The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reminded motorists that they should be alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas at this time of year during peak moose activity. [Read more…] about Be Alert for Moose in the Adirondacks
A Lively New History of Barnard College Published
Book purchases made through this link support New York Almanack’s mission to report new publications relevant to New York State.
The new book A College of Her Own: The History of Barnard (Columbia University Press, 2020) by Robert McCaughey offers a comprehensive and lively narrative of Barnard College from its beginnings to the present day. [Read more…] about A Lively New History of Barnard College Published
The Saxophone: Born In Belgium, Raised In The USA
Since the saxophone was invented and patented by a young man from French-speaking Dinant, in Belgium’s Walloon Region, American musicians have paid credit to the instrument by producing memorable performances which include John Coltrane’s “Love Supreme,” Dino Soldo’s smooth jazz solos, or Clarence Clemons’s relentless drive.
Over time, the sax has found its way into almost every genre of music with one exception. The saxophone is not part of the orchestral repertoire. It was and remains a rogue instrument. [Read more…] about The Saxophone: Born In Belgium, Raised In The USA
Adirondack Theatre Festival & Wood Theater Call for Talent
The Adirondack Theatre Festival and The Wood Theater has announced they are seeking submissions for a Holiday Family Talent Show. [Read more…] about Adirondack Theatre Festival & Wood Theater Call for Talent
$200,000 in Preserve New York Grants Awarded
The Preservation League of NYS and their program partners at the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) have announced the most recent recipients of their Preserve New York grants.
At its 2020 meeting, the Preserve New York grant panel selected 19 applicants in 15 counties to receive support totaling $193,390. Many of these grants will lead to historic district designation or expansion, allowing property owners to take advantage of the New York State and Federal Historic Tax Credits. [Read more…] about $200,000 in Preserve New York Grants Awarded
Urticating Hairs: The Defense Hairy Caterpillars
Last October, a young student in one of my nature journaling workshops pointed out a fuzzy yellow caterpillar with long black tufts.
“Those kind sting!” he declared. He was the third student that month to point out the same kind of caterpillar as stinging. I remembered being warned away from hairy caterpillars as a kid, but I’ve since picked up many – of various types – with no ill effect. I wondered, could the hairy-caterpillars-sting story be a myth? [Read more…] about Urticating Hairs: The Defense Hairy Caterpillars
Bowling, Beers and Opera: Closson’s Cafe in Troy
Closson’s Cafe at 64 Congress Street in Troy (corner of Third and Congress) closed February 2, 1966 when bartender Mike Gallagher drew the last glass of beer and then abruptly, and without notice to the public, closed the doors.
[Read more…] about Bowling, Beers and Opera: Closson’s Cafe in Troy
Woolly Bears And Winter Forecasts
Autumn is coming to a close. The brilliant fall foliage is past peak, if not already layered in the compost bin. The last geese are honking their way toward winter homes. Predictions are proffered (sometimes cheerfully, mostly not) for how cold and snowy this year’s winter will be.
Sources for seasonal predictions vary. The Farmers’ Almanac and traditional tales are often cited. How soon those geese head south, for example, is supposed to indicate how difficult winter will be. We trust these bits of folklore because they often have a scientific basis and seem to work. [Read more…] about Woolly Bears And Winter Forecasts
Lake George Advocates Report Successful Virtual Race for the Lake
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) hosted its 4th Annual Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake this year on the weekend of October 1st.
Due to COVID-19, the race was held “virtually,” meaning that runners could choose to run the usual race route at the LGLC’s Amy’s Park in Bolton Landing or run 4.5 miles at a location of their choice. [Read more…] about Lake George Advocates Report Successful Virtual Race for the Lake
Poetry: At The Cabin
At the Cabin
Maybe a bitter frost
burned away the herbs
our mother planted
by the stone chimney
and cabin back door
in a former millennium
before she left us here
in this one tutored by
her own life’s example
to point out the way
our journey should take
to a like fulfillment
and model of service.