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Author: Megin Potter

Nourished, housed, and happy.

U.S. Marine Corps retired Major Robert “Bob” Zink forges a legacy caring for Marines and their families.

In 1971, Zink enlisted in the Marine Corps and his service to America continues to this very day.

He was inspired to join the U.S. Marine Corps after seeing his brother, Bill, return from Vietnam a hero. 

“That first day was terrible,” remembers Zink. When he finally arrived to boot camp in Parris Island, SC (after traveling from his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA) drill sergeants shouted orders and stripped him of the few belongings he had, only to equip him with war essentials (the “Sea Bag Drag”) before sending him to his barracks. 

“Like most recruits when they join, I thought, ‘What did I do?’” he said. 

Keeping the Troops Happy

Stationed as a cook at Henderson Hall in the Marine Corps Headquarters in Arlington, VA, Zink also served in the Marine Corps Commandant’s Mess in the Navy Annex “up the hill” from the Pentagon. He remembers General Cushman having a specific affinity for creamy peanut butter, insisting on having a fresh jar of it on his desk every morning. 

At the end of his first enlistment period, then Sergeant Zink, reenlisted and became an avionics technician for the A4 Skyhawk jet aircraft while stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. In 1978, he married Glens Falls native, Laura Winans, and today they have two daughters and five grandchildren.

After being promoted through the ranks, Major Zink became Head of the Marine Corps Food Service, responsible for making sure both field armies and garrison troops were well-fed at home and overseas. 

Coming Home

On November 1, 1998, (exactly 27 years from the day he enlisted) Major Zink retired with the Meritorious Medal, Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Marine Corps Overseas Service accommodation for his time in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea. 

For the next 18 years, Zink was a defense contractor headquartered in Arlington, VA, where he helped negotiate G-13 family housing contracts. He returned to Glens Falls for special occasions and family get-togethers every year until finally moving to the area seven years ago.

“I always promised my wife I’d bring her home,” said Zink. “I love Glens Falls, I always have. When I moved up here, it was the first town I’d been to where I didn’t have to find my way around because I was familiar with it already.”

Serving America

In 2019, Major Zink joined the Marine Corps League Memorial Detachment No. 2 in Hudson Falls. Now in his second year as Detachment Commandant, he is also a current member of the Glens Falls VFW, and is the Glens Falls American Legion Post 233 Commander.

“Regardless of your service affiliation, if you’re a member of these organizations, you’re still serving America,” he said. 

The Marine Corps League, the only congressionally chartered USMC related veteran organization, honors and assists veterans and their families in a variety of ways. 

After receiving their charter in 1946, Memorial Detachment No. 2 was instrumental in organizing the Memorial Day Parade in Glens Falls and providing Thanksgiving food baskets to needy families. Soon after, they began collecting, repairing, and distributing used toy donations to children for the holidays. 

In the late 80’s, the detachment joined the National Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program; a large-scale effort that resulted in local collections being distributed outside of the area. In 2016, the local program, now known as the Tri-County Marines – Toys for Girls and Boys, formed and today serves 200 to 300 families (400 to 600 children) annually in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga County (north of Exit 15). 

Exceeding Expectations

From now until the week before Christmas, the Tri-County Marines Toys for Girls and Boys is collecting monetary contributions and donations of unwrapped toys for children ages 2 -12. 

By supplying a toy collection box to any business or organization that wishes to support their program, Tri-County Marines Toys for Girls and Boys provides families with giant sacks full of toys in time for the holidays (rather than limiting gifts to one per child). The Marine Corps League, a 501c4 nonprofit, uses monetary donations to buy gifts, especially those older children will love, but often aren’t donated including: basketballs, remote control drones and vehicles. 

“We appreciate the response that we’ve had from the local community, for the toys and the monetary donations you provide,” said Zink. “It’s just fabulous that the local community has supported us for so many years so that we can go above and beyond distributing toys to local families.”

To apply for the Tri-County Marine Toys for Girls and Boys program, a parent or guardian must visit Marine Corps League Detachment No. 2, at 3033 State Route 4, in Hudson Falls between November 18th– 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proof of residency, school district, age and gender of children is required. Children must be between the ages 2  to 12 years old. Applicants then will need to return December 16th – 20th, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up their toys.

Mail donations to Marine Corps League Memorial Det. 2, PO Box 322, Glens Falls NY 12801. Follow them on Facebook @mclmemorialdetachment2

Window of Opportunity

With today’s advanced innovation and tax credits, safe, stylish, custom window treatments have never looked so good.

Both practical and decorative window treatments have evolved over time. From utilitarian to extravagant, the vast array of fabrics, designs, and styles available today provide unprecedented window treatment options. 

By combining expert knowledge with an informed eye for innovation, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga creates custom window coverings that reflect the client’s unique vision while enhancing the space. 

Smart Solutions

Gotcha Covered of Saratoga is a local family business opened in December 2023 by Tim and Michelle Schultz, owners of Designs on Glen, providing full interior design services. The only local franchise of its sort in the region, this location is connected to a national franchise with more than 200 locations across the country. Gotcha Covered of Saratoga works with more than a dozen vendors including market leaders Hunter Douglas, Graber, Alta, Horizons, Sunpro and others to deliver both quality products and competitive pricing. 

“It’s the best of both worlds,” said co-owner Tim Schultz. “We benefit from their established relationships nationally and are plugged into their network, which gives us a head start, but have the freedom of owning our own business and working with a client’s overall vision to figure out the best solution for them.”

Michelle, who has 20+ years of design experience, provides personalized advice, ensuring you are getting the most cost-effective, durable, well-fitting, and easiest to maintain window solutions on the market. 

No Strings Attached

Meeting the needs of your household starts with listening. Today’s window treatments can do more than you might realize. Whether you want to filter the sun’s rays, darken the room, or need an outdoor awning for protection, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga can help identify the right solution for you during your free design consultation. 

