Justice for Trey: Gouverneur community holds candlelight prayer vigil for murder victim

by Rachel Hunter

A heartbroken Gouverneur community on Monday, June 22 cried out “Justice for Trey” at the candlelight prayer vigil as hundreds gathered in the Gouverneur Village Park to mourn the loss of 18-year-old Treyanna Summerville.

As of press time on Tuesday, the Gouverneur Tribune Press confirmed that a 13-year-old unidentified suspect was charged with second-degree murder in the ongoing homicide investigation into Treyanna’s death. The arrest of the 13-year-old took place at New York State Troop B- Gouverneur Station, 1005 US Highway 11, Gouverneur at 3:20 p.m. on Monday. District Attorney Gary Pasqua said the suspect was arraigned in the youth part of St. Lawrence County Court on Monday afternoon. Pasqua wouldn’t comment whether Summerville’s death was the result of a domestic incident because it is the subject of an ongoing homicide investigation.

Anyone with information or tips for law enforcement is encouragement to contact their local police agency or the State Police to report relevant information, anonymously or otherwise, so that appropriate action may be taken. State police spent all day Monday investigating the Gouverneur High School student’s death at 135 Rowley Street. The first 911 call came in at 3 a.m.

Treyanna Summerville’s identity was released to news outlets Tuesday morning after authorities could notify family members of her death. Her identity was, however, widely known and spread on social media, throughout the Gouverneur community, and at the candlelight prayer vigil as the community gathered to mourn her loss.

The candlelight prayer vigil was scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. Traffic and pedestrian control was handled by the Gouverneur Police Department and St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Work was also in the Gouverneur Village Park. New York State Police were still investigating the scene on Rowley Street at the time, which is why it was moved from its original location at 135 Rowley Street, Gouverneur.

Gouverneurians arrived with candles and signs to place at the base of the tree adjacent to the Gouverneur Village Park. The candles were lit in Treyanna’s memory. Tears flowed as Gouverneur community members prayed and remembered a life taken too soon. In addition, for those who did not bring candles, tapered candles, were passed out by Jessica Miller of Route 11 Diner as Gouverneurians entered the park. The candlelight prayer vigil lasted about an hour, and culminated with the singing of “Amazing Grace.”

Treyanna Summerville, 18, was a member of the GHS Class of 2020 and was only a few short days away from walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma. The GHS Class of 2020 came out in strong numbers as the grieved over the loss of one of their own. Papers filled with messaged were put in an Angel Jar and will be placed on Treyanna Summerville’s seat at the GHS Class of 2020’s Commencement.

On Tuesday morning, Gouverneur Central School District issued this statement: “We are heartbroken over the tragic death of Treyanna Summerville and join the Gouverneur Central community in mourning her loss. We understand our students and staff will have many questions and strong emotions as they grieve. We have assembled our Crisis Intervention Team, made up of a professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. Counselors are available to meet virtually with students as needed. Please call 315-287-1900 and your request will be directed to a counselor. In looking for comfort I found this Korean Proverb – When a child dies, You bury the child in your Heart. Treyanna, you are safely in my heart. We are working with a committee of students to create a fitting recognition for Treyanna at graduation. These details will be shared when finalized.”

Southwest Career and Education Center also released the following statement: “We join together with the Gouverneur community, our students and faculty in mourning the tragic, heart wrenching loss of Treyanna Summerville. Our staff is here and available to all. We will be joining the supports GHS is putting into place for everyone and by your side always.”

Further details will be reported when they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

4-H Educator Amy Sands Feted After 24-Year Career

4-H Extension Educator Amy Sands recognized for her 24-year career with Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County at her retirement party on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at the Gouverneur Community Center. Pictured from left: CCE Executive Direc…

4-H Extension Educator Amy Sands recognized for her 24-year career with Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County at her retirement party on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at the Gouverneur Community Center. Pictured from left: CCE Executive Director Patrick Ames, Amy Sands, 4-H Youth and Family Leader/Health and Nutrition Issue Leader/SNAP-Ed Program Manager Cassondra Caswell. (Rachel Hunter photo)

by Rachel Hunter

St. Lawrence County 4-H Extension Educator Amy Sands was feted on Sunday, March 1 at the Gouverneur Community Center for encouraging countless youth “to make the best better” throughout her 24-year career with Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.

