Happy New Year 2014 - See The Walleye Fish Drop

For the fun of it!

For our fishing friends (and for anybody looking for something unique), see the New Year's Eve walleye fish drop cam in Port Clinton, OH at midnight on the web. 

Or watch New York City's famous ball drop (in Times Square) if you are so inclined.

As another alternative, here is the countdown clock on the web that has already started the countdown to the New Year!

Check in often with this blog. Many new wonderfully surprising features are in the works! Be sure to give us a look at least once per week. You may participate too. Just drop me an email with your Thousand Islands / St. Lawrence region story/pictures (or any other fascinating nature story) to see yourself in print if selected. Happy New Year 2014!

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Antique Boat Museum News: THERESA TORNATORE NAMED CONTROLLER

CLAYTON, New York (December 18, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today the addition of Theresa E. Tornatore as Controller.

Tornatore brings over 23 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting and controls, budgeting, cash management, and strategic planning for several businesses in the health care and financial service industries.  Eighteen years of her career were spent with two prominent Syracuse-area medical networks, which had multiple offices and tens of millions of dollars of annual revenues.  As Controller, Tornatore will be responsible for the ABM’s financial affairs and activities.  In addition, she will oversee the Museum’s information technology and human resource functions.

A native of Syracuse, Tornatore has family ties to the Thousand Islands region and Thousand Islands Park. 

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In August 2014, the Museum will host the 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Michael Ringer St. Lawrence Gallery ~ John Miller III, picture paddle artist ~ Gold-Mountain, All at Destiny USA

Through 12/29/13, disregard January 5 date.

Kevin Topa, Gallery Director

(Click on photos to see them enlarged)

Michael Ringer's Galleries is featuring a large gallery (already open) at the Destiny USA Mall for this Christmas season through December 29, 2013 with the gallery director from Clayton NY, Kevin Topa. Mall gallery phone for further information is (315) 424-0142. Special appearances by famous artist John Miller III, as well as Bob and Patty Mondore are scheduled Friday and Saturday as follows: 

John Miller III, renowned paddle artist, will be present Friday evening (12/13/13) and during Saturday (12/14/13) throughout the day. His famed paddles, which are for sale, feature various St. Lawrence River themed artwork on 22 inch long hand-made hardwood paddles. Paddles are painted with oils and varnished for protection. Themes include famous sites, wildlife, fish, buildings, etc. He also does commissioned custom art paddles using your own color photo print as a guide. He has a display of his paddles in the gallery, so you can go anytime the gallery is open.

John Miller III, of Thousand Islands Picture Paddles 

John Miller with special commissioned project

(Singer Sewing machine with Singer Castle artwork) 

This sewing machine is not for sale, but is an interesting tie-in to this blog.

 

Bob and Patty Mondore, Gold-Mountain featured books and videos.

(Singer Castle - Dark Island books and DVD, as well as Patty's devotional and inspirational books). We will only be present this Saturday (12/14/13) from 1 pm to 3 pm. Be sure to stop in to see us. Plenty of give-aways (freebies) while we are there! (Our multimedia will be there even when we are not present. So stop in anytime.)

Free Admission at the Antique Boat Museum with Food Donation! See Details:

CLAYTON, New York (December 2, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that food donations will be accepted for the local food pantry in exchange for admission in December.

Starting on Tuesday, December 3, visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to the ABM admissions desk during regular museum hours, Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., to receive complimentary admission. Those visiting without a food donation can still tour the campus for only $5 (up to $8 off peak-season pricing), which benefits the Museum’s mission.

For the first time in the history of the ABM, the campus and Museum Store remain open in the month of December. The Museum will officially close for the 2013 season on Friday, December 20 and reopen on Friday, May 2, 2014.

Admission is not required to shop in the Museum Store.

Buildings and select exhibits remain accessible, though limited in some areas, and proper dress for weather conditions is suggested, as most areas will not be heated in order to preserve the boats on display.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Alan Jackson (Country Music Star) Makes Major Antique Boat Donation To The Antique Boat Museum

3-TIME COUNTRY MUSIC ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR, 2-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER MAKES SPLASH

WITH DONATION TO THE ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM IN CLAYTON, NY

Photos: Alan Jackson's "Flat Top" antique 1955 Chris-Craft wood boat.

