Almanack Contributor Community News Reports

The Adirondack region has long been known as a wonderful, wild vacation retreat and the inspiration for numerous artists, writers, and musicians. The plein air painters who come and take part in this event know that very well, which is what attracts them from all over the country. The Adirondacks is the largest protected area east of the Mississippi, yet it’s still within a day’s drive of most of the major cities of the Northeast. There are mountains, lakes, rivers, bogs, forests, farms, and small communities — a full variety of subject matter for artists.

Held annually the 3rd week in August, the 14th annual Adirondack Plein Air Festival will take place from August 14-19. A total of fifty juried artists have four-and-a-half days to paint outdoors in the scenic wonders of the Saranac Lake area. Spectators are encouraged to check out the creative process while enjoying the classic Adirondack surroundings.

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Local teens create their own original production of ‘Treasure Island’

1 Comment

KEENE VALLEY, NY– The Book & Blanket Players, sponsored by East Branch Friends of the Arts (EBFA), has been producing youth musicals-in-a-week summer theatre for 13 years in Keene Valley. This year the theatrical adventure continues with an original musical written by two high school students, Cooper Halloran, Olivia Marocco and Book & Blanket Players producer/director Kathleen Recchia.

The creative team has been meeting by Zoom once a week since October 2022 to develop this original musical. They began by going to the Robert Louis Stevenson source and reading the original novel. Then through lots of discussion and writing sessions between the two students in addition to the Zoom sessions all together their own plot and characters unfolded. When asked about the experience now that they have finished, Cooper, in keeping with the humor that he injected into the script answered “if you don’t like something that’s Olivia’s and Kathy’s, if you do like something, it’s mine.” While Olivia said, “It was a great experience. We learned a lot.” Recchia too learned along with the students and added, “We have our own plot twists, female protagonists and music! And are excited to share the full production with our friends, family and supporters.”

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Lake Placid Sinfonietta kicks off 2023 season with a free concert

Get ready to be captivated as the Lake Placid Sinfonietta launches its highly 2023 season, “Magic in the Mountains” with the first of its’ enchanting Park Series Concerts on Thursday, July 6, at 7 PM. Brace yourself for music at its finest, with an unparalleled view of Mirror Lake while you listen. Seating is limited, so make sure to bring your own cozy blankets or camp chairs to lounge on as you immerse yourself in the music. These are concerts for the whole family and children of all ages are welcome to join in the musical wonderland!

This six-concert series will continue on the next five following Wednesday evenings. Each concert will begin at 7 and last approximately one hour, leaving you with an evening full of possibilities. Many concertgoers relish the opportunity to relish a picnic during the performance, and as the final note fade away, you’ll find an array of exquisite restaurants within walking distance, awaiting your arrival. All of these concerts are free of charge to attend, but donations are always appreciated. A nightly raffle of goods donated by area merchants will also be held in support of the orchestra.

Monday, July 3, 2023

Summer Series: Conversations on Equity and Justice

1 Comment

NINE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT EQUITY AND JUSTICE

3pm Thursdays in July and August in the Memorial Field at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, 115 John Brown Way, Lake Placid

FACILITATORS
July 6: Dr. Shenell Evans, Shawndel N. Fraser, MA
July 13: Pete Nelson
July 20: Jerilea Zempel
July 27: Mike Bishop
August 3: Kathy Bonavist, Yunga Webb
August 10: Ellen Bettmann, Dr. J.W. Wiley
August 17: Russ DeFonce
August 24: Melissa Lambert, M Ed
August 31: Jen Kretser, Dr. Martin Tyler

Monday, July 3, 2023

Morgan Duke Conservation Society receives grant to continue environmental protection efforts

Walden, NY – Morgan Duke Conservation Society was awarded a $5,789 matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund’s Park and Trail Partnership Grants program to get resources for volunteers so they can continue protect the environment at the Hudson River Special Management Area in Lake George Wild Forest in Lake Luzerne New York. The grant will help provide volunteers with safety orange uniform shirts, custom made patches for the shirts that will be designed and made from local business Adirondack Patch Co, community event pop up safety signs and a custom logo EZ-up tent for the community clean up events.

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Adirondack-area nonprofits announce comings and goings

Several Adirondack-area nonprofits, including Paul Smith’s College, Adirondack Foundation, Lake Champlain Sea Grant and the Watershed Alliance program, and Silver Bay YMCA recently welcomed new employees/board members, and announced noteworthy achievements within their establishments. Please see below for details.

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Adirondack Experience: Artists & Inspiration in the Wild exhibit opens today

Blue Mountain Lake, NY – Adirondack Experience (ADKX) will hold a grand opening celebration for “Artists & Inspiration in the Wild” on Sat., July 1. This permanent exhibit, which showcases an inclusive and wide-reaching interpretation of Adirondack art, is the most comprehensive showing of the museum’s art and design collections in its history. In celebration of the exhibition unveiling, the day will be filled with art-related activities and programming, including artist demonstrations, live music, live muralling and screen-printing.

