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Chalk Contest, Craft Workshops, Boutique & More – Explore 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Décor Nestled on North Main Street is 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Decor, an Adirondack style shop that includes customizable gifts. It provides so much more for the community besides an opportunity to find that something special to purchase for themselves or a loved one. Owned by Kim Walter and Denise Dickson, the store provides over 20 local artists and vendors an opportunity to sell their products. Items rotate in the store so a visitor can find custom earrings one day and fragment candles another. Tumblers, mugs, customized plates, quilts and knitted blankets, prints, wreaths, holiday themed crafts, and more can be found inside the beautiful brick building. Online reviews include this one from Tina S. “Love, love the store! Great customer service! Affordable prices!” Sonja M. wrote, “Great people, great atmosphere, great products … recommend! Great melts, smell amazing!” Aspiring artists or those who love to craft, have the opportunity to take workshops at the store. Classes include making a painted and decorated wine bottle and glass set, creating a mushroom canvas painting, producing a patriotic ribbon flag and birdhouse trays. They also offer sensory classes with both children and adults welcome to attend. A 4-H Club conducts art themed meetings at the shop and birthday parties can also be booked at the facility. At Christmas time, Santa visited, and the shop gave a gift to the children who had a photo taken with the jolly old elf. At Easter, the bunny came, and children were invited to visit and enter a coloring contest to win a prize. In March, they participated in a Mardi Gras themed celebration in Downtown Gloversville by offering beignets and café au laits while The Nolanauts band marched into their store to play a few tunes before heading to The Glove Theatre for a performance. Now, they are celebrating spring with organizing a Sidewalk Chalk Contest on May 18 at 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to sign up by messaging the store through its Facebook page or by calling the store at (518) 775-8634. The rain date is May 25. Contestants are split up into age groups. In the category for ages 12 to adult, the top two winners will split all the money donated. In the category for ages 11 and under, the two winners will each win a gift bag. Those ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. When exploring Downtown Gloversville, explore your inner artists as well at 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Décor. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

The Art of Gems can be found in Castiglione Jewelers There are many types of art from paintings and photography to multimedia and performance to music … and jewelry. It takes an artist to create exquisite pieces and an artistic eye to pick the best gems. That quality and care can be found in Downtown Gloversville’s Castiglione Gem Jewelers, located at 25 N. Main St. This family business custom designed pieces, as well as a variety of jewelry repair, all done within the local store. Its motto, “ Good things come in small packages – especially those little marbleized blue shopping bags with ‘Castiglione’s’ stamped in gold. A recipient of such a bag knows there will be something good inside” has rung true for decades. Customers can visit in person or view pieces online at https://gemjewelers.com, as well as learn about the long history the business has with Downtown Gloversville. “In 1929 Castiglione Jewelers was founded by Louis Castiglione, Sr. at the young age of 25. With only $75.00 in his pocket and needing $50.00 for the first month’s rent, that left him $25.00 to build Castiglione Jewelers, Gloversville’s hometown jewelry store. Louis Sr. started as an optician and clock maker before becoming a master jeweler. After many years, Louis Sr. retired and passed Castiglione Jewelers to Dr. Louis Castiglione, Jr. who received his PhD from New York University and then went to school at the Gemological Institute of America to become a Certified Gemologist Appraiser,” the website reports. Louis Jr.’s son, Andrew Castiglione, is now at the helm and under his tutelage, the business has been named the Leader-Herald/Recorder Winner’s Choice Award for Best Jewelry Shop. Online reviews range from the short shout out “Love your shop” to “I was in Castiglione’s the other day. The sales personnel are friendly and know their product. The inventory is outstanding, and reasonably priced. The jewelry inventory is fresh, vibrant and just plain beautiful. Make sure you stop by, you’ll be glad you did,” by Marj J. Another reviewer, Gianni B., wrote, “I recently shopped here to purchase my wife diamond earrings for Christmas. The salesperson was super helpful, explained the different pieces to me in great detail and made me feel very comfortable with the purchase. He also beautifully gift wrapped the purchase, and my wife loved the earrings which may make the holiday extra special. Would definitely recommend shopping at Castiglione for quality products and great customer service!” Discover the beauty at Castiglione’s when visiting Downtown Gloversville. