To the Editor:

When was the last time you heard really great pro-active community news from one of the small towns in the North Country? For me, that’s a rare piece in our regional news.

I’ve been frustrated by that for a very long time. There are huge challenges to keeping our communities viable, but there are also wonderful grass roots efforts to change the way our communities see themselves, and are seen by their neighbors across the region.

I think the towns of Clifton and Fine are extraordinary. Pretty much all of our jobs have gone with the closing of manufacturing. It’s been three decades since we’ve seen any increase in our job numbers and just as many years where our talented and bright young people leave to find opportunity that is rare here.

I’ve seen a lot of good in my region (Clifton-Fine) - the restoration of an old school house into a community events space, the building of playgrounds, a pavilion, beach improvements, the rebuilding of the famous Wanakena Footbridge, the addition of new paddling access sites on our gorgeous rivers, our Clifton Fine Hospital is viable and excellent, and numerous volunteer run events to attract tourists including a 5/10k on the 4th of July Weekend and a Cardboard Boat Race — and that’s just what comes to mind immediately.

This year we are adding one new event to our roster of great reasons to come spend time in Cranberry Lake and in the surrounding communities — there is much to do outside from hiking into waterfalls (10 waterfalls literally 10 minutes from the road), to completing the much coveted Cranberry Lake 50 hike (covering 50 miles of shoreline), to fantastic fishing, to every kind of watersport…fantastic boating, waterskiing, hanging out at the sand bar — and many many, many more.

Outdoor activities are a given and a pleasure.

But, a truly unique, wonderful and well kept secret is the vibrant arts community that flourishes here in the homes and studios of artists and artisans whose work reflects the beauty, tranquility and joy of living here.

On August 5, 6 and 7, a vibrant group of committed volunteers will launch the first ever Cranberry Lake Art Show. Friday evening will feature the opening reception honoring 60 plus years of painting by Jeannie Reynolds — 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Cranberry Lake Fire Hall Community Room.

The next two days - August 6 and 7 - will feature the works of over 35 incredible unique and talented artists and artisans in the Cranberry Lake Community Center. The building will be filled to overflowing with incredible artwork — it’s an experience you will want to be a part of.

Gail Gotham and Marilyn Zimber

Cranberry Lake Art Show Co-Chairs