Adirondack Family Time™

Once again Pendragon Theatre has been able to breathe new magic in an old classic. For those expecting a theatrical version of the movie, this production of The Wizard of Oz is a wonderful surprise. The simple set is cloaked in darkness, allowing the vibrant costumes to pop out from the black walls. The focus is on the actors. There are still plenty of quests for a heart, a brain and some courage and least I forget, the best-loved message that there really is, “no place like home.” That still holds all the power with a simple click of Dorothy’s ruby slippers. I ask my children how they like the “black box” theme. My son has no idea what I’m talking about. I remind him that the theatre walls were painted black, the stage had a minimal of props and the cast used very simple techniques to get the action and story across. It is like I’m talking to a wall. Did we see the same production? He is not concerned about the black box. He is more curious about the switching of costumes, the lig

There is still a buzz in the air regarding, what has been termed “the “Mozart Effect.” There have been studies done and videos made all in the attempt to make our children smarter, better and stronger. One aspect of the term emerged from the work of University of California Irvine’s Raucher, Shaw and Ky (1993). Their findings researched the effects of Mozart’s Music on 36 college undergraduates and tracked improvements in spatial intelligence after listening to 10 minutes of certain scores of Mozart. The findings created a cottage industry of hope for the fountain of intelligence with as many critics as followers. One part of the equation that I feel isn’t given its due is the passion and drive of a musician, those that practice for love of their instrument and what can come out of it. Those that want to show music as more than a sheet of paper with notes or a disk in a jewel case. It is a connection with people, played by people and very much for people. That is the Loon Lake Live! E

Puck or Robin Goodfellow is still up to the same old tricks, even some 400+ years later. Believed to have been composed before 1600, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, continues to be one of the most popular of the Shakespearian comedies. My children listen to an audio CD so are familiar with the storyline but had yet to see it in performance. It is a physical romp around the Flander’s Park venue in Tupper Lake where actors utilize the whole park as a stage rather than being confined to a small space. Modeled after other outdoor theatre venues, the 12 performances are free. The cost to the pocket is nothing more than, well nothing! An added benefit, as far as I’m concerned, is no need to stand in a virtual e-ticket line like larger open-air venues such as the Central Park Delacorte Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. There is nothing worse than standing in line whether virtual or real time. We get to walk right in and set up our blanket and chairs, spread out our picnic

Here is a brief synopsis of family events happening around the Adirondack Park this weekend. Clinton County: July 31: 11:00 a.m. The Annual Bits and Pieces Festival at the Adirondack History Center Museum: 400 yrs. of history with reflections on the Quadricentennial created in collaboration with the Depot Theatre, the Westport Central School and the Westport Heritage Festival. Tickets are: $10/general; $5/museum members; $2/students. Essex: July 31: 8:30 p.m. (free) Lake Placid Heart Lake Program Center at ADK's Adirondack Loj. Night walk. Franklin: July 31: 7:00 p.m. (free) Shakespeare in the Park, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center’s (VIC) amphitheatre. www.adirondackarts.org. Hamilton: August 1, 2:00 p.m, Shakespeare in the Park, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” www.adirondackarts.org - Inlet August 1, 7:00 p.m., Shakespeare in the Park, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” www.adirondackarts.org - Speculator August 1: (free) Children's Concert

Help this turtle win the race for the cure! I will not be the rabbit in this race but the turtle steady and slow. Hopefully each step I take and each pledge you make will help us all reach our goal and find a cure. This September 13th I will be running in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in honor of my friend Joan Taylor Westman. Joan was a mother, daughter, friend, wife, artist and much more to many more. We have all been touched by circumstances similar to Joan's. Perhaps you know someone right now who is waiting to hear the news that a cure is in reach. Please help make that wish a reality. Sometimes we are unable to find a way to help. Please give what you can. I believe that all of you will help me exceed expectations. If I can get out and run (and you know how much I looovvveee to run) then you can dig out that change from under the couch, think about a friend, neighbor, teacher, or relative that is struggling to overcome this obstacle and donate. It's the only way!

Here is a brief synopsis of family events happening around the Adirondack Park this weekend. Of course this wouldn't include taking a dip in a secret swimming hole or taking a fun walk in the woods. Those events are just assumed to be on the roster. Clinton County: July 24-26: Clinton County Fair: www. clintoncountyfair.com Essex: July 24: Rebecca Kelly Ballet (free) 6:00 p.m. Lake Placid, Mini-Performance at Mids Park Bandshell July 25: Champlain Quadricentennial and Fort Centennial Celebrations. Fort Ticonderoga Re-enactors,Suffragette, Music & More! July 25: 10:00 a.m. (Matinee seats all $12) The Wizard of Oz at the Pendragon Theatre July 25: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Strawberry Festival, Lake Placid Franklin: July 25, 7:00 p.m. free Shakespeare in the Park Tupper Lake July 25-27: (free) Chamber Music for Families at the Saranac Lake Free Library on the 25th at 10:30 - 11:15, Loon Lake Jewish Center on the 26th at 7:30 p.m. or Saranac Lake Laboratory on the 27th at 7:30 p.m. Ju

There is something so powerful about the word free. In my humble opinion it needs to be used with more frequency. I don’t think we should reserve it for special occasions or use it with the solemn shake of the head, “in times like these.” We should be hearing it all the time. The word plays like a musical in my head, “Free!” I can sing it, dance it and if someone is giving something away I can stand in line for it. (My husband manages to stand on line but I can’t cater to that.) Well, for the second year in a row the Champlain Centre 8 Cinema in Plattsburgh is hosting its Family Film Festival and yes to add to the tongue twister it is free and fun. As much fun as walking through the movie turnstile without a ticket and choosing between two free films can be. My kids feel pretty powerful just waving to the attendant as they pass by and I have to say I do too. These second-run films are a mid-morning fiesta with kids pondering over such tough decisions as should they see the free G rate