Ncl vol3no4 winter2014 lowres

NORTH COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE • VOL. 3 NO. 4

VOL. 3 NO. 4

Learn what it takes to run the grueling Iditarod We asked business owners: Why buy local?

WINTER 2014

Birdland

The bird art of Vermont’s Gary Starr

Candymakers: Sweet tastes of the Season

Stump De Noel

Libby’s Bakery in Ticonderoga share sweet holiday recipe

2 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

3 |northcountrylivingmagazine.com North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 3

Dear Readers,

Editor John Gereau Contributing Writers Keith Lobdell John Gereau Shawn Ryan Thom Randall Lou Varricchio Pete DeMola

Elicia Mailhiot Maggie Morgan Andrew Johnstone Beti Spangel Teah Dowling Rebeca Schiller

Cover Design DJ Alexander Layout and design John Gereau, Leslie Brooks, DJ Alexander Published by New Market Press, Inc. 16 Creek Road, Suite 5, Middlebury, VT 05753 (802) 388-6397, Fax: (802) 388-6399 Denton Publications, Inc. 14 Hand Ave., Elizabethtown, NY 12932 (518) 873-6368, Fax: 873-6360

I’ve never tried ice climbing.

I love being out and active in the winter. I wallow away the long winter months snowshoeing, hiking, ice fishing and snowmobiling, but I’ve never hung suspended hundreds of feet above the forest floor on a sheer icecovered rock by a pick axe and crampons.

I have to say, after perusing Teah Dowling’s piece on ice climbing that begins on page 46 of this edition of North Country Living, I am intrigued.

I did some repelling during my stint in the Army. Heights are not an issue for me and I feel I am in, uhmm, at least reasonable shape for a ... gulp ... 40-something-year-old. So, the idea of ice climbing has piqued my interest.

At the same time, that 250-foot long, 75-foot high training wall constructed each winter by the guides at Adirondack Rock and River in Keene sounds completely cool.

I may just have to venture over that way and, if nothing else, watch these fearless ice climbers in action. It most likely would also afford me the opportunity to utilize one of my other wintertime passions — photography.

However, if traversing a vertical wall of frozen water is not your thing fear not. Inside this winter edition of North Country Living you will also find a great feature on snowmobiling in Indian Lake and the central Adirondacks; a look at those hearty enough to tackle all 46 High Peaks during the wintertime; an article about training for the Alaskan Iditarod; a feature about the history of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival; an article about adaptive devices that allow those with physical impairments to ski and much, much more.

Thank you for reading this locally written and produced magazine and please remember to patronize the businesses whose advertisements herein make it possible to distribute this free publication throughout the North Country.

Thank you, and see you in the spring.

John Gereau, Managing Editor

Copyright 2014, New Market Press, Inc./Denton Publications, Inc.

PICTURED HERE: Bethany Garretson stands atop Algonquin Mountain while winter hiking in the Adirondacks. Turn to page 20 for a feature by Andy Johnstone on Winter 46ers.

Photo by Tom Boothe

COVER: Lori Crowningshield high above Avalanche Lake on Avalanche Mountain Gully. See pages 46-50.

Photo by Emilie Drinkwater

4 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

CONTENTS Vol. 3 No. 4

FEATURES Let it Snow, Let it Snow ...

14

This feature looks at snowmobiling in the Adirondacks

The Winter 46

20

7,806 have done it in three seasons. Only 634 have in the winter

Sweet Season

30

The tiny town of Thurman overflows with sap this time of year

The Purrfect Gift

36

Looking to surprise your pet this Christmas? Here are some ideas

Destination Iditarod

20

40

What it takes to tackle America’s last great race

Buy Local

64

Why do you think it’s important to buy local this holiday season?

Nativity Knockout

78

One local priest has collected a myriad of nativity scenes

Overcoming Obstacles

86

40

These programs help those with disabilities hit the slopes

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 5

6 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

The bird art of Starr Decoys

By Lou Varricchio

The Starr Decoy studio and gallery located on Weybridge Road on the Middlebury-Weybridge townline.

Photos by Lou Varricchio 7 |northcountrylivingmagazine.com North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 7

Artist Gary Starr at work painting a handmade bird ornament. - Photos by Lou Varricchio

B

ird-decoy modeling fashionable venue for collectors. wasn’t an established As beautiful, hand-carved art form until the decoys became overpriced opening years of the 20th for working-class hunters by century. Prior to that time, decoys the close of the 1900s—to be were just that—decoys—used replaced by lower cost, plastic by many sportsmen to lure, look alikes—the art of the say, waterbirds to rest and decoy became de rigueur for thus line up in their gunsights. collectors.

Back bay decoy Even as far back such as as the 18th century, “The common loon artists, Lothrop Holmes art connoisseurs such as George is one of the most and W. A. Elmer H e p p l e w h i t e exotic birds of the Crowell, plus savvy urban collectors recognized north with its William Mackey the artistry of these otherwise wonderful calls and Cigar Daisey, transformed mundane hunting and outstanding these everyday accessories. components By the close patterned plumage.” of the of World War I, art collector Joel Barber established the Handmade loon decoys. genre as a - Photo by Gary Starr

8 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

fowl hunter’s kit into a must-have art collectible.

By the 1970s, the hand carved decoy craze was well established as a permanent underpinning of the folk art collecting passion. And among the highly-regarded artists and experts in the decoy field of that time was George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D. of Massachusetts.

And that’s where our story begins.

Fast forward to today— Meet veteran Vermont bird artist and master craftsman Gary Starr, who has a large following of collectors and fans interested not only in his exquisite decoys, but also his unique line of handmade bird ornaments.

Since 1977, Starr has followed in his famous father’s footsteps—and artisan’s talent—in the world of bird decoy modeling and painting.

Starr Decoys is

headquartered in a late 19thcentury post-and-beam barn located behind the artist’s residence at 782 Weybridge Road on the MiddleburyWeybridge townline. Visitors are asked to contact the artist before dropping by, although Starr is always happy to show his art, which is available at the studio or online—via the artist’s website—to serious buyers.

“I started Starr Decoys outside Middlebury in Weybridge in 1987,” Starr says.

“My style evolved from my father’s influence and reflects the clean lines of traditional hunting decoys. I carved my first bird, a miniature black duck, with my father, Dr. George Ross Starr, in 1956 at nine years old. My father collected over 2,000 decoys in Duxbury, Mass., where he wrote the book, ‘Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway’”—a modern classic on the subject. ncliving@denpubs.com

In addition to decoys, the Gary Starr Carved Bird Collection, which the artist started in 1992, now consists of 69 species; it is probably among his most popular output.

“On the flat back of each ornament, I identify, brand, date, and sign each piece,” Starr says. “A number of my other decorative carvings are listed by type on the left hand tabs.

I have recently lost effective use of my left eye and I am in the process of discontinuing the larger birds and fish. Every piece is made of Vermont basswood.”

But beyond the beautifully wrought bird ornaments— which are ideal as gifts at Christmas and on other occasions—the artist’s wildlife corpus is as vast as it is varied.

You must take a look at Starr’s beautiful waterfowl decoy work— “Waterfowl decoys are a traditional, functional American

art form, often described as floating sculpture,” he says.

“American Indians and watermen fashioned decoys out of reeds, clay, skins and wood to lure ducks into range.

It became clear that the more lifelike the decoy, the better the

hunting results. Watermen hunters were close observers of their environment and the better carvers learned to adopt the ducks natural attitude to their carvings.

“Each carver evolves his or her own style depending upon personal preference, local tradition and hunting conditions.

Knowledgeable collectors can identify regions and specific carvers from the finished product.”

Then there’s Starr’s

songbirds, as popular as his waterfowl sculptures— “My songbird carving has focused on the beauty of the birds and their adornment value,” Starr says.

“My grandfather, Herbert Kelley, as a student at Harvard, became a life member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1911. He always had a pair of binoculars on his porch and fed raisins to cat birds from his hand; he loved songbirds. So, my carvings are meant to bring the traditional beauty of songbirds my grandfather witnessed into your home.”

Starr also found success in a series of shoreline bird decoy carvings. These works of art are especially popular with beach and lakehouse owners although they no longer have a place in a hunter’s bag.

According to Starr, “The shorebird decoys are often the most graceful of the old

Handmade bird & fish ornaments.

- Photos by Gary Starr

carvings.

Traditionally they were used for hunting until shorebird hunting was banned in 1918. A market gunner would take a burlap bag full of shorebird stickups onto the beach and plant them in the sand on the water’s edge.

When some shorebirds were shot out of the flock over the decoys, the remaining flock members would circle around to see what happened with poor results. Restaurants often had selections such as plover stew.” Thankfully, the days of shorebird stews are long gone.

Then there are Starr’s upland birds. Many hunters admire the artistry in the works even CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Artist Gary Starr standing in front of some of his work. - Photo by Lou Varricchio

9 |northcountrylivingmagazine.com North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 9

though as “decoys” they were never practical— “Upland game bird designs include woodcock, snipe, quail, grouse and pheasants and are

carvings for sale are loons, a favorite among many Vermont and North Country birders, among others— “The common loon is one

will eventually phase out this line of work.

From an Atlantic salmon, 31 inches in length, to a 12.5 inch large mouth bass, Starr’s fish

Artist Gary Starr standing amongst some of his work. - Photo by Lou Varricchio

of the most exotic birds of the north with its wonderful calls and outstanding patterned plumage,” Starr, a true bird lover, readily admits. “We often see them when paddling in the Adirondacks in the spring when they have their young on their backs and in the fall when they are grouping up to fly south. My halfscale regular and calling loons are flat-bottomed and sit low on the “My style evolved water. This is a on loons surroundings. from my father’s feature which contributes Because upland influence and to their being great game birds do not divers.” respond to decoys, reflects the While birds of hunters travel clean lines of all kinds may be through like terrain, the over-arching often using dogs. traditional theme running My upland bird Starr’s carvings are made hunting decoys.” through body of work, fish in appreciation for the beauty of the birds and not have also been fair game— if you’ll pardon the pun. as functional lures.”

Also among Starr’s many However, the artist has said he found in fields, transitional edge growth or forested areas,” the artist points out.

“These are beautiful birds which blend into t h e i r

10 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

carvings are just as realistic, and just as collectible, as his wildly popular bird work.

“My fish carvings are also carved from Vermont basswood and are flat on the back for mounting on a wall,” he says.

“I started making them to go over my kitchen cabinets to add color to the room. The style is ‘Adirondacks’ or ‘Northern Maine Woods’ with a traditional folk aspect. Each piece is branded, identified and signed on the back.

They mount easily using a straight nail.”

And in keeping with his philosophy of local sourcing whenever possible, most of Starr’s “Vermont basswood,” which comes from the N e w England linden tree, is derived from private

Handmade bird decoy & fish ornament.

- Photos by Gary Starr ncliving@denpubs.com

woodland located along Halladay Road and Blake Road in Middlebury.

Lindens are large trees and carvers prefer its superb grain and tensile strength; the wood is ideal for Vermont and North Country decoy carvers. Starr Decoys consumes about 1,500 board feet of basswood per year.

“Some wood that I am just finishing up right now came from the Wake Robin Life Care Community in Shelburne, when the management put in the residential cottages two years ago,” he notes. “I will work with my two Middlebury suppliers at a log yard in East Middlebury where we slab them out. Now I’ve got over 2,000 board feet awaiting my carving tools.”

Starr noted that his father used some basswood, but that he preferred western sugar pine and white cedar wood, also known as arborvitae.

“Now if I was to make working hunting decoys, I’d probably prefer to make them out of the cedar,” he adds. “The wood does much better in the water. It’s hard—very rugged—and doesn’t rot so easily.”

While he hasn’t hunted in 10 years, Starr said sportsmen still treasure handmade decoys—if they still happen to use them.

“If you’re out there in November and a storm comes up, you might not be able to retrieve all your handmade decoys,’ he says.

“But decoys are less of an investment for today’s sportsmen; a lot of hunters use plastic decoys now—they’re getting to be quite good and very sophisticated.” Time and technology marches on, even in the world of bird hunting.

Starr begins his handmade decoy and ornament design process with an old-fashioned pencil sketch. Later, he tests paints on the

11northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

sketches alongside the bird’s natural coloring. The method mimics Mother Nature’s palette as closely as possible.

Being both an accomplished artist and an amateur ornithologist— the artist has taken a course in the specialized science through Cornell University—many of Starr’s bird decoys and ornaments come from direct observation. He has traveled from southeast Asian jungles to African savannah to observe and photograph birds in minute, digital detail. A computer archive of thousands of images of birds help Starr stunningly recreate the creatures in soft basswood.

Like most Vermont and North Country homeowners, Starr likes to keep his birdfeeders well stocked so he can watch the local species up close. He places seed and nectar feeders to bring birds to his backyard “We attract the normal characters—redbreasted grosbeaks, bluejays, chickadees, gold finches, purple finches, hummingbirds,” he says.

So, among all the birds in his life, what is the favorite bird of this skilled decoy artist?

“Well, that’s a tough one, but I’d have to say my overall favorite bird is the Himalayan monal,” Starr admits. “It’s like a small turkey and it’s colored almost like a hummingbird—with all these beautiful, multiple colors. The bird can fly but it mostly stays on the ground. I’ve seen monals in the Kingdom of Bhutan running around on the snow pack. It’s probably the most spectacular bird I’ve ever seen.”

You can call or e-mail Gary Starr at 888-883-8574 or gstarr@ together.net. You can visit the artists’s website at www.starrdecoys. com.

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 11

12 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

52311

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 13

14 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

15northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 15

By: Rebeca Schiller The trails in the central Adirondacks are covered in a dazzling mosaic of siena and gold red leaves, but Andy Meyers, president of the Indian Lake Snowarriors, commented at the group’s first meeting that Chicago already had a dusting of snow, which was greeted with looks of anticipation by members who are restless and impatient for that big snow dump.

Earlier in September, I heard mumbled rumors from visitors to Indian Lake that New England weather forecasters were confirming what the 2014-2015 Farmer’s Almanac predicted: prepare for another frigid winter. Or better said by the Almanacs editor Janet Stillman, “Colder is just almost too familiar a term.

Think of it as a refriger-nation.”

Indian Lake local Darrin Harr, who is also a meteorologist and the founder of ILSnow.com, further confirmed the shivering news: A large pool of warmer than normal water over the Gulf of Alaska that kept the western United States warm and drove the persistent cold into the central and eastern United States last winter is still there and, wait for it sledheads… Snow cover is rapidly spreading over Siberia, indicating a quick cooling off in the Northern Hemisphere. Studies indicate that if snow spreads rapidly from Siberia into Eurasia throughout October, winters tend to be colder and snowier here.

I can almost hear the whoops of delight among the snow bunnies.

Indian Lake, according to Harr, an avid sledder, is the ideal location for snowmobiling. Unlike their counterpart winter sports enthusiasts like cross-country skiers and snowshoers, snowmobilers are able to cover long distances, traveling through the various interconnected trails can take you from Lake Pleasant in Speculator to the Inlet Trail to Old Forge and beyond. “The best reason to snowmobile in Indian Lake is its central location. I can ride to almost anywhere in the Adirondacks from Indian Lake and have a different adventure anytime I want to ride.”

Top scenic and popular trails within the Indian Lake region include: Perkins Clearing, consisting of a number of snowmobile trails in a network of logging and forest roads, branching out to some 16 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

of the most scenic and pristine spots in the region. The trails and roads are wide and smooth and provide access to 16,000 acres of both New York State and International Paper Company land, and are a part of the trail system connecting the communities of Piseco Lake, Lake Pleasant, Speculator, Indian Lake and Wells.

Want to catch sight of a moose? Stretching more than 16 miles, Moose River Plains represents the largest block of remote Adirondack public land accessible by snowmobile. The Plains are located off of State Route 28 in the town of Inlet, NY and connects to hundreds of miles of surrounding communities.

One of the oldest Adirondack dirt roads, the Powley-Piseco Road, extends about 17 miles from Route 10 near Piseco Lake to Stratford. The road cuts through the center of this large, diverse Forest Preserve land. It provides the public with motor vehicle access through practically unbroken forest.

Harr states that for optimal snowmobiling, trails need at least two feet of hard packed snow that’s been partially melted and refrozen several times with approximately five to six inches of fresh snow and with temperatures in the lower 20s, which provides for a nice power feel without it being too cold. He adds, “This is taking into consideration that snowmobiles trails are in flat conditions before a fresh snowfall. Just getting a foot of new snow with no mature base under it isn’t the best because the spinning snowmobile track will work its way down to the bottom of the new snow and kick up dirt/rocks.”

During the meeting with the Indian Lake Snowarriors, sledders were asked the appeal and draw to snowmobiling. Responses varied from getting close to nature to socializing with friends, but with a special emphasis on spending quality outdoor time with their families. According to a Montana State University study conducted by Consumer Insights, 95 percent of snowmobilers consider snowmobiling a family activity.

Activities for families include the upcoming 30th Indian Lake Winter Fest, held the weekend of February 13-15 and a kickoff to the second annual SnoCade, a celebration of snowmobiling in the Adirondacks. The annual fete is situated in Indian Lake, but includes the hamlets of Blue Mountain Lake and Sabael. Family fun events include a parade, followed by both indoor and outdoor activities such as the Winter Wonderland Craft Show, Firemen’s Breakfast, torchlight skiing, snowshoe softball, snow horseshoes, and snowshoe hikes, along with fun indoor events and fireworks. ncliving@denpubs.com

Family snowmobiling activities include day trips that on average log 30 to 75 miles to favorite riding areas or on favorite trails.

Touring has increased among sledders who spend several nights traveling, shopping, dining and sleeping along the way—a nice boost to local economies with cash registers going ka-ching.

The International Snowmobile Association (www.snowmobile. org) reports a study by The New York State Snowmobile Association, in cooperation with SUNY Potsdam, which performed an economic analysis in 1998 showing snowmobiling in New York state brought in revenue estimated at $476.2 million dollars per year. In 2012 New York State surveyed snowmobilers and calculated an increase in revenue to $875 million annually—an 84% percent hike!

Spin-off economic benefits include millions of dollars in tax revenues including snowmobile-related businesses, but also restaurants, lodging, service stations, hardware stores and banks, as wells as local and state sales and gas tax revenues.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Snowmobiling trails officially open in mid December. To view snow reports and trail conditions visit, ILSnow.com and ILSnowarriors.com.

For more accommodations and restaurants in Indian Lake, visit the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce at www.indian-lake.com.

Powley Road

Each winter Long Lake hosts a snowmobile parade during its Winter Carnival. This year the event will take place at noon on Saturday, Jan. 17. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 17

And back to that question of what makes sledding so appealing? Harr says, “Snowmobiling makes me feel like a kid again. I love winter and snowmobiling is the perfect way for me to enjoy the breathtaking Adirondack scenery. I go to places that most people never get to see. I also visit towns I wouldn’t have a reason to visit other times of the year. I can go out into the middle of nowhere, shut the snowmobile off and watch nature. Or I can ride with a bunch of friends and make some great memories I’ll never forget. Every ride is a gift that recharges me.”

Old Indian Road Images: Courtesy of Darrin Harr and the DEC

• Great Trails • Outdoor Adventures • Winter Lodging • Dining • Fun Family Events

mylonglake.com for more info or call

518.624.3077 69504

18 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

19northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 19

THE

WINTER I

46

By Andrew Johnstone

t’s a usual sight in the Adirondacks—the iconic red, green and yellow “ADK 46-R” on a patch, sticker or T-shirt. The badge is a testament to the strength and willpower of whoever bears it, a hiker who’s stood atop all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks.

But the white-and-blue “Winter 46-R”? That’s much rarer, and for good reason.

Just like a walk to the mailbox or getting into a car and driving can go from a thoughtless task in the summer to teeth-chattering labor come January, getting one’s body up a 4,000’-plus mountain on a warm day is nothing like summiting that same peak when the temperature is hovering about zero.

Adirondack Forty-Sixers, the non-profit organization out of Fort Edward that keeps track of registered forty-sixers and works to support conservation and responsible use of land in and around the High Peaks, has recorded 7,806 three-season (spring, summer and fall) completions of the 46.

But the number of winter forty-sixers? The number plummets to 634.

Edgar B. Bean became the first winter forty-sixer in 1962. It would take nine more years for the number to reach double figures and wasn’t until 1991 that more than 100 had done the round of 46 in the three official months of winter.

Now, as gear, interest and accessibility rise, more hikers trade bug spray for snowshoes to seek out the honor of the highrisk, high-reward feat.

20 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

Brian Hoody, a winter forty-sixer (Officially “#4410W,” the number indicating he was the 4,410th person to finish the 46 and the “W” denoting a winter round as well) who served as the director of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers from 2008-2011 before becoming the vicepresident of the organization, finished the 46 in 1998 and the winter 46 in 2010.

“I was, and still am, enamored by the mountains,” said Hoody. “I climbed and talked and wrote about them all the time and I wanted to be in among them all the time.”

Hoody started the 46 in 1994, making trips from his home in Rochester to check off each peak. The experiences led him to what he called “shoulder season” hikes, those times in November, December, April or May when it’s not officially calendar-winter but might as well be.

In 1996, before he finished his three-season round, a February hike of Mount Jo with his brother had him “hooked all over again.” He started his winter on December 21, 1997 on Wright Peak and finished on Colden in 2010.

“I have a ton (of memorable experiences). If I think back for a bit I can remember certain details from every winter hike,” said Hoody. “Hearing the roars of avalanches of ice falling off Pyramid and Gothics while climbing Sawteeth as the morning sun warmed the steep faces of the aforementioned mountains. I could go on and on.”

When asked what separates the three-season and winter 46, Hoody’s list was substantial: gear, fitness level, navigation, nutrition, and so on. While gear is important year-round, one can get away with a lot

less in the summer time. There are, after all, hikers who have claimed different ways of doing the 46, including barefoot, though Adirondack Forty-Sixers sticks to recognizing three-season and winter.

Snowshoes, crampons, micro-spikes, ice axes and a bunch of layers may all come into play. Food, water (and a way to keep it in liquid form), map, compass, even goggles made Hoody’s list. And those are just the basics.

Then there’s the important bit of actually getting up the mountain.

Winter days are short, and aside from shorter hikes like Cascade, Porter or Big Slide, it’s common for winter hikes to start and/or end with a headlamp.

“You need to be in shape—pretty good shape,” explained Hoody.

“I do a ton of stairs, the worst thing in the world, but it seems to work.”

While the extra gear adds to pack weight, sometimes just picking up one’s own foot can be a chore. A boot and snowshoe is a far cry from a summer hiking boot and sometimes a single step up a steep pitch can end at—or below—where it began.

Generally, the trails see much less traffic in the winter time, and after a dump of snow, there’s no hardpack base of snow to hike on.

Breaking trail can feel like hiking through thigh-deep water. On top of that, routes can fully disappear. Fresh snow or wind-blown summits can make navigation challenging to the point where the safest bet can be to turn around rather than put oneself, and potential searchers, at risk.

But in other ways, summiting the snow-covered peaks can be a CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Clockwise from left: Bethany Garretson and Bill Landis descend from Algonquin in January 2014 (photo by Kyle Rainey); ice beards are a common sight in the High Peaks come winter—Brian Hoody sports his atop Gothics in 2013 (photo provided); weather in the High Peaks can change dramatically over time and elevation (photo by Andrew Johnstone); a view of Mt. Marcy, center, and the Great Range stretching to the left from the icy summit of Algonquin in 2014 (photo by Bethany Garretson).

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 21

A hiker on the approach to the summit of Gothics as the sun tries to break through the overcast sky (photo by Kyle Rainey).

joy.

“In some respects winter hiking can be easier than the threeseason,” said Hoody. “Cliffs, mud holes, rocks, roots and bugs all disappear under the snowpack. As I get older I find that the threeseason is actually a bit harder, clambering over boulders, fending off bugs—throw in some heat and humidity and winter seems like a good deal.”

Then there’s butt-sliding. It’s exactly what it sounds like, and its not only easy on the knees (if done without careening off or into something) but brings back a child-like sense of sledding glee. Its not uncommon to see some winter hikers bring small plastic sleds or lightweight avalanche shovels to keep their snowpants up off the snow. Just watch out for collisions.

Like summer hiking, or, for that matter, just about anything in life, a push toward the winter 46 comes with risks and rewards. Being out in the High Peaks in the Adirondack cold amplifies both.

A January morning at Adirondak Loj, the Garden or Upper Works trailheads can be cold enough, and it’s a safe bet that exposed summits are a lot more frigid. Wind chills are 22 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

even worse and it doesn’t take long for exposed skin to succumb to frostbite. And then there’s staying upright.

“I fell coming off of Haystack one winter and slid for 20 or so feet, stopping just short of smashing my head on a rock,” described Hoody. “I also took a fall coming off of Blake as the sun had warmed the snow, making my crampons ball up with snow. I slid for 50 or 60 feet that time and ended upside down.”

“However, in my humble opinion it’s still more dangerous driving to work every day.”

