The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is hosting a LGBTQI+ Pride event at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake on June 26 from 12 to 4 p.m. The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQI+ community from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and neighboring communities, along with their families, friends, supportive organizations, businesses and other allies. “The LGBTQI+ community is incredibly inclusive, I really can't stress that enough,” commented Kelly Metzgar, co-founder and executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance. “Therefore, we are hoping that absolutely everyone feels welcome at this event. While we do celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and its allies, even more importantly, we celebrate diversity and that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone.” According to organizers, the event features exhibits, vendors, raffles, and music throughout the afternoon, along with a fashion show presented by the Saranac Lake Youth Center in collaboration with Main St. Exchange consignment store, and a drag show organized by Mhisty Knights, a popular regional performer. Owen Gilbo, diversity and inclusion specialist with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Management, New York State Department of Civil Service, is expected to speak at the event, along with Harrietstown Supervisor Jordanna Mallach and other Tri-Lakes community leaders. “We are really excited about this event and are hoping that it becomes bigger and better each year,” said Metzger. “We have organized a similar, very popular event in Plattsburgh for a number of years and are hoping to bring that same sense of community, fun and event success to the Saranac Lake region. This lively, creative community provides a wonderful backdrop for this event.” The event has attracted a number of sponsorships from local businesses and a diverse slate of organizations that provide various resources, information and support for local community members. Event organizers are hoping to add more businesses and sponsors over the next couple weeks. Visit the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance Facebook page for additional information about the Pride event, including sponsorship or volunteer opportunities: facebook.com/adkncga or email at: ancga_prideparade@outlook.com. Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is also partnering with Romano's Saranac Lanes to offer a Pride bowling event on Saturday, June 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 2016 to provide resources, education, information and organize events on behalf of, and to support, the LGBTQI+ community in Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties. Each year, the organization hosts a number of local events including the Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh which takes place in October, during LGBTQI+ history month; and on the Transgender Day of Remembrance in November. Media Contact:Kelly Metzger, executive director Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance 518-637-7253 ancga@outlook.com Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662jane@roostadk.com

You’re invited to join the presentation on Thursday, June 23, 2022. The Town of North Elba and the Village of Lake Placid will hold a joint meeting to review a presentation on the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan with Greg Oates from NextFactor. When: Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. How to Join: The public may join via GoToMeeting, https://meet.goto.com/348269285, or call 1-571-317-3112, code 348-269-285. Learn more about the Lake Placid Destination Management Plan here.

The Village of Speculator will soon erect the newly reconstructed Makomis fire tower near the entrance to the Sacandaga Pathway. It is anticipated to be in place by July 4. According to Village of Speculator Mayor Jeanette Barrett, this project was solidified after a great deal of planning and hard work. “The idea of having a fire tower in Speculator has been a long time coming for many people in the area,” said Mayor Barrett. Preserving the structure and recording its history presents an opportunity to educate people about the history of Adirondack fire towers. Once the fire tower is in place, a kiosk located nearby will highlight the fire tower’s role in the region so that visitors can learn about this important piece of Adirondack history. Mayor Barrett also hopes the fire tower will draw tourists to the area. The Makomis fire tower was originally a wooden structure, built near the town of North Hudson in 1911. In 1916, the wooden tower was replaced by a steel structure, making it one of the first 11 steel fire towers built in New York state. The fire tower was eventually closed by the NYS Department of Conservation in 1970. It was dismantled and removed from the mountain top in 1978 by Bruce Vowles and stored for over 30 years at the home of George Barber, a retired surveyor. Mayor Barrett explained the subsequent change in ownership and restoration plans. “In the mid-1990s, Dean Lane obtained the