North Country Living Magazine (Fall 2018)

NORTH COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE • VOL. 7 NO.3

Vol. 7 No. 3

FALL 2018

Biography

69 Year Old Vietnam Veteran Graduates High School

Life Flight

Medevac makes 30 years in the Adirondacks

Editor's Note

September/October/November 2018

Vol. 7 No. 3

Magazine

Published by

Sun Community News and Printing 14 Hand Avenue, Elizabethtown, New York 12932 Ph: 518-873-6368 | Fax: 873-6360

178 Broad Street, Suite 10, Plattsburgh, New York 12901 Ph: 518-561-9680

102 Montcalm Street, Suite 2, Ticonderoga, New York 12883 Ph: 518-585-9173

Fall has arrived once again, and with it a new edition of North Country Living.

At this time last year we introduced a cleaner, more elegant version of the magazine. Much like the local foliage shedding its leaves, readying for a new season, this change for us marked a natural milestone.

We’re proud to say these design changes have been a hit with our readers, and we’re excited to continue improving your reading experience. As always, we welcome your feedback.

Publisher Dan Alexander

General Manager DJ Alexander

dan@suncommunitynews.com

dj@suncommunitynews.com

While we all will miss the warm days of summer, this edition is guaranteed to get you excited for autumn. It’s packed with everything we love most about fall in the North Country.

Leaf peepers seeking the best fall foliage view will find fun and unique ways to enjoy the Adirondacks like they never have before.

Editorial Clerk Danielle Rock

Writer Rich Redman

Those with a penchant for the past will learn more about the history buried in our local graveyards and the remarkable people buried there, including a suffragette, a World Series champion and a medal of honor recipient.

Writer Elizabeth Izzo

Writer Tim Rowland

The season is not complete without a ghostly encounter.

elizabeth@suncommunitynews.com

tim@suncommunitynews.com

Writer Kim Dedam

Writer Gayle Alexander

kim@suncommunitynews.com

gayle@suncommunitynews.com

The story of the volunteers of Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue is sure to inspire all who read it to do more for our community.

Writer Christopher South

Writer Mikaela Foster

chris@suncommunitynews.com

mikaela@suncommunitynews.com

History buffs will be captivated by a recently-unearthed minute book in Essex from the 1779 Pennsylvania General Assembly, and environmentalists will be heartened to learn about the necessity of the Quarry Dam removal.

danielle@suncommunitynews.com

MARKETING SPECIALISTS Ashley Alexander Edward Coats Tom Hollingsworth

April Jordon Scarlette Merfeld Matt Record

Ciara Thompson Beth Wells

DESIGN TEAM Greg Foster Laurie Goff

Anyone who lives in the North Country knows the critical service Life Flight provides. We celebrate nearly 30 years of service in our in-depth look at the life-saving operation.

Outdoorsmen will be galvanized to do the “impossible,” like the bold Salernos family.

Even the most disparaging of disbelievers will be tempted to go to Whitehall’s famous sasquatch festival.

To advertise in our next edition contact Ashley at 518-873-6368 ext 105 or e-mail ashley@suncommunitynews.com

DJ Alexander Kelly Bresett

Readers will be touched by the heartwarming tale of a veteran, who finally earned his high school degree decades after he left school.

Heather Lamb Kerry O’Neill

SUBSCRIBE To subscribe to North Country Living Magazine, visit us at

subscribe.nclmagazine.com $30 for four issues (U.S. Residents) • $40 for four issues (Canadian Residents) Prices include tax, shipping & handling.

You may also mail a check or money order to: Sun Community News and Printing Attn: NCL Subscriptions P.O. Box 338, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 Be sure to include your full name, mailing address, phone number and email address.

And lovers of the Adirondacks will be excited to read our coverage of the life of Seneca Ray Stoddard, famed Adirondack photographer.

In that same vein, this year we received spectacular photos for our annual fall foliage photo contest that Stoddard himself would likely have been proud to take. It was difficult to pick just one.

You’ll find it all in this edition of North Country Living.

Like what you read? Help support us by visiting the local businesses that serve as the backbone of our communities and make this magazine possible.

Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you again when the snow hits the ground.

Pete DeMola, Managing Editor

Table of Contents

COVER FEATURE

COVER FEATURE

BIOGRAPHY

EYE ON BUSINESS

69 Year Old Vietnam Veteran Graduates High School: Diploma awarded under Operation Recognition.

North Country Life Flight: Medevac marks 30 years in

By Christopher South

By Kim Dedam

8

14

28

HISTORY Graves of the Famous and Infamous

ARTS & CULTURE Legend of Whitehall Sasquatch Lives On

By Tim Rawland

By Elizabeth Izzo

HISTORY Oldest Book-Return Dates to American Revolution

By Kim Dedam

40 AUTUMN Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks

CONSERVATION Quarry Dam Removal

By Rich Redman

SPORTS & THE OUTDOORS The Impossible Salernos

By Rich Redman

76

70

64

54

the Adirondacks.

VOLUNTEERS LASAR Focused on Getting People Out of the Woods

BIOGRAPHY More than a Photographer

By Christopher South

By Christopher South

VOL. 7 NO. 3 September/October/November

GARNET MINE TOURS

World’s Largest Garnets!

2018 FALL PHOTO CONTEST WINNER Beautiful photo of the Narrows in Lake George by Jim Gabler.

View this photo and all other 2018 Fall Photo Contest submissions on page 52.

Just 35 Miles ge from Lake Geor !

Fun for all ages •STRIKE IT RICH

Prospect and Discover your own Gemstones

•LEARN ABOUT

COOKING

The Mining History and Geology Rock & Garnet Collection

•Explore 46 Cooking With Kids: Apples, Pumpkins & Popcorn

By Mikaela Foster

CRAFTS

CALENDAR

The Old Fashion Mineral Shop Fabulous Jewelry Exquisite Gemstones Fun Science and Nature Toys Prospectors Sluice

$3.00 OFF 60 DIY Craft With Kids: Autumn Paper Crafts

92 Community Events Calendar

Admission With This Coupon

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DINING

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Historic Ticonderoga Shopping · Dining · Lodging · Antiques · Museums · Recreation · Entertainment · Attractions · Scenic Beauty SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

OCTOBER 6

*Fort Ticonderoga’s Heroic Maze — A Corn Maze Adventure: Explore our six-acre corn maze newly designed for 2018! Open weekends 9/1–10/21 from 10:00am–1:00pm (Last entry 4:30pm). Also open Labor Day, 9/3 and Columbus Day, 10/8.

*Heritage, Harvest, & Horse Festival: Bring the whole family for a full day of autumn fun! Set in the floral scenery of the King’s Garden will be the lively and colorful harvest market, plus games and activities for all!

OCTOBER 7 Penfield Apple FolkFest: Apple desserts, chili and hot dogs, craft fair, live music, and more!

(Crown Point, NY) OCTOBER 13 *Girl Scout Day: Fort Ticonderoga and Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY team up!

Ticonderoga Area Farmers Market: Farmers, vendors, music, kids activities, special events, and more. Every Saturday 9/1–10/13 from 10:00am–1:00pm.

SEPTEMBER 7

Ticonderoga HalloweenFest: An array of Halloween and Haunted events happening throughout the Ticonderoga Area including Trick or Treating at Ticonderoga Businesses on Halloween.

NOVEMBER 10 *Living History Event: The Enemy is Refortifying Ticonderoga Witness tradesmen of the army diligently repairing the remnants of the old fort to secure the vital ground at Ticonderoga.

NOVEMBER 24

OCTOBER 13 & 14 Billy-Bob’s Orchard Applefest: Bring the family for a fun filled weekend of apple picking, hay rides, and pumpkin picking! Homemade jams, local maple syrup and honey, fresh cider, and other refreshments are available. (Putnam, NY) OCTOBER 26 & 27

*Homeschool Day: Spend a day designed for homeschool families and take part in a series of programs while interacting with soldiers.

OCTOBER 26–31

*Maze by Moonlight: Use your flashlight to guide you through the Heroic Corn Maze, where corn stalks await in this autumn family favorite event.

7:00pm–10:00pm (Last entry 9:00pm).

9th Annual Small Business Saturday: Support Ticonderoga area businesses.

NOVEMBER 23–DECEMBER 2 9th Annual North Country Christmas: The celebration will include holiday themed events such as the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, Wagon Rides, the Rockin’ Tree Lighting, Shopping & Dining Night, Movie Night, SantaFest, and much more. Additional events TBA. Festival of Trees: 12/2 at 1:00pm Nearly 30 trees are stationed around the Hancock House, each with its own theme or decorative motif. Be sure to visit the Champagne Reception!

* These events take place at Fort Ticonderoga FIND MORE SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS, AND DETAILED INFORMATION AT: 94 Montcalm Street, Suite 1 Ticonderoga, NY 12883

102 Fort Ti Rd., Ticonderoga, NY 12883

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History

8 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

By Tim Rowland Revolutionary War soldiers, a baseball icon, one of America’s greatest artists, a suffragette, who led her charge for voting rights on the back of a white horse, and a murderer who left behind a series of impenetrable codes — and his skull. These are among the people who have found their eternal rest in eastern Essex County.

Notable in local cemeteries are the soldiers, from the many who served in the world wars, dating back to scattered names of men who fought in the Revolution and War of 1812.

Bill Dolback, sexton to Ticonderoga’s town-owned cemeteries, has done extensive work telling the soldiers’ stories.

There is the obvious heroism, and then side stories that tell what life outside of the battlefield was like. A number of esteemed people of early Ticonderoga are buried at Streetroad Cemetery, he said, one of the first common burial sites in the region.

Buried there are many of the area’s heroes, from its first settlers, its first physician and its first state senator.

Soldiers of wars from the 18th and 19th century rest here, including a Civil War

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

veteran buried in 1936, more than 70 years after Lee surrendered at Appomattox.

Another notable Civil War soldier who was laid to rest in the Mt. Hope cemetery in Ticonderoga is Lester Hack, one of the first recipients of the Medal of Honor.

Hack was a Union soldier serving at Petersburg where desperate Confederates were mounting a last-ditch effort to save their cause in the waning days of the war.

Hack was a sergeant in Co. F, 5th Vermont Infantry. On April 2, 1865, he was credited with the capture of the flag of 3rd Tennessee Infantry and taking several Confederates prisoner.

But not all heroes buried in the region are of the military variety. The Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Moriah is home to the stone of Johnny Podres who, in 1955, finally drove the stake through the heart of the New York Yankees in game seven of the World Series, pitching the Brooklyn Dodgers to a 2-0 win. It was the one and only title for the long suffering Dodgers before the team moved to Los Angeles in 1957.

Born in Witherbee, the left-hander was named the first World Series Most Valuable Player award in the ’55 series, after beating the Yankees twice.

On the day he turned 23, Podres beat the Yankees in game three, throwing a complete game. He then spun a masterpiece in the final game, turning himself into a legend in the process.

Podres was part of three other world championship teams after the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles and retired after 15 seasons with a 148-116 record. A bronze statue of Podres can be found at the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

Podres died in 2008. He rests beneath a glossy black stone in Moriah, with an image of him on the pitcher’s mound and him saying, “I did what I had to do and I did it well.”

There are local graves of political heroes as well.

In the Lewis Cemetery, is a grave up on a hill and somewhat removed from what might be called the masses. The plot was obviously selected by a family of consequence. The death of Inez Milholland is equally tragic and inspiring, and she figures prominently in the stories told at the Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown and at the Hancock House in Ticonderoga.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 9

She eventually earned a law degree from New York University in 1912. She represented labor interests and became a war correspondent during World War I. But her lasting fame came in the suffragette movement. In an age when male-dominated newspapers uncharitably characterized female activists in unflattering terms, Milholland was an undisputed beauty. No march was complete without her in the lead, riding on her white horse.

Sadly, her health could not keep up with the demands she was placing on her own body. On Oct. 22, 1916, she was giving a speech in Los Angeles when she collapsed on stage. She died a month later.

Her last words, emblazoned on the wall of the Adirondack Museum in

Elizabethtown were, “Mr. President, how long must women wait for liberty?” The museum has on display, an ample exhibit on Inez and the women’s suffrage movement as it pertains to the Adirondacks.

Inez’s grave, several miles to the north, remains a popular rallying point for equal rights activism, said Whitney Jackson, the museum’s public information specialist.

And there is a darker force in the museum as well. Technically it’s not a grave. But a glass case in the Adirondack Museum is the final resting place of Henry Debosnys, or part of him anyway.

Debosnys was the last man hanged in Essex County, after he was convicted of murdering his wife, Betsey Wells, and dispatched on April 27, 1883 in Elizabethtown. Jackson said his story remains one of the most popular parts of the museum.

Believing that a man can’t meet his maker in ratty clothing, Debosnys sold his soon-to-be body to science and with the proceeds, bought himself a nice suit.

He didn’t get a lot of wear out of it, but no matter. The local doctor, who was recipient of the cadaver, used it in his practice before the skeleton became a teaching tool in the local school.

Eventually his skull — and a piece of the rope with which he was hanged — became part of the museum exhibit. But the rest of him did not. “Theoretically he’s buried around here somewhere, but no

one knows where,” Jackson said.

Debosnys’ other mystery is an extensive set of coded prose that many have tried and failed to crack. Jackson said cryptographers have indicated the code is breakable, although it will take someone with time and dedication. But the project is not urgent; Debosnys isn’t going anywhere.

A more aesthetic life was led by one of the nation’s most acclaimed artists of the 20th century, Rockwell Kent, who is buried at his home of Asgaard Farm near Ausable Forks.

Kent is known for his stark landscapes that he painted on sojourns to lands bordering on the earth’s polar regions. His art told the American story of labor, love, human existence and war. Along with Norman Rockwell, he might have been the nation’s most popular artist of his era, until he was shunned due to his socialist politics.

A grinning rabble rouser, Kent seemed to relish the controversy. When American institutions hesitated to take his collections because of his controversial status, he gave them to the Soviet Union.

There is still ample Kent art here at home, including a collection at SUNY Plattsburgh. Kent ran unsuccessfully for office, led several revolts over local issues and agitated against development at the top of Whiteface mountain.

He died in 1971, and a stone was placed on the edge of a wood at his beloved farm.

Photos by Tim Rowland

The daughter of a journalist and businessman, Milholland came from a wealthy Brooklyn family that spent summers in the Adirondacks. Educated overseas and at Vassar, Milholland was a radical, at least for her time, almost from the start. Shunning Vassar’s rules, she organized gatherings advocating for women’s right to vote. When the school denied her request to hold rallies on the campus, she held them in cemeteries. She was a scholar, an actor, a track and field athlete and an activist and at a young age, had a resume that no one could overlook — unless one happened to be an Ivy League university such as Harvard or Yale, which denied her entry because she was a woman.

Top Left: Johnny Podres of Witherbee was the Most Valuable Player of the 1955 World Series. Center: Henry Debosnys sold his body to science in exchange for a nice set of clothes to wear at his hanging.

These artifacts remain at the Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown. Top Right: Suffragist Alice Paul and a group of young women in white costumes with headbands, standing at Inez Milholland’s grave site in Lewis as part of the 1924 memorial ceremony.

10 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

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Saturday’s festivities are capped off by the spectacular KOA fireworks display.

Limited edition two-day festival package including beer stein available online only!

Folk Music by: Kimberly Leclaire & Lucas Haight on Saturday & Adirondack Singer Songwriter Roy Hurd w/s/g Frank Orsini on Sunday.

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Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 13

Arts & Culture

LEGEND OF WHITEHALL SASQUATCH LIVES ON NOTORIOUSLY SHY MYTHICAL BEAST FINDS HOME IN WASHINGTON COUNTY Around these parts, hiking and outdoor activities are king — but some locals contend that in Whitehall, mountaineers and woodland creatures aren’t the only occupants of the forest.

Somewhere out there, lurking in the deep green sea of trees and marshes, some say there’s a notoriously-shy mythical beast.

For decades the Town of Whitehall has celebrated its ties to Bigfoot. This giant of American folklore was named the town’s official animal earlier this year with a unanimous vote from the local board, four large metal sculptures of the animal are stationed around the town and a documentary, “The Beast of Whitehall,” 14 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

was filmed there and released in 2016.

David Molenaar is a member of the Bigfoot Tourism Council of Whitehall, a conglomerate of 20 small businesses in the area tasked with promoting the town’s ties to the iconic beast.

“It’s just been known east of the Rockies as the place you’re more likely to spot a Bigfoot,” Molenaar said.

The legend stems back to the country’s original inhabitants, with lore popular among two of the area’s Native American tribes, the Abenaki and Algonquin, he said.

In modern times there have been multiple sightings of the beast, most recently in August.

A driver told Bigfoot investigator Paul Batholomew, who has written books about

sightings in the past, that late at night on Aug. 7 he spotted a six-foot creature stepping over a guardrail on Route 4.

“This is a rich history, a rich legend here,” Bartholomew told The Post Star at the time.

“It is interesting how the (area) adopted the topic. Maybe in years past, I wouldn’t have gotten this sighting so quickly.”

According to the New York Post, a similar sighting was reported 12 years earlier, just a half a mile away.

The sightings have happened sporadically since at least 1976 when a police officer, Bryan Gosselin, reported seeing a strange creature in the woods of Whitehall. Several other officers and residents confirmed that they, too, had seen something they couldn’t identify.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Photos by Eric Jenks/Awasos Entertainment

By Elizabeth Izzo

Top: A 1,000 pound sasquatch statue displayed in the Town of Whitehall. Bottom: A person in a sasquatch costume is pictured here running in this year’s Sasquatch Half Marathon in Whitehall.

Researchers have settled in the area specifically because of the sightings, Molenaar said, and the mystery has drawn business that’s offered a lift to the local economy.

Suffice to say that the intrigue over the beast likely won’t die anytime soon.

As part of the resolution passed this year, the town board also declared the last Saturday in September as “Sasquatch Appreciation Day,” joining a law passed years earlier designed to protect the animal by classifying it an endangered species.

expecting the same, if not more, this year.

“I’m delighted that, as enormous as it might be this year, people are really coming forward to help,” said Molenaar.

The highlight of the event is exactly what it sounds like — a sasquatch calling contest.

“People just line up and holler,” he said.

The coveted contest will have three judges this year — and “the judges take it very seriously,” according to Molenaar.

It’s on that day, Sept. 29, that this year’s annual Sasquatch Calling Festival will be held.

Grand prizes for the most convincing yawp are $100 for adults, $50 for kids and gift certificates to local businesses.

The first incarnation of the event attracted over 1,000 people. Organizers are

“We’re getting so much enthusiasm for the event,” he said.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Other events on tap include a variety of kid’s activities, access to a giant inflatable bouncy castle and screenings of “The Beast of Whitehall” and the classic 1987 children’s movie “Harry and the Hendersons.”

