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.
Looking for something to do this weekend? On Saturday, June 24th, and Sunday, June 25th, the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival will return to Lake George! This event is located at the Festival Commons in the Charles R. Wood park, located at 17 West Brook Road in Lake George. The Charles R. Wood Park is 12.5 acres, and features a 2.5-acre festival space. This festival space was designed to host a variety of events, as an economic engine for the park and the region. The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival is one such event!
With admission, event-goers receive a commemorative wine glass for the event! They can use the commemorative wine glass to sample beverages before they buy them, and then take it home as a souvenir. This event will host 120 craft beverage and artisan food vendors, including, wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisanal food vendors, local crafts, and food trucks from the Adirondack region. Adirondack Winery and Warren County Tourism have teamed up to present this event with help from many generous sponsors!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks is the official Festival Beneficiary. Volunteers from their organization will be on hand to provide water to help visitors stay hydrated.
Lake George, known as a family-friendly destination, encourages families to bring kids to this event. Kids 15 and under are free! There are also designated driver tickets, and underage tickets available as well. Saturday and Sunday general full-day admission is $49.99, plus a $2.28 undisclosed fee. VIP Tickets are also available!
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.
The Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls is in its 98th year of service, having operated since its founding in 1915… In 1989, The Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation was newly incorporated to provide funding for the club’s Youth Civil Leadership Program. Each year, the Foundation awards two four-year scholarships, in honor of two of their members… This year, those honorees were John Doty and Andy Lemery, and this year, the foundation also had sufficient funds to award a runner-up, one-year scholarship in the memory of Tony Palangi… On June 7th, at the Queensbury Hotel, The Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation awarded a total of $21,000 in scholarships!
This year, a four-year scholarship was presented to Nora MacInnis in honor of John Doty… John proudly served our country for 13 years in the US Navy. He joined Kiwanis in 1976, and has been warmly greeting members and guests as they arrive at their luncheon meetings ever since. He is affectionately known as “Mr. Raffle” and “Mr. Perfect Attendance” as a dedicated member of what was once known as the house committee.
Foundation President Craig Seybolt, Honoree John Doty, Scholarship Recipient Nora MacInnis, and Foundation Immediate Past President Larry Weaver
John is also very passionate about model railroading – in addition to being a proud member of the Upstate Model Railroaders Club, for many years, John also chaired The Model Train Show fundraiser. John can often be found at community events, setting up train displays at the YMCA, Armory, and the Queensbury Hotel that have entertained and brought joy to children and families for years within our community!
John and his wife Mary Ann have been married for 61 years! Together, John and Mary Ann owned and operated U Rent All for 27 years – which was located on Glen Street in Queensbury – where they provided equipment for all the Kiwanis events, like LARAC, Americade, Taste of the North Country, and going back to the Adirondack Balloon Festival. They also have two sons and four grandchildren, who will carry on a legacy of faithful service to our country, club and community.
Nora MacInnis was the recipient of the Honorary John Doty Scholarship. She is a senior at Bolton Central School, and is involved in a variety of extracurriculars, including volleyball, drama club, band, and student council. She has been an active member in her school’s Key Club chapter since eighth grade, and served as the president since her junior year; in this position, she facilitates club events, runs weekly meetings, and assists with the school’s backpack program. For the past 3 years, she was appointed by each Youth Governor to assist in advising legislation that impacts our state, and has received awards for most outstanding debate… It has also been her honor to be selected to represent New York State on a national platform as a delegate at the Conference on National Affairs, both last summer and this upcoming summer! She’s also served as a representative of her class since freshman year, and acted as the Student Council President this school year. Beginning in the fall, she will further her education at SUNY Cortland, to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications to become a Public Relations specialist; particularly for non-profit organizations.
