Gouverneur Lions Club presents Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award to Friends 4 Pound Paws

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Lions Club presents Friends 4 Pound Paws in Gouverneur with the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award at a special ceremony on Thursday, February 11. From left: Friends 4 Pound Paws President Clover Forsythe, Co-Chair Lynnie Patton, Secretary Dawn Forsythe accept the honor from Gouverneur Lions Club President Betsy Cummings and Treasurer John Johnson. (Rachel Hunter photo)

The Gouverneur Lions Club presented Friends 4 Pound Paws in Gouverneur with the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award at a special ceremony on Thursday, February 11.

“The Lions Club knows what goes on, and how dedicated everyone is at Friends 4 Pound Paws,” Gouverneur Lions Club Treasurer John Johnson said.

The Lions Club Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award was established in 1993. The award honors outstanding individuals (both Lions and non-Lions) or organizations who provide a significant service to their Club, District or Community. The award presentation included an engraved plaque and a letter of congratulations from the New York State & Bermuda Lions Foundation, Inc., along with a commemorative lapel pin.

Robert J. Uplinger became a member of the Syracuse Lions Club in 1946 where he served as Club president, Zone Chairman, and District Governor. He became a Lions International Director in 1964-66 and then he was elected to the prominent office as Lions International President in 1971-72. Uplinger was an industrial engineer and the owner/operator of Robert J. Uplinger, Inc., a distributor of power transmission equipment.

The letter from New York State & Bermuda Lions Foundation President Lion Richard Steger reads as follows: “Dear Friends 4 Pound Paws, the officers and members of the New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation extend congratulations for being named a recipient of the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award by the Gouverneur Lions Club for “recognition and appreciation of the volunteers who give essential care to cats and dogs and who provide a pathway for their adoption.” You are among those who are honored by Lions and Lionesses for generous service. The Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award affirms your strong interest, dedication, and service to others through Lionism. The Robert J. Uplinger pin will identify you as someone who has done more than his share and truly believes in the motto of Lionism, “We Serve.” The donations to the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award Program are a significant monetary source of the Foundation and these funds are returned to the Lions Clubs through grants to further Lionistic work. Congratulations and our best wishes to you as an honoree.”

Lions Club President Betsy Cummings alongside Treasurer Johnson presented the honors to the Friends 4 Pound Paws leadership team – President Clover Forsythe, Co-Chair Lynnie Patton, and Secretary Dawn Forsythe. The plaque inscription reads as follows: “Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award: Awarded to Friend 4 Pound Paws in recognition and appreciation of the volunteers who give essential care to cats and dogs who provide a pathway for their adoption.”

Friends 4 Pound Paws President Clover Forsythe said she had a perfect spot on the wall to hang the distinguished honor. Applause sounded at the completion of the awards ceremony. “This is an amazing award, and we thank you so much,” President Forsythe said.

Friends 4 Pound Paws President Clover Forsythe informed the Gouverneur Lions Club that Friends 4 Pound Paws would be celebrating their 10-year anniversary in May of 2021.

Friends 4 Pound Paws Inc. was established on May 30, 2011, by a group of concerned citizens, hoping to save the forgotten ones – the local pound dogs. Friends 4 Pound Paws began with a simple desire to “Give our pound dogs a second chance at Life”.

Friends 4 Pound Paws is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, feline and all-breed canine rescue. Its mission is to help promote adoptions from the Gouverneur, Russell and Fowler Dog Pounds. We have established a foster care program to help save the dogs that have been scheduled for euthanasia. F4PP promotes spaying and neutering as a general ideal, and spays and neuters all dogs and cats that are of age at time of adoption, or enter into a neuter contract with the new adopting families.

All of the rescues receive immediate medical care, vaccinations and lots of love. Friends 4 Pound Paws also accepts owner surrenders of unwanted animals when there are open foster homes. “We will not stop until they all have a home.”

In talking about the Friends 4 Pound Paws location at 55 Owl Street, Gouverneur, President Forsythe said the following: “When these two rooms were built a year ago, in December, we were getting ready to do a grand opening or a grand open house – and then the pandemic started. So we still haven’t done a big open house, so the community can come through. Maybe by May, we will be able to do something… We are excited to celebrate that.”

President Forsythe then directed the attention of the Gouverneur Lions Club leadership to a picture on the wall that showcased the first two dogs that Friends 4 Pound Paws helped – a pitbull and a chihuahua. “Both of those dogs have now passed on, but they both had great lives.” The picture enlargement and the picture frame was constructed by BOCES students at Southwest Tech in Fowler.

President Forsythe then told the Gouverneur Lions Club their 2020 adoption stats. “We had 70 dogs adopted. I had 20 transfers to the Potsdam shelter. In cats, we had about 130 adopted. These are all adopted animals.” In spite of their small size, Friends 4 Pound Paws does tremendous work with the resources that they are given.

President Forsythe also took the Gouverneur Lions Club on a tour of the facility.

“We’ve got 27 cats and three dogs right now,” she said. “We’ve got one that is leaving tomorrow, and getting adopted. There are two new pups. There is one senior dog in like a Hospice-type foster home, a 14 ½ year old, Harriet…

“For the past year, it has been difficult for all kinds of organizations to stay afloat. But we have been really blessed here. We have gotten community support like you would not believe. People come in with money, food… It’s been really amazing.

“In fact one day, it was like March 17, it was when everything started to close. We had to cancel all kinds of fundraisers, but this guy called me and he said, “I have a large donation for you.” I said, okay, I’ll be here tomorrow, and we’ll meet.” An hour later he calls me back and he says, “I would like to come today.” So I came back over and I met him, and he comes in with $5,000 in cash. So it was well worth my trip back. I was hysterical. I was crying and carrying on… And we had some other really good donations since all this started. We’re doing okay here. One thing – we don’t take in any more animals than we can take care of. We have our limits, and there are other shelters around. If I can’t do it or Lynnie can’t, we send them elsewhere.”