“What a client settles on is often not what they anticipated – it’s often more aesthetically pleasing and less expensive,” said Tim.

Designed with safety in mind, as of June 1, 2024, all window coverings sold in the United States must be cordless, protecting children from the potentially hazardous free-hanging or exposed operating cords that are responsible for numerous accidents every year. This new safety standard from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association is just one of the many interesting advancements happening in the world of window treatments.

Setting the Scene

As technology progresses, window treatments are following suit. While certain styles provide enhanced sound absorption, others, including Hunter Douglas and Alta Honeycomb Shades, are superior insulators. These shades are so well designed, they can lower your monthly utility bills. Besides looking good, they can also help you earn incredible savings in the form of a federal tax credit for up to 30% of the purchase price (a maximum annual amount of $1,200). 

Motorization and automation let you shade your home on your schedule. Providing convenience and energy efficiency, custom motorized shades can be fitted in a variety of applications. Motorization is particularly beneficial for hard-to-reach windows or for those who simply enjoy the ease of automation. Motorization is also available in exterior applications such as motorized screen shades (that allow you to extend your living space while protecting you from the bugs) to retractable motorized awnings with LED lights for protection on hot sunny days.  

Controlled with your phone, remote, or smart device, you can set shades to open in the morning and lower at night to create the perfect scene.

Pulling Back the Curtain

Whether you have one window or two dozen, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga has got you covered. Measuring each window with a laser to achieve a precise fit, they factor in material performance (environmentally friendly woven natural fibers, for example, will stretch over time) to provide you with that lasting ‘Wow!’ factor. 

Because their products are all manufactured in North America, they are ready to be installed by Gotcha Covered of Saratoga’s professional and detail-orientated team in just two to three weeks in homes and businesses throughout the region, from Lake George to Albany. 

Whether creating uniquely well-equipped storefronts with motorized carbon fiber screens that are both lightweight and strong, or outfitting hotels, schools, offices, and homes with other innovative custom solutions, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga pulls back the curtain on smart solutions. 

To learn more, go to https://www.gotchacovered.com/saratoga.

Building a Bridge Between People

How a former musician connects veterans to each other – and local services.

By: Megin Potter

The Beatles, Steely Dan, and jazz culture inspired a young Jeremy Duers to pursue the fine arts at the Crane School of Music after graduating from the Lake George Central School District. Failing to secure full-time gigs in local orchestras however, led to Jeremy joining the US Marines, like his father had before him thirty-nine years earlier. 

“At the time, it was a great option,” said Jeremy.

After passing his physical fitness exam and nailing the audition for an orchestral percussionist at the Schuylerville High School auditorium, Jeremy bypassed the traditional route prescribed for musicians. On September 14th, 1999, he shipped out to the US Marine Corps recruit training depot in Parris Island, S.C. After Marine Combat Training in North Carolina, he went immediately to his first duty station at the Logistics Base in Albany, GA. 

Jeremy Duers, Coordinator, Veterans Peer to Peer

“Get Ready, Marines!”

The Marine Band unit Jeremy was in was the largest on the base. Their mission: to bridge the gap between the military and civilian populations. Playing an important role as goodwill ambassadors, they performed in ceremonies and events within the country and abroad (with notable performances in Scotland, Iceland, and the US territories). 

A lot changed after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, remembers Jeremy. Just three hours after seeing the second plane crash into the World Trade Center building in New York City, his unit mustered up; rifles and supplies at the ready. 

As a member of the Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) unit, Jeremy was among the forces assigned to defend the Georgia base which was, at the time, one of the military’s largest arms depots in the world. 

A History of Conflict

In 2004, after receiving the US Navy Good Conduct Medal, a diagnosis of severe Crohn’s disease led to Jeremy’s medical discharge from the military. Married with two children, he didn’t want to go back to being a starving artist again, he said. So he started studying the history of political conflicts at SUNY Adirondack. 

“I was a much better historian than I was a musician,” he explained. 

Fascinated by history, particularly the Cold War, Jeremy earned an associate’s degree at SUNY Adirondack, a bachelor’s from Skidmore College, and a master’s from Union College before teaching history in Houston, TX for three years. 

When he returned to Lake George in 2017, Jeremy taught 11th grade Social Studies in Granville while also coaching football and wrestling for the combined Lake George and Hadley-Luzerne school districts. In 2020, he began teaching middle school history at Hadley-Luzerne. 

“As a devout Catholic, for me, it’s always been about how I can help. With teaching I was trying to help kids and give back,” he said. 

Serving Those Who Served

Now, Jeremy has returned to the SUNY Adirondack campus, and as the Coordinator of Adirondack Peer-to-Peer Support Services, a Joseph P. Dwyer Project, he ensures veterans in Warren and Washington Counties have the resources they need within a supportive social network. 

“This program and SUNY are a great fit. They have a number of the resources we need to accomplish our mission,” he said, whether that’s hosting a yoga or art class, bingo, or a jam band.  

Along with a small (but effective!) cadre of part-time mentors and volunteers, Jeremy mans the “bat phone” taking calls from across two counties to improve the health and wellness of at-risk veterans. 

Through a confidential, one-on-one, peer-to-peer approach, veterans are connected to each other and to local services, learning about opportunities and special programs for them and their families. Designed to build and sustain a social safety net, the program hopes to reach veterans suffering from the crippling social isolation that can manifest into hunger, homelessness, or death by suicide. 

“There are veterans in terrible shape who are just languishing with physical, mental, and psychological problems,” Jeremy explained. 

Working from what was a blank slate when he arrived, Jeremy said he’s “building the plane while flying it” and helping between 200 to 500 veterans each month with his Rolodex of resources. From providing rides to medical appointments or the grocery store, to securing resume-writing services, to helping those facing a tenuous housing situation with a place to stay, and advocating for alternative sentencing (depending on the severity of the crime). For every veteran that Adirondack Peer-to-Peer Support Services helps, the ripple effect is a force multiplier strengthening the economy, he said.

