Fall 2010 - Adirondack Guest Informer

DININGsHOPPING ENTERTAINMENTATTRACTIONS
OUR MISSION
“To educate and inform the traveler about
Saratoga Springs and the North Country, and
our people, history, and events, and to serve as
a conduit for regional information provided by
our advertisers and public at large”
(518) 523-4838 Rt. 73 Lake Placid, NY
(518) 562-9070 779 Rt. 3 Plattsburgh, NY
“BELLYRUBS”
Nemo’s
Doggie Daycare & Boarding LLC
Young deer near Saranac Lake
-photo by Maria Ivkovic
“We Go The Extra Mile To Make Your Pet Smile”
Autumn 2010
Doggie Daycare • Dog Walks
Welcome to the Adirondacks and Saratoga Springs,
Fall is a very special season in the mountains. The
annual transition from heat wave to cold wave lasts for
only a few short weeks but it is during this time that
the Adirondacks come alive with color, vibrant color,
accompanied by more frequent showers, a cool wind,
the first snowstorms in the high peaks and the first
snowflakes in the valleys.
As you leaf through this issue, enjoy an article from
“Stories of Home”. Pat Legendorf writes about her
special fondness for Adirondack water, Anne White of
murder mystery fame tells us why Lake George is not
just for summer anymore, and read my article about a
local monastery well worth a visit.
When finished reading articles by our authors, pick a
favorite topic from our North Country Bookstore and
take home a lifelong momento from your trip.
Grooming • Dog & Cat Boarding
Gift & Supply Shop
WEB CAMS!
Hudson Falls, NY
(Corner of Feeder and Labarge Streets)
&
Town of Moreau
(1 1/2 miles off of Northway 87 exit 17S)
518-747-6815
www.bellyrubsdoggydaycare.com
Looking for nightlife? We’ve got plenty of it. Browse
through our full listing of nightclubs and read about a
local artist written by our music columnist Mike LaPoint.
Enjoy your stay, come back soon, and let us know what
you though about the experience,
Sincerely,
Miroslav Ivkovic
Publisher
2
Adirondack Guest Informer
Fall 2010
CONTENT
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5
Your Future
Did you know CCC offers:
• New Technology A.A.S.
Programs including
Environmental
Technology and Wind
Energy & Turbine
Technology
• Average class size of 18
8
14
Now
• Financial Aid for over
80% of students
• Transferability with
SUNY & many private
institutions
• Residence Halls
• Competitive Athletics
at 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of most private or public colleges?
www.clinton.edu
17
18
20
22
24
1.800.552.1160 • 518.562.4200
136 Clinton Point Drive · Plattsburgh, NY 12901
State University of New York
27
ADIRONDACK MAP
EVENT CALENDARS
A listing of concerts, events, fairs, sports,
and tournaments for Fall 2010
~ Persis Granger
RESTAURANTS
STORIES OF HOME
A Change of Seasons
~ Anne White
My Fascination With Adirondack Water
~ Pat Legendorf
The Monks of New Skete
~ Miroslav Ivkovic
THE NORTH COUNTRY BOOKSTORE
A collection of regional books by our writers
ATTRACTIONS
SHOPPING
THE BUSINESS PLACE
NIGHTLIFE IN THE ADIRONDACKS
Where to find the best nightlife in Glens Falls,
Lake Placid, Plattsburgh and Saratoga
~ Michael LaPoint
ADIRONDACK TALES
Fire On The Mountain
~ Miroslav Ivkovic
The Adirondack Guest Informer is published
quarterly by ADK GI, a Partnership Company.
Reproduction of this magazine, in part or whole is
prohibited without written permission form ADK
GI. ADK GI makes every effort to insure the
accuracy of published information.
PUBLISHER
[email protected]
DESIGNER/
PHOTOGRAPHER
[email protected]
FEATURE WRITER
[email protected]
MUSIC COLUMNIST
[email protected]
PAGINATION
[email protected]
Graphics
[email protected]
Miroslav Ivkovic
Maria Ivkovic
Persis Granger
Michael LaPoint
Nicole Oddy
Nicole Temple
Cover Photo:
Monastery of New Skete. Photo by Maria Ivkovic
www.AdkGuestInformer.com 3
Adir
ny
pa
k Buffalo Co
m
dac
n
o
• Bison Meats and Products
• Gift Shop
• Fresh Produce
• Rustic Furniture
• Baked Goods
Hours:
10am to 6pm 7 days,
Memorial Day thru Late October
518-532-9466
3187 Blue Ridge Rd. North Hudson, NY
North Country
Taxidermy
40 Years Experience Preserving Memories
Bud Piserchia
10913 NYS Rt. 9N
Keene, NY 12942
Fur Buyer, Retail, Wholesale,
Taxidermy, Skins and Antlers
518-576-4318
www.northcountrytaxidermy.com
4
Adirondack Guest Informer
Fall 2010
OPEN
YEAR
ROUND
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
October
World’s Largest Garage Sale
Warrensburg
Harvest Festival
Adirondack Museum
Blue Mt. Lake 10-4
Thurman Fall Farm Tour
10am – 4pm 623-9718
3
Hiking, Biking, Skyrides
Gore Mountain
North Creek
Halloween Pug Parade
Chestertown 11am-3pm
10
Skidmore Orchestra Concert
Wiecking Hall
Saratoga Springs
Family Halloween Festival
Byron Park
Indian Lake
Halloween Parade
Main Street, 1pm
Greenwich 692-7979
17
4
11
5
12
18
19
25
26
24
31
1
Farmers Market
North Creek 3-6pm
Veterans Appreciation Night
Thurman Town Hall
Thurman, 5pm 623-2007
6
“Spooktacular”Farmers Market
Thurman Station
815 NYS Rt. 418
Thurman, 3-6pm
623-9718
13
Thursday Readings
Willows Bistro
3749 Main St.
Warrensburg 7pm
Henry IV
Little Theater
Fort Edward (thru 10/20)
7
14
Cruise & Car Show
Main Street
North Creek, 4-8pm
Whiteface Oktoberfest
Wilmington thru 10/3
Nettle Meadow Farm
Open House 623-3372
Thurman, noon-4pm
2
8 10-3pm Greenwich 9
Greenwich Car Show
Ice Hockey 7pm
Phantoms vs. Syracuse
Glens Falls Civic Center
15
Cooking Around The World Food & Wine Festival
Ice Hockey 7pm
Childrens Museum
Lake Placid Lodge
Glens Falls Civic Center
Saratoga Springs
Lake Placid (thru Sunday)
Graveyard Walks
Warrensburg Cemetary
Warrensburg 7pm
Ice Hockey 7pm
Haunted Fort
Glens Falls Civic Center
Fort Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga
Styx Concert
Palace Theater
Lake Placid 7:30pm
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21
22
27
28
29
Ice Hockey 7pm
Glens Falls Civic Center
Chili Days of Fall
Nascar RV Resorts
Gansevoort
Great Pumpkin Challenge
Saratoga Spa State Park
16
Youth Halloweeen Party
Thurman Town Hall
1-3pm 623-9649
Ice Hockey 7pm
Phantoms vs. Rochester
Glens Falls Civic Center
23
30
Fall – In Love with the Adirondack Region
F
all is no wishy-washy affair in the Adirondacks. There’s no seamless progression from summer to winter here. The seasons change
with an explosion of reds, golds, yellows and oranges, with the crunch
of tinder-dry leaves underfoot, with a crackle and snap of freezing
nights that whisper of winter to come and sing sad songs of summer
past. Activities and ambiance evolve with the seasons. Canada geese
trumpet the change in their southward journeys, settling down here or
there to glean a cornfield before continuing on. Residents lay in firewood, and the sharp smell of wood smoke scents the air. Cold cellaring,
canning, freezing or pickling prepares beets, carrots, potatoes, squash
and pumpkins for winter storage. Lush garden plots fall fallow.