Organizers are also raffling off a metal sasquatch sculpture weighing in at over 100 pounds — similar to an enormous 1,000 pound metal Bigfoot in the town created by sculptor Steven Mestyan of Skelabar Studios. The sculpture up for grabs depicts the hairy monster looking fondly at a butterfly poised on its finger, Molenaar said.

Tickets are $10.

The 2018 Sasquatch Calling Festival runs all day on Sept. 29 at Skenesborough Park in Whitehall. The event caps off at 5 p.m. with the official Bigfoot calling contest.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 15

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Biography

Brian Smith started out like a lot of local Johnsburg youth his age, playing games with his brothers and sisters, doing a lot of fishing and attending the Johnsburg Central School. However, due to difficult family circumstances, Smith dropped out of school in the ninth grade at age 16 and joined the U.S. Navy two years later, never having graduated high school.

By Christopher South

On June 15, 2018, nearly half a century late, Smith marched in the Warrensburg High School graduation ceremonies under a state education law permitting schools to award diplomas to eligible military veterans who quit school to serve in the armed forces.

In recent years, Smith, 69, worked several seasonal jobs and filed for unemployment benefits at the end of the season. Over

18 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

the years, he became acquainted with the claims representative who one day asked, “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but did you graduate high school?”

When Smith said he didn’t, the representative asked him if he would like to get a high school diploma and he proceeded to tell him about Operation Recognition, created in 2005 under a bill introduced

by Assemblyman Michael Cusick (District 63, Staten Island). The law allows qualified military veterans who left school to serve in the armed forces, were honorably discharged and who are residents of New York State to get a high school diploma.

Smith took the idea to Warrensburg Junior/Senior High School Principal Doug Duell who, like Smith, had never heard of Operation Recognition.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Left: Brian Smith is about to be handed his high school diploma by Warrensburg Central School District Board of Education President Doug West. Far right is Superintendent John Goralski. Below: Smith is shown atop a jet parked on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Shangri-La. Smith eventually became a jet engine mechanic in the Navy. Bottom: An 18-year-old Brian Smith is shown working as a ‘hacker’ aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Shangri-La, meaning he had to carry boxes of food from the storage area to the galley where it was cooked. Smith lost the little finger of his right hand while working as a hacker.

The Glen area of Johnsburg.

“We lived up the road in the mountains,” he said.

Life in The Glen was tough in certain ways. Smith’s father drove truck for the National Lead Mines in Newcomb. The family included nine people in one house.

All the kids slept in a loft. Smith said he remembers having no running water, and they would dip water out of a well and later get water from a pipe coming out of the side of the mountain. He also remembers using kerosene lamps and flashlights.

But Smith loved growing up in North Creek, saying he wouldn’t trade those times for anything. He played games and fished in the summers and recalled making igloos in the winters. He recalled his grandmother coming over and riding on an old Arctic Cat snowmobile.

Smith also had fond memories of school and teachers at what he referred to as “the North Creek school,” on Main Street (called the North Creek High School until it was consolidated as the Johnsburg Central School in the 1950s). However, at 16, when he was in the ninth grade, he quit school in order to go to work to help out his family. Like his father, he went to work for the National Lead Mines, and he turned over most of his pay to his parents.

“I would give all my pay to my mom and dad except for $10,” Smith said.

The $10 was used to pay for dates with his then girlfriend.

“When Brian first came in my office I didn’t know anything about the program,” Duell said.

Duell did some research on Operation Recognition and with the information he gathered, Duell said, he was thrilled to accommodate Smith’s request. He said the members of the class of 2018 were equally as excited about Smith joining the graduation ceremony.

“The kids were thrilled too. We introduced him to the kids on the last day of classes when we had our picture taken. Brian was a part of the senior class picture,” Duell said.

Smith also participated in the senior class walk-through at the elementary school and was part of another picture Published by Sun Community News & Printing

with the elementary graduates. Smith attended graduation practice to prepare for the event and was issued a cap and gown along with a stole reading, “Navy veteran.”

Duell special.

said

graduation

night

was

“The scholarship association presented him with a gift certificate, and he received a standing ovation. I think he had a great experience, and this is something the kids will remember for a long time,” Duell said.

Undoubtedly, Smith will remember it, too.

A LONG ROAD TO GRADUATION Smith was born Christmas Day 1948. He was the first of seven children, including his two brothers and four sisters. When he was a child, his family moved from Buffalo to Newcomb before the family settled in

After two years, Smith decided it was time to do something for himself, and in 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War, he joined the Navy. He said if he had known anything about it, he would have attempted to join the elite Navy SEALs. Instead, Smith was assigned to the U.S.S. Shangri-La, and his first job was as a “hacker,” which involved using a “hack line” to strap boxes of food items, such as crates of eggs or cabbages, to his back and take them up steps from the supply hold to the galley.

Despite losing the pinky of his right hand as a result of hacking, Smith was promoted from airman-apprentice to airman and he was given a job on the flight deck. There he helped send off the jets using a catapult system and then secure them upon their return. During rough weather, he would be on the Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 19

Top Left: Shown is a crashed jet going over the side of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Shangri-La. Smith saw a number of planes return shot up - or not return at all - during his four years on the carrier. Bottom Right: Brian Smith, 69, of Warrensburg holds a 1968 photo of himself upon graduating U.S. Navy boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. Smith received his high school diploma in June from Warrensburg High School under Operation Recognition, a program that allows schools to award diplomas to veterans who quit school to serve in the military during times of war. Bottom Center: Brian Smith receives a high five as he approaches the stage where he would receive his high school diploma. Bottom Right: Smith is shown smiling during a little down time during his stint in the Navy. Smith served from 1968 to 1972.

deck with 12 tie-down chains over his shoulders securing the planes on deck.

While working on the flight deck Smith saw numerous accidents, including men being blown overboard by the blast from jet engines.

“We would try to fish them out before the sharks or barracudas got them,” he said.

Worse, some guys on the deck crew were sucked into the jet engines.

They would work four-hour shifts on the flight deck. One night after his shift, Smith woke a shipmate to take his turn on the flight deck. Probably not fully awake, the guy apparently did not see a red warning light and walked onto the flight deck and into the spinning propeller of a weather plane.

As an airman on the flight deck, Smith got to know a lot of pilots, saw a lot of planes return shot up and he felt the pain of some of them not returning.

One of them attempted to land during particularly rough weather and his jet hit 20 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

the fan-tail of the ship and exploded.

Smith eventually had the opportunity to do what he wanted to do — become a jet engine mechanic, repairing jet’s engines on the Shangri-La. He stayed on the Shangri-La during its tour off the coast of Vietnam and then spent eight and a half months on a Mediterranean tour getting to see France, Italy and Spain.

He also went ashore on Cuba for supplies.

One of the guys who joined him was Clyde Torgeson from Phoenix who Smith met when they were both hackers. Torgeson came home with Smith and met his sister, Karen Smith, and eventually married her.

While on leave to attend the wedding, Smith met Torgeson’s sister and later married her.

Although Smith’s first marriage didn’t last, Karen and Clyde are still married, and he remains friends with his old Navy buddy.

In 1972, Smith was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, and he settled in Phoenix for a time, working in a steel factory assembling molds and pouring

steel. He returned to the North Creek area and went to work for Gore Mountain, first as a lift attendant, then as a lift operator, lift mechanic and trail groomer, the latter being one of his favorite jobs.

“If you have ever been on the trails at night, during a full moon, with the snow maker running on the back and ice forming on the trees...it’s beautiful,” Smith said.

Smith retired after working at Gore Mountain for 27 years. Within a couple years of retirement he became antsy and took a job at the Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg. After about five years he retired again, and restless again, he took a summer job two years ago at The Great Escape as a ride operator.

When the park closed for the season, Smith would file for unemployment, where he met the unemployment representative who started it all.

GREATEST DAY FULL OF TEARS Smith said he was the oldest graduate ever at Warrensburg High School. Denise Published by Sun Community News & Printing

All Photos by Robin Fuller, Fullervision Photography/ Amy Hoffer/Christopher South. Navy photos courtesy of Brian Smith.

DiResta, director of Warren County Veterans Services said she doesn’t remember having another veteran go through a graduation. DiResta said a few years ago another vet had planned to graduate with a class at Glens Falls High School but got cold feet at the last minute.

Smith did not.

He entered the Warrensburg High School gymnasium, where the graduation ceremony was being held, and the guests were apparently tipped off as to what was going on.

“I met with the (graduates) and we went to the bleachers. When I came in, the whole place stood and applauded and yelled. When they handed me my diploma, they stood and applauded again.

People wanted to shake my hand. I think everyone in the place was crying. I know I was balling,” Smith said. “It was one of the best days of my life.”

Smith and his wife, Janice, who he met singing karaoke, reside in Warrensburg.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Operation Recognition: Certain veterans who left high school without graduating are eligible to earn New York State high school diplomas. Operation Recognition, created by Section 305 of New York’s Education Law, recognizes the devotion and sacrifice of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam, who left school early, by presenting them with a high school diploma.

Schedule an appointment with a Veteran’s Benefits Advisor.

To be eligible, a veteran must meet the following requirements: 1. Be a New York State resident.

2. Engaged in active duty service for at least one day during one of the following wartime periods: World War II: Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946; Korea: June 27, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 or Vietnam: May 1, 1961 to April 30, 1975.

3. Received a satisfactory discharge from military service.

Deceased veterans can receive a diploma. The child or spouse of

a deceased veteran who met the criteria listed above may apply and accept a posthumous diploma on the veteran’s behalf.

Qualifying veterans or their family members must present evidence of the veteran’s military service, including dates of service and discharge status.

Acceptable verifying documents include a DD Form 214 (the Department of Defense discharge form), a WD AGO Form 53-55 form (Enlisted Record and Report of Separation), an Honorable Discharge Certificate or a Special Discharge form from the Coast Guard or Merchant Marines. Veterans and family members can obtain Operation Recognition information by contacting the New York State Department of Education at 518-474-8940.

To learn more about the benefits and services you may be eligible for as a veteran, service member or as a family member of a veteran or service member, call the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Help Line at 888-838-7697 (VETSNYS), where you may also schedule an appointment with a Veterans Benefits Advisor.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 21

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22 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

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Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 23

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Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 27

Autumn

in the

Photo by Darren McGee

Adirondacks 28 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

UNIQUE WAYS TO SEE THE FOLIAGE ...in Essex County Stunning summit views The summit of Mount Defiance in Ticonderoga features a picnic pavilion with spectacular views of the Champlain Valley and Fort Ticonderoga.

Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest has several trails that lead to scenic overlooks of Lake Champlain, the High Peaks and Vermont. Recommended destinations include Barn Rock Bay, Ore Bed Overlook and South Rocks Overlook. - I Love Ny

Olympic leaves At the Olympic ski jumps and Whiteface Mountain, visitors can take an elevator to the top of the 120- meter ski jumps (26 stories) for a panoramic view of the surrounding Adirondacks. Watch ski jumpers fly the length of a football field, aerialists twist and turn in the air and see the best panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks at the Flaming Leaves Festival. - ROOST

COLORFUL CAR RIDES Drive Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway Taking the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway to the top of Whiteface Mountain — New York’s fifth-highest peak at 4,867 feet — isn’t your typical automotive experience. How many other roads do you know that lead you directly to the summit of a mountain, with gorgeous views spanning hundreds of miles of wild land reaching as far as Vermont and Canada?

Nowhere else is the beauty and vastness of the Adirondack Park so apparent and so easily accessible. The paved road rises over 2,300 feet in five miles from the toll house.

At the summit, there are a few things you don’t often find atop a peak: a castle built from native stone, a restaurant and gift shop, an elevator carved deep inside the mountain top itself and a truly spectacular 360-degree, panoramic view of unparalleled beauty. A visit to the Adirondacks is not complete without a drive to the top!

The highway is open through Oct. 8 from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. for cyclists. For more information, visit whiteface.com/activities/whitefaceveterans-memorial-highway. - Whiteface Lake Placid

Cloudsplitter gondola ride leaf spotting

AWE-INSPIRING AERIAL VIEWS Scenic flights over the Adirondacks Take to the skies to see spectacular fall foliage like you’ve never seen it before.

Adirondack Flying Service offers flights from Lake Placid Airport 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather permitting. No reservations are required and three different 20-minute tours are offered. Peak foliage flight dates are Sept. 28 through Oct. 6.

Flights require at least two people. Visit flyanywhere.com/adirondack_scenic_ flights for more information.

The High Peaks Tour offers stunning views of the highest peaks in New York including Lake Tear-of-the-Clouds, Henderson Lake, Lost Pond, Avalanche Pass, Indian Pass, Panther Gorge, Ausable Lakes, the Great Range and Haystack Mountain. The return flight passes over the bobsled and luge runs at Mount Van Hoevenberg and the Olympic ski jumps.

The Olympics tour offers once in a lifetime views of the Village of Lake Placid and the Olympic venues including the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic arena, Whiteface Mountain Alpine ski area and the bobsled and luge runs at Mount Van Hoevenberg.

The return flight passes over Cascade Pass and the Olympic ski jumps.

The Lakes Tour will offer an up close view of Adirondack waterways including Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, the Olympic Village, McKenzie Pond, Lake Oseetah, Lake Flower, Kiwassa Lake, Lake Colby, the Saranac Lakes, Tupper Lake and Ampersand Lake. The return flight passes over bobsled and luge runs at Mount Van Hoevenberg and the Olympic ski jumps.

- Adirondack Flying Service

Photo by Darren McGee

FOLIAGE ON FOOT

It’s like a bird’s eye view — in flight! Our eight-passenger Cloudsplitter Gondola carries you from the main base lodge to the top of Little Whiteface in fifteen minutes.

As you trace the mountain’s contours — soaring over streams, ski trails, steep rock faces and thick forests — the beauty of the Adirondacks reveals itself.

You’ll see Lake Placid and its namesake village. To the east lies Lake Champlain, and to the south stand the tallest peaks in New York. You’ll spot the ski jumps and the Ausable River. At the top, an observation deck and picnic area await you. These are some of the country’s best views, and this is the best way to see them!

The Cloudsplitter Gondola runs FridaySunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 8. For more information, visit whiteface. com/activities/cloudsplitter-gondola-ride.

- Whiteface Lake Placid

BEAUTIFUL BOAT TOURS Boating around Lake Placid Lake Placid Boat Tours offers amazing views of Whiteface Mountain and the Saranac Lake region offers superb paddling on all three Saranac Lakes connected by the Saranac River. Nearby St. Regis Wilderness Canoe Area provides some of the finest secluded paddling and camping locations in the east. - ROOST

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Published by Sun Community News & Printing

...in Clinton County FOLIAGE UP CLOSE Great walks and day hikes lead to breathtaking Adirondack views

for any hiking experience. Whether it’s reaching the Lyon Mountain Fire Tower, backpacking through the woods or just strolling along Plattsburgh’s Heritage Trail, the Adirondack Coast offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities all with breathtaking views.

Get an up-to-date foliage report on the Adirondack Coast as well as information on great walks and day hikes by visiting goadirondack.com. - The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau

Cruise through the Adirondack coast’s autumn colors by bike

There is no better time to explore the Adirondack Coast on foot than in the fall.

More than 2,000 miles of hiking trails wind through the Adirondacks offering a glimpse into a world pristine and untouched — just as it was hundreds of years ago.

In autumn, the Adirondack fall foliage provides a spectacular backdrop

As autumn’s sun-baked days and cool, crisp nights take over the Adirondack Coast, the landscape explodes with color showcasing flaming reds, bright oranges and vibrant golds, giving way to what many consider the most stunning time of year for travel to Lake Champlain’s western shores surrounding Plattsburgh!

What’s more, this time of year offers plenty of warmth and leftover daylight hours to experience renowned outdoor recreation opportunities, like cycling.

Hop on a bike and travel the wideshouldered roads following the progression of color as it slowly moves down in elevation, beginning in mid-September in the Adirondack High Peak region through mid-to-late October along Lake Champlain.

Ranging from easy to challenging, the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau offers point-to-point cycling itineraries.

Pre-mapped routes like “Acres of Apples” and “Monuments, Mills and Music” allow cyclists of any level to experience the Adirondack’s diverse range of history and agriculture from a new perspective.

Visit goadirondack.com for: • Point-to-point rides, themed routes and loops geared for all skill levels, including the 350-mile loop around Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Coast’s 33-mile Wine Trail.

• Downloadable and printable maps.

• Interactive maps via MapMyRide.

• Travel deals and tools to plan a cycling vacation.

- The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau

...in Franklin County FOLIAGE ON FOOT Fiery leaves at the fire tower

to the east, the Raquette River valley to the north, Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest to the southwest and Mt. Arab Lake and Eagle Crag Lake to the west. - I Love NY

Wild walk through the foliage

point of view at The Wild Center’s Wild Walk. The Wild Walk experience includes a four-story twig tree house and swinging bridges, a spider’s web where people can hang out and chances to sit and observe the forest below. There’s a full-sized bald eagle’s nest at the highest point where visitors can perch and imagine. - ROOST

Mount Arab Fire Tower, in the hamlet of Piercefield, near Tupper Lake, offers great views of Tupper Lake and Mount Morris to the southeast, the Adirondack High Peaks

Soak in the fall scenery from a different

Enjoy superior views with little effort from Tupper Lake’s Coney Mountain rocky summit. Distance one way is 1.1 miles with an elevation of 2,280 feet. The ascent is 548 feet over easy to moderate terrain. The waters of Tupper Lake can be seen to the north as well as the wooded hills of the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest to the west. As far as views go, this is one of the best in the area. - ROOST

Photos from adirondackusa.com

Hiking Coney offers superior view

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(518) 624-3566

195849

Heated & Screened Indoor/Outdoor Runs Safe Exercise & Play Area Pat Paquin, Owner • 518-624-2050 Long Lake, NY 195848

“If you can’t find it at 40-year-old Hoss’s, you probably don’t need it.”

-Martha Stewart

1142 Main St. Box 247 | Long Lake, NY 12847 1 (800) 952-HOSS (4677) | hossscountrycorner.com We have been serving the community year-round for over 40 years. Whether you’re looking for your annual hunk of store cheese, a special book, Adirondack crafts, and local maple syrup or stocking up camp for your stay, Hoss’s has everything from the fishing license you forgot to renew to the Long Lake sweatshirt you’ll wear every night. Stop in and explore the store and find all kinds of things you didn’t even know you needed!

ANNUAL EVENTS

32 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

196028

196068

OctoBear Fest Oct 6, 2018 10 AM - 4PM Black Fridays Nov 23, 24, 25 draw your own discount 9 AM-6 PM 12 Days of Gifting Dec 13-24, 10AM - 5PM Hoss-some Holiday Sale Dec 20, 9 AM-6 PM

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

COLORFUL CAR RIDES Scenic drives in Franklin County The 12-mile drive between Keene and Lake Placid offers a series of views. And

the differences in elevation means that you will see color at various stages of peak all in about 30 minutes. The part we like best on this drive is when you ascend through the canyons of black cliffs at the Cascade Lakes. The lakes, dark cliffs and yellow leaves of the white birches make this stretch one that begs you to stop and shoot the light. At both the Lake Placid and Keene ends of the drive the vistas of the High Peaks are great as well.

