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DEC to Start Accepting Applications for 2012 Summer Camp Program!

m2admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:13:32 +0000

Camp Program Changes will be Implemented for 2012 Season
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will be accepting applications for its 2012 Summer Camp Program starting January 28, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today.

The summer camp program offers week-long adventures in conservation education for children ages 11-17. DEC operates four residential camps for youth ages 11-13: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Franklin County; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County; Camp Rushford in Caneadea, Allegany County and Pack Forest in Warrensburg, Warren County. Pack Forest and Camp Rushford also feature Teenage Ecology Week, an environmental studies program for 14-17-year-old campers.

“As the parent of a son who spent a week at Camp Colby, I can personally attest to the quality of the camp experience for teenagers and the valuable environmental lessons learned at a DEC summer camp,” said Commissioner Martens. “Many DEC camp alumni have followed their interests into careers in the environment and wildlife conservation throughout our 64 years of operating DEC summer camps.”

Campers learn about environmental stewardship through hands-on experience in the outdoors. They participate in a wide variety of activities including fishing, bird watching, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and hunter safety education. Campers also learn about fields, forests, streams and ponds through fun, first-hand experiences in these habitats. DEC counselors teach youth conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals, such as measuring trees and estimating wildlife populations.

Changes for the 2012 camp season:

Youth camp attendees now range from age 11 to 13.
Teenage Ecology Week attendees now range from age 14 to 17 and will be offered at Pack Forest from weeks 1 through 5 and at Camp Rushford during week 5.
All four camps will run for seven weeks, beginning July 1.
Children who have attended camp in the past may register for any of the weeks within their age range.
Campers may attend for more than one week. The fee for the total number of weeks must be included with the application (Note: campers may not stay at camp on Saturday night, so parents should make alternate arrangements if two consecutive weeks are selected).
DEC is also encouraging sporting clubs, civic groups and environmental organizations to sponsor a child for a week at camp. Those groups who sponsor six paid campers will receive one free scholarship when all applications are sent together.

Information and applications for the 2012 Summer Camp Program are now available on DEC’s website. Applications from both sponsors and parents can be postmarked starting January 28, 2012. The cost for camp remains at $350 a week, a great value for parents.

For complete information on Environmental Education Summer Camps, including when applications will be accepted, visit DEC’s website or call 518-402-8014 . Interested parents may also sign up for the camps’ listserve on the same web page, visit the camps’ Facebook page at “NYS DEC Summer Camps” or contact DEC in writing at DEC Camps, 2nd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500.

Cabin Fever Fiesta!

m2admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:43 +0000

The NCCCA Arts Center in downtown Plattsburgh announces a date for this year’s “Cabin Fever Fiesta!” a fun-filled evening with friends, food and fundraising. All proceeds will benefit the Arts Center.

“Not only is ‘Cabin Fever Fiesta’ one of our largest parties, it is also one of our best attended and most fun-filled events,” says Leigh Mundy, NCCCA Board President. “It’s wonderful way to meet up with friends, forget about the weather, and escape to a tropical paradise and have the opportunity to win some great prizes.”

“This will be my first Cabin Fever Fiesta and I’m really looking forward to it,” says NCCCA Arts Center Executive Director, Janine Scherline. “The excitement from the planning committee is infectious, and I can’t wait to see the community come out in their beachwear to enjoy an evening out AND to support the Arts Center!”

Tickets are sold for $100 apiece, and each ticket allows 2 people into the party. The cost includes the food, music and open bar, AND a chance win one of two grand prizes. The first is a cash prize of $1000.00 and the other includes 2 round-trip tickets on Direct Air, plus $500 toward hotel accommodations. In addition, there are many other “sun-themed prizes” given throughout the evening.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at the $2,000 and $1,000 levels and make a great way to get your business name associated with a really fun event. Sponsors will not only benefit from advertising at the event, but will also be promoted as a partner on the NCCCA Arts Center website. Sponsors will also receive tickets to share with friends or staff. For business owners and managers, this event is a creative way to incentivize staff, improve morale and encourage team bonding!

Board President Leigh Mundy says: “This event becomes more and more popular every year! Where else can you and a friend spend an evening eating, drinking, dancing like it’s the middle of summer AND win great prizes for just $100?”