Upon questions from the Gouverneur Lions Club, President Forsythe said that foster families are always needed.

“There’s always an option out there,” she said. “I just wish we could get more people to spay and neuter. I really wish that… especially for the cats. It’s awful… You go anywhere in the village, out of town, out in Macomb… I have more people telling me about all the cats out there. But you can only do what you can do.”

The Friends 4 Pound Paws leadership team announced that plans are still a go for their annual spring flower sale. “That is a really good fundraiser,” President Forsythe said. “Pickup is outside. We usually do that the middle of May. And we’ll be doing that flower sale again.”

Friends 4 Pound Paws also raises money through auction, held twice per month, on their Facebook page (Friends 4 Pound Paws Auction). “We’ve been doing auctions now for about four years,” President Forsythe said. “Everything in the auction that we post is donated. It’s unbelievable the stuff that gets donated. We’ll usually generate, in a good month, $1,000. And that pays the bills. That’s really all that anyone can do right now… It’s all volunteer, and that keeps us going.”

The Friends 4 Pound Paws also features an ongoing candy bar fundraiser and candle fundraiser. “Every dollar adds up. It’s amazing at how quickly all that little stuff can add up,” President Forsythe said.

Much gratitude was extended to the Friends 4 Pound Paws for the tour of the shelter facility. For more information on Friends 4 Pound Paws, visit www.friends4poundpaws.org or call 315-842-PAWS.

Gouverneur Lions Club President Betsy Cummings also announced that the Gouverneur Lions Club will host its Spaghetti Dinner (take-out only) will be held on Sunday, March 21, serving from 4 p.m., and includes meatballs, salad and rolls. Call Mullin’s Restaurant to pre-order at 315-286-3393. Cost donation is $10 per meal. All to benefit the Lions Club projects serving the Gouverneur community and beyond. More information will be reported once made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Gouverneur community to participate in virtual benefit events this week

An insulated hunting shack, donated by Silver Line Spray Foam, positioned outside St. James School this past week drew attention to the upcoming St. James Virtual Gala. This is just one of the items that will be auctioned off on Feb. 13. Registration forms are available at stjamesk-6.org. (Rachel Hunter photo)

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur community is invited to participate this upcoming week in virtual fundraisers for St. James School and the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc.

St. James Gala

The first live auction will be held on Saturday, February 13, 7 to 8 p.m., to benefit St. James School. The 2021 St. James Gala is virtual this year, and there is much fun to be had as community members support this small Catholic school with a big heart. There is no charge to register. The online registration form is available at http://stjamesk-6.org/. This event features auctioneer Don Peck and the “live” auction, Treasure Chest Raffle Drawing, and games.

Online auction bidding is also open until Sunday, February 14. Once registered, bidders will receive a link to the online auction. Once registered, a link will be provided to you.

This year, virtual gala attendees may purchase a “Key” raffle ticket. The tickets will be entered into the Treasure Chest Raffle. At the Virtual Gala on Saturday, February 13, 2021, officials will pull one ticket for each of 10 treasure chest prizes. Attendees do not need to be “present” to win. Organizers said there is no limit on the number of key raffle tickets attendees can purchase.

Some prizes include the following:

Jewelry Package by Brown’s Jewelry and Friends of St. James- Cluster of Diamonds totaling 1 carat on a 14 karat white gold chain. Valued at $1,250.

Gas for a Year - 12 $50 gift cards to Philly Fuels, Inc. Valued at $600.

$500 CASH prize -sponsored by BCS Landscaping, Northern Collision, and Friends of St. James.

300 Gallons of Fuel Oil from Bush Fuels.

Romantic Evening in a Jacuzzi Room at the Clearview Motel and dinner at the Casablanca Restaurant. Includes a champagne basket.

Elegant Evening Package includes an overnight stay at the Lawrence Manor, two tickets to the 2022 Gala and hairstyles by Tangles Salon. Includes a gift basket.

Queen for a Day by Tangles Salon and Day Spa, valued at over $300

About Town - $300+ in Gift Certificates at various local vendors.

Something for Him - $300 gift card to Small Town Supply- Ace Hardware.

Corona Deck Party - 48,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater and accessories for a deck party long after the summer nights have passed.

Key raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100.

The 2021 St. James Virtual Gala will also include a “Play Like Jack” game. Just like in the Titanic movie, Jack wins his boarding pass in a poker game. Attendees can play the Gala version of Texas Hold’Em by purchasing a randomly assigned hand for $10. Attendees will be "dealt" two cards randomly which will be posted at the virtual gala Facebook "live" event. Once all the cards are purchased, the three "community cards" will be displayed. Attendees will pair their two cards with the community cards to determine their hand. The best hand wins half the pot.

2021 St. James Virtual Gala attendees also have the opportunity to become a Tuition Angel to a St. James School student by making a donation of $200. All money will go directly to credit a family's tuition balance who qualifies for tuition assistance based on income or situations, such as a loss of job or family illness.