Take Route 3, the main road from Saranac Lake to Tupper Lake. The road opens views across a number of scenic lakes. You will see Coreys Road about 13 miles after your leave Saranac Lake. Turn right and you will find yourself crossing a beautiful meadow and a flooded pond on your left. There are larch trees here and maple, mixing reds and golds. Turn

around after you have seen the pond on your left with its yellow larch.

The turnaround is only a few hundred feet from Route 3. Retrace your path and cross Route 3. This side of Coreys Road takes you to Axton Landing on the Raquette River. There are several ponds by the road, each with their own views. Turn right on the Axton Landing road and enjoy the view of this wild section of the Raquette.

You can get back on Route 3 and continue to Tupper Lake, where The Wild Center is located. After a visit you can drive another 7 miles outside of town, on Route 30, to Rock Island Bay. There are good pull offs here and views of mixed forests surrounding the lake. Rock Island is what it sounds like, a small island with a few trees in bright colors floating on the water, begging to be photographed in the fall.

...in Hamilton County Watch the leaves on Watch Hill

take you all the way through. However, leaf peepers with time on their hands should take some detours along the way. On Route 28 you’ll find yourself at the Pigeon Lake wilderness, and Routes 8 and 10 will take you to the Silver Lake wilderness.

- By ROOST

Route from Indian Lake to Speculator is spectacular

Watch Hill, south of Indian Lake — one mile south of the Snowy Mountain trailhead parking, a newly marked trail — is a short 1.1 mile hike with open ledges at the top that gain views of the Snowy Mountain Fire Tower and Indian Lake.

Continue on for 0.5 miles to the lake.

- I Love NY

COLORFUL CAR RIDES Route 30 offers stunning foliage The heart of the Adirondacks — Long Lake, Speculator and Indian Lake — is full of wilderness preserves with lakes and ponds aplenty. The diverse views are complemented by the easy access from Route 30 out of Tupper Lake, which will

The drive on Route 30 from the Village of Indian Lake to Speculator is one of the most spectacular scenic tours in the Adirondacks. As you descend the western shore of Indian Lake, the surrounding mountains are reflected in the surface of the water. In autumn, the 24 mile drive display of color is awe-inspiring. - ROOST

AWE-INSPIRING AERIAL VIEWS Bird’s eye view of the leaves

Flying above the leaves for a bird’s eye view of the Adirondacks is always jawdropping, but once the landscape is fully engulfed with the flaming bright colors of fall, an aerial tour becomes an absolute must. The float plane excursions take off from idyllic Adirondack lakes and offer a tour of a lifetime with 360-degree views of slivered deep blue lakes and mountains, as far as you can see. Planes leave from Inlet and Long Lake. - ROOST

BEAUTIFUL BOAT TOURS Striking views from the water The Raquette Lake Navigation offers

boat tours exploring the pristine and relatively undeveloped environment of Raquette Lake aboard the W.W. Durant and learn about the history of Raquette Lake which was the playground for millionaires during the Gilded Age. There is no better way to experience Adirondack fall foliage than in the Hudson River Gorge. A whitewater rafting trip allows guests to view spectacular fall colors in a wilderness setting from the comfortable seat of a raft. This a quiet time to be on the river. At times you may feel like you and your guide have the river to yourselves.

- ROOST

...in Warren County the Village of Lake George’s Recreation Center on Transfer Road which ends at a parking lot. There you will find a marquee with trail maps to guide you through the village trails to the preserve. For an easy hike, follow the Berry Pond blue trail to where it meets the orange trail. Continue to Berry Pond on the orange trail. Stay on the blue trail to ascend the mountain. This climb has two very steep sections and may be too strenuous for some. The reward of the more difficult climb is panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Photo by Matt Sprow

Easy autumn hikes

One of the best ways to view the Lake George area’s brilliant fall foliage is by walking along a forest path. These easyto-moderate hikes are suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

Berry Pond Preserve - Lake George: Access the Berry Pond Preserve through

Warren County nature trails Warrensburg: These cross-country ski trails serve as easy hiking trails during the snow-free seasons with level pathways leading to the banks of the Hudson River. The trails are located on Hudson Street Extension in Warrensburg just north of Cronin’s Golf Resort.

Chester offers several options for easy and moderate hikes with mountain views and lakeside trails. Visit the Chester Challenge webpage for more information.

- Gillian Burdette, visitlakegeorge.com

Stunning summits There are several ways to see outstanding views of the colors. If you’d like to get out into the woods and walk among the leaves, take a hike to one of the Lake George area’s gorgeous mountain summits. The Dean Farm Heritage Trail in Stony Creek is an easy, handicapped accessible walking path. The Pinnacle in Bolton Landing is a short, moderate hike to gorgeous views of Lake George and distant mountains. Crane Mountain is a difficult trail in Thurman that requires hikers to climb two ladders to complete the loop. Each of these trails gives leafpeepers exactly what they’re looking for.

- Eric Pfau, visitlakegoerge.com

Gurney Lane Recreation Park Queensbury: The 150-acre park has hiking trails ranging in length from a third of a mile to slightly over one mile. The trails also accommodate mountain bikes. Access the trails from the park’s parking lot on Gurney Lane Road.

Up Yonda Farm - Bolton Landing: Up Yonda Farm is an environmental education center with a museum focused on the flora and fauna of the region.

Visitors may hike the 73-acre grounds over a network of trails that offer views of Lake George. Find Up Yonda on Lake Shore Drive in Bolton Landing.

The Chester Challenge - Chestertown: The northern Warren County town of

Wagon ride under the canopy The Adirondack Ranch, located at 346 Mud St. in Athol will offer wagon rides

Photos from adirondackusa.com/visitlakegeorge.com

FOLIAGE ON FOOT

through the gorgeous fall foliage around Lake George. The ranch is open weekends by reservation and alternate days may be available for private parties. Wagon rides are last for one hour, plenty of time to absorb the beauty of the fall canopy overhead. Group outings and individual horseback riding are also available upon request. For more information, and to reserve a ride, call 518-623-2267 or visit the Adirondack Ranch Facebook page.

COLORFUL CAR RIDES Easy, beautiful summit trips

Cruise through the foliage Visitors to the Lake George area have been admiring fall foliage from the deck of cruise ships for 200 years. You can do the same with both the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Shoreline Cruises. The Lake George Steamboat Company offers a lunch cruise on the Lac du Saint Sacrement on Saturdays at noon, and Lake George Shoreline Cruises offers three sightseeing cruises daily. Either cruise will give you an up close and personal look at the colors.

- Eric Pfau, visitlakegeorge.com

AWE-INSPIRING AERIAL VIEWS Fly through the air

Go to Gore Mountain in North Creek and take a scenic ride on the Northwoods Gondola for some bird’s eye views of the foliage. Drive to the summit of Prospect Mountain to see a hundred-mile view of Lake George, the Adirondacks and beyond.

- Eric Pfau, visitlakegoerge.com

BEAUTIFUL BOAT TOURS Take to the water — canoing, kayaking and the big boats The brilliance of fall foliage doubles when viewed from a lake as the shoreline colors reflect in the mirror-like waters. Fall is the perfect time to take a cruise up Lake George on one of the big boats. Another option is a personal tour of the lake from an area guide service.

Do-it-yourselfers may rent a boat or throw a canoe or kayak in the water and paddle through the splendor of fall.

Warren County maintains canoe access sites along the Hudson and Schroon Rivers. Each site offers free parking and safe access to the water. The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation operates boat launch sites on Brant, Fourth and Schroon Lakes as well as several on Lake George where you may put in for a lake paddle. - Gillian Burdette, visitlakegeorge.com

Gore Mountain scenic gondola rides: Gore Mountain is a premier stateowned ski area in North Creek, but winter isn’t the only season at Gore. Its trails are open for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and fall. The gondola that takes skiers to the top of a run in the winter carries leaf-peepers up the mountain in the fall for a spectacular aerial view of the Adirondacks colored in brilliant fall foliage.

Adirondack Eagle Flyer zip line — Friday through Sunday during the fall: This 3,700-foot zip line glides over the treetops offering a thrilling ride and panoramic view of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake George. Located at the Wild West Ranch in the town of Lake George, it is a must-do activity for thrill seekers and leaf peepers.

Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course — weekends through Nov. 12: Test your strength and endurance on these aerial obstacle courses in Bolton Landing. Navigate zip lines, swaying bridges and Tarzan swings through the fall foliage on courses with varying degrees of difficulty. A special “Little Adventurers” course is designed just for kids. - Gillian Burdette, visitlakegeorge.com

AMTRAK DOME CAR, FASTEST WAY TO SEE FOLIAGE ACROSS UPSTATE

By Amtrak The “Great Dome” car offers a rare and unique fall travel experience to view this season’s brilliance on the Adirondack train. On the Adirondack train, immerse yourself in the changing tree colors and Lake Champlain vistas as you travel from Albany across the Canadian border to Montreal.

The dome car features an upper level with windows on all sides and overhead to provide the passengers with panoramic views of magnificent scenery. Book your train tickets today to kick off your fall travel adventure.

The dome is open to all passengers on a first come, first served basis on select departures.

The Adirondack train travels from Montreal to Albany and New York City from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2. For more information, visit amtrak.com/falltravel-on-the-great-dome-car.

TICONDEROGA

Here, at last, is the chance to come on board the

StarshipEnterprise

F G M

Visitors can receive guided tours, photo opportunities, and an immersive experience into the world of the classic television series. Get tickets and info at www.startrektour.com Recreated exactly as they were laid out on the “Desilu” (now Paramount Pictures) Stage 9 in Hollywood for the original 1966-68 run of STAR TREK, the sets of the fabulous Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701 await guests to step aboard and be transported to the world of STAR TREK - The Original Series.

See us for your Fall Decorations...

Corn Stalks, Hay Bales & More!

Unique gifts in a rustic barn nestled in Historic Lord Howe Valley!

Lots of great gift ideas! Jams, jellies, dressings, salsa, pickles, honey, maple syrup, hand woven rugs, soy candles, soaps, lotions, plus much more!

SALE

••• ON A ••• FINE SELE CTION OF

PERENN

IALS

Mums • Gourds • Pumpkins Cider • NY State Apples 1 Mile South on Rt. 9N, Ticonderoga, NY (518) 585-6757

518.369.9967 | Fall Hours Sat & Sun 10am-4pm | www.startrektour.com

LUNCH AND DINNER

ANTIQUES RUSTIC FURNITURE LOCAL ARTISANS

– OPEN YEAR ROUND – Will Special Order New & Used books!

113 Montcalm Street Ticonderoga, NY • (518) 503-5007

Served 7 Days A Week 11:00 AM - Close

195436

SUNDAY BREAKFAST

79 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga, NY

FOR DETAILS

Personalized Service at

Optics

LOCAL DELIVERY from 4:30PM

OPEN DAILY 10 AM-10PM

of Ticonderoga Your local optical shop

BRING YOUR PRESCRIPTION TO US! - SAVE TIME & TRAVEL -

Pizza • Calzones • & More

Off-Site & On-Site Catering Available 195424

(518)-585-7657

872 State Route 9N • Ticonderoga, NY 12883 195422

36 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

518-585-4000

89 MONTCALM STREET, TICONDEROGA

Eat In or Take Out Delivery Available “Fresh homemade dough every day”

Pizza, Calzones, Dinners, Greek Salads, Gyros, Subs, Beer & Wine

115 Montcalm Street Ticonderoga, NY

518-585-3000

195420

8:00 AM - Noon

(Formerly Sentinel Grill Location)

BRING A FRIEND! Support Your Local Agricultural Businesses! 195417

195410

112 Montcalm Street in Historic Ticonderoga, NY 12883

195423

Make the Trek!

Star Trek Original Series Set Tour

Open Monday-Saturday 9-6, Sunday 10-5 Seasonally

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

EPIC HISTORY ON LAKE GEORGE AND LAKE CHAMPLAIN Adirondack Furniture By George – Over 120 Pieces of Framed Art & Many Collectibles –

Open to the Public - Everyone Welcome!

TALK TURKEY TO ME! TURKEY BY

NOVEMBER 10TH

Located at 109 Montcalm St. • Ticonderoga, NY 518-558-1414 • tifoodcoop@gmail.com

195494

Fall Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm (Seasonally Sundays)

All of the Adirondack Furniture in this store was designed and built by local artisan George Demers, built in Ticonderoga with pride and local lumber.

7 Days a Week 10-4 or by Appointment

195421

ORDER YOUR LOCAL NATURAL

518-503-5336 • 518-232-9143 • 113 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga NY

SANDMAN HARDWOOD FLOOR SANDING & REFINISHING

NOW OFFERING FINANCING!

James Price 518-585-7851 518-637-7297

• NEED A NEW ROOF? • NEED A NEW KITCHEN?

INSTALLATIONS AVAILABLE

• NEED NEW WINDOWS?

195413

We can FINANCE for you!

Any Size Pick Your Payment.

24 Hour Towing/Recovery Service & Repair

– OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 15 – 133 State Route 9N - Ticonderoga, NY 12883 518.585.4462 - www.brookwoodrvresort.com TH

195414

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

TICONDEROGA, NY

66 Schuyler Street (518) 585-7774

per month!

2

PL AN OPTION

Your one stop shop for all your building supplies & tools!

195492

Handcrafted Adirondack gifts and decor Handmade quilts & wall hangings • Candy & children's toys Lake/beach inflatables/items • Craft Beer - mix & match Rogers Rock gifts • Kayak/Canoe Rentals • Camping supplies

R.B. Motors Inc

50

$

YMENT PA

1056 Wicker Street (518) 585-6722

884 NYS Rt. 9N • Ticonderoga, NY

(518) 585-2818

195415

Largest selection in Northern Lake George...

FINANCING AS LOW AS

S

Approved

Mon-Fri 7am-4:30pm • Sat 8am-Noon • Closed Sun Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 37

TICONDEROGA

Country Florist & Gifts

• Best Omelettes in the area • Homemade Belgian Waffles • Daily Specialties & Homemade Soup • Salads ~ Baskets • Great Burgers • Steak ~ Seafood ~ Pasta • Children’s Menu • Homemade Pies

FLOWERS • SPECIALTY GIFTS CHOCOLATES • CANDLES VISIT OUR UPSTAIRS WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

1065 Wicker Street Ticonderoga, NY

Featuring Prime Rib Every Friday & Saturday

Open Daily at 5:30

Beer ~ Wine ~ Cocktails Take Outs ~ Gift Cards

(518) 585-7755

195481

Whole Wheat Wraps & Healthy Choices

75 Montcalm Street • Ticonderoga, NY 518-585-2264 www.thecountryfloristandgifts.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 to 5:00, Sat. 8:30 to 1:00

195467

Lonergan’s Red Barn Antiques An Adirondack Destination for Over 60 years Open Daily Memorial Day Thru Columbus Day

TICONDEROGA GOLF COURSE

Golf • Dining • Cocktails

Lake Champlain & Lake George Memorabilia

518-585-2801

Check out the Back 9 as renovations are nearing completion!

Call for Tee Times

Craig & Sharon Lonergan clonergan@nycap.rr.com (518) 585.3374 • (518) 585-4477 Open off Season by Chance Please Call Ahead 337 NYS Route 9N • Ticonderoga, NY 12883

“A Unique & Historic Adirondack Golf Course”

(518) 585-2801 Visit our website for Fall Golf Specials, News & Updates

www.ticonderogagolfcourse.com

195450

609 State Route 9N, Ticonderoga, NY 12883

Ticonderoga Animal Hospital

Dr. James Mack, VMD • 11 Shore Airport Rd., Ticonderoga, NY • (518) 585-6232 38 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

195451

nothing else.

Vintage Toys, Comics, Custom Crafts and Collectibles Open 11am-7pm, Wednesday-Sunday 111 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga, NY

195485

We are an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. That means we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Pets are our passion.

And keeping them healthy is our #1 priority. Here, we strive to deliver excellent care for pets.

Because your pets deserve

TWTREASURES

@TIMEWARP12883

TIMEWARPTREASURES1

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Sports & The Outdoors

By Rich Redman

Fall is a great time to be in the forest or on a river. Being on a stream or in the woods with rod or rifle is part of the heritage of rural America.

Bird hunters will be afield flushing pheasants or grouse with their favorite dog. Turkey hunters will sit squatted down with their backs to a big old oak, calling to a broken-up flock and archers will be out early in search of prey. With that, the shots of fall will ring and echo throughout the woodlands. Big game season follows, bringing out the whitetail gunners of fall.

Muzzle and rifle season!

Humans are natural wild game hunters. We have always hunted or fished for our meals. Whether with a club, rifle, willow branch and thread or fancy bamboo fly rod, we hunted and fished to gather our food. It’s part of the human family genetic makeup.

In Moriah, there is the Salerno family of Whitetail hunters: Randy, Timmy, Pauley, Dustin, Nick, Pat and Tony Salerno. This family lives for the deer hunt! Many times, they hunt together, or they break into separate parties.

Pat and Tony have taken it a step further. They have employed a deep woods method of hunting that has put them on the rise to sportsman fame map.

Many rookie hunters begin their hunt the day the season opens. They wander around in the woods hoping to jump a deer, sit in a tree stand waiting to see one 40 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

or they gather with a group of guys and drive the woods pushing deer to watchers.

True stealthy hunters do something more.

Before a whitetail hunter picks up a rifle, the wise hunters do their homework. Pat and Tony Salerno are those kinds of guys.

They scout the woods for signs that tell them where the deer call home. Patches of oaks and food sources like woods edges, blowdowns, beaver ponds and logged areas all provide food. Food means deer. Food high up in the mountains means big deer.

They study topo-maps for clues as to where big bucks may be living. Benches, fingers and saddles are preferred areas.

With modern technology, they can now use their cell phones and topo-map applications to pinpoint areas they want to hunt, how to get there and map out a trail to get back home safely.

Early season scouting may mean looking for tracks and dropped antlers, called sheds. Large tracks combined with a shed with numerous points tell you a big deer may still be in the area. Cameras verify!

Bushnell cameras are set up to capture the moments a large buck walks through an area well in advance of opening day.

Some of the cameras are wireless and send the photo or videos back to cell phones.

Cameras are set up in rugged areas, thick, nasty areas where deer move safely, not on old log roads or open woods where big racked deer are seldom seen. The thicker the better!

Cameras mean there is no need to go back and disturb an area. They study their

quarry, know where they are and prepare for the hunt.

PREPARATION IS KEY Preparation means having equipment that won’t fail when you need it the most.

Well before the season opens, they scout for a location to camp.