“Cabin Fever Fiesta” will take place on Saturday, February, 25th, 2012, from 7:00 – 9:30 pm at 5131 U.S. Avenue (former SouthGate Bar) next to Bill McBride Chevrolet/Subaru. Tickets are $100 each and include admission, food and drinks for two. Tickets can be paid for in advance by calling the Arts Center at 563-1604, by stopping by 23 Brinkerhoff Street, or through PayPal on the Arts Center website at www.plattsburgharts.org.

Duet II: Husband And Wife Share Exhibition At NCCCA Arts Center!

m2admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:58:41 +0000

Saturday, February 18th through Saturday, March 24th, 2012

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 18th, 2012, 5:30-7:30 pm

Plattsburgh – The North Country Cultural Center for the Arts (NCCCA Arts Center) is pleased to announce the upcoming exhibition by husband and wife, Frank and Carol Hochreiter, entitled, “Duet II.”

A sequel to their similarly titled exhibition at the Peru Public Library, “Duet II” features never-before seen works including photography by Frank and an eclectic mix of watercolors, collages, acrylics and pastels by Carol. The exhibit includes approximately seventy works and will be on display in the Arts Center’s Main Gallery starting on Saturday, February 18th 2012.

“We’re lucky to have so many talented artists as Members,” says NCCCA Arts Center Executive Director, Janine Scherline. “I hope the Hochreiters, as Members who are artists and partners in life, will inspire other families and couples who are active in the arts to share their accomplishments and talents with the community.”

Frank and Carol are life-long learners and professional educators who are passionate about art. Since retirement, Carol has combined her love of travel with her love of art-making by enrolling in several art-related workshops from Maine to Georgia and as far west as Arizona. Frank developed an interest in photography during family vacations, by recording images of places that he taught his students about as a Social Studies teacher in New Paltz.

“Frank is always there to help,” says Carol, “.. [he] provides me with total encouragement and support.” And Carol urges Frank to share his talent as a photographer with the public. Their resulting collaboration (Duet II) will be in the Main Gallery on the first floor of the Arts Center through March 24th, 2012.

The Main Gallery is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday, 10am – 4pm and Saturdays, 11am – 3pm.

Contact: Rachel Martine, NCCCA Outreach Coordinator, (518) 563-1604 or: outreach@plattsburgharts.org

Champlain Area Trails Contest Winners & New Contest!

m2admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:43:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

January 27, 2012 – Westport, NY- An independent field biology study turned out to be especially fruitful for both teacher and student. Every week since January 2011, Westport ninth-grader Peter Hartwell and mentor David Thomas Train have been exploring the Champlain Area Trails along shoreline, streams, wetlands, and woods near Westport. Those explorations eventually prompted them to enter the Champlain Area Trails Travel Writing Contest.

Hartwell attends the BOCES Special Education program in Mineville. To supplement the Mineville curriculum, he studies several subjects privately—including field biology with Thomas Train. “Peter and I spend time together every Wednesday after school in outdoor science explorations, and we wanted to share what we do and see,” Thomas Train explained. “He is an avid outdoors explorer, with great observation and drawing skills.” And Thomas Train is certainly no stranger to the trails of the Champlain Valley: He is the guidebook author for the ADK Guide To The Eastern Region. “I know the CATS trails well and am excited every time a new one is developed, more open space is protected, and I have a new place to explore!” Thomas Train said.

Their jointly written essay, entitled “Wildlife, Connected In and Out of Town,” earned them the first-place prize of $500.

“CATS introduces people to the richness of the natural world in the Champlain Valley, and David and Peter’s essay does the same,” noted contest judge Phil Brown, who is editor of the Adirondack Explorer. “I was especially impressed by the variety of their field observations—the number of species, or their signs, encountered—and by the detailed descriptions of what they saw,” Brown said. “David and Peter make us realize that we are surrounded by fascinating wildlife and that we can learn much about our wild neighbors if we just pay attention. The authors also uncover on their outings evidence of the Champlain Valley’s long human history. As they say, ‘It’s a lively neighborhood for all who walk, hop, paddle, fly, crawl, swim, bound, run, waddle, slither, or put out seeds.’” Their essay, Brown added, “was infused with the greatest familiarity with the region and its inhabitants.”