Between the time that everyone wonders, “Where did the summer go?”
and the time they start to ask “Do you think it’s going to be a hard winter?”
the Adirondackers experience autumn. The hustle and bustle in little villages
abates, and one neighbor can spot another at the far end of a grocery store
aisle. “How did your garden do?” one will call. Responses vary, depending on that year’s growing season, but the conversation often ends with, “I
thought frost would never come!”
Fall is a time for biking, for hiking mountain
trails, for parking at scenic overlooks along
Adirondack highways to capture foliage and
wildlife on cameras. It’s a season for wandering through farmers’ markets to look for fall
veggies, tasty baked goods, maple products and
hand-crafted gift items. In many parts of our
region you can still catch a farm tour. The Thurman (Warren County) Fall Farm Tour on October 9th and 10th attracts hundreds of guests.
Prefer browsing for gifts? Try the Gore
Mountain Harvest Festival Columbus Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday),
as well, with live music, kids’ activities and seasonal food offerings. Or take
in the Annual Fall Arts Festival, November 6th and 7th, hosted by the Lower
Adirondack Regional Arts Council in Glens Falls. There’s more shopping,
eating and entertainment at the Stony Creek Family Fall Festival on October
16th. Readers and writers love “Autumn Leaves ~ The Chronicle Fall Book
Fair” on November 7th, when more than 200 regional authors, booksellers,
publishers set up shop in Glens Falls, offering regional books, children’s
books, local history, author talks, signings, children’s activities & more
books! Christmas bazaars, concerts and other special events fill the November and December pages of North Country calendars.
From Saratoga and Washington Counties all the way up to Clinton and
Essex Counties, apple orchards invite the fall tourist. Buy pre-picked fruit or
go gather your own, crispier and juicier than any you’ll find in a supermarket. Watch cider pressing, and take a gallon of liquid autumn home with
you. If pumpkins are more your thing, check the web for a patch near your
destination. Some offer hayrides and corn mazes, and at many maze sites a
spooky flashlight trek is available in the evening.
The Adirondack vacation scene changes as the sun recedes to the South,
but this mountainous destination offers no less—and perhaps more—in the
fall. The pace of each day is slower, the air is fresher, and biting insects are
all but nonexistent. Crowds seldom jostle the autumn tourist, and the locals
have more time to visit and share time with them. All savor the last few rays
of strong sunshine, knowing that winter soon will blanket the land, a time to
hunker down by the fire and savor memories of the seasons past.
Persis Granger is a freelance writer and author of two historical novels
set in the Adirondacks. She hosts writers’ retreats the Adirondacks and in
Florida. Learn more at www.PersisGranger.com.
www.AdkGuestInformer.com 5
6
Adirondack Guest Informer
Fall 2010
www.AdkGuestInformer.com 7
GLENS FALLS RESTAURANTS
Kiss: French
Drink: Russian
730 Upper Glen Street
Queensbury, NY 12804
FAMOUS HOT DOGS SINCE 1919
518-798-1797
DAILY SPECIALS HOMEMADE DESSERTS
TABLE SERVICE OR TAKEOUT
all food
New Way hot dog: served with mustard, cooked
to
diced onions, & our special meat sauce. order !
www.jacksamericanbistrony.com
4 oz hamburger: served on a sesame seed bun.
6 oz hamburger: served on a sesame
seed bun with lettuce, tomato and onion
Open 4:00pm Daily
Closed Monday
Restaurant & Catering
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Philly Cheese Steak: beef sirloin steak fried
with onions, peppers, melted American cheese.
Personal chef service available
Dinner reservations recommended
Greek Salad: romaine lettuce, tomatoes,
cucumbers, onions, red cabbage, black olives,
and fresh Feta cheese.
21 South St. Downtown Glens Falls • 792-9803
731 Glen Street, Queensbury • 761-3356
Eat: American
Convenient to downtown Glens Falls
Upbeat Comfort Food
239 Ridge St. Corner of Sanford
Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801
(518) 793-5134
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
RMI
E
P
P
LL
PE
THE
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
A Family Restaurant
Daily Specials
Fresh Seafood • Chicken
Steaks • Prime Rib • Pasta
Senior Citizen & Children’s Menu
Beer & Wines Available
Open 7 Days a week from 7am
Celebrating Our 19th Year As
One of the Most Popular Local Restaurants
in South Glens Falls!
*See Our Full Menu*
www.menumart.com/peppermill
Only Minutes Away From I-87 on Rt. 9
Between Exits 17 & 18 in Midtown Shopping Center
518-793-4606
8
Only 2 minutes
from Civic Center
Adirondack Guest Informer
Fall 2010
PLATTSBURGH RESTAURANTS
SA WATD E E
T raditional
THAI RESTAURANT
J apanese E ntrees
Specializing in Authentic
Thai & Vegetarian Cuisine
Full Bar
In Beautiful
Downtown Plattsburgh
Enjoy a show at the Hibachi Table
www.plattsburghsawatdee.com
OPEN 7 DAYS
Mon-Thu Lunch 11:30-2:30
Dinner 4:00-9:00pm
Best Sushi in the North Country
R eservations
W elcome
Fri-Sat11:30-9:30pm
SunNoon-8:00pm
518-561-8181
Open 7 days a week
burgh, NY 12901
atts
l
P
15 Bridge Street •
T ake O ut / D elivery
A vail able
HOURS:
Mon-Thu11-2:30/4:30-10pm
Fri-Sat11-2:30/4:30-10:30pm
SundayNoon-9:30pm
319 Cornella Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-563-5200
www.koto-NY.com
www.AdkGuestInformer.com 9
SARATOGA SPRINGS RESTAURANTS
KARAVALLI
Regional cuisine of India
47 Caroline Street
Saratoga Springs, New York
518-580-1144 / fax 518-580-1145
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Sat & Sun
Brunch
$12.95
* gift certificates available
* take out
* full bar
“Lunch Boxes To Go”
chicken....... $8.00
lamb........... $9.00
vegetable..... $7.00
tandoori....... $8.00
Served with Nan and Vegetables
Business
Lunch Buffet Visit our other locations:
9B Johnson Road
$9.95 416 Nanuet Mall
South Nanuet, NY
Latham, NY
Lunch - Dinner: Seven Days a Week
Lunch - Mon - Sun: 11:30-3 p.m.