The Honorary Andy Lemery four year scholarship was presented to Aliza DeMattos. Andy graduated from Bentley University in 1955 with a degree in Finance, and was immediately hired as the fourth employee at a newly formed company known as Kamyr. Andy worked at Kamyr and its seven subsidiaries for 38 years in numerous capacities within the finance division, including controller, treasurer and corporate secretary. He joined Kiwanis in 1978 and had many years of perfect attendance. He worked tirelessly for over 20 years, supervising the cash drawer at LARAC and training many Key Clubbers how to count money and serve as a cashier.
Andy and his wife June have been married for 65 years. They have 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Andy and June spent many winters in Florida, but after 29 years, sold their house in Florida and spent this past winter back in Glens Falls. Andy loves to garden and swim, and is an avid bike rider. He is also very patriotic, marching (and now riding in a convertible) with Kiwanis in the Memorial Day Parade; and he hopes you will join him!
Foundation President Craig Seybolt, Scholarship Recipient Aliza DeMattos, Honoree Andy Lemery, Foundation Immediate Past President Larry Weaver
Aliza DeMattos is a graduating Senior from Queensbury High School, who has been a member of the Queensbury Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams… Aliza has been involved in numerous clubs and organizations, including FBLA, Yearbook, Media Arts Production, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, LEAT, and others. During her tenure at QHS, she has served as the Key Club’s President, and in addition to her school involvement, Aliza has long volunteered for the Double H Ranch, for children ages six to 16 who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Aliza will attend Bentley University – Andy’s alma mater – in the Fall, majoring in Finance and Economics, as well as playing lacrosse for the Falcons! Her ultimate goal is to be heavily entrenched in the business world.
There was also a one-year scholarship given out in memory of Tony Palangi, AKA “Mr. Kiwanis”… His faithful service to the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls, NY, and his commitment to Kiwanis youth will never be forgotten. Tony founded the first Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls-sponsored Key Club at Glens Falls High School in 1976, and went on to serve as the Kiwanis Club’s Youth Service Leadership Chair from 1976 to 2007. During his tenure, the Key Club program grew to 10 clubs in our area high schools, a Builders Club at Glens Falls Middle School, and a Circle K Club at SUNY Adirondack.
Tony Palangi Memorial Scholarship Recipient Jane Trowbridge, and Foundation President Craig Seybolt
Jane Trowbridge was awarded the scholarship in memory of Tony Palangi. She has been an active member of the Bolton Key Club throughout her high school career, and has also enjoyed helping out at her school’s fall carnival, book fairs, and the “Pancakes and Pajamas” event. She has especially loved volunteering as the assistant coach of both the Elementary basketball and softball teams… In the Fall, she will be attending Dutchess Community College, majoring in Aviation Science. Jane is excited to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot!
One of the other ways that Kiwanis International makes a positive impact on the lives of children is through Key Club… Key Club members learn how to lead, and stand for what’s right through service and volunteerism. Through Key Club, high school students are making a difference in their schools and communities.
The mission of Key Club – as an international student-led organization – is to give members opportunities to provide service, build character, and develop leadership. The core values of Key Club are leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness… Key Club International has supported the transformation of high school students as they graduate and become the world’s next class of leaders. This aim is achieved with the cooperation of school principals and teachers, to prepare the students to become useful citizens.
The Double H Ranch is a non-profit organization, providing specialized programs and year-round support for children dealing with life-threatening illnesses… They have recently announced the hiring of Alison Wilcox as CEO! Alison will be following in the footsteps of Max Yurenda, who retired after 30 years of leading the organization. Double H Ranch was founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, and businessman and philanthropist Charley Wood.
“Alison has a wonderful passion for the mission of the Double H Ranch and a respect for our culture. Her experience developing leadership skills for young girls, financial management, and organizational development will inspire the Double H Ranch to grow upon its reputation of excellence as one of the premier non-profits in the Capital District and North Country. By working with our great Double H Ranch team, I am confident Alison will bring great enthusiasm, energy, and engagement in her new role,” said Charlie Crew, Board Chairman.