Friday, June 30, 2023

ADK launches free naturalist programs at Cascade Welcome Center, Heart Lake

Starting July 1, ADK will resume its popular naturalist-led walks and programs in the Lake Placid area. This includes all-new interpretive walks at Cascade Welcome Center, which will be offered every Saturday at 1pm until mid-August. Walks will meet inside the Center and take approximately one hour. All are free, open to the public, and do not require advanced registration**.

Additionally, ADK will resume its popular summer naturalist series at the Heart Lake Program Center. Guests and visitors are welcome to explore the natural world of the Adirondacks through hands-on activities by attending one or all of the following programs:

Friday, June 30, 2023

First Firing and Open House at Craigardan – July 1st

Elizabethtown

3-8PM // FREE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE + BENEFIT

Join us for a summer’s day full of art, friends, music, food, and fire. Come with family and friends to explore the grounds, hang out by the campfire, picnic on the lawn, get your hands into some art-making, and be a part of the first firing of our new wood kiln. This is your new Craigardan!

Experience Craigardan’s new site, view current and future plans, + learn about summer programs and events.

This day celebrates our opening with the first firing of Craigardan’s new kiln, the hearth and heart of our new home. We’ll be firing the kiln all day, and inviting you to participate in a community-wide project. Stamp your name into a clay tile to be installed on the new campus and become a permanent part of something truly special.

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Westport’s Ledge Hill Studio presents an Art Explosion

Westport NY
Join us on Saturday, July 1st 2023 from 4pm -8pm at Ledge Hill Studio Downtown (6480 Main Street, Westport, NY 12993) for The Art Explosion! We will be revealing the latest mix of eclectic artwork from local artists such as… Ginger Lambert, Debra Kahler, Dennon Waluntrus and Robert Powell, Alison Weld and of course by LHSD owner, Carolyn ‘Polly’ Vanderhoof.

Live music will be featured by local band, Marie Marie and refreshments will be served.

Thursday, June 29, 2023

ADK Park: July 4 events on tap

Several Adirondack-area towns have announced an array of family-friendly festivities to celebrate the Fourth of July, ranging from craft fairs to concerts, kids’ games, guided history hikes, and much more. Please see a roundup of a few of these events below.

» Continue Reading.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Gail Huntley: Beyond the Beaten Path

History comes alive when you meet the people Gail Huntley writes about in her books. Explore the history of Long Lake through the eyes of people such as Jenny & John Scott, Mitchel Sabattis, Lysander Hall and Mary Ann Keller, Duke Austin and more.

Gail can be found at the Long Lake farm market with her books — including her latest pictured here — every Thursday and will be doing an event on August 22 at 5:30 at the Long Lake library with impersonators of many of the characters from books.

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Adirondack Watershed Institute is Seeking Landowners to Help Improve Local Rivers, Streams

5 Comments

AWI is Participating in the Regional Stream Wise Program

Paul Smiths, NY – The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is recruiting landowners with streamside property to participate in Stream Wise, a new voluntary program that promotes and recognizes good stream stewardship.

AWI received funding from the Lake Champlain Basin Program to serve as a local Stream Wise host organization for the region. In this role AWI works closely with landowners in the Saranac River watershed providing free stream assessments, resources, and technical assistance for property owners to help protect and restore healthy waterways.

“Healthy rivers and streams provide habitat for fish and wildlife, support clean water, offer protection against floods, and are a source of relaxation and recreation,” said Tom Collins, AWI’s education and outreach manager and Stream Wise coordinator. “Landowners who participate in Stream Wise get access to a variety of useful practices related to stream health including planting native vegetation and pollinator species, recommendations for invasive species management, creating buffers, and more.”

Monday, June 26, 2023

Live Like You’re on Vacation: Campaign looks to turn visitors into residents

3 Comments

Campaign aims to attract talent to Lake George, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation, launched a new marketing campaign aimed at attracting new talent to the region.

Live Like You’re On Vacation is a multi-faceted recruitment campaign geared toward tourists who already love visiting this region and professionals considering relocation. The campaign highlights the three regions – Saratoga, the Adirondacks, and Lake George – in an effort to showcase the variety of opportunities available to residents.

“When you live in the Saratoga, Adirondack, and Lake George region, you are truly living like you’re on vacation,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “From historic horse racing to millions of acres of protected forests to the Queen of American lakes, we have all of this – and much more – right in our backyard.”

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Inlet’s Sunsets by the Lake Summer Concert Series kicks off with Karen Savoca Duo on July 1

Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman, the internationally touring pair, will perform during Inlet’s “Sunsets by the Lake” Summer Concert Series on Saturday, July 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Arrowhead Lakefront. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a spectacular sunset. (Rain location Fern Park Pavilion.) Karen Savoca pours her heart into a song the way a great actor throws herself
into a role. Her songs draw you into a world of humor and compassion, shared with grace and ease, as though you’ve been invited to her table for supper.