Art in the Forks

The Art in the Forks Committee is busy preparing for its inaugural event on Saturday, September 5th. Created to showcase one of the Town of Jay’s greatest strengths, our vibrant arts community, this festival encourages residents and visitors alike to spend time on Main Street.

The day will feature live music, artist workshops, and a vendor fair spread across several venues throughout the hamlet, including the Community Center, the Au Sable Forks Free Library, the Tahawus Center, and the Ausable Theater. Event maps with detailed schedules and locations will be available soon.

To help keep the event free, the committee is selling event buttons, which unlock exclusive discounts at local participating businesses like Lance’s Pizza, The Forks Blend and Brew, Adk Mountain Spirits, and Youngs Studio and Gallery.

Vendor applications are still being accepted through August 1st. If you are an artist or vendor interested in participating, please email artintheforks@gmail.com. You can also read more about the festival in a recent feature by Sun Community News: https://suncommunitynews.com/news/126778/local-artists-to-host-arts-in-the-forks-festival/

 

Essex County CDBG Wells and Septic Program

The Essex County CDBG Wells and Septic Program is actively accepting applications to assist residents with critical home infrastructure needs. Administered in partnership with the North Country Rural Development Coalition, the program provides financial aid for private well replacements, septic system installations, public water or sewer connections, plumbing repairs, and lead water service line replacements. Funding is limited, but additional grant awards are scheduled to begin within the month for waitlisted households and new applicants.

To qualify, applicants must own and occupy a home year-round in Essex County, maintain valid homeowners insurance, remain current on property and school taxes, and meet household income limits set at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (ranging from $52,750 for a one-person household up to $87,450 for a six-person household). Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply immediately to secure a spot on the waitlist by visiting northcountryruraldevelopment.org or contacting the office directly at 518-585-6366 or office@northcountryruraldevelopment.org

 

Events Happening Around the Area

Summer is in full swing, and there are plenty of great events happening in and around the Town of Jay:

  • The JEMS Summer Concert Series continues tomorrow night, Saturday, with the band On 3 performing on the Jay Village Green at 6:00 pm.
  • The Essex County Fair in Westport opens on Wednesday, July 29th, and runs through Sunday, August 2nd.
  • The Essex County 4-H Alumni Meetup takes place at the new Essex County Youth and Agriculture Building in Westport on Friday, July 31st, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
  • Check out the Jay Community News Calendar of Events for a complete lineup of summer activities: https://jaynews.org/events/

 

I hope you have a great weekend,

Matt