New Feature: Flora and Fauna of the Thousand Islands!

A mighty eagle watching over the 1000 Islands.

I have previously indicated that the SingerCastle.blogspot.com will be bringing on board many great new features, as I am sure the frequent viewers of this blog have been noticing. One exciting new aspect will be the regular posting of pictures of the Thousand Islands flora and fauna, as well as other fascinating photos from this impressive region. (Flora and Fauna refer to a region's plants and animals respectively.)

My not-so-secret weapon in obtaining many of these photos is the award winning author Patty Mondore. As readers of her many books and regular columns in the Thousand Islands Sun newspapers know, her frequent kayaking trips on the St. Lawrence River, as well as other excursions with yours truly, give her and me tremendous opportunities  for bringing to you a stream of  fascinating wildlife shots and videos from the islands. So look forward to many more photos taken by the both of us, as well as the unique photos sent in by you.

These eagles (above and below) were seen on islands not far from Dark Island on the St. Lawrence River. 

Be sure to click on the photos to see them larger..

The above eagle landed on Ironsides Island.

Eagle's nest with adult (left) and big eaglet not far from Singer Castle. 

(Island location kept secret for the eagles' well being.)

Remember, the above photos are just the smallest sampling of things to come, so come back often for this exciting new regular feature!

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

---Isaiah 40:31

ABM & NORTH COUNTRY PUBLIC RADIO TO HOST NPR CEO

Gary Knell, NPR President and CEO

CLAYTON, New York (July 23, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that the Museum, along with North Country Public Radio, will host NPR CEO Gary Knell on Thursday, July 25 for an invitation-only luncheon and meet-and-greet session. [See subsequent update 7/25/13 below.]

Knell will be visiting as a guest of North Country Public Radio, giving residents of the region – in the Adirondacks, St. Lawrence County and the Thousand Islands, an opportunity to meet and talk with one of public media’s top leaders.

Under Knell's leadership, NPR has thrived in a rapidly changing media environment due to his ability to leverage the organization's extensive network of Member Stations, which includes North Country Public Radio, drive cross-platform journalism and cultural programming, grow philanthropic and corporate underwriting support, and draw new audiences to NPR's distinct offerings. A strong advocate of innovation, he is making possible the exploration of new technologies that advance NPR's core mission and grow audience for all of public media.

The ABM and North Country Public Radio will host Knell on Thursday, July 25 at Noon for a luncheon with Museum Board members, as well as a number of listeners from North Country Public Radio who have won the opportunity to attend.

With a career in public media spanning nearly three decades, Knell served as CEO of Sesame Workshop for 12 years before joining NPR in 2011.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves on the boards of the National Geographic Education Foundation and the Jacob Burns Film Center. He is also a board member of Common Sense Media and an advisor to the Annenberg School of Communications at USC and the Military Child Education Coalition.

Knell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UCLA, and he received a JD from Loyola University School of Law in Los Angeles.

Members of the media wishing to attend this event should contact Michael Folsom at 315-686-4104 x250 or by email at michaelfolsom@abm.org.

------------7/25/03 UPDATE------------

NPR CEO Gary Knell speaking at the Antique Boat Museum today 
(32 second sample video clip):

ABM photo: NPR CEO Gary Knell (left) conversing with 

Antique Boat Museum Executive Director Fritz Hager

7/25/13 on the boat Zipper.

GUIDE TO THE 49th ANNUAL ANTIQUE BOAT SHOW & AUCTION at the ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM

CLAYTON, New York (July 19, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today a complete guide to the longest running Antique Boat Show in North America, hosted by the ABM, to be held Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4.

The 49^th edition of the annual Antique Boat Show & Auction will feature a wide variety of antique and classic boats from near and far, including the 2013 marque boat of the show – Century. In addition, the Marketplace returns with more vendors than in 2012, unique forums will be held, the popular boat auction will take place on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., and the ABM education department has lined up an assortment of children’s activities throughout the weekend.

