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Saturday,ÊD ecemberÊ26,Ê2015
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In FEATURES | pg. 3
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Local youth making a huge difference
In NEWS | pg. 10
No more electric bills
Local teen sends out 800 Christmas cards to wounded vets
Peru library shares successes of solar panels
Volunteers ensure local food shelves are packed for the holidays By Pete DeMola
pete@suncommunitynews.com
ELIZABETHTOWN — Volunteers in dozens of communities have mobilized to ensure not a single family will go to bed hungry this holiday season. Food shelves across the tri-county region are reporting sizable hauls of gifted items and monetary donations. The community food shelf in Elizabethtown is in good shape, reported director Marilyn Jordan, owing to a group of regular donors. It’s because of this generosity — including 25 turkeys donated by Elizabethtown Community Hospital staffers, fresh produce of-
fered at discount rates from local farmers and bread from Dogwood Bakery — that they’re able to assemble 50 gift baskets, which will be distributed on Monday. The shelf serves 400 families from New Russia, Elizabethtown, Westport, Wadhams, Lewis and Essex. “We feel like we’ve been very, very fortunate,” said Jordan. “We’re able to take care of a lot of people at Christmas.” Additional help has come from an unlikely source: Inmates from Moriah Shock who help unload and shelf stock alongside other volunteers, including those who ferry items from Plattsburgh. “That’s a huge help,” Jordan said. The Mooers Wesleyan Food Pantry is
ground zero for families across northern Clinton County. They typically serve 160 families a month. “We’ve been very busy since Thanksgiving,” said Luanne Willette, the pantry’s codirector, adding volunteers are always welcome. St. Augustine’s Church Soup Kitchen, in Peru, serves 100 people each week and also relies heavily on donations, including those from corporate sponsors. While closed for Christmas Day, they plan on serving a holiday meal a few days beforehand. While the menu consists of items donated that week, the organization is seeking funds for a walk-in freezer and cooler to allow for longer preservation of donated perishables.
LucilleÕ s
West Chazy woman hand makes dresses for girls in Nicaragua
Tourism officials fret over Grinch-like conditions
By Natasha Courter
By Pete DeMola
news@suncommunitynews.com
pete@suncommunitynews.com
Lucille, a Utica native, eventually made her way to SUNY Plattsburgh. She married and raised a family. Daughter Jo eventually found herself in Nicaragua. Before long, they began sponsoring children. “I was very interested in what they were doing,” Lucille said. “It’s a really nice thing.” Jo suggested she take all of her scrap material and make something for the girls.
ELIZABETHTOWN — What happens when you expect a winter wonderland, and just one week from Christmas, it’s more Miami than the North Pole? The extended stretch of spring-like weather is expected to last for another week, say meteorologists. Andrea Lang, a professor of atmospheric science at SUNY Albany, said the trend can be attributed to two factors: the polar vortex is one of the strongest on record, keeping cold air trapped at the poles. And in the tropics, the El Nino is among the three strongest since the 1950s, which typically leads to mild temperatures in the northeastern US. “Those two things together are giving us some exceptional warmth this time of year,” said Lang. It’s a development that has baffled the North Country and threatened to upend the tourism industry in what’s traditionally one of the busiest times of year. “The weather outside is frightful,” Regional Office for Sustainable Tourism CEO James McKenna told Essex County
>> Story Continued | pg. 11
>> Story Continued | pg. 15
West Chazy resident Lucille Dargoon has knitted 39 dresses for children in Nicaragua. For the 87-year-old, it’s a way to give back. She’s pictured here with her husband, Edward. Photo provided
Mission of Hope The North Country chapter for The Mission of Hope began in 1998 after Hurricane Mitch devastated the nation. “It stalled over Nicaragua and El Salvador and more than 2,200 people lost their lives,” said Sister Debbie Blow. The trickle of refugees into the country, including to the Plattsburgh school where Blow worked as a principal, led to the formation of the North Country chapter. Since their formation, the group has taken 61 missions to the country. While there, the group aids in education and reconstruction efforts, among other services.
>> Story Continued | pg. 7
Mixed weather presents mixed verdict
mission
WEST CHAZY — Lucille Dragoon is going to make 39 little Nicaraguan girls very happy this holiday season with handmade cotton sundresses. The 87-year-old West Chazy resident has worked on the project since spring and her dresses will be sent down to Central America in February.
The Ticonderoga Food Pantry, too, is aiding 80 local families. “Every little while, we find people who have no food, which is so sad,” said Margaret Beuerlein, the pantry’s director. Students from AuSable Valley Central donated 1,326 items as part of their Thanksgiving drive. Area businesses chipped in $1,000 in cash and $545 in gift cards, with proceeds split between food shelves in Black Brook, Chesterfield, AuSable and Jay. The support has been overwhelming, said Jason Castine, the teacher who spearheaded the drive, now in its second year, after being inspired by his students. “It’s great seeing a staff, students, and local
Lucille’s Mission
2 | December 26, 2015 • The North Countryman Sun
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Ò ThankÊ you,Ê ClintonÊ CountyÊ ChristmasÊ BureauÓ
Local woman gives back to local organization to help families in need By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — Waking up on Christmas day with no presents under the tree frightened mother of two young boys, Michelle Mosher. When Mosher’s twin boys, Joshua and Josiah, were almost a year old, she struggled. Because of raising her two boys alone, she couldn’t work and didn’t have any type of income, just temporary assistance. When Christmas rolled around, she couldn’t afford presents, so she turned to the Clinton County Christmas Bureau for help. After being approved, Mosher listed what she believed would be nice gifts for her boys, in which the Christmas Bureau gave six presents to each. The year after, Mosher worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension, making minimum wage. She paid a majority of her bills and day care for her boys and social services assisted her with groceries and medical bills — leaving her little to no money leftover for Christmas presents.
Staff member Mark Provost, co-owner Michelle Mosher and the rest of the Powerhouse Gym family worked together to sell as many hats they could for the Clinton County Christmas Tree Bureau. They raised over $300. Photo by Teah Dowling
Once again, Mosher returned to the Christmas Bureau unashamed and very grateful. Mosher had high words for the county-run, volunter-staffed distribution center. “If it wasn’t for the Christmas Bureau, my boys wouldn’t have had Christmas,” she said. “Without them, they would’ve had nothing under the tree. “I’m very thankful for all they did for me and my boys.”
DOING ALL SHE CAN Throughout this Christmas season, Mosher has been selling paper Christmas hats for $1 and $5 to benefit the Christmas Bureau. To sell as many hats as she could, she set up a friendly competition between her and the rest of her Powerhouse Gym staff to give them extra initiative to sell as much as they could. Mosher and the Powerhouse Gym family ended up raising over $300 for the Christmas Bureau. Next year, Mosher hopes to raise more money, and give toy donations gathered in the gym, for the Christmas Bureau. “People don’t realize how many unfortunate families there are,” she said. “Giving back like this will at least make sure their kids will have something underneath the Christmas tree.” To learn more about the Clinton County Christmas Bureau, visit clintoncountychristmasbureau.org.
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The North Countryman Sun • December 26, 2015 | 3
YoungÊ peopleÊ makingÊ aÊ difference Local girl sends hundreds of cards and donates carloads of toys locally and nationally
By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — Emily Estes is on a mission: getting local youth involved with helping others and spreading holiday cheer not just locally, but nationally. “Other teens to should get involved with what I’m doing,” Emily said. “They should be able to feel the joy of helping others.” With the help of her mother, Carol Estes, and other local teens, Teens for the Marines Toys for Tots sent out 800 cards to wounded soldiers and veterans through the American Red Cross Northern New York Chapter in Albany. The mother daughter duo also sent around 200 cards to local North Country Honor Flight veterans and another 50 for 8-year-old arson victim Safyre Terry, who wants a lot of Christmas cards. Their second annual movie showing at Cumberland 12 took place Dec. 8 — receiving nine large bags full of toys for the local Toys for Tots and raising around $400. EMILY’S PROJECT Teens for the Marines Toys for Tots began in 2012 when Carol wanted to give Emily a chance to have a project of her own that would make a positive impact on others. “Four years ago, we had Hurricane Sandy blow through, and all you found on the news was people in need,” Carol said. “I told her to shut down the television, video games and iPod and told her to do something. “About three days later, she picked Toys for Tots, and she came up with the idea of a party, which later turned into a dance.” Emily ended up creating a Facebook page for her new project, and she set up the idea of a
Teens for the Marines Toys for Tots second annual movie showing at Cumberland 12 took place Dec. 8 — receiving nine large bags full of toys for the local Toys for Tots and raising around $400. Photos provided
party at the Rainbow Banquet Hall in Altona, which she did again for the second year only as a dance and auction. Last year, Teens for the Marines Toys for Tots didn’t do a party/dance, but they hosted a movie showing, sent 500 Christmas cards to wounded soldiers and veterans, brought cards to a local nursing home and participated in the Red Cross’ Winter Warmth Project, in which they collected winter hats, gloves, blanket and boots for homeless vets. GET INVOLVED All together, they sent over 1,500 cards and donated several carloads of toys to the local Toys for Tots. They hope, with the help of area youth, to do even more for next year’s Christmas season. This year, about eight local youth helped sign the Christmas cards. Next year, and years to come, they hope to get more involved. “It’s not a big organization doing this; it’s a kid,” Carol said. “She takes time out of her social life to do it and she’s proud of what she does. “This is the next generation coming up, and if they don’t want to help, who will?” For more information on the organization, check out their Facebook page “Teens for the Marines Toys for Tots” or email teensformarines@gmail.com.
