Pickens General Store will host winter ball Saturday

HEUVELTON — Pickens Hall will host a winter ball from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Heuvelton Historical Association President David H. Kingsley said musicians Donnie Woodcock, Carter Houk and Dan Pearson will perform. A dance lesson from Todd Moe of North Country Public Radio will begin at 6 p.m. Mr. Kingsley said attendees will have an opportunity to learn the waltz and foxtrot.

He said the historical building was once a major venue for community events, and he hopes to recreate that atmosphere through the renovation project.

“We’ve had a lot of music nights at the hall over the past year, and they were pretty well attended,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to provide a venue that people look to when they want to have a good time.”

Mr. Kingsley said the event will be held on the second floor in a large meeting room. The Historical Association is working to secure a line of credit that will allow for a steady flow of cash necessary to move forward with renovation projects that will make Pickens Hall accessible to the handicapped.

He said the project is funded through grants from the Empire State Development Corp. and the state Environmental Protection Fund, which are intended to reimburse the cost of the project. The association has been working with banks and economic development agencies to secure financing to cover the up-front costs.

“We are looking everywhere we can,” Mr. Kingsley said. “We have a lot of people who would like to attend these events but can’t make it up the stairs.”

Betsy C. Hebert, a Pickens Hall employee, said the community events have been quite successful. She said last year’s holiday jam drew close to 150 people.

“There isn’t a lot going on right in the village. I think people like being able to get out and do something fun,” she said.

Mr. Kingsley said the event is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted and any proceeds will benefit the renovation project.