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HOMES EVERY WEEK! January 11, 2020
Burgh/North Countryman
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• EDITION •
The new year’s baby Family celebrates first birth of 2020, new decade, at CVPH By Brian Happel STAFF WRITER
PLATTSBURGH | The new year brings many firsts. For one Plattsburgh family, that means a new life and a new journey to embark on. Eli Aaron Gay entered the world at 12:36 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2020. Not only was he the first baby of the year born at The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, but Gay’s birth also happened to be the first of the decade. “A lot of people kept saying, ‘He’s waiting for the new year,’ and I thought he was going to be stubborn until the second (of January),” new mother Monique Gay of Plattsburgh said. “But, he came, and now we just want to get out and go home and start the new year.”
Gay called her son’s arrival unexpected, because his due date was Dec. 30 and she was scheduled for induction on Jan. 2. But, new grandmother Melissa Flora was convinced her grandson would be a New Year’s baby. “I think it’s amazing. I’ve been saying it for a few days that he was coming out for New Year’s Day,” Flora admitted. “I wasn’t even thinking about the decade, though. That didn’t even cross my mind until somebody said that after he was born.” That’s something that registered nurse Mindy Lapier said is pretty common, “After they deliver and they find out the time, usually a nurse will tell them, and then they’re usually totally shocked. It’s the furthest thing from their mind.” Eli Aaron Gay, who was catching up on his sleep during this visit, was born at 8 pounds and 13 ounces, measuring 21 inches long. He has an older sister, Lexi, who is 7-years-old and says she can’t wait to snuggle with him but does not want to change his diapers. 15-year-old Jeremiah completes the family.
Monique Gay (center) is all smiles holding her newborn son Eli Aaron Gay and his new big sister Lexi. Photo by Brian Happel Now, the whole family is looking forward to watching Eli grow.
Starting 2020 off on the right foot State offers First Day Hikes across the region By Brian Happel STAFF WRITER
PLATTSBURGH | Families and friends kicked off the new year of 2020 by connecting with mother nature during a free hike at Point Au Roche State Park. This was one of more than 75 hikes taking place at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails and public lands across New York on New Year’s Day.
The weather was cooperative. Light snow fell as the ice and snow already on the ground crunched with every step. Many families took advantage of the opportunity to get outdoors and do something together. “We’re trying to introduce our children to hiking,” Blake Andrew of Champlain, New York, explained. “We had a connection here that mentioned that there would be a first-day hike, first day of the new year, and both kids are excited to come and explore nature and find some wildlife and maybe even enjoy some cider after.” One of Andrew’s two daughters, Joyce, shared her excitement for the day, “I can’t wait to get to the end of the trail and see what’s there, and I can’t wait to collect some nature.” See FIRST DAY HIKES » pg. 3
“He is very snuggly and special,” Gay said. “It’s very exciting. He’s perfect.” ■
New year, new Plattsburgh DRI, other projects take priority in new decade By Sarah Elizabeth Morris STAFF WRITER
PLATTSBURGH | A new decade has arrived, and it is a big one for the city of Plattsburgh. The first common council meeting of the year was held last Thursday, Jan. 2, and included two new councilors - Ward 1 Councilor Ira Barbell in place of Rachelle Armstrong and Ward 4 Councilor Paul DeDominicas, who took over for Peter Ensel. City of Plattsburgh Mayor Colin Read started off the meeting with a comment on the upcoming new year. “I’m very excited for the new council, the new year, the new decade and I think there’s going to be a lot of really new, interesting things happening with the City of Plattsburgh,” Read said. “I really sense we’ll have a very proactive and engaged council.” One of the biggest projects to take place this decade that’s captured attention is the ground breaking of the Prime Companies, LLC, multiuse apartment building along Durkee Street in downtown Plattsburgh. The project is part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), a state grant of $10 million given to the city. The building will be four stories and an underground garage for residential parking. An artist’s rendition of the Prime building can be found at the city website.
Two-year-old Leta Andrew (left) and 1-year-old Noah Smith hold hands while walking down a trail at Point Au Roche State Park during the annual First Day Hike. Photo by Brian Happel
West Chazy Community Church expands By Windsor Burkland STAFF WRITER
WEST CHAZY | West Chazy Community Church plans to further extend its reach into the community by expanding the church facilities into a building across the street. The Gathering Place at 44 Academy St. will be a place for church activities and events, while also offering the area to the community. The church purchased the former elementary school building in February and has started renovating. The property includes the old school building, sports field and parking lot. “We can always use the extra space,”
Rev. Marty Martin said. Martin said the building is already functioning as another location for church events like meals, craft fairs, garage sales to raise funds for mission trips and the annual clothing pantry, where clothes are given to the community. The Plattsburgh Farmers Market recently used the space for its Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on Dec. 7, which featured different vendors and a photo opportunity with Santa. The former school was previously used as a metal shop, so most of the classrooms were removed, according to Martin, which gives the space an “open warehouse feel to it.” See CHURCH » pg. 4
See PLATTSBURGH 2020 » pg. 4
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The Gathering Place
Rev. Marty Martin stands with the new sign at the Gathering Place, the latest expansion of West Chazy Community Church. Photo provided
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