Craig Brashear and Rebecca Kelly, dance artists from New York City, as well as homeowners on Silver Lake Road, are leading a project to transform the historic Masons' Lodge, an anchor building in the business district of the hamlet of Au Sable Forks in the Town of Jay, NY, into a bustling new center of activity.

The lodge, built in 1911, is a three storey building, located on Route 9N, one of the gateways to the high peaks region of the Adirondacks. The town lies across the forks of the Au Sable River, known for great trout fishing. The project is to convert this building, now owned by Appleby Foundation, into a center that links the activities of artists, artisans, musicians, actors and dancers, with local businesses for the enjoyment of visitors and residents.

Fostering partnerships in arts, education, and commerce will result in a viibrant community of culture and enterprise. It will create jobs in the renovation as well as in future programming and retail opportunities.

Local, state and private support has started, and restoration at the Tahawus Lodge Center is already underway. Since acquisition in July 2009, investigatory riverfront and site surveys and studies have been conducted. A growing Steering Committee of leaders from upstate and downstate, and a corps of volunteers has joined Team Tahawus. The Town of Jay was received a Main Street Revitalization grant of $200,000 from the NY State Main St Revitalization Fund to reinvigorate Main Street businesses. As one of the eligible businesses the Town of Jay awarded TLC a matching grant of $60,000 for building improvement. This was allocated to asbestos removal, and restoring the glass storefront facade. More remains to be done to reclaim the street level space for commercial or cultural opportunity as funding is sought.

TLC's first grass roots fund raiser was held in October 2009 with good results. It was ably led by TLC's volunteers, and supported by local citizens and businesses. Since July, there has been strong regional press coverage along with testimonials from residents, local businesses, and legislators.

Without waiting for the full renovation of Tahawus Lodge, the first cultural activities could begin as early as fall of 2010. The Windows of Change Gallery will feature site specific themed works by local artists. A pilot series of early childhood creative movement classes will be offered by Kids Co-Motion for adult-and-child combinations. For details, contact Appleby Foundation by email at tahawus@verizon.net.

A note on the Appleby Foundation: Incorporated as a 501(C)3 non-profit in 1979, its mission is to strengthen communities through participation in the arts and to inspire reflection and imagination. A major activity is the Rebecca Kelly Ballet, a contemporary dance company based in New York City, focused on the creation and professional performances of original ballet, with programs for youth such as ONSTAGE CAMPS in Lake Placid and Potsdam, and KIDS CO-MOTION. It has brought a variety of programs into many communities in the Adirondacks yearly since 1987.

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