North Country CrossRoads LLC holds grand opening celebration for Copper Roof Classroom & Event Center

by Rachel Hunter

North Country CrossRoads in Gouverneur held the grand opening celebration of its Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center, 137 W. Main St., Gouverneur, on Saturday, October 30, 2021.

Owners Kevin and Gari Vibber of Gouverneur have transformed the building from an old eatery to a place where community members could come for arts, computing, and other classes. It also serves as an exceptional public, private and business rental. To kick off the grand opening celebration, North Country CrossRoads held a ceremony to dedicate a space to recognizing military and first responders. It is hoped that this space will grow to include the pictures and stories of first responders and military personnel. The ceremony also included the posting of the American Flag and unveiling of the new business sign for the Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center.

North Country CrossRoads owners Kevin and Gari Vibber welcomed all those in attendance, including: Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, St. Lawrence County Deputy John Jones, and HHC, I-32IN, 1BCT, 10th Mountain Division Tiffany Perea. After the dedication ceremony, all returned inside the North County CrossRoads Copper Roof Classroom & Event Center for tours and more information.

Free coffee and Dunkin’ Donuts, as well as free desserts from SunFlour Bakery in Gouverneur were made available to all those in attendance. Promotional items from North Country CrossRoads were also free for the taking. While North Country CrossRoads hosted an open house in August 2021 to give Gouverneurians a first glance at the Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center, the grand opening celebration offered the opportunity to see the building in all of its glory. The grand opening event experienced a steady stream of North Country community members throughout the day, and many said that they couldn’t wait to rent out the space or join a class in the future.

North Country CrossRoads in Gouverneur will host a basic computing class this Saturday, November 6, 8 a.m., at the Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center, 137 W. Main Street, Gouverneur. There also will be a Textual Acrylic Painting Class with Brenda Maxson of B. Maxson Studios in Fowler on Saturday, November 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. Fowler Artist Wilson Bickford is one of the St. Lawrence County artists who have indicated that they will use the space for classes in the future. Call North Country CrossRoads at 315-535-4834 for more information regarding upcoming classes.

The Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce presented a floral bouquet, purchased from Emily’s Flowers in Gouverneur, to North Country CrossRoads’ owners Kevin and Gari Vibber for display at the Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center.

Gratitude was extended to all who helped with the building transformation and for all the support received from the Gouverneur community during the grand opening celebration.

The North Country CrossRoads Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center truly has become an affordable rental for instructors, businesses, and family events perfect for all sorts of events, including the following, anniversaries, baby showers, birthday parties, business meetings, fundraisers, graduation, holiday parties, wedding showers, etc.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Kevin and Gari Vibber purchased the property and started looking for contractors in January 2020 Work commenced until the COVID-19 pandemic, and construction work ended in April 2020. The North Country CrossRoads Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center experience contractor issues, and work did not happen for many months. The Vibbers said that four contractors were hired during the renovation project. Precision Contracting in Gouverneur finished the interior work in July 2021. The Vibbers said that Link’s Electrical Services in Gouverneur and M&M Heating, Plumbing, and Air Conditioning in Gouverneur worked with them throughout the renovation project. Much gratitude was also extended to Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Mike McQuade for his assistance throughout the project. Fast forward to October 2021, the project Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center is complete and ready to hold classes, public and private events.

The facility has a 49-person capacity and features many amenities. On the premises, there are tables and chair, kitchen with microwave, refrigerator/freezer, coffee makers, ADA accessible table, and a prep area separated from the event area. The latest technology is available with a 65-inch 4K TV with soundbar, which also serves as a computer monitor. There are two HDMI inputs conveniently located on the wall. There are ample electrical access in the walls and floor, and high-speed Internet is available. The facility also features a three-person conversation area. The facility is ADA compliant, and wheelchair-accessible (including kitchen and bathroom areas). The facility can be rented for a single class or event, or on a recurring basis.

The Vibbers said they want to keep fees at a minimal so it is community friendly.

“We are trying to keep it very low, very affordable,” Mrs. Vibber said. “There will be cleaning deposits, but we are hoping that it will be 100 percent refundable. You take your trash. There’s mops, floor cleaner, and everything there. If you clean up after yourself and all I have to do is do a check and maybe a spiff, that we can keep the costs down.”

For facility rental, a contract must be signed and a deposit will be required at the time of contract. One-week advance notice is required for any event. If the event is open to the public, North Country CrossRoads will include in their advertising. The hourly rates are as follows: 1 hour ($40), 2 hours ($75), 3 hours ($105), each additional hour ($35).

North Country CrossRoads also looks forward to working with local artists and instructors to hold classes at North Country CrossRoads Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center. The rates are designed specifically for artists and instructors, which are less than if renting on an hourly basis. Rates for an instructed class two hours or under will be 10 percent of the total fees. If three hours, 15 percent of the total fees. If four hours or over, 20 percent of the total fees. The class will be included in online and hardcopy advertising by North Country CrossRoads. If chosen, North Country CrossRoads Copper Roof will take reservations and collect fees. A deposit of $25 will be made at the time of the contract. One week advance notice is required for any canceled class. If notice is not received, the deposit will not be refunded. All instructors must sign a contract.

For more information on North Country CrossRoads Copper Roof Classroom and Event Center or to join a tour to view the facility, call North Country CrossRoads at 315-535-4834.