Monthly Archives: May 2012

Black Fly Challenge: Race day approaches on pace for record entries

Mike Drake is shown in the foreground ready to start the race clock in this photo from a previous Black Fly Challenge, which started from Inlet. Courtesy Photo.

The 17th Annual Black Fly Challenge (BFC) Bicycle Race is set for Saturday, June 9, and with prerace registration numbers already close to those of last year’s race day, Race Director Dave Scranton has reason to believe this year’s race will see record-breaking participation. Scranton is optimistic that, as in years past, there will be a registration surge the week leading up to the event that will put them well above last year’s numbers.

According to Scranton, The Black Fly Challenge, which is produced and sanctioned by the Adirondack Mountain Bike Association (AMBA), has grown this year due to a larger web presence and assistance from the marketing firm, Adirondack Special Events (ASE).

“Having them (ASE) on-board has been just a boon because they have allowed us to continue doing what we do, while they have done everything we always wanted to do but never had the time to do,” Scranton said. Continue reading →

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Otter Lake cuts ‘ribbon,’ dedicates new firehouse

From left, 1st Assistant Chief Jeff Abrial, 2nd Assistant Chief Scott Eisenhart, Smokey the Bear and Chief Dan Abrial.

The Otter Lake Fire Department held a dedication ceremony at their new firehouse on Saturday, May 26 from noon to 3 p.m.

As part of the ceremony, guests were treated to a blessing by Father Sean, a color guard performance as well as speeches by Senator Joseph A. Griffo of the 47th Congressional District and Town of Forestport Supervisor William Hasenauer.

Otter Lake Fire Department members assembled in front of the new firehouse for a ribbon cutting ceremony, which had President Carroll and Chief Abrial disconnecting a firehose in front of the doors. The public was then allowed to walk in to the newly dedicated building. Courtesy Photos

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Car Wash fundraiser: Kiwanians & Key Club raise over $3,000

Kiwanians, Key Club and Jr. Key Club Members ready to wash cars

The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks, the Key Club and Jr. Key Club of the Town of Webb School washed over 135 cars at their 12th Annual FREE Car Wash, Saturday, May 26 at the Calypso’s Cove parking lot in Old Forge. The combined Kiwanis Club and Key Club effort raised over $3,000 at the event.

Co-Chairmen Bob Teesdale and Mike Griffin were pleased to report that the fund raising event was a great success.

“Each year the car wash provides the funds for the basic operation of the Central Adirondack Kiwanis Club activities and we are pleased by the turnout of Kiwanians and Key Club and Jr. Key Club members and for their extra effort,” Griffin said.

Continue reading →

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Polka Train helps boost numbers at 15th Annual Adirondack Polkafest

Pat Bartlett of Sauquoit and Stan Szufnarowski of Lowell,, Massachusetts, polka at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center in Old Forge. Photo by Carol Hansen

A record crowd of Polka lovers were drawn to the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 for the 15th Annual Adirondack Polkafest.

A special addition to this year’s event was a tie-in with the Adirondack Scenic Railroad which provided round trip transportation from Utica Station to Thendara Station aboard the Adirondack Polka Express Limited on Saturday. Included in the trip was onboard entertainment by the award-winning Fritz’s Polka Band and a Polish food luncheon.

Over 60 Polka patrons took advantage of the opportunity, said Donna Pohl of Adirondack Special Events, managing agency of the festival, who added that overall, numbers were up by more that 100 over last year’s event. Continue reading →

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Ad’k Current by Colin Criss

American citizen influence best when spread around evenly

Orr democracy is driven by the population’s interests and problems which, ideally, are told to elected representatives, who then pass ideas to their respective legislative bodies.

A policy is enacted, the problem fixed. Easy game.

There is no shortage of support requests from interest groups—letters, columns, advertisements which urge others to join the fight by writing additional letters, signing petitions, or attending meetings.

And frequently these requests are ignored. Continue reading →

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Inlet: Memory Walk to honor Walter Schmid on June 16th

The Town of Inlet will join the Alzheimer’s Association’s national effort to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research by hosting the 3rd Annual Memory Walk on Saturday, June 16th.

As in past year’s, the walk will honor the memory of an area resident who suffered from Alzheimer’s.

This year’s honoree will be longtime Inlet resident Walter Schmid who succumbed to the disease on January 17 of this year. Walter was well-known and loved for his generosity and his skiing talent which he was always happy to share with others.

Continue reading →

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Just a Thought by Richard Risley

Generations differ, but certain traditions should hold

Each generation has its own ways and, as someone mostly raised by a mature grandmother before having kids myself, I can list lots of traditions I’ve seen change over four generations.

However, some traditions should be so ingrained, so natural, so right, that parents and teachers alike support their continuation. Please and thank you. You’re welcome. Our conduct during the Star Spangled Banner.

When sung or played, we are reminded to stand and face the flag. This we do in offering respect and gratitude for our freedoms. We thank those who fought and those currently serving in defense of our freedom.

Continue reading →

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