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Sewn into the Fabric of Gloversville’s History, Ralph’s Tailor Shop Is a Staple in Downtown One definition of the word artist is a “professional or talented individual who produces creative expressions” and the art of tailoring is a tradition kept alive by Ralph Iorio of Ralph’s Tailor Shop, located at 110 S. Main St., in Downtown Gloversville. Ralph, also known lovingly in Gloversville as “Ralph the Tailor,” recently turned 75 on March 6, celebrating not only his birthday but his work in the tailor industry. At work for over 60 years, he has been an artist in clothing since he was age 8 and living in Italy. According to this article, he was making complete suits by the time he was 13 years old. When he moved to America at the age of 17, he first started his local career in Amsterdam where he cut material at a dress factory and then worked as a tailor in a clothing store. In 1972, Ralph came to Gloversville to set up his own full-time shop, first on East Fulton Street and later moved to his current location. Ralph has always been community-minded and in 2020, he was recognized by state and federal officials during the height of COVID-19 when he made protective face masks by hand using excess cloth from his tailor shop and donated 500 masks to people in need. In addition to selling clothing and performing alterations for men and boys, he sells ties, socks, caps and more. Tuxedo rentals are available for weddings and proms and the suits are available from different designers including Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. Vicki A. recently posted about obtaining a suit for her husband for an upcoming wedding: “Ralph the Tailor and I picked out and took care of him  … Basically, Pat sat and Ralph and I went around … and he knows by looking at you and I confirmed sizes and then he did some alteration, mainly on the vest …We also got Nino’s wedding suit … right down to the shoes and cufflinks.” Ralph is versatile with his work, even performing needed assistance to a fire suit. A local racer, Facebook page Logan Carter Racing 21c, recently posted: “Shout out to Ralph's Tailor Shop for fixing Logan's fire suit!! He had it done in less than a week and did a great job!!” Ralph has also done alterations for horse show suits and jackets. Robin A.L. wrote on social media: “He is the only one we trust to alter our saddle suits.” Take time to visit Ralph and learn about his passion for tailoring and for creating artwork out of apparel. Call the shop at 518-725-7459. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Celebrate the Earth While Discovering Downtown Gloversville on April 20 Spring has arrived with the grass getting greener, buds appearing on trees and birds migrating back to the north. In celebration of spring and preparing for summer fun, Downtown Gloversville is partaking in Earth Day and clean up events. Spend the day helping with the clean-ups, grabbing a bite to eat and exploring the walkable city. Earth Day this year is April 22 and leading up to the annual national celebration of the environment, and according to earthday.org, “The first Earth Day in 1970 mobilized millions of Americans from all walks of life to birth the modern environmental movement. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions across 192 countries to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future.” Established in 1953, the Keep America Beautiful movement “provides the expertise, programs and resources to help people End Littering, Improve Recycling, Beautify America’s public spaces, and Restore & Support resilient communities” according to www.kab.org. Locally, the Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful (KMVB) is a six-county affiliate (that includes Fulton County) of Keep America Beautiful and it hosts annual clean up events and encourages community beautification projects to preserve and protect the natural beauty and health of the Mohawk Valley region. On Saturday, April 20, the City of Gloversville through its Project Clean Streets, the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth (CRG) and the Fulton-Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce are organizing teams to go out into Downtown Gloversville and beyond. The Chamber, partnering with Joyce Royal Real Estate, will be hosting its Annual Clean Up Day from 9 a.m. to noon. Garbage bags and gloves will be available to groups starting on April 15 and teams are asked to register at https://forms.gle/9APdTwLDiHVYfuFx8. For the City’s team, volunteers can meet at Gloversville City Hall at 10 a.m. for garbage bags, gloves and to take a group picture. They will then work in groups around the downtown/Rail Trail area to clean up the city. CRG’s team will meet at the offices at 34 W. Fulton St. At 10 a.m. and pick up trash along the streets heading toward the Rail Trail. After the clean-up, the team will celebrate its success with treats at Cravings Bakery & Cafe, 47 Cayadutta Street. The clean ups continue after Earth Day with Downtown Gloversville honoring National Historic Marker Day at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26, at Trail Station Park to "brush up on history" by using expendable toothbrushes to help clean historic signs. A list of historical markers in the area can be found at www.hmdb.org. I Love My NYS Park Day, a time dedicated to cleanup and improvement events at New York State parks, historic sites, and public lands, is on May 4 this year. Jumping on that movement, Gloversville will host the second annual I Love My Gloversville Park Day with a cleanup of Castiglione Memorial Park, North Main Street, starting at 10 a.m. Beautification and clean-up efforts events bring people together for fun activities and help Downtown Gloversville be a wonderful place to visit and live. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