Dinner - Sun - Thurs: 5 - 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat: 5 - 10:30 p.m.
www.karavallilatham.com
www.elmexicanorestaurant.com
EL
O
AN
X
E
M IC
Friday’s Pick
Three-For-All
tREAT THE
TABLE WITH A
CROWD-PLEASER
Jack Daniel’s
Sampler
HAPPY HOUR
Restaurant
Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Monday-Fri
Try our fabulous margaritas
home made sangria
and Mexican beer
plenty of parking
and take out available
Baby Back
Ribs
10
4pm-Close
OPEN 7 DAYS 9am - Midnight
3060 Route 50 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
208 South Broadway Saratoga springs,N.Y.12866
(518) 226-0105
3011 state Route 4 Hudson Falls, N.Y. 12839
(518) 747-0557
• Appetizers
• Seafood
• Jack Daniel’s Grill • Chicken & Pasta
• Steak House
• Burgers &
Selections
Sandwiches
Adirondack Guest Informer
(conveniently located off exit 15 on I-87)
518-581-4012
*SHOW ROOM KEY FOR $5 DISCOUNT
WWW.MYFRIDAYS.COM
Fall 2010
Ticonderoga RESTAURANTS
Wagon Wheel
Restaurant
HOT BISCUIT BAKERY
Take
Out
Available
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Homemade Soup & Daily Specialties
Open
Prime Rib (every Friday & Saturday)
D
aily
Beer ~ Wine ~ Cocktails
1065 Wicker Street • Ticonderoga, NY
@ 5am
518-585-7755
N
tt
rriiddggeeRReessttaauurraan
B
B
o
n
No
8013 Route 17 West Addison, VT 05491
Open 6:30am to 8:00 pm
8013 Route 17 West Addison, VT 05491
Open 6:30am to 8:00 pm
Closed
802-759-2152
802-759-2152
Closed
Tuesday
Fax
802-759-2823
Fax 802-759-2823
Tuesday
Crossing Lake Champlain
The bridge across Lake Champlain that
connected Crown Point, NY with Chimney
Point, VT was demolished in October 2009,
due to irreparable damage. The two states
collaborated with Lake Champlain Transportation to operate a free ferry across the lake
at that site. The Crown Point ferry now runs
year-round, twenty-four hours a day every
half hour. From New York the departures
are at quarter past and quarter of each hour.
There is no charge for this ferry.
Fall travelers also may cross at Essex,
NY (destination Charlotte, VT). The Essex
Ferry’s first run from New York will be at
7:30 a.m. and the last will be 5:30 p.m., running once an hour. Charges apply.
The Port Kent-Burlington Ferry did
resume operation in mid-June. To confirm
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
schedules for the above ferries, visit
www.ferries.com or phone 802-864-9804.
Charges will apply to all except the Crown
Point passage.
The Fort Ticonderoga Ferry, operated by
Matot, Inc., has resumed crossings to Shoreham, VT. Phone (802) 897-7999 or check
www.middlebury.net/tiferry/ for details.
11
HIGH PEAKS REGION RESTAURANTS
Red Fox Restaurant
“One Of The Area’s Finest”
Specializing in Prime
Rib, Fresh Seafood
and Steaks
Hours: 4-9pm
OPEN YEAR ROUND
542 Lake Flower Ave. • Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983
(518) 891-2127
5034 State Route 3, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
( 518 ) 891-8818
LAKESIDE RESTAURANT
2425 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
MSG
tel 518-523-2353
Price includes Hibachi and Sushi
Dine in our elegant setting
Open Daily
10% off senior discount (65+)
Mon- Thurs 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri- Sat 11:00 am - 10:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sports Teams Welcome
Tour Buses Welcome
Hours
7 days
11am - 10pm
ITALIAN AMERICAN CUISINE
Local checks only
KENTO
JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE
TEPPANYAKI & SUSHI
Elegant Japanese
Cruisine
Casual Dining
Cocktail Lounge
Seafood
(Market Fresh Daily)
New York Strip
Filet Mignon
Poultry
Fresh Vegetables
~Reservations Necessary
Daily Specials
Teppanyaki Dinners Include 6 Courses
Appetizers • Soup • Salad • Entree • Vegetables
• Noodles or Rice
518-523-7228
2663 Main Street • Lake Placid, New York
Enchiladas Y Sopas
Nachos Compuestos
Taco Salad
72
Nacho Salad Tequillas
Black Bean Soup
MEXICAN ESPECIALIDADES
Pollo Paraiso
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Crispy Tacos
Chimichanga
Fajitas Trio
Enchiladas Super Rancheras
Enchiladas de Mariscos
Burrito Deluxe
Fajita Burrito Grande Deluxe
Quesalidilla Fajita Grande
Family
Priced
dine in/take out
Japanese & Chinese Restaurant
Casual Dining • Exotic Sushi Bar
The Best Chinese & Japanese Restaurant in Town!
Family Fare • Parties Welcome
MSG
Children’s Menu Available
518-523-3133
2663 Main St.
Lake Placid, NY
Open Daily
Mon - Thurs 11:30am - 10:00pm
Fri - Sat 11:30am - 11:00pm
Sun 12:00 - 10:00pm
Across from
Speed Skating Oval
3 INDIVIDUAL RESTAURANTS IN ONE BUILDING
OPEN 7 DAYS (518) 523-1588 2663 Main Street, Lake Placid
12
Adirondack Guest Informer
Fall 2010
Main St. Subs
Homemade Subs
Homemade soups
Homemade salads
Pizza by the slice
All American Food
2490 main St (next to Starbucks)
Lake Placid, N.Y. 12946
Din
- or e In
Tak eO
ut
(518) 523-8280
Open 7 days
Mon-Thurs 11:00-3:30pm
Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00-7:00pm
We
Delive
r
Burgers, Fries, Seafood, Hot Dogs
Shakes, Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream and
Our Famous A & W Root Beer Floats
OPEN - May-October
MIRROR LAKE
Mirror Lake is located in
the High Peaks area of the
Adirondacks, just south of
Lake Placid. The village of
Lake Placid surrounds Mirror
Lake and the Olympic Center
is only a few feet from it’s
shore. Mirror lake is 128 acres
of pure, unpolluted mountain
water (no motor boats are
permitted)
The names of the 46 High
Peaks are engraved on a
cobblestone path which winds
it’s way around the lake.
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
13
A Change of Season
By Anne White
W
hen I started
my Lake
George Mystery
Series, I expected
to center most of
the stories around
warm weather
activities. After
all, summer – with
some welcome
spillover into
spring and fall -- is the busy season at
the lake. It’s the time when vacationers fill up the hotels and motels, visit
the shops and stores, dine at the elegant
restaurants and charming bistros or grab
a quick bite at the drive-ins. Visitors and
summer home owners enjoy fun-filled
days on the lake – swimming, boating,
water skiing, parasailing – and still manage to hit the night spots in the evenings.
Name something fun to do in summer
and, somewhere at the lake, somebody
is doing it.
But as one of the characters in my latest Lake George Mystery, Cold Winter
Nights, remarks, “Lake George isn’t just
for summer anymore.” And she’s right.
Winter offers residents and visitors
alike a range of cold weather activities
-- skating, skiing, snowmobiling and ice
fishing -- as well as carnivals on the ice
which feature both traditional competitions and offbeat activities like outhouse
racing.
One of the cold weather events I most
wanted to work into a mystery was my
personal favorite, the Polar Bear Plunge.
