Daily Archives: December 8, 2011

Snodeo organizers gunning for another big season opener

Snow is more than luxury, but hardly a necessity say organizers: Ultimately sled weekend is about fun, celebration and anticipation-especially this

Don Haehl, chairman of Snodeo 2011 in Old Forge, tries out one of the sleds that was on display at last weekend's event that was held at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street. Photo by Dana Armington

Even if you may not be able take your sleds out on the trails over the weekend, this weekend’s Snodeo event at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street has many opportunities for visitors to enjoy some winter fun.

The Used Sled Auction is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and according to Laurie Barkauskas, Central Adirondack Association’s events coordinator, there has been a lot of interest generated by the first-time event.

“The auction has been something that a lot of people have requested over the years. We’ve put a lot of effort into it and we are hoping that it takes off and continues to grow,” Barkauskas said.

Organizers and volunteers gathered at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street to set up for Snodeo 2011. Among those shown are Don Haehl (second from left), then Dale Stanton, Bob Gordon, Andrea Ross, Bob Gates, our friend Eugene, Bill Blandin, Dan Mahoney, and Laurie Barkauskas. Photo by Dana Armington

Throughout the weekend, Snodeo guests will also be able to visit representatives from the top four snowmobile manufacturers, and check out the 25 vendors featuring snowmobile-related goods and services.

Local vendors include the Inlet Barnstormers Snowmobile Club, Holly Woodworking, Old Forge Camping Resort, Souvenir Village, and The Naked Moose.

Among the new vendors are snowmobile lift company, Ohio Chassis and Boyesen Inc. which specializes in snowmobile accessories.

Allstate Insurance Company is also new to Snodeo. Continue reading

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Mountainman offers business’s side lot for community hockey rink

John Nemjo, owner of Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. in Old Forge, would like to see a comeback of the sport of hockey in the Old Forge area and he is willing to offer his parking area at the south end of his Route 28 property to help make it happen.

John Nemjo

“The town used to have a hockey rink at the Pavilion on North Street, and I would like to see another home for it somewhere. That somewhere could be right here, where people driving by can see it. The town has the equipment. If they are willing to let us use it, I’m willing to host it,” Nemjo said.

Nemjo has enlisted the help of Clark Lubbs, manager of his Adirondack Outdoor Center, to help get the word out on the proposal and to gather the volunteers needed to make it work.

Lubbs will approach the Town Board with a proposal at its next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 13.

Both Nemjo and Lubbs see hockey as a great addition to a long list of outdoor recreational opportunities already available to residents and winter visitors of all ages. Continue reading

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Local businesses pass surprise test by NYS Homeland Security

Several businesses in Old Forge and Inlet were paid unannounced, simultaneous visits by undercover New York State Homeland Security agents on Wednesday, December 7 in an effort to test employees’ abilities to identify possible domestic terrorist activity.

Vickie Smith, manager of ACE Hardware in Old Forge said three men and a woman came into the store early in the afternoon and asked for pipe, nails, switches, black powder, and timers-items which Smith described as “normal things people would go into a hardware store to buy.”

But it was the collective nature of the items that raised Smith’s suspicion-identifying them as things that could be used to make homemade bombs. Continue reading

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Niccolls Church Remembrance Service slated for December 13

Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church will be holding a special “Service of Remembrance” on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m.

During this season the community is invited to take the time to gather for a reflective moment of worship through candlelight, meditation, and quiet remembrance.

“We sense the deep and profound spiritual gifts of the season, but we never quite reach the place of awe, wonder, and transformation. Often the hustle and bustle leaves us too frustrated and drained to prayerfully remember the loved ones we have lost,” said Niccolls Church Pastor, Rev. Lawrence Bartel.

Niccolls Memorial Church is located at 228 Crosby Blvd. in Old Forge, next to the library.

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School to host Holiday Concerts, Dec. 15 & 16

The Town of Webb School UFSD Vocal Music Department will present its annual holiday choral concerts on Thursday and Friday, December 15 and 16.

The Senior and Junior Choirs will perform on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Continue reading

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Memorial service set for Bess Folsom, 93

Bessie M. Folsom, 93, of Thendara, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford.

She was born on March 13, 1918 in Utica, a daughter of the late George and Ruth (Miskimmon) MacDonald. She married George Folsom on August 19, 1940 in Utica, a blessed union of over 50 years. Mr. Folsom died on September 15, 1990.

She was a member of the Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church in Old Forge and the Order of the Eastern Star Old Forge Chapter 449.

Bessie was proud to be the first woman ordained as an Elder in the Utica Presbytery and as a volunteer for the American Red Cross Disaster Assistance team. She was also a Girl Scout Leader, a member of AARP and on the board of directors of the Home Aide Service of the Central Adirondacks (HASCA). Continue reading

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McCauley receives, assembles new yurt

A large FedEx truck delivered the new yurt to McCauley Mountain Ski Area on Tuesday, December 6, with Will Hollister, Tim Barkauskas and Steve Uzdavinis on-site to accept it.

A team of volunteers from the Polar Bear Ski Club rallied the next day to tackle the installation task.

Continue reading

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