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Folklife Center Festival

Folklife Center 30th Anniversary Festival

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Columns, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured, News.

The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library is 30 years old and we’re celebrating  with a free Festival in City Park, outside the Library, Tuesday, July 25th, 10 am to 5 pm.  

Over 50 folk artists will fill the park demonstrating their crafts and traditions. Up close and personal, festival goers will be able to witness first hand the skill, and to talk  directly with the experts. Many of the artists will also have a hands-on component.  

The list of traditions is far reaching: Afghanistan kites, black ash and birch bark  basketry, barn quilts, blacksmithing, chainsaw carving, chair caning, drumming, fiber  arts, fly fishing flies and casting, hammer dulcimer, henna art, iconography painting,  Irish stick fighting, nature garden sculpture, painted floor cloths, paper art,  photographic portraits, plasma cut metal work, primitive weaving on a peg loom, rough  edge bowl turning, sculptures of found objects, stringed instrument making,  stonework, timber framing, tintype photography, torah scribing, ukulele club, wood  carving birds.  

There’ll be live music all day at the Bandstand. The morning will showcase Adirondack  music, with Dan Berggren, Dan Duggan, Josh Clevenstine (10 am), followed by John  Kirk and Trish Miller with Cedar Stanistreet and Greg Anderson (11 am). At noon, The  McKrells will join us with Irish music. The Desi Trio will take the stage with Pakistani  music at 1:30 pm, followed a by Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra at 2:30 pm).  We’ll wind up the day with a country music reunion 4-5 pm, featuring Marty Wendell,  Al and Kathy Bain, and the legendary Smokey Greene & Sons. 

We’re also scheduling food demonstrations in front of the Library (homestead cheeses,  Congolese recipes, local soul food dinner, etc), a selection of food trucks along Maple  Street, and other participatory activities. 

Thanks to our major partners, New York Folklore (Schenectady) and Traditional Arts in  Upstate New York (Canton) for helping organize the event, to the Friends of Crandall  Public Library for additional funds, and to the many local organizations joining us for a  day of fun for the entire family. 

65th Annual Pierce-Arrow Society Meet

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured.

Luxury! Power! Prestige! These are some of the words that come to mind when looking at a Pierce-Arrow. Although the opportunities are generally few and far between, this week Glens Falls has been the host city of The Pierce-Arrow Society 65th Annual meet. The Queensbury Hotel has provided an elegant backdrop for the Pierce-Arrow Society automobiles… Just a glimpse of one can remind us of a time gone by, and a lifestyle afforded by few and sought after by many. The Pierce-Arrow embodies the grandeur of the golden age of automobiles.

The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company was an American vehicle manufacturer from 1901 to 1938, based in Buffalo, New York. The Pierce-Arrow Society is dedicated to the preservation of Pierce-Arrow Motor Cars and Trucks, as well as the history associated with the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company.

From 1901 to 1938, Pierce-Arrow produced approximately 80,000 automobiles, of which 3,000 still exist. Their 1933 Silver Arrow is still one of the most recognizable and influential automobile designs of all time… Only five were made, and only three have survived. 

If you would like to see the cars up close, on Saturday, June 24th, there will be a Pierce-Arrow Society car show at Glens Falls City Park from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. So, until then, if you’re around Glens Falls, pass by the Queensbury Hotel and catch a glimpse of one of these breathtaking, eye-catching automobiles.

For more information, please visit pierce-arrow.org

Charles R. Wood Theater Updates Signage

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Downtown, Entertainment, In the Arts.

The Charles R. Wood Theater, located in the heart of downtown Glens Falls, is updating their signage. This 300-seat production theater offers cutting-edge music, theater, dance, comedy, lectures, meetings, and seminars. Their mission is to promote cultural and artistic endeavors, fostering economic development and improving the quality of life within the Glens Falls area. 

Parking was partially blocked off on Glens Street as the new signage went up… The previous signage had Charles R. Wood in smaller letters on the top of the sign, and “Theater” as the predominant word, featured in lowercase letters vertically against a maroon background.

The new signage has “Wood Theater” as the predominant focal point, in large black letters against a white backdrop with “The Charles R. Wood Theater” written on the bottom. The panels behind the sign have been updated to a checkered red and white design.

The Charles R. Wood Theater opened in 2004, after the former Woolworths Department Store was renovated into a theater space.

Tonight! The Shirt Factory Thursday Market & Food Truck Corral

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Entertainment, Featured.

Thursday nights at The Shirt Factory are like a block party and mini carnival every week!

Today from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, The Shirt Factory at 71 Lawrence Street will feature a Market and Food Truck Corral! There will be live music, local breweries and distilleries, homemade items… And, the shops are open late!

Live music will be provided by Rob Pulsifer, Geo Beat Duo, and Jolene Sierra.