Ask Hoody, or any aspiring or current winter forty-sixer, if the risk and challenge is worth it and you’re likely to get a resounding “yes.”

Quiet trails, bluebird skies, the quiet, muffled sound of the woods with fresh snow—there’s a peace to winter hiking unlike anything else. And while the conditions can be raw, standing at 5,000’ in what feels like an almost alien world can be an exhilarating, empowering and unforgettable experience.

“The rewards can be spiritual in nature,” said Hoody. “The views are astounding—the cold beats back the pollution and haze, leaving you with the bluest of skies. The workout. The friendships formed and solidified.”

Lately, there’s been a recent rise of people in the High Peaks in the winter. More people travel to the Adirondacks to seek out both peace and challenge while trail conditions, peak accessibility and gear are the best they’ve ever been. In 2009, 45 hikers completed their round of winter 46 and in 2012 the number spiked to a oneyear high of 73.

Hoody said that his uncle-in-law, #2326W, did a lot of climbing in the 1970’s and 1980’s, when it wasn’t uncommon to climb Big Slide (a relatively short eight mile round trip from the Garden) for a weekend and not see anyone while breaking trail was virtually a guarantee. Now, even on the toughest of days, there’s bound to be someone else on trail on the more popular routes. Hoody added that the likelihood of a packed trail has made the harder-to-reach summits easier.

Whether this is all for better or worse can be debated, but even getting the winter forty-six has changed in the 52 years since the first known finish, Hoody had this to add: “For the most part winter hikers are especially a tightknit group of folks, most of whom appear to love the mountains.”

To become recognized as a registered winter fortysixer (or three-season), a hiker can fill out an Adirondack FortySixers’ questionnaire and mountain list available on the organization’s website, www.adk46er.org.

The initial dues are only $8, and afterward the new forty-sixer will receive a letter, number and invite to the annual Spring Gathering dinner in Lake Placid. ncliving@denpubs.com

61283

THE

A. J OHNSON C O, LLC W H O L E S A L E · R E TA I L

L U M B E R &FIREWOOD B r i s t o l,V T • 8 0 2 - 4 5 3 - 4 8 8 4

w w w. v e r m o n t l u m b e r. c o m northcountrylivingmagazine.com

61111

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 23

24 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 25

OUT AND ABOUT | VT Christmas Tree Farms

Cut your own tree Nutcracker Tree Farm

510 Sperry Rd., Cornwall • Phone: (802) 462-2366 Choose-and-Cut and Pre-Cut Hours: 9 a.m. - Dusk Season Length: Nov. 23 - Dec. 25 Tall Christmas Trees, Reserving Christmas Trees, Tree Wrapping.

Wreaths Available for Sale

Red Sled Christmas Tree Farm

1731 Route 74 West Shoreham • Phone: (802) 897-8031 Choose-and-Cut and Pre-Cut Hours: Weekends 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Weekdays 1:00pm - 4:00 pm Season Length: Saturday after Thanksgiving to December 24 Tall Christmas Trees, Carry-out Bags, Tree Wrapping.

Wreaths Available for Sale

Russell Dairy and Tree Farm

1248 Route 116, Starksboro • Phone: (802) 453-2208 www.russellchristmastrees.com Choose-and-Cut and Pre-Cut Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.

Weekdays by appointment Season Length: Nov. 23 - Dec. 25 Tall Christmas Trees, Wagon Rides, Farm Animals, Maple Syrup.

Trout Brook Tree Farm

33 Church St., Bristol • Phone: (802) 453-3034 Choose-And-Cut Hours: Weekends 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Season Length: Nov. 24 - Dec. 22 Tall Christmas Trees, Carry-out Bags, Machine Cleaning, Reserving Christmas Trees, Tree Wrapping.

Wreaths Available for Sale

26 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Werner Tree Farm

429 Painter Rd., Middlebury • Phone: (802) 388-7781 Choose-And-Cut Hours: Noon - 5 p.m. TWTF. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Season Length: Nov. 23 - Dec. 24 Tall Christmas Trees, Gift Shop, Hot Chocolate, Reserving Christmas Trees, Tree Wrapping, Mail Order Wreaths, Centerpieces, Gar Wreaths Available for Sale

Zenos Tree Farm

5192 Route 116, Starksboro • Phone: (802) 453-2543 Choose-And-Cut Hours: Weekends 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Open weekdays by appointment Season Length: Nov. 23 - Dec. 25

Rudds Tree Farm

Route 346, Pownal • Phone: (802) 823-5579 Choose-And-Cut Hours: Tuesdays-Fridays, 1 - 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays Season Length: Nov. 24 - Dec. 22 Tall Christmas Trees, Carry-out Bags, Reserving Christmas Trees, Stands, Tree Wrapping, Boughs Wreaths Available for Sale

Christmas Farms

2289 Orton Rd., Hardwick • Phone: (802) 533-2930 www.christmasfarmsvt.com Choose-And-Cut Wholesale Available

Grime Family Tree

533 Lawrence Rd., Waterford • Phone: (802) 748-1915 Paul Grime Choose-and-Cut and Pre-Cut Hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Season Length: Year Round Tall Christmas Trees, Gift Shop, Living Christmas Tree in Containers, Reserving Christmas Trees, Stands, Tree Wrapping, Boughs Wholesale Available.

Wreaths Available for Sale

ncliving@denpubs.com

Salomaa Tree Plantation Inc.

30 Batten Rd., Stannard • Phone: (802) 533-7044 www.salomaachristmastrees.com Pre-Cut Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Season Length: Year Round Tall Christmas Trees, Mail Order Christmas Trees Wholesale Available. Grower of Balsam Fir and Fraser Fir for the wholesale and mail order segment of the Christmas tree industry.

Chapin Christmas Tree Farm

129 Chapin Rd., Essex Junction • Phone: (802) 879-1145 Choose-And-Cut Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Season Length: Nov. 23 - Dec. 25 Tall Christmas Trees, Reserving Christmas Trees, Tree Wrapping Balsam Trees, Cut Your Own or they will help. Trees $15-$50 based on size and quality.

Chittenden Cider Mill

1580 Dorset St., South Burlington • Phone: (800) 696-4602 Pre-Cut Hours: 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Season Length: Year Round Tall Christmas Trees, Food/Beverages, Gift Shop, Reserving Christmas Trees, Mail Order Wreaths and Christmas Trees Started in 1952, cider, apples our famous apple pies, cider donuts.

Many Vermont products including Maple Syrup, Jams, Jellies, trees and wreaths.

Wreaths Available for Sale

Goose Creek Farm

Mt. Vista Christmas Tree Farm

Mt. Vista Rd., Underhill • Phone: (207) 929-3767 Choose-And-Cut Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Season Length: Dec. 1,2,8,9,15,16 Tall Christmas Trees, Maple Syrup, Kissing Balls Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm. Friendly service.

Maple products. Beautiful views of Mt. Mansfield, Camels Hump.

Wreaths Available for Sale

201 Beliveau Rd., St. George • Phone: (802) 482-2540 Choose-and-Cut and Pre-Cut Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Season Length: Nov. 1 - Dec. 23 Tall Christmas Trees, Reserving Christmas Trees, Certified Organic Christmas Trees and Wreaths, Boughs, Centerpieces, Garland. Certified organic lightly sheared trees, wreaths, and roping. Mail-order wreaths.

Wreaths Available for Sale

CONTINUED ON PAGE XX

27northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 27

28 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 29

Randy Galusha pours fresh syrup at Toad Hill Maple Farm

J

ust when it seems that winter will never release its grip on the North Country, there comes that day when the sun glows a little brighter from higher in the sky and a first breath of warm, moist air whispers across snow-crusted fields. Bird songs ring out. Local folks know the freezing, sometimes subzero nights are not over, yet take heart at this reminder that spring is on its way.

Around the late 1800s evaporators were developed as more efficient ways to reduce the sap to syrup. Today’s airtight units, equipped with high pressure blowers, effect more complete combustion of the wood and flammable flue gasses before they go up the stack. With a ratio of 40 gallons of sap to one gallon of syrup, efficiency is a priority for saving fuel, time and labor.

Maple producers know it’s time for sap to flow. By that time their taps are in place, tubing damaged by fallen limbs or inquisitive bears has been repaired, and a generous supply of wood or oil is laid by to fuel the evaporator. When daytime temperatures climb above freezing and nighttime temperatures dip below 32 degrees, the sap will run, and these men and women will be ready.

Not only were evaporator designs improved, but other equipment used in conjunction with these boiling units were introduced, including the SteamAwayÂŽ, which captured steam from the evaporator to preheat inflowing sap and induce additional evaporation by blowing air through the hot sap, thus increasing evaporator efficiency by up to 75 percent, and reverse osmosis machines (ROs) designed to filter out up to 90 percent of the water from the sap before boiling came on the scene. Whereas an old fashioned evaporator could produce 25 gallons of syrup per full cord of wood, the new ROs and evaporators can produce in excess of 200 gallons.

Sugaring in the northeast predates the arrival of Europeans, who learned the rudiments from native Americans and, over centuries, refined the process. Oral histories and old journals suggest that nearly every family that had even a few sugar maples tapped them for the sweet nectar that would provide maple syrup, sugar and cream for the family larder. Early on sap was collected in wooden pails and gathered in a large vat on a sled pulled by draft animals for transport to an iron kettle for boiling down. Wooden buckets gave way to metal ones, most of which have since been replaced by tubing. Collection has been enhanced by vacuum pumps.

30 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Even taps have been modified smaller to create less scarring of the trees, which can lower their future production, and most recently, to allow maple producers to take advantage of early thaws, like those that occur in January, when Old Man Winter teases Adirondackers with a couple of mild days. ncliving@denpubs.com

By Persis Granger Old-style taps, if used short-term, would allow the tree’s natural healing process to close up the tap hole, impeding the next flow of sap. Newer check valve taps allow the tap hole to stay open longer so more sap can be harvested. These modifications, along with fewer taps per tree and improved tubing systems, mean increased production and healthier trees.

What you see in a modern sugar house sure isn’t your grandma’s iron kettle, and yet, behind all the gleaming stainless steel, energy efficiency, environmental adaptations and high technology, one basic reality remains: Mother Nature still calls the shots about when and how much sap flows in a given year. When night temperatures creep above 32 degrees, maples prepare to blossom, and the sap develops an undesirable “buddy” flavor. Like it or not, sugaring for that year is over.

A guest savors jack wax at the annual Thurman Maple Sugar Party

Maple Days in Thurman

The tiny southern Adirondack town of Thurman is home to the four largest maple farms in Warren County—Hidden Hollow, Valley Road, Adirondack Gold and Toad Hill, all within about a five-mile radius of each other.

Each year they collaborate to celebrate and share this age old rite of spring by hosting Thurman Maple Days, through rain, snow or shine, the last three full weekends of March (March 14-15; 21-22; 28-29, 2015). Maple-scented steam billows from the sugar house cupolas as they throw open the doors of their sugarhouses from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and invite the public in for free demonstrations, tours, talks and tastes. At some sites, folks try out snowshoes, or trek to the sugarbush to learn how to tap, or see sap dripping from traditional taps into buckets.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 31

Tour-goers trek to the sugarbush at Toad Hill

A tiny tot looks for the first drop of sap to hit the bucket at Adk. Gold Maple Farm

At various sites, guests taste different grades of syrup or even sample maple tea or coffee and buttermilk pancake mix. Valley Road Maple Farm serves a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Their tours and shop hours continue until 4 p.m.

Nearby farms open, too, offering goods that fit the maple theme. Find maple slabs for counter or table tops at Martin’s Lumber. Catch carvings of maple spoons, artisan demos and kids’ activities. Nearby Nettle Meadow Farm gives tours and tastes, highlighted by a maple walnut chèvre, a March specialty. The cheese shop offers more. Peru Llama Farm is a great stop for kids.

Mike Hill flips flapjacks at Valley Road Maple Farm

The maple sugaring heritage runs deep in Thurman, where woodlands are dotted with other sugarhouses that have played or still play a proud role in smaller-scale maple production.

Small or commercial, most maple producers freely admit that they engage in this rite of spring because they are addicted to both the process and to that pure, sweet taste of home-boiled syrup. One elderly maple addict once quipped, “You know, old sugar makers never die; they just evaporate.”

The annual Maple Sugar Party is the crown jewel of Maple Days.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the first Saturday, it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet with dessert of old-fashioned “jack wax” (also known as “sugar on snow”).

Since 1960 this dinner has benefited the American Cancer Society.

Learn more at: ThurmanMapleDays.com 32 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

33northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 33

34 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 35

...finding the...

By Beti Spangel This year, 52 percent of dog owners and 37 percent of cat owners will purchase their furry loved one a gift for the holidays, according to the 2013/2014 American Pet Productions Association National Pet Owners Survey.

In 2012, owners spent more on their pets than Congress did on NASA. The holiday season was a large part of the $55 billion spent on pets that year, and the trend is only growing.

So, just what are folks spending that holiday money on?

“When people come to visit us to buy for their pets, they’re huge into buying local and keeping it local,” said Renee Young, store manager at Riverside Ludlow Veterinary Clinic in Ludlow, Vermont. “We sell handmade, hand knitted sweaters for dogs, and we go through them like crazy. They’re really big, especially here in the winter time in Vermont.”

Lisa Giknis, owner of The Dog Cabin in Lake George, also 36 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

sees increases in clothing for pets. “People buy coats and sweaters for their dogs,” she said. “I’m also selling more coats, sweaters and even raincoats for cats.”

Locally made, quality treats and cookies for dogs have become hugely popular. “We have more local treats, including one called Skinny Chicken, which is a type of chicken jerky,” said Young. “They’re very simple, no preservatives, and people are looking for them as a healthy alternative for their dog.”

“I make my own homemade dog treats, a trend that seems to be very popular now,” said Giknis. “People like the homemade snacks for their dogs without preservatives.”

Popular dog cookies and treats get dressed up for the holidays with candy cane, wreath, Santa Claus and snowman motifs.

Sarah Sutherland, owner of Sutherland Farms in Hudson ncliving@denpubs.com

Falls, said while most owners purchase toys for their dogs throughout the year, Christmas is the perfect time to replenish them with the latest and greatest.

“As far as toys that people have been buying like crazy this year, probably our biggest selling squeaky toy is made

by Ethical Pet Products. It’s a dura-fused squeaky toy made of real leather and jute, fused together and sewn tightly, so it’s a sturdy toy. Dogs who chew pretty hard like this toy a lot because it holds up well, and owners are liking the fact that it’s made of real leather as opposed to synthetic materials.” The chew toy comes in a variety of shapes, including buffalo, rabbit, squirrel and fox.

Katelyn McNolty, assistant manager at Feed & Seed in Rutland, Vermont, said the traditional items still hold their appeal. “Rawhides, antlers and bully sticks are still very popular chewing gifts for dogs,” she said.

At the other end of the spectrum are the family felines.

“Cats can be more tricky,” said Young. “They’ll pretty much play with aluminum foil and a piece of paper. But we do have catnip toys here, with locally grown catnip. It’s hand sewn into little pillows that cats go crazy for.”

While it may be tempting to hang your pet’s stocking alongside those of other family members, remember animals can be sneaky about getting their goodies.

Cats make out during the holidays with a variety of catnip mice, crinkle balls, feathers on strings, carpeted scratching posts and edible treats. But their finicky reputation provides opportunities for more involved gifts.

Interactive toys are popular with cat owners at the holidays, said Sutherland. “They want to be there when the cat is playing, to spoil them a little bit, get them something fun. One item I think is going to be really popular this year is made by Kong called the Glide N’ Seek. It’s a platform about the size of a dinner plate that has fuzzy toys on it that look like little chicks that bop around when you turn it on. There’s a cage over the top of it and the cats have to stick their paw in to get at the toys. It’s an electric toy and gives them a little exercise. I’m glad this came out because cats are notorious for being bored and getting overweight, and if you can give them fifteen minutes of play a day with this, they get their exercise. You don’t even have to do the work yet it’s entertaining. Multiple cats can play with it all at once.”

Greenies brand cat treats are also increasingly popular with the holiday. “People are always on the lookout for those – I can’t keep them in stock,” said Young.

The smaller critters such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs can also share in Christmas joy. “I see rabbits as the most popular for getting an extra something during the holidays,” said Sutherland. “There are a couple of bunny toys out there but usually they get a new treat or something fun to chew on that they may not get the rest of the year, like apple wood sticks.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 37

Maybe your cavy is longing for a new igloo, which provides them with an undercover area where they can burrow and nest. Colored or flavored salt licks provide some holiday cheer in their cage.

Out of cage experiences, such as hamster balls, are not as popular as they once were. “People want to be able to put their hands on their animals,” said Sutherland. “People are getting what are called playpens, little areas that have fencing around it to allow the animal to interact or play with you without getting out of reach.”

Items can be bought individually or, as offered by The Dog Cage, as a fully prepared gift basket. “We make nice gift baskets with toys and different things, arranged in a paw print box with paw print ribbon and wrapping. They make great gifts to family members that have dogs,” said Giknis.

She prepares baskets for dogs and cats alike.

Gifts can be wrapped and put under the tree, but this presents its own challenges. This writer has rarely had a catnip toy survive being wrapped and put under a tree to wait until Christmas morning. Putting together a stocking for your favorite critter is a fun way to put all your pet’s goodies in one spot, and is an easy activity younger children can help with.

While it may be tempting to hang your pet’s stocking alongside those of other family members, remember animals can be sneaky about getting their goodies. Depending on the personality of the pets involved, it may be best to hang the stockings empty or keep presents with strong scents under lock and key until Christmas morning.

Last but not least, don’t forget the birds who forgo a trip to warmer climes in the winter.

“We have people who don’t have indoor pets, but get something for their wild birds,” said Sutherland. “People get wreaths made out of seed and suet, and the birds love them.”

Shapes include Christmas bells, tree ornaments and other decorations, bird houses, and the popular Christmas wreath.

“They’re popular because they’re decorative but it’s also fun to watch the birds. In the winter, the birds are needing more and more energy, so the high energy seed and suet draws them in. You’ll get some pretty colored birds like cardinals,” said Sutherland.

When it comes to our pets and the holidays, there’s a wide array of toys, snacks and gear for all creatures great and small. Be sure to include your furry family member in the joy of the season.

Resist the urge to give pets as gifts In the whirlwind of the holiday spirit, people may be tempted to give the gift of a pet for Christmas. But the holidays are not the best time to introduce a new four-legged member of the house, said Pam Rock, shelter manager at the North Country SPCA in Westport, NY. “Around the holidays, there’s a lot of family, lots of people, and it can get very hectic,” said Rock. “Transitioning an animal into a home is a scary challenge for that animal to begin with. Add in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, and it’s not such a good idea to give a pet as a Christmas present, for the sake of the people adopting the pet and the pet itself.”

In addition, the winter months can make things like housebreaking a puppy even more of a challenge. The ability to spend time outside getting exercise might be limited due to weather at a time when a young animal would most benefit from expending some extra energy instead of, say, chewing your furniture.

Rock said she’s seen people walk through the shelter and say they’d like to give someone a puppy for Christmas. “We suggest they wait until after the holidays and rethink it,” said Rock. “It’s always a spur of the moment idea. We’ve seen after the rush of the holiday is over, a few animals being surrendered (to the shelter) for one reason or another, that it just wasn’t working out.”

In short, save the excitement of a new pet for when the household is in its regular routine and everyone can take the time to acclimate to each other. Setting yourself up for success will result in happier, better adjusted pets and a more harmonious household.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 39

Gwenn and Copper

DESTINATION

V

By Elicia Mailhiot

ermonter Gwenn Bogart has always had a love of animals, and her professional careers have long reflected that connection.

Bogart, 57, is a native of Manchester, a small resort town nestled in the green mountains of southern Vermont. Throughout her life, her work has involved animals, from horsemanship to founding an international breast cancer support group called “Casting for Recovery� that uses fly fishing for both mental and physical recovery.

In March, Bogart and her animals, this time a pack of sled dogs, will join 70 other individuals in hopes of completing the Iditarod. The last Vermonter to compete in the race was Bruce Linton of Morrisville back in 2007.

The annual Alaskan race, which spans nearly 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, began in 1973 as an event to test the best sled dog mushers. Today, following a ceremonial start in Anchorage, the journey begins with a restart in Willow. From there, the race runs through the Rainy Pass of the Alaska Range into widely separated towns and villages and along the shore of the Bering Sea, until it finally reaches the western town of Nome.

40 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

Bogart began training for the 2014 Iditarod in March of that year, alongside Lanier and Ray Redington Jr., grandson of Iditarod founder Joe Redington Sr. While Bogart failed to qualify for the 2014 race, her dreams have become a reality for 2015.

In order to qualify, mushers must race and finish 750 miles in good standing, including one race that is a minimum of 300 miles long.

Bogart’s journey began with the Sheep Mountain 200/300, where she and a team of Northern White’s finished fourth in March of 2013.

“The start of any dog race is a scene of total chaos. The dogs, all amped up, bark and leap, lunging in their harnesses,” she said.

“The cacophony is loud, very loud and as a rookie musher the ‘all of it’ worked on undoing me, as nerves were already on edge. But, I kept my head clear and did not let it undo me and stayed calm within myself.”

A Dream Come True The trail winds through a harsh landscape of tundra and forests, over hills and mountain passes, and across rivers. While most of the events’ competitors hail from Alaska, the race draws individuals from as far as Germany and across the United States.

Bogart first started thinking about running in the Iditarod in 2009 after traveling to Alaska to watch the race. Shortly after, she relocated to Wasilla, Alaska, following her engagement to former Iditarod Air Force member Dave Bogart.

In 2012, she realized she had a “burning desire” to mush dogs and was given the opportunity to work alongside Iditarod veteran Jim Lanier to learn the sport. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

200 miles and nearly two days later, Bogart’s team crossed the finish line, successfully completing their first Iditarod qualifier.

“As the finish line came into view I had that heart swelling feeling again and made a mental note again, of how lucky I am to be alive and able to do what I love to do,” she said.

Bogart’s next race was the Copper Basin 300, Alaska’s toughest 300-mile dog sled race, this past January.

“Many Iditarod mushers said when they asked me what races I had entered that if you can complete the Copper, then you can do the Iditarod,” she said.

Again, Bogart successfully completed the qualifier, leaving one more 300-mile race between her and the Iditarod. Originally, Bogart planned to race in the Yukon Quest, but pulled out after her success in the Copper Basin in favor of the Northern Lights 300.

After a heat wave forced the race to be cancelled, Bogart began to worry about her time to qualify. The Iditarod committee allowed rookies to sign up for the event, although their participation was dependent on their completion of a second 300-mile race prior to the event. For 2015, Bogart plans to compete once again in the Copper Basin, the Northern Lights 300, and if needed, the Yukon Quest 300.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 41

The total cost to participate can exceed $20,000. It costs mushers $3,000 to enter, roughly $6,000 to feed their team, and other costs go towards the mushers gear and the dogs, who suit up in jackets and booties, which cost just $1 each but go through several thousand throughout the year.

For the race, Bogart will wear custom snow pants over down pants, a fur lined parka over two down jackets, and small cotton gloves under larger beaver skin mittens. The key, she said, is to use fur, which is both insulating and wind-proof.

The Last Great Race Just what is Bogart in for throughout the race? Unpredictable weather patterns have often been found on the trail. During last year’s race, warm conditions on one end of the trail forced sleds to break apart and even crash, while on the other side, white-out conditions on the Bering Sea forced competitors to seek help, including four-time Iditarod winner Jeff King.

Top competitors finish the race in 8-9 days, while most mushers take between 12-14. There are 23 checkpoints mushers must stop at where dog handlers will meet them.

For the most part, the race is a solitary effort, with no contact with anyone but handlers at the checkpoints.

The Cost of Doing Business In addition to the physical component of the race, cost is also a large factor in participation. Bogart secured a team of 14 dogs from veteran Iditarod racer Jason Mackey that she has been training with over the course of the year.

Typical early-season training involves three days straight of 7-10 mph travel for up to 10 miles. Eventually, the team trains three days in a row with 40-75 miles each day at 8-10 mph, including long stretches of camping, which is a key component of racing.

The “last great race” is truly a journey of dogs and mushers against the elements, a journey that Bogart and her team are ready for come March 7. For more information on Bogart and to track her journey to the Iditarod, visit gwennsmushpuppies.com

“It is still dark here in Alaska at 6 am. Getting the team ready in the dark possesses its own challenges, but it is no different than working throughout the long dark winter days we have already been through,” said Bogart. “All the training in the dark pays off as races are no different.”

Food is also a costly component. While Bogart has secured several sponsors, that money only covers a small portion of the cost. High octane foods are required for canine athletes to run at peak performance. This includes high protein kibble and raw meats, from chicken and beef to moose and beaver when Bogart can get it, for the 20 dogs she trains, although she can only use 16 for the Iditarod. When dogs are training, they typically burn 10,000 calories daily, she said, and need the extra energy to run in extreme cold temperatures, oftentimes ranging from -30 degrees to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

42 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

As the year comes to an end and a new one approaches, the staff at Parker’s Classic Autoworks would like to thank all of our customers, past and future for allowing us to serve them. We want to again let the comsumer know we are here to help them.

