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Editorial» The NCAA itself is the real problem

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This Week AVCS

County considers expanding bed tax Officials drawn into battle over growing rifts in hospitality biz

Students to perform Mary Poppins at AVCS

By Pete DeMola pete@denpubs.com

PAGE 5 EDUCATION

Elizabeth and Ray “Skip” Decker celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary on March 12. The Westport couple has been married for 70 years.

See page 3 for the complete story.

Photo by Pete DeMola

No play? No problem! ELCS kids spearhead senior production Teachers gather to lament

By Pete DeMola pete@denpubs.com governor’s budget

Keene highlights MVAC All-Star team.

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When Elizabethtown-Lewis Central students Kira Schaefer and Emma Disogra learned that the Elizabethtown Social Center wouldn’t be producing a play this year, they decided to produce their own. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” runs Friday, March 20 to 22 at the ELCS Auditorium.

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SPORTS

ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Earlier this year, Kira Schaefer and Emma Disogra were faced with a vexing dilemma.

The options were bleak for a springtime drama production Ñ ELCS, their school, had no way to facilitate a program, while the Elizabethtown Social Center was taking a hiatus on spearheading the annual production.

And so, Ò Thoroughly Modern MillieÓ was born.

“People still need to fight for things like theater and music, so I thought it was important that someone stepped up to that,Ó said Schaefer. Ò When we found out, everyone was disappointed.Ó Since January, the best pals have breathing life into the story of a small-town girl who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love in the 1920s, but undergoes personal change while chasing her goals.

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ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ The question of whether to tax vacation rental units was at the center of a raucous debate Monday at an Essex County Board of Supervisors session that, at one point, saw several lawmakers get up and exit the chambers.

Essex County currently tacks a three percent occupancy tax onto hotel rentals, a measure that generated $2 million in revenue last year.

The policy has been in place since 1999.

But recent shifts in tourism trends, including the advent of services like AirBnB and FlipKey, have brought an increase in short-term vacation units, or furnished homes that owners rent out to visitors, typically for seven days (but sometimes as long as 30).

Under the stateÕ s so-called Ò bungalow exemption,Ó these units are not taxable as long as no housekeeping, food or other traditional hotel services are provided.

If common services are provided, excluding a variety of statues governing linen service, the rental is taxable as hotel occupancy.

Now, traditional hoteliers are pressuring their elected officials to close what they view as a loophole by asking that this same tax be collected.

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Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 3

Meet Elizabeth and Ray “Skip” Decker, the couple who have been married for 70 years

By Pete DeMola

pete@denpubs.com ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Elizabeth and Ray Ò SkipÓ Decker looked at each other and smiled.

March 12, for most county residents, was like any other Ñ the winter was torn between coming and going, their spirits growing buoyant that, with the melting of the ice, came hopes of renewal.

But for this Westport couple, it meant reflecting on seven decades of marriage.

Seventy years ago, Skip saw a girl walking up from the post office in Westport. Ò It looked like she needed a ride, so I stopped,Ó he said.

She was 16, he was 18.

They got hitched in Moriah.

Skip was on furlough from the army. He served in France, Belgium and Germany and drove an ammo truck.

GIs got a donut and cup of coffee before being shipped across the Atlantic.

He made the initial trip with 30,000 other men.

Following the wedding, he headed back over.

The war ended later that year.

In December, Skip saw General George Patton two days before he was killed in a car wreck in Heidelberg, Germany.

The cobblestones in the streets were irregular, he said, and stuck up every which way. Ò When it rained, the roads were very slick,Ó he said.

Skip called Patton a down-to-earth guy.

One mysterious act during his service always stuck with him.

At sea, Skip volunteered for guard duty because he enjoyed being on deck. While making his nightly rounds, around 1 a.m, he passed by a lone soldier.

Then, the man vanished. Ò I think he didnÕ t want to live,Ó recalled Skip.

Following his discharge, he returned back to WestportÕ s Ledge Hill Road to start a family.

Ò I went back to work hauling logs,Ó he said.

Skip looked at Liz: Ò Remember that?Ó She smiled.

The pair liked to travel all over the country, including a trip to Prince Edward Island in Nova Scotia and Branson, Missouri.

Why Branson? Ò Music,Ó said Skip. Ò The real stuff.Ó Hank Williams. And in Nashville, Porter Wagoner. Ò He was a nice person.Ó Ò Johnny Cash,Ó said Martha Cross, LizÕ s sister, who stood for the couple at their wedding.

What kind of music did Liz like? Ò I went along with him,Ó she said.

Skip put his arm around her.

An expert sawyer, he worked a variety of jobs that took all over, including a stint as a grade foreman during the construction of the Northway.

“It had to be finely graded,” he recalled, noting a good curve would be nearly imperceptible with the natural drift of an automobile.

The master carpenter also created the original wooden bookends now sold by Adirondack Life magazine, a task he enjoyed until a few years ago.

Skip used to cut wood for friends, family and neighbors to keep them warm during the winter. Ò Good old woodstove, I can smell it now,Ó said Martha.

Liz was a master embroiderer, while both enjoyed puzzles and reading the Bible.

The Deckers also started a tradition that carries over to present-day, that of hunting as a group, skills that have been passed down through the generations.

Ray harvested his first deer at 16 and couldn’t even begin to estimate how many he bagged over the years. Ò A lot of deer,Ó he laughed.

The party would divvy up the meat amongst themselves.

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Ò He could always outwalk the boys, until he was 70,Ó recalled his daughter, Juanita Johnson.

Not much has changed over the years, he recalled.

Westport has always been a nice quiet community.

The pair now reside at the Essex Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Elizabethtown.

On their anniversary, they sat surrounded by their family and cards and flowers from well-wishers.

Ray leaned over and kissed Liz on the head: Ò SheÕ s the best thing thatÕ s ever happened to me.Ó

4 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

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Pat Ward Memorial Tourney gears up for 24th year

By Pete DeMola

pete@denpubs.com ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Next weekend, ELCS alumni from area towns will shoot some hoops in a basketball tourney designed to raise funds for an Elizabethtown-Lewis scholarship fund created in honor of a former student.

This yearÕ s installment of the Pat Ward Memorial Basketball Tournament, the 24th, is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, with games featuring five men’s and one women’s match at the ELCS gymnasium.

The day opens with Willsboro-Moriah #2 at 11:45 a.m. followed by Moriah #1 and Schroon at 12:30 p.m. and Elizabethtown-Lewis #2 and Westport at 1:45 p.m.

The game one winner will go against Elizabethtown #1 at 3 p.m. with another match at 4:15 p.m.

MenÕ s championship is set for 6:15 p.m; the womenÕ s, a match between Elizabethtown and Westport, is scheduled for 5:15 p.m.

Last yearÕ s winner was Elizabethtown #1.

Since its inception, the event has raised over $20,000 for ELCS seniors who play soccer.

While Ward excelled at many sports, he had a particular skill for the game, once scoring 10 goals at a match while enrolled at North Country Community College, a feat that was covered by Sports Illustrated.

Scholarship monies go to those who exemplify WardÕ s zest for life, explained organizer Ike Tyler.

Awardees can use for the funds for whatever theyÕ d like.

As the event has evolved over the years, participants have gotten younger.

Towns come and go depending on if they can field enough players. Tyler said heÕ s always on the lookout for new teams to participate.

There will be no old-timers game this year.

The Pat Ward Memorial Fund was created after Ward passed away from injuries sustained in a car accident on Dec. 31, 1991.

Registration is $25 for men, $15 for women, and includes a T-shirt and food and drinks at the Cobble Hill Restaurant following the tournament. Tickets for admission into the tournament

are $3 for adults and $2 for students.

For more info, contact Tyler at 962-8739 or find the Pat Ward Memorial Basketball Tournament on Facebook.

Film Society to screen free flick

ESSEX Ñ The Champlain Valley Film Society will celebrate its 200th movie on Saturday, March 21 with a free showing of Ò The Theory of EverythingÓ at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall.

This highly acclaimed film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay; Eddie Redmayne won the award for Best Actor.

The Society (CVFS) showed its first film, Shakespeare in Love, in the summer of 2003.

Co-founder David Reuther reflects, “We want to thank our loyal audience for their tremendous support over the last 11 years. We never imagined weÕ d reach this milestone. When Larry Barns, Thurston Clarke, Bill James, and I launched the Film Society, we wanted to show current, classic, foreign, and independent films that weren’t available in the Plattsburgh. And we thought there’s something special about seeing a film on a big screen with an audience instead of by yourself at home.Ó After showing six movies in its inaugural summer, CVFS spent the next two years showing films outdoors, behind the Essex Inn and at Ballard Park in Westport.

In 2006, CVFS more than tripled the number of screenings.

They also began inviting people connected to the film to introduce their movies and answer questions afterward.

Since then, CVFS has featured more than a dozen speakers, including Captain Richard Phillips for Captain Phillips, Oscarnominated director Courtney Hunt for Frozen River, and Westport native and director Addison Mehr for Fort Apache.

In 2012, CVFS began showing all of its movies at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall. Former president Kathryn Reinhardt managed that transition. Ò We installed an HD projector, a movie screen thatÕ s twice the size of the old one, and a digital sound system. And with our new popcorn machine, we offer a true movie theater experience.Ó The Society is now in the process of merging with the Whallonsburg Civic Association, which manages the Grange, and will call itself the Champlain Valley Film Series.

President Sue Reaser invites everyone to celebrate the 200th movie milestone together. Ò We are thrilled to welcome so many people who love going to the movies in this community. Besides the strong support from people in Essex, Westport, Willsboro, and Elizabethtown, a significant part of our audience travels to our shows from Elizabethtown, Keene, Keene Valley, Jay, Moriah, and Plattsburgh. We celebrate your love of the movies with the free screening of The Theory of Everything on March 21.Ó For the most up-to-date schedule, and to watch previews of each movie, visit cvfilms.org.

Board of Education petitions announced

ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Petitions and information to run as a candidate for the ELCS Board of Education may be obtained by contacting Lauri Cutting, district clerk, in the main office of the Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The board will be seeking to fill two (2) expiring seats. Each seat will be three year term. (1) Nicholas DisograÕ s and (2) Brett SicolaÕ s terms are expiring June 30. Deadline for petition submission is April 20, 2015. For information call 873-6371 ext. 502.

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“Poppins” to float to AuSable Valley

By Pete DeMola

pete@denpubs.com CLINTONVILLE Ñ Kids milled around in foppish attire before Matt Stanley hollered for them to take their places. ÒI f you can see blue seats, the blue seats can see you,Ó h e said.

The students scampered backstage and a moment later, a lone girl sang ÒC him Chim ChereeÓ in front of a Edwardian era backdrop.

And then it happened Ñ Mary Poppins came floating down from a wire. ÒG ood morning, IÕ ve come to answer the advertisements,Ó she said, using the British pronunciation: Adver-tiz-ments.

AuSable Valley Central students are set to bring whimsy to the community this weekend with Stanley told them to get wired for mics. a production of “Mary Poppins. Pictured here is the cast in its entirety.

They ran up the stairs and queued up in front Photo by Pete DeMola of the soundbooth.

Showtime for the AuSable Valley PlayersÕ she settled on a Caribbean accent. production of ÒM ary PoppinsÓ w as just a week away. ÒM y favorite part of the play is the people and the fun we have The kids have practicing since the beginning of January. with it,Ó s he said.

While Emilie Kilburn, who plays the titular role, couldnÕ t spill Craig Lozo plays George Parks, the family patriarch, father of the beans on how, exactly, the flying mechanism worked — it’s Jane and Michael. proprietary, she said, almost by way of apology Ñ she brightened George is a very angry man, he said. when asked how it felt: Ninety percent of his lines are yelling, Lozo estimated. ÒI tÕ s so fun, it really is,Ó s he said. ÒU ntil the end when I realized I was being a jerk,Ó h e said. ÒPo ppins,Ó as Kilburn put it, is the story of a nanny who comes On the other end of the emotional spectrum is Robertson Ay. into a dysfunctional family and helps them come together and ÒI Õ m a servant boy, I do many cleans of the house,Ó said Megan turn into a true family.

LeClair. ÒI Õ m ignored by everyone Ñ IÕ m almost killed, IÕ m scared Any comparison to her classmates? of everything.Ó ÒW eÕ re a dysfunctional but happy family,Ó s he said. ÒY ouÕ re comic relief,Ó s aid Kris Munson.

Her castmates tittered. ÒI want to be on Broadway,Ó s aid LeClair.

Clara Meyer will portray Bert, the character played by Dick Munson portrays Winfred, GeorgeÕ s wife. van Dyke in the film (and the one who was signing “Chim Chim ÒS heÕ s very quiet, a people pleaser,Ó said Munson on her charChereeÓ earlier). acter. ÒS heÕ s very obedient and doesnÕ t stand up for herself.Ó ÒH eÕ s an everymanÕ s man,Ó she said, listing his miscellany of When George yells, heÕ s kinda scary, she said. odd jobs: ÒI n real life, IÕ m a nice person,Ó s aid Lozo.

Lamplighter, painter, chimneysweep. ÒI tÕ s Craig Lozo, but we call him Leg-No-Nose,Ó added LaClair. ÒN ot rich, but not unhappy.Ó Joseph Forker leapt over and introduced himself as Von Hussler, Does she identity with Bert? a corrupt German banker.

“I do,” she said. “It’s nice to able to find happiness. I’ve always ÒI Õ m trying to get a bank loan from George to open up mines in liked performing and being in front of an audience.Ó the New World,Ó h e said.

Next to Poppins, Mrs. Corry is the taleÕ s most magical character. ÒB ut I said no,Ó s aid Lozo. ÒI sell the kids conversations,Ó said MacKenzie Straight, Òan d Forker has six lines and sings part of a song.

IÕ m insane.Ó His favorite part of the production?

When a boy runs away from the wicked nanny, he comes to the ÒA ll the great people that are here.Ó magical sweet shop that sells words Ñ Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Mary Poppins: March 19-21 at Does she speak in an English accent like the others? Is it dif- 7:30 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. ficult? at the AuSable Valley Central AuWouldnÕ t know, she said. ditorium. For tickets, call 518-834ÒI do something crazy with my voice because IÕ m supposed to 2800 ext. 7500 or email box.office@ be insane Ñ q uavery and pushy,Ó s he said. avcsk12.org. Find them on Facebook Stanley gave her the greenlight to experiment as she saw fit, so at AuSable Valley Drama Club.

Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 5

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Opinion

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Valley News Editorial

The NCAA itself is the real problem

Y

ou donÕ t have to be a New YorkerÑ or necessarily a sports fanÑ to have heard of the NCAAÕ s levying of penalties on Syracuse University menÕ s football and basketball programs two weeks ago.

While Syracuse is the latest of schools at the receiving end of public scorn for athletic infractions, we forget the biggest problem in college athletics todayÑ the NCAA itself.

HereÕ s a quick refresher of what happened at Syracuse: First, the university did follow through on its own rules when athletes tested positive for drugs. No, not steroids or HGH. Marijuana. Legal, no, but weÕ re not talking A-Rod here. The NCAA doesnÕ t require that schools test at all, and there are those that donÕ t, but any college that does has to follow through on whatever penalties it has on paper.

Next, academic integrity matters. In a statement released by University Chancellor Kent Syverud, a menÕ s basketball player submitted a paper that two now-former employees helped him with in order to boost a grade and retain eligibility on a 2012 team poised for a deep tournament run.

Finally, the local YMCA. In 2004-2005, two basketball players and three football players received a combined $8,335 from a booster and part-time YMCA employeeÑ an average of $1,667 per studentÑ along with academic credit for internships the athletes failed to complete.