There will also be free and low cost events for the family! Lego tables, games, a petting zoo, and bouncy houses! There is so much to do and see at The Shirt Factory on Thursday nights!

This event will take place every Thursday night, from May 18th to September 14th. Come and join the fun!

Queen Boat Company Adds Electric Boat Chargers to Lake George

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Entertainment, Featured.

Matt and Rebecca O’Hara have been the owners of Queen Boat Co. since the fall of 2018… That was when they started promoting electric outboard motors on Lake George. Now, they have taken the next step in sustainable boating and incorporated the first electric boat chargers on Lake George! These 75 DC fast chargers allow the boats to be charged without pulling them out of the water. Although the demand for this technology is relatively new, it is growing – there are 400,000 registered boats in New York that are under 25 feet in length. This is an ideal size range for an electric motor! This charger is the first of its kind East of Michigan. With the addition of the boat chargers, Queen Boat Co. will also be able to rent out electric boats to their clients.

New York State has been on the forefront of clean energy, and electric charging stations for boats is a step forward for that initiative: “New York is committed to building clean energy and protecting our environment for future generations,“ Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement about the 2023 state budget initiatives. New York State has a Climate Act goal of 100% zero emission electricity by 2040! To help reach this goal, decreasing the use of fossil fuels for recreational boating is key.

Lake George is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, but the use of combustion engines to power these boats affects the environment… Recreational boating with a combustion engine can create pollutants and greenhouse gasses, and cause damage to aquatic life. When an internal combustion engine is used, it releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons; these emissions cause damage to the environment, and are harmful to the respiratory system. Electric outboard motors, on the other hand, produce zero pollution and zero emissions… There are no dangerous fumes, and no loud motor, either! There are also benefits in regards to the maintenance of the boat – because there are far fewer moving parts in the engine, electric boats require little maintenance; and the cost of electricity is lower than the cost of fossil fuels.  

Queen Boat Co. is a family-owned and operated business that provides the ultimate in boating hospitality and take their role as custodians of the lake very seriously! Since taking over the marina they have excavated a failing underground fuel tank, and upgraded an above-ground fuel tank. The O’Hara’s have built a new waterway system, and worked to prevent storm water from running into the lake. 

Queen Boat Co. is also home to Freedom Boat Club Lake George, which is the world’s oldest and largest membership boat club in the United States! The boat club cleans, maintains, stores, and insures the boats. Members make reservations, and show up to the dock, where there is a clean, fueled boat, ready for the day on the water. Now, there will be the option for electric powered boats as well.

Incorporating electric boats into lake life will help to lower the overall carbon footprint of all the boats on Lake George. For more information, please visit lakegeorgeboating.com

Evergreen Bicycle Works: Kids’ Bikes Trade-Up Program

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Entertainment, Featured.

Kyle and Randy Cozzens own and operate Evergreen Bicycle Works, which is located in the historic Fort Edward Train Station. Evergreen Bicycle Works is a full service bicycle shop offering new and used bicycles, gear, and apparel. They also offer maintenance and repair work, and bicycle rentals. 

Evergreen Bicycles understands how quickly a kid can grow out of a bike, and that parents often purchase larger bicycles so that the child can grow into the bike… This can be both unsafe and unenjoyable for the rider. To save parents money and make the experience more enjoyable for the kids, Kyle and Randy created the Kid’s Bike Trade-Up Program.

This program helps to offset the cost of a new bike as the child grows, and makes bike riding fun and enjoyable for the kids. It’s open to bike riders under the age of 16 – parents can purchase any new qualifying kids’ bikes, and if the kid outgrows it within four years, Evergreen Bicycle works offers a trade-in-credit towards a new bike for the same child.

Due to wear and tear, a percentage of the total cost is used to cover necessary repairs. This program keeps kids on a safe, size-appropriate bike.

For more information, please visit evergreenbicycleworks.com

Americade 2023

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Entertainment, Featured.

Have you been seeing and hearing more motorcycles lately? There’s a good reason for that – the 40th annual Americade in Lake George is taking place one week earlier this year! The event started May 30th, and is going on until June 4th. The opening celebration was on May 30th, the Expo started May 31st, and the Demos are starting June 1st. 

This week-long festival also raises money for charities: Americade partners with Ride for Kids and the Wounded Warrior Program, and has helped raise $600,000 for these charities as well as local and regional charities. 

When this event was started in 1983, it drew about 2,000 riders… Now, over 50,000 riders and passengers attend the Americade event in Lake George! This is the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, and features events that include exhibits and vendors, fireworks, and parades. Americade is a boost to the local economy, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country.

For more information and a schedule of events, please visit americade.com

The End of an Era: 42 Degrees Closes

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Downtown, Entertainment, Featured.

A handmade sign in front of 42 degrees on Glen Street reads, “Thank You So Much for all the love Goodbye 42”… 42 Degrees and 42 Degrees Tavern closed on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023.