(Click on photos to see them larger.)

CLAYTON, New York (November 21, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that it has been the recipient of a generous donation by one of country music’s biggest stars.

Alan Jackson, a multi-platinum recording artist known for being one of the most-nominated artists in Country Music Association (CMA) history and the winner of awards such as Entertainer of the Year and two Grammy Awards, has contributed a gorgeous 1955 29-foot Chris-Craft Semi-Enclosed to be added to the ABM’s already impressive collection of historic and classic boats.

“The Museum is grateful for Mr. Jackson’s gift of this remarkable boat, and for his continuing dedication to America’s boating history,” explained Emmett Smith, Curator. “Mr. Jackson has been a leader in restoring some of these classics and it is astonishing to see them appreciated by a musician who operates at the highest level of contemporary popular culture. Boating and country music are both important parts of the American lifestyle, and Mr. Jackson is clearly someone who loves the history of both.”

According to Jackson, "wooden boats have always been my first love.  I've really appreciated the Antique Boat Museum efforts at preserving the history of antique wood boats."

Flat Top, named in reference to the flat top steel-string acoustic guitars commonly used by Jackson, is one of just 36 of these boats ever built by Chris-Craft. The boat was used and stored on Lake Chautauqua, located in western New York, by its original owner.  In 2002, Jackson purchased the boat in poor condition and transported it to Tennessee to undergo extensive restoration work at Hickman Boat Works. Under the craftsmanship of Travis Hickman, Flat Top was revived through a nearly 3-year restoration project, leaving no details untouched.

Flat Top now features pristine woodwork and artistry, both interior and exterior, while retaining its original look and is considered to be show boat quality.

Jackson has been a longtime wooden boat enthusiast and has been engaged with the Antique Boat Museum in the past. In 2009, Jackson made a trip to Clayton for the annual Antique Boat Show & Auction, through ties with local boat broker Peter Mellon of Antique Boat America, which has listed a number of Jackson’s boats for sale over the years. That August, Jackson provided 5 antique boats to be auctioned. During his time in the 1000 Islands region that year, he also cruised with friends aboard his yacht, Neon Rainbow, which was docked at the Museum.

Flat Top arrived in Clayton last weekend and will remain in storage throughout the winter months. The boat is expected to be available for viewing in some form during the Museum’s 2014 season. Details and information will be available prior to the Museum’s May 2 re-opening.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Photo: Alan Jackson with one of his famed flat top steel-string acoustic guitars (Precious Memories II album).

Veterans Day Tribute - Photos from American Legion Post 904

I snapped these photos this summer 2013 at the American Legion Post #904. Location: Alexandria Bay, NY.

(Be sure to click on the pictures to see them larger.) 

Respect. Reflect.

Above photo shows a sampling of stone pavers honoring those who have served. Note the paver giving tribute to Jack T. Sweet who gave his life for our freedom (whom we have noted for several years). Please also note our Veterans Day tribute last year to our local hometown veteran, Todd Torrance. 

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For an inspirational spiritual dimension and explanation of Veterans Day, see the article by Patty Mondore just published in the Syracuse Good News Paper by clicking here. 

Antique Boat Museum (Clayton NY) Success: ATTENDANCE SPIKES AGAIN!

CLAYTON, New York (November 6, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, proudly announced today that it continues to show growth in attendance in 2013.

In October, the ABM witnessed a 21% increase in visitors at the gate compared to 2012 totals. That marks the second highest one month increase this year following a 24% spike in August numbers.

In addition, through October 31, ABM attendance has grown by 7% overall, since the Museum opened for the season on May 10.

The ABM also announced that it has seen a 15% boost in Blue Star Museum participation by active military members and their immediate families in 2013. The free admission program is offered across the country by multiple institutions. The ABM extended their program this year past the national end date of Labor Day in order to allow military visitors to take advantage of the offer through the closing of the Museum.

