Posts Tagged ‘coronavirus’

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

COVID-19 related reopenings in the Adirondacks

Updated on 5/22

As we move closer to summer, many attractions that were closed last summer are looking ahead to reopening this year. Same goes with the many annual events that people have come to expect throughout the summer and fall months.

For example, The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. While they have been open, visitors have been limited to outdoor attractions such as the Wild Walk. The facility will close for maintenance in April and reopening in May. The museum will remain an outdoor experience through June and reopen on July 1.

“The summer is going to be chock-a-block full with outdoor activities, fishing experiences. We’ll have some surprises for people, but it will be another wonderful get-outside experience,” said Hillarie Logan-Dechene, deputy director. For now, the Wild Center will continue to use its ticket reservation system for people to schedule their visits in advance, and masks will still be required.
Here’s a look at what’s in store for some other attractions and events around the region.
We’ll be adding to this list as we go. Send announcements and updates to editor@adirondackalmanack.com.
ATTRACTIONS:

Read what Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge is planning this year when they reopen on June 18.

Great Escape Water Park/Lodge (Queensbury) https://www.sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com/  – The lazy river, Tak-It-Eesi-Creek & children’s activity pool, Tip-A-Kanu-Beach are now open Friday through Sunday. The remaining attractions in the indoor lodge opened up March 26, Monday through Friday from 9am to 9pm.

Great Escape Theme Park https://www.sixflags.com/greatescape – opened May 1

Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown http://www.adkhistorymuseum.org/ – opened on Memorial Day.

Adirondack Experience Museum in Blue Mountain Lake https://www.theadkx.org/the-adkx-and-covid-19/ – Summer 2021

Adirondack Lake Center for the Arts (Blue Mountain Lake) Opening on May 31 (Memorial day weekend)

View Arts Center (Old Forge) https://www.viewarts.org/ – Open Monday – Saturday 10am to 4pm and closed on Sundays.

Ausable Chasm (Port Kent) https://www.ausablechasm.com/ – Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.

Fulton County Historical Society and Museum http://fultoncountyhistoricalsociety.org/ – opening up June 2 – June 27, Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4pm. July 1 – Labor Day, Thursdays – Sundays, 12-4pm. ​

Clinton County Historical Association Museum (Plattsburgh) https://www.clintoncountyhistorical.org/ –  anticipated on opening June 20.

The Sembrich https://thesembrich.org/ – Summer 2021

Depot Theatre http://www.depottheatre.org/ – Live performances start July 2nd.

Ausable River Association https://www.ausableriver.org/ – Guided river tours now open.

Hancock House Museum https://www.ausableriver.org/ – Opening on June 2nd, from 10am to 4pm daily.

EVENTS:

Essex County Fair https://www.essexcountyfair.org/ – Will be held on Aug. 18-22, 2021.

90 Miler Canoe Race– Anticipated on being held on Sept. 10, 11 and 12 on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Pendragon Theatre (Saranac Lake)- Anticipated live shows outside starting in May.

Ironman (Lake Placid) https://www.ironman.com/im-lake-placid – Triathlon set for July 25; regular tickets sold out.

Adirondack Nationals Car Show– Sept. 9-11, 2021

Ticonderoga Triathlon Festival- June 19, 2021

CATS Northern Pathways Challenge www.champlainareatrails.com –beginning on June 5th, 2021

Ride for the River www.bikeadirondacks.com/events/ride-river –July 18th, 2021

Hancock House Program on Black Voting Rights – June 18th, 2021 at 7pm

EVENT CANCELLATIONS:

Adirondack Wine & Food Festival– Originally slated for June 26 and 27, 2021. Postponed until 2022.

 

Stay informed about news and information about the Adirondacks by signing up for the Almanack’s daily news digest: https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/sign-email-updates


Monday, April 20, 2020

NYS eases up on boat launch, marina restrictions

boat launch courtesy decAfter days of back and forth about the closure of privately owned boat launches and marina and what that means for state-owned facilities, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday an easing of restrictions that were put into effect last week.

In a news release sent over the weekend, Cuomo, in conjunction with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers will be allowed to open for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed. Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at these sites must be limited to take-out or delivery only, like anywhere else in the three states.

» Continue Reading.