Former and current 4-H members and leaders were invited to a retirement party held in Amy Sands’ honor from 1 to 3 p.m., and the dozens flocked to the Gouverneur Community Center to join the celebration.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Executive Director Patrick Ames welcomed all in attendance, and brought the guest of honor centerstage, as the throng gave applause.

“Twenty-four years is a remarkable commitment to Extension, and Amy’s retirement is pretty significant to the organization but I think it is pretty significant to the staff that you see here in this room, the 4-H volunteers that have joined us here, and the 4-H’ers,” he said. “Her impact is very significant. But it is more than that. It is personal too. As a director, I try to refrain from using the word family when I describe staff but the reality is you can’t work alongside someone like Amy Sands for 20-plus years and not be like family. She’s been there to celebrate the birth of my kids and has had an impact on my kids. We’ve watched her grandkids grow up through 4-H. We’ve shared hard times together. She’s always been there. It’s been remarkable. So, this is much more than losing a really good 4-H educator. But it is losing a family to us.

“As a team leader… Those of you who don’t know my history, I worked in 4-H alongside Amy for years and then had the privilege of being a team leader and we worked together and I’ve got to tell you… being a 4-H educator is not an easy job. It’s a lot of long hours, long days. They can be stressful. They are always rewarding. But they are fatiguing, nonetheless. When I think back to our days at the county fair, I could always count on the fact that at the end of the week… Amy would have lost her voice. And often immediately, somehow miraculously, after the fair ended she would come down with the cold or be sick. She would always blame it on the fair dust. It was always the show ring dust that was causing it. But the reality was she put in countless, tireless hours leading up to the fair, getting ready for it, getting kids ready for it, and at the fair I don’t think there was a single program or contest that she wasn’t a part of, or didn’t have her hands on. She simply just left everything on the court, and I think her body knew at the end it had to give in… and then somehow within a week or two she was getting kids ready for the state fair and taking them down, and visiting our 4-H’ers at the state fair with livestock...

“When I think about Extension, that’s how she handled her job not only at the fair but when I think about our Maple Program at the Farm or the Spring Ag Awareness or the Farm Day Camp. She was involved in absolutely every program we had to offer, day in and day out and it was really remarkable to be part of that.

“As the director, I have to tell you that Amy is a team player and I would say that she is always put the needs of Extension over her own needs and that is a rare trait today. I’m going to think back to a specific year. It was 2016. It was a pretty tough year for us. We had created all these programs at the Extension Farm, and they were taking off like mad, and then suddenly it was one of those years where we had a whole bunch of turnover, vacancies, and I really didn’t know how we were going to get everything done. I remember commiserating with Art Hurlbut, who was on the Board of Directors at the time. I said, “I don’t really know how we are going to pull this off.” And he used a phrase I never heard before, he said, “Patrick, if you want something done, give it to someone who is already busy.” That really described Amy and her work ethic and her drive with Extension. That year, she stepped in as our After-School Director for North Wind After-School and then she stepped in as our Farm Day Camp Director and still held down everything else that was still on her plate. She did two other people’s jobs. So that year it was my privilege to give her the Director’s Award for the employee who most exemplified the spirit and ideals of Extension. It was a privilege. So, that was Amy, but that wasn’t just Amy in 2016, that was Amy every year that she worked for us.

“A lot of you don’t know this, but she was instrumental in BOCES Even Start program for years and then when we started the Advantage After School Program in Ogdensburg we assigned that to her and then for years she worked in four different school districts keeping that program afloat. She was a great liaison between Extension and that after-school program. She brought 4-H to after-school over there. She created the Farm Day Camp with me. She was there at the ground level, building that program, and now that reaches over 350 kids every summer and growing.

“But there is something about Amy that nobody knows but me… We worked together a long time and whenever we had a new educator struggling in a after-school program, I would talk to Amy and quietly assign Amy to that educator as a mentor and she would shadow them for sometimes 8-12 weeks, whatever it took and go with them to their program. She saved a couple partnerships by going into these schools and modeling positive youth development and modeling relationship building. We saw educators turn around with her guidance. It has been a wonderful resource to have and it is going to be tough to replace that too.

