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www.SunCommunityNews.com

In News | pg. 15

ECH expansion nearly complete Administration: inpatient care to improve

>>

In opinion | pg. 6

>>

In SportS | pg. 18

Overtime law Our 2016 dead in the water All-Valley Team and it’s a good thing, too

is unveiled in this edition

Essex County Chairman Ferebee signs off Randy Preston tapped as new leader of county supers; Shaun Gillilland to serve as deputy

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Ferebee formally resigned on Monday after 17 months of leading the county’s legislative body.

Ferebee stepped down to take a job with the state Environmental Facilities Corporation, where he has been tapped as a community assistance liaison working out of the agency’s

Warrensburg office.

“I believe we’re moving in the right direction for the future success of Essex County,” Ferebee said.

Ferebee, who also resigned as Keene supervisor, said he was proud of his record of public service, and looked forward to continuing to work with local officials to navigate funding for clean water projects.

The lawmaker’s colleagues hailed Ferebee as a “tireless advocate” for Essex County at the local, state and federal levels, citing his efforts to help the region recover following Hurricane Irene in 2011.

“They surprisingly know who Essex County is in Albany

Ô TheÊ BirdsÕ

Essex Theatre Company retains awardwinning director Edward Cornell to stage work by playwright Conor McPherson

>> See ETC | pg. 16

>> See Ferebee | pg. 16

Snowmobilers mobilize at Boreas hearing

ETCÊ goingÊ to WADHAMS — Essex Theatre Company isn’t sitting still this winter.

Under president Kathy Poppino, the board retained award-winning director Edward Cornell, of Wadhams, to stage “The Birds,” written by Irish playwright Conor McPherson.

Cornell has called for casting with open Kim auditions to take place in January.

Dedam Writer The timing leaves a month or so for actors to read and consider the script, which McPherson based on the 1952 short story by British author Daphne du Maurier.

Her work was later made into the 1963 classic of the same title by Alfred Hitchcock.

The cast of four main characters with four understudies will rehearse at the Whallonsburg Grange through winter for a show to open at the Masonic Hall in Essex next July, Cornell says.

“We are casting understudies because the play is very demanding physically and emotionally and replacements may be necessary in the hot July days. Understudies will also be

because of (former Chairman Randy) Douglas and him,” said Randy Preston (I-Wilmington).

Preston recalled an anecdote from a function in Albany when Ferebee sent a governor’s aide a text message about funding for the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway.

That text landed an immediate powwow with the governor, Preston recalled.

“Ten days later, there was $12 million,” he said.

Ferebee thanked his colleagues and county personnel and said there was never a day when he didn’t enjoy coming to work.

Access to newly-acquired state lands critical to jumpstarting local economies, say local biz, sportsmen groups at Schroon Lake hearing

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

Artist and theatre director Edward Cornell and one of his two black cats, Sasha, look across the Art Farm fields. Cornell will direct “The Birds” by Irish playwight Conor McPherson.

Photo by Kim Dedam

SCHROON LAKE — Plaid outweighed green last week at Schroon Lake Central as the Adirondack Park Agency hosted the latest public hearing as part of the classification process for Boreas Ponds, the newly acquired parcel of state land located in the central Adirondacks.

Local sporting groups, snowmobilers and business leaders said it is critical to allow as much recreational use as possible on the tract in order to accommodate aging sportsmen and to facilitate recreation that will aid the local economy.

Many speakers endorsed Alternative 1, which cleaves the parcel in two, allowing a split between Wild Forest and Wilderness.

Three other Adirondack Park Agency proposed alternatives >> See BOREAS HEARING | pg. 17

2 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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Sun Community News: grants available Grants return for non-profits in 2017 ELIZABETHTOWN — Sun Community News is proud to announce the 2017 continuation of the program launched last year designed to assist local charitable organizations in their marketing efforts.

Sun Community News will once again set aside up to $100,000 for promotional grants in 2017 to be used by non-profit charitable organizations that apply and are awarded.

We invite any local charitable organizations to apply for one of the Sun’s Promotional Grants. Grants are available in four forms.

Organization may apply online at suncommunitynews.com/about/advertising/promotion-grant-application.

The application must include: 1. Name of organization & contact details 2. Name of person and title making the application 3. Mission of the organization and charitable cause 4. Event or purpose of the promotion they seek 5. Time of year when the promotion takes place 6. Type of grant they are requesting 7. Amount to be requested 8. Audited financial statement Final approval will be made by our grant board and they will have final authority on the amount and type of the grant provided.

Consideration will be given to organizations based on their mission, financial ability and overall reach within our coverage region.

All rates will be based on the Sun Community News Rate Card and charged at the non-profit rate of $11.50 per column inch for display advertising.

Organizations may apply for the type of grant that best fits their needs.

Option 1: Fully funded grant for display advertising. (Maximum benefit allowed up to $2,000 or $25,000 Total) Option 2: Sun Community News will match your spending by doubling the size of your advertisement. (Maximum benefit allowed up to $2,500 or $25,000 Total) Option 3: Promotional Package including 2 news features, basic web site, up to 5 individual’s business cards, 100 copies of designed tri-fold brochure, and up to $1000 in display advertising. (Maximum of 15 grants or $25,000 Total) Option 4: Bulletin Board Grant includes 5 lines for 52 weeks for line ads to run in the weekly Sun Bulletin Board feature (Maximum benefit $300 or $25,000 Total) These grants will not take the place of emergency funding required for special or unexpected needs such as health related fund raisers or emergency needs caused by storms or accidents such as a fire or other similar disaster.

Grant deadline for application must be made by Jan. 30, 2017.

MOVEMBER MOMENTUM: The Essex County Board of Supervisors pose with members of the Essex County Public Health Department and county officials on Monday, Nov. 28 to commemorate Movember, the monthlong campaign designed to raise awareness for men’s health issues. Participants are encouraged not to shave for the month of November.

Photo by Pete DeMola

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 3

Essex County files tentative budget Spending plan comes with projected 3.75 percent tax increase

ELIZABETHTOWN — The Essex County tentative 2017 budget has been filed.

The projected increase in the tax levy for the $98 million spending plan is 3.75 percent, or about $798,000 over 2016 levels.

The tax rate per $1,000 in assessed value is projected to be $3.25 — up 8 cents, an annual increase of $8 on a $100,000 home.

But, said County Manager Dan Palmer, that’s the “clean rate” and town chargebacks could drive those numbers higher.

The tri-county system has hit a record-low level of employees, hosting just 9 at present compared to 23 in 2001.

If localities cut their budget by more than 5 percent, the state will reduce funding by 25 percent, Jankowska said.

Essex County contains 16 of the 30 libraries in the system.

Next year, the agency aims to apply for grants that will allow them to create a smartphone app to help those affected by drug addiction locate recovery resources.

“This may be one of the answers that this country needs and we need agencies like fire departments and libraries and agencies similar to that,” said Charles Harrington (R-Crown Point).

The Essex County Office for the Aging Advisory Council, who launched a campaign to kill the proposed merger of the OFA into Essex County Public Health, did not speak the hearing, and lawmakers did not indicate they would reverse that decision.

CONTRACT AGENCIES Despite an uptick in requests, spending for contract agencies has been kept at 2016 levels.

This was done in order to streamline the budget process, Palmer said, which has been confusing in past years as lawmakers scrutinized each line item for possible savings, leading to sprawling discussions and complicated parliamentary procedures.

Current allocations for those groups have been set at $469,000, down from the $508,000 requested from the agencies.

Several groups requested funding increases, including the Essex County Arts Council and the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System.

Lawmakers indicated they were open to supporting the requests from those two organizations, both of whom spoke at Monday’s public hearing.

ECAC is requesting $20,000, a 39 percent increase over current levels.

“The funds we are requesting go directly back into the communities,” said Executive Director Margaret Gibbs.

The ECAC assisted 23 local arts groups last year, but wants to reach all 60 in the county.

Most recipients receive $1,000, an amount that makes a difference if events happen or not, she said.

“Each of these groups let us know the impact the funds have made on them,” Gibbs said.

The ECAC is also requesting donations from private individuals, which they want to leverage with public funding.

“They’ve done a wonderful job in the town of Keene,” said outgoing Essex County Chairman Bill Ferebee in his final meeting, citing local efforts, including a summer music program.

“What it does is brings people together. Some people don’t look at music as art, but it is,” Ferebee said. “I wholeheartedly support that organization.”

Lawmakers from Willsboro, Schroon and Westport echoed those sentiments.

“These are two issues that generate more than we give, and I support both of those organizations,” said Michael “Ike” Tyler (R-Westport).

The Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System is asking for $23,107, a 3 percent increase over current levels.

Executive Director Ewa Jankowska said funding and staffing has plummeted in recent years, and the library system is heavily reliant on public funding.

BIG CHANGES Lawmakers are free to modify those requests, as well as personnel changes, with individual resolutions at next week’s regular board meeting.

“I’m looking at Dec. 6 as the date of adoption,” Palmer said.

One percentage point of the $22 million tax levy is about $220,000.

Palmer said the increase can be driven down to 2.9 percent, citing additional items he found in the spending plan.

Like in previous years, mandated and statutory costs constitute the majority of the budget, about 75 percent.

If Medicaid was removed, the tax levy would fall by $2.18, Palmer said.

“We would be at a $1.10, our tax rate, if it wasn’t for Medicaid alone.”

Essex County isn’t immune to the effects of the low gas prices that have eaten into sales tax revenues this year across the state.

As a result of a loss of $750,000 in projected revenue, Palmer ordered every department to lower fuel line costs.

But, he said, new retail properties in North Elba, including Marshall’s and Family Dollar, bode well for projected increases in sales tax revenues, which are estimated at $500,000.

Another area of increase is $891,000 in highway equipment expenditures, attributed to a payment for the $3.6 million bond lawmakers approved earlier this year.

“It is a one time hit to us,” Palmer said.

Long-term planning, said county highway officials, will aid in future cost-savings, including when it comes to maintaining the county’s 178 bridges.

Another area of increase was indigent defense, where allocations for those services increased $280,000 over 2016 levels — or 37 percent — to $700,000.

Earlier this year, the state legislature approved a state takeover over of those costs.

However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has not yet signed that bill, which would have netted the county up to $600,000.

“The state of New York keeps promising a takeover of that,” Palmer said. “You know what, it hasn’t been signed by the governor. When it comes to indigent defense, I think counties are on their own.”

Budget funds for the county’s child welfare and preventative services also increased by $419,000.

“That’s a constant problem, dealing with those kind of issues,” Palmer said.

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

Essex County filed their tentative budget last week. The $98 million spending plan comes with a 3.75 percent tax hike.

Photo by Pete DeMola

‘HEALTHY’ SAVINGS The spending plan exceeded the state-mandated property tax cap.

But the increase is not a surprise, and comes as part of the county’s five-year financial plan implemented after a state audit that criticized the county on an over-reliance on fund balance.

The 2017 budget, which was filed last Monday, marks the fourth year of the plan.

The budgeted $1.9 million use of appropriated fund balance is down 6.1 percent over this year.

Essex County now has $15 million in available cash on hand, which Palmer called “healthy.”

The state’s fiscal stress monitoring system has scored Essex County at 15 percent, Palmer said, “which is a pretty low rate — close to a balanced budget, and is operating at the correct way it should be in terms of fiscal responsibility.”

Franklin County, he noted, was scored at 69 percent.

‘EXCEPTIONAL JOB’ Since taking office in 2008, Palmer said he has kept track of how much the county spends compared to the amount budgeted.

Between 2015 and 2016, the county budgeted within 98 percent of what was needed.

“We’re fairly close in what we anticipated and what we spent,” Palmer said.

Lawmakers hailed Palmer for his efforts.

“This is an exceptional job, and the reason you are here today,” said Roby Politi (I-North Elba). “You need to be commended for it.”

Politi said Palmer’s lengthy budget report made planning and discussion smoother and more fluid than in the past, when lawmakers wrangled for hours over personnel and contract agency issues.

“Without (Purchasing Manager Linda Wolf’s) help, I couldn’t have done this,” Palmer said.

Palmer said the county is on the right track, and offered stern guidance for the future: If fund balance grows too much, set some aside for capital projects.

“Don’t set it aside for costs that are going to recur every year because that’s a losing battle,” he said.

Essex County’s 2016 spending plan clocked in at $96.5 million, with a 6 percent increase in the tax levy.

4 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

Countywide taxi law proposed locally Law would regulate Essex County’s burgeoning private taxi biz

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — Lawmakers spent the holiday weekend chewing over the draft of a local law governing taxicabs.

Among the proposed statutes: Essex County must issue permits every two years. Cabs must be clean, properly identified and subject to regular inspections.

