By Paul Post

Tom Barody finally got the break he was hoping for after several years on the Glens Falls Farmer’s Market waiting list.

January 6 was his first day doing business at the organization’s winter market, held each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Aviation Mall’s food court in Queensbury.

“There aren’t a lot of winter market options around here,” said Barody, of Blackberry Hill Farm in Thurman. “Spa City market is the only other one close enough for us, compared to five markets we do in summer. That’s a big cut in your pay. Our specialty is long-fermented breads. We use certified organic flour. It takes two days to make everything. We do a lot of breads and bagels. Pretzels and English muffins are also big sellers along with frozen vacuum-sealed, wood-fired pizza.”

Barody’s opening was made possible when another bread vendor left the market.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has been given a donation of 4.4 acres of undeveloped land in the Town of Lake George. This property borders the LGLC’s 12-acre East Brook Preserve and includes more than three acres of wetlands and 600 feet of forested steam corridor that help to naturally protect water quality.

The “East Brook Addition” donation was gifted to the LGLC by Karen Azer and her late mother Helene Horn.

“I am glad the parcel will remain forever wild,” said Karen Azer, “not only benefitting water quality but also protecting habitat for wildlife.”

LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn (no relation to Helene Horn) said, “We are incredibly grateful to Karen and Helene for their generous donation of land for conservation. Their gift creates a legacy that will forever work to protect Lake George.”

In total, the newly expanded East Brook Preserve includes more than 1,100 feet of East Brook, one of the top ten tributaries of Lake George, and is heavily forested with some impressive hemlock, white pine, ash and sugar maples scattered throughout.

Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Inc. has announced that it has been recommended for a grant of up to $50,000 through the Empire State Development Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program.

 The funding will help the Brewery build a nearly 3,000-square-foot addition and purchase equipment necessary to expand its brewing operation to meet increasing demand for a variety of craft beverages including hard cider, hard seltzer and ready-to-drink canned cocktails. The expansion will bring Adirondack Pub & Brewery’s square footage to approximately 15,000-square-feet.

 John Carr, owner of Adirondack Pub and Brewery said, “We’ve seen a rise in demand for this selection of beverages and we’re excited to have the chance to provide even more for our customers. Currently we’re bursting at the seams. We make everything ourselves, fresh and on site.”

 Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Through the Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program, ESD is helping New York’s craft beer and spirits producers grow and thrive. As Adirondack Pub & Brewery expands production of its distinctive craft beverages, it will encourage new opportunities and generate regional economic growth.”

By Ann Donnelly

The Conkling Center, which offers senior-directed programs and services for community members 55+, is preparing for its 125th anniversary celebrations in 2024. The organization started as The Glens Falls Home and was incorporated in 1899 to provide residential services for aging women. In 1999, the adult home closed. The Glens Falls Home partnered with The Eddy, the residential division of Northeast Health (currently the Continuing Care division of St. Peter’s Health Partners), and founded the Glen at Hiland Meadows in the Town of Queensbury. The Glens Falls Home relocated the remaining residents to lovely new quarters at the Terrace in the Glen complex. 

After the Glen at Hiland Meadows opened in the early 2000’s, The Glens Falls Home began operating and providing senior directed programs and services, including On-The-Go Transportation that started up on November 1, 2012. In 2014, the board decided to change the name to The Conkling Center in honor of Mary Conkling, who contri buted her family home for the original Glens Falls Home.

“Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of seniors in the community directly and indirectly by providing services, programs, and opportunities to meet their ever-changing needs,” says Executive Director Joan K. Tarantino.

By Ann Donnelly

2023 was an eventful year for the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, more commonly known as LARAC, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life in Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga Counties by supporting arts and culture through promoting, developing, sponsoring, networking, coordinating, and providing arts activities and services. The organization undertook a revamp of its branding and the development of a more user-friendly website and had significant additions to its offerings.

In June 2023, LARAC held its 52nd annual Arts Festival, featuring local, regional, and national artists offering various products such as jewelry, home goods, food items, fine art, textiles, etc., and live entertainment by local musicians. The 2023 show included 165 artists, compared to the five to ten artists participating in the first festival in 1972. That year, Executive Director Phil Casabona says, “A group of people passionate about the community and understood the importance of art and the number of artists in the area founded the organization.” 

LARAC introduced a new arts festival for local artists under 40 in August 2023. According to Casabona,