Not only did Syracuse accept that these violations occurred, it was the university reported them in the first place. It would be naive to think this doesn’t go on around the country in the money-driven world of college athletics. This was just an incident reported, investigated and publicized.

Then came the penalties.

Surely the university and athletics program saw them coming. In 2009, internal policies regarding student athletes were strengthened, and the school recently self-imposed a number of penalties that included tournament bans, vacated wins and probation.

But when the hammer came down, it came down hard.

Basketball head coach Jim Boeheim had 108 wins vacated, dropping him from 966 to 858 and second to sixth on the all time list, as well as receiving a ninegame suspension from ACC play next season. Players lost those wins, too.

The school lost 12 lost basketball scholarships, a returning of all funds earned in Big East and NCAA tournaments in 2011-2013 (there’s no figure yet, but expect it to be well into the millions), five years of probation, a per player, per game fine and a reduction of off-campus recruiters.

Ouch.

DonÕ t get us wrong. The university screwed up.

Maybe the activity at the YMCA was well hidden, or someone turned a blind eye. Maybe smoking mari-

juana didnÕ t seem like that big a deal to whoever was at the top of the disciplinary ladder. Maybe shady actions took place in an attempt to get a non-native English speaker eligible to play basketball. Maybe you can throw Boeheim or Athletic Director Daryl Gross under the bus.

We could make the argument that the penalties were overly severe, but thatÕ s a whole different discussion.

This series of events brings forth another topicÑ what’s wrong with college sports and, more specifically, the governing body behind them.

The NCAAÕ s biggest cash cow is its contract with CBS sports for the right to broadcast the NCAA tournament, worth $10.8 billionÑ thatÕ s right, billionÑ over 14 years. Annual revenue closes in on one billion annually as plenty more dough comes in from sources like championships and investments.

Meanwhile, a college kid playing basketball took a thousand or so dollars, capitalizing on his own talent and image, and in the process earned a school penalties that may be crippling.

Lets face it. The idea of amateurism of the past is far gone in the age of big-bucks athletics. Colleges and major leagues have evolved while the NCAA has become dated and stagnant in its policies.

“Extra benefits,” whether a check or a meal or a pair of shoes, can leave an athlete ineligible to compete at the collegiate level while their governing body grows fatter on money generated by its thousands of unpaid laborers.

Yes, these kids are reimbursed in the form of a scholarship. And yes, that carries with it a value, but to say athletes are getting plenty is off the mark. Just look at the dollar signs.

In 2013, the University of TexasÕ athletics department generated $165 million in revenue, and the NCAA is okay with that, just as long as no Longhorn tries to sell a $20 autograph.

Meanwhile, coaches like Alabama footballÕ s Nick Saban and Duke basketballÕ s Mike Krzyzewski have negotiated a cool $7 million annually. At schools like that, where professional play is realistic for many, what athletes are getting in return for their play is the no-cost obligation to go to class in between games and practices.

ItÕ s not all dollars, eitherÑ itÕ s the principle.

ThereÕ s no disputing that the whole Ò they should be paidÓ debate becomes muddied when one factors in the tens of thousands of student athletes that arenÕ t in the big-revenue sports, but it doesnÕ t change the fact that system plays out financially more like prostitution than it does a fair business model.

So when Fab Melo struggles with a class or Billy Edilin takes a check from the local YMCA, are they tarnishing the so-called Ò sanctity of college sportsÓ ?

No, the NCAA has already taken care of that. Ñ Denton Publications Editorial Board, Dan Alexander, Keith Lobdell and John Gereau

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6 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

Publisher’s Column

Freedom of Information Day

E

arlier this week the these and more are deterioratcountry celebrated ing the faith of the citizens in Freedom of Informathe information they receive. tion Day. This week is also celReplacing faith and trust in ebrated as Sunshine Week. our government institutions Freedom of Information is a culture of cynicism and Day is dedicated to the condoubt. cept that our government, of This locally owned, free the people and for the people, community newspaper is Dan Alexander would withhold no secrets unique in itÕ s make up and Thoughts from from the people it serves. goal to serve the many rural Behind the Pressline Enacted on July 4, 1966 the communities in the regions.

Freedom of Information Act declared that Having witnessed first hand the deterioevery person has the right to get informa- ration noted above, our business model is tion to the government records that are a simple one. We start with locally investnot protected by one of the nine exemped ownership and a distribution system tions, or special law enforcement record based on delivering a free copy to every exclusions. household.

This Act put into law the concepts held Large corporations learned long ago so dearly by James Madison, fourth presithere is money in the news and with mondent of the United States and known as ey comes corruption and greed. While the Ò Father of the ConstitutionÓ for draft- none of us are immune to those vices, loing the United States Constitution and the cal control provides certain safe guards to United States Bill of Rights. In his day, he readers not readily available when dealwas the loudest voice for true government ing with mega corporations. Voices on istransparency. His firm belief was the only sues of local interest are more likely to be way the newly formed nation would sur- heard and taken seriously when the ownvive well into the future was through an ership has local roots. open government.

Free delivery goes to the heart of MadiA nation built on the idea of true trans- sonÕ s concerns. By insuring the newspaper parency clearly hasnÕ t perfected the conis delivered to the people for no monetary cept yet. One of the major news stories requirement, it insures access to informacurrently working its way through the tion for all, rich and poor alike as was the halls of government and around water purpose of the Act insuring that every citicoolers throughout the country is the Hill- zen had equal access to information. ary Clinton scandal over her emails while A community newspaper has one last serving as Secretary of State. Regardless public safeguard to insure it meets itÕ s of how you feel about Mrs. Clinton, her mission of community service. To fund trustworthiness, and the final outcome its efforts it must have support from the of her deleted email files, that could be community that controls its purse strings. considered the peopleÕ s records, is not the Without that support through advertising purpose of this column. and message distribution the newspaper This column is about the paper you will fail to exist. hold in your hands today. Journalism and Our community newspapers have been the media in general are undergoing sig- blessed with supportive communities nificant changes. Truth, transparency and that continue to fund and encourage our government accountability have been ungrowth. We are fortunate to be in the posider fire in the decades since the Freedom tion of defending the freedom of informaof Information Act was an easy vote for tion and with your continued support we our elected officials in 1966. will do our best to use the funding that Political correctness, media bias, politicomes our way to enhance our news covcal rivalries, out of control campaign funderage and take steps to secure the future of ing, news organizations treating news the services we provide to the public. as entertainment, and corporate holding companies destroying many long standDan Alexander is publisher and CEO of ing institutions in the name of profitable Denton Publications. He may be reached at bottom lines have blurred the lines. All dan@denpubs.com.

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Letters to the Editor

ACA editoral misleading To the Editor: I believe that your editorial statement that Ò The act will add over 1 trillion to the federal deficit” (“Still not-so-affordable health care,” Feb. 28 edition) is extremely misleading.

In brief, from bo.gov/publication/45231: [These] estimates address only the insurance coverage provisions of the ACA; they do not constitute all of the actÕ s budgetary effects. Many other provisions, on net, are projected to reduce budget deficits.

Considering all of the provisionsÑ including the coverage provisionsÑ CBO and JCT estimated in July 2012 (their most recent comprehensive estimates) that the ACA’s overall effect would be to reduce federal deficits.

From US News and World Report: Spending by private health insurers on health care and administration rose by less in 2013 Ð the most recent year data are available Ð than in previous years and by much less than expected, according to the report.

Though private health insurance spending per person continues to grow, it is doing so at a slower rate than it has in the past.

From 2006 to 2013, spending grew by an average of 1.8 percent per year, while from 1998 to 2005 it grew by 5 percent per year.

Don Austin, Elizabethtown

Thanks for the holiday support!

Spring

sion of support I receive throughout the North Country Region when I begin soliciting donations for the Holiday Meal Tote Drive as financial hardship can be a 24/7 issue for local families and even our senior citizens.

I witness firsthand just how difficult the holiday season can be. I can solicit for food donations through various fund raising strategies, itÕ s the continued generosity of North Country residents, businesses and organizations that truly make the event a success.

For all of the support received, I am extremely thankful and appreciative to everyone, including Supervisor Randall Douglas, Susan Richards, Carol Greenley, ConnieÕ s Rusty Zipperz, CiprianoÕ s at the Riverside, Au Sable Forks Knights of Columbus, WellÕ s Memorial Library, Au Sable Forks Volunteer Fire Department & WomenÕ s Auxiliary, Au Sable Forks Elementary SchoolÕ s P.T.O., Adk Sidesteps, Simply Said Consultant, Kristina Dukett, Dr. Alfred Loka, Melissa Walton (JCEO), Price Chopper, Rivers Edge Emporium TopÕ s Market and StewartÕ s Shops.

For the 2014 holiday season, I mailed a donation request letter to the New York State Police, Troop B/Ray Brook and received an unforgettable telephone call from Officer Jennifer Fleishman.

Officer Fleishman informed me that she received my letter and was very excited to assist with the collection of food and monetary contributions.

When I arrived at Troop B to collect the donations, I was in complete awe at the abundance of food and monetary donations received.

Not only do our NYS Police Officers serve and protect us 24/7 but along with the civilians who work at the Barracks, the Officers spend a great deal of their free time to participate in community events.

To the Editor: Each holiday season, I become more and more humbled by the exten-

Kelly C. Murphy, Annual Holiday Meal Tote Drive Au Sable Forks

Calendar Ongoing: Every Second Tuesday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Pleasant Valley Quilt Guild. Elizabethtown Community Hospital Board Room, 66 Park St. 7 p.m.

Through May. Details: aniceorlowski@gmail.com, 963-4090.

Every Tuesday and Thursday

ELIZABETHTOWN — YogaFit, Ellen DuBois. 4:30 p.m. Elizabethtown Social Center. $5. ELCS students free 12 and up.

Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/calendar, 873-6408.

First and third Thursdays

ELIZABETHTOWN — Writers Group. Elizabethtown Social Center. 1 p.m. November and December. Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/calendar, 873-6408.

First Thursday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Elizabethtown Westport Garden Club Meetings. 11 a.m. Details: Garden Club President Hellen DeChant 873-9270, Time4hmd@yahoo.com.

Third Thursdays

ELIZABETHTOWN — Fiber Arts Group. Elizabethtown Social Center. 10 a.m. Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/ calendar, 873-6408.

Every Other Thursday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Writer’s Group. Elizabethtown Social Center. 1 p.m.

First and Third Friday

WILLSBORO — Library Band, The Lonesome Travelers, Lou Allen. Champlain Valley Senior Community, 10 Gilliland Ln. 2 p.m. Free, open to public. Details: RSVP Danielle 817-9108.

Every Sunday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Al-Anon Family Group, family, friends of problem drinkers. Elizabethtown Community Hospital Board Room. 4 to 5 p.m. Anonymous, confidential, free. Details: 962-2351, 873-2652.

Every Monday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Adult Rec Basketball. ElizabethtownLewis Central School. 7 p.m.

ELIZABETHTOWN — Healthier Today Support Group.

Elizabethtown Social Center. 4 p.m. Details: info@elizabethtownsocialcenter.org, elizabethtownsocialcenter. org, 873-6408.

Every Tuesday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Chorale practice. Elizabethtown Social Center.. 7 p.m.

ELIZABETHTOWN — 3rd Age. Elizabethtown Social Center.

10 a.m.

ELIZABETHTOWN — Interval Strength Training class, Ellen DuBois. Elizabethtown Social Center. 5:15 p.m. $6 per class.

Details: 873-6408, info@elizabethtownsocialcenter.org, elizabethtownsocialcenter.org.

ELIZABETHTOWN — YogaFit, Ellen DuBois, 4:15 p.m. Elizabethtown Social Center. $6 Yoga. Yoga, Interval classes $10.

Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/calendar.

Community, 10 Gilliland Ln. 2 p.m. Details: RSVP Danielle 817-9108.

ELIZABETHTOWN — My Free Taxes, Tax help from VIDA. Elizabethtown Social Center. 4:30 to 8 p.m. Appointment needed 873-6408.

ELIZABETHTOWN — Teen Rec Use. Elizabethtown Social Center. 3 to 9 p.m.

Every Saturday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Teen Rec Use. Elizabethtown Social Center. 2 until 9 p.m.

WHALLONSBURG — A six-week indoor play gym. Ages birth through five. Whallonsburg Grange Hall. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Free. Six Saturdays. Through Saturday, Feb. 28.

WESTPORT — “Kingdom Man”. Ministry Center behind Westport Federated Church. 10:30 a.m. Six mornings, through March 14. Everyone welcome.

Daily: Through Sunday, March 22

AuSABLE FORKS — AuSable Valley Players, Mary Poppins. AuSable Valley Central School. Thursday through Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. Details: 834-2800 ext.

7500, box.office@avcsk12.org.

CHAZY — Chazy Music Theatre, Cole Porter’s Can-Can. Chazy Central Rural School Auditorium. Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30 p.m. Matinee Saturday, Sunday 2 p.m. $15. Details: 570-6896, chazymusictheatre.org.

Through Sunday, April 12

SARANAC LAKE — 17th annual juried art competition. Prospectuses download adirondackartistsguild.com, 52 Main St. $25 nonrefundable. Drop off : March 5 through March 7. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Gallery hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Details: adirondackartistsguild.com., Facebook Adirondack Artists Guild.

Friday, March 20

ESSEX — Jazzical benefit concert. Essex Community Church, 2743 NYS Rte 22. 7 p.m. Benefit Staats family. Donations accepted. Details: Jennifer Moore vclaccompanist@ yahoo.com.

Saturday March 21

ELIZABETHTOWN — 35th annual Doc Lopez Run for Health. 13.1 mile, 3.1 mile, 1 mile walk. Register finishright. com.

WHALLONSBURG — CV Film Series, The Theory of Everything. Whallonsburg Grange Hall. 7:30 p.m. $10

adults, $5 under 18.

ESSEX — Two-hour workshop “Easy-to-understand Phones, iPads, iCloud’, Ken Hughe. Belden Noble Library.

2 until 4 p.m. Free, open to public.

WHALLONSBURG — “The Theory of Everything”. Whallonsburg Grange Hall, 1610 NYS Rte 22. Free. Details: 963-4170, admin@thegrangehall.info.

ELIZABETHTOWN — Elizabethtown Thrift Store grand opening. Corner of Rte 9, Hand Ave. (Across from Adirondack Chevy). 11 a.m.

Monday, March 23 through Wednesday, March 25

ELIZABETHTOWN — Kindergarten registration. Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School Main Office. Monday, Tuesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon. Details: 873-6371 ext. 0.

Tuesday, March 24

BLOOMINGDALE — North Country Regional Blood Donor Program. Bloomingdale Knights of Columbus, 4 to 7 p.m. Details: 562-7406, UVMHealth.org/CVPH. WESTPORT — North Country Regional Blood Donor Program. Westport High School, 3 to 7 p.m. Details: 562-7406, UVMHealth.org/CVPH. WHALLONSBURG — Lyceum series, Kate Moses, author.

Whallonsburg Grange Hall. 7:30 p.m. $5, students free.

Friday, March 27

PLATTSBURGH — North Country Regional Blood Donor Program. Clinton County Government Center, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Details: 562-7406, UVMHealth.org/CVPH.

Saturday, March 28

PUTNAM — Owl Prowl. Last Great Shoreline Preserve. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration required. Details: 644-9673.

PLATTSBURGH — Strikeout ALS Bowlathon. North Bowl Lanes, 28 North Bowl Lane. Noon to 3 p.m. $25 pp. Details: Kimberly Banker Jefferson 542-5356.