Owners and operators will be subjected to criminal background checks, and must facilitate drug testing policies for their drivers.

If the county suspects an operator is under the influence, they can force a drug test.

Drivers will also be prohibited from “cruising.” They must establish a complaint procedure, and maintain a website on which that data is publicly available, as well as keeping trip logs.

Only paying passengers can ride in front.

In all, the proposed legislation contains dozens of statutes.

Operators who violate the proposal will be subject to suspension of their license alongside both criminal and civil penalties.

“I tried to make it as comprehensive as possible,” Essex County Attorney Dan Manning told lawmakers last week.

His directive: Safe cars, good drivers and a protected public.

Permits will initially be limited to 50, but the number is flexible depending on necessity.

Manning urged lawmakers to review the draft legislation, share it with law enforcement officials and come back to him with their input, particularly when it comes to the revocation and suspension provisions.

‘STAGGERING’ The proposed legislation is a public safety measure designed to protect customers as reports of malfeasance in the county stemming from the unregulated industry, including allegations of

fraud and drug trafficking, have risen to the surface.

“If only 10 percent of what they said was true, it’s staggering,” said Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Preston after a meeting with state and county officials last April.

“It was an unbelievable, eye-opening experience,” he said. “It blew me away with how much corruption is happening in the system.”

Copies of the proposed legislation were also sent to local law enforcement agencies tasked with enforcing the proposed policy, including the Ticonderoga Police Department, Essex County Sheriff ’s Department and the New York State Police.

The draft law does not specifically address Medicaid taxis, which have popped up in the past-decade due to statewide health care reforms.

Once provided via localities, customers can call a central dispatch service to summon a private ride.

Operators than bill the state for the service.

But some say loopholes allow operators to manipulate the system — including overbilling and logging “phantom trips.”

The medical transportation service as a share of Medicaid costs in Essex County have mushroomed since 2012, from $393,059 to $2.5 million in 2015.

The state caps county Medicaid shares at $6.9 million annually, which means the number can continue to rise with no effect on the county budget.

The proposed law does not focus directly on the Medicaid transport industry.

“You will not see in there a tremendous amount of verbiage about Medicaid, but it’s in there,” Manning said.

But, he added: “If they’re violating Medicaid rates, then they’re violating our law, too.”

MOVING PARTS The proposed legislation, which has not been officially introduced, joins other movements to address the complaints, including efforts by Adirondack Community Action Programs to develop their own fleet of drivers.

The Elizabethtown-based agency is in the process of conduct-

ing background checks for drivers, said James Monty (R-Lewis).

“They want to have that problem kicked off by the end of this year,” said Monty, who serves on the board of directors. “They are going to be doing it.”

Tom Scozzafava (R-Moriah) said the county may want to consider providing the service themselves.

“It seems to me it can more than pay for itself,” Scozzafava said.

Manning said the county once discussed providing a car service, but the idea failed to gain traction.

“That’s probably where it should be,” Manning said.

The county currently provides medical rides via a shuttle service.

“It’s not just the money issue — there’s a huge concern for safety, with the people we’re transporting,” said Scozzafava.

Scozzafava said the $100 application fee should be boosted.

“I got news for you. They’re making a lot of money on these cabs.”

ENFORCEMENT The proposed legislation joins another law under consideration that would govern animal tethering in the county.

The Essex County Sheriff ’s Department would be the lead enforcement agency on both laws.

But two years ago, lawmakers declined the sheriff ’s request to hire six additional officers.

Public Safety Chairman Shaun Gillilland said this lack of accommodation was his immediate concern while reading the draft.

“We have rejected an expanded community role for the sheriff ’s department, yet seem determined to assign them expanded responsibilities,” Gillilland said. “We need to examine this broader issue carefully.”

Essex County Sheriff Richard Cutting said he has briefly reviewed the legislation, and looks forward to discussing enforcement issues with the county attorney.

“There’s a workload in there that we just aren’t prepared to take on,” Cutting said.

Keene Town Budget does not exceed 1% cap Spending flat in preliminary budget that trims contingency fund by $30K

By Kim Dedam

kim@suncommunitynews.com

KEENE — The 2017 preliminary budget for Keene does not exceed the 1 percent tax levy cap.

The amount to be raised by taxes is $1,653,119, according to the Clerk to the Supervisor Susan Whitney.

Total Preliminary Budget appropriations for next year, not

including the water districts, is $2,379,864.

No major purchases are planned for 2017, said Supervisor Bill Ferebee said of the spending plan.

Town employees will receive a 3 percent raise next year.

“It was another difficult year to stay within the tax cap,” Ferebee said of the budget building process.

Challenges came as healthcare costs increased 8 percent in Keene.

“So somewhere in the review process you still have to find ways to reduce and maintain the services everybody wants,” said Ferebee, who is stepping down at the end of the month.

One of the cuts was made to an $80,000 contingency fund, which was reduced to $30,000, Ferebee said.

“We felt okay doing this because we very rarely dip into contingency fund.”

Ferebee said they did use $10,000 more from reserve funds in preparing the budget, working to compensate for the tax cap.

But the savings in Keene has increased every year for the past eight years, Ferebee said.

The supervisor is leaving elected office to accept a state position and had announced this transition to the Town Council in October. His final day was Nov. 28 and the council is looking to appoint a new supervisor to serve the one year unexpired term.

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 5

A Whole Lotta Holiday planned Dec 11 in E’town Pleasant Valley Chorale concert, Elizabethtown Fire Department Santa and Social Center events bring cheer to village streets

By Kim Dedam

kim@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — A collaboration of community partners planned a Whole Lotta Holiday here for Dec. 11. It involves festive music, food, crafts, local shopping, holiday lights and Santa Claus.

At the Elizabethtown Social Center, Director Arin Burdo said cooperation grew effortlessly from long-held traditions.

“This started as I discussed with fifth grade advisors Jess Buehler and Sarah Rice a way to make different holiday activities all fall at the same time and have a town wide celebration,” Burdo said as planning gelled before Thanksgiving.

“We coordinated with the Pleasant Valley Chorale and made their Elizabethtown performance on Dec. 11 the center of activities. Their concert is at 3 p.m. and there will a holiday reception afterward at the United Church of Christ Parish Hall.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Chorale holiday performance, said director Susan Forney Hughes.

“Begun in 1986 by retired music educator Joe Wyant, the chorale has continued to entertain audiences year after year.

The group is thrilled to still include several of its original members, including Vera Collins, Glenn Estus, Judy Shepard and Priscilla Chestnut and Schelly McKinley. Most of these singers have not missed a concert in 30 years.”

The Chorale’s 30th annual holiday program is called “Songs of the Magi” and features works by Mendelssohn, John Rutter, as well as holiday favorites.

“The group plans to reprise a few of its ‘greatest hits’ from past years,” Hughes said in a news release.

The Chorale concert begins at 3 p.m. at the UCC Church on Court Street.

Meanwhile, at the Social Center, Grade 5 students are hosting a family friendly Christmas party and sale to begin at 11 a.m.

“It’s a small group, there are 11 fifth graders this year, and they are raising money for their trip to Boston,” Burdo said.

“The kids have been working on crafts to sell, making some really neat gifts like layered soup jars and bookmarks and cute stocking stuffer items. Class advisor Jessie Buehler is calling this ‘A Social and Sale’ for the kids, and it includes a book swap.

We will begin at 11 a.m. at the Social Center and it goes until 5 p.m. with a hot chocolate bar, warm apple cider, treats and a bake sale with several other vendors here to sell their crafts.”

A few blocks up Court Street, the Elizabethtown Volunteer Fire Department will deliver Santa Claus to the Cobble Hill Golf Clubhouse starting at 2 p.m. and there he will be, granting wishes through until 5 p.m., Burdo said.

“We are welcoming all merry-makers to shop local in Elizabethtown on Dec. 11, to visit our festive village shops and enjoy some treats, Santa, music and local crafts.”

The Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School Senior Class is selling wreaths and kissing balls in town.

Dec. 11 also marks the 35th Annual Elizabethtown Social Center’s Arthur G. Hooper Memorial Decorating Contest.

The Hooper Memorial decorating contest encourages community to check out the lights on rural roads and throughout Elizabethtown, New Russia and Lewis.

This year, a new category, the “Local Favorite Award,” will come from top picks sent in by community.

“We are going to ask people to drive around and submit their favorite local decorations at homes and businesses,” Burdo said.

“There will be one award from Elizabethtown and one from Lewis. And the Local Favorite be added to our traditional set of awards, which include: Most Beautiful, Most Original and Spirit of Christmas.”

People can submit their choice for Local Favorite by naming the house location by family or street number and town on Dec. 11.

Top picks can be left in a message to the Social Center. They can also be posted online via the Social Center Facebook page using the name or house number plus #CenterDecoratingContest, Burdo said.

The Social Center phone number is 873-6408.

Festive decoration winners will be announced on Dec. 12.

Whole Lotta Holiday will culminate with a community tree lighting ceremony at the big Christmas tree on the Town Hill in Elizabethtown.

The town tree will be lit at 5 p.m.

First annual Wadhams Cross Race on tap WADHAMS — The first annual Wadhams Cross Race will be held Saturday, Dec. 17 at 953 Essex County Route 8 in Westport. The first race begins at 11 a.m. and the last race at 2:15 p.m. Races last between 30 minutes and an hour depending on age and ability level. No experience is necessary. Racers not holding a USA Cycling annual license must purchase a one-day license for $10 in addition to the $25 entry fee. Riders age 19 and under pay $15 regardless of whether they hold a license or not. For more information, go to bikereg.com/ wadhams-cross or call Kevin Bouchard-Hall at 312-6001.

6 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

OpiniOnS

Behind the Pressline

OurÊ goalÊ atÊ SunÊ CommunityÊ NewsÊ isÊ toÊ publishÊ accurate,Ê usefulÊ andÊ timelyÊ informationÊ inÊ ourÊ newspapers,Ê newsÊ products,Ê shoppingÊ guides,Ê vacationÊ guides,Ê andÊ otherÊ specialtyÊ publicationsÊ forÊ theÊ benefit of our readers and advertisers.

WeÊ valueÊ yourÊ commentsÊ andÊ suggestionsÊ concerningÊ allÊ aspectsÊ of Ê thisÊ publication.

Dan Alexander

Publisher/CEO

>> See ALEXANDER | pg. 7

OPINION

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And so it continues

“2016 was never expected to go the way it has, but I’ve got a feeling that trend will make for a nail biter come this fall. We may be about to witness the greatest drama American politics has ever seen.”

I closed my April 23 column with the statement above, after suggesting a possible Trump-Sanders third party ticket should both lose their party’s nomination.

Not only did I get heckled in emails from those proclaiming that the two would never combine forces, but I was also told in no uncertain terms that neither would survive their primaries.

You’ve got to admit this was a very unusual election that has shaken the well established system to its core and continues to do so as President-elect Trump puts his cabinet in place, which has taken the same course as his candidacy, meaning the surprises just keep on coming.

Perhaps by the time you read this he may have even nominated Mitt Romney for Secretary of State over his staunch supporter, Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

If President-elect Trump has proven anything other than the fact that he is not your normal political candidate, he has certainly not been showing the vindictive side many feared would become his primary approach to governing.

No Republican was more opposed to his candidacy than Mitt Romney. It’s almost unimaginable that he would even entertain a sit down with Mr. Romney, let alone give him any consideration for such a prominent position in his administration. Even more unimaginable is that Romney would consider a meeting, let alone consider a role that would tie him to Trump, a man he felt was morally unsuited for the office.

While the national media scrambles about in a state of shock over the election results and tries its best to degrade the new President-elect before he even gets started, it appears the most predictable step is that President-elect Trump is planning to organize his administration like a wellrun business.

Instead of appointing political hacks and cronies, Trump just may have another surprise for the pundits by putting the best people possible in roles where they will be held accountable for their success or failure.

In my column of Sept. 26

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EDiTORiAl

Overtime law would have hurt small biz, young workers

D

ing dong, the overtime extension law is dead — at least temporarily.

A federal judge in Texas last week issued an injunction against a federal directive to expand the number of workers eligible for time-and-a-half overtime pay.

The ruling by Amos L. Mazzant III, of the Eastern District of Texas, sweeps away a cloud of uncertainty and gloom that has settled over the business and creative communities for much of the year.

Under the regulations proposed by the Labor Department in May, the eligibility requirements for workers eligible for overtime pay were scheduled to double by Dec. 1, from $23,660 to $47,476 per year.

Some 4.2 million workers were to be affected by the directive.

Like the minimum wage, the proposal is noble in its sentiments, but fails miserably in its execution.

The reasons are simple: Small businesses simply cannot afford such a drastic shift in payroll expenses.

