- Tonight on WPBS Weekly.

Inside the stories, we go behind the scenes at the Kingston Roller Derby to bring you the story of this fun, fast, and very competitive sport.

Then we head to Lake Ontario for some fishing, learn about brown trout and the best tips for catching one this season.

Also Martello Alley in Kingston combines historical charm and contemporary artistic expression to create a unique experience for residents and tourists.

Your story is your region coming up right now on WPBS Weekly.

Inside the stories - WPBS weekly inside the stories is brought to you by - When you're unable to see your primary care provider.

A Carthage Walk-in clinic is here for you.

Located off Route 26 across from Carthage Middle School.

Comfort and Healing close to home when you need it most - North Country Orthopedic Group is there for your urgent ortho or sports related injuries.

With our onsite surgical center and same or next day appointments, we're ready to provide care for patients of all ages.

Your health matters to us North Country Orthopedic Group.

Keeping healthcare local.

- We are the north country where protecting one another like family is who we are and where our tomorrow will always be worth defending.

Find out how we keep the north country Strong, at claxtonhepburn.org.

Today, - Select musical performances are made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant program, a REGRANT program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York state legislator administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.

- Good Tuesday evening everyone, and welcome to this edition of WPBS Weekly Inside the Stories.

I'm Michael Riecke.

When you think of roller derby, you may remember that campy spectacle driven antics of the seventies and eighties.

Today's roller derby is a genuinely competitive sport where players rely on athleticism strategy and teamwork on the track.

For 15 years, Kingston Roller Derby has been lacing up their skates and competing against other leagues across the region.

- I gotta go get my ref uniform on.

Yes, and I was practicing my whistles.

- Kingston Roller Derby is a women's flat track Derby association, affiliated roller derby league.

They focus on athleticism, self-confidence, and having fun.

We made our way to the Kingston Memorial Center to catch their triple header season opener.

- At our very first game, we had 2000 people in attendance, so we, we haven't met that again, but I feel our community does definitely support us.

The first game here was in 2011 and so at that time we actually had the Stateful Dead, the Rogue Warriors and the Disloyalists.

So those were our three starting teams.

They all started with some of the founding members in the pandemic.

We reneged on like that.

The third team, we just didn't have the bodies, but we were able to keep our, our WFTDA a charter team and then the Skateful Dead, our, our home team.

- So we have been training since January as a team.

We have multiple teams.

We have the Rogue Warriors, which is the charter team, and then the Skateful Dead, which is the B team.

And we've skated as a whole league together.

We've also had individual robes practices to be able to figure out who works best together, who, you know, there's all sorts of dynamics on the track.

There's different positions.

So trying to figure out who fits best, where and who works best with other people.

- Yeah, so as a team, the Skateful Dead and the Rogue Warriors, we all practice as one big team.

But the big difference is that the Rogue Warriors are our charter team.

So that means that we are sanctioned.

So whenever we play bouts like we are today, our scores are sent off to WFTDA, which is kind of like the big roller derby motherboard.

And the Stateful Dead on the other hand is our home team.

Yeah, - Roller Derby has a long history of being a welcoming and affirming space for lgbtq plus athletes.

The Women's Flat Track Derby Association implemented a formal gender policy in 2015, allowing transgender and non-binary athletes to participate - With inclusivity in sports.

I think this sport is posed to be, continue to be that place for people who might not have a spot somewhere else.

So we are so stoked to continue to be that spot for people.

So if you identify as a female, you can play with us.

Transgender, we do not ask questions, it's none of my business.

If you wanna be here and if you want to challenge yourself and be part of our team in league, you are very welcome here.

- So one of the big reasons I'm so excited to have my daughter join me as part of the roller derby community is because we as a roller derby community are really inclusive and really welcoming.

Being able to share that with her and have her be part of that is something that's really important to me.

- Roller derby is a sport that values friendship and teamwork.

Having one junior's team, one home team, and one charter team.

In addition to positions for non-skating officials, referees and general volunteers.

Kingston Roller Derby is an organization that will find a place for every individual interested in the sport.

- Yeah.

Being part of the Women's Flat Track Roller Derby Association, we have to play a minimum number of competitive games a year.

We need to, obviously there's a financial commitment as well to that, but it gives us access, you know, to all of their resources as well.

So while Kingston isn't ranked very high in those rankings, we still are in it to have fun.

And it's not necessarily our main goal to move up in rankings, it's more we're still a funner league.

We, we are, we're committed to fun.

- If you're interested in trying roller derby, do it.

It's amazing.

Roller skating.

I had never skated in my life before I went to my very first practice.

