News stories tagged with "holidays"

(12/23/11) A lot of people don't want to get caught up in the consumerism of the holidays. But often family and friends expect to get gifts from loved ones. Julie Grant spent time with one family where gift-giving is a real struggle.

(12/23/11) For more than 45 years, an Ogdensburg man has donned his Santa suit and played a Christmas role that has brought much joy to himself and others. Duane Adams first played Santa when he was a soldier stationed near Saigon during the Vietnam War. Every season since, Adams has visited schools, hospitals, nursing homes and parades dressed as the jolly old elf. His Santa work begins in November and, like the real deal, he's busiest right before Christmas. He's always the guest of honor at Ogdensburg's annual Santa Claus parade. For Adams, most of the pleasure comes from giving back -- he donates all his Santa earnings to local charities.

Todd Moe paid him a visit during a day off, and found the beard, belly and generosity are all genuine.

(12/20/11) Like most of America, the North Country is lit up with Christmas decorations at this time of year. While it brings joy to many people, it can make others feel like outsiders. Julie Grant reports about an effort by the synagogue in Potsdam to make the season more inclusive - by adding menorahs to holiday displays. more

(12/02/11) This is the season for music. Communities across the North Country are hosting Holiday jams, concerts and caroling this month. In Lake Placid, on Sunday, December 11th, the Community Church will host the annual Tri-Lakes Messiah Community Sing. For many it's a way to kick off the Christmas season with their voices. Todd Moe talks with the conductor, Drew Benware, about this locally produced, musical Holiday experience.

(12/01/11) The Potsdam Food Co-op will hold its 14th annual Baking Contest and Silent Auction this Sunday in the Co-op's Carriage House Bakery. You can sample some of the homemade holiday confections and savory treats and then vote on your favorites. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to Potsdam Neighborhood Center. Todd Moe spoke with Lynn Clarke-Stone who's coordinating this season's event.

(12/21/10) With homemade tin lanterns in hand, about two dozen carolers took to the streets of Canton late last week to share their joy of song and the Holidays. Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, TAUNY, sponsored the caroling party. Todd Moe tagged along.

(10/15/10) Holiday-themed books will begin filling the shelves at local bookstores this month. A North Country children's author is out with her first fiction novel for adults. Todd Moe talks with Ogdensburg author Barbara Briggs Ward. Her new book, The Reindeer Keeper, is a Christmas story based on her childhood in the North Country. Ward is also the author/illustrator of the children's book series featuring Snarly Sally. Illustrated by Suzanne Langelier-Lebede, The Reindeer Keeper, taps back into that feeling of believing in Santa Claus. Ward says her writing career began with a special Christmas gift from her grandfather.

(12/24/09) There may be nothing prettier than beautifully wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree. But some environmentalists say the cost of that beauty is too high - and they want people to stop wasting so much paper on gift-wrapping. Julie Grant has more. more

(12/15/09) Saranac Lake's First Night committee is unveiling a series of artful banners this month as a prelude to its annual New Year's Eve festivities. First Night is a national family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts and the New Year. Todd Moe talks with artist Georgeanne Gaffney about this year's event.

(12/04/09) Today and tomorrow, Saranac Lake artists will welcome visitors to check out their studios and galleries during the first Holiday Art Walk. Todd Moe talks with artist Georgeanne Gaffney about exploring art in downtown Saranac Lake this weekend. The regular "3rd Thursday" Art Walks have been going on in the village for over 10 years. Gaffney says the idea for a winter version was inspired by "Saranac Lake Art Works", a collaboration of artists dedicated to the community and art.