Almanack Contributor Community News Reports

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Save the Date: This summer, Georgia O’Keeffe will sing and dance in Lake George! Nearby Faraway, the brand-new Georgia O’Keeffe musical, will premiere July 22-24 and July 29-31, 2022, at the Carriage House Theater at Fort William Henry in Lake George, NY. The intimate musical will feature music by local composer Catherine Reid, and book and lyrics by Neal Herr. On the centennial anniversary of O’Keeffe’s breakthrough summers in Lake George, this dramatic tour-de-force is bound to be the centerpiece of what Mayor Robert Blais calls an “O’Keeffe-Fest,” with related activities by art and historical groups celebrating the life and art of “America’s Favorite Painter.” Adirondack Institute’s production of Nearby Faraway is made possible with generous grants from both the Touba Family Foundation and Warren County Tourism/VisitLakeGeorge.com. More details, including a full press release, to follow as we inch closer to the premiere date.

Photo at top: Courtesy of Kate Austin-Avon.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Bolton uses woodchips to keep nitrates out of the lake

Read the full research report.

The results are in — and the Town of Bolton’s first-of-its-kind demonstration project using Adirondack woodchips to protect Lake George from algae-causing nitrate has proven successful.

A 27-month monitoring study conducted by the Lake George Association (LGA), Lake George Waterkeeper, and the Town of Bolton, with a grant from Lake Champlain Sea Grant, found that the town’s woodchip bioreactor removed 38% of nitrate from the wastewater that flowed through it during the project compared to zero removal of nitrate from the rest of the plant’s effluent stream. This is believed to be the world’s first use of a woodchip bioreactor at a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The bioreactor was funded in 2018 by a $50,000 grant from The FUND for Lake George (now the LGA).

“Over the past two years, our study demonstrated conclusively that the woodchip bioreactor is an effective, affordable and environmentally compatible nitrate-reduction tool for smaller municipal treatment plants like Bolton’s that were constructed decades ago, prior to the advent of denitrification technology,” said Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky, who conducted the study along with water quality scientist and LGA Science Advisor Dr. Jim Sutherland.

Watch a presentation about the project as part of the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Research Seminar Series.

Photo from Cat Mountain/Almanack archive

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Town of Wilmington and the Ausable River Association team up to offer live stream winter road conditions camera

The Ausable River Association (AsRA) and the Town of Wilmington are collaborating on a winter road conditions camera. The camera will offer a live stream of road conditions and can be viewed by town employees, residents, and visitors of the Ausable River watershed. The effort supports the Randy Preston Salt Reduction Act and AsRA’s Salt Use Reduction Initiative.

The camera builds upon existing salt reduction efforts in Wilmington. It will allow town road crews to monitor and respond to current road conditions and give the public access to the live stream 24/7.

It’s an important part of the town’s and AsRA’s efforts to maintain safe roads while reducing road salt usage and to keep road salt pollution out of our lakes, streams, and drinking water, according to Roy Holzer, Wilmington Town Supervisor.

“We hope to continue the legacy of Randy Preston and his wishes for the Wilmington community and the Adirondack Park,”Holzer said.

Wilmington Highway Superintendent, Lou Adragna, said he looks forward to using the new technology.

“The camera system will let us quickly assess snow, ice, and road conditions on Whiteface Memorial Highway,” Adragna said.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

The Sembrich’s 2022 Summer Festival: Reimagining the Classics set to begin in June, tickets on sale now

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The Sembrich has announced its 2022 Summer Festival Reimagining the Classics. The festival will explore reinvention – from transcriptions and arrangements of beloved classics, to rhapsodies and
variations on themes of popular composers. Some events will return to the intimacy of the historic Sembrich Studio and others will be held under a lakeside performance tent. Events will begin in June and run through early September. Tickets are now on sale for all events in the 2022 summer festival.

“We’re delighted to present another summer of music here on Lake George,” said Artistic Director Richard Wargo. “Reimagining the Classics will explore all manner of reinvention and present a variety of refreshing new takes on classical favorites. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to reimagine many aspects of life, including the way we present and experience music. This summer’s festival will incorporate the best of those bold reinventions, including the introduction of our new outdoor Promenade Series.”