For more than 20 years, Lake George
Village has promoted this New Year’s
Day event. To some, it’s an annual rite
of passage, a ritual cleansing; to others,
it’s total insanity.
No matter how cold the water, how
ringed with ice the shoreline, how
cruel the wind whipping down the lake,
hundreds of intrepid souls gather in the
heart of the Village on January 1st to
welcome the new year. At 2 o’clock, to
the sound of a clanging cow bell, they
14
whip off the parkas or blankets covering
their bathing attire and creep, dash or
dive into the lake’s frigid water. Lake
George is spring-fed and feels refreshingly cool even on a hot summer day,
but in January when air temperatures
register between 30 and 0 degrees, that
water’s turned mighty cold.
Plungers don’t think they’re insane.
They consider the rite a new beginning
for the new year. And of course, there
are some 2000 people cheering them on
and some great parties afterward. Let’s
not forget those bonuses.
Each year the event grows in popularity. On January 1st, 2010, the 996
Plungers included several reporters and
TV newscasters, and participants had to
be divided into two groups and assigned
two different start times.
Think you want to try it next year? All
you have to do is turn up, join the long
lines waiting to register and pay your
$10 entry fee. You’ll get a great tee shirt
and bragging rights. Of course, you’ll
need the guts to get your feet wet. Actually a little more than your
feet. A dedicated Plunger gets
wet all over – although there
have been cases when some
didn’t quite manage that and
embarrassed themselves by dashing out of the water very quickly.
Some Plungers release their inner child even farther by dressing
in costume. This year, participants
included knights in shining armor
engaged in a sword fight (at least
until their shiny aluminum foil armor
got soaked), a guy sporting an Uncle
Sam hat and a patriotic red, white and
blue bikini, a group acting out characters
from Braveheart, clowns in costumes or
fright wigs, even a gentleman wearing a
coconut bra. More conservative Plungers
wore polar bear shirts or carried toy
polar bears.
When I decided to set my 5th Lake
George Mystery, Cold Winter Nights, in
winter, I knew I’d want to include the
Plunge. Although my protagonist, Loren
Graham, mayor of the lakeside town
Adirondack Guest Informer
of Emerald Point, questions the sanity
of the Plungers, she agrees to drive her
17-year-old friend, Josie Donohue, to
Lake George Village to take part. Even
when Loren sees
hundreds of people of all ages, shapes
and sizes gathered on the shore ready to
join in, she finds herself uttering words
she never thought she’d say to a young
person, “This is insane. Are you out of
your mind?”
Unlike many of the other Plungers
who’ve failed to diet or work out before
their unveilings, Josie looks fit and trim
in her itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny yellow
bikini. As she heads toward the water,
she explains her decision. “Lor, if you’re
going to live in this part of the country,
you’ve got to take advantage of what it
offers.”
At this, Loren is even more shocked.
The young friend she’s often considered
a scatterbrain is starting to make sense.
How has this happened?
Anne White’s Lake
George Mysteries
include Cold Winter
Nights, c2009,
Secrets Dark and
Deep, c2007, Best
Laid Plans, c2006,
Beneath The
Surface, c2005,
(all from Hilliard
and Harris and
Worldwide
Mystery, being
considered
for Kindle).
An Affinity
For Murder, Oak
Tree Press, c2001, Worldwide
Mystery, Kindle, (Malice Domestic Best
First Mystery Nominee, 2002); Available
at area book stores: Trees (River Zen), in
Bolton Landing; Lake George Steamboat
Company and Fort William Henry, in Lake
George Village; Red Fox Books, Dog Ate
My Homework, LARAC in Glens Falls,
Borders in Saratoga Springs.
Fall 2010
My Fascination With Adirondack Water
By Pat Langendorf
I
think I should start by saying most
of my readers probably know more
about the water in the Adirondacks than
I do. But I grew up in Wyoming, and
from the time I first moved here, I’ve
been fascinated by the water of the Adirondacks. In the Rockies, most trees are
evergreen, and the aspen turn yellow in
the fall. So my western relatives visit me
in the fall to see the leaves. Then they
too are enthralled by our water. Some of
them had never seen a natural lake. Almost all western lakes are behind dams
made to produce electricity and control
water for irrigation.
The Adirondacks are incredibly rich in
water. And in the early days it was the
easiest way to get around. So the early
settlers quickly developed boats to fit
their needs. The Adirondack guide boat
is an engineering marvel. It’s big enough
to carry several people and equipment,
yet a single man can easily carry the
boat from one stream to another. Boats
have been used for millennia, but I’m
told that’s new. The Vikings, for example, never developed anything like it.
And I’m also told it was developed long
before guides started taking groups of
city folks hunting. A farmer could, and
often did, use one to transport his family.
Adirondack water was of major military importance in the American Revolution. Most historians consider the Battle
of Saratoga the turning point of the war.
The entire British plan assumed they
could take and keep control of Adirondack water. It seems to have been the
brain child of General Burgoyne, who
planned to invade from Canada, taking
control of Ticonderoga and Lake Champlain, meeting up with British forces
coming down the Hudson from the west
under Barry St Leger and others coming
up the Hudson from New York. At first it
succeeded. Burgoyne took Ticonderoga
and Lake Champlain. But St Leger was
stopped at the battle of Oriskany, and
the troops under Howe didn’t arrive.
American forces under Horatio Gates
met Burgoyne at Saratoga and clobbered
him. From then on, the colonists controlled the water, which eventually gave
them control of the war. At least that’s
what my brother-in-law told me.
This failure to control Adirondack
water made a major impact on the British military.
When Wellington told the
British they
couldn’t win
the war of 1812
without control
of the great
lakes, he meant
Lake George and
Champlain, not
the much larger
lakes west of
here.
As upstate New
York was settled,
farmers needed to
get crops to market, and portages
are expensive.
So they built a
series of canals.
Everybody
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
knows about the Erie Canal. Thomas
Jefferson is among the experts who said
the Erie Canal couldn’t be built. It was
built ahead of time and under budget!
And it can fairly be said to have changed
world history. But until I came here, I
hadn’t realized it wouldn’t have been
nearly as valuable without a series of
feeder canals.
The feeder canals dug to enable
Adirondack farmers to get their
crops to market are the real engineering marvels. My Uncle James was a
Civil Engineer, and he spent half a day
studying a sequence of five locks in
the Black River Canal. It’s called the
five combines, and James said European engineers came to study it when
it was built. They hadn’t believed a
working canal could be built in such
rugged terrain. James was particularly
impressed that it was possible for a
single traveler to manage these locks
alone. When the canal was in regular use, the locks were staffed, and
traffic was regulated. But if nobody
was around, a single boatman could
manage the locks! I think the early
Adirondack settlers valued this ability
to act alone.
Now roads and railroads have replaced
water for transport. The waterways are
now used for recreation and to fascinate
western visitors and history buffs. But
they are still a safeguard and a backup.
Here in the Adirondacks, the doomsday
predictions of disaster when oil runs out
won’t happen. The water will still run,
and we’ve still got people who know
how to use it. In the meantime it gives
us joy.
Pat Langendorf is a retired computer
scientist. She started Spruce Gulch Press
to publish a family history, Logging the
Rockies. She also wrote ‘It’s Not a Bad
Start’ to take her mind off chicken pox,
which isn’t a joke in an adult. It has
terrorists blow up both Washington DC
and New York City and puts the country
back together. Now her press publishes
historically accurate children’s stories by
Irene Uttendorfsky.
