Adirondack Express

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Church of the Lakes opens for season June 14 —Many are unaware that Church of the Lakes (pictured) was the first church ...
06/11/2026

Church of the Lakes opens for season June 14 —

Many are unaware that Church of the Lakes (pictured) was the first church in Inlet. It began as a Mission chapel of Niccolls Memorial Church in Old Forge and was dedicated as Mission Church of the Lakes in 1901. The manse, located across the driveway was finished in 1914. In December of 1920, the congregation was organized as The Church of the Lakes and enrolled with the Presbytery of Utica in 1921. It became incorporated in 1926

In the meantime, around 1920, the church was moved back from the road to permit construction of Route 28.

The following 100 years was a rocky road for the church. Some infighting caused a split in the congregation with some members switching to the Community Church. The congregation was already small and financial resources were difficult to come by. However, in recent years, new members have joined the church. These newcomers have approached their membership with enthusiasm and saw it as their responsibility to support their church’s viability. Thus, the buildings have been slowly updated.

A number of years ago, the beautiful stained-glass windows were starting to sag because their framework was deteriorating. The group controlling the purse strings did some research and found a restoration company in Gloversville that would remove the windows take them to their studio and restore them to their original beauty before reinstalling them in the church. What a wonderful transformation.

The church now uses the manse as a rental property to bring in some much-needed capital in the Season. The side porch and expansive front porch showed signs of deterioration that couldn’t be ignored so within the last few years Richard Lutz Mechanical has substantially replaced both, using materials that will guarantee longevity. The photos are of the church and manse as they are today. As time has passed, the congregation has grown in numbers and devotion to maintaining the church. Grants have been sought and received. Seasonal residents have become a greater source of funds, and the annual rummage sale proceeds keep growing.

Just last year, Naomi Kelly, Pastor of Niccolls Church has stepped into the position of part-time pastor of Church of the Lakes since the church lost its full-time Pastor several years ago. She has been able to provide ministers for each Sunday when the church is open during the summer season if she is unable to be present in Inlet herself.

You, family and friends are invited to join with the congregation and admire how well kept up the manse and 125-year-old church are. Enjoy the friendly, spiritual atmosphere that permeates each service. Oh, and donate unused items to the church’s weekly sale and see if you can find a perfect purchase at the sale, every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church garage.
— Photo submitted

— By Margie O’Hara, For the Express

06/10/2026

The Town of Inlet and the Inlet Area Business Association are excited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.

All Inlet businesses have been encouraged to participate and decorate. Vote for the best-decorated business. The winning business will receive a full promotional package, with promotions posted in the Adirondack Express and across many outlets through the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST).

There will be fun activities for all ages throughout the season. Here are a few:

Fourth of July —

• Kids of all ages will enjoy the Family Fun Games at 10:30 in Fern Park

• Following the Games, wear your best red, white & blue, and join or come watch the Kids Parade.

• Following the Parade, join us for the Family Picnic and Colonial Play in Fern Park.

Boat Parade —

Dress it up and join the Boat Parade on June 18. Meet at 6:30 p.m. on the water in front of Eagle Bay Village. The parade will float along the shores of Arrowhead Park. Come enjoy live music on the lakefront as you watch the boats float by.

Cocktail party —

Tickets are on sale for Inlet’s USA Birthday Cocktail Party taking place at Sixth & Seventh ADK Grill (located at the Inlet Golf Club) on August 15 at 6 p.m.

Inlet’s History Walk —

Discover the history that started it all. Enter Inlet’s History Walk. Follow the signs along our hiking trail in Fern Park. Soak in the historical fact while enjoying the nature of the Adirondacks. The History Walk is sponsored by the Inlet Library.

Uncle Sam —

Inlet will also have our very own Uncle Sam, making appearances throughout the summer at events and businesses.

For all details on Inlet’s 250th Birthday Celebration, please visit InletNY.com and find “Celebrate USA 250 with Inlet” under Events.

All celebrations and activities are to be non-partisan and A-political.