MOOERS — Mooers Volunteer Fire Department’s Easter Raffle. Mooers Fire Station. 7 p.m.

CHAMPLAIN — Northern Lights Square Dance Club dance. NCCS, 103 Rte 276. 7:30 to 10 p.m. Details: 236-6919, 450-247-2521.

PLATTSBURGH — “Mahanagar”. Newman Center. 7 p.m.

Free, open to community.

PLATTSBURGH — Karen Becker and Friends concert, Pianist Karen Becker, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop. E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall. 7:30 p.m. Free, open to public.

Details: Karen Parrotte atparrotk@plattsburgh.edu.

Every Wednesdays

ELIZABETHTOWN — Zumba, Kye Turner. 5 p.m. Elizabethtown Social Center. $6. ELCS students free 12 and up. Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/calendar, 873-6408.

ELIZABETHTOWN — Adult Recreational Pickleball. Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School. 5 p.m. Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/calendar.

Every Thursday

ELIZABETHTOWN — Celebrate Recovery. Adirondack Outreach, 209 Water Street. 5:45 p.m. $3 pp dinner. 6:15 p.m.

Large Group, 7:10 p.m. Small Group, 7:45 p.m. End / Open Cafe.

WESTPORT — Cub Scouts pack 63 meeting. WADA Building. 6:30 p.m. Grades 1 through 6. Details: troop8063@gmail. com.

WESTPORT — Boy Scouts troop 63 meeting. WADA Building. 7:30 p.m. Ages 12-18. Details: Larry Carroll 569-5431, troop8063@gmail.com.

ELIZABETHTOWN — YogaFit, Ellen DuBois, 4:30 p.m. Elizabethtown Social Center. $6. Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/calendar.

ELIZABETHTOWN — Zumba, Karin DeMuro. 5:30 Elizabethtown Social Center. $6. Details: elizabethtownsocialcenter.org/calendar.

Every Friday

WILLSBORO — Live Music. Champlain Valley Senior

Hundreds turned out to the St. Elizabeth’s annual corned beef and ham dinner on Sunday, March 15 in Elizabethtown. Pictured here are Father Francis Flynn and Father Peter Riani.

Photo by Pete DeMola

S

t. PatrickÕ s Day is past and weÕ ve had our Irishman of the Year breakfast.

WeÕ ve donned our green clothes, consumed our green beer along with our corned beef and cabbage. Time to turn the page.

The season has officially changed and, after a rough winter, we deserve to be a little silly. I remember a childhood ditty: Ò ItÕ s springtime and the churds are burping.Ó I havenÕ t heard any burping except my own, but I am delighted to have turned that corner. We canÕ t wait for the humming birds to arrive.

It started for me with the change

by Gordie Little of the clocks.

IÕ ve always worshipped Daylight Savings Time and would love to keep it all year long. I havenÕ t seen any crocuses popping up, but that will no doubt happen soon. We should all take time to celebrate this season of renewal before Easter is upon us.

Planning our Ò LittleÓ garden, affectionately known as a Ò crop stripÓ along the fence separating us from the adjacent Morrisonville Fire Department, is always fun. Kaye and I find few things more pleasurable than digging in the dirt. Planting some seeds, growing some veggies and sprucing up the flower beds are all near the top of our spring list of things to do.

I suppose some of you are unhappy with the change of seasons. Skiers and snowmobilers are praying for one more dumping of the white stuff, while the rest of us are getting our shorts and T-shirts out of mothballs and lining up the sandals by the kitchen door.

What do you remember from your childhood about spring? For Kaye and me, itÕ s mud pies and puddles, marbles and hopscotch, roller skates and Hula Hoops. I doubt if many children even engage in such activities these days. ThatÕ s sad. Do your children and grandchildren even know how to dig a Ò potÓ with their muddy hands and play marbles outside? Probably not. I still have mine from more than 70 years ago, preserved in an ancient tin First Aid box. Do they start begging right about now for you to bring their bicycles out of the cellar or garage?

We love to be able to shut down the furnace and open windows, especially in the bedroom at night, to breath in that fresh spring air. We pine for the first day when we can head out through our River Room onto the screened-in back deck and sit a spell, listening to sounds and smelling the smells of the outdoors.

If you donÕ t have such a Shangri-La, youÕ re welcome to visit ours. For us, it defines enjoyment. Filling the cups with hot, black coffee and making our way out there in our jammies is pretty darn close to Nirvana. Walking outside is also great when the snow has gone and the winter salt and sand are swept away. Mud season is here and we donÕ t care, because we love the change of seasons and know intuitively that summer will be here after a while. There are so many smiles to be seen, compared with the recent winter blahs.

Baseball season is also exciting for this Yankees fan and for Kaye who also enjoys the game.

This was the first winter I had dedicated winter snow tires on my little hybrid car. I have to tell you it was one of the best moves I ever made: great tread, especially designed for our kind of weather, on rims that can be removed when the snow is gone. Then, the summer tires are installed and weÕ re good to go till next winter. Why didnÕ t I do this years ago? Live and learn.

IÕ m writing this a week ahead of the publishing date, so I canÕ t predict when the Saranac River ice will break up and float either downstream or onto the banks and into our homes. We pray for a gradual thawing and a smooth transition from solid to liquid as winter snows melt and flow from the mountains.

We’ve had our share of flooding problems in the past and donÕ t relish the memories.

I leave you with another dated ditty: Ò Spring has sprung. The grass has riz. I wonder where the flowers is.”

Little Bits

Columnist Gordie Little is a weekly contributor to Denton Publications. He may be reached at gordie@denpubs.com.

8 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

www.valleynewsadk.com

Bed Tax

From page 1 COLLECT IT Bert Yost has owned a bed and breakfast in Wilmington since 1988 and serves as the president of the Whiteface Mountain Regional VisitorÕ s Bureau.

Earlier this month, he presented county lawmakers with a petition of some 60 local hoteliers urging them to take action by amending the local law. Ò We would like this explosion of vacation rentals to start paying the occupancy tax,Ó he said.

Reading from prepared comments, including letters culled from online message boards, Yost called for the county to include these rentals into the local law.

Yost also asked the board to redefine the definition of “short-term” rental to 30 days from seven.

Ninety-five percent of the monies derived from the county’s occupancy tax are distributed to ROOST, the agency that promotes the countyÕ s tourism assets.

Yost said since ROOST organizes large-scale events that generates inbound tourism to Essex County, the money will naturally trickle back to the community through increased visitation. Ò In general, if we look at what has happened since inception of the occupancy law since 1999, everyone sees it as a benefit to every town in Essex County,” he said.

Campground facilities could also fall under an amended law, but only applicable to structures with water and sewer, not empty plots designed to house tents and mobile homes.

NOT IN FAVOR Todd and Kimmy Ottenstein own Adirondack-Vacation, a company that rents out five rental units in Wilmington.

They plan on constructing three more units, but are now reconsidering as the county has started to debate closing the loophole.

Todd calculates that a potential three percent bump would lead to weeks of lost rentals due to the increased costs.

While he understands that he would be the collector of a possible occupancy tax, not the charger, he maintains that government officials don’t understand the private sector.

HeÕ s not mad at them, he said, but rather upset that hoteliers believe that his operation is unfairly siphoning away customers.

In reality, he said, the market is yielding a increased demand for his product because of dissatisfaction with the current hospitality market. Ò I love Wilmington. However, the place looks like [expletive],Ó he said. Ò They have to fix up their own backyard before they start charging taxes.”

Motels and hotels are going to be dead very shortly, he said in an interview, because of their inability to meet shifting demands.

“They need to figure out a better use, whatever they have do,” he said. “They’re extinct and their livelihood is past due.Ó BREAKDOWN County officials said while they were confident that they had the power to amend the local law without state approval, they advised lawmakers to tread

Published by Denton Publications, Inc. carefully and not rush into making a presumptuous decision. Ò I would not have a problem amending the local law to whatever you want,Ó County Attorney Dan Manning told the supervisors. Ò I think itÕ s legal and we wonÕ t have any problems.Ó But Manning urged the supers that if they were to consider the measure, they should give at least six months to a year as a transition period, among the consideration of other variables, including enforcement policies.

Treasurer Mike Diskin noted surrounding counties would be watching very closely to see how a possible change in policy would play out. Ò We need to give people time to get used to it,Ó he said. Ò We make sure weÕ re doing it right if we jump into it.Ó Ticonderoga Supervisor Bill Grinnell expressed concerns about making the revisions applicable to some merchants and not others: Ò If youÕ re going to eliminate something, you need to be careful about the way you word the law,Ó he said. Ò YouÕ re opening the county up for liability.Ó Following an extended volley of discussion, with Yost still at the lectern, the meeting went crossways when Board Chairman Randall Douglas, who was not chairing the finance committee, attempted to restore a sense of balance to the meeting.

Douglas said while Ottenstein reached out five times last week to discuss the proposed legislation, they couldnÕ t connect due to telecommunication issues.

As such, he advocated delaying moving forward until Ottenstein and other stakeholders could chime in.

Any action before then would be premature, he said.

Douglas said his OttensteinÕ s concerns were legitimate because he was once paying the occupancy tax, some $18,000 altogether, but opted out once he realized other vacation rental proprietors werenÕ t being held to the same standard. Ò ItÕ s a legitimate concern,Ó said Douglas. Ò The whole purpose of this discussion is to make the law crystal clear,Ó said Finance Chairman Tom Scozzafava.

Douglas said his constituents wanted all voices to be heard and raised several questions that remained open: What do with the funds once collected? Would they be given back to ROOST or go towards individual towns? How to enforce a possible change in policy? Ò Those are my concerns and IÕ m afraid we are trying to rush something through in a hurry without getting all opinions,Ó he said.

ThatÕ s when the lawmakers exited en masse.

THE NUMBERS SO FAR After the supers returned, ROOST CEO James McKenna told them that itÕ s difficult to determine exactly how many vacation rental units currently exist within the county.

McKenna arrived at an initial estimate of 1,467, most of which seem to be located in North Elba based on discussions with five realtors.

He also gleaned electronic platforms, like VRBO, an online vacation rental marketplace.

McKenna offered lawmakers a conservative Ò guesstimateÓ based on the number of rooms and average rates and on the revenues that could be raised if the available units were occupied for 30 days, the number that is believed to be the average rental length.

That number was $250,000.

ThatÕ s in comparison to the $2.3 million generated by the countyÕ s 1,900 hotel rooms.

Still unclear is what the exact occupancy is of these units Ñ how many days and nights theyÕ re typically utilized, he noted.

McKenna advised lawmakers that vacation units were an important component of the countyÕ s infrastructure, especially when it comes to large-scale events like IronMan, because they feed other industries, such as dining and retail, which also generate spending within the county. Ò We need these units to be successful,Ó he said.

Work is also underway at the state level to charge the law.

The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, McKenna noted, is in the process of lobbying for legislation governing short-term rentals, among other policy changes.

Another thing to keep in mind, he advised lawmakers, is that vacation units are becoming more in demand by visitors due to shifts in travel patterns. Ò People search out this type of lodging,Ó he said.

His office, he concluded, is committed to willing to work with all parties to thoroughly examine the issue. Ô OPEN MINDSÕ Following another freewheeling discussion Ñ lawmakers zapped the idea of an informal straw poll to discern if there was enough interest within the board’s rank and file before they spent time and resources moving the issue forward through standard procedural channels Ñ lawmakers opted to form a separate subcommittee to chart the way forward.

The eventual decision would then come before the full board for a weighted vote.

North Elba Supervisor Roby Politi, who is a realtor, flatly said he would abstain due to a conflict of interest.

Douglas said he hoped the sub-committee, which he anticipates will be cemented by the end of the week, would represent a wide spectrum of the community, including lawmakers, county officials and the private business owners representing each side of the debate. Ò I want to be very careful so I have enough on both sides,Ó said Douglas. Ò I want a fair and non-based committee and want to do everything to make it happen.Ó Preston, the Wilmington supervisor, said he remained optimistic at the prospects for change. Ò WeÕ re using tourism in Essex County as our main business, plain and simple,Ó he said. Ò ThatÕ s where the thrust of the lionÕ s share of the sales tax comes from Ñ itÕ s our industry.Ó He said itÕ s unfathomable that travelers call beforehand to ask what the occupancy tax is before booking a reservation.

As such, he said, itÕ s a win-win for all sides: Ò At end of the day, IÕ m honestly having a hard time understanding who this hurts.Ó

Hughes to hold Apple workshop

ESSEX Ñ Apple certified consultant and local Macman Ken Hughes will offer a two-hour workshop to help people master in the easy-to-understand language of iPhones, iPads and iCloud Saturday, March 21, at the Belden Noble Library from 2 until 4 p.m. Be prepared to play with devices as Hughes takes people through the most important steps of the techno gadgets. This is free and open to the public.

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.valleynewsadk.com

Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 9

NYSUT, school districts blast Cuomo on proposed education reforms

By Pete DeMola

pete@denpubs.com ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ The controversy roiling school districts across the state reached Elizabethtown last week when members of the New York State United Teachers union joined their counterparts in two local districts to express their outrage with Gov. Andrew CuomoÕ s proposed education reforms.

Among the most pressing issues for Elizabethtown-Lewis and Westport Central are state aid and teacher evaluations.

To push through his reforms, Cuomo, a Democrat, is using the state budget as leverage.

Unless lawmakers agree to his proposals, the governor will nix a proposed $1.1 billion increase in school funding.

With two weeks until the budget deadline of March 31, lawmakers are now in the final stretch. Ô HELD HOSTAGEÕ School districts were required to submit their 2016 proposed levy to Albany by March 1 in order to obtain tax cap figures, or how much they could bump taxes for residents within the district.

But the state hasnÕ t yet released the school aid runs that are necessary for budget planning, a measure that districts and NYSUT, a powerful union with 600,000 members, say is akin to holding districts Ò hostage.Ó Ò WeÕ re not hearing a lot out of Albany yet,Ó said Westport Central Superintendent Cynthia Ford-Johnston. Ò Planning is abnormal this year Ñ weÕ ve been playing a lot of what-if.Ó Westport has faced years of funding reductions paired with rising costs and declining revenues. Ò ItÕ s a cumulative tapping of our funds,Ó she said.

State aid makes up about half of ELCSÕ budget, said the districtÕ s superintendent, Scott Osborne.

That number drops to 26 percent for Westport. Ò When the governor is basically withholding half of what we need to operate, thatÕ s kind of problematic,Ó he said.

While GEA losses for ELCS peaked during the 2011-12 school year at $690,000, the numbers are gradually declining, a measure Osborne said was encouraging Ñ but not fast enough.

Since its inception, the GEA has reduced state aid to ELCS by $2.2 million, or $8,868 per student.

The burden is simply shifted back to the taxpayer, said Osborne, about 2.5 percent since 2005-06.

The state has an obligation to fund education, said the super.

He also took issue with CuomoÕ s claim that teachers unions were Ò one of the only remaining public monopolies.Ó Ò Unfortunately, itÕ s a monstrous distraction,Ó he said. Ò But we will not be distracted.Ó EVALUATIONS CuomoÕ s plan would also make it easier for the state to take over failing schools and fire underperforming teachers.

At the centerpiece of the teacher evals are proposed stateappointed Ò independent observersÓ who would evaluate classroom performance.

Educators say this would mean a loss of local control and an over-reliance on standardized testing.

Under CuomoÕ s proposal, 50 percent of a teacherÕ s evaluation would come from studentsÕ state test scores, up from the current 20 percent.

Thirty-five percent would come from independent observations, and the remaining 15 percent from supervisor observations.

Currently, 60 percent comes from local administration, with the remaining 40 from local exams and state test scores.

