Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Ballard Park to host free live music summer concert series

WESTPORT, NEW YORK—Ballard Park, in the center of historic Westport, New York on Lake Champlain, will again host a seven-week live music concert series. The concerts take place each Thursday at 7 PM, commencing July 7, and run until August 18. Concerts are free to all, with open seating on a grassy hillside overlooking the Pavilion and Lake Champlain, with the Green Mountains of Vermont beyond.
Food is available for purchase from DaCy Meadow Farms, a local farm-to-table purveyor. Picnicking is encouraged. Blankets or low chairs are recommended. A voluntary raffle at intermission raises funds and earns the winner an enjoyable prize.
All are invited to enjoy a beautiful, outdoor summer evening listening to some of the finest musicians in New England and the Adirondacks. For more information and updates, visit https://www.ballardparkny.org/concerts. Ballard Park is located at 6466 Main St (Rt 9N/22) Westport, NY 12993.

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Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Play ADK contracts with Phinney Design Group for first phase of museum project

SARANAC LAKE, NY — Play ADK has contracted with Phinney Design Group to begin phase one of its project to establish a children’s museum and family resource center in downtown Saranac Lake.
Phase one of the project will establish a scope of work and create a conceptual design and blueprints, which Play ADK hopes to reveal to the community in the fall of 2022. Phase one also includes acquiring permits and site assessments.
“We are thrilled to contract with Phinney Design Group,” said Deb Roddy, chair of Play ADK’s Board of Trustees. “This has been a long time coming, and it’s surreal to see them get to work on transforming our old warehouse into the Adirondack’s first children’s museum and family resource center.”

Sunday, July 10, 2022

John Brown Lives! Seeking Storytellers for Freedom Story Project

LAKE PLACID, NY— On June 29, AARP announced that John Brown Lives! (JBL!) has been selected to receive a 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant for its new initiative, “Freedom Story Project.” JBL! is seeking storytellers whose first stories will be released on a new website on August 20 during the first Adirondack Family Book Festival at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid, making these stories and all that follow easily accessible to all.

Freedom Story Project collects and broadcasts three- to five-minute audio stories and related photographs online, centering around themes of freedom and justice, human and civil rights, activism and engagement, at local, national and international levels. One of its goals is to inspire younger generations to tell their stories and connect to their communities and these issues, including through powerful personal narratives by elders who share their experiences.

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Saturday, July 9, 2022

Poem: Upon The North Wind

limekiln
Fresh breezes cross the light-dappled lake,
Clearing cobwebs and cicatrixes in its wake.
The old red Camp clock spins backward.
Zephyrs of air sweep old ghosts
Above the lapping waves to sweet release.
Soon, curlicues of cumulus clouds drift in,
Rolling across water like boats and angels.
A distant loon’s trailing trill heralds new rain.
All around, mountains reassure us, saying,
“Nothing changes in this place,
Except the generations.
Here, pines purify man’s pestilence,
Tall trees renew, protect, promise.
Here, you are linked to your origins, welcomed,
And made whole once more”
Nurturing forest spirits, forever wild,
Bear kind witness to the fragile dreams of men,
And here,upon the wings of the North Wind itself,
Hopes fly free.

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Creative Adirondacks: Photographer Mark Kurtz

mark kurtz

If you are searching for iconic images of the Adirondacks, particularly panoramic views of the Saranacs, you’ll do no better than those of fine art photographer Mark Kurtz.  Already successful with his magical, scenic views, Mark is deeply committed to his craft and to digging even deeper so as to create new and unique photographs. His studio gallery on Main Street,  Saranac Lake, New York, has the feel of a museum, with multiple rooms in the upstairs of an 1800’s building on Hogan’s Block of Main Street, filled with original film and digital photographs, cameras, proof sheets and memorabilia. 

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Little Women: The Broadway Musical

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 12 years in Keene Valley, usually at Keene Central School. This year the theatrical adventure continues with both performances at the Keene Valley Country Club (KVCC) in Keene Valley.

For the past two years, due to pandemic constraints, the Book & Blanket Players sought outdoor and alternative performance venues.