Hooker Hill fire tower from Marty Podskoch, author of several books on fire towers. Lane hoped to restore and put up the fire tower in town, but it needed a lot of repairs, so the project never materialized. Lane has since passed away, but his son Jonathan wanted to make the fire tower project a reality to honor his father,” she said. Mike Vilegi, owner of Excelsior fire towers, purchased the tower in 2019 and began the reconstruction project. Once the tower is erected in Speculator, it will be part of both the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge and the Hamilton County Fire Tower Challenge, a series of hikes that visitors and local residents can complete. Organizers are also hoping to submit a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The fire tower project is being funded through both public and private investment. A $100,000 Community Smart Growth grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and another $10,000 in funding from the Adirondack Foundation kickstarted the project. The Village of Speculator plans to contribute $55,000, of which $47,6500 has already been raised through generous donations, said Mayor Barrett. Anyone interested in donating to the project should contact the Village of Speculator at 518-548-7354 or via email makomistower@gmail.com. ### Contact: Sydney Aveson, communications coordinatorRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism 518.523.2445 sydney@roostadk.com

Stewart’s Shops and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism are continuing their partnership to educate visitors about the importance of being prepared before beginning their Adirondack adventure. The campaign encourages people to visit a Stewart’s Shop to help prepare for their outing. The “Go Before You Go” campaign comprises videos, along with audio messages and print materials. Video and audio will be seen and heard by those who visit Stewart’s Shops throughout the Adirondacks. Campaign videos explain the importance of being prepared, encouraging people to stock up with supplies and to visit the restrooms at trailheads or other public spaces before accessing the trails. Audio recordings, played on the Stewart’s Shops outdoor speaker system, share similar messages for those filling their tanks at the gas pumps. According to Jane Hooper, communications manager at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, the partnership between Stewart’s Shops and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a natural fit. “The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Stewart’s Shops share a common goal, to ensure that people are well-prepared with food, water and other essentials to support their day,” she said. “Stewart’s Shops are located throughout the region, offering a convenient “pit stop” as people head out for their Adirondack adventure. This offers the perfect opportunity to share information about being prepared, obtaining supplies, and caring for the environment during their outing.” The campaign also includes print materials and digital content for social media. The Waste 101 page on the Love Your ADK website features a map that indicates the locations of Stewart’s Shops, public restrooms, trailheads with temporary restroom facilities, and visitor centers. Rack cards that include information and a QR code, directing users to the online map, are available at the region’s visitor centers and other high-traffic locations. According to Savannah Doviak, paid media coordinator at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, the “Go Before You Go” campaign is part of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Love Your ADK initiative, through which the organization works to educate both residents and visitors about environmental sustainability. “In addition to tourism promotion and community support initiatives, we always encourage careful use of the natural environment,” she said. “This is of particular importance, to ensure that visitors and local residents can continue to enjoy the Adirondacks for generations to come. We are excited to align our efforts with Stewart’s Shops to educate outdoor enthusiasts about preparedness, waste in the backcountry, and where restroom facilities are located.” Erica Komoroske, director of public affairs at Stewart’s Shops, echoed Doviak’s comments and encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to visit their local shop before heading out to ensure that they are as prepared as possible. “Stop at Stewart’s Shops on your next hiking trip to stock up on snacks and drinks and don’t forget to take that bathroom break before you hit the trails. We make your life easier and encourage everyone to do their part and ‘Go Before You Go’ to preserve the beauty of the Adirondack Park.” Backcountry preparedness is the main focus of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Love Your ADK campaign. Love Your ADK was launched in April of 2020 in partnership with the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Council, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. Its goal is to create unified and up-to-date information that will help travelers and recreationists learn how to best prepare for their outdoor adventures. The “Go Before You Go” campaign will continue from July 1 through October 15. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York State. ROOST is also a Community Member of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Stewart’s Shops is an employee- and family-owned and operated convenience store chain with more than 350 locations in New York and Vermont. ### Contact: Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 | jane@auroraroostadk-com https://youtu.be/Tef6gV0xeKo