St. James Parish School, located in Gouverneur, NY, is a private elementary school where faith and education come together. St. James School opened its doors in September 1960. Three Sisters of St. Joseph occupied the convent and taught in the school. One grade each year was added to the school until by 1965 there were eight grades. A kindergarten class was added in 1972. St. James School is a Catholic elementary school providing an excellent education for children in preschool through sixth grade. Joined together in a community of faith, St. James challenges students academically, while encouraging them to embrace the values that Jesus taught: faith in God, prayer and service, love and respect for self and others, compassion, responsibility, integrity, peace and justice. At St. James School, it is their mission to educate the whole child, mind, body, and soul. Today, with the scarcity of teaching sisters, lay teachers are employed at the school. St. James students are encouraged to expand their performing arts through our Christmas musicals, and Fine Arts Festival each year. The youth also actively participate in weekly Masses at church. St. James School has moderate tuition rates and receives tuition assistance from the Bishops Fund, Kremer Foundation Grant, Mater Dei Foundation, and the Msgr. Service Scholarship Fund. The mission of St. James Parish School is to provide a quality Catholic education for students to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and physically, in partnership with families and in harmony with the specific gifts given by God to each student. If you would like more information, please call 315-287-0130 or visit http://stjamesk-6.org/.

Kiwanis Auction

The Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc. is set to benefit from a “live” virtual auction on Wednesday, February 17, at 5 p.m.. Gouverneur Kiwanis Club President Charity Zawatski announced this week that Donald Peck of Gouverneur has generously agreed to donate his time for the virtual auction on Facebook. If you would like to be a part of this event, please contact Don Peck on Facebook and ask to be a “friend” and you will be able to see and participate in the auction.

President Zawatski reported that the Kiwanis Backpack Program supplies over 100 bags of to the youngest in the community. She added that the Kiwanis Club, this past summer, was able to provide fresh dairy and produce to the entire community. “We would not be able to continue these programs without the support of businesses and individuals,” she said. “Our biggest obstacle has been fundraising due to COVID-19 restrictions.”

President Zawatski said the Kiwanis Club is now accepting monetary donations or merchandise ahead of the Feb. 17 auction. Please contact Stephanie LaShomb at 315-323-2953 for more information or if you have any questions. Much gratitude is extended in advance for the support.

“Without community members such as yourself, we wouldn’t be able to continue,” President Zawatski said.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, speak with any Kiwanis Club member or visit the Kiwanis Club’s page on Facebook.

During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, many in-person fundraising events have been canceled to “stop the spread.” The Gouverneur community is greatly encouraged to engage with this virtual benefit events and help support the St. James School and the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, Inc. More on these fundraisers will be reported in upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Gouverneur Correctional Facility gets morale booster

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur and the Village of Gouverneur partnered with the North Country Store (Philadelphia, NY) and Kinney Drugs (Gouverneur, NY) to provide lunch for the correctional officers at the Gouverneur Correctional Facility on Saturday, January 23.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. said: “Today, we are trying to boost some morale. The Gouverneur Correctional Facility is one our biggest employers in town here, and the hardest hit right now.”

A quantity of 120 North Country Store submarine sandwiches (60 turkey and 60 ham) along with snacks, soda and bottled water from Kinney Drugs was delivered to the Gouverneur Correctional Facility.

Paul Trombley of Gouverneur talked with the Gouverneur Tribune Press this past week about how the initiative progressed from an idea to a reality – in only one short week. He said the following: “The manager of the North Country Store (Philadelphia, NY) is a retired corrections officer, Matthew Montroy. I am a retired officer. And I manage the nutrition site in Gouverneur for the SLC Office For The Aging. I pretty much meet with Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. every morning. We were talking about the numbers and stuff that are coming out of the Gouverneur Correctional Facility, and how helpless people feel that they can’t do anything to help them. That’s the thing right now. There’s a lot of feelings of helplessness and hopelessness – because there is not much that you can do. I said, “Well, it is a state-run facility. They pretty much take care of their own.” But there is one thing we can do. We can feed the troops! I can remember being an officer there, and being locked in during a crisis… sometimes for three days. With something coming from the outside in, I can remember pizzas being delivered. I remember McDonalds sending boxes of sandwiches in. It just gives you a little pickup, a little boost, a sense of normalcy. So within five minutes, that’s what we decided to do. We’ve gotten about a week into the planning stages, and got it all together. I contacted some fellow retired officers, and got some contributions to help cover the costs. So that’s what it comes from Gouverneur Correctional retirees, Town Supervisor David Spilman, town officials, and Mayor Ron McDougall.”

Mr. Trombley added the correctional officers retire young, and then “find something else to do.” As such, he connected immediately with Mr. Montroy. “I reached right out to him because I know he makes a good product,” Mr. Trombley said. “It is a North Country famous sandwich, and he dove right in and said it was not a problem.”

When asked why Matthew Montroy wanted to get involved in the project, he said the following: “I am a retired corrections officer myself – and it not only helps the corrections officers but maybe they’ll try our product and shop with us again.” Mr. Montroy said he brought in extra North Country Store employees and staff on Saturday morning, and it took them about two hours to make the subs. “We’ve got quite a process from start to finish. Of course, we’ve got the meat slicing to do because everything is fresh. It takes about three and a half minutes to get a sub all the way through – from start to finish. We were timing it.”

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. said the Town of Gouverneur and the Village of Gouverneur were also grateful for the donations from Gouverneur’s own Kinney Drugs, Inc. to allow them to provide snacks, bottled water, and soda to the Gouverneur Correctional Facility. Supervisor Spilman explained that the Town of Gouverneur gets a donation of nonperishable food items when stocked items get close to the sell-by date. The initiative started a couple years, when he got in contact with Linda Hill at the Kinney Drugs Warehouse. Since then, they have supplied nonperishable food items all around the county – at the nutrition sites, local food pantries, Gouverneur Kiwanis Wildcat Backpack Program, “Anyone we can help, we do it,” Supervisor Spilman said.