The Fly Shack Catches Customers from Around the World April 1st started trout season for New York State, but for Downtown Gloversville’s The Fly Shack, helping customers with fishing equipment finds is a year-round season of love for the sport. Recently, the crew at the local business located at 28 E. Fulton Street, was filling an order for a customer residing in Chile, a popular destination for brown trout fishing where the fish can grow up to 45 inches long. The Fly Shack started nearly 20 years ago with Michael Bokan at the helm. What started as a business working out of a person's home office and on a kitchen table, it had grown to temporarily fill the building at 15 W. Fulton St. and continued its successful journey to the current space that houses the retail showroom in the front of the first floor dedicated to customers coming through the doors. The rest of the building houses offices and stockrooms for shipping orders and distribution. Ninety percent of the sales are online customers. The Art Deco-style building was once the Jewish Community Center and the outside still boasts that name above the door and “Lucius N. Littauer Building” on the façade. Pre-COVID pandemic, The Fly Shack did many trade shows exhibits and the retail racks are built on wheels so the display cases can still be rolled out for road shows in the future. Flies for trout, salmon, bass and more are available at the facility and they are tailored to attract specific species. There are over 2,000 different kinds of flies available to purchase. Flies include dry flies (May Flies, Caddis Flies, Stoneflies, Midges, Crane Flies, Attractor Flies, Dragons and Damsels), Wet Flies (Traditional Wet Flies and Soft Hackles), and Saltwater Flies (Bonefish/Permit, Tarpon, Redfish/Snook/Sea Trout, Stripers/Blues/Bonito/Albie and Barracuda). The list continues and is outlined on the website https://www.flyshack.com. In addition to flies, customers could buy a variety of fishing equipment and gear from rods, reels, nets, boots and clothes, vests, packs, bags and lanyards. There is also an extensive section for ice fishing equipment as The Fly Shack accommodates all fishing seasons. Online reviews include this one from Pierce R.: “This is a great shop with awesome staff. I’m reminded of how small and passionate the fly fishing community is every time I walk through the door. Highly recommend it!” David M. wrote in his online review: “I just received my second order today and it was here in 4 days. My first batch of flies worked extremely well and held up extremely well. The Fly Shack fly goo works great also. I highly recommend this company and its products.” Local Guide Ryan S. wrote: “These guys are great! I ordered a rod case that was inadvertently out of stock. Instead of cancelling my order or putting me on a wait list, they called me to see if it was okay for them to dropship it from the manufacturer. I know this means they didn’t make much, if anything, on the sale. This is going above and beyond. I really appreciate their commitment to make things right. I’ll buy from these guys whenever possible and recommend you do too.” Stop by during store hours and get to know The Fly Shack. The staff is very knowledgeable and can explain fishing basics to a novice and give great details to experts, including good local fishing spots, such as brown trout are great in the nearby West Canada Creek. Store hours are Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Discover the Entertainment and History of The Glove Theatre “A stage setting is not a background; it is an environment” once said Robert Edmond Jones, a scenic, lighting and costume designer. The Glove Theatre, located in the heart of Downtown Gloversville embodies that quote as it is a living environment for arts and entertainment. Located at 42 N. Main St., the theatre currently offers a variety of programming from movies such as the weekly free showings that include fan favorites like “Alien” and “A Star to Remember,” to open mic nights such as the current “Vaudeville Thursdays,” to live performances such as “Blithe Spirit,” to concerts by bands such as The NoLaNauts, to community events such as “Trivia Night” and exhibits by Via Aquarium. These current offerings keep to the theatre’s tradition of being the civic venue that it was designed to be in 1914 by Utica-based architect Linn Kinne in the Classical Revival style. According to its website, https://theglovetheatre.com/museum-history, the Schine brothers purchased the theater in 1920 and focused the local building as the flagship headquarters for Schine Enterprises, which at