If you, or someone you know, could possibly benefit from Adirondack Peer-to-Peer Support Services, or you are interested in assisting as a coach, mentor, leader, or friend, follow them on Facebook @ADKP2P and visit https://adkpeertopeer.org

All is Not Lost

Desperate and despairing pet parents turn to Alfie’s Rescue when their dog goes missing.

By: Megin Potter

Photos Provided

Jen Atchinson is on a mission to locate lost dogs. After joining in the community-wide search for Alfie, a miniature Australian shepherd who went missing from Glens Falls two years ago, she got to know the dog’s owners, who were visiting from Pennsylvania, and, when Alfie was finally found, experience the joy of a family reunited. 

Since then, Jen, a retired State of New York employee, and Stacy Berry, co-founders of Alfie’s Rescue, have located 40 missing dogs. 

“I go out as necessary. Sometimes there are no lost dogs in the area, but sometimes, I’m kept pretty busy,” said Jen, who, while searching for a missing dog named Scooby, drove the more than two and a half hours to Malone, near the Canadian border, to help find him. “If I know a dog is in danger or has been lost for a long time, I am willing to travel,” she said. 

Lost and Alone

Alfie’s Rescue does everything they can to recover a lost dog. While sometimes dogs are found within hours, it has also taken Jen more than 45 days to locate a missing dog.  Rising at 6 am, and out searching all day (with only brief breaks) until well after dark, she is doing what local agencies and rescue organizations don’t have the time and resources to do, and what pet parents often can’t. 

When they can’t find their beloved dog and are left on their own, the dog’s family sometimes exacerbates the situation. Franticly yelling the dog’s name, or moving toward a skittish dog, often scares him, causing him to run. 

“If the owner is out there, screaming, the dog is going to automatically think, ‘I’m in trouble’,” said Jen. “That’s why it’s extremely important to kneel down on the ground and talk to a lost dog like you would to a child,” she said.

Hiding in Plain Sight

Stray dogs are nomadic animals, moving to find the human food sources they rely on and the small animals that eat it, so, in addition to a perimeter search for prints, Jen looks for signs, like a garbage bag that has been ripped into, indicating that a dog may have recently visited an area. 

When Loki, a boxer from Broad Albin, ran away from home, his Mom and Dad were heartbroken, said Jen. After trying to help the distraught parents over the phone, there was an agonizing month of no sightings. That’s when Jen and Jill, a tracker from Bethlehem, scoured aerial maps, and picked up his trail. After five days with no luck, the team finally caught sight of him.

“He was the most emaciated dog I’ve ever seen,” said Jen. Although boxers have a strong jaw and powerful bite, their flat, square muzzle makes it difficult for them to pick up scents and find food. 

“When we went out to look, Jill and I almost walked right over him. He was extremely thin, exhausted, and sound asleep. I thought, this poor dog is going to die right in front of us, but then he picked up his head and ran away. I felt awful,” she said. 

When Patience Pairs with Cunning 

Next, Jen and Jill sprayed food with liquid smoke and grilled bacon in the middle of the woods to try to lure him in. 

“Dogs’ noses are 40 times more sensitive than ours, so we rely on that to be the guiding light to bring them to the food bowl,” she said. After strategically placing food and a trap (out of the reach of neighborhood cats and other wildlife) Jen and Jill set up their cellular-enabled trail cameras and went to a nearby restaurant to wait. 

The atmosphere was tense and quiet. 

Finally, Loki emerged, attracted to the food in the trap, and they knew this was it, he’d soon be going home. “It was incredible!” said Jen. 

Rescue from a Crazy World

Dogs go missing for a variety of different reasons, but a stray dog wandering the streets on his own can be more than just a nuisance. Without a pack helping them to hunt, on their own, lost dogs won’t last long. Traffic has increased tremendously since the days when dogs were left to run free. Today, we expect dog owners to be responsible for their pets. Stray dogs can contract a contagious disease, like mange (which is common in foxes), or develop aggressive behavior and bite a child. 

When a dog is dumped, Jen works with local sheriff’s offices and animal control to get the abandoned animal to a shelter and rehomed. The increasing value of certain dog breeds has led to them being stolen (even right off a front porch!) Dogs are also taken to be used as bait animals for dog fighting, which is still a huge problem in Albany, said Jen. 

Posting a reward for your missing dog can also be problematic because if someone is holding the dog and sees a reward offered, they may be incentivized to keep the dog longer (waiting to return the animal until the reward is raised). 

“You just don’t know. It’s a crazy world out there, nowadays. In a matter of minutes, your dog can be lost, taken, or something worse,” said Jen. 

Where a little goes a long way…

The community is very good at posting on social media, said Jen, but when a pet goes missing, it can cost Alfie’s Rescue more than $1,000 per dog in food, gas, and travel expenses to recover them.  

All of these services are provided to pet owners for FREE, leaving Alfie’s Rescue to pay for all of their expenses out-of-pocket The subscription to the handful of trail cameras they use is $200/month. They’d like to upgrade to a thermal imaging drone to help aid in the search and become a certified non-profit organization.

Alfie’s Rescue has started a Go Fund Me page. They have raised $718 toward their goal of $10,000. To donate, go to  https://www.gofundme.com/f/alfies-rescue

To find out more, follow Alfie’s Rescue on Facebook and go to https://alfiesrescue.com

Variety is the Spice of Life

A farm survival guide for perilous times

By: Megin Potter

Photos by Michael Nelson

The last century has focused on controlling and streamlining food systems. The result? Today, fewer farms, producing higher yields, and earning increased profits. 

Shifting production away from small farms nurturing natural, complex ecosystems however, has come at a cost. The lack of diversification makes the whole system vulnerable to problems. 

