Susan Brownsell, Lori Hansen, and Leslie Beauchamp sell raffle tickets and register players for the game.
Photo by Terry Newman
The annual Gary Rudd Golf Tournament was held on Sunday, Aug. 19, at the Inlet Golf Club. The tournament is held in memory of Gary Rudd, who passed away in 2001. Rudd was a volunteer firefighter and one of the founders of the Inlet ambulance service. The tournament began with a shotgun start and awards and prizes were given at the clubhouse after the game. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Inlet Volunteer Emergency Services (IVES) and the Inlet Fire Department.
Photo submitted by Cycle Adirondacks/PureADK Friends gather for a ride through the Adirondacks.
Cycle Adirondacks Ultimate Cycling Vacation event in the Town of Inlet is more than just a bike tour. The event brought crowds of visitors to ride, share hot meals, yoga classes, get advice from bicycle mechanics and attend learning seminars. The cycling event welcomed participants to experience our beautiful Adirondack landscape and the communities that make it so special. This year the towns of Inlet, Speculator, and North Creek were hosts for the ride and proceeds from the event went to support the education and conservation efforts of the Adirondack Mountain Club and various community projects for the towns involved through the CycleADK Gives program.
Students disembark from school buses on the first day of the 2018-19 school year Sept. 4 at the Indian Lake Central School District. There, the students were greeted by parents and teachers. Buses began arriving just before 8 a.m.
Wells Central School celebrated a successful first day of school on Wednesday,
Sept. 5. At left, the Wells Central School staff welcome the children back for the first day of school. The staff was there to cheer the students and parents as they entered the building.
The Marleau family won first place for their Pac-Man group costumes.
The town of Inlet held its Halloween parade and party on Friday, Oct. 26. The community came out to show off their costumes in a parade through the town and then gathered for a party and costume contest at the Inlet Volunteer Emergency Services building. Inlet brought their A game and the many creative costumes on display made difficult decisions for the judges. After the costume contest everyone was invited to share in refreshments of apple cider, cookies, and of course, lots of candy.
Photo courtesy of Matteson Trumbauer The winners of Inlet’s ugly sweater contest.
An Adirondack Christmas on Main Street events drew large crowds to the towns of Old Forge and Inlet over Thanksgiving weekend. Visitors came from far and wide to enjoy some old fashioned Christmas spirit in the Adirondacks. Visitors were treated to horse drawn carriage rides, special deals in all the local stores, a chance to pet the animals of Moose River Farm, light parade and tree lighting ceremony, and of course, an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Clause in person.
On Jan. 27, the Wells Central School Ski Club got to meet Glen Plake, National Ski Hall of Fame and pioneer of extreme skiing after their lessons at Oak Mountain. Glen and his wife Kimberly were at Oak Mountain as part of their Down Home Tour. Glen and Kimberly were seen skiing the mountain and giving advice to fellow skiers. They also made time in the lodge to take pictures and sign autographs for fans.
The annual Raquette Lake Ice Harvest was held on Saturday, Jan. 26. Volunteers came out to help in the effort to cut and move hundreds of large blocks of ice from the lake to be stored in the icehouse behind the Tap Room to be used as refrigeration and air conditioning through the summer months.
The crews use a power saw with a circular blade to cut the ice creating a channel for the blocks to be moved out of the lake and up a conveyor belt to be stored and used in the future. The Ice Harvest has been an annual Adirondack tradition since the 1800s.
Walleye Challenger co-organizer Lou Stutzke smiles as he holds one of the many walleye caught.
Paul Spranger of Canajoharie holds a 34 inch northern pike.
Area residents and visitors from across the region and beyond descended upon the Great Sacandaga Lake and surrounding communities for the annual Walleye Challenge ice fishing derby on Saturday, Feb. 16. The Fulton County Tourism Department and Fuel-N-Food’s 11th annual Walleye Challenge draws more than 2,500 tourists and sees 1,750 fishing enthusiasts who compete for prizes and cash. The Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation also hosted its annual ice fishing contest that day The event registers hundreds of participants who compete for prizes and cash by catching northern pike, trout and yellow perch.
Photos by Bill Trojan
For The Express
Bruce Bruce of Ticonderoga barbecues duck poppers made with jalapeno peppers and cheese wrapped in bacon.