And roller derby teams are so welcoming as, as you're gonna see today in the bout, there's people of all, all shapes and sizes and there's a place for you on a roller derby team if you're a fast little sneaky jammer and can dodge through and be a little gazelle.

That's not my deal.

I'm more of a barreling, you know, like grizzly bear type of person.

Any, any niche you can find in this community, we are, we welcome you with open arms.

- I started playing roller derby in my first year of university when I was in Guelph, Ontario.

And the sport really gave me community when I didn't have it.

I was new in 12th and I didn't know anyone, so it was a really safe haven for meeting people.

It was a lot of like, like-minded folks.

So it was like instantly connections all over the place.

I was also not out before I joined roller derby.

And roller derby was the first place that I saw kind of like mundane queer friendships, like queer love.

And it's also where I met my wife.

So I met my wife playing roller derby.

So I cannot say enough about all of the reasons why I love Derby.

It's a great source of community.

Yeah, try roller derby.

It's fun.

- From the Kingston Memorial Center in Kingston, Ontario for WPBS Weekly, I'm Guy Carlo.

- We've covered ice fishing, summer kayak fishing, and now we're diving into spring trout fishing.

Trout can be found in many bodies of water.

Like the Great Lakes where they swim, they can be caught.

Producer Luke Smith joined Charter Captain Andy Bliss and Stacy F on Lake Ontario to learn the best tips and tricks for reeling them in.

- Hey Zach, you wanna fight one Captain - Zach, you got this in a while, but out on the water is where you'll find charter Captain Andy Bliss.

Most in his element.

Come on, come on.

Fishing.

Fishing, come on.

Whether running charters aboard the cold steel or educating anglers on the best way to catch fish.

- I started fishing Lake Ontario at early age.

My grandfather brought me up here in 86.

I started working on charter boats in 94, my freshman year of high school.

When I graduated high school and went to college, I came to Oswego State because I just wanted to be where Lake Ontario.

I got my captain's license and guide's license in the early 2000's and been living the fishing guide life ever since.

- His season starts early.

As soon as the ice clears and the water starts to warm up, that's when fish like brown trout return to shallow waters and stock trout are reintroduced into the lakes, ponds and rivers across the region.

- The scope of the brown trout fishery here in New York is huge.

They were originally brought to America in the late 1800's from Europe for sport fishing opportunities.

They are now stocked by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation throughout the state, including Ponds, rivers, streams, and here in Lake Ontario and some of its tributaries.

Here we go.

We got one brown trout, as the name might imply, are often a brownish or silvery brown color.

They can range in size anywhere from a couple pounds to the record, which was caught here in Lake Ontario, which was over 30 pounds.

- Wheeling in trout of that size starts with knowing the best tips for catching one, starting with the right bait.

- The best baits to employ when targeting spring brown trout are floating stick baits.

Stick baits in the three to five inch range are best 'cause they imitate gobies and owl wives.

The floaters work better than deep divers.

Divers 'cause you're fishing so shallow and let you to fish.

Shallow water.

Small spoons like standardized stingers are also a great bait.

You just run them on a one color lead core or a small weight to help keep them down.

A key to targeting browns in the spring based on the clarity of the water, you want to use very natural looking baits and clear water and you can use brighter color baits when the water's stained.

Some days they want bulk, but they can be very particular on what baits they eat, depending on the conditions.

- If you're going with a guide or a charter captain, generally they'll have everything that you need to be successful aside from you know what you're wearing - And the right clothes really matter because while the air may feel like summer, the water still feels like winter.

- People often forget on land the temperature might feel nice and warm, but once you get a few miles offshore, things can get pretty cold.

So making sure you have layers, waterproof footwear and for me, I make sure I always have eye protection and a personal flotation device.

- Make sure to have a light vest 'cause you won't last long in the water if God forbid, you fall over and things can be icy the earlier you go out.

So safety is the number one concern when fishing.

Early season brown trout.

- Trout aren't the only fish swimming in the water this season and it can be easy to mix them up with their neighbors.

- Brown trout can look like one of our native species of salmon mon the Atlantic salmon.

They often say that you can grab an atlantic salmon by the tail, you're able to tail it.

But with a brown trout it has a chubbier tail so it's more difficult to grab there.

They also have differences in the roof of their mouth.

It's called vomerine teeth.

So brown trout will have two rows and Atlantic salmon will only have one row of these teeth in the roof of their mouth.

Sea Grant has created a fantastic trout and salmon id.

That is a material that's really handy, especially for new anglers to help them identify their catch.

- Lastly, it's important to consider fishing rules for whichever water body is being fished in.

From lakes to streams to tributaries, regulations vary and staying informed can make or break a trip.

- They can vary from year to year.

There are updates and changes made and from water body to water body there are differences in what kind of fish you can keep and when.