Fifty years ago, in the fall of 1974, Dan Wilson was just entering his freshman year at Granville Central School. His family had just purchased a 350-acre farm in Upstate New York, and moving here was a bit of a shock, he said. 

“It felt exciting, adventurous. My dad was a corporate executive, so it was a complete change of pace for us.” 

Before moving to Washington County, Dan’s family lived in Southern Connecticut and his dad was the head of Research and Development at industry giant, General Foods Corporation. 

The farm’s previous owners, the Hicks family, were very welcoming however, and had already established a successful U-pick farm on the property (the oldest of its kind in New York State). 

Surviving Unpredictable Circumstances 

In the 119 years that Hicks Orchard has been providing families with the opportunity to pick their own produce, they have learned how to capitalize on diversity. 

“Northern Washington County is hilly, so you have these very small farms, and the only way for them to survive is to do something unique by creating value-added products and processes that create a brand experience. That’s the way to ensure the survivability of small farms,” said Dan. 

Since he began running Hicks Orchard in 1990, it has attracted an average of 30,000 people annually, primarily from late summer to early November. 

Sometimes, that season is even shorter, like last year, when a late spring freeze resulted in Hicks Orchard losing 60% of their apple crop. 

Keeping it Fresh

To survive, farming, like other industries, must weather recessions, pandemics, and a changing climate. Agritourism across the country has experienced significant revenue growth in the last 30 years, but relies on luring urbanites and families out to the country for a wholesome experience. 

When there’s no pickable produce or unpleasant weather, agritourists might not make the trek out to the farm at all. Unlike other types of farming, the you-pick model includes the added costs of risk management, insurance, and providing customer comfort. Which is why one of the first things Dan did was convert the farm’s bakery building into public restrooms. 

As the old packing barn grew into a vibrant, year-round farm store, the farm hosted numerous parties and a variety of events. In addition to being a farmer preparing for future shocks and stressors, Dan is also akin to a stage manager creating a platform for people to have a memorable experience. 

Expanding Off-Site

To help insulate Hicks Orchard from the variability of the weather, they began making apple cider donuts. Donuts are “weatherproof” and available year-round. They are also the backbone of Hicks Orchard’s sales at their Shirt Factory store in Glens Falls. 

Hicks Orchard became acquainted with The Shirt Factory after appearing as a vendor at their annual Holiday Open House. During the warmer months, they started serving the refreshingly simple fresh apple cider slushies (and other farm fresh delights) at The Shirt Factory’s Thursday Market and Food Truck Corral. Now, the enticing aroma of apples can be found inside the sprawling Shirt Factory building at the Hicks Orchard Farm Store and Slyboro Cider House Tasting Room.

Open there every weekend, they offer the same great apples, donuts, and fresh-pressed cider available at the farm, along with homemade fudge and other foods from local producers. 

“The vast majority of our customers are from the Glens Falls area, so it’s a good opportunity for us and for our customers,” said Dan. 

Extending the Season

Before expanding off-site, in 2007, Dan strengthened the farm’s already solid foundation in tourism with the addition of the Slyboro Cider House and Tasting Room in a beautifully renovated 1935 barn. 

Although Hicks Orchard earns 80% of their revenue in the six weeks from Labor Day to November, the addition of the Slyboro Cider House and product line (which includes sparkling, still, and iced hard ciders as well as an apple brandy) attracts a different demographic and helps buffer the farm from variabilities caused by fluctuating weather. 

One of the earliest modern, licensed hard cider producers in the state, Hicks Orchard began experimenting with which apple varieties would make the best cider in what they called their “mad scientist” barn.  

“it’s a chance to be fun and creative while adding diversity to the farm. It keeps us on people’s radar and it’s an opportunity for us to keep staff members on, year-round,” said Dan. 

Although they hire 55 people during the peak of the season, just seven carry Hicks Orchard through the rest of the year, including retail managers Michelle Wilson and Kim O’Leary.

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

Working with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Hicks Orchard has implemented diverse plantings, from adding vineyard-like apple trees that reach peak productivity faster in a more compact space, to experimenting with U-pick blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

They currently grow 20 varieties of apples, some especially well-suited to cider, like the English Kingston Black, as well as the traditional heritage varieties like Northern Spy, and the new favorite, Honeycrisp.

As the son of a food scientist, Dan said he thinks if his parents could see how far the farm has come in the past 50 years, that it would make them proud.

“I think they’d be thrilled that we’re making and launching new products,” he said. 

For more information on Hicks Orchard events and products, find them on Facebook, Instagram, and at https://www.hicksorchard.com

A Golden Ticket

Sunflowers bring out the smiles during Dancing Grain Farm and Brewery’s autumn glory.

By: Megin Potter

Photos Curtesy of Dancing Grain

Sunflowers are happy flowers that have been cultivated for thousands of years. During this September’s Sunflower Festival, Dancing Grain Farm and Brewery is once again inviting the public to their 10 acres of sunflower fields in Moreau to delight in the one million bright blooms planted there. 

“This is not your average fall farm attraction. It’s about the land, the crops, and the products we’re making. I encourage everyone to come down and experience it for themselves,” said farm owner Rachel McDermott. 

Captivating the Senses

Sunflowers symbolize warmth and friendship while stimulating the imagination. Their cheery yellow heads pop out from the landscape in a satisfying show of color. Adding to their beauty, sunflower seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack for you and the birds. 

Sunflowers are also a short-season rotational crop that second-generation farmer Rachel McDermott planted in 2022 (the first season they opened Dancing Grain Farm and Brewery to the public). 

Building on the sustainability and production potential of the bountiful fields where malting barley is harvested for their diverse selection of beers, trial plots of buckwheat and sunflowers were planted to help protect the soil from wind and rain erosion, help to build organic matter, and improve overall health in the soil that becomes depleted by monocropping methods (that sustainable farming practices strive to remedy). 