We are always here if you have questions, and, you are always welcome.

We work for you. Your vehicle is your investment. We do not work for the Insurance company.

As the holidays draw near Mike, Val, Katrina, and the staff at Parker’s wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a bright new year.

57050

Professionalism, Excellence And Integrity At Every Turn

To learn more visit our website. parkersauto.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 43

44 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 45

Andy Hoffman on Chillar Pillar, Wilmington, NY. Photo by Emilie Drinkwater.

Sheer Excitement Ice Climbing History

by Teah Dowling

46 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

Lori Crowningshield high above Avalanche Lake on Avalanche Mountain Gully. photo by Emilie Drinkwater.

47northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 47

Ice Climbing Spots “There’s a lot of good climbing sites in the area,” Palin said. “We have everything - long routes, short routes, steep routes, easy routes - you name it.”

• Chapel Pond • Roaring Brook Falls • Cascade Pass • Pitchoff North Face • Poke-O-Moonshine

Pictured is the 250-foot long by 75-foot high ice climbing park at Rock and River Guide Service in Keene.

Ice climbing evolved out of rock climbing and other mountaineering activities. Rock climbers had to learn how to navigate through icy and slippery areas in high altitudes as they worked their way up a mountain or rock wall. Climbers, eventually, began to develop specialized tools and gear to get through icy spots, starting in the early 1900s.

Oscar Eckenstein, a climber, birthed the sport of ice climbing in 1908 when he designed footed claws called crampons that fit into the bottom of a boot, allowing a climber to gain traction on the ice. In the 1930s, climber Laurent Grivel added sharp fangs that jutted out in front of the crampons that allowed climbers to navigate on steeper ice.

Besides footwear, Yvon Chouinard revolutionized the design of axes in the 1960s. First, he shortened the traditional 25-inch mountaineering axe down to 22 inches. Then, he changed the shape of the traditional pick, which, at that time, was straight at a shallow angle to the axe’s shaft. The shallow angle worked for regular snow climbing but wasn’t effective on steeper snow and ice, and his curved pick entered and released from the ice easier.

“There’s been a lot of growth in ice climbing,” explained Jesse Williams, owner and guide of Cloudsplitter Mountain Guides. “I think part of it is because it’s more comfortable, and the equipment is better.”

48 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Ice Climbing Equipment • Insulated water bottle covers or thermos • 12-point crampons • Two ice axes or ice tools • Harness • Ice screws • Helmet

Different Ice Types “It’s really fun trying to read the ice, tell the different colors, tell the thinness and the thickness, the softness and the hardness,” said Ed Palin, owner of Adirondack Rock and River Guide Service. “It turns out to be very exhilarating.”

In the mountains, ice forms two ways: alpine ice and water ice.

Alpine ice starts as snow and, over time, consolidates into hardpacked ice, sometimes called blue ice. Water ice, which forms anywhere you find runoff or seepage, may melt and freeze, form over snow, create large bumps and ridges and turn into icicles.

Other types of ice includes hard ice, solid ice, white ice, brittle ice and chandelier ice. Hard ice is very cold ice packed with gravel and dirt, and a climber needs to use a lot of strength to penetrate this ice with the pick. Solid ice tends to look blue or blue-green, and it may be stained yellow from minerals. ncliving@denpubs.com

White ice is filled with air, and it’s easy to climb, but it may not support ice screws, similar to chandelier ice, which is actually hundreds of fused icicles. Brittle ice tends to break off in plates when swinging a tool into it, and climbers call this dinner plating.

Sometimes dinner plating can be prevented by using a light topping method with a pick to gently get it into the ice, but if plating is inevitable, the climber may want to swing the ice with force to clear everything in one go, one of the very many techniques ice climbers use when climbing.

Two Ice Climbs When ice climbing, there are two different types of climbs one can do, which are top roping and leading.

Top roping is a style in climbing in which a rope, used for the climber’s safety, runs from a belayer at the foot of a route through one or more carabiners connected to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the climber, usually attaching to the climber by means of a harness.

“Top roping is when you go to the top of a cliff, attach the rope to a tree, drop both ends of the rope and walk back to the bottom,” Palin says. “One end is used for the belayer, and the other end is used for the climber, so it’s just like climbing in a rock gym.”

Leading requires a leader and a follower. This ice climbing technique entails placing protective devices, known as ice screws, while ascending. In doing so, leading is done in sections.

The leader places the devices as they climb until they reach the top of a pitch. At the top, the leader builds a belay anchor with which to belay the second climber. While the second climbs, they remove the ice screw devices placed by the leader. When the second climber finishes, they both proceed to the second pitch.

Dan Lynch climbing Mineville Pillar

“When you lead climb, the rope is below you so you have to put protection in as you go, but you are above your protection, so if you fall, you might fall 20 feet,” Palin says. “Leading is much more dangerous.”

Carrying an avalanche beacon is also useful by assisting rescuers in locating the climber or their friends should they end up in that scary situation. Another protection one needs is proper ice climbing clothing.

Ice Climbing Precautions

Ice Climbing Clothes

“The risk is pretty much managed,” Williams says. “But public perception is that it’s somewhat risky.”

“You pretty much dress the same as you would for downhill skiing,” Williams said. “In downhill skiing, you use a lot of the same natural or synthetic fabrics that are warm and water and wind resistant.”

Avalanches can happen without warning, and there’s also always the risk of falling into a deep crevasse, hidden by a layer of snow, but the biggest precaution an ice climber must take with climbing is employing fall protection, which is were belays come in.

In fixed belaying, the climber wears a harness with a rope attached. The rope prevents them from falling very far in case of a slip. Climbers usually belay in pairs with a designated partner who remains on the ground and controls the rope, but if more than one person climbs, they employ running belays.

Climbers should always carry first aid kits and should consider carrying around a handheld GPS device as well as a map and compass to help find your way into or out of the deep wilderness. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

• Soft or hard shell jacket and pants • Fleece or wool underwear and layers - tops and bottoms • A thick, insulated belay jacket with hood • Several pairs of thin and thick synthetic and insulated gloves • Synthetic wool hat • Plastic double-boots insulated with plastic outer boot • Fleece balaclava if it’s really cold • Polycarbonate or plastic safety lenses CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 49

Cloudsplitter Mountain Guides Cloudsplitter Mountain Guides offers private mountain guiding, rock and ice climbing and instruction, High Peaks summit climbs, back country ski tours and selected alpine climbing opportunities with their AMGA certified guides and instructors located in Keene Valley.

“Cloudsplitter is a guide service that both my wife and I operate, and we are both climbing and mountain guides,” Williams said.

“We work nationally and internationally, but we’re based out of the Adirondacks.”

Cloudsplitter Mountain Guides is a small, owner-operated service. As such, they are often out in the field, devoting full attention to that day’s objectives and may be difficult to reach during business hours.

Rob Shaw climbing above the beaver pond on the north side of Pitchoff Mountain little pump in it and pump water up to the top of a 75-foot cliff,” Palin says. “We drip water out of pipes and shower heads on top of the cliff, making ice routes, and then we teach ice climbing there.”

To book a guide, contact them directly at 518-576-2041.

Mornings before 9 a.m. and evenings are best. For more information, visit their website at rockandriver.com.

“Some people think it wouldn’t be fun, and then they try it, and then they’re hooked for life,” Palin said. “It really is enjoyable.”

To find out more about programs, seasons or rates, visit their website at www.cloudsplitterguides.com. Contact Williams at 518-569-8910 or jesse@cloudsplitterguides.com to make a reservation or learn more.

“I think the people that like it like the winter environment. The same way skiers like snow, ice climbers like ice,” Williams said.

“I think people like ice climbing and all climbing just because it’s very engaging, and it allows them to live in the present.”

Rock And River Adirondack Rock and River operates a full-service lodging and guiding facility that is open to all outdoor lovers year-round since 1988. They’re located in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks on the outskirts of Keene, NY. Its guide service is one of the largest and most renowned in the region. The guided disciplines include rock climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, slide climbing, backcountry skiing and ice climbing.

Opened in 2007, the 250-foot long, 75-foot high ice climbing park has become extremely popular throughout the winter.

Consisting of numerous ice climbs of all difficulty levels, this site can hold up to 10 ropes at a time.

“There’s a stream that goes along the base of it, and we put a 50 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Jake Weissman standing underneath ‘Positive Thinking’ at Poke-O-Moonshine ncliving@denpubs.com

51northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 51

53northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 53

A WINTER TRADITION The history of a quirky winter carnival in an all-American town

By Pete DeMola SARANAC LAKE — For residents of this former logging town, some traditions never die — they’re just frozen in Lake Flower and thawed out each year for the east coast’s longest-running winter carnival.

Each winter for 10 days, this small village seven miles from Lake Placid hosts a constellation of more than 100 events spread across the frigid landscape, including three sets of fireworks, parades, musical performances and demonstrations from a wide variety of local organizations, from woodmen to women tossing custom-designed frying pans.

BEGINNINGS While it may be easy for newcomers to lump the carnival in with the flotilla of one-off wintertime events that dot the North Country, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has a long and storied history speckled with a cast of colorful characters and quirky traditions.

“People tended to make their own fun, like stage sets for festivities,” said Harrietstown Historian Mary Hotaling on the roots of late-nineteenth century community events. “It was the way 54 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Blast off! Each year, the carnival launches with a grandiose fireworks display over the Ice Palace. This year, the carnival will celebrate its 118th anniversary with a burst of fireworks over the ice palace on Feb. 6, 2015.

that people tended to entertain themselves.”

The first record of a wintertime gathering in Saranac Lake was a blurb in the Feb. 25, 1897 edition of the Essex County Republican that mentioned a “fancy dress gathering” held by a group called the Pontiac Club in February 1897.

About 100 people attended, dressed in masquerade-type attire, to watch a hockey match. Little else is known and it wasn’t until the following year that the events morphed into a singular carnival that included a boys-only “prize fancy skating contest,” an exhibition by visiting professional figure skaters from Utica, a “hocking match” and the “grand illuminating and storming of the ice fortress.”

Festivalgoers would pretend to storm the fortress like a castle, said Andy Flynn, a local journalist and author who’s become something of an expert on the history of the carnival. “Different groups would storm in from different angles,” said Flynn, author of Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Memories, describing an activity that was in fashion at the time. Flynn said the carnival’s modern-day fireworks that draw upwards of 10,000 spectators still contain echoes of wartime displays.

The crowd watches the opening fireworks from behind, he said. And during the closing, the public is assembled in the middle of the action. “It’s an immersive experience and two of the carnival’s biggest highlights.” ncliving@denpubs.com

PALACE

Despite it’s now-iconic status as an unimpeachable wintertime mainstay, the carnival hasn’t beckoned residents out into the frost every year. There were gaps from the 1920s until the late 1940s when the town fell silent due to both World War II and what historical documents provided by Historic Saranac Lake, a local nonprofit, refer to as “a lack of proper leadership.”

However, it was resurrected in the winter of 1947-48 and has been held annually ever since.

The Ice Palace, which wasn’t constructed for a 35 year period between 1920 and 1954, has also been a mainstay since the time when the carnival’s parade consisted of sleek convertibles with tailight fins hummed down a snowpacked Ampersand Avenue.

While the first ice palace constructed in North America was in Montreal in 1883, Saranac Lake may hold the honor of hosting the first that was illuminated with electricity. No one seems to know if it was the oldest usage of “colored electric lights” and surprisingly enough, historical records don’t indicate casualties from the then-uncommon usage of threading blocks of ice with electrical currents.

The fireworks display is still referred to as “storming” and the fireworks display goes up and over the palace, which is now constructed by an all-volunteer committee as opposed to the architects, many of whom came to the village for tuberculosis cures, who oversaw the earlier construction efforts.

Rock star names like William L. Coultier, a New Yorker who designed many of the Adirondack Great Camps and local attractions (including Park Street’s “The Porcupine” and Camp Eagle Island) and his contemporary William G. Distin, have now given way to names like Dean Baker, Jeff Branch and Robin Johnson, the area residents who head the building committee that is informally known as the Ice Palace Workers 101, or IPW 101.

“Modern equipment is used for the heavy lifting,” said event spokeswoman Colleen O’Neill, “but traditional manual methods are also practiced, including the usage of antique hand saws and ice tongs.”

KINGS AND QUEENS

On a broader level, the event that Parade magazine ranked among North America’s “coolest winter festivals” is a peoplepowered effort organized by the all-volunteer Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Committee, a group of volunteers.

It wasn’t always this way. The committee was formed only within living memory as a way to foster a sense of civic pride, said O’Neill.

“They can be as diverse as organizing a major community event or as seemingly minor as shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk,” she said. “The assembly is seeking people who help others independently, not necessarily people who are in professions that help or care for others.”

This extends to the selection of a royal court that was once restricted to television personalities, celebrities with ties to the area and winners of contests like the Ms. Rheingold Canadian Beer Queen, said Michelle Tucker, curator for the Saranac Lake Library Adirondack Research Room.

In 1947, Queen Jean Keating was crowned by famed local hermit Noah John Rondeau, who become something of a novelty, appearing again in 1950 and even coronated the Archbishop in 1951.

In 2013, the king was Lee Foster and the queen was Cherie Racette. In 2014, the king was Jeffrey Branch, the queen Dorothy Metz.

Reflecting the more democratic process of the time, the public is now asked for nominations. Most have a longstanding history of volunteering in the community, said O’Neill. Past kings and queens chime in at a meeting at a “secret location” (with voting done by secret ballot) and the winners are announced towards the kickoff date.

After their coronation and opening feast, the court will attend key events dressed in royal garb and receive a warm reception from the peasantry. “When you see them walking around, CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

Another manual process which is critical to the construction, said O’Neill, is making slush, a mixture of water and snow.

The slush forms the mortar which holds the Ice Palace together. IPW 101 workers then fill buckets with water, pound in snow, carry it to the palace walls and apply the slush.

Construction of palaces typically begin two weeks before the carnival launch and continue right up until fireworks blast off.

Other contemporary additions to the carnival include buttons — local cartoonist Garry Trudeau has been designing them regularly since 1981, most of them based on his popular Doonesbury comic strip — and themes, with last year’s tackling a Celtic aesthetic, joining the fray in 1964. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Like with any American pasttime, the carnival also includes a parade down the town’s main drag.

Residents are encouraged to design floats in accordance with the year’s theme.

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 55

INTO THE FUTURE As the carnival enters its third century of attracting throngs to the area, the event continues to be a boon for the local economy. The Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce said that the village sees a fairly large increase from its members as compared to the rest of the winter.

“Lodging properties are hustling and bustling and we’re seeing a spike for both weekends,” said Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce Chief Katy Van Anden.

The event, she said, has been given a boost from being rated second in the country by National Geographic overall, right behind Anchorage, Alaska.

This year the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival will celebrate its’ 118th anniversary when it opens Feb. 6, 2015 with a burst of fireworks. It will continue until Feb. 15.

“We’ll see economic stimulus until the end of February when the ice palace comes down,” said Van Andren, noting that the chamber receives calls throughout the end of winter from people asking if they can still catch a glimpse of the renewed history that is recycled back into Lake Flower year after year.

But before the lake reclaims the castle, we’ve got 10 days of events that are still being fleshed out. “We have lots on the schedule and more coming daily,” said O’Neill. “And it will only get better.”

For more information on the

2015 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival

including a complete schedule of this year’s events visit: saranaclakewintercarnival.com

PHOTOS: Saranac Lake’s Winter Carnival also incorporates winter sports and athletic events.

Here, kids take off at a cross country ski race at Dewey Mountain Recreational Center.

The outhouse races are a popular part of the Lake George Winter Carnival. This years races take place during the first weekend, Feb. 7-8.

Rotary Dancers perform at the conclusion of last year’s Rotary Show, just one of the dozens of performances that bring the nation’s quirkiest carnival to life.

Saranac Lake photos by Mark Kurtz, Mark Kurtz Photography 56 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

Lake George Winter Carnival Also Has Storied Past

By Pete DeMola LAKE GEORGE — Not to be outshone by it’s quirkier neighbor in Saranac Lake, the Queen of American Lakes also turns powder into potential.

The First Annual Lake George Winter Carnival saw its debut in 1961.

The event, which bills itself as a celebration of all the great Adirondack wintertime outdoor activities, runs each weekend in February.

Opening ceremonies this year will take place Feb. 7 with a parade following down Main Street.

Activities include outhouse races, chili cook-offs, bonfires, giant snowslides, motorcycle races, snowmobile rides and more.

Those with a knack for danger can participate in the polar plunge, which takes place this year Feb. 14 at the Shepard’s Park Beach. That event usually sees waves upon waves of adrenaline-fueled warriors piling into Lake George for an invigorating wake-me-up.

Since the Lake George Winter Carnival is run entirely by volunteers, new faces are always in high demand. Organizers encourage anyone and everyone to get involved. To do so, call 518-240-0809.

For the full schedule of events, visit lakegeorgewintercarnival.com/schedule

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 57

58 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

A Husky Powered Passion

By Andrew Johnstone

I

n 1976, a husky named Tasha was dropped off on the doorstep of Mike Arnold, starting a passion for dog sledding that he, along with his son, have been sharing ever since.

Now, his son AJ Arnold has been at it for 30 years — “since the day he was born,” laughs Mike. Dog sledding is, after all, a family business for the Arnolds, and the two are ready for winter.

Once Mirror Lake, right in the heart of Lake Placid, begins to ice over, the two keep an eye on thickness and wait. As soon as it hits four inches (though often closer to six for good measure), the father-son team sets up near the Golden Arrow Hotel and prepares for a busy winter. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday and holidays, the two—along with seven to eight huskies at a time—give customers an experience that dates back in the Adirondacks long before the Arnolds navigated sleds. Mike explains that dog sledding in the village has a century-long history, highlighted by a 5,000 mile dogsled trek that ended in a pre-Olympic Lake Placid.

In the early 1900s, a French painter named Jacques Suzanne was said to have traveled by dogsled from Siberia to Lake Placid, crossing the Arctic on his way to complete a journey that went down in local infamy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 59

He settled there and began offering dogsled rides in the village, firmly entrenching the tradition of husky teams shuttling both locals and visitors on the lake and around the town. Dog sledding was even featured as a demonstration sport in the 1932 Winter Olympics.

In those times, says Mike, 15-20 teams operated in the village, and not just on the lake, but between hotels and businesses as well. The dogsled saturation has since decreased, but today the Arnolds help keep the spirit alive half a mile at a time.

When Tasha arrived at Mike’s door, dog sledding started off as a hobby, but after about five years, the then-Mirror Lake dogsled man “disappeared.” Mike stepped in and soon after his young son AJ joined him. They’ve been a constant on the frozen body of water ever since.

In an eight hour day, the two travel about 35 miles, though no one single dog will log that distance. Of their 22 huskies, 10-12 make the trip from Vermontville (where Mike lives) and Merrillsville (home to AJ and his wife Annie) to Lake Placid on sledding days. Of that group, AJ and Mike run the dogs in a rotation, giving each breaks throughout the day.

Not that they need it. Huskies are born to run, even more so when it’s frigid.

The “Fuzzy Musher,” as AJ Arnold calls him. Of the nearly two dozen huskies that make up the team, two live with AJ and his wife Annie. They go by Atticus and Finch.

60 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Iditarod teams will run in the area of 100 miles in a day through Alaskan cold, and in the Adirondacks, they’re right at home.

ncliving@denpubs.com

“Zero degrees to -20° is their comfort zone,” says Mike.

“They survive in -70°, -80,° ” adds AJ. This past winter, a letter to the editor in the Lake Placid News referred to the operation as “cruel” because sled dogs were outdoors in winter temperatures. However, these animals are a far cry from a Labrador.

“Where do the coyotes live in the winter?” asked AJ. “Where do the wolves live?”

If anything, it’s the Adirondack summer that offer the dogs what Mike jokingly refers to as their “hibernation,” or when they slow down and relax until the next winter.

“Most of them dig a hole and live under the dog house in the summer,” says Mike. “In the winter they sleep on the roof.”

The two have had some memorable rides on the lake, including trips with local weatherman Tom Messner, The Weather Channel’s Stephanie Abrams (who also drove the sled) and Olympic figure skating silver medalist Nancy Kerrigan.

Though Mirror Lake is certainly the hub of local dog sledding (another team operates on Mirror Lake from nearby High Peaks Resort), Mike and AJ haven’t limited themselves to the village.

They’ve taken their dogsled to Marcy Dam and beyond, reaching Lake Colden as well as the summit of Little Marcy. Such trips, as well as one the length of Lake Placid to the base of Whiteface Mountain, are available privately for anyone hardy enough for a more authentic dog sledding trip.

massive snow structure shaped like a husky one winter.

When it comes down to it, though, it’s a love for the dogs and sharing the winter with them. AJ grins when bringing up skijoring, or trading the sled for a pair of skis.

“It works with two dogs,” says AJ. “But it’s great behind eight or nine of them.”

When asked about their dogs, the names began pouring out.

Rocket (the leader), Atticus and Finch (AJ’s personal dogs that come out to run) and Buster, who loved to run until he was 16 and lived until 18 or 19 years old.

“They stay healthy if they keep moving,” explains Mike.

Come winter, as the ice starts to form, the Arnolds will be out there, getting ready for their husky-powered passion. Whether a lap around a frozen lake or a jaunt into the woods, the two seem to spend their summers waiting for the ice to form and the snow to fall.

“It’s a vacation all winter,” says Mike.

“It’s a dream job,” adds AJ. “I love it, the thrill of it... I can’t wait.”

For more information on the Arnolds’ dog sledding trips, visit www.dogsledlakeplacid.com

While bigger trips are out there, the two speak of a unique atmosphere just beyond Main Street.

“It’s the other Lake Placid,” says AJ. Over the years, scores of dogsled teams have traveled the lake and even a hot air balloon once used the frozen ice. Now, there’s the toboggan chute, ice hockey rinks, and a skating loop. Mike and AJ build quinzhee huts—igloos made entirely of snow—right on the lake for fun in between riding times, including a

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

People need a little more help staying warm than the huskies. Pictured are three of the Arnolds’ snow forts over the last several years. Photos provided.

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 61

62 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 63

What makes your business unique?

Our seasonal fruits and vegetables add sort of a community offering to the business, Al is good at growing things and people really enjoy it. Our biggest component is that we are open from May to December, 7 days a week. We sell apples all year and grow everything that is on the property. We have so many different varieties of apples, it makes us very versatile.

We like to invite the community in to talk with us, learn with us, and taste! We are always open to suggestions and it is so fun when everyone is there to discuss things with customers.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

I think it is important that the community supports each other.

We work hard to shop locally ourselves. When you shop local, it is a great product, from great people. You know exactly what you are getting and who you are getting it from. I think we have lost that as a society. It is the best way to get to know your community and for them to get to know you. We try hard to give a good product and get to know the people of our community because we wouldn’t be here without them.

What is a popular product of yours during the holiday season?

With the holiday season upon us, we here at North Country Living Magazine would like to take the opportunity to encourage our readers to spend their dollars with local merchants, where money will stay in our local communities.

With that in mind, we have questioned a number of businesses who advertise in this local homegrown magazine about what special and unique products or services they offer, as well as their own thoughts on the importance of buying local.

We hope you find their answers helpful when shopping this holiday season.

NORTHERN ORCHARD PERU, NY

Open May-December, 7 days a week, 9 am to 6 pm.

Peru, NY’s Northern Orchard has their apple trees (and entire business) rooted in family tradition. The Mulburys have had the orchard since the 1940’s when Al Mulbury’s father first purchased the business. Since then, it has been handed down to Al and his wife, Cindy, who’s children now also have a hand in keeping things running smoothly. The orchard itself is a wholesale business with over 40 different kinds of apples to be chosen from. Since the orchard was passed to them, Mulburys have also added a farmstand along the railroad track at the bottom of the hill which sells fresh, colorful fruits and veggies with the help of Al’s greenthumb. This three-generation gig the Mulburys have going has Cindy thinking- “it seems to be in everyone’s blood.”

64 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Our Christmas trees are the most seasonally popular product.

We grow and cut them ourselves. As for gifts, I make wax candles and honey from the bees we keep on the property. We try to use everything we have and share it with the community.

BIG APPLE AUDIO PLATTSBURGH, NY

Open 8 am to 5 pm Mon/Tues, 8 am to 7 pm Wed/Thurs, 8 am to 6 pm Fri, 8 am to 12 pm Saturday.

Bill Ferris, owner of Big Apple Audio in Plattsburgh, NY, has quality and longevity as top priorities when stocking his store. The electronic and audio business, opened in 2002, strives to provide its customers and their vehicles with reasonably priced, top of the line products that will keep them satisfied and coming back for more. Ferris said that his service-oriented team gives customers that little something extra compared to the big box stores. Big Apple Audio doesn’t want to be a place where customers walk in and out of after finding what they need, they are there to help and share what they know about this specialized kind of service.