15
The Monks of New Skete – Part 1 of 3
By Miroslav Ivkovic
N
estled in the pristine eastern corner of
Washington County where Vermont
woodland meets the cow pastures of New
York is the only Orthodox Monastery north
of Albany, New York. Sub-deacon Steve
Sherokey of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in South Glens Falls escorted
my wife Maria and I to the monastery,
where we spoke to Brother Stavros about
the history and mission of New Skete.
Brother Stavros is one of the four founding members of New Skete, founded in
1966 and numbering eight brothers fourtyfour years later. Per brother Stavros, “it is
a monastic community of men from across
the country who have dedicated their lives
to poverty and chastity.” The monastery is
part of OCA (Orthodox Church of America)
and is under the leadership of Metropolitan
Jonah.
The community is self-supporting, relying
on dog breeding and training, a farm which
specializes in smoked meats and cheeses,
and a small gift shop selling liturgical
books, CD’s, icon prints, and greeting cards.
The monastery is visited by many people
year round and there is a small guesthouse
available for retreats. Those interested
in the retreat are expected to eat with the
brothers, attend services, work, study, and
generally follow the daily schedule of the
brotherhood.
Brother Stavros led us on a tour of the
facilities of the monastery, including the
old church, new church, trpeza ( cafeteria),
dog kennels, and gift shop. The old church,
built in 1969 is a beautiful all wooden
structure in the old Carpatho-Russian style.
It was built by hand by the original monks
16
with most of the building material coming
locally from Washington County. The big
bells are from Hudson Falls, a donation
from the former St. Pauls catholic church
Brother Stavros with German Shepard puppies
which burned to the ground in the 1960’s.
The small church is adorned with icons of
the Transfiguration, the basic theme of the
monastery.
The new church, built in 1983 is a much
larger structure built into the mountainside,
with the twin peaks of Two Top mountain
clearly visible in the background. The
coupolas were built by local Bob Raymond
and scenes inside this church reflect the
holy period between Easter and Pentecost.
Woodwork inside the church is extensive
Adirondack Guest Informer
and took years to complete by the Serbian
artist, Paul Moses. The all marble, Byzantine style floor includes marble tesarei
from the Aghia Sophia, the largest and most
beautiful Orthodox Cathedral and it came
directly from Constantinople.
The new church is a Basilica style church
with a u shaped iconostas typical of the
eastern rite. The main wall was painted by
a former monk, and to complete the interior
the monks requested assistance from the
Nuns of New Skete, a nearby affiliated
monastic community of women, otherwise
regionally famous for their cheesecake.
The big church also contains a table of relics (bone remains of saints). To quote brother Stavros, “Only among Roman Catholics
and Eastern Orthodoxy is this commonplace. Relics are considered a visual link
to the past.” Some of the most noteworthy
relics include those of St. Stephen from
apostolic times, St. Herman the first Saint
of Alaska, Prince Daniel the founder of
Moscow and St. Francis of Assisi.
The monks of New Skete use English as
their first language but do some singing in
old church Slavonic and Greek. New Skete
is located an hour from Albany, NY and
four miles outside the village of Cambridge,
NY. To visit or for more information,
please contact brother Stavros at 518-6773928 or write The Monks of New Skete, PO
BOX 128, Cambridge, NY 12816.
Coming in Winter 2011 issue – The Nuns
of New Skete.
Miroslav Ivkovic is publisher and co-owner of
Adirondack Guest Informer. His work with the
magazine leads him to travel extensively around
our region, meeting and talking with fascinating
people wherever he goes.
Fall 2010
The North Country Bookstore
Take the Adirondacks home with you.
Echoes in These Mountains
Straining to Parallel Park in
an Empty Field
by Glenn L. Pearsall
by Jessica Kane
Recipient of a “Letter of Commendation” by the 35 county
Upstate History Alliance, this critically-acclaimed book
tells the history of the Adirondacks through an entertaining exploration of 55 historic sites in a small Adirondack
town. $23 includes sales tax and postage: Johnsburg
Historical Society, PO Box 144, Wevertown, NY 12886
Amazon.com.
ISBN: 978-1-886166-20-2
Over the course of a year, Jessica Kane documented the
regular everyday moments of her life, and compiled them
into a series of funny, insightful and entertaining personal
essays, vignettes and transcribed conversations. “…it
flows with humor, and poignant feeling for the delicate
longings and encounters with the world.” Paul Pines, My
Brother’s Madness. Audiobook, 5 hours. YMMSBILYA Press. Order from www.jessicakane.com, Amazon.com,
iTunes.com
The Diary of a Northern Moon
by Gloria Waldron Hukle.
Two friends return to the Adirondacks after World War II.
One dies. The other prospers, but for decades carries a secret about his dead friend. A Lake George murder forces
confession. Set in North Creek, Lake George and Albany,
N.Y. authorgloriawaldronhukle.com. Available at: Hoss’s
Country Corner, Long Lake, NY, authorhouse.com, barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com or Toll Free l-888-280-77l5;
ISBN 978-l-4343-2675-1 (Soft cover), ISBN 978-l-43432674-4 (Hardcover)
You Can’t Find a Rainbow in
the House!
by Christine Auclair
Written to inspire children to become more aware of their
outdoor world and the amazing gifts of beauty that nature
offers. A blend of the author’s vivid photography along
with her great-niece’s brilliant illustrations bring the
pages to life! A portion of the proceeds from each sale
benefit The Magic Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists children with rare diseases. Available at
ceilswheelspublishing.com
Secrets Dark and Deep
by Anne White
“A lively puzzler. White’s best yet.” Julia SpencerFleming: All Mortal Flesh. In this fourth Lake George
Mystery, young mayor Loren Graham stumbles on a
terrible secret and is forced to confront her greatest fear.
www.annewhitemysteries.com
[email protected]
Hilliard and Harris, 2007, Worldwide Mystery 2009
Available: Amazon or your favorite book source
ISBN 1-59133-198-6, 978-1-59133-198- 8
Nature Through the Seasons
The Adirondacks that are the
Other Half of Me
by Mary Amelia Paladin
This book is humorous and heartwarming, yet not
indulgent. The author writes about the Adirondacks as
a place that provides the feeling of home, a place that
brings forth an emotion that burrows deep within and
never leaves. Anyone who lives in, loves, and visits the
Adirondacks understands what that means. Available at:
local book/gift stores, Amazon.com , bn.com, special
order @ Barnes & Noble stores nationwide, Borders (NE
region) and marypaladin.com
ISBN: 978-0-615-29279-3
by Nancy Wotton Scarzello
Are you interested in barred owls, birch trees and dragonflies? Wild mushrooms, hibernation, ice-out and bears?
Discover nature in your own backyard with this collection
of essays from the author’s experiences on Lake George
and in surrounding fields and forest. Signed copies
available: from the author ($13 includes shipping),
[email protected].