But lastly, I want to mention Amy’s dedication to children and to our 4-H’ers. Studies have shown that the number one factor in a child having a positive, successful youth development outcome, if you will, is that one mentor that they know will do anything for them at any cost. Amy has been that mentor for many, many 4-H’ers over the years. I wish there was some way to give you a statistic and pull a number together and say, “These are the number of lives that Amy Sands has touched.” It would be a remarkable number. It would be staggering… Working alongside of you, Amy, has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I really appreciate everything you have done for Extension.”

Youth and Family Lead Cassondra Caswell then said the following: “4-H does have the power to change lives, as I am sure many of you as 4-H families or 4-H employees can attest to… Patrick nailed it on the head. We all have mentors. We all have people that we look up to, whether it be our club leader, our project leaders, maybe staff at Cooperative Extension and for me Amy Sands was my mentor… I know for certain my career path would not be the same if it wasn’t for (Amy). I was a quiet 17-year-old in the 4-H program and all I wanted to be was a fly on the wall. I was pretty sure I was invisible, but it was at a clothing revue event that Amy came up to me and my mom and said, “What would you think of working at our Summer Day Camp program?” I didn’t really know who this lady was at that point in my life other than she was there at 4-H events and for me, I wasn’t invisible. This lady saw me. I hope it was the potential she saw in me. From that first summer experience, I knew that 4-H was really something that I wanted to have a career in. I grew up in 4-H. I knew I loved the program, but to really see the impact that a 4-H educator has on the lives of so many people was just empowering to me. And Amy, you helped me and mentored me to learn what it meant to work with and empower youth, especially those that maybe need a little bit extra help and a little bit more love. Through my 4-H career and working at Cooperative Extension, I am very fortunate to have gotten to share 12 of your 24 years at Cooperative Extension – and I will personally never forget the impact that Amy has had on my life.”

Youth and Family Lead Caswell then told stories of Amy Sands’ trips down to the New York State Fair, teaching youth to sew, putting on the annual Dairy Camp, instructing outdoor survival skills at the Extension Learning Farm, and much more.

“Truly I want to say thank you for all your years of enrichment for not only myself, but for all these people here today that you have made an impact on and, as you are well aware, the hundreds more that are not in this room and the 4-H and Cooperative Extension staff,” Miss Caswell said. “We thank you so much for everything you have dedicated in your 24 years.”

Then it was time for the presentation of gifts. “You have left your mark on our lives and now we are leaving ours with you,” Miss Caswell said, sharing the theme of the retirement party.

Amy Sands was presented with a chicken-shaped wooden cutting board and a memory lap quilt with blocks from former extension educators, families, clubs as well as neighboring 4-H counties to extend gratitude for her 24 years of service. Miss Caswell also said the following: “We are actually trying to do something with the Maple Program. We have cut a cookie out of a tree and we are planning on making a table out of that as well. The tree did not dry in time for us to make something with it. But you will have a bit of Cooperative Extension somewhere in your home.” A memory book was also available for all those present to share treasured moments and thoughts with Amy Sands during the occasion.

Executive Director Ames also gave the floor to anyone who wanted speak to impact Amy Sands made on their lives and the crowd gathered heard from Extension staff, 4-H volunteers, 4-H leaders, 4-H parents and more for several moments. At the conclusion, all those who were impacted by her dedication through her 24-year career at Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County were invited to stand to show visibly her impact.

Amy Sands then was given the floor to address the crowd before her: “I want to thank everyone for coming, and I want to thank all the adults for sharing their children’s lives with me,” she said. ‘There is nothing more precious than a child. It’s true. I tell my own kids that. The most precious thing you ever have is your children. To be able to share somebody else’s child is great.”

The crowd enjoyed refreshments during the two-hour fete, and a decorated cake that also recognized Amy Sands’ 24 years to Extension and youth in St. Lawrence County.

A Gouverneur native, Amy (Kapfer) Sands, is a 1968 graduate of Gouverneur High School and Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh. She married John Sands, a 1967 Indian River Central School graduate, in 1972. At the retirement party, Amy was proud to introduce to the crowd her family, son Christopher and Kristie Sands, son Andrew and Jennifer Sands (children Owen, Jorja), son Rob and Jen Sands (children Tracker, Ledger, Lana, Colter). She also introduced her sister Ann (Kapfer) LaRock and Tony and Jennie Kapfer (child Jordan) and brother-in-law Jeff Sands.