Secondly, the directive would have wreaked havoc on the fields that rely on brutal hours to break into competitive fields, including the media, teaching, political and nonprofit professions.

Moving those staffers to an hourly wage to accommodate the shift would do nothing but reduce productivity and discourage distinguishing oneself through hard work.

Such a shift in workplace culture is unfair to employers and employees alike, both of whom have historically enjoyed a mutual understanding.

Work hard, and you will move up the ladder by virtue of your talents.

These are not miserable wretches toiling for hours without pay, but rather ambitious young people who are pursuing the American Dream.

While this country was also built on equality, it was also built on hard work.

We first sounded off against this policy in July, calling it a “grievous government overreach.”

The courts agreed that the Obama administration exceeded its authority.

We feel the same way now, and hope the injunction holds, and this new assault on business not be allowed to take root.

The only injustice here was not toward workers, but rather free enterprise.

The Sun Community News Editorial Board is comprised of Dan Alexander, John Gereau and Pete DeMola. We want to hear from you. Drop us a line on our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter, to share your thoughts.

lETTERS

WillsboroÊ CentralÊ SchoolÊ Ô literallyÊ swimmingÊ inÊ moneyÕÊ To the Editor: How discouraging that Willsboro Central School District isn’t interested in looking into merging with E’town and Westport. We’re just too darn Willsboro proud, apparently!

Let’s look at this, though, from the perspective of a taxpayer in the district.

We have an $8.3 million per year budget for 265 students (which may or may not reflect the 25 students whose parents pay to send their child out of WCS District.)

Don’t worry, lakefront property owners, that’s only $31,000 per year, per student.

At that price, you’d expect WCS to be a PhD factory, yet, our last PhD was graduated in 1993. What a terrific little local employment club replete, with enough kitchen staff to run the Old Dock House on a busy Saturday night.

Replete with fewer teachers than teacher’s aides. It is alleged that the Study Hall Monitor, the permanent substitute teacher, and WCS’s full-time attorney all have their own teacher’s aide, for crying out loud.

If you’re paying school taxes, unlike half the WCS student’s parents who don’t even contribute financially to the district, you should be insulted that WCS is the 82nd highest per student per year cost in New York State. Unimaginable.

If one didn’t know better, one might think WCS operates under a surplus and banks extra money for “rainy days” if/when needed in the future ... oh wait, that’s actually what they do with our valuable tax dollars. Literally swimming in money.

Tens of thousands of dollars to go, after one of the best teachers in the building who was accused of wilting precious little flowers by daring to raise her voice in class, but not enough in the budget to hire a private investigator for two hours of their time to expose those who flagrantly disregard the rules by living outside the district and bring their children to WCS every morning — meanwhile using threats, coercion, and family connections so that all concerned parties will keep hushed. (I was told by the Queen Bee herself through a school official that if I choose to keep pushing this issue, I’d “better watch my anus.” (Promises, promises.)

So, let’s be clear: all you need is a false instrument saying you pay rent in the district and a wink and thumbs up from the school board in order to bring your out of district child to WCS. Rules be damned. Why have them in the first place?

It might not be clear to all why Willsboro isn’t involved with merger talks, so, please allow me to show you how our local emperor wears no clothes: several of the local girls and a couple local guys will certainly lose their position and magic carpet ride benefits and retirements packages once Willsboro is forced by New York State to merge. Which will happen eventually. Until then, just keep quiet and get out your checkbooks.

Let’s top the letter off by using this opportunity to point out that many of the teachers and staff at WCS push methamphetamines upon unwilling parents. BIG TIME. They call it medicine, but it’s methamphetamines; chemically indistinguishable from what your local meth dealer sells. Once a teacher gets it in their non-medically trained minds that a child has a specific and fictitious disorder, they have an entire program in place along with an alleged methamphetamines pushing school psychologist to strong arm young and impressionable parents into believing that their child was born with a methamphetamines deficiency. They say that they’re not allowed to suggest medical intervention or medicines — they say this until they’re blue in the face — but then, how on earth is it possible that there is alleged to be a class in WCS whereby the average number of kids who speak openly about “being on medicine” is more than five times the national average? Maybe we should have a closer look at community standards, too much time with video games and devices, the local culture of binge drinking cruddy canned beer, and amounts of alcohol sales tax collected locally to better understand why so many kids aren’t acting right in class?

Am I the only one who drives by the local Drug Free School Zone and gets angry about the thought of buzzed out zombie children (as young as five) walking around zapped to the gills on methamphetamines for the convenience of the teachers?

Willsboro Pride... yeah, right. Not since the 1990’s or before.

My sincere apologies to the good ones who grace those halls and the ones who don’t push meth. Shame on the ones that do!

Andy MacDougal Essex

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lETTERS TO THE EDiTOR

Ô WeÊ mustÊ doÊ betterÊ asÊ aÊ countryÕÊ To the Editor: Protests are disrupting the country and even now the simplest mention of President-Elect Trump’s name will send half of the country into disarray.

Protests have rocked the country since the close election, and after all the drama and mudslinging, I just want everything to calm down so we can relax.

I was with her, and she lost. Although I do not necessarily agree with President-Elect Trump, I can accept that he won.

With problems, such as Standing Rock and Syria, we need to overcome our differences as a country and come together to, as President-Elect Trump says, “Make America Great Again.” Some of our candidates lost, some of our candidates won, and now, as a country, we must deal with the fallout. One thing is for sure though — we cannot afford another four or eight years of racial tension and anger. We must do better as a country. We must stay strong, unified and have faith in America’s ability to endure.

Reanna Martin Moriah

TrumpÊ supportersÊ Ô gettingÊ exactlyÊ whatÊ theyÊ wantedÕ To the Editor: Trump supporters are getting exactly what they wanted!

Trump said he would go after the bankers and big cats from Wall Street, and he has. Most of his close appointments are billionaires who run banks and Wall Street.

He said he would build a wall across Mexico and now he feels it is not needed, as it would cost too much.

His promise to lower taxes on the middle class is partly true but the top one percent will get a 13 percent cut while the most the middle class can expect is 2 percent if they are lucky. Actually, when one figures the loss standard deduction most of those in the middle class will pay more in taxes!

There is also the matter of putting Hillary Clinton in jail! Now it seems the reality is, not only is he forgetting this promise, but he couldn’t do anything in the first place. There is no basis in law to charge Hillary with any crimes and the whole thing was a lie.

Trump vowed to do away with the Department of Education on a Federal level but he recently put a billionaire friend in as the head of the Education Department.

Speaking of vows, he touted “repeal and replace Obama Care,” but now he wants to keep most of the Affordable Care Act he said he would repeal.

Surrounding himself with billionaires and putting them in high positions is contrary to what he said he would do to supporters. His claim at making government smaller seems to be put under the table as he finds more palaces for these very rich people he vowed to topple.

Those belonging to unions who voted for Trump can be sure his colleagues in Congress will do their level best to put unions away for good. Workers can look forward to a government Department of Labor geared to protect their employers.

Trump’s promise to keep jobs in America was a great way to get votes, but his record of buying foreign goods and having his brand manufactured in foreign countries shows differently. In point of fact his tax cuts to large companies will only benefit those companies. The money saved will go to his billionaire friends in the form of higher dividends on their stocks!

Yes, Trump has fulfilled all his campaign promises and he hasn’t even been seated in office. I thank God everything mentioned here won’t be a bother to me.

First, I happen to be in the 1 percent, so my taxes will be cut substantially!

Second, I own several dividend paying stocks and other money producing options. Third, I don’t have any children of school age and I am retired living the good life with a home in Florida and a summer place in the Adirondacks. Fourth, I didn’t vote for Mr. Trump and I will receive all the benefits that will come from his presidency.

What a Country, what a life! God Bless America and to those who were duped into voting for Trump I thank you!

Gary Philip Guido, Ticonderoga

WillÊ weÊ reallyÊ beÊ betterÊ off ?

To the Editor: We will now have a Republican President, House, and Senate. Will the economic life of our middle class improve? Many voters believed it would, especially with the selection of Donald Trump.

A word of caution about great expectations. My Dad voted Republican his entire life. However, trickle down economics never made it to him or most of the families I grew up with. Like many other North Country men he worked two jobs; and my mother also worked, unusual for the 1950s and 1960s. Dad still found time to serve in the Rouses Point Volunteer Fire Department for 50 years.

We got by: food, car, house, hunting, fishing, boy toys and good family gatherings, but nothing to spare. I went to college on aid, assistance jobs, and summer janitor work. We survived the way most do up here, we worked hard.

So will it change when the new administration gives massive tax cuts to the rich? The rich will dump most of the extra money into the market; so if you are not invested there, you probably are not going to benefit. And if NAFTA is curtailed, the beneficial investments of our Canadian friends will dry up.

I hope I am wrong, because so many are depending on their fortunes improving under Trump. Many white people voted for him because of hope for a better life, not because of racism or bigotry. Of corse there are white supremacists who voted for hate, but hopefully they are the exception.

If you read my earlier letters, you know I believe Mr Trump is a danger to our national security, and an immoral person. However, many of my fellow voters believe he offers hope! For the sake of our country, I pray they are right. God Bless America!

Joseph D. Dumoulin Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Retired Jay

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 7

Ô PartisanÊ witchÊ huntÕ Ê moreÊ importantÊ Ô thanÊ servingÊ AmericanÊ peopleÕ To the Editor: Embassy attacks during the presidencies of Republicans George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan:

cOMMEnTARy

Wisdom the GOP ignores at its peril Tom Purcell

DURING BUSH ADMINISTRATION • 13 embassy attacks • 66 deaths • 3 American diplomats killed • 22 embassy employees killed Number of investigations: 0

Columnist

N

DURING REAGAN ADMINISTRATION • 10 embassy attacks • 318 deaths • 1 US ambassador killed • 18 CIA officers • 254 marines Number of investigations: 1 DURING CURRENT ADMINISTRATION • 2 embassy attacks • 4 American deaths Number of investigations: 13 Cost to taxpayers for partisan witch hunt: $14 million.

This is what Republicans think is more important than serving the American people.

Joe DeMarco Jay

HelpÊ spreadÊ Ô lightÊ of Ê ChristmasÕ Ê inÊ December To the Editor: Christmas is a special, exciting time of year where families get together and have fun. Serving others and giving of their time and talents can help spread the spirit of Christmas to your family and others. Some of the best joyful memories are made by simple acts of service, such as caroling or bringing cookies to a friend.

This December, we invite everyone to join us in spreading the light of Christmas to the world starting on Dec. 1, a worldwide day of service.

Choose anyone and any way to serve. To help you, suggestions and an advent calendar can be found on mormon.org/christmas, along with an inspiring video on how we can spread light like Christ did. #LighttheWorld.

We know and hope that by taking time to reach out and help others, this Christmas season will become a very joyful one for all those involved!

Elder Bade and Elder Randall Middlebury, Vt.

SnopesÊ showsÊ noÊ riotersÊ afterÊ election To the Editor: We’ve got someone wanting to call out the National Guard to quell rioting protesters (and of course President Obama is a twerp for not doing so!) When I read something like this, I immediately think: this is really bad, very bad. So, I immediately turn on the TV to see. Guess what? There are no rioting protesters. I know what follows a statement like that. You can’t trust the regular media. Trump says they are part of the conspiracy! So, I go to snopes.com.

Now, if you don’t trust Snopes, you are a knucklehead. It has won awards for its non-partisanship. I find out that someone has taken a picture of a riot in Greece in 2012, to show? This kind of thing is evil. The person doing it is whatever, but the act is evil. It makes for a very, very bad day!

Don Austin Elizabethtown

Alexander From page 6

last year shortly after a few Republican primary debates, I suggested then that Mr. Trump might consider an alternative to insulting his Republican presidential competitors and instead ask them to consider accepting a senior role in his administration.

Each and every candidate claims they want to turn this country around. Each and every one recognizes the big challenges that lie ahead, so now is the time for them to put their talents where their mouths are and put the American people ahead of their personal ambitions and do what needs to be done. Join forces as a party, come together as a team and tackle the reformation that Trump frequently refers to as “Making America Great Again!”

The President-elect is famous for building outlandish things. Here’s his chance to build a real A-Team for America. Save all the money wasted on campaigning and political advertising and start planning today.

God help Trump and God help us, he’s tapped into something, and it better not be just hot air.

I think the next few years will be anything but the same old thing.

Dan Alexander may be reached at dan@suncommunitynews.com.

ow that Republicans will be running the White House, the House and the Senate, they’d better succeed in streamlining and simplifying our bloated government. Quotes from some of our greatest minds can guide them.