The Museum and the Museum Store will remain open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. through December 20, the latest closing date in the Museum’s history. However, the Museum will be closed November 27-December 2 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Buildings and exhibits will remain accessible, though limited in some areas, and proper dress for weather conditions is suggested, as select areas will not be heated.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

B IS FOR BOAT: BOATS & BOOKS COME TOGETHER AT THE ABM

B is for Boat: Antique Boat Museum photo

CLAYTON, New York (October 23, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, has announced a new children’s program, B is for Boat, which uniquely connects boats with literacy.

B is for Boat will consist of a story time connected with a fun craft, game and/or song. Children will be split into four groups based on grade level for appropriate games, books, activities, and fun.

The Baby Boat grouping is for babies to pre-kindergarten aged children.  Baby Boats will meet on Monday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m.  There will be coloring, toys to play with, singing and dancing to get little ones reading, playing, and working on social interaction.

Silly Skiffs will be for children in kindergarten - first grade.  This group will meet on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. with plenty of crafts, games, and hands-on activities. The group will read a book with assistance, however encouraged to recognize words, helping to increase vocabulary. 

Clever Canoes will engage children in grades 2-3 on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  The group will focus on reading books by themselves and comprehension.  Each activity will be specifically designed to enhance the understanding of the nautical text through trial and error.

Finally, for grades 4-5, the Feisty Freighters program will meet on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  This independent program encourages students to read books they are interested in and then taking the new information and turning it into a hands-on workshop.  Students will explore lighthouses, freighters, boat building, and sailboats.

B is for Boat will be held in the exhibits of the Antique Boat Museum, allowing children to have the chance to interact with the boats by climbing into them, touching them, and using them for inspiration. 

This is a free drop-in program and no preregistration is required. The program will run the first full week of each month starting in November through May.  B is for Boat will kick-off during the week of November 4.

The Scoop, located on Riverside Drive in Clayton, is a supporter of the B is for Boat program and will provide a free scoop of ice cream to students who participate in five weeks of the program.  Stop by the Antique Boat Museum for more information or contact Julie Broadbent, ABM Educator, at 315-686-4104 x235.

Winners to 2013 Workboat Show Announced

Workboat: Steely Dane, ABM photo

CLAYTON, New York (October 12, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today the winners of the 2013 Workboat Show, held on Saturday, October 12.

Category                                                Boat                                 Owner

Most Unique Workboat                                        Carina                                 Dewitt Withington

Most Dings Above the Waterline                   No Name                            Larry Yehle

Dirtiest Workboat(s)                                              Stein/Stein II & barges    Pat Patch

Most Unique Piece of Equipment Onboard           Frankenboat                      Andy Greene

Ugliest Workboat (tie)                                           Steely Dane                       Dana Hellings

                                                                                               Frankenboat                     Andy Greene

Best Kept Workboat                                                  The Workboat                  Ken Larson

Workboat You Would Consider to Own          The Workboat                  Ken Larson

On what is considered to be the Museum’s final ‘summer’ weekend, the event helped to draw more than 100 visitors through the gate.  Beginning on Tuesday, October 15 and running through December 20, the ABM will be open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. as part of a new extended fall schedule.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Workboat Show this Saturday at the Antique Boat Museum.

Photo: Former workboat Carina owned by Dewitt Withington appeared on the outer seawall during the Antique Boat Show in 2012 and is expected to appear on Saturday. (Click on photo to see it larger).

CLAYTON, New York (October 7, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, has announced that it will play host to a small, yet unique, show on the Museum docks this Saturday (10/12/13) which will feature an assortment of St. Lawrence River workboats.

On the afternoon of Saturday, October 12, 2013 the ABM will host nearly a dozen well recognized workboats from the area as part of the Working Wonders of the River: Workboat Show. From small push boats and barges to large former military vessels, the show will provide visitors with a wide array of boats best known for being “work horses” on the mighty St. Lawrence River.

Curator Emmett Smith and local workboat owner Andy Greene have collaborated to put on the show.