Ford-Johnston said the cost of independent evaluators is very difficult to estimate: Ò ItÕ s another unfunded mandate,Ó she said. Ô INVALID METRICÕ NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist Mary OÕ Brien said the state already has one of the most rigorous evaluation processes in the country.

Potential assessment tests designed by out-of-stage agencies would be problematic because they would not be aligned with the curriculum being taught, she said.

Almost every state that has gone in that direction Ñ like Tennessee, for instance Ñ has reversed course.

In those states, she said, competent teachers were failing the exams because their evaluations were based on tests that lacked Ò rigor and validity.Ó Teachers arenÕ t opposed to being evaluated, she noted. Ò What educators object to is an invalid metric used to evaluate

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed education reforms, including changes in tenure and how teachers are evaluated, have incensed educators across the state. Pictured here: Elizabethtown-Lewis Scott Osborne discusses policy at a public meeting in Elizabethtown on Wednesday, March 11.

Photo by Pete DeMola

their performance.Ó The governor is also proposing tweaks to tenure, a measure that would extend the probationary period from three to five years.

Osborne said he isn’t necessarily opposed to a five-year plan, and supports more authority to remove an underperforming non-tenured teacher, but requiring educators to earn five consecutive APPR ratings of Ò effectiveÓ or better to receive tenure is excessive. Ò WhatÕ s more troublesome to me is that the proposal would place too much weight on a measure that is widely seen as unreliable,Ó he said. Ò Assuring the authority of districts to terminate probationary employees who are not working out is what is most important.Ó OÕ Brien said CuomoÕ s proposals are not to improve public education, but rather a device to attack public school educators and strip away local control. Ò ItÕ s a red herring.Ó CuomoÕ s proposal also aims to increasing funding for charter schools.

Retired teacher and NYSUT board member Jeanette Stapley said this Ò siphoningÓ of public funds to charter schools is Ò criminalÓ and a threat to democracy. Ò Education is in a crisis because certain leaders would like to see the corporations take over,Ó she said.

She exhorted the crowd to write to lawmakers to voice their concerns. Ò We need everyone on board for this,Ó she said. Ò ItÕ s not hard to write a little note to your legislators.Ó 250,000 STUDENTS In a speech at the Rochester Rotary and Rochester Business Alliance Luncheon last week just hours before the event in Elizabethtown, Cuomo showed no sign of walking back his proposals.

The governor noted while New York spends more per pupil than any other state, the results are Ò decidedly mediocre.Ó

The education system is underperforming because it has been too much of a bureaucracy, he said. Ò We have schools that have been failing in this state for 10 years. You know the school is failing, it has been failing for the past 10 years and we continue to keep operating that school the same way, year after year after year,Ó he said.

A quarter-million students have been sent to schools that are known to be failing, said Cuomo, which doesnÕ t mesh with the current teacher evaluation system that has deemed 99 percent of educators are reported to be doing well.

Cuomo said that discrepancy, in part, illustrated the need for reform.

He circled back to accountability: Officials, he said, like “amorphous” institutions that design education policy in the state because no one is held accountable for system failure. Ò That has to change, and that has to change this year.Ó NEXT STEP The state assembly and the senate approved their own budget plans on Thursday, though the vote was symbolic.

Both rejected tying teacher performance to state aid, while the Republican-controlled senate opted to throw the GEA out altogether.

The state has set a deadline of April 21 for school districts to pass their budgets.

Osborne expects to deliver a preliminary draft to the ELCS board by March 24, with a tentative adoption date of April 14.

Westport aims to pass theirs on April 9.

Osborne and other officials said educators are focused and committed to navigating the uncertain terrain. Ò Every oar is in the water paddling in one direction,Ó said Osborne.

Ford-Johnston said while itÕ s easy to spin out of control, board members have the ability to stay focused: “Money supports us, but we cannot let it define us,” she said.

10 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

www.valleynewsadk.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

County lawmakers want to drug test welfare recipients. But is it feasible?

By Pete DeMola

pete@denpubs.com ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Should recipients of public assistance be required to submit to random drug testing?

According to a local lawmaker, absolutely.

Moriah Supervisor Tom Scozzafava first pitched the idea to the Essex County Board of Supervisors last week.

The catalyst, he said, was the fatal overdose of a Moriah woman earlier this month, just one of a recent string of drug-related deaths in his community.

Prescription drug abuse is a major problem, he said, much of which can be traced back to Medicaid recipients selling their surplus pills.

The rationale for implementing a change in policy is twofold, he said: The first is to create awareness. Ò If someone is receiving a script of painkillers, and they decide to sell them on the street, maybe this will deter that,Ó he said.

Most are legit, he admitted, but addiction remains a significant problem across the county.

The second is because those working in the private and public sector are subject to random testing, including the supervisor, who was last tested on Oct. 13. Ò I wouldnÕ t subject people to any law or regulation that I wouldnÕ t subject to myself,Ó said Scozzafava. Ò If the very people who are supporting the system through their tax dollars are required to be hold a job to be tested, why canÕ t the people receiving benefits be held to the same standard?”

He admitted that the proposal is not a cure-all, but would be a much-needed step to start thinking about the issue.

COMMUNITY REACTION ScozzafavaÕ s proposal, which passed the countyÕ s human services committee 6-1, prompted a debate on social media, including the supervisorÕ s Facebook page, where he posted a note explaining his rationale to his constituents.

While most comments appeared to be supportive Ñ Ò Way to go!Ó was a typical refrain Ñ some responded with skepticism.

Commenter Jon Alexander wrote while he understood the rationale underpinning the proposal, he wondered about how such a program would be implemented: Ò IÕ m just trying to understand how it would actually work,Ó wrote Alexander. Ò So would offenders be subject to arrest or just treatment? Is it a program of punish and treat or just treat?Ó Scozzafava agreed the devil is in the details, but said treatment and rehabilitation would be a bedrock of any possible change in policy. Ò The whole idea is to try to get people help and save lives.Ó POLICY IN ACTION Several states have implemented random drug testing for so-

cial services recipients.

In 2009, Arizona became the first state in the country to do so.

If the applicant answers yes to drug use on a benefit application form, then a test is required.

Since then, 26 people have lost their benefits due to the drug tests, only three of whom tested dirty, reported the Sierra Vista Herald. (The other 23 were stripped of their benefits for failing to take the drug test.)

ThatÕ s out of the some 142,000 adult recipients who have completed the three-question form.

Why? Reasonable cause is needed to administer the test, said a state official.

Arizona lawmakers initially estimated that it would save the state up to $1.7 million a year by taking people off welfare. But the Sierra Vista Herald calculated the total savings from 16 of those 26 recipients removed from the rolls as less than $4,000.

Even when the other 10 recipients removed are added in, said a state spokesperson, the savings would not come close to the estimated savings.

The costs of administering the 19 drug tests totaled to about $500, which amounts to a net savings of about $3,500.

Tennessee rolled out their program in July 2014.

For the first six months, the state nailed 37 drug users out of 16,017 applicants, a rate of 0.23%.

And FloridaÕ s controversial policy was delivered a fatal blow last month when Gov. Rick Scott opted not seek U.S. Supreme Court review of the law.

The stateÕ s mandatory testing policy was previously ruled unconstitutional by two federal courts.

During the four months that Florida required testing, 108 out of 4,086 those tested Ñ or 2.6 percent Ñ were found to have been using narcotics, about three times less than FloridaÕ s drug use rate of 8 percent.

Nationally, the number is 9.4 percent, while 3.6 percent of welfare recipients qualify as having a drug abuse or dependence problem.

Currently, Arizona, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah all continue to implement the programs.

A bill in Vermont has reached the statehouse, while a measure in West Virginia was defeated earlier this month.

Scozzafava said he wasnÕ t concerned about the numbers. Ò ItÕ s not about money Ñ itÕ s about getting illegal drugs off the street that are being purchased with taxpayer dollars. This about saving lives and doing the right thing.Ó Ô THE SYSTEM IS BROKENÕ Critics decry the policies as an attack on the poor and vulnerable populations, including the ACLU, who call the policies Ò unconstitutional, scientifically unsound and fiscally irresponsible.”

Scozzafava bristled at the suggestion of class warfare and civil rights violations:

Ò What about the rights of the people that are paying for all of this?Ó he asked.

The super said while he has always been mindful of the poor, something he keeps in mind while drafting policy, he believes public safety should be a safety net Ñ not an entitlement program with an infinite timespan. Ò Our system that we have in this state and country, we make people dysfunctional,Ó he said.

He circled back to his frustration with drug use: Ò Mothers are dying, leaving children orphans because of addiction to painkillers,Ó he said. Ò The system is broken badly.Ó Minerva Supervisor Stephen McNally was the lone holdout in last weekÕ s vote. Ò What are we going to do with these people if they fail the drug test?Ó he asked.

While heÕ s not opposed to the concept, McNally says the program needs to be thought out better. Ò ThereÕ s good people in that program who are just having some bad stuff happen to them,Ó he said.

Willsboro Supervisor Shaun Gillilland voted for the measure.

As a career military man, he has been subject to drug testing his entire adult life. Ò I donÕ t see it as a massive invasion of constitutional rights,Ó he said. Ò It might help to curb drug use Ñ that was an effect it had in the military.Ó He admitted many open questions Ñ What happens if recipients do pop on the test? How much would a possible drug treatment program cost and who would pay for it? What about administration costs? Ñ but said he agreed on a philosophical level. Ò Scozzy is very frustrated,Ó he said, citing the lack of information he receives on public assistance in Moriah. Ò HeÕ s try to get his handle around helping people who are on public assistance.Ó Essex County cannot make the decision unilaterally and their vote is purely symbolic.

If the full board passes the resolution on April 6, the resolution will get kicked over to Albany, where state lawmakers could it take it into consideration should they ever considering drafting a policy in the future. Ò IÕ m being open-minded,Ó said Essex Board Chairman Randy Douglas, who said he would support the measure if there was a component for treatment. Ò But IÕ m not sure if the state legislative body would be in favor of this law.Ó

Thrift Store reopening party planned ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ There will be a grand opening celebration for the Elizabethtown Thrift Store Saturday, March 21, at 11 a.m. The shop is now located on the corner of Route 9 and Hand Avenue (across from Adirondack Chevy).

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Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 11

Washington County Fair announces 2015 shows GREENWICH Ñ The May and August shows at the Washington County Fairgrounds have continued to grow in 2014, beyond all expectations. At the May 2014 show, 253 dealers saw over 5,900 customers come through the gates despite a very cold and rainy spring weekend. At the August 2014 show, 240 dealers saw over 6,000 customers come through the gates.

For 2015, the first show is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, one week before the Brimfield shows. The second show at the fairgrounds is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4, during the height of the Saratoga Springs racing season.

The Antique Fair features an average of over 225 dealers from all over the northeast, specializing in a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, crafts, and flea market items. Furniture, Post Cards, Art, Glassware, Tools, Linens, Records, Paper, Coins, Toys, and

Smalls can be found at this event. Over 90 percent of exhibitors specialize in antiques and older collectibles.

The publicÕ s weekend ticket (also good for unlimited show reentries) is only $3. Seniors 65 and older are only $2, and children under 14 are admitted free. Public gates open Saturday at 8 a.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m.

Early Buyers can enter the grounds with the dealers during setup Friday, using a $10 early buyer pass available at the gate beginning at 7 a.m., plus unlimited re-entries during public hours throughout the rest of the weekend.

There are acres of free parking at the fairgrounds, and camping facilities for those staying overnight. There is a porter service that can deliver your purchases to the gate area during show hours. Several dealers also provide appraisals for peopleÕ s antiques. Leashed pets are also welcome.

Food vendors are carefully screened and they are chosen for their cleanliness, reasonable pricing and menu choices. These vendors provide a wide variety of foods featuring specialty items as well as family favorites.

Dealers can get in on the action for only $90 from now until one week before show. Later registrations are $100. This is the best show you’ll find in the upper Hudson River valley.

For contract information and details, exhibitors can call 3315004, email fairgroundshows@aol.com, or visit fairgroundshows. com. Greenwich is ideally situated for these events, just 30 miles north of the Albany/Troy/Schenectady area, and 12 miles east of the famous resort city of Saratoga Springs. Lake George is less than 20 miles away. The surrounding area is heavily steeped in colonial American History. The historic Saratoga Battlefield is only three miles from the fairground.

ELCS Production From page 1

Written by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, with music by Jeanine Tesori, the production has been adapted as both a film and musical since its inception in 1967.

The pair settled on the performance because it seemed like a perfect fit with their friends and the roles, 19 in all.

Schaefer and Disogra are organizing all elements of the performance Ñ the production, direction, choreographyÉ even making tickets and coordinating publicity, not to mention practicing four times each week. Ò ItÕ s incredibly hard work,Ó said Schaefer. Ò After doing all of the stuff, we have such a greater appreciation for [former director] Susan Hughes Ñ thereÕ s so much behind the scenes that you donÕ t ordinarily know about.Ó Schaefer lauded their parents, teachers and the community Ñ including Kerry Muro, who provided the music direction, and Secretary Lauri Cutting, who answered their myriad questions Ñ for their help and support.

All proceeds from the three performances will be donated to the Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad in memory of Charlie Martin, the beloved Lewis resident who passed away last fall. Ò We wanted to do it for a cause,Ó said Schaefer.

The senior lauded Disogra: Sometimes, the days would be long and grueling. Ò We work really well with each other and tell each other all the time, Ô I wouldnÕ t be able to put on this production with any other person but you,Õ Ó she said.

She also praised her castmates for keeping her spirits up.

Schaefer graduates this June and would like to study performing arts in New York City. Ò I donÕ t know if itÕ s going to be a career, but itÕ s a passion that will always be in my life,Ó she said.

She circled back to the importance of theatre: “People always fight for sports and there’s always a way to fix sports programs,Ó she said. Ò But arts donÕ t always get the attention they deserve Ñ thatÕ s what this is all about.Ó Thoroughly Modern Millie: March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and March 22 at 3 p.m. Tickets: $10 for adults, $20 for families and $5 for students and senior citizens. Elizabethtown-Lewis Auditorium.

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Twenty-four kids and 15 adults participated in 4-H’s debut Cupcake War on Jan. 10 at the Cornell Cooperative Building in Westport. Each team had to design, engineer and build a set to house and show of their confections within three hours. The secret ingredient for the two recipes?

Blueberries. This year’s theme was Children’s Stories. “Celebrity judges” included Laurie Davis of Harvest Hill Farm, 4H Alumna and Paul Smith’s Pastry Chef Jenny McGinn and Jim Cunningham of Decker Flats Nursery and Greenhouse. The judges chose the Rascals’ Peter Rabbit as the winner.

Photo provided

12 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

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News in Brief OneWorkSource launches site

ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ OneWorkSource and the North Country Workforce Investment Board announce the launch of their updated website. The website services four county areas, including Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties. The new website features services and resources for both job seekers and employers. Additionally, it is easier to navigate and post resumes, consult upcoming Department of Labor workshops and OneWorkSource events, and search and post jobs. There is also a section specifically catering to available youth programs in the area will also be available on

the new website. Ò These updates will make it easier for job seekers and employers to connect and for people to know about available employment resources in the area,Ó said Sylvie Nelson, executive director of North Country Workforce Investment Board.

The website can be accessed at ncworkforce. com or oneworksource.com and was made possible by a CTAA Grant and developed by BoireBenner of Plattsburgh. For more information contact Noelle Sanger at the North Country Investment Board at 561-4295 ext. 3071 or at execadmin@ncworkforce.com.

