Arts Stage, at 7:30 p.m. Lee is an award-winning actress, singer and down-toearth diva. Her powerful voice, warmth and friendly demeanor are instantly recognizable on any stage. Lee’s strong, sassy and sensual performance style have charmed theater, nightclub and television audiences for more than two decades. Each of her cabaret performances is uniquely different, as Lee features different female greats in American music, among them Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Bonnie Raitt, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Carole King, Whitney Houston and other female legends who inspire her.

The cost is $10 in advance, and $15 at the door. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Fri., June 26 & Sat., June 27

LAKE PLACID — Dixie’s Tupperware Party will be performed at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 8 p.m. NBC’s The Today Show exclaims “It’s Not your Grandma’s Tupperware Party” and with good reason. This hilarious one-person comedy has become the most successful off-Broadway tour of the last two decades. Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, packed up her catalogues, left her children in an Alabama trailer park, and now travels around the world throwing good ol’ fashioned Tupperware Parties filled with hilarious stories, heartfelt accounts of its importance to women, free giveaways, outrageous audience participation games, and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. Since 2003, Dixie has been recognized every year

by Tupperware as one of their Top 10 Salespeople. This is one party that you won’t want to miss! The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, call 5232512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE GEORGE — Adirondack Wine & Food Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday June 28, from noon to 5 p.m., at Charles Wood Park. The cost is $20 for pre-sale tickets and $25 at the gate. This will be a weekend full of wine from over 30 NY State wineries, craft beverage produc-

ers, and specialty food vendors. Admission includes a commemorative wine glass to be used throughout the event to sample craft beverages and as a designated NY Farmer’s Market, people will be able to purchase their favorite products to take home. For more information go to adkwinefest.com.

Sat., June 27

TUPPER LAKE — TOUGHMAN TRIATHLON 2015 in Tupper Lake, NY. Swim 1.2 mi - Bike 56 mi - Run -13.1 mi - Register today, visit: http://WWW.TOUGHMANTRI.COM

Sun., June 28 & Wed., July 1

LONG LAKE — The Adirondack Quilt Camp is now in its sixth year, there will be classes for beginners to advanced. They offer machine quilting, hand-quilting, special projects, mixed media, basket classes and more with award-winning teachers. For more information call 624-3077 or check out adirondackquiltcamp.com to register

Mon., June 29 - Wed., July 1

BOLTON — Great Camp Sagamore is proud to partner with The Picture House in Cortland NY! We will spend three days and two nights painting in plein air with individual instruction and group critiques plus a session with a live model and a talk and discussion about how to “prime the pump” when an artist hits that inevitable slump and geared to discuss other topics that are brought up during the retreat. It’s a great opportunity to spend some time with fellow artists, sharpen your skills and re-focus your creative energies! Contact The Picture House at email@ picturehouseonline.com or call 607-7537786 for information and registering.

Tues., June 30 - Sun., July 5

LAKE PLACID — The I Love New York Horse Show is held North Elba Show Grounds, 5514 Cascade Road, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lake Placid, site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, is home to three of the nation’s most prestigious equine masterpieces - the Lake Placid, I Love New York, and Adirondack Horse Shows. Come see world class riders and horses participate in championship Hunter and Jumper competition. Watch as they win hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money and awards!

145

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Admission to the horse show is $2 on weekdays and $5 on weekend days. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free.

Discounts for groups of 20 or more. Daily admission tickets may be purchased at the entrance gate. For more information call 523-1509.

Wed., July 1

LAKE GEORGE — Take a Bite on Glen Street from 5 to 7 p.m. Explore all the tastes of the City. Glens Falls restaurants offer tapas delights. Street performers, live music, and fun for the whole family! For more information visit facebook.com/downtownglensfalls.

GLENS FALLS — Upstate Model Railroaders Open House will be at 190 Glen Street.

Learn about building and operation of a model railroad. One of the only clubs in country which operates eight scale layouts, including G, Standard, O, HO, S, N, Z scales and Lego trains, train memorabilia. For more information call 747-4112 or go to upstatemodelrailroaders.com. The Season hours are 8 to 9 p.m. There is no cost.

LAKE GEORGE — Fred Austin of the Lake George Historical Association will give a lecture at the Lake George Institute of History, Art and Science 290 Canada Street, at 6:30 p.m. Mr.. Austin, local historian, speaks on the ghosts of Fort William Henry and the smallpox hospital located near the fort. Refreshments follow. Presented in the former Warren County Courthouse. For information call 668-5044 or go to lakegeorgehistorical.org. There is no cost for this event.

LAKE GEORGE — LGA Floating Classroom takes place on Lower Amherst Street. This two hour educational aquatic adventure on Lake George. Come aboard and learn water quality, measure water clarity, catch zooplankton, test pH and temperature. For more information call 668-3558 or go to lakegeorgeassociation.org. The season are 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 until 2:30 p.m.

CHESTERTOWN — The Farmers’ Market will be held at the Town Hall, 6307 State Rte 9, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Meats, cheeses, breads, baked goods, fresh fish, vegetables, maple products and more. For more information call 494-3336 or go to chestertownfarmersmarket.com.

LAKE GEORGE — Summer Concerts will be held Shepard Park Canada Street, at 7 p.m. For more information call 668-2616 or go to lakegeorgearts.org. This free concert is presented by Lake George Arts Project.

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — The Outdoor Photography Workshops is held at the Adirondack Museum, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find out how to take great pictures in workshops designed especially for beginner and intermediate-level nature photographers, led by photographer Tom Dwyer.

The cost is $650 and $600 for museum members. For more information call 3527311 ext. 131.

146

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE — The Rustic Slab Bench or Table workshop is held at the Adirondack Museum, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate an Adirondack tradition and build your own rustic slab bench, which can also be used as a table. This workshop features an introduction to traditional tools, and in addition, allows participants to experiment with vintage Adirondack hand tools. Modern woodworking tools will be used in the actual construction of the slab bench or table. You will create a bench using a softwood slab and hardwood legs, and will create a rustic treasure to hand down to generations to come. The cost is $120 for nonmembers and $110 members.

All materials (including a softwood slab for I Love Barbecue bench) are provided with and Music Festival registration fees. Optional July 2 -July 5 hardwood slabs available for additional fee. Power tools will be used, but no woodworking experience is needed. Participants may bring their own Wed., July 1 - Fri., July 31 tools, but this isn’t required. If bringing LAKE GEORGE — Spirits of History Ghost orbital, belt, or directional sander, please Tours at Fort William Henry 48 Canada bring the appropriately sized abrasive pa- Street. With this much history there are per. This workshop is designed for families, bound to be ghosts! Will you see a ghost? parent, guardian, grandparent and a chil- Learn about some of the spirits still calling dren 12 and older. Note: Children are not the Fort and grounds home. Not recomallowed to use power tools. Spaces are limmended for children younger than 12. This ited, and pre-registration is required. For is a walking tour, and not recommended for more information call 352-7311 ext. 131. those with medical conditions. Please see Wed., July 1 & Thurs., July 2 website for details and recommendations BOLTON — There will be a Nature Pro- at fwhmuseum.com or by calling 964-6647. gram at Up Yonda Farm, 5239 Lake Shore Drive, at 1 p.m. There is always something FUN and educational! What will you learn today? For information call 644-9767 or go to upyondafarm.com.

Wed., July 1 & Fri., July 3

GLENS FALLS — Kalamazoo will be at the Adirondack Theatre Festival at the Charles R Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street. There will be 70 somethings Peg, an Irish Catholic bird lover and Irving, a Jewish metal detector-toting East Coaster, meet on an online dating site and the laughter begins.

For more information call 480-4878 or go to atfestival.org. The season hours are Wednesday through Friday 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday 2 p.m.

Wed., July 1 - Sat., July 4

TICONDEROGA — The Best 4th in the North Celebration at Bicentennial Park will include live music and entertainment, rides, games, food, and vendors in Bicentennial Park as well as a parade, and a a grand fireworks display as part of the celebration.

Thurs., July 2

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Community Band Concert will be held at Shepard Park, Canada Street at 8 p.m. Preserving the tradition of American band music.

Patriotic, blues, jazz, classical and much more music for the enjoyment of all ages!

The event is free. For more information call 222-1302 or go to lgcb.org.

NORTH CREEK — Cruise Night will be held in North Creek on Main Street from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be classic cars, sports and hot rod, live music more fun. Go to gorechamber.com for more information.

The event is free.

Cruise Night July 2

Best 4th in the North Celebration July 1 - July 4

NORTH CREEK — The Farmers’ Market will be at 112 Ski Bowl Road, from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be Locally grown produce, maple products, baked goods, wine, soaps, meats, sweets and more. For more information go to northcreekfarmersmarket.com.

Thurs., July 2 - Mon., July 5

BOLTON — Come stay for three discounted nights at Great Camp Sagamore for an enjoyable family July 4th Weekend! Thursday night through Sunday morning relax, canoe, hike, make crafts with a visiting artist and listen to a concert by Long Lake native, Alex Smith on July 3rd. All meals provided.

Fireworks four miles away in Raquette Lake on Saturday night. Call Sagamore for reservations: 315-354-4439.

LAKE PLACID— I Love Barbecue and Music Festival takes place at noon. This annual event attracts the best BBQ competitors in the country and continues to grow in popularity year after year. The tasty event days are filled with sampling opportunities, food and beverage concessions, children’s activities, live entertainment, and more! Now in its 11th year, the Shipman Youth Center, together with assistance of USA Luge, organizes this annual festival. Rated one of the top 10 barbecue festivals in the US by DISH. com, the competition offers approximately $8,500 in cash prizes, the most ever for this event.

you on the water. Blanks are provided as part of your materials fee. The cost for tuition $175 and member tuition is $165. The material fees are included in price of tuition. For more information call 696-2400.

WARRENSBURG — The Farmers’ Market will be held at the Warrensburgh Riverfront at the Warrensburgh Mills Historic District Park, 173 River Street from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be Locally grown produce, maple products.

For more information call 466-5497 or go to localharvest.org/warrensburg-riverfrontfarmers-market-M22857.

HAGUE — The Fourth of July Celebration fireworks will be held at Hague Town Park, 9060 Lake Shore Drive. For more information call 543-6161 or go to townofhague.org. The event is free.

BOLTON — The Farmers’ Market will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 7 Goodman Ave, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be Locally grown produce, maple products, meats, eggs, fresh fish. Hand-crafted soaps, scents, woodworking, jewelry, and food. For more information call 480-9118 or go to boltonlandingfarmersmarket.com.

LAKE LUZERNE — Come and create a traditionally-shaped cherry paddle using only hand tools, with Caleb Davis at the Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can make a canoe or native double blade (modified Greenland) paddle.

After some history and an explanation of the shapes, you will pick your blank and get started! The process will be demonstrated from beginning to end to ensure that you come away with a perfect paddle. This one-day class will give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete a paddle that will accompany

Fri., July 3 - Sun., July 5

Y e A r s

LAKE LUZERNE — Luzerne Chamber Players Concert will be performed at Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road, at 7:30 p.m. Presented by professional faculty artists.

Classical to jazz, original works by composers in residence. For more information call 6962771 or go to luzernemusic.org.

LAKE GEORGE — The Adirondack Independence Music Festival takes place at Charles R Wood Park, 33 West Brook Road. 3 to 11 p.m.

There will be family fun and music and more music by top touring tribute acts in the nation.

Sixties Rock Experience, Beach Party Boys and the Idol Kings - Tribute to Journey/Tribute to John Mellencamp/Tribute to Tom Petty.

The Adrenaline Zone features bounce houses, slides, climbing walls and obstacle courses, and a mechanical bull! Go to adkmusicfest. com for more information.

H u n d r e d

Fri., July 3

Fri., July 3 & Sat., July 4

T w o

course of the weekend such as pulled pork tasting at $3 per person, rib fest at $3 per person with the Top Chef competition all day, beginning at noon on day of event.

Entertainment takes place in the Big Top at the north end of the Oval. Some of the best in regional and nationally-known bands have played at the I Love Barbecue and Music Festival. Entertainment runs throughout each day beginning in early afternoon and lasting into the evening hours. The cost is $6 for adults, and children under 10 are free.

wesTporT BicenTenniAl

Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra concert and fireworks July 4

LAKE LUZERNE — Weave A Novelty Yarn Scarf on a Floor Loom with Grace Mandle at the Adirondack Folk School, 51 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weaving with Novelty Yarns is all the rage! Fibers originally only used by knitters are now being incorporated into woven items - like scarves. The looms will be prepared for you, with a strong warp of either tensel or rayon, interspersed with various random pieces of chunky, shiny, thicker fibers.

You will choose your complementing colors and learn to weave them into a soft one-of-akind scarf. At the end of the class you will be shown how to finish your piece with either a damascus edging or braided fringe. Excellent class for beginners as well as experienced weavers alike! The cost for tuition is $115 and member tuition is $105. Tuition includes all materials. For more information call at 6962400.

QUEENSBURY — There will be Fireworks at the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, 1172 Rte 9. For more information call 7923500 or go to sixflags.com/greatescape.

WESTPORT — The Westport NY Bicentennial Celebrationbeginning at noon at the Essex County Fairgrounds. Westport is celebrating 200 years as a Township. There will be historical displays, demonstrations, oral history presentations, antique cars, wagons, kids games, period fashion show, music, square dancing and much more. There is an even bigger than ever parade and fireworks on the 4th! The Friday Mid afternoon kick-off begins with a family style dinner and music and square dancing with Gary Finney. Saturday begins with a Walk-Run from Wadhams to Westport at 7 a.m., followed with Westport Trivial Pursuit, period fashion show, old-time games for kids, antique cars and tractors, and historical displays at Floral Hall. There will be a parade through the Hamlet ending at the Fairgrounds at 4 p.m. There will be a Fire Department dinner at the Fairgrounds at 6 p.m.