Friday, April 17, 2020

Update on services in Long Lake area

Updates on Services available in Long Lake/Raquette Lake Area

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, April 16, 2020

NYS business leaders: Economic recovery will take more than 6 months

businessOnly a third of CEOs expect the New York State economy to return to pre-virus levels of revenue and employment within the next six months. That’s according to a special Upstate New York Business Leader COVID-19 Survey from Siena College Research Institute (SCRI), sponsored by the Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Similarly, while only five percent have not suffered due to the virus and 35 percent think that their business will recover within six months, a quarter say by the end of 2020 and 35 percent don’t think their business will return to pre-virus levels until 2021.

Among the other findings:

  • Majority of Upstate CEOs Say Return to Pre-Virus Economy Will Take Longer than 6 Months
  • By 57-35%, CEOs Say NYS Should Focus on Public Health NOT Relaxing Restrictions for May 1
  • Nearly 90% Downgrading 2020 Revenue & Profit Expectations; 40% Have Laid off Workers; 58% Cutting Back on Buying Equipment
  • 89% Say will be in Business a Year from Today; 61% Confident in Fed Response; 72% Plan on SBA Paycheck Program

Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Art of the Cure

cure craftsDuring the years Saranac Lake was a health resort, many TB patients filled their time by making arts and crafts. These activities furnished a crucial sense of purpose for people struggling with isolation and boredom.

Before antibiotics, there was no real cure for TB, so doctors and nurses helped patients fight the disease by supporting their immune systems in every possible way. They provided good nursing care, healthy food, rest, moderate exercise, and attention to mental health through occupational therapy. At the Trudeau Sanatorium Workshop, and later at the Study and Craft Guild in town, patients and community members learned jewelry making, basket weaving, painting, and much more.

This past spring, we opened an exhibit titled “The Art of the Cure,” presenting some of the beautiful arts and crafts that grew out of our local history. Thinking about the parallels with our present times, I ducked into the museum this week to pick out a story from the exhibit to share.

» Continue Reading.


Thursday, April 16, 2020

Gillibrand crafts legislation to help struggling farms

Soil Health on Market Farms workshopThis week, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced landmark legislation, The Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act, to provide economic relief for small farmers suffering from massive financial losses due to reduced demand and supply chain disruptions during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to information in a news release, farm bankruptcies are at an eight year high and net farm income has dropped by nearly half since 2013. The financial struggles of more than 30,000 New York farmers has only been exacerbated by the current crisis, which has devastated supply chains, as schools and restaurants have been forced to close. The Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act will alleviate debt, keep farms open, and fortify the nation’s food supply, providing direct relief to the nation’s most vulnerable farmers.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Coronavirus and this year’s maple season

The sugar-making season and the weeks thereafter are an extremely important selling period for local producers. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has seriously impacted, and may continue to impact, sales into and perhaps beyond the spring and summer seasons.

Many local maple syrup-producing farm-families take part in Maple Weekend, an annual event championed by the New York State Maple Producers Association (NYSMPA) and supported by Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Cornell Maple Program. Maple Weekend provides opportunities for interested individuals and families across the state to visit one or more of the state’s family-run maple sugaring operations to see, first-hand, how sugar maple trees are tapped and sap is collected and boiled into pure, delicious maple syrup.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Tele-Town Hall: Ask County Leaders

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is hosting a conversation with area county leaders at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 16. Hear updates and answers to questions regarding the response by North Country counties to COVID-19 and the impacts on our county governments.

Panelists will include:

Mark Henry, Chair, Clinton County Legislature
Donald Dabiew, Chair, Franklin County Legislature
Shaun Gilliland, Chair, Essex County Board of Supervisors
Bill Farber, Chair, Hamilton County Board of Supervisors

Register and ask your questions by visiting northcountrychamber.com


Monday, April 13, 2020

NYS closes boat launches, marinas, golf courses

LGA Lake Steward Monika LaPlante inspects a boat in 2010 at the Norowal MarinaAdditional clarification of the “NY PAUSE” definition of “non-essential” businesses has resulted in the shuttering of boat launches, marinas and golf courses across the state.

In an update on April 9, Empire State Development issued the following:

  • Parks and other open public spaces, except playgrounds and other areas of congregation where social distancing cannot be abided
  • However, golf courses are not essential
  • However, use of boat launches and marinas for recreational vessels is not considered essential

NYSDEC and State Parks, too

To limit the community spread of COVID-19, use of all DEC, Canal Corp., and State Parks-owned boat launches is temporarily suspended for recreational boaters.


Sunday, April 12, 2020

Lake George delays start of boat inspections

Lake George Park Commission has announced a delay the opening of the Mandatory Boat Inspection Program until June 1, a decision that has full support of the Lake George Association Board of Directors and members.