Visitors will be offered the opportunity to vote for various awards, which will be handed out to the participating workboats, such as most dings above the waterline, most unique piece of work equipment onboard, and dirtiest workboat, just to name a few.

Admission to view the workboats will be included in your Museum admission rate.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Antique Boat Museum Announces Fall/Winter Dates of Operation & Event Schedule

CLAYTON, New York (September 25, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, has announced its Fall/Winter dates of operation and event schedule.

The ABM will extend its operating season into December for the first time ever in 2013. The Fall/Winter calendar will begin on Monday, October 14 (Columbus Day) and extend through Friday, December 20. The Museum’s calendar will be full of activity despite the change in temperature with numerous courses, children’s activities, and special events.

New this fall, the ABM will launch “B is for Boat,” an education-based program featuring nautical-related books and crafts for kids preschool age through grade 5. Plus, the popular Teen Night program returns on October 25 and will run once a month through April, excluding December.

Sailor Howard Rice returns to the ABM in October to host a boat building course. Rice was a featured guest during the Museum’s opening weekend in May and is best known around the world for sailing around Cape Horn, Chile.

The extended calendar will take the Museum through more than 200 days of operation in 2013.

Fall/Winter Dates of Operation

Monday, October 14                                      Fall/Winter Season Begins

Friday, December 20                                      Museum and Museum Store Close for the Season

Hours of Operations

Tuesday-Saturday                                           10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, Monday                                              Closed

Fall/Winter Admission Rates

Adult                                     $8.00                                     Youth                                    $6.50                    

Youth (under 6 yrs)         FREE                                      Groups                                 Call for pricing

Active Military & Immediate Family       FREE                                     

Retired Military                                               FREE

Military Spouse                                                                $7.00    

Note: Select summer season discount offers do not apply

October-December Event Schedule

October 5            Story Songs in the Stone Building with Jen Chapin, presented by WPBS     6:30 p.m.        Cost $10, includes free drink

October 12          Working Wonders of the River: Workboat Show

October 12          Winterizing your Engine Course

October 19          Refinishing Course

October 21-30   SCAMP Build Course with Howard Rice

October 25          Teen Night: Fear Factor – Can You Handle It?!

Week of November 4    B is for Boat Education Programs

November 9       Basic Joinery Course

November 15    Teen Night: a combined evening with TI Arts Center

November 16    Clayton’s Holiday Shoppers Poker Run (ABM Store Participating)

Week of December 2     B is for Boat Education Programs

Note: dates and events subject to change.

The Museum Store will also remain open through December 20, allowing for visitors to shop during the holiday season.

Thus far in 2013, the ABM has seen a nearly 10% increase in attendance, including a 24% boost in the month of August. In addition, the annual antique boat show saw more than 6,000 visitors.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM, WPBS PRESENT STORY SONGS IN THE STONE BUILDING

Jen Chapin

Daughter of famed musician Harry Chapin to perform benefit concert

CLAYTON, New York (September 20, 2013) — The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, along with WPBS of Northern New York and Eastern Ontario, announced today details of a concert to benefit the ABM, which will be held on October 5.

Story Songs in the Stone Building presented by WPBS will take place on Saturday, October 5 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the historic E.J. Noble Stone Building on the campus of the ABM.

Headlining the performance will be Jen Chapin, daughter of the late Harry Chapin. She will be joined by opening act Chris Brown (www.chrisbrownmusic.com), a fellow organist, songwriter, and producer, who has worked with the likes of B.B. King and The Tragically Hip.

Chapin’s music is considered to be urban folk soul, or story songs, that search for community and shared meaning, powered by the funk and improvisation of the city. Critics have hailed her work as “smart, observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). JazzTimes has called her “a first-rate storyteller.” She has been featured on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” NPR’s “Mountain Stage,” WoodSongs “Old-Time Radio Hour,” and Sirius Satellite’s “The Loft with Mike Marrone.” In addition, she has been honored by the USA Songwriting Competition, has performed on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and has opened shows for Bruce Hornsby, Smokey Robinson, and the Neville Brothers. Her cover of Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" was also prominently featured in a recent episode of the new SyFy series "Defiance".