— By Adele Burnett, For the Express

Get ready to cheer on your favorite orange-billed yellow rubber racer—the CAP-PY Ducks are back and ready to make a spla...
06/09/2026

Get ready to cheer on your favorite orange-billed yellow rubber racer—the CAP-PY Ducks are back and ready to make a splash! Sponsored by LivingADK, the beloved 16th Annual CAP-PY Duck Derby returns on Sunday, September 6 (Labor Day weekend). Over 3,500 rubber ducks will plunge from the Old Forge bridge on Route 28 into the Moose River, across the street from the Old Forge Visitor Information Center, all racing for a chance to win some incredible prizes!

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our local businesses and community supporters, this year’s derby features 21 amazing prizes—including a $1,000 grand prize! Your participation helps LivingADK continue its vital work in regional grant writing and community development.

2026 Duck Derby prizes:
• Grand Prize: $1,000 Cash – Co-sponsored by Adirondack Bank & Community Bank NA
• 2nd: $500 Cash – Donated by: Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort, and Water’s Edge Inn

Supporting programs —

Proceeds from the CAP-PY Duck Derby directly support LivingADK’s mission to strengthen communities from Forestport to Raquette Lake. With over $15 million reinvested into the region to date, your support helps fund vital efforts in healthcare access, broadband expansion, affordable housing, and economic resilience.

How to adopt a Duck —

Duck adoptions are just $5 each or $20 for a flock of five. Must be 18 or older to participate. Prizes must be claimed within 90 days after race day.

Where to get tickets —

• LivingADK’s office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (behind Adirondack Bank)

• The Old Forge Farmers Market – Fridays, 1–5 p.m., beginning June 19. There will be a Farmers Market Opening Day Duck Egg Hunt to kick off our CAP-PY Duck Derby fundraiser. Ten silver eggs and ten golden eggs will be hidden throughout the market, worth $3 and $6 in market tokens respectively. Return eggs to the LivingADK market booth to redeem your winnings and find out more about the CAP-PY Duck Derby and our mission to promote healthy, vibrant and growing communities in the West Central Adirondacks.

• Town of Webb Visitor Information Office (beginning Memorial Day weekend, near the town beach)

Ducks are numbered and when you purchase yours, you will receive a receipt at the time of purchase which will have your duck numbers recorded on it. If you don’t have cash on you, we will be offering ticket purchases by Venmo or Zeffy. Don’t miss your chance to support a fun tradition and a great cause! For more information on memberships, donations, or how you can help, call 315-369-3353 or visit LivingADK.org.

Read more:
https://wp.me/peJPvR-4DW

— By SUSAN WILLIAMS, For the Express

The Old Forge Library will host its second annual Juneteenth celebration this June, continuing a growing community tradi...
06/08/2026

The Old Forge Library will host its second annual Juneteenth celebration this June, continuing a growing community tradition centered on history, food, music, and connection.

In 2024, the library organized the first Juneteenth celebration in the West Central Adirondack region. Nearly 90 people gathered to share a traditional barbecue meal, learn about the history of the holiday, and celebrate together. For many attendees, it was their first opportunity to participate in a Juneteenth event.

While Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations, it has become a newer public tradition in many Northern communities since being designated a federal holiday in 2021. Organizers say the Old Forge celebration is rooted in neighbors coming together to honor freedom, resilience, and community.

Juneteenth programming at the library has received support from the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Equity Grant Round at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, and the Adirondack Community Foundation’s Generous Acts Fund.

Red Food Workshop: The Art of Preservation
Wednesday, June 17 at 5 p.m.

• The library will partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County for a hands-on workshop making beet salad and exploring the traditions and meaning behind red foods, which are often associated with Juneteenth celebrations and symbolize resilience and strength. CCE will also distribute beet seeds and seedlings for participants to grow at home.

• Participants will also make strawberry jam to take home while learning more about food preservation traditions connected to the holiday. The workshop is free and open to the public. Registrations are appreciated for planning purposes.

Barbecue and Blues: A Community Celebration
Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m.

• The library’s main Juneteenth event, “Barbecue and Blues,” will return with a family friendly cookout on the library lawn. Guests can enjoy grilled favorites, potato salad, and classic summer dishes while gathering with friends and neighbors.

• Live music will be provided by local performers Gwen and Jim Tracy. The afternoon will also include a community reading, educational giveaways, and activities for children.

Often called “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, the holiday is recognized nationally as a time to honor African American history, culture, and resilience.