There will be DJ Music from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be fireworks at the beach at 9:30 p.m. On Sunday there will be historical displays at Floral Hall throughout the day. There will be a Nondenominational service at the Heritage House at 11 a.m. There is a ground breaking ceremony for Veteran’s Wall at Ballard Park at noon. For more information call 962-4419.

TICONDEROGA — Join Fort Ticonderoga for a three-day celebration this Independence weekend to celebrate the fight for American independence in 1776. Walk in the marching steps of Continental soldiers at Fort Ticonderoga as historic interpreters demonstrate weapons of independence and explain the daily military duties of soldiers garrisoning the Fort. Explore family programs that highlight the fight for independence and listen to patriotic performances by the Fifes & Drum of Fort Ticonderoga. Celebrate freedom by exploring one of the greatest triumphs of 1776 as you discover the stories of the men who helped transform America by overcoming tremendous odds to build the American Northern Army in the fight for liberty. Be in the moment as America began to take shape at Fort Ticonderoga! Admission to this special holiday living history weekend is included in a Fort Ticonderoga general admission ticket.

Adults cost $19.50, Seniors are $17, and children ages 5 to 12 is $8, and under 4 is free.

Sat., July 4

LAKE PLACID — Magmanus Circus will perform in downtown Lake Placid, at 3 p.m.

This award winning Swedish circus show is a barnstorming, rip-roaring, stomach turning comedy. It is a street-theatre comic double act when Magmanus put friendships to the test with flying acrobatics, feats of balance and Bollywood juggling. With impressive circus skills, non-stop humor and intensive audience participation, this show’s cheeky comedy is guaranteed to leave you with a smile. The cost is free. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

NEWCOMB — The Lions Club annual Chicken Barbecue starts at noon at the Town Beach.

Fireworks begin at dusk at the Overlook.

147

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

WARRENSBURG — The Farmers’ Market will be held at the Warrensburg Gateway, State Rte 9/Raymond Lane, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locally grown produce, meats, wine, gluten free products, knife sharpening, rustic Adirondack furniture, jewelry and more. For information call 623-6123 or go to facebook.com/pages/Gateway-Market.

GLENS FALLS — There will be a Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra concert and fireworks at Crandall Park 576 Glen Street, at 7:30 p.m. People will be celebrating Independence Day! There will be Patriotic favorites and more under the direction of Maestro Charles Peltz. For more information call 793-1348 or go to theglensfallssymphony. org/summer-pops. The cost free.

LAKE GEORGE — The Village of Lake George puts on a July 4th fireworks display that can be viewed all along the waterfront at Shepards Park, Canada Street. Time is approximate. They will go off immediately following sundown. Lake George also has fireworks at dusk every Thursday during the summer months of July and August.

THURMAN — The North End Local Showcase at Thurman Station, at the Thurman Station, Saratoga & North Creek Railway, Rte 418, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be talks, demonstrations, displays by regional artists, artisans or authors. The event is free. For more information go to thurmanshowcase.com.

CHESTERTOWN — The Strawberry Festival and Craft Show will be at the Community Methodist Church, Church Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be all things Strawberry and Great Fun! Shortcake, ice cream, malts, sundaes and crafts too. For information call 494-3374.

NORTH CREEK — The Independence Day Celebration and fireworks takes place at the North Creek Ski Bowl Park, Ski Bowl Road. Family fun, entertainment, food. 2512855. This cost is free.

BRANT LAKE — Farmers’ Market takes place at 6752 State Rte 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be Seasonal New York Grown produce, dairy, seafood, honey, bake goods. For more information visit facebook. com/clarkscountrymall.

GLENS FALLS — The Farmers’ Market will be held at the South Street Pavilion, 31 South Street from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be locally grown produce, maple products, baked goods, milk, cheeses, eggs, meats.

Locally roasted coffee, locally crafted soaps, scents, hand-crafted wood products. For more information call 307-6239 or go to gffma.com.

and Sunday free with admission into the park. Park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Want more on the 4th? Check out other fireworks shows on Independence Day in Lake George!

PLATTSBURGH — The Airborne Park Speedway Race Day with Fireworks take place at 70 Broderick Road from 7 to 10 p.m. This includes the Unique Cigs, Egglefield Ford Battle of Plattsburgh night with Fireworks. For more info visit airborneparkspeedway.com.

ESSEX — There will be a Red, White, Blue day sidewalk sale to help celebrate the holiday.

WILLSBORO — Willsboro celebrates its 250th Sestercentennial with a downtown parade at 11 a.m. There will be activities at the Soccer Field, Sunset Boat Parade at Willsboro Bay, and Carol Williams, organ player, will perform at the Essex Community Church at 7 p.m.

PLATTSBURGH — This event will include the 4th of July Parade at 2 p.m., beginning on Cumberland Avenue to Margaret and ending on Pine Street. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

LAKE PLACID — Now in it’s 25th year, Lake Placid’s fireworks show, “Set the Night to Music”, is legendary in Northern New York attracting huge crowds to watch the choreographed to music, live show, over Mirror Lake. Tune in to WSLP 93.3 FM or find a spot at one of the three viewing locations loaded with sound: Mid’s Park on Main Street, the beach at Mirror Lake, or on the hill at the Municipal Parking Lot on Main Street. Wherever you choose to enjoy the show, get ready to be dazzled!

LAKE PLACID — Lake Placid 4th of July Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. It will start at Main Street and ends at High Peaks Resort.

Sat., July 4 & Sun., July 5

BOLTON — There will be an Arts and Crafts Festival at Rogers Park 4928 Lake Shore Drive, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Always great fun and selections. Local and regional artists, artisans and crafters for benefit of the Bolton Landing Emergency Squad. For more information call 644-3831 or go to boltonchamber.com.

BOLTON — There will be family fun this July 4th at Rogers Memorial Park from 7 to 10 p.m. Come out for music, face painting, and entertainment! The fireworks will begin at dusk! For more information call 644-3831.

148

QUEENSBURY — The Fireworks Spectacular at The Great Escape, 89 Six Flags Drive.

Celebrate the nation with a sensational fireworks spectacular above Northwoods Picnic Grove! Fireworks on Friday, Saturday

Strawberry Festival and Craft Show July 4 - Chestertown

LAKE LUZERNE — The Student Showcases and Orchestra Concerts will be at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road.

Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

LAKE LUZERNE — Child-friendly! Student Solo and Chamber Music Showcase on Saturday. Student Piano Prelude, Large Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra on Sunday.

For more information call 696-2771 or go to luzernemusic.org. The cost is free.

Sun., July 5

BOLTON — There will be a Hike-A-Thon at the Lake George Land Conservancy, 4905 Lake Shore Drive at Various locations and times. Take part in the fun with Lake George Land Conservancy’s Hike-A-Thon. Advance registration is required. Visit website for a complete schedule and details. People need to register. For more information call 6449673 or go to Lakegeorgehikeathon.org.

ROUSES POINT — 55th Annual 4th of July Parade. Sun, July 5, 6pm – 8pm

LAKE GEORGE — There will be a Jazz Brunch at the Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 State Rte 9L, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of Wiawaka and jazz as Eileen Egan Mack performs. For more information call 668-9690 or go to wiawaka. org/calendarlist.php.

BOLTON — The Huxtable, Christensen and Hood Trio will be performing at The Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Drive at 4 p.m.

They will be performing traditional music of the British Isles, North America including standards, doo-wop, and original songs.

For more information call 644-2431 or go to thesembrich.org.

MINERVA — Minerva Day will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Breakfast will be at Minerva Town Hall sponsored by Class of 2017. Events include a town wide garage sales, kids fishing derby, opening of museum, artisans fair, refreshments, local art show, open house at Maple Knoll

Farm, hometown parade and honoring of citizen of the year, Pot Luck Dinner at Donnelly Beach at Minerva Lake (bring a dish to pass), live music, games, face painting, and spectacular fire works at Minerva Lake Beach. For more information call 2512869.

INDIAN LAKE — Independence Day Celebration Parade and Fireworks begins at the Indian Lake Town Hall, 5 Pelon Road, at 7 p.m.

Tues., July 7 - Sat., July 11

LAKE PLACID — The Adirondack Horse Show will be held at the North Elba Show Grounds, 5514 Cascade Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lake Placid, site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, is home to three of the nation’s most prestigious equine masterpieces - the Lake Placid, I Love New York, and Adirondack Horse Shows. Come see world class riders and horses participate in championship Hunter and Jumper competition. Watch as they win hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money and awards! Admission to the horse show is $2 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free. Discounts for groups of 20 or more. Daily admission tickets may be purchased at the entrance gate.

Mon., July 6

LAKE GEORGE — Come do Mother/ Daughter Art and Zentangle with Tina Ames at the Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 State Rte 9L, from 3 to 4 p.m. Zentangle is an easy, fun, and relaxing method of drawing that uses patterns to create lovely artwork. No artistic talent is necessary! For more information call 668-9690 or go to wiawaka.org/calendarlist.php.

THURMAN — Come to the Monday Night Concert in the Park at Veterans’ Memorial Field, 311 Athol Road, at 7 p.m. Enjoy the first concert of the 2015 summer. Under cover, bring a chair or blanket. For more information call 623-9649 or go to thurmannyevents.com.

LAKE GEORGE — Come do Mother/

LAKE LUZERNE — Enjoy the Luzerne Chamber Music Festival Concert at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road, at 7:30 p.m. The festival is featuring international guest artists. In 2015 Luzerne Music Center celebrates 35 years. For more information call 6962771 or visit luzernemusic.org.

QUEENSBURY — Summer Enrichment programming will run at the Queensbury campus from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is for students completing grades 3 to 9. This program offers three weeks of courses that are designed to offer engaging, hands on learning opportunities that will allow students to think creatively, work corroboratively and independently, problem solve and expand their horizons.

Mon., July 6 - Fri., July 10

LAKE GEORGE — LGA Invasive Species Awareness Week takes place at the Lake George Visitor’s Ctr, 1 Beach Road, at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn invasive species, including Lake George’s six aquatic invasive species. This is event is free. 6683558 or visit lakegeorgeassociation.org.

AuSABLE FORKS — The fourth year Tahawus Center’s Summer Science Lab will hold its five day program at 14234 Rte 9N. The 2015 curriculum includes indoor lab and outdoor experiences related to natural history, ecology, and conservation, with activities including collecting, tracking, mapping and more.

It is divided into groups ages 8 to 10 and 11+, under the direction of Elizabeth Lee, master teacher-in-residence.

For more information email Tahawus@ verizon.net, or visit TahawusCenter. org “What’s Next” page, to download flyers on all programs, and registration forms.

Mon., July 6 - Fri., July 31

BOLTON — Explore the Nature Programs at Up Yonda Farm, 5239 Lake Shore Drive, Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. There is always something fun and educational! What will you learn today?

644-9767 or go to upyondafarm.com.

Tues., July 7

LAKE GEORGE — Do some Mother/ Daughter Art Cosmic Doodling for Manifestation with Tina Ames from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. Guided doodling. Fun, rewarding and enlightening asking the important question - what do you really want to make your soul sing? We ask you keep your drawings to yourself. No artist experience necessary! For information call

Take a Bite and explore all the tastes of Glens Falls July 8 Photo by PJN Photography

668-9690 or visit wiawaka.org/calendarlist.php.

LAKE GEORGE — Get up and dance with rock ‘n roll fun at the Tuesday Tribute with Bobby Dick & Susie Q at Shepard Park on Canada Street at 7 p.m. For more information call 668-5771. There is no cost for this.

BOLTON — Listen to the concert in Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your blanket or chair! For more information call 644-3831 or go to boltonchamber.com.

LAKE GEORGE — There will be an Invasive Species Floating Classroom at Lower Amherst Street from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn about the six aquatic invasive species of Lake George. For more information call 668-3558 or go to lakegeorgeassociation.org.

DIAMOND POINT — Visit the Adirondack Birds of Prey with the North Country Wild Care at the Hillview Free Library, 3717 Lake Shore Drive at noon.

Learn from Nancy Kimball and Wendy Hall about hawks and owls. For more information call 668-3012 or visit hillviewfreelibrary.org. There is no cost for this.

Wed., July 8

LAKE PLACID — Young and Fun features Tim Dumas Comedy and Magic at 10:30 a.m. This is a fun filled, high energy magic and comedy! Watch as the children become the performers, laugh and are entertained. The event is free.

For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE GEORGE — LGA Floating Classroom on Lower Amherst Street, from 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 until 2:30 p.m.

This is a two hour educational aquatic adventure on Lake George. Come aboard and learn water quality, measure water clarity, catch zooplankton, test pH and temperature. For more information call 668-3558 or visit lakegeorgeassociation.org.

CHESTERTOWN — The Farmers’ Market at Municipal Ctr 6307 State Rte 9 goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will

be meats, cheeses, breads, baked goods, fresh fish, vegetables, maple products and more. For more information call 494-3336 or visit chestertownfarmersmarket.com.

GLENS FALLS — Take a Bite and explore all the tastes of the City. Glens Falls restaurants offer tapas delights. Street performers, live music, and fun for the whole family on Glen Street, from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit facebook.com/downtownglensfalls for more information.