Unofficial election results released

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Community Center served as Gouverneur’s polling place during the 2019 General Election. For the first time, voters used a stylus to sign their name on an electronic pollbook before casting their ballots. Pictured, voter waits to recei…

The Gouverneur Community Center served as Gouverneur’s polling place during the 2019 General Election. For the first time, voters used a stylus to sign their name on an electronic pollbook before casting their ballots. Pictured, voter waits to receive a ballot. (Curran Wade photo)

The unofficial election results came in after the polls closed at 9 p.m., and were released as follows by the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections:

In the contest for Village of Gouverneur Mayor, incumbent Ronald P. McDougall pulled away with the lead, receiving a total of 266 votes (125 Democratic, 141 Republican) over People’s Choice Candidate George Harder, who received 215 votes.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall (right) stands with Village of Gouverneur Trustees (from left) Rick Wood and Shelly Simons-Washburn at the campaign watch party, held at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur on Tuesday, November 5. All so…

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall (right) stands with Village of Gouverneur Trustees (from left) Rick Wood and Shelly Simons-Washburn at the campaign watch party, held at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur on Tuesday, November 5. All sought re-election to their current elected seats. (photo provided)

The contested race for two trustees to fill seats on the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees, the top vote-getter was incumbent Shelly Simons-Washburn with 375 votes (168 Democratic, 207 Republican), followed by incumbent Richard J. “Rick” Wood with 360 votes (157 Democratic, 203 Republican), and People’s Choice Candidate Scott Hudson with 165 votes. There were two write-in votes.

In the Town of Gouverneur, voters re-elected David L. Spilman, Jr. as Town of Gouverneur Supervisor. As the sole candidate, he received 625 votes (231 Democratic, 394 Republican). Voters also re-elected Stanley H. Young, Jr. as Town Justice with 629 votes (224 Democratic, 405 Republican). In the contested election for two councilpersons to fill seats on the Gouverneur Town Council, the top vote-getter was Jay L. Bowhall with 596 votes (225 Democratic, 371 Republican votes), followed by incumbent Jaimee McQuade with 485 votes (194 Democratic, 291 Republican), and Steven Jackson with 171 votes. There was one write-in vote cast.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. stands with Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Jaimee McQuade at the campaign watch party on Tuesday, November 5 at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur. Both sought re-election to their current elect…

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. stands with Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Jaimee McQuade at the campaign watch party on Tuesday, November 5 at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur. Both sought re-election to their current elected seats in the 2019 General Election. (photo provided)

In the Town of Fowler, voters elected Ricky W. Newvine as the new Town of Fowler Supervisor. The sole candidate, he received 314 votes (96 Democratic, 218 Republican). In the contested election for Fowler Town Clerk, Tami L. Gale (currently appointed to the position) received the most votes (283) over Democratic challenger Melissa M. Tuttle (64 votes).

Randy Durham was re-elected to the position of the Town of Fowler Highway Superintendent with 290 votes (89 Democratic, 188 Republican, 13 Conservative). There also were two write-in votes cast. Voters also elected Phyllis M. Shaw (151 votes) and Kathleen M. Besaw (269 votes) to the two open assessor positions. As well, voters elected Jeffery A. Andrews (280 votes) and Karen M. Simmons (275 votes) to the open Town of Fowler Council seats.

In the Town of DeKalb, voters re-elected John M. Frary as Town of DeKalb Supervisor with 314 votes (135 Democratic, 179 Republican), and Barbara Creazzo as Town of DeKalb Clerk with 264 votes. Town of DeKalb voters elected Wayne Holland as the new Town of DeKalb Highway Superintendent with 285 votes (255 Democratic, 30 DIR). In the contested election to fill two seats on the Town of DeKalb Council, the top vote-getter was political newcomer Andrew Fenton with 246 votes (210 Democratic, 36 NEW), followed by Constance J. Elen with 194 votes (160 Republican, 22 Conservative, 12 Independent), and incumbent Rae Ann Davis with 165 votes on the Democratic line.