Visitors to the CATS website were also able to have their say and pick their favorite entry. Jessica Wimett, of Wadhams, won the $250 People’s Choice Prize for receiving the most online votes—41 percent. Her essay, “A Great Resolution,” tells the poignant story of how she named her baby during a hike on a CATS trail. “I decided to enter the contest because I immediately had an emotional response to thinking about this area, and the sense of community and nurturing I’ve discovered here,” said Wimett. “The thing I like best about the CATS trails is their accessibility. When I don’t have the time to go on a major outdoor romp, I can still have an impromptu wander outdoors with my daughter.”

CATS launched the travel writing contest in September with the purpose of promoting economic vitality through outdoor recreation based tourism. “People are researching vacation destinations online, so as they look into visiting the northeast, we want them to see these articles about New York’s Champlain Valley and get inspired to come here, enjoy the outdoors, patronize local businesses, and tell others about this beautiful area,” said Chris Maron, executive director of CATS. “We are grateful to the J.C. Kellogg Foundation for underwriting this contest.”

Contest Coordinator, Gretel Schueller noted, “The contest spawned several strong stories. The top four—which include the two winners—can be viewed at our online CATS Destination Guide.”

The next CATS Travel Writing Contest will begin in February. Visit www.champlainareatrails.com for full details. Contest-related questions can be directed at CATScontest@gmail.com.

Champlain Area Trails is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to develop hiking/skiing trails that link Champlain Valley communities, connect people to nature, promote economic vitality, and protect habitat and scenic vistas. For more information, go to www.champlainareatrails.com or call 518-962-CATS (2287).

NCCCA Arts Center seeks artists to exhibit in 2012

m2admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:14:32 +0000

NCCCA Arts Center seeks artists to exhibit in 2012
Artists Needed for Main Gallery and Off-site Galleries

Plattsburgh – The North Country Cultural Center for the Arts (NCCCA Arts Center) is pleased to announce the availability of space in 2012 for artists to exhibit their work. The Arts Center seeks applications for exhibitions in both the Main Gallery on the first floor of the Center as well as in its off-site galleries, that include Valcour Imaging and the Development Corporation.

“We’ve had several successful exhibition experiences this past year and are excited to have a few additional slots open for area artists to show their work, “ says NCCCA Arts Center Executive Director, Janine Scherline. “We’re also looking to expand visibility for our local artists by coordinating quarterly exhibitions in our off-site gallery spaces.”

Rachel Martine, NCCCA Outreach Coordinator adds, “Our local artists have so much to offer. We hope that creating new work is an important part of their New Year’s resolutions for 2012!”

The Arts Center hosts between 10-12 exhibitions a year, including two member shows , a regional juried show and opportunities for artists from local schools to exhibit work. Applications are available at the front desk for both the Main Gallery and the off-site gallery spaces. Please contact the Arts Center for more information. Spaces are filling quickly!

The NCCCA Arts Center is located at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in downtown Plattsburgh. The Arts Center is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 5pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The Main Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-3pm.

Contact: Rachel Martine, NCCCA Outreach Coordinator, (518) 563-1604 or: outreach@plattsburgharts.org

NCCCA Arts Center Announces New Classes and Workshops

m2admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:16:49 +0000

NCCCA Arts Center Announces New Classes and Workshops
New Classes and Workshops for a New Year!

Plattsburgh – The North Country Cultural Center for the Arts (NCCCA Arts Center) is delighted to announce a new round of classes and workshops for people of all ages. Classes will be offered several areas including theatre, clay, studio arts, movement and music.

“I’m so very excited with the number and variety of new classes that we’re able to offer in the New Year,” says NCCCA Arts Center Executive Director, Janine Scherline. “From origami to clay, music lessons – in voice, piano, ukelele, guitar – to Garage Band, and from studio arts to Family Arts, there really is something for everyone!”

Jessica Mitchell-Briehl, NCCCA Education Coordinator adds, “We’re happy to have many new artist-teachers on board at the Arts Center! There is new energy, new ideas and we hope to have many people of all ages taking advantage of their expertise.”

New classes in Theatre include: “Theatre Exploration for Children,” “The Film Performer,” and “Lights,Curtain, Action!” The latter will include renowned Broadway performer, George Hearn, as a guest speaker. New classes in Studio Arts include, “Junk Art,” “Incredible Artists,” (a class for students who have special needs), Bead Embroidery and Origami. Zumba will be back at the Arts Center and, “A Ballet Experience,” will be offered for children 5 and up. New offerings in music include private lessons in voice and ukelele.