Her music reflects a diversity of experience. She is an activist, with a lifelong involvement in WhyHunger (founded in 1975 by her late father), an organization that champions innovative, community-based solutions to hunger and poverty; and is also active in the local and sustainable food movement. She is an educator, leading workshops and presentations to college, community and church groups, with a background teaching full-time in Brooklyn classrooms.

Chapin (www.jenchapin.com) recently released a new album, Reckoning, produced by five-time Grammy Award winner Kevin Killen. The music on the album has drawn comparisons to the songwriting power of Paul Simon and Ani DiFranco.

Story Songs in the Stone Building presented by WPBS will benefit the ABM and tickets can be purchased the night of the show for only $10 each, which includes one free drink.

About WPBS

WPBS/WNPI-TV is licensed as St. Lawrence Valley Educational Television Council, Inc. and was founded in 1958 as a non-profit educational corporation established under an absolute Charter from the NYS Board of Regents.

For the first 13 years, the Council produced educational programs that were broadcast by WWNY-TV, a local commercial station. In August 1971, WNPE/WNPI-TV began operation as a public television station. Two transmitters were installed which serve a broadcast area throughout Northern New York and Eastern Ontario. In 1978, the staff and equipment outgrew their facilities on Champion Hill and moved to the existing location on Arsenal Street in Watertown, New York. In September 1998, the FCC granted permission for WNPE to change its call letters to WPBS-DT.

Today, WPBS-DT employs the equivalent of 26 full-time employees. WPBS-DT is the producer of nationally syndicated programs and is widely recognized for it's children's programming, which is commercial-free, educational and entertaining.

About the ABM

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Video: Jen Chapin, Into the Mystic (Van Morrison)

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM JOINS SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S NINTH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY LIVE!

Free admission for visitors presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket on September 28, 2013

CLAYTON, New York (September 18, 2013) — The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, proudly announced today that it will again open its doors free of charge as part of Smithsonian magazine’s ninth annual Museum Day Live!, which will be held on Saturday, September 28. A nationwide event, Museum Day Live! offers free admission to visitors presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket at a participating museum or cultural institution.

Inclusive by design, the event represents Smithsonian’s commitment to make learning and the spread of knowledge accessible to everyone, giving museums across all 50 states the opportunity to emulate the admission policy of the Smithsonianmuseums in Washington, D.C. Last year’s event drew over 400,000 participants, and this year’s event expects record-high participation.

“We are honored to be a part of this nationwide program and believe the Smithsonian magazine has cultivated a fantastic idea to engage new or repeat museum visitors,” said Michael Folsom, ABM Director of Marketing and Communications.

Located along the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands region of upstate New York, the ABM features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts, making it the premier boat museum in the country. In 2014, the Museum will host its 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10, creating a 10-day celebration of boating.

The Museum Day Live! ticket is now available to download at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the Museum Day Live! ticket at the ABM will receive free admission for two (2) on September 28, 2013 only. One (1) ticket is permitted per household, per email address. Museum Day Live! tickets presented on a smartphone at the ABM will be accepted. A Museum Day Live! ticket is required in order to take advantage of this offer.

For more information about Museum Day Live! 2013 and a list of participating museums and cultural institutions, please visit Smithsonian.com/museumday. 

About Smithsonian Media

Smithsonian Media comprises of its flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, as well as Air & Space, goSmithsonian, Smithsonian Media Digital Network, and the Smithsonian Channel. Smithsonian Media is a division of Smithsonian Enterprises, the revenue-generating business unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Approximately 30 million people from around the world visit the museums annually.

Class Afloat Students on the SS SØRLANDET Visit Singer Castle

Tall Ship SØRLANDET at Singer Castle, photo by Scott Garris
(Click on photos to see them larger).