In the Town of Clifton, voters elected John G. Dragun as Clifton Town Justice with 112 votes (56 Republican, 56 Democratic). There were two write-in votes. In the uncontested race for the two seats on the Town of Clifton Council, John Russell received the most votes (100), followed by Julia Lanphear (94 votes). There were also four write-in votes.

In the Town of DePeyster, Brian Hicks was the top vote-getter for Town of DePeyster Justice. There were 39 write-in votes cast. In the uncontested election to fill two seats on the Town of DePeyster Council, Daniel Chamber was the top vote-getter with 103 votes (22 Democratic, 81 Republican), followed by Leslie Hargrave with 86 votes on the Republican line. There were seven write-in votes cast.

In the Town of Edwards, Frederick J. Finley was re-elected as Town of Edwards Justice with 96 votes (77 Democratic, 19 Open Government). Michele D. Robillard (102 votes) and Jeffery D. Shippee (87 votes) were re-elected to their seats on the Town of Edwards Council.

In the Town of Fine, voters cast their ballots to fill two empty seats on the Town of Fine Council. The top vote-getter was Carlton Cheyenne Kerr (149 votes), followed by Jeremy E. Thompson (133 votes). There were also eight write-in votes cast.

In the Town of Hammond, voters cast their ballots for Theodore P. Elk (138 votes) and James C. Pitcher (161 votes) to fill two seats on the Town of Hammond Council.

In the Town of Hermon, Michael J. Perry, Sr. was elected Town of Hermon Supervisor with 201 votes on the Democratic line. In the contested race for Town of Hermon Clerk, Karen A. Wayering received the most votes (186; 181 Republican, 5 GRA) over Democratic challenger Jessica M. Love with 94 votes (90 Democratic, 4 SUN). The contested election for Town of Hermon Highway Superintendent, there was a tie. Robert E. Reed (DEM, FUL) and Brian Brunet (REP, CON) both received 145 votes. In the contested race for Hermon Town Justice, the top vote-getter was Heather Robinson Boyce with 139 votes on the Democratic line over Chris Valez with 136 votes on the Republican line. In the uncontested race to fill the two seats on the Town of Hermon Council, voters cast their ballots for Bernard F. Reed, Jr. (178 votes) and John Reed (177 votes).

In the Town of Macomb, voters elected Steve Burke as the Town of Macomb Supervisor with 153 votes (106 Democratic, 47 Independent). There was one write-in vote cast. In the uncontested race for Town of Macomb Clerk, incumbent Jessyca Cardinell was re-elected to the position with 190 votes on the Republican line. There were three write-in votes cast. In the contested race for Town of Macomb Highway Superintendent, the top vote-getter was Bill Law with 137 votes (132 Republican, 5 BET), followed by John Simmons with 59 votes (50 Democratic, 9 Independent), Donald L. Bayne, Jr. (29 votes), and Aaron Cardinell (12 votes). There also were four write-in votes cast. In the contested race for the two open Town of Macomb Council seats, the top vote-getter was Richard L. Youngs (153 votes), followed by Bret Martin (134 votes), and Shawn Clark (109 votes).

In the Town of Morristown, James T. Phillips, Jr. pulled ahead in the contested election for Morristown Town Justice with 227 votes (174 Republican, 28 Conservative, 25 Independent) over Arik G. Turner who received 221 votes. There was also one write-in vote. In the race to fill two seats on the Town of Morristown Council, the top vote-getters were Republican candidates David VanArnam (324 votes) and Gary B. Turner (279 votes), over Conservative candidate Ethyn Moquin (210 votes).

In the Town of Pitcairn, the top vote-getter in the Supervisor race was Clyde W. Sam Frank, Jr. with 106 votes on the Republican line over Democratic challenger Nancy J. McIntosh’s 69 votes. In the uncontested race for Town of Pitcairn Clerk, Rebecca J. Moore received 156 votes on the Republican line. In the contested race for Town of Pitcairn Highway Superintendent, the top vote-getter was Jerry McIntosh with 99 votes on the Democratic line, followed by Rod Moore with 66 votes. Lawrence Evans (98 votes) and Ann M. Hall (103 votes) were elected to fill the two Town of Pitcairn Council seats. In the uncontested race for Pitcairn Town Justice, the sole candidate Rick Bearor received 153 votes on the Republican line.