the height of its business, it was a “theater chain of 150 venues in five states. Innovations in theater equipment were first tested at the Glove Theatre before widespread distribution. In 1928, for example, the Glove Theatre was among the first in the nation to be equipped with sound.” Unfortunately, the theatre had to shutter its doors for a brief time starting in the 1970s due to outside forces including Urban Renewal, but it found new life starting in the late 1990s when volunteers dedicated themselves to resurrecting the arts venue. Since then, The Glove Theatre has been growing new talent by hosting children’s productions such as this summer’s “The Lion King Kids” and the annual Glove Academy where middle and high school students write, direct, stage and act in original works including “Kampfire Stories” in 2021, “Bacchanalia '22”in 2022, and “Fairy Tales...Flipped” in 2023. This year’s participants will produce “The Necklace” in August 2024. Nestled next door to the theatre is its museum that was lovingly put together by volunteers and it chronicles the history of the facility with many posters, sheet music, photos, and other memorabilia. It should be noted that Richard Samrov, who was once an usher at theater in his youth, donated his uniform to the museum and along with his wife Joanne helped craft the design of the repository. As The Glove Theatre noted, the spouses functioned as “Executive Director, Bookkeeper, and Secretary throughout some of the most tumultuous years of The Glove's modern history. Joann's beaming smile, quick wit, and incredible, encyclopedic knowledge of the history of The Glove Theatre and Gloversville were both impressive and entertaining. She was a fan of the arts and supported many events at The Glove Theatre” before her passing earlier this month. An inclusive theatre, The Glove Theatre provides programming for all ages and continues to be a community asset that is worth checking out in Downtown Gloversville. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Enjoy the Eclipse in Downtown Gloversville The upcoming Solar Eclipse on April 8 has been in the news lately as this cosmic event happens once every 400 years in the same or close to the same spot. The best viewing place is in the “Path of Totality,” but Gloversville can see 95 to 98 percent of totality, close to complete coverage of the sun by the moon. For New York State, the Solar Eclipse viewing times of full solar eclipse is from 3:10 to 3:30 p.m., depending on the location. The website eclipse2024.org allows viewers to plug in a city to view a rough animation of what the eclipse will look like in that location. In Gloversville, the action begins around 2:16 p.m. when the moon just starts slowly covering the sun. At 3:26 p.m., all but the tiniest sliver of the giant star is covered before the moon starts transitioning away. Whether you live in Gloversville or are visiting, the best places to view this event are in clear open areas like the multiple greenspaces this walkable city offers. For a list of parks, click here, and it includes Trail Station Park on West Fulton Street that offers an unobtrusive view of the sky near the new splash pad. Much has been reported about obtaining the best viewing glasses to ensure eye safety. Glasses should be International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12313-2 certified. Locally, the Gloversville Public Library, 58 E. Fulton St., has special eclipse viewing glasses to give away for one per household member while supplies last. While the library does not have a special event planned for the eclipse, it does have access either on site or through the Mohawk Valley Library System for users to borrow books and other materials to learn more about solar eclipses. New York State is also giving away glasses, while supplies last, at limited locations. The closest to Gloversville are: ·       Mohawk Valley Welcome Center: I-90, NYS Thruway (milepost 187), westbound at Mohawk River Lock E13 in Fultonville. ·       Mohawk Service Area: I-90, NYS Thruway (milepost 172), eastbound between Exit 27 (Amsterdam) and Exit 26 (Schenectady West) in Amsterdam. To genuinely enjoy your viewing experience, be sure to pick up themed food such as half-moon cookies from Rauch’s Bakery or Cravings Café & Bakery. Several local convenient stories also sell Starbursts, Milky Way Eclipse Gum, and moon pies. Mark your calendars for this out of sight experience and enjoy it in Downtown Gloversville. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Culinary Opportunities and Fun Foodie Options Available in Downtown Gloversville Whether you are a self-described “Foodie” or have an interest in increasing your culinary skills, there are many delicious delights in Downtown Gloversville and the immediate area. Both the preparation and consumption of food is an art as outlined in this article. Some culinary artists use food to make statements, create art projects, and produce dining experiences beyond just feeding the body for fuel. Those who love cooking and experimenting with creations will want to visit the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, 30 N. Main St., to find local ingredients made by small businesses. Milk and dairy products from Dygert’s Dairy Farm, maple