Plus, Jake the Pirate, makes a guest appearance on August 3 between 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Below is a complete guide to what every visitor to the show needs to know:

SHOW HOURS                                 Friday, August 2                9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

                                                                Saturday, August 3          9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

                                                                Sunday, August 4             9:00 a.m. – Noon

Note: ABM will remain open through 5:00 p.m. on August 4

ADMISSION RATES                          Members                            Free

Adult                                     $15 (Friday/Saturday); $13 (Sunday)

                                                                Youth (7-17)                       $10 (Friday/Saturday); $7 (Sunday)

                                                                Youth (6 & under)            Free

                                                                Active/Retired Military  Free

                                                                Military Spouse                 $10 (all weekend)

                                                                Military Youth                    $5 (all weekend)

                                                                Adult 3-Day Pass              $30

                                                                Youth 3-Day Pass             $20

ADMITTANCE TO THE SHOW      Visitors will be directed to the ABM’s Boat Shop located on the corner of Mary Street and Alexandria Street to purchase admission bracelets or check-in as a member. In addition, all media should enter at this location as well to receive proper credentials.

Note: the entire ABM campus, including the Marketplace vendor area and the auction will be fenced in and admission will be required to enter.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES             Show opens on Friday, August 2 at 9:00 a.m.

Boat Auction, conducted by Antique Boat America, takes place Saturday, August 3 at 1:00 p.m.

                                                                Show concludes with the Grand Parade on Sunday, August 4 at Noon

                                                             

Note: For the complete schedule

– see below the following .

PARKING                                             Available at Guardino Elementary with shuttle service; village street parking is permitted, however the ABM asks that you be considerate of our neighbors and avoid blocking sidewalks and driveways; the ABM Community Lot located on Riverside Drive behind Watertown Savings Bank will be utilized by the Museum and should remain clear of all vehicles and trailers beginning on Thursday, August 1 through Sunday August 4 at 5:00 p.m.

DOCKING                                            Visitors coming to the show by boat may dock on a first come-first serve basis along the Mary Street Municipal Dock. Visitors may pay admission with cash on the dock or the captain of the boat can be escorted to the Boat Shop admissions area on behalf of his/her crew for check-in. No docking will be permitted on the ABM docks for the general public during Boat Show weekend.

                                                                In addition, the ABM asks that boaters be courteous and neighborly when cruising near the Museum and keep wakes to a minimum.

SMOKING                                           Smoking will only be permitted within designated areas on the grounds. No smoking will be allowed on the main campus or the docks.

DOGS                                                    Dogs will only be allowed in the Marketplace and street-side areas of the event grounds. No dogs will be permitted into buildings or the interior main campus of the ABM.  Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog and keeping them leashed at all times.

NEW FOR 2013                                  In Honor Of - the ABM will institute a new award in 2013, in honor of the late Robert O. Cox, co-founder the ABM. The Robert O. Cox “Founders Award” will recognize a boat within the 1960s era, which corresponds with the founding of the Museum in its original form.

After Hours at the Boat Show – Saturday, August 3, 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. – open to the public – come enjoy a dinner by The Clipper Inn, live music by the Sam Hopkins Band, cash bar, and after hours access to the docks to enjoy the beauty of the boats. Tickets only $28 and can be reserved by calling 315-686-4104.

                                                                For the kids – Jake the Pirate – bring the kids on Saturday, August 3 and meet costume character “Jake the Pirate” from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Children’s Activity Area.

Sunday Show Hours – the show hours on Sunday, August 4 differ from recent years in an effort to allow exhibitors the opportunity to depart at a reasonable time. The show will run on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the Grand Parade at Noon. The Museum will remain open until 5:00 p.m.

Show Grounds – the entire Boat Show & Auction will be fenced this year. Fencing will line Alexandria Street to the end of the ABM property, along the ABM lawn behind the Gold Cup building, a portion along Theresa Street and over to the Mary Street dock. The main entrance to the show will be at the ABM Boat Shop on the corner of Alexandria Street and Mary Street. All visitors must obtain wristbands or badges to enter.

--------------------------------------

Complete Schedule:

49th Annual Antique Boat Show Auction featuring Century Boats

Antique Boat Museum - Clayton, NY

Thursday, August 1

9:00-5:00 Registration, located in tent on corner of Mary St. & Alexandria St.