In the Town of Rossie, Harry E. Turnbull was re-elected as Town of Rossie Supervisor with 68 votes on the Republican line. Lynn A. DeCondo was re-elected as Town of Rossie Clerk with 68 votes on the Republican line. Voters cast their ballots for Alwin H. Fleming for Town of Rossie Superintendent of Highways. There was one write-in vote cast. In the uncontested race for the two open Town of Rossie Council seats, voters cast their ballots for Michael Moroz (42 votes) and James T. Mandigo (44 votes). There were two write-in votes cast.

In the Town of Russell, voters cast their ballots to decide who would become Town of Russell Supervisor. The top vote-getter was Timothy White with 276 votes (234 Republican, 26 Conservative, 16 Independent), followed by Michael Perry with 211 votes (199 Democratic, 12 PRO). Voters re-elected Tess Eells as Town of Russell Clerk with 454 votes (175 Democratic, 279 Republican). In the contested race for Town of Russell Highway Superintendent, Larry White pulled ahead with 279 votes (266 Democratic, 13 PRO), followed by Franklin H. Mackin III with 219 votes (210 Republican, 9 ROA). In the uncontested race to fill two seats for Town of Russell Council, the top vote-getter was Charles Kerr with 373 votes (180 Democratic, 193 Republican), followed by Tomorrah Nezezon Averill with 283 votes (263 Democratic, 20 PRO). There was one write-in vote cast.

In the Village of Rensselaer Falls, voters re-elected Michael Hammond as mayor with 33 votes on the Democratic line. The two seats on the Village of Rensselaer Falls Board of Trustees will be filled by Jolene LaSiege (31 votes) and James Blackburn (29 votes).

St. Lawrence County voters also cast their ballots for a new county clerk. The top vote-getter was Sandy Santamoor, current Deputy County Clerk, with 10,282 votes (8,355 Republican, 1,227 Conservative, 700 Independent) over her Democratic opponent Janet Otto Cassada who received 6,472 votes (5,928 Democratic, 544 WOR).

The sole candidate for St. Lawrence County Sheriff was Brooks J. Bigwarfe, who received 14,014 votes (10,304 Republican, 1,809 Conservative, and 1,901 Independent). He will replace current St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells of Gouverneur who is set to retire at the year’s end. There were 47 write-in ballots cast.

St. Lawrence County voters also cast their ballots for four State Supreme Court Justice (4th Judicial District) candidates. The top vote-getter was James E. Walsh with 10,156 votes, followed by Dianne N. Freestone with 9,159 votes, Rebecca A. Slezak with 9,020 votes, Michael R. Cuevas with 8,957 votes, Julie A. Garcia with 7,202 votes, and Michael Violando with 5,787 votes.

These election results are unofficial, and do not include absentee ballots. To see complete results, visit stlawco.org.

St. James School welcomes family support coordinator

Family Support Coordinator Karley Wake (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

Family Support Coordinator Karley Wake (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

by Jessyca Cardinell

St. James Catholic School recently welcomed a new position into its staff, as it recently added a family support coordinator.

Karley Wake began her position at St. James along with St. Mary’s in Canton. She is alternating between the two schools, offering a great new opportunity for families to have extra support.

Mrs. Wake, who is originally from Harrisville and recently moved back to the area, has two children including a daughter who is in second grade at St. James.

“My hope is to help strengthen families and offer support for families and help them navigate the different systems. This includes the St. James Parish as well as the greater Gouverneur community. School is a huge part of a child’s social life and it’s important for families to be involved in what their children are doing,” said Mrs. Wake, who recently sent a survey home for families to fill in out in hopes of being able to help their specific needs and get to know them each individually a little better.

Mrs. Wake will be working on family-focused events to bring families out and together. The preschoolers will be able to sign books out in the month of October, as they have previously not been able to do so. For Thanksgiving Mrs. Wake is working on organizing a dinner for the families of the school to enjoy together. There will be a Family Book Club which the community as a whole will be able to be involved in.

“In October we will have a Parent’s Night Out event, which is an opportunity for parents to have child care provided so they can enjoy a date night together. For single parents this could mean a self care night,” said Mrs. Wake, excited for the opportunity this will provide parents.