Ms. Wilcox has over 20 years of global experience in non-profit leadership and board governance – she has also been the CEO of Girl Scouts of Western New York for the past 4 years, and she was COO for 3 years. Prior to that, she was a Senior Strategy Advisor to Girl Scouts of USA, Lead Development Specialist at Delaware North Companies, and the Senior VP of Program and Membership of Girls Scouts of Western New York.
Double H’s Board of Directors retained the executive search firm Lindauer to conduct a nationwide search following the announcement of Max Yurenda’s retirement in June of 2022… The process was detailed, thorough, and thoughtful, resulting in an outstanding outcome for Double H, an organization that has served over 80,000 children from around the world dealing with a serious or life-threatening illness.
Alison Wilcox
“I am so excited to join the team at Double H Ranch. The mission of Double H is near and dear to my heart because of my own family background, and I am inspired by the powerful impact Double H has on children and their families,” said Ms. Wilcox. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next CEO for this wonderful organization, which has such a strong history and legacy, and obvious commitment and dedication from the entire staff, volunteer, camper, and alumni community.”
Ms. Wilcox will officially assume the role of CEO in August 2023, and plans to relocate to New York’s Adirondack Park, where the Double H Ranch is located.
The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Their purpose is to enrich their lives, and provide camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe, and medically sound. All programs are FREE of charge, and capture the magic of the Adirondacks.
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.
Construction on Quaker Road in Queensbury began on Monday, June 19th, and is expected to last all summer… The stretch of road that will be affected by the construction is just under four miles long. Drivers should be prepared for lane closures and delays as a result of this project; it is suggested that alternative routes be used during construction, as it will be occurring both day and night.
The construction will involve the rehabilitation or replacement of 18 culverts (which are drains or covered channels that cross under a road way), the rehabilitation of pavement, replacement of signs, and additional work.
The construction will take place on Quaker Road, from Route 9 to Lower Warren Street. Drivers are reminded to slow down in construction zones – this is especially important when some of the work is being done at night. Fines double when you’re speeding in a work zone!
Quaker Road carries a high volume of traffic between Queensbury, Glens Falls, Lake George, and the Adirondack Northway.
Beginning on June 24th, in honor of the Hyde Collection’s 60th anniversary, the museum will be featuring an exhibition focused on the influence of music and dance on David Smith’s paintings, drawings, and sculptures. This exhibition features works of art from both the private and public collection, and the Estate of David Smith, in addition to a selection of rare archival materials!
This exhibition – curated by Dr. Jennifer Field, Executive Director of The Estate of David Smith – is organized to commemorate The Hyde Collection’s 60th anniversary as a public museum. It features approximately thirty loans from major private and public collections, including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Harvard Art Museums, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Estate of David Smith; along with a selection of archival materials from the Estate, and works from The Hyde’s permanent collection.
David Smith (1906-1965) settled permanently in Bolton Landing, New York, in 1940, with the artist Dorothy Dehner. The Adirondack region that encompasses Bolton Landing and Glens Falls became inseparable from Smith’s artistic practice… A dialogue with nature – the mountain landscape, the change of seasons, the flight of birds – is reflected in his artwork in every medium. In the 1940s, inspired by modern dance and concerts held both locally and in New York City, he made inventive works of art that depict dancing figures and musicians playing instruments. Music was intrinsic to Smith’s life and work: “I use the music as company in the manual labor part of a sculpture,” he later explained.
As part of Smith’s commitment to the area, he became deeply involved with the foundation of The Hyde Collection prior to his death in 1965… Mrs. Charlotte Hyde, founder of the Museum, was a friend of David Smith. There were very close bonds between the sculptor and Mrs. Hyde’s curators – Otto Wittman and Jerry Dodge – as well as her longtime friend and Chair of her trustees, artist and experimental filmmaker Douglass Crockwell. Smith was one of the Collection’s earliest trustees – he curated The Hyde’s very first summer exhibition, installing his own sculptures on the lawn. In the spirit of that inaugural event, Songs of the Horizon: David Smith, Music, and Dance will feature two graceful, vertical sculptures from later in Smith’s career… Measuring up to twelve feet tall, they poetically evoke the essence of music, dance, and nature.