While President Obama sought to make government cool again, many great minds have long been wary of government: “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” ---Ronald Reagan “A government big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take everything you have.” ---Barry Goldwater “A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.” ---- Edward Abbey Ronnie, we miss you, but your spirit guides us still. Barry, you’d roll in your grave if you saw how big our government has gotten. And Eddie, our IRS recently turned against people whose nonprofit organizations promoted the “wrong” political point of view.

Being self-employed for many years, I’ve found that high income taxes and complex rules have been the bane of my existence. Republicans had better heed these quotes as they reform our tax system: “Did you ever notice that when you put the words ‘the’ and ‘IRS’ together, it spells ‘THEIRS’”? ---unknown “What at first was plunder, assumed the softer name of revenue.”

---- Thomas Paine “It would be a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their income.” ---- Ben Franklin Hey, guys, too many politicians and bureaucrats think we owe them MORE of our hard-earned dough.

Tommy, you’d be shocked at the level of plunder. And Ben, the only Americans who enjoy an income tax around 10 percent these days are the ones who moved to Russia.

As Republicans attempt to roll back the massive expansion of government that occurred under Obama’s presidency, here are some points to consider: “The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it’s so rare.”

---- Daniel Patrick Moynihan “Government is inherently incompetent, and no matter what task it is assigned, it will do it in the most expensive and inefficient way possible.” ---- Charley Reese “Government is an association of men who do violence to the rest of us.” ---- Leo Tolstoy Hey, Leo, folks often forget how nasty government can be ---- particularly the millions of college-age Americans who think socialism is hip and that “the rich” should pay off the thousands they borrowed to get graduate degrees in the dining habits of sub-Saharan crossdressers.

Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood” and “Wicked Is the Whiskey,” a Sean McClanahan mystery novel, both available at Amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist. Send comments to Tom at Tom@TomPurcell.com.

8 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 9

Property tax credit checks on the way

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — As the state prepares to mail out tax credit checks to homeowners, the county’s real property tax director is urging taxpayers to keep an eye on the golden number: $185.

Homeowners receiving checks less than that amount are still owed rebate funds from the state, reported Charli Lewis to county lawmakers last week.

“If anyone receives a check for less than $185, they really should call the STAR number,” Lewis said.

The number is 518-457-2036.

Lewis recalled a recent discussion with a state official who said they didn’t understand why some checks were being sent out that didn’t meet the $185 threshold.

“But they did promise to roll (relief and freeze credit checks) together,” Lewis said.

“They initially denied this is happening, but it certainly is happening,” she said.

This year marks the final year for the property tax freeze program, the state initiative designed to reimburse qualifying homeowners for increases in local property taxes on their primary residences.

The checks from the state Department of Taxation and Finance are for the first year of a new program, the property-tax relief credit.

The amount should be the difference between January 2015 and 2016 property tax bills for any municipality that stayed under the cap.

Essex County surpassed the cap last year with a 6 percent tax levy increase, but many towns stayed under.

School districts, which participated in the property tax freeze program during the first year, are not part of the rebate program this year, Lewis said.

Lawmakers appeared frustrated at the lack of clarity.

“How would I find out when Moriah residents are going to receive those checks?” asked Tom Scozzafava (R-Moriah).

“I wish I could receive that answer,” Lewis said.

The state doesn’t deal directly with local assessors, Lewis said.

“They’ve kind of cut us right out of it,” Lewis said. “They expect all checks to be mailed by the middle of December.”

On the timing: “There is no rhyme or reason.”

More than 2 million checks are expected to be mailed out to eligible homeowners.

“We continue to process property tax freeze and property tax relief credit checks on a daily basis and will continue to issue them

statewide throughout the fall,” said James Gazzale, a Department of Taxation and Finance spokesman.

Homeowners who haven’t received their checks by the end of the year should contact the agency at 518-453-8146.

NEW PROGRAM Starting next year, the program will be replaced with a new relief credit, which will be a percentage of a homeowner’s STAR benefit.

Those with lower incomes will receive a higher percentage benefit.

To be eligible for that program, homeowners must live in a school district that complies with the cap; receive either the Basic or Enhanced STAR property tax relief, and have an income of $275,000 or less.

The income threshold for Basic STAR is $500,000. Homeowners 65 and older with a combined income of $84,550 or less are eligible for the Enhanced option.

The exemption covers the first $30,000 of the value of a homeowner’s primary residence from school taxes.

Those who purchased a home after Aug. 1, 2015 are now required to register directly with the state — not through their local assessor.

County unloads tax delinquent parcels

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — Essex County unloaded most of their tax delinquent properties at an auction last week.

But lawmakers remain displeased with the results.

The auction saw the county collect $446,300 from 48 foreclosed parcels.

The back taxes owed were $692,453.91, leading to a $246,153 loss — or just 64 percent of the total value.

“It was not a good day, to say the least, in regards to some of the prices these properties bring,” said Tom Scozzafava (R-Moriah), who attended the auction held Nov. 16 at the Best Western in Ticon-

deroga.

Charles Harrington (R-Crown Point) attributed the loss of value to the gap between regular tax auctions, which he said allows structures to deteriorate.

“The condition of these properties, most of them were in terrible condition,” Harrington said. “That certainly was evident in the amount these properties produced at auction.”

Some of the properties were unloaded for $500 or less.

“Our salvaged vehicle sold for less to Moriah,” said Roby Politi (I-North Elba).

All but one parcel sold, a landlocked plot on Park Avenue in Ticonderoga.

Scozzafava expressed frustration at the loopholes that he said lead to a continued loss of income for the county.

For instance, while those who owe taxes to the county are prohibited from bidding in the auctions, there are no laws that prohibit someone from purchasing the parcel, and then transferring the deed to that individual.

Often, those properties are subsequently abandoned, he said.

“It’s just this cycle that somehow we gotta break,” Scozzafava said. “I don’t know how to accomplish that.

“The taxpayers often feel they’re getting ripped off in the whole process.”

Essex County Treasurer Mike Diskin agreed the process can be frustrating.

“How you prevent that is difficult to say,” Diskin said. “It’s just a hard thing to fix.”

Harrington said it is an age-old problem that has vexed the county for at least a century, when logging

companies used to buy property and log it before vanishing.

“This is something that’s been exercised for hundreds of years,” Harrington said.

The county last month voted to hire outside vendors to aid the clerk’s office in title searches for delinquent properties.

Officials said they were optimistic this would expedite the auction process.

“Once we get the ‘13, ‘14, ‘15 (properties) knocked out, we’ll be right on track,” said County Attorney Dan Manning.

James Monty (R-Lewis) said the reforms may also lead to an uptick of people paying their back taxes.

“Once we get curbed, you’re going to see a lot better response to the taxes,” said Monty.

Lawmakers voted to accept all bids on Monday.

10 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 11

Film directed by Westport Central grad making festival circuit ‘Where We Left Off’ examines issues of tolerance, diversity

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

WESTPORT — A short film directed by a Westport Central graduate is making waves on the festival circuit.

“Where We Left Off,” directed by Alyssa Carroll (‘08), was screened at the Lake Champlain International Film Festival in Plattsburgh in November.

“It was great, it was absolutely fantastic,” said Carroll, a Westport native who now lives and works in Los Angeles.

The flick was written by Carroll’s friend Ariana Sigel as a cathartic way to deal with the loss of her father.

After showing the script to Carroll and editor Emily Freund, the three decided to bring the script to life.

A crowdfunding campaign raised $7,600, and the film was produced by Carroll’s own Pixstaff Media.

Filming of the one-woman film took place over a two-day stretch in an apartment in Sherman Oaks last September with a crew of about a dozen.

Sarah George plays Landry Allbright, a young woman with an anxiety disorder who is coming out to the memory of her father, something her character was unable to do while he was still alive.

“When we cast her, her audition just blew everyone out of the water,” Carroll said.

Carroll says these themes of tolerance and diversity are critical, and a driving force behind Pixstaff, which brands itself as a forward-looking production company: “We’re not old men in suits,” reads their Twitter description.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important to showcase LBGTQ stories, and highlight people are people no matter their differences,” Carroll said.

The crowd in Plattsburgh was very responsive, Carroll said, and the film will be screened at the Moonfaze Feminist Film Festival in Hollywood on Director Alyssa Carroll Dec. 1.

An online release will follow on Dec. 2.

Grief, said Carroll, is a universal emotion and can sometimes feel like an “impossible maze.”

“I wanted to express the idea that although grief is a personal journey, it does not need to be journeyed alone,” Carroll said. “It is my hope that this film can provide starting points for conversation or even a moment of catharsis for individuals dealing with grief.”

“Where We Left Off” will be released Dec. 2. To view the film, visit vimeo.com/pixstaffmedia.

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Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine resurrect Ranger Trail

By Kim Dedam

kim@suncommunitynews.com

CHESTERFIELD — With one, possibly two, seasons left of construction work, Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine are resurrecting the Ranger Trail up this popular Adirondack peak.

It was the straight, steep path taken by forest rangers when the fire tower was first built in 1917.

Poke-O-Moonshine friends spokesman David Thomas-Train said they have accounts of access along the trail that date to the mid 19th century.

“It basically is the only walkable route up the east side of the mountain,” Thomas-Train said in an interview.

“We have an account of an abolitionist headed to Plattsburgh in the 1850s for an abolitionist meeting. His notes have lots of flowery language about the view from the top.

“I don’t know exactly when it became a state hiking trail. The Fire Tower was built in 1917. We are coming on the centennial of its construction,” Thomas-Train said.

The steep and direct routes were functional, intended for ready and hurried access by forest fire rangers.

“On Fire Tower mountains, the requirement was to be able to get up the mountain fast. So most had a short, straight, steep trail to the tower. There was no trail design, it was just get up the mountain. This one does happen to be the only route you could walk the entire way, around the rock outcroppings, and it goes up 1,200 feet in 1.2 miles.

That tells you how steep it is.”

Initially, the state Department of Environmental Conservation had looked to close this east flank Ranger’s Trail, Thomas-Train said.

But the Poke-O Friends started their preservation and fundraising effort three years ago So far, crews have spent 15 weeks in total on reconstruction, which

will offer a second hiking passage up Poke-O-Moonshine.

“Redesign includes some longer, winding reroutes where we can,” Thomas-Train said.

But there is also a lot of work in building rock stairways.

“The trail crews are doing a lot of rock staircase work there. Over two seasons, they’ve put in about 190 rock steps and water bars to get the water off the trail,” Thomas-Train said.

The estimated cost for cutting in stone steps, adding water bars and interpretation of 11 points of interest is about $250,000.

And the friends’ group has raised $196,000 in pledges and grant funding to date.

“Our current goal is to raise $250,000 for the project through Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine,” the group’s spokesman said.

“Our focus is all about outdoor environmental education and stewardship of the mountain. We actually work with DEC under what’s called a Voluntary Stewardship Agreement, or VSA, and the terms encompass everything that we are allowed to do on the mountain.”

Most Fire Towers and other hiking destination sites have similar agreements with DEC. It helps share the cost of trail work and upkeep, Thomas-Train explained.

“In this case, the Ranger Trail was badly eroded and the state was considering closing it. They couldn’t put a quarter of a million into one trail.”

The stewardship agreement brought together a coalition of area preservation groups, including Adirondack Architectural Heritage, several Adirondack Mountain Club chapters and the Town of Chesterfield along with individual sponsors.

“I think the Volunteer Stewardship Agreement is actually a fantastic public/private model. The state doesn’t have all the resources to take care of individual trails like this,” Thomas-Train said of the

solution.

Work is being done at PokeO-Moonshine by the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) professional trail crew and by a group called Tahawus Trails.

Images of their work in lifting cut stones into the edge of the mountain show both the challenge and the care being taken to restore the Ranger’s Trail.

With 15 weeks of work completed so far, the friends have spent $82,000 so far, Thomas-Train said.

“We have one possibly two seasons of work left to go. There is a lot of intricate hand labor involved as well as sheer grunt work.”

The trail may not open fully in time for 2017 Poke-O-Moonshine celebration events.

But the friends are planning to mark the Fire Tower’s 100th year standing with much fanfare.

“At the end of July, the weekend of July 30, we’re going to have a celebration at the mountain, a hike to the summit and a party at Ausable Brewery in Keeseville. Two days before, there will be a Poke-OMoonshine art show in Keeseville. We’re in the thick of planning at this point,” Thomas-Train said.

More information about the Ranger’s Trail project and ways to help are listed on the Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine web page: pokeomoonshine.org.

The coalition is one of the oldest Fire Tower friends groups established in the Adirondack Park, and next year will celebrate its own 20th anniversary.

Photo by Joanne Kennedy/Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 13

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 15

Second phase of ECH expansion nearly complete

By Kim Dedam

kim@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — Rectangular field stones for a wall in the new physical therapy den area are laid out on the floor in neat piles.