What do you offer that puts you a step above the competition?

We are friendly and easy to get along with. Our full line of in stock items give customers a lot to choose from. We also offer ncliving@denpubs.com

Crown Rust Prevention, the number one rust prevention company in Canada. We like to use the good stuff, my store doesn’t deal with inexpensive, faulty products. There are a lot of brands out there but we avoid anything we see to be poorly made or cheap. In the long run, customers are happier and trust the service. We are striving for a long-lasting product, not here today, gone tomorrow.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

You aren’t just supporting a business, you are supporting an entire neighborhood. Almost my entire staff is from the region.

We all live here, you are supporting us and our families. You are supporting the community and their families, friends, and neighbors. The money you spend here, stays in this town.

Do you have a product that is especially popular during the holiday season?

The premiere holiday gift is definitely our remote control car starters-they are huge this time of year. For those husbands who maybe got their wives a starter already and think ‘What can I get her that she doesn’t have?’ We also offer auto detailing which is becoming very popular. People need their cars cleaned and in good condition, it turns out to be a great gift for someone you care about.

COUNTRY FLORIST TICONDEROGA, NY

Open 8:30 am to 5 pm M-F, 8:30 am to 1 pm Saturday.

Francine Burke has owned and operated the Country Florist since 1988. Though the store has moved a few times before settling in their Ticonderoga location seven years ago, the service and dedication has not changed a bit.

Burke, who first fell in love with horticulture at 4H camp, said that she has always loved growing flowers and being creative. The veteran florist shop services up to an hour radius and offers phone-orders as well as an online service through their website. The Country Florist is ready to bring flower power to your wedding, a special event, or just a bouquet to brighten your day.

What makes your store different than the average flower shop?

We work hard to create all of our own designs. We have everything from Adirondack style pieces to Contemporary or Victorian styles. Customer service is very close to our hearts and we take, create, and deliver whatever it is our patrons ask for. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

I feel very strongly that if you do not support local businesses, they can’t survive. Especially in a town like ours which is a tourist spot. During the winter is the slow season, and we need local businesses to thrive.

What do you offer during the holiday season that customers seem to gravitate towards?

We make our own fresh centerpieces with leafy greens which are perfect for the holiday season.

HOSS’ COUNTRY CORNER INDIAN LAKE, NY

Open 7 days a week, 9 am to 6 pm. Winter hours may vary.

Like a house becomes a home, a store became a staple with Hoss’ Country Corner. Before the store was bought by Lorrie and John Hosely in 1972, it had been a general store since 1929. Handed to them from Fred Freeman, John “Hoss” knew that the Long Lake legacy should be carried on. Mr. Freeman was like a second father to Jules, John and Lorrie’s daughter, so you could say the store is 3 generations strong. They specialize in Adirondack decor, local produce, and country commodities that make every visitor feel like a local.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

It is all about the survival of the business. We offer unique, Adirondack-oriented gifts that are more specialized than other places. You not only save gas and time but you save money when you shop local. You support local families and continue to give back to the businesses that exist in a small town.

What is unique about your shop?

We strive to provide an Adirondack experience. When you walk in, the first thing you smell is Balsam. It is a family-oriented atmosphere where we have a little bit of everything. We offer a destination tour of the Adirondacks. We sell books to groceries to clothing. People are coming back with their kids and then their grandkids. It’s a tourist spot and a local go-to helped by everyone who comes.

What is a product you sell during the holidays?

We feature a holiday selection that appeals to both locals and those just passing through town. We strive to offer homemade, locally crafted goods that represent the Adirondacks.

We have Woolrich, Wigwam, and Muck Boots products that are nationally known. We also sell local craft beer, Oscar’s meats and cheese, and various other locally produced goods that make great gifts around the holidays.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 66

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 65

RUNWAY 67

WARRENSBURG NY Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Tina Combs has always had a passion for fashion. After jumping around the country and manning her own fashion-merchandise website for 14 years, she ended up back where her husband was born and raised in Warrensburg, NY. The hip shop owner thought that the town could use a clothing store option that offered designer duds and that is exactly what she has delivered. Combs provides b r a n d names for knock out prices, as some customers leave with 7 items for under 100 dollars. Combs wishes to provide high end items for low prices and so far she has gone above and beyond that goal. As her store moves to a new location at 3982 Main Street on Nov. 1, followers can be sure the same department store brands will be displayed in the updated space.

What is unique about your store?

You can walk into this shop and get a $120 item for $20. I have an eye and a love for fabrics and labels and I try to find what I would wear and give it to the public. I want to provide an enjoyable experience to people that come in. Local business owners have a responsibility to give a unique encounter to customers and be a leader in the community as well.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

When you buy from a independent, locally owned business, 3 times more money stays in the community versus shopping at a chain store. If you choose to buy local, you stimulate job growth, fund more city services, and invest in neighborhood improvement/community development. Local character and one-of-a-kind shops are a part of what makes our town a great place to live.

What products fly off the shelves during the holidays?

Our faux-fur purses have been flying off the shelves, some sell for $20 and some are $15. We also offer an array of colorful scarves that are very popular during the holiday season and are great gifts as well.

66 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

KIMS COUNTRY CORNER INDIAN LAKE NY

Open Monday-Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

Kim’s Country Corner in Indian Lake, New York is a gift-giver’s go to for that special way to tell someone “I love you.” The shop houses countless types of signs, decor, and mementos that look like they came from hearts native to the Adirondacks.

Some items incite hysterical laughter while others pull at your heartstrings; it is the type of place that makes you call a friend and say “I saw something that reminded me of you.” Not only is the store a mecca for knick knack lovers, but Kim’s husband Dave also runs a full service flooring department (carpet, vinyl, wood, tile, linoleum etc.) aka Dave Ameden Floorcare. The Amedens pride themselves on their witty sense of humor and their open doors, creating a homey atmosphere that welcomes people from right in town or far from home.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

Shopping local not only keeps you tax dollars in you local government hence lowering you taxes it also gives local people jobs. The more money spent in each individual business the more money they can return to the community, i.e. donations, scholarship.

What makes you different from other country stores?

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail. We make handmade, stamped and painted tags, we go all out for our Christmas. We have an entire basket of hand painted tags that people can pick from. We have Christmas wreaths, kissing balls, crosses, all kinds of homemade crafts. I have always loved doing this, it takes away stress, I turned it into a business.

What is a popular product you sell during the holidays?

Our “Piece of the Adirondacks” ornaments are handmade with nature found in the Adirondack Park like rocks, bark, moss, cones etc. They are a little something different and a sentimental gift to anyone who holds a piece of these mountains in their heart.

ncliving@denpubs.com

TI PAINT

TICONDEROGA NY

ADIRONDACK COUNTRY STORE

Open 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Friday.

Ticonderoga Paint was one of the first stores in the town, dating back to 1950. Anne Charboneau, who says her father is who made the store what it is today, is happy to have taken the reigns in 2006.

The family that Ti Paint has created over the years is what keeps them in business.

Anne says the people they see perusing their shelves are the same people they see in the grocery store; in a small town where everyone knows your name, it is nice to know that Ti Paint is making neighborhood homes a nice place to be. Ti Paint not only lends a hand in the design process, but they truly want customers to feel happy with their selection, leaving locals coming back to the same place they have for over 50 years.

LAKE PLACID, NY

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

When you shop local you are choosing to tell that business that you like what they have to offer. You like their products and what they are doing. It keeps the money in town and keeps the circulation going, all coming back to the local shops.

What is your motto?

My dad’s motto was “old fashioned value” and I think our’s is “where you’re treated like family. We are vested in making sure people are genuinely happy. We see these people all the time, we care about what they think.

Do you have a product that is more popular during the holidays?

We have a large selection of Christmas decor and gifts. We sell a lot more of our supplies during the holidays, but our decor and knick knacks definitely fly off the shelves. I don’t even like to put them out too early because they sell so fast.

Open Monday-Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.

Winter hours may vary.

Joyce Teshoney has filled an old Victorian house with crafted, handmade items for 26 years, creating a truly remarkable collection of knick knacks, gifts, and more. As customers mosey through the store room by room, they embark on Teshoney’s treasure hunt. The shop owner had always wanted to do something of the sort, and when she first opened the store there wasn’t anything like it in her neck of the woods. The Adirondack Country store stays true to its name offering products that would show an outsider what the Adirondacks are all about. After two decades in the trade, Teshoney must be doing something right and she has loved every second of it.

What makes your store unique?

We try to find unique items and deal with local craftsmen. We even have some of our products custom made. Our customers know that if we don’t have it, we can get it for them.

I think it makes a big difference in the local economy and is good for everyone involved. It keeps people in town. They like that they can get something local and not from the mall and are more conscious of getting these handmade, American products.

Do you have an item that is especially popular during the holiday season?

Yes! We make gift baskets and crates filled with any products the customer would like. Our designer does a great job of putting together the items beautifully. We can work with customers on their prices points and create the basket together. Some we have done are balsam products, food baskets, coffee crates, and bath and body products. People have an awful lot of fun putting them together.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 67

OSCAR’S SMOKEHOUSE WARRENSBURG, NY

Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm

What is one of the biggest sellers during the holiday season?

Bacon. It is our most popular product in general but especially during the holidays. Breakfast is one of the most comforting meals, you’re not usually just cooking for you, you’re cooking it for a group of people close to you. Bacon is not just universally loved, but it is versatile. We had the Nuns of New Skete from Cambridge approach us with a “bacon cheesecake” that they made with our product and now we sell it in our store. It sounds weird, but it is delicious. It’s like that salty sweet combination when you eat popcorn and candy at the movies, it just works.

MOODY TREE FARM SARANAC LAKE, NY Oscar’s Smokehouse in Warrensburg, NY has been a long standing icon of the small Adirondack town. After a tragic fire in 2009, Oscar’s bounced back better than ever in just five months with the same community-minded attitude and highly sought after smoked meats. The smokehouse prides itself on its service, treating their customers as one big extended family. Even one of Oscar’s biggest fans, Rachael Ray, is treated like any normal member of the community. Manager of his family’s smokehouse, Joq Quintal, said he had wished he knew who Rachael was when she first came in years ago. Quintal thought he had missed a big opportunity when the customer behind Rachael told him who she was as she walked out of Oscar’s. Little did Joq know, that is exactly what the Food Network star loved most (other than their delicious products).

Within 5 minutes, before Rachel had even left Warrensburg, her team was on the phone with Oscar’s, asking about when they could be featured on her hit show. Rachael now uses Oscar’s products frequently both on the screen and off, and like the rest of their customers, she always comes back for more.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

We know the customers, we know what they like and who they are...we joke with them. When you buy local, you are supporting people that you already know. I only employ about 20 people here. It is like you’re helping your neighbor when you shop here. Oscar’s is a lot like “Cheers”, everybody really does know your name because to us, this is a personal thing.

We also want Oscar’s to be a destination of other local products, we don’t use local things because the companies are from here, we are using it because it is the best stuff around.

What do you think makes your business stand out over a big name company?

We are all about customer service, we do the service right in front of you, I think sometimes you lose that. You have to do more than just provide a good product, you have to provide a good experience. Our attitude is “Take your time and do what you want.” We aren’t a butcher shop or deli that just looks up and yells “NEXT!”

68 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Open November 1 through December 23 from 8 am to 7 pm (5 pm on Sunday). Call for holiday hours of operation.

Moody Tree Farm, located in Saranac Lake, NY, is home to the heavenly smelling Balsam Firs that we bring into our homes every Christmas. The family owned and operated business provides visitors with the traditional treecutting experience and their gift shop houses an array of trinkets that you can be sure won’t be a repeat under the tree. Debby Moody said that her family loves getting people in the Christmas Spirit and her favorite part of going to work everyday is seeing the smiling kids, excited to pick out their tree. If you can’t make it to the farm to experience the crisp, cool air and awakening scent of Balsam Firs, you can browse Moody Tree Farm products online! For the ninth year in a row, the Moodys welcome families near and far to make their farm a part of your Christmas tradition. Christmas cookies, an animal petting zoo, and knick-knack shopping gives moms, dads, and kids alike reason to find just what they’re looking for.

What makes your farm the place to be for Christmas trees?

It is more of a destination spot than anything else. People come here and spend a couple of hours. The kids can see the animals, the dads can pick the tree, and moms can drink hot cocoa while they shop. We have goats, chickens, pigs, cows, donkeys...we have everything. People come back year after year. It is a family business, too. My sister works here, my kids, my nieces and nephews, everyone.

ncliving@denpubs.com

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

Local shops hire local workers, keeping our families employed.

Keeping our local businesses and communities viable is the most important reason to shop locally this holiday season.

Statistically, nearly 40 percent of the yearly sales for small and mid-sized retailers take place within the last two months of the year. Local, small businesses depend on their holiday sales to keep their stores open the rest of the year.

What is a popular product that you offer during the holiday season?

I would say our “kissing balls” and holiday wreaths are special to our shop. Each wreath is decorated differently and we do custom orders for centerpieces as well. Everything is Adirondack and country-traditional style, people can pick and choose what they want and we fit their order as close to their wishes as possible.

What is a product that is special to your store?

We create custom made, handmade baskets. For example, our “pack-basket of greens” with skis inside. We put our own greens inside of the basket for a special gift. Everything is hand-crafted and exactly what the customer orders, we try to accommodate whatever kind of need they have.

REBECCA’S FLORIST AND COUNTRY STORE

WARRENSBURG, NY

Open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.

Main Street in Warrensburg got a little bit prettier when Becky WitzSwan decided to open up shop 5 years ago. The full-service florist is not only an artist of flower masterpieces, but she has an entire shop dedicated to country-chic decor, waiting to make your home cozier and just the right amount of cluttered. The horticulturist has an eye for design and is dedicated to her trade, which probably explains why her business is open 7 days a week, makes deliveries daily, and has a wedding to service just about every weekend. Witz-Swan has been a florist for over 25 years and it shows in the way that she listens to what her clients want and delivers stunning arrangements time and time again.

What is unique about Rebecca’s?

I’m not just a full service florist, I have a joint retail store as well.

The country home decor offers a lot more to the community. We have Amish-made hatches, curtains, home accessories, seasonal plants, lawn decor, cards, jewelry, clothing, scarves, hats, handbags, flags, soy candles, candy, and more! These items are made in the U.S. and most of them handcrafted as well.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

When consumers patronize local businesses, they are essentially giving money back to their local community.

Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, which enriches the whole community. Small businesses may not generate as much money as larger corporations but they are a major contributor to the strength of local townships. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

SUGAR AND SPICE COUNTRY SHOPPE

TICONDEROGA, NY

Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.

When teacher Robin McGrath had her daughter in 2006, she quickly became determined to find a living that would allow her to spend time with her new baby. In the past, McGrath had ran a small store out of her home and enjoyed every second of the adventure.

When the opportunity to rent a storefront in town was presented, McGrath knew that it was the right time. In November of 2007, Sugar and Spice Country Shoppe was born and has since lived happily on Montcalm Street in Ticonderoga, NY. The cozy country store welcomes visitors with its warm, seasonal scents of potpourri and a selection of crafted goods that would look good in any home.

What do you think sets Sugar and Spice apart from other stores of its kind?

We offer our customers an experience. There are candles burning, antique and primitive furnishings, Early American music playing and merchandise displayed throughout the store. It brings people a feeling of nostalgia. We attend wholesale market shows and take trips to Lancaster County, PA in order to fill our shop with one-of-a-kind items that bring them back to a simpler time.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

Shopping local is extremely important. I have always said, “we exist for you and we cannot exist without you.” Small mom and pop shops are suffering. We cannot stress enough why shopping local does make such a difference. We have to retrain locals to shop locally. We all have a hand in making a business successful and in making our downtowns what we hope they can be.

What is your most popular holiday product?

Every season our store changes. This is what keeps it unique.

We have popular items like our burlap wrapped candles and our balsam candles. We have numerous trees decorated with hundreds of ornaments and themes during the holiday. We also offer gourmet foods to taste and take home. The store is full of the holiday spirit as we offer handmade holiday decor, children’s toys, and an antique sleigh filled with goodies.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 69

and... in Vermont PANTON GENERAL STORE PANTON, VT.

They see shopping locally as supporting local people. In the shop, John Hamilton makes everything from scratch; that’s why they come here and they support us for that reason. Of course, we do have other products, such as imports from Italy because we are based around Italian cooking—but customers shop here because we are local and have what they’re looking for. We’re very thankful for their support.

What makes your business unique?

The Panton General Store at 3074 Jersey St. in Vergennes is a onestop-shopping destination for beer, wine pasta, potato salad and cold sandwiches. True to the spirit of a genuine New England general store, Panton General as all your need. Shop local and buy local products. New items are being added regularly. The store is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

DISTINCTIVE PAINT & INTERIOR

MIDDLEBURY, VT.

What makes your business unique?

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

Buying local and shopping local are helping to save our local community as well as the res of the state, said Linda Goodspeed, owner. The movement here in Vermont is helping everyone. It not only helps our local suppliers, but it also helps you, the buyer—because you’ll know it’s fresh and where it comes from—especially with agricultural products such as local syrup, eggs, even beefs.

You’ll know there’s nothing artificial added.

COSTELLO’S MARKET, MARBLE WORKS

MIDLEBURY, VT.

What makes your business unique?

Costello’s Market is western Vermont’s prime source for domestic and imported Italian products including proscuitto, salami, Buffalo mozarella, fresh seafood (like wild Alaskan salmon), salds, sandwiches, wines and much more. Costello’s also caters the events of your life. The shop is located at 99 Maple St. Suite 13A, in the Marble Works District, Middlebury.

Call 802-388-3385 for shop hours.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

We use all local products—Black River Produce provides many of our Vermont-grown greens. Also, we have a lot of local meats, such as chicken and hamburger. I’d say that our customers are conscious about buying local, said Carolyn Costello, co-owner.

70 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Distinctive Paint & Interior, located at 1396 U.S. Route 7 in Middlebury, is a prime supplier of your household paint needs in one place, including California Paints and Mythic Paint for all your household needs. You can find an extensive collection of window treatments to complete any room in your home, too, plus customize your window treatments using a wide array of fabrics. Whatever you imagine, it can be created just for you here. Give your tired floors a facelift and add value to your home with flooring and sundries. Affordable brands you know and trust will perfectly reflect the style you are going for when remodeling your interior. Call 802-388-2500 for directions and store hours.

Why do you think it is important to shop local?

Our economy and success are built on local business. If we’re not here, there is no choice—you’d have go drive miles to a big box store; that takes time, travel and resources. With a small store like ours, we know your name, we know your projects, and we’ll go the extra miles for you, said Connie Carroll, owner.

If we don’t have it, we can get it for you. The Buy Local movement in Vermont has helped us tremendously in recent years.

Vermonters are now far more concerned about natural resources in long-distance travel; they now think twice about driving to Burlington to shop. The customers we serve care very much about things like this. ncliving@denpubs.com

71northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 71

72 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 73

Local Flavor | J. Gallup Farms

Made in New York

By Thom Randall

‘Fickle Pickles’ - handmade in Warrensburg gains foodie fans

O

n summer days, the porch of a charming country bungalow on the north end of Main Street hosts a variety of baked goods and home-grown produce for passersby to admire and purchase.

Whether it’s a scrumptious baked pie, local maple syrup, jams, savory specialty breads, garden-raised tomatoes or corn straight out of the fields, area residents and visitors know that their selection from the home-based enterprise will be a welcome addition to a hearty meal.

Julie Gallup Harrington of J. Gallup Farms not only sells the produce and homemade delicacies on her porch in season, but also at four area farmers’ markets.

74 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

But during the chillier months, there’s some appetizing aromas wafting out of her chimney — as she continues to bake pies, cookies and other specialty baked goods according to her own recipes, with the finest in ingredients.

All of her food products are prepared in a certified commercial kitchen in her home.

In a recent visit, she was baking pies for local residents’ Thanksgiving feasts.

Harrington’s crumb-caramel-apple pie has earned hundreds of avid fans from nearby and afar, as well as her pies from all sorts of berries and fresh rhubarb. Other J. Gallup baked goods include her fruit buckles, raisin bread, cracked sunflower bread, turnovers, and maple-glazed cinnamon buns.

Most popular, however, are her “Fickle Pickles” which have brought her acclaim. On blogs, travel websites and in food reviews, people have praised their taste and texture. They’re crunchy with a balanced sweet-and-sour taste. Instead of being boiled, they are fresh-cured, so the delicate flavor of the savory dill and garlic spices is tantalizing.

Thirty years ago, Harrington’s mother-in-law at the time shared the recipe with Julie, and she began making the pickles for her children. Several years ago, she started selling them, and ncliving@denpubs.com

the public responded with enthusiasm.

“I started making the fresh pickles in summertime for my kids and they loved them,” she said.“Once people try a sample, they love them.”

They are so popular, that Harrington is now using about 10 bushels of local cucumbers per week to meet the ever-growing demand, she said.

“I get calls from people all summer long from Long Island, Staten Island and elsewhere in the Northeast asking me to ship them, but I can’t do it,” she said, noting that people who taste them have been known to buy up to six quarts on the spot.

To date, her Fickle Pickles — and her pickled eggs and pickled sausage — have been for sale on Harrington’s front porch or at the farmers’ markets in Chestertown, North Creek, Warrensburg, and Indian Lake. By next year she plans to have them available at specialty and gourmet food stores, and perhaps selected supermarkets.

Harrington is an experienced cook, having served as Chef at the Northwoods Lodge in Thurman, which she owned from 1994 to 2002.

She grew up in Thurman on the Gallup Farm, learning the art of raising healthy and flavorful vegetables, and preparing hearty food.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Her skills were honed through Warren County Cooperative Extension’s 4H youth program, learning not only cooking, canning and curing skills, but sewing and quilting too.

“We learned how to make everything from scratch,” she said with a smile. A selection of her quilts are routinely among the goods for sale on her porch during the summer season.

Harrington’s enterprise is located at 3952 Main St. in Warrensburg. She can be reached at 504-4033 or: j.gallupfarm@ gmail.com, she said.

“I’m so pleased the way people have responded to what I have to offer,” she said. “Preparing foods and quilts the way I do, selling them on my porch and at markets — is out of the box, and I enjoy it.” lEFT: Julie Gallup Harrington poses on her porch with some of the pies she has prepared for Thanksgiving meals. Harrington’s home-based enterprise has brought a measure of fame to her cooking, baking and sewing skills.

BELOW: Julie Gallup Harrington arranges pints and quarts of her home-crafted ‘Fickle Pickles’, which have become popular with residents of the southern Adirondacks and visitors from near and far — for their fresh, tangy sweet-and-sour flavor.

Photos by Thom Randall

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 75

Christmas Mass Schedule St. Issac Jogues

Christmas Chestertown:

Mass Family Mass, 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m Dec. 24 Schedule th

11 a.m. Christmas St. IssacDay Jogues

St. James, North Creek: Chestertown:

th Mass, p.m.

Dec.&247:30 Family9:30 Mass, 4 p.m. p.m Dec. 24th 9:30 a.m. 11 Christmas Day a.m. Christmas Day

St. James, North Creek:

New Mass, Year’s 9:30 Eve p.m. Dec. 24 a.m. Christmas Day & Day9:30Schedule th

(Feast of Mary, Mother of God)

Year’s St. New Isaac Jogues

Eve Chestertown: & Day Schedule

5:30 p.m. Wednesday Vigil

(Feast of Mary, Mother of God)

St. James, North Creek: St. Isaac Jogues Chestertown:

5:30 p.m. Wednesday Vigil

69489

10 a.m. Thursday

St. James, North Creek:

69489

10 a.m. Thursday

76 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

77northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 77

Nativity Knockout For one Essex County priest, celebrating the birthplace of Jesus is a year-round event

“Peruvians are an earthy people,” said Father Flynn.

Photo by Pete DeMola

Father Francis Flynn, of Elizabethtown, has assembled a collection of 70 nativity scenes over the past quarter century. Some of his favorites are pictured here. Photo by Pete DeMola

By Pete DeMola Father Francis Flynn has a knack for nativity scenes.

The globe trotting priest lived in Peru for seven years, the South American locale where he picked up his predilection for the scenes depicting the birth of Jesus.

Flynn now presides over a pair of Catholic flocks in Elizabethtown and Westport in New York’s Champlain Valley Region.

With him came the depictions. For weeks, he painstakingly assembled them in the rectory of Saint Elizabethtown’s Church in Elizabethtown.

Scenes now line the walls of the lodge-style facility.

They shine in cabinets and glow from errant perches throughout the homey structure.

Flynn said St. Francis of Assisi created the first scene nearly 800 years ago after receiving inspiration from a trip to Jerusalem.

Since then, a kaleidoscope of interpretations have been filtered through cultural prisms, visual aids to bring home the concept of incarnation, he explained.

He pointed at a naked baby Jesus.

“They’re an earthy people,” he said of Peruvians. “Familyoriented, very hospitable… a fiesta people.”

He pointed at another, from Brazil, that featured the baby Jesus on a white hammock.