The location is based on closeness to where the deer are, a flat spot for a tent, prevailing downwind from hunting areas if possible and up slope from any beaver ponds where they may use brook water for a drinking source.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Photos Provided

Yes, it was 90 degrees and humid this summer, but the brisk cool air and bright colors of autumn are here.

Water purifiers are recommended and/or boiling water to kill any bacteria or disease-causing pathogens, especially giardia or beaver fever. Giardia infection results in irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to symptoms that include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and diarrhea that lasts ten days or longer.

Giardia infection can result in some serious complications that include dehydration. It is not pleasant. It’s the last thing you want when miles deep in the big woods camped out.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Well before opening day, the guys start hauling equipment up to the camp area. No motorized equipment is allowed on New York State land so they use a one wheeled deer carrier to lug the tent, stove, sleeping bags, food and other provisions.

They use a wall tent from Cabela’s, the Montana (70 pounds), which they say stands up to driving rains and wind storms which comes in handy when you’re three miles back in the woods. The floor is a white painter’s tarp that reflects the light back into the tent, so it is well light inside.

Heat is provided by a lightweight titanium stove that weighs in at 11 pounds.

It will keep the tent dry and warm, just what you want after a hard day’s work.

With dead and downed wood throughout the area, fuel is no problem. You take a saw and cut it up. They can heat the camp and cook on it if necessary.

The main cooking source is a Jet Boil stove. It can heat up a pint of water to a rolling boil in one minute. Small canisters of fuel are used and are lightweight and easy to carry.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 41

Their gourmet foods are typical back packer’s style of freeze dried meals. You can pack in a weeks’ worth of food in one bag and it’s super light to carry. Freeze dried spaghetti, lasagna, beef stew, cheesy potatoes, you name it, you can get it.

High carb meals are needed when you are out in the cold weather hunting all day.

I say gourmet meals, because after a day in the woods, shoe leather with ketchup would taste great. Really though, the freeze-dried meals really are gourmet-ish.

THE HUNT BEGINS Once the hunt begins, it’s into the most rugged areas first, slowly, very slowly, still hunting and fully camouflaged. Some would say they should have orange on, but back where they hunt, there are no other hunters.

They are alone in the woods, except for the whitetail they pursue and the rest of Mother Nature’s creatures like black bear and bob cats. Even though they are alone, gun safety is always practiced.

They like to hunt working their way across and downhill. Shooting uphill is harder, and more likely, deer will have spotted you anyway. Occasionally they will use climbing tree stands if they feel they are in an area where there may be lots of activity; several does and a big buck. The climbers give them mobility and diversify their hunting capabilities.

Sometimes you still hunt, sit for a while, move on and then sometimes you climb and wait it out. Mobility and flexibility are important. Hunt out of the box!

They like Tink’s Hot Spot spray to mask their scent. Rubbing their clothes and boots on a balsam tree also gives them a natural scent cover and natural aroma. You don’t want to smell like a man in deer country.

After three days running around in the woods, the funk begins to get to them.

They usually stay in the woods for two nights and then come out the third day to shower up,and get provisions before heading back in.

Grunt tubes and bleat calls are used to get a deer to stop dead in its tracks or even to get them to return to an area. Many times, deer run just because of a strange sound. They don’t know what caused it, but they go.

A call may just bring them curiously back so you can get your shot of a lifetime.

Tony and Pat usually don’t hunt together, 42 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

they split up, go their own way and meet back at camp or meet when they hear a shot or two, meaning success.

SALERNOS DO THE IMPOSSIBLE Speaking of shots, Tony and Pat both like Remington rifles. Pat prefers a model 700 in the 30.06 and Tony uses a Remington 7mm-08. Remington is the oldest gun manufacturer in the country and is in Ilion, Herkimer County. The anti-gun politicians want to drive Remington out of New York, so remember that when it’s time to vote.

Protect your second amendment rights folks. It’s the person that pulls the trigger, not the gun that’s the problem.

Okay, back to the story. The Salerno Brothers like to hunt the Northeast Adirondack Mountains. Both Pat and Tony, along with their brothers have taken some damn nice deer out of the big woods. By damn nice, I mean Pat’s 243-pound ninepointer, a 16 point at 202-pounds and Tony’s 220-pound 10 point. Inside their parent’s house, the walls are lined with mounts from all the brothers.

The Salerno family utilizes a mix of traditional and modern hunting practices to hunt their quarry, large bucks.

Mom and Dad did an exceptional job in raising the boys. They are all good guys.

Tony and Pat hunt the big woods of the northern New York Adirondacks. They go back in where few hunters dare to go and get the bucks few, if anyone, has ever seen.

At a show in North Hudson a few years back, Charles Alsheimer, the awardwinning nature photographer, outdoor writer and deer hunter said to the guys, “You two guys are doing the impossible, filming and shooting bucks at the same time.”

Yes, they are. Pat and Tony Salerno, the professional whitetail hunters of Moriah, are doing the impossible. They have it all on film to verify.

Whether you like it or not, humans are natural hunters and gatherers. Many of us still hunt and fish for our meals. It’s in our genetic makeup. Society is trying to change the wildness of a hunter/gatherer to domesticated buyer/shopper. Good luck.

Some of us just won’t be domesticated!

The guys are considering starting a guide service due to the interest at sportsmen shows. If you would like to learn more about these two professional whitetail deer hunters, check out their DVD out called “How to Hunt Trophy Bucks,” visit their Facebook sites at Tony Salerno and/or Pat Salerno Jr. or email them at adirondackhunter@aol.com.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

MORIAH

A RELAXING LAKEFRONT COMMUNITY

Moriah Chamber of Commerce

Country Road Realty (518) 546-796 crrsprague@aol.com

195880

Come visit the Scenic Town of Moriah, rich in history and recreational activities, including the Moriah Challenge!

Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat: 11-7 Sun: 10-3 / Tue-Wed: closed www.facebook.com/redbrickcafeph www.redbrickcafe.us 194583

BRYANT’S LUMBER INC.

Foote’s Port Henry Diner

Complete Line of Building Materials.

Hardware • Wood Pellets Flooring

Home-Cooked Food In A Historic Diner On Lake Champlain 194582

Water • Electric • Sewer Pavillion • Fire Pit

194538

66 Forge Hollow Rd Port Henry, NY

518-546-1226

Harland

(518) 250-1050 MoriahChamber@gmail.com www.PortHenryMoriah.com 195958

3004 BROAD STREET, PORT HENRY, NY PHONE: 518-546-7433 FAX: 518-546-7474

The best source for community news in the region

Open Wed.-Sun. from 7-2

5 St. Patrick’s Place Port Henry, NY (518) 546-7600

194584

See what you’ve been missing www.suncommunitynews.com

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(518) 546-7033 Port Henry, New York

194588

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Directly mailed to over 71,340 homes weekly!

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 43

SCHROON LAKE

GRAVES TRUCKING

BUILDING • REMODELING ADDITIONS • PLUMBING HEATING • ELECTRICAL

T HE P ERFECT P ITCH

PIANO TUNING & REPAIRS

Wayne M. Williams Piano Technician

All Trucks Have Double Cabs For Customer Comfort!

Richard Kuzmiak Owner

Jim Graves Jr.

Over 30 years experience • Fully insured

•

AAA & Private Towing

Phone: 518-532-9538 • Mobile:518-796-1865 11 Shufelt Way, Schroon Lake, NY

97 Pine Lane • Schroon Lake, NY

- Most Credit Cards Accepted -

www.schroonlakecontractors.com Cell: (518) 796-0579 (518) 532-7927

Small Instrument Repair 518-222-0214

194351

• 518-532-7531 perfectpitch@nycap.rr.com

194355

Hello Beautiful Salon “hello beautiful... hey handsome!”

Yunhui Lee

518-532-9212 Salon Owner/ Cosmetologist

Visit our website for all natural handmade beauty products

hellobeautifulbylee.com

194358

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/hellobeautifulsalon.ny

194349

194350

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44 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

194361

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

EASY TO GET TO. CLOSE TO EVERYTHING.

GLEBUS REALTY Your Hometown Realty!

Celebrating 40 Years Of Professional Real Estate Services In The Adirondacks

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(North of Mountainside Bible Chapel) Owners John and Leanna Welch Mon. - Fri. 8 AM - 5 PM • NYS Inspections

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ExtensiVE line of

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Just What You’re Looking For! SCHROON LAKE 1314 Rt. 9

152 US 9 SCHROON LAKE, NY 12870 www.sculpturesbyfrank.com

194441

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

518-532-7404

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Thinking about a new floor? We can get you started with one of our talented flooring specialists who are passionate in flooring design.

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Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 45

Cooking

By Mikaela Foster All throughout the summer while I’ve walked the rows of our little garden, picking a cucumber here, some sugar snap peas there… I’ve been pondering the whole idea of harvesting. Don’t get me wrong, I embrace each season while I’m in it, but it occurred to me (as a beginner gardener) that we actually conduct the act of harvesting at other times of the year, not just during fall or the “harvest season,” I typically think of because of how much work happens in preparation for winter.

My thought processes have expanded into non-food “harvesting” and “gardening” as I often think deeply about my role as a mom and the joy and hard work I strive to put into my children, even when they’re in the womb. If you’ve been reading from the spring 2018 issue, you’ll know we have one son who turned one and a half years old this summer. Since the spring issue, I became pregnant and have been excited to share with you our news that our second son would be a “harvest baby” due in October. We had dreams of apple and pumpkin picking with our newborn.

Well he had other plans and wanted to be a summer baby!

He was born at 28 weeks and at the time this article was written, he was in the NICU. Maybe by the time you’re reading this, he’ll be snuggled up at our home, surrounded by his family and learning the scents of the season. Which reminds me of the smells of delicious recipes to cook and enjoy with your children!

With the holidays mulling to an aromatic start, I’ve picked three recipes because I was just too excited about fall to only do one. I have a recipe for pumpkin pancakes to share with you. A friend of mine, who makes pancakes for her daughters as a snack, inspired this. Genius! So I wanted to add a little harvest flavor to it.

46 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Directions: Mix together all your ingredients (be careful not to over-mix).

Pre-heat griddle or large pan over medium high heat.

And last, but certainly not least, popcorn on the stove! My husband grew up eating popcorn this way. His dad had a special popcorn pot. I will admit, I learned how to cook stove popcorn from a video game years ago. I’m not kidding. But my husband says my popcorn is delicious, so I’m itching to share my technique that I now only apply to real life.

A note before you get started: please use your best judgment with each individual child and their capabilities when dividing tasks and making these recipes together.

Dividing tasks before you start cooking can be a fun way to help each kid know they are contributing. Stuck on task ideas?

Here’s a few to get you thinking: measure ingredients, pour ingredients, stir…etc.

Flip pancakes once they begin to bubble in the middle.

Top pancakes with butter and syrup, or whatever you like.

Enjoy!

Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 3 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 2 cups milk 2 eggs 1 tbs. vanilla extract 1 cup pumpkin puree 3/4 tsp. cinnamon* 1/2 tsp. ground ginger* 1/4 tsp. ground cloves* or 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice* Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Butter Salt (if desired as a topping) Melted butter (if desired as a topping) Directions: Get all of your ingredients out— this is a somewhat fast paced process so it’s good to be ready.

Grab a pot with a lid and potholders.

(I have made popcorn in a few different sized pots).

Put the pot on a stove burner and turn the heat up to roughly “medium-high.” My stove has numbers before the “high” setting.

I put it two numbers below “high.” This may take some experimenting. Some recipes I’ve seen suggest testing the temperature with two kernels. I’ve never done this—but it

GRANDMA B’S APPLE CRISP

sounds like a great method if you’re unsure about the temperature on your stove. Test

Ingredients: 2 lbs. or 6 cups of cooking apples peeled and sliced (I recommend McIntosh or Cortland apples) ¼ cup water ¼ cup lemon juice ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp salt 1 cup flour ½ cup butter Directions: Peel and slice apples and put them in a shallow 2 quart casserole dish.

Pour ¼ cup water over apples.

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

Oil (I use olive oil)

In a bowl, combine sugars, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and flour.

Cut in the butter.

Spoon mix evenly over apples.

Cover and bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Uncover and bake for 30 more minutes.

Eat and enjoy!

the temperature after you’ve put the oil in.

Immediately pour a circle of oil into the center of your pot. The amount will vary depending on the size of your pot.

I make a circle about half the size of the bottom of the pot.

Drop a slab of butter into the center of the oil. This amount is up to you— I don’t use more than 2 tbsp.

Swirl the pot so the oil and butter spread out and cover the entire bottom.

Pour corn kernels into the pot to make a nice one-kernel layer across the bottom.

Put lid on pot.

Using potholders, hold the lid on and gently shake the pot from side to side, front to back or up and down roughly every 30 seconds until you can count two seconds in between popcorn pops.

Immediately remove pot from stove and pour popcorn into bowls.

Eat and enjoy! My husband likes salt on his, I like melted butter on mine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these recipes together and didn’t have to do too much shopping

POPCORN ON THE STOVE Ingredients: (Amounts will vary depending on how big your pot is)

for

ingredients.

If

you’re

interested in doing some autumn themed crafts, check out our DIY Craft… with Kids! section for some fun ideas to decorate your home.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 47

© stefanie/Adobe Stock

Then I have a family recipe to share with you: my grandma’s apple crisp.

With all due respect to every other apple crisp I’ve tasted, Grandma’s recipe (made

by Grandma) tops them all. I’m sure that’s the case with some of your recipes too— Grandma always wins! So I hope you will enjoy this one, but I certainly won’t be offended if your grandma’s tastes better.

Add a little butter to the griddle, and then pour the batter on using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake.

(This is a fun place to experiment with size and shape! Go really big or really tiny.

Make letters to spell out your names.)

Corn kernels suitable for popcorn

CHESTERTOWN

A CHARMING ADIRONDACK COMMUNITY

Offering a selection of...

• Fabrics • Patterns • Notions & Supplies • Sewing Machines • Long Arm Service • Instructional Classes Please stop by to check out the store!

Benjamin Moore • DeWalt • Traeger • Milwaukee

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Choose from our unique selection of vintage automobilia...

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Enjoy our High End Deli Style Sandwiches, Bountiful 1/2 lb. Burgers & Unique Salad Creations

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48 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

- Breakfast • Lunch Open 7:30am - 7 Days Dinner Thursday-Monday Serving Pizza after 4pm

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194550

Featuring an Updated Line of Unique Gifts, Cottage Decor, Locally made ADK Furniture, Books & Clothing

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194926

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

BOAT RENTALS • BOAT SALES • DOCK SALES

The Lazy Moose Garden Market Country Store • Adk Gifts Gourmet Foods Deli • Fresh Cider Donuts Fall Mums, Pumpkins And So Much More!

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Published by Sun Community News & Printing

194555

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 49

195213

Keep yourself in peak condition.

Good health that allows you to fully enjoy the Adirondacks takes maintenance.

Our primary care providers can help keep you on top of your game so you’re ready to hit the trail at a moment’s notice. Visit one of our health centers in Keene, Lake Placid, Saranac Lake or Tupper Lake to get on the path to better health.

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To make an appointment, call 518-897-APPT (2778). adirondackhealth.org 194507

North Country Living's

2018 FALL PHOTO CONTEST

JIM GABLER North Country Living’s Fall 2018 Photo Contest winner!

Lake George Narrows from the bridge on Alexandra Street in Ticonderoga Jim grew up in the Mohawk Valley in Herkimer, New York, and he moved to Ticonderoga in 1983. He initially worked at Moses Ludington Hospital as a physician assistant and then since 1992 in family practice at Ticonderoga Health Center of Hudson Headwaters Health Network. In addition to photography, Jim participates in 18th Century reenactments portraying a physician/surgeon of the period. He also enjoys playing music with his band mates and writing and composing music as well as video editing and creating music videos.

Photo by Jim Gabler

Photo by Jim Gabler

Photo by Tom Jenkins

Photo by Tom Jenkins

Photo by Jim Gabler

Photo by Jim Gabler

Photo by Gregory Blanchard

Photo by Jim Gabler

Photos by Kim Dedam

History

54 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

By Kim Dedam

A historic record from the days of the American Revolution has turned up in a pile of time-worn books in Essex.

Found was a leatherbound ledger with some 187 hand-scribed pages of general assembly discourse.

The document records about six months of new Pennsylvania laws and discourse from 1779.

Long strokes of ink register the works of Pennsylvania’s founding body politic as the United States of America waged its fight against the King of England.

Edie Morris was sorting and packing items at her family’s Block House Road estate and found a trove of forgotten books, 21 in all.

“They were in a room, just sitting on a bookshelf,” Morris said. “I was cleaning the house.”

Morris could tell instantly that the books were very old. Most account for

family and business records from Essex during the 1800s.

Except for one.

Unsure of the best, next move, Morris brought them all to Belden Noble Library, where Monica Rumsey, a library board member, carefully cataloged the collection, one-by-one, agog.

“My words just escaped me,” Rumsey said of the stack she found waiting at the library.

“I was expecting a few and walked in here and saw a whole cart full.”

When she opened the general assembly minute book from 1779, Rumsey immediately called the National Archives for help and was promptly advised to contact the Pennsylvania State Archives.

The call went through to Jonathan P. Stayer, state archivist in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Rumsey sent him photographs of the mottled cover, cover page, dates and script.

The collection of meeting minutes begins Tuesday, March 16, 1779 and ends

Sept. 27 the same year.

Stayer was astonished.

He knew the oldest book in the state archives, the single hand-written minute book they had, is from Pennsylvania’s founding General Assembly.

The one in the state’s collection begins Sept. 28, 1779, on page 184.

The minutes Morris found in Essex and Rumsey had in her hands ends on Sept. 27, 1779 on page 183. It is the preceding volume.

“It was a Saturday, and I called my boss at home,” Stayer said.

He could not believe original minutes taken during Pennsylvania Assembly meetings in 1779 were found in Essex.

And he arranged to come in person to authenticate.

Stayer arrived at Belden Noble Library to meet with Morris, Rumsey and Essex Town Historian Shirley LaForest.

A hot, humid afternoon on Aug. 3, barely a hint of air moved off Lake Champlain past the library’s screen door.

Right: A page from Pennsylvania General Assembly minute book dated March 16, 1779 provides a look at the elegant handwriting of its scribe. There are a few different types of handwriting in the book, indicating that clerks to the assembly, all men, changed from time-to-time.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 55

Left: A change in the general assembly minute book required a kind of paper patch, something of a Revolutionary War era sticky note, as language was scratched out below and new sentences crafted on the patch. Top Right: Scribe Cover. Bottom Right: Pennsylvania State Archivist Jonathan Stayer signs paperwork to accept the antiquated minute-book from Essex homeowner Edie Morris, at right. Essex Town Councilman Jim LaForest, second from left, and his wife, Town Historian Shirley LaForest look on at the Belden Noble Library. Library Director Tom Mangano arranges the table, center.