Arts & Entertainment

LAKE GEORGE — Come enjoy Musical Magical Monday at Shepard Park, Canada Street, at 7 p.m. Great family fun! Live music, magicians, jugglers, and bounce houses. For more information call 6685771.

In addition to some of their most popular classes such as Outdoor Challenge, Robotics with VEX IQ, The Twelve Days of Science, and Write it! Cast it! Film it!; new offerings include Just Cook It, MakerSpace Camp, Music Projects, and Permaculture Club. Also, in partnership with WSWHE BOCES, a two week STEAM Camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is offered at Wilton Center for students completing grades 8 and 9. STEAM Camp is offered from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 24, and is an opportunity for rising freshman and sophomores to explore three areas of technology in just two weeks, Animation and Graphics Software; Computer Hardware and Networking; and Robotics & Automation.

The final day of the program will be a field trip to local businesses. Transportation is available between Queensbury High School and Wilton Center.

View the entire Summer Enrichment brochure and details at sunyacc.edu/ academics/continuinged/youth/summerenrichment. To register call the Continuing Education office at 743-2238 or email conted@sunyacc.edu.

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Daughter Art Cosmic Doodling Mandala Style with Tina Ames at the Wiawaka Center for Women 3778 State Rte 9L, from 7 to 8 p.m. Mandalas are symmetrical designs that represent the universe, and are used as a tool in meditation by many cultures. No artist experience necessary! For more information call 668-9690 or go to wiawaka.org/calendarlist.php.

LAKE GEORGE — Visit the presentation of “Fighting for Our Rights” with Kate Dudding at the Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 State Rte 9L from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Ms. Dudding presents six stories about women activists in the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights movements.

Stories include Barbara Johns, Marilyn Monroe, Ruby Bridges, Jerrie Cobb, Betty Friedan and Congresswoman Martha Griffiths. Advance reservations required.

For more information call 668-9690 or visit wiawaka.org/calendarlist.php.

BOLTON — Visit Studio Talk at the Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Drive at 1:30 p.m. As part of the 2015 Sembrich Summer Season presents On Wings of Song, The Marriage of Music and Poetry. For more information call 644-2431 or visit thesembrich.org.

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Historical Association and Museum Program presents (in the former Warren County Courthouse) a guest speaker will be a distinguished historian or author from the region at the Lake George Institute of History, Art and Science 290 Canada Street, at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 668-5044 or visit lakegeorgehistorical.org. There is no cost.

CHESTERTOWN — Join the Beatles Tribute Party at the Carol Theater, 102 Riverside Drive at 7 p.m. Go to trilakesalliance.com for more information.

BOLTON — There will be a Movie in the Park at Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive at 8:30 p.m. Bring your blanket or chair! For more information call 6443831 or go to boltonchamber.com. This is free.

149

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

LAKE GEORGE — There will be a Summer Concert at Shepard Park, Canada Street at 7 p.m. For more information call 668-2616 or go to lakegeorgearts.org. This is presented by Lake George Arts Project.

HAGUE — There will be Music at The Beach with Dwinal & Mary Jo Smith at the Town Park, 9060 Lake Shore Drive at 7:30 p.m. Bring your chair or a blanket! This concert is free. For more information call 543-6161 or go to townofhague.org.

Thurs., July 9

LAKE PLACID — The TBT Movie is Frozen Sing-A-Long, at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 10:30 a.m. Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, Frozen is the coolest comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction. This singa-long version projects the lyrics across the bottom of the screen and encourages everyone to sing with their favorite characters in this latest American classic. The cost is $2. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE PLACID — National Theatre Live at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts presents Behind the Beautiful Forevers, at 8 p.m. India is surging with global ambition.

But beyond the luxury hotels surrounding Mumbai airport lies a makeshift slum, full of people with plans of their own. But their schemes are fragile; global recession threatens, and another slum-dweller is about to make an accusation that will destroy herself and shatter the neighborhood.

The cost is $16 and $10 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

NORTH CREEK — Cruise Night happens to North Creek’s Main Street from 6 to 8 p.m.

There will be classic cars, sports and hot rod, live music, and more. Go to gorechamber.com for more information.

BOLTON — There will be a Special Thursday with Bolton Recreation Department at Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive. For more information call 644-3831 or go to boltonchamber.com.

LAKE GEORGE — Come see the Thursday Night Fireworks at Shepard Park, Canada Street at 9:30 p.m. For more information call 668-5771.

NORTH CREEK — The Farmers’ Market at 112 Ski Bowl Road has locally grown produce, maple products, baked goods, wine, soaps, meats, sweets and more from 3 to 6 p.m. For information go to northcreekfarmersmarket.com.

LAKE LUZERNE — There will be a Concert in Pavilion Park with Bobby Dick at 248

150

Lake Avenue at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or a chair. For more information call 696-6122 or go to townoflakeluzerne.com.

Thurs., July 9 - Sun., July 12

PLATTSBURGH — 38th Annual Mayor’s Cup Festival and Regatta takes place Downtown and Lake Champlain’s shores. For more information visit MayorsCup.com.

Thurs., July 9 - Sat., July 18

GLENS FALLS — The unCivil War takes place with the Adirondack Theatre Festival at the Charles R Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street, at 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, July 15, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Civil War’s six survivors retell the story of the infamous conflict as it “really” happened with singing, dancing, outrageous humor and biting historical satire. For information call 480-4878 or visit atfestival.org.

Fri., July 10

WARRENSBURG — The Farmers’ Market, Warrensburgh Riverfront, will be at the Warrensburgh Mills Historic District Park, 173 River Street, from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be locally grown produce, maple products and live music. For more information call 466-5497 or go to localharvest.org/ warrensburg-riverfront-farmers-marketM22857.

BOLTON — The Farmers’ Market will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 7 Goodman Avenue, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be locally grown produce, maple products, meats, eggs, fresh fish. Hand-crafted soaps, scents, woodworking, jewelry, and food. For more information call 480-9118 or go to boltonlandingfarmersmarket.com.

GLENS FALLS — There will be an exhibition Reception for Ancient Practices at the LARAC Lapham Gallery, 7 Lapham Place, from 5 to 7 p.m. Featured artists include Sue Lezon, Carol Law Conklin, Chuck Von Schmidt. Photographs, Batiks, and Sculpture that explore ancient practices, beliefs, and skills. For more information call 7981144 ext. 2 or go to larac.org.

CHESTERTOWN — There will be a Car Show at Panther Mountain Inn, 6359 Main Street, at 5 p.m. There will be vintage cars and a sunset cruise. View and vote for your favorites, trophies awarded. For information call 573-4386 or visit trilakesalliance.com.

LAKE LUZERNE — The Luzerne Chamber Players Concert takes place at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is presented by professional faculty artists.

Classical to jazz, origi-

nal works by composers in residence. For more information call 696-2771 or visit luzernemusic.org.

LAKE GEORGE — See Fridays at the Lake, Brews and Bands Rock Concert at Shepard Park, Canada Street from 4 to 8 p.m. The concert includes John Eisenhart solo performer 4 to 6 p.m., and Funk Revolution 6 to 8 p.m. There will be craft beer and wine garden, catered food. For information go to fridaysatthelake.com.

Fri., July 10 & Sat., July 11

CHESTERTOWN — The Friends of The Chester Library Book Sale takes place at the Town of Chester Municipal Center 6307 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is an eclectic array of books and more. For more information call 494-5384 or go to chesterlibrary.org.

Fri., July 10 - Sun., July 12

BOLTON — Join Great Camp Sagamore for a for a relaxing weekend focused on improving your health in our stress free tranquil environment. Take a yoga class, go for a morning canoe ride on our lake or hike in the woods. All meals provided. Call Sagamore for reservations: 315-354-4439.

LAKE GEORGE — The King George Fishing Derby takes place at Charles R Wood Park Festival Space, 33 West Brook Road The derby takes place on the entire lake. Prizes for three species, lake trout, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Junior category for younger than 16. Weigh stations at both north and south basin. Craft show, live music, children’s rides, scenic boat cruises, fishing industry trade show, seminars, and food. For more information call 668-5771.

QUEENSBURY — The 10 and under Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball Tournament will be held at the Adirondack Sports Complex-the Dome, 326 Sherman Avenue. ADKSC Summer Blast Softball Tournaments are part of “One of the best softball tournaments in the Northeast!” For more information call 7431086 or visit adksc.com.

NORTH CREEK — Listen to the Irish in the Adirondacks Art, Music & History will be at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street, Friday 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday 1 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. People will be celebrating the Irish with an exhibition and reception by the Irish American Heritage Museum of Albany, New York. Genealogist Bernardette Zappala speaks on Unraveling the Mysteries of Irish Genealogical Records, and Jocelyn Pettit performs Irish/Celtic music. For more information call 251-2505 or go to tpcca.org.

Fri., July 10 - Fri., Aug. 7

King George Fishing Derby July 10

GLENS FALLS — Ancient Practices will be on display at the LARAC, Lapham Gallery, 7 Lapham Place, Tuesday through Sat Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featured artists Sue Lezon, Carol Law Conklin, Chuck Von Schmidt. Photographs, Batiks, and Sculpture that explore ancient practices, beliefs, and skills.

For more information call 7981144 ext. 2 or visit larac.org.

Fri., July 10 - Sun., July 26

WESTPORT — Depot Theatre’s 2015. THE BIKINIS - Created and Written by Ray Roderick and James Hindman. Sponsored by The Galley at Westport Marina The Bikinis are irresistible! The Jersey Shore girl group “The Bikinis” reunites after 20 years to take us back to their glory days of the swinging ‘60’s (and through the 80’s) sharing more than 30 songs they sang on (and under) the boardwalk in an attempt to raise money to save the “Sandy Shores Mobile Home (Beach Resort)”.

This non-stop celebration of classics like “It’s In His Kiss,” “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” “Heat Wave,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” will have you dancing in the aisles!

Sat., July 11

SARATOGA — There will be a bus trip to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to see the New York City Ballet. The bus leaves the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 10 a.m.

Join us as we travel to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for this special summer event. New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of spectacular dancers and an unparalleled repertory. The Company was founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, and it quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, NYCB is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers. The exhibit runs through Monday, July 20. The cost is $70 per person. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

TICONDEROGA — A Community Flea Market will be held rain or shine at the First United Methodist Church, at 1045 Wicker Street (Rte 9N), from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Display areas will be set up on the side lawn near the Church Thrift Shop. Proceeds from space and table rentals will benefit the Ticonderoga Area Clergy Association.

LAKE GEORGE — There will be an exhibition reception for Climate Contemporary: Artists Respond to Climate Change, curated

by Rebecca Smith, at the Courthouse Gallery, Lake George Arts Project, 1 Amherst Street, from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information call 668-2616 or visit lakegeorgearts.org.

WARRENSBURG — The Farmers’ Market, Warrensburg Gateway will be held at State Rte 9/Raymond Lane, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locally grown produce, meats, wine, gluten free products, knife sharpening, rustic Adirondack furniture, jewelry and more. For more information call 623-6123 or visit facebook.com/pages/Gateway-Mar ket/1435811690025971?fref=ts.

THURMAN — The North End Local Showcase will be held at Thurman Station, Saratoga & North Creek Railway, Rte 418, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adirondack Suds & Scents, homemade soap made the old fashioned way. Breads by Smith, samples of Cinnamon Swirl, Garlic Swirl, Honey Oat and Herb & Cheese loaves and Nettle Meadow Farm, samples of award-winning goat and sheep cheeses. For more information go to thurmanshowcase.com.

GLENS FALLS — The Farmers’ Market will be at the South Street Pavilion, 31 South Street, from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be locally grown produce, maple products, baked goods, milk, cheeses, eggs, meats.

Locally roasted coffee, locally crafted soaps, scents, hand-crafted wood products. For information call 307-6239 or visit gffma.com.

WILLSBORO — The Battle of the Bouquet Trail and Kayak Race will be held at 8 a.m.

It will start 10 Gilliland Lane.

NORTH CREEK — There will be Music By the River at the Riverside Park 11 Railroad Place from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring a blanket, bring a chair. For more information go to facebook.com/pages/Music-by-the-River-inNorth-Creek-NY/166821760053331.

Arts & Entertainment

LAKE GEORGE — The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) with the Lake Theatre at the Holiday Inn Resort, 2223 Canada Street. The hours are Wednesday to Saturday with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and select Saturday luncheon matinee at 11:30 a.m. and the show at 1 p.m., with reservations for shows only available. This is a madcap romp through Shakespeare’s plays performed in the hilarious style of Monty Python. This familyfriendly “send-up” of the Bard features three actors attempting to perform all 37 of his plays in 97 minutes. A “wildly funny” evening of laughter for Shakespeare lovers, haters and even those who have never seen or read the Bard. Presented by a long time favorite in the North Country! Offering a unique dining and entertainment experience. For information call 668-5762 ext.

411 or go to lakegeorgedinnertheatre.com.

Local organizations and individuals are encouraged to participate. Antiques, gifts, jewelry, household items, toys, etc. are some of the items that would be appropriate. Display areas are available for a donation of $10 for a 10’ X 10’ space. Tables are available on a first come basis for an additional $5 rental fee. Tailgate setups may also be accommodated.

An application with guidelines and rules may be picked up from the Thrift Shop on Wednesday or Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call the church office at 585-7995 or the thrift shop at 585-2242 for more information.

All are welcome to Sunday Services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.. For more information about the church, visit the web site at tifumc.com.

