by Rachel Hunter
The success of the Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 1 was recognized at the Town of Gouverneur Council and the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meetings this month. Over 1,000 plastic eggs were filled with candy and toys by volunteers, and were hidden at Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur for local youths to locate. The event was made possible due to generous support from local businesses and community members and the hard work and dedication of the Gouverneur Recreation Department, the Riverview Park association, and in partnership with the Gouverneur Community Center.
“It was a huge success,” Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell said.
Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. commented, “The Easter Egg Hunt was great. We had almost 200 kids register, but the way the tickets were given out, we could only give one ticket per family. We had 16 gift baskets to give away. I’m going to say we had 500-600 people there easy. We put out 1000 Easter eggs, and they were gone in 10 minutes. It was a nice day. It really worked. The sun shined. It was a little cold, a little windy, but what a great event. It was wonderful to see everybody.”
Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent David Perrigo said, “My kids loved it.”
Supervisor Spilman then extended gratitude to Riverview Park association Treasurer Jennifer Link who organized the event alongside Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell. Supervisor Spilman also served hot cocoa and popcorn to the youths in attendance alongside other duties in the Gouverneur Community Center to make the event a success.
“It all worked out well,” Supervisor Spilman said. “It’s going to be bigger and better next year… that’s what I heard from both Jen and Casey. We’ll see what bigger and better brings…” There is much anticipation to see this community event return in 2024.
Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell also submitted the following report detailing the activities of the department in March 2023:
The Before-School Morning Program is held weekdays at the Gouverneur Elementary School, and is hosted in partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District. The enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, and breakfast. The highlights this month included kids kindness recognitions and innovative activity stations.
The After-School Program – Recreation Center STEAM Studio – which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, arts, and Math for students in grades 2-4 (Monday and Wednesday), and UPK-1 (Tuesday and Thursday). Bus transportation from the school is provided by the Gouverneur Central School District. Program highlights include recreational opportunities exploring STEAM field, theme days and guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournaments, and interactive social play. The highlights this month included the St. Patrick’s Bash and Spring Theme Celebration.
Toddler Town continues on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The recreational preschool playgroup program features interactive socialization, music and art with a story and snack, and active play. This month’s highlights included Leprechaun Fun Day with Parent & Me Social.
The Senior Citizen Program featuring a bingo and coffee social is held on Friday mornings, featuring food bingo games with socialization. All area seniors are welcome to join. The highlights in March featured the Luck of the Irish Bingo Blast.
In other related business, Director Canell reported that the Gouverneur Recreation Department had submitted the Recreation Department’s annual report and grant funding application to the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.
Director Canell also reported that the Missoula Children’s Theatre Performing arts Week would be held July 24 through July 29 in the GHS auditorium. This year’s production will be Cinderella. Registration will begin on May 1. All those interested are encouraged to call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524.