Edie Morris described how she found the book and formally presented the assembly ledger as a gift to the Pennsylvania State Archives.

What nobody could figure out is how an original copy of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly meeting minutes made their way to Essex.

On his laptop, Stayer pulled up digitized pages of the oldest book in the state collection, comparing dates, pages and script.

Morris said her mother, Anne Kenworthy Lowe, had a long lineage among Philadelphia’s gentry.

And the dates follow precisely.

“This is our oldest minute book,” Stayer said, pointing at the screen.

“Not anymore,” Morris said, handing him the leather-bound preceding volume.

The exchange settled into a satisfied sense of order with Morris, Stayer, Rumsey and LaForest, her husband Essex Councilman Jim LaForest and Library Director Tom Mangano present.

The 19 additional mostly hand-written record books plus one Stafford family Bible found in Morris’s historic home were given to Mrs. LaForest in July. Each is cataloged, the historian said, and stored with town’s historic records.

56 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

She isn’t sure if any Kenworthy ancestors served on Pennsylvania’s founding General Assembly.

With the historic record duly in order, “Now,” Morris said, “I plan to look for a connection.”

An archivist in Pennsylvania for 36 years, Stayer said he has come across several tales regarding old state records.

through the attic would take one and give it away as a souvenir.

Pennsylvania’s earliest state government was unicameral: one house– the general assembly, he said.

“We do have published volumes of all of the assembly meetings,” Stayer said.

“We just don’t have all of the original hand-written minute books.”

Having this one intact and in tow, Stayer expressed immense appreciation to Morris, Rumsey, Mrs. LaForest and Belden Noble’s staff for their diligence and attention to historic detail.

“I truly appreciate what Edie has done,” Stayer said of the gift.

Most had been typeset and published formally in bound books by the nineteenth century.

A mid-Revolutionary War record such as this could have been sold and possibly lost again on the antique book market.

“The archives were founded in 1903,” he said. “Before that, documents were kept in the attic of the state capitol.”

“This is a treasure for the Pennsylvania State Archives,” he said.

As the old records piled up, he said, sometimes lawmakers showing guests

Stayer hopes to present the gift in front of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly when they return to session this fall.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Examining the slightly frayed leather spine, Pennsylvania State Archivist Jonathan Stayer noticed the recovered general assembly minute book from 1799 bears the faint number “2.”

It means, he said, this hand-written book found in an Essex estate could be the second book of 1779. And there could be an earlier journal.

“This gives me hope that there might be more out there,” the archivist said of the gift from Essex homeowner Edie Morris.

What might be the oldest bookreturn in America will move the leatherbound book to a high-security, climate controlled storage vault.

Pennsylvania’s State Archives are housed in a tall skyscraper in Harrisburg called “The Tower,” Stayer said.

“I’m hoping to have the minute book scanned at some point.”

The other edition they own, which follows the recovered volume, is already copied on microfilm.

Drawn in ornate penmanship in long, even rows on cotton rag paper, the Published by Sun Community News & Printing

assembly minutes do tell quite a story.

Their lines carry a uniquely American tale of new beginnings amid America’s war for independence.

Assembly laws discuss confiscation of property from Pennsylvanian loyalists -the Tories.

Day-to-day discussion mulled over ways to value currency: “Tuesday, 16 March 1779" “The House met pursuant to adjournment. The Petition of the Commissioners Wardens and Assessors of the city and County of Philadelphia (thus?) setting forth, That many Persons in order to destroy the Credit of the Continental Currency and pay (to lighten themselves is crossed out) as small a proportion of the publick taxes as possible had entered into the practice of letting their Houses, Lands and Tenements at a less price for Specie -than for the Currency of the United States and praying — the House would take some effectual Measures for the Suppression of such evil practices was read and (...) ordered to lie on the table.”

“Specie” were coins used in Colonial America, often Spanish or Portuguese.

By 1775 all newly declared independent states printed their own paper money to fund the Revolutionary War. Pennsylvania’s General Assembly also kept up an ongoing review of public safety while war waged around coastal waters to the south: “1779" “Monday April 5" “The Bill instilled A further Supplement to an Act initiated an Act for regulating and continuing the Nightly Watch enlightening the Street Lanes and Alleys of the City of Philadelphia and for other purposes therein mentioned.”

Other pages tell how and when the assembly in Pennsylvania voted to raise a tax to fund the United States of America’s first Army.

A few pages have lines crossed out in ink then covered with a Revolutionary War era sticky-note, a paper patch glued to the edge of a page with revisions written across it.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 57

CLINTON COUNTY

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540-rpm PTO, 9.2-gpm hydraulics a high-capacity 3-point hitch meanyou youcan canhandle handleaa variety variety of 6hydraulics

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3variety RR AP RADR, M CHEAQ MUPILPAM INE, N NT YL 1L 29 *Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertrain protection. © 2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. “New Holland” is a trademark registered in the United States and many ertcA unP t:ri/ eIs/D ,w owS nw ed bR y o.D rb lic,ee nsC oa CNA nfdua sP tr riam l NA .e V., q siN dm iariY eseon r1 aftfi2 a9 teo s.1 “m E9 quipped For A New World” is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its 593othhR L IitsNusu,bip top w cedhtH rHdIM .lic subsidiaries or affiliates.

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Thestandard standard mid PTO, PTO, independent subsidiaries or affiliates.

5 1 8 2 9 8 5 3 8 1 540-rpm PTO, 9.2-gpm and aand high-capacity 3-point hitch mean you ofimplements. implements.

540-rpm PTO, 9.2-gpm hydraulics a high-capacity 3-point hitch youcan canhandle handleaa variety variety of 6hydraulics *Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertrain protection. © 2017 CNH • Boomer Guard six-year warranty for your peace ofmean mind* *Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertrain protection. © 2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. “New Holland” is a trademark registered in the United • Easy-to-use 2-pedal hydrostatic transmission cruise control • Easy-to-use 2-pedal hydrostatic transmission withwith cruise control other countries,Industrial owned by or America licensed to CLLC. NH IndAll ustrrights ial N.V.,reserved. its subsidiari“New es or affiHolland” liates. “Equiis ppead trademark For A New Worregistered ld” is a trademin arkthe in thUnited e United SStates tates andand many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Learn more about this Boomer at www.newholland.com/na.

• Comfortable operator area24-HP a sloped hood fortractor superior visibility • Comfortable operator area and aand sloped hood for superior visibility subsidiaries or many affiliates.other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. “Equipped For 6 6 • Boomer Guard six-year warranty for your peace of mind* *Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertrain protection. © 2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. “New Holland” is a trademark registered in the United States and many • Boomer Guard six-year warranty for your peace of mind* by or licensed to CNH other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiariA es oNew r affiliatesWorld” . “Equipped Fois rAa Newtrademark World” is a trademarin k in the the UniUnited ted States andStates many other coand untries, many owned by orother licensed tocountries, CNH Industrial N.V.owned , its Learnabout more about this 24-HP Boomer tractor at www.newholland.com/na. subsidiaries or affiliates.

Learn more this 24-HP Boomer tractor at www.newholland.com/na. *Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertIndustrial rain protection. ©N.V., 2017 CNits H Indsubsidiaries ustrial America LLC. Aor ll rigaffiliates. hts reserved. “New Holland” is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. “Equipped For A New World” is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

*Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertrain protection. © 2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. “New Holland” is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. “Equipped For A New World” is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

58 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

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Crafts

By Mikaela Foster

I’m bursting with excitement about the crafts I’ve picked to share with you for this season. In honor of this breathtaking time of year, I’ve picked three! And it’s all about paper this fall: paper strip apples, rolled paper pumpkins and corn paper towel roll napkin rings.

What is super fun about these choices is that with a little bit of creative thinking, you can make each craft with different harvest themes. For example, instead of a paper strip apple, try a paper strip pumpkin, or instead of a corn napkin ring, try a turkey, an acorn, a leaf, or whatever you like to help decorate your table for this exciting season of 60 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

family meals.

Let’s get to it!

construction paper and glue to your apple.

PAPER STRIP APPLES:

ROLLED PAPER PUMPKINS:

Materials: Red and green construction paper (If you don’t have construction paper, color or paint white paper)

Materials: All you need for this project is paper (orange, green and brown), scissors and glue. If you don’t have colored paper and a trip to the craft store is not in your future, don’t worry! You can try coloring or painting white paper.

Green pipe cleaner (No pipe cleaner?

No problem! Just use paper and roll and glue a little piece to make it look like a stem.

Scissors Glue Instructions: Cut five 1” x 8” strips of red construction paper.

Curl strips in a circle overlapping at the center, and glue one at a time at the end. Let dry.

Cut small piece of green pipe cleaner for stem (or use paper as suggested above), and glue where apple strips meet at the top.

Cut one or two green leaves out of

Instructions: Cut paper into 1/2 ” wide strips.

Length is up to you. You’ll need plenty of orange, a few green and one brown strip for each pumpkin.

Cut one brown and a few green strips for each pumpkin that you plan to make.

Begin with the orange strips. Roll each strip and secure the end with a bead of glue. Try using a pencil to roll the paper around. Or just roll free hand! (If you’re like me and read that and thought, “wait… what?” Think of how paper towels are wrapped around a roll.) Pinch the glued spot between your figures for 30 seconds or so. Rolls of different sizes Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Photos by Mikaela Foster

It’s harvest time! In our house, the (already high) energy level really boosts with excitement once we see the first signs of autumn in our yard. And at the time this article was written, my husband had just pointed out “the tree” that gives us our first clue each year. Tips of orange and yellow leaves! Oh I can almost smell the apple cider and hear the crackling of leaves under my feet as we pick our pumpkins!

Glue the curls together, taking time again to pinch the pieces together for a few seconds to help the glue set.

skills to draw some corn and cut it out. You can also try other small autumn decorations— store bought or hand made (Some hand made ideas: You could do paper cutouts and drawings or head outside and find pretty leaves, feathers and acorns. Try brainstorming other ideas together!)

Clothespins (optional)

Add a stem and a few green paper curls. And there you have… a pumpkin!

Use your creativity and try out some other fun harvest items!

Instructions: Measure and cut four pieces off the cardboard tube to 1 ½” lengths. Trim the rings evenly around.

CORN PAPER TOWEL ROLL NAPKIN RINGS:

Measure a piece of felt 1 ½” x 6”. Cut four.

Materials: One cardboard paper towel tube Scissors Tacky glue Pencil Ruler Felt (if you don’t have felt, you can either skip this material or come up with a substitute. Colored paper, fabric, use your imagination.)

Paper cut out of corn. Use your artist

It is a good idea to put two fingers inside the ring to hold it while you are gluing. Spread a generous amount of glue all over the outside of the ring. Attach the felt piece all the way around to cover the roll. Overlap and glue the ends. Let it dry.

Trim the felt (or substitute) to the edges of the cardboard.

can be fun and can give your pumpkins more character.

Once you have made about thirty orange curls, lay them out to form a round-ish shape.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

To decorate the rings, glue your corn shape (or your fun creative items) over the seam line to cover it. Get creative

and have fun with this! It’s a learning experience so don’t be afraid to mess up.

Use clothespins to hold the shapes on until completely dry.

I hope you enjoyed making your own harvest-time decorations! Once they’re dry, have fun decorating your home, or maybe you could take some to a shut-in or someone in a hospital or nursing home, to brighten up their room.

If after this craft, you’re hungry for some apple, pumpkin or corn delights, check out our Cooking with Kids section for some fun recipes to prepare and eat together.

Creative thinking question: If you have a Mason jar and paper, what decorations can you make? Come up with ideas and try it out!

For next time: If you’re out on a walk or playing outside and you see a special (open) pinecone, save it for our winter craft! Also, keep an eye out for fresh cranberries you can freeze until then. I have some fun ideas brewing.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 61

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62 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

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Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 63

Photos by Rich Redman

Conservation

64 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Growing up on the banks of the Cayuga Creek as a young kid, I was always fascinated by the river.

In winter, when the ice built up, we skated on the ponded area behind the dam. Every once in a while someone would get too daring, push the limit, go through the barrier and end up over the edge. It was only a 10 foot drop, but enough to kill you. It’s happened before.

In spring, as the ice went out, it was a marvelous site when you are young.

Rushing waters, ice chunks and what a sound as the icebergs crashed over the dam. The spring thaw flushed out some sediment. In western New York, much of what was flowing was chocolate milk colored clay.

In the past, pre-1930, the creek flooded with such force it wiped out houses nearby. My grandmother’s was one of them.

The Army Corps of Engineers came in and built the dam, then constructed miles of concrete walls, berms and terraces that protected the lower portion of the town.

The creek was channelized with 40 foot high terraced concrete banks on one side.

As a kid, seeing the dirty ice go crashing going over the dam, the roar of the muddy water rushing over the spillway and the furious flow of water downstream around the bend of a river lined with concrete, always amazed me. It was the roar in spring and the whisper of the waters on a hot summer night where the river junkie in me was spawned.

I always walked that river along gravel and clay banks, saw those concrete channels and flood control measures and always wondered why.

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Back then, rivers were considered drainage channels that only carried water away from where you wanted. They were treated like big ditches. The easiest way to get rid of water was to dig out the stream and straighten it, sending it down stream to later become someone else’s problem.

In the Adirondacks, rivers were used to transport logs. Dams were built to hold back the wood that was cut during the winter.

Come spring, the dams were breached and the logs flowed down stream to the mills’ holding ponds. Glens Falls was a collection spot for many logs on the Hudson to be used for saw logs or paper production.

On the Ausable River, a smaller version of log transport was also being played out.

Both sawmills and paper mills needed wood so trees were harvested and sent down river. Dams like the Rome Dam in Ausable Forks were used for paper production.

Upstream of the Rome Dam lies the Quarry Dam, just down river from the junction of Route 86 and the River Road.

Not much is known about the history of the dam and exactly what it was used for, possibly for storing logs or maybe wash water for the quarry or to power stone cutting saws. No one seems to know the industrial history of this dam.

Its geomorphic history, however, is very interesting to stream science geeks.

MAKING A DECISION A natural stream channel is developed by the flow of the river. Rivers form and maintain themselves in stable conditions to transport water and bedload. The width and depth of a natural channel with stable banks allows water to flow safely and will transport the sediment through the system. The channel won’t deepen or widen. It is considered stable.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 65

Over width channels can have reduced velocities which allow sediment to build up, and under width channels can scour and deepen. A natural channel allows water to flow over its banks and onto the floodplain, which is where the surplus water is supposed to go during a storm.

Dams back up water, change the natural grade of a stream, interrupt the natural stream forming process, stop or reduce sediment transport and prevent the movement of aquatic species up and down a river.

The Quarry Dam, downstream of Lake Placid on the West Branch of the Ausable River, is a three to four foot high, 30 foot wide concrete dam that has backed up water for a long time. Sediment has built up behind the dam and the upper ponded river section is over width, allowing the sun’s energy to warm the water above tolerable limits for trout. The concrete wall barrier also restricts fish migration up stream.

Partnering up with the Lake Champlain Chapter of TU are the TU National office, the New York State Council of TU and the TriLakes Chapter of TU along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Integrated Aquatic Sciences, Essex County Soil and Water, the Ausable River Association and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

So far, 80 degree temperatures were recorded this summer above the dam during the heat spell. Those temperatures are lethal to trout so they must be able to move up or down stream to a refuge area.

A refuge could be a cool water spring seep entering the river, a flow from a tributary entering the main river or a deep pool with cold ground water baseflow entering in.

To help verify the scientific end of the dam’s removal, Integrated Aquatic Services, owned by Margaret Murphy along with a class of students from environmental science and forestry of Syracuse University started working on a before and after ecological study. This study, in conjunction

Refuge areas need to be known so hopefully we can get those vital areas posted with no fishing during critical periods.

Bill Wellman of the Lake Champlain Chapter wrote the grant package to procure funding from TU’s Embrace a Stream Program, The Lake Champlain

It’s no longer used and sits on New York state land, so why keep it? That question was asked by Bill Schoch, a retired New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) fisheries biologist.

Bill brought it to the attention of the local Trout Unlimited (TU) Chapters, TriLakes and Lake Champlain. That set the wheels in motion. A team of geomorphic stream junkies evaluated the dam, it’s construction techniques, sediment buildup behind the dam, the grade of the river, bank stabilization, demolition methods and debris removal due to the dam’s location.

A sediment analysis was completed

by Bill Schoch to evaluate the amount of sand and silt that would be removed naturally by the river, so there would be no buildup of sediment below the dam site affecting both invertebrates and the channel forming process.

Both John Braico of TU and Carl Swartz of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Madeleine Lyttle of the Vermont U.S. Fish and Wildlife office evaluated the geomorphology of what the dam removal would do, and all concurred it was important to remove the dam.

TESTING THE WATERS After the initial analysis was completed, it was unanimous that removing the dam would be an ecological and geomorphic benefit to the river. The project was very feasible and needed to allow the connectivity of the river once again.

66 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

The Quarry Dam removal is projected to reduce river temperatures that threaten the aquatic ecosystem.

with the Lake Champlain Chapter of TU involves three parts: fish, invertebrates and habitat quality.

The field work involved, electro shocking to see what fish are in the area, netting and counting invertebrates to get an idea of the bug life in the waters and width and depth measurements, along with pebble counts to note any changes in river bottom substrate. In addition, temperature monitors were set to read the daily fluctuations in water temperatures, both above and below the dam site.

Basin Program and our other partners.

Then the work plan was developed.

Once the bureaucratic wall of permits was broken through, the project was approved by the DEC. Thank you to Lance Durfey for his tireless efforts on this! With permits in hand, bids were solicited.

Mike Ward Logging of Ausable Forks won the bid. Mike is an exceptional logger and riverine restoration specialist. As a logger, Mike mentioned he has taken from the land, but as a river restoration contractor he is giving back, and he likes that. Mike Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Ward is an experienced local contractor who has worked on stream restoration projects in the past and most likely will be doing river work for years to come. River work is his specialty and he is excellent at it!

In August, the project was underway.

First a roadway was cut through the woods to allow access to the river. Trees were set aside to be used in the restoration work after the dam’s removal. The restoration plan calls for the cut trees and shrubs to be pulled back into the road so there is no further access. Any trees that can be transplanted will also be put into the roadway. Two large boulders will block road access. Nature will fill the void very quickly.

they will be removed from the site and disposed of. Mike intends to recycle the material and use it for the base of a logging road. He wastes nothing!

As the excavator chipped away at the concrete structure and the pieces removed from the river, the water began to flow, slowly at first but then as the main section of dam was taken out, the flow increased.

The flat grade of the river was now slowly being steepened to the original bedrock.

The first day on site, the river level dropped 1.5 feet and the velocity increased.

Boulders that were hidden in the depth of the river are now exposed. The flat water pool behind the dam is now turning riffle

and kept his nose to the grindstone!