LAKE PLACID — Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts presents A Grand Night for Singing at 8 p.m. This is an exciting showcase of the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, A Grand Night for Singing is a musical revue of time-tested classics intermixed with some lesser known selections from these masters of American musical theatre.

Featuring songs from hits like Carousel, Oklahoma! The King and I and South Pacific, as well as lesser-known works such as Allegro, State Fair, and Flower Drum Song, this family friendly hit will surely bring the house down with all your favorite numbers, and perhaps even a few new ones you won’t forget. The cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Fri., July 10 - Sun., Oct. 11

LAKE LUZERNE — Move It! For the Music 5k Run-Walk starting at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road, at 8 a.m. The Luzerne Music Center student chamber groups perform for you as you make your way along the course of paved roads. Benefiting Luzerne Music Center’s Scholarship Fund. For more information call 696-2771 or go to luzernemusic.org.

BOLTON — The Northwest Bay Paddle will start at the Northwest Bay Brook Launch, Lake Shore Drive, From 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Join Lake George Land Conservancy for a leisurely paddle through protected waters, learn about native wetland plants and creatures in this unique habitat. Bring your own canoe or kayak. Advance registration is required. For information call 644-9673 or go to lglc.org.

CHESTERTOWN — The SummerFest at Chester Municipal Center 6307 State Rte 9, It will feature music, fireworks and more from noon to 9:30 p.m.

Summerfest features live music, children’s activities, rock climbing wall, face painting, games, Spiderman, Elsa and Ironman. For more information call 494-2722 or go to northwarren.com

HUB Established 1848 OF THE ADIRONDACKS

Take Exit 29 off the Northway (I-87) from the South or Exit 30 from the North

What to see in North Hudson: • The Falls at Blue Ridge on the Branch • Balance Rock • Trails to Dix Range • Sharp Bridge State Campsite • Elk Lake Lodge • Courtney Pond • Town Recreation Facility on the Schroon River • Adirondack Buffalo Farm • Gokeys Trading Post & Auction Hall • Blue Ridge Falls Campsite • Yogi Bear Jellystone Campsite Exit 29 • North Hudson Multi-Use Trail System • Exit 29 Sunoco

For More Information (518) 532-9811 • northhudsonny.com

75375

151

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Sat., July 11 & Sun., July 12 LAKE GEORGE — There will be a Poetry Weekend with Joan Murray at the Wiawaka Center for Women 3778 State Rte 9L. The hours are Saturday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 9:15 a.m. Author of Swimming for the Ark: New and Selected Poems. Poetry gatherings, write a new poem or prose piece and receive Joan’s comments. Reading and book signing on Saturday evening. Sunday morning Poetry Service on the dock. For more information call 668-9690 or go to wiawaka. org/calendarlist.php.

LAKE LUZERNE — The Student Showcases and Orchestra Concerts perform at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road.

The hours Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m.

This will be child-friendly! Student Solo and Chamber Music Showcase on Saturday.

Student Piano Prelude, Large Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra on Sunday. For more information call 696-2771 or go to luzernemusic.org.

Sat., July 11 - Fri., Aug. 14

LAKE GEORGE — Courthouse Gallery with the Curator by Rebecca Smith presents Climate Contemporary: Artists Respond to Climate Change at the Lake George Arts Project, 1 Amherst Street For more information call 668-2616 or go to lakegeorgearts.org. The hours are Tuesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. Saturday noon to 4 p.m., and by appointment.

Sun., July 12

NORTH CREEK — Jocelyn Pettit Band will perform at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street, at 3 p.m. Performing original and traditional music inspired from the Canadian and Celtic cultures. Presented by Upper Hudson Musical Arts; providing professional music performances, accessibility of classical, chamber, and jazz music to the Adirondack Park community.

For more information call 251-3911 or go to upperhudsonmusicalarts.org.

LAKE GEORGE — Come see the Incredible Larry’s Magic Fun at Shepard Park, Canada Street, at 7 p.m. For more information call 668-5771. The show is free.

Seagle Music Colony Children’s Opera

152

Poetry Weekend July 11 & 12

The Glens Falls Downtown Criterium with Fast-paced Pro/Am bicycle races on a 1/2 mile circuit in downtown and kids races too down Glen Street from 12:30 to 6 p.m.

For information call 314-3478 or visit greatamericancycling.com.

Sun., July 12 & Mon., July 13

GLENS FALLS — The Cabaret presents J Robert Spencer of the Adirondack Theatre Festival at the Charles R Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street, at 7:30 p.m. The show is Featuring the Tony Award nominee and original cast member of Jersey Boys and Next to Normal. For more information call 480-4878 or go to atfestival.org.

Mon., July 13

THURMAN — Monday Night Concert in the Park will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial Field, 311 Athol Road, at 7 p.m. The concert is under cover, bring a chair or blanket. For information call 623-9649 or visit thurmannyevents.com.

LAKE GEORGE — Musical Magical Monday will be held at Shepard Park, at 7 p.m. There will be great family fun! Live music, magicians, jugglers, and bounce houses. Canada Street For information call 668-5771.

LAKE LUZERNE — The Luzerne Chamber Music Festival Concert takes place at the Luzerne Music Center 203 Lake Tour Road, at 7:30 p.m. The concert features international guest artists. In 2015 Luzerne Music Center celebrates 35 years. For more information call 696-2771 or visit luzernemusic.org.

BOLTON — The Sembrich Monday Film presents Il Postino starring Massimo Troisi, Maria Grazia Cuinota, Phileppe Noiret, Renato Scarpa, and Linda Moretti at the Bolton Free Library, 4922 Lake Shore Drive, at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 6442431 or visit thesembrich.org. This movie is free.

Mon., July 13 & July 24

LAKE PLACID — Rebecca Kelly Ballet from NYC returns to the North Country with Onstage Camp and performances. Registration is now open for youth,with a Onstage Youth Performance, Friday, July 24, at 10:30 a.m.

Registration is now open to students of all experience, ages 6 to 19 years.

This is a “Top-notch dance” “and annual crowd-pleaser” reported Lake Placid Visi Visitors Bureau. In 2015 RKB guarantees an another program brimming with energy and style. Rebecca Kelly Ballet combines an engaging blend of classical and contemporary dance, in a program that highlights the individuality of featured dancers.

Dancers soar, sail, and spin through new and repertory chamber works that explore human challenges and social issues. For information contact TLC at Tahawus@verizon.net and visit the Cloudsplitter Studio at Tahawus Center.

Tues., July 14

BOLTON — There will be a free concert in Rogers Park at Rogers Park 4928 Lake Shore Drive, from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your blanket or chair! For more information

call 644-3831 or visit boltonchamber.com.

NORTH CREEK — The Seagle Music Colony Children’s Opera presents The Ugly Duckling at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street, at 10 a.m. This classic tale from Hans Christian Anderson will please all audiences, young and old alike. Seagle Music Colony has been bringing music to the Adirondacks since 1915.

Presented by Upper Hudson Musical Arts; providing professional music performances, accessibility of classical, chamber, and jazz music to the Adirondack Park community. For more information call 251-3911 or go to upperhudsonmusicalarts.org.

LAKE LUZERNE — Steve Mackey will give the Tuesday Night Summer Lecture at the Hadley-Luzerne Public Library, 19 Main Street, at 7 p.m. Mr.. Mackey will speak about his hike on the Pacific Trail. This is a free lecture.

cheeses, breads, baked goods, fresh fish, vegetables, maple products and more. For more information call 494-3336 or visit chestertownfarmersmarket.com.

LAKE GEORGE — The LGA Floating Classroom takes place at Lower Amherst Street, from 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. The two hour educational aquatic adventure on Lake George. Come aboard and learn water quality, measure water clarity, catch zooplankton, test pH and temperature. For more information call 668-3558 or visit lakegeorgeassociation.org.

BOLTON — The World Music Wednesday presents Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra at The Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Drive, at 1:30 p.m. This romantic, gypsyinfluenced valse-musette, swing, ballads, tangos, cha chas, rumbas and cumbias. As

LAKE GEORGE — Tuesday Tribute features the Beatles Tribute Band “Across the Pond” at the Shepard Park, Canada Street, at 7 p.m. This is a free concert.

Tues., July 14 & Sat., July 18

GLENS FALLS — The PB&J Cafe: Dinner Theatre for Kids feature “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs” of the Adirondack Theatre Festival at the Charles R Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street. The Big, Bad Wolf actions are finally brought to light in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century. The audience, as the jury decides the Wolf’s fate, and who is really to blame! Young theatre goers can order a meal from the cast, participate in an art activity, dine during the live musical theatre performance, and come home with autographs from their favorite actors. For more information call 480-4878 or go to atfestival.org.

Wed., July 15

LAKE PLACID — Young and Fun presents Stephen Gratto Variety Show, at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 10:30 a.m. Join Stephen Gratto for classic vaudeville and circus skills, including many feats of daring, bravery, side-splitting foolishness and audience participation! The cost is free! For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

HAGUE — Running the River will perform at Music at the Beach at the Town Park 9060 Lake Shore Drive, at 7:30 p.m. The music will be classic, country, folk, fiddle and Irish and original tunes. Bring your chair or a blanket! For more information call 543-6161 or go to townofhague.org/ TownofHague/Calendar/2015/July.htm.

LAKE GEORGE — Lake George Historical Association & Museum Program presents the Lake George Institute of History, Art and Science 290 Canada Street, at 6:30 p.m.

Presented in the former Warren County Courthouse, guest speaker will be a distinguished historian or author from the region. For more information call 668-5044 or visit lakegeorgehistorical.org.

CHESTERTOWN — The Farmers’ Market at Municipal Ctr 6307 State Rte 9 goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be meats,

Dan Newton’s Cafe Accordion Orchestra

part of the 2015 Sembrich Summer Season - On Wings of Song, The Marriage of Music and Poetry.

LAKE GEORGE — There will be a Summer Concert at Shepard Park, Canada Street, at 7 p.m. For more information call 668-2616 or go to lakegeorgearts.org. The concert is presented by Lake George Arts Project.

Wed., July 15 - Fri., July 17

LAKE GEORGE — Tarzan the Youtheatre Musical will be at the Lake George High School Auditorium, 381 Canada Street. The hours are Wednesday through Thursday at 1 p.m. Friday at 9:30 a.m. Regional premiere are based on the smash-hit Disney animated film. Youtheatre produces three Broadway musicals in four-week time frame. These productions are performed by students ages eleven to eighteen participating in all aspects of musical theatre. For more information call 793-3521 or visit lgyoutheatre.com.

Wed., July 15 - Thur., Dec. 31

GLENS FALLS — The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library presents Individual Visions of Five Photographers in the Worlds of Folk, Blues & American Roots Music at 251 Glen Street. The hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excludes holidays. For more information call 792-6508 ext. 3 or visit crandalllibrary.org.

Thurs., July 16

LAKE PLACID — The TBT Movie presents Goonies, is the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 10:30 a.m. Mikey and Brandon Walsh are two brothers whose family is preparing to move due to a new development that is sure to be started unless

“Goonies” July 16

LAKE PLACID — The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD Encore: La Traviata will be performing at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. Natalie Dessay stars as Verdi’s most beloved heroine in Willy Decker’s stunning production, first seen at The Met in 2010. Matthew Polenzani is her lover, Alfredo, and Dimitri Hvorostovsky sings his stern father, Germont. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium. The cost is $15 and $5 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

NORTH CREEK — The Farmers’ Market at 112 Ski Bowl Road has locally grown produce, maple products, baked goods, wine, soaps, meats, sweets and more from 3 to 6 p.m. For information go to northcreekfarmersmarket.com.

GLENS FALLS — The Multi-Artists exhibition reception will be held at 6 Pine Street Gallery, 6 Pine Street, from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be works by local and regional artists.

For more information call 792-5178.

LAKE GEORGE — Come see the Thursday Night Fireworks at Shepard Park, Canada Street at 9:30 p.m. For more information call 668-5771.

GLENS FALLS — The free Summerland Music Society Chamber Music Concert will be performed at the Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, at 7 p.m. Founded by international performers pianist Carol Minor and clarinetist/conductor Christopher Bush, presenting concerts in the Adirondacks with internationally recognized guest artists. For more information call 792-6508 ext. 3 or visit crandalllibrary.org.

NORTH CREEK — There will be receptions and exhibitions of works by various local and regional artists at the North Creek Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information call 251-2612 or visit gorechamber.com.

LAKE LUZERNE — There will be a concert

in Pavilion Park at 248 Lake Ave, at 7 p.m.

Bring a blanket or a chair! For more information call 696-6122 or visit townoflakeluzerne.com.

BOLTON — Share Special Thursday with Bolton Recreation Department at Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive. For more information call 644-3831 or visit boltonchamber.com.

GLENS FALLS — There will be an exhibition reception for Rodney Bentley with Graphite/Charcoal, at the 2nd Floor Gallery at City Hall 42 Ridge Street. For more information go to northcountryartscenter.org/ calendar.html.

NORTH CREEK — Cruise Night happens to North Creek’s Main Street from 6 to 8 p.m.

There will be classic cars, sports and hot rod, live music, and more. Go to gorechamber.com for more information.

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Community Band Concert will be held at Shepard Park, Canada Street at 8 p.m. Preserving the tradition of American band music.

Patriotic, blues, jazz, classical and much more music for the enjoyment of all ages!

The event is free. For more information call 222-1302 or go to lgcb.org.

Thurs., July 16 & Fri., July 17

LAKE GEORGE —Come see Plein Air Painting with Nancy Philo at the Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 State Rte 9L, at 9 a.m.