Recently, Supervisor Spilman said, the distribution has benefitted from the connections and enthusiasm of Dr. Robert Saidel, who in retirement, has been greatly involved in the distribution work. Supervisor Spilman said, “I gave him a key to the building where I store it, and he goes and gets all the ARC houses and has his own little circuit. He has endless amounts of energy. Some of the last stuff we got actually ended up in NYC. A friend of his is a lawyer and helps out with five homeless centers there. So we took a bunch of sweaters and jackets from our consignment store, and the loaded the first half of the van. The second half we put some of the snacks. They met in Pennsylvania, and ended up in NYC. It’s good…”

Once all the volunteers arrived at the Gouverneur Community Center, the boxes of food and beverage items were loaded in awaiting vehicles and were immediately driven to the Gouverneur Correctional Facility. Through a gate order, the volunteers were able to donate the items just in time for lunch on Saturday, January 23. Much gratitude is extended to all those who made this morale booster possible.

Village seeks $500,000 grant to help fund renovations at former Jumbo’s Diner building

The former Jumbo’s Diner building lot on East Main Street in downtown Gouverneur. (Rachel Hunter photo)

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees made official its approval and endorsement of the Village of Gouverneur’s application to NYS Home and Community Renewal for funding under the 2020 New York Main Street Program at a special teleconference board meeting on Jan. 13. The application is for $500,000 in financial assistance will go towards the building renovations at the former Jumbo’s Diner building and adjacent properties owned by Clark Porter of Gouverneur.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall told the village board that, while it was the village’s plan to hold the vote at the regular meeting on Jan. 19, the application needed to be filed on Jan. 15. “We need to get it together tomorrow, so we decided to do this today,” Mayor McDougall said. “We already agreed to this verbally (on December 15), but we have got to go through this process to make sure everything is correct, and for our auditors, and it is just the right thing to do.”

The village board then heard the Main Street Downtown Anchor Project resolution as follows: “Resolution by the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees approving and endorsing The Village of Gouverneur in its application to NYS Homes and Community Renewal for funding under the 2020 New York Main Street Program.

“Whereas, the Village of Gouverneur desires to apply for $500,000 in financial assistance through the 2020 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) under the New York Main Street Downtown Anchor Program; and

“Whereas, the application proposes funding to assist property owner to complete building renovations to downtown “main street” building on Corner of West Main Street and Clinton Street; and

“Whereas, the proposed funding will contribute to ongoing community revitalization efforts; and

“Whereas, the grant application requires that the applicant obtain the approval and endorsement of the governing body of the municipality in which the project will be located.

“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Gouverneur approves and endorses the 2020 New York Main Street Downtown Anchor Program for assistance prepared and to be submitted by the Village of Gouverneur.”

The motion to accept the resolution was made by Village Trustee Troy Besaw, and seconded by Village Trustee Shelly Simons-Washburn. Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine then requested discussing the resolution – a request that was granted by Mayor McDougall. Deputy Mayor Newvine then asked the following: “I know we already agreed to this, but the only question I had was… There is no address on this. It just says the corner. Does that just mean the corner building, or all of the buildings that owner owns on the corner?” Village Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie said it meant the whole lot, which was confirmed by Mayor McDougall. “So the 1, 3, 5, 7 East Main Street address?” Deputy Mayor Newvine asked. “Yes, so I will add that to the resolution,” Clerk/Treasurer Finnie said.

“And then the other question that I had: Is the owner of that property using his own company to do the work, and if so, does this grant just cover material cost and no labor? Like our sidewalk grant does? Or does the grant cover labor as well?”

Mayor McDougall then said the following: “The grant covers labor. Some of it would be his company and some of it would be by others. For instance, the roofing company… He didn’t do his own roof. He had been doing some work in there. But the roof was accomplished. RSI did the roof.”

Clerk/Treasurer Finnie then said that the owner would “have to put in a percentage of the cost of the grant.”

Deputy Mayor Newvine then said the following: “I understand that… I am just questioning it because if he were to use his own labor force, he wouldn’t have to pay to have his guys working… he wouldn’t have a payroll cost. He would have his own company and be able to maintain payroll by the grant money that we are giving him.”

Mayor McDougall said “yes” and Deputy Mayor Newvine then said: “Thanks, I just wanted to make sure that was clarified.”

Discussion continued for several moments before Mayor McDougall called for a roll call vote, and the motion carried.

Mayor McDougall extended gratitude to the village trustees for their time. He also added that the Village of Gouverneur was scheduled to reopen the Municipal Building on Jan. 19 at 8 a.m. The Village of Gouverneur’s open hours of operation along with meetings are considered tentative based upon COVID-19 isolations, quarantines and other pandemic guidelines. He informed the village board that the meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 19 would include COVID-19 protocols, including facial coverings, sanitizer, temperature check and social distancing, etc.

Mayor McDougall also reported the following: “Another note that is important – FERC relicensing – I signed the paperwork in consultation with our attorney, Case & Leader, and our senior attorney there, Bob Leader. I did that on Monday, January 11.”

The motion to adjourn the special meeting was made by Trustee Besaw, seconded by Trustee Simons-Washburn. The motion carried with all votes in favor.

Structure Fire

On Monday, January 11 at 5:20 p.m., the Gouverneur Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire. 11-1 arrived on scene confirming a working fire. The GFD Engine 17's crew was assigned interior attack entering the front door to stop the fire from entering the house from the attached garage. Crews were able to make a good hit on the large body of fire stopping it in the entry way from the garage. Units were on scene for three hours overhauling to make sure all hot spots were out. Members were able to remove an animal from the house unharmed. One Gouverneur firefighter had minor burns from interior operations. Gouverneur Fire Response: 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, Engine 17, Engine 18, ETA-101, TA-6, Rescue 4, Truck 2, R-75. Mutual aid: Edwards FD (engine for draft and tanker to the scene) and Harrisville FD (tankers to the scene).

