Adirondack Express

05/12/2026

The Old Forge Library is sponsoring two free self-defense sessions with Sensei Jim Munger (pictured, with students) at the ADK Mountain Martial Arts Dojo, located at 128 Watson Road in Thendara.

No prior experience is required, and both sessions are designed to help participants build strength, focus, and confidence in a supportive and welcoming environment.

A Senior-Friendly Session will be held on Monday, May 18 at 11 a.m. A Family-Friendly Session will take place on Thursday, June 4 at 5:30 pm.

Sensei Jim Munger has devoted more than 45 years to the practice and teaching of martial arts. He holds the rank of 6th-degree Black Belt in Muay Thai and a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is known for his approachable, practical teaching style.

Since relocating to Old Forge five years ago, Jim and his wife, Pam, have become deeply involved in the community. Together, they run ADK Mountain Martial Arts, formerly WEBB Mountain Martial Arts. He is also a member of the Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corps and has volunteered with the Community Transportation Service, delivered meals to seniors, and assisted with the local food pantry.

Martial arts are a true family tradition for the Mungers. Pam is an active partner in the dojo, helping guide its operations and leading fundraising efforts in support of its non-profit mission. Their son is also a 6th-degree Black Belt and a martial arts school owner, and both of their daughters have earned Black Belts. The next generation continues the legacy, with five grandchildren already holding Black Belts and two more currently training.

Prior to retirement, Sensei Munger was head instructor at Impact Martial Arts in Liverpool, New York, one of the largest martial arts schools on the East Coast. He also spent more than 30 years working as a head bond trader on a securities trading desk.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance by calling the Old Forge Library at 315-369-6008 or by emailing [email protected] to reserve a spot in their preferred session. — Photo submitted

— Beth Pashley

05/11/2026

At a special recognition dinner held Monday evening, April 20 at Billy’s Italian Restaurant in Old Forge, the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks honored two outstanding students from the Webb UFSD.

Award presentations were made by Dana Dornburg, Key Club co-advisor and K–12 school counselor; and Carmen Mastrioanni, President of the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks.

Each honoree received a Student of the Month certificate and a $100 award in recognition of their community contributions and achievements. The students also shared brief remarks about their school involvement, community service, and future plans before an audience of family, friends, and Kiwanis members.

The March Student of the Month is John (“Johnny”) Gagan, son of Mary and Kevin Gagan.—

Johnny is an active volunteer in the community, participating in Key Club service projects at the Strand Theatre and DiOrio’s. He participates on multiple sports teams and serves as manager of the baseball team. Following internships at Front Door Diner and Old Forge Hardware, Johnny plans to pursue a career in retail customer service after graduation.

The April Student of the Month is Caitlyn Armendola, daughter of Holly and Richard Armendola —

Kaitlyn has demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service, serving for two years as Junior Assistant Chief with the Old Forge Fire Department as part of her four years of service. She is also a new member of the Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corps. A multi-sport athlete, Kaitlyn has captained the girls’ softball team for three years and currently serves as captain of the girls’ varsity volleyball team.

This fall, Kaitlyn will attend Mohawk Valley Community College, where she plans to play volleyball and study Health Sciences, with the goal of becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks, in cooperation with the Town of Webb School, sponsors the Student of the Month recognition program for students selected from October through April. Students are chosen by the Town of Webb School Selection Committee based on community service, athletic involvement, student need, and extracurricular activities.

Kiwanis Club members meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 8 a.m. at Walt’s Diner in Old Forge.

Pictured from left: Webb UFSD Key Club co-advisor Dana Dornburgh; Caitlyn Armendola. April Student of the Month; Johnny Gagan, March Student of the Month; and Carmen Mastrioanni, Kiwanis Club President. — Photo submitted

05/10/2026

On Friday, May 1, eight intrepid students from Webb UFSD ventured to Carthage, New York to perform at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Zone 5 Solo Festival.

NYSSMA annually hosts events like this across the state to encourage and help students pursue excellence in music, both in knowledge of musical theory and technical skills in their chosen instrument.

This year’s cohort included woodwind, brass and voice soloists, who invested months of dedicated practice into their preparation for the event. Miranda Dornburgh, instrumental music teacher at Webb, offers lessons to these and many other students, as well as providing other valuable opportunities for students to further refine their skills by playing in concert band, at community events or in the pit band for school musicals.

The Webb UFSD is currently seeking a full-time vocal music teacher to augment the development of our talented young students. For more information, please visit https://www.towschool.org/employment.

And mark your calendar to support our musicians at the Junior and Senior Bands’ and Choruses’ combined concert on May 27 at 6:30 p.m., as well as the Elementary School concert on June 5 at 1 p.m. Both concerts take place in the school auditorium.