Library staff say they look forward to welcoming the community together again for another year of food, music, and fellowship. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of food, music, and community celebration. Call the library at 315-369-6008 or stop in to learn more or to register for either event.

Pictured, Dave Berkstresser (left) and Dan Roberts work the grill during the 2025 Juneteenth celebration at the Old Forge Library. — Photo courtesy of Old Forge Library

— By BETH PASHLEY, For the Express

06/07/2026

Tickets are now on sale for “An Evening with the Symphony” featuring the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra presented by the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council (FCLPAC). The concert is scheduled for Friday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Arrowhead Park in Inlet.

FCLPAC is offering a $5 discount through June 30 for General Admission tickets. Starting July 1 tickets will cost $40.

Tickets are available by mail at FCLPAC, P.O. Box 680, Inlet, NY 13360. You can also purchase them in person at the Inlet Information Office or the Old Forge Visitors Center. Tickets are also available online at www.EveningWithTheSymphony.com.

Parking is available at The Event parking lot in front of The Woods Inn with additional parking at Fern Park and in the lot between Church of the Lakes and St. Anthony’s Church.

See the website or contact the Inlet Information office at (315) 357-5501 for more information.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

— By Alan Saban, For the Express

On Friday, May 22, Thendara Golf Club held it’s Opening Shindig to welcome members and guests back for the new season. I...
06/06/2026

On Friday, May 22, Thendara Golf Club held it’s Opening Shindig to welcome members and guests back for the new season. It was a wonderful event to celebrate the 2026 golf season, and to catch up with friends and golf partners after the long winter.
Pictured: 1. Mark VanSlyke, Emma Whitney, Penny VanSlyke, Steve Young, Pat Venetz (standing), Carol Fortier, Rich Chapman (standing), Craig Mitchell, Linda Bamberger (standing); 2. Beth McCarthy, Chris Provenzano, Julie Provenzano; 3. Lorraine Schunck and Mick Jones

— Linda Bamberger

In The Sun – June 2026 e-editionhttps://weeklyexpressnews.com/?p=17780𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.ON ...
06/04/2026

In The Sun – June 2026 e-edition

https://weeklyexpressnews.com/?p=17780

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

ON THE COVER: Guided Paddle Tours are available at Great Camp Sagamore daily from June 13 through October 10. For more info go to www.sagamore.org
— Photo courtesy of Great Camp Sagamore

The leadership team of the Webb Community Garden in Old Forge is excited to announce that the garden is expanding. This ...
06/02/2026

The leadership team of the Webb Community Garden in Old Forge is excited to announce that the garden is expanding. This expansion will include the addition of four new raised beds, providing more space for members to grow their own produce. In addition, six elevated perimeter planters are being installed specifically for pollinator plants, which are essential for supporting the health of the garden’s ecosystem.

Funding for improvements —
These improvements have been made possible through the support of two recent grants. The first grant, awarded by Cornell Cooperative Extension, provides more than $2,000 in funding. The second grant is a generous, unsolicited gift of $3,000 from the Todd & Amy Clough Adirondack Giving Fund and the Generous Acts Fund from the Adirondack Community Foundation. These funds are being used to purchase the new planters, soil for the new planters and a variety of pollinator plants designed to attract bees and other beneficial insects, which will help increase yields for all garden participants.

Opportunities to join —
The Webb Community Garden currently has openings for a few more members. The group is made up of both experienced and newer gardeners, with participants ranging in age from middle school students to retirees in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Anyone interested in tending a 3’ x 8’ raised bed is invited to reach out to Naomi by texting or calling 315-369-8253.

Call for support: Garden shed replacement —
This past winter, heavy snowfall effectively destroyed the garden shed that had been donated by LivingADK last year. The team welcomes donations to help purchase a replacement. Contributions can be made by mailing a check to Naomi Kelly at PO Box 220, Old Forge, NY 13420, or by dropping it off at the Old Forge Library.

Please make checks payable to the Community Health & Wellness Fund, the not-for-profit organization that serves as the garden’s fiscal sponsor. Note “Community Garden” in the memo line. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Pictured: Tom Greco and Ron Smith put one of the new planters in place at the Webb Community Garden; New gardener Jesse Makey assembles one of the new planters. — Photos submitted

— By Mary Brophy-Moore, For the Express

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