Mrs. Wake has extensive experience and educational background, as she received her bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and her Master’s Degree from The University of Kentucky.

She previously worked as a vocational counselor at Credo in Watertown and prior to that as Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation in Ohio.

“I saw an ad listed on Indeed for this position and I was on the fence about applying for it because I wasn’t sure I was ready to go to work with a small child at home. I put in my application just before the deadline and got the phone call,” said Mrs. Wake, about how this job opportunity presented itself to her.

Congratulations to Mrs. Wake on this fantastic position and opportunity to work so closely with these Catholic schools and the communities in which they are located.

First Presbyterian Church Pastor Richard Mayforth retires

Pastor Richard Mayforth and wife Fran all smiles as they are celebrated by their church family and close friends at the Casablanca in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

Pastor Richard Mayforth and wife Fran all smiles as they are celebrated by their church family and close friends at the Casablanca in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

by Jessyca Cardinell

The Rev. Dr. Richard Mayforth made the decision to retire from his position as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur after 10 years of service.

Church members, family and friends gathered at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur on the afternoon of Sunday, September 22 to honor and celebrate the pastor who has given so much to his church and community.

There was delicious food and great conversation, as many were able to share stories and experiences with the pastor over the last decade.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the great people of this church,” said Pastor Mayforth of his time with the church.

Although Pastor Mayforth was with the First Presbyterian Church for 10 years, he began his pastoral services in the year 1960. A 1957 graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, he continued his degree work graduating from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1960 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He received his Doctorate of Ministry in 1989.

“I felt the clear call of God on my life to become a pastor,” said the Rev. Mayforth on becoming a pastor, which he has enjoyed for so many years.

As he retires, the pastor is keeping his plans simple and enjoyable.

“I plan to spend time with my family and friends, as well as with nature. That is something I really enjoy and don’t get to do enough,” Pastor Mayforth said.

Many expressions of best wishes were extended to the Rev. Dr. Richard Mayforth on the occasion of his retirement.

The gorgeous cake that was devoured by the guests of the luncheon celebrating Pastor Richard Mayforth's 10 years of pastoral services at the First Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

The gorgeous cake that was devoured by the guests of the luncheon celebrating Pastor Richard Mayforth's 10 years of pastoral services at the First Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

Bonnie Porter Retires From Gouverneur Hospital

From left: Human Resources Leader Lori-Anne McCormick, Corporate Communications Coordinator Bonnie Porter, and Chief Executive Officer Eric Burch. (photo provided)

From left: Human Resources Leader Lori-Anne McCormick, Corporate Communications Coordinator Bonnie Porter, and Chief Executive Officer Eric Burch. (photo provided)

Corporate Communications Coordinator Bonnie Porter has retired from St. Lawrence Health System’s Gouverneur Hospital after 36 years of service. Along with her current title, Mrs. Porter also served as Community Relations/Practice Manager, Community Events Coordinator, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer, Administration Secretary, and Executive Secretary.

Over the past three decades, Bonnie championed the establishment of Gouverneur Hospital, through St. Lawrence Health System, and its $2.5M emergency department renovation and expansion. She supported the implementation of the Pyxis Automated Medication Dispensing System, Telestroke Technology, CPR Chest Compression System, Definition AS64eco CT equipment, 3D Mammography, and mobile on-site PET services. She was essential in helping with accommodations for the Hospital’s new outpatient Substance Use Disorder service line, the addition of detox services, a hospitalist program, and most recently, launching the Hospital’s Planetree initiative of providing person-centered care at all locations of care.

She facilitated monthly Lunch and Learn programs to ensure continuous education was available to the public. She helped organize the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Golf Tournament, which raised over $11,000 this year. She further helped the Auxiliary by coordinating and overseeing blood drives, and has participated in countless events across the community.

“Bonnie has been instrumental in the Hospital’s growth. Her role in community relations was critical to ensuring the public was aware of new providers and services that were not previously offered in our community,” said Hospital CEO Eric Burch. “She has been an unwavering liaison between the Hospital and our community members and has earned great respect from those with whom she worked.”

Colleagues joined Mrs. Porter for a reception at the Hospital where she was presented with an engraved clock and numerous gift certificates in recognition of her dedication to service within the Gouverneur community.