CHMC Foundation receives gift from CHMC Auxiliary

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Foundation received a generous $100,000 donation from the CHMC Auxiliary for the construction of the Children’s Mental Health Unit at CHMC. “Inpatient psychiatry services for children and adolescents is a growing need in the North Country. At Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, when we see a child or adolescent in the Emergency Department who requires more than outpatient care, we are forced to wait for an open space in one of the few hospitals in the state who offer inpatient children’s mental health,” states Randy Fipps CHMC Administrator of System Integration and Behavioral Health, “The creation of this unit is vital to the health and wellness of the youth in our community. We are so grateful for this gift of support.”

The inpatient unit is specifically designed to meet the developmental and psychiatric needs of children and adolescents who require more than outpatient mental health services. Having a facility in St. Lawrence County means more children who need help can get it closer to home and family: with more than 900 youth (children and adolescents) presenting in the CHMC Emergency Department with mental health challenges each year, this is a necessary service for the community. This 12-bed unit will accommodate youth diagnosed with pediatric psychiatric disorders and will staff healthcare professionals trained to work in the field. The therapies and treatments provided at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Children’s Mental Health Unit will improve quality of life and outcomes for patients. Patients will receive individualized, evidence-based treatment while also attending classes, meeting with their families, and expressing themselves through supervised activities.

Mental health and wellness impact more than just an individual: when a person misses work, when a parent can’t take their child to an appointment, when a family worries about the fate of their loved one – these are situations that affect many in subtle and obvious ways. If you are interested in supporting the CHMC Children’s Mental Health Unit, please contact the CHMC Foundation for information on investing in the North Country youth.

In order to provide meaningful support to the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Foundation was formed in 1984. Our goal is to faithfully serve our community by listening to and advocating for their healthcare needs and concerns. We engage the community to make these needs a reality. Over the years, the foundation has invested over $46 million in new or renovated healthcare facilities and services for the people of the North Country. Over $21 million of that investment has come through the contributions of thousands of donors and the hard work of hundreds of volunteers who care deeply about the quality of life in their community.

Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 serves up over 210 roast beef dinners to senior citizens

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 turned its face toward senior citizens (55 years or older) in the Gouverneur community on Sunday, December 20 as it served up roast beef dinners to all those who attended its annual Senior Citizen Holiday Dinner – just before the Christmas holiday. The scrumptious roast beef dinner was complete with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and a roll. Over 210 dinners were served in one hour. Curbside service started at 11:30 a.m. to handle the incredible demand.

While usually a time for senior citizens to enjoy the fellowship of their neighbors, the event was held via a drive-thru style due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Gouverneur seniors said they appreciated the warmth of the Gouverneur Elks as they served up the hot roast beef dinners, as the seniors still enjoyed a big dose of the Gouverneur Elks’ hospitality and dedicated service while in the drive-thru lineup. Many senior citizens living alone in the Gouverneur community said it was an opportunity to get out, see some friendly faces, and enjoy a good meal as well – that they didn’t have to shop for and cook from scratch themselves.

Joy lit up the eyes of the senior citizens as they took the packaged roast beef dinners from the Gouverneur Elks members. The seniors donned facial masks and used hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the local community. Others were delivered the roast beef dinners to their homes, thanks to the volunteerism of younger members of the Gouverneur community, as well as the Gouverneur Elks.

The Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 has hosted the annual Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner for over 40 years. Much gratitude was extended to all who made the event possible. The Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 did not anticipate the incredible turnout, as the 2019 Senior Citizens Dinner only drew 150 local residents. The Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 is already planning to make enough meals for 300 senior citizens in 2021.

Did you know? The moving spirit for the Elks was an Englishman named Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian. Born October 22, 1842, this son of a clergyman was a successful comic singer and dancer in the music halls of London. In November 1867, Vivian arrived in New York City to try his fortune. Other actors and entertainers soon gravitated toward his magnetic personality. With everything closed on Sunday because of New York City Blue Laws, a group of theatrical people began meeting for their own amusement under Vivian's leadership. A loose organization was formed to make sure the larder was well-stocked for these gatherings. They called themselves the Jolly Corks, a name derived from a trick introduced by Vivian in which the uninitiated purchased a round of refreshments. When one of their members died shortly before Christmas in 1867, leaving his wife and children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided that in addition to good fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in need.

On February 16, 1868, they established the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and elected Vivian to head it. Its social activities and benefit performances increased the popularity of the new Order. Membership grew rapidly. Elks traveling to other cities spread the word of the Brotherhood of Elks. Soon there were requests for Elks Lodges in cities other than New York. In response to these appeals, the Elks asked the New York State legislature for a charter authorizing the establishment of a Grand Lodge with the power to establish local Lodges anywhere in the United States. When the Grand Lodge Charter was issued, the founders then received the first local charter as New York Lodge No. 1 on March 10, 1871.

Dissension soon erupted. Legitimate actors headed by George F. McDonald wanted to restrict membership to the theatrical profession. This view was opposed by Vivian and his friends. Taking advantage of Vivian's absence due to an out-of-town engagement, the McDonald group summarily expelled Vivian and several of his closest friends. Years later the Order rectified this illegal act, but it gave rise to a controversy whether Vivian was actually the founder of the Order. In 1897, a formal inquiry firmly established his right to this honored title.

Vivian continued, after his expulsion from the Order, to enchant audiences across the country. He starred with some of the largest road companies of the time. Together with his actress wife, the former Imogene Holbrook, Vivian set up a repertoire theater in Leadville, Colorado. Shortly thereafter he died of pneumonia on March 20, 1880. In 1889, the Elks moved his body from Leadville, Colorado, to Mt. Hope Cemetery, Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Vivian received a stipend from the Order her husband founded until her death in 1931.

