As Warren County, New York, approaches its 211th anniversary on March 12, 2024, the community is embarking on a collaborative initiative to document this historic day through a unique and inclusive photo project. Residents of Warren County are encouraged to participate by capturing a snapshot of their lives on this special day.

The project, organized by the Warren County Historical Society, invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to share a glimpse of their daily activities on March 12, 2024. Whether it’s a quiet moment at home, exploring local landmarks, or participating in community events, each photograph will contribute to a collective visual narrative of the day. The staff  at the Warren County Historical Society will select the best photos and stories for the book. Selected photos and stories will also be placed on the Society’s Web site and Facebook Group.

These photographs will be compiled into a commemorative book, accompanied by historical information provided by the Warren County Historical Society, creating a time capsule that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the community. The aim is to celebrate the unique stories that make up the history of Warren County and provide a lasting record for future generations.

Despite the rain a crowd of close to 700 people gathered in Lake George on Saturday, March 2nd for Adirondack Pub & Brewery’s 12th Annual Barrel Fest.

“With a bonfire that big, it doesn’t even matter. It’s like rain next to the sun,” quipped Adirondack Pub & Brewery Owner John Carr.

Barrel Fest was a resounding success, drawing nearly 700 attendees despite the inclement March weather. Craft beverage enthusiasts reveled in the camaraderie of the event, celebrating the artistry of craft brewers and vendors. The Lake George Volunteer Fire Department ensured safety throughout the festivities, tending to the giant bonfire and iconic “burning man.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us,” Carr said. “The spirit of our craft beverage community is unparalleled, and we’re honored to be part of it.”

Sixty-seven percent of Upstate New York CEOs say business conditions are getting worse while 29% say they are staying the same and only 4% believe conditions are getting better according to the 17th annual Upstate New York Business Leader Survey from Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) sponsored by the Business Council of New York State, Inc, UHY Advisors, Inc. and HVEDC. Only 18% of CEOs expect the economy to improve in 2024 while 55% see worsening conditions in the next year.

Twenty-nine percent, down from 38% last year and 47% two years ago, predict increasing revenues in 2024 while 21%, down from 26% a year ago and 34% two years ago, anticipate growing profits in the year ahead.

The index of CEO Sentiment, computed by considering all CEOs assessment of both current and future conditions across New York and within their industry sector is down 8 points reaching the lowest point this survey has found since the all-time low in 2008.

Twenty-nine percent of CEOs, down from 33% last year and 44% two years ago, plan to increase the size of their workforce this year, but again this year 80% say that there is not an ample supply of appropriately trained local workers. And for the second consecutive year, 75% are having difficulty recruiting for their open positions. Asked to assess the quality of recent applicants on seven job skills, large majorities of CEOs give negatives grades on each: realistic about compensation (77%), work ethic (73%), initiative (73%), writing skills (69%), professionalism (67%), verbal skills (60%) and technical skills (60%). While 26% describe New York’s workforce as an asset to doing business here, a majority, 51% say the workforce is a detriment to succeeding here in New York.

“Despite increasing consumer sentiment, lessening inflation and recent stock market gains, the CEOs of Upstate New York are decreasingly positive about business conditions and fewer than 1 in 5 expect a rebound this year,” said Siena College Research Institute Director Don Levy. “Troubled by the lack of suitably trained workers and feeling as though neither the federal or state government contribute to their success, CEOs expect a year of lower revenues and profits.”

Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX), inaugurates its research fellowship program, which will enable emerging and established scholars to make use of the unparalleled collections found in the ADKX library.

Funded by Julie and Warder Cadbury and Peter C. Welsh endowments, these fellowships aim to support scholarly exploration of Adirondack history.

Selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants, the researchers chosen as this year’s recipients represent a diverse range of academic backgrounds and interests:

·    Madeline DeDe-Panken, a graduate student from the City University of New York, will delve into the fascinating world of mushroom gathering in the Adirondacks during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

·    John Kuhn, Assistant Professor at Binghamton University, will explore the rich history of indigenous birchbark canoes, utilizing ADKX’s extensive boat collection.

·    Jason Newton, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, will examine the evolution of professional forestry in the region, shedding light on the intersection of masculinity and trade secrets.