On Wednesday, September 11th during their journey from Erie, PA to Quebec City, Canada, the forty Class Afloat students and twenty crew members on the Tall Ship SØRLANDET made a stopover at Singer Castle. The 210 foot long SØRLANDET, the oldest full rigged ship still in existence, had just participated in the Tall Ships Challenge-Great Lakes 2013 taking part in tall ship races, a re-enactment of a War of 1812 battle and festivities in Windsor, Ontario and Erie, PA. The ship was on its way to Quebec to begin an eight-month long journey that will take the students across the Atlantic Ocean three times and to eighteen different countries.

SØRLANDET crew tossed into the dungeon on Dark Island, 
photo by Scott Garris

Members of the SØRLANDET’s crew who had previously visited Singer Castle suggested that a tour of the castle and grounds would be a nice surprise for the hard working students. Divided into four groups the students toured with castle staff members and enjoyed hearing the history of the castle and the Bourne family. They saw the castle’s secret passageways, explored the castle’s 2700 volume library and walked on the castle grounds and through the gardens. One student even played an impromptu concert on the baby grand piano in the Wicker Room.

On-board look at the SØRLANDET, photo by Scott Garris

When their tour of the castle concluded, the students graciously offered castle staff members a tour of the SØRLANDET before returning to their studies and evening chores. Early the next morning after a long night of thunder and lightning storms, the SØRLANDET sailed off through the fog once again on its way to Quebec.

Find out more about Class Afloat at http://www.classafloat.com/ and more about the Tall Ship Sorlandet at http://fullriggeren-sorlandet.no.erkunde.no/en.

New on ABM team: Christopher T. Lytle as Senior Advancement Officer & Rebecca L. Hopfinger as Director of Advancement.

CLAYTON, New York (September 12, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today the addition of Christopher T. Lytle as Senior Advancement Officer and Rebecca L. Hopfinger as Director of Advancement.

Lytle brings more than 35 years of experience as a senior staff member or consultant to premier not-for-profit organizations, including Rotary International and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. His expertise in campaign planning and design, program management, major gifts, institutional grants, as well as sponsorship and cause marketing, will be instrumental to the Museum. In addition to leading overall fundraising efforts, Lytle will focus on developing key partnerships and relationships with philanthropists, foundations, and corporations that support the ABM’s growth strategies.

A graduate of Mercyhurst College, with post-graduation certifications from Adelphia University and New York University, Lytle resides with his wife, Laurie, in Seneca Falls, NY, where he serves as a Board member of the Finger Lakes Boating Museum.

Hopfinger was recently asked to return to the Museum following a five-year hiatus during which she was Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Arts Center (TIAC), also based in Clayton. Her professional career began with the ABM as curator in 1996, following graduation from Syracuse University with a Master’s in Museum Studies. In 2004, she was promoted to Director of Development & Curator of Special Exhibits before departing in 2008 to later join TIAC.

In her new role at the ABM, Hopfinger will oversee the Museum’s successful Friends of the Museum program, its general membership, and further fundraising activities.

Hopfinger, who is currently pursuing a certificate in fundraising management from the Indiana University/Purdue University Institute for Fundraising, resides in Clayton and serves as a Board member of the Clayton Local Development Corporation and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Rebecca back to the ABM and to have Chris join our organization. As our new advancement and fundraising team, they will lead our efforts to build awareness and support for the ABM as we develop new audiences and markets,” said Frederick H. “Fritz” Hager, Executive Director.

Lytle and Hopfinger join Christine S. Brown, Advancement Associate, to form the ABM’s new Office of Advancement.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In August 2014, the Museum will host the 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM ATTENDANCE CRUISING IN POSITIVE DIRECTION

CLAYTON, New York (September 3, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, proudly announced today that it has shown continued growth in attendance throughout the 2013 summer season.

In August, the ABM witnessed a 24% increase at the gate compared to 2012 totals.

In addition, through August 31, ABM attendance has grown by 10% overall, since the Museum opened for the season in May.

The annual Antique Boat Show and Auction also saw a spike in attendance in 2013 as 6,335 visitors (+14%) passed through the gates August 2-4.