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Rangers assist with welfare checks following severe flooding in Town of Hope, crack down on illegal camp in Warren County

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Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Hamilton County
Town of Hope
Flood Response: On Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m., Hamilton County requested Forest Ranger assistance with welfare checks after severe flooding in the town of Hope. Ranger Lt. Kerr and Rangers Scott, Perryman, and Nally responded with swiftwater gear. An ice jam blocking the Sacandaga River had broken, causing an increase in water downstream, flooding multiple homes. Rangers also responded to an incident involving a passenger vehicle in the river. A town employee had already helped remove the driver.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Over 100 North Country families to receive free farm shares this summer

AdkAction is pleased to announce that more than 100 families in the North Country will be able to enroll in local community supported agriculture (CSA) vegetable subscriptions at no cost this year, thanks to crowdfunded support and a generous $25,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor.

“We set a goal to raise enough by the first day of spring for 100 families to participate,” said AdkAction Food Security Projects Manager Kim La Reau. “In just one week we exceeded our initial goal, and are now well on our way to serving 125 families through the program this year. The outpouring of support has been tremendous.”

The Fair Share CSA program was tested last summer, when AdkAction sponsored 23 families to participate in farm shares at White Rainbow Farm in Peru and Tangleroot Farm in Essex. The program provided fresh local produce to these households (75 individuals) for 20 weeks in the first season.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, Adirondack Land Trust, Eagle Island, Inc. welcome new hires

Three Adirondack-area nonprofit organizations including The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, Adirondack Land Trust, and Eagle Island, Inc. welcomed new staff members during the month of February.

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation expands their team:

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is pleased to welcome two new members to its staff – Susan Harry as its Philanthropy Director, and Jay Locke as its Finance and Operations Director. Since becoming a nonprofit organization in 2017, the Adirondack Loon Center has experienced steady growth and expanded its loon conservation and educational programs across the Park.

“We are very excited to have Susan and Jay join our team, as they greatly increase our capacity to do more for Adirondack loons,” said Dr. Nina Schoch, Executive Director of the Center. “They bring a wide depth of experience and knowledge that will significantly enhance our loon research and conservation projects in the Adirondacks.”

Susan has worked professionally and as a volunteer for many wildlife conservation organizations. She is passionate about protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy. Susan raised awareness and support for the Kenyan Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s conservation efforts to protect the African Black Rhino, which led to Susan receiving the 2010 Anna Merz Honorary Award.

Her wide experience in fundraising and grant management will greatly expand the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation’s capacity for sustaining its Adirondack loon conservation and research programs. When Susan is not with loons on the water, she enjoys exploring the Adirondacks by hiking with her golden retrievers, cross-country skiing, and snow-shoeing.

Jay brings a broad background in data management, grant administration, and fundraising to the Loon Center. He previously worked with the Open Society Foundations in NYC, where he provided funding and technical advice on impact evaluation and data management to not-for-profit organizations across the world. Prior to OSF, he supported data analysis projects for the United Nations Development Program in Eswatini, served in the Peace Corps in Kenya as a community economic development advisor, and worked in internal audit for a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta. Jay is a licensed CPA and wildlife rehabilitator, and enjoys birdwatching, identifying lichens, and playing guitar.

Jay and Susan are excited to apply their professional expertise and passion for wildlife conservation in their new roles at the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that conducts scientific research and engaging educational programming to promote and inspire passion for the conservation of Common Loons in and beyond New York’s Adirondack Park. To learn more about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation visit www.adkloon.org or www.facebook.com/adkloon, or contact the Center at info@adkloon.org or (518) 354-8636.

Monday, February 21, 2022

2022 Adirondack Snowshoe Fest set for Feb. 25-27 in Saranac Lake

After hosting the World Snowshoe Championships in 2017, Saranac Lake officials were inspired to keep the joy of that international experience alive by creating and hosting a new snowshoe-themed weekend called the Adirondack Snowshoe Fest set for Friday – Sunday, February 25-27. Participants will have the opportunity to snowshoe at the Dewey Mountain Recreation Center and the Paul Smith’s College VIC . These two venues cater to the outdoor recreational sport and offer varied, uniquely Adirondack experiences. Dewey Mountain trails twist and turn up the gentle slopes of the mountain, which is a short drive from downtown while the VIC allows explorers to enjoy the extensive trail network comprised of wide, well-marked paths that skirt ponds, dip through open forest, and cross wetlands on boardwalks. Both venues will be offering a variety of snowshoe-related activities and experiences, as well as other winter outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