Robin Barkenhagen started the business as an art gallery and glassware shop in December of 2009… The Pipe shop, owned by Barkenhagen and co-owners Jon King and Mike Chowske, moved into the 206 Glen Street location in 2019, having previously been located for a decade on the corner of Park and Elm. 

42 Degrees opened a second location in Malta in 2021, and then added the tavern to the Glens Falls location – the tavern was on the second floor of the building, and offered live music, wine, and beer. 

The store closure was announced on Facebook earlier this month. Barkenhagen wrote: “I tried my best to hang on, but ultimately failed… 42 Degrees and 42 Degrees Tavern will be closing at the end of May. I want to thank you all for making the last 13 years special, and the 2 at the tavern magical. Hang on to those memories, good, bad and ugly, it was one of the finest stretches of my long life. This is obviously posted with a heavy heart, I gave both places my all, but it just wasn’t good enough… I love you all…Peace.”

Folds of Honor New York Golf Tournament on June 26th: Sold Out!

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Entertainment, Featured, News.

On Monday, June 26th, Folds of Honor New York will be hosting their 1st Annual Patriot Golf Tournament at the Edison Club in Rexford, New York. The goal of this 27-hole golf tournament was to have 175 players participate, and it is officially SOLD OUT!

Performance Industrial’s Owner & CEO Bill Miller, and Operations Manager Sean Willcoxon, are on the board of Folds of Honor New York. They have each put a tremendous amount of time and effort into making this event a success, and that hard work is paying off! This much anticipated golf outing will have amazing food and beverages throughout the day, as well as top-notch entertainment, and all for a wonderful cause.  

Folds of Honor was founded in 2007… It began with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. When his flight landed, the pilot announced that they were carrying the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on Board… Lt. Col. Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother and the deceased Corporal’s young son walked alongside the flag-covered coffin. Since that day, Lt. Col. Rooney has committed himself to rallying patriotic Americans, and meeting sacrifice with hope through Folds of Honor.

Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided life changing scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military, and this program is now being expanded to include the families of first responders as well.

Although the event itself is sold out, there are still other ways to participate! If you would like to support this incredible cause and be a part of the event, please consider purchasing a tee sign, pin flag, or for $100, a reception-only ticket. The reception from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM will feature Live music from Big Sky Country, and speaker Alan Mack!

Alan Mack retired from the Army as a Master Aviator. He served for over 35 years – first as a mechanic, and then as a pilot. Mack has over 6700 hours of flight time, of which 3200 hours were flown with night vision goggles. His book, “Razor 03: A Night Stalkers War” is an account of combat from the cockpit of a special ops aviation unit; Razor 03 is a radio call sign from just after 9/11. This book features first hand recollections, and the raw emotion of Mack’s time in service. Mack believes that training he received was an integral part of his success. 

The Folds of Honor event is for a worthy cause, and will be hosted at a great location, too – The Edison Club! It has a unique history – the original concept for the club was inspired by employees of General Electric in 1903, where records show that the concept for The Edison Club was formulated in bar-room discussion amongst GE employees while waiting for a train in Garrison, New York. The original concept was for a “men’s club” as a place to meet to formulate friendships and make business connections… It was named after Thomas Alva Edison, one of the most prominent inventors of the 20th century, and who spent many years working at GE Schenectady… Over the years, the club named for him has evolved into a Country Club, Private Golf Course, and Private Event Space. 

This event will be a great day out for a wonderful cause, and will even have incredible food… Megabites, Pies on Wheels, Brown’s Brewing Company, Innovo Kitchen, and Mazzone Hospitality will all be on hand with a variety of offerings throughout the event!

For more information, please visit Performanceindustrial.com, or the Folds of Honor NY FaceBook page.

New Audiences for Old Songs: Traditional Ballads and Folk Songs

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured, Local Leads.

On May 6th, 2023 at Crandall Library in Glens Falls, there will be a free workshop for folk song musicians and enthusiasts alike from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM! This event will feature Collin Cleveland – a fifth generation ballad singer – and David Ruch, a musician and teaching artist. Colleen Cleveland is the granddaughter of Sara Cleveland (1905-1992) one of America’s most important ballad singers.

Sara Cleveland

Sara was born in our region, where she learned the folk ballads and old songs of her Scottish and Irish family, friends, and neighbors… She and her mother began a notebook of these pieces that grew into a collection of over 600 regional and British Isles songs, which remains a cherished family heirloom to this day. Sara passed this repertoire to her son, Jim, and granddaughter, Colleen, to carry on the tradition of ballad singing.

Come hear the ballads, learn about the collection, and present your own versions! This event is hosted by the Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library, located at 251 Glen Street in Glens Falls. This event is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, with support from the Governor’s Office and the NYS legislature.

For more information, please visit www.crandalllibrary.org