The adjoining new walls are partially painted in soft sage and sand tones that match the adjacent new patient hospital rooms.

And stacks of drywall mud buckets take up the spot where a kitchen table will go.

Construction of the next phase of a planned upgrade at the University of Vermont Health Network, Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH) will be finished next month.

This second round of the $10 million renovation program with significant equipment upgrades follows the construction of 18 new patient rooms last summer.

The physical therapy, or PT, wing opens from a bank of rooms on the southwest corner.

Patients needing additional care to get back on their feet will be arranged around the PT core. Careful progressive physical therapy is often indicated after prolonged illness or surgery, such as might occur from a stroke or joint replacement.

Sometimes people recovering from heart conditions or pneumonia need inpatient PT as they prepare to return home, the medical staff explained.

William Doherty is Director of Rehabilitation at ECH. “If a patient is not ready to go home, they would have access physical therapy twice a day, six days a week here. It can ensure a safe transition,” Doherty said.

The inpatient hospital rooms are designed for the initial care then augmented by outpatient physical therapy at Elizabethtown Health Center just up the road.

Often patients have the same medical staff, assuring a strong continuum toward recovery.

“Communication is critical,” Doherty said.

“We have therapists that work both inpatient and out, which enhances a successful outcome.”

The Phase 2 PT area at ECH is designed for inpatient access.

For Michael Theeman, a physical therapist, the new unit is integral to improving patient treatment plans.

“One of the newest additions is a ceiling track and that allows us to involve a host of options,” Theeman said in a recent tour.

The track crosses nearly one entire room in the new area.

“Patients can more easily and safely access PT equipment, like the treadmill,” Theeman said, showing how it connects to a patient to reduce the body’s weight, a traction that can be slowly increased over time.

The track is combined with “ambulation shorts,” a kind of knee-length jumpsuit that is suspended on elastic straps.

“This will allow for body-weight supported treadmill training,” Theeman said.

And it helps patients begin rehabilitation earlier.

“It improves the quality of care, the safety and the dignity of the patient,” Doherty said.

“These systems are being used in major hospitals in the country.”

But this is the only one in eastern upstate New York.

And it aligns with the AlterG equipment, originally designed by NASA for space training, that is in place at the Elizabethtown Health Center.

“It all works in synergy,” Doherty said.

“And it is very patient centered. We do provide that one-to-one care.”

“We do treat our neighbors,” Theeman added.

ECH spokeswoman Jane Hooper said the upgrade project was organized and designed by Doherty, Theeman and the hospital’s PT staff.

“It’s not a top-down strategy, the administration looked directly to its staff for information,” Hooper said.

This rural hospital’s move toward more sophisticated use of high-tech equipment also aligns with evidence based theory and practice,

but is not cookie cutter in its clinical approach.

“We utilize an interdisciplinary group meeting twice a week with doctors, PT staff, pharmacists and nursing staff to coordinate individual care for each patient,” Hooper said.

People living in the rural Adirondacks often have unique living conditions, sometimes with a steep driveway or stairs, a stone or cement brick walkway or even wood to haul.

“We also provide home visits as part of the continuum of care,” Hooper said.

“All of the unique aspects of a home setting are taken into account to assess an individual PT program.”

The ongoing renovation at ECH is being managed by PC Construction with Luck Builders contracted for framing and walls.

The PT rehabilitation rooms, its storage area, the occupational therapy reception desk, kitchen and den are set to be finished in December, Hooper said, and the focus will turn to Phase 3, which updates a family gathering room, private medical exam rooms, the new hospital laundry and kitchen.

The entire project is on track to be completed by next June.

Funding for the $10 million expansion and renovation comes from ECH reserve funds with some financing.

“The hospital is financially well-managed and is in a great position to be able to undertake such a renovation,” Hooper said.

Physical Therapist Michael Theeman shows how the ambulation shorts connects to an overhead track system, attached here in one of the new patient rooms while the new PT area at Elizbethtown Community Hospital is in construction. The new body-weight supported treadmill training will add state-of-the-art options for patient recovery programs at ECH. Photo by Kim Dedam

A successful capital campaign meant that financing requirements are not significant, she said.

“It was accomplished the same way it worked in 2007-08 for the Emergency Department renovation and expansion. The community was tremendously supportive of the last capital campaign,” Hooper said.

“We are always working hard to improve this facility.”

Essex ‘Magic of Christmas’ slated Dec. 9-10 ESSEX — The “Magic of Christmas” celebration will kick off on Dec. 9 with Main Street shops staying open from 4-8 p.m. At 4 p.m., award-winning mixologist Lori Kudelski will offer a free class on creating holiday drinks at the Essex Inn. From 6:15-6:45 p.m., on the green behind Town Hall, join the Pleasant Valley Chorale, friends, and neighbors for the lighting of the town Christmas Tree and the launch of sky lanterns, weather permitting. At 7 p.m., the Pleasant Valley Chorale will present a program of holiday music entitled “Songs of the Magi” at the Essex Community Church.

On Dec. 10, a full day of events is planned, with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Christmas bazaar and a Steven Kellogg reading among events slated.

For a look at the full, jam-packed schedule, visit christmasinessex.com. Events are subject to change as the day draws near.

16 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

T

www.suncommunitynews.com

he Pleasant Valley Chorale presents their holiday program, “Songs of the Magi,” on Dec. 9 and 11.

Come enjoy wonderful holiday Arin Burdo > columnist info@elizabethtownsocialcenter.org songs as the Chorale celebrates 30 years of music in our region! Started in 1986 by retired music educator Joe Wyant, the chorale has continued to entertain audiences year after year. The group is thrilled to still include several of its original members, including Vera Collins, Glenn Estus, Judy Shepard, Priscilla Chesnut and Schelly McKinley. Most of these singers have not missed a concert in 30 years!

This year’s concert features wonderful pieces by Mendelssohn and John Rutter, as well as many holiday favorites. The group plans to reprise a few of its “greatest hits” from past years.

Other musicians performing in this year’s concerts include Kerry Mero on piano and Laurel Rule on cello. The ensemble is under the direction of Susan Hughes.

The Dec. 9 performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Essex Community Church, following the lighting of the Essex town tree to kick off “The Magic of Christmas in Essex” weekend.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, the Chorale performs at the UCC Church in Elizabethtown at 3 p.m. Join the singers for a holiday reception in the parish hall immediately following the concert and then to carol at the Elizabethtown tree lighting at 5 p.m.

Admission to the Pleasant Valley Chorale concerts is always free, with a good will donation accepted at the door.

There are many other festive activities in Elizabethtown on Sunday, Dec. 11! Do not miss the ELCS 5th Grade’s “Whole Lotta Holiday” Social and Sale at the Center from 11 a.m to 5 p.m.

Santa visits the Cobble Hill Golf Course from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sing carols at the town tree lighting at 5 p.m. Take in the decorations and vote for your favorite to win the Social Center’s “Local Favorite” award in our annual Decorating Contest. More details will be available in next week’s column and on facebook.

For more information, visit elizabethtownsocialcenter.org or call 873-6408.

Elizabethtown Social Center

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T

he North Country SPCA would like to announce our ever-popular “Home Kathy Wilcox > columnist for the Holidays” adoprollerprincessfrog@yahoo.com tion extravaganza!

All adult dogs and cats are free to adopt from now until the New Year. Please help us send all of our wonderful animals home for good this holiday season! Puppies and kittens are playful and cute, but an adult cat or dog can be a truly rewarding companion — most have plenty of energy and enjoy opportunities to play but their personalities are fully developed and they are generally much calmer and more easygoing than a younger companion animal. Why not stop by and meet some of our many adoptable animals today?

Our featured pet this week is Luke, a Rottweiler and Redboned Coonhound mix who arrived at the shelter with his friend Bo. These two canine hound mixes have been together since puppyhood. Luke is a bit shy, but within Luke minutes this sweet boy warms up. These boys are both absolutely lovable. They are very well mannered both on a leash and in their general behavior, and keep their kennels very tidy. They seem to like other dogs and would love to be your next best friends. We would very much like to see Luke and Bo go to the same home, as we have seen that Luke becomes very depressed when separated from his buddy. If you have room in your house and heart for two fabulous dogs, please consider these handsome fellows!

North Country SPCA

Ferebee

From page 1 The outgoing chairman also hailed the lawmakers he tapped for committee assignments.

“Those guys did a great job,” he said.

Preston was elected by the board to fill Ferebee’s remaining term, which expires in January.

“He is truly a hard worker, and always willing to jump in and make a difference,” said Roby Politi (I-North Elba), who offered the nomination.

Preston said he preferred to hold off on a speech until January, when he will campaign for a full-term as chairman.

“If you do put me back in this position the first of the year, I will deliver comments at that time,” Preston said.

Shaun Gillilland (R-Willsboro) was elected vice chair.

Ron Moore (R-North Hudson) cited the lawmaker’s stewardship of the Public Safety Committee and numerous task forces as examples of his dedication and conscientiousness.

“Shaun has all of the qualities we look for in a leader,” Moore said of the U.S. Navy veteran who took office in 2014.

COMMITTED TO THE JOB Ferebee has served as the county’s top elected official since June 2015, when his predecessor, Randy Douglas, vacated the seat, also to take a state job.

Preston and Gillilland said they plan on serving in leadership positions for the next session, and both said they have no intentions to pursue a state job.

“No, I have a job,” Preston said. “I’m not going anywhere — unless the voters send me, of course.”

Gillilland said he wanted to continue working on some of the thornier problems facing the county, including EMS coverage, animal cruelty and fairgrounds issues.

“I’ve had a long and distinguished career and I’m where I want to be,” Gillilland said.

ETC

From page 1 recorded for a short scene at the beginning of the play,” Cornell explained.

From du Maurier’s archetype, the director finds an annunciation of modern myth, both prescient and uncertain.

“The birds are massing and seem to be obeying unknown rules,” he said in a recent interview, sipping cold coffee, gesticulating with his free hand.

“They approach in great numbers and move in great waves of attack. And in her story, du Maurier says this is going on all over the world.”

At the time, du Maurier questioned consequences, he says.

“I see the archetype as the second Loss of Innocence since the Biblical myth of Adam and Eve, good versus evil. After World War II, when the story was written, we began mass extinction of species and ripping out all the resources underground. The reaction of the Earth, I believe, is expressed by the birds,” Cornell said.

In McPherson’s play, which opened in Dublin in 2009, the setting has evolved accordingly.

“The birds have been massing and attacking humanity for a long time in this script,” Cornell explained.

“And we’re down to the last people, so what happens is we see the corruption emerge from the characters. And these are by all measure good people. All four are strangers when the play begins, are each in their way clever, courageous and bold.

“At play’s end, its narrator leaves a diary behind as she and

IN KEENE… Deputy Keene Supervisor Paul Martin was expected on Monday to be appointed by the town board to serve the remainder of Ferebee’s term, which expires next January.

Martin has served on the board for 36 years, including the past 15 as deputy.

Seven applicants have applied for the top slot, and applications are in the process of being reviewed by the town board, Ferebee said.

A decision is expected to be made at the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Dec. 13.

Ferebee, who served as supervisor for 12 years, introduced lawmakers to Martin on Monday.

“I’ll enjoy working in here with you through the month of December, anyway,” Martin said.

Essex County Chairman Bill Ferebee stepped down Monday, Nov. 28 after serving since June 2015. Ferebee is pictured here (left) with Randy Preston (I-Wilmington), who will succeed him as the county’s top elected official.

Photo by Pete DeMola

her mate set out into a wasteland. It contains a message to us, which is the play we have been watching.”

This production marks a significant return to theatre for Cornell whose expertise in method acting emerged from early work with New York Shakespeare Festival where he founded The Other Stage and directed No Place to be Somebody, the first off-Broadway play to win the Pulitzer Prize.

He went on to win acclaim and an Obie Award for direction with the 1980 production Johnny on a Spot.

Cornell’s experience in New York included directing leading actors Ellen Burstyn, Olympia Dukakis, and Al Pacino.

About 25 years ago, he decamped to Wadhams and restored an old farmhouse. His artistry moved to sculpture and paint and engendered The Art Farm, now with established public hiking trails.

His junk art sculptures are periodically sited at public locations. His paintings are shown in both art galleries and cafes, with several permanently housed in local civic buildings and museums around the region.

Cornell is past chairman of the Essex Planning Board and served for many years as president of the Wadhams Free Library. He was integral to initiating restoration at the Whallonsburg Grange and is a member of the Whallonsburg Civic Association.

Actors interested in reading “The Birds” script for audition can borrow copies from Cornell. He is available by phone 518-962-4386 with inquiries welcome by email to: cornelle@ westelcom.com.

Open auditions will be at the Grange from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8.