Both crops did well despite a drought that brought only ½ inch of rain between July 10th and September 1st, stunting the sunflowers’ height. During the first week of September, nearly two inches of rain fell, bringing the fields to life – and the public to the farm in droves, said Rachel.

“That’s when I said, ‘We have to do sunflowers forevermore.’”

Settling In

With plenty of room to spread out, Dancing Grain Farm and Brewery grew to serve the large numbers of people flocking there, adding a second parking lot, signage, and other safety measures. 

This year, they’ve expanded their outdoor seating options to accommodate more than 265 people outdoors at solid wood picnic tables and on comfortable Adirondack-style chairs overlooking the harmony of color in the fields below. 

Planted in the first week of July, the oilseed sunflowers in Dancing Grain’s fields bloom 50 to 60 days after planting and reach maturity approximately a month later. Their single, large heads stand out next to the surrounding fields of grass, winter-hearty triticale (a super-grain that resembles wheat), and wildflowers including zinnias, dahlias, and branching sunflowers. 

During the Sunflower Festival, musicians including the Rich Clements Band fire-up the crowd from the “Wanda’s Wagon” stage, while they enjoy food from Tres Mijas of Glens Falls, Ted’s Fish Fry, Darling Donuts, and others. 

Families are encouraged to fly kites, explore the field trails at their leisure, pick sunflowers to bring home, and take pictures at the six photo prop stations. To avoid others profiting off the scenery without permission, no photo equipment (other than cell phones) is allowed in the fields without the purchase of a three-hour photographer’s pass. 

Drinking it Up

And, of course, there’s the beer. Crafted mainly from ingredients harvested on-site, these field-to-glass brews are a unique taste of the North Country. ‘Let Love Grow Wild’ with seasonal varieties including the complex rustic charm and wild spirit of “Farmer’s Daughter”; the rich, malty “Oktoberfest” with its sweet, smooth, chocolatey flavor; and the tartness of “Kiss My Peach”, made with 600 lbs of peaches hand-picked and hand-processed from Bowman Orchards in Clifton Park. 

“It’s a labor-intensive process, but you can definitely taste the difference,” said Rachel. For her, working a 12-hour day is considered a short shift. Dancing Grain’s staff is putting in extra hours this season, too, she said, all to ensure everyone who visits the farm has a wonderful time making lasting memories.  

Nourishing the Body and Soul

Every Sunday, the Sunflower Festival hosts yoga in the fields with Kristen Zorda, owner of Saratoga’s Yoga Mandali, and feature a rotating line of vendors at their Saturday Maker’s Markets, including on September 14th, Schuylerville’s Kickstart Café, roasters of a special Guatemalan blend coffee that gives Dancing Grains’ “Blonde Stout” its distinct character. 

“People hug me and say, ‘Thank you so much for being here and creating a space like this so close to our homes,’” said Rachel. “This is a place where people feel comfortable bringing family, friends, their children, and dogs. They want to be on the land that creates great beer.”

“We’re doing more than growing a commodity, we’re taking care of the land, nourishing the body and the soul.”

Taking the Chill Off

This Fall, Dancing Grain Farm and Brewery will be adding a trebuchet for pumpkin chucking, food from Carnivore BBQ, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, and more. Open year-round, as the weather cools, Dancing Grain, a Buffalo Bills Backers Bar, heats up with tailgating and watch parties. 

The newly launched Founder’s Club gives the public a front-row seat to all the action. Founders Club members are included in the next phase of the farm (finishing the barn to create a larger covered space that helps insulate Dancing Grain from seasonal weather shifts). 

“What I do out here requires a lot of faith and is based mostly on luck – when preparation meets opportunity. It’s hard to do what we do as farmers, being at the helm of Mother Nature, but it’s tremendously rewarding to see what we plan come to fruition. Because we’re so reliant on Mother Nature for a successful year, we believe in putting her first through regenerative farming and inviting the public to share in that process. We’re responsible for the world around us, let’s take care of it together, ” said Rachel. 

Dancing Grain Farm and Brewery, 180 Old West Road, Moreau, is open Wednesday 3pm – 8pm, Thursday & Friday 2pm – 9pm, Saturday 12pm – 9pm, and Sunday 12pm – 7pm. 

Sunflower Festival tickets include 5 PYO sunflower stems, $3/each additional.   Weds. & Thurs. $15, Fri. – Sun. $20. Children age 5 – 16 $10; under 5 FREE. 

For more information go to @ dancing_grain on Instagram, @dancinggrain on Facebook, email info@dancinggrain.com, and visit https://dancinggrain.com.

Funding the Float: Tubby Tubes River Co.

Photos courtesy of Tubby Tubes River Co.

Steady outdoor recreation entrepreneurship makes riding the rapids a breeze. 

During the heart of the summer, July and August, when the tourist season is in full swing, Jamie Johnson is constantly tracking the weather. 

As the owner of two outdoor attractions in Warren County, he’s ridden out the storms, and helped the region’s popularity as a tourist destination. Now, at Tubby Tubes River Co., in Lake Luzerne, he’s making improvements to its campus and overall customer experience. 

From Aerial to Aquatics

Adventure travelers seek out the Adirondack region for authentic outdoor experiences in a natural setting. Tubby Tubes, which has been bringing families together since 2002 for unforgettable excursions on the picturesque Hudson River, was acquired by Jamie Johnson in 2021. 

Back in 2007, Jamie founded Adirondack Extreme, a treetop obstacle course and zipline park in Bolton Landing. It was the first outdoor aerial adventure park of its kind in the U.S. and he has since launched his investment in other recreational opportunities. 

Well-positioned to take advantage of the regional tourist traffic during the summer months, both businesses have a similar ability to promote personal growth, strengthen team building, and encourage family time in beautiful surroundings. 