One of last year’s performances was at the KVCC, “a wonderfully ambient setting,”  according to producer/co-director Kathleen Recchia.
“The KVCC was such a welcoming and gracious host that the Players are happy to be holding both performances at this intimate venue for the Summer 2022 youth theatre program,” Recchia said.
“Little Women: The Broadway Musical” is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcottis, and is written by Allan Knee with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. It was first on Broadway in 2005 with Sutton Foster playing Jo March and Maureen McGovern as Marmie. It has since been produced in England and that production is currently streaming on Broadway HD.
This cast and crew are eager to bring their vision of this classic to life on Saturday, July 16 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 17 at 3 p.m. at The Keene Valley Country Club. The cast consists of fourteen students ranging in age from 8 to 18 years old. They will spend the week prior to the performances rehearsing at Keene Central School.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Lake Placid Sinfonietta: Free “American Patriot” concert set for July 6

In the first of six Wednesday night performances, all are welcome to celebrate the 4th of July holiday-week with the Sinfonietta’s “American Patriot” concert. This free concert will take place in the Paul White Memorial Shell in Mid’s Park in Lake Placid on July 6th, from 7 to 8 pm.

Enjoy inspiring music in a family-friendly atmosphere with a magnificent view of Mirror Lake. Seating is limited, so please feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and even a picnic dinner.

Mid’s Park is located at 2445 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY, 12946.

In case of rain, or temperatures below 65, the concert will be moved to the sanctuary of St. Agnes Church, located at 169 Hillcrest Ave, Lake Placid. Indoor concerts will begin at 7:15 pm. Concert dress ranges from business casual to just getting off the mountain. All concert-goers are welcome as they are.

Visit the link HERE for more information and the full summer schedule of performances.

Activities of the Lake Placid Sinfonietta are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Lake Placid Sinfonietta, Inc. also receives public support from the Town of North Elba, and the Village of Lake Placid, and from an Essex County Arts Council CAP grant funded by the Essex County Board of Supervisors. A current financial statement is available on request.

Photo at top: Adirondack Arts and Entertainment photo.


Monday, July 4, 2022

Essex Theatre Company Presents John Cariani’s Almost, Maine

What is it like to experience the wonder the northern lights from a remote section of the state of Maine near the Canadian border?

Essex Theatre Company in Essex, New York, will explore this in John Cariani’s romantic comedy, Almost, Maine, in a pay-what-you-can preview on Friday, July 8 at 7 pm, and then July 9, 15, and 16 at 7 pm and July 10 and 17 at 5 pm at the historic Masonic Lodge, located at 2756 Essex Road in Essex.

The author points out, “Almost, Maine takes place over a period of about ten minutes. Each scene starts at around 8:50 pm and ends a little after 9 pm on a Friday night in the middle of winter. The plot of each scene in Almost, Maine includes some sort of ‘magical moment’. These magical moments are all happening at exactly the same time – at 9 pm. The northern lights and the magical moments give rise to one another.”

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Monday, July 4, 2022

Poem: Ride With Me

Ride With Me
Ride with me,
South to North.
Highways are the arteries
Of America,
Pumping its heartblood.
Trains chug, trucks rule roads.
Metamorphosis,
As palms become pines,
“A”s become broader.
Sun becomes smokestacks,
Still,
We are all the same
In our deepest recesses,
Changed, but surviving still.
Natural beauty endures,
In this precious moment,
Transcending differences.
Seeing it again, after so long,
I am renewed,
And the journey continues,
Tiptoeing toward freedom, normalcy,
Tiptoeing,
One step, one mile, at a time.

Sunday, July 3, 2022

NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery July Exhibit Features Catherine Hartung and Damon Hartman

by Susan Whiteman 

NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery members Catherine Hartung and Damon Hartman are having a dual featured show during the month of July. The exhibit, “Turning Color,” opened on Friday, July 1 at 85 Main Street in Saranac Lake.

Catherine went to school for fine art, worked as a graphic artist, and currently creates distinctive, colorful paintings in acrylic and watercolor.  She has been a member of NorthWind since 2013.

Damon, who is a forester and woodturner, joined the gallery last year.  They were immediately drawn to one another’s work. When Catherine asked Damon if he’d like to have an exhibit with her, he immediately said yes and notes, “I think we are both connected to the forest.”

The feeling was mutual.

“I think that all of Damon’s wood working is another way the trees tell a story,” Catherine added. “That thought was behind my initial inspiration to collaborate with Damon. I felt like we were both telling the trees’ story.”

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Saturday, July 2, 2022

Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation to host children’s programs this summer

Saranac Lake, NY – The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation invites children ages 3-5 and their families to participate in Sunday afternoon programs to learn about loons through hands-on activities, games, crafts, and stories. 
 