The Arts Center continues to offer popular classes such as Life-Drawing, Kindermusik and Garage Band and Family Arts as well as a full-line of classes for all ages in the Jackie Sabourin Clay Studio. For a complete listing of all classes and workshops, contact the Arts Center (563-1604) or visit the website at: www.plattsbugharts.org.

Contact: Rachel Martine, NCCCA Outreach Coordinator, (518) 563-1604 or: outreach@plattsburgharts.org

New York State Grant Awarded to Fort Ticonderoga

m2admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:10:36 +0000

(Ticonderoga, NY) A grant for $20,320 was recently awarded to the Fort Ticonderoga Association, a private not-for-profit organization, as part of the recent announcement by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo that $785 million has been awarded to the 10 Regional Economic Development Councils. The grant to Fort Ticonderoga, through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, will fund a structural condition evaluation for Fort Ticonderoga in 2012 that will be used to make long-range decisions regarding the fort and its walls. This evaluation will establish the structural priorities for Fort Ticonderoga and identify options for repair.

The grant is part of a larger Fort Ticonderoga planning initiative being prepared by PGAV Destinations, global leaders in planning and design. Phase 1 of this plan is expected to be complete in early 2012.

Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga Executive Director, said “a clear analysis of the structural needs of the Fort and its walls is one of our highest priorities at this time. The state grant allows for us to include this evaluation as we plan for a vibrant future for one of America’s greatest treasures. It will help us best preserve the Fort while reaching our greatest potential as a major destination in New York.”

The stabilization and preservation of Fort Ticonderoga’s walls has been an ongoing project since it was built by the French in 1755. In particular, water infiltration and the winter freeze thaw cycle have caused damage to the walls. In recent years, sections of the walls have been successfully repaired using modern masonry and drainage techniques.

Fort Ticonderoga draws more than 70,000 visitors each year to the 2000 acre site located in the Adirondack Park and has recently been rebranded as “America’s Fort.”

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a private not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May through October. A full schedule and information on events can be found at www.Fort-Ticonderoga.org or phone (518) 585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at 100 Fort Ti Road Ticonderoga, New York.

Photo: Fort Ticonderoga is America’s Fort. Photo by Richard Timberlake.

Schroon Lake B&B Wins YouTube Video Contest

m2admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:00:09 +0000

For Immediate Release

SCHROON LAKE, N.Y. – The Schroon Lake Bed and Breakfast is the winner of the best video award for the New York Region in the “My Business Story” contest on YouTube.

“I initially learned about the program through the Professional Association of Innkeepers International forum, and submitted our entry just under the wire for the deadline on November 15th,” said Sharon Piper, owner of the B&B. “We received notification of our win a few days later.”

The video features B&B owner Sharon Piper, who describes how she and her husband Mark fulfilled their dream to open their own Bed and Breakfast, and how they were attracted to, and welcomed by the small Adirondack community of Schroon Lake.

“Websites are mandatory, and video is king,” added Piper. “In fact, I’ve learned that YouTube is second to Google as the largest search engine. We encourage other small businesses to post their own video with the My Business Story feature. Although the contest is over, the easy editing tools are still online as a resource for small businesses.”

According to the program’s developers, Google research shows that online video can boost in-store sales by 6%, and boost brand recall by as much as 50%, and My Business Story can help small business owners make a great looking, professional-quality video to realize this potential.

For more information about the Schroon Lake Bed and Breakfast, visit their website at www.schroonbb.com. YouTube’s My Business Story program and a link to the contest winners can be found online at www.Youtube.com/mybusinessstory.

This Holiday Season Give the Gift of Magic to the Children of the Double H Ranch

m2admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:07:00 +0000

As 2011 comes to a close the Double H Ranch is able to reflect on the success of this past year and begin to plan for the year ahead. This holiday season give the gift of magic and make a difference in the life of a child by sponsoring one of the unique end-of-year giving opportunities. Your donation will help support year-round programming and ensure that magic continues to happen at the Double H Ranch for children and their families dealing with a life-threatening illness.