North Country CrossRoads announces Artsy Contest winners

by Rachel Hunter

As a way to give back to the local community, North Country CrossRoads Artisan Gift Shop & Classes in Gouverneur organized a fun arts competition for youth and adults alike.

The “Artsy Contest” was the idea of the business owners Gari and Kevin Vibber of Gouverneur who know firsthand what it is like to grow up in Small Town America and believe strongly in giving back to the local community.

The contest was free to enter, and all interested could pick up an 8x10-inch canvas board on which to put their submission. The local artists then chose their favorite medium to complete their work, and returned it to North Country CrossRoads by 3 p.m. on August 17. A total of 12 entries were submitted, and then divided into the four age categories (0-6 years, 7-12 years, 13-18 years and 19 years and older). The five judges making the subjective evaluations were a purposeful mix, according to Mrs. Vibber, and included the following: North Country CrossRoads Artist Bill Perkins, Local Businessman/Town Official Curran Wade, Non-Professional Artsy Crafter Donna Thorpe of Fowler, Businessman/Supporter of the Arts Kevin Vibber of Gouverneur, and North Country CrossRoads Under 18 Artist/Crafter Lauren Ordway of Gouverneur.

The results were tabulated, and winners were announced as follows:

In the 0-6 age category, there were two entries. First place went to Keelee Bice for her acrylic painting, and second place went to Quinn Richardson for his acrylic painting.

In the 7-12 age category, first place went to Mackensie Koerick (pencil). There was a tie for second place between Afton Riley (acrylics) and Jack Riley (pencil). There also were honorable mentions to Moriah Koerick (crayon), Kelvin Bice IIII (acrylics), Kameran Bice (acrylics) and Arthur Anson (markers).

In the 19 and over age category, first place went to Angie Walsh (acrylics and human hair), second went to Rachel Riley (acrylics and marker), and third place went to Rachel Hunter (acrylics).

The top prize in each category was a $20 gift certificate to North Country CrossRoads, second place prizes varied, and third place prize was a $5 gift certificate to the Ice Cream Bowl, located next door to North Country CrossRoads. Honorable mentions received a sketch pad and colored pencils.

The prizes were presented to the award winners on Tuesday, August 27 during a special ceremony, and all were congratulated on their great work.

To learn more about North Country CrossRoads, stop by the store at 157 W. Main St., Gouverneur, or visit the store’s Facebook page. And don’t forget to check out all of the store’s announcements and upcoming classes in the Gouverneur Tribune Press!

DJVFD 5K Color Run/Walk has record-breaking turnout

by Jessyca Cardinell

The DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department hosted its Second Annual 5K Color Run/Walk on the morning of Sunday, August 25. The event was deemed a success, as it drew 33 participants, more than doubling the 2018 turnout of 15 participants.

“We work hard on putting this together as a way to bring something positive to the community and let the people know the importance of our department,” DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department Vice President Naomi Drake said. “We receive great support from the community members and awareness for the department. It's not all about the money raised.”

Everyone came dressed in their most comfortable fitness gear, ready to get in a great workout burning calories while supporting the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department in this fun walk/run. Participants were given packets filled with colored powder to release before the run began. DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department trucks led the run and blocked off roads to help ensure all made it through safely. Also present was Hermon Rescue. The walk/run began at Sprinkles, travelling to Ideuma Road in DeKalb, before heading back to the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department for raffles and refreshments. Mrs. Drake also announced that the raffle table was packed with items donated by local businesses, and was a huge, huge success!

This event would not have been possible without the generous support by the North Country community.

Boy Scouts and Youth Advocate Program members helped to spray color, and hand out water to the participants.

Also there, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Safe Child ID program.

There were refreshments and snacks available for those needing a quick pick-me-up. All proceeds went directly to supporting the DeKalb Junction Volunteer Fire Department and its mission to ensure the safety and security of the community. Mrs. Drake commented that the bagels – enjoyed by many participants – were donated by The Bagelry in Canton.

All sponsors of the 5K Color Run/Walk were listed on the back of an event T-Shirt as a way for the department to extend a hearty “thank-you” to over 30 local establishments.

Many participants, volunteers and local business sponsors alike are looking for the Third Annual 5K Color Run/Walk to be held in August of 2020!