Adirondack Family Time™

By Diane Chase This weekend   North Country Community College   (NCCC) will host its 2 nd  annual Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of the Sparks Athletic Complex Soccer Field in Saranac Lake. No worry there is an inside alternative in case of bad weather. The backup plan for the event is the Sparks Athletic Complex Alumni Gymnasium, according to NCCC’s Athletic Director Heather Conger. My children never seem to grow out of hiding refillable toy eggs. They have gathered quite a collection over the years from wooden, plastic and even metal egg-shaped trinkets. Most have the capability of hiding a treasure even though the eggs are usually empty. Full of candy or hollow, my kids’ seem to revert back to their caveman instincts of hunting and gathering. For my children these multi-colored faux eggs are really a smaller version of the cardboard box that holds the child’s attention longer than the actually gift.

By Diane Chase If you are looking to make Mother Nature’s job just a bit easier here are a few ideas of events and activities in celebration of Earth Day.  For anyone in Essex County that wishes to “dump the pump” on Earth Day, the Essex County Transportation Bureau is offering   free bus rides   for everyone on April 22nd. On April 23rd, Judy's Computer Support will be at the   Adirondack Daily Enterprise 's parking lot from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. as part of a Community Computer Recycling Day to collect used computers, printers, laptops, monitors, faxes and computer cords. Read More

High Falls Gorge in Wilmington has announced its spring hours.  Considered on the natural wonders of the Adirondacks, High Falls Gorge is handicap-accessible with many opportunities for families to wander in a natural environment. This family-owned and operated business is worth the trip.  Children can do the mining activity all year long. Enjoy!

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS Presented by The Adirondack Center for Writing , author of the book PUSH , the inspiration of the movie Precious , Sapphire will present a reading and book signing Date: April 19 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Paul Smith's College VIC Cost: Free for Paul Smith's students, all others $5

By Diane Chase There are many paint choices at Brush On In! Brush On In in Lake Placid offers many inside activities and events to keep the whole family busy on a rainy, snowy or anytime! The final product!  Each object is individually priced with an additional studio fee of $9 for adults and $7 for children that covers the firing, glaze and paint.  Look for online specials as well as toddler special (M-F) 1/2 price sitting fee. It can get pricey but there are small items that children can paint that are very reasonably priced. 

By Diane Chase  51,000 bulbs are starting to wake up in Saranac  Lake New York (NY)  in time for the first Daffest   April 29 - May 1, 2011. Throughout the weekend there will be garden tours, historic tours and the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce will have a booth with a map available. 

By Diane Chase We are a bit stir crazy and I need a break from the winter. I just want to grab a quick bite to eat and not think about snow.   B owlwinkles has specials each day for those on a budget. For example, each Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – noon it is $5 all you can bowl with free shoe rentals. (Subject to change). My son suggests  Bowlwinkles Family Entertainment Center  in Lake Placid. He lobbies hard and wins. My son would live at Bowlwinkles, if possible. He thinks it a slice of heaven to have an arcade, food, laser tag and glow-in-the-dark bowling in one location.

By Diane Chase At our house we have started our seeds for the summer garden. During these shoulder season days the kids constantly check the progress of their favorite vegetables. Though some seeds are best sown directly into the garden, I am not one to stop my children from willingly planting beans. We can always throw more into the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Some people may not have the space for an outside garden; that has never stopped us. Even apartment dwellers can start seedlings on window sills or hanging planters. We found our children are just as interested in watching a flower emerge from inside a dirt-filled recycled yogurt container than in the ground. The only materials needed are a packet of seeds and potting soil, all found at local hardware stores and gardening centers for very little cost. Read the rest

By Diane Chase What to do with kids in Lake Placid? Our first choice is to be outside whether on skis or snowshoes, our Adirondack kids are out being active.  There are so many places in the Adirondacks that we just drive by on our journey to another location. We pass the trail signs and think that we need to just take the time to explore.  The trail to Owens Pond, just outside Lake Placid, is one such trail. Part of the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, Owens Pond is a quick 0.5-mile hike to a beautiful pond.  This hike or snowshoe is a great option for even the youngest of the group. 

By Diane Chase This weekend   Whiteface Mountain   will celebrate its last  The annual pond skimming contest will take place at the base of Whiteface on April 9th  with no entry fee required. Skiers and snowboards will try to gain as much speed as possible to "skim" across a man made pond to win prizes for longest distance, biggest and best splash and best costume. Pond skimming at Whiteface is not just for ticket holders. Spectators can access the event for free. For those in need of accessibility, the event will have a limited view from the sun deck. Pond skimming can be viewed from the gondola but tickets are required. 

Here is a list of Maple Farms. Call ahead to make sure that they are open. It is a wonderful way to welcome in spring in the Adirondacks. There are maple breakfasts, wagon rides and tours of farms. Besides plenty of opportunity to sample the maple products. Enjoy! 

“Frackenpohl Honors Brass Quintet” Recital and Reception 4:00 P.M. Sunday, March 27, 2011 St. Eustace Church This student brass quintet from the Crane School of Music in  Potsdam ,  NY  includes musicians Brian Masterson, Trumpet, Brianne Borden, Trumpet, Denise Peters, Horn, Shawn Cagney, & Michael Casey, Tuba.   ~ Donations Gladly Accepted, Proceeds Benefit the  Lake Placid  Educational Outreach Programs Program to include: La Peri Fanfare by Paul Dukas, arranged by Wayne Barrington Fire Dance by Anthony DiLorenzo Colchester Fantasty movts. 1 & 4, by Eric Ewazen Centone No. V by Samuel Scheidt Quintet No. 1 Op. 5 by Victor Ewald Exaltation by Brian Balmages