Sponsorship opportunities include support of the equipped medical facility Paul’s Body Shop which will assist with the purchase of medical supplies and medications; sponsorship of a Happy Barn animal to help with the care and feeding of the four-legged friends of the Ranch; funding of a summer counselor or the maintenance of a camper cabin; sponsorship of a Family Programming weekend which will offset the cost of hosting a family weekend such as Rosie’s Love for children who have lost a parent, sibling or loved one, a Bleeding Disorder weekend, a Diabetes weekend or other specialized weekends; and other unique sponsorship opportunities. To learn more visit the Double H Ranch webpage at www.doublehranch.org and donate today.

A gift to the Double H Ranch is a great way to honor a friend, family member or co-worker. The recipient will receive a personal holiday card acknowledging the charitable donation made in their name. The Double H Ranch also invites you to make a donation in memory of a loved one or in lieu of holiday gifts.

As compelling as the mission of the Double H Ranch is, we are all reminded that our world is filled with uncertainty. However, the needs of our children and their families are not diminishing and unfortunately childhood illness remains a reality for many. The Double H Ranch is deeply appreciative for the support and commitment that we have received from our family of donors, volunteers, community members and organizations for almost two decades. Together we will continue to bring joy to the children and families served by the Double H Ranch. We invite you to help us make memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information, call 518-696-5921or go to www.doublehranch.org.

Explore 18th Century Holiday Traditions At Fort Ticonderoga’s Hot Chocolate At Cold Fort!

m2admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:55:17 +0000

Explore 18th Century Holiday Traditions at Fort Ticonderoga’s Hot Chocolate at Cold Fort Event, December 3rd

(Ticonderoga, NY) Explore 18th-century holiday traditions at Fort Ticonderoga’s Hot Chocolate at Cold Fort event! Visit with historic interpreters portraying Continental soldiers from Pennsylvania in 1776 and experience how very different Christmas at that time was compared to our modern holiday traditions. Learn about Saint Crispin’s Day from a shoemaker at the Fort and delight in the simple holiday pleasures the frontier garrison enjoyed. Taste a sample of hot chocolate based on a recipe from the 18th-century and experience a celebration at Fort Ticonderoga in 1776 Saturday, December 3, 10 am – 4 pm. Regular admission rates apply. Ticonderoga residents are free.

Much of Ticonderoga’s 1776-1777 winter garrison was composed of soldiers of the 4th Pennsylvania battalion. The soldiers were from the vicinity of Chester, Pennsylvania. In large part they were Quaker or Anglican. For the few Anglicans among these men, Christmas was an occasion for a feast, but not an extraordinary one. For the Quakers, who largely rejected Anglican traditions, Christmas was a day like any other. However, just as today’s American troops serving in foreign lands seek comfort in simple pleasures during the holidays, the 4th Pennsylvania battalion soldiers at Fort Ticonderoga heartily enjoyed basic comforts that reminded them of home.

See the officer’s mess enjoy roasted mutton prepared by their paid servants in the regiment inside the old French Fort. Witness how the harsh realities of the American War for Independence were relieved as soldiers too sick for duty received mutton broth and medicinal chocolate to help fortify them against combat camp distempers. Experience, the camaraderie that soldiers shared as they faced a long winter together huddled around a steaming kettle of rations over a hot fire.

By the end of November 1776, Ticonderoga was covered by winter’s first blanket of snow. The 3500 men remained to garrison Fort Ticonderoga, Mount Hope, and Mount Independence under the command of Colonel Anthony Wayne watched wearily as Massachusetts and New York militia troops departed for home at the end of their terms of enlistment. Other Continental troops departed to join General Washington in the milder winter climate of New Jersey. Settling in for a long winter guarding Lake Champlain from attack, Colonel Wayne moved the men of his 4th Pennsylvania battalion into the sparse comforts of the Fort’s stone barracks.

To learn more about Hot Chocolate at a Cold Fort visit www.FortTiconderoga.org or call 518-585-2821. This unique holiday experience at Fort Ticonderoga is part of the Second Annual North Country Christmas week-long celebration, November 28 – December 4. For details on the North Country Christmas visit www.ticonderogany.com.

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a private not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May through October. A full schedule and information on events can be found at www.Fort-Ticonderoga.org or phone (518) 585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at 100 Fort Ti Road Ticonderoga, New York.