It was a cold and windy day when a large crowd gathered around a small, manmade pond at Oak Mountain Ski Center to watch 16 skiers come down the hill and go skiing across the pond on Saturday, March 16. This was the ski center’s annual Pondskimming contest. Most were dressed in costumes to try their luck in Matt O’Brien’s version of a swimming pool on skis or snowboards. Master of Ceremonies was Bill Osborne, who announced the contestants as they started their run down to hill and into the pond. Contest winners were as follows: Best Skim – Eric Ludewig, Best Splash – Matt Whalen, Best Costume – Brody Whalen and Overall Best Pondskimmer – Chris Stankes. The event was Sponsored by Shipyard Brewing Co and Oak Mountain Ski Center, with Live Music from The Old Main.
Long Lake Central School 5th and 6th grade art students in Ms. Gannon’s class work on completing a community mural in the school’s first floor hallway. (Photo provided)
The students of The Inlet Common School had their annual One School One Book reveal on Monday, March 4. Principal Holt, discussed the importance of reading for pleasure. She encouraged students to read this year’s pick with their family members. This year’s pick was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. At the kickoff party, we went through a wardrobe full of fur coats into Narnia. There we met the White Witch and the lion. When we entered Narnia there were white balloons covering the ground and a winter scene was all around us. There was a lamppost to guide us and a dog dressed as Aslan the lion. After that we enjoyed some Turkish Delight with some hot cocoa. The party has inspired all of us, and we are excited to read the rest of the book.
It has been a long, cold and snowy winter but now with spring officially here and temperatures in the 50’s predicted for the last two days of March, winter sports are drawing to a close as this photo of the snowmobile trail into Perkins Clearing in Speculator shows. (Pete Klein/Express reporter)
Inlet continued the Easter fun for another day with Easter egg hunts for kids and grownups alike on Saturday, April 27, at Arrowhead and Fern Parks. With help from local businesses and the Inlet Youth Commission, the Easter Bunny left eggs hidden around Arrowhead Park for the little ones and there were prizes and a chance to create their own stuffed animals in the Town Hall. Then the sneaky rabbit left eggs with special prizes for the adults at Fern Park too! It was a very happy Easter for all in Inlet this year.
In two separate days May 1 and May 8, local businesses, volunteers, and schools participated in the event to keep our communities clean. All volunteers were given a free lunch and Community Pride Day T-shirt acknowledging the sponsors who made the event possible. Lunch was provided in the fire hall. Students at Inlet schools took a break from their classes to chip in and take part in the effort to keep their towns beautiful and ready for summer.
The town of Wells hosted its annual boat parade and barbecue on July 4. At top, a star-spangled boat makes its way along Algonquin Lake. (Photos submitted)
Celebration, the biggest Independence Day event in Hamilton County, was held this year on Saturday, July 6. The day started with CampStore Corner Carnival offering old fashioned carnival games and treats, The Inn at Speculator serving up hot dogs and hamburgers, and the Parade Committee sponsoring three giant inflatables. The parade kicked off promptly at 7 p.m., and included some new participants, as well as returning favorites. This year’s theme was, “Oh the Places You’ll Go in The Adk!” The night continued with games and food, music by Our Secret Love Society, face painting by the local Girls Scouts troop, and much more in the ball field area! The annual fireworks display sponsored by the village of Speculator was the culmination of another great 4th of July Celebration. More photos from the celebration are on Page 7.
Photos from the Lake Pleasant Central School Facebook page
In collaboration with the Lake Pleasant library, the Utica Zoo traveled to the Speculator pavilion July 24 with the “Zoo Mobile.” Students, teachers, and staff walked the nature trail to the pavilion where they were able to meet and touch four different animals.
The town of Wells hosted its 69th annual Old Home Days Aug. 2 and 4. The weekend kicked off with swim races and the town beach and featured a parade themed “Books! Books! Books!” on Aug. 3 and the Algonquin Lake Dam Walk/Run on Aug. 4. The town commons was filled with rides, games, music, dancing and vendors all weekend. (Photos by Charlie Kraebel/Express staff)
A large group of golfers participated in this year’s Gary Rudd Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday, August 18. Guests had the opportunity to try their luck with an array of raffle prizes; all proceeds to benefit Inlet Volunteer Emergency Services (IVES.) Golfers enjoyed lunch hosted by Matt and Amanda Miller of the Double Eagle Bar & Grill following the tournament.