This exhibition also includes a selection of works by Dorothy Dehner, in acknowledgment of the vital role she played in Smith’s early career and his life in the Adirondacks… Dehner and Smith married on Christmas Eve, 1927, and bought a farm in Bolton Landing, where they spent much of their married life. Dehner’s subject matter consisted of natural forms, such as shells and aquatic life, while her style was influenced by cubism. The couple divorced after over two decades of a tumultuous marriage… However, the twenty-three year marriage still contributed to each of the artists’ work.
Wiawaka was created in 1903, and is located at 3778 Route 9L in Lake George, NY… It was created by and for women! It is the oldest and longest continuously operating retreat for women in America. Nestled within the breathtaking Adirondack Park, the property spans nearly 60 acres of waterfront and wooded hills at the base of French Mountain. Wiawaka is celebrating their 120th year this summer, and the upcoming season will be filled with an array of enriching workshops, retreats, events, and programs.
Wiawaka Center for Women is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, committed to enhancing the lives of women through wellness programs, workshops, events, and artistic celebrations. In 1908, renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe became one of the first artists to stay at Wiawaka, and her room remains one of our most sought-after accommodations on the property! Wiawaka remains dedicated to preserving this historic property, and fulfilling the mission established by their founders – Katrina Trask, and Mary Wiltsie Fuller.
Doreen Kelly is the Executive Director of Wiawaka Center for Women: “We take great pride in this historical milestone, and express our deep gratitude to all our supporters who have been instrumental in helping us reach this significant achievement,” Doreen said.
In addition to overnight stays, Wiawaka offers offer daily healthy meals, day passes, season passes, and a host of programs… As the oldest continuously operating retreat for women in America, Wiawaka takes great pride in honoring this cherished tradition while embracing the future. In recognition of its historical significance, Wiawaka was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. It stands as one of the Places Where Women Made History, and is featured on the travel itinerary compiled by the National Park Service, showcasing National Register properties in Massachusetts and New York associated with significant events in women’s history.
Noteworthy highlights of their programming include the Georgia O’Keeffe Week, Artists in Residency Week, and SWIM Week – honoring the remarkable woman swimmers of Lake George. Diane Struble will be one of the swimmers honored; she made history as the first woman to complete the full lake swim. Additionally, there will be a captivating Storytelling weekend planned, and many other exciting offerings!
Every Monday at 5:00 PM, there will be Historical Tours, and an invitation to enjoy dinner after the tour. To participate in dinner, it is requested that you make reservations in advance by contacting the front desk at (518) 668-9690.
Come experience the beautiful historic property, and discover how it can enrich your life, empower your outlook, and rejuvenate your spirit! Join the ranks of thousands who have shaped the history of this extraordinary place.
Learn more about Wiawaka’s upcoming events at wiawaka.org, or call (518) 668-9690.
On Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at approximately 5:45 AM, the Glens Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a shooting and hostage situation at 19 Elm Street in the City of Glens Falls. The anonymous caller mentioned explosives were present at the location, and that the explosives could be detonated remotely… The caller also said that they would shoot at any police officer who responded to the location.
“Our police department, in tandem with the sheriff’s office, responded to the scene and blocked off the area around the building” stated Chief Jarred Smith. “Once an entry was made into the building to evacuate those who were inside 19 Elm Street, it was determined that there was no evidence to substantiate the claims made by the anonymous caller… Also, the hostage mentioned by name by the caller was not home. In fact, this alleged hostage wasn’t even close to Glens Falls once they were located by investigators.”
“The good thing is nothing happened,” says Mayor Collins, “and the multi-agency response fell into place at a very early hour on a weekend morning… But this was a high-level response, which was completely unnecessary. I want everyone to understand the seriousness of what happened, and that it won’t be tolerated.”
The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information, please contact the Glens Falls Police at (518) 761-3840.