These programs will be held from 2:00–2:30 p.m. each Sunday through August 14 at the Adirondack Loon Center, located at 75 Main Street in Saranac Lake, NY.
Topics include:
July 3 – How the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation Helps Loons
July 10 – What Loons Eat
July 17 – Loon Nesting
July 24 – How Loons Swim and Fly
July 31 – Loon Calls and Behaviors
August 14 – Threats to Loons and How We Can Help
The summer children’s programs are offered for free, thanks to support from the Stewart’s Foundation.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, as each presentation will be limited to 12 children.
To pre-register, email education@adkloon.org or call (518) 354-8636.

Thursday, June 30, 2022

“Find Waldo Local in Lake Placid!” summer activity set for July 1-31

The iconic children’s book character in the red-and-white-striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting twenty-five local businesses throughout the Lake Placid community this July. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2022, Find Waldo Local is a great summer vacation activity and a wonderful way to support local businesses, including, Where’s Waldo newcomers: Zack Nation, Curious Otter, and more.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Lake Placid!” stamp card, which contains the names of all the participating sites; with each Waldo they spot, they can get their card stamped or signed by the participating shop. To make things a little more challenging, there will be one slightly different Waldo hiding in The Bookstore Plus. Collecting store stamps or signatures at twenty or more businesses will entitle diligent seekers entry into a grand-prize drawing for Waldo books and paraphernalia.

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Monday, June 27, 2022

Shamanic Journey Workshop set for June 29 at the Old Forge Library

A Shamanic Journeying workshop will take place at the Old Forge Library, located at 220 Crosby Blvd., on Wednesday, June 29 at 3 p.m.
Doug Davis will lead participants on a journey of wisdom, healing and knowledge. Shamanic Journeying involves traveling within oneself. It is a process by which one shifts out of our ordinary way of thinking and into a more open and accepting way of communicating with our own inner wisdom.
The Shamanic Journey uses a different kind of meditation in which participants allow the sound of the drum to assist in visualizing and receiving images of nature, including animal messengers. The experience is enjoyable, and the drumming is peaceful and helps participants to focus on the “journey.”
 “I’ve been practicing Shamanic Journeying since 1995…so 27 years. A very knowledgeable friend introduced me to it…and it has given me a broader and more positive perspective about life,” said Davis about his history with the practice.
Davis also leads the popular Meditation with Trees workshops at the Old Forge Library several times a year. These workshops are scheduled monthly throughout the summer and fall of 2022. Interested parties are welcome to reference the library’s website for dates and times.
The Shamanic Journeying workshop is free for all to attend. Although walk-ins are welcome, registration is recommended. Call (315) 369-6008 or e-mail oldforge@midyork.org to register.
Photo at top provided by Beth Pashley of the Old Forge Library.

 


Monday, June 27, 2022

Old Forge Library to host “My Brush, My Adirondacks” exhibit by artist Ron Rakowski

“My Brush, My Adirondacks,” an exhibit by watercolor artist, Ron Rakowski, will be on display July 1 through July 30 at the Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Blvd. The exhibit will showcase a selection of Rakowski’s Adirondack-themed paintings.

As part of the townwide First Friday Art Walk, the exhibit’s opening reception will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, July 1. The reception is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.

Rakowski has lived in the Mohawk Valley and Adirondacks his entire life, and has been painting for over 30 years.

A mostly self-taught artist, Ron credits much of his skill to classes and workshops he has taken with watercolor artists such as Ralph Murray, Willard Sauter and Edward Cristianna. Rakowski said he favors watercolor because it’s simple and compact and “despite its simplicity you can get a great many complex effects with various techniques.”

He draws inspiration from natural scenes such as battered rocks, rushing water, gnarly trees and his favorite — snow.

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Sunday, June 26, 2022

Adirondack History Museum hosts Artist Talk/Open-Air Disco, July 3

ELIZABETHTOWN: Artist Randi Renate will be speaking about her current sculpture, “blue is the atmospheric refraction I see you through,” which is now on view outside the Adirondack History Museum. The sculpture is a large participatory installation open to the public since August 2021.

“Blue is the atmospheric refraction I see you through” is a sculptural encounter in which two viewers have similar yet distinct experiences of climbing twin spiraling staircases recessed into a larger dome. Its twin staircases require mirrored movement, activating mirror neurons. Shared movements trigger these neurons, which enhance human empathy. The passage culminates in an exposed meeting point that maintains a distanced perspective—from one another as well as from the surrounding landscape.

The event will begin with an outdoor artist talk moderated by the museum’s director Aurora McCaffrey starting at 5 pm on Sunday, July 3.

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