The legacy of Charles Vivian continues to this day. In addition to aiding members in distress, the Elks raise money for children with disabilities, college scholarships, youth projects and recreational programs for patients in veteran's hospitals.

On June 14, 1907 the Order held a Flag Day observance. This tradition later was declared a national holiday by President Harry S. Truman.

During World War I, the Elks funded and equipped the first two field hospitals in France and built a 72-room community house in Camp Sherman, Ohio, and a 700-bed rehabilitation hospital in Boston, which they turned over to the War Department. They also raised money for the Salvation Army's frontline canteens.

Their loans to 40,000 returning veterans for college, rehabilitation and vocational education were the precursor of the GI Bill. When World War II broke out, the Elks were the only civilian organization asked to help recruit construction workers for the military, a task that was completed three months ahead of schedule. The Elks also contributed more than half a million books to the Merchant Marines so that their men would have reading material on board ship. The Korean War again brought out the best in the Elks. They donated more than half a million pints of blood to help wounded soldiers. When the wounded from Vietnam needed help, the Elks responded. They provided the funds for a recreation pavilion at the Navy Hospital on Guam. The wounded at Tripler Medical Center in Hawaii were sweltering in the heat. When the Elks heard of their plight, they purchased 24 air-conditioning units so these patriots could recuperate in some degree of comfort.

When Operation Desert Storm took place, the Elks again led the support for our fighting men and women in the Persian Gulf. Subordinate Lodges undertook letter-writing campaigns to help keep up the spirits of the defenders of freedom. The Elks were also among the first to welcome them home and thank them for a job well done.

The Elks’ story is long, their work humble, and their history proud. As long as there are those who need help, the Elks are dedicated to being there to give aid and comfort. The Gouverneur Elks are proud to be able to give to those in need this holiday season. For more information on the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, call 315-287-2100.

Helping Neighbors This Holiday: GHS National Honor Society members ring the bell for Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

by Rachel Hunter

The familiar sound of the iconic red kettlebells are ringing again this holiday season, but there are fewer of them and donations aren’t what the Salvation Army typically receives during its annual Red Kettle Campaign. While volunteers stick to strict COVID-19 guidelines, like wearing masks and socially distancing outside of stores, the charity organization said it expects to collect only about half as much as it did in 2019. But that didn’t stop National Honor Society students at Gouverneur High School from volunteering over 75 hours with the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the Salvation Army’s single largest fundraising event of the year. This year, the need is greater than ever before. Since March, the Salvation Army has provided more than 13 million meals.

The Red Kettle Campaign got its start in 1891. Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught because so many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major hurdle to overcome -- funding the project. “Where would the money come from?,” he wondered. He lay awake nights, worrying, thinking, praying about how he could find the funds to fulfill his commitment of feeding 1,000 of the city's poorest individuals on Christmas Day. As he pondered the issue, his thoughts drifted back to his sailor days in Liverpool, England. He remembered how at Stage Landing, where the boats came in, there was a large, iron kettle called "Simpson's Pot" into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor.

The next day Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, "Keep the Pot Boiling." He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas. Six years later, the kettle idea spread from the west coast to the Boston area. That year, the combined effort nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. In 1901, kettle contributions in New York City provided funds for the first mammoth sit-down dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years. Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods.

Captain McFee's kettle idea launched a tradition that has spread not only throughout the United States, but all across the world. Kettles are now used in such distant lands as Korea, Japan, Chile and many European countries. Everywhere, public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who would otherwise be forgotten.

On Wednesday, December 16, Salvation Army Regional Services Coordinator Sam Reeder and Service Extension Director Ann Vail brought the Big Red Kettle to the Gouverneur Price Chopper from 2 to 4 p.m. Mr. Reeder said that all funds raised in the Gouverneur Service Unit of the Salvation Army stay local to help families in need during the holiday season. He said they work through the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center and its Director Angela Ferrick of Gouverneur to provide food and other vouchers to help families with expenses relating to fuel, shelter, etc. All those in the Gouverneur community are encouraged to help their neighbors in need. The National Honor Society will be ringing the iconic bells at Price Chopper until through Christmas Eve.

Donors don’t have to touch the kettles if they don’t wish to. Each kettle will have the opportunity for people to donate electronically using their smartphones through Apple Pay or Google Pay and there will also be a QR code on each kettle. It has also been placed on various flyers that have been hung around the Gouverneur community. For more information on how to donate, visit give.salvationarmy.org.

National Honor Society Advisor Marcy Tyler told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that this is the fourth year that the National Honor Society at Gouverneur High School has participated in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign – and is a great way for the students to give back to families in the local community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the honor society has reduced its community service requirements to 20 hours. But Advisor Marcy Tyler said many Gouverneur students are still meeting and exceeding the 30 hours of community service, seeking inventive ways of helping families in the local community. This year, the students have contributed more than 75 hours to “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign alone.

The National Honor Society members from Gouverneur High School include the following: President Peyton Mussaw, Vice President Kaitlyn Gibson, Secretary Hailey Morrissiey, Treasurer Kolby Wells, Ellen Baer, Holly Barton, Cierra Besaw, Raelin Burns, Haylee Campbell, Corryn Canell, Alex Clancy, Joseph Cummings, Alexis Devlin, Breena Drake, Claire Knowlton, Reese Morenz, Leeah Morrissiey, Torie Salisbury, Cole Siebels, Connor Wood, and Ariana Zeller.

Many Gouverneur community members said that the thrill of dropping change into the red kettle gives their holiday spirits a jolt – each and every time they donate. They recognize the dedication of the National Honor Society students, and desire to give back to their neighbors in need this holiday season. “With so much going wrong in the world right now… this is one way I can make a difference,” one donor said after putting change in the red kettle.