This festival is ideal for those new to snowshoeing as well as those who are advanced in the sport, and will consist of both adult and youth 5, 10 and 15k races. Folks who wish to take part in this year’s festival can register online at the link here: https://www.eventbee.com/v/adk-snowshoe-fest-2022#/tickets. Guests will also have an opportunity to take part in a slew of other fun winter activities including a Children’s Snowshoe Scavenger Hunt & Icicle Obstacle Course, a Snowshoe Disk Golf Tournament, an axe throwing demo, winter fat tire bike demos, local music, beverages and grub, and much more.

Monday, February 21, 2022

Two Adirondack-area arts organizations seeking new leadership roles

Two prominent arts organizations located in the Adirondack region are seeking new leadership roles to round out their creative teams. View, the arts center in Old Forge, is currently seeking a new Executive Director following the recent announcement that Mark Salsbury, View President, intends to step down from his position by this summer. The Upper Jay Art Center is also accepting applications for the role of Artistic Director.

Mark Salsbury, President of View arts center in Old Forge has announced his departure from his role. Photo provided by Travis Kiefer.

View Center for Arts and Culture in Old Forge:

Mark Salsbury, the President of View, has announced that he will step down from his role by the Summer of 2022, following the strategic planning process that is currently underway. Salsbury and Kathy Ruscitto, View’s Board Chair, have jointly announced plans to begin the process of searching for his replacement. Following several years of retirement, Salsbury joined View in 2019 to help build a foundation for the future.

“It has always been my intention to build a strong foundation to prepare View for the next stage of our development, and the View team has stepped up to the challenge to make that happen,” noted Salsbury. “Our needs going forward are different than they were three years ago, and I look forward to helping transition a new leader in steering View forward to reach its full potential. According to Ruscitto, View’s Board of Directors will commence with a formal search for his replacement through a board-led search committee. A position description and requirements document has been prepared and will be posted on View’s website, and a recruitment firm will be engaged to conduct the search.

“The Board is grateful for Mark’s contributions and the solid foundation he has created for the next leader. We anticipate a wide search for someone with a balance of art management, business development, and community engagement skills. We appreciate the time Mark has given us to conduct a thoughtful search,” noted Ruscitto.

Ruscitto also indicated that progress regarding the search process will be communicated through various updates to its members and the community. “This position is a great opportunity for a passionate and community-minded leader to make a significant difference for View and the Old Forge community. View is an economic engine within our region, and we’re truly blessed to have such a beautiful, large, multi-purpose arts center in our own backyard.”

View is located at 3273 State Route 28 in Old Forge. To learn more about View visit ViewArts.org.

Sunday, February 20, 2022

Inlet to host 20th annual Frozen Fire and Lights event February 26

All are invited to bundle up and gather with family and friends to enjoy a day of fun winter activities during the 20th annual Frozen Fire and Lights celebration in the town of Inlet on Saturday, February 26. The free event serves as Inlet’s winter carnival, boasting an array of family-friendly activities that have proven to be crowd-pleasing ventures over the years including cardboard sled races, kite flying, face painting, a kids’ stuffed animal workshop, fireworks, and much more.

Guests are also encouraged to take advantage of Inlet’s all winter long specials including all-day free trail access for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, free access to Fern Park’s enclosed ice rink for ice skating and free access to the sledding hill located at Fern Park (situated at 11 Loomis Road in Inlet.) Folks are welcome to bring their own equipment or check out the skate, ski and snowshoe rentals available at Pedals & Petals in downtown Inlet.
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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Local Olympians compete with support from Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund

Nearly $33,000 awarded to athletes and organizations in the Olympic region

Three competitors at this year’s Winter Olympics received a boost from the Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund at Adirondack Foundation.

The Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund (UISF) was established by the Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Foundation, Ironman North America — now known as World Triathlon Corporation — and Adirondack Foundation. These local organizations have teamed up to help athletes from Lake Placid and the Olympic region achieve their sports dreams, and to help nonprofit organizations that foster and promote life-long sports and healthy lifestyles for local kids. The fund awarded nearly $33,000 in grants and scholarships this year.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Last chance to be part of this year’s Adirondack Journal of Environmental Studies

Call for Submissions

Volume 25, Adirondack Journal of Environmental Studies

The Adirondack Journal of Environmental Studies (AJES) is now accepting submissions for Volume 25. Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2022. Articles of a broad disciplinary scope will be accepted for review, including topics in natural and social sciences, arts and humanities related to the region or more general environmental issues. We welcome articles in the following categories: Scholarship, Student Work, Commentary, and a new section, Spotlight on Adirondack Archives.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Winter Wonderland Week 2022: Events slated for Long Lake and Raquette Lake Feb. 18-25

There is a little something for everyone during Winter Wonderland Week in Raquette Lake and Long Lake beginning on Friday, February 18 to Friday, February 25. The festive week kicks off with day one of Raquette Lake’s annual Winter Carnival and an 80’s-themed skate and pizza party in Long Lake on Friday, Feb. 18. Raquette Lake’s Winter Carnival is set for Feb. 18 -20 and will feature an evening concert with the Jamcrackers at the Raquette Lake Chapel, a ladies’ frying pan toss, games for kids, ice golf, a cross-cut and chainsaw competition, a bonfire and fireworks, and much more.

The fun continues all week long with a slew of community-centered activities including skating and sledding races, a cross-country ski tour, a trivia night, tubing at Oak Mountain, an hors d’oeuvres tour in Long Lake, and the return of Long Lake/Raquette Lake Winter Bingo.

The Long Lake Hors D’Oeuvres Tour is set to return on Friday, February 25. The event is sponsored by the Town of Long Lake Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department. Participants will take a free shuttle service to area restaurants to enjoy an evening out in which they will have the opportunity to sample specialty appetizers created specifically for the event and vote for the best appetizer at each location. Participating restaurants are: The Long View Lodge, The Adirondack Hotel, and The Long Lake Diner. Reservations remain open until Monday, February 21. Those interested are encouraged to register for the event early as seats will be limited to 60 guests. Registration can be done online here: https://mylonglake.com/tour/. Call (518) 624-3077 for more information.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Robert Rogers and his Rangers return to Fort Ticonderoga

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Robert Rogers and his Rangers return to Fort Ticonderoga Saturday, February 26, 2022 through the dramatic 1759 Battle on Snowshoes reenactment from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Battle on Snowshoes event vividly recreates the final winter battle between a scout of Mohawk warriors, British Regulars, and Rogers’ Rangers, versus the French garrison of soldiers, Canadians and Native American warriors at Fort Ticonderoga on March 7, 1759. This event is designed to be a rich experience for guests of all ages as they explore the final Battle on Snowshoes within the year 1759.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

2022 marks Adirondack Foundation’s 25th anniversary

The Adirondack Foundation’s President & CEO, Cali Brooks, shared the following message to the foundation’s supporters, partners and friends as foundation staff celebrate their 25th anniversary this year.

“2022 marks The Adirondack Foundation’s 25th anniversary,” Brooks said. “As we celebrate and reflect on a quarter century of enhancing the lives of people in the Adirondacks through philanthropy, we are thankful for all of you – our supporters, partners, and grantees who have helped to make our work possible. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this milestone throughout the year. Stay tuned for more and be sure to hold Friday, August 12th for our summer celebration of community at Heaven Hill Farm in Lake Placid. As we look back, we also look ahead to our next 25 years of working toward our vision for a thriving Adirondacks – one where communities are strong, just, and inclusive; family wellbeing is supported through quality healthcare and education; economic vitality is supported through workforce training and entrepreneurship; nature is protected and cared for; and arts and cultural opportunities are available to all. How can we set the stage for this next chapter in our history?

By working alongside our amazing partners to drive equitable prosperity in communities where our neighbors live, work, and raise their families. By constantly adapting to the evolving needs and opportunities of the region we serve. By being nimble and innovative day in and day out to ensure families have the tools and resources they need to overcome income, housing, and other barriers. And by bridging our knowledge, networks, and experience with the generosity of our neighbors to amplify community needs and accelerate change. As your community foundation, we play a unique role across the region. We hope you will join us in setting the stage for the years ahead.”