So referencing the DEC's Fishing Regulation Handbook.

And if you're going to keep your catch to cook it, you should also look at some of the consumption advisories for that water body.

- Anglers can spend hours on the water catching fish, whether brown trout at Atlantic salmon or small mouth bass.

It's an opportunity the Cold Steel crew enjoys with every trip.

- The part I love about being a charter captain of fishing guide is seeing the excitement I bring to people's faces who've never caught a large fish before.

Brown trout are a very popular species in the Northeast and all over the country.

The fact that we can take people out and catch a fish here that some people consider our small fish bigger than anything they've seen in their local waters, is a real enjoyment.

- It's encouraged that angers carry their New York state fishing license before heading out on the water, whether with the charter captain or fishing solo from Oswego Harbor for WPBS Weekly, I'm Luke Smith.

- To learn more about how you can get your New York state fishing license, visit your local sporting goods store or bait shop, and to explore New York's coastal science and resources, visit seagrant.sunysb.edu.

Well, up next, a unique art destination with a rich blend of local history and creativity, local artists, David Dossett transformed Martello Alley into a vibrant hub for local artists known for fostering community engagement through art.

Martello Alley has helped revitalize Kingston's downtown core.

The space combines the city's historical charm with contemporary artistic expression, creating a unique experience for visitors.

Here's producer Gail Paquette with the story - Inspiration behind Martello Alley, Kingston stemmed from the need to breathe life into a space that had so much potential established by artist David Dossett.

Do set it is a vibrant hub for local artists.

Visitors can explore the outdoor gallery and shop for authentic, one of a kind Canadian artwork, allowing them to take home a piece of Kingston's creative spirit.

- Well, Martello Alley was started in 2015 on July 1st.

In fact, this July coming up will be our 10th year in business.

Martello Alley is something, it was a place that was actually located not a very attractive part of town or a very, it was kind of a, a scary corner and I always thought it would, it really needed to be done over, but nobody would do it.

And I got tired of saying, gee, I wish somebody would do something about this.

So I took it on myself to do this and in four months I turned it into the, actually now the number one tourist destination in Kingston, according to TripAdvisor, it is the number one hidden gem in all of Ontario and the number four hidden gem in all of Canada.

And it's a place that people come and visit 'cause it's so, so unusual.

- From paintings and photography to sculptures and handcrafted pieces.

Martello Alley celebrates a wide range of artistic expression, making it a place where everyone can find something that resonates with them.

The collection of artwork on display at the gallery showcases a diverse and often experimental atmosphere.

- So for me, the focus has been trying to, to have the, the range of items that people will want.

So some person might want a painting, but not everybody.

They may be traveling and they can't even, they can't even take a painting home, but they might like pottery or jewelry or they might want a, a tote that's, that's from here.

So, you know, you're trying to, to get the, the nice range of items and it's so that it's, and oh, some kids might even, they might, people might even have kids.

So we have the puppets, you know, but these are all handmade things.

So it falls under the category of art.

And, and that's, that's the thing.

You have to have the products and you, you want to get your products out the door.

- Local artists have made Martello Alley a thriving community hub.

The alley is not just a space for individual expression, it thrives because the artists work together sharing ideas, inspiration and energy.

This collaboration allows them to breathe life into their artwork.

Creating a dynamic, every evolving environment where creativity flows freely.

The success of the collective and its growing reputation has even led to the opening of a second gallery, Martello on Brock, a mere four minute walk from the original gallery, further expanding their ability to showcase and celebrate local art.

- Because this is a collective and the artists participate.

They, it, it brings something more to the experience when the customer's here because the customer can say, ah, I'm talking to an artist, I'm just, I'm not just talking to somebody who's at the cash register.

And so the, and the artist can tell anyone who comes in here about the art in, in pretty good detail because they, they make it their business to know the other.

Art makes us different from other kinds of stores where they just sell art, but they don't really, the artist personally, - I often, you know, if, if they wish, I often take it, give them a little tour around.

'cause I've had some customers come in where they don't know where to start.

So I'm like, I'll help you so I'll, you know, I'll give 'em a little tour.

And they really thank me because then they could see more that way.

I try to learn what, you know, what what they, what each artist enjoys creating so that I can explain things to customers.

And you know, I, you might have customers come and they're really have their eyes set on somebody's art.

And I like to kind of help and explain, you know, what, what I know of the artist, you know, I wanna bring color happiness into people's homes.

- Over the years, Martello Alley has seen countless memorable moments from opening receptions filled with laughter and conversation to impromptu art installations.

From offering free public exhibits to hosting community art programs.

There's a constant effort to make art accessible to everyone.