“At this time of year, we understand there is little risk of transporting and/or introducing viable invasive species to Lake George,” said Kristen Wilde, LGA Director of Education. “That fact doesn’t preclude boaters from ensuring they are following the state’s ‘Clean, Drained, Dry’ directives until the inspectors are present.”

“We want everyone to stay safe and stay healthy,” said LGA Executive Director Walt Lender. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Park Commission now and the inspectors later in the season.”

The Lake George Association is the oldest and most experienced lake protection organization in the country, whose members support water quality protection, water quality monitoring, education and lake-friendly living programs that benefit the watershed from Lake George Village to Ticonderoga.

All the money raised by the Lake George Association goes to projects and programs that benefit the Lake and the watershed, protecting Lake George water quality now and in the future.

For more information, call (518) 668-3558 or go to http://www.LakeGeorgeAssociation.org

File photo courtesy of Carl Heilman


Thursday, April 9, 2020

The healing power of music

musicIn an effort to fill up the silence of social distance, many of us are turning to the comfort of music. Some older Saranac Lakers can trace their love of music back to a kind lady who lived in a little brick house up on French Hill.

Pilar Gordon Benero was born in Cuba in the year 1900. Her father was a well respected physician from a prominent family in Havana. The last thing she must have imagined was that she would end up living out her life way up in the Adirondacks.

At the age of 25, Pilar came to Saranac Lake with her sister Isabel, who was suffering from tuberculosis. Here, she fell in love with Manolo Benero, a TB patient from Puerto Rico. Pilar and Manolo married, and unlike thousands of other Spanish speaking patients who came north for the cure, they settled in Saranac Lake. Manolo worked as the office manager at Troy Laundry and delivered for Meals on Wheels. They raised two boys, Manny and Joe, talented hockey players who graduated from Saranac Lake High School.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Tri-Lakes crafters mobilize around COVID-19 masks

gail brillWhile it can be easy to feel helpless when shut inside during the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of crafters in the Tri-lakes area of the Adirondacks have sprung into action, sewing and distributing cloth masks to essential workers around the area.

The project started with Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake and has quickly grown to include other “frontline” workers, said Gail Brill, who along with two other women, is helping to organize the project.

“I touched base with a friend who works at the hospital, asking what they need,” she said. They adapted a pattern for fabric masks to create one designed to fit over N-95 masks to extend their use.

From there, word spread and requests started coming in from other places. Brill said the group is currently working with places that care for and house vulnerable populations, such as Sunmount and Mercy Living Center in Tupper Lake, St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment Centers, and Will Rogers retirement community in Saranac Lake. 

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Indian Lake Services Update

Indian Lake logoThe Indian Lake Community Development Organization and Blue Mountain Center has created a list of available services within Indian Lake while the town controls the spread of COVID-19:

Community Bank NY State Route 28 – Service windows are available for deposits and withdrawals; keys are no longer required for night deposits. For more information call 648-5711. 6321  

Puterko’s Family Pizzeria 6420 NY State Route 30 – Offering delivery and take out Tuesday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Online menus are available on their Facebook or Google, and they prefer you prepay. Call Adam and Crystal Puterko at 648-0007 to place an order.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Adirondack Mountain Reserve places limits on parking

The Adirondack Mountain Reserve (“AMR”) is immediately reducing the parking capacity on its lot located on the southerly end of Ausable Road where it intersects with Route 73 in St. Huberts. This action is being taken by AMR to protect visitors, staff, and the greater community from COVID-19, according to General Manager John R. Schuler.
This reduction will remain in place throughout the duration of the New York State on PAUSE.

The “Lot” design will accommodate a maximum of 28 vehicles. When this limit is reached, violations thereafter will be strictly enforced. It should be noted that there is no parking permitted on the roadside, shoulder, of Ausable Road or on the grounds of the Ausable Club.


Tuesday, April 7, 2020

COVID Update: Loans & Resources for Small Businesses

The Village of Saranac Lake Community Development Department and the Small Business Administration have released an update on loans and resources available for small businesses to help them persevere through this current public health crises.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is a program intended to help cover working capital, pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster.

EIDL Loan Advance are grants which provide emergency advances of up to $10,000 for small businesses and private non-profits negatively impacted by COVID-19 within 3 days of applying for an SBA EIDL, an economic injury disaster loan. The advance does not need to be repaid.

 

» Continue Reading.



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The Adirondack Almanack is a public forum dedicated to promoting and discussing current events, history, arts, nature and outdoor recreation and other topics of interest to the Adirondacks and its communities

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