syrup from Frasier’s Sugar Shack, Baucy Be’s hot sauce from Broadalbin, and salad dressing from Lanzi's Restaurant of Mayfield. Recently, the market hosted a soup contest with a dozen entries that used many products purchased from the store. Those who tasted and judged the entries were heard saying, “All of the soups were so delicious! Prepared with love, verve, and creativity!” Gloversville is home to a bakery and a butcher shop so those seeking to create homemade dishes can find fresh baked products at Ruach’s Bakery, 15 Washington St., and many selections of meat at Bowman’s Meat Market, 50 Pine St. Online reviews of Bowman’s include: “I go there to get my bacon, they slice it thin and it is a good buy, and delicious,” “Over the past two months I have purchased haddock, salmon, lobster tails, shrimp, bone in pork roast, hamburger, bacon, Eddie’s famous ham salad, sandwich steaks, French fries, and a gorgeous roast beef. Everything is top quality and outstanding!” Rauch’s reviews are just as amazing: “Always love the bakery, so delicious the smell of the cinnamon buns and the hot bread smell. Just love this bakery,” “Best pumpernickel bread and hard rolls ever!” Those wanting to refine their cooking skills have several opportunities at the Gloversville Public Library, 58 E. Fulton St., as it hosts an “Easy Eats Club” that meets the second Wednesday of every other month for those ages 18 and above. On March 13th, the meeting is at 5:30 p.m. and the topic is making and sharing breakfast. Participants need to pre-register and bring a container for taking home portions of each created dish. The library also hosts “Super Chefs,” a cooking class for kids ages 6 to12. The next class is April 9 at 4 p.m. and participants learn basic cooking skills and make a tasty dish. Not far from Gloversville's core is the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, located at 2736 State Route 30, Gloversville, and it hosts several culinary classes including the upcoming workshop on pork tenderloin with roasted root vegetables on March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. There is a $30 pre-registration fee or pay $40 at the door. Register here. Instructor Diana Marshall will discuss the classic recipe and participants will create the dish to task at the conclusion of class. High school students interested in pursuing a culinary education have an opportunity at nearby Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES, located at 2755 State Route 67, Johnstown, as it conducts a two-year program that prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry. “Students in this course will have the opportunity to study various units such as baking and pastry, commercial food preparation, front end service, fine dining, restaurant operations and catering … it is aligned with the National Restaurant Association’s Pro Start curriculum.” Love to eat but not a cook? There are several restaurants that offer flavorful meals, including Brass Monkey, 52 Cayduatta St. that is known for its purple cow wings and Utica style pizza. While New York Lunch, 21 Bleecker St., is known for its hot dogs, it also offers prime rib dinners and mouth watering hamburgers. Eva’s Soul Food, 116 S. Main St., offers hot fried chicken, meat pies and collard greens. Stop in at Harold’s Restaurant & Lounge, 176 W. Fulton St., for its tasty fried haddock specials. Mountain Mama’s Cantina and Eatery, 391 S. Main St., offers a Tex Mex menu with brisket, ribs, tacos, quesadillas, and more. Keep an eye out for special food events such as the upcoming “Soup Chili Chowder Mac and Cheese Stroll” on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kingsborough Elementary School, 24 W. 11th Ave. Thirty participants will showcase their dishes. This summer, Food Truck Fridays returns to Castiglione Memorial Park on North Main Street on May 31, June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23. Vendors include A&S Spice on Wheels, Teddy’s Gyros, Nibble & Bites, Teddy’s Gyros, Parkside Hot Dogs, Walt & Lyn’s Walk-Up Wagon, Red Pop Lemonade, Jammin’ Juice Bar, and Robb’s Topp Doggs Mobile Kitchen will be on hand this summer. “Everyone has to eat. All cooking that aims higher than a boiled egg is an attempt to make an art of a necessity,” this article states. Enjoy the culinary arts and its ingredients in Downtown Gloversville. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Micropolis Art Gallery Filled with Vibrant Variety of Creativity Micropolis Art Gallery, located inside Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market at 30 N. Main St. continues to be a strong supporter of local visual artists as it recently held a “Meet the Artist Reception" on March 1st. The featured artist is Bob Buck, but the gallery run by Micropolis Cooperative Inc. also has numerous pieces on display ranging from glass work, jewelry, painting, weaves, cards and more. Starting in March 2011, this current March display is also the 13th year the organization dedicated itself to bringing the work of talented regional artists to Downtown Gloversville. This Leader Herald article showcases the hard work and dedication the founding members had when creating this space from an unfurnished, unheated building. In 2023, while daily