Adirondack Mouse and the
Mysterious Disappearance
by Irene Uttendorfsky
“A fine read that young readers just starting chapter
books will love.” Midwest Book Review. Join Adirondack Mouse for another magical journey through the Adirondacks in his quest to solve the mysterious disappearance of his friend Melvin. www.ireneuttendorfsky.com
/[email protected] Spruce Gulch Press, 2009,
ISBN 978-0-9841259-0-6. Distributed by North Country
Books. Order from Amazon.com or your local bookstore
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
Threads – An American Tapestry
by Gloria Waldron Hukle
An l8th century wealthy Native American woman of
mixed blood searches for her missing African American
slave amidst prejudicial hatred. authorgloriawaldronhukle.com. Available at: Hoss’s Country Corner, Long
Lake, NY, authorhouse.com , bn.com, Amazon.com or
Toll Free l-888-280-77l5;
ISBN 978-l-4343-2675-1 (Soft cover),
ISBN 978-l-4343-2674-4 (Hardcover)
Adirondack Gold II: A
Summer of Strangers
by Persis Granger
“…she renders Thurman and her characters with the
affection, lyrically paced writing and attention to detail
that Richard Russo brings to his stories about people and
small towns…” John Rowen, reviewer. An Adirondack
farm boy on the brink of manhood in the 1890s must
choose between his own personal wishes and the needs of
his family. Suitable for kids aged 12 - 99. Beaver Meadow Publishing 2008. Available at PersisGranger.com or
Adirondack shops. ISBN 978-0-9742085-1-0
17
ATTRACTIONS
*Airsoft
*Paintball Supplies
*CO2 & Compressed Air Fills
*Paintball Playing Fields
*Magic The Gathering
*Collectable Card Games
*Used DVD’s
*Used Video Games
Birthday Parties
Team Building
18A Saratoga Ave S Glens Falls, N.Y. 12803
( 518 ) 745-4263
www.cooperscavepaintball.com
18
Adirondack Guest Informer
Fall 2010
AdirondAck BrAnt LAke chestertown Friends LAke Loon LAke PottersviLLe
PO Box 490, 3 Dynamite Hill Chestertown, NY 12817
Web: www.NorthWarren.com
(518) 494-2722
Email: [email protected]
Stop in or call our North Warren Chamber Office for a full community calendar of area events
Office location is one mile west on St Rt 8 from Exit 25 of I-87
All SeASon RecReAtion on the Quiet Side
October 9th
Great Brant Lake Duck Race – at the QUACK of Noon at Mill Pond
Pancake Breakfast starting at 9am
Quilt Show 10am
Pumpkin Painting 1pm
October 17th
11th Annual Halloween Pug Parade & Party 11am-3pm.
Registration starts at 9am
Pumpkin Decorating, Food and Retail Vendors, Dessert Contest, and
Pug Parade at 1pm
November 6th Fall Craft Festival Chestertown Methodist Church 10am-3pm
December 5th
Sunday Christmas Cantata 3pm Chestertown Methodist Church
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
19
shopping
THE FURNITURE HOUSE
A Finer Furniture Store
THE UNUSUAL AS USUAL
Drexel - Heritage
American Leather
Amish Furniture
Ekornes Chairs
Murphy Wall Beds
Adirondack - Mission
Home Theater
Home Office
Interior Design
Wicker - Outdoor
Mattresses
Accessories
Self Feeding Coal Stoves-Boiler-Furnices
A True Destination Furniture Store
Hours:
Mon-Fri 10-8
Sat
10-5
Sun
12-5
ALTERNATIVE
SILVERMINE
Left off exit 14--4 miles
1254 hwy 9P
SARATOGA LAKE, NEW YORK
518-587-9865
Lawn
Furniture Shop
1131 Middle Road
Willsboro, NY 12996
“the original Ray Jetts Alternative Silvermine since 1986”
(accept no imitations)
518-963-8630
(exit 33 off I-85)
HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE
All work done on premises.
“If you have a picture, We can create it!”
46 SOUTH STREET
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801
(518) 792-3934
20
277 CANADA STREET
LAKE GEORGE, NY 12845
• Adirondack Chairs
• Doll Houses
• Picnic Tables
• Children’s Playhouses
• Park Benches • Toy Chest
(518) 668-4507
Adirondack Guest Informer
• Swings
• Rocking Chairs
• Trellis
• Doll Houses
• Foot Stools
delivery available
Fall 2010
Country Corner
GUNNISON
GU NNISON
LAKESHORE ORCHARDS
Farmhouse, Bakery, and Gift Shop
Since 1826
Celebrating our 184th year
Fresh baked pies,
breads, and pastries
on premises
Locust Grove
Smoke House
~ Quality Meats Since 1973 ~
locally grown fresh
vegetables
apple cider donuts
NYS fresh maple
syrup
fresh fudge
Adirondack gifts
OPEN 7 Days 9-5
Apple gift
packs shipped
anywhere in the USA
3208 NYS Route 9 North • Crown Point, NY 12928
518-597-9222
Route 40 Argyle, N.Y.
518 638-8591
grass fed beef
smoked products
spiral sliced ham
pickled polish sausages
smoked cheeses local maple syrup & honey
Open All Year Round:
USDA Inspected
M-F 8am - 6pm
processing
Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 10am-4pm
Book in advance for parties
NORM’S
BAIT & TACKLE
One stop Hunting and Fishing Supply Store
The Crossroads
Country Store & Sports Shop
* All major brand lures
* All types of live bait
* Custom made arrows
* Trolling supplies
* Martin Bow dealer
* Pan Fish bought/sold
* Lobster & Clams
* Muzzle loading
** Fresh seafood available year round**
HUGE FISHING AND TACKLE SELECTION
Located along the Lake Champlain Bridge Road to Vermont
286 Bridge Road
Crown Point, NY 12928
fly fly
fishing
&&
fly fly
tying
live
bait
fishing
tying
live
bait
fishing
&
hunting
licenses
hunting
equipment
fishing & hunting licenses
hunting equipment
camping
equipment
sweatshirts
and tees
camping
equipment
sweatshirts
and tees
clothing
andand
footwear
Chief Moccasins
clothing
footwear Laurentian
Minnetonka
Moccasins
our
Call about
weekly fly
tying club
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
groceries & gasoline
gourmet coffee
518-597-3645
Adirond
ac
gifts, bo k
oks,
and ma
ps
over 50 types of craft beer
our hot and cold deli
features Boars Head Products
Fall Hours:
7am-8pm daily
7am-7pm Sun
open daily at 7am
on Schroon River Rd.
1 block north of Route 8
exit 25 on I-87
40 DIXON ROAD
CHESTERTOWN, NY 12817
518-494-3821
w w w. c r o s s r o a d s o u t d o o r s . c o m
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
21
The Business Place... North
The Crossroads
Country Store and Sports Shop
fly fishing & fly tying
live bait
fishing & hunting licenses
hunting equipment
sweatshirts & tees
camping equipment
clothing & footwear
exit 25 on I-87
40 Dixon Road
Chestertown, NY 12817
Gas, gear
& Great beer
518 494-3821
THE MERRY WINE MAKERS
•Home Wine & Beer Making Kits
•Wine & Beer Making Supplies
•Cheese Making Kits
Linda Bennett
22
Adirondack Guest Informer
5 1 8 . 5 6 2 . 0 0 6 4 • [email protected]
37 Durkee Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901
Fall 2010
The Business Place... South
Est. 1977
WOOD • GAS • PELLET
• Sales
• Installation
• Service
The
Website: www.celtictresures.com
STOVERY
Mon-Fri
10-5
Sat 10-3
4245 State Route 40
South Argyle, NY 12809
(518) 638-8950
www.thestovery.com
Chimneys
Visa • MC Amex • Discover
Custom
Fireplaces
Are Our
Specialtly!