Beginning in 2019, Adirondack Extreme and Tubby Tubes collaborated to offer combined outdoor recreation adventure ticket options, so Jamie already had a well-developed relationship with Tubby Tube’s previous owners, Eric and Heather Hamell, when they decided to sell in 2021. 

“I looked at the numbers and away we went,” said Jamie. 

A New Gateway Glides In

After changing the name slightly to Tubby Tubes River Co., and rebranding, in June of this year they celebrated the ribbon cutting of their new welcome center. 

“When I first purchased the property, there were a few older wooden buildings but the accommodations were not sufficient. So the first thing on my agenda was a new welcome center,” said Jamie. 

The new metal structure, located on ten acres in Lake Luzerne, invites those wanting top-notch tubing experiences to enjoy a comfortable lounge area, new restrooms, and changing rooms. 

Serving as a gateway to a great day out on the water, the center provides easily accessible water sports equipment storage and items for sale. 

This fall, Tubby Tubes River Co. will be working to acquire the necessary licensing and permits so that by the 2025 summer season, they will be able to serve hot convenience foods, like pizza and hot dogs, as well as beverages, including beer and wine. 

Offering Exhilarating Adventures

Because they are a weather-dependent business, there are good days and there are bad days, but every day is definitely fun, said Jamie. 

“Since 2021 we haven’t had a normal summer in Lake George,” he said. “Every day is different and that’s part of the fun at Tubby Tubes.” 

During his first season, the weather was wet. In 2022, it was extremely dry. Last year, Lake George received more rain than they have in recent history, causing the river’s water level to be so high at times that it wasn’t possible to safely venture out. 

This year, there have already been two and a half weeks of 90-degree heat with intense humidity and storms rolling in during the evenings. 

Located five minutes from Lake George, a light rain won’t stop them from operating on the Hudson River, whose average summertime temperature hovers around a pleasant 70 degrees. Knowing that weather can change quickly, and drastically in the region, they make the call to cancel as early as possible and provide refunds or reschedule river time for those registered. 

The Tubby Tubes River Co. and the weather aren’t the only things that have been changing in Lake George. During the last two decades, the way we recreate has, too. 

“Nowadays, families are seeking to reconnect more than ever,” shares Jamie. “We strive to create experiences that multi-generational families can enjoy together. Tubby Tubes offers friends and family members (ages two and up) the ability to enjoy an authentic Adirondack outdoor adventure they’ll remember forever.”

Open from Memorial Day until Labor Day, Tubby Tubes River Co. excursions are fully-guided lazy river trips suitable for ages two and older. Exclusively working with staff ages 18+ brings a level of maturity to the experience that visitors won’t find with other companies, said Jamie. 

Providing their river rescue guides with training and requiring physical assessments is “fundamental” he said, and because trained staff is always present, Tubby Tubes River Co. avoids the safety situations that other tubing companies (offering self-guided sessions) can encounter.  

During their peak season they are capable of launching six trips daily (running four of their buses, each accommodating 60 people) from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

For more information, follow @TubbyTubes on Facebook and Instagram, and visit Tubby Tubes River Co. at tubbytube.com

Crafting Ingenuity at Adirondack Folk School

In an expansive land rich with natural resources and physical beauty, education and enterprise are given the freedom to flourish.

Traditionally, people living among the Adirondacks’ pristine lakes and thick forests have developed ingenious ways of using what was available to make what they needed. By “making do” they became experts at reinventing and repurposing. Working in concert with their surrounding environment, they crafted unique and useful items by hand, while building a foundation of skills that benefited them and their community. 

Since the pandemic, people have been flocking to folk schools around the nation, eager to nurture their creativity, work with their hands, and immerse themselves in an atmosphere that prioritizes relationships, culture, personal growth, and community empowerment. 

“People come here and discover their creative passion. They explore and create with their hands and minds, and have fun doing it. By working together, it creates a sense of community. During COVID, people were really feeling that loss, and were spending a lot of time on their computers. That’s when the folk school really blossomed – people wanted to learn new things and be with each other,” said Terri Cerveny, Executive Director of the Adirondack Folk School.

Giving Rural Entrepreneurs a Boost

The Adirondack Folk School, in Lake Luzerne, was founded by Jim Mandle in 2010. Since then, they’ve graduated more than 6,000 alumni. In 2023, their 60 instructors offered 250 classes to approximately 1,000 students. Through a variety of programs, including woodworking, blacksmithing, ceramics, fiber arts, basketry, photography, crafting, and more, the school’s courses build skills, create jobs, and help develop a more diplomatic and just society for rural entrepreneurs.

More than just a flight of fancy for back-to-the-earth enthusiasts and tourists, the Adirondack Folk School plays an important role in the local community’s economic development. By salvaging, harvesting, and purchasing products locally, natural materials like birch bark, branches, and balsam needles are used to create Adirondack-style rustic furniture, décor, and accessories. The slow economics of reuse and upcycling are utilized in courses including quilt-making (where old shirts are repurposed into wonderfully patterned one-of-a-kind quilts), and blacksmithing (where students work to achieve master smith certification using regionally-sourced steel). 

By employing instructors and educating artists, the Adirondack Folk School
is ensuring the traditional customs of this region are kept alive while
simultaneously enriching its people’s characteristic practice of sustainable, intentional, resourcefulness. 

“Luckily for us, our artisans have devoted their lives to their craft and are willing to teach others, which helps preserve these traditions for future generations,”
said Terri. 

Finding ways for these talented teachers to benefit beyond the classroom, three times a year the artists meet, mingle, and form future collaborations at the Adirondack Folk School’s Instructor’s Gathering. 

These gatherings help to nurture a pipeline of talent flowing through the school. New workshops for kids (such as gardening, weaving, letterboxing, and birdhouse building) include children as young as six years old. The school is expanding its programming to ensure the next generation will not miss out on their opportunity to experience this unique cultural education, and can potentially pass it on to others in the future.