1:00-4:00 River Cruise for Exhibitors and Marketplace only, pre-registration required

3:00-5:00 Tour of Doebler Storage Facility, East Line Rd. Clayton, NY

5:45-6:45 Welcome Reception for Exhibitors and Vendors

Sponsored by ACBS 1000 Islands Chapter, held on Gaffney Porch

Friday, August 2

9:00-5:00 Boat Show open to public: Water/Land Displays/Marketplace

9:30-4:00 Children's Crafts and Games:

Paddleboat models (while supplies last) & lawn games, in Kids Activity Yard

11:00 Forum hosted in Robert O. Cox Theatre: Tony Mollica speaks about Hutchinson Boatworks

12:00-3:00 "Sink or Win Contest!" Creative boat competition for kids & adults

Boat construction 12-2, float contest at 2:30, $5 entrance fee, hosted in Main Tent

3:00-5:00 Tour of Doebler Storage Facility, East Line Rd. Clayton, NY

3:00-5:00 Forums hosted in Robert O. Cox Theatre

3:00 Paul Miklos presents the history of Century's Runabouts & Racers

4:00 Chief Judge John Howard reviews judging procedures

Saturday, August 3

9:00-5:00 Boat Show open to public: Water/Land Displays/Marketplace

8:00 Judging Begins

9:00-12:00 Youth Judging (pre-registration required, meet at Admissions)

9:30-4:00 Children's Crafts and Games:

Freighter model (while supplies last) & lawn games, in Kids Activity Yard

10:30-2:00 Jake the Pirate on campus to visit with kids

12:30-1:30 Forum hosted in Robert O. Cox Theatre: Paul Miklos presents The 60's, Century's Transition

1:00 Boat Auction conducted by Antique Boat America, held in main parking lot

2:00-5:00 Oral Histories with ABM Educator Julie Broadbent in Robert O. Cox Theatre

No story is too small! Drop in and share your memories to be recored in ABM Archives

6:00 Reception for Exhibitors, Vendors, & Sponsors: Appetizers and cash bar, in Main Tent

7:00-9:00 After-Hours at the Boat Show - Dinner and Dancing in the Main Tent

Dinner by the Clipper Inn, $28 per person

Cash bar, music by The Sam Hopkins Band

Sunday, August 5

9:00-12:00 Boat Show open to public: Water/Land Display/Marketplace

9:30-4:00 Children's Crafts and Games:

Boat ornament craft (while supplies last) & lawn games, in Kids Activity Yard

10:00 Brunch - New this year! By the Clipper Inn, $15 per person, in Main Tent

10:30-11:30 Awards Program hosted in Main Tent (brunch ticket not required)

11:30 Parade Meeting: ABM captains review parade route/procedures, held in Main Tent

12:00 Grand Parade from ABM to downtown Clayton waterfront

Show concludes at end of parade, exhibitors and vendors can pack and depart. ABM remains open until 5:00.

12:00-3:00 "If You Build It, You Could Win!" Creative boat competition for kids & adults, hosted in Main Tent

Build models with recycled materials, entrance $5, 1st place wins Family Membership!

MUSEUM'S "MOVIE UNDER THE STARS" CANCELLED FOR JULY 19

CLAYTON, New York (July 18, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, regrets to announce that the July 19 Movie Under the Stars event has been cancelled due to a potential threat for severe storms and high winds forcast for Friday in the region.

“We apologize to those who were very much looking forward to joining us under the stars on Friday evening, but we believe safety comes first and the unknown weather situation is a risk we do not want to take with visitors on campus,” explained Michael Folsom, Director of Marketing and Communications. “In addition, possible high wind conditions would not have permitted us to raise the 2.5 story high inflatable movie screen.”

Those seeking a refund of the $5 donation ticket should visit the ABM admission desk between July 18 and July 24 with your purchased tickets. Any tickets distributed through promotion are no longer valid.

No rescheduled date has been determined.

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. This August, the Museum will host the 49^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.

ABM SPLASHED THROUGHOUT CURRENT ISSUE OF GREAT LAKES BOATING MAGAZINE

CLAYTON, New York (July 15, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, is pleased to announce that the Museum has made a ‘splash’ in the July/August issue of Great Lakes Boating magazine.

The newly released issue of Great Lakes Boating magazine (July/August 2013) features the ABM with a multiple page spread, as well as the front cover.

