The Lake Placid Community Day organizing committee is seeking nominations for its distinguished volunteer of the year award. Nominations are due by April 1, 2024. The award will be presented at the sixth annual Community Day celebration on Sunday, June 2. Award recipients will be recognized in two categories: distinguished volunteer of the year, youth; and distinguished volunteer of the year, adult. Community Day celebrates those who contribute to various community-based initiatives, within the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba. One important aspect of Lake Placid Community Day is showcasing volunteer efforts of community members and specifically, those who choose to share their time to the area’s activities and events. Event organizers are beginning to plan and encourage nominations for the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. Nomination criteria are as follows: Any individual or organization may nominate one or more candidates. The organization’s and the volunteer’s work must be within North Elba. Previous nomination does not disqualify a person; previous candidates may be re-nominated. Nominations should remain confidential; all nominees may not receive an award. Include as much pertinent information as possible to support the nomination. Provide at least one contact in support of the nomination, including name and contact information. Additional letters of support are encouraged. To nominate someone for the North Elba / Lake Placid Distinguished Volunteer of the Year, complete the nomination form and share with Catherine Ericson by email at Catherine@RoostADK.com. The committee retains and reviews all past nominee submissions. The Community Day Celebration is a joint initiative of the Lake Placid / North Elba Community Development Commission and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST). The Lake Placid / North Elba Development Commission facilitates the implementation of the Lake Placid / North Elba Comprehensive Plan, which was developed in 2014. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.

Community-based celebrations provide safe, exciting viewing experiences The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), and Adirondack Council are urging caution for those considering an Adirondack Park backcountry adventure to view the total solar eclipse this April. On April 8, much of the Adirondack Park will be in the path of totality for the once-in-a-lifetime, full solar eclipse, and while the mountains and lakes of the Adirondacks may provide a beautiful backdrop, conditions in the Adirondack backcountry that time of year can be perilous. Given the combined natural beauty of the Adirondacks and the eclipse, people may be considering a hike into the Adirondack wilderness to view it. However, it is likely that full winter conditions will be present on the trails and mountains at that time, with dangers to people and the environment if hikers are not prepared. Hikers who are unfamiliar with the Adirondacks may expect warm spring conditions, but mountain summits and higher elevations continue to be snow- and ice-covered long into the spring compared to lower elevations. Lakes, ponds and waterways pose additional dangers during the early spring months. Ice may remain on the surface, making it appear solid and safe; however, the longer, warmer days and increases in flowing water during the spring can make ice much thinner and unstable. “The solar eclipse will likely drive visitation to the Adirondacks during a time of year that is typically much less frequented by visitors,” said Savannah Doviak, paid media coordinator at ROOST. “Since visitors may not be familiar with the area’s ever-changing weather and early spring conditions, our most important role is to share important information about being safe and well-prepared, and about the planned events throughout the region. Love Your ADK, comprising ROOST, Adirondack Council, and Adirondack Mountain Club, is working to share as much information as possible about the early spring conditions, which can lead to disastrous situations, often requiring backcountry rescue.” The group is encouraging residents and those traveling to the Adirondacks ahead of the eclipse to avoid mountain trails and waters, as there will be bountiful opportunities to view the eclipse from the Adirondacks without venturing into the backcountry. Visitors and residents are encouraged to take part in viewing parties and events, hosted by local organizations, restaurants, hotels, villages and attractions. ROOST has developed a website (www.2024-eclipse.com) that visitors and residents can use to plan their solar eclipse experience. The site offers information about the science of an eclipse, safety measures, best places to watch, viewing celebrations and events throughout the region, along with important viewing tips. It is impossible to accurately predict conditions months ahead; these groups advise that people who are unfamiliar with winter hiking in the Adirondacks avoid higher elevations and bodies of water during the eclipse. Information about viewing the eclipse safely can be found on the 2024-eclipse.com website, in its “what to know” section. Michael Barrett, executive director of the Adirondack Mountain Club, stresses that hiking the Adirondack Mountains during the early spring is only recommended for the most experienced hikers with proper equipment such as skis or snowshoes, traction devices, extra food and water, emergency supplies and extra winter clothing to be safe. “Our primary concern is the safety of anyone considering a hike to view the eclipse,” he said. “Lingering winter conditions at higher elevations coupled with the unpredictability of early spring weather demand a high level of preparedness and caution. The allure of witnessing the eclipse should not overshadow the necessity of being well-equipped and knowledgeable about the challenges posed by the Adirondack backcountry in early April. We encourage anyone who is considering such a trip to consult with a local visitor center - like Cascade Welcome Center - before committing to their plan.” Love Your ADK encourages those who are experienced to follow ‘leave no trace’ guidelines if hiking for the eclipse. This includes being prepared by properly researching the planned trip route, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, properly disposing of waste including packing out what you pack in, leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others. “The Adirondack Park will be one of the best locations in the Northeast to enjoy this rare solar eclipse, but we want people to enjoy it safely and responsibly,” said Raul J. Aguirre, executive director of the Adirondack Council. “The weather in April is known to be unpredictable, especially in the High Peaks region. Between snow and mud, high water and freezing temperatures, trail conditions in the mountains can be dangerous. The ecological health of our highly sensitive summit ecosystems depends on people voluntarily abstaining from hiking when thin soils and alpine plants are exposed. Given the potential ecological damage and personal safety issues involved, we encourage everyone to use the utmost care in planning for this once-in-a-lifetime event.” According to ROOST Marketing Director Michelle Clement, one of the most interesting aspects of the celestial event is the unique experience that it will offer eclipse enthusiasts and the casual observer. “One really important aspect of a total solar eclipse is the shared experience that it offers,” she said. “It is something that we will all experience together - residents, visitors, astronomers, business owners, students and those simply traveling to the region just to experience it. It’s one of those lifetime events where people will remember where they were and who they were with; we want to ensure that it is a positive, safe and memorable experience for everyone who will be in our region.” “As we approach April 8, we will have a much better idea about weather, temperatures and anticipated visitation,” Doviak commented. “We simply want everyone to be safe and enjoy the experience.” Photo credit: Justin Levine, Adirondack Council