Falling in Love with Learning

After retiring from a successful career in education administration, Terri Cerveny moved from Schenectady to Lake Luzerne in 2019. Like so many others looking for comradery in a relaxing environment, she took a class. In addition to meeting new people, she was also able to find her passion – jewelry making. 

“I just fell in love. I fell in love with the location, the people, the school,” she said.

Last year, Terri became the folk school’s Executive Director, a job she was happy to take on because since the Adirondack Folk School isn’t an accredited college (like other institutions she’s be a part of), they have the freedom to include an astonishingly vibrant range of instructors and courses within their curriculum.

“The exceptional people here care deeply about the school and want to preserve their art, hone their skills and crafts, and share them with others. It’s really a beautiful thing, and I get to be a part of that,” she said.

Taking it Up a Notch

The Adirondack Folk School’s eclectic selection of courses includes opportunities to learn about the lifestyles and crafting traditions of the Eastern Woodlands’ Native Americans, and the clever homesteading hacks European settlers employed in this area three centuries ago. Through the Adirondack Folk School’s partnership with the Thunderhawk Living History School, students learn traditional beading, moccasin-making, or can choose to go on the overnight camping trip of a lifetime, immersing themselves in the lives of those who lived there in the 1700’s. They enjoy storytelling and drumming around the fire, with reenactors dressed in historically accurate attire. 

Because of the public’s surge in interest since the pandemic, the Adirondack Folk School expanded to an annex in Lake George’s Route 9 outlet mall. The Alfred Z. Solomon Weaving and Woodworking Studio houses their exceptional 11 day cedar strip canoe-making class, and more than a dozen looms in a variety of sizes. 

Currently in the beginning stages of a Capital Campaign that will allow them to expand their facilities and bring these activities back to their Lake Luzerne campus, the school, a 501c3 non-profit organization, has already raised more than $300,000 in cash and pledges toward their new building project. 

“I’m very excited about the momentum we’re building. Our enrollment has been growing steadily since the pandemic. People continue to want to learn how to create things that can make them more self-reliant and to do so in a safe, welcoming community with others who have similar interests. We are running out of space to accommodate this growing demand. The time is now for us to expand,” said Terri. 

Visit the Adirondack Folk School’s Summer Festival, July 27th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for FREE family fun featuring craft demonstrations, storytelling, music, food, and magic.

Course gift certificates and finished pieces by mostly regional artists, students, and instructors are available in the Adirondack Folk School gift shop. Get something special for the ones you love at their remarkable Holiday Sale, November 16th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For updates, follow them on Facebook @ADKFolkSchool, on Instagram @ adk_folk_school, and go to adirondackfolkschool.org

Rising to the Occasion

Photos provided by Blackberry Hill Farms.

Fed up with factory-farmed fast food and industrial agriculture, Blackberry Hill Farm makes fresh organic breads and pantry staples the slow way. 

Before he founded Blackberry Hill Farm, Bob Barody was a vegetarian for four years. Disillusioned by the poor quality and nutritional content of mass-produced meat, he was determined to find an alternative. That’s when he began pursuing regenerative farming. 

In 2016, Bob left his job as a mechanic in a local school district to start Blackberry Hill Farm on 25 acres in Athol, NY.

“This is new age farming, not the old-school factory farming done with chemical sprays that destroys everything and ruins farmland,” he said. 

A first-generation homesteader, Bob discovered through online research and the works of farmer, author, and speaker Joel Salatin, owner of Polyface Farm in Shenandoah Valley, VA, that farming doesn’t have to be destructive, it can be done in a way that restores the soil’s nutrients while also producing healthy, great-tasting food. 

Certification Hurdles

In 2017, Blackberry Hill Farm was just one of two farms in the county to earn the USDA’s coveted “Certified Organic” distinction. At its peak, the farm grew a variety of organic vegetables, raised heritage-breed pigs, chickens, and a small herd of cows. 

During the pandemic, however, Bob scaled back, and flipped his business model from producing approximately 80-percent meat and vegetables, to making mostly value-added foods. Although his farming methods didn’t change, he dropped the “certified organic” labeling. To safeguard the integrity of the certification it has become the most heavily regulated and closely monitored food label offered. But the extensive record-keeping required to maintain it often comes at too high a price for small farmers. 

“Everyone throws around the word ‘organic’ when they don’t know what it means. You have to jump through so many hoops that I’d need a full-time person just to keep track of the accounting but there’s only three of us here that do this; me, myself, and I,” said Bob.

Slow Sourdough vs. Fast Sour-Faux

Even without the label, Bob still practices the principles of organic food production, and by building a wood-fired oven and commercial kitchen on-site, he is now able to create the sweet and spicy mustard for the public that he’s been making for his own friends and family for the past 30 years. 

A pleasing, zesty, creamy combination, the mustard is the condiment of choice to dip his chewy Bavarian style soft pretzels in, or to slather on the assortment of organic artisan breads and bagels he makes from scratch. 

Breadmaking the way Bob does it is a long, slow process. 

Bob’s sourdough bread, for example, is made with hand-ground organic flour.
The starter is mixed on Sunday, the dough is prepared, kneaded, and stretched
on Monday, giving it ample time to rise. Baking day is Tuesday, so the bread is ready to be sold on Wednesday.  

These handmade breads remain fresh for about a week, depending on the temperature at which they’re stored. 

The mass-produced “sour-faux” breads found on supermarket shelves, by comparison, are made in as little as four hours from start to finish, and numerous — potentially carcinogenic — additives and preservatives are used to allow these pseudo-breads to tolerate the harsh industrial processing conditions they’re subjected to and to maintain a longer shelf-life. 

Fresh & Market Ready

Scaling back from working the five farmers markets Bob sold at previously, now Blackberry Hill Farm products can be found at just three area markets and the Deli and Meat Store of the North in Warrensburg. Since January, Bob has been enjoying his first year at the Glens Falls Farmers Market and is finding that a lot of people who don’t attend the winter market have come out for the summer market on South Street. 