Liners
SPA CITY COMICS
47 Phila Street v Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-583-7760
-we buy & sell comics
-graphic novels
-back issues
-comic supplies
-new issues
Open 7
days year
round
Mon/Tue 11-5 • Wed 11-9 • Thu 11-7 • Fri 11-8 • Sat 11-7 • Sun 12-5
[email protected]
Hard ice cream
Soft ice cream
Ice cream cakes
Deli sandwiches
Baked pies
Nuns of New Skete
cheesecakes
Open 7 days 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
417 State Route 29 Greenwich, NY 12834
Beads • Supplies • Books • Parties
Work table in store...comes have some fun!!
(518) 692-8382
www.the-ice-cream-man.com
80 Henry Street Saratoga Springs, New York (518) 584-7733
Open Tues-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5. Open Mon during the summer
Poor Richards
Antiques
We Buy and Sell
CASH CASH CASH
Open 7 Days
M-S 10-5 ~ Sun 12-4
518-745-1285
179 Glen Street • Downtown Glens Falls, NY
[email protected]
959 Route 9, Queenbury
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
23
Adirondack Night life
GLENS FALLS
BULLPEN
216 Glen Street
518-745-7811
DANGO’S
156 Maple Street
518-792-9861
HOTSHOTS
45 South Street
518-361-BARS
Local Groups
LAKE GEORGE
SANDY’S cLAM bAR
41 South Street
518-792-4345
JUDD’S TAVERN
163 Canada Street
518-668-2554
wallabee’s
190 Glen Street
518-792-8282
Jazz
MINERVA
Sporty’s Iron Duke Saloon
1723 State Route 28N
P.O. Box 903
Minerva, NY 12851
518-251-5260
bands
HUDSON FALLS
GOOD TIMES
35 John Street
518-746-1230
live music/DJ
LAKE PLACID
ROOMERS NightClub
2559 Main Street
518-523-3611
Live DJ
WISEGUYS
3 School Street
518-523-3611
Majestic Limousine
& Transportation
60 Smithfield Blvd. Plattsburgh
(518) 563-4444
2 Main St. Lake Placid
(518) 523-0294
The Return Home
The Debut CD from Mike LaPoint
15 original songs covering his writing from 1978-1991
FORT ANN
Boars Nest Bar & Grill
1263 Patten Mills Road
Fort Ann, NY 12827
518-761-9088
Local Bands
SARATOGA sPRINGS
BAILY’S CAFE
40 Putman Street
518-583-6060
Live Local Bands
CAFFE LENA
47 Phila Street
518-583-0022
Folk Music
Club 388
388 Broadway
518-584-2283
salsa, merengue
“It was about the songs, not about my technical
expertise. That’s what mattered.
That’s what I focused on. And after it was all done,
after many miles of unknown highway, it was good to
be home.”
~ from the liner notes.
PARTING GLASS PUB
40 Lake Avenue
518-583-1916
Gaffney’s
16 Caroline Street
518-587-7359
local music nightly
vapor nite club
Saratoga Casino
518-584-2110
Live Jazz, Disco, 80’s
Putnam Den
63A Putnam Street
518-584-8066
open 7 days
pLATTSBURGH
cOCKTAILS
42 River Street
Morrisville, NY
518-561-7322
Monopole
7 Protection Avenue
518-563-2222
CITY TAVERN
21 Caroline Street
518-581-3230
Big Bands
from across US
Currently only available at live
performances; for a schedule, see:
http://calendar.yahoo.com/micalapoint
~ photo courtesy of Steve LaPoint
24
Adirondack Guest Informer
Fall 2010
Sandy’s - Some “Clam Jamming” for Everyone
By Mike LaPoint
Y
ou can ask almost anyone in Glens
Falls if they have a story that involves
Sandy’s Clam Bar and they’ll smile, get a
faraway look in their eyes and nod “yes” as
they remember and relive it.
Sandy’s is special to everyone because
it can be so many things at once: the
happy hour place where people go after
work; the rock and roll club that hosts the
best bands in the area with room to dance
the night away; a hangout for sports
enthusiasts with big screen TVs and fans
that cheer on their teams and the multiple
local teams the bar sponsors; and the perfect place to people-watch because of the
colorful characters who hang out there...
the list is endless.
And Sandy’s has been around forever
so the stories themselves are endless;
from the usual “bar drama,” to hosting benefits to raise money for worthy
causes, to pure, unadulterated fun. It’s
been under the current management since
1953 and remodeled to its current size
since 1986 so it’s had a lifetime of experience creating its character. And speaking of characters, owner Rich Mozal
is usually on hand with his razor sharp
sense of humor and a joke or playful
insult just to add a little salt and lemon
juice to the flavor of the place. Goes
good with the lobster tails or tequila.
Affectionately known as Club Sandu,
Sandy’s boasts some of the best specials in
town. From late night (2-4am) $2.00 bottles
of Labatt’s Thursday through Saturday to
$1.50 Bud and Bud Light pints on Football
Sundays. There’s usually something going
on every night so don’t be afraid to ask.
And if you’re hungry, the menu over the
bar runs the entire length of it and includes
everything from wings and steamers to
lobster tails and steaks and every burger,
basket and brunch item you can think of in
between. You never have to plan where to
go to get something to eat while you’re out
because Sandy’s has it all.
And it’s not just a place to eat and drink.
Every July since 2006, Sandy’s hosts a
benefit called Play for Ray. Local musicians come together from all parts of the
region to play tribute (pun intended) to Ray
Jett, a local businessman, musician and
friend to everyone who unfortunately is
battling Alzheimer’s. All the proceeds go to
the Alzheimer’s Association and everyone
happily donates their time. The date is
usually a Wednesday around the third week
of the month and is well promoted so if
you’re interested, it’s easy to find information. It’s just one of the ways Sandy’s goes
above and beyond.
The bands who play there are too numerous to mention and
I wouldn’t want to
leave anyone out,
but you’re guaranteed top notch entertainment. The best
bet it to check the
night life sections
of The Chronicle or
The Post Star (two
local newspapers)
the week you’re
in town or check
out http://www.
myspace.com/clubsandu where bands
will sometimes post
their shows in the
comment section. And amazingly, for all
the live music Thursday through Saturday
nights, including happy hours, there is
NEVER a cover charge!
Located on the Street of Dreams (the local nickname for South Street) at 41 South,
right on the corner of Elm, Sandy’s stands
apart as a landmark in downtown Glens
Falls. Other bars have come and gone,
but Sandy’s stands strong. As soon as you
enter the weathered brick building with the
alluring neon signs in its windows, adjust
to the subdued lighting of the room and are
greeted with an enthusiastic smile by the
staff, you know you’re in for something
different and memorable. Come on in and
start your own stash of stories.