Enjoy historic Wiawaka painting the beauty and unique character of the gardens and architecture. Botanical on Thursday; the Victorian Architecture on Friday. Demonstrations and individualized instruction. All levels are welcome, please bring your own supplies, all media, including a portable easel. Bring your lunch, does not include meals. Please call to reserve. For more information call 668-9690 ext. 3 or visit wiawaka.org/calendarlist.php

GLENS FALLS — Encountering the Past Walking Tour by taking a walk around town and hear about Glens Falls’ past from your tour guide and a historic character you will meet up with along the way at the Chapman Historical Museum, 348 Glen Street, at 10 a.m. For more information call 793-2826.

LAKE GEORGE — Fridays at the Lake Lake, Brews and Bands Rock Concert features Mike LaPointe, solo performer at Shepard Park, Canada Street, from 4 to 6 p.m. Wild Adriatic 6 to 8 p.m. There will be craft beer and wine garden, catered food. For more information go to fridaysatthelake.com.

Fri., July 17 & Sat., July 18

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Community Band Festival takes place at Shepard Park, Canada Street. The hours are Friday 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is always a great time with great music! Community bands from the Northeastern States and Canada performing marches, movie themes and more! For more information go to lgcb.org.

Fri,, July 17 - Sun., July 19

QUEENSBURY — The 14 and under Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball Tournament will be held at the Adirondack Sports Complex-The Dome 326 Sherman Avenue. For more information go to adksc.com or call 743-1086.

Sat., July 18

NEWCOMB — There will be a Garage Town wide sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have lots of surprises in store this year! Visit newcombny.com or discovernewcomb.

BRANT LAKE — ATV Rides will be held at different times. They start at the Tin Tee Pee campground. They might also be sponsoring a Jeep Poker Run to benefit Toys for Tots. For information contact 573-4386.

DIAMOND POINT — The Diamond Point Community Church will host A Taste of Diamond Point at 3699 Lake Shore Drive from noon until 2 p.m. Enjoy samplings from local restaurants and delicatessens. Food, fun, music, and prizes! Raffle drawings every 15 minutes. For more information call 668-2722, 644-2925 or go to diamondpointcommunitychurch.com.

THURMAN — North End Local Showcase takes place at Thurman Station, Parasearch with Bruce Irwin, Dowser and SBC Products will be held at the Thurman Station, Saratoga & North Creek Railway Rte 418, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mr. Irwin locates water, missing persons, pets and objects. He demonstrates the age-old art of dowsing for water, try it yourself. Quilted handbags in a variety of sizes and styles by SBC Products.

Arts & Entertainment

enough money is raised, which is quite doubtful. But, when Mikey stumbles on a treasure map of the famed “One-Eyed” Willy’s hidden fortune, he, his brother, and a few friends set out on a quest to find the riches in hopes to save their homes. The entrance to a cavern is found, but it is located underneath an abandoned restaurant occupied by the Fratelli family, a treacherous group of thieves who attempt to beat the “Goonies” to the treasure. The cost is $2.

For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

WARRENSBURG — The Adirondack Riverfront Arts Festival will be featured at the Farmers’ Market, Warrensburgh Riverfront, at Warrensburgh Mills Historic District Park, 173 River Street from 3 to 6 p.m. This is a showcase of local and regional artisans, live musical entertainment, exhibits and demonstrations. Locally grown produce, maple products. For more information call 466-5497.

com for details!

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

crafted soaps, scents, woodworking, jewelry, and food will be at the Farmer’s Market at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 7 Goodman Avenue from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more information call 480-9118 or go to boltonlandingfarmersmarket.com.

GLENS FALLS — The Farmers’ Market will be at the South Street Pavilion, 31 South Street, from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be locally grown produce, maple products, baked goods, milk, cheeses, eggs, meats.

Locally roasted coffee, locally crafted soaps, scents, hand-crafted wood products. For information call 307-6239 or visit gffma.com.

MORIAH — The Moriah Fire Department will be holding a Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. A donation is being asked.

LAKE LUZERNE — The Riverview Arts & Craft Fair will be held at Pavilion Park, 248 Lake Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handmade items by over 45 local and regional artisans. Rain or Shine! For more information call 696-3423 or visit hadluzblog.sals.edu.

QUEENSBURY — Roller Coaster Race Run or Ride at the Great Escape, 1172 Rte 9. This family fun, spend the day! 10K race, 5K run/walk. If you can’t run - ride a total distance of 5k on roller coaster and win a medal. For more information call 434-9518572 or go to rollercoasterrace.com.

BOLTON — Pianist Simon Mulligan will perform at the Sembrich 4800 Lake Shore Drive at 7:30 p.m. The program includes

Fri., July 17

LAKE PLACID — There will be a Gallery Opening of Zigi Ben-Haim at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Acclaimed New York based artist Zigi BenHaim is an established and influential artist since the 70s, Zigi’s work will be explored in this unique exhibition featuring sculpture, mixed media and works on paper.

This is a free event. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

BOLTON — Locally grown produce, maple products, meats, eggs, fresh fish. Hand-

North Creek Art WAlk July 16

Gallery Opening of Zigi Ben-Haim July 17

153

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Mozart sonata, Schubert impromptus and music by Ravel. Franz Liszt’s arrangement of Mendelssohn’s On Wings of Song. As part of the 2015 Sembrich Summer Season. For more information call 644-2431 ext. 101 or go to thesembrich.org.

QUEENSBURY — The Chicken Barbecue and Scholarship Fund Bake Sale will be held the Harrisena Community Church 1616 Ridge Road, at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Great chicken, corn on the cob, coleslaw, roll, homemade pie a la mode, beverage, and fun! Bake sale begins at 10 a.m. The barbecue begins at 4 p.m. Takeout is available.

For more information call 792-1902 or go to harrisena.org.

NORTH CREEK — The Lake Placid Sinfonietta Concert will perform at Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street, at 7 p.m. The Orchestra of the Adirondacks!

Presented by Upper Hudson Musical Arts; providing professional music performances, accessibility of classical, chamber, and jazz music to the Adirondack Park community. For more information call 251-3911 or visit upperhudsonmusicalarts.org.

GLENS FALLS — The Glens Falls Greenjackets Football Home Opener vs Sussex Stags Semi-professional football team and members of the Empire Football League will play at the East Field, 175 Dix Avenue, at 7 p.m. For more information call 7981928 or visit greenjacketsfootball.com.

WARRENSBURG — The Farmers’ Market, Warrensburg Gateway will be held at State Rte 9/Raymond Lane, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locally grown produce, meats, wine, gluten free products, knife sharpening, rustic Adirondack furniture, jewelry and more.

For more information call 623-6123 GLENS FALLS — The Farmers’ Market will be at the South Street Pavilion, 31 South Street, from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be locally grown produce, maple products, baked goods, milk, cheeses, eggs, meats.

Locally roasted coffee, locally crafted soaps,

BRANT LAKE — The Farmers’ Market will be at 6752 State Rte 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be seasonal New York Grown produce, dairy, seafood, honey, bake goods. For information visit facebook.com/ clarkscountrymall.

NORTH CREEK — There will be Music By the River at the Riverside Park 11 Railroad Place from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring a blanket, bring a chair. For more information go to facebook.com/pages/Music-by-the-River-inNorth-Creek-NY/166821760053331.

ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown Fire Department is sponsoring the annual Elizabethtown Day Celebration. The theme for this year’s event will be “Mardi Gras.”

There will be a town wide yard sale to any and all who wish to participate. The parade will begin at 3 p.m., starting at the museum.

A fireworks display will be featured on the golf course around 9 p.m.

Send all donations to Elizabethtown Fire Department, Attention: Elizabethtown day, P.O. Box 457, Woodruff Avenue, Elizabethtown, NY 12932. Make checks payable to Elizabethtown Fire Department. A receipt will be provided upon request.

PLATTSBURGH — The Tour de Force sponsored by Adk Gards Cycling Club begins at the Dry Dock, 5143 US Ave, at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $50. All monies donated to the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. More information and to register tourdeforceny.com.

SARANAC — The Saranac Flatwater Challenge to benefit CVPH Asthma Education takes place at the Town of Saranac Boat Launch. There is a $25 entry fee for races.

For more info email billingsley.chas@gmail.

Tour de Force July 18

154

Annual Elizabethtown Day Celebration July 18

scents, hand-crafted wood products. For information call 307-6239 or visit gffma.com.

com or visit townofsaranac.com.

WILLSBORO — The Willsboro Founders Day Social will held at the Nobelwood Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $25. For more information call 963-8933.

PLATTSBURGH — 68th Annual Clinton County Fair – July 28- August 2, 2015. For daily schedule and ticket information visit www.clintoncountyfair.com or call the fair office at 518-561-7998.

Sat., July 18 & Sun., July 19

LAKE GEORGE — The Mother/Daughter Art will do a Face to Face with Deborah Bayly and Pat Wager at the Wiawaka Cen-

Clinton County Fair Starts July 18

ter for Women 3778 State Rte 9L, from 9 a.m. to noon. The first day create a plaster mask, second day you’ll write about the essence of how you view each other - Mother and Daughter. Instruction will help develop imagery from their writing exercises and paint images directly onto the plaster mask form. 668-9690 or go to wiawaka.org/calendarlist.php.

CHESTERTOWN — The World’s Largest Garage Sale, Priory Garage Sale takes place at the Priory Retreat House, 135 Priory Road, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find that oneof-a-kind treasure! Large selection includes household items, clothes, toys, books, furniture; refreshments. A fun summer social gathering benefiting the Priory!

LAKE LUZERNE — The Student Showcases and Orchestra Concerts will be performed at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. This is child-friendly! There will be a student solo and chamber music showcase on Saturday. There will be a student piano prelude, large ensemble and symphony orchestra on Sunday. For more information call 696-2771 or go to luzernemusic.org.

LAKE GEORGE — The Mother/Daughter Art features Face to Face with Deborah Bayly & Pat Wager at the Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 State Rte 9L, from 9 a.m. to noon. The first day create a plaster mask,

second day you’ll write about the essence of how you view each other - Mother and Daughter. Instruction will help develop imagery from their writing exercises and paint images directly onto the plaster mask form. For more information call 668-9690 or visit wiawaka.org/calendarlist.php.

Sun., July 19

BOLTON — Enoch Arden with Paul Hecht and Simon Mulligan will be performing at the Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Drive, at 4 p.m. Melodrama for narrator and piano by Richard Strauss. As part of the 2015 Sembrich Summer Season - On Wings of Song, The Marriage of Music and Poetry. For more information call 644-2431 ext. 101 or go to thesembrich.org.

LAKE GEORGE — The Incredible Larry presents Magic Fun at Shepard Park, Canada Street, at 7 p.m. For more information call 668-5771.

WARRENSBURG — The Froggy Five Mile travels along a variety of terrain with great Adirondack views at 9 a.m. followed with a barbecue. There will be a preregistration discount. For more information go to areep. com/events/froggy.

Mon., July 20

THURMAN — The Monday Night Concert in the Park takes place at Veterans’ Memorial Field, 311 Athol Road, at 7 p.m. This will be under cover, bring a chair or blanket. For more information call 623-9649 or visit .thurmannyevents.com.

LAKE LUZERNE — The Luzerne Chamber Music Festival Concert takes place at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road, at 7:30 p.m. The concert features international guest artists. In 2015 Luzerne Music Center celebrates 35 years. For more information call 696-2771 or visit luzernemusic.org.

LAKE GEORGE — Musical Magical Monday will be held at Shepard Park, at 7 p.m. There will be great family fun! Live music, magicians, jugglers, and bounce houses. Canada Street For information call 668-5771.

Mon., July 20 - Fri., July 24

LAKE GEORGE — Quilting Wiawaka takes place at the Wiawaka Center for Women, 3778 State Rte 9L. Spend the morning with Patricia Bayard and Carrie Williams as they lead you through two projects. A paper piecing project, and a fussed project; both are kits that can be purchased. For more information call 668-9690 or visit iawaka. org/calendarlist.php.

QUEENSBURY — Celebrate Heroes Week at The Great Escape, 1172 Rte 9, during park hours. All military personnel, teachers, police, corrections officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses and EMS personnel receive free admission. All guests with the hero receive admission for kid’s price. Must show occupational identification at the main gate. For more information call 792-3500 or visit sixflags.com/greatescape.

Tues., July 21

LAKE GEORGE — The Tuesday Tribute features Bobby Dick and Susie Q at Shepard Park, Canada Street, at 7 p.m. Get up and dance! Rock ‘n Roll fun. For more information call 668-5771.

Wed., July 22

LAKE PLACID — Young & Fun features Lake Placid Sinfonietta at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 10:30 a.m. A morning concert for the little ones that includes opportunities to wiggle, wonder and water through the instruments while the orchestra performs. The cost is free. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE PLACID — There will be a bus trip to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to see the National Ballet of China. Bus leaves LPCA at 3 p.m. The LPCA travels to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for this unique and special performance. The National Ballet of China, a beloved national symbol in its homeland and an iconic cultural emissary to the global community, will perform the

July 21

BOLTON — The Movie in the Park takes place at Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive, at 8:30 p.m. Bring your blanket or chair! For more information call 644-3831 or visit boltonchamber.com.