“The concept of a stable was foreign to them,” he said.

78 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Some, like the Goebbels ceramics from West Germany, were sleek and angular.

Those depicting Afro-Peruvians were squat and round.

And others, like a mauve-colored Spanish scene, were constructed out of corn husks and other found materials, artifacts that are unique to the region.

That one was gifted to him by a former student.

“These are my favorites because of the people they came from,” he said.

Flynn wound through anecdotes of his time spent in the seminary, people, pals and parishioners past and present.

His first assignment was as an assistant pastor at St. John’s in Plattsburgh. In 1973, he joined the Ogdensburg Peruvian Apostolate, serving in the southern coastal city of Mollendo until 1981.

Flynn moved to the rustic rectory two years ago when he took the job.

This is where he will serve out his days.

The collection will stay, he said, and some will be given away, like the Irish and Eskimo incarnations he gifted to local residents.

And on his porch, in a place he calls the Adirondack Room, rests a scene from the North Country. It’s constructed of wood and bark.

He said there was no real catalyst for how his hobby developed.

“I just fell into it,” he said.

Father Francis Flynn, of Elizabethtown, has assembled a collection of 70 nativity scenes over the past quarter century. This is a look inside his home. Photo by Pete DeMola

ncliving@denpubs.com

Most of Father Flynn’s most cherished scenes were gifts from dear friends, like this Spanish display Photo by Pete DeMola

This nativity scene is contained entirely within a pepper.

Photo by Pete DeMola

This unique nativity scene is constructed out of cornhusks, a found material.

Peru is actually a heterogenerous culture, explained Flynn. The population contains Amerindians, Europeans and Africans.

Photo by Pete DeMola

Photo by Pete DeMola

Nativity scenes and exhibitions that depict the birth of Jesus. They vary by culture.

Nativity scenes typically represent the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Photo by Pete DeMola

Photo by Pete DeMola

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 79

80 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 81

Locally Grown | Homemade goodies in NY & VT

of the Season

By Maggie Morgan, NY and Elicia Mailhoit, VT

W

hen you’re trying to figure out if something is homemade, there are always a few tell tale signs to help solve the mystery. Perfectly imperfect products, secret ingredients, and hand-crafted packaging are just a few of the ways customers know that what they’re tasting really came from the heart. When it comes to making things from scratch, what is better than something sweet? Think grandma’s homemade fudge, your favorite restaurant’s apple pie, or the hand-churned ice cream you can’t get enough of. Similar to your own full-flavored flashbacks, there are tons of local candymakers making their living by satisfying sweet-tooths. These local candy shops are creating some out-of-this-world treats and though your dentist may not be happy, we promise you’ll have a chocolate covered grin from ear to ear.

Barkeater Chocolates, North Creek, NY Though the name may be a little funny, Barkeater Chocolates is nothing to joke about. What started as a vision for a small, locally based company has grown into a chocolate emporium that is sold down the entire East Coast. Owners, Deb and Jim Morris, wanted to have a unique tasting, homemade chocolate store in their home town of North Creek, NY. Debby, the head chocolatier, started the process in 2008 as a one man show and now has a full staff to help her whip up the famous chocolate treats. The Barkeater Chocolates home-base is also a warehouse where all candies are made in-house. The one stop shop specializes in original flavor combinations, and Deb said that if they see something that works well in a dinner entree, they might try it in a chocolate! The flavors remain classic with a bit of a twist, for example a black raspberry and black pepper creation that gives 82 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

the taste buds a bit of a surprise. Above all on Barkeater’s to do list, quality is the most important. Deb and Jim want their chocolate to taste fantastic, always giving customers something powerful as well as flavorful.

Deb’s favorite part of owning Barkeater Chocolates?

“It’s Chocolate!”

The inside of Barkeater Chocolates is the place of a candy lover’s dreams, bringing Deb’s two-word mantra to life. Bars, bark, cups, truffles, caramels and more glisten temptingly as your eyes travel across the room, making it hard to choose which treat to bring home (if you can make it there without taking a bite.) For the holidays, Deb suggests customers pair some classic wintery cravings like peppermint and chocolate together! Barkeater’s Peppermint Bark is a traditional tribute to a Christmas time favorite, inciting memories upon first taste. Delicious, homemade, and just the right amount of peculiar, Barkeater Chocolates leaves us with one question: “Life without good chocolate, what’s the point?”

Goody’s Candy Store, Warrensburg, NY The world feels like it spins faster everyday, our heads growing foggy while trying to keep up. We often hear of “simpler times” when things moved much slower and we were able to take in all the good around us. Thankfully, Goody’s Candy Store in Warrensburg, NY wants to emulate these long forgotten times, showing us what it feels like to be happy with the little things, like candy! Carole Ross, the truffle-making visionary behind Goody’s, wants her visitors to go back in time, back to when candy was cheap and it was all about the experience. Goody’s, located on Warrensburg’s Main Street, is like entering a memory from your childhood, one where the walls are covered in sugar and you think you’ve found ncliving@denpubs.com

what Heaven looks like. Opened in August of 2014, Ross wanted to do something that would give back to her local community, especially the kids. The store owner has created a visitor wall of local children who frequent the shop, hanging their pictures together, giving the place an even warmer feeling. Ross had an “old-time candy store” in mind while putting her shop together, almost like a penny candy store. Though prices may have risen a bit over one cent, Ross’ candy store definitely pays tribute to a simpler time. The decor is comprised of antique, delicate knick knacks and a crafted “GOODY’S” sign spelled with old toy blocks welcomes guests. It feels like the entire experience could be in black and white with up-beat show tunes cued upon arrival. Ross makes many treats in house including her decadent, hand-dipped peanut butter or cookie dough truffles.

The mix and match option Ross offers makes picking out candy fun, and her sunny spirit shows how much she cares. Ross said that the store asks what people want and they try to make it work, calling locals her bread and butter. Goody’s offers much more than just sweet treats, Ross caters weddings with “candy bars” and also hosts birthday parties inside the festive store.

Ross calls Goody’s not her candy store, but ours, giving visitors a chance to escape from life’s complications and take a walk on the simple side.

Lake Placid Chocolatier, Lake Placid, NY The Lake Placid Chocolatier began as an after-retirement project for owner, Katherine Mason, but two years after opening it has become much more. Katherine, who always had a place for all things sweet in her heart, said her passion and knack became more than just a hobby, it turned into a business. Mason thinks she has “followed her bliss,” and honestly, what’s more blissful than a rich piece of chocolate? Lake Placid Chocolatier is exactly what its name suggests, a hometown maker and seller of chocolate, nothing more nothing less. Mason focuses solely on the craft of chocolate making itself, calling it an “artisan technique.”

The hand-crafted delicacies are made in small batches with high quality Belgian chocolate and all natural ingredients, totally absent of preservatives. Not only is the company committed to creating a quality, personal product, but even their packaging is made from love, almost all are post-consumer produced and completely biodegradable/compostable. Seventh Generation or Method cleaning products are used in the kitchen along with post consumer and biodegradable trash bags, paper towels, and parchment paper.

Mason’s pure, eco-friendly business may get her street cred but it’s visions of recipes that dance in her head. northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Every single treat that lives inside of the Lake Placid Chocolatier comes from the mind and then the hands of Mason herself. Each product is made from scratch, and Mason said part of her secret is the “taste-testers” who so selflessly volunteer to sample the sweets. This detail-oriented chocolate shop strips away unnecessary additives, giving their customers exactly what they came for-handmade, melt in your mouth chocolate.

Lakeshore Candy Co., Plattsburgh, NY Ann Sweeney, co-owner of the Lakeshore Candy Co. in Plattsburgh, NY, has always had a little something sweet about her, or in her kitchen anyway. Sweeney said before she and Bob bought Lakeshore Candy Co. in 2003, she had enjoyed making candy around the house for friends and family. The Sweeneys thought it would be something interesting to do, and that was that, Lakeshore Candy Co., a darling chocolate baby, was born.

Ann, a local of Plattsburgh herself, said that giving back to the community is something her business strives to do. She believes that keeping the money in the area, keeps businesses open, and keeps locals hired-all creating a big circle of sustainable, chocolatey life! The Sweeneys seem like a classic Mom and Pop shop pair who thrive off of the people around them, but they have a few secret recipes that would send your taste buds for a ride.

One of them is a “Hot-shot” chocolate that has hints of cayenne pepper and Ann said goes perfect with a big glass of Merlot. The “Tigerbites”? Also a Sweeney-original that play on more classic combos like peanut butter chocolate, quickly winning over the sweet tooths of locals. The shop also serves up other one of a kind creations that are invented, sampled, tweaked, and devoured by regulars of Ann’s store. Lakeshore Candy Co. seeks to satisfy with any product, but Ann thinks that her Adirondack Puffs are what people crave most. The madcandy-scientist has experimented with many recipes, and she said her caramel covered puffs of pop corn turn a first bite into an addiction.

Lakeshore Candy Co.’s customer follow through, mouth-watering sweets, and attention to individual needs have made their 11 years in business like taking candy from a baby; when a business runs smoothly, things work themselves out. A native Adirondacker like Ann is used to putting things in simpler terms, like the label on her house-made “Bearpaws” (otherwise known as the love-child of cashews and caramel) say it best: The Adirondacks, PAWS and enjoy life!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 84

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 83

Adirondack Chocolates,

Lake Placid/Wilmington, NY

Joe Dougherty and Cortland Forrence purchased Adirondack Chocolates (The Candyman) in 1995 and their search for the perfect business in the Adirondacks ended. The store was already an popular candy shop and had been in business since 1977. Dougherty and Forrence had a hand in the restaurant biz, but neither of them were candy connoisseurs but they were ready for the challenge. The two curious entrepreneurs went with the age old adage — why fix it if it isn’t broken? — and took what the previous owner had done and enhanced it. All of the original recipes were kept because Dougherty says they were wonderful. The new owners enhanced packaging, started a website and brought Adirondack Chocolates into a new generation. The 1977 predecessor had a mostly local customer base so Doughtery and Forrence extended their reach. The store now has two locations and chocolates can now be purchased at the click of a button, so close you can almost taste it. Dougherty and Forrence decided to change up the name because they wanted to promote their love of the Adirondacks, what Dougherty calls a wonderful area. This holiday season, check out Adirondack Chocolate’s handmade Santa and snow man molds-an absolute classic that any kid would love to find in their stocking. Dougherty says that the high quality chocolate that is tempered with original recipes make Adirondack Chocolate the sweetest place around. With emphasis on fine ingredients and freshness guaranteed, these candies will never disappoint.

Finger-lickin’ good:

Vermont candy makers Middlebury Sweets, Middlebury, VT.

Middlebury Sweets, located at 12 Ossie Road in Middlebury, Vt., was established in 2007 under the name Sweet Surprises Down Candy Lane.

Over the course of several years, co-owner Blanca Jenne expanded and began making chocolate and by 2011, Middlebury Sweets became the largest candy store in Vermont. Now, the store is home to over 1,000 different products.

Hours: Mon-Wed-Sat 8:30 -5; Sun 11-5; Closed Tues.

For more information visit Middleburysweets.com.

Vermont Truffle Company, Rutland, VT. The Vermont Truffle Company, located at 37 Center Street in Rutland, Vt., was established in 2013 by Stephen and Anna Montanez. The pair combine old world values with new world technology to create delicious chocolate truffles. The Vermont Truffle Company prides itself on using local ingredients whenever possible in the production of its all natural handcrafted truffles, using no preservatives or artificial extracts, flavorings, or colors. Indulge in a single-flavor box, with choices ranging from maple to eggnog, or pick your favorites in either a 12 or 24-piece custom packed box.

84 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

85northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 85

With the help of a trained volunteer guide, a child with a neuro-muscular condition reacts as he glides down Double H Ranch’s ski slope on a bi-ski last winter.

Photo provided

Obstacles overcoming

By Elicia Mailhiot

86 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

Adaptive ski programs allow those with physical impairments to hit the slopes Vermont Adaptive and the Kelly Bush Foundation

V

ermont is home to several adaptive snow sport organizations, including Vermont Adaptive and the Kelly Brush Foundation.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a non-profit organization committed to providing a place for “youth and adults with disabilities to gain a measure of self-confidence and independence by participating in adaptive sports.� Disabilities range from quadriplegia amputations and limb differences to blind and visually impaired. The organization also works closely with wounded veterans.

The program is the largest year-round operation of its kind in the state of Vermont, offering the most diverse program opportunities along with unique, specialized equipment. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports serves clients in three locations during the winter months: Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, both in Killington,

Sugarbush Resort in Warren, and Bolton Valley in Bolton.

Working from a $525,000 budget annually, the organization relies heavily on the use of more than 400 volunteers to run its 3,000 programs, which in the winter include daily adaptive ski and snowboard lessons, an alpine race team, indoor rock climbing, and more.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 88

A man is aided down the mountain by a member of the non-profit organization Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.

Photo provided

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 87

The cost of one outing for the consumer can range from $25 for a one-hour to $110 for a full day ski lesson, which includes instructors, tickets, and adaptive equipment. According to Vermont Adaptive, “the average true expense of a lesson or outing to the organization is over $140 per individual per outing per activity.”

The Kelly Brush Foundation is another adaptive non-profit dedicated to assisting individuals with spinal cord injuries and increasing ski racing safety.

The Kelly Brush Foundation was established in 2006 after its namesake was injured in a ski race. Brush grew up in Charlotte, Vt., and attended Middlebury College, where she was a member of the ski team. On Feb. 18 of that same year, Brush came over a knoll at the Williams College Winter Carnival and caught an edge on an icy patch. After being catapulted off the trail, Brush hit a lift tower stanchion as she fell. Her injuries included a spinal fracture, four fractured ribs, fractured vertebra in her neck, and a collapsed lung.

Currently, she has use of her arms and feeling at chest level and above, although she is dependent on a wheelchair.

Today, she maintains the active lifestyle she lived prior to her accident, including skiing, biking, tennis, and golf. Brush wanted to give others with adaptive needs the ability to do the same. Brush has always considered herself an athlete first and foremost, so she learned to redefine herself after first using a hand cycle, a bicycle specialized for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

The Kelly Brush Foundation purchases adaptive athletic equipment for individuals with financial limitations living with Spinal Cord Injury. Two years ago, the foundation awarded $47,072 in grants for adaptive sporting equipment for individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) as part of the foundation’s year end round of grant giving.

“Enriching the lives of those with spinal cord injury through adaptive sports and recreation is a key goal of the Kelly Brush Foundation. Specialized adaptive equipment, often customized for the individual athlete, can be cost prohibitive,” said president Charlie Brush. “Through Kelly Brush Individual Grants, the foundation aims to remove financial barriers to participation in

adaptive sports.”

In addition to supplying adaptive equipment for individuals with disabilities, the Kelly Brush Foundation also supports research to treat and cure paralysis due to traumatic spinal cord injury and the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team.

The Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge at Pico Less than two years ago, officials from Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and the Pico Ski Education Foundation opened the doors to their new home, the Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge at Pico Mountain.

The state-of the art facility is the first of its kind in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Adaptive is the largest non- profit organization in Vermont to offer daily adaptive sports programs throughout the state to people with disabilities.

“The outpouring of support for creating this facility has been amazing,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director of Vermont Adaptive. “We can’t even begin to thank everyone who has been involved in the project.”

The $1.3 million, 6,000 sq. ft. multi-use building is located between the existing Pico Ski Club building and the Pico Base Lodge and is connected to both buildings via outdoor balconies and decks on the second floor. The building is specifically designed by NBF Architects of Rutland for participants in Vermont Adaptive’s programs, providing easy accessibility for all, regardless of one’s disability. An elevator connects the first and second floors.

Naylor & Breen Builders, Inc., of Brandon, directed construction management.

Connections to the world of ski racing abound in the building including the building’s name, the Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge, in honor of the Olympic champion and Pico Mountain skiing legend.

Adaptive skiers at Killington and Pico ski areas.

Photos courtesy of Killington & Pico ski areas

88 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

And ... In NY

A child with a visual impairment receives help from volunteer instructors before he heads down a hill last year at Double H Ranch, which offers adaptive skiing each winter to about 200 children with mobility limitations.

By Thom Randall

Photo provided

Adaptive skiing seen as life-affirming, empowering

T

he exhilarating, soul-stirring experience of gliding down a snow-covered hill — decades ago an activity undertaken only by able-bodied skiers — is now enjoyed by an ever-greater number of people with physical and developmental limitations.

Two venues in the southeastern Adirondacks — Gore Mountain and Double H Ranch — offer adaptive skiing in which specialized equipment and techniques are utilized.

Gore Mountain and Double H Hole-in-the-Woods Ranch both offer adaptive skiing programs that have provided the lifeenriching experience, and fun times that outdoor winter sports offer.

With its extensive array of trails, lifts, slopes, equipment and programs, Gore Mountain Ski Center accommodates people of all abilities and limitations, Gore publicist Emily Stanton said.

“Gore’s infrastructure and layout allow us to cater to a wide audience, which includes people with special needs,” she said.

“We are very accessible — and we have a variety of adaptive skiing equipment and trained instructors.”

Stanton said that Gore has certified instructors that train and northcountrylivingmagazine.com

assist skiers with special needs, so their experience can be ultimately satisfying and safe.

She suggested that families call Gore’s snow-sports school in advance of a visit, in order that the ski center can be prepared to accommodate their needs on a personalized, case-by-case methods.

Gore has some adaptive equipment on hand, and whatever they don’t, they can borrow from other ski centers, Stanton said.

Gore’s Snow Sports School Director Gail Setlock said that adaptive skiing is increasingly popular at Gore. Whether it’s training a child with autism or Down’s syndrome to use a skiing outrigger, or providing a bi-ski apparatus for a seated skiing experience for a person with cerebral palsy, Gore can accommodate a wide variety of special needs, she said.

“Gore has certified instructors who can train people how to use the adaptive equipment and provide assistance,” Setlock said, noting that Gore has traditionally offered 30 different lessons to accommodate people with cognitive or physical issues.

“Adaptive skiing has really grown in popularity,” she said.

“People are realizing it’s wonderful to help people with special needs explore the experiences of gliding down a mountain like an able-bodied skier.”

Miles away in southwestern Warren County, Double H Ranch, CONTINUED ON PAGE 90

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 89

provides skiing and snowboarding opportunities for children ages 6 to 16 with chronic conditions.

The 18th year of Double H’s adaptive skiing starts in January, and applications are due by Dec. 1.

Double H Ranch was founded in 1992 by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman as a summer camp to serve children with life threatening illnesses — and several years later, its winter sports program was added.

The free program is operated with volunteer instructors, featuring lessons as well as guidance and lots of support, Double H Director of Operations Jacqui Royael said.

“In our winter program, we provide over 1,000 lessons to about 200 students and their family members — their siblings, moms and dads,” she said. “One of the goals is to allow the entire family to be able to ski with their child.”

The instruction and skiing is conducted on a teaching hill, 100 vertical feet high, featuring a chairlift and two trails. Double H recently added a conveyer lift for beginner students not quite ready for a chairlift, Royael said.

The program is intended primarily for children with blood disorders or neuro-muscular disabilities like spina bifida cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Applications, due by Dec. 1, are reviewed by Double H’s medical staff. Applications are available on the ranch’s website, Royael said, noting the program has an array of benefits for

those who participate.

“Our adaptive skiing has a tremendous impact on everyone who’s a part of it — students, families and volunteers. For students, it’s an opportunity for them to feel accomplishment and independence. It allows them to participate in a sport which isn’t possible through their school or community venues — to be outside and active in winter in the Adirondack environment, which is difficult for some of the children we serve.”

Royael provided quotes from parents of the students who have skied at Double H in recent years.

Kevin Lynch, the father of a child with cerebral palsy, said not only that his child had a wonderful, empowering experience, but that networking with other families was uplifting.

“Meeting the other families was very inspiring as we all share a common bond and a mutual understanding,” he said, noting that Double H Ranch staff “see the child and not the disability.”

“Enough cannot be said of the volunteers, instructors and staff who went out of their way,” he continued.

Royael said that she has heard similar comments from many parents about the adaptive skiing program’s benefits.

“For our students, it’s a life-changing experience that gives them a skill they otherwise wouldn’t have,” she said. “It’s really empowering for them.”

Volunteer ski instructors pause for a photo as they guide a child with mobility limitations down a slope at Gore Mountain.

Through their adaptive skiing program, the ski center offers an opportunity for skiers of all abilities to enjoy the exhilaration and thrill of gliding down a snowy hill.

Photo provided 90 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

91northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 91

A stroll fit for the holidays JCEO to help hungry children

Children’s holiday crafts are in the offing at the High Peaks Resort and Lake House from 1 to 2:30 p.m., before the day’s coup de gras, the Main Street Tastings from area restaurants.

Cruise the bustling main street of Lake Placid tasting the fare of local eateries, while sampling the shops and boutiques that make Lake Placid so iconic.

Free classic holiday movies will be shown at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts from 3 to 4 p.m.

By Shawn Ryan LAKE PLACID — Lake Placid is a destination town year round, but never more so than on the second week of December during the annual Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll.

Each year the Lake Placid Visitor’s Bureau decks out the village to greet holiday revelers and shoppers alike. With a setting ready made for Christmas cheer, the Holiday Stroll packs the tiny Adirondack village with people looking to make the season a magical one.

A holiday tradition kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with the annual High Peaks Resort Yule Log Hunt at the corner of Saranac Ave and Main Street. Children learn the tradition of the Yule Log, before tracking it down for the symbolic Yule Log lighting in Mid’s Park at 5 p.m. The tree lighting will be officiated by Santa himself, with a special performance by the Lake Placid School Chorus.

The Whiteface Lodge will host big and little kids alike with cocktail mixology for adults and holiday cookie decorating for the kids.

This year’s stroll will kick off on Friday, Dec. 12, a mere 13 shopping days before Santa’s big day. The opening reception will take place at the Olympic Center with food, drinks and giveaways, followed by a skating party at the venerable 1932 rink within the arena.

As the clock ticks down to 12 days before Christmas, Saturday steps off the mark with the Jingle Bell run/walk starting from the village beach at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the event starts at 7 a.m. The race annually benefits Adirondack Life “Fit for Life.”

Santa and various Christmas characters may pop up for breakfast throughout the morning, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at a number of participating hotels around the village.

After his hearty breakfast, Santa will “arrive” at noon via fire truck at Mid’s Park, accompanied by complimentary hot chocolate and festive holiday music.

92 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

might be a trip to Whiteface Mountain, where special discount rates will apply all day, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Back in the village, there will be a matinee showing of “the Polar Express” at the Palace Theater at 11 a.m., followed no doubt by more Christmas shopping along the main thoroughfare being that shoppers will be down to 11 shopping days until Christmas, and the pressure will be on.

The Holiday Village Stroll will wrap up at the place that made Lake Placid famous; the Olympic Center’s Herb Brooks Arena for the annual Holiday Skating Show.

Saturday wraps up a wonderful day with a screening of the seasonal classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.

On Sunday, Dec. 14, Santa and his friends once again dine at area hotels to start their day and chart their path. On his agenda

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

For more information on the Lake Placid Holiday Stroll, visit HolidayVillageStroll.com, or on find them on Facebook at Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll.

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 93

94 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

95northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 95

[skee-jawr-ing, -johr-, skee-jawr-, -johr-] noun 1. a sport in which a skier is pulled over snow or ice, generally by an animal.

Skijoring got its start in the Nordic countries, with horses pulling skiers. Several forms of “joring” now exist, including bike as well as scooter joring.

Photo provided

By Shawn Ryan

S

pecialty sports and activities that can be done with man’s best friend are becoming more and more popular in this country and in our region. Skijoring is just such a sport.

Originally derived from Nordic roots, the word skijoring evolved from the Norwegian word skikjoring, meaning ski driving. Norwegians being Norwegians, they originally strapped themselves behind horses and set themselves hurling down ski trails behind the galloping beasts. The sport eventually merged with mushing, or dogs pulling a sled, and Norwegians were soon skiing along behind one, two or even a whole

96 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

team of dogs.

Local K-9 trainer and enthusiast Daniel Meunier has logged more than a few miles behind his Siberian Huskies and knows a thing or two about the sport.

“I started backpacking with dogs first; I got involved with Siberian Huskies. About 15 years ago I was backpacking seriously with my Huskies and it seemed a natural outgrowth, I ran across a couple people doing skijoring and started researching it and built up some skills from there,” said Meunier.

He then skijored for many years with two Huskies, but his older dog is now in semi-retirement and he

ncliving@denpubs.com

Weather at a slow trot or an all out gallop, animal-powered sports in this region have made a foot-hold and continue to gain in popularity.

Many breeds can be used for skijoring, as long as it is a breed that gains reward from the act of running. Above, a Bernese Mountain Dog pulls a skijorer along a winter trail.

Photo provided

now uses just one.

He says that any dog that loves to run and is trainable can be taught to skijor. But besides training the dog, the skier isn’t just along for the ride. They have to have at least a fairly decent base of skiing skills before the team steps off for the first pull. If done correctly, the skier should be working as hard as the team throughout.

