CAP-21 is collaborating with Adirondack environmental scientists, design firms and the Central Adirondack Arts and Science Advocacy group (CAASA), to develop ecotourism in conjunction with research and education in the Town of Webb.

Over thirty people attended an April 10 public meeting hosted by CAP-21 at the Old Forge Library, where they had an opportunity to hear and offer ideas on the project.

The meeting featured presentations by both Phinney Design and ELAN Planning & Design of Saratoga Springs.

Also present at the meeting were representatives of CAASA, authors of the proposed Central Adirondacks Laboratory for Environmental Studies (CALES) project.

The CALES project first received funding from the State Department of New York in 2009, according to CAP-21 Director Nick Rose.

The initial plan proposed development of a residential research center, to be based in the old Arts Center building. When that plan proved unfeasible, research and discussion began on how to proceed.

The establishment an environmental trail was discussed. This would potentially connect the Town of Webb with other Adirondack locations, such as The Wild Center in Tupper Lake and the Environmental School of Forestry in Newcomb. And it would require collaboration with other organizations.

Both design companies spoke of a cultural trail called The Crooked Road, which was established in Virginia. Continue reading →

Ryan and Catherine Thompson of Old Forge, also known as “Hit and Miss,” shared their extreme hiking and paddling adventures with a mixed-age group at Niccolls Presbyterian Church in Old Forge on Sunday, April 14.

In April of 2010, the couple started a long trek by canoeing from Old Forge to Fort Kent and Portage in Maine. Their canoe was provided by Tickner’s Moose River Canoe Trips.

From there, they connected with the start of the Appalachian Trail (AT) at Mount Katadin, and made the 2,175 mile hike from Maine to Georgia.

The Thompsons had hiked the AT in 2008 from south to north, and looked forward to making the trek in the opposite direction.

They arrived at the end of the the trail, in Springer Mountain, GA, on September 23.

Prior to doing a through hike of the AT, they had hiked from Maine to Pennsylvania, and Georgia to Maryland in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Hit and Miss entertained the audience with stories of wild weather and interesting characters they met on the trail, challenges they faced, lessons they learned and obstacles overcome during their five-month adventure. Continue reading →

On Wednesday, April 24, Linda Manzo of the Alzheimer’s Association will conduct a training session for those interested in becoming, or being involved with, caregiver support group facilitators.

The session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the large fellowship hall at Niccolls Memorial Church on Crosby Boulevard.

To assist with organization, those interested in participating should email Manzo at lmanzo@alz.org and Wende Carr at swimmerwende@gmail.com.

Handouts and refreshments will be provided. Those attending should use the church’s rear entrance and go through the doors to the right, at the end of the long hall.

The March 28th building fire on Main Street in Boonville. Photos by Wende Carr

Local fundraising efforts are in progress to aid the 11 families who were displaced by an apartment building fire that occurred on Main Street in Boonville on Thursday, March 28.

The fire was started by a male smoking in bed causing fire fighters to respond to the alarm around 2 a.m. on Thursday.

At 10:30 a.m., fire fighters from Boonville, Constableville, Floyd, Remsen, Stittville, and Woodgate were still tending to the fire.

Many of the area churches, including the United Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, Community Bank, Red Cross and individuals are working together to reach out to the 29 fire victims who lost their homes and possessions in the early morning fire.

According to Boonville Fire Chief Dave Pritchard, the fire destroyed nine apartments-seven in the Hutchins building and two in the adjacent Hair Spa building.

The Boonville Chamber of Commerce has set up a Victims of the Boonville Fire 2013 Fund. All monies will go directly to the victims and will be evenly distributed among the families, said Melinda Whittwer of the Boonville Chamber.

Donations in the name of the fund can be sent to: Boonville Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 163, Boonville, NY 13309. Gas and grocery store card donations, can be made to the Chamber. Continue reading →