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Boreas Hearing From page 1

offer varying divides between the Wilderness-Wild Forest split, with each adding more wilderness than the last.

‘WE SPEND MONEY’ “This area would be a great area for snowmobiles because we have no work there,” said Ray Buckholts, of the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA).

Prior to the session, which packed the gymnasium last Monday, Access the Adirondacks rolled out a list of 34 sportsmen organizations who supported their preferred alternative for the 20,543-acre parcel, purchased by the state last May. The endorsements, said the coalition, are intended as a counterweight against those offered by BeWildNY, a coalition of green groups who support more restrictive uses.

Buckholts said snowmobilers are good environmental stewards who want to use existing roads to minimize environmental impact, including a proposed snowmobile connector track between Minerva and Newcomb.

But other alternatives would require cutting new trails through the woods, said Adirondack Local Government Review Board President Fred Monroe.

“We don’t want to destroy the environment, that’s not our thing,” said Tom Hudon, of the Crown Point-based Adirondack Trail Riders.

“A lot of us are conservationists as well.”

Hudon supports Alternative 1, which would allow for snowmobiling around the perimeter of Boreas Ponds to White Lily Pond and continuing on and back to the so-called Four Corners and along Gulf Brook Road.

Advocates also argue connector trails — including the proposed route that would connect the Five Towns — are a critical lynchpin to a statewide snowmobile system, necessary to link southern areas to their North Country counterparts.

“Everything outside the road will stay exactly how it is today,” said Dominic Jacangelo, executive director of NYSSA. The snowmobiling industry, he said, generates $868 million of economic activity annually, and one in three of those rides occur within the Blue Line.

Members of the organization, which represents 230 clubs across the state, also fish, hike, hunt, canoe and kayak when they visit, Jacangelo said.

“Snowmobilers bring a lot of money,” said Bonnie Best, treasurer of the Grafton Trail Blazers. “They’re good for the economy.”

The Adirondack Council, a member of BeWildNY, supports limited snowmobiling via an expanded High Peaks Wilderness area, said Executive Director Willie Janeway.

Under all alternatives, there are different ways of routing snowmobiles from North Hudson to Newcomb, he said.

Instead of using existing roads, BeWildNY’s plan calls for the trail to be located further south, largely paralleling Blue Ridge Road.

From east to west, between 3 and 4 miles of new trail would have to be cut, which the Adirondack Council doesn’t necessarily dispute.

“We do support a snowmobile connector trail,” Janeway said.

But, he said, the record does need to be corrected on how many miles of road exist on the parcel.

Protect the Adirondacks Executive Director Peter Bauer, despite filing court injunctions to halt progress on DEC-approved snowmobile connector trails, agrees with Access’ proposal to use existing roadways.

The construction of new trails takes down between 500 to 1,000 trees per mile, he said.

“It makes no sense to keep Gulf Brook Road open to motor vehicles and not use it for a snowmobile trail, and cut a new snowmobile trail somewhere else,” Bauer said.

Protect is against all four APA proposals, calling the options akin to “hanging a Van Gogh painting on a telephone post.”

Retired Forest Ranger Peter Fish said mankind always leaves an imprint on nature, which can range from the “long smell of exhaust” and grease slicks from snowmobiles to disintegrated hiking paths trammeled by overuse.

“I am an utter and complete Wilderness advocate,” Fish said. “There is no such thing as a wheel that is not destructive.”

Wilderness advocates also said the Adirondack Park hosts plenty of places where snowmobiling and motorized recreation is available — including within close proximity to Boreas.

Just eight of the 100 biggest lakes in the Adirondack Park are motorfree, said Tyler Socash.

“When Access the Adirondacks talks about balance, they are obtuse on how accessible the Adirondacks already is,” Socash said.

LOCAL ECONOMIES Business leaders at the four-hour hearing presented a mixed portrait of the local economy.

Roger Friedman marveled at the packed auditorium — the same room in which he received his high school diploma 50 years ago.

But class sizes have dwindled since then, said the local realtor. And the community is struggling.

“The Boreas Ponds offer a great economic opportunity for the region,” Friedman said. We can preserve it, but we must make it accessible for all people.”

Anything but full access, he said, would be “another nail in the coffin” for the local economy.

“If you live in this area like I have, you can literally hear the shrinkage,” Friedman said.

Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Brown said 68 percent of Schroon residents live under the poverty line, and it’s an ongoing struggle for businesses to stay open year-round.

“When you get to be our age — when you look at how to feed your family, and keep businesses running — that’s also very important,” Brown said.

Minerva Supervisor Steve McNally tied the decline directly to the increase in state land acquisitions.

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“These small towns are in jeopardy,” he said. “With the state purchasing lands, the people have lost their livelihoods.”

But pro-Wilderness advocates said the economic picture was more complex, and said Wilderness buoys local economies, acting as a magnet for many, including young people who view the designation as a desirable magnet.

Planting permanent roots will revitalize an ailing economy, they argue, and will repopulate the school districts that are hemorrhaging students.

Samantha Brooks spoke of visiting the region from a young age.

A seasonal job led to a permanent full-time position, and a full Wilderness designation is paramount to that attraction for her and other potential transplants, she said.

Brooks said she couldn’t estimate how many times she has frequented local businesses after a long day on the hiking trail, including the Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley, the Lake Placid Pub and Stewarts in Long Lake.

“They will stop in your town to buy stuff,” Brooks said.

Pete Nelson, the co-founder of Adirondack Wilderness Advocates (AWA), said both sides needed to move past a debate he said has historically been “myopic and insular.”

“I think it’s an unfortunate debate, this specific debate,” Nelson said.

Nelson pitched the idea of leveraging Frontier Town, the abandoned theme park in North Hudson, as a gateway to a new Wildness High Peaks area.

Peer-reviewed studies of communities surrounding federally-protected land in the western U.S., he said, reveal when properly leveraged, the protected assets can be used as tools for economic development.

Economic profiles in communities near the National Park Service lands are similar to urban counties, he said.

That can happen here, he said, and development needn’t clash with full Wilderness protection.

“Let’s make a smarter debate,” Nelson said. “Let’s go somewhere that helps out towns — they need it.”

Chris Lincoln said he was torn between watching communities decline and allowing snowmobiling and mountain biking in ecologicallysensitive areas.

“I don’t know what the answer is, but I don’t think this is it,” he said.

AWA is calling for a full Wilderness classification, a concept that is not included in any of the four APA alternatives.

Checkered flannel outweighed the green t-shirts last week, and the hearing again saw a mobilization of those calling for support of that plan, many of them students and young professionals.

And while the sessions have largely been tranquil, one pro-Wilderness speaker who spoke out against snowmobiling was jeered and booed by the crowd after revealing he was from Michigan.

“You don’t understand because you’re from Michigan,” yelled a woman.

Another speaker lashed out against what he perceived as idealistic and naive attitudes, and said roads were necessary on a practical level to ensure public safety.

“It’s amazing how you people get hurt,” said Michael Carruso, citing DEC rescue reports. “It’s amazing how you fall and break bones and get carried out of there.

“You want to get rid of the roads? Great idea!”

That dynamic has been a constant push-pull during the sessions.

“Yes, you are the future of the Adirondacks, but only if you live and work in the Adirondack Park,” said Newcomb Supervisor Wes Miga.

“You may be the future, but we are the now.”

NEW VIEWPOINTS The hearing, which drew 89 scheduled speakers (although many left earlier) did upend some conventional narratives.

One disabled speaker endorsed the full Wilderness plan, an option that would close the Gulf Brook Road entirely to all but foot traffic.

The Adirondacks is now at a critical point, and a historic moment, said Joan Cunningham, of ADK Community Works, a Schroon Lakebased nonprofit.

An expanded High Peaks Wilderness would be the largest motorfree area east of the Rocky National Park in Colorado, she said.

“Humans can co-exist and protect our beloved Adirondacks,” said Cunningham, who uses a motorized mobility device. “I choose not to access the Boreas Pond regions, but instead keep them as pristine as possible for my children and grandchildren to explore on foot.”

Dan Lynch owns 200 acres on both sides of Blue Ridge Road, making him one of the closest private property owners.

Lynch called for Alternative 2 (with several minor modifications) and said motorized use wouldn’t necessarily lead to an economic boost for the surrounding area.

“No motors, including electrics, should be allowed to operate on Boreas Ponds,” Lynch said.

Peter Hornbeck, owner of Hornbeck Boats on Trout Brook Road, said his customers are drawn to Wilderness, and that the classification isn’t necessarily “the kiss of death” to local merchants.

“Our economy is real good,” he said.

The buzz around Boreas, he said, is really helping his business, which employs six.

“We have seen a spurt of interest this year because of that property.”

Hornbeck, like many other speakers, urged the DEC to draft a proper Unit Management Plan following the classification to ensure environmental safeguards — including the use of parking lots as a management tool, which would open and close access on a seasonal basis.

Pete Finch, a member of the Barkeater Trails Alliance, called for more study on the relationship between the economy and recreational land use.

For years, people said Wilderness would be an economic driver, he said. But that hasn’t happened yet.

“To this point, it really hasn’t done much for local economies,” Finch said.

The increase in Wilderness areas, he said, has led to an overburden on trail systems.

“Literally thousands of people (are) at trailheads on a daily basis,” he said.

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 17

Hundreds attended the Adirondack Park Agency’s public hearing on land classification on Monday, Nov. 21. The Boreas Ponds Tract was the chief topic of discussion.

Photo by Pete DeMola

EXISTING STRUCTURES Infrastructure remains a sticking point. Wilderness advocates say man-made materials, including some 53 miles of roads, can fade back into the landscape, and that much of the Adirondack Park was once trammeled by man.

But advocates of Alternative 1, including state Assemblyman Dan Stec (R-Queensbury), say existing infrastructure goes against the legal definition of Wilderness.

“These roads rival a lot of town roads in terms of their construction and their capability,” Stec said, noting the ponds themselves were artificially created by the construction of a dam.

Monroe, of the Adirondack Local Government Review Board, said the maps provided by the APA do not accurately convey the current road infrastructure, as well as culverts.

He said he has asked the agency for accurate maps, “but so far I haven’t seen them.”

Access mapped the parcel earlier this fall, and those findings are available upon request, Monroe said.

BeWildNY agreed that a broader inventory is necessary, and indicated discussion will continue after the public comment period ends on Dec. 30.

“That level of analysis needs to happen, and it hasn’t happened yet,” said Rocci Aguirre, director of conservation at the Adirondack Council.

Nearly the entire park was laid waste at one point, said Russ Hartung, and made barren from fires and logging.

“Increased access results in increased destruction — there’s no doubt about it,” said Hartung, a Saranac Lake art gallery owner.

But some said letting the structures be reclaimed by nature would pose undesired results.

Lukas Dobie, an engineer, said if the dam was allowed to deteriorate, it will jeopardize the wetlands, and possibly even result in state DEC enforcement action.

“I can’t believe people are talking about taking out the dams,” Dobie said. “The dam erosion would be unfathomable.”

Dave Reckahn said he fails to see how Wilderness will provide more water quality protection than any other safeguards in the wake of High Peaks degradation, and warned against the loss of habitat in the event of a dam blowout.

ACCESS FOR DISABLED Owing to the format of the hearings — comments were limited to three-minute segments without back-and-forth discussion — nods to opposing views have generally been limited to lip service, and the comments generally run along parallel paths.

But many officials tailored their comments to address concerns made in past hearings, including those in Ray Brook, Northville and Newcomb.

Hamilton County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Farber said local governments have actually taken the lead in combatting invasive species.

“I don’t want that to get lost in these fights,” he said.

Farber added: “A Wilderness population by itself has not protected the High Peaks,” citing trampling, herd paths and overuse.

BeWildNY and Access attempted to clarify where they stood on motorized usage, particularly when it came to access for the disabled.

Access is against any land use classification that disallows access for the widest possible amount of people, and disagrees with BeWildNY over the best way to accommodate disabled visitors.

Wilderness and Wild Forest offer varying degrees of accommodation, including the use of the DEC’s CP3 parking spaces, which are prohibited under Wilderness.

BeWildNY says CP3 opens the doors to ATV usage; Access says that is not their intent.

“Permitting parking for the handicapped and bicycling around the perimeter of the ponds would not be permitted under a Wilderness classification,” said North Hudson Supervisor Ron Moore.

In a follow-up email, Moore wrote: “Again, we have not ever proposed the use of ATVs in any of the many meetings that we have had with the DEC, APA, or any of the other stakeholder groups.”

John Sheehan, a BeWildNY spokesman, says a Wilderness designation would not bar access.

“I think it’s important for everybody to know that a Wilderness designation is not an impediment to handicapped access to the area,” Sheehan said.