GivingÊ aÊ littleÊ extraÊ hopeÊ forÊ Christmas Port Kent resident raises funds for Fitzpatrick Cancer Center in honor of father By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — John “Jack” Lattrell always lit up a room with a smile on his face and a joke waiting to be told. At 53 years old, he became sick and in July 2000 was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s. After being admitted into CVPH in September, he passed away the same year on Christmas day. “My dad was a very happy, funny guy,” his daughter Jodi Lattrell Burns said. “Unfortunately, the cancer was very aggressive and there were several complications due to chemo and the disease itself. “For three months, my family spent everyday at the hospital fighting, hoping and praying for him to get better, but he never came home.” Five years ago, Lattrell Burns and family from Keeseville decided to start Jack’s Gift to raise money and gifts for patients at the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center not only in honor of her father, other family members who lost to cancer: Art, Bob, Bucky and James Lattrell. That year, a small group of Lattrell Burns’ family and friends donated about $1,400 in gift cards and monetary donations. This year, she hopes to raise $1,500. DONATE TODAY
Lattrell Burns is accepting donations of grocery and gas cards from local stores along with cash and checks. Donations will be distributed directly to the patients undergoing treatment and most in need of help. A social worker at the center will help to identify the best candidates to give gas and grocery cards to. Lattrell Burns will be taking contributions until Jan. 10. Gifts not given during this Christmas season can be held over for people in need throughout the year or next Christmas season. Donations can be mailed directly to Lattrell Burns at PO Box 60, Port Kent, or The Foundation at CVPH at 75 Beekman St., Plattsburgh. “A gift card for gas and groceries won’t change someone’s life, but it will hopefully put a smile on someone’s face and maybe change their day for the better,” Lattrell Burns said. “I
hope this will let people know they’re not alone in the fight against cancer, especially at this time of year.” To learn more, visit the event Facebook page “Jack’s Gift.”
4 | December 26, 2015 • The North Countryman Sun
OPINIONS
Behind the Pressline
OurÊ goalÊ atÊ SunÊ CommunityÊ NewsÊ isÊ toÊ publishÊ accurate,Ê usefulÊ andÊ timelyÊ informationÊ inÊ ourÊ newspapers,Ê newsÊ products,Ê shoppingÊ guides,Ê vacationÊ guides,Ê andÊ otherÊ specialtyÊ publicationsÊ forÊ theÊ benefit of our readers and advertisers. WeÊ valueÊ yourÊ commentsÊ andÊ suggestionsÊ concerningÊ allÊ aspectsÊ of Ê thisÊ publication.
Dan Alexander
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Warm Wishes
his time of year we all think about others and putting a smile on the faces of those we love. Many feel even happier when they can create that smile for a perfect stranger. Giving and caring are the hallmarks of our nation. Despite the often combative and competitive nature of people in the media spotlight these days, beneath the visible crust is a nation of everyday people, going about their lives doing the small things that make our nation special. The holidays are all about hope, faith and love. It’s a time for giving and receiving, a time for friends and family and it’s a time to remember the true meaning of the season. For many it’s about how a small child born in a manger over 2000 years ago changed our world forever with a simple message. We hear a lot these days about apostasy, which is the term given to people turning away from any religious affiliation. For years we’ve heard the cry about the commercialization of Christmas and the effect it was having on the reason for season. The reality of life and religion can not be classified by terms or affiliations. Jesus made it very clear. Religion is all about how we care for each other and how we take care of those who are in need. He didn’t care what you called yourself, your state of life nor your position in society. In his eyes, all were equal. Religion is more about what’s in your heart and how you conduct your life which is why this is a season for all men and women of goodwill; Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist or Agnostic. Practicing an organized faith works perfectly for many Americans, but at the end of time we will all be judged not by our affiliation but by how we conducted our affairs here on earth. Gifting friends and family and treating them with respect throughout the year is important but how we choose to treat and respect the perfect strangers we come across says more about who you are than anything else you do. So let’s not get too caught up in all the crazy stuff we hear flying around in the media pitting one against another. We need to stay focused on making our world a better place every minute of every day. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself. On behalf of the Sun Community News & Printing staff and family I would like to wish you, your family and your community a very joyous and safe holiday, a prosperous new year and wish that we are all granted lives of joy, peace and caring. May God bless us all. Dan Alexander is CEO of Sun Community News
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Publisher ............................................................................................Daniel E. Alexander Associate Publisher ............................................................................................ Ed Coats Operations Manager ............................................................................... William Coats General Manager Central...................................................Daniel E. Alexander, Jr. Managing Editor ...........................................................................................John Gereau General Manager North ................................................................. Ashley Alexander General Manager South .................................................................Scarlette Merfeld
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EDITORIALS
What makes our tiny communities so special is you
E
very year is busy. This has been no exception. Alongside the heavy-duty events that have recalibrated our national discourse — fear is in, economic concerns have taken a backseat — several local stories have emerged that will make likely make 2015 more memorable for historians. Two killers escaped from Dannemora, leading to a three-week manhunt that held the region captive and brought the nation’s attention to our otherwise sedate doorstep. We’ve seen the shocking fall of state and local officials, including those who have held hallowed roles right here in our very own backyards. Our local athletic teams came close to statewide victory, with most falling heartbreakingly short. Controversy swirled as a college attempted to rename themselves after a donor, giving birth to another round of impassioned discussion that has come to characterize North Country discourse. The seeds have been planted for sweeping statewide legislation, including minimum wage reform. Voters headed to the polls in local elections, dashing dreams and giving birth to others. Several legendary local leaders have retired. One village has dissolved and another has voted to follow in its footsteps. Fires have reshaped neighborhoods. Businesses have come and gone. Local emergency squads have pulled themselves back from the brink. And the tax cap continues to reshape life here in a place where life has never come easy. And of course, this weekly newspaper has seen our own rebranding, our own sun rising, casting rays over this dynamic, always-interesting landscape. Perhaps this is all just business as usual: The days creep by and some changes appear to be more sweeping than others. But the biggest stories this year are yours. We’re always amazed at the North Country’s penchant for helping others — Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. You. We’re inspired and moved by your selfless efforts. This year, we’ve witnessed schools being reborn from ash in Ticonderoga. We’ve watched as committed volunteers have raised barns from once-fallow fields in Essex; constructed community pavilions from donations in Wadhams; reignited dreams in Newcomb and created civic institutions from the recesses of their memories in Keeseville. You stepped to the plate to salvage a field trip to Washington, D.C. after a roaming charlatan raided your trust. We sat back in awe as teachers and student associations stuck up for alienated students. You’ve rallied for teachers across the region and walked alongside an educator from Saranac Lake to Albany in her quest to remedy injustice. You have filled food pantries, adopted children, started charitable programs, helped drug-addicted prison inmates, filled backpacks with food and stepped forward to fill vacant positions in all manner of civic organizations, from fire departments to ambulance squads. You have raised thousands for local families in need, constructed libraries in neglected communities and breathed technicolor into sleepy locales by way of regular cultural series. As public officials, you’ve have made it rain for your constituents. Through your efforts, funds have come in to raise the quality of life for those who
haven’t always had a voice. Communities have been linked in, wired and drawn closer to the world. We’ve slimmed down and have been enticed into making healthier lifestyle choices. As religious leaders, you’ve guided your flocks through these turbulent times. You’ve brought us closer to a moral center through both word and deed, including selfless acts like offering tickets to Pope Francis during his historic trip to the US. As veterans, you have humbly recounted stories from the battlefield, from the fronts of Europe to the scorched earth of Vietnam, while asking for nothing in return. And as just regular folks, you’ve inspired us. It’s been an interesting year. But only because of you. Thanks and happy holidays. See you in 2016. The Sun Community News Editorial Board is comprised of Dan Alexander, John Gereau, Pete DeMola and Keith Lobdell. We value your opinion and want to hear from you. Drop us a line on our new Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, or email us at johng@suncommunitynews.com.
Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School student Emmalee Turner
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The North Countryman Sun • December 26, 2015 | 5
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ItÕ sÊ coolÊ today... To the editor: Honoring a 20-year-old promise (or was it a dare?) to perform in Harold Pinter’s first play, “The Room,” I’ve spent much of November in The Wooster Group’s Performing Garage in New York City, longing for home. Each week the “Leaving Adirondack Park” sign in Queensbury gets me down. I signed on to the project last year, as a commitment to the experimental theater company I was part of for many years. So here I am, writing the Upper Jay Art Center’s end-of year fundraising appeal from a noisy railroad flat on the Lower East Side. If I were younger, this would be really cool. But I’m not younger. Cool today, for my money, is a sweaty crowd dancing to a 13-piece Latin orchestra at The Recovery Lounge. (Thank you, Peg Wilson and Bob Andrews.) Cool is Maeve and Zoe Brammer bravely joining the cast of 16 in Caryl Churchill’s play “Love and Information,” directed by James Coleman. Cool is watching Liza Amirault growing up each year behind the microphone at the January Jams. And major cool is running into my pal Frank Owen at Stewart’s on a sunny day, laughing about a brief, brief-less appearance as King Lear I have been begging him to make at the Lounge someday (another dare). I am pleased to be using the phrase “10th anniversary” for the last time. It’s been a banner year, starting with grilled cheese sandwiches, beer, and Peter Landau’s brilliant public audition as a stubborn opossum. Thank you to everyone who participated in our 10th anniversary fundraising campaign-to those who gave, those who came, and those who gave again. It never stops, this asking for help. Think of it as a gift to the community. Your way to support the place where we gather to celebrate, relax and recover. That would be cool. Scott Renderer Artistic Director Upper Jay
BusinessesÊ makeÊ communityÊ fundraiserÊ aÊ success! To the editor: The Msgr. A.M. Gilbert Council 6136, Knights of Columbus wishes to thank all who helped in any way to make our recent community fundraiser a success. The proceeds from this function will help us to support our charitable programs throughout the year. We are grateful to all who attended and participated. Likewise, we would like to thank K of C members and their wives, the Ladies Auxiliary and other family members for their time and talent in assisting with this event. Special thanks to the following patrons for their generous support: The Golub Corporation (Price Chopper), R L Vallee Inc. (Irving/Almoto’s/Maplefields), Dragoon’s Farm Equipment, Church Oil Co., D.S. Specialties, JCS Mathews Corporation, Kavanaugh Reality (Joey Trombley), Hair Creations (Lisa Suprenant), Jim Rabideau Maple, Pizza Hut (Rte 3 Plattsburgh), Cornerstone Drug & Gifts, Supernaw Construction, NAPA (Ellenburg), Cindy’s Country Store, Rene’s Repair & True Value (Chazy), Border Press, Sample Brothers Maple Products, Kinney Drugs (Champlain), Ace Hardware, Bedard’s Auto, Mooers Forks Sheet Metal, Bourdeau Brothers, G.R.C. Beverages, Pine Grove Auto, Community Bank (Champlain), Varin’s Country Market & Deli, Ross Funeral Home and Coca Cola (Malone). Also, Riley Ford, Viau Meats (Hemmingford QC), Hamilton Funeral Home, LaBarge Insurance Agency, LES Farm Sales, Chazy Orchards, M & S Auto Body, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Hong Kong Jade Buffet, Della Toyota, Applebees, Sam’s Club, Sample Lumber, Auto Zone, Border View Grocery & Subway, Begore’s Supply, Dominic’s Hardware (Ellenburg), Dick’s Country Store & Music Oasis, Nephew’s Liquor & Wine, Ray’s Appliance Sales & Service, Perras Garage, Woodmen Of The World (Tim Gonyo), Plattsburgh Distributing, Tedford’s Garage, The Wooden Goose, Parker’s Chevy, Sandi’s Kountry Kitchen, Bee Line Logistics, Five guys, Bushey’s Auto Yando’s Big M, Plattsburgh Ford and Pepsi Cola (Keeseville). Orville Pratt Treasurer
QuitÊ smokingÊ forÊ NewÊ YearÕ s To the editor: Thinking About Quitting for the New Year? If you are a smoker thinking about quitting for the New Year, here are a few things you can do to before New Year’s Day to increase your chances of quitting for good. 1) Talk to your doctor or counselor – many North Country providers have made treating tobacco dependence a priority and are ready to help you be successful. 2) Ask about medications that can help – using medication can double your chances of becoming a former smoker. Even if you’ve tried a medication before and think it didn’t work, talk to your doctor about it anyway. There may be new options you can try. 3) Call the NYS Smokers’ Quitline at 866-NY-Quits – you’ll be able to talk to a cessation counselor who can help you make a plan, plus you may be eligible for a free 2-week supply of the nicotine patch. 4) Visit BecomeAnEX.org – this is a great website that can help you prepare to “become an ex.” 5) Identify your triggers and have a plan for dealing with those when your quit day arrives - each time you light up a cigarette, notice how you are feeling and what’s happening around you. What time is it? How strong is the urge? Write it down. After a couple of days, review what you have written and think about what you will do instead, starting New Year’s Day, when those moments or scenarios arise.
6) Tell family and friends about your resolution – find the people who will be supportive, and make a plan for being around people who may trigger an urge to smoke. Whether you decide to quit for New Year’s, or another day, remember that quitting for good is tough, but very possible with some planning, medication and support. Ann Morgan, project coordinator North Country Healthy Heart Network Saranac Lake
GratitudeÊ goesÊ toÊ theÊ wholeÊ community To the editor: We cannot begin to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in The Magic of Christmas in Essex this year. We had such a wonderful turnout from start to finish and it’s because of so many people who pitched in to make it a worthwhile and festive event. We would like to acknowledge the following for their efforts: all of the visiting vendors and downtown Essex businesses (Adirondack Art Association, Pink Pig Antiques and Café, Essex Ice Cream Café, Neighborhood Nest, Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness, ReNew, the Cupola House, College for Every Student, Essex Inn, Essex Community Church and the Belden Noble Library) for being open and for decorating, a huge thank you to Jay and Sarah White for all they did to make this event possible, Susan Hughes and the Pleasant Valley Chorale for their beautiful music, Tom and Mary Ann Mangano for their PR help, Colleen and Jim VanHoven, Drew Reithel of the Willsboro Diner for preparing the pancake breakfast, the members of the Essex F&A Masons and Ron Jackson, Frank Wahls and the Essex Volunteer Fire Department for all of their support, the Essex Beautification Committee and Boquet Valley Blooms for the festive decorations and greenery, Norma Goff and the members of the Essex Community Church, Hillary Stransky, Emily Phillips and the members of Essex Initiatives, Steven Kellogg for sharing his imagination and creativity with us, Supervisor Gardner, Cathy DeWolff, Bradley French and the Essex DPW for procuring and installing the permanent Town tree, Ted and Cathy Taylor of Taylor Tree Care for finding just the right Christmas tree, Jan and John Fortune for hundreds of cookies and delicious cocoa, Katie Shepard, George Davis and Donna Sonnet for helping get the word out, Pat Burnes, Sharon Boisen, Emma Paladino, Debbie Alterie, Jodi Browning, Deb and Fred Schrodt of Pink Pig Antiques and Café and Tom Duca for their extra efforts, the staff of CFES (Tara, Kristina and Chelsea) for helping organize the Reindeer Run, Michelle Maron of Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness and Rick and Karen Dalton of College for Every Student for opening their businesses to house our vendors and finally, Santa and Mrs. Claus for taking time out of their busy schedule to be with the children. We thank everyone for coming to Essex to help celebrate the Christmas season and look forward to seeing you next year. Ken Hughes and Susie Smith Co-organizers, Christmas in Essex
WeÊ stuffed-a-bus!! To the editor: Many thanks to everyone who supported our efforts to support the Ticonderoga Food Pantry Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Ticonderoga Walmart store. Whether you purchased goods to help stock the shelves of the food pantry or if you made a cash donation, your support is very much appreciated. Thank you for your generosity, especially now during the holiday season. Thanks to your support, we were able to fill a full-size school bus with food for the food pantry. In addition, we were able to collect $920 in cash donations, also for the food pantry. We never cease to be amazed by the generosity of the citizens of our community. A special “thank you” goes out to Alex Smith and Jay Wells, the faculty advisors who organized this event. They reserved the school bus and organized the student volunteers who handed out flyers at Walmart and encouraged shoppers to help support the food pantry. Last, but most certainly not least, many thanks to all of the student volunteers who took time away from their Saturday to come out and help everyone to stuff-the-bus. John Bartlett Ticonderoga Kiwanis
VoiceYourOpinion Sun Community News welcomes letters to the editor. • Letters can be sent to its offices, 14 Hand Avenue, PO Box 338, Elizabethtown, 12932 • Or e-mailed to johng@suncommunitynews • Letters can also be submitted online at www.suncommunitynews.com Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be signed and include a telephone number for verification. Sun Community News reserves the right to edit letters for length and/or content. Letters deemed inappropriate will be rejected. Endorsement letters for announced political candidates are not accepted and are considered paid advertisements.