attendance numbers were not readily available, it was reordered that 1,000 separate purchases occurred that year. While some of the artists are new to the gallery, and the pieces on display are recent creations, the focus remains the same: ·       Provide artists with an opportunity to exhibit and sell their artwork ·       Build awareness of and support for the regional art community ·       Be a part of the revitalization of downtown Gloversville In an article at livability.com, author Jessica Mozo wrote, “The Micropolis Art Gallery in downtown Gloversville gives art lovers a look at the diversity of visual arts in Fulton County, featuring local artists from a variety of media, including photography, painting and textiles.” Online reviews include this one from Creative Roots Design: “Unique collection of talented artists. Something for everyone. If you appreciate artisan made pottery, art, jewelry, cards, clothing and more, this is a must visit. It is also tucked inside a lovely food co-op with great lunches, coffees, and affordable grocery times... Cozy with great vibes! Highly recommended.” Lauren P. wrote: “Cute little art gallery in the heart of Gloversville, N.Y.”  Mary C.S. 's review includes:” As a new member I find this a very exciting place to show work, meet other artists and enjoy every new show of work exhibited there. It is in the building of the Mohawk Harvest co-op with wonderful coffees, lovely food choices and a warm friendly atmosphere! It’s great to be a part of this art space!” Hours are Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee and a sweet treat from the Mohawk Harvest and take your time viewing all the pieces on display, and for sale, that were made with hard work, love, and dedication to the craft. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

March is Music in Our Schools Month … and in Downtown Gloversville March is Music in Our Schools Month and a time of year when music is a focus of schools and communities in our state. Looking at the musical line up at the Dorn Space and Glove Theatre, March is also Music on Main Street in Downtown Gloversville this year. Dorn Space, located at 99 N. Main St., is an arts organization that offers “a listening room, theater-the environment” with family-friendly entertainment. Brian Dorn and his family opened the performance space in 2018 and local writers, musicians, story tellers and comedians have taken to the stage. The business not only gives the artists a place to showcase their talent but gives Gloversville local entertainment on a weekly basis. Owner Brian Dorn was featured in this newspaper article stating “We really want to work with the local entertainment venues because, to me, things are really improving. “We’d really like to add to what is going on in Gloversville and not get in anybody’s way that’s trying to do good things themselves because there are a lot of people that are trying to do good things.” That still holds true today as the venue hosts a variety of local and regional artists at concerts, open mic nights and showcases. Online comments regarding Dorn Space include: “Love this great little venue. A great spot to showcase local artists and unique performances you ordinarily wouldn’t be blessed to see and enjoy,” “Fantastic owners who have become like family. Warm, inviting atmosphere and lots of great talent to be heard! Love Dorn Space,” and “This great venue in Gloversville is perfect and can provide entertainment for the whole family. When you walk in you are personally greeted by the owners. Brian and his wife are beautiful people and they radiate a one on one relationship with the entertainers and the spectators that come to enjoy the show. The venue gives talented people a place to showcase in a safe family environment. Gloversville is very fortunate to have this venue.” This March, the line up at the Dorn Space includes: ·       March 1 at 7 p.m.: Guitarist/composer Maria Zemantauski and guitarist/mandolinist Sten Isachsen combine with percussionist Brian Melick to form the Maria Z. Trio. According to Dorn Space, “Their dynamic fusion of strings and percussion celebrate their eclectic musical tastes (fiery flamenco, classical, Latin, roots and bluegrass) to create a vibrant, rich and refreshing sound.” Admission is $10 (cash/door only). Tickets may be reserved in advance by emailing dornspace@gmail.com (up to 24 hours prior to show time). Doors open at 6:15 pm. ·       March 3 at 2 p.m.: This “Revelation Open Mic” event features family-friendly music, poetry, prose, comedy” and more. Free admission. Doors open and sign-up begins at 1:15 pm. ·       March 8 at 7 p.m.: “Reese Fulmer has quickly made a name for himself as a precocious songwriter and engaging performer with a sound reminiscent of Justin Townes Earle, Jeffrey Foucault, John Prine and Iron & Wine,” according to Dorn Space. Accompanying Reese is Jimi W., known for his work with Dark Honey and collaborations with Girl Blue. Admission is $10 (Cash/door only). Doors open at 6:15 pm. Tickets can be reserved by emailing: dornspace@gmail.com ·       March 23 at 7 p.m.: Belle-Skinner will craft tales of songbirds, sirens and desert nomads with a hauntingly beautiful, lilting soprano and innate sense of melody. Admission is $10 (cash/door