Skills The first part of training a dog or a team of dogs is “stationary skills,” like leaning into the harness in preparation of the order to go without taking off before the skier is ready. This can be the hardest part of the training, because dogs are either “on” or “off,” and it’s hard to teach them to wait in the middle.

Other commands are critical, especially for the safety of the dogs and the skier, such as left and right, or “Gee” and “Haw” in mushing parlance. A solid stop and return is crucial as well, especially since North Country skiers often share the trail with snowmobiles and a skijorer would always be wise to yield to a snowmobile.

One of the most important commands though is “on-by,” sort of a moving “leave it.”

“It’s for when a creature runs out in front of your dog, so they will leave it,” says Meurnier. “It doesn’t always work. I know some ushers who claim “on-by” means run into the woods at full speed and catch that mouse, but mostly you want your dogs to stay in a straight line and leave whatever it is they want to chase.”

While he uses Huskies, Meurnier says any running breed that likes to pull, and which gets reward in the run itself, can be trained to skijor. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs and even border collies have been seen out on the trails with a skier in hot pursuit.

“You know, you’re not going to find a Chihuahua tied up, it’s going to go a little slow.” northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Photo provided

Equipment Not a ton of equipment is needed to skijor. Aside from the dog or dogs, of course, the skijorer will need a harness for the dog. An x-back mushing type harness can be used, but skijoring specific harnesses can also be found. The height of where the harness attaches to the pulling cable is about the only difference, with a skijoring harness attaching higher on the back than a mushing harness, but both will work.

The harness is attached to a special towline which has a bungee component built into it. The bungee makes starting and stopping easier for the dogs so they don’t experience much jarring. The towline is about the only piece of equipment which is skijoring specific.

The skier will need a harness as well. Some use a padded belt type harness but, Meurnier says, a rock-climbing harness works well, too, and is showing up more and more in competitions.

Whichever harness the skier chooses, it is attached to the tow line by means of a quick-release coupling. This is used is the skier falls and the dogs don’t stop, or the dogs veer off the trail in a place where the skier can’t safely follow.

The most important piece of equipment, for the safety of the dogs, is the skis the skier chooses to wear.

“You can use either backwoods cross-country skis or trail skis, depending on what kind of trails you’re going to do, but preferably you want something without metal edges. If you run over your dog’s foot or a body part, the metal edges can slice right through the skin and you’ll cause a lot less damage with strictly wooden or compound material skis that don’t have metal edges,” he said.

Finally, especially for the novice, a skiing helmet should be worn whenever skijoring.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 98

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 97

competitive. Being that we’re so close to the border we get a lot of interaction with Canadian mushers. Some of them do skijoring,” says Meurnier.

Skijoring events can range from five to 10 kilometers and up to the rare 100 mile event. Organizations like the Clinton County Canine Club (www.clintoncanine.org) occasionally offer training courses in dog powered sports, depending on the availability of instructors.

Meurnier points specifically to Plattsburgh’s Point au Roche state park and The New Land Trust as good trails to frequent to learn the sport.

From a single dog to a team of up to four, a skier is assisted by his team, but should work as hard as the dog(s) over the course of the run.

Photo provided

Venues Any ski trail is potentially a skijoring trail. Those trails that are closed to motorized traffic are the best, but a well-trained team can share the snow with the gas-burners as well. There are few skijoring-specific events in this region, but events are held in conjunction with mushing events around the country. The “Run Dog Run” that used to be held at Mt. Van Hoevenburg featured skijoring but has not taken place in a number of years.

“The sledding and mushing people go out together quite often and do competitive and recreational runs. A few of them get very

98 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Year-round A version of skijoring can go on even once the snow melts. Another dog-powered sport gaining popularity is referred to as bikejoring. As the name implies, a dog or team of dogs will pull a rider on a mountain bike along trails. There is also scooterjoring and skateboardjoring as well. These are all excellent ways to continue to train your dog all year round, as well as keeping both the dog and passenger in shape while awaiting the next snow fall.

Whether it’s on skis or wheels, winter or summer, “joring” is an excellent way to spend more time with your dog, share excellent exercise with them, and maybe even get some astonished looks from others on the trail.

“You can have a lot of fun as long as you have a sense of humor and are willing to just learn as you go and put up with mistakes you make.”

ncliving@denpubs.com

99northcountrylivingmagazine.com | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 99

TAKING THE

PLUNGE W

hy challenge yourself with a bucket of ice when you can use an entire lake? Throughout the North Country, these annual events, know as polar plunges, take place on the shores of Lake Champlain, Lake George, Long Lake and many others throughout the region. Their causes range from Special Olympics to Planned Parenthood and more, but their mission is the same: raise funds for a cause by running or, as shown above, jumping into the near sub-freezing waters plentiful in the winter months.

Here is a list of some of the chances people have to get chilled out for a cause:

North Bennington Penguin Plunge Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 11 a.m. Plunge Time Lake Paran Boat Launch, North Bennington Join Special Olympics Vermont for the Annual North Bennington Penguin Plunge. Invite your friends, co-workers, family and classmates to brave the icy waters of Lake Paran with you to raise awareness and funds for the 935 athletes of Special Olympics Vermont.

Newport Polar Plunge Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 1 p.m. Plunge Time The Gateway Center, Lake Memphremagog Be a part of the Annual Newport Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Vermont. Invite your friends, co-workers, family and classmates to brave the icy waters of Lake Memphremagog to raise awareness and funds for the athletes of Special Olympics Vermont.

100 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Feelin’ Long Lakey Polar Bear Plunge Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 1 p.m.

Long Lake Town Beach This is a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project. This event has raised over $10,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project in the last two years. Registration from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for most funds raised by team or individual, best costume and most original team.

Cool School Penguin Plunge Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 Noon Plunge time Burlington Waterfront Park Vermont Schools Only The 20th anniversary Burlington Penguin Plunge will feature a special edition Cool Schools Penguin Plunge! Elementary, middle, and high school Penguin Plunge teams will enjoy a later Plunge time (noon), fundraising incentives, and team-based awards. Click here for more details on the Cool Schools Plunge event. The Cool School Penguin Plunge is only for school-based teams (grades k-12 only)! If you’d like to create a Plunge team that is not associated with a elementary, middle, or high school, please visit the 2015 Burlington Penguin Plunge event page. ncliving@denpubs.com

Lake George Winter Carnival Polar Plunges Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 1 p.m.

Shepard’s Park Beach The first event of the Lake George Winter Carnival, the New Years Day Polar Plunge will be held at Shepard’s Park Beach with the first wave of 400 people going in at 1 p.m. Then, every have hour after 1 p.m., waves of 400 will continue to enter the lake. Sign up starts at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Duffy’s Tavern, 20 Amherst St. Polar plunges will also be held during the Winter Carnival, which takes place each weekend in February.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com 101 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Planned Parenthood Polar PLunge

TBA Essex, New York Twenty jumpers met the chilly Lake Champlain waters in 2014 as about 50 spectators cheered and took photos on the shore of Lake Champlain. Through fundraising of the divers and other friends of Planned Parenthood, they raised $3,300 at this event annual event, which takes place between mid-April to early March annually.

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Countryncliving@denpubs.com Living Magazine | 101

y a d i l Ho hts Lig

in the North Country

By Keith Lobdell

T

he Holiday season is full of lights throughout the North Country, with many towns and organizations hosting tree lighting ceremonies. These events could include a visit from Santa, a chance to remember loved ones and a chance to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Here are just a few of the many taking place this holiday season:

Shelburne Tree Lighting and Caroling Friday, Dec. 5 On the Shelburne Village Green 5:45 p.m. caroling • 6 p.m., tree lighting followed by Santa’s arrival

After the tree lighting, kids can visit with Santa and enjoy hot beverages and refreshments in the Town Hall. A craft for kids will be offered by the Pierson Library Staff. Watch for the S.D. Ireland Truck of Lights and special sales and events at local businesses.

Visit www.shelburnenews.com for more information and a list of all the participating businesses! More event details will be available in November.

Vermont State Capitol Tree Lighting State House Steps, Vermont State House, 115 State St., Montpelier

On behalf of Governor Peter Shumlin, the Commissioner extends an invitation to all to join the Governor for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the State House Steps. Following the tree lighting there will be light refreshments in the State House Lobby. Date and time to be announced.

102 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Schroon Lake Community Holiday Celebration Saturday, Dec. 13 Schroon Lake will host its 28th annual community holiday celebration this winter with the lighting of the town Christmas tree, a living nativity scene will march from the park to Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Main Street, holiday carolers, Schroon Senior Citizens Club memory tree lighting, Santa arriving at the Strand Theater, Schroon Lake Central School music students performing throughout the hamlet and more.

Village of Lights Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 4:30-8 p.m.

Santa’s Workshop, North Pole, N.Y.

Village of Lights offers family and friends a “magical” way to get into the Christmas spirit. The park is transformed into a Christmas Winter Wonderland that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Enjoy caroling, a fire pit, roasted marshmallows, feeding reindeer and put in that last request to Santa himself. There is also a Nativity Pageant presentation, set on the village hillside.

Light Up the Village Nov. 29 Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 4 p.m.

Lake George

Lake George Village comes alive with light for the holidays.

Adults and kids of all ages enjoy watching as Lake George Village welcomes in the holiday season with over 3,500 holiday lights.

The Lake George Fire House on Ottawa Street will host a visit with Santa Claus, hot chocolate, cookies and a concert by the Lake George Community Band.

Events will include bounce houses, community sing-along, illumination of lights and fireworks over the park. All events are free. ncliving@denpubs.com

First Weekends Tree Lighting Dec. 5-6 5-7 p.m.

Downtown Plattsburgh

The first Friday and Saturday in December will bring music, arts, entertainment and a special tree lighting to the streets of downtown Plattsburgh.

North Country Christmas Sunday, Nov. 30 Ticonderoga Community Building 5:30 p.m.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with live music, refreshments and giveaways, along with Holiday Hay Rides starting at the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum from 6 until 8 p.m.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Devlyn McLaughlin enjoys a candy cane following the Ticonderoga community Christmas tree lighting Dec. 1. The tree is located on the Community Building lawn.

Photo by Nancy Frasier

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 103

104 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com 105 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Countryncliving@denpubs.com Living Magazine | 105

Vermont:

Alpine and X-Country Skiing

Killington Resort

4763 Killington Rd., Killington, Vt.

“The Beast of the East”

Killington Resort is best known for its diversity of terrain, providing skiers and riders of all skill levels a choice between wide-open or narrow runs, moguls, steeps, and more.

Seven mountains make up Killington or “The Beast of the East,” as it’s referred to by those that ride its terrain. With an elevation of 4,241’, the resort features 1,509 skiable acres, with 155 trails covering 73 miles.

Killington offers a double dose of attitude and altitude during the winter months, with multiple terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers. Bear Mountain is home to Burton’s “The Stash,” an all-natural inspired terrain park and the only of its kind on the East coast, as well as the 16 feature park called Dreammaker, and the 18’ Superpipe.

Killington also features a lift-serviced tubing park and there’s nothing cooler than seeing the beast as it sleeps with a 30 minute Snowcat-drawn sleigh ride to the peak.

Killington hosts world-class events year round, including outdoor concerts and festivals when the snow flies. Last year’s life is good Nor’Beaster Festival attracted hundreds of ski bums who enjoyed discounted tickets and free outdoor concerts throughout the weekend. Perhaps the most popular-and long lasting- Killington event is the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge, which returned to the resort in 2013 after a lengthy hiatus and has been attracting over 200 of the best amateur bumpers ever since.

Website: www.Killington.com Phone: 800-621-MTNS Conditions: 802-422-3261 Reservations: 800-621-6867

106 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Pico Mountain Ski Area 73 Alpine Dr., Killington, Vt.

Pico Mountain, Killington’s little sister, might be small, but she’s full of charm. With an elevation of 3,967’ and 19 miles of trails along 468 skiable acres, Pico attracts families, beginners, and those looking to leave the fast pace mountain life at Killington Resort behind. Experienced skiers and riders can take a shot at the mountain’s steepest trail, affectionately known as “Giant Killer,” while first-timers can take advantage of their own chairlift and rope tow, which service two learning trails.

Freeskiers and snowboarders working on their freestyle skills will be right at home at Pico’s terrain park, TripleSlope. The best part? Skiing at Pico is included when you purchase certain levels of a Killington season pass.

Website: www.picomountain.com Phone: 1-866-667-PICO Conditions: 802-422-1200 Reservations: (866) 667-7426

ncliving@denpubs.com

Pine Hill Park Snowshoeing 2 Oak Street Extension, Rutland, Vt.

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Rutland City is Pine Hill Park. The 300-acre park features a 16-mile single-track trail system, providing some of the best snowshoeing in the region. With several overlooks and access to two ponds, the park has terrain for both the intermediate and advanced skill levels. Since the park lacks any major peaks, snowshoers don’t have to worry about exposure to the elements or a drastic temperature change.

Looking for an experience less off the beaten path? Bear Trax Adventures is a snowshoe touring company based out of Killington. Tours are available Thursday through Sunday and last two hours. The tour also includes use of snowshoes and other necessary equipment.

Webiste: www.pinehillpark.org Phone: (802) 773-1822 Courcelle Building

Okemo Mountain Resort 77 Okemo Ridge Rd., Ludlow, Vt.

Rising above the quaint village of Ludlow, Okemo Mountain is every outdoor enthusiast’s playground. With 120 trails, 10 unique terrain parks and features, there’s something for every skier and rider at Okemo.

There’s also plenty to do for those that don’t strap up ski boots. Take a tube down the runs at Jackson Gore or see the mountain from a different view inside a specially-designed Snowcat. Unlike other resorts around the state, Okemo also is home to the Ice House, a regulation-sized hockey rink and recreational ice skating pavilion. Snowshoeing is another favorite activity, which can be done on both Okemo Mountain or at the Okemo Valley Nordic Center.

The Timber Ripper offers the ride of a lifetime through the forest and along the mountain’s edges. The roller coaster ride begins with a five-minute, 1,600’ climb, immediately followed by a 375 vertical-foot drop, complete with waves, camel backs, loops, and a twister section…all at speeds up to 25 mph.

If the mountain coaster isn’t enough to get the adrenaline flowing, try the AMP Energy Big Air Bag. Skiers and Riders race down the mountain before launching themselves freely into the air, with a 30’ by 50’ air bag waiting below.

Website: www.okemo.com Phone: (802) 228-1600 Conditions: (802) 228-5222 Reservations: 1-866-706-5366 northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Blueberry Hill XC Skiing 1307 Goshen-Ripton Rd., Goshen, Vt.

The Mountain Top Inn is home to one of the first commercial cross country ski touring centers in the East. Located in Chittenden, Vt., the area includes 60 kilometers of trails and a snowmaking system that covers a 2.5 km loop. Trails are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and ski and snowshoe rentals are available. The Mountain Top Inn also offers horse drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, and ice skating during the winter months.

The Blueberry Hill Inn is situated in the picturesque town of Goshen and features 50 kilometers of ungroomed trails for the quintessential cross country and nordic ski and snowshoe experiences. The ski center is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There is no charge to use the trails (although donations are suggested), and ski and snowshoe rentals are available.

Website: www.blueberryhillinn.com Phone: 802-247-6735 Reservations: 800-448-0707 CONTINUED ON PAGE 108

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 107

Mad River Glen

62 Mad River Resort Rd., Waitsfield, Vt.

Middlebury College Snow Bowl 6886 Vt. Route 125, Hancock, Vt.

The Middlebury College Snow Bowl is conveniently located on the newly rebuilt Route 125 midway between Route 7 to the west and Route 100 to the east. The Snow Bowl offers skiing and snowboarding to all ability levels in a friendly, family atmosphere. Although owned and operated by Middlebury College and home to the nationally competitive Panther ski team, the Bowl is open on a daily basis [except Christmas day] to the general public.

More than 100 acres of open terrain that’s varied and exciting are available with trails and glades appealing to all abilities.

Access is gained via on double chairlift and two triple chairs, and about 45 percent of the trail acreage has snowmaking coverage. With 17 trails (one of which is a dedicated ski school trail), six designated glades, and a large climbing area, the Snow Bowl offers uncrowded skiing and riding to all abilities at an affordable price. Throw in state-of-the-art grooming, a full-service rental shop, professionally staffed ski school, renowned racing program, one of the nation’s only Collegiate ski patrols, and excellent and inexpensive food, you can see why so many people call the Bowl “their” ski area.

Also enjoy our Wonder Carpet by SunKid. We are receiving “Wonder”ful reviews on our new conveyor carpet lift. It’s FREE to the public. Call ahead for hours of operation. 802443-7669.

Website: www.middleburysnowbowl.com Phone: 802-443-7669 Conditions: 802-443-7669 108 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

What is it about Mad River Glen? Why is Mad River Glen on the MUST ski list for any skiers worth their salt? There are plenty of areas that are bigger, steeper, and offer more amenities. There are certainly plenty of places that get more reliable snow. So what is it that makes Mad River Glen the iconic “holy grail” for so many skiers?

It’s a combination of many things and for every skier the answer is a little different. Mad River Glen offers the most challenging and diverse terrain in New England with an uphill capacity that guarantees low skier density on the trails even on the busiest days. It is one of the last bastions of natural snow skiing in New England and is one of only three areas in North America that prohibit snowboarding. There is a special camaraderie among the skiing community, with its co-op ownership, non-commercial, family-friendly atmosphere, dedicated staff, and - of course- the Single Chair, America’s favorite ski lift.

Combined, these qualities create a unique ski experience that stands in stark contrast to the mainstream world of skiing. The various facets of the Mad River ski experience appeal to different skiers in different ways but together they create a feeling and sense of place that is truly unique. The mission of the Mad River Glen Cooperative is to protect and preserve these special qualities. The skier-owners of Mad River Glen invite you to discover for yourself the experience they are dedicated to preserving.

Website: www.madriverglen.com Phone: (802) 496-3551 Conditions: (802) 496-3551 ext. 150 Reservations: (800) 82-VISIT

ncliving@denpubs.com

northcountrylivingmagazine.com 109 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Countryncliving@denpubs.com Living Magazine | 109

BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE FROSTING (makes 4 cups)

YOU WILL NEED: -3 sticks unsalted butter softened -2 & 2/3 cup of confectioner’s sugar -2 tsp. vanilla -6 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted, cooled slightly 1. Beat butter in bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 or 4 minutes. Turn mixer to low 2. Gradually add powdered sugar to butter and beat until blended then turn to medium and mix completely 3. Turn off mixer and add vanilla and cooled chocolate 4. Beat on medium high speed until mixed together well, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes

BLACK FOREST

BLACK FOREST CHEESECAKE LAYER

YOU WILL NEED: -1 nine-inch layer cake pan -parchment paper -2 8 oz. pkgs creamcheese -1/2 cup of sugar -2 tbsp. flour -2 eggs A Recipe by Claire Brown, co-owner of Libby’s Bakery -1/2 cup sour cream -1 and 1/2 tsp. cherry extract in Ticonderoga, NY -2 tbsp. Kirsch cherry liqueur ...........................................................................

-1 15 oz. can dark sweet cherries This desert will trump all others on the holiday table, so if it is a round of Preheat oven to 350 degrees applause you are looking for at this year’s family party, this cake is the one to 1. Spray pan with non-stick spray. make. This three layer cake consists of two nine-inch dark chocolate cake layers Line the bottom with parchment and one nine-inch blackforest cheesecake layer. In between is a chocolate ganache paper, spray parchment and on top is a dark chocolate frosting. The “stump” is decorated with meringue 2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour mushrooms and sugared rosemary stems, giving us a stump so pretty it looks on medium speed with an electric good enough to eat. mixer until smooth 3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition CHOCOLATE GANACHE 4. Blend sour cream, cherry YOU WILL NEED: extract, and Kirsch liqueur -8 oz. heavy cream 5. Pour half batter into pan -8 oz. semisweet chocolate 6. Place drained cherries evenly on -1 tbsp. light corn syrup top of batter in pan 7. Spread remaining batter on top 1. Boil cream with corn syrup of cherries, smooth top 2. Pour over chocolate, let sit 1 minute 8. Bake 350 for 25 mins or until set 3. Stir with whisk until smooth and shiny, let cool 9. Cool, turn out of pan, and chill

110 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

...............................

(recipe)

STUMP DE NOEL

ncliving@denpubs.com

MERINGUE MUSHROOMS

(may be prepared ahead of time) makes 40 mushrooms YOU WILL NEED: -18 inch pastry bag with a 1/2 inch round piping tip -3 large eggs -1/8 tsp. cream of tartar -3/4 cup granulated sugar -4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped -2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Seperate eggs while cold but allow whitess to warm at least 10 minutes at room temperature for best volume 3. Put the egg whites and cream of tartar in mixer bowl. Use the whisk attachment of a stand mixer to beat whites on highest speed for three minutes until they form medium soft 4. Add 1/2 cup of sugar gradually and beat for 5 minutes until whites form stiff peaks 5. Add the remaining sugar and beat for 2 more minutes, whites should be shiny and firm.

6. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper 7. Fill pastry bag half full, pipe half the meringue into “kiss” shapes about an inch high on one of the sheet pans. (if mushrooms tip to the side, don’t worry, the end result will look more realistic).

8. Pipe remaining cap shapes on 2nd sheet 9. Place pans in oven and bake until dry and crispy, usually about 2 hours 10. Switch pans from top to bottom, turning from front to back, also, about half way through 11. Remove stems and caps from pans, sit on racks to cool (to assemble mushrooms later, store meringues in the airtight container until ready to use).

12. Melt 4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave a few seconds at a time, stirring until fully melted.

13. Trim stems with a sharp knife to make a flat surface to attach the caps.

14. Spread chocolate on the flat side of the caps and let sit for 2 minutes 15. Attach stems and set aside to dry 16. Dust tops with 2 tsp. cocoa to resemble dirt.

SUGARED ROSEMARY STEMS YOU WILL NEED: -rosemary stems -egg white -powdered sugar

1. Brush stems with eggwhite 2. Dust with powdered sugar 3. Shake off excess

For the plain chocolate cake layer, Claire suggests using

your favorite recipe.

CAKE ASSEMBLY:

1. Level cake layers 2. Place first cake layer, cut side up on round or stand 3. Spread 1/3 cup layer of ganache 4. Top with cheesecake layer 5. Spread another 1/3 cup layer of ganache 6. Top with the second cake layer, cut side up 7. Frost top and sides of cake with all the frosting 8. For bark look, use the tip of an offset spatula to make shallow, vertical lines 1/2 inch apart 9. Use a table knife to make deeper lines an inch apart 10. Use a fork to draw concentric circles on the top of the cake to resemble rings 11. Place the mushrooms, sugared rosemary stems, and cranberries on cake 12. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 day 13. Sit at room temperature 30 minutes before serving

Mushrooms will keep up to 4 weeks if stored in an air-tight container.

The folks at Libby’s in Ticonderoga. Katy Rasmus, Andrew Rasmus and Claire Brown.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 111

ARS B D A E R B T R O H PECAN PIE S born!

A new family favorit

e is

e these at your to pecan pie. Serv ive at rn te al sy ea y to accept the ere is an nner and get read di y nc fa or er th next get toge cookie pan. (See compliments! sheet size rimmed lf ha a ts. in ed ar of the measuremen This recipe is prep ly use on n pa 3 x1 a e ak photo inset) To m

IngredIents: Crust e Flour 3 cups all purpos d Butter (cut up) 3 sticks cold Salte rs Sugar 1 cup Confectione inch of Salt

Filling n Syrup 2 cups ight Cor r cups Suga 1 a 2 teaspoons anill argarine elted Butter or tablespoons of m ggs slightly beaten teaspoon Salt s (1 B) or chopped ecan d lve ha ps cu 3

r, combine In a food processo e Flour 3 cups all purpos d Butter (cut up) 3 sticks cold Salte rs Sugar 1 cup Confectione nt to see inch of Salt h, you do not wa ug do e pi t no is s crust causing ly combined. (Thi les in the baked ho e av le ll wi r ulse until uniform has tte cookie sheet that e mixture the bu th ed m in r rim tte gh bu hi of ch pieces t on an in dr y. ress to a en cut). Turn ou It will look quite y. ra sp g in it to crumble wh ok co ixture and ed with vegetable ap to cover the m wr tic as pl or been liberally coat r pe until the pa p Tr y using wax a 350 degree oven in e or m or es level thickness. Ti ut min inutes. to press. Bake 15 to cool for 20 m w llo use a rolling pin A . ed rn bu lden but not crust becomes go , combine In a separate bowl n Syrup 2 cups ight Cor cups Sugar 1 a 2 teaspoons anill argarine elted Butter or m of s on po es bl ta ggs slightly beaten teaspoon Salt B) opped ecans (1 cups halved or ch sti 3 en r in pecans st 6 ingredients th fir ne bi m co to Stir ust. our over cooled cr

112 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ant to share your recipe in a future issue mail us at i in denpubs.com

ncliving@denpubs.com

Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars are best of both worl ds…. A combination of traditional pecan pie and a shortbread cookie crust. You can make ahead and freeze the baked bars for up to 6 weeks.