Photos by Jamie Organski
For The Express
Bill Collins serves as the official scorekeeper of the tournament.
Maureen Sullivan, Joan Mayes, June Pardue and Bob Fuller.
Tim Dowling, Margy Lind, Curt Regruit, and Susan Dowling at the longest hole.
Susan Lockyear and Henry Fibgear man the putting contest.
Don DiOrio, Bob DiOrio, Jon Ziobro, and Jon Brosemer.
Jim Lorraine, Paul Morin, Darryl Murdock and Chris Morin; the rowdiest bunch of them all.
Jeff Forsell lines up the perfect putt.
Don Townsend of the Inlet Fire Department assists guests with a selection of raffle options.
Clarence Farr, Ron Hansen, Shawn Hansen, and Jerry Levi.
Suzie Gillum, of the Inlet Golf Course, enjoys helping out at this year’s event.
The newly-renovated Inlet Golf Club and Double Eagle Bar & Grill.
Elmer Miller and Dave Berkstresser.
Darryl Murdock lines up the perfect shot at the narrowest hole.
The Old Forge Lakefront was a hub of activity as hundreds of paddlers prepared for the 37th annual 90-Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic on the crisp morning of Friday, September 6. This three-day, 90-mile timed race spans from Old Forge to Saranac Lake.
This year more than 600 paddlers, equipped with abilities ranging from beginner to seasoned, traveled from all across the nation in order to take part in the paddling event that has become an Adirondack tradition.
The race featured solo, tandem, four-person and eight-person Voyageur canoes, solo and tandem kayaks and one- and two-person guide boats.
Teams of paddlers got into the competitive spirit with group cheers, while others put the finishing touches on their canoes or kayaks with personalized stickers, and even a Hulk action figure.
The event is hosted by the Adirondack Watershed Alliance, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Central Adirondack Association.
Inlet held its 26th annual Fall Festival on Sept. 21 and 22. The weekend’s event was blessed with nice warm weather and full of fun and entertainment. The food trucks had a good food, and the Swamp Drivers rocked Fern Park on Saturday. The Double Barrel Blues Band had the place swinging on Sunday, and Victor the clown delighted the children. (Photos by M. Lisa Monroe)
The Friends of the Lake Pleasant Library co-hosted OaktoberFest at the Oak Mountain Ski Center Oct. 6. There was be great fun, food & drink and music for all: Live music, craft fair, strolling magician, bouncy house, face painting, pony rides, disc golf and $5 lift rides to the top of the mountain. Proceeds from the event will be used for the after-school children’s program, Library supplies and programs and cultural and community events for adults and children. (Photos submitted)
The Adirondacks Speculator Region Chamber of Commerce hosted the premiere of the Speculator Region Bear & Wine Festival Oct. 5 at the Speculator Ballfield and Pavilion. Local wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries offered tastings and products to purchase. Local artisans, crafters and food vendors were also on hand to round out the event. DEC personnel campaigned to help bears stay wild, and local community leaders raised funds to acquire bear proof receptacles for Speculator’s downtown area. (Photos submitted)
Wells Central School Business students hosted Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB Executive Director Gina Mintzer during a New York statewide “Teach Business Day” event. Topics covered included Hospitality, Tourism, Career Exploration and Business which are vital to the Adirondack North Country’s economy. Senior Virtual Enterprise International students Cammi Brenan and Peter Robinson planned the day for Career & Financial Management, Computer Technology and Introduction to Hospitality Distance Learning classes.
Long Lake Catholic Daughters recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Above left, the group poses with an anniversary cake. Above right, Jeanne Plumley continues her 65 years of service to the court by cutting the cake as Kate Cronn and Helen Kentile look on.
Thirty-seven people enjoyed fine food, music and sunset during the Town of Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce Fall Dinner Cruise aboard the WW Durant on October 9.
In conjunction with the United States Postal Service recognition of Military Dogs, the Postmaster,Elizabeth G Knapp,presented certificates to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and to the Adirondack Veterans. Police working dogs are often put in dangerous situations alongside their military counterparts and deserve to be recognized for their contributions in keeping communities safe. The Lake Pleasant and Piseco Post Office recognize and thank the local K-9 Unit. Cherri Anderson, USPS clerk, initiated a recycling project for the K-9 Unit for supplies.