only). Tickets may be reserved by emailing dornspace@gmail.com. Doors open at 6:15 pm. ·       March 30 at 7 p.m.: The Tradition Duo comprised of Ralph Renna and Arya Chowdhury will be performing original rock and blues material from their recently released “Thunder Mountain” and “Of Wind and Flame.” Admission is $10 (cash/door only). Tickets may be reserved by emailing dornspace@gmail.com up to 24 hours prior to show time. Doors open at 6:15 pm. March 30 will be a great night as there will be an additional concern offering from The Glove Theatre, located just down the street from Dorn Space at 42 N. Main St., as it kicks off its new 518 Music Series with The NoLaNauts. According to the band’s website, they are based in the Albany area and are a “high octane, 10-piece rockin’ funk collective fired up about celebrating the joyful, historical and contemporary fire of New Orleans music, sharing it with fans of all ages while creating a vibrant party atmosphere wherever they go.” Prior to both the Dorn Space and Glove Theatre performances, food trucks and businesses such as 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Décor at 15 N. Main St. will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. and a musician stroll will be held at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Glove Theatre as “The NoLaNauts are psyched to bring our brand of New Orleans style fun and funk to the Glove City. We love this theater and are pleased to help support its revitalization. Plan on a big Second Line Parade before the show on Main Street.” Tickets are available at ticketstripe.com/518nolanauts Prior to both the Dorn Space and Glove Theatre performances, food trucks and businesses such as 44 Lakes Customized Gifts & Décor at 15 N. Main St. will be encouraged to open from 5 to 7 p.m. and a musician stroll will be held at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Glove Theatre as “The NoLaNauts are psyched to bring our brand of New Orleans style fun and funk to the Glove City. We love this theater and are pleased to help support its revitalization. Plan on a big Second Line Parade before the show on Main Street.” Music brings joy, inspiration and creativity to people, and can be used as a vehicle for tourism and recreational purposes for municipalities. Not only is music great for connecting people, it is also good for one’s health as it can improve cognitive performance, reduce stress, and enjoy life. Come enjoy the music in Downtown Gloversville and enjoy supporting the arts. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Discover the Adventures and Activities at the Gloversville Public Library The Gloversville Public Library was recently honored with the Thomas J. Ruller Historic Preservation Award for preserving local history and preserving the iconic building in a $9.2 million restoration project. In addition to the word “Preservation” in describing this facility library, the words “Perseverance” and “Plethora” fit as well as the library grows with its readers and expands its services when it sees a community need. For example, this coming week is school break, and many families are wondering what activities to schedule with the recent winter weather being unpredictable. Reading is always a good choice and borrowing one of many options at the library is a great pastime as every book hosts an adventure. However, the library is also offering a range of activities and events from Feb. 19 – 24, including: ·       “Teen Art Cart hour” on Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. for ages 12-17. Drop in for an open art hour featuring a variety of supplies and inspiration. ·       “Creative Crafters” on Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. for children ages 5 and above. ·       “Dress-Up Story Time: Wear a Fun Outfit or Costume!” ·       “Community Indoor Winter Fest,” sponsored by the Glove City Coalition, on Feb. 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. This event will offer a poster contest, treasure map, vape escape, Abra the Therapy Dog, door prizes, Adirondack stories with Don Williams and other activities. Whether it is during break or any other time of the year, take the time to visit the “Game Nook,” located in the Fiction Room, as it hosts a small collection of puzzles, games and coloring sheets for in-house use. For the younger crowd, there is also an early learning toy collection in the Early Literacy Room and it includes blocks, a cash register, puzzles, vehicles and more. View the “Library of Things” wall to see what other exciting items that can be checked out. For example, take the tag that says “Bocce Ball” on it to the information desk and 8 bocce balls can be borrowed to play indoors or outdoors. Other tags on the rack include snow sled, snowshoes, inflatable unicorn sprinkler and bird watching kit. Museum passes are also available to borrow. In addition to the children’s activities, there is plenty of programming for adults as well. It includes an “Adult Craft” class on Feb. 28 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. with participants designing a lovely sign to display at home (must pre-register). “Yoga Essentials,” a fitness class for ages 18 and above with participants providing their own mats, is also