COMMENTARY
Little Bits Wind-up toys Gordie Little
Columnist
H
as anyone ever said, “You’re really wound up today”? It happens. It’s that time of year when you’d like to just crawl under the Christmas tree and take a nap. We’re supposed to be joyful, but the world is in such a state of being wound up and messed up, that it’s not so easy. I’ll try to lighten it up a bit. Unwind. Relax. Count your blessings, one by one, to quote a line from a great song. Travel back in time, if you will, to far less hectic days when toys didn’t have batteries. Yes, there was a time when you didn’t have to worry whether you had enough double A’s or triple A’s or regulars or lithiums or whatever. Remember when the best toy under the tree was mechanical with a key sticking out? I do. The best toy I ever had was the only toy I got one year, because that’s the way it was back then. It was a wind up tank--a replica of the famous Sherman tank. It was awesome. My tank had rubber treads. You turned the key until it couldn’t turn any more. There was a lever you pushed to start it up. It could climb over mountains of books. It could move up a slope so steep, it would finally tip over. Inside was a clockwork motor tough enough to withstand the fat hands of little Gordie Little. We would put the cat in a tiny wagon and hook it up to the tank which would tow it across the floor as long as the long-suffering kitty would sit still. What fun. How long has it been since you wound up anything but yourself? For me, it’s only been a few days. My weekly ritual includes winding my clocks and there are many. Kaye or I will sometimes wind up a music box from her collection and listen to the melody. But, we’d have to search drawers to find wind-up toys from when our brood was young. I awoke with that thought this morning. If I wanted to buy wind-up toys, could I find them on the Internet? The answer is a resounding YES. I took a trip down memory lane and typed “wind-up toys” into my favorite search engine. There they were, available for old codgers like me to goggle over, and for a new generation who has never known such things existed. I couldn’t find Sherman tanks, but I did come across a chicken that wiggled across the floor and laid eggs. Come to think of it, I believe I know a drawer in our hutch containing a wind-up purple Papa Smurf. It might be too late for you to pick some up this year, but, it’s a good exercise to remember back to a day before you put batteries into anything except a flashlight. Columnist Gordie Little may be reached at gordie@suncommunitynews.com.
6 | December 26, 2015 • The North Countryman Sun
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KIDS-N-PEACE @ST JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 10 CHURCH ST., ESSEX.
JAN.
17 Sun.
THRU
FEB.
7
Sun.
DEC. LOREN & KEVIN@ 29 TANNERY POND Tues. CENTER, NORTH CREEK.
Tuesday: 7:30 pm
Sundays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Helping our children choose peaceful solutions with Jesus as our guide. For grades K-5. For information & registration (required): 203-707-4229.
View our complete listing and other events online.
83316
JAN. FIBT WORLD CUP BOBSLED 08 Fri. & SKELETON@ AND JAN. MT. VAN HOEVENBERG, 09 220 BOB RUN Sat. RD., LAKE PLACID.
Fri.-Sat.: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Catch all the excitement as the world’s best bobsled & skeleton riders battle it out! Details: whiteface.com. View our complete listing and other events online.
Saturday: 1:00 pm
Take the plunge in the waters of Long Lake to start off your New Year! Registration fee is “pay what you may” and proceeds benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. Registration & Med Check at 10 am. Details: 518-624-3077 or www.mylonglake.com.
Thursday: 10:30 pm - 12:30am
A family friendly skating party to ring in the New Year. Hot beverages and snacks will be available. $5 donation per person. Proceeds benefit the Lake Placid Food Pantry. Details: 518-302-5028.
HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH RIDES@ SHELBURNE FARMS, SHELBURNE, VERMONT.
FAMILY SKATING@ AMERI-CAN NORTH SPORTS CENTER, 90 SHARRON AVE., PLATTSBURGH.
78606
DEC.
28 Mon.
THRU
DEC.
30 Wed.
Mon.-Wed.: 11:00 am - Noon
Free ice time is available to anyone each day. Skate rentals available for $2. No registration necessary. Details: 518-562-6860, townofplattsburghrecreation.com. View our complete listing and other events online.
RESOLUTION RUN@ HERITAGE MUSEUM, TICONDEROGA.
83318
JAN.
01 Fri.
Friday: 11:00 am
78612
DEC. SKATE INTO 2016@ 31 Thurs. OLYMPIC SPEED SKATING OVAL, LAKE PLACID.
View our complete listing and other events online.
View our complete listing and other events online.
83317
JAN. FEELIN’ LONG LAKEY 02 Sat. POLAR BEAR PLUNGE@LONG LAKE TOWN BEACH, LONG LAKE.
View our complete listing and other events online.
Tannery Pond Center presents Loren & Kevin. The Barrigar Brothers are talented guitarists who will perform in concert at the center. Admission is $15 for adults, Free for students and children. Details: 518-251-2505 or bspeach@tpcca.org.
The LaChute Road Runner’s Resolution Run is a 5k run or walk. Entry fee is $2 or donation of 2 canned goods. Proceeds benefit the Ticonderoga Food Pantry. Details: 518-585-6619. View our complete listing and other events online.
78613
DEC. NEW YEAR’S EVE 31 FIREWORKS@ Thurs. SHEPARDS PARK, LAKE GEORGE.
Thursday: 12:00 am
78610
DEC.
25 Fri.
THRU
JAN.
01 Fri.
Giddy-up, Giddy-up on these 20 minute rides from the Welcome Center. All rides are weather-permitting. Call for weather conditions and times: 802-985-8442. View our complete listing and other events online.
78614
Start your New Year off with a bang! Enjoy fireworks over Lake George at midnight. Finish off your year with a fireworks spectacular. Details: 518-668-5755. View our complete listing and other events online.
78611
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The North Countryman Sun • December 26, 2015 | 7
Purtell keeps Christmas season alive
PERU — During a period in history when many people are absorbed in the secular aspects of Christmas Season, Joseph Purtell has been exposing young people in his community to the religious nature of the season. For the past 25 years Purtell has served as Chairman of St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273’s Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest. It would have served as chairman for 27 consecutive years except as a member of the U.S. Air Force Purtell was called away to serve in Korea and in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest is a Knights of Columbus international program that began in the 1960’s. Several thousand K of C councils conduct the program annually for children ages 5 to 14. This year the Peru youth judged to have the best poster will receive a special honor; their poster will be featured on St. Augustine’s Pastor Rev. Alan Shnob’s 2016 Christmas card. Before the children arrive at St. Augustine’s Parish Center to draw their posters, Purtell and his helpers place Christmas cards portraying the Christ Child on each worktable. He explained, “Sometimes they start off drawing Santa. We explain Christ to them and they quickly understand.” After having conducted the contest for so many years Purtell has many memories. He remarked, “I get to see the children grow and now I see their children. It’s wonderful!” Purtell said 2015 would be his last year leading the contest. He explained, “My wife Judy and I have 16 grandchildren living as far away as Florida and the Carolinas. We want to visit them more often. If I can’t commit, I’d rather not chair the program. If I’m here, I’ll be happy to help.” Coincidently the Peru Knights are in the process of reviving their Columbian Squires Circle, a youth group open to boys and young men ages 10 to 18. Purtell said, “I hope the contest can be passed on to the Squires. They conducted our contest in the 1980’s. It would be a great activity for them.”
UVM-CVPH announces recertification of cardiac rehab program
PLATTSBURGH — The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital officials announce the recertification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care. Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and
pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families. The CVPH Cardiac Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guide-
lines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.
Food shelves
The North Country has been particularly affected by the sustained economic downturn. The total number of meals provided to regional banks has risen by nearly 20 percent in the past six years, with total food poundage increasing about 40 percent, said Susan Lindtner, the agency’s director. The bank provided 2 million more pounds of food this year than the last. “That’s a pretty significant increase over last year,” Lindtner said. Lindtner said this is likely attributed to the recent closing of several large employers in Franklin County. Seasonal employment trends also play a role, she said. At Saranac Lake’s First Presbyterian Church, the donation basket is packed and is ready to be delivered to the Saranac
Lake Interfaith Food Pantry, which funnels the items back out to the community. In addition, the Ecumenical Council of Saranac Lake, a group of local churches, assembles holiday food boxes for 150 families. They include healthy snacks for kids on holiday recess who may lack those options at home. Every week, the pantry serves approximately 15 to 25 families in the Saranac Lake School District — even more at the end of the month when SNAP benefits run out, said Ann Cooney, a volunteer. “We’re doing really really well from generosity of people in the area,” said Cooney. “We’re overwhelmed with appreciation.”
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businesses that care so much about helping others in the community,” Castine said. Carol Hackel, of Jay, distributed some of these items to 13 local families before Thanksgiving. Hackel recounted the tears and joy of the recipients, who were caught unaware by the visits of these local guardian angels. “See, that’s what this is all about,” she said. Items are still available for local families in need of a Christmas bump. Many pantries supplement donations with inventory purchased from the Northeastern Regional Food Bank, which sells bulk items at a reduced cost.
Reporter Teah Dowling contributed to this report.