Day two brought on a snapped pin in the track causing it to come entirely off.

The machine was nursed out of the river and parked on the top bank. Parts were ordered and then the pin will be replaced and work will once again continue.

The project is still underway as I write this article, but by the time you get the opportunity to read this, the project will have been completed.

SOLVING THE ECOLOGICAL PUZZLE If you have a concern about the fish or wildlife, don’t worry. While we sat on the boulders filming the work being done, brown trout fed in the pool just downstream of the dam and a family of mergansers swam behind the excavator and surfed the white water down the chute to the next lower pool. They did that every day while work was ongoing.

With the dam out, the water level is expected to drop 2- 3 feet, and the width of the channel above the dam site will narrow.

One photo shows the drop in water level the first day, 1.5 feet. The narrowing should reduce the solar impact, helping to drop the water temperatures some. The velocity will increase, allowing more sediment transport through the river system and the reconnecting of the channel will allow aquatic movement up the river.

Bottom Left: Pre-dam removal. Bottom Right: The Quarry Dam removal was completed on Aug. 22. Pictured is the river after the dam was removed.

With the road cut out, it was time to enter the river.

like. The river, in a way, is going back in time to what nature had first created.

DAM REMOVAL BEGINS

River restoration is not like sandy dirt work. The river gives the contractor numerous challenges to deal with.

Slamming large boulders against a solid concrete dam caused the thumb to snap.

The welds broke on the square tubing cross member, putting it out of action for the day. On the way out of the river, a track came off the rollers caused by the sharp rocky bottom. Many a contractor would lose it, but Mike remained cool, calm and collected. He dealt with the breakdowns

The machine entered the water and crawled its way over the rocky bottom to the dam’s edge. Using the thumb on the excavator, Mike was able to pick up a very large boulder and use it as a vertical battering ram. Up and down the excavators boom would go, slamming down on the concrete of the dam. Crack by crack and chip by chip, the dam would start to splinter. As the pieces split off, Mike would grab them and put them aside, where later Published by Sun Community News & Printing

This is a small project and only one piece of the thousand piece puzzle that needs to be done on the river, but hopefully it will open more doors, or should I say knock down doors to achieve some much needed river restoration work upstream along the river road. If one piece of the ecological puzzle is out of sync, it affects all the others. That’s basic ecology. A puzzle isn’t complete until all the pieces fit.

As the TU Lake Champlain Chapter president, I want to thank all of our partners including Mike Ward Logging on this project. We work as a team. No one part is better. The machine works when all the gears mesh and turn in unison, just like a gear box. We are the transmission and drive line to make the Adirondack cold water fisheries better for trout and salmon.

TU’s and our partner’s mission is to reconnect, restore and protect cold water fisheries. This project is one piece of our puzzle that will be completed, the reconnection of a river!

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 67

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Volunteers

FOCUSED ON GETTING PEOPLE OUT OF THE WOODS ALL-VOLUNTEER SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM AIDS STATE RESOURCES

70 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

“ALL MEMBERS GO INTO THE WOODS PREPARED TO SURVIVE THE NIGHT — NOT SPEND THE NIGHT — TO SURVIVE,”

By Christopher South When people get lost in the woods, a 911 call could go to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) forest rangers who might be able to speak to the lost person(s) by cell phone and direct them to the nearest trail to lead them on their way.

However, about 300 times each year, DEC forest rangers engage in a search and rescue (SAR) operation — some they can handle themselves — and some they ask for help from a pool of volunteers who will battle rough weather and rough terrain to help find total strangers.

One of those groups is the Lower Adirondacks Search and Rescue team (LASAR). Loosely based in Warrensburg, LASAR takes its direction from the DEC forest rangers Region 5 station in Ray Brook. The actual call would probably come from a larger organization of volunteer SAR teams.

“We’re under the umbrella of the New York State Federation of Search and Rescue Teams, which dispatches teams.

LASAR is one of the largest and most active,” said LASAR President Matt Sirni.

Sirni is somewhat typical of the average LASAR member. He runs his own landscaping and excavating business and he enjoys hiking and backpacking which ties in with SAR activities.

and white collar workers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, CEOs, elected officials and others.

All of them get a shirt with the LASAR logo and an orange cap that identify them as part of the LASAR ground searcher crew, but members have to outfit themselves, even paying for their own first aid supplies.

The good part is that ground searchers travel light.

Sirni said the type of equipment one carries would depend on the 48-hour weather forecast. At any rate, although they typically don’t search after dark, they advise searchers to prepare to survive the night in the woods.

“All members go into the woods prepared to survive the night — not spend the night — to survive,” Sirni said.

They don’t pack tents and sleeping bags, but instead wear layered clothing and pack a plastic garbage bag to help them stay dry.

Sirni said LASAR asks their members to be prepared to search all day, and although they are aware anyone can go 24 hours without eating, many will pack one light meal. Ground searchers generally do not carry water, which is heavy, but instead carry water filters so they will be able to hydrate.

Searchers invariably must carry a

“Being a volunteer SAR team member just fits with my other interests,” Sirni said.

“We need to be able to move on a 12hour notice,” Sirni said. “We might drive three to four hours to begin a search. We will travel the state.”

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Searchers also carry a personal first aid kit, and in the event of a severe injury, they will draw medical materials from multiple searchers’ kits. Their wilderness first aid training stresses improvising, such as making a splint out of a jacket, to cut down on the amount of items being carried on the search.

“Anything I carry must have two purposes,” Sirni said.

THE BUSY SEASON? LASAR operates all year long, and according to Sirni, there is no rhyme or reason to the number of searches LASAR will conduct. Last year, they conducted three searches in one week. The next time they are asked to help in an SAR effort could come a month later. There is also no typical search — each one seems to have different characteristics.

Sirni did concede that hunting season can be busy because whereas hikers tend to stay on trails where the DEC forest rangers can find them, hunters get off the beaten path. In the 1990s, LASAR was involved in a SAR operation in the Indian Lake area. A baker from Queens was on a hunting trip with a group of friends, and the day before hunting season they all went out looking for signs of deer.

The baker got separated from the group and according to past LASAR president Peter Benoit, the assumption is he came through some trees and fell into the river, his heavy clothing became soaked with water and he drowned.

Operating his own business allows him the freedom to take off time when a search is initiated.

Part of the assessment for any new LASAR members is their availability to respond to calls for an SAR operation.

LASAR has about 70 members, ranging in ages from early 20s to early 70s, representing all career backgrounds: blue

map, compass and GPS, a flash light or head light and extra batteries. Although they might not search at night, they often come out of the woods in the dark.

LASAR ground searchers head down a snowy trail. The SAR team can be called out to search for someone at any time of the year, in any weather.

This past January, LASAR was involved in a search for a skier on Whiteface Mountain, a firefighter from Toronto who had disappeared. Benoit said he worked for two days on the search effort, helping to equip hundreds of firefighters who came from Toronto to join the search. The search lasted five days and the guy turned up in California still wearing his ski gear.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 71

LASAR was also involved in a search for a professor from SUNY Adirondack who was never found.

“We had 25 people in a line on such a windy day we could not hear each other talk. The search went a few weeks and no signs found,” Benoit said.

Benoit said it’s the DEC forest rangers who ultimately call off the search, but no search is ever closed until the subject is located; the search is simply assigned “limited resources.”

Sirni said a subject’s cognitive impairment is a factor in many, perhaps most, SAR cases. Searchers encounter the gamut of injuries and medical emergencies from trip and fall injuries, to cardiac conditions, allergic reactions and hyper or hypothermia.

“Dehydration is an issue in winter and summer,” Sirni said.

Most LASAR members are trained in first aid, of which there are various levels, including wilderness first aid and wilderness first responder. Sirni, who is a volunteer firefighter and EMT qualified to be upgraded to wilderness EMT.

Sirni said, as an EMT on the street, they use the concept of “the golden hour,” meaning their goal is to get the subject to a trauma center in one hour. In the wilderness, that golden hour goes from 12 to 24 hours because they have to deal with harsh weather or terrain, which presents a hazard to searchers. That is why LASAR looks for members who are first experienced in the woods.

SMARTER THAN THE AVERAGE BEAR Being experienced in the woods also means being familiar with animals. Sirni said animals generally do not tend to be a problem. He said a ground search team once surprised a bear that hightailed it out of the area.

He has heard, however, that some bears in the Catskills have learned that if they startle hikers they will often drop their packs which might contain food.

Sirni was once being followed by a bear and he used recommended techniques, such as facing the bear and shouting to discourage it from investigating further.

More of a threat to searchers is a much

smaller member of the animal world — the deer tick. Sirni said LASAR spends a lot of time talking to members about protection from ticks due to the prevalence of Lyme disease, and now, the Powassan virus which can cause encephalitis, an infection of the brain. There is no vaccine or antiviral drug for Powassan virus, so prevention of tick bites is the best precaution.

“Anywhere we go we have to check for ticks,” Sirni said.

BUILDING THE TEAM In 1990, Benoit had a family member, Dr. David Clark, go missing while hiking in the Pilot Knob area around Lake George. He called the police and asked what he could do and was referred to the DEC which allowed him to be a walk-on volunteer searcher. According to Sirni, LASAR members will often be called upon to lead police, firefighters or volunteer groups including family members.

Benoit was so impacted by the loss of a family member, who was eventually found deceased, that he returned home and became one of the founding members of LASAR. Three charter members are still

Photos by Christopher South/lasarny.org

Top Left: Tom and Heather Laphan look over maps and GPS equipment used by LASAR members. Progress of search and rescue efforts can be tracked with GPS and recorded on maps.

Top Center: A diagram shows LASAR members how to tie knots they might use while performing a rescue operation. Top Right: LASAR members are shown practicing carrying an injured subject to safety. Bottom Left: Joe “Coach” Iuliano mans a table at the annual LASAR picnic to highlight methods for starting a fire using items a ground searcher will carry. Iuliano said every LASAR member has to know how to start a fire using a flint and a piece of metal. Bottom Center: Paul Terpening, seated, talks to Aaron Trybendis II about different kinds of knives and specific ways of sharpening them. Terpening said different knives might be used for chopping,cutting or some other function. Bottom Right: The Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue team, known as LASAR, has had five presidents since it began in 1990. Shown here, at the annual LASAR picnic, are four of the five, including, left to right, the fourth, Gretchen Stark, fifth and current president Matt Sirni, second, Peter Benoit and third president, Larry Gordon. The first LASAR president, not pictured, was Jim Cranker.

72 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

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around today: Benoit, Anita Digorito and Pat McGinn, although there are many highly experienced members. Former wrestling coach, Joe “Coach” Iuliano, joined in the first year of LASAR’s operation.

Some of the older members, Sirni said, might not go on searches any longer, but they bring a wealth of information and skill sets to help the team.

As a volunteer SAR organization, LASAR is open to adding new members to its ranks. Generally, most new members hear about the organization by word of mouth or perhaps due to active searches.

Of the 24 charter members of LASAR there were just two women. Today between 30 percent and 40 percent are women including the assistant team leader and the head of the K-9 unit.

The majority of LASAR members are classified as ground searchers. About eight or 10 may be designated as a crew boss which means they can be selected by the forest rangers to lead a group to search a predetermined area. The forest rangers often break up the LASAR team to have them lead other volunteers.

FROM THE NYS DEC DEC forest rangers are an elite force of highly trained specialists valued for their response to emergency situations in and out of the woods. They patrol 5 million acres of land and go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis to help the public safely enjoy the outdoors and protect New York’s natural resources.

DEC is committed to ensuring that ranger staffing remains at historically high levels. In 2016 and 2017, they were able to hold the first back-to-back academies in decades and positions from the recent ranger academies have been concentrated in the Adirondack region.

Currently, there are 136 forest rangers across the state.

Rangers are also not alone in the woods in search and rescue missions. This year, 22 assistant forest rangers are positioned

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OTHER CHANGES Benoit said, since 1990 there have been numerous changes in how they search for missing subjects. Most of the changes are related to the development of technology, which continues to play a role in SAR functions. The DEC Ray Brook station has the ability to ping a subject’s phone and tell the latitude and longitude. The availability of GPS helps locate missing people and to monitor and record search efforts. Benoit said the State of New York is using drones, or unmanned aviation systems (UAS) to search some areas.

The use of social media has also caused an upsurge in the number of hikers. People can easily share their experiences and images from the areas they visit and other people are eager to visit the places they have seem. However, often these novice hikers are unprepared in some way. Failed equipment can also be an issue. Few of them, Sirni said, go with guides. Sirni recommends joining a hiking club in order to get experience in the woods. The Meetup phone app is a way to find other people interested in hiking.

Benoit said SAR will be different still in

across the state as well as High Peaks Summit Stewards, Student Conservation Association Backcountry Stewards, Wildlife Conservation Society Bear Stewards and crews from the Student Conservation Association Adirondack Program.

There are roughly 25 teams of volunteer groups with more than 600 members who aid in searches, like the Adirondack Mountain Club Professional Trail Crew, the Adirondack Mountain Club, the Adirondack 46ers and the Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue (LASAR) team. These groups serve as a force multiplier and enable us to broaden search efforts and oversee a large cadre of volunteer resources.

Most teams are proficient in basic land search skills and have passed the basic wildland search skills training class the rangers put on across the state. In addition, each team brings different skills (K-9,

years to come, mainly due to changes in technology.

Technology, however, is expensive.

Benoit said LASAR is trying to replace its GPS units, including those for the K-9s, at a cost of about $600 each, and it is reaching out to the community for help. Otherwise, LASAR’s main source of funding is holding a raffle at the World’s Largest Garage Sale in Warrensburg. The raffle generally covers the year’s expenses, of which liability insurance amounts to half.

“We run pretty lean,” Benoit said.

Despite the personal cost of time, effort, and even going to personal expense to locate lost individuals, the task does come with its own reward.

“Search and rescue can be very rewarding and bittersweet,” Benoit said.

“You can bring closure to a family or can find a lost boy who’s been gone for two hours and bring him home.”

For more information on the Lower Adirondacks Search and Rescue team, visit lasarny.org, call Matt Sirni at 845-3384960 or email mattsirni@gmail.com.

technical rescue, communications) as well as the knowledge of the local area.

In search and rescue missions, forest rangers are also aided by DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), New York State Police, 15 county sheriffs and dozens of local police, fire, and search and rescue agencies inside the Blue Line.

Forest ranger search and rescues across the state: 2012: 274 2013: 287 2014: 273 2015: 341 2016: 356 2017: 346 2018: As of Aug. 1, the DEC had 187 search and rescues so far in 2018. As of Aug. 1, 2017 there were 194.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 73

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Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 75

Photos Provided

Biography

76 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

By Christopher South

O’Sullivan as well as with luminist painters including Winslow Homer.

In the later portion of the 19th century, when the State of New York was attempting to map out and record what would become known as the Adirondack Park, it turned to a photographer out of Glens Falls named Seneca Ray Stoddard (1843-1917) to capture images of the park through photographic means.

According to Cutshall-King, little is known of Stoddard’s early life. He was born May 13, 1843 at Dimmick’s Corners in the foothills of the Adirondacks in the Town of Wilton, Saratoga County.

Stoddard lived most of his life in Glens Falls where in 1867, he began running his photography business out of his home. During his career he is said to have explored the “entirety of the Adirondacks.”

Doing that was no easy task, but it became a way of life for Stoddard who transported cumbersome equipment, including large, boxy cameras and tents to set up darkrooms, into the Adirondacks, earning him the title of “Photographer of record for the Adirondacks.”

Still, despite this designation and despite a life-long history that includes his work as a photographer, innovator, writer, map-maker and lecturer and that he seemingly “dedicated his life to record, protect and promote the Adirondacks” (Cutshall-King, 2017), Stoddard is still relatively unknown, even in his home area.

In his 2017 publication, “Water & Light: S.R. Stoddard’s Lake George,” Joseph Cutshall-King described Stoddard as “one of the greatest American photographers of the 19th century,” ranking him with luminist (Luminist Movement, 1850-1875) photographers such as William Henry Jackson, Carlton E. Watkins and Timothy Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Cutshall-King referred to Stoddard as a “fine art photographer,” who also worked in charcoal, pencil and oil paint.

“He developed a distinct style of photography that was in concert with other luminists of the era,” he wrote.

Jane Mackintosh, a former curator of the Adirondack Museum, is a historian and graphic designer who was one of the exhibit designers at Adirondack Museum (now the Adirondack Experience) in Blue Mountain Lake. While conceding that Stoddard did have an artist’s eye for photography, she sees Stoddard’s work as being less of a fine art photographer and more of a working photographer who used a camera to make a living.

Mackintosh grew up in Rochester and has been visiting the Adirondacks since she was four years old, coming here on a

family camping trip.

While experiencing the Adirondacks first-hand while camping and hiking, she also did a fair amount of reading and learned about Stoddard in high school. In 2005, Mackintosh wrote and co-produced a video for WMHT-Albany/Troy, and for a number of years, the Adirondack Museum used it in its auditorium as part of visitor introduction.

“It was basically Stoddard’s life and his evolution as a photographer, where he went and his influence on the creation of the Adirondack Park,” Mackintosh said.

The Adirondack Park is a physical boundary created by New York legislature in 1892, but there was some run up to that, Mackintosh said. It required a vote of the legislature to create the Adirondack Park, and most legislators had not seen the Adirondacks or known anything about it.

By 1892, Stoddard was the most traveled “civilian” in Adirondacks, Mackintosh said, having published maps and books.

Mackintosh specified Stoddard was a civilian because the other most experienced person regarding the Adirondacks was Verplanck Colvin, leader of the New York State topographical survey created in 1878.

Mackintosh said it became the New York State land survey, and Stoddard was the official photographer of that survey.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 77

As the official photographer and as the most expert individual in the area of photography, Stoddard put together a lantern slide show — the only technology available to project large images — to show the legislature. He later traveled the state showing the slide show in various cities. Mackintosh said it’s worth knowing a little about the history of photography to appreciate what he did.

Cutshall-King noted that Stoddard had become an accomplished cartographer (map-maker) who created maps beginning in the period of horsepower up to the advent of automobiles, lugging heavy photographic equipment and developing his own images, often experimenting with different techniques.

Stoddard’s career really started in the early 1870s, and he continued until the early 1900s when postcards were readily available and anybody could take a photograph.

“In the 30 years he was doing it, photography went from the domain of a specialist to something everyone could do,” Mackintosh said.

Stoddard took photographs in many other formats such as cabinet cards — a style of photograph widely used for photographic portraiture after 1870 — in which a thin photograph was mounted on a card. Stoddard also created and sold stereoscopic views for a stereoscope — a device which held two photographs of the same view taken at slightly different angles. When the images were viewed together they created an impression of depth. Mackintosh said Stoddard sold these stereo views in a souvenir shop he ran in Lake George.