Lake Placid, NY - The 23rd running of Ironman Lake Placid will take place Sunday, July 24, 2022. Temporary road closures will begin at 5 a.m. The following are all estimated times based on New York State Police traffic control. Please use caution and expect delays. Road Closures Road closures (Route 86) Southbound to Lake Placid from Wilmington beginning at 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.Bobrun Lane will be closed in both directions from 7a-3p.Route 86 westbound from Jay to Wilmington will close from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.Route 9N will close Northbound from Keene to Jay at 6 a.m until 5 p.m.Haselton Road will be closed in both directions from Bilhuber Road to the Black Brook town line from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Haselton Road from Route 86 to Bilhuber Road will be open only Northbound from 8 a.m - 5 p.m.Road closures (Route 73) south/eastbound from Lake Placid to Keene beginning at 5 a.m. until 4 p.m.River Road will be restricted to local traffic only. Notice to residents and businesses along the Wilmington Road from the traffic light to the Alpine Cellar: The route for cyclists will travel out and back on Wilmington Road/Route 86 from Northwood Road to the traffic light on Main Street at the Route 73 intersection. Thank you for your understanding and please use caution when exiting your residence as there will be bikes in both directions and they will be traveling in the opposite lane of traffic. Alternate Routes LAKE PLACID TO JAY From Saranac Avenue/Route 86, go left at Main Street at the High Peaks Resort to Mirror Lake Drive. Left on Northwood Road. Left on Cobble Hill Road. Left on Route 86 to Wilmington. Right on Route 86 to Jay. Expect delays in the Village of Lake Placid, in Wilmington, and in Jay from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. AUSABLE FORKS TO WILMINGTON North on Main Street at Stewart’s to stop sign. Left on Guideboard Road. Bear left at the fork to Silver Lake Road. Left on Bonnieview Road to Wilmington. Expect delays at intersection in Wilmington. AUSABLE FORKS TO SARANAC LAKE/LAKE PLACID North on Main Street at Stewart’s to stop sign. Left on Guideboard Road. Bear left at fork to Silver Lake Road. Left on Union Falls Road to Route 3. Left on Route 3 to Saranac Lake. In Saranac Lake take Route 86 East to Lake Placid. AUSABLE FORKS TO KEENE Route 86 West, crossing Jersey Bridge to Sheldrake Road. Right on North Jay Road. (County Route 64). Left on Valley Road (County Route 58). Right on Trumbulls Corner Road. Left on Route 9N South to Keene. Expect delays in Ausable Forks and at Route 9N intersection. SARANAC LAKE TO I-87 SOUTHBOUND Route 3 West to Tupper Lake. Route 30 South to Long Lake. Route 28N to Newcomb. Route 2 East to Exit 29 on Route I-87 or Route 28N to Warrensburg. POINTS SOUTH ON ROUTE I-87 : From Northbound Route I-87 take exit 29 to Route 2 West to Route 28N. Turn right on Route 28N to Newcomb. Route 28N to Long Lake. Right on Route 30 to Tupper Lake. Right on Route 3 East to Saranac Lake. Take exit 30 for travel to Keene Valley, Keene or Lake Placid. Expect delays at Keene. POINTS NORTH ON ROUTE I-87 TO LAKE PLACID From Southbound on Route I-87 take exit 31 to Route 9N North. Route 9N North to Elizabethtown. Route 9N North to Route 73. Right on Route 73 to Keene. Expect delays at the intersection in Keene. KEENE TO LAKE PLACID Route 73 Westbound lane open. Expect Delays at River Road/Ski Jumps intersection. Access Village of Lake Placid via Old Military Road. LAKE PLACID TO WILMINGTON/AUSABLE FORKS/I-87 NORTHBOUND From Saranac Avenue/Route 86, go left at Main Street at the High Peaks Resort to Mirror Lake Drive. Left on Northwood Road. Left on Cobble Hill Road. Left on Route 86 to Wilmington. Straight through the intersection on Bonnieview Road (County Route 19). Right on Silver Lake Road and follow detour arrows to Ausable Forks. Expect delays in the Village of Lake Placid and in Wilmington from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. IRONMAN COMMUNITY HOTLINE Ironman Lake Placid has established a community relations coordinator and hotline to assist with training and race-related issues. The community relations coordinator is able to assist with quickly mitigating challenges for community members and businesses as they arise. Businesses and community members should use this if someone has a question about getting to work, is in need of an escort because they live on the race course, an issue presents itself, etc. Community Line: 615-669-0022 Community Email: community.cgi@ironman.com