8 | December 26, 2015 • The North Countryman Sun
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Adirondack Regional Art Trail launches
Initiative creates new way to experience the arts in Northern NY
the word about the museums in the region.” AU SABLE FORKS
By Teah Dowling
The original Art Deco building, now known as the Hollywood Theater, was built in 1937 and has been remodeled and heavily repaired to what it is today. The theater now has two screens, each with 98 seats, and a new marquee. Built in 1911 as a Masonic Lodge, the Tahawus Center served the town thanks to dance artists Rebecca Kelly and Craig Brashear of Rebecca Kelly Ballet. Since 1987, the two have been touring, performing and teaching in the North Country. They now showcase events and projects in education, dance, film, photography, music, science, yoga and art. “We see the Adirondack Regional Art Trail as an ideal way for artists across the region to connect and collaborate and creates an overall identity for the region as an arts destination,” Kelly said. “It also helps point the way to the treasures in the making within these mountains.”
teah@suncommunitynews.com
ADIRONDACK REGION — The Adirondack Regional Art Trail launched last month to bring greater visibility to the arts around the Adirondack region. The trail launched as part of the interactive North Guide website to connect hundreds of arts organizations, galleries, theaters, artists and craftspeople in a region-wide network making it easier for visitors and residents to plan trips and outings that include the arts. “This is such a big region and we don’t know what’s happening in different areas in terms of art,” said Melissa Hart, communications specialist for the Adirondack North Country Association. “There’s so much to explore in this region and this is a great way to find out about those things.” Four organizations — Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), BluSeed Studios, Saranac Lake ArtWorks and Traditional Arts in Upstate New York (TAUNY) — received funding through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to get the project started. “Initially, I was going to do it for our area since we have 12 galleries and 50 artists,” said Sandra Hildreth, originator of the art trail and part of Saranac Lake ArtWorks. “So, I came up with this website.” The official debut will take place spring 2016. The next phase will involve building a more physical presence for the trail, with signage, banners and events. Until then, the art trail focuses on the arts in a variety of towns and cities, including Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, Port Henry, Chazy, Au Sable Forks, Indian Lake, Long Lake and more.
WESTPORT The Alice T. Miner Museum is a colonial revival museum featuring rooms with samplers, silhouettes, china, furniture and commemorative items from the Battle of Plattsburgh. Photo provided
PLATTSBURGH People embarking on the trail can step back in time and chronologically experience the events leading to the Battle of Plattsburgh within the context of the War in 1812 at the Battle of Plattsburgh Interpretive Center and War of 1812 Museum. The website features two SUNY Plattsburgh arts: Nina Winkel Sculpture Court and Plattsburgh State Art Museum. The Nina Winkel Sculpture Court features dozens of sculptures by Nina Winkel, who lived through a variety of historical events and times that influenced her pieces. The museum features world-class art exhibits, artifacts and events — showcasing over 4,600 works of art and artifacts. ROTA Studio & Gallery, started by local artists and musicians, aims to bring music and arts from around the world to Plattsburgh. It features eight community art exhibitions each year and local musicians, among other attractions. The Adirondack Regional Theatre is a nonprofit community theater that provides a “dynamic, high-quality theatrical experience for people of all ages free of charge.” Created by a band of Plattsburgh movers and shakers to help grow culture in the community, First Weekends were joined by downtown businesses, organizations and galleries to host family-friendly free events and art openings. The Strand Center for the Arts collaborates closely with organizations throughout the region to help strengthen the economics of the North Country. SCA also offers a variety of exhibits, classes, various works of art and the newly restored and renovated Strand Theatre. “Anytime there is a chance to work with local businesses, nonprofits, galleries or museums, we are always on board,” said Christina Elliot, gallery and museum coordinator for SCA. “The art trail is a great resource for galleries and museums.” CHAZY
Cynthia Root, “William,” watercolor on paper was on display at the Strand Center for the Arts for an exhibit to bring awareness to local veterans and their families. Photo provided
The Alice T. Miner Museum is a colonial revival museum featuring rooms with samplers, silhouettes, china, furniture and commemorative items from the Battle of Plattsburgh. “We’re very happy to be included on the art trail,” said Ellen Adams, director of the museum. “We hope will help spread
The Depot Theatre provides professional theatrical arts in a historic train station, something they’ve been doing for 36 years. Meadowmount School of Music showcased on the website their summer concerts by students, faculty and distinguished guests. Meredith Johnston of Aerobie Fields Pottery creates and sells functional and decorative stoneware pottery. PORT HENRY The Craft Gallery — owned by Jackie Viestenz, Linda Smyth and Susan MoHone — is a seasonal business that showcases about 50 artists and crafters who sell jewelry, paintings, quilted items, pottery, knitted items and wooden bowls. “We wanted to join the art trail in order to make our shop more visible,” Viestenz said. “We hope people will visit us when they are in the area.” WILMINGTON Susan Runyon of Alpine Images Photography sells her Adirondack landscape photographs and notecards. Lauren McGovern of Beads from the Barn began creating beaded jewelry over 20 years ago but only in the last several years has branched out to create pieces with fused glass and metal clays.
LAKE PLACID Artist Jacqueline Altman works out of her home studio making watercolor paintings of the area surrounding her. The Lake Placid Center for the Arts offers a variety of programming year-round from music to theater and dance for various ages and interests. The Palace Theater is a family-owned vintage theater that shows first-run movies on four screens in a circa-1926 building. The Lake Placid Sinfonietta, known as the orchestra of the Adirondacks, is a professional chamber orchestra that presents a summer festival during July and August featuring world-class soloists and classical musicians from around the country. To see a full list of artists, galleries and organizations participating, visit www.suncommunitynews.com.
Town to begin bowling program PLATTSBURGH — The town of Plattsburgh Recreation Department is sponsoring an eight week bowling program for all school aged children who are residents of the town beginning Sunday, Jan. 3. Shoe rental and three games of bowling are included for free each week. All areas of the town will bowl at North Bowl Lanes on Sundays at 9 a.m. This program will run every week through Feb. 21. There is a one-time registration fee of $10 due at the time of registration. Register in person at the parks and recreation department at 151 Banker Road. Register online at townofplattsburghrecreation.com.
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The North Countryman Sun â&#x20AC;˘ December 26, 2015 | 9
10 | December 26, 2015 • The North Countryman Sun
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Published by Denton Publications, Inc.
Library director: “We have no more electric bills” Peru Free Library shares success of going green, other libraries following in footsteps By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PERU — Up on the rooftop of the Peru Free Library sits 49 solar panels, a spur-of-the-moment decision that led not only to no electric bills, but a series of energy efficiency upgrades. When applying for a grant through the Public Library Construction Grant Program, Director Becky Pace initially wrote in things the library needed, including a new roof on part of the building, sidewalk and furnace. While writing, she came up with the idea of solar panels and thought “why not?” She met with the library board to pass the idea. When they agreed, Pace looked into how to obtain a 50/50 match for the grant. Pace matched the grant to a New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) grant — thus paying nothing for the installation of the solar panels in 2009. The solar system was installed by SolarNovar, formerly Triangle Electric, of Plattsburgh. Each panel weighs about 32 pounds and can generate over 200 watts of electricity. Since installation, the library hasn’t paid one electric bill. Instead, they manufacture and sell the electricity to NYSEG.
Up on the rooftop of the Peru Free Library sits 49 solar panels, a spur-of-the-moment decision that led not only to no electric bills, but a series of energy efficiency upgrades. Photo by Teah Dowling
The only issue, Pace said, is snow and uncovering them after a storm. Besides that, they’ve been very successful and helped lead the library to make further changes in energy efficiency. Following the installation of the solar panels, the library installed a natural gas powered furnace and replaced all the fluorescent lighting with new smaller circumference bulbs. Also, three years ago, the library put in a community garden in the back for the town so that they can plant and share. Pace said in the future, the library plans on becoming as green as they possibly can. MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT Au Sable Forks Free Library and Goff-Nelson Memorial Library received New York State Education Department grants this year to not only make upgrades, but make their libraries more energy efficient. The Tupper Lake library started its journey in becoming more energy efficient a year ago when they installed their first set of energy efficient doors. They replaced the rest of their doors this month. For this year’s renovation, they plan on installing energy efficient ceiling fans to push down heat throughout the library and replacing the casing, sides and ceiling of the building to save energy. “We do as much as we can to stay green,” said Peg Mauer, library director of GoffNelson Memorial Library. “Little by little, we plan on taking steps in the right direction toward a greener future.” Within the overall plan, the Au Sable Forks Free Library intends to make energy efficient upgrades to the windows and doors to make the library cooler in the warmer months and warmer in the cooler months. Also, the library will be replacing all of its exterior and interior fluorescent lighting with LED lighting. Au Sable Forks Free Library Director Allison Follos said the library hopes to complete renovations by next spring. “We’re doing all this because we want to make the library more energy efficient,” Follos said. “We’re looking forward to going more green in the future.” The Au Sable Forks Free Library intends to make energy efficient upgrades to the windows and doors to make the library cooler in the warmer months and warmer in the cooler months. Photo by Teah Dowling
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The North Countryman Sun • December 26, 2015 | 11
Cycle ADK announces 2016 route
By Christina Scanlon
christina@suncommunitynews.com
KEESEVILLE — It’s eight months away, but the excitement is already building for the 2016 Cycle Adirondacks tour. The route for the week-long event, which returns in August after its successful debut last year, was unveiled last week by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The event, which was broadcast live from the Adirondack Architectural Heritage office, drew views from around the globe. “We’ve had incredible feedback,” said Doug Haney, event manager. Less than a week later, cyclists from 18 different states and British Columbia had already registered for the tour which takes place Aug. 20-27. It’s not just the cyclists who are eagerly awaiting the event. Officials and residents along the tour will be preparing to welcome the guests in their communities. “Cycle Adirondacks had such a positive influence,” said Mark Hall, former town supervisor of Fine, where cyclists traveled last year. “Economically it was a real boost, but even more important was that it brought our community together in a way that nothing else has – it galvanized our pride in where we live, and that effect has lasted beyond the event.” In Old Forge, officials reported seeing participants from the 2015 tour return to other events during the year, after learning the many wonderful things the area has to offer. The 2016 route starts and ends in Hadley/Lake Luzerne with overnight stops in Ticond-
eroga, Keeseville, Saranac Lake, Indian Lake and Northville. A layover day in Saranac Lake gives riders an optional route touring Lake Placid or a day off their bikes to enjoy the amenities available in the Olympic Region. Some participants may choose a three- or four-day route, instead of the week-long option, beginning in Lake Luzerne and ending in Saranac Lake, with transportation provided back to the start. For non-cyclists, a program called Cycle Adirondacks Adventure Travelers, offers outdoor activities and wildlife interpretation each day and reuniting with the cyclists in camp each evening. Haney recalled some unexpected experienced from last year, which attracted riders from 29 states and Canada. Noticing participants wearing wooden medals, he inquired about them. “You’re the organizer, don’t you know?” answered one of the riders. Community members had greeted every rider with the gifts, unbeknownst to Haney. It’s that sort of welcome that shows off the heart of the Adirondacks, “Our inaugural event (last year) was a resounding success because every community welcomed our cyclists as family. That is not something you can script into a cycling tour. It was genuine and is what will continue to make Cycle Adirondacks special,” Haney said. Post-event surveys showed 99 percent of riders rated the event highly positively and would recommend it to others. In addition, 98 percent said they are likely to visit the Adirondacks again, with 100 percent saying they will tell others to visit. Roughly half the participants had never visited the Adirondack Park before the 2015 tour. “WCS created the eco-tourism event to provide a world-class, fully supported cycling adventure that gives hundreds of riders the opportunity to enjoy the Adirondack Park’s natural and recreational resources,” said Zoe Smith, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society Adirondack Program. Cycle Adirondacks enlists local volunteer groups to help stage the event in each community, offering community grants as a fundraiser for each organization involved. WCS distributed nearly $50,000 in community grants last year. Information about how to volunteer is expected to be released in January.