Stoddard also created larger prints and placed them in hotels and inns he had photographed. By 1880, he had an illustrated catalog of more than 1,000 selected subjects by region with images one-fifth the size of his original photographs. Stoddard was also hired by the Delaware and Hudson Railroad to photograph the railroad and William West Durant to take photos of his properties, including the Great Camp Sagamore on Sagamore Lake and of nearby Raquette Lake.

By 1900, hundreds of people had box cameras and would send the camera back to Kodak, where they would develop the photos.

According to Mackintosh, Stoddard was in the business of selling photographs rather than producing art. In fact, she said people generally did not regard photography as art in Stoddard’s day and for a long period after.

Prior to that, Stoddard would photograph hotels and in guidebooks he published, would write about the hotel and sell ads and photographs which they, in turn, would sell to guests.

“When we talk about photography it’s a whole other subject. That was not really an issue in Stoddard’s lifetime.

Whether photography is an art form has been debated for over 100 years,”

78 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Mackintosh said.

What is known is that Stoddard did have artistic training, but it might not necessarily be true that he took photos with artistic intentions. Mackintosh said Stoddard had a good eye for composition, and he might have come by that as an artist, but his goal of taking photographs was to earn a living.

“During his day, you could earn a living by selling photographs because most people could not take photographs or buy paintings, so photography filled a need,” Mackintosh said.

Stoddard was no doubt an artist.

Cutshall-King said by 1864 Stoddard had honed his skills in sketching and oil painting, and he was hired as an “ornamental painter,” doing landscape scenes on railway car interiors.

“He was a traditional artist. The thing about Stoddard, when he was alive, being a photographer was not something people gained notoriety for with a few exceptions,” Cutshall-King said.

Stoddard photographed landscapes but also took thousands of photographs of hotels and places to stay, a lot in stereo view format which was a hugely popular form of entertainment in the latter half of the 19th century. Stoddard always took a multi-pronged approach to marketing his skills or diversifying his income stream.

Stoddard often referred to himself as a publisher, writing guidebooks for Lake Champlain, Lake George and the

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Adirondacks, revising them every few years. Stoddard’s guidebooks included maps he drew himself, and he used his photographs as a reference for drawings before photographs could be reproduced.

In the 1870s, Stoddard subscribed to a national photography magazine, the Philadelphia Photographer, to which only a serious professional photographer subscribed. At the time it was not possible to reproduce photographs in magazines, and the Philadelphia Photographer would order hundreds of prints from the featured photographer and would glue each photograph by hand into the magazines.

Printing photographs in magazines did not happen until 1880. Photography and photographers did not capture the national imagination until after the Civil War when photographers such as Timothy O’Sullivan and Alexander Gardner were hired by the federal government to photograph the western landscape, including places such Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.

“These places were capturing America’s imagination, and it was happening when photography was becoming a popular science. These were landscapes people had not seen before, and there was a level of excitement about western landscape that was unprecedented,” Mackintosh said.

Other photographers, such as William Henry Jackson who was born in the Adirondacks, received art training and lived in Troy, made his reputation in the American west. Stoddard was incredibly prolific, doing the same work concurrent with, but not getting, the same national attention as other photographers.

Cutshall-King said Stoddard also went Published by Sun Community News & Printing

west for a period of time, but returned to the Adirondacks.

Stoddard had a full career and had what might have been considered an upper middle-class lifestyle. He was successful enough to send his two sons to college. One went to West Point and the other to Cornell. But by the time of his death in 1917, Stoddard was invisible and his photographs were no longer of note.

“There was a 50 to 60 year period where few people knew him at all, but little by little, Stoddard is becoming better known,” Mackintosh said.

Stoddard’s work started to become popular again in the 1970s, mainly because of a high school English teacher and amateur historian in Saranac Lake named Maitland DeSormo. DeSormo was somewhat familiar with Stoddard because every historical society had some of Stoddard’s photographs in their collection.

Mackintosh said people who owned Stoddard photographs would die and their old photographs might be turned over to local historians.

In the early 1960s, DeSormo got wind of the fact that Stoddard had living relatives in Glens Falls and he purchased what remained of Stoddard’s work, including photographs, negatives, paintings, sketches, publications, business records and memorabilia. DeSormo put together slide shows and started traveling, giving presentations promoting Stoddard.

In the early 1970s DeSormo split the Stoddard collection and sold some to Adirondack Museum. He sold over 4,500 items to the Chapman Historical Museum in Glens Falls, including over 900 images of Lake George alone, many of which

appear in “Water & Light: S.R. Stoddard’s Lake George,” which is available at the Chapman Historical Museum.

Mackintosh said Stoddard’s work was “insanely important” to the Adirondacks.

“If you know anything about Adirondack history, it is hard to imagine that in the 1880s the Adirondacks were not well known,” Mackintosh said. “It was millions of acres, but who knows what millions of acres look like.”

At that time, only a small group of people knew about the Adirondacks, including state legislators. Stoddard came along and started showing pictures of the Adirondacks. Then the trains came along and a few places were accessible by train, such as Saranac Lake, North Creek and Old Forge.

Hotels allowed hundreds of people to visit the area, as did the logging companies which needed workers.

Stoddard’s photos still tell their stories.

“That Stoddard produced a visual record is tremendously important,” Mackintosh said. “It allowed lawmakers to know what this place was. Stoddard was an astonishing documentarian, and anyone with kernel of interest in Adirondack history benefits from his work.

He documented an open landscape in many areas — vistas that no longer exist.”

“Really, the reason why I hesitate to call him a photographic artist is he did so much more. He documented a region that did not have national attention,” Mackintosh said.

Adirondack photographer and mapper Seneca Ray Stoddard is still a relative unknown today, despite his service to the region.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 79

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Eye On Business

North Country Life Flight marks a milestone 30 years strong in 2019.

That milestone spans a generation of vital, life-saving service in the Adirondacks, part police response, part critical care medicine, part backcountry rescue team.

The deep blue New York State Police helicopter’s flight paths traverse a diverse landscape, stretching from the St. Lawrence River over the High Peaks to the more gentle valleys beside Lake Champlain.

It’s an area roughly the size of Vermont.

The first medevac helicopter was dedicated Sept. 20, 1989 at Adirondack Regional Airport, purchased for $1.8 million with a hard push in Albany from the late Sen. Ronald B. Stafford and the late Gov. Mario M. Cuomo.

Behind them stood a small army of North Country residents and the presence of state police.

Mary Jane Connors, CEO and president of a non-profit organization that maintains critical care emergency staff all day and at all hours, said the planning began in 1987.

“Someone in Albany asked Ron Stafford for a feasibility study,” Connors said, looking past the office front door, opened wide to welcome a cool morning breeze.

She chuckled a little.

“He did not think the study was necessary.”

Stafford and Life Flight founders were well aware of the need to reach people in rural pockets or on snow-slick country roads, forest meadows and precarious ledges on the edge of mountains.

Medevac from 100-plus small towns had proved elusive.

The golden hour for critical care could only be met by air.

“Hospitals used to put a medical team on a military aircraft,” Connors said.

Medics flew in from Fort Drum, Albany or Burlington, making a round trip to reach trauma centers.

Faced with indifference in state legislature, 10,000 North Country citizens wrote letters to the state, Connors said of 84 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

the force that founded Life Flight.

“Originally they said we couldn’t do this project,” Connors noted with a winsome smile.

“My response was: You’ve never been in this community.”

State police took the stewardship task, and in time, the funds to operate the Life Flight medevac helicopter were built into their budget.

A rare symbiosis puts Life Flight critical care paramedics with state police pilots

who sometimes work alongside specially trained Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forest rangers.

The vast Adirondack North Country was the last region in New York to gain emergency medevac service.

What settled from the sky into place at Lake Clear’s airport has become arguably one of the most unique programs in the country.

The first helicopter was a loaner with low skids, put to use for a few months Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Photos by Kim Dedam/North Country Life Flight

By Kim Dedam

while a special chopper was built.

The Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105, or Bo 105, was selected because it could land on mountains, Connors said.

Staff recalled the machine had a somewhat bumpy demeanor in flight.

But Stafford flew over in it from Plattsburgh to make the delivery.

News reports from September 1989 recall how the shrewd North Country politician gaped out the window as his district coasted by below.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

“It did take a while, but anything worthwhile sometimes does,” he said at Life Flight’s founding.

When the first helicopter was dedicated, Dr. Michael Pond, director of what was then the General Hospital of Saranac Lake, said, “people are going to live because this helicopter exists.”

But, bumpy or not, the Bo 105 cut the time for critical care transport by 75 percent.

And the first flight on Oct. 2, 1989, brought a cardiac patient from Malone for

critical care in Potsdam.

The official blue-and-gold chopper replaced the loaner in January 1990.

And in March of 2004, the current aircraft, a Bell 430 helicopter, went into service.

In three decades, through three aircraft, thousands of lives have been saved.

By extension, Connors says, tens of thousands of family members have been impacted by what she sees as a ripple effect.

Not one patient in thirty years has been billed for the flight to save their life.

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 85

PAYING IT FORWARD As a non-profit, Life Flight holds its place on the tarmac on an annual budget that hovers around $250,000. Monies raised by donation and through fundraising are used to update gear and purchase medical equipment and to pay a small staff.

Unassuming from her desk at the Life Flight office, Connors has continued to raise the necessary funds.

But value is not measured with a dollar sign. Dedication doesn’t come in dollars and cents.

Thinking back, she recalled times people have approached her to say, “thank you for being there,” for a child, a parent, a grandparent, a friend, neighbor or for themselves.

What makes medevac move with expertise and surety is in the experienced hands of its emergency medical staff lead

by Chuck Pandolph, a registered nurse and critical-care paramedic.

With 30 years on board Life Flight helicopters, Pandolph leads a team of nine volunteers, anchored by paramedic Billy Martin who is trained in advanced wilderness life support and mountain medicine.

A member of the Whiteface Ski Patrol,

Martin came to Life Flight 18 years ago from his job as a lineman.

It was a remarkable turn of events.

“I had come upon a tandem logging truck that crashed in Crown Point and found three patients in critical condition,” Martin said.

His immediate emergency medical response drew admiration from local EMTs who arrived at the accident scene soon after he called 911.

“A few days later I received an application from Life Flight,” Martin said.

The two paramedics have enormous knowledge in the way their bird flies and how to work in confined space.

Every injured or dangerously ill person presents its own case: medical condition, total gear and personnel weight, location, distance of flight, weather, wind even humidity are calculated in their response.

Life Flight’s team doesn’t get the phone call.

The state police pilot in the hanger nearby does and then decides if the helicopter can fly given the weather.

Equipment inside the aircraft can adjust for each situation. Heavy monitors and the stretcher come out for a wilderness hoist to lighten the load. Gear

on board can provide care for the very smallest patient with pediatric advanced life support systems, to someone about 300 pounds. The medwall tower carries oxygen, but it can also be removed.

Attending to a critically ill patient in the narrow confines of a helicopter is not simple, Pandolph admits.

“Climb in,” he says.

It’s tight.

Martin mans the swivel seat, a chair facing backwards behind the cockpit.

Pandolf sits in back near the emergency I.V., gear bags and other critical care equipment.

Placed diagonally between them is a stretcher that can cantilever out the bay door or be removed entirely.

In flight, paramedics communicate with their counterparts using headsets, voices dimmed against the roar of rotors.

Pandolph or Martin cannot anticipate what the next call might require or how they might load or unload for medevac.

Situations are unique in the Adirondacks.

And the hoist above the right side door makes this air ambulance very unique.

On Sept. 21, two years ago, at 12:23 p.m., an urgent call for help came from Eagle Cave on Chimney Mountain in Indian Lake.

Left: Chuck on the hoist. Top: Stretcher doors. Bottom Left: State police pilots operate North Country Life Flight’s Bell 430 helicopter cockpit. Bottom Right: Helicopter stretcher and Billy Martin.

86 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

Life Flight flew in to a landing zone cleared by EMTs on the ground.

And Martin traversed 400 feet into the cave where a 24-year-old had slipped down a 15-foot hole and sustained severe head injuries.

Working with DEC forest rangers, the extraction took nearly three hours, Martin said.

They flew the young man to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington in under a half-hour.

Life Flight has a top speed of about 160 miles per hour.

It’s nine minutes from medevac headquarters in Lake Clear to Whiteface Mountain, a trip that by road might take 40 minutes on a good day.

It’s 15 minutes to Burlington, a trip that by road and ferry could take anywhere from two to three hours.

HOIST EQUIPPED Life Flight transport that adds DEC forest rangers is a fraction of larger response operations. Life Flight’s chopper has a hoist, an arm that extends off the right side of the helicopter.

And that equipment is deployed by trained DEC forest rangers.

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It is a specialized and critical service in the Adirondack Park.

At DEC Region 5 Headquarters in Ray Brook, forest ranger Capt. John Streiff estimates about six backcountry rescue incidents a year require critical care medical staff for life threatening injuries.

“It’s a combined approached,” Streiff said of DEC, state police and Life Flight medics.

“Think of it as a three legged stool.”

DEC has 24 crew chiefs throughout the state.

“And we train with state police aviation units in Lake Clear, Rochester, Albany and Newburgh,” Streiff said.

Region 5, encompassing the Adirondack Mountains, is where most backcountry rescues happen.

Forest ranger Jim Giglinto is part of a hoist team.

“When someone’s interested in becoming a hoist operator, they go through a training regimen and then through added training cycles with senior hoist operators,” Giglinto said.

There are 12 forest ranger hoist operators in Region 5, about half of them work each weekend.

The decision to affect a hoist rescue is made by DEC staff in concert with the

state police.

Location, weather and terrain inform that decision.

“If we can’t safely land the ship because of forest canopy height or terrain, then we will use the hoist to get them out. If injury or illness is such that they can’t sit themselves up in a harness, then they will be raised via a litter,” Giglinto said of protocol.

“The litter entails more. We have to have staff on ground to manage a tag line.

It’s like a belay, so the litter won’t spin.”

With the hoist affixed to the right side of the chopper, lift operations involve precise communications so the pilot can operate the helicopter for balance and weight.

“That’s what the pilots are there for. What we’re doing is directing the helicopter to keep the load directly under the hoist,” Giglinto said.

“Once we lower the hook, we tell the pilot to be ready for the load. That’s part of the training: how to communicate constantly.”

Once a patient is on board, Life Flight paramedics take over.

Streiff said the composite interaction for mission success is essential to life safety.

“Both Life Flight and state police aviation are extremely vital to the mission of DEC and forest rangers and to the safety of

Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 87

Left: The ring latch in North Country Life Flight’s helicopter is used to secure personnel lowered to assist with backcountry rescue operations. Top Center: Albany Medical arrival. Right: North Country Life Flight Rescue Report. Bottom Center: North Country Life Flight loading scene in Tupper Lake.

people using the backcountry. We literally couldn’t do it without them,” Streiff said.

“It is definitely a successful team effort all the way around.”

EXCEPTIONAL PILOTS Life Flight paramedics and DEC rangers express complete confidence in the talents of state police pilots.

Pandolph credits their flight expertise for each successful outcome, be the mission on a mountain, a road, a meadow or a parking lot heli-pad at a small hospital.

“We trust the state police pilots with our lives,” Pandolph said.

“They’re exceptional,” Streiff said of state police backcountry flight skills.

State police Capt. Kevin Buchal heads the aviation unit which is based in Albany.

Staffing at Lake Clear includes six pilots, Buchal said.

“For 16 hours a day, seven days a week there is somebody there in Lake Clear.

And our pilots are subject to recall from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.”

About 70 percent of Life Flight calls move critically injured or ill patients from one hospital to a major trauma center in Burlington, Albany or even in Boston.

The remaining 30 percent response 88 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

is for serious accidents with critically injured patients or for rescue operations.

The call for hoist is considered carefully.

“If it is a situation such as an automobile accident, people on the ground set up a landing zone for us.

We do the same thing in the mountains whenever possible; we’ve had DEC cut down trees at times,” Buchal said.

“A hoist is our last choice because it’s inherently dangerous.”

The split-second decision that nets proper response is part of the state police pilot’s training.

“They are consummate professionals, they train regularly and are ready to respond at any time,” Buchal said.

POISE In Lake Clear, the sun glints off the Life Flight Bell 430 as Pandolph and Martin climb down.

The patient check-list form on a clip board sits beside the stretcher.

It’s quiet this morning, the sun promising a hot and sultry afternoon.

Riley, the Life Flight pup, prances toward the office sitting room.

“Do you want a cup of coffee?”

Pandolph asks.

The team here in Lake Clear is poised in the calm.

Their cadre of volunteers are off-site, working at various jobs, always ready and able.

“We train more hours than we fly,” Pandolph said, turning his head as the dispatch radio blares to life.

Building a medevac response team at the edge of wilderness won against inexplicable odds.

And 30 isn’t old.

“What is it Sikorsky said?” Pandolph asks Connors with a slight smile.

He is referring to Igor Sikorsky, a pioneer aeronautic engineer who made the first civilian rescue by helicopter in 1945.

Sikorsky said, “If a man is in need of rescue, an airplane can come in and throw flowers on him, and that’s just about all. A direct lift aircraft could come in and save his life.”

“And we want to give people every possible chance at survival,” Pandolph said.

Life Flight is supported in part by donations.

To find out more, visit northcountrylifeflight.org.

Published by Sun Community News & Printing

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Adirondack Region Everything you need to know about what’s happening in the North Country

Now - Oct Plattsburgh — Plattsburgh Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market held at Durkee Street Parking Lot; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.. Visit the Plattsburgh Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market every Saturday from May to October for local goods, fresh fruits & vegetables, live music, kids activities & so much more!

Now - Oct. 5 Warrensburg — Riverfront Farmer’s Market held at On the bank of the Schroon River; 3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m..

Every Friday thru Columbus Day weekends. Live music througout the season. For more info contact Teresa Whalen, Market Manager, 518-466-5497, taawhalen@yahoo. com, localharvest.org

Now -Oct. 13 Ticonderoga — Ticonderoga Farmer’s Market held at Wicker Ford (1114 Wicker Street); 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. Saturdays near the Walmart entrance. You will be able to find a variety of fresh local fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup as well as local products and goods.

Sept. 22 Crown Point — Relay For Life held at Veteran’s Park; 10:00 a.m.. Support the American Cancer Society and take part in the Relay For Life Crown Point. Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Relay is staffed and coordinated by volunteers in more than 5,200 communities and 27 countries.

New York State — Free Fishing Day held at Any fresh waterway; all day.

Anyone - resident & non-residents alike - can fish the fresh waters in the state for free & no fishing license is required. All other state freshwater fishing regulations still apply.

Chazy — Alice’s Birthday Party held at The Alice T Miner Museum; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.. An afternoon of games, crafts & cake to celebrate Alice Miner’s 155th birthday! Theme is Little Women, novel by Louisa May Alcott.

Free event for childdren of all ages!