Hunter education course planned

PUTNAM Ñ The hunter education class will be held Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 at the Putnam Firehouse. Those attending must attend both days and to bring a lunch. Friday will be from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday will be from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. For information or to register call Mike Bruce at 547-8299 or Tom Barber at 585-7859.

munizations. In addition, as of September 2008, parents must request a dental health certificate from their dentist for all students entering Kindergarten. A completed physical form will also be needed upon entering school. A Kindergarten screening day is being planned to give the children an opportunity to visit at a later date therefore. Parents are not required to bring their child to registration.

seeks BOE candidate Film festival to celebrate 200th movie WCS WESTPORT Ñ The Westport Central School WHALLONSBURG Ñ Ò The Theory of EverythingÓ will be shown Saturday, March 21, at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, 1610 NYS Rte 22, at 7 p.m. This is the Champlain Valley Film FestivalÕ s 200th movie and to celebrate the showing will be free. For more information call 963-4170, admin@thegrangehall.info.

Maple Weekend events announced

PAUL SMITH Ñ Maple Weekend is planned at Paul SmithÕ s College VIC, 8023 State Rte 30, Saturday, March 21-22 at 9 a.m. The VIC will be part of the Northeastern New York Maple ProducerÕ s region wide event. Come for a tour of the interpretive sugar bush, visit the sugar house, try some maple confections and baked goods, learn about maple sugaring, sign up for the Community Maple Project, and support the VIC by Ò adopting a mapleÓ or by buying a jug of Paul SmithÕ s made maple syrup. Sap to Syrup Workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to noon each Saturday of the Maple Weekends. The cost is $20 per person. For information call 327-6241.

ELCS kindergarten registration set

ELIZABETHTOWN Ñ Registration for the fall Kindergarten class at Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School will be held Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Main Office of the school. Any child who will be five years old on or before Tuesday, Dec. 1, are eligible for registration. Registration forms are required. District residents may pick up registration forms at the ELCS Main Office.

Call 873-6371 ext. 0 if unable to make the March registration days ASAP. Parents are required to bring their childÕ s birth certificate, or baptismal certificate, a social security number and an updated copy of im-

District is seeking a candidate to fill one (1) fiveyear term vacancy on the Board of Education.

The seat is currently held by Alice LaRock. Candidates seeking this position must be a qualified voter of the district who is able to read and write, a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age and a resident of the district for at least one year before the election. Petitions are available in the District Office Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those who would like to be considered as candidates for this term must submit a petition to the District Clerk signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District. Petitions must be returned to the District Office Monday, April 20, no later than 4 p.m.

The Board of Education election will be held Tuesday, May 19 in the lobby outside the Bulles Auditorium, from noon to 9 p.m. For further information, contact Jana Atwell, District Clerk at 962-8244.

Holy Hikes to go up Baxter

KEENE Ñ Holy Hikes-AdirondacksÕ next scheduled outing is Saturday, April 4. The hike up Baxter Mountain is rated easy/moderate.

People will meet at 9 a.m. at the trailhead on Rte 9N. Holy Hikes-Adirondacks was established as a mission of St. James Episcopal Church, Au Sable Forks. The mission seeks to introduce people to GodÕ s creation in the beauty of the outdoors. Praises, prayers, and holy scripture are interwoven while hiking, paddling, biking, skiing, and snow shoeing. For more information, contact Lay Leaders, Jim and Kathleen Blaisel at kblaisel987@gmail.com. Upcoming events are listed on the Holy Hikes facebook page at facebook.com/HolyHikesAdirondacks and on the website at stjamesausableforks.weebly.com.

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News in Brief Blood drive announced

PLATTSBURGH Ñ The North Country Regional Blood Donor Program, with the support of local businesses and agencies, conducts several blood drives open to the community each month.

Blood collected at these drives stays in the North Country, helping hundreds of people starting Tuesday March 24, Westport High School, 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 30, Willsboro Fire Department, 4 to 7 p.m.

To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health and at least 17 years of age. The minimum weight requirement is 110 lbs. All donors must pass a physical and health history exam conducted at the drive prior to donation. Whole blood can be donated once every eight weeks (56 days). Apheresis (red blood cell donation) donations can occur every 16 weeks.

The North Country Regional Blood Donor Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome

On Campus Herkimer honors Emily Rascoe

HERKIMER Ñ Herkimer College awarded academic honors to Emily Katherine Rascoe of Westport. She is studying Travel and Events Management. She was one of 171 students named to the PresidentÕ s List for earning a grade point average of 3.80 or higher.

SUNY Cortland adds to Dean’s List

CORTLAND Ñ SUNY Cortland has named Ryan Davis, a 2014 graduate of Westport Central School, a Fitness Development Major, to the DeanÕ s List. He is the son of Michael and Laurie Davis.

Hartwick adds Melendez to Dean’s List

ONEONTA Ñ Hartwick College has added Alexa Melendez, daughter of Roberto Melendez and Samantha Melendez of Westport, a nursing major, to the DeanÕ s List for the Fall 2014 semester. A student must be a full time student with a GPA of 3.5 or better. She will be graduating with her nursing degree this year.

MCPHS recognizes local student

BOSTON, MA Ñ MCPHS University is pleased to announce that Sidney Murphy, of Keeseville, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, has been named to the DeanÕ s List for the Fall 2014 semester. Sidney will graduate from the Boston, Massachusetts campus in 2016. The DeanÕ s List recognizes those students with a full-time course load who have achieved outstanding scholarship with a 3.5 GPA or higher for the academic term.

however those interested in apheresis donation should call 5627406 to make an appointment. More information and a complete listing of upcoming drives can be found at UVMHealth.org/ CVPH.

Essex Theatre Company preps auditions

ESSEX Ñ Essex Theatre Company announces auditions for Neil SimonÕ s comedy Ò Chapter TwoÓ and for Jones and SchmidtÕ s musical Ò I Do! I Do!Ó will be held Friday, March 27, at the Community Church, Rte 22 and Main St (side entrance), from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 28, from 2 until 4 p.m. Auditioners for Chapter Two will be asked to read from the script provided.

There are parts for two males (40ish) and two females (30ish).

Auditioners for I Do! I Do! are asked to bring one prepared song with sheet music and to sing from the showÕ s music & to read from the script provided. Parts for one female soprano one male tenor, late teens or adult; be able to move well onstage.

Everyone is welcome to tryout for these community theater productions. Neil SimonÕ s comedy Chapter Two will be performed July 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 2015, at 7 p.m. and July 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge and for Jones and SchmidtÕ s musical I Do! I Do! to be performed Aug. 14, 15, 20, 21 22, at 7 p.m. and Aug. 16 and Aug. 23 at 2 p.m., also at the Masonic Lodge. Contact Kathy Poppino for further information at poppino1@juno.com.

14 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

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Keene Beavers highlight MVAC Division III All-Star team KEENE VALLEY Ñ The Keene Beavers, after a nearly flawless season, made up over half of the Mountain Valley Athletic ConferenceÕ s Division III All-Star team.

Austin Brown, Brandon Dumas and Colton Venner, the divisionÕ s Ò Big Three,Ó along with head coach Chad Lopez helped the team to a 20-2 record this season, its only losses coming in a regular season game against Schroon Lake and the Section VII Class D championship to Moriah.

After splitting the regular season series with Schroon Lake, Keene topped the well-match foe in the sectional semifinals.

The most recent New York State Sportswriters Association poll has the Beavers ranked 13th among Class D teams in the state, a spot that isnÕ t likely to change much, if at all, by the seasonÕ s coming end.

Brown hit 60 3-pointers in the regular season on his way to a team-leading 18.7 points per game. Venner, also a long threat with 31 makes, averaged 14.4 points per game while Dumas, an anchor inside, also posted a double-digit scoring average of 11.3 It was the final season on the hardwood as Beavers for the three, who leave big shoes to fill for the next senior class.

Austin Brown

Brandon Dumas

Colton Venner

Coach Chad Lopez

MVAC All-Stars:

Captain: Alex Shaughnessy, Schroon Lake Coach: Chad Lopez, Keene Austin Brown, Keene Brandon Dumas, Keene Colton Venner, Keene Henry Sandiford, Indian Lake/Long Lake Tanner Stone, Schroon Lake

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The sporting life: Old as the hills, fresh as the rain

A

s has been my custom for more than a decade or so, I recently spent another fine, March day traveling down Schroon Lake way in order to attend the annual Adirondack SportsmanÕ s Dinner. The popular annual event has become a rite of Spring, and it always provides me with an opportunity to visit with old friends, and to catch up on their goings-on.

The event, organized by nearly three dozen Ministries located throughout the Bible Belt of the Adirondacks, always draws a crowd and this year was no different. It is sort of a woodmanÕ s rendezvous, although there were plenty of woodswomen in attendance as well.

Speakers for this yearÕ s, 20th anniversary gathering included former DEC Forest Ranger Gary Hodgson, as well as retired DEC Biologist Mark Brown and current DEC Region 5 representatives Ben and Sharon Tabor, who offered seminars on furbearer management and tick management.

Also on hand was wilderness survivalist Marty Simon, trapping expert Bo Moses, waterfowler Mark Pepin as well as Melanie and Roger Houck who provided a seminar on Ò Getting jiggy with Perch.Ó Additional seminars included Basic Emergency Food Storage with Brendan Riordan, Beginning Bowhunting with Terry Bice and his wife VickieÕ s wonderful presentation on getting children involved with Nature through song. Paul Jensen, another DEC wildlife technician completed the stateÕ s slate of speakers with a popular presentation on Big Cats of the Adirondacks. As usual, I also offered a seminar on Backcountry Brook Trout As always the Salarno Boys provided a wonderful display of their big racked, Adirondack bucks, as well as presenting two seminars on Ò How to Track Big Bucks in the Adirondacks.Ó Dr. Paige Patterson, a Ò preacher who packs a pistolÓ and a worldwide sportsman with over 30 world class game trophies provided a wonderful and humorous keynote address to cap off the event.

Although IÕ ve joked that the event is likely the largest, redneck reunion north of the Mason Dixon line; it is also one of the most enjoyable and informative gatherings of sportsmen and women IÕ ve had the pleasure of attending. The food was great, the company friendly and the overall administration and presentation of the event was simply incredible. However, I wasnÕ t surprise, as IÕ ve discovered that anytime you can get a large group of Adirondackers together, you know itÕ s going to be a good time.

I couldnÕ t help but notice there were also a large number of children and teens attending the event. ItÕ s a very encouraging sign, for if the future generation of Adirondack residents are getting out to enjoy the local woods and waters, they will learn to appreciate the outdoors, and theyenjoy it, they will want to protect it. And when local

youth are out enjoying the nearby wilds, Physicians and educators now agree, Ò They behave better, have longer attention spans, and often exhibit increased self-confidence and express a more positive self-image.Ó Further evidence suggests Ò a meaningful engagement with nature as a child has a direct correlation with involvement in environmental issues in the future, which should be of great interest as communities look for the next generation of environmental leaders.Ó Additional research from studies conducted for the Child&Nature Networks indicate Ò spending time in the open air and learning outside has also proven to increase studentsÕ ability to think creatively and improve problem-solving skills.Ó The study also revealed Ò students who play and learn in outdoor settings perform better on tests, have higher grade point averages (GPAs), and cause fewer classroom disruptions.Ó There is also considerable evidence indicating Ò outdoor adventure programs can impact positively on young peopleÕ s attitudes, beliefs and self-perceptions.” Benefits include “an increase in self-concept domains such as independence, confidence, self-efficacy, and selfunderstanding.Ó Time spent outdoors also results in Ò an increase in personality dimensions such as assertiveness, emotional stability, achievement motivation, internal focus of control, and reductions in aggression and neurosis. It has also been shown to improve mental strength and interpersonal dimensions such as social competence, cooperation and interpersonal communication skills.Ó With such tangible results, it would seem reasonable that local school districts may consider developing formalized outdoor education/recreation programs, which would surely be a win-win situation for both the students and educators.

Back to Camp-It’s nothing new

The tangible benefits of the outdoor life have long been recognized by those that regularly share in such wild pleasures.

In fact, the same benefits have likely been shared by campers and outdoor travelers since man first took to the woods.

Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 15 Recently, while leafing though a collection of turn of the century adventure manuals, IÕ ve discovered a treasure cove of quotes regarding the topic of outdoor adventure, circa 1890-1910. HereÕ s one is from F. H. Revell in his book, Camp-Fire Musings, copyright, 1912. Ò There is an impalpable, invisible, softly-stepping delight in the camp-fire which escapes analysis.

Enumerate all its charms, and still there is something not in your catalogue. There are paths of light which it cuts through the darkness; there are elfish forms winking and twisting their faces in the glowing, ash-veiled embers; there are black dragonsÕ heads with red eyes, and jaws grinning to show their fiery teeth; the pines whisper to the silence; the sentinel trees seem to advance and retire ; you may hear the distant scream of the wolf, or the trumpet of the moose, or the note of a solitary night bird, or the more familiar note of the loon surround and conceal some other delight, as the body veils while it reveals the soul.

The Way of the Woods: A Manual For Sportsman by Edward Breck was published by The Log Cabin Press in 1908. The bookÕ s forward explains: Ò The pursuit of health and happiness, of the countless delights to be secured in other way than by living the free life of the woods -this is our object. It is to forget the ticker and the ledger; to to get out of our ears the jingle of the telephone and the clang of the electric.

The querulous voice of the nerved racked struggle-for-lifer, and the noises of the filth-encrusted pavement; to banish from our eyes the tense, distracting scenes and from our nostrils the noisome smells of city life-in a word to escape from the soul -racking artificiality to the soothing ministrations of the Great Mother.

For the average man, it is not good to be alone in the woods. Unless one is a hermit by nature the pleasure of the trip will be greatly enhanced by having the companion with whom to share the beauties, the successes and even the hardships of the trail.

The joy of shared anticipation and preparations is double and also that of fighting the battle over again after the return. The choice of a companion is most important, for a mistake cannot commonly be rectified. Next to choosing a wife, it is life’s most delicate problem, for in no other situation does a man so inevitably depend upon the company of another.Ó A Handy Volume for Devotees of Tent and Trail by L. E. Eubanks published in 1899 details the benefits of outdoor recreation.

The custom of taking outing and pleasure-excursions is becoming more general each year. As the summer approaches we long to desert the dusty pavements and the confines of store or office, and wander in delightful abandon, through the shady woods, to escape for a fortnight from the worry and care of exacting routine and be a child again Ñ a child of Nature.

I have said that the vacation custom is spreading, but I must qualify this statement; there yet remain many who plead lack of time, and continue the monotonous grind despite all remonstrance of body and brain.

There are men so constituted that they seem to endure any amount of indoor work and retain health; but, in time, this too strenuous application tells on all according to the strength of their respective constitutions. Determine to forget everything but health and pleasure, and enjoy the trip to the fullest extent.

Joe Hackett is a guide and sportsman residing in Ray Brook. Contact him at brookside18@adelphia.net.

16 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

OBITUARIES MARY ARGENTA LECLAIR REED

July 4, 1934- March 10, 2015 She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, neighbor, and friend.

Throughout her years she was a Nana to so many in the community. She could be seen at many a Keene Central sporting or music event, supporting her five grandchildren, as well as walking through Keene, taking in the beauty of her hometown and getting a bit of exercise.

She is survived by her daughter, Paula Reed McDonough, of Keene Valley; her son Bruce Reed and his wife Carol, of Keene Valley; Mary Argenta LeClair Reed, her grandchildren, Tiffani of Keene, NY, died in her McDonough and her hushome on March 10, 2015. She band Rob Kearney of Manwas 80. hattan; Taetum Crooker and A native of Keene, she was her husband Justin, of Ballthe youngest of 8 children of ston Lake; Ewen McEarl and Elizabeth (Shackett) Donough and his fiance JesLeClair, born July 4, 1934. sica Dudley of Paris, France; She graduated Keene Central Sunny Reed and Summer School in 1952.