Registration for Cycle Adirondacks:
Officials from communities where cyclists will stop on the 2016 Cycle Adirondacks tour gathered a few weeks ago for the unveiling of the route.
Includes three catered meals daily, fully stocked rest stops, prime camping spots, hot showers, baggage service, on-course safety support, a wellness tent, and a beer/wine garden and live entertainment that are both open to the public. Total mileage for the week is 350-425 miles, depending on options, with daily routes ranging from 53 to 69 miles. The event features a special price for the 7-day tour of $1,295 through Dec. 31. The price of a three-day/four-day tour option is $645. For more information visit: www.cycleadirondacks. com
Photo by Christina Scanlon
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“Unfortunately, Mom’s health does not permit this level of involvement, so this was her contribution,” said Tom Dragoon, Lucille’s son. With her arthritis and a fall back in November, nothing has stopped Lucille from her mission. “I had some materials here at the house and I went out and got a pattern,” Lucille said. “I got started and said, “This is fun, I’m having a great time.”” Before long, Lucille ran out of material for her dresses. On Mother’s Day, she received a box of fabric. “I was tickled pink,” Lucille said. “They couldn’t have given me anything I like to do better.” Once word got out to Lucille’s friends, they, too, began donating. Lucille was off and running and got up to 39 dresses from sizes five to 12. “I don’t like to sit down and do nothing,” Lucille said. “That’s also what’s got me going to do this.” Tom agreed: “For her to sit in front of a TV and not have a knitting needle in her hand is uncommon,” he said. “She will knit in the car all the way down to Plattsburgh and back.” If Lucille hunkered down, it would take her 24 hours to complete one dress. She takes her time and likes to tinker around the house. She will then sit down to work on a dress for a couple of hours.
Lucille wants to make sure every stitch is perfect on each dress. If it wasn’t for a broken sewing machine, she would have reached her goal of 50 dresses. Her machine has been sent to Montreal for repair and she has been slowed down quit a bit, but she hopes to get back to it as soon as everything is fixed. The finished product The difficult part about getting people involved in doing something like this is them having the knowledge to knit or sew as well as having the financial backing, said Tom. “With my mother it’s like a tsunami,” Tom said. “A perfect gathering of all the elements needed to make something like this work.”
“She used very colorful patterns and put decorative buttons on them,” Blow said. “Just to kind of specialize them.” Lucille’s final touch on the dresses is buttons that help bring out the colors. Community members have heard about what Lucille has done and they, too, would like to get involved. “One person gets inspired by another, and that’s what’s so wonderful about the North Country,” Blow said. “We get tremendous support for the Mission.” When delivering the dresses to Blow’s office, Lucille seemed very emotional and deeply moved by the impact that she is going to have from 39 little girls who will wear her colorful, button-adorned sun dresses. “She’s got a very strong commitment for helping,” Tom said. “And she’s always been a giving soul.”
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Lucille’s mission
12 | December 26, 2015 • The North Countryman Sun
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The Sun’s Top 10 of fall 2015
n perhaps one of the hardest years to judge, the staff at Sun Community News has come up with the top 10 games of the 2015-16 fall sports season. There were plenty of dramatic finishes, close calls and championship moments, not to mention all the thrills of a deep post-season run. Below is our list of the best games of the fall:
#5.Ê LakeÊ PlacidÊ boysÊ X-C
NYSPHSAA Cross Country Championships The Blue Bombers became the first team since Saranac Lake to bring home a cross country state championship for Section VII, racing their way to victory on a very demanding course at Monroe-Woodbury High School. Led by top runner Karl Schulz (above), the team was dominate throughout the regular season, and knew what to expect coming into the championships having already run the course.
#1.Ê TiconderogaÊ v.Ê Tioga
NYSPHSAA Class D football state championship What makes this game great is the pressure it was played under: this was the Class D state championship game, where Ti and Moriah had not come within 50 points of any team they had ever faced at the Carrier Dome. The Sentinels came out firing on all cylinders, scoring the first 14 points of the game. The ending was equally as exciting, but not as satisfying as the Ti faithful would have hoped for. On the second to last Tioga drive of the game, Ryan Trudeau (above) looked to have sealed the MVP title with a tackle for loss, sack and interception on three consecutive plays. While the game did not go the way the Sentinels had hoped (a 33-26 loss), they can hold their heads high knowing they represented the section and school well.
#3.Ê PHSÊ v.Ê EastÊ Aurora
NYSPHSAA Class B boys soccer championship The Hornets made the Class B state title game look like a Rhonda Rousey fight, throwing the first knock-out punch 34 seconds into the game as they went onto a 3-1 victory, earning the Class B state championship. The story of the weekend was German exchange student Hannes Kurzmann (above), who scored four of his team’s five goals and assisted on the other to Trevor Wills, which was the opener of the title game. J.D. Side (right) also played a large roll in net, making crucial diving saves to keep the opposition at bay The title also gave head coach Pat Shaughnessy his first as a rookie coach. Many remarked it was the first time they could remember a person who played in the state championship game (a 1-0 loss for the 2007 Hornets) returning as a coach, this time to win the title.
#6.Ê PHSÊ v.Ê Schalmont
NYSPHSAA Boys soccer regional final This was where the season was supposed to end, at the hands of second-ranked Schalmont, who many thought was the best team in the state, in the regional finals. No one told PHS that, as they scored a 3-2 victory to advance to the state Final Four. The rest, as they say, is history. State championship history.
#2. Griffins v. Chazy
Section VII/Class D boys soccer semifinal There’s more Elizabwthtown-Lewis/Westport games coming on this list, but the Class D semifinal at George Brendler field had the one key ingredient which not only elevates this to the best soccer game of the year, but had us debating if it should be number one itself. Venom. Paul Buehler and Rob McAuliffe respect each other, and these teams respect each other. But, they don’t like each other. This game had scoring - in fact, we can’t remember the last time we saw a regulation goal between these two teams in sectional play. High quality goals, too. Trey Hulbert heading a ball off a Hudson Stephens corner kick and Josh McCauley’s rocket from the top of the box just past the outstretched arms of Sam Napper (above). Eventually, it came down to penalty kicks, the most debated yet exciting way to advance, made more exciting by the 10 to 15 second delay in the official calling the final shot of the game no good, giving the Griffins a 3-2 edge and a trip to the Class D finals.
#4.Ê TiconderogaÊ v.Ê Moriah Section VII/Class D football finals
For the second time in three years, the Ti-Moriah rivalry came down to the end. It could have come down to the beginning. On it’s first drove of the game, the Vikings got to the Ticonderoga 15 yard line, failing to convert on a fourth down play. After the game, head coach Don Tesar said he should have went for the field goal. Why? Because that would wind up being the closest either team would get to scoring for the rest of the 48 minutes of play, heading into a scoreless tie overtime which was broken on the Sentinel’s first possession as they scored a 6-0 victory to advance into the state playoffs.
