Star Lake, New York
SAVE OUR SCHOOLHOUSE

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The hamlet of Star Lake, New York has an old school which was built in l882 which has undergone extensive restoration.  Many of the people in the community wanted to save it as a historical site and put it to good use.  This webpage is dedicated to that purpose.



MISSION STATEMENT

A group of concerned citizens trying to save the old school building in the most diplomatic, economical, and productive way possible with the sole purpose of enriching our community.

We have completed five years of the remodeling, repainting, and reconditioning this old school house here in Star Lake.  We believe it is time to move on in the second phase of the utilization of the facility.  This summer we had the opportunity of hosting an exhibit of Adirondack furniture by a couple from Wanakena.  It was most successful and gave us inspiration to continue with exhibits such as this in the future.  We have also chosen to change our name to better suit our mission.  The Adirondack Exhibit Center name has been selected and we believe it will encompass what we plan to do in the months and years ahead.  We willl continue to use SOS as a means to facilitate raising funds in activities such at the 5K/Fun Runs, Pie Socials, Raffles, and Auctions.

During the Summer of 2010 we had a exhibit of Adirondack furniture which was a huge success.  Our 5K/Fun Run had 88 runners or walkers.  The ice cream pie social was popular, and there are plans to repeat all of this again next year.


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This was our first exhibit and it was a great success.  We plan to have these exhibitors back next year.


This is a new year.....2011.... and the Adirondack Exhibit Center is in full operation.  The season began on May 16th with an open house and ribbon cutting.  This was done in conjunction with the Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation(CFEDC) Meeting.  Mark Hall, Supervisor from the Town of Fine, Bob Snider, Supervisor from the Town of Clifton, Chris Westbrook, President of CFEDC, and State Representative, Fred Morrill cut the traditional ribbons celebrating the opening of the new Center.


Mark Hall, Supervisor of the Town of Fine, has just cut the first ribbon on the stairway going up into the new Adirondack Exhibit Center.  Officiating on the stairway is the President of the SOS Group, George Persson. On the 26th of June the Center was officially dedicated.  Over 80 people attended and former students of the old school were honored.  A painting of the school was unveiled and a decorated cake was enjoyed by all who attended.

An Adirondack rustic furniturre exhibit took place on the weekend of July 8-10. There were three exhibitors: Ron Fenlong from Russell, Annette and
Sherm Craig from Wanakena, and Fred Brugger from Lowville.

Ron and Fred in a gab session.

Annette and Edna Brugger talking business.

 This year, one of the ways to raise money for a new roof for the building was to hold a raffle.  Two Adirondack chairs were built by George Persson and artists from Gouverneur and Harrisville painted the backs with scenes from Star Lake and Wanakena.  These were exhibited in a number of locations.


On the 19th of July we had our first jewelry workshop.  Five students were given kits containing semi precious stones, and other items to construct a bracelet and earring set.  The workshop was conducted by Vickie LaRocque, a relative of Paul and Dona LaRocque of Star Lake.  Later that day, Vickie had a trunk show where jewelry could be purchased.

Three artists from Saranac Lake presented their paintings from July 23 through August 7th.  On the evening of the 23rd the Center hosted a 'Meet the Artists' evening for Sandra Hildreth, Jackie Altman, and Mary Brossard. Local art teachers, art enthusiasts, and members of the SOS Group were in attendance.

Jackie Altman-Sandra Hildreth-Mary Brossard




The annual 5k run/walk was held on August 7th followed by a pie social.  Approximately 102 registered for the 5 k with 98 crossing the finish line, setting a new SOS record.   Matt Blodgett of Fairport entered the chute first and was the overall winner with a time of 20 minutes and 43 seconds.  David Bradshaw of Macedon was second with the same time as Matt.   These two are good friends and many times train together.  Star Lake's own Trent Curry finished third with a time of 21 minutes and 26 seconds.  Melanie Sanders of Berwick, Ontario placed fourth with a time of 23 minutes 38 seconds, to record the fastest time for the women. These four are fantastic runners and the SOS is happy they took part in our 5 K.  More race results later.    Some pictures are shown below:


Joe Russo presenting the awards.

Enjoying the pie social.

The final exhibit for the year took place on the weekend of August 12-14.  The exhibit was entitled 'Artists and Artisans' and brought together Lisa Nortz -- jewelry, Jeanne Lampson--watercolors, and Jamie Henderson-rustic furniture.
 



Following the exhibits, a new roof was added to the building.  Fred Zimmerman and his crew provided the labor and the materials were purchased locally with the proceeds from fund raising.

The labor for the roofing was free and the SOS Group is most grateful to Fred Zimmerman and his crew. Fred has his cottage on Star Lake and he and his family have been longtime summer residents.




 





                                                                                        

The SOS Group has sponsored a number of 5k run/walk over the years.  Here are some of the memorable moments that was spent along the trail.  The 'feets' special is always at the end of the race to pick up stragglers and make sure that the race trail is cleaned up.  We hope to continue the races in the years ahead, and will welcome new runners every year......We look forward to 2012.....and hope that you will join us in this fun event..............


Always a welcomed sight.....



End of the race....'Feets' special.....



   one of the earlier races.........
                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                     Link To Clifton-Fine