Reed of Keene Valley; two She married Royce Reed in great-grandchildren, 1953 and they raised their Matthew and Adam Crooktwo children throughout the er; and dozens of nieces and North Country, ultimately nephews who will greatly returning to Keene in 1961. miss their Nanas and Aunt Her house on Route 73 was Genas zest for life and easy always full of her brothers, laugh. nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling Gena was driven by a strong hours. A funeral Mass will be civic spirit throughout her held at St Brendans Catholic life. She worked for the Church at 11AM on SaturTown of Keene as a bookday, March 14. Burial to folkeeper and office manager low at Norton Cemetery. for over 30 years. During In lieu of flowers, gifts in her that time, she served on the memory can be given to St Essex County Republican Brendans Church.

Committee. She was actively Arrangements have been eninvolved in many campaigns trusted to Marvin-Heald Fualthough she never ran for neral Home, 7521 Court office herself.

Street in Elizabethtown. To In later years she was instrulight a memorial candle or mental in the upkeep and leave an online condolence operations of Saint Brendans please visit www.healdfuCatholic Church in Keene, neralhomeinc.com and served as its treasurer.

www.valleynewsadk.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

Willsboro

Janice Allen • 963-8912 • allens@willex.com

W

e got a sneak preview of some spring weather a few days back, and then of course, another Sunday reminded us that winter weather is still not done.

This community and areas sure stepped up with things to do to help celebrate St. PatrickÕ s holiday. Last Saturday, there were at least five different events that one could enjoy... and there is more ahead.

The Willsboro Congregational Church will be offering a Take Out Supper on Thursday, March 19 serving roast pork and all the good things that go with it.

Adults are $9 each.

The Fish & Game Group is still holding their Spring Turkey Shoot: the next one will be Saturday, March 21 from 12 to 3 p.m.

The annual Ski & Ski board season of taking our youth to Whiteface each week for the six or more weeks especially when we are blessed with snow.

We are most grateful that many continue to volunteer to make this program available.

Congratulations to the Champlain Valley Film Society for their dedicated offering of good films over these past several years. They are now playing their 200th movie on March 21 free of charge. They have also been offering some Sunday afternoon movies, especially of interest to children and youth.

Thank you to this group for their continued offering this service at a nice affordable price right here in our community area.

Hats off to the Reber United Methodist Church for stepping up and offering their building for the Senior Nutrition site if the Wills-

boro Fire Hall does not work out.

Willsboro Central School is still advertising that there are two board positions open, apply if interested.

The Youth Program is fast closing on applications for the summer youth program. The Willsboro Golf Course is now under the town leadership and they have a couple of summer positions available, check at the town hall if interested.

The Willsboro/Reber congregations were blessed this past Sunday as the youth of the church presented an outstanding worship service.

Several of the youth shared their talents in the program and it was so refreshing to see the great growth that these youth displayed.

Sadly we morn the loss of two much loved persons in our community, Faye Bigelow as her great family came together to pay tribute to her.

Another great person that we lost was John Anderson, he was a great person that this community will miss, he was a great carpenter and many buildings in this area reflect his work.

Sympathy to both of these families.

Happy Birthday to Ken Coonrod (March 18), Scott Sayward (March 21), Jayde Trow (March 21), Mona Morgan (March 22), Rose Ann Sayward (March 23), Polly Belanger (March 23) and Drago Lobdell (March 23).

Happy Anniversary to Chuck and Irene Krotz on March 18.

North Country SPCA

T

he warmer weather of spring brings more than April showers and May flowers... it also brings...

kittens!

ItÕ s hard to believe that kitten season is nearly upon us, but before you know it, we will be deluged in little furry bundles needing forever homes.

Unfortunately, as adorable as kittens are, there are never enough homes for all of the baby and adult cats who need them!

Please do your part to reduce the number of unwanted kittens by spaying/neutering your cats.

If you are unable to afford the full cost of spay/neuter surgery for your pets, the NCSPCA can provide assistance through our new program, SNIP (Spay/Neuter Incentive Program).

Stop by the shelter to pick up a voucher, which can be used at a number of area vets,

including in Plattsburgh and Vermont.

For more info, call 518-873-5000. Spread the word!

Our featured pet this week is a courtesy post for Buddy, a 3.5 year old male mixedbreed pup with beautifully-patterned black-and-brown markings.

Buddy has a friendly personality; he gets along well with children and other pets (dogs or cats), and heÕ s housetrained.

He comes to the command ÒB uddy come,Ó but will run and roam if given the opportunity.

He really needs a secure home with a fenced-in yard to prevent his wanderlust from becoming a problem. He has been trained on an electric fence with some success. Buddy has great manners - he does not jump up on people and has a very, very sweet disposition. He loves to play fetch and run/hike on trails.

Kathy L. Wilcox • 873-5000 Buddy needs a new home ASAP or else he will have to come to the shelter. If you are interested in giving Buddy a new home, please call 518-963-7082.

Buddy

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

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Keeseville & Ausable Forks

A

usable Valley Players will be putting on performances of Ò Mary PoppinsÓ at the Ausable Valley Middle and High School from March 19 at 7:30 p.m. to March 22 at 2 p.m.

Keeseville Elementary School will be having their Spring Scholastic Book fair from March 16 through March 20.

Anyone is welcome to come and browse all the wonderful books. A portion of the sales will help the Keeseville Elementary Library.

March 26 at 7:00 p.m. Anderson Falls Heritage Society will be having their March meeting. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Society is more than welcome to join. The SocietyÕ s mission is to preserve the history of our area and make ot available for all to see and appreciate.

The Keeseville Elks Lodge is hosting a Friday Shrimp or Fish fry now through the first Friday in April.

March 18th at 6 p.m. he Seth Yacovone Band will be playing at Mad River Pizza in Ausable Forks. Seth Yacovone comes from Burlington, Vermont. The band considers themselves to be a bluesy hard rock power trio with International recognition.

Remodeling has not yet begun for Mad River Pizza upon completion the restaurant will have

Kyle Page • kmpage1217@charter.net

much more seating space as well as band space.

This Thursday, March 19 at 5 p.m. I will be at the Kinney Drugs in Plattsburgh at Boynton Avenue to sign copies of the new book Ò Around Keeseville.Ó I will also be doing a joint signing with Speedy Arnold who has three great childrenÕ s books that he wrote and illustrated at ArnoldÕ s Grocery and Likker Locker sometime when the weather gets warmer.

In the meantime, ArnoldÕ s will be carrying copies of the book for sale.

Copies can also be purchased at the Clinton Community College Book store which is open from Monday through Friday 8 p.m. until 4 p.m. Have a great week everyone and enjoy the beautiful area that we call home.

‘Le Vent Du Nord’ to hold concert

WHALLONSBURG Ñ Ò Le Vent Du NordÓ will be performing Sunday, May 17, at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall.

This is part of the Ô Old World Meets NewÕ series that showcases the music and traditional instruments of the waves of immigrants who settled the North Country. The Grange received a Decentralization Community Arts Grant from the NY State Council on the Arts to hold these concerts.

Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 17

Elizabethtown Social Center

Arin Burdo • info@elizabethtownsocialcenter.org

This month, the Elizabethtown Social Center is a drop off location for the Self Advocates of the AdirondacksÕ food drive. The Mountain Lake Services group is collecting for local food pantries. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item the next time you attend a Social Center activity.

Congratulations to Brayden Drew and Ryan Jacques, the latest Friday Night Pool Tournament winners and qualifiers for the spring Tournament of Champions.

Have you seen our beautiful new stained glass street numbers above the front door?

Thank you to Dan and Mary Jean Belzer for donating their beautiful creation. The Belzers make street numbers and other original stained glass designs.

Email them at danmar@westelcom.com for more information or to view their gallery.

Interested in writing? Our WriterÕ s Group meets every other Thursday at 1:00. Do not be shy-- the group is open to all skill levels, ages, and interests.

Mark your calendars Ð the annual Charles Pratt Memorial Road Race is set for May 9.

Watch for the early registration deadline on April 24 for a free tshirt. Registration forms are available at the Center and on the website.

March 22-28:

Monday: Healthier Today Group Workout at 4:00 p.m. and Support Group with guest Dr. Emma Summers of 1895 Chiropractic Center at 5:00; Adult Rec Basketball at ELCS, 7:30 pm.

Tuesday: Third Age Adult Day Center, 10:00 am; Pleasant Valley Chorale rehearsal, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai Chi with Ascent Wellness, 10:30 am; Zumba with Kye Turner, 5:00 p.m; Adult Pickleball at ELCS, 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: Writers Group, 1:00 p.m.; Zumba with Karin DeMuro, 5:30 p.m.

Friday: My Free Taxes, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. by appointment; Teen Pizza and Pool Tourney, 5:00 p.m.

Zumba, Yoga, and Strength classes are $6 each. For more information, visit elizabethtownsocialcenter.org or call 873-6408.

‘Men at Words’ to perform

WHALLONSBURG Ñ Ò Men at WordsÓ featuring Archie Fisher, James Keelaghan and Jez Lowe will be performing Thursday, April 23, at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall at 7 p.m. The cost is $15.

This is part of the Ô Old World Meets NewÕ series that showcases the music and traditional instruments of the waves of immigrants who settled the North Country. The Grange received a Decentralization Community Arts Grant from the NY State Council on the Arts to hold these concerts.

18 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

CARS

CARS

LEGAL NOTICES FOR THIS NEWSPAPER AND NEWSPAPERS AROUND THE STATE MAY BE FOUND ONLINE AT http://newyorkpublicnotices.com

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BOATS

MOTORCYCLES

1977 156 GLASTRON Boat with 70 HP Johnson motor, with trailer, excellent condition. $2500. 518-3598605A 2001 Crestliner Angler, 16' / 2001 trailer w/spare; 2002 25hp Mercury outboard. $5,500. 518-6439992 2005 WHITEHALL SPIRIT rowing/sailboat. Classic boat, rare find. Must sell! Asking $4500 OBO. 845-868-7711

2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING CLASSIC, w/many extras, as new condition, only 15,050 miles, original owner. Asking $9500.

518-962-8539 Wesport, NY Area.

2007 STINGRAY BOAT 25' Stingray Cruiser, only 29 hours, LIKE NEW, sleeps 4, has bathroom, microwave, fridge, table, includes trailer, stored inside every winter. (518) 5700896 $49,000 BOAT 1990 Supra Ski boat 351 Ford Engine, excellent condition w/trailer. $6,000. 518-637-1741 AUTO'S WANTED

2012 VW Beetle, excellent condition, 50,000 miles. $10,500 OBO. 518-873-6430.

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We're Local! 7 Days/Week.

Call Toll Free: 1-888-416-2330 CLASSIC 1973 CAMARO, 350 Auto, V-8 Engine, original 55,000 miles, $12,000, very good condition. 518-359-9167 Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting MakeA-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call 518-6501110 Today!

GET CASH TODAY for any car/truck. I will buy your car today.

Any Condition. Call 1-800-8645796 or www.carbuyguy.com

TRUCKS 2003 Ford Sport Trac, 4 door, 4x4. Fiberglass Cap, Hard Tonneau Cover, Cargo Bed Extender & Running Boards, Original Owner, All Service Records, 152K miles, $5100 OBO. 518-597-3133.

2005 Ford Van, ¾ ton, new tires, 130k miles, asking $1500. 518547-8730.

BOATS 14 SECTION OF 8' Pressured treated boat docking w/ latter, adjustable hight stands, excellent condition, Also 12x14 Floating Raft w/latter. 518-563-3799 or 518563-4499 Leave Message.

1968 Launch Dyer 20' Glamor Girl, Atomic 4 inboard engine, 30HP, very good cond. Safe, reliable, spacious, ideal camp boat.

Reasonable offers considered. Located in Essex, NY. 802-503-5452

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

CASH FOR CARS and TRUCKS. Get A Top Dollar INSTANT Offer!

Running or Not! 1-888-416-2208 TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-454-6951 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES 2000 24' LAYTON CAMPER Sleeps 6, very clean, excellent condition, must see, $6700 OBO. 518-643-9391 2004 STARCRAFT MOTOR HOME 27', two slides, generator, sleeps six, 450 V-10 Ford, 26,000 miles, good condition, $26,000. 518-3100790 TOW BEHIND CAMPER 2008 26 foot Keystone Highmark.

In great shape.

Comfortably sleeps 5 plus. Air conditioning.

Ready to roll now. Call (518) 5862864.

MOTORCYCLES 1983 SUZUKI GS650L, 4 cyl., new battery, new tires, mint condition, extra's included. Asking $1,250.

518-946-8341 Will trade for log splitter.

1994 Honda Goldwing Aspencade 5500CC, reverse, 14amp alternator, loaded w/ extra's. MUST SEE!! $5800 OBO. 518-561-4431

CANAM SPYDER 2012 Spyder Roadster. Includes battery charger-custom cover-2 helmets(small)-XL CanAm jacket. 59 Miles. $21,300.00 518566-7369 REDUCED 2008 HARLEY 1200XLN, 7050 miles great shape, many extras, $6,000. 518-9425212 SNOWMOBILES 1972 Arctic Cat Cheetah, 440 engine, for parts or restoration, $100 firm. 518-298-4204 leave msg.

ACCESSORIES (2) TRAILERS (OPEN) - both excellent condition; 2010 Triton 20' Aluminum - max wgt. 7500 lbs. Asking $4900 and 1989 Bison 31' overal Gooseneck, Asking $2900. 518-546-3568.

ANTIQUE SHOW & COLLECTIBLES sponsored by Watkins-Montour Rotary Club. Sunday, March 22, 2015, 9:30am - 3:00pm. Clute Park Community Center, Rt. 414, Watkins Glen, NY. Supporting Rotary Community Service Programs. Mr. Gene Lane will be buying scrap gold and silver. $3 donation.

JOBS INTEREXCHANGE LOCAL REP Work & Travel USA Local Representative (LR) An LRs primary responsibilities are to introduce local seasonal employers to the benefits of the InterExchange Work & Travel USA program and to ensure that international student participants in their area have opportunities to engage in cultural activities outside of work.

LRs are part-time employees, who work from home and receive a base salary compensation plus commission. LRs promote the program, generate new leads and provide follow-up with seasonal employers in their regions. LRs will also be responsible for maintaining student housing contacts and assisting in arranging affordable, safe, temporary housing. During the seasons when international students are in-country, LRs will identify, plan, initialize and organize local cultural events and other activities that provide students with exposure to American society, culture and values.

To apply, qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to clewis@interexchange.org or call 800.621.1202.

For more info: www.interexchange.org HELP WANTED

AUCTIONS AUCTION CHEMUNG COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURES- 100+ Properties March 25 @11AM. Holiday Inn, Elmira, NY. 800-243-0061 HAR, Inc. & AAR, Inc. Free brochure: www.NYSAUCTIONS.com Live Simulcast Bankruptcy Auction Case 13-10157, Hayes Iron & Metal, Inc. Office Bldg., Metal Frame Bldgs, Workshop, Shop Equip., Tools, Office Furnishings & Equip., Providence, NC. 3/26/15 at 10am.