It took seven years for his space to open at the Glens Falls Farmers Market. Put on the waiting list because other vendors offered similar products, although he didn’t originally specialize in bagels, when the vendor who did left (creating an opening) Bob added the hearty, golden breakfast item to his menu of offerings. 

It has since become one of his most popular items – especially the Everything bagel variety – which is, hands-down, his best-seller, he said. 

In addition to Bob’s bagels, his rustic bread loaves, baguettes, and English muffins are typically made with just four ingredients, instead of the 40 you’ll find in many name brand breads on supermarket shelves. 

Farm fresh pizzas, made with Bob’s own dough, seasonal garden vegetables, and meats, are a joyful, sustainable, local spin on the universally-loved comfort food.

Blackberry Hill Farm also sells pantry items including gourmet popcorn, granola, coffee, and local honey on their barn-to-door website www.blackberryhillfarmadk.com

Tour the grounds of Blackberry Hill Farm and see where great bread is made during Thurman’s annual Farm Tour, held on Saturday, October 24th this year, and during Thurman’s Maple Days in March. For updates, follow them on Facebook @BlackberryHillFarmNY, and Instagram @BlackberryFarm1

Argyle Cheese Farmer: Crafting Cow Culture

Photo by Han Hopman.

Dave Randles has seen six active dairy farms disappear from the five-mile stretch of Argyle where his family’s farm has existed since 1862. Today, the animals are gone from their farm too, and the land that remains is used only for growing crops. 

In 2020, Dave and his wife, Marge, owners of the Argyle Cheese Farmer, moved onto greener pastures in Hudson Falls – trading steep grassy slopes with great views for the sleek sophistication of a state-of-the-art dairy processing plant. Equipped with an observation window, visitors can see first-hand the future of this industry. 

“The reality of farming is truer here than in the press,” said Marge. 

Get Big or Get Out

New York’s dairy industry is critical to the state’s economy. New York is an agribusiness global leader with an innovative dairy community that produces more than 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making it the fifth largest dairy producer in the nation.

But producing more milk has not meant more profits for most of the state’s farmers – or cheaper prices for consumers. 

“People want cheap food but if farmers were paid what they needed to have to make a living wage, shoppers couldn’t afford it,” said Marge.

“People need to eat,” explained Dave, “but economically, dairy farming doesn’t pay. You work, and work, and work – hard – and don’t get anywhere.”

The price of machinery and production costs have risen while volatile milk prices wedge dairy farmers into a position where they must expand their herd or consolidate. These larger dairies have improved margins because they can buy supplies in bulk, are less vulnerable to market fluctuations, and have more money to invest in more efficient equipment, better quality feed and forage, and the “Cadillac” of cow bedding materials – sand. 

What Dreams are Made Of

Dave and Marge met at Cornell University in the 1970’s and Marge, a Certified Financial Planner, ran a successful accounting business for 20 years before the couple released a line of Argyle Cheese Farmer products in 2007.  

In 2020, Argyle Cheese Farmer teamed up with Hudson Fall’s Ideal Dairy Farm to purchase the Lewis Super Grocery store on Burgoyne Avenue. 

“We wouldn’t be here today without Ideal Farm,” said Marge. Not only does Ideal Farm’s size and scale make them efficient, they have invested in genetics to create “cookie-cutter cows” and provided creature comforts (like fans and automated back-scratchers) for them.

After renovating the building to give it a red and white exterior, reminiscent of the barns that used to commonly dot the landscape, when visitors walk inside this cheese shop they are greeted by the enticing aroma of bread baking in the commercial kitchen. 

Argyle Cheese Farmer’s delightful baked goods are just one of the many ways they’ve incorporated Ideal’s milk into their product line. In addition to the amazing dry, crumbly cheese curds that have made them famous, the Argyle Cheese Farmer shop carries items you won’t commonly see at their 65 retail locations (which include Hannaford, Price Chopper/Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart’s Shops and area farmer’s markets, among others). 

Argyle Cheese Farmer offers a selection of milk products including 11 flavors of hard cheese; creamy cheesecakes in a variety of sizes; quark (a simple, European-style cream cheese), and take-and-bake meals like pizza and macaroni and cheese. Ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt, are joined by their robust line of Greek yogurts, including the New York State Fair’s Best in State award-winner made with syrup from Argyle’s Highland Maple Farm. 

Carrying European and other local artisanal cheeses, milk products, and goods, as well as souvenir items, this shop satisfies visitors with fancy cheese needs and those looking to pick up affordable, locally-made grocery staples.

Anything Argyle is A2

Although Ideal Dairy Farm, established in 1908, now raises 3,000 cows and cultivates 4,500 acres of farmland in Warren and Washington counties, Argyle Cheese Farmer products are made only from their herd of 250 cows producing A2 milk. 

Making a splash in recent years because it is considered more digestible for people experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance, A2 milk has been a saving grace for many consumers who had previously sworn-off dairy. 

Creating the recipes for their products comes naturally to Marge, she said, but adjusting to their current scale of production has had its challenges.Instead of making yogurt three times a week in 50-gallon vats, they now use a 1,200-gallon vat for yogurt and a 500-gallon vat for cheese production. 

Through their observation window, visitors are educated about the process and see the safety measures in place while learning the history of the unique and talented dairy producers and processors that provide significant contributions to New York’s agriculture industry, the economy, and to the health of our communities.

The Argyle Cheese Farmer, 2358 Burgoyne Ave, Hudson Falls, is open Monday – Saturday 8am-7pm, and Sunday 9am-4pm. They will be participating with Ideal Dairy in tours throughout July & August, and are a designated stop on the 2024 County Bounty Tour on September 7th & 8th.

For more information, visit their website at cheesefarmer.com