Sandy’s Clam Bar
41 South Street
Glens Falls, NY 12803
518-792-9753
Sandy’s Clam bar
Live music Thurs, Fri, Sat
NFL Ticket
NFL network
Pub Fare
Join us for happy hour 6-9pm
Drink specials & Free H’orderves
Steamed Clams & Wings
Open 7 days a week 11-4am
41 South St. Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518) 792-4345
Join us
for Post
Fireworks Cocktails
Monthly Theme
Parties
• Billiards • Foozball
• Darts
• Food
We have NFL tickets and NFL network
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
25
Brian Chevalier Brings Character to the Adirondacks
Artist’s
Profile
Goodnow, an accomplished and
well respected banjo and mandolin player, and the duo, Chip
hile it seems like Brian
and Chan, built a widespread
Chevalier has had his
fan base. However, marriage
hand in almost every aspect of
and raising two young boys
music you
could imag- eventually made making a living in late night clubs a less and
ine -from
less desirable career.
bands in
It was time for a change and
bars to kids
Brian put his trust in the universe
in classto guide him to the next step. This
rooms- a
led to considerations of trying
couple of
the projects his hand at investment banking.
But the powers that be had other
that intrigued me things in mind for him. Chance
encounters would point him in
most were
the creation of two Adirondack the direction that would continue
themed productions. The first, a his music into areas he had not
previously entertained.
collection of songs based on a
history of the region for which
A random conversation with
he included influences from
LARAC president, Pat Joyce, a
other musical styles than he had long time friend from booking
heard from past Adirondack
art festival gigs for his bands,
writers. And second, a musifound her informing him of
cal play in collaboration with
the Arts in Education apprena friend involved in musical
ticeship which would lead to
theater that portrayed regional
working in schools and grants
history through two created
for the Adirondack projects. On
characters, Ed and Ned. The
the same day, another chance
projects required more than a
encounter on a Lake George
simple writing or song learning island with an investment
process. There were grant appli- banker who always wanted to
cations, deep research, writing
be a musician was the “sign”
and rewriting, rehearsals and,
he had been waiting for and he
finally, public performances
pursued the Arts in Education
involved.
apprenticeship with resolve.
The path that led to these
The song collection/CD
projects and beyond is a story
Absolutely
Adirondack was
where music and family befunded by a grant from the
come intertwined with history,
New York State Council on
changing its course and seemingly guided by a higher power. the Arts and involved six
months of extensive reading,
It starts back when Brian,
interviews with locals from the
aka “Chip,” got interested in
guitar while still in high school Adirondacks and provided the
through friends who played and impetus for family trips to the
authentic locations of some of
would eventually start a band.
the stories and brainstorming
This led to him studying classical guitar at Keene State Col- with his wife, Maureen, over
lege in NH and putting together the details and ideas behind the
songs. The collection includes
his own bands.
stories about Noah John
When he returned home,
Rondeau (“Mr. Game Proteche established new bands,
tor” and “Noah John Suite”),
including OP Taylor and Crispy the life story of a local resident
Critters, creating rock and roll
(“Somewhere East of Wewith the friends who initially
vertown”) and logging in the
inspired him. Eventual disAdirondacks (“Thirteen Feet
solution of these bands and a
of Gold”). The grant required
rekindled interest in bluegrass
only a public performance. The
music from his college days led CD was the result of recordto a collaboration with Chan
By Mike LaPoint
W
26
ing a demo for other musicians
involved.
The musical play, Adirondack Kids, was funded by the
same source as the CD, but the
impetus for the project actually came from a family apple
picking trip where he and Neal
Herr, a friend with a long career
in musical theater, would create
characters, making up spontaneous dialog in assumed voices,
which would eventually become
the basis of another six month
writing and research project
with a public performance (and
eventually many), the requirement of the grant. The performance included scenery painted
on costumes to simplify the
mobility of the show.
Ed and Ned: “It all depends
on your lens and how it tends to
view it”
Ed: “I’m telling you the truth,
though I may have to lie to do
it.”
Join us
for Post
Fireworks Cocktails
(from Adirondack Kids)
Currently, Brian is using his
training from Arts in Education
and his experience with these
two projects (and others) to
set up residencies in regional
schools to teach kids how to
write music as well as being
involved in the Reading Rocks
program, character education
and a nutritional show in collaboration with musician Rich
Ortiz. Details of all his projects
can be found at www.songspun.
com.
Mike LaPoint’s life has been
about music. From age 20, he has
been making a living at playing
in multiple bands, creating a wide
variety of sounds and now, as a
solo act, having worked from Lake
George to Key West, he is in the
process of promoting his song writing while still catering to audiences
to make a living at what he loves.
His current CD The Return Home
is available where he plays.
Monthly Theme
Parties
• Billiards • Foozball
• Darts
• Food
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Fall 2010
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Adirondack Tales
Fire on the mountain
Autumn view from Hadley Fire Tower
­—­photo courtesy of Carl Heilman
I have been hiking and climbing in the
Adirondack for over a dozen years but only
recently discovered another hidden gem; fire
towers.
I moved to the North Country four years
ago, knowing that I would finally hike at will.
(Gone were the days of the long awaited holiday
weekend when I would set out on my five hour
pilgrimage from New Jersey to the High Peaks.)
Within months or relocating here, I first heard
of the existence of a standing tower on Hadley
Mountain, a short drive from my home in
Washington County.
Last winter, I finally decided to climb
Hadley Mountain, and after a grueling, two and
a half hour hike up ice and snow (with crampons
ByMiroslavIvkovic
and ice ax) , my hiking partner and I finally
reached the summit. To our surprise, the fire
tower was not only standing but very sturdy as
well. We were was able to safely climb to the
fourth level before turning back because the
observation deck itself was locked for the winter.
While the mountain apex held extensive
views, the view from the tower was 360 degrees,
albeit the wind prevented us from lingering
longer than a few minutes.
Since that first climb twenty months ago, I
have been to the summit of Hadley a half dozen
times. ( The trail is steep from beginning to end
except for a few hundred feet where the southern
ridge meanders for a half mile with almost no
vertical ascent.) As a result of these seasonal
hikes, I have been fortunate enough to view the
scenery from the tower at different times of the
year, and I will continue to come back every
season.
Fire towers in the Adirondacks were built
in the early 1900’s after many fires ravaged
the Adirondack Park. Lookouts were built and
observers hired to detect fires, communicate
with ground crews and direct them to the source
of the fire. The observers worked April thru
www.AdkGuestInformer.com
October until the 1970’s when technology forced
their retirement.
Today one plane does the work of a dozen
tower observers and as a result many towers
have been removed while others have begun
to wither away. Of the original fifty seven
fire towers in the Adirondacks, only thirty
three remain, and fifteen are still safe to climb.
However, their future is in doubt. Interestingly
enough, these remaining towers have become
popular hiking destinations and are now on the
National Register of Historic Places.
The first extensive study on these regional
towers was undertaken in a book entitled,
“The Recreational Map of the Adirondacks”,
hand drawn by Walter Bruhns in 1979. The
Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake is
another great source of information about these
wonderful icons of the mountains.
Miroslav Ivkovic is publisher and co-owner of
Adirondack Guest Informer. His work with the
magazine leads him to travel extensively around
our region, meeting and talking with fascinating
people wherever he goes.
27
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