offered. Next class will be held on March 1 and 15 at 10:30 a.m. In the summer there is the outdoor library garden with participants harvesting what they need and weed when they are able. A Seed Club is also offered. Numerous services are also offered as well. Wi-Fi, notary public, and computers to use on site are some of the free services, while faxing and photocopying are available for a low fee. It’s currently tax season and finding paper copies of state and federal forms are rare these days but the library has a variety of forms on hand. The library possesses a collection of over 30,000 materials to help people with research, information or entertainment. In addition to “regular” books, eMaterials are available, as well as DVDs, magazines and more. Can’t find a book that you want at this library? No problem! The library can order from another one in its Mohawk Valley Library Association and have it at the Gloversville location within days. Researching the past? Check out the Local History Room’s collection as it has a variety of material pertinent to the history of Gloversville, Fulton County, the Mohawk Valley Region and the Capital District. Hours of the room are listed on the library’s website at https://gloversvillelibrary.org/local-history-resources. The Gloversville Public Library’s mission statement defines the term “Your Library” as “a gathering place where you can learn, grown, and enjoy.” That certainly sums up the building at 58 E. Fulton St. that has been serving the City of Gloversville for well over 100 years! Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville

Take a Presidential Stroll in Downtown Gloversville As President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is nearing on Feb. 12, it should be noted that this month is filled with presidential birthdays (Lincoln, George Washington, William Harrison and Ronald Reagan), and recognizes Presidents' Day. While America takes note of our presidents, Downtown Gloversville takes special note of the ones who once came to the Glove City – Theodore Roosevelt (26th President) and Franklin Delano Roosevelt (aka “FDR,” 32nd President). Teddy’s ties start with Gloversville’s own Lucius Nathan Littauer who was born in 1859, the son of a glove manufacturer. When the young man went off to Harvard for his college education, he met Teddy and became close friends. As the two men began their paths towards politics and political office – Teddy went on to be NYC Police Commissioner, NYS Governor and President, while Littauer went on to be a member of Congress – they were seen together onstage giving speeches at the Kasson Opera House (now Schine Memorial Hall) on North Main Street in Gloversville. According to https://schineongloversville.com, in 1896, “Two thousand people crowded the Kasson Opera House to hear stirring speeches by retiring Congressman Sloat Fassett, New York City Police Commissioner Roosevelt and our Congressional Nominee, Lucius Littauer….no one, of course, realized that with Theodore Roosevelt present, they were viewing a future president.” Their friendship is well documented as later Governor Roosevelt told an audience at a Harvard Club dinner that his closest personal friend and advisor was Congressman Littauer. It was reported in the New York World and Journal that Roosevelt said, “I want to tell you that it is a Harvard man who is my most intimate friend and who is also my closest political advisor - and that man is Lucius Nathan Littauer." Much of Roosevelt’s discussion of his friendship with Littauer can be found at https://fulton.nygenweb.net/bios/littauer.html. Letters from Littauer to Roosevelt, and vice versus, can be found online at the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University at https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org. Other letters remarking on gloves made for Teddy are also found at this site. Teddy’s distant cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, also went on to become NYS Governor and later President, and also “stumped” in Gloversville when on the campaign trail. According to a blog at https://www.historyisnowmagazine.com, when campaigning for the governor position FDR in 1928 was crossing the state with political stops and his “motorcade was ‘kidnapped’ in Fonda by a group of people in forty or fifty cars. His abductors directed the campaign to the town of Gloversville. In past elections, ‘two Democrats, and sometimes three’ went to the Gloversville polls on Election Day… When Roosevelt arrived in the town, he was greeted by some two thousand people who had gathered to hear him speak.” Celebrate Presidents' Day, this year on Feb. 19, by taking the historic walk through Downtown Gloversville. A copy of the brochure highlighting all the stops can be found here. Make note of the Kingsborough Hotel, located at 34 S. Main St., (now known as Kingsborough Apartments) as it once boasted of elaborate guest rooms, a banquet hall, ballroom, and basement tavern and guests included both Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Also stop at the Schine Memorial Hall, located at 42 N. Main St. and imagine hearing the speeches that once inspired the area from a future president. Stay. Play. Explore. Live. Discover Downtown Gloversville