Charlie Marshall introduces Laurel Youngblood to the art of shooting an arrow and hitting the target. (Provided photo —Ken Youngblood)

To the editor:

Saranac Lake is famous for its beautiful places, but those who know it well know it also has more than its share of beautiful people … like Charlie Marshall, who offers all comers free archery lessons, even providing all the equipment. (He sold some of his favorite guns to buy bows, arrows and other equipment just for folks to try.) He arrives at the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club on Thursday afternoons to set up, and he doesn’t get everything put away until five or six hours later. He’s generous with his time and equipment as well as his wealth of expert knowledge.

He’ll gladly critique your stance, help you with figuring out how to aim, and coach you through the critical draw and release — all the while spewing insights that hit the target on any question related to bows and arrows. In addition to being knowledgable and giving, Charlie softens his words with kind regard. One night the arrow went strangely awry when a busty newcomer released her bowstring. Charlie noticed her wince, moseyed over to his SUV and returned with a catalog. “It’s a great company, and they sell everything you would ever need for archery.” The catalog sprang open when he released his thumb. “You might be interested.” The calloused finger of a woodworker who makes string instruments named psalteries tapped on just the right accessory for her to release her arrow without fear of flinching.

You’ll find Charlie at the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club just about every Thursday from 4 ’til dusk offering free lessons. If you are wondering what archery is all about, check the Weekender events calendar. Charlie is good about posting weekly notices. 

Put aside any preconceptions about archery, and give it a try. Men, women and teens who had never experienced the Zen of archery are regulars on Thursdays. They became hooked on learning to discipline every part of their being, even breathing, and being rewarded for mastering self-control with a tight grouping of six arrows right on target. 

If Charlie can’t make it on a given Thursday, you can bet it is for a good reason. Like Third Thursday Art Walks, where you’ll find Charlie playing his psaltry in front of this or that art gallery. Children mill around this strange instrument, taken by its beauty and simplicity, drawn to its range of soothing sounds. Of course, Charlie, being Charlie, gladly puts down his bow to answer any question from passersby — the psaltry, its history, how it is made as well as how it is played. After all, Charlie has a lot to share, and is happy to share his love for bows and arrows … and strings.

Ken Youngblood

Saranac Lake