Long Lake Central School students in grades PK-2 visited the Long Lake Fire Station for Fire Safety Week. The LLVFD provided the students and teachers with a tour of the station and important fire safety education information, and then treated the students to a pancake breakfast. (Photos submitted)
Adirondack Kids Day is held each fall in Inlet and is a chance for little kids to attend fun events and take over the town. This year Adirondack Kids Day was held on Oct. 5 and was blessed with beautiful weather. One of the creators of Adirondack Kids Day, Justin Van Riper, summed it up by saying, “We have a lovely time each year.” (Photos by M. Lisa Monroe)
Photo submitted Jackson Edward Dylan and Bobbi-Jo Allen of Edinburg welcome their second child, a son. Jackson Edward was born on Sept. 17, joining sister Harper Louise. Proud grandparents are Pete and Joy Allen of Northville, and Robert Jr. and Lisa Page of Lake Pleasant.
Indian Lake Elementary physical education students recently practiced their throwing skills and celebrated the first snowfall by throwing “snowballs.” (Photos submitted)
The Lake Pleasant Central School District hosted a Veterans Day celebration Nov. 8 as a way to say thanks to those who have served in the armed forces. (Photos submitted)
The Long Lake Central School Pre-K class recently began their Community Helper unit. They recently invited Mrs. Billings, LLCS Nurse in as a guest reader with puppet Dr. Smart Stuff to teach them about how doctors and nurses make our community a safer place. Mr. Geiger, LLCS’s Food Service Manager, also visited their classroom to talk to them about how chefs make our community a better place. NYSEG Linemen Gabe Farr and Tyler Chiasson also visited the Pre-K classroom. They were guest readers as part of the Community Helper unit. (Photos submitted)
From early July through mid-August, Hamilton County Community Services offers youth in grades 3-9 the opportunity to participate in weekly adventures as Trailblazers. Exploring, learning and overcoming challenges as Trailblazers promotes leadership and social skills, develops healthy habits, builds community attachment and much more. Over the course of 20 different adventures, the Trailblazers Adventure Group reached 55 kids, 22 of which earned Hamilton County Tourism’s Waterfall Challenge badge. The following organizations helped make the program a success: Adirondack Experience Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, NYS Forest Rangers, Hamilton County Tourism, Hamilton County Soil and Water, Indian Lake Earth Club, Lake Pleasant Youth Recreation, Wells Youth Recreation, Long Lake Parks and Recreation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Hamilton County Public Health, Berkshire Farms Home Run Program and other local volunteers. (Photos submitted)
Photo submitted Feeling the burn At firefighter training in Indian Lake, Speculator’s Mark Hughes burned a model multi-story house to demonstrate smoke, air and fire paths. Doors and passages in the clever model, which took Hughes about five hours to build, opened and closed to demonstrate the fire’s response to a variety of conditions. Here smoke from a fire in the lower right room is venting from the upper right room and spontaneously igniting. The instructor was David Walsh. Quite an effective evening for all who could attend.
Kindergarten students at Indian Lake Central School learned about the first Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. They also learned what it means to be thankful. Students made turkey centerpieces for the PK-2 Thanksgiving feast. On each feather they wrote someone or something that they are thankful for. (Photos submitted)
The Speculator Volunteer Fire Department joined with Speculator EMS and staff from Oak Mountain for Chair Lift Evacuation training last weekend. (Photos submitted)
Home and career class students at Lake Pleasant Central School spent Nov. 20 working away on their Thanksgiving dinner for the school. (Photos submitted)
The Speculator Region’s annual Tree Lighting Nov. 29 had a large turnout. Visitors and residents should keep a lookout for the Victorian Carolers as they make their way around town. (Photos submitted)
Wells’ Christmas Tree Lighting and Craft Fair took place Nov. 30 at the Wells Community Hall. The all-day event featured books, baked goods, crafts, raffles and tricky tray for sale. It culminated with a tree-lighting, kids caroling, and visits with Santa Claus. (Photos submitted)
Sophia Wright talks to Santa Claus.
Elementary students sing Christmas carols.
Wells residents take part in a paint a snowman fundraiser for the Wells Central School class of 2025.
Alexa LeBarron, Bridget Allen, Ava Dwyer, Lilianna Wright are shown at the paint a snowman fund raiser.
Third grade students at Lake Pleasant Central School recently gave presentations on U.S. states. They researched each state, made slides, and presented in front of an audience, and then answered questions. (Photos submitted)