#7. Griffins v. Northern Adk. Section VII/Class D boys championships
Overttime is nothing new in the Class D sectional finals here, but usually it is between the Griffins and Chazy. With newcomer Northern Adirondack entering the mix, whoever was going to get out of Section VII alive was going to have a great resume in states. After a scoreless 80 minutes of play, the game came down to a Joel Morris penalty kick, which was converted to send the Griffins onto a magical ride through the state playoffs.
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#8. Griffins v. Fort Ann
NYSPHSAA boys soccer Class D championship After putting themselves on the map with a sectional title, the Elizabethtown-Lewis/Westport Griffins got past Chateaugay and Cincinnatus to make their way to either school’s first state championship game appearance against Fort Ann, the perennial bridesmaid who finally overcame the ghosts of championship’s past for a 1-0 victory over the Griffins. While the team would have loved to come away with a state title, many players and coaches remarked how special the experience was along with their desire to return to Middletown in years to come.
#9.Ê NorthernÊ Adk.Ê v.Ê Keene
Section VII/Class D boys soccer semifinals While the Class C and B semifinals were played on neutral sites, the Class D semifinals were, by far, the best day of soccer in 2015. Before the Griffins scored their win over the Eagles, the Beavers and Bobcats did battle for 80 minutes without a goal being scored. The Bobcats were able to find the golden moment in overtime, as Bryce Labarge (above) was able to send the Bobcats to their first Class D final in as many attempts.
The North Countryman Sun • December 26, 2015 | 13
#10.Ê NorthernÊ Adk.Ê v.Ê AVCS
Section VII/Class C girls soccer championship This game did not come down to penalty kicks as much as it came down to weather. In the driving rain and blustery wind (which killed our photographers camera), the Lady Patriots and Lady Bobcats battled through 80 minutes plus 30 more of overtime, neither team able to find the back of the net. In kicks, the Bobcats shutout the Patriots, 3-0, giving AuSable Valley alum Cammey Keyser the “student becomes the teacher” win over Patriots coach Bruce Bourgeois.
HonorableÊ mentions:Ê gamesÊ of Ê theÊ year
#11. Chazy v. Keene
#13. Beekmantown v. OFA
The Chazy Lady Eagles ended the unbeaten streak of the Keene Lady Beavers, claiming another Section VII trophy with a convincing win. The team would go on to lose to Chateaugay in the regional finals.
The Lady Eagles continued their run with a win over Ogdensburg Free Academy, a run which would come to an end in the regional finals.
Section VII/Class D girls championship
#12.Ê BeekmantownÊ v.Ê NCCS Section VII/Class B girls championship
It was the year for teams named Lady Eagles to end unbeaten streaks in 2015, as the Beekmantown squad did the same thing as Chazy, ending the perfect season for the Cougars with a 1-0 win to advance to the regional playoffs, where...
NYSPHSAA Class B girls regional semi
#14.Ê TiconderogaÊ v.Ê Peru CVAC regular season football
The Sentinels and Indians went back and forth in the second week of the regular season before the Sentinels were able to pull ahead for good late in the game. While a milestone win for the Sentinels, it may have set up the biggest game of the regular season, a 28-6 loss to
rival Moriah Vikings, which Sentinel coach Scott Nephew said was the moment his team started to focus on what they would need to do in order to win the Class D title and advance deep into states.
15.Ê CrownÊ PointÊ v.Ê Johnsburg Section VII/Class D quarterfinals
In their second season with a girls varsity soccer program, the Lady Jaguars pulled off the upset of the postseason when they defeated the Lady Panthers in the first round of play in Class D. The team would lose in the next round, but looks forward to continuing their rise in 2016 with a solid core of players returning.
Local athletes recognized with state, academic awards NYSSWAÊ AllÊ StateÊ girlsÊ soccer ScholarÊ athletesÊ honoredÊ inÊ Class B third team MVAC Kirsten Villemaire
Beekmantown
Class B fourth team Katie Matott
NCCS
Chazy Central Rural School
Class C fourth team Liza Marinis
Lake Placid
Long Lake Central School Chandler O’Brien-Brown (9), Karmen Howe (9) Minerva Central School Shane Bush-Lancaster (10), Taylor Feiden (12) Newcomb Central School
Crown Pt. Central School
Aiden LaCourse (11), Meghan O’Donnell (12)
Kolby Pertak (12), Maria Malone (12) Keene
Class D fifth team Makenna Magee
Justin Haverlick (12), Lura Johnson (9)
Michael Parent (12), Morgan Collins (12)
Class D fourth team Hanna Whitney
ELIZABETHTOWN — Officials of the Mountain and Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) have announced scholar athletes for the 2015 fall sports season. One male and one female athlete are chosen for each sport season. The criteria for selection are a minimum of an 85 average, one who excels in academics and sport of the season and exhibits good sportsmanship and a positive attitude.
Keene Central School
Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School Trevor Brooks (12), Emma Disogra (12)
Northern Adk.
Indian Lake Central School Noah Pine (12), Taylor Carroll (12)
Boys soccer and football All State teams yet to be announced. Johnsburg Central School Joe Foote (12), Makayla Denno (12)
Schroon Lake Central School Ben Wisser (10), Emily Maisonville (10) Westport Central School Thomas Mero (12), Chloe Mitchell (11) Willsboro Central School Zach Pierson (12), Taylor Bigelow (12)
14 | December 26, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ The North Countryman Sun
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The Strand Center for the Arts to display Penny Clute photography
PLATTSBURGH — The Strand Center for the Arts will host photographer Penelope Clute in the Main Gallery Friday, Jan. 8, with a free reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Penny will present her “moving picture” show “Cuba on the Cusp!” from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Penelope has been working with the Plattsburgh community for years in law. Now in retirement, she has time to focus on exhibiting her collection of photographs and experiences. Penny began serious photography after her 1967 college graduation, while first working in Philadelphia and then as a VISTA Volunteer (Volunteers in Service to America) in 1968 Chicago. Two of her photographs from that period were published, one in Human Rights – Issues for a New Millennium by Linda Jacobs Altman and another in Knocking on Doors - VISTA Volunteers Remember 1965-1971 by Maureen O’Connor. In 2010 Penny started exhibiting and selling her work at the artists’ cooperative Stonybrook Gallery in Morrisonville, and has been featured in dozens of exhibitions since. Penny is an
Mixed weather << Continued from | p. 1
lawmakers on Monday. With the weather patterns expected to continue well into the holiday season, tourism officials have assembled a task force to ensure travelers don’t get cold feet and cancel scheduled trips. “There’s going to be a time period where they’re going to make the decision to come or not,” said McKenna. Lake Placid Econo Lodge Manager Kathy Studwell said bookings this month have dropped to their lowest December levels in five years. “It’s definitely made a hit on us,” said Studwell. “There’s nothing you can do.” Others have reported the opposite, like Todd Ottenstein, of Adirondack-Vacation, who said his vacational rent units in Wilmington are booked until spring, a measure he attributes to amenities that provide alternatives to hitting the slopes. “Our customers have a lot of money and they’re going to be spending it at the local stores and restaurants,” said Ottenstein. “It’s good for everybody.” On Wednesday, ROOST and their marketing partners rolled out a list of alternate activities. The list, which encourages visitors to “invent your own perfect holiday in Lake Placid,” assures them that despite the balmy forecast — temperatures are scheduled to hover in the mid-40s all next week, reaching as high as 55 on Christmas Eve — there’s plenty to do in the Olympic village, including a tribute ice show, wellness opportunities and skiing at Whiteface Mountain, which is open. “It’s no secret as it’s been a challenge, but we’re in the same
Exhibiting Member of the Adirondack Art Association in Essex, NY, and had solo shows at the Clinton Community College Alumni Gallery in 2012 and 2013. Her work has been accepted in juried shows at the Darkroom Gallery in Essex Junction, The VIC in Paul Smith’s College, the Depot Theatre in Westport, the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, NorthWind Fine Arts in Saranac Lake, and the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake. Penny recently won first place in the 2015 Juried Show “On the Road” at The Strand Center for the Arts. Her website is www.PenelopeCluteFineArtPhotography.zenfolio.com. “Explorations,” a new photography exhibit by Penelope Clute, will be on view from Friday, Jan. 8 to Jan. 30. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on these exhibits, upcoming events, concerts or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts call 563-1604 or visit strandcenter.org.
boat as the rest of the east coast,” said John Lundin, a spokesman for the Olympic Regional Development Agency (ORDA). Lundin confirmed there have been some cancellations, but said he didn’t have exact data immediately available. Whiteface will make snow when conditions allow, said Lundin. At present, Whiteface, Gore Mountain and Belleayre Ski Center are the only three ski destinations open in state, said Ron Konowitz, President of the Adirondack Powder Skier Association. Konowitz attributed investments ORDA made in low-impact snowmaking machines for their ability to weather the trend. “It’s really paying off,” said Konowitz. The breezy climes are also a nail-biter for farmers and those in the agricultural biz who rely on a fairly predictable cycle. While the mild weather creates fewer infrastructure issues and is less stressful on animals — hens lay better, others eat less hay — the lack of snow cover will likely result in problems later in the season, said Racey Bingham, of Reber Rock Farm. Snow cover before a deep freeze creates an insulated layer that protects crops, including wheat, garlic and rye, from the cold. Without that cover, plants risk being damaged. Bingham said she’s heard reports of sap running from maple trees as a result of daytime thaws, a development she said was concerning and might have implications for maple season. “It’s a little strange and worrisome,” said Bingham. “We hope it will snow before it get really cold.”