After the retirement announcement of James McKenna, CEO of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) in Lake Placid, NY, in November 2023, SearchWide Global has been chosen to lead the executive search for his replacement. As a full-service executive search firm specializing in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, experiential marketing, sports, and entertainment industries, SearchWide Global is renowned for its expertise in identifying top-tier talent. Kellie Henderson, senior vice president, is leading the search effort at SearchWide Global. With her wealth of experience and extensive knowledge in executive search, she is well-equipped to find the ideal candidate to fill the position of CEO for ROOST. SearchWide Global’s signature search process is designed to identify the most qualified and suitable candidates for the role. Currently, SearchWide Global is engaging in Needs Assessment Interviews with key stakeholders to gain valuable insights and perspectives. This crucial step will allow the team to develop a comprehensive position overview, which will be published on jobs.searchwideglobal.com in early February. Once the position overview is released, SearchWide Global will actively begin prospecting and accepting applications from potential candidates. The application period will be open through March. During this time, SearchWide Global will evaluate each candidate's qualifications, ensuring a thorough and fair selection process. Interested candidates will be able to apply online or by submitting their resumes to info@searchwideglobal.com. The executive search committee will then be presented with a short list of candidates to be carefully reviewed and considered. This step will further narrow down the pool of candidates to those who best align with the organization's values, goals, and requirements. Following the committee's review, a series of interviews will be scheduled with the selected candidates. This in-depth assessment will delve deeper into each candidate's background, experience, and suitability for the CEO position. These interviews will take place throughout April. SearchWide Global and ROOST aim to have the new CEO in place in May 2024, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in leadership. The extensive search process guarantees that the selected candidate will possess the necessary expertise, leadership skills, and vision to spearhead the organization's future success.

The Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby, taking place on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 on Lake Colby and surrounding waters. Organizers are marking the 40th anniversary with exciting prizes and contests. Rocky Nogales, tournament coordinator, shared his excitement for the milestone year. "This year, being the 40th anniversary, we decided to do a few things differently regarding sponsorships and the value of prizes offered,” he said. The derby is open to adults and children, with prizes in each category. The event typically draws between 200-250 participants each year, with approximately 80 young people taking part as they fish for trout, salmon and perch on Lake Colby, along with pike in surrounding waters. The event kicks off with its annual tradition of the DEC’s special delivery of 5-year-old specially-tagged fish from its salmon and rainbow trout ponds. Historically, if caught, those fish represent a cash prize of $100 to each angler lucky enough to land one. John Gorgas, a spokesperson for the tournament, explained how the “tagged fish” portion of the contest has been enhanced this year. “The DEC-tagged fish are being sponsored by local businesses, sometimes challenging each other and combining their donations, to increase the value of each fish caught,” he said. “We have multiple tagged fish valued over $300 each. In one particular case, eight real estate agencies have combined forces to sponsor one fish, turning a single tag into an $800 fish, if caught, ” he said. “Our local businesses have been excited about this sponsorship idea, and we couldn't be more thrilled.” Some local hotels are also celebrating this milestone year, offering special rates for tournament participants. Lake Colby offers the perfect location for ice fishing. The lake’s size and location in Saranac Lake helps to ensure sufficient ice, provided that temperatures remain cold. Downtown Saranac Lake is surrounded by dozens of lakes and ponds, allowing for unparalleled access. The town offers access to three connected lakes, including Lake Colby, creating a unique and picturesque setting for the tournament. Proceeds from the fishing derby benefit the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club’s conservation projects and training, its Father’s Day fishing derby, hunter education and safety training programs along with archery classes for community members. Businesses interested in sponsoring a tagged fish or learning more about sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Rocky Nogales at slfgc.frnogales@gmail.com or 505-697-0452. Contact John Gorgas at jonnygorgo@gmail.com for general tournament information. Visit the Colby Classic Ice Fishing Derby Facebook page for the latest updates and information.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the Village of Lake Placid, the Town of North Elba, and the Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority), are hosting a public information meeting to share information about events taking place in 2024. The virtual meeting will take place on March 4 at 5:30 p.m.; pre-registration is required to receive log-in information. Those wishing to attend should visit: lakeplacid.com/events/lake-placid-events-meeting. Officials from each organization will share updates about plans for upcoming events including: the solar eclipse on April 8; the ECAC Men Hockey Championships taking place March 22 and 23; IBSF World Cup Bobsled and Skeleton competition taking place March 21-23; a new event within the region - the UCI Mountain Bike World Series taking place September 27 through 29; and information about the 2024 Lake Placid conference schedule, along with other events taking place throughout the region. According to Mary Jane Lawrence, chief operating officer at ROOST, local partner organizations regularly host information sessions to help with community awareness of upcoming events and regional activities. “We want to help ensure the events contribute positively to the region’s businesses, communities and visitors,” she said. “These conversations are an important part of ongoing event planning and execution.” “Communication is key to our collective success,” states Darcy Norfolk, director of communications, Olympic Authority. “We look forward to these seasonal meetings to heighten awareness and collaborate effectively.”