Depending on the size of your pan you may need to add a few more pecans.

The objective is to cover the top completely.

For extra drama you can turn the peca n halves all facing up. It’s easy…they float! Bake for 20-25 minutes in 350 degree oven until only the center has a slight jiggle.

Allow to cool completely, cover with wide foil (or 2 pieces of foil folded together to achieve a wider piece.

Store in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.

Cut into squares then cut the squares on the diagonal to form triangles. (2” squares were used to create the bars for the photo). Refr igerate leftovers for up to 1 week.

Gayle Alexander

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 113

s t f cra

Baby Food Jar Snow Globes

Supplies: Empty baby food jars {Stage 2 size is the cutest, but all sizes work} Mini fake trees (pre-soak in water to remove excess dye) Goo Gone Glycerin {any pharmacy} Glass & Bead glue OR Epoxy Glitter {colored chunk glitter works best. Not clear or fine} Gold spray paint Distilled water Remove the labels off the jars and clean off the glue with Goo Gone.

Spray paint the lids gold {or desired color}.

Put a little glue on both the inside of the lid and the bottom of the fake tree. Allow to dry for 1-2 minutes and then press the tree onto the lid.

Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Add about 1 teaspoon of glitter into each jar.

Fill with distilled water and add 5 drops of Glycerin. {5 drops work the best.} Screw the lid {with the tree} onto the top.... and you’ve got yourself the cutest mini snow globe ever!

114 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com

Rudolph YARN BALL

Bottle Cap Snowman Ornaments r Fun fo!

Kids

Materials:- bottle caps - acrylic paint - paintbrushes - ribbon - hot glue gun and glue sticks - buttons - scissors - optional: glitter and/or sparkle Mod Podge STEP 1: Paint the inside of each bottle cap white. It’s a little age tricky getting it to coat completely, so use a good cover paint or Kilz.

STEP 2: Glue three bottlecaps to a piece of ribbon. You’ll also want to put a bit of glue in between each bottlecap to hold them together. Form a loop with the top of the ribbon and glue in place.

~Brown Yarn ~Red Berry stem (for nose/antlers) ~Scrap pieces of felt (white/brown) ~Package for decorative lights ~Glue Gun ~Straight pins 1. Wrap foam ball with brown yarn.

2. Cut a red berry from the berry stem and hot glue to the yarn ball to create Rudolph’s red nose.

3. Cut two similar “twigs” from the red berry stem and hot glue to the ball to create the antlers.

4. Cut two circle pieces from the scrap white felt and cut two smaller circles from the scrap brown felt to create the eyes. CAREFULLY hot glue the brown circles to the white circles and then hot glue the eyes to the ball.

5. Wrap the light strand around the antlers and face.

Pin the strand in place a couple of times and you all done!

STEP 3: Use the end of a paintbrush or a toothpick to paint eyes, a nose, mouth and buttons on your snowmen. d STEP 4: Tie a ribbon or yarn between the first and secon you if n butto a with t accen bottle caps to make a scarf and like.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com 115 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

s t f a cr Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Countryncliving@denpubs.com Living Magazine | 115

Want to create your own

Lighted Burlap Garland?

Here’s what you need: Burlap ribbon White mini lights Scissors

Cut the burlap into 8-10 inch pieces. Then cut those pieces vertically down the middle.

crafts

Choose a pattern you want to use.

Start tying those burlap strips around the wire.

116 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Repeat. Over. And. Over. ncliving@denpubs.com

Craft Spoon Snowmen Materials:

Family Fun!

- wooden craft spoons - acrylic paint: colors you desire - paintbrushes - colored felt - ribbon {cut into 5 pieces} - thin silver cord - very fine glitter - pin backs, magnets, and/or cording - craft glue and hot glue - scissors

STEP 1: Paint spoons white and let dry.

This is a great job for mini-crafters.

STEP 2: Paint eyes, a nose, and a smile onto

each spoon. Use the bottom end of a paintbrush to get the eyes nice and round.

These can be as simple or as fancy as you like.

STEP 3: Wrap felt piece around head and glue in place.

STEP 4: Tie a piece of cord at the top of the spoon to gather the hat in.

STEP 5: Paint buttons on lower part of

spoon {you could also do this part when you paint the face}.

STEP 6: Hot glue ribbon above buttons to form scarf.

STEP 7: Spread a small amount of craft glue

on surface of spoon and sprinkle with glitter! {Glitter makes everything better!}

STEP 8: Decide whether you want your

snowmen to be pins, magnets, or ornaments and glue on the appropriate pieces.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com 117 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

y a d i l Ho s t f a r c

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Countryncliving@denpubs.com Living Magazine | 117

Arts & entertainment

Save the Date!

EVENTS CALENDAR

| WINTER 2015

Everything you need to know about what’s happening this winter in the North Country

IN NEW YORK Saturday, Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 30

LAKE PLACID — Santa’s Workshop opens for the winter season at Whiteface Mountain. They feature kiddie rides, a charming village, candy treats, glass blowers and daily shows. Visit NorthPoleNY.com for a list of events and other information.

Friday, Nov. 28 through Dec. 7

TICONDEROGA — 5th Annual Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas celebrates with local businesses and community events.

Friday, Nov. 28

TICONDEROGA — Come do some Black Friday shopping throughout the Ticonderoga Area. Make sure to shop, eat, support, and spend local.

Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29

INDIAN LAKE — The Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce will host the ninth annual Indian Lake “Let There Be Lights” Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest. The Contest is part of the County Christmas Tour (CCT). The contest was created to enhance community pride and holiday spirit among Indian Lake residents, businesses and community organizations. The Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents, businesses and organizations to help promote a festive atmosphere throughout the Town during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday season. For those who would like to purchase holiday lights, Pines Country Store will offer a 15 percent discount. Contest Registration Forms should be shown during the purchase

to receive the discount.

Cash prizes will be awarded in each of the following three categories: Residence, Business and Community Organization: First Place Prizes (each category) - $100 Second Place Prizes (each category) - $75 Third Place Prizes (each category) - $50 Contest Registration Forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Indian Lake Town Hall and area businesses.

Registration Forms can be returned to the Chamber or mailed to the Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 724, Indian Lake, NY 12842 and must be received no later than Tuesday, Nov. 18. For further contest information, contact Brenda Valentine at 648-5636 or 648-5112.

INDIAN LAKE — The Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour committee is hosting a “Festival of Trees” fundraiser as part of the weekends’ festivities. The steering committee is asking individuals, organizations and businesses to create a themed Christmas tree and loan it to the tour for display at the Indian Lake Central School Gym. Visitors may vote for their favorite tree. Votes may be purchased for a quarter. Half of the funds raised will be shared with the Indian Lake Community Action Agency and the winner.

All trees must be artificial with no electrical ornaments or lighting due to the public location. Battery operated decorations are fine. All trees should be dropped off by 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28 and picked up between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. Contact Nancy Harding at 6480251 by Oct. 24 if interested in participating.

Saturday, Nov. 29

LAKE GEORGE — Lake George Village will open up the holiday season with a bang! Bobby and Susie Dick will again headline the village’s illumination of the 15,000 lights on Canada Street and Shepard Park. Andrea Jacobs will be the MC for the annual event that begins at 5 p.m. with a community sing-along, featuring the Twelve Days

| WINTER 2015

NEWCOMB — The Newcomb Annual Memory Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Newcomb Town Hall at 3 p.m. Names of those being remembered will be read and refreshments served.

Names may be sent with a $1 donation per name to Newcomb Mountain Quilters, PO Box 78, Newcomb, NY 12852. Proceeds to benefit local charities including those in need in town and the Essex County Domestic Violence Shelter.

WHITEHALL — The Skene Manor annual Basket Party will be held at the Whitehall High School. The doors will be open at 11:30 a.m. and drawings begin at 1:30 p.m. Admission tickets are $5 each and additional tickets are $2 each. An admission ticket is required of everyone age 5 years and older. Complimentary cookies, a light lunch is available. Many big,beautiful baskets, raffles and a 50/50 will be available. To make a donation or for more information call Skene Manor 499-1906, Jean at 499-0913 or Joan at 499-1022. Skene Manor is a non-profit organization and a on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Arts & entertainment

of Christmas. Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at 6 p.m., signaled by a fireworks display over the lake, in front of Shepard Park. The giant illumination takes place at 6:05 p.m. Festivities move to the Lake George Firehouse where Santa greets the children and the Lake George Community Band plays a holiday concert. Refreshments are served at the firehouse by members of the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. The event is free of charge and sponsored by the Village of Lake George, the Lake George Fire Department and Lake George Community Band.

Bounce Houses will be provided by Price Chopper Supermarkets.

LAKE GEORGE — Light Up the Village at Shepard Park & Lake George Fire House. See the Village light up for the holidays. Enjoy music, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa!

Schedule of Events: 4 p.m. Bounce Houses, 4:30 p.m. Community Sing-A-Long with Cyndie Wade, 5 p.m. Bobby Dick Show, 6 p.m.

Illumination of Lights & Fireworks over the park, 6:05 p.m. Santa Arrives, 6:10 to 7 p.m. Santa Meets Children at the Lake George Fire House, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Lake George Community Band Concert. For more information call the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce at 668-5755.

TICONDEROGA — Small Business Saturday (Ticonderoga Area) TACC is organizing specials & promotions.

TICONDEROGA — The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop in Ticonderoga train station at 3 p.m. and in Port Henry train station at 4:45 p.m.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — This is the 39th year for this popular craft marketplace that attracts 115 artisans and 2,500 customers. The admission ticket of $5 includes special offers at downtown Saratoga merchants and two free raffle tickets. All proceeds benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family’s mission to prevent & treat child abuse, neglect and trauma in the community.

Sunday, Nov. 30

HORICON — The Horicon Ladies Auxiliary will be holding its annual Memory Tree lighting ceremony in Brant Lake Village at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will follow the ceremony. The cost is $1 per light and the name of each person remembered will be read out loud as the tree is lit.

For information call Pat Tunney at 494-2576.

TICONDEROGA — The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with live music, refreshments, & giveaways will be held at the Community Building at 5:30 p.m. The first 20 people to arrive will receive a free candy cane and a special gift.

TICONDEROGA — Holiday Hay Rides will be starting at the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum from 6 to 8 p.m.

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

746 Brooklyn Street, Morrisville, VT 05661 802-888-5138 www.petesequipmentvt.com

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 119

Arts & entertainment

Monday, Dec. 1

TICONDEROGA — Learn How To Create Your Own Holiday Centerpiece at the Country Florist and Gifts at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

| WINTER 2015

CHESTERTOWN — Taste of the Tri-Lakes & Memory Tree Lighting, Chestertown Rotary’s Memory Tree Lighting and samples of restaurant specialties throughout the evening ($1 tickets can be purchased), horse drawn carriage rides, bonfires, free smore making and hot chocolate for the youngsters, Christmas carols and a wonderful community get together to start off the holiday season, food served from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with the tree lighting around dusk, Main Street, Chestertown.

TICONDEROGA — Come to the Family Holiday Book Reading at the Black Watch Memorial Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Library staff and volunteers will read Christmas stories to children.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

TICONDEROGA — Come visit the Letters to Santa and Wish List Night at the Sugar & Spice Country Shoppe from 5 to 7 p.m. children can write letters to Santa, which will be mailed to the North Pole and answered. Refreshments will be provided. While children write letters, parents can shop, receiving a 25 percent discount on one item.

ATHOL — The Old Fashioned Christmas party, hosted by the John Thurman Historical Society at 311 Athol Road.

The public is welcome. Bring pot luck to share, genderspecific gift for exchange, and enjoy games. The even is free. For information call 623-2007.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 18

BRANDON — When the season starts again visit your favorite stores and restaurants and Moonlight Madness I and II and see vendors and the specials they are offering. It is a time to stroll through downtown & drive to the outskirts. It is a time to enjoy the sights and sounds and visit with friends and neighbors. It is a time to catch a scrumptious bite to eat or get cozy with something warm to drink. Above all, it is a time to keep it local. Fill out a ticket at each location for a drawing of $100 in Brandon Bucks from the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce at 247-6401 or visit brandon.org. For information call 802-247-6401.

Thursday, Dec. 4

TICONDEROGA — “4th of July In December Barbecue” will be held at the Knights of Columbus starting at 5 p.m.

This is a fundraiser for Best 4th In The North Celebration.

Come sample our Holiday Pairings. This is a joint function with Ticonderoga Arts, and Libby’s Bakery Café at The Downtown Gallery from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy light appetizers, sweet treats, and drink.

Friday, Dec. 5

TICONDEROGA — Come visit the shopping and dining night with promotions, specials, and businesses open until 9 p.m. There will be live music in coordination with the Ticonderoga Central School music department along with free raffles, etc.

TICONDEROGA —There will be a horse drawn holiday hay wagon rides that are provided by Gin’s Redemption Center, starting at the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum from 6 to 8 p.m.

TICONDEROGA —The Museum and Arts Co-op Holiday Gift Shop will be held at the Hancock House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6

LAKE LUZERNE — The Adirondacks Holiday Fair will take place at the Adirondack Folk School on 51 Main St. Friday 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be handcrafted items, works of art. Adirondack Folk School instructors showcase and demonstrate their crafts.

SARANAC LAKE — The annual Sparkle Village Arts and Crafts Fair will hold 40 vendors with assorted hand-crafted items from foods to mittens to holiday wreaths. Sponsored by the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, there will also be a Silent Auction with a number of items donated by area businesses.

In the Harrietstown Town Hall at the intersection of Main Street and Route 3 in Saranac Lake, the event opens Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Support local artisans and get some of your holiday shopping done!

Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7

GLENS FALLS — The 23rd Annual North Country Festival of Trees will be held at the Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge Street. Kick-off the holiday season and start getting in the

northcountrylivingmagazine.com

| WINTER 2015

Saturday, Dec. 6

HAGUE — The Holiday in Hague event begins at 10 a.m. at the Hague Town Beach on 9600 Lake Shore Dr. There will be a Holiday Family Fun with Parade, doggies competition and floats! There will be a children’s party with Santa following at the Hague Community Center, 9763 Graphite Mountain Rd. NORTH CREEK — The fifth annual Lights On Artisan Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Copperfield Inn. There will also be a parade.

There will be a tree lighting ceremony.

There will be handcrafted and artisan creations available.

There will be a silent auction. Bring a food or toy donation for the Adirondack Community Outreach center and receive one free silent auction ticket. No resale items al-

lowed. For information contact Katie at 251-2005. This event benefits the North Creek Business Alliance.

CHESTERTOWN — The Priory will hold its annual Christmas Fundraising Sale at the Chester Municipal Center Auditorium, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gift Items, music, toys, games, holiday decorations and more will be available for sale. Refreshments will be served. Baked goods will be available for purchase. For information contact Sr. Connie Messitt at 494-3733 or email her at prioryretreathouse.com.

CROWN POINT — The Crown Point Memorial Day Committee’s first annual Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crown Point Fire Hall. Craft and vendors are wanted. Call 216-4024 for questions and information. Preregistration is required.

PORT HENRY — The Friends of the Sherman Free Library are having a Christmas Craft Bazaar Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mt. Moriah Presbyterian church fellowship hall. The church is across the street from the library. Items for sale will include pottery, jewelry, paintings, products for your pet, quilted items, Christmas decorations, local books, baked goods, and swags. Santa Claus will be at the story time at the library at 10:30 a.m. Preschool children and their parents are invited to visit with Santa and hear him read, “The Night Before Christmas.”

Arts & entertainment

holiday spirit at the Queensbury Hotel for The Festival of Trees. Some other events include Christmas wonderland environment, arts and crafts, holiday boutique, children’s activities, musical performances. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and $3 for children 12 and under.

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Country Living Magazine | 121

Arts & entertainment | WINTER 2015

NORTH CREEK — The holiday celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. The celebration features the North Country Singers, Holiday Children’s Choir, Holiday Dancers, and JCS Jazz Band at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street. For information call 251-2505.

QUEENSBURY — There will be a Reindeer Run 5K at SUNY Adirondack.

TICONDEROGA — “Holiday Movie Theater Night” will be held at 5 p.m. at the Ticonderoga Best Western Inn Plus in coordination with the Ticonderoga Festival Guild. A free holiday children’s movie will be screened. There will be free popcorn. Other refreshments will be for sale. Children encouraged to come in pajamas and bring a blanket.

TICONDEROGA — The Museum & Arts Co-op Holiday Gift Shop at the Hancock House will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

TICONDEROGA — The Noble Train Begins Living History Event will be held at Fort Ticonderoga from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. *Note an additional event may be scheduled for this evening.

VERGENNES — Come take the Vergennes Holiday Stroll and see all the Holiday happenings all over the Little City! Eat breakfast with Santa at VUHS, Winter holiday Craft Fair at VUES, Bixby Library Silent Auction, see Santa arrive via fire truck, stroll, sing, visit and have a picture taken with Santa, read with Mrs. Claus, make decorations in Santa’s workshop, decorate cookies, enjoy the Champlain Brass Quintet, Victory Baptist Church Choir, Dickens Carolers, lighted SD Ireland Holiday Truck, Addison County Gospel Choir, City Park lighting from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For information call 802-388-7951 or go to Addisoncounty.com/HolidayStroll.

LAKE PLACID — Experience the wonder of the holidays with young Claire on Christmas Eve as her Nutcracker Prince battles the Mouse King and she journeys to the Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy to be entertained by her magical subjects at the Lake Placid Center for the arts on 17 Algonquin Drive. A delicious confection for both young and old, this classic holiday ballet features professional dancers from NYC and local dancers from around the region. The cost for adults is $20 and students and seniors are $18 and children are $2. For information call 523-2512.

TICONDEROGA — The Ticonderoga High School Senior

Class will be hosting a “Shopping Extravaganza!” in the Ticonderoga High School Gymnasium Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A “Shopping Extravaganza” is an event that provides individuals with an opportunity to holiday shop at one location, like a mini mall. There will be a variety of events taking place. This will include local merchants plus local vendors, which includes catalog sales and local craft makers. There will be a 50/50 drawing, sale of holiday pictures, face paintings, basket raffles, bake sale, and a concession stand.

WESTPORT — The Westport Masons will be holding their annual Christmas party at the Westport Heritage House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa will be visiting the children.

Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6

WESTPORT — The Boy Scouts of Troop 8063 will be selling Christmas trees at the Westport Heritage House from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a fundraiser to help the Boy Scouts raise money for upcoming campouts, service projects, and other activities.

Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7

WARRENSBURG — The 26th annual Christmas In Warrensburg celebration will be held Downtown. This is an oldfashioned holiday celebration with a living Nativity, caroling, church bazaars, luncheons, musical performances, photos with Santa, children’s activities, craft demonstrations and workshops by Adirondack artisans. Come see the tree lighting ceremony.

PLATTSBURGH — 1st weekends: The first Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., local museums and business area will be open late, performers will fill the streets of Plattsburgh with music, local artists display their work in front of businesses, special discounts at participating businesses and more. For more information go to plattsburgharts.org.

PLATTSBURGH — Come visit the Christmas Open House, a Celebration of Peace at the Kent Delord House Museum. The Museum is always wonderfully festive and full of life this time of year and it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for our Annual Christmas Open House. Now that

Sunday, Dec. 7

CHESTERTOWN — The annual Christmas Cantata will be performed at the Community United Methodist Church in Chestertown 3 p.m. Lenore Simpson is the conductor of an ecumenical choir and Robert K. Flachbarth is the accompanist. Refreshments will be served after the Sunday performance. A free will offering will be taken at both churches. The cantata is a joyous way to welcome in the holiday season Come join your neighbors and friends. All are welcomed to attend.

NORTH CREEK — The holiday celebration kicks off at 7 p.m.

The celebration features the North Country Singers, Holiday Children’s Choir, Holiday Dancers, and JCS Jazz Band at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street. For information call 251-2505.

TICONDEROGA — The annual SantaFest, a Children’s Holiday Party, in coordination with area organizations and businesses will be held at the Community Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TICONDEROGA — The Festival of Tree’s open house will be held in the Hancock House from 1 to 3 p.m.

TICONDEROGA — The Champlain Valley Chorale Holiday Concert will be held at the Methodist Church at 3 p.m.

PLATTSBURGH — The Soulful Christmas 2014 Celebration with special guest William Verity and the Plattsburgh High School Select Vocal Ensemble will be held at SUNY Plattsburgh Hawkins Hall. Giltz Auditorium, from 4 to 6 p.m. Student admission will be $5 in advance and $8 at the door. General admission will be $14 in advance and $17 at the door.

Children under age 5 must share a seat with an adult. The ticket locations are at ACC College Desk (SUNY Plattsburgh),

Thursday, Dec. 11

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Region Women for Win, Inc. will be celebrating their 29th Anniversary of helping women in need to benefit the women and their families in their community.

There will be music

by Bobby Dick and Susie Q. There will be a sit down dinner at Mario’s Restaurant, 429 Canada Street. The menu includes Prime rib, chicken sorentino, Italian platter, salmon provencale for $27 which includes tax and tip. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. There will be stocking stuffers and silent auction as well as a live auction. For information call Nancy Nichols at 668-2665, Debbie Foley at 222-9325, or Franceen Shaughnessy at 424-4177. Leave your name, phone number, and menu choice. RSVP by Dec. 5.

| WINTER 2015

Gospel Choir Office (Hawkins Hall 133), North Country Cultural Center for the Arts, Christian Supply Center (1st Assembly of God), or online at plattsburghstategospelchoir.org. Contact SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir at 564-2704 or gospelhoir@plattsburgh.edu.

GLENS FALLS — Come listen to the music of the North Country Christmas of the Glens Falls Symphony Children’s Chorus at the Glens Falls High School, 10 Quade Street. Visit theglennsfallssymphony.org for more information.

MIDDLEBURY — Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Mead Memorial Chapel, is modeled after the long-standing European tradition, this annual program includes Bible readings of Advent and Christmas and carols for choir, organ, and congregation. Each service is preceded by performances on the chapel carillon. Laurel Jordan, chaplain; Middlebury College Chapel Choir, Jeffrey Buettner, director; Emory Fanning, organ. The event is free.

BOLTON — The Bolton Seniors will host their annual holiday party at 2 p.m. All residents 50 years of age and older are invited. The cost for the five course dinner is $20, which includes tax and tip. They will be making contributions to the Bolton Health Committees Holiday Baskets for needy families in the community. They are requesting a donation from each attendee, made out to the Bolton Seniors. The funds will be used to purchase toiletries for each family. For more information and to choose a dinner entree call Pat V at 644-2327, Rita at 644-9545, or Lorraine at 644-9247.

Arts & entertainment

the smoke from the Bicentennial musket and cannon fire has cleared away, the Kent-Delord House Museum Garden Club is pleased to announce the theme for this year is: A Celebration of Peace. Against a backdrop of holiday decorations, the Garden Club will highlight the resulting peace and the treaty that was signed in Ghent on Christmas Eve 1814. Join us in celebrating 200 hundred years of peace with England and travel with us (in our imaginations) to Belgium to see where the famous treaty was signed on Christmas Eve 1814.

WESTPORT — The Westport Boy Scout’s Christmas Tree Sale will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8:00-4:00 and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10:00-2:00 on the lawn at Heritage House in Westport. We sell beautiful fresh-cut balsam trees.

Arts & entertainment

Friday, Dec. 12

| WINTER 2015

BRANT LAKE — Visit Open House Night from 5 to 8 p.m. with some holiday shopping, music, drinks and appetizers at the Lazy Moose Garden Market, 6499 State Route 8. For more information call 494-4039.

WESTPORT — Santa Claus will make his way with a fire truck parade starting in Wadhams and making his way through Westport and ending at the library lawn where. He light the tree.

Friday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 14

LAKE PLACID — A Lake Placid tradition, the Stroll is a family and couples weekend chock full of events, entertainment, parties, dining specials and shopping in the fairy-tale winter wonderland of Lake Placid. The weekend includes lots of free kids activities. Santa will be making an appearance in several locations throughout the weekend. For couples, there will also be dining specials and live entertainment into the late evening hours.

Saturday, Dec. 13

CHESTERTOWN — Santa arrives on the fire truck at 10 a.m. to noon. at the Town of Chester Municipal Center, Rte. 9. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chestertown. The activities at the Chester library that day are from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. which include cookie decorating, refreshments, holiday music and gifts.

CHESTERTOWN — The Chester Library will hold its popular Gingerbread Workshop & Cookie Decorating event from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town of Chester Public Library, Route 9. One house per family, $10 fee. There will be two sessions, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 11 a.m. For information contact Wendy Joy Hayes at

info@chesterlibrary.org, 494-5384, or chesterlibrary.org.

LAKE PLACID — The Mid’s Park Holiday Celebration include the tree lighting with Santa, and special performance by Lake Placid School Chorus Sponsored by Lake Placid Family Dental.