All that is required is a level path from LaBier Flow to Boreas Ponds, he said.

Written comments can be sent to: Kathleen D. Regan, Deputy Director, Planning Adirondack Park Agency PO Box 99 1133 State Route 86 Ray Brook, NY 12977

18 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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SPORTS www.suncommunitynews.com/sports

Coach

PlayerÊ of Ê theÊ Year

Stuart Hemsley — Lake Placid

Stuart Baird — Lake Placid

TheÊ 2016Ê All-ValleyÊ TeamÊ Ñ Ê Starters

EL/W

Jaso Hannula Lake Placid

Evan Damp Lake Placid

Wyatt Gough EL/W

Joel Morris EL/W

Caleb Hamilton AuSable Valley

Ethan Wood Saranac Lake

Miles Warner Keene

Azriel Finsterer Keene

Jeremy Rossi

Lucas Isham Keene

Reserves

Ryan Thomas - AVCS

Hudson Stephens - EL/W

Antonio Finsterer - KCS

Ethan Giglinto - KCS

Damian Brown - KCS

Bjorn Kroes - LPCS

Kevin Geisler - LPCS

Ryan Kane - LPCS

Liam McCloskey - SL

Trevor Bigelow - WCS

Max Longware - WCS

Paul Fine-Lease - WCS

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(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 19

WhileÊ young,Ê PatriotÊ coreÊ returnsÊ forÊ FinalÊ FourÊ defense Parrow, Martineau hope to lead Patriots back to Final Four

By Keith Lobdell

keith@suncommunitynews.com

PORT HENRY — The main key for the 2016-17 AuSable Valley Patriots will be to come together as a defense-first squad, which has been the calling card for head coach Jamie Douglass.

“It’s nice to get everyone back on the court,” Douglass said.

“We are still a young team with three sophomores part of the first six players, and we are working on our man-to-man defense and chemistry. The chemistry of the team will come as we play good team defense. This division is still going to be a tough one, but I like this group of kids.”

The Patriots, who made the NYSPHSAA Final Four last season before falling to Middle College Prep School last season, will seek to accomplish the same this season, as they return all stars in Kobe Parrow and Joel Martineau, along with new point guard Brandon Snow.

“At, first, I thought taking over in that position was going to be a lot of pressure,” Snow said. “Once we got onto the court, all the pressure melted away. I like to be out there and in command of the offense.”

The Patriots split a pair of games in the annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Tournament last weekend, falling to 2016-17 Class D finalist Moriah on Friday before scoring a win against Plattsburgh High where they were able to hold on after build-

ing up a 29-point lead prior to halftime.

“It’s a great feeling to get the first win under your belt, but we know we are just getting started,” Snow said.

“It feels great to be back on the court,” said Parrow, who sat out much of the PHS win with an ankle injury. “We finished last season on a great note and to be back with this group of guys is a lot of fun.”

“Last season was a high note for the program and we are excited to get back on the court,” said Joel Martineau, who was able to suit up for a game for the first time this season after a leg injury forced him to miss soccer.

“After we played on the biggest stage in the state against a big team like Central College, it gives you the confidence and knowledge you deserve to be there.”

“These kids are expecting a lot this year, other teams are pointing to them as a top team in Section VII and they have to manage not letting that pressure get to them,” Douglass said.

“They just need to play their game, play hard defense, and the offense will take care of itself.”

The players agreed.

“We just need to keep the same intensity, especially on defense, and we have the chance to make the same kind of run this year,” Martineau saud.

“All of these kids can play,” Parrow said. “Last year, our defense was what got us as far as we went and it will be the same this year.”

“Our defense is what will carry us,” added Snow.

The Patriots hit the road to Section II for their next game Friday, Dec. 2, as they play North Warren in Chestertown.

Brandon Snow and the AuSable Valley varsity boy’s basketball team hope a strong core of returning players mixed with a talented sophomore class will lead the Patriots to Binghamton in March. Photos from both the boy’s and girl’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Tournament and Muggsy”s Tip Off Tournament can be found at mycapture.suncommunitynews.com Photo by Keith Lobdell

College for Every Student announces fellowship program Aurora Butera, Deirdre McAdams named new interns for 2016 ESSEX — College For Every Student (CFES) announced last week the initiation of fellowships designed to advance career readiness.

This year two 2016 college graduates, Aurora Butera and Deirdre McAdams, began one-year internships at the CFES head office.

Butera graduated from Union College in Schenectady with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Language and European History.

McAdams graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Arts in Medicinal Chemistry.

“The CFES Fellowship is a great learning opportunity for me,” said Butera. “It’s enriching to see the specific ways CFES helps schools develop essential skills, such as team building and problem solving. Also, working in the main office is giving me valuable professional development experience.”

In addition to working with schools across the United States, CFES is partnering with Trinity College Dublin, which implements the CFES model in Irish schools.

“This is a unique opportunity to see firsthand how CFES is putting its Core Practices in action at schools in the United States,” said McAdams. “At the same time, I can build on the essential skills I will need to further my education and begin my career upon returning to Ireland.”

CFES plans to select new fellows every year. Students graduating from college in 2017 can start applying for next year’s fellowships at the end of February through the CFES website, collegefes.org. Fellows will be selected in May.

20 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

BINGO

LECTURES & SEMINARS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

TICONDEROGA - Bingo, Ticonderoga fire house, 6:45 p.m. Doors 5 p.m. Every Thursday.

PLATTSBURGH - On November 21st, Dr. Curt Gervich and Essex Farm Institute members Kristen Kimball and Racey Billingham will present "Exploring the Food-WaterEnergy Relationship in ADK Farming Communities. Then on December 5th, Dr. Nancy Elwess wil present "Ancient Maya Bones Meet 21st Century Technology". Free to the public. at the Champlain Wine Company, 30 City Hall Place, Plattsburgh NY 12901. For more information, please call 518-5640064.

CHAZY – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Friday at Sacred Heart Church, 8 Hall Street, Chazy 7:30pm-8:30pm. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

PLATTSBURGH - BREASTFEEDING - LA LECHE LEAGUE Do you have questions about breastfeeding? Do you have support you can offer to others? Do you need information about returning to work and nursing? Please join us for mother-to-mother sharing. All mothers, mothers-to-be, and children are welcome. Meetings are twice monthly: the first Monday at 7 P.M and the third Friday at 10:00 A.M at the Family Connections, 194 U.S Oval, Plattsburgh. Info: 518-643-9436.

PLATTSBURGH – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Tuesday at United Methodist Church, 127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh Noon-1pm. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-5610838.

PLATTSBURGH – ALATEEN Meeting every Thursday at United Methodist Church, 127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh 7:30pm8:30pm. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

PLATTSBURGH – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Thursday at United Methodist Church, 127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh 7:30pm-8:30pm. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH TICONDEROGA - Essex County Lethernecks, Marine Corps League, Det 791, Ticonderoga American Legion Post. 6 p.m. Active Marines and Marine Veterans invited. First Thursday of every month.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

CADYVILLE – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Sunday 7pm8pm, Wesleyan Church, 2083 Rt. 3, Cadyville, NY. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

ELIZABETHTOWN – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Sunday at Elizabethtown Community Hospital Board Room, 75 Park St., Elizabethtown, 4pm-5pm. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

LAKE PLACID – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Monday at St. Agnes Church Basement, 169 Hillcrest Avenue, Lake Placid 8pm9pm. For more information call 1888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

PLATTSBURGH – Al-Anon Adult Children Meeting every Monday at 7pm-8pm, United Methodist Church, 127 Beekmantown Street, Plattsbugh. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-5610838.

SARNAC LAKE – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Wednesday at Baldwin House, 94 Church Street, Saranac Lake 7pm-8pm.

For more information call 1-888425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

SPECIAL EVENTS

PLATTSBURGH – The VFW 1466 Spellman RD. holds Special Events in their hall, they can do Weddings, Holiday Parties, Meetings as little as $225. Up to 160+ people.

Call 518-563-1466 to reserve the hall.

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THE SUN

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

&

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 21

REAL ESTATE

P R I N T I N G

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

HELP WANTED

APARTMENT FOR RENT

LAND FOR SALE Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote.

1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com

REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY & REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIED RATES REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY $25 PER WEEK INCLUDES B&W PHOTO, HEADING, PRICE, LOCATION, MLS#, 3 LINE DESCRIPTION, CONTACT INFO (2 LINES) ADD'L LINES: $2 EA. FEATURED PROPERTY BLOCK (in weekly rotation w/participants) REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS $25 PER MONTH INCLUDES HEADING, LOGO, CONTACT INFO (2 LINES) (Real Estate Classifieds will appear on the same page beneath the directory.)

LAND ABANDONED CATSKILL MTN FARM! LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 acres - assessed value $95,700 Available now for $89,900! Valley views, woods, fields, apple trees, great hunting!

3 hrs NY City! Owner terms!

1-888-650-8166 LAKEFRONT LAND SALE! 5 acres - 343 feet water front - an amazing $99,900 Unspoiled lake, woods, views, perfect country getaway! 3.5 hrs NY City!

1-888-701-1864 NewYorkLandandLakes.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CONTACT SHANNON CHRISTIAN 518-873-6368 EXT. 201

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

LAKEFRONT LAND SALE! 5 acres, 343 feet waterfront, an amazing $99,900. Unspoiled lake, woods, views, perfect country getaway!

3.5 hours NY City. 888-905-8847.

NewYorkLandandLakes.com 4 BEDROOM HOME for sale in Lewis, NY Master bedroom on 1st floor large fenced in back yard Priced to sell at only $79,000 (518) 873-2362

ADIRONDACK “BY OWNER” AdkByOwner.com 1000+ photo listings of local real estate for sale, vacation rentals & timeshares. Owners: List with us for only $299 per year.

Visit on-line or call 518-891-9919

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

shannonc@suncommunitynews.com

REAL ESTATE SALES

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS WILL BE 4PM ON THURSDAYS!

1037 Point Road Willsboro, NY coveredbridgerealty.net (518)-963-8616

REAL ESTATE SALES

ABANDONED CATSKILL MTN Farm. Lender ordered sale, 39 acres assessed value, $95,700.

Available for $89,900. Valley views, woods, fields, apple trees, great hunting. 3 hours NY City.

Owner terms, 888-479-3394.

VACATION PROPERTY VACATION HOME, CAMP OR LAND FOR SALE OR RENT? Advertise with us! We connect you with nearly 3.3 million consumers (plus more online!) with a statewide classified ad.

Advertise your property for just $489 for a 25-word ad, zoned ads start at $229.

Visit AdNetworkNY.com or call 315-437-6173

22 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com CARS

BOATS

Drive with Uber. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800-849-0782

AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

All Makes/Models 2000-2016! Any Condition. Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing!

We're Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-9851806 CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! We buy 2000-2015 Cars/Trucks, Running or Not! Nationwide Free Pickup!

Call 1-888-416-2208 Start Your Own Online Business Absolutely Free. Unlimited Income Potential. No Credit Card Required.

Short Video Explains Everything. www.Watch4MinuteVideo.com or call 1-860-882-1113 MOTORCYCLES 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON HERITAGE SOFTAIL CLASSIC, Glacial White Pearl Paint, 8550 miles, never seen rain, stage 1 carb & pipes, has ISO handlebar Grips, clean title. Includes: Cover, battery tender, shop manual, original carb, his & hers Gore Tech Riding jackets and helmets also available.

Asking $10,500 obo. No Dreamers, No test drives without cash in hand. Text or call after 5pm.

518-852-1925 WANTED OLD JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI Z1-900 (1972-75), KZ900, KZ1000 (19761982), Z1R, KZ 1000MK2 (1979,80), W1-650, H1-500 (1969-72), H2-750 (1972-1975), S1-250, S2-350, S3-400, KH250, KH400, SUZUKI-GS400, GT380, HONDA-CB750K (1969-1976), CBX1000 (1979,80) CASH!! 1800-772-1142 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com ACCESSORIES J&J Auto Repair 9409 State Route 9 Chazy, NY 518-846-3110 HELP WANTED MANY RN POSITIONS available in your vicinity. Hospitals, correctional facilities, and home health assessments. Great Pay & Benefits. White Glove Placement 1-866-387-8100 #202 recruit@whiteglovecare.net PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000 A Week Mailing Brochures From Home! NO Experience Required.

Helping home workers since 2001! www.WorkingCentral.NET

PLACE YOUR HELP WANTED WITH US AND REACH 57,832 HOMES! USPS MAILED TO NORTHERN NEW YORK & VERMONT WE HAVE REASONABLE RATES & WE GET RESULTS!

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Make/Models 2000-2015! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We're Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-4162330.