Don’t miss the opportunity to donate toward the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign here in Gouverneur. The National Honor Society student will be ringing the bell through Christmas Eve. For more information on Salvation Army, visit salvationarmyusa.org.

2020 Christmas Decorating Contest: Public voting closes today

by Rachel Hunter

Public voting in the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce sponsored 2020 Christmas Decorating Contest remains open through Friday, December 18. Community members can cast their votes via a digital ballot on gouverneurchamber.net or via a paper ballot at local participating retailers (Kinney Drugs locations, Newvine’s NAPA Auto Parts, Jreck Subs, Sunflour Bakery, and Mrs. Beasley’s Liquor Store) as well as the Gouverneur Library and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce office. The holiday displays were lit up by Saturday, December 12 around the Gouverneur community and many local residents have enjoyed taking a tour of all the light displays in the local vicinity ever since.

The Christmas displays varied with the use of lights, music, inflatable Christmas decorations, traditional décor, and so much more! A special spotlight shone on the local businesses who participated in the contest. Small Town Supply purchased and donated the Christmas decorations that outfitted the Gouverneur Library’s display, which was ornate in its simple elegance. AOK Engineering, PLLC, 158o US Highway 11, Gouverneur, had a light show with the Christmas lights on the wooden constructed mine shaft set to festive music, as well as various other lights and decorations throughout the former Harvest Corn Maze location. Stowell’s Logging on County Route 11 (Rock Island Road) featured lights outlining their equipment at the business. Sunflour Bakery and Cafe, 1034 US Highway 11, Gouverneur was decorated as a gingerbread house with gingerbread, peppermint and other sweet treats outlining the structure. The Route 11 Diner, 985 US Highway 11, Gouverneur, also thrilled community members with their inflatable Christmas decorations outside the restaurant. Community Bank, 100 East Main Street, Gouverneur and the Northern Credit Union, 145 East Main Street, offered viewers a look back at the traditional elegance of a classic Christmas display.

A variety of Christmas displays are also available for viewing at the following homes: Sean Devlin, 261 Rowley Street, Gouverneur, Christine Buckley, 207 Rowley Street, Gouverneur, Ernie Boclair, 124 East Barney Street, Gouverneur, Wendy & Sid Peters, 134 Park Street, Gouverneur, Amanda McCarthy, 151 Clinton Street, Gouverneur, Deanna Shepard, 2164 County Route 11 (Rock Island Rd.), Gouverneur, Tammy Findley, 2192 County Route 11 (Rock Island Rd.), Gouverneur, Karen Cowles, 1275 County Route 12 (Johnstown Rd.), Gouverneur Chris Cowles, 1280 County Route 12 (Johnstown Rd.), Gouverneur, Renee Smith, 125 Depot Street, Gouverneur, Linda Clement, 41 Sterling Street, Gouverneur, Justin Kirby, 64 Beckwith Street, Gouverneur, Kourtni Brown, 70 William Street, Gouverneur, Rick & Erin Rotundo, 16 Graves Street, Gouverneur, Greg & JoAnn Crandall, 20 Graves Street, Gouverneur, Shawna Gilbo, 154 Hailesboro Street #37, Gouverneur, Melissa Breckenridge, 486 Doane Road, Gouverneur, Stefan Evans, 4979 State Highway 58, Gouverneur. Community members are especially urged to take the journey outside the Village of Gouverneur and see all of the magnificent Christmas displays in the outlying areas in the Town of Gouverneur and beyond.

Don’t miss your opportunity to vote in the 2020 Christmas Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce! Vote today. A winner will be selected in both the business and residential categories with the top vote-getters each receiving a $50 cash prize.

For more information about the contest, visit gouverneurchamber.net

North Country Receives First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS) has received an initial shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, and expects the second half of the doses to arrive in approximately 20 days. This vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, three weeks apart.

The System will be vaccinating its clinical staff members at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, Massena Hospital, and other neighboring hospital facilities in accordance with governmental guidelines.

The management, allocation, and distribution of the vaccine in the U.S. is being handled under Operation Warp Speed. Northern New York was expected to receive 3,700 of the first 85,000 shots in the initial shipment; half of the 170,000 doses. The second half of the order is expected to arrive 21 days afterward.

“The New York State Department of Health has directed all hospitals and health systems to follow their Guidance for Prioritization of Healthcare Personnel in Hospitals for COVID-19 Vaccination during the initial roll-out of the program based on a limited vaccine supply. Hospitals and health systems must be prepared for an initial supply of vaccine that will not cover the entire healthcare workforce at once,” noted SLHS Chief Administrative Officer Jeremy Slaga.

“Healthcare hospital personnel are designated a top priority because of their exposure to the virus and their critical role of keeping hospitals functioning. Not every hospital will receive the vaccine in the first allocation; however, all hospital personnel working in high-risk settings will be afforded equitable access to this vaccine,” he added.

“As a recipient of the initial distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, Canton-Potsdam Hospital will work with neighboring facilities and administer the reserved portion of this first shipment to staff,” Mr. Slaga stated. “The intent of this allocation methodology is to create equity across regions and hospital systems and the communities they serve.”

St. Lawrence Health System’s Associate Chief Medical Officer and St. Lawrence County Board of Health President Andrew Williams, MD, FACP, was the first staff member of the System to receive the vaccine on Tuesday. He noted the distribution of the product is cause for excitement in the medical field, as well as throughout the general public.

“This vaccine is a ray of light. Hopefully the introduction of the vaccine will represent the beginning of the end of the pandemic,” Dr. Williams said. “The arrival of a safe, effective vaccine can only be viewed as a huge step ahead.