Visit: www.minermuseum.org

Sept. 25 Plattsburgh — Journey West in Concert held at SUNY Plattsburgh; 3:00 p.m.. A seven-musician band that celebrates diversity. Free event & open to the public. Visit: plattsburgh. edu North Creek — ADK Church Without Walls Potluck held at Riverside Park; 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.. The gathering is free and open to all. We will provide some refreshments, but encourage folks to bring a snack to share if they are able.

Bolton Landing — Bolton Live Music Festival held at Rogers Park; 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.. Join us for this family friendly activity. The all day music festival will host Adirondack Folk and Country music. Free Admission.

Sept. 22 -Sept. 23 Peru — 8th Annual Kids Fair held at The Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Old time games & prizes awarded to the kids. Visit the animals. Shell corn, raise a bale of hay, milk the cow. Visit the blacksmith shop & granary for demos. See sheep dogs herding their sheep. Visit: babbiemuseum.org Indian Lake — 9th Annual Great Adirondack Moose Festival. Two days of special events, including a Moose Calling Contest, Old Fashioned Turkey Shoot, & kid-friendly activities and much more! Visit.indian-lake.com

Sept. 23 Warrensburg — Talk on “Erosion and Mitigation ‚Äì a Historic Perspective” held at Warrensburgh Museum; 3:00 p.m.. Jim Lieberum, District Manager of Warren County Soil and Water Conservation and Certified Professional, Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC), has been directly involved in related projects throughout the county.

3754 Main Street (the building with the murals). Parking, entrance at rear.

Museum open from 1:00 p.m. Free admission, refreshments. Sponsored

by Warrensburg Historical Society.

92 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 7 No. 3

Glens Falls — Women Impressionists from the Thomas Clark Collections held at The Hyde Collection; 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.. This exhibition looks at the work of at least fifteen American female Impressionist painters drawn from the collection of Thomas Clark, which focuses on American Impressionist landscapes.

For more info 518-792-1761

Sept. 26 Plattsburgh — Fall Job Fair held at West Side Ballroom; 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. Free to the Public! Come see the Job Fair and see what Employers are hiring. For more information please contact the Chamber at 563-1000.

Sept. 29 T icondero ga — I n aug u ral Ticondeorga Fall Fest held at Town Wide; All Day. A variety of Fall Themed events for all ages, kids and family activities, business promotions and specials, and much more. Visit: ticonderogany.com/events Glens Falls — Moosical & More: Family Stories and Songs held at Crandall Public Library; 9:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m.. Fun stories and songs for everyone. For families with young children Birth- 5. No sign up required.

Ticonderoga — Heroic Corn Maze: A Corn Maze Adventure! Held at Fort Ticonderoga; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m..

Explore our six- acre corn maze. For more info: fortticonderoga.org Glens Falls — Mitch Fraiser Live held at Davidson Brothers; 6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.. Mitch Fraiser Live! Free Admission.

Queensbury — Zombie Run 5K held at Six Flags Great Escape; 8:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m.. This Zombie Run is not only a zombie-infested 5K race through an amusement park but also a fundraiser, with a portion of the proceeds going back to the American Red Cross to aid in their life-saving mission. Contact Dani Taylor at dataylor@sftp.com to learn more today!

Ausable — The Chasm Run 5K held at Ausable Chasm Rec Center; 7:00 a.m.. Benefits the NC Undeground Railroad Museum. 8am Run start. $20 registration until 9-14 with T-shirt. $30 registration day of event. More info, visit:http://www. kineticrunning.net Rouses Point — The Most On The Coast Adirdonack Coast Market Day held at Civic Center; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. $3 per person, kids under 12, free. Handmade crafts, local artists, food vendors, beer & wine tasting, live music & more. For more info or to reserve a space, visit: rousespointny. com Plattsburgh — Elmore SPCA Snip Fundrasier Dinner held at VFW Post 125; 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. Spay-ghetti Dinner. Presale tickets $10 available at Elmore SPCA in Peru, the Peru Public Library & Rescued Treasures in Plattsburgh. Tickets at door $12.

518-672-6485 Tickets online visit: elmorespca.org Ticonderoga — Heritage Museum Collection Spotlight Series held at Ticonderoga Heritage Museum; 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.. Join us as we present the first in our Collection Spotlight Series.We will kick off by examining the impact of paper making, featuring items from our collection related to Ticonderoga‚ paper making industry.

The event is Free and open to the public.

Sept. 29 - Sept. 30 Warrensburg — Warrensburg Garage Sale held at ; 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m..

With over 500 vendors stretching the length of Main Street and throughout many of Warrensburg’s residential neighborhoods, the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce presents the 39th Annual World’s Largest Garage Sale.

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Open Year Round Cabins Directly Across From Lake Adirondack Nicely Situated for all Four Seasons of Recreational Fun.

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Special Events September 22 Great Adirondack Moose Festival Sale October 5 Seagle Music Colony “Hey Big Spender” October 20 Pendragon Theatre “Pride & Prejudice” November 23-24 Country Christmas Tour Sale December 8 Soup Social & Holiday Sing

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Vol. 7 No. 3 | North Country Living Magazine | 93

Sept. 30

Oct. 6

Lake Placid — North Country Out Of The Darkness Walk held at Olympic Oval; 11:30 a.m.. This fundraising walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s local & national education & advocacy programs.

Registration is free and open to the public. To register as a walker & more info: afsp.donordrive.com

Kesseville — Keeseville AutumnFest held at ; 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.. Local craft vendors, autumn games and fun, a car show, pie baking and chili contests, kids’ activities, and plenty of food and music.

Schroon Lake — High Peaks Blue Grass Band held at Schroon Lake Community Church; 10:00 a.m..

Join us for some fun music during the worship service! Free Admission.

Oct. 5 Lake George — 8th Annual Lake George Oktoberfest & Fall Festival held at Canda St. & Shepard Park; 5:00 p.m.. Three day celebration of fall, fun & food! Rain or shine, festival tents ensure a fun filled weekend for the thousands of annual festival goers.

For more info, contact the Adirondack Pub & Brewery at 518-668-0002 Plattsburgh — The Strand Center Art Opening- The Nature of Things held at The Strand Center; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m..

Juried art show with its theme - The Nature of Things. Opening reception & Award ceremony. Free & open to the public. Visit:strandcenter.org Plattsburgh — Boots N’ Beers held at Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel; 5:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.. Free tastings by 14th Star Brewing Co. & Vesco Ridge Vineyards.

Support the JCEO Plattsburgh Foodshelf by entering to win raffle prizes including Timberland Pro work boots, Dansko Footwear, KEEN Utility boots & more! Shop & Save!

Visit:lennyshoe.com

Thurman — Fall Farm Tour held at Various Farms; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Come celebrate the bounty of autumn! Farms all over town invite you in for tours, talks, samples and sales. Pet animals, paint pumpkins, make a bead, take a hay ride, see quilts. Free family fun, and super food available. Details: www.persisgranger. com/Thurman_Fall_Farm_Tour.htm Long Lake — Harvest Craft Fair held at Town Hall; 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.. Celebrate the changing of the seasons with the annual Harvest Craft Fair. Vendors will be selling hand-made crafts. Free Admission. Details:518-624-3077 or mylonglake.com.

Thurman — Thurman Fall Farm Tour held at Town Wide; 10:00 a.m.

- 4:00 p.m.. Celebrate the bounty of autumn! Farms all over town invite you in for tours, talks, samples and sales. Pet animals, paint pumpkins, make a bead, take a hay ride, see quilts. Free family fun, and super food available. More Info: persisgranger. com/Thurman_Fall_Farm_Tour.htm Blue Mountain Lake — Fall Fest held at Adirondack Experience; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Celebrate fall at the Adirondack Experience with traditional pastimes like apple pressing, wagon and pony rides, autumnal crafts, fiber arts, and a square dance. For more: theadkx.org

Malone — 38th Annual Oktoberfest held at Titus Mountain; 10:00 a.m.

- 11:00 p.m.. The 38th Annual Titus Mountain Oktoberfest returns on Saturday, October 6! $5 admission (kids 12 & under FREE) and all activities are included!

Lake Placid — Flaming Leaves Festival held at Olympic Jumping Complex; . Bring the whole family and celebrate the fall season at our annual Flaming Leaves Festival! Explore our craft vendors and children’s games!

Lake Placid — Lake Placid Classic Half- Marathon & 10K held at Olympic Oval; 8:00 a.m.. To benefit local youth programs and Adirondack Health Fit for Life scholarship fund. For costs & info & registration call 518-897-2685 or visit: active.com

Ausbale Forks, Keeseville, and Upper Jay — Essex County Cheese Tour held at ; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.. Self-guided driving tour through the foothills of the Adirondacks. Farm tours & cheese, at Asgaard Farm in Ausable Forks; North County Creamery in Keeseville; & Sugar House Creamery in Upper Jay. Visit: facebook.com/ essexcountycheesetour

New York State — Path Through History Weekend held at Variety of Locations; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. Check out some of the best representations of the Adirondack Coast’s history at our local museums during Path through History Weekend. Visit:/ paththroughhistory.iloveny.com

Oct. 6 -Oct. 7 Peru — Harvest Weekend held at The Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum; 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.

Demos include corn harvesting, grinding & shelling using antique equipment, blacksmith shop, hit & miss engines. Take a ride on the stage coach or Thomas the train or a hayrider. Closing weekend! Visit: babbiemuseum.org North Creek — Gore Mountain Harvest Fest held at Gore Mountain; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Join us for live music, vendors, gondola skyrides, mountain biking and hiking, climbing structures, a bungee trampoline, and miniature & disc golf, an inflatable village and zorbing.

Children’s entertainment includes face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, magic, and field games. Free Admission.

MAHONEY ALARMS

Oct. 7

Crown Point — AppleFolkFest held at Penfield Homestead Museum; 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.. A wide variety of apple desserts will be available, along with chili & hot dogs. There will be live music, wagon rides, antique cars and free admission to the Homestead.Get an early start on your Holiday shopping by browsing the huge craft fair.

Oct. 13 Lake George — Lung Cancer Research Foundations Lake George Free to Breath Walk held at Charles R Wood Park; 8:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m..

Hundreds of lung cancer patients, survivors and advocates from the Lake George community will gather to raise awareness and funding for lung cancer research. Proceeds from the events benefit the Lung Cancer Research Foundation and its mission to improve lung cancer outcomes by funding research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of lung cancer.

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Mahoney watches your home and business so you don’t have to. Around the clock local fire, security & safety monitoring

Glens Falls: 518-793-7788 • Lake Placid: 518-523-1600 | Plattsburgh: 518-566-9147 • NY,VT, MA: 800-794-6277

www.mahonyalarms.com

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Plattsburgh — PlattsNerd 3.0 held at Champlain Centre Mall; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. The event will feature a cosplay competition, gaming, artists tables, special vendors, all the fun you enjoyed at last year‚ inaugural PBS PlattsNerd and more! Details will be coming soon! $8 Adults $4 Students, Seniors and Military Kids 6 and under are free!

Oct. 17 Tupper Lake — Homeschool Day held at The Wild Center; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. An invitation to all homeschool students to delve into the natural world & awaken curiosity for all things untamed. Visit: wildcenter.org

Oct. 17 - Oct. 21 Lake Placid — North Altlantic Regional Figure Skating Championship held at Lake Placid Olympic Center; . This is the first step in the US Figure Skating qualifying competition structure. The top 4 skaters in each level will advance to the Eastern Sectional Figure Skating Championships. Info & fees, Visit: whiteface.com

Oct. 20 Peru — 8th Annual Octoberfest Halfmarathon, 10K, 5K, & 50K Bike held at 753 Bear Swamp Rd; 9:00 a.m.

- 12:00 p.m.. Register today for the 8th annual Octoberfest Half Marathon, 10K, 5K or 40K Bike in Peru, NY. Visit:runoctoberfest.com Peru — Flashlight Night Corn Maze held at Rulf’s Orchard; 5:00 p.m..

Experience the Rulfs Corn Maze at night. Make sure to bring your own flashlight! Visit: rulfsorchard.com

Oct. 21 Plattsburgh — Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk held at Melissa Penfield Park; 10:00 a.m..

Beneficiary - America Cancer Society - More info, contact Joan Sterling at 404-327-6448. Visit:cancer.org

Oct. 26

Oct. 28

Nov. 5 - Nov. 12

Ticonderoga — Free Movie Night held at Hancock House; 7:00 p.m..

Arsenic and Old Lace ‚ A film classic with an all-star cast ‚ The perfect comedy for Halloween!

Plattsburgh — Plattsburgh Zombie Walk held at Durkee St; 6:00 p.m..

Meeting at the Plattsburgh Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market. Visit:facebook.com/ SUNYPlattsburghZombieDefenseLeague

Plattsburgh — Trick or Treat Safety Street held at The Crete Civic Center; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.. Join the City of Plattsburgh for the 15th annual Trick or Treat on Safety Street.

Visit:cityofplattsburgh.com

Nov. 2

Lake George — Fields of Flags: Veteran Appreciation Week held at Fort William Henry Museum; . The 5th annual Field of Flags will grace the west lawn of Fort William Henry. The public is invited to share the names of their service man or woman to be added to the field. For more info, visit their website: fwhmuseum.com/events

Ticonderoga — Maze By Moonlight held at Fort Ticonderoga; 7:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.. Use your flashlight to guide you through the 6-acre Heroic Corn Maze, where a multitude of twists and turns through acres of corn stalks await in this autumn family favorite event! Visit fortticonderoga.org

Oct. 26 - Oct. 31 Ticonderoga — HalloweenFest 2018 will take place October 26-31 in Ticonderoga, NY! The events are being hosted by an array of businesses and organizations throughout Ticonderoga. Business Trick or Treating will be held on October 31. Visit ticonderogany.com for more info.

Oct. 27 Glens Falls — Boo 2 You! Trick or Treat held at Glen Street; TBD. Free Admission! Bring out the whole family for the Halloween Block Party, Boo 2 You, in Downtown Glens Falls at City Park and Glen Street. For more info call 518-761-3864

Whitehall — Tour and Lunch at the Skene Manor held at The Skene Manor; 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.. Enjoy a visit to The Skene Manor, Whitehall‚ Castle on the Mountain, which is one of the few remaining castles in northeast New York. Your day will include a lunch of homemade soup, sandwiches, beverages and dessert that will be served in the tea room.

You will also have the opportunity to tour the Skene Manor where you will experience the grandeur that exemplified turn-of-the-century wealth. All who visit rave about the lunch and the dedication of the volunteer staff who run the manor.

Preregistration required. Call 518-7432238 or email conted@sunyacc.edu Glens Falls — Adirondack Stampeded Charity Rodeo held at Cool Insuring Arena; 7:30 p.m.. This annual tradition is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo. The Stampede showcases 200 competitors in the seven standard rodeo events. After the rodeo, everyone is invited to the Round-Up Party in the Civic Center’s Heritage Hall! Proceeds benefit several local children’s charities.

Tickets are available through the Cool Insuring Arena Box Office.

Nov. 11 Plattsburgh — Veteran’s Day Commemoration held at Kent-Delored House Museum; . No Charge. For more info visit: kentdeloredhouse.org

Nov. 16 -Nov. 17

Lake George — 12th Annual Lake George Polar Plunge for Special Olympics held at Shepard Park Beach; These daring participants show their support for the Special Olympics and raise money for the organization. Many form teams and have fun with it. The goal is to get friends, family, colleagues and other donors to sponsor your plunge, ultimately raising thousands of dollars to help the Special Olympics reach their fundraising goal. For more information, check out the Lake George Polar Plunge Facebook page or call 518-388-0790 x8128.

Nov. 22 Lake Placid — Adirondack Health Turkey Trot held at Olympic Oval; 8:30 a.m.. To benefit Adirondack Fit for Life scholarship fund & local school food pantries.

Info & to register, visit: active.com

Nov. 24 Lake Placid — Thanksgiving Faceoff Hockey Game held at Lake Placid Olympic Center; 7:00 p.m..

Come see ECAC Hockey rivals St. Lawrence University take on Clarkson University for a special off campus game in the home of the Miracle on Ice. Info & tickets, visit: whiteface. com/events/thanksgiving-faceoff

North River — Harvest Dinner held at Garnet Hill Lodge; 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.. Join us for a harvest dinner, featuring fall produce, and served family-style. Long tables, good cheer, local beers and a hayride will make this a great community event.

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Prime Rib • Fresh Chicken & Pork • Live Lobster Char-broiled Steaks & Lamb • Fresh Fish Salad Bar with all Lunch and Dinner Entrees Reservations: 518-798-1155 • Routes 9 & 149 • I-87 Exit 20 Lake George, New York • www.logjamrestaurant.com Published by Sun Community News & Printing

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Before the hike, we stopped at TOPS! Whether you are hiking, camping, boating or just kicking back in a porch chair, TOPS has everything you need to make the moment deliciously special.

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GANIENKEH GANIENKEH WHOLISTIC TREATMENT CENTER

An Alternative Health Care Center

DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW SUFFER FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?

Fatigue/Low Energy • Indigestion • Headaches Insomnia Constipation/Diarrhea • Muscle Aches/Cramping • Joint Pain/Stiffness Arthritis • Diabetes • Allergies/Asthma • Autoimmune Diseases Heart Disease • Circulatory Problems

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LEARN HOW A FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF YOUR HEALTH CAN HELP YOU FIND THE UNDERLYING CAUSE(S) OF YOUR SYMPTOMS

LEARN HOW TO: Detoxify Your Body • Balance Your Metabolism Build Your Immune System • Feel and Look Better

Prevent Health Problems – Learn What Anti-Aging Means – VITAMINS & ORGANIC PRODUCTS

We have a wide variety of vitamins, herbs and supplements in our Remedy Room. We carry an ample supply of vitamins, minerals and supplements that can improve your health and physical well-being. For those of you who don’t like taking capsules or tablets, we also have a variety of tea-ready herbs. Our organic products are here as an alternavtive to the mainstream self-care products that are available. We have everything from tooth brushes to deodorant to thermometers. We keep our prices low, and if there is anything you would like us to have available, special orders will be taken.

CHIROPRACTIC - DR. PETER VANCE, D.C.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS Over 30 years experience - specializing in headaches, sciatic, chronic pain, worker’s comp & personal auto injuries.

NATUROPATHIC - DR. DEBRA DAHLER, N.D.

MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS Offering holistic health care options for most health concerns. Herbalism, nutrition & lifestyle counseling.

3083 Rand Hill Road • PO Box 275 • Altona, NY • 518-493-6300

ONDAMED WAVE MACHINE Electromagnetic pulse frequency works with bio feedback, helps to quit smoking, addiction, deals with microorganisms and pain management, asthma, muscle pain, anxiety and much more. Can also be used on pets.

GANIENKEH WHOLISTIC TREATMENT CENTER

518-493-6300 • fax: 518-493-6301 • MON., WED., FRI. 9AM-5PM I TUES., THURS. 9AM-4PM