BOLTON — The Forgotten Songs of Sergius Kagen - Ann Marie Wilcox-Daehn takes place at The Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Drive, at 7:30 p.m. The life, career and compositions of Sergius Kagen, lecture recital featuring art songs by Kagen set to the poetry of Carl Sandburg, Emily Dickinson, James Joyce, Langston Hughes and Walter de la Mare. As part of the 2015 Sembrich Summer Season - On Wings of Song, The Marriage of Music and Poetry. For more information call 644-2431 ext. 101 or visit thesembrich.org.

GLENS FALLS — Take a Bite along Glen Street, from 5 to 7 p.m. Explore all the tastes of the City. Glens Falls restaurants offer tapas delights. Street performers, live music, and fun for the whole family! For more information call 792-5839 or visit facebook.com/downtownglensfalls.

HAGUE — The Music at The Beach features Hague Jazz Quartet Plus One at the Town Park, 9060 Lake Shore Drive, at 7:30 p.m.

They are a local favorite. Standards, and romantic melodies. Bring your chair or a blanket! For more information call 5436161 or go to townofhague.org/TownofH townofhague.org/TownofHague/Calendar/2015/July.htm.

CHESTERTOWN — Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys perform at the Carol Theater, 102 Riverside Drive, at 7 p.m. They are popular coast to coast features great harmony, acoustic guitar, dobro, man mandolin, bass, banjo, and fiddle.

For more information go to trilakesalliance.com.

LAKE LUZERNE — Tony Hall will lead the free Tuesday Night Summer Lecture at Had Hadley-Luzerne Public Library, 19 Main Street, at 7 p.m. For more information call 696-3423 or go to hadluzblog.sals.edu.

Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys July 22

LLAKE LA A GEORGE — Summer Concert, Presented by Lake George Arts Project at Shepard Park, Canada Street, at 7 p.m. For more information call 668-2616 or visit lakegeorgearts.org.

LAKE GEORGE — The LGA Floating Classroom will be at Lower Amherst Street, from 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 until 2:30 p.m.

This two hour educational aquatic adventure on Lake George. Come aboard and learn water quality, measure water clarity, catch zooplankton, test pH and temperature. For more information call 668-3558 or visit lakegeorgeassociation.org.

Thurs., July 23

LAKE PLACID — The TBT Movie for the Lake Placid Center for the Arts presents Toy Story at 10:30 a.m. The star of the proceedings is Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy belonging to a wide-eyed youngster named Andy. Whenever Andy’s out of the room, Woody revels in his status as the boy’s number one toy. His supremacy is challenged by a high-tech, space-ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who, unlike Woody and his pals, believes that he is real and not merely a plaything. The rivalry between Woody and Buzz hilariously intensifies during the first half of the film, but when the well-being of Andy’s toys is threatened by a nasty next-door neighbor kid named Sid, whose idea of fun is feeding stuffed dolls to his snarling dog and reconstructing his own toys into hideous mutants. Woody and Buzz join forces to save the day. The cost is $2. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE PLACID — Rebecca Kelly Ballet will perform at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. This is a mix of lyrical classicism fused with energetic, inventive dance forms, Rebecca Kelly Ballet features the very best blend of contemporary ballet and modern dance. The cost is $20 and $17 for students and seniors, and $12 for children. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE LUZERNE — There will be a Concert in Pavilion Park, 248 Lake Avenue, at 7 p.m.

Bring a blanket or a chair! For more information call 696-6122 or visit townoflakeluzerne.com.

NORTH CREEK — Cruise Night in North Creek takes place on Main Street, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be classic cars, sports and hot rod, live music, and more. For more information go to gorechamber.com.

LAKE GEORGE — Come see the Thursday Night Fireworks at Shepard Park, Canada Street at 9:30 p.m. For more information call 668-5771.

BOLTON — Share Special Thursday with Bolton Recreation Department at Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive. For more information call 644-3831 or visit boltonchamber.com.

Thurs., July 23 - Sat., Aug. 1

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Theatre Festival features Spun, A Brother/ Sister Rock Musical at the Charles R Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street, at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, July 29 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

For Molly and her estranged brother Jesse memories have a funny way of changing over time. For more information call 4804878 or visit atfestival.org.

Fri., July 24 LAKE GEORGE — Fridays at the Lake features Brews and Bands Reggae/Ska Concert at Shepard Park, Canada Street, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Houde and Hofmanis solo will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Spiritual Rez from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be craft beer and wine garden, catered food. For more information go to fridaysatthelake.com.

WARRENSBURG — The Farmers’ Market, Warrensburgh Riverfront, will be at the Warrensburgh Mills Historic District Park, 173 River Street, from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be locally grown produce, maple products and live music. For more information call 466-5497 or go to localharvest.org/ warrensburg-riverfront-farmers-marketM22857.

BOLTON — The Farmers’ Market will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 7 Goodman Avenue, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be locally grown produce, maple products, meats, eggs, fresh fish. Hand-crafted soaps, scents, woodworking, jewelry, and food. For more information call 480-9118 or go to boltonlandingfarmersmarket.com.

Arts & Entertainment

BOLTON — Come see the Concert in Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive, from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your blanket or chair! For more information call 644-3831 or visit boltonchamber.com.

Saratoga premiere of The Peony Pavilion, the internationally-acclaimed adaptation of a classic Chinese romantic tale. Founded in December 1959, The National Ballet of China fuses classical and modern styles to present works bearing its distinct national characteristics. As a dance company renowned for the quality of its performances on the international stage, The National Ballet of China serves as a cultural envoy from the Chinese people to the world. The cost is $60 per person. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts. org.

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Mon., July 20 - Sun., July 26

LAKE LUZERNE — The Luzerne Chamber Players Concert takes place at the Luzerne Music Center, 203 Lake Tour Road, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is presented by professional faculty artists. Classical to jazz, original works by composers in residence. For more information call 696-2771 or visit luzernemusic.org.

BOLTON — The Floating Classroom takes place at Rogers Park Dock, 4928 Lake Shore Drive, form 10 a.m. to noon. Come aboard to learn all about Lake George water quality, measure water clarity, catching zooplankton, and testing pH and temperature.

Fri., July 24 & Sat., July 25

WARRENSBURG — The Smoke Eaters’ Jamboree and Fireworks takes place at Warrensburg Recreation Field, Library Avenue, Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m. There will be carnival, rides, entertainment and food! There is an auction on Friday at 6:30 p.m. There will be a barbecue on Saturday at 5 p.m. There will be continuous music by After FX DJ Service, and the Audio Stars then fireworks! Have a great time at this annual benefit for the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. For more information call 623-9766.

BOLTON — There will be a great selection of antiques collectables, presented by local and regional antique dealers and collectable vendors at Rogers Park, 4928 Lake Shore Drive, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 644-3831 or visit boltonchamber.com.

Fri., July 24 - Sun., July 26

BOLTON — An all inclusive weekend for the Adirondack historian in you! Stay at Great Camp Sagamore while enjoying a trip to the Adirondack Museum up the road in Blue Mountain Lake. Cruise Raquette Lake on the William West Durant with Raquette

155

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Lake Navigation. Find time to relax and take a guided interpretive tour of our entire campus. Call Sagamore for reservations: 315-354-4439.

Fri., July 24

CADYVILLE — Shakespeare in the Park presented by Adirondack Regional Theatre. Cadyville Recreation Park 6:00pm 8:00pm

Enjoy HAMLET in this fresh air theater event. The event will be free with donations accepted to support ART. Visit: http:// www.adktheatre.com/

Sat., July 25

NEWCOMB — The Volunteer Fire Dept.

And Resque Squad annual Steak Roast and Parade starts at noon and a steak roast to follow at the Town Beach. Tickets are available thru-out Town.

CADYVILLE — Shakespeare in the Park presented by Adirondack Regional Theatre.

Cadyville Recreation Park 1:00pm - 3:00pm Enjoy HAMLET in this fresh air theater event. The event will be free with donations accepted to support ART.

STONY CREEK — The Stony Creek Library is planning a Plein Air Day at the Dean Farm Heritage Trail, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain date will be Sunday July, 26). The newly built trail is located on 4 Murray Road. This will be a casual event where artists can get together and paint outdoors in a nature area.

Plattsburgh Brewfest Aug. 1

156

There will be an exhibition opening at the Stony Creek Library Friday, Aug. 28. They will only display one piece, from the first 20 artists registered. The exhibition opening will include wine, finger foods, live music and a campfire. The Stony Creek Library will collect 30 percent of any art sales.

To register for the Stony Creek Plein Air Day and to participate in the exhibition email name, phone, and mailing address by Thursday, April 30 to Patrice Jarvis-Weber at pjarvis-weber@sals.edu. To participate in Plein Air Day, all artists must register, even if they are not one of the 20 exhibiting artists. There will be no fee for the artists for either event.

Sun., July 26

PLATTSBURGH — 15th Annual All Ford Car Show - North Country Mustang Club.

Plattsburgh Waterfront, end of Bridge Street. 8:00am

Benefitting CV Transportation Museum & NC Honor Flight. Info, call 236-6080 or 2973482 or visit: http://www.northcountrymustangclub.org

Sun., July 26 - Fri., July 31 and Sun., Sept. 20 - Fri., Sept. 25

RAQUETTE LAKE — This year, 2015, marks a milestone for Great Camp Sagamore, as it celebrates 15 years since its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Recognized for the beauty of its historic architecture and the tranquility of its

Ford Car Show North Country Mustang Club July 26

Adirondack surroundings, Sagamore has earned an enviable reputation for its many and varied educational programs.

This summer, Sagamore is building on that legacy with the introduction of two Wilderness Photography Workshops, led by Adirondack Photographer Tom Dwyer.

The program will lead participants in the development of their outdoor photography skills. “Digital photography has opened the world of photography to millions of people,” says Dwyer. “One thing that hasn’t changed,” he adds, “is the importance of an ‘artistic eye,’ the ability to capture in images that which may not be obvious or apparent to the casual observer, images with stories of their own to tell.”

In these six day, five night Workshops, formal classroom-style sessions will explore subjects ranging from composition to inspiration, complemented by excursions into the surrounding wilderness for hand-on opportunities to explore newlyacquired skills.

Possible subjects might include any of Sagamore’s 27-historic structures, adjacent Sagamore Lake, numerous streams and brooks, nearby Adirondack vistas, or other elements of the built and un-built world.

While each day will offer the opportunity for sunrise, sunset and night sky photography, participants will also have plenty of time to relax and soak-up the ambiance of a bygone era.

Programs are all-inclusive and include instruction, meals and lodging in one of Sagamore’s historic buildings. For more

information visit GreatCampSagamore.org or TomDwyerPhotography.com.

Wed., July 29

LAKE PLACID — Young and Fun presents the Amazing Max at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 10:30 a.m. The Amazing Max bursts with striking visual magic, comedy and loads of audience participation. Magician Max Darwin makes objects appear out of thin air, defies the laws of physics, and performs miracles inches from spectator’s faces. This show is the wackiest, most interactive, highest energy magic show that is fun for the entire family! The cost is free!

For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Fri., July 31 - Aug., 16

WESTPORT — Depot Theatre’s 2015.

THE NEW YORK WATER! - Created Sam Bobrick. Sponsored by Skidmore College

This quirky, off-kilter adult romantic comedy documents Albert and Linda’s relationship from their first fearful meeting in New York City through to the mid-west and on to the left coast as they search for meaning, happiness, and success. Is love enough?

Will a change of location shore it up or will ambition shake its foundation? Join this unusual – and very funny – duo as they seek the answers. Contains adult language.

May not be suitable for all audiences.

Sat., Aug. 1

ESSEX — The 36th annual Downtown Essex Day will be held this summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event features art-

Contact the Essex Day Committee via phone at 963-7494 or email thecupolahouse@gmail.com for registration forms and information. No yard sale type displays.

Over 25 Brewers, Cideries, Wineries and Food Vendors. Concert by Lucid. More info, http://www.plattsburghbrewfest.com PLATTSBURGH — Kids Day at Plattsburgh Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market. Downtown Durkee St. Parking Lot. 9:00am - 2:00pm Kids activities and giveaways while supplies last. More info please call Pat at 310-0719 or Bonnie at 493-4644

Sun., Aug. 2

NEWCOMB — The Newcomb/Tahawus Day Celebration is held at the Town Beach.

Spend the afternoon with friends talking about the “Good Old Days”!

Mon., Aug. 3

LAKE PLACID — Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts presents Loves Labours Lost

12th annual Upper Hudson Bluegrass Festival Starts Aug. 14

Wed., Aug. 5

LAKE PLACID — Young and Fun presents The Okie Dokie Brothers, at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 10:30 a.m. Describing themselves as “kids with beards,” this Minnesota duo remind children (and their adults) of their intrinsic ability to discover, imagine, and create through music. With witty lyrics, off-the-wall humor, strong musicianship, and a unique folk/bluegrass style, prepare for a hoe-down in the heart of the Adirondacks. They are winners of the Grammy Award for Outstanding Children’s Music. The cost is free! For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Thurs., Aug. 6

LAKE PLACID — The TBT Movie will be The Wizard of Oz held at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 10:30 a.m. Follow the yellow brick road again! Young Dorothy lives on a farm in Kansas where a large tornado picks her house, and her dog up and

deposits them in the land of Oz. Things in Oz are strange and beautiful, but Dorothy just wants to get back home. She’s helped by the Good Fairy of the North, but she’s also in trouble with the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge for the death of the Wicked Witch of the East, for which she blames Dorothy. While searching her way home she meets a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tin Man who needs a heart, and a cowardly lion who needs courage. The cost is $2. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

mischief and become “good pirates” cooperating and carousing together. The cost is free! For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE PLACID — Metropolitan Encores Live in HD Summer Encore presents The Merry Widow at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. Susan Graham stars as the beguiling woman who captivates all Paris in Lehár’s enchanting operetta, seen in a new staging by Broadway virtuoso director and choreographer Susan Stroman (The Producers, Oklahoma!, Contact). Stroman and her design team of Julian Crouch (Satyagraha, The Enchanted Island) and William Ivey Long (Cinderella, Grey Gardens, Hairspray) have created an art-nouveau setting that climaxes with singing and dancing grisettes at the legendary Maxim’s.