LAKE PLACID — Meet at the corner of Saranac Avenue and Main St. at the High Peaks Resort on 1 Mirror Lake Dr. to learn the true story of the Yule Log Hunt and join in the hunt. Lighting of the Yule Log will follow immediately in Mid’s Park. For more information call 523-4411.

LAKE PLACID — A holiday classic for decades, It’s a Wonderful Life will be projected on the big screen at LPCA, Algonquin Dr., during this special showing for Lake Placid Holiday Stroll.

LAKE PLACID — Main Street Tastings from area restaurants will set up tasting tables at various locations on Main Street as part of the Holiday Village Stroll beginning at 2:30 p.m.

LAKE PLACID — In celebration of Season 5 of Downton Abbey, Mountain Lake PBS is pleased to present “A Holiday Gala Inspired by Downtown Abbey” at the Conference Center at Lake Placid. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by a formal dinner inspired by Downtown Abbey at 7 p.m. and culminating with a screening of the first episode of Season 5 at 8:30 p.m. Formal or period dress is encouraged but not required.

Saturday, Dec. 13 to Sunday, Dec. 14

LAKE GEORGE — There will be a Free Holiday Wine Tasting Party at the Adirondack Winery, 285 Canada St. For more information visit adirondackwinery.com.

Sunday, Dec. 14

CHESTERTOWN — Come join the Christmas festivities at the Priory and help us trim the tree from 2 until 5 p.m. at the Priory Retreat House, 135 Priory Rd. Afterward, share liturgy and a potluck supper.

Celebrate this joyfilled season with friends at The Priory. All are welcomed to attend. For information call Sr. Connie Messitt at 494-3733 or go to prioryretreathouse.com.

NORTH CREEK — A Holiday Cabaret, featuring food and entertainment, music, readings and storytelling will be performed by local performers at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main St. For information call 251-2505.

Sunday, Dec. 21

LAKE PLACID — Bolshoi Ballet Live in HD: The Nutcracker On Christmas Eve will be performed at LPCA, 17 Algonquin Dr at 1 p.m. Marie’s godfather, Drosselmeyer, gives her a strange toy: a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man. At midnight, when the celebrations are over, all the toys magically come to life. The nutcracker grows to human size and takes charge of the tin soldiers, flying to the rescue of Marie, who is threatened by the Mouse King and his mouse army. Based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story, The Nutcracker is one of the greatest classics in the world.

With iconic music by Tchaikovsky and enchanting costumes, this beautiful tale explores the universal themes of love, power and evil. This choreographic version, created for the Bolshoi by Yuri Grigorovich, is full of romanticism and philosophical reflections on ideal love. Masterfully interpreted by the Bolshoi dancers, it will enchant the whole family for the festive season, proving that one is never too young or too old to be swept away by The Nutcracker. The cost for adults are $16 nonmember, $14 for LPCA member, and students are $10. For information call 523-2512.

Saturday, Dec. 27

LONG LAKE — Take the plunge in the waters of Long Lake before 2014 ends at the Long Lake Town Beach, 1258 Main Street at 1 p.m.

Celebrate New Year’s Weekend with a cold dip, and a story to tell! Registration fee “pay what you may” to benefit the

Tuesday, Dec. 30

NORTH CREEK — The Potsdam Brass Quintet will be at 7 p.m. at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street A student subsidy is provided by the Stewart’s Holiday Match. The cost for adults is $20, students and children are free. For more information call 251-2505.

LAKE PLACID — Stars on Ice continues to be unique among ice shows at the Olympic Center, 2634 Main St. Not only with its high profile of skating’s most prominent stars, but a level of production second to none. The creative team, headed by Jef Billings, has won four Emmy Awards for Stars on Ice in Choreography and Costume Design. The production also won an ACE Cable Award for the Best Sports Special. All over the world, Stars on Ice continues to prove itself as the world’s premier ice show by offering the very best in championship skating. Each season, Stars on Ice strives to bring a unique skating, musical, and visual experience to each and every audience.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

LAKE GEORGE — Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a party cruise from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on the Lac du Saint Sacrement. There will be music, dancing, party favors, and a fireworks show at Midnight! The cost is $97 per person for adults. Dockside until 1 a.m.

| WINTER 2015

Friday, Dec. 19

BRANT LAKE — There will be Men’s Night from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lazy Moose Garden Market, 6499 State Rte. 8 This is a special night for the guys to come do some holiday shopping after hours. There will be free gift wrapping!

Food and drinks will also be available. For more information call 494-4039.

LAKE PLACID — An Adirondack Christmas is celebrating a tradition over a decade old at LPCA, 17 Algonquin Dr. Several of the Adirondacks’ favorite musicians will delight audiences with a special holiday program for the whole family at 7:30 p.m. For information call 523-2512.

Wounded Warrior Project. Teams please call the Town of Long Lake Parks & Recreation Office to gather fundraising paperwork. Bring your towels, robes and warm clothes.

Registration and Med Check open at the Adirondack Hotel at 10 a.m. Medical check is required and provided by the Long Lake Rescue Squad. Check out mylonglake.com or call 624-3077 for more information.

Arts & entertainment

NORTH CREEK — A Holiday Cabaret, featuring food and entertainment, music, readings and storytelling will be performed by local performers at the Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main St. For more information call 251-2505.

Arts & entertainment | WINTER 2015

LAKE GEORGE — Have a New Year’s Eve Party Cruise and Fireworks from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on the Lake George Steamboat Co., 57 Beach Rd. SARANAC LAKE — First Night Saranac Lake is an alcohol free alternative to ringing in the New Year. It is one of 75 First Night New Year’s Eve celebrations around the United States. From live music all over the community, to dining specials and fireworks, this event has grown from its humble beginnings in 2006, to being recognized for the best First Night button in the country in 2011. As the event draws closer, many events will be added to the schedule. Check back often for updates and entertainment schedules. The cost is $12 for advance buttons and $15 the day of the event.

LAKE PLACID — Starting in 2008, the Skate into New Year party has donated several thousand dollars to the Lake Placid Food Pantry to help replenish the reduced pantry after the Holiday season. 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the food pantry. This family friendly skating party takes place on New Year’s Eve from 10:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. on the Olympic Speed Skating Oval. Hot beverages and snacks are graciously donated for the enjoyment of our skaters. Bring your friends and family and skate into the New Year with us! Adult cost $5 but all donations are welcome! For more information call 3025028.

Sunday, Jan. 18

LONG LAKE — The Long Lake Winter Carnival is back with many events. The following schedule is given to help plan for an eventful day.

Noon: Snowmobile parade 12:15 p.m.: Coronation of King and Queen 2:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.: Town Wide Photograph 1 p.m.: Cardboard sled race 1:30 p.m.: 1/2 court basketball 2 p.m.: Fireman’s Relay 2:15 p.m.: Kids games and Adult Golf Drive 3 p.m.: Ladies frying pan toss.

4 p.m.: Goalies Day off 4:30 p.m.: Broom Ball.

There will be fireworks scheduled after broomball. For more information call 624-3077. All times and events are subject to change.

Friday, Feb. 6

SARANAC — The “Groovy 60’s” Saranac Lake Winter Carnival will celebrate its’ 118th anniversary with a burst of fireworks. As one of the oldest and longest running festivals of its kind in the Eastern United States, the Carnival

offers traditional winter sporting events, a healthy dash of zany, and enough frivolous fun to keep visitors and residents coming back year after year.

Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb. 7

LONG LAKE — Join the Town of Long Lake in welcoming The Ice Farm for a winter event celebrating community and the season Friday in Raquette Lake and Saturday in Long Lake. The Ice Farm is owned and operated by world class ice sculptor Stanley Kolonko. Located in Central New York, Stan will be coming up to Long Lake before venturing off to Ottawa for the 23rd Crystal Garden International Ice Carving Exhibition. Stan uses the best ice south of the Arctic Circle, utilizing reverse osmosis filtration, Clinebell ice machines and a good amount of patience. Look for mini-events throughout the town during the day as Stan visits each business to start his installation. Spectators welcome to watch him work. Sculptures slated for the Raquette Lake Library, Shamrock Motel & Cottages, the Long Lake Town Offices and more locations to be announced.

IN VERMONT Saturday, Nov. 22

RUTLAND- Holiday Craft Fair, Grace Congregational Church, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 802-775-4301 RUTLAND- Vermont Gift Show, Franklin Conference Center, 10 a.m. Free admission. Info: 802-773-2747.

Sunday, Nov. 30

BRANDON — Start the holiday season off with this meaningful and enduring tradition of remembrance. Donations of $1 per name in memory of your loved ones help light Brandon’s Memory Tree. Names will be printed in the local newspaper.

Send a check made out to

Monday & Tuesday, Dec. 1-2

Artists on Display at Mad River Valley’s Country Christmas Weekend MONTPELIER — Mad River Valley is host to a Paint In—a holiday pop up gallery weekend! Fifteen artists will be painting during Country Christmas Weekend! www.vermontartfest.com

Monday, Dec. 1

Eighth Annual Vergennes Holiday Stroll MONTPELIER — Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast and end with the lighting of Montpelier City Park and Memory Tree, with many other events during the day for young and old. www.addisoncounty.com/ holidaystroll.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series BURLINGTON — Masterworks concert includes Konzertmusik for Strings and Brass by Paul Hindemith, Lieutenant Kije Suite by Sergei Prokofiev and the radiant Symphony No. 6 by Antonin Dvorak. Anthony Princiotti conducting. www.flynntix.org

Dec. 1- Dec. 22

Free Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides MONTPELIER — Paul Ruta of Black Horse Farm will bring his wagon team to downtown Montpelier on Saturdays for shoppers to enjoy a leisurely trip around town.

First Come First Served, please dress for the weather. Each trip lasts about 15-20 minutes. www.montpelieralive.org

December: Month-long

Christmas at Billings Farm and Museum WOODSTOCK — Discover the traditions of a late 19th century Vermont Christmas with a visit to the Billings Farm and Museum, gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage. Tours of the authentically decorated farmhouse, visit the dairy farm for holiday activities, plus the film, A Place in the Land will be screened. www.billingsfarm.org

December: Month-long

St. Johnsbury Santa’s Village and Workshop ST. JOHNSBURY — St. Johnsbury’s third annual celebration of the holiday season opens with the lighting of Santa’s Village and Workshop at the historic Train Depot and Welcome Center.

Look for Santa’s arrival in a fire truck; he’ll be in town every Friday - Sunday. Activities include gift making, face-painting and photos with Santa are available. www.discoverstjvt.com

December: Month-long

Home for the Holidays at Hildene MANCHESTER — The Lincoln Family Home looks as it did when Robert and Mary prepared for the holidays. Christmas 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the family’s holiday at Hildene, their Vermont getaway. Lights, sights, sounds, and scents of the season abound. www.hildene.org

| WINTER 2015

December: Month-long

Take the 50/50 Challenge: Shop Local for the Holidays STATEWIDE — Support your community by doing at least half of your holiday gift buying with local retailers, artisans and craftspeople. Several downtowns celebrate the season with organized events and promotions that save you money plus help you have a jolly good time uncovering one-of-a-kind treasures. www.vermontvacation. com/5050

Arts & entertainment

Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and mail to BACC, PO Box 267, Brandon VT 05733. Names may also be dropped off at Carr’s Florist & Gifts. Make sure to include your name and phone number and the name(s) of loved ones. Singing and Lighting of the Memory Tree will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Central Park. For more information, contact the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce at 802247-6401 or visit brandon.org.

Arts & entertainment

December: Month-long

| WINTER 2015

Candy Cane Making Demonstration STOWE — Watch candy makers boil, pull, twist and roll these special candy canes into works of art. The demonstration is free to watch or $6 to make your own candy cane. Reservation suggested. www.laughingmoonchocolates. com

Wednesday, Dec. 3

BRANDON- Moonlight Madness, Downtown, 4-9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 4

RUTLAND- United Way Holiday Mixer and Silent Auction, location TBD, 5-7 p.m. Info: 802-773-7477.

Friday, Dec. 5

RUTLAND- Leann Rimes: One Christmas, Paramount Theatre, 8 p.m. Tickets $48.50-$68.50. Info: 802-7750903.

CASTLETON- Collegiate Chorale and Chamber Singers Winter Concert, Casella Theater, 7 p.m. Tickets $5/adults, $3/students and seniors.

Friday & Saturday Dec. 5-6

It’s a Wonderful Life MONTPELIER — The City Hall Arts Center is once again transformed into a 1940s broadcast studio as five versatile actors and one busy sound effects wizard bring Frank Capra’s classic to life in front of a live studio audience. www.lostnationtheater.org

Saturday, Dec. 6

RUTLAND- Festival of Trees, Paramount Theatre, 5:30 p.m. Tickets $10. Live and silent auction.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Holiday and First Friday Open House—Center for Cartoon Studies WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The Holiday and First Fri-

day Open House features comics activities for the entire family. Our renowned Cartoon Sketch Factory will create original drawing holiday cards on demand! New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss, Vermont Cartoonist Laureate James Kochalka and CCS faculty will be on hand to sign their latest releases. www.cartoonstudies.org

Dec. 7-9

Holiday Comedy “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” BURLINGTON — In this hilarious holiday tale, a director who is struggling to put on the annual church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history! www.

LCPlayers.com.

Woodstock Winter Wassail Weekend WOODSTOCK — If you’ve never had wassail — a seasonal drink brewed with spiced apples and sugar — this is the place to try it. The hot beverage was traditionally served in England to singers during the winter solstice. Now it’s a Christmas tradition. The festival includes a parade, concerts, performances and home tours. woodstockvt.com/wassail.php

Dec. 7 – Dec. 30

Helen Day Art Center Members Art Show & Sale STOWE — This treasured show brings the community together to decorate evergreens, light Hanukkah lights and cover the walls with members’ beautiful artwork.

Find unique holiday gifts by local artists. www.helenday. com

Monday, Dec. 8

Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market MONTPELIER — Find the perfect holiday gifts easily with more than 40 Vermont vendors and artisans in one place. www.touchofvt.org/ 18th Annual Smugglers’ Notch Resort Brewfest SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH — After a day of skiing, visit the Brewfest to sample the finest in local and regional beers and wines, with music, munchies and prizes.

For Brewfest Lodging info call 800-521-0536. www.smuggs.com

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Coolidge Open House: Traditions of the Season with Author Gesine Bullock-Prado PLYMOUTH — Return to a simpler time at the Coolidge Holiday Open House in historic Plymouth Notch. There will be live music, children’s activities, sleigh rides, weaving and loom demonstrations, gift shopping, wine tasting and more. www.

HistoricSites.Vermont.gov/Coolidge Holiday Concert at the Chandler Music Hall RANDOLPH — Join the Randolph Singers for Handel’s Messiah, carols by Alfred Burt, and a traditional singalong! There will be a reception for singers and audience members. Admission by free-will offering. Contact: 802728-6464. www.chandler-arts.org

Wednesday, Dec. 10

RUTLAND- Castleton Wind Ensemble Winter Concert, Casella Theater, 7 p.m. Tickets $5/adults, $3/students and seniors.

Sunday, Dec. 14

RUTLAND- Vermont Symphony Orchestra: Joyful Journey, Paramount Theatre, 3 p.m. Tickets $9-$32.

Monday, Dec. 15

Stratton Foundation Winter Gala STRATTON — Join the Stratton Foundation for a gala evening with cocktails, buffet, live entertainment, an auction and dancing. www.strattonfoundation.org

Monday & Tuesday Dec. 15-16

The Elf Express MANCHESTER — This whimsical 2012 holiday train will leave R.K. Miles Depot Station and take its riders on a onehour enchanting journey through the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. www.manchesterlionselftrain.com

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Hungrytown Music Performance BELLOWS FALLS — The Stone Church Arts Concert Se-

Thursday, Dec. 18

BRANDON- Moonlight Madness, Downtown, 4-9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21

RUTLAND- Albany Berkshire Ballet: The Nutcracker, Paramount Theatre, 2 and 6 p.m. Tickets $29.50-$39.50.

Info: 802-775-0903.

Monday, Dec. 22

Monster Energy’s K-Town Showdown Rail Jam KILLINGTON — This year, the Monster Energy’s K-Town Showdown will consist of three events: two rail jams and a slopestyle competition. This date is the first of the series. www.killington.com

Monday & Tuesday Dec. 22-23

Heavy Medal Boardercross Camp STRATTON — Olympic medalists Ross Powers and Lindsey Jacobellis bring their world-class competition experience to Stratton for this two-day snowboardcross camp.

Coaches will teach the ins and outs of boardercross racing to intermediate to advanced snowboarders ages 10-18. www.stratton.com

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Family New Year’s Eve, Okemo Mountain Resort LUDLOW — Midnight arrives early at Okemo. Enjoy early evening ice skating, snowtubing, snowshoeing, mountain coaster rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, a trivia tournament; families can ring in the New Year early with a DJ dance party - and still get the kids to bed in time for a full day on the slopes the next day. www. okemo.com First Night Burlington BURLINGTON — First Night Burlington is Vermont’s largest, single-day arts festival, providing an accessible and affordable New Year’s Eve celebration featuring 110 performances and activities at 20 venues. Fun for all ages, Burlington was the fifth city in the world to embrace the First Night concept. www.FirstNightBurlington.com.

| WINTER 2015

ries will present Hungrytown, musicians Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson. “Their music mixes the snow of… Vermont, the dew on the grass of a cool summer morning in the Appalachians, the hard-scrabble grittiness and pluck of common folk the world over together with the melancholy of lost loves…” Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News www. hungrytown.net

Arts & entertainment

Very Merry Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — Start with a pancake breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Christmas Mouse, Gingerbread Man, Snowman, Nutcracker and Elves, then visit with Santa and receive a wooden Maple Landmark Woodcraft toy, warm up on hot chocolate at the festive Chocolate Hut. For the shoppers, there’s free gift wrapping too! www.bettermiddleburypartnership.org

Index of Advertisers

A Johnson Co, LLC ..................................................23 Abanakee .............................................................109 Addison Cty Home, Health & Hospice ......................35 Adirondack Country Store .....................................104 Adirondack Electrology ...........................................34 Adirondack Rustic Interiors .....................................33 Adirondack Spirits Inc .............................................94 Ambrose Weld & Machine Shop ............................119 Applebees...............................................................52 Arbonne ..................................................................91 Armond's Place II ....................................................12 Askco Electric Supply Co.........................................73 Barkeater Chocolates..............................................11 Bead Crazy .............................................................13 Beardsley Design Associates...................................52 Bechard Farm Equipment LLC.................................12 Bennett Riding Stables ............................................23 Bessboro Gift Shop ...............................................104 Best Western - Ticonderoga ....................................91 Big Apple Audio.......................................................81 Blodgett's Supply ....................................................53 Bolton Beans ..........................................................94 Bolton Garden Center ..............................................94 Boquet Liquor .......................................................104 Borderview Grocery ................................................12 Boucherie Viau ........................................................12 Braley & Noxon Hardware .......................................95 Brian And Sons .......................................................28 Bryant's Lumber, Inc. ............................................101 Bub's Pizza Deli ....................................................104 Burgoyne Grill ........................................................91 Cafe Sarah..............................................................94 Adirondack Chocolates ...........................................73 Carol’s Collectibles..................................................29 Casier Furniture ....................................................104 Cayman Tanning .....................................................81 Chafee Art Center ...................................................91 Champlain Discount Foods......................................84 Chazy Hardware Inc ................................................12 Chippewa Stone......................................................29 Hhott House -Citizen Advocates Inc. ........................73 Community Store, The.............................................34 Co-Operative Insurance ..........................................43 Country Florist ........................................................52 Country Home Products Inc.....................................80 Countryside Carpet & Paint .....................................45 Cowles Quilting Machine.........................................72 Curtis Lumber-Schroon Lake .................................51 Curtis Lumber- Warrensburg ...................................33 Cyclewise ...............................................................13 Dannemora Federal Credit Union.............................23 Dave Whitty Sales & Service ...................................51 Decesare's Pizzeria.................................................51 Deckers Flats Floral Shop & Greenhouse ..............101 Deer's Head Inn ......................................................80 Discoveries .............................................................95 Dragoon's Farm Equipment.....................................25 Duffy's Liquor .........................................................71 East Cove Restaurant ..............................................99 Eloquent Page, The .................................................72

Eric & Eric Inc .........................................................44 Factory Direct .........................................................35 Fallen Arch, The ......................................................34 Fire & Ice ................................................................85 Flanagan's Pub & Grill.............................................51 Foothills ..................................................................94 Fort William Henry .................................................99 Ganienkeh Territorial .............................................132 Gateway Wine And Liquor .....................................109 Geoffrey's Pub ........................................................80 Gilmore Home Center..............................................43 Ginsburg Architects.................................................28 Goody's Candy Shop .............................................109 Gymnasium, The .....................................................91 Hague Chamber Of Commerce................................29 Holden Financial .....................................................73 Hoss's Country Corner ............................................39 House Of Pizza........................................................53 Howard's Flower Shop ............................................72 Hudson River Trading Co, The..................................94 Huestis Farm Supply .............................................119 Hungry Trout, The..................................................104 Hunter's Run Adult Living Community .....................71 Imagination ............................................................72 Jack's Liquor ..........................................................33 Jackman, Inc. .........................................................28 Jacobs And Toney Deli And Meat Store....................95 Joanies Goodies .....................................................51 Junction Auto Center...............................................35 Kevin Smith's Sports Connectio ..............................72 Kyle's Variety Shop .................................................72 Lake Champlain Coal ..............................................25 Lake City Choppers, ................................................81 Lake George Auto & Marine ..................................121 Lake George Bakery ...............................................99 Lake George Winter Carnival .................................131 Lake Placid Chocolatier...........................................29 Lake Shore Candy...................................................34 Lakeside Coffee LLC ...............................................34 Lazy Moose ............................................................44 Lenny Shoe & Apparel.............................................13 Lenny Shoe & Apparal.............................................25 Libby's Bakery Cafe ................................................53 Ligthworks Reiki ..................................................101 Linda's Apparel .......................................................45 Livingston’s Furniture................................................2 Macleods Lumber & Hardware ................................81 Maple Tree Books ...................................................33 Marble Valley Regional Transit .................................57 Marbleworks Pharmacy ........................................121 Mario's Restaurant .................................................71 Martin's Hardware ..................................................28 Middlebury Agway Farm & Garden ............................5 Middlebury Antique Center ......................................43 Molly Malone's Irish Gifts ........................................71 Moody Tree Farm ......................................................6 Mountain Brook Lodge ............................................25 Mountain Petroleum................................................19 Mountainview Equipment ......................................105 Nemec's Sport Shop, Farm & Garden Center ...........95

New To You Consignment Shop ...............................34 North Country Towing & Repair ...............................51 North Country Optical..............................................13 North Creek Trading Post ........................................58 North Warren Chamber Of Commerce .....................44 Northern Insuring Agency ........................................93 Northern Orchard ...................................................39 Oscar's Hickory House Inc ......................................95 Paige & Campbell ...................................................28 Panton General Store ..............................................23 Parkers Classic Auto Works .....................................43 Peru Health Mart Pharmacy ..................................103 Phinney Design Group.............................................80 Pines Country Store ................................................18 Plattsburgh Mail & Shipping ....................................34 Pro-Build ................................................................63 Prospect Mountain Diner.........................................99 Rafter J Western World ...........................................95 Ray Of Light ............................................................33 Ray’s Liquor ............................................................95 Rebecca's Florist ..................................................109 Regional Ambulance ...............................................45 Rick’s Bike Shop .....................................................98 Riley Famous T-Shirt ...............................................99 Riverside Gallery .....................................................33 Runway 67 .............................................................33 Serendipity Boutique ...............................................94 Skene Manor ..........................................................23 Skenesborough Gardens .........................................98 Nyserda ..................................................................62 Sporty's Saloon.......................................................81 Stephenson Lumber................................................24 Sticks And Stones ...................................................35 Stove Depot, The.....................................................84 Sugar And Spice .....................................................23 Tamarack Stables ...................................................34 The Cutting Crew ..................................................109 The Furniture House ...............................................63 Thomson's Garage..................................................99 Ticonderoga Animal Hospital ...................................53 Ticonderoga Federal Credit Union............................63 Ticonderoga Paint & Decorating Center ...................52 Town & Country Homes ..........................................45 Town Of Long Lake .................................................18 Town Of North Hudson ............................................13 Upstate Agency Insurance .....................................103 Valehaven Home For Adults.....................................23 Villa Motel.............................................................104 Wagon Wheel Restaurant ........................................53 Walker's Farm Home & Tack-Fort Ann .....................39 Walker's Farm Home & Tack-St Albans ...................72 Warren Ford ..........................................................109 Westport Hotel ........................................................39 Woodcarte ................................................................3 Yankee Driving School ............................................91 Young Lyons Floor Covering ....................................34 Your Place Of Worship ....................................76 & 77

northcountrylivingmagazine.com 131 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

Vol. 3 No. 4 | North Countryncliving@denpubs.com Living Magazine | 131

132 | North Country Living Magazine | Vol. 3 No. 4

ncliving@denpubs.com