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

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

MISCELLANEOUS Dr. Richard Foreman 78 Champlain St, Rouses Point, NY 518-297-8110

ARIENS SNOWBLOWER, 28 INCH, Deluxe, Electric Start, Excellent condition. $650 OBO. 518-5721785

CARS

HELP WANTED LOCAL

Parker Chevrolet 622 State Route 11 Champlain, NY 12919 (866) 944-3628

CALL SHANNON @ 518-873-6368 EXT. 201 OR EMAIL

shannonc@suncommunitynews.com

OR SUSAN @ 518-585-9173 EXT. 115 OR EMAIL

susan@suncommunitynews.com

WE ARE IN NEED OF PERSONAL ASSISTANT to assist our clients.

You will be responsible for receiving incoming calls and troubleshooting with clients regarding their account. Can you offer a "smile through the phone" that can be heard on the other end? If so, then this job is for you!

You must also have the ability to be calm and receptive so that you can help re-solve issues or concerns that our clients may have.

Communication is the key! $520 Weekly. For more information, Email:(Job@lucrativeinc.net) HELP WANTED LOCAL Snow Removal Help Wanted for private, home driveway in Peru, NY. 518-643-7900

SOLAR SALES NEEDED Apex Solar Power is opening a new office in Keene and we're looking to fill two full time sales positions. Responsibilities include: - Manage customer inquiries in our North Country Territory - Develop and present Solar Energy Proposals for prospective customers - Maintain the company brand and image in daily interactions with customers - Close 1 project per calendar week - Participate in provided training on how to consult & sell the Apex Solar Energy System - Communicate clearly with customers in order to facilitate a positive customer experience in going solar!

Qualifications - Minimum 1 year of year outside sales experience required - A drive to succeed with a positive attitude, high energy and a can do mentality - Customer experience oriented and enjoys being helpful to others - Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner with all levels of the operation - Access to reliable transportation - Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record and a willingness to travel, as needed.

- Compensation: Salary + Commission DOE Please email resumes to: Taylor Kimbrell tkimbrell@apexsolarpower.com CAREER TRAINING 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers earn $800+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs! 1-888734-6714 drive4stevens.com ACCOUNTING & QUICKBOOKS TRAINING! Online training gets you job ready! Train at home! Job placement when completed! 1888-407-7162 GED/HS Diploma needed.

BECOME A REGISTERED NURSE No Waiting List! ATTEND ACCREDITED NURSING SCHOOL CLASSES ONLINE WEEKEND CLINICAL/ SCHEDULES FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE CALL:(813)932-1710 www.medicalprepinstitute.org TRACTOR TRAILER TRAINING classes forming now. If qualified, train daily or weekend. Financial aid, pell grants, post 9/11 GI bill, job placement assistance. National Tractor Trailer School, Liverpool and Buffalo (Branch). Call 800243-9300. www.ntts.edu/admissions.

GOT AN OLDER CAR, BOAT OR RV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society.

Call 1-800-315-3679 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 Lung Cancer? And 60+ Years Old? If So, You And Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 877-648-6308 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-428-1639 for Information.

No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

NFL SUNDAY TICKET (FREE!) w/Choice Package - includes 200 channels. $60/mo for 12 months.

No upfront costs or equipment to buy. Ask about next day installation! 1-800-931-4807 Plattsburgh House of Prayer 63 Broad St. Plattsburgh, NY 518-314-1333 REPLACEMENT WINDOWS $199.00 Installed. Double Hung Tilt-ins, Lifetime Warranty.

BBB A+ rating, serving NYS over 40 years. Senior Citizen & Veteran Discount. All major credit cards accepted. Call Rich @ 1-866-272-7533.

SWITCH TO DIRECTV. From $50/Month, includes FREE Genie HD/DVR & 3 months HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, STARZ. Get a $50 Gift Card. Call 888-672-1159 XARELTO USERS have you had complications due to internal bleeding (after January 2012)? If so, you MAY be due financial compensation. If you don't have an attorney, CALL Injuryfone today! 1-800-340-6821

ADOPTION: UNPLANNED pregnancy? Need help? Free assistance. Caring staff, counseling and financial help. You choose the loving, pre-approved adoptive parents. Joy 1-866-922-3678. www.ForeverFamilesThroughAdoption.org.

Hablamos Espanol.

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS! A solar energy system will save you $$$ on your monthly utility bills while protecting you from future rate hikes. Tax credits available for new installs! For information, call: 1-888-683-7004 CHAT FREE now with local singles 18+. Black singles find your soulmate 1-800-775-4567. Fun Latino Chat 1-800-616-6151. Discreet, all male chat: 1-800-922-4738.

Call Today!

DISH Network -NEW FLEX PACKSelect the Channels You Want.

FREE Installation. FREE Streaming. $39.99/24 months. ADD Internet for $14.95 a month.

CALL 1-800-826-4464

FURNITURE America's Mattress 23 Weed St. Plattsburgh, NY 518-348-8705 GENERAL CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2000 and Newer. Nations Top Car Buyer! Free Towing From Anywhere! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now!

Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

NORTH COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE ASK YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION OR CONTACT ASHLEY ALEXANDER 518-873-6368 EXT 105 OR EMAIL

ashley@suncommunitynews.com

A Sun Community News

DOZEN OF VINTAGE BASKETS, $50 for all. Call 518-523-3026.

Four General Altimax Artic Snow Tires 215/55/R17 $200, used 3 months last year. 518-297-2611 Hand Gun Ruger Vaquero 44 Magnum Stainless Steel, Single Action, Wood Grips, Fires 44 Mag. And 44 Special, Like new, fired only once $595. Must have a NYS pistol license. 518-354-8654 KOI BY SANITA CLOGS, Floral Print, 38 EU/7.5-8 US, Retail: $130, now $30. 518-293-662 ½ PRICE INSULATION, Blue Dow or High R. Several Thickness Available. Call 518-5973876.

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed.

FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL: 1-888223-8818 Hablamos Espanol.

VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 50 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 1 -866-312-6061 Hablamos Espanol Viagra!! 52 Pills for Only $99.00!

Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888-796-8878 LOGGING

518-942-6545 WANTED TO BUY Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment! Call 1855-440-4001 www.TestStripSearch.com. Habla Espanol.

Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment! Call 1855-440-4001 www.TestStripSearch.com. Habla Espanol.

TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920 - 1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

SEGUIN DENTURE CLINIC 368 Rt. 219 Hemmingford, Canada 2 miles North of Mooers) Call: 1-450-247-2077

FOR ALL YOUR DENTURE NEEDS!

WANTS TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil & gas interests. Send details P.O. Box 13557, Denver, Co 80201 DOGS AKC CHIHUAHUA, spayed female, 2 years old, up to date w/shots, crate trained, $500. Call 518-8732909.

CONSTRUCTION

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FOR SALE

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 50 pills for $95. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. NO prescriptions needed.

Money back guaranteed! 1-877743-5419

CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800371-1136

PREGNANT? Happy, loving couple wishes to raise your newborn with care, warmth, love. Liz, Dominick 1877-274-4824 text 1-740-5524384

Peru Federal Credit Union 700 Bear Swamp Rd. Peru, NY 518-643-9915

HEALTH & FITNESS Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and FREE Shipping. Call 1-800-413-1940

PRECISION TREE SERVICE

SUPPORT our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org

A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation's largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation.

CALL 1-800-553-4101

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

SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmillCut lumber any dimension.

In stock, ready to ship.

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work?

Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing!

Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-919-8208 to start your application today!

ADOPTIONS

AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704

FOR SALE

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now!

Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888-909-9905 18+.

MISCELLANEOUS

ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information.

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HEALTH & FITNESS FREE VIAGRA PILLS 48 PILLS + 4 FREE! VIAGRA 100MG/ CIALIS 20mg Free Pills! No hassle, Discreet Shipping. Save Now. Call Today 1-888-410-0514 OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere.

No tanks to refill. No deliveries.

Only 4.8 pounds and FAA approved for air travel! May be covered by Medicare. Call for FREE info kit: 1-855-839-1738 OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere.

No tanks to refill. No deliveries.

Only 4.8 pounds and FAA approved for air travel! May be covered by medicare. Call for FREE info kit: 844-558-7482 PRESCRIPTION MEDS Verified pharmacy affiliate in Florida. Up to 80% less! (Viagra, Cialis, Lipitor, Advair, Crestor, Insulin, also meds for Cancer, Hep C, Psoriasis and many more) Valid prescription required. www.AffordableRXMeds.com 1-800-786-1237

Coldspring Granite 13791 NYS Route 9N AuSable Forks, NY 518-647-8192 CRUISE & TRAVEL CRUISE VACATIONS 3, 4, 5 or 7+ day cruises to the Caribbean. Start planning now to save $$ on your fall or winter getaway vacation.

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess and many more.

Great deals for all budgets and departure ports. To search for your next cruise vacation visit www.NCPtravel.com HOME IMPROVEMENTS MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY. EXTRAORDINARY performance. Central Boiler certified Classic Edge OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Adirondack Hardware Call Dennis today 518-834-4600. Ext. 6 Young Lyon Hardware and Flooring 1923 Saranac Ave. Lake Placid, NY 518-523-9855 INSURANCE Booth Insurance Agency 20 Brinkeroff St. Plattsburgh, NY 518-561-3290 Chauvin Agency Champlain 518-298-2000 Rouses Point- 518-297-6602 Plattsburgh- 518-562-9336 Northern Adjustment Bureau NY State Licensed & Bonded General Adjuster/ Public Adjuster 518-563-4701

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GENERAL

LEGALS NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Name: J Sawyer Custom Carpentry LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/05/2016Office Location: Essex County. The SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: PO Box 24, Jay, NY 12941. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

VN-10/29-12/03/20166TC-133910 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Name: Keene Boathouse LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 30, 2016. Office Location: Essex County. The SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: PO Box 839, Keene Valley NY 12943. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be formed including with or without limitation, management of real estate holdings, and engaging in any and all activities necessary or incidental to the foregoing.

VN-12/03-01/07/20166TC-137543

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Name: Keene Boathouse LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 30, 2016. Office Location: Essex County. The SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: PO Box 839, Keene Valley NY 12943. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be formed including with or without limitation, management of real estate holdings, and engaging in any and all activities necessary or incidental to the foregoing.

VN-12/03-01/07/20166TC-137543 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LPM Events, LLC a domestic limited liability company. Art. of Org. filed with Sec'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/24/16. Office location: Essex County.

SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of such process served upon it to LPM Events, LLC, 1936 Saranac Avenue Suite 2-257 Lake Placid NY 12946. Purpose: To engage in any lawful activity.

VN-10/29-12/03/20166TC-134330 NOTICE ALL PERSONS EXCEPT CURRENT NYCO EMPLOYEES ARE WARNED Against Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, or Trespassing for Any purpose on Lands Owned by NYCO Minerals Inc. Such Lands are Situate in the Towns of Lewis and Willsboro. Violators are subject to Prosecution under all Applicable New York Criminal and Civil Laws.

Date: 1st October 2016 by: NYCO MINERALS, INC. 124 Mountain View Drive Willsboro, NY 12996 VN 10/1-12/10/16-11TC131751

NOTICE ALL PERSONS EXCEPT CURRENT NYCO EMPLOYEES ARE WARNED Against Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, or Trespassing for Any purpose on Lands Owned by NYCO Minerals Inc. Such Lands are Situate in the Towns of Lewis and Willsboro. Violators are subject to Prosecution under all Applicable New York Criminal and Civil Laws.

Date: 1st October 2016 by: NYCO MINERALS, INC. 124 Mountain View Drive Willsboro, NY 12996 VN 10/1-12/10/16-11TC131751 NOTICE OF FORMATION of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Nellies Bakery, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 14, 2016 for business conducted from an office located in Essex County, NY. The SSNY is designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 6 Lilly Lane, Willsboro, NY 12996.

Douglas R. Ferris, P.E. President VN-12/3-1/7/2017-6TC137145 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF RL Weber, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/28/16. Office location: Essex County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1149 NYS Rte. 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977. Purpose: any lawful activities.

VN-11/19-12/24/20166TC-136262

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name: Vavro Holdings LLC Articles of organization were filed with SSNY on 11/21/2016 . Office location: 1479 Highland Rd Keeseville, NY 12944, County of ESSEX. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to LLC, 1479 Highland Rd Keeseville, NY 12944. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

VN-12/03-01/07/20166TC-137545 Vision Team Works, LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 10/7/16. Office: Essex Co. SSNY design agent of LLC upon whom process may be served & mail to PO Box 22, Lake Placid, NY 12946. General Purpose.

VN-12/03-01/07/20166TC-137544

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The Valley News Sun • December 3, 2016 | 23

24 | December 3, 2016 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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