Auction at The Institute Conference Center Barkhouser Auditorium, Danville, VA. 800-997-2248, NCAL3936/ VAAL580. www.ironhorseauction.com

Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! Receive Hands On Training And National Certifications Operating Bulldozers, Backhoes & Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. Veteran Benefits Eligible! 1-866-968-2577

MORIAH CENTER, NY In Home Health Care needed, CNA preferred on site training provided. $13.65/hr. Evening & Over Night shifts, Weekends a most.

Contact Dave or Gina 518-5463218 Leave Message, references required. Must be Reliable & a Caring Person. Possible drug test.

RN's NEEDED, FT for home healthcare assessments. Great Pay & Benefits! Must be UAS certified.

Call 1-718-387-8181 ext. 202 OR email resume to recruit@whiteglovecare.com.

HELP WANTED LOCAL ELIZABETHTOWN-LEWIS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (EOE) is accepting applications for CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT/DISTRICT CLERK. Start date 7/1/2015. Salary commensurate with experience. Provide cover letter, resume, 3 letters of reference, and completed application to Superintendent, Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School, PO Box 158, Elizabethtown, NY 12932. Application and details available at www.elcsd.org or call 518-873-6371.

Deadline 4/10/2015.

HELP WANTED LOCAL GENERAL ACCOUNTANT WANTED Chazy and Westport Telephone Company has an immediate opening for an Accountant I in our Westport Office. This person is responsible for preparing and processing payroll, federal and state reporting, bank reconciliations, inventory, work order closings, depreciation and continuing property records, journal entries, preparing and monitoring work papers on assigned accounts, and assisting the accounting manager with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: -Associates degree in Accounting required; Bachelor*s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred -Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word -Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communications skills -Ability to work independently, multi task and be detailed oriented -Two years* experience in General Accounting required -Prior experience in the telecommunications field preferred Interested applicants, please submit your resume and salary requirements to employment@westelcom.com.

Lake Champlain Ferries is looking for full-time ticket agents at our Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY ferry crossing (April - December). Full time hours plus benefits after 90 days. $9.50/hr to start. Contact Dave at davem@ferries.com.

Senior Citizen 55 or older for part time work. Call Shirley 518-9630886.

THE TOWN OF WESTPORT YOUTH COMMISSION is hiring summer camp counselors and counselorsin-training. Applications are available from the Town of Westport or at www.westportyouth.org and are due by March 27. Interviews will be conducted as applications are submitted.

WESTAFF SERVICES We'll find the perfect employee and make you the hero!

Office /Clerical, Light Industrial Professional/Technical Managerial Call today 518-566-6061 CAREER TRAINING AVIATION GRADS work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-866-296-7093 WELDING CAREERS - Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students.

Job placement assistance.

CALL AIM 1-855-325-0399

Published by Denton Publications, Inc. CAREER TRAINING

www.valleynewsadk.com MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

THE OCEAN CORP. 10840 Rockley Road, Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New Career. *Underwater Welder. Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld Inspector. Job Placement Assistance.

Financial Aid available for those who qualify. 1-800-321-0298.

WELDING CAREERS: Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance.

CALL AIM 888-205-1735

LEGAL NOTICES FOR THIS NEWSPAPER AND NEWSPAPERS AROUND THE STATE MAY BE FOUND ONLINE AT http://newyorkpublicnotices.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY DO YOU HAVE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO PROMOTE? Reach as many as 3.3 million households and 4.5 million potential buyers quickly and inexpensively! Only $489 for a 25-word ad. Place your ad online at AdNetworkNY.com or call 1-877-275-2726

LOOK FOR NORTH COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE AVAILABLE AT STORES THROUGHOUT NORTHERN NEW YORK AND VERMONT PUBLISHED BY: DENTON PUBLICATIONS

PARTNER FUNDING NEEDED START TRUST SUBMISSIONS PROJECTED CPA SALES $800,000 seamanfirstclass.com 802-279-6992 MISCELLANEOUS !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch.

1930-1980. Top Dollar paid!! Call Toll Free 1-866-433-8277 AIRLINES ARE HIRING for those with FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. Get the A&P training at Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888686-1704

AIRLINES ARE HIRING for those with FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. Get the A&P training at Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866453-6204 ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800-957-4881 Between HS and college? Wanting entry level position? Rapid advancement and huge earning potential! Must travel. $500 signing bonus! 480-718-9540 CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800-8645784 DISH TV RETAILER - Save 50% on qualifying packages! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.)

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Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 19

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

Do you owe over $10,000 to the IRS or State in back taxes? You could get a settlement for as low as 25% of previous IRS settlements. Call now! 1- 800-7419104 Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you.

Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-491-6053

Switch & Save Event from DirecTV! Packages starting at $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade!

2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with select Packages. New Customers Only. IV Support Holdings LLC - An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Some exclusions apply- Call for details 1-800-931-4807

HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org

ADOPTIONS

HOTELS FOR HEROES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org

A dream is a wish your heart makes, our wish is a baby to love. We're loving, educated, close family. Expenses paid.

Danny/ Lorraine 1-866-997-7171

ANNOUNCEMENTS

YOU ARE READING ONE OF DENTON PUBLICATION'S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS. MAIL YOUR MESSAGE TO 57,832 HOMES IN NEW YORK AND VERMONT FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 518-873-6368 EXT 105 OR EMAIL TO ASHLEY@DENPUBS.COM

Reach as many as 2 MILLION POTENTIAL BUYERS in central and western New York with your classified ad for just $349 for a 25word ad. Call 315-437-6173 for details or visit AdNetworkNY.com

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Northern New York and Vermont

REDUCE YOUR PAST TAX BILL by as much as 75 Percent. Stop Levies, Liens and Wage Garnishments. Call The Tax DR Now to see if you Qualify 1-800-658-4082 SAWMILLS from only $4897.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N SERIOUSLY INJURED? Auto Accidents? Medical Malpractice? Slip and Falls? Dangerous Products?

Wrongful Death. Speak to a Highly Skilled Personal Injury Attorney Now. Millions Recovered for Clients. Call 24/7. 800-431-4568

DIVORCE $550* Covers Children, etc. Only One Signature Required! *Excludes govt. fees*. CALL in Buffalo: 1-716-708-4519; Rochester; 1-585-360-0028; Syracuse: 1-315-679-4549. For other offices, call 1-607-391-2961, ext 700. BAYCOR & ASSOCIATES. DIVORCE, ETC. $240-$550* Covers Children, etc. *Excludes govt. fees! For a Local Office, Call 1215-717-8499, Ext. 400 or 1-888498-7075, Ext. 500 BAYCOR & ASSOCIATES Established 1973

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-290-8321 to start your application today!

Struggling with DRUGS, ALCOHOL, PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call ADDICTION HOPE & HELP LINE for a free assessment.

800-768-9180 TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920's thru 1980's. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440

ADOPT Loving couple looking to adopt a baby We are looking to grow our family through the miracle of adoption. Loving, energetic, happy couple looking to adopt a baby. Stay-at-home-Mom Professional Dad, and 2 very cute furry kids. Legal/Confidential/Expenses Paid 800-476-1819 Please visit our website at www.timandtoniadopt.com PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring adoption expert. Choose from families Nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abbys One True Gift Adoptions 866-413-6296 Void In Illinois/New Mexico/Indiana PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? FFTA, licensed adoption agency, can help you choose the right loving family.

Call Joy to discuss financial assistance/options. 1-914-939-1180 or 1-866-922-3678. www.ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org ANNOUNCEMENTS DANCE ARTS AT SARANAC LAKE PERFORMANCES AND VIDEO OF STUDENT WORK TEACHER-BARBARA SHEEHY 69 MAIN STREET (3RD. FLOOR) OVER SALON MIRAGE

518-524-9921

Visit www.denpubs. com for breaking news and photo galleries updated daily

20 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

www.valleynewsadk.com HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 40 tabs +10 FREE, $99 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-836-0780 or Metro-Meds.net LOGGING

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ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

GENERAL

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NEED MORE BUSINESS? Ya Gotta Advertise In The

VALLEY NEWS LOGGING

PRECISION TREE SERVICE 518-942-6545 WILLIAM THWAITS LOGGING is looking to purchase and harvest standing timber of all species. Will pay New York State stumpage prices. Many references available.

Call Wiliam Thwaits 518-593-3263

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

GENERAL

OTHER PETS

DENPUBS.COM FOR ALL YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND INFORMATION

WANTED TO BUY

FOR SALE

Detoxify your PCB and other toxins with a 2 person Far-Infared Sauna. Hypoallergenic popular, doctor recommended. Must see to appreciate. $1200. 315-769-6760 FRIGIDAIRE 6500 BTU'S AC unit, $200; Consolidated Dutch West wood stove $500; 1 man Pontoon boat $300. 518-708-0678 Hand Gun Ruger Vaquero 44 Magnum Stainless Steel, Single Action, Wood Grips, Fires 44 Mag. And 44 Special, Like New fire only once $499 OBO. 518-354-8654

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NORTH COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE ASK YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION OR CONTACT ASHLEY ALEXANDER 518-873-6368 EXT 105 OR EMAIL ASHLEY@DENPUBS.COM A DENTON PUBLICATION

WOLFF SUNVISION Pro 28 LE Tanning Bed, very good condition, $700.00. 518-637-1741 QUEEN PILLOW TOP mattress set, new in plastic, $150.00. 518-5348444 GENERAL CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now!

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LOGGING, LAND CLEARING, Professional Forestry. Cash for Standing Timber and Woodland. Paying Higher Than New York State Stumpage Rate. Double the Average rate for Low Grade Chip Wood.

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TWO TOOL BOXES full of Snap-on Craftsman Tools $2500 OBO Call 518-728-7978 or Email pparksfamily@gmail.com

FURNITURE

is looking to harvest and purchase standing timber, All Species. Willing to pay New York State stumpage prices on all species. $ or % paid.

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY RENTALS Commercial space....2 room first floor office space located in downtown Ticonderoga. Off street parking. $375 per month.

Includes heat and electricity 518.585.9173 and ask for Scarlette or 518.547.8730

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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

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping.

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BUYING WANTED TO BUY buying antiques, pack baskets, snowshoes, old hunting fishing items such as fishing lures, tackle, hunting knives, old trapping items, anything related to these items and categories.

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REAL ESTATE RENTALS Anderson Sliding Glass Patio Door, 6' wide still in carton, originally $1600 Asking $1200 OBO. 518-576-4678 Deli Case, white porcelain, 6' long, very attractive older cooler, 3 yr old compressor, lots of character, great for country store, offers accepted. 802-503-5452.

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House for Sale Essex, NY 3 bdrm, 1 bath Farm House, 1.4 acre lot includes detached one car garage, barn. For more info please call 518-962-8624 or www.venturenorth.com MLS#147141 $89,950 LAND PROPERTY FOR SALE: Rand Hill Road, Beekmantown, NY. 11.67 Wooded Acres, Borders State Land. Private Sale. 518-492-7178.

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$29,000 REMODELED 2 BDRM, .3 NOTICE acre, Rte.LEGAL 9, Front Street, KeeANNUAL DISseville, NY. Live in SCHOOL or a P/E Ratio TRICT of 5 to 1 investment. 518-335PUBLIC HEARING 6904 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Public HearCONSTRUCTION ing (takes the place of FishingtheForAnnual A Good Deal?of Meeting) GODDEAU'S CARPENTRY BUSINESS PROPERTIES FOR the TheKeene Central New Construction, Remodeling, Catch Greatest SALE School District, Essex Siding, Decks, Windows & Doors.

Lake Champlain Marina's, ConveBargains In The County, New York will Fully Insured, 15+ Years Experinience Stores and Restaurants lobe held for the inhabience.

518-420-9418 or 518-492Classifieds cated in Upstate New York. Call tants qualified to vote at 2379.

CDC 800-545-545-8125 1-518-873-6368 Ext. in201said such meeting INSURANCE district at the school in COOPERSTOWN LAND SALE! 5 Keene Valley on Monacres-$24,900, 5 mins to Village.

Need Car Insurance Now? Lowday, May 11, 2015 at 7 Gorgeous wooded setting, priced est Down Payment - Canceled?

PM for the purpose of at 60% BELOW MARKET! Town State Letter? Accidents? Tickets? presenting a budget for rd, utils, ez terms!

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INthe school year 2015 1-888-701-1864 or SUREDIRECT.COM 1-800-2312016. Voting for said NewYorkLandandLakes.com 3603 budget, and one(1) COOPERSTOWN LAND SALE! 5 REAL ESTATE school board member, acres- $24,900 5 mins to Village. will be held on Tuesday, Gorgeous wooded setting, priced 1 ACRE OF LAND at ATWOOD May 19,2015 between at 60% BELOW MARKET! Town Rd., West Chazy, NY, close to the hours of 12 noon rd, utils, ez terms! 888-905-8847 schools, nice location. Please call and 8:00 PM. or newyorklandandlakes.com 518-493-2478 for more informaNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVtion.

LAND INVESTMENT OPPORTUEN, that copies of the NITY proposed budget includLarge Land Tracts with lots road ADIRONDACK “BY OWNER” ing an estimate of the frontage and water frontage in AdkByOwner.com 1000+ photo amount of money which listings of local real estate for Crown Point and Moriah. Call CDC will be required for sale, vacation rentals & timeReal Estate 800-545-8125 school purposes, exclushares. Owners: List with us for sive of public monies, UPSTATE NY WATERFRONT! 11 only $299 per year.

Visit on-line or call may be obtained during acres-$69,900 Beautiful woods on 518-891-9919 bass lake 5 mi to Cooperstown! the seven(7) days immePrivate setting for camp, cabin or diately preceding the Anyr round home! Terms avail! nual Meeting/Vote ex1-888-650-8166 or cept Saturdays, SunBUILDING AND LOT in Moriah NewYorkLandandLakes.com days, or Holidays, at the 1.3+ acres, paved driveway, Keene Central School UPSTATE NY WATERFRONT! 11 town water and sewer. Can be from 9AM to 3PM. acres- $69,900 Beautiful woods on used for residential and/or NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVbass lake 5 miles to Cooperstown! commercial, Asking $45,000.

EN, that applications for Private setting for camp, cabin or 518-546-3568 absentee ballots can be year round home! Terms avail! obtained and must be 888-479-3394 submitted to the Clerk of NewYorkLandandLakes.com the ESSEX District, CynthiaMOBILE HOME Summo, no later than DATE GRANTOR GRANTEE LOCATION PRICE May 4, 2015 if ballot is FOR SALE 14x80 3 bedroom, 2 to be mailed OR no laterMoriah 2/2/2015 Bryant, William Kelly, Jeffrey $50,000 bath completely redone mobile than May 11, 2015 Ticonderoga if 2/2/2015 Gibbs, Helen Trybendis, Michael $42,000 home in the City of Plattsburgh, ballot is to be acquired low utilities, very affordable, Pric2/2/2015 Hargett, Bradley Reynolds, Anna Moriah $50,000 LEGAL NOTICE in person. The Clerk may ing 518-293-8801.

2/2/2015 Egglefield, Lew et. al.

Morrill, Crystal Elizabethtown $75,000 ANNUAL SCHOOL DIS- accept absentee ballots 2/3/2015 Amstutz, Nan Boardman Cortalono, et. al. May Jay $1,500 until 5Christine PM only, TRICT 19,2015.