The cost is $15 and $5 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

WESTPORT — Essex County Fair – August 12-16, 2015. For daily schedule and ticket information visit essexcountyfair.org

Thurs., Aug. 13

LAKE PLACID — Metropolitan Encores Live in HD Summer Encore: La Fille du Regiment will be held at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. Laurent Pelly’s hilarious production stars Natalie Dessay as the tomboy Marie, who has been brought up as the ‘daughter of the regiment,’ and Juan Diego Flórez as the young man in love with her. Dazzling coloratura, including Flórez’s nine high Cs in his act-one aria, meets perfect comic timing. Legendary actress Marian Seldes makes a special appearance as the Duchess of Krakenthorp and Marco Armiliato conducts. The cost is $15 and $5 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Sat., Aug. 8

LAKE PLACID — The TBT Movie at the Lake Placid Center of the Arts presents Happy Feet at 10:30 a.m. When Mumble is born into a colony of Emperor penguins, he finds himself unable to be accepted by all other penguins, lacking the ability to sing a heartsong - a mating song which all penguins can perform from an early age. He does however have a talent for tap dance which is derided by his peers and scorned by the penguin elders as displeasing to their deity. Mumble’s gift of dance is blamed for the possible cause of their food shortage, which is in reality caused by nearby trawlers depleting local fish stocks.

After being virtually outcast by his colony he goes in search of the humans in an attempt to reason and communicate with them. The cost is $2. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

BOLTON — Sagamore’s annual Benefit for Historic Preservation: Great Camp Sagamore’s Benefit for Historic Preservation is happening. Ticket price is per person and includes drinks and a catered dinner. Business and individual sponsorships for the benefit are available and include recognition on the invitation, in press releases, and Sagamore’s Benefit Program. Entertainment, live and silent auctions at our beautiful setting help make this an unforgettable evening supporting our mission to steward Great Camp Sagamore for education and interpretation! Contact Sagamore for more information at info@greatcampsagamore. org or 315-354-4439.

Fri., Aug. 14 - Sun., Aug. 16

Wed., Aug. 12

LAKE PLACID — Young and Fun presents Pirate School, at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 10:30 a.m. Set sail with a swashbuckling variety show for the whole family.

Laugh, eat and sing like boisterous buccaneers. Kids will learn the finer points of

Arts & Entertainment

PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh Brewfest on the Beach. Plattsburgh City Beach, Exit 39, off I-87. 2:00pm - 6:00pm

at 7 p.m. Love and desire face off against logic and reason as a group of determined high school boys swear off the distraction and temptation of the opposite sex. That is, until they realize that the Princess and her court have just moved into town in this innovative 60 minute adaptation of the classic Shakespearean comedy. The cost is free!

For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

ists, craftsmen, local farmers, shops and organizations set up along Main Street and Essex Town Hall lawn. The “Essex Initiatives” Events Committee is seeking people who want to participate in this year’s festivities.

NORTH CREEK — The 12th annual Upper Hudson Bluegrass Festival takes place Ski Bowl Park. The performers include Zink & Company, Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters, Katahdin Valley Boys, Michelle Canning & Rough Edges, Atkinson Family and Seth

157

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Sawyer Band. The performers for Friday and Sunday will be Tony Holt & the Wildwood Valley Boys. The performers for Saturday and Sunday include Dave Nichols & Spare Change, Smokey Greene, Cedar Ridge and Beartracks. The Sunday performer will be Gospel Singers of Mary & Mike Robinson at 9 a.m. The weekend ticket advanced purchase is $50 and at the gate $60, Friday $25, Saturday, $30, Sunday, $15, and nights after 5 p.m., $15 for kids under 15 is free with parent! For advance weekend tickets send check with SASE to Upper Hudson Festivals Inc P.O. Box 276 North Creek, NY 12853 or email tickets@upperhudsonbluegrassfestival. com or see Rusty Leigh at a festival! There will be a free concert Thursday night!

There is free camper parking with weekend ticket. Food and craft vendors will be onsite. Sound is by Green Mountain Music Pete ‘N’ Cora Bolster and MC is Don Sprague. For more information go to wupperhudsonbluegrassfestival.com.

Sat., Aug. 15

LAKE PLACID — The Guy Lombardo Royal Canadian Orchestra will perform at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 8 p.m.

Founded in 1919, Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians is the longest running dance orchestra in the world with over 500 hit songs to its credit, more than any other orchestra in the world. Since Lombardo’s first television show in 1954, this orchestra has played for more than 1.5 billion viewers, making a New Year’s tradition out of the Scottish ballad “Auld Lang Syne.”

The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

PLATTSBURGH — Adirondack Coast Summer Wine Tour Weekend. Wineries all along the Adirondack Coast. 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Join in this wine tasting and vineyard touring weekend. For more info visit: http:// www.goadirondack.com

NEWCOMB — Robert Dubay Memorial Golf Tournament is being held at the High Peaks Golf Course. Price includes 18 holes,cart and lunch. Prizes will be awarded! For more information call 582-2300.

Thurs., Aug. 20

LAKE PLACID — The TBT Movie presents Mary Poppins at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 10:30 a.m. Mary Poppins is simply sweet, like a spoonful of sugar.

Set in 1910 England, young troublemakers Jane and Michael Banks have duped their way through so many nannies! However, when Mary Poppins suddenly arrives at their door, the Banks family learns through magic and wonder how to value each other again. The cost is $2. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

158

LAKE PLACID — Metropolitan Encores Live in HD Summer Encore presents Aida, at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 7 p.m. This is Grand opera at its grandest, the splendors of ancient Egypt return to the stage of the Met. Verdi’s mythic love

triangle features rising Ukranian soprano Oksana Dyka in the title role, opposite Violeta Urmana as Amneris and Marco Berti as Radamès. Plácido Domingo conducts.

The cost is $15 and $5 for students. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Fri., Aug. 21

LAKE PLACID — There will be a Gallery Opening for Anne Diggory and Patrick McPhee at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a free event.

For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

LAKE PLACID — Gary the Great will be at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Gary presented his first trick for kindergarten show-and-tell – and still uses that trick to this day! Since then, he has performed magic for Nickelodeon, The Broadway Comedy Club, TADA Theatre and for America’s Got Talent and is currently the resident magician for Brooklyn Public Library, Broadhollow Theater, New York Kids Club among others. Don’s miss this one-night-only event, you never know what trick he has up his sleeve! Tickets are $15 and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Fri., Aug. 21 - Sept., 6

WESTPORT — Depot Theatre’s 2015.

SAVIN’ UP FOR SATURDAY NIGHT: THE HONKY-TONK MUSICAL. By Jeff Goode and Richard Levinson. Sponsored by Emmet Carter Green Design.

Y’all know lovin’ ain’t easy in a small town.

Two best friends fall for the same lady, while a spit-fire ex-wife kicks up her heels threatening the harmony of “The Ready Bar & Fill” the town’s one-stop honky-tonk and auto body shop. You’re in for an evening of showstoppers and toe-tappers, cat fights, and love quadrangles that keeps the joint jumpin’ till way past last call.

Sat., Aug. 22

MORIAH — The Moriah Fire Department will be holding a Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. A donation is being asked.

Sun., Aug. 23

LAKE PLACID — Martha Graham Dance Company will be performing at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. An American treasure, Martha Graham was a modern dance pioneer. The Martha Graham Dance Company continues her legacy and brings her stunning works to the stage. Described by The Washington Post as “one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe” and by The New York Times as “one of the great companies of the artistic universe” and by The New York Times as “one of the great companies of the world,” the Martha Graham Dance Company returns to Lake Placid for the first time in over twenty years. This is one performance you won’t want to miss! The cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Fri., Aug. 28 LAKE PLACID — The Second City performs at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, at 8 p.m. Legendary sketch comedy group Second City returns with their latest hysterical tour featuring some of the best sketches, songs and improvs. Many of comedy’s brightest stars have hit the road with The Second City Touring Company including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, and current Saturday Night Live stars Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant. The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, call 523-2512 or go to lakeplacidarts.org.

Sat., Aug. 29

NEWCOMB — The first annual Chamber Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Beautiful High Peaks Golf Course details at newcombny.com or discovernewcomb.com.

WARRENSBURG — The sixth annual CCE Golf Tournament and Silent Auction will be held at the Cronin Golf Resort. All proceeds from this benefit will be used to help financially support Cornell Cooperative Extension’s educational programs. Sign up early and save. If players prepay by Thursday, Aug. 20, and the cost is $85 per person. The cost per person on the day of the event is $90. They accept all major credit cards, cash or checks. Cost includes green fees, cart, chicken barbecue, goodie bag, awards and prizes. The tournament registration is at 9 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The tournament format is a four person scramble. Individual players are welcome and will be placed within a team. Preregistration for the tournament and barbecue is required by contacting Amy Sabattis at 623-3291 or 668-4881.

South) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Town of Lake Luzerne, Lake Luzerne Chamber of Commerce, Green Mountain Pug Rescue from Vermont, Parker’s Pooches in Hadley, Rockwell Falls Committee, Absolute Sounds, The Dog Cabin in Lake George and the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor Program are cohosting the event. The Day Out includes registration, costume contests and awards. Admission is free.

Further information and contest schedule contact Pam 696-7184 or pammorin@ frontiernet.net.

Sat., Nov. 21 & Sun., Nov. 22

NEWCOMB — Holiday Fair features locally made crafts and a special visit from Santa! All proceeds to benefit “Operation Santa Claus.”

Sat., Feb. 13 & Sun., Feb. 14

NEWCOMB — The second annual Winter Sports Festival includes skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and hiking with more details to follow! Visit newcombny.com or discovernewcomb.com for more information.

Want to see your events appear on nclmagazine.com or in our next issue?

Submit your events through our website www.nclmagazine.com/events/submit.html Some restrictions may apply.

Fri., Sept. 11 - Sun., Sept. 13

NEWCOMB — Teddy Roosevelt Weekend kicks off Friday Night. Activities will held thru out the entire “Town of Newcomb” Come see the historic reenactment of the Day Teddy Roosevelt became the President!

Mon., Sept. 12

NEWCOMB — The Newcomb Quilters Craft Fair will be held at the Newcomb Central School. For all details on this weekend go to newcombny.com or discovernewcomb.com.

Vol. 4 No.1

Farmers Market

ONLINE DIRECTORY

Sat., Sept. 26

BRANT LAKE — ATV Rides will be held at different times. They start at the Tin Tee Pee campground. They might also be sponsoring a Jeep Poker Run to benefit Toys for Tots. For information contact 573-4386.

Sun., Oct. 18

LAKE LUZERNE — The Town of Chester and the North Warren Chamber of Commerce have passed along the annual Halloween Pug Party and Parade to the Town of Lake Luzerne. This unique Day Out for Pugs and Family Affair will be held rain or shine at the Lake Luzerne Pavilion Park along Luzerne’s Adventure Row (9N

Scan this QR-Code for a full directory of Farmers Markets on nclmagazine.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 159

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

The Social Scene in Everything you need to know about what’s happening this summer in the North Country

Arts & Entertainment

Sun., June 14 - Sat., June 20

Scan this QR-Code for the latest events listed on nclmagazine.com

Sat., May 30 - Sun., Sept 13 (1) BURLINGTON — The forest comes alive in this in exciting exhibit created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, learn about the land and how to protect it by exploring this woodland habitat. From the Itsy Bitsy Spider Rain Garden to the Ranger’s Station and Woodsy’s Puppet Tree, forest stewardship is in focus along with fun adventures. Don’t miss the Burlington Fire Department, who will be on site with an engine every other Friday from 10 a.m. – noon, for more information http://www.echovermont.org.

RUTLAND — National Railway Historical Society’s 2015 Convention, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vermont Railway System, the Saratoga & North Creek Railroad, and timeless New England charm headline the National Railway Historical Society’s 2015 convention, The convention will feature seven days of rare train rides, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities and historic tours, followed by a public rail excursion on June 21, For tickets and information please call 215-557-6606 or go to nrhs.com.

Sun., June 14 - Sun., Aug. 16

RUTLAND — Rutland City Band Concert in Main Street Park, Every Sunday from June 14 through Aug. 16, Call 802-7731822 or visit online: rutlandrec.com

Sun., June 14 - Tues., Aug. 4

SHELBURNE — Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green: Higher Ground at the Shelburne Museum, U.S. Route 7. Tickets and details: 802-985-3346

• Sunday, June 14 - David Gray and Rachel Yamagata, Doors: 6 p.m./Show: 7 p.m.

• Monday, June 29 - Higher Ground Presents: Gary Clark Jr. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Doors: 5:30 p.m./ Show: 6:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 25 - Higher Ground Presents: Old Crow Medicine Show, Doors: 5:30 p.m./Show: 5:30 p.m.

• Thursday, July 30 - Higher Ground Presents: The Decemberists. Doors: 6 p.m./Show: 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Aug. 1 Higher Ground Presents: The Avett Brothers Doors: 6 p.m./ Show: 7 p.m.