Pictured: Webb UFSD students eagerly await their solos. Front row: Kit Armendola (clarinet) and Brooke Wolff (flute). Back row: Mackenzie Pfendler (flute), Madison Pfendler (trumpet), Avery Pohl (clarinet), Lorelei Miller (voice) and Echo Leape (clarinet); Madison Pfendler (trumpet) and Taylor Chapman (trombone) loosen up in preparation for their solos. — Photos by Miyako Schanely

— By Miyako Schanely, For the Express

05/09/2026

LivingADK is pleased to announce the receipt of a $9,000 grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation to support its Senior Lunch Delivery Program, operated in partnership with the Old Forge Library, Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church, along with a multitude of dedicated community volunteers from the towns of Webb and Inlet, including the Webb UFSD’s “Kindness Club.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Cloudsplitter Foundation for their generous support and commitment to addressing food insecurity in our communities,” said LivingADK’s Executive Director Robin Hill.

“In areas where traditional congregate meal options are not feasible, grassroots efforts like this program play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of our seniors,” said Hill.

First launched in February of 2025, the Senior Lunch Delivery Program has operated every Tuesday without interruption, delivering approximately 60 hand-packed lunches to senior residents in Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Eagle Bay and Inlet.

In addition to providing a free, nutritious lunch, the program offers a point of connection, and the opportunity to check in with many of our older residents. Each lunch includes a fresh deli sandwich, a microwavable soup, fresh fruit, and a dessert.

To be eligible for this program, you must be at least 60 years old or disabled and/or homebound. To sign up for the Senior Lunch Delivery Program for yourself or someone you know, please contact the Old Forge Library at 315-369-6008.

LivingADK is a community-focused 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting the health, well-being, and connectedness of residents and businesses in the West Central Adirondack region through volunteer-driven programs and partnerships that serve local community needs. For more information, please call 315-369-3353 or visit www.LivingADK.org.

Read more:
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— By Libby Zupnik, For the Express

05/08/2026

Week's Sports Schedule:

— Friday, May 8 —
B & G V Track at Oneida Invitational at 3:30 p.m.
BModBB vs. Oriskany at Home at 4:30 p.m.
V Golf at West Canada Valley with Little Falls at 3:30 p.m.

— Tuesday, May 12 —
V Golf vs. Little Falls at Thendara GC at 3:30 p.m.
B & G V Track at Remsen with Poland and Hamilton at 4:30 p.m.

— Wednesday, May 13 —
V Golf at Tupper Lake at 3:00 p.m.
GVS at Dolgeville at 4:30 p.m.
BModBB vs. Dolgeville at Home at 4:30 p.m.

— Thursday, May 14 —
V Golf vs. Poland and West Canada Valley at Thendara GC at 3:30 p.m.

— Friday, May 15 —
BModBB at Remsen at 4:30 p.m.

05/08/2026

Adirondack Express — 05/08/2026 e-edition

https://weeklyexpressnews.com/?p=17468

05/06/2026

Celebrate creativity, community, and the excitement of live-fire ceramics at the Neighbor Day Raku Event at View arts center on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This dynamic outdoor event invites neighbors, families, and art lovers of all ages to experience the ancient Japanese-inspired technique of raku firing—where red-hot pottery is pulled from the kiln and transformed through smoke, flame, and rapid cooling. The result is a one-of-a-kind finish that is as unpredictable as it is beautiful.

While waiting for pots to be fired, be sure to check out the galleries, live music, upcoming workshop demos, all happening during Neighbor Day at View between noon and 3 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to glaze pre-made ceramic pieces and watch as they are fired on-site by experienced potters. As flames leap and surfaces crackle, each piece becomes a unique work of art, making this both a creative and unforgettable hands-on experience.

The cost of a pre-made pot to glaze is $15 for View members and $25 for non-members. Pots are limited so pre-registration is encouraged. For more information or to register online visit ViewArts.org/pottery. View is located at 3273 State Route 28 in Old Forge.

05/05/2026

The Central Adirondack Association is excited to bring back the 2nd annual “Mamas on Wheels” on Saturday, May 9 from noon to 3 p.m. at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center.

This fun-filled afternoon celebrates moms, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, friends, and all the amazing women in our lives. The family-friendly event invites the community to come together for old-school fun with roller skating, music, raffles, crafts, sweet treats, and plenty of ways to celebrate.

Entry is free, and roller skate rentals will also be available for free, making it easy for everyone to join in.