The front cover of the magazine features Miss 1000 Islands II, the Museum’s Hacker-Craft speedboat which is available for rides on the St. Lawrence River. The inside of the magazine boasts content and photographs from page 10 through page 16, and the cover photo reappears on the page 6 Table of Contents, which includes background on the boat.

In May, Jerry Koncel, Associate Editor, made a multi-day visit to the ABM to learn more about the collection, as well as the numerous courses and events hosted by the Museum.

The July/August issue is on newsstands now or can be viewed online at www.greatlakesboating.com. [Note: my link will forward you to the actual digital issue, so you will not need to search for it. Or click here to go to their website.]

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. This August, the Museum will host the 49^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.

Another Sunny Saturday Afternoon at Dark Island

Photo courtesy of 1000 Reflections; submitted by Tom Weldon

Singer Castle staff members and Uncle Sam Tour Boat passengers wave to the helicopter that was filming the 1000 Islands region.

Concours d’Elegance Classic Car Show

WHAT:                 3^rd Annual 1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance Classic Car Show

                                One of the fastest growing Concours events in the Northeast invades the Antique Boat Museum campus for one day only.

                                Admission to the show is included in your admission to the Museum.

                                This is a Blue Star Museum event and military discount offers apply.

WHEN:                 Saturday, July 13              9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE:               Antique Boat Museum

                                750 Mary Street, Clayton

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS AT ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM

CLAYTON, New York (July 4, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today its new Movies Under the Stars event dates and showings for the 2013 season.

Movies Under the Stars will consist of two Friday night showings of well-known movies that will be projected onto a two and a half story inflatable movie screen this summer on the campus of the Antique Boat Museum.

Join the Museum on Friday, July 19 [CANCELLED for potential bad weather 7/19/13] for the playing of Night at the Museum featuring Ben Stiller and Robin Williams, as well as on Friday, August 23 for the playing of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl featuring Johnny Depp. Gates will open at 8:30 p.m. and the movies will begin at dusk.

Tickets for both movie nights are on sale now for purchase at the ABM admissions desk. Cost per showing is $5 for advance sale and $10 the night of the show. Ticket sales benefit the Museum.

Night at the Museum [CANCELLED], released in December 2006, is a movie about Larry Daley, an overnight security guard (Stiller), at the American Museum of Natural History. While on duty, the Museum transforms into complete chaos thanks to an old Egyptian stone that came to the Museum in 1950. This magical stone brings the exhibits to life each night until dawn.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is sure to be a hit at the ABM, falling just a week after Alexandria Bay hosts its annual Pirate Days.

Debuting in July 2003, Disney and Johnny Depp took the thrill of pirates to an unexpected level. Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) quickly became an icon, which helped to spawn multiple movies, theme park rides, Halloween costumes and more. Throughout the action-packed film, Sparrow battles the cursed crew of the Black Pearl and attempts to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann (played by Keira Knightley).

In addition to the movie nights, the ABM and Izzy’s Outdoor Cinemas have partnered to raffle off a movie night in your own backyard. Raffle tickets will be available at various ABM events throughout the remainder of the summer.

Museum Looking for Boat Donations - Do NOT have to be antiques.

CALL FOR BOATS – ABM SEEKS BOATS BY DONATION FOR UPCOMING AUCTION TO BENEFIT MUSEUM

CLAYTON, New York (July 1, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, is seeking boats for donation to the Museum, which then will be auctioned off at next month’s 49^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North America.

Have a boat you no longer want? Perhaps the boat you own is just getting to be too much work?

The ABM and Antique Boat America will work with willing donors of any boat style, make, and/or size that an owner is willing to donate to benefit the ABM, with the understanding that all proceeds from the boat will be provided to the Museum.

There are limited restrictions on boats being donated. Wood, fiberglass, motorboat, rowboat, antique, reproduction, or modern will all be accepted. Even boats that might not float will get a chance at a new life.

For years, the annual auction has drawn crowds to the ABM and become a staple to the Saturday festivities of the Boat Show. Hundreds of potential buyers flood the ABM auction yard hours in advance of the auction and the bidding process always lures an enthusiastic crowd.

Those interested in donating a boat for a good cause should contact the ABM at 315-686-4104 or Antique Boat America at 315-783-6100 prior to July 31.

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. This August, the Museum will host the 49^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.