- We also try and do regular events and community activities for Kingston because you need to have ways to get art into the hands of everybody.

And you need to work with all those different parts of the community so that they all appreciate and realize why, why it's important to have an art gallery in Kingston.

If you're only a little sterile and just have the art.

People are a little tentative about coming in.

You know, they, oh, I don't, I don't wanna, you know, how is it gonna make me feel?

Well come in and see.

I'm sure you're gonna find your happy place in one of these corners.

Art should make you happy, right?

- I think that this is the kind of thing we need to make a community dynamic and I've really, really enjoyed it.

I, we meet all kinds of people with all kinds of interesting stories and it's always a lot of fun.

And we get people coming in here wanting to film.

We let them film for free.

Of course they want to use the backdrop for waiting pictures and stuff.

I mean, we love that and it helps tell the story - For WPBS Weekly.

- I'm Gail Paquette.

Finally tonight, the music of Potsdam singer songwriter Sal Sarmiento.

Sal has performed with many acts across Northern New York, crafting a sound that he describes as sweet and relaxed.

But what he loves most is being able to share his passion for music with the community.

Here he is tonight with his original song, catch My Ride.

- I am Sal Sarmiento and this is Catch My Ride.

He would trade crystals for a pocket full of tears.

He wouldn't trade no marbles.

Those are all full of fear and he sure had a wonderful pair of ears.

He could hear a bumping ball of rager from a million light years and that's where he's been to the stars.

He got an invitation to and into Universal Harvest that's at a hotel 13 parsex past March.

And last time he was seen on Earth, he was putting a dead book on the door.

To his mind he said it weren't for protection.

More of a welcoming sign with some fine-tip threads on his back, he would be materialized.

As he said, I love you I got a long trip, I better catch my ride and he said, wherever you going, it's all about having fun.

Wherever the road is, I think that we should hit I think that we should hit it like we're on the run Cuz' someday we'll be gone someday we'll be gone.

Someday we'll be gone.

Someday, but not today.

Last time he was seen on earth, he was putting a deadbolt on the door.

To his mind, he said it weren't for protection, it was more of a welcoming sign.

So find himself threats on his back.

He winked and dematerialized as he said, I love you.

Got a long trip, you better catch my ride.

He said, wherever you going, let them all know that It's all about having fun.

for wherever the road is.

I think that we should hit it like we're on the run someday we'll be gone someday we'll be gone someday we'll be gone someday, but not today.

hundreds of thousands of starlings took flight.

The bolt of blue lightning struck across the sky and rainbow popped out in the sunset.

Light and the arolius borealis.

Paints a thundering moon at night You could talk to him in a dream time with communication.

We can call on you and the other friends too.

You can all speak on the same light.

The last time he was seen on Earth was when the deadbolt on the door to his mind, he said it wasn't for protection, it was more of a welcoming sign.

Some fine self threads on his back He winked and dematerialized As he said I love you, got a long trip better catch my ride he said, wherever you going, Let em all know that, It's all about having fun.

Wherever the road is I think that we should hit it Like we're on the run.

Cuz' someday we'll be gone.

someday we'll be gone.

someday we'll be gone.

someday, but not today.

- That does it for this Tuesday night.

Join us next time for a fresh look inside the stories.

We're back in Johnny Spezanno's kitchen.

He teams up with Pond Pit Barbecue, co-owner Chris Harvey to grill up some ribs.

Perfect for your next cookout.

Also, Laura Tiberiu is back her review of the book, "Carrie Soto is back" by Taylor Jenkins.

Reed might just convince you it's your next must read.

Meantime, if you have a story idea you'd like us to explore, we'd love to learn more.

All you need do is send us an email at wpbsweekly@wpbstv.org, let's share it with the region.

That's it for tonight.

Everyone.

On behalf of everyone behind the scenes here at Wpb S I'm Michael Rickey.

Thanks for watching.

Have a great night.

- WPBS weekly inside the stories is brought to you by - When you're unable to see your primary care provider.

The Carthage Walk-in Clinic is here for you, located off Route 26 across from Carthage Middle School.

Comfort and Healing Close to home when you need it most - North Country Orthopedic Group is there for your urgent ortho or sports related injuries.

With our onsite surgical center and same or next day appointments, we're ready to provide care for patients of all ages.

Your health matters to us.

North Country Orthopedic Group, keeping healthcare local.

- We are the north country.

We're protecting one another like family is who we are and where our tomorrow will always be worth defending.

Find out how we keep the north country Strong, at claxtonhepburn.org.

Today, - Select musical performances are made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant program, a REGRANT program of the New York State Council on the Arts.

With the support of the office of the Governor and the New York state legislator administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.

- It's all having, wherever the road is, I think that we should hit.