State Police in Ray Brook say they are continuing to investigate the 1984 homicide of 20-year-old Dawn Andrea (Prentiss) Svocak, also known as “Magic.”
Dawn Svocak was reported missing to the Plattsburgh Police Department on August 17, 1984, when she failed to return to her apartment at 71 Clinton Street, apartment #10, in the city of Plattsburgh. » Continue Reading.
Adirondack Foundation, the community foundation serving the Adirondack Region, in cooperation with Mountain Lake PBS, have announced a workshop for nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and board members, on how to raise unrestricted dollars to support operations, programs, and more.
Eighty percent of charitable funds come from individual donors, not foundations or corporations. This workshop is an opportunity to learn how to build a fundraising program that honors the mission of your organization, engages potential donors, and raises more unrestricted funding. » Continue Reading.
The 4th Annual Adirondack North Country Pride returns to Plattsburgh on October 5th from noon to 4 pm in Trinity Park.
It celebrates diversity, and inclusion and respect for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical capability or any other inherent identity. » Continue Reading.
Babe Didrikson’s visit to the North Country in 1934 was historic, especially for Plattsburgh, where it was acknowledged as one of the greatest moments in the city’s history. She was an American hero (thanks to a startling performance in the 1932 Olympics), undeniably one of the world’s top athletes, and a phenomenon because of her high levels of talent in various sports. Plattsburgh’s remote location in New York’s northeast corner makes it difficult to get noticed, so Didrikson’s visit was regarded as a major coup.
Coincidentally, she wasn’t the only Babe from the stratosphere of sports fame to visit Plattsburgh in the 1930s. Even more unlikely is that both Babes were among the most famous athletes in America, and both were able competitors in sports other than the one that brought them the greatest fame. Didrikson, a track-and-field gold medalist, brought her basketball team to Plattsburgh, while Babe Ruth, a baseball giant, came north to play in an international golf tournament. » Continue Reading.
In the late 1970s, the New York State Human Rights Commissioner was about to find the Plattsburgh Elks Club guilty of violating state laws against racial discrimination. Rather than acquiesce, the club opted for a drastic, self-punishing move: refusing all public rentals of its facilities rather than allow local blacks to rent them. Surrendering their official “public accommodation function” (under state regulations, renting the building or grounds to anyone) was accomplished by adopting a new rule: “The use of the club’s facilities and accommodations shall be granted only to members of the Elks, to sodalities, auxiliaries, and other organizations associated or affiliated with the Elks, and to their guests.” » Continue Reading.
Context is everything. So, without cherry-picking, here’s the exact, complete quotation from a longtime member and former leader defining a prominent group in Plattsburgh back in 1976. “The Elks are a fraternal organization based on the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. Membership is open to men 21 years of age or older who are citizens of the United States, believe in God, and have not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral issues. There is no discrimination against race, religion, politics, economic status, or any other circumstances.” » Continue Reading.
More than 20 craft breweries, wineries and distilleries from throughout New York State and Vermont will be coming together at the Brew Force Craft Festival on June 1st outside on the historic Plattsburgh Air Force Base. » Continue Reading.
The Clinton County Historical Association has announced an opening reception for the new photo and audio exhibit “Clinton County at Work” will take place Thursday, May 2, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Clinton County Historical Museum, 98 Ohio Avenue, Old Base Museum Campus in Plattsburgh. » Continue Reading.
During the first half of the 20th century, traveling basketball and baseball teams were part of America’s social fabric, providing great entertainment for millions of appreciative fans. Mostly visiting cities and surrounding communities, the famous and near-famous made the rounds each year. Their competition consisted of locally organized squads that often recruited one or more talented college or semi-pro players.
In New York, the most popular routes for traveling teams were from New York City north to Albany, and west to Buffalo. It was uncommon to find nationally known stars straying from those paths to visit the state’s northernmost regions, but in 1934 — 85 years ago this week — Plattsburgh and other lucky sites played host to sports royalty in the person of Mildred “Babe” Didrikson. At the very least, she was the equal of most men in several sports. Invariably, she is listed among the greatest female athletes of the 20th century. Compilations, like this one by Sports Illustrated, usually place her at the top among athletes who specialized in single disciplines, but when it comes to all-round talents and achievements, there are few if any challengers to Didrikson. » Continue Reading.
Last July I was fortunate enough to hear Bill McKibben speak about his latest book Radio Free Vermont at the Paul Smith’s College VIC. Though that particular talk was regarding a book of fiction, the conversation quickly turned to climate change.
As the author of numerous books on the subject (notably The End of Nature), as well as founder of the international climate change organization 350.org, McKibben’s passion as an environmentalist and educator has seemed to come through with each word. I left the event wondering how I could help my children understand. » Continue Reading.
Adirondack Regional Theatre has announced it will be staging the Arthur Miller classic “The Crucible” at the Strand Theatre in Plattsburgh February 8, 9 and 10, 2019. To help underwrite the production the group has launch a Go Fund Me account.
Arthur Miller’s timely American drama is about what can happen when truth is bent to political convenience. No one is safe as a reign of terror rips through 1692 Salem. Led by Abigail Williams, a group of girls who claim to have seen the Devil, hurl out charges of witchcraft, sending those who won’t confess to the noose. When the accusing finger points to his wife, John Proctor is forced to confront his past and determine his future. » Continue Reading.
Ulysses S. Grant drank here. Maybe. Originally built in 1838 as an army barracks for enlisted men, known as Old Stone Barracks, the grand building on Ohio Avenue in Plattsburgh is now home to Valcour Brewing Company.
Though Grant is reported to have stayed in the officers’ barracks that once stood adjacent in the mid 1800s, it’s possible he may have sat on the porch of the Old Stone Barracks swilling beer and swapping stories with the enlisted men.
Even if Grant didn’t drink here, Valcour Brewing Company can openly boast that Kim and Pam Ladd drank here – twice in one day. » Continue Reading.
The Plattsburgh Gospel Choir is set to perform an evening concert, followed by a workshop for all singers, on Saturday, October 27th at the Saranac Lake First United Methodist Church.
The workshop with 2 master classes offered by the choir, runs from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. All singers are invited – and no music reading is needed. This class is free and open to the public, attendees are encouraged to bring a dish for the potluck dinner. » Continue Reading.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation, on September 24, DEC’s Dispatch Center received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding an individual that had shot multiple bears during the early bear hunting season.
The caller reported that a sow and her two cubs were killed on September 22nd. The case was assigned to ECO Chris Lagree, who reported that the bears were taken illegally less than a mile from his own residence. ECO Lagree interviewed the suspect at his home in Plattsburgh, at which time Lagree says the suspect admitted to taking the sow and cubs in addition to another bear, and to having shot the bears over a bait pile. » Continue Reading.
Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance has announced their third annual LGBTQ Pride Event has been set for Saturday September 29th from noon to 4 pm, beginning at Trinity Park in Plattsburgh.
This family friendly event for all ages is intended to bring members of the LGBTQI+ community, family members and allies from the regional Adirondack North Country area as well as people from across New York State and Vermont, together to stand side by side to promote love, acceptance, respect and unity. » Continue Reading.
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