PUBLIC 2/3/2015 Straight, HEARING Larry & Susan Firlik, James North Elba $160,000 NOTICE IS ALSO NOTICE HEREBY GIV- Leavens, 2/4/2015 Malaney,IS Susan James & LindaGIVEN, Ticonderoga $89,400 that the petitions nomiEN, thatJaythe Public Hear- Parkview 2/4/2015 Curtis, at Ticonderoga Schroon $600,000 ing (takes the place of nating the candidates for 2/4/2015 George Arden Inc Lodge LLC Wilmington $181,000 the office of the Board of the Annual Meeting) of Cadence 2/4/2015 Rothstein, Richard Central Stevens, Brian must be filed North Elba $74,338.29 the Keene Education 2/4/2015 Perky, David et. al. Essex Suber, Chesterfield $89,900 School District, withWestley the Clerk of the DisCounty, New York trict Olon not later than April 2/4/2015 Gough, Charlene & Olonwill Gough Chesterfield $1 be heldDianne for the inhabi- Weber, 20, 2015.

2/4/2015 Ahrent, Greg &Petition Jeanette forms Lewis $55,000 tants qualified to vote at are available at the office 2/5/2015 Berger, Fred & Rosemary Zachary Ticonderoga $102,000 such meeting in said Terbeek, of the Superintendent.

2/5/2015 Fuguet, Howard Dominic &vacancies Melissa Keene $67,500 district at the school in Eisinger, The following 2/6/2015 Stout, Mathew al. on the Lewis $1 Keene Valley on Mon- Stout, are Mathew to be et.filled day, May 11, 2015 at 7 Ross, Board of Education: 2/6/2015 Cooke, Laurette Wallace, et. al.

Crown Point $65,000 PM theClub purpose OF PRICE FORMATION EXPIRED DATE GRANTOR LOCATION 2/6/2015 Lakefor Placid Lodges of GRANTEE Grevatt, BrianTERM - incumNorth NOTICE Elba $1,750 budget for Asselin, EAT SIMPLY, LLC Arti- presenting bent, Kate Kathy Regan Keene - OF NORFOLK 2/10/2015 Lacy Family aLLC $180,000 VENTURES, LLC, Arts. of cles of Org. filed NY Sec. the school year 2015 - term expires on 6/30/18.

2/10/2015 Palmer, Mary et. al.

Beverly et. al.

Essex $96,350 Voting for said Zeh, Org. filed with SSNY on of State (SSNY) 1/20/15. 2016.

The petitions must be Dudley, Johnand et. al. one(1) Dudley, Laurie North 10/20/2004.

Elba $1 Office LoOffice in 2/12/2015 Essex Co. budget, directed to the Clerk of 2/12/2015 Elizabethboard Morgan member, LLC Store Funding CynthiaElizabethtown $2,668,477.09 cation: Essex County, SSNY desig. agent of school theMaster District, be held on Tuesday, Insglish, SSNY designated as LLC upon 2/13/2015 whom pro- will Summo, must be signed Desorcie, Marsha Marion Chesterfield $83,500 between Parmenter, agent of LLC upon who cess may 2/13/2015 be served. May by at Jerry least twenty-five Bazan,19,2015 Robert & Phyllis Newcomb $30,000 hours of 12 noon process against it may SSNY shall 2/13/2015 mail copy of the (25) qualified voters of Connor, Edward & Barbara Meady, Christine Schroon $500 process to 1983 Saranac and 8:00 PM. the district, and must be served. SSNY shall Ave., Lake Placid, NY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV- state the name and resi- mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 16 Stone 12946, which is also the EN, that copies of the dence of the candidate.

LEGALS principal business loca- proposed budget includ- BY ORDER OF THE Road, Lake Placid, NY NOTICE OF FORMATION tion. Purpose: Any law- ing an estimate of the BOARD OF EDUCATION- 12946. Purpose: To enOF ADK ARTS & CRAFT- ful purpose. amount of money which Cynthia Summo, Clerk of gage in any lawful act.

ING STUDIO LLC Arts. of VN-02/21-03/28/2015will be required for the District VN-02/14-03/21/2015Org. filed with the Sect'y school purposes, exclu- Dated: March 11, 2015 6TC-73637 6TC-73023 of State of NY (SSNY) sive of public monies, VNon 2/12/2015. Office lo- LEGAL NOTICE may be obtained during 3/21,4/4,4/18,5/2/2015NOTICE OF BOCES AN(Melissa Bresette 296 cation, County of Essex. the seven(7) days imme- 4TC-75981 NUAL MEETING SSNY has been desig- Clinton St. Keeseville, ny diately preceding the An12944), in accordance nated as agent of the nual Meeting/Vote ex- MAGDI SL PLAZA LLC Please take notice that LLC upon whom pro- with the provision pro- cept Saturdays, Sun- Articles of Org. filed NY the BOARD OF COOPERSec. of State (SSNY) ATIVE EDUCATIONAL vided in the lease agree- days, or Holidays, at the cess against it may be 02/17/2015. Office in SERVICES OF THE SOLE served. SSNY shall mail ment, and failure to re- Keene Central School Essex Co. SSNY desig.

SUPERVISORY DISprocess to: Heidy Peter- spond to notices, Man- from 9AM to 3PM. TRICT OF CLINTON-ESson, 2591 Main St., POB agement at A.B. Storage NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV- Agent of LLC upon whom process may be SEX-WARREN-WASH2042, Lake Placid, NY as of 03/31/15. I'll now EN, that applications for served. SSNY shall mail INGTON COUNTIES 12946. Purpose: any take possession of all absentee ballots can be items left in storage lawful act. obtained and must be copy of process to 23 (Champlain Valley Eduunits#10. Items may be submitted to the Clerk of Main St., Saranac Lake, cational Services) will VN-03/07-04/11/2015Principal hold the annual meeting sold pursuant to the as- the District, Cynthia- NY 12983.

6TC-74323 business location 622 of the members of the sertion of a lien for Summo, no later than Lake Flower Ave., Boards of Education of NOTICE OF FORMATION rental at A.B. Storage, May 4, 2015 if ballot is Saranac Lake, NY its component school OF LIMITED LIABILITY Keeseville, NY. to be mailed OR no later districts on Wednesday, COMPANY (LLC) VN-03/21/2015-1TCthan May 11, 2015 if 12983. Purpose: Any lawful purpose April 8, 2015, at 7:30 Name: Cafe Warango, 76496 ballot is to be acquired VN-02/28-04/04/2015p.m., at the Yandon-DilLLC Articles of Organizain person. The Clerk may 6TC-73903 lon Center in Mineville. tion filed with the Secre- LEGAL NOTICE accept absentee ballots The Board of Cooperatary of State of New ANNUAL SCHOOL DIS- until 5 PM only, May MARVINSEED, LLC. Art. York (SSNY) on TRICT 19,2015. of Org. filed with NY tive Educational Services will present its tentative 01/16/2015 Office Loca- PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, Sec. of State (SSNY) on administrative, capital NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV- that the petitions nomi- 02/10/15. Office: Essex tion: Essex County. The SSNY is designated as EN, that the Public Hear- nating the candidates for County. SSNY designat- and program budgets for 2015-16 to the meming (takes the place of the office of the Board of ed as agent of the LLC agent of the LLC upon bers of the Boards of whom process against it the Annual Meeting) of Education must be filed upon whom process Keene Central with the Clerk of the Dis- against it may be served.

Education of component may be served. SSNY the shall mail a copy of any School District, Essex trict not later than April SSNY shall mail copy of school districts in attenprocess to the LLC at: County, New York will 20, 2015. Petition forms process to the LLC, PO dance at such Annual Meeting, for their re122A Robare Rd, Kee- be held for the inhabi- are available at the office Box 77 Essex NY 12936. seville NY 12944. Pur- tants qualified to vote at of the Superintendent. Purpose: Any lawful pur- view. The following are such meeting in said summaries of the tentapose: To engage in any The following vacancies pose. district at the school in are to be filled on the tive administrative, capilawful act or activity.

VN-03/14-04/18/2015Keene Valley on Mon- Board of Education: tal and program budVN-03/07-04/11/20156TC-75542 day, May 11, 2015 at 7 gets. The amounts stat6TC-74479 EXPIRED TERM - incumPM for the purpose of bent, Kathy Regan - NOTICE OF FORMATION ed are based on current EAT SIMPLY, LLC Arti- presenting a budget for OF NORFOLK VEN- estimates and may be term expires on 6/30/18. cles of Org. filed NY Sec. the school year 2015 - The petitions must be TURES, LLC, Arts. of subject to change. of State (SSNY) 1/20/15. 2016. Voting for said Copies of the complete directed to the Clerk of Org. filed with SSNY on Office in Essex Co. budget, and one(1) the District, Cynthia- 10/20/2004. Office Lo- tentative administrative, cation: Essex County, SSNY desig. agent of school board member, Summo, must be signed capital and program budgets will be available SSNY designated as LLC upon whom pro- will be held on Tuesday, by at least twenty-five for inspection by the cess may be served. May 19,2015 between (25) qualified voters of agent of LLC upon who SSNY shall mail copy of the hours of 12 noon between the the district, and must process against it may public process to 1983 Saranac and 8:00 PM. state the name and resi- be served. SSNY shall hours of 9 a.m. and 3 mail a copy of process Ave., Lake Placid, NY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV- dence of the candidate. p.m. in the Administra12946, which is also the EN, that copies of the tive Office of the District

BY ORDER OF THE to: The LLC, 16 Stone principal business loca- proposed budget includ- BOARD OF EDUCATION- Road, Lake Placid, NY Superintendent of tion. Purpose: Any law- ing an estimate of the Cynthia Summo, Clerk of 12946. Purpose: To en- Champlain Valley Educagage in any lawful act. ful purpose. amount of money which tional Services, 518 Ruthe District 66388

BUILDING LOTS FOR SALE in the town of Moriah. Lake view, great hunting, and privacy what more could you ask for. Call Ashley at 578-2501 for more information.

FOR SALE; 1990 Redman Double Wide, 2 bath, walk in pantry, in Pine Rest East Trailer Park in Beekmantown District, Military Turnpike. Price on Call 518-3100051

REAL ESTATE

INGTON COUNTIES (Champlain Valley Educational Services) will hold the annual meeting of the members of the Boards of Education of Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 21 its component school districts on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., at the Yandon-Dillon Center in Mineville.

The Board of Cooperative Educational Services will present its tentative administrative, capital and program budgets for 2015-16 to the members of the Boards of Education of component school districts in attendance at such Annual Meeting, for their review. The following are summaries of the tentative administrative, capital and program budgets. The amounts stated are based on current estimates and may be subject to change.

Copies of the complete tentative administrative, capital and program budgets will be available for inspection by the between the public hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Administrative Office of the District Superintendent of Champlain Valley Educational Services, 518 Rugar Street, Plattsburgh, commencing on March 27, 2015.

NOTICE OF BOCES AN- SUMMARY OF TENTANUAL MEETING TIVE ADMINISTRATIVE Please take notice that BUDGET the BOARD OF COOPER- Total Personnel Services ATIVE EDUCATIONAL (Salaries of all Central SERVICES OF THE SOLE Administrative and SuSUPERVISORY DIS- pervisory Personnel) TRICT OF CLINTON-ES- $546,363.00 SEX-WARREN-WASHTotal Employee & ReINGTON COUNTIES tiree Benefits (Benefits (Champlain Valley Edu- of Central Administracational Services) will tive,Supervisory Personhold the annual meeting nel and all Retirees) of the members of the $2,818,780.00 Boards of Education of Equipment $700.00 its component school Supplies and Materials districts on Wednesday, $13,075.00 April 8, 2015, at 7:30 Revenue Note Interest p.m., at the Yandon-Dil- $0.00 lon Center in Mineville. Total Contract Expense The Board of Coopera- $227,583.00 tive Educational Services Net Transfers (other will present its tentative than capital) $93,113.00 administrative, capital TOTAL ADMINISTRAand program budgets TIVE BUDGET for 2015-16 to the mem- $3,699,614.00 bers of the Boards of (Compensation of DisEducation of component trict Superintendent of school districts in atten- Schools) dance at such Annual State Salary $43,499.00 Meeting, for their re- CVES Salary view. The following are $123,263.00 summaries of the tenta- Social Security tive administrative, capi- $9,765.00 tal and program bud- Teacher Retirement gets. The amounts stat- $16,345.00 ed are based on current Health & Life Insurance estimates and may be $16,418.00 subject to change. Unemployment InsurCopies of the complete ance $616.00 tentative administrative, Workers' Compensation $740.00 capital and program budgets will be available Disability Insurance for inspection by the $0.00 SUMMARY OF TENTAbetween the public TIVE CAPITAL BUDGET hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Administra- Transfer To Capital Fund NOTICE OF FORMATION tive Office of the District $140,000.00 OF SAH REAL PROPERSuperintendent of Rental of Facilities TY, LLC, Art. of Org. Champlain Valley Educa- $234,682.00 tional Services, 518 Ru- TOTAL CAPITAL BUD- filed with Secy of State (SSNY) on 1/15/15. Ofgar Street, Plattsburgh, GET $374,682.00 SUMMARY OF TENTA- fice location: Essex commencing on March TIVE PROGRAM BUD- County. SSNY designat27, 2015. ed as agent of LLC upon SUMMARY OF TENTA- GET whom process against it TIVE ADMINISTRATIVE Occupational Instruction may be served. SSNY BUDGET $8,150,102.00 shall mail copy of proInstruction of Students Total Personnel Services cess to 1763 Haselton Disabilities (Salaries of all Central with Rd., Wilmington, DE Administrative and Su- $11,363,930.00 12997. Purpose: any pervisory Personnel) Itinerant Services lawful activities. $546,363.00 $2,797,387.00 VN-03/07-04/11/2015Total Employee & Re- General Instruction 6TC-74682 tiree Benefits (Benefits $880,800.00 of Central Administra- Instructional Support NOTICE OF FORMATION tive,Supervisory Person- $2,506,622.00 OF TEMPEST TRADING nel and all Retirees) Other Services LLC. Arts. of Org. filed $2,818,780.00 $5,780,509.00 TOTAL PROGRAM BUD- with Secy. of State of NY Equipment $700.00 (SSNY) on 01/30/15.

Supplies and Materials GET $31,479,350.00 Office location: Essex $13,075.00 TOTAL CVES BUDGET County. SSNY designatRevenue Note Interest $35,553,646.00 ed as agent of LLC upon $0.00 VN-03/21,04/04/2015whom process against it Total Contract Expense 2TC-76016 may be served. SSNY $227,583.00 shall mail process to: Net Transfers (other Kevin Fountain, 480 Mirthan capital) $93,113.00 TOTAL ADMINISTRA- REQUEST FOR PRO- ror Lake Dr., Lake POSALS Placid, NY 12946. PurTIVE BUDGET Westport Central School pose: any lawful activi$3,699,614.00 (Compensation of Dis- is seeking requests for ties.

VN-03/21-04/25/2015trict Superintendent of proposals for School Physician and School 6TC-75987 Schools) Tax Collector the 2015State Salary $43,499.00 CVES Salary 2016 school year: All proposals must be sub$123,263.00 Social Security mitted in a sealed envelope to the Westport $9,765.00 TO MAKE Teacher Retirement Central School District Clerk by 3:00 PM on $16,345.00 Health & Life Insurance Monday, March 30, 2015.

The Westport $16,418.00 Unemployment Insur- Central School Board of Place a Education reserves the ance $616.00 classified right to reject any and all Workers' Compensation ad! proposals.

You may $740.00 It’s easy and Disability Insurance contact Jana Atwell, Diswill make trict Clerk at 962-8775 $0.00 you money!

SUMMARY OF TENTA- for additional information.

TIVE CAPITAL BUDGET VN-03/21/2015-1TCTransfer To Capital Fund 76224 $140,000.00 Rental of Facilities $234,682.00 TOTAL CAPITAL BUDGET $374,682.00

NEED

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518-873-6368

22 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

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Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition • March 21, 2015 | 23

24 | March 21, 2015 • Valley News - Champlain Valley Edition

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