This year, “Mamas on Wheels” will welcome the girls of Refresh and Renew, who will be joining the event with nail painting, flash tattoos, hair tinsel, mini massage sessions, and more. Guests can also enjoy Big Papi’s Ice Cream Truck, pizza, soda, chips, crafts, and music from DJ “O.”

Author Heather Levi will also be at the event selling her new novel, giving guests a chance to support a local author while enjoying the day’s festivities.

The event will have a disco, neon, and 80s-inspired theme, so guests are encouraged to dress up, have fun, and get into the groove. Whether you are skating, dancing, crafting, taking photos, grabbing ice cream, or just spending time with loved ones, “Mamas on Wheels” is all about making memories together.

Events like this are only possible because of the volunteers behind the Central Adirondack Association. Donations will be accepted at the event for anyone who would like to help keep community events like this going. You can also become a supporter anytime at visitmyadirondacks.com.

Pictured are Monique Masters and Holly Armendola at the 2025 “Mamas on Wheels.” — Photo submitted

— By CAMRY LIDDLE, For the Express

05/04/2026

Herkimer County Public Health will host a rabies vaccination clinic on Thursday, May 7 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Blvd.

Vaccination requirements:

All cats, dogs, and ferrets 3 months or older must be vaccinated (even indoor pets). Dogs and cats require two vaccinations, 1 year apart, then a booster every 3 years. Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.

Registration details:

Call 315-867-1176 to schedule an appointment and pre-register your pets. Pre-registration deadline is noon on May 6.

Bring your pet’s rabies vaccination history to qualify for a 3-year certificate.

A $5 donation to Herkimer County Public Health per pet is suggested to help offset costs.

Important guidelines:

Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or pillowcase. No veterinary exams will be provided.

For a schedule of rabies clinics, visit the Herkimer County website:

A region rich in history and tradition - come share in the treasure that is Herkimer County NY.

05/03/2026

Annual Community Pride Day cleanup set for May 6 —

On Wednesday, May 6, residents, students and teachers from Arietta, Big Moose, Blue Mountain Lake, Eagle Bay, Indian Lake, Inlet, Lake Pleasant, Long Lake, Morehouse, Old Forge, Raquette Lake, Speculator, Thendara and Wells will be out cleaning up the streets of our Adirondack towns in preparation for a great summer season as part of annual Community Pride Day.

All volunteers participating in the clean up will receive a free shirt and many will be fed lunch, both of which are provided by area individuals and business sponsors. All sponsors will be listed on the back of the 1,200 shirts being handed out on May 6.

This year’s shirt again features a design from student-submitted entries. The contest was open to students in Town of Webb UFSD, Long Lake CSD, Indian Lake CSD and Lake Pleasant CSD. Four entries were posted for online voting. The winner of the popular vote was Brenna Marleau of Inlet.

To volunteer on May 6 report to the following: in Inlet – Inlet Information Office and in Eagle Bay – Eagle Bay Fire Hall with lunch for both at the Eagle Bay Fire Hall at noon 315-357-5501; in Old Forge or Thendara – Town of Webb Visitor Center with lunch at the Old Forge Fire Hall. 315-369-6983; and in Raquette Lake – Tap Room; in Long Lake call 518-624-3077.

— By ADELE BURNETT, For the Express

05/02/2026

The Old Forge Community Chorus will present “America Sings! – A Celebration of Our Musical Heritage” on Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. at View arts center. The concert program will take listeners on a journey through a broad range of genres that helped define American music including patriotic anthems, gospel spirituals, folk songs and show tunes.

In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the concert begins with an a capella arrangement of “The Star Spangled Banner” and closes with a stunning arrangement of “America the Beautiful.” The core of the musical lineup includes traditional melodies such as “Shenandoah” and “Home on the Range,” Broadway favorites such as “The Impossible Dream” and Wicked’s “For Good,” as well as jazz tunes like “Java Jive” and “I Got Rhythm.” And no program of uniquely American music would be complete without a rousing medley from the “Yankee Doodle Dandy” himself, George M. Cohan.

The chorus draws singers from the Old Forge and Inlet area, as well as from many neighboring communities including Lowville, Brantingham, Barneveld, and Newcomb. Ingrid Narken returns to the podium for her eighth concert as the conductor and creative director for the chorus. Karen Corigliano provides piano accompaniment for the broad range of musical stylings, while Melanie Evans and Steve Kennison enhance several of the selections with violin and guitar respectively.

Admission to the concert is free, although a donation of $10 per person would be appreciated and helpful in continuing to bring musical performances to the western Adirondacks. View arts center is located at 3273 State Route 28, Old Forge.

Pictured, The OFCC tenors and basses prepare for an inspirational performance of “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha.” — Photo by Miyako Schanely

— By Michael Ferris and Miyako Schanely, For the Express