Canton, NY, Jan 10, 2013 — Let us take a moment to appreciate our recent snow-covered landscape.

In Canton, loads of skiers take advantage of the St. Lawrence University golf course for a quick outing. And...lucky for us...the trail scoots right through NCPR's backyard.

David Sommerstein has this postcard from a lunchtime ski.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Dec 06, 2012 — "Readers and Writers" co-host Chris Robinson talks with Phil LaMarche about his book, American Youth. LaMarche is a professor of English at SUNY-Canton and directs the Living Writers Series.

His debut novel has won wide acclaim. It's the tale of a teenager in southern New England who is confronted by a terrible moral dilemma following a firearms accident in his home. This tragedy earns him the admiration of a gang of boys at his school. It's been called a classic portrait of a young man struggling with the idea of identity and responsibility.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 30, 2012 — Small-scale renewable energy and energy efficiency are among the topics up for discussion at a mini-energy fair in Canton tomorrow. The Local Living Venture is sponsoring the event at Cooperative Extension's Learning Farm on Route 68.

Todd Moe spoke with co-organizer Chelle Lindahl, who says the event will include speakers, workshops and local vendors.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Nov 28, 2012 — SUNY Potsdam President John Schwaller made a surprise announcement Tuesday that he's stepping down from his post, effective July 31. Schwaller didn't detail his reasons for resigning. In a letter to campus, he said simply "the time is right for new leadership."

Schwaller's unexpected announcement comes during a period of change at the SUNY campuses in neighboring Potsdam and Canton, one touched off last year with a controversial plan to consolidate presidencies at the two schools, with Schwaller presumably at the top.

SUNY leadership in Albany stepped back from the shared presidency after protests from the Canton College community. Now, Schwaller's announcement is renewing concerns about consolidation.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 22, 2012 — As families and friends gather for Thanksgiving meals this week, food and stories will be shared around the dinner table. Friday is the fifth annual National Day of Listening. You can celebrate by recording interviews with people you care about. You can use your mobile phone, tape recorder, computer or pen and paper. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving -- a time of the year to get together and enjoy the company of others - we'll listen again as four longtime friends in Canton share their Thanksgiving memories of family, food and their lives.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 20, 2012 — Part of an exhibition of Rockwell Kent's work at St. Lawrence University explores his literary side. Kent was one of America's most famous 20th century artists, and owned a dairy farm in the eastern Adirondacks. Two exhibits of his work are on display through December 15 in St. Lawrence's Brush Art Gallery and the Owen D. Young Library's Special Collections.

Rockwell Kent: The Once Most Popular American Artist is a display of dozens of works in a variety of media. Kent's prominence as an artist, author, adventurer and socio-political activist made him a media phenomenon. He died in 1971.

In this second of a two-part series of conversations, Todd Moe toured the exhibit in Special Collections in the ODY Library. He spoke with Cathy Tedford, Brush Art Gallery Director and Special Collections Curator and Archivist Mark McMurray about the university's collection of Kent correspondence, original prints, books and other ephemera -- including some recent acquisitions.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 09, 2012 — Voters in America's biggest cities faced long lines on Election Day. But in the North Country, voting went off relatively smoothly.

Perhaps the biggest problem was local emergency responders who were not able to vote because they were helping with hurricane relief efforts in New York City.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 06, 2012 — Traditional Arts in Upstate New York kicks off its tenth annual Sugar & Spice gingerbread contest and exhibit later this month. And to help would-be bakers and builders get into the mood, TAUNY is hosting a couple of workshops.

Todd Moe spoke with TAUNY folklorist Hannah Harvester about this year's contest, and the history of gingerbread houses. The tradition began in the mid-19th century when the story of Hansel and Gretel and a witch's candy cottage become popular. But Harvester says, in some cultures, baking gingerbread goes back centuries.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Oct 25, 2012 — Like Governor Cuomo at his beer, wine, and liquor summit Wednesday in Albany, a pair of Canton entrepreneurs is hoping craft beer sales will provide an economic lift.

Ken and Katrina Hebb, owners of the Blackbird Cafe in Canton, are starting St. Lawrence County's first microbrewery. The St. Lawrence Brewing Company is leasing space in a new industrial building in Canton. They're ready to start moving in next week and hope to start selling beer by St. Patrick's Day.

Ken Hebb gave David Sommerstein a tour.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Oct 17, 2012 — TAUNY celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Salute to North Country Legends on Sunday at SUNY Canton. One of the North Country Heritage award recipients, is Canton model wooden boat builder Frank White.

Now 94 years old, White grew up on a farm near Pyrites, in St. Lawrence County, hearing stories of logging camps and river drives from his French-Canadian grandfathers. He's been hiking, fishing, and paddling canoes around the North Country since the 1930's. His passion for canoes has taken him on solo trips on major rivers across North America.

White was one of the founders of the annual Rushton Canoe Races in Canton. His wife of 65 years, Beulah, passed away last December. As Frank says, they spent most of their marriage outdoors paddling local lakes and streams.

After retiring from a career as a florist in 1984, he took up model making, starting with kits of famous vessels like the Halfmoon, and the USS Constitution. He's taken top honors at international model boat building contests and his models are on display at SUNY Canton, St. Lawrence University and museums around the country. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article