The ABM will conclude its summer season on Columbus Day weekend and then begin its fall/winter season through December 20. A complete fall/winter schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In 2014, the Museum will host the 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America, on August 1-3, as well as the Raceboat Regatta on August 8-10. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

[End, ABM News Release]

Congratulations Mike Folsom (Director of Marketing and Communications) and Fritz Hager (Executive Director) of the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY. What a tremendous season you and everyone else at the ABM have made! What a testimony to your amazing talents. Speaking of "cruising in a positive direction", the skills you brought to the ABM remind me of the Tom Cruise "with me, without me" scene in the following short movie clip from Knight and Day (although I know you very humbly would not make the comparison yourself).

New: Patty Mondore's video trailer for her new devotional book series!

All dynamic video and pictures by Patty Mondore © and captured mostly in the Thousand Islands.

More information at Gold-Mountain.com.

Click here for Patty's personal pages. 

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Free Entry to Antique Boat Museum for Clayton Residents August 27 & 28, 2013

CLAYTON, New York – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, invites residents of the Museum’s home town to visit free of charge during Clayton Community Days at the Antique Boat Museum on Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28, 2013.

The Clayton Community Days initiative has been created to welcome residents from within the 13624 zip code to the ABM, free of charge, as a thank you for being our neighbor and to provide them with the opportunity to explore the Museum, which sits in their own backyard.

“The Clayton community has played a key role in the growth of the Museum for years,” explained Michael Folsom, Director of Marketing and Communications. “We want thank those who live in Clayton for all of their time, devotion, and strong sense of community which has helped to lure visitors from across the world to small town Clayton, NY and our Museum. This is just a small gesture, but we believe the local community should see and experience the Museum just like so many others have.”

Clayton residents wishing to take advantage of this offer should visit the ABM admission desk on August 27 or August 28 and present valid identification indicating residency within the 13624 zip code. Pieces of mail or other non-official documentation will not be accepted. In addition, any youth visitor under the age of 16 with an adult guest from Clayton will be permitted free as well. Summer residents of Clayton without a valid identification within the 13624 zip code are not permitted through this special offer. This offer is intended for full-time Clayton residents only.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In August 2014, the Museum will host the 50^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show inNorth America. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org. 

Flora and Fauna Series: Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Patty Mondore managed to capture these hard to get beautiful pictures of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) found in New York State. These photos are unretouched, yet I was struck by the artistic look and clarity in these photos. Be sure to click on the photos to enjoy them in larger size. Appropriately, the flowers are called the Butterfly Bush.

This is part of the new Flora and Fauna series exclusively found on this blog, SingerCastle.blogspot.com. Previous photos include the American Eagle found in the Thousand Islands. Check back often for many more forthcoming super shots.

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YNN's "The Getaway Guy" has released a new book, which features the ABM!

Click on book image above to see it larger.

CLAYTON, New York (August 16, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that it has been featured in the newest book by Mike O’Brian, better known across New York State as The Getaway Guy on Time Warner Cable’s regional news network.

The Getaway Guy: 50 MORE Day Trip Getaways with Mike O'Brian features 50 exciting destinations across New York State. From hidden waterfalls to family-friendly parks and discoveries, as well as haunted getaways, O’Brian leads you throughout the state by highlighting unique and exciting locations. Whether you're looking for adventure, a historical experience, or just a relaxing day with someone special, there's something for everyone and this new book provides details and information to make coordinating a trip easier.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with Mike in preparing his newest book and having the ability to highlight the Museum,” explained Michael Folsom, ABM Director of Marketing and Communications. “Mike has an outstanding track record with providing readers and viewers with excellent information necessary for planning an adventure and it’s an honor that he has recognized the Museum as a must-see destination.”

The ABM is featured on pages 14 and 15 of the new book, which includes information, pricing, and photographs. 

“The Antique Boat Museum is one of the best kept secrets on the southern banks of the St. Lawrence River," shared O’Brian.

In addition to authoring books, O'Brian is host of YNN's popular travel segment, The Getaway Guy, which is seen in more than 2 million homes across New York.

The Getaway Guy: 50 MORE Day Trip Getaways with Mike O'Brian is available for purchase at the Antique Boat Museum Store, which is open daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Museum admission is not required to shop.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. In August 2014, the Museum will host the 50th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.