Vermont Parking is limited at the venue, so please carpool. Rain or shine. No glass, pets, alcohol (beer & wine will be served inside the concert), tall folding chairs (anything a basketball can fit under), or large golf umbrellas. Large coolers are discouraged.

All dates, acts, and ticket prices subject to change without notice.

• Thursday, July 2 - MANCHESTER —TD Bank Summer festival Tour. Manchester. Gates open 5 p.m. for picnicking.

Concert 7:30 p.m., Riley Rink at Hunter Park in Manchester.

BURLINGTON — Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball, The Vermont Lake Monsters are entering their 22nd season as Vermont’s professional baseball organization. The Single A Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, the Lake Monsters offer fun, affordable family entertainment at every one of their home games at Centennial Field. Come on out to the ballpark for a variety of entertainment, laughs, memories and baseball.

To Buy Tickets or for more information visit online: vermontlakemonsters.com

• Saturday, July 4—Independence Day - SHELBURNE — TD Bank Summer Festival Tour.Gates open at 5:15 p.m.

Concert at 7:30 p.m., Shelburne Farms in Shelburne.

Fri., June 19 - Fri., Sept. 4

Sat., June 27

BURLINGTON — Showtime at Battery Park: First Annual Talent Contest & Summer Festival, Sara Holbrook Community Center invites you to a summer festival featuring a youth talent show, local & international craft and food vendors, children’s outdoor games with prizes, facepainting, bouncy house, and much more!

Event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated and benefit the Center’s children’s programs. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Friday, July 3 - GRAFTON — TD Bank Summer festival Tour. Gates open 5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Concert 7:30 p.m., Grafton Ponds in Grafton

• Sunday, July 5 - STOWE — TD Bank Summer festival Tour. Gates at 5:30 p.m. Trapp Concert Meadow in Stowe.

• Thursday, July 9 - POMFRET —TD Bank Summer Festival Tour. Gates open 5 p.m. for picnicking. Concert 7:30 p.m. at Suicide Six Ski Area in South Pomfret.

• Friday, July 10 - LUDLOW — TD Bank Summer Festival Tour. Gates open 5:30 p.m. for picnicking. Concert 7:30 p.m. at Okemo Mountain Resort, Jackson Gore Inn in Ludlow.

Wed., July 1 - Sat., July 11 Vermont Symphony Orchestra Summer Festival Tour 2015: • Wednesday, July 1 CHITTENDEN — TD Bank Summer festival Tour in Chittenden. Gates open 5:30 p.m. for picnicking I Concert at 7:30, Mountain Top Inn, Chittenden.

Rattling Brook Bluegrass Festival June 21

Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball Starting June 19.

160

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Summer Festival Tour Starting July 1

Sun., June 21 BELVEDERE CENTER — Rattling Brook Bluegrass Festival, Belvidere Center, the longest-running musical events in Vermont including the Reunion Band, Bob Amos & Catamount Crossing, Big Spike Bluegrass, Cardigan Mountain Tradition, the Woedoggies and the Modern Grass Quintet.

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 161

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Independence Day fireworks start July 3 Various celebrations throughout the region.

Fri., July 3

Sat., July 4

Sun., July 5- Sat., July 11

Fri., July 10 - Sun., July 12

BURLINGTON — Burlington Fireworks Train, Charlotte Passenger Station Park & Ride. Avoid the back-ups and parking hassles by taking the train right to the Burlington waterfront for the Independence Day fireworks! Trains running between Charlotte and Burlington with stops in Shelburne and South Burlington.

Trains depart Charlotte at 5:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.. Return train departs Burlington at 10:30 p.m. For more information ,please visit online: www.rails-vt. com/burlington-fireworks-ride

PLYMOUTH NOTCH — President Calvin Coolidge Birthday Celebration. Commemorate the birthday of the only U.S. President born on Independence Day! Parade (at noon) from the village green to the cemetery, where a wreath from the White House is placed at the President’s gravesite. Return to village for chicken BBQ, wagon rides, craft demonstrations, a reading of Coolidge’s autobiography in the church. President Calvin Coolidge Birthday Celebration Call 802-672-3773 for time and directions.

MIDDLEBURY — 37th Annual Middlebury Summer Festival on-the-Green at the Middlebury Recreation Park for free, family-friendly programs at noon, and musical performances, 7-10 p.m, MondayFriday; Opening act on Sunday evening, “Brown Bag,” Vermont Jazz Ensemble Dance on Saturday evening. Events held rain or shine.

STOWE — 29th Annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival. Over 25 hot air balloons will soar over this family-friendly event; enjoy vendors, children’s activities, music and the beer/wine garden, and create memories to last as you watch the balloons up close and take off to fill the sky.

Two sunrise and two twilight launches.

Call 1-800-253-2232 for times and directions.

Vermont Brewers Festival July 17 & 18

BRANDON — Parade, BBQ, and Fireworks! Celebration starts at 1 p.m., at the intersection of Park, High and Marble Streets, down Park Street, through downtown, past our historic Town Hall, through Conant Square, and ends at Brandon Lumber (on Route 7, just about half-mile north of the Brandon Inn). Music and activities will take place at the Park Village (the old Brandon Training School) starting at 5 p.m., Fireworks at dusk. For more information contact Debbie Boyce at 802-345-0056 or email BIDCC@yahoo.com.

KILLINGTON — July 4 Celebration and Fireman’s BBQ, The day kicks off with a parade beginning at 10 a.m. from the Killington Events Hall down River Road to Johnson’s Rec. Center, Fireman’s BBQ and pool opening begins at 11 am. Spend the afternoon competing in field games and belly flop contests, music begins at 7 p.m. and a spectacular Fireworks Display begins at 9:30 p.m., For more information call 802-422-3241.

Fri., July 10 & Sat., July 11

SOUTH HERO — 53rd Islands Antique Show and Sale, Folsom Educational and Community Center, 75 South Street, 20 Dealers with a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, Friday, July 10th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $3 donation for admission, Event benefits C.I.D.E.R. programs serving Grand Isle County elders and persons with disabilities, For more information call 802-372-6425 or cidervt@sover.net.

Fri., July 17 - Sat., July 18

BURLINGTON — While the waterfront is abuzz with the Vermont Brewers Festival, be sure to visit ECHO for sweet deals and a different type of brew, suitable for all ages! Ticket holders for the Vermont Brewers Festival will receive $2 off their ECHO admission during the fest! We will also have tasty treats for an added fee enjoy root beer floats and samples of delicious locally-made soft drinks, served up in commemorative ECHO color-changing cups. Starts at 10:00 a.m. For more information http://www.echovermont.org.

Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival Starts July 25

162

Sat., July 25 - Sun., Aug. 9

DEERFIELD VALLEY — Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival in the Jacksonville, Whitingham, Wilmington, Dover, Wardsboro, Readsboro area. Ten days of fun for all ages: block parties, blue-eyed contests, blue cocktails, a Blueberry Parade, blueberry culinary experiences, blueberry bingo, pajama parties in the blueberry field, a Blueberry Ball, blue dot specials, blue inspired craft options, the Deja Blue Car Show, blueberry pie eating contest, and a Blueberry Quest.

Call 802-464-8092 for all details.

Vol. 4 No.1

ONLINE DIRECTORY

Scan this QR-Code for a full directory of Farmers Markets on nclmagazine.com

Tues., Aug. 4 - Sat., Aug. 8

NEW HAVEN — Addison County Fair and Field Days, Vermont’s largest agricultural fair, Children’s barnyard, cattle judging, tractor pulls, kiddie rides, crafts, exhibits, live entertainment, pony and ox pulling, midway, parade, youth activities, and Vermont products dinner, For more information: www.addisoncountyfielddays.com Please, no dogs allowed on the fair grounds.

Addison County Fair and Field Days Starts Aug. 4

Fri., Aug. 7 - Sun., Aug. 9 LUDLOW — Hops in the Hills Beer & Wine Festival at Okemo Mountain Resort.

Sample over 50 craft beers, over a dozen hard ciders and over 20 wines Live music, local food and goods from neighborhood crafters. Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs.

802-228-1600.

Hops in the Hills Beer & Wine Festival Starting Aug. 7

Sat., Aug. 8 WINDSOR — Harpoon Point to Point presented by National Life Group. A charity cycling event to benefit the Vermont Foodbank. Choose from 3 fully supported rides: 25, 50 or 100 miles. 802-674-5491

Fri., Aug. 28 & Sat., Aug. 29

Arts & Entertainment

Farmers Market

KILLINGTON — First Annual Vermont Jerkfest and Reggae Festival, This 2-day festival kicks off Friday July 31, 2015 with a Rum & Brew Tasting from 7-10 p.m. The food and reggae festival takes place on Saturday, Aug. 1, noon-7 p.m. For more information, please visit vtjerkfestival.com

SUMMER EvEntS 2015

Fri., July 31 - Sat., Aug. 1

VERGENNES — Vergennes Day, Music, food, races, a crafts fair, rubber duckie race and so much more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Activities will occur at various locations around the city. A free shuttle to selected venues will be provided by Bet-Cha Transit. For more information visit www.addisoncounty.com

163

164 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

ncliving@denpubs.com

nclmagazine.com

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 165

Missing ad

166

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

167

nclmagazine.com

67030 Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 168

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

169 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 4 No. 2

169

170

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

171

172

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

173

174

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

175

176

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

177

178

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

179

180

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

181

182

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015

Restaurant Section

183

184

Restaurant Section SUMMER 2015

SUPER

Summertime OutDOOr

SCAVeNGer HuNt

&

“I’m Bored”…”There’s nothing to do!” Are you hearing those words all too often? Are your kids missing this beautiful summer playing video games? Take a break from all that drama and go out and enjoy a family scavenger hunt.

You can create a scavenger hunt around any activity: Shopping, waiting in line, traveling, even at a family gathering. Just tailor your list of items appropriately.

Today let’s explore a hiking/nature scavenger hunt. What a great way to engage the whole family no matter what their age. A scavenger hunt can be in your own backyard or on any of the spectacular hiking trails in our region, just remember to always respect nature and your surroundings; practice the “leave no trace” rule.

All you need….

• A list of items to find. We have made a list for you or you can make a list for younger participants with items that are smaller and closer to their eye level.

• A bag to hold items as they are gathered. If you are in a public place you may want to skip the gathering part.

• A pencil or pen to mark the list when the item is located.

• A few ground rules… Such as creating teams, keeping voices low, and staying on the trail. Try to have the teams with all represented. way2 your younger 186 | North Country Livingages Magazine | Vol.That 4 No.

ones will not feel left out.

Optional ideas …

• You can have a list for going up the trail and one for coming down.

• Have a prize for the winner…maybe everyone goes for ice cream afterwards and the winner(s) order first.

For information about trails: The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council has a great downloadable brochure called Adirondack Great Walks and Day Hikes. Go to www.VisitAdirondacks.com Click on Hiking, then Family Hikes. The brochure offers a QR code so you can download it to your smart phone.

List of items: ❍ Acorn ❍ Maple Leaf (for

younger ones, a leaf with 3 points)

❍ Crow (younger-a bird that is black)

❍ Pinecone ❍ Tree with smooth bark ❍ Blue Jay (younger- a bird that is blue)

❍ Spider ❍ Gray Stone ❍ Fallen Tree Not to be out done, Vermont has a wealth ❍ Evergreen Tree of hiking info at www.vtstateparks.com. ❍ Y shaped branch Click on Hiking, then Family Hiking. There is a ❍ Oa k Leaf link to fees on the left to see if there are any ❍ An imal Tracks charges as well as a day use button and even ❍ Fly ing Bug a “pets” link. ❍ Moss ❍ Grass You are all set! Don’t forget to take lots of ❍ Squirrel photos! After all, these are “the good old ❍ Ant days”! ❍ Dandelion ncliving@denpubs.com

&

FUN

INDOOR

EDIBLE SLIME

You remember slime, that ooey, gooey, oozy handful of stuff that kept you busy for hours? Did you ever try to taste it? Yuck! Many recipes for slime are made with fabric softener or even borax! Here’s a recipe that is safe to ingest.

We all know that when children play they are going to put things in their mouths. It is all part of sensory learning. Many recipes for slime are made with fabric softener or even borax! Certainly not what we want our children putting in their mouths. Here’s a recipe that is safe for those little ones that put everything in their mouth.

You will need: ¼ cup of Chia seeds 2 cups water A sealable container 1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum* 2 16oz boxes Cornstarch 3-5 drops food coloring color of your choice Measure 1/4 cup chia seeds and 2 cups of water into a sealable container and store overnight in the fridge (12-24 hours). Stir occasionally. When the seeds are ready they will be very gelatinous.

Stir to break up any clumps, stir in 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum. It won’t completely mix in, add 3-5 drops of food coloring, stir. Next knead in a 16 oz box of cornstarch, this is a process but stay with it. It gets easier. If the slime is still sticky add more cornstarch, a tablespoon at a time, kneading it well. nclmagazine.com

Your slime is ready when you can “pour it from one hand to another and it is not sticking to your hands. As you play it may become less stretchy just wet your hands it will come right back.

Slime can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Check each time you play for any mold or bad odor, discard if either is found. We used a quart sized zipper bag. If the slime becomes dry and crumbly just add water a tablespoon at a time until the normal consistency has returned.

* Xanthan Gum is used to thicken foods. It can be found in larger grocery stores near the flour or in the gluten free section. We used Bob’s Red Mill.

Vol. 4 No. 2 |North Country Living Magazine | 187