More than any other type of farming, fruit-bearing trees are severely affected by rapid changes in temperature, said Jay White, of the Boquet Valley Vineyard in Essex. Vines are not yet at the level of dormancy to protect themselves against severe cold. The result may be damaged or lost buds. “They’re going to be more vulnerable to damage in the winter,” said White. At least one group isn’t complaining. The spring-like temperatures has allowed the Essex County Department of Public Works to continue working on summer projects. The maintenance schedule has been extended, said Superintendent Chris Garrow, while overtime costs have been reduced, as has usage of the sand and salt mixture used to melt snow and ice. “It’s very unusual,” said Garrow. “Usually it’s a lot colder than it is now, which limits us.” For local residents and businesses, the temperatures mean they’ve largely avoided reliance on heating systems. A Griffith Energy representative said they could not comment on local issues and steered a reporter to their Rochester headquarters. A local company, Gordon Oil, did not return a call seeking comment. Is the weather a result of climate change? While the two factors have always been in the background, climate change will bring more extreme swings, said Lang, adding more research is needed to tease out the connection. “It’s likely climate change has enhanced the warm nature of this.”
16 | December 26, 2015 • The North Countryman Sun
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Community, meet conservation
Joint partnership between Willsboro and the Nature Conservancy aims to transform downtown preserve into recreational and educational destination By Pete DeMola
pete@suncommunitynews.com
WILLSBORO — After slicing through the center of town, the state’s steepest river takes a hairpin turn and creeps southeast. Running between walls of limestone and old-growth forest, each ecological feature tells a story before the Boquet dumps into Lake Champlain — Destruction. Renewal. Stability. Through a joint partnership, the town of Willsboro and the Nature Conservancy hope to share these stories with the public by way of a recreational trail system. The Nature Conservancy owns 110 acres along the riverbank. The path, which starts at the end of Gilliland Lane near the town boat launch, takes visitors from floodplain forest and wetlands to upland forest and back down again. Contained within the loop is an astonishing array of plants and animals, say experts who are familiar with the parcel, including Dan Spada, an environmental consultant who led an expedition through the property on a frosty late-autumn morning. Nature is a language, said Spada. You just have to know how to interpret it. He speculates a copse of old-growth sycamores could be the oldest northerly stand in the state. Behind the trees, which he pegged at 200-years-old, stood rows of thin white and green ash, with silver maples leaning over the river. Perhaps a catastrophic flood wiped everything away, he said. Spada pointed at gashes in the bark, indications of flood damage. The river regularly rises up and retreats, leaving pools that
Dan Spada is working to take an ecological inventory of the 110-acre preserve. Photo by Pete DeMola
spawn amphibians. In the spring, the creatures dart between the chest-high lilies, sunflowers and ostrich ferns. Below, underneath the hardwoods and hemlocks, needle ice grew out of the dark soil, renewed by the floods and the resulting sediments. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION Shea Flanagan, the TNC conservation intern leading the project, said the main goal of the multi-phase effort is to transform the property into a recreation and educational asset that can be used by the entire community — not just fitness buffs, but everyone from amateur scientists to residents of the nearby retirement home. At present, Flanagan is working with town officials to upgrade the main trail, known as the River Trail. Alongside a series of structural improvements — including those designed to make the trail more handicap accessible and user-friendly — the groups aim to add educational kiosks and interpretive materials that recount the tract’s ecological inventory. Eventually, the plans call for the construction of a loop and connector trails that link the preserve to town-owned property on two sides, which includes several assets, including a boat launch and beach. Subsequent year-round activities, including bicycling, snowshoeing and horseback riding, will ideally aid in putting the town on the map as a recreation destination, said Shaun Gillilland, the town’s supervisor. Perhaps businesses will also bloom to accommodate the visitors, including fishermen who may visit the town if salmon manage to make their way upriver, something the US Fish and Wildlife Service said is possible following the removal of the Saw Mill dam earlier this year. “The whole concept is in its extreme infancy,” said Gillil-
land. For years, the land, once owned by Willsboro Industries, has sat unused. “A lot of people didn’t know this thing was there.” A chief goal of the project is to integrate the land into the daily lives of the elder care facility — including residents of the memory wing — and Willsboro Central, which has already established an outdoor classroom. In October, science teacher John Oliver installed three plots to monitor garlic mustard. Next year, he aims to launch an eradication program and install signage on invasive species. So far, he said, students have responded favorably to the program. “To be able to do stuff like that is great,” said Oliver. Students even gave the preserve a formal name, the Boquet River Nature Preserve, which was offered by second-grader Cora King. This involvement is crucial in the Nature Conservancy’s belief that healthy communities are tied to healthy environments, says the organization. “It’s a true community asset,” said Flanagan. The natural story of the preserve is far from over. Spada surveyed the landscape and noted the emergence of invasive species on the floodplain, including the emerald ash beetle, a pest that has “whooped” Ulster County. “When it gets here, this is going to be a different community,” said Spada. The Boquet River Nature Preserve is open for hiking, fishing, paddling, cross-country skiing and other sustainable recreation during daylight hours. It will remain open as improvements are made in phases over the next several years. To learn more, visit nature.org/adirondacks and townofwillsboro.com.
The Boquet Nature Preserve, located in Willsboro, contains a diverse array of plant and animal wildlife. The Nature Conservancy has partnered with the town of Willsboro to make improvements designed to make the property more accessible to the public. Pictured above: The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Stewardship Todd Dunham hikes trail earlier this month. Photo by Pete DeMola
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LAVALLEE LOGGING
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is looking to harvest and purchase standing timber, All Species. Willing to pay New York State stumpage prices on all species. $ or % paid. References available. Matt Lavallee 518-645-6351 A CUT ABOVE THE REST!
LOGGING. LAND CLEARING. TIMBER MARKETING. Double Average Pay Immediately to Land Owner on Timber & Low Grade Chip Wood. Neat Forestry. 518-593-8752
YOU CAN’T ESCAPE THE BUYS IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! 1-518-873-6368 Ext. 201
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WANTED TO BUY CASH for Coins! Buying Gold & Silver. Also Stamps, Paper Money, Comics, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY 1-800-959-3419
CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $35/Box! Sealed & Unexpired. Payment Made SAME DAY. Highest Prices Paid!! Call Juley Today! 800-413-3479 www.CashForYourTestStrips.com CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-7767771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800371-1136 WANTS TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil & gas interests. Send details P.O. Box 13557, Denver, Co 80201 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 DOGS
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VACATION PROPERTY IS YOUR VACATION HOME FOR SALE OR RENT? Promote it in print to nearly 4.3 million potential buyers (plus more readers online!) with a statewide classified ad. Advertise your property for just $489 for a 25-word ad, less for smaller coverage areas. Visit AdNetworkNY.com or call 315-437-6173
CRUISE DEALS available for a limited time. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and Norwegian. Hurry as these offers wont last! Call 877-270-7260 or go to NCPTRAVEL.COM to research. NCL CRUISE SPECIAL Pick one FREE Unlimited Beverages / FREE Specialty Dining / FREE WIFI / Free Shore Excursions! Hurry, limited time offer. Call for full details 877270-7260 or go to NCPtravel.com
WILLSBORO - 2 Bdrm Apartment, W/D, newly renovated, large yard, water/sewer incl. $590/mo + util. 603-553-0000 HOME RENTALS 3 BEDROOM HOME NEAR ESSEX Ferry, wood flooring, 2 baths, fireplace, lake view, Available now $950 utilities not included. 518312-9053 REAL ESTATE SALES REAL ESTATE WILLSBORO, NY 1.06 acre lot w/water/sewer/power ($26,000) or Above lot with 1998 2bd/2bath mobile home ($49,000) 518-963-7320
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HOMES ADIRONDACK “BY OWNER” AdkByOwner.com 1000+ photo listings of local real estate for sale, vacation rentals & timeshares. Owners: List with us for only $299 per year. Visit on-line or call 518-891-9919
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Need A Dependable Car? Check Out The Classifieds. Call 1-518-873-6368 Ext. 201
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REAL ESTATE PLATTSBURGH CONDO FOR SALE, South City, 1200 sq. ft., 1 ½ baths, 2 bedrooms, utility room, 3rd bedroom possible, screened porch, principal only! $74,900. 518-561-8037
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AKC CHIHUAHUA, spayed female, 1 year old, up to date, black with white markings. Call 518-8732909.
4 BEDROOM HOME for sale in Lewis, NY Master bedroom on 1st floor large fenced in back yard Priced to sell at only $79,000 (518) 873-2362
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