“I look forward to it being administered throughout the community. It is so important for North Country residents to receive the shots to protect themselves, their family, and the community. It is terribly sad to see people dying from COVID-19, and it is important for people to understand that many who have recovered remain with disabilities as a result of the infection,” he added.

Pfizer-BioNTech announced this past Friday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Emergency Use Authorization of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age or older.

Pfizer-BioNTech has reported the vaccine, which is administered into the muscle, may not protect everyone against COVID-19. The company also said the duration period for protection against COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine is currently unknown.

Adverse reactions reported in clinical trials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, injection site swelling, injection site redness, nausea, feeling unwell, and swollen lymph nodes. Severe allergic reactions have included difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, rapid heartbeat, rash over the body, and dizziness/weakness.

The website Let’s Get Immunized NY (https://www.letsgetimmunizedny.org/) states “Vaccines are one of the greatest contributions to public health in the modern era and they are most effective if everyone receives them. This is known as herd immunity.”

Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 presents $900 ENF grant to Town of Fowler SOS Program

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 Exalted Ruler Gresford Speid presented a $900 Elks National Foundation grant to be used to support the Town of Fowler Support Our Seniors (SOS) program at the Town of Fowler Council meeting on Nov. 5 at the Fowler Town Hall.

“On behalf of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Gouverneur Lodge No. 2035, we would like to present this check to the Town of Fowler’s SOS program for 2020-2021,” ER Speid said during the presentation. Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine gave the privilege of accepting the check on behalf of the Town of Fowler to Town of Fowler Highway Superintendent Randy Durham, a Past Exalted Ruler of Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 who was the “driving force behind getting the grant.”

“I would like to say: It is a pleasure to accept this on behalf of the Town of Fowler, and thank you for your help,” Mr. Durham said.

Much applause sounded through the Fowler Town Hall as all those gathered celebrated the Town of Fowler’s ability to help more seniors with the additional funds.

Town of Fowler SOS Organizer Deputy Supervisor Karen Simmons, later in the meeting, reported the following update on the program: “We are getting ready to make another delivery on Nov. 20, the Friday before Thanksgiving. It is going to be a little different this time. It is going to be kind of along the lines of Thanksgiving. I have 72 people already on the list. We are going to buy enough for 75, so we have room for a few more if there is somebody who needs to be on there. I volunteered Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine to help him deliver. Everybody is just so appreciative of it. Everybody when I call just thanks me and says what a nice job. They are so thankful for the Town of Fowler for doing this. They said they don’t know any other town around that would do something like this. They really appreciate it. And that makes you feel good.”

Supervisor Newvine said the program is possible because of the people in the Town of Fowler. “It is all donated money,” he said.

Michael Cappellino of Fowler then asked for it to be made public the amount of the check presented by the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035. Deputy Supervisor Simmons announced $900. Town of Fowler Bookkeeper Barbara Finnie said that the Town of Fowler SOS fund currently had a little over $1,000 in it. Deputy Supervisor Simmons then said: “We are going to spend the majority of it.”

There was some more discussion, and then the Town of Fowler Council continued to discuss business at hand. The next meeting of the Town of Fowler Council will be held on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Fowler Town Hall, 87 Little York Road, Fowler. Those with any questions can contact Karen Simmons at (315) 287-4753 or Supervisor Rick Newvine at (315) 287-4753 or Town Clerk Tami Gale at (315) 287-0045.

More than 400 trick-or-treaters attend First Annual Parkstead Gouverneur Halloween Trunk N Treat

by Rachel Hunter

More than 400 trick-or-treaters got their fill of candy and other treats at the First Annual Parkstead Gouverneur Halloween Trunk N Treat on Saturday, October 31 at 500 Sleepy Hollow Road, Gouverneur. While respecting social distance guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, costumed youth made their way down the sidewalk, visiting each decorated trunk offering candy and treats. Each Parkstead Gouverneur resident or community member wore gloves and masks as they handed out individually wrapped candy. Delightful squeals and smiles (behind masks) abounded as the youth filled up their treat bags.

Parkstead Gouverneur Property Manager Stormy Cox, Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck, and Leasing Agent Vaughn Butler (dressed in costume as Alvin and the Chipmunks) along with many other staff members and volunteers made the event possible. Much gratitude is extended to Henry and Christine LaQuier for their traffic control efforts. Mr. Peck said that many community members were able to park on Pooler Street, so ample parking space was not an issue at the Trunk N Treat event.

Abiding by the 4 to 6 p.m. time suggested by the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees, many trick-or-treaters were able to collect all the treats offered in daylight conditions. Many trick-or-treaters then also chose to go trick-or-treating at homes around the Village of Gouverneur during the 5 to 7 p.m. time. Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck extends gratitude to the Gouverneur community for coming out to Parkstead Gouverneur and supporting the event.

“This is not going to be a one-time thing,” Mr. Peck said. “We are going to do it again next year. We hope, if there’s no pandemic, that they will remember who was there for them last year, and come back to us next year. I just want to let the community know how much we appreciate everything – and if they are ever looking for a new home, come see me at Parkstead. There has not been one negative about the event. I have not heard one negative thing at all… There was no negative. We had to hand out very few masks. We appreciate the fact that everyone listened, came, and wore a mask. And you could tell everybody was social distancing all the way through.”

Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck said that the event also included many donations from businesses around the Gouverneur community. Fidelis Care in Gouverneur donated Halloween-themed treat bags along with hand sanitizing wipes that were readily used by all those in attendance. Dunkin’ Donuts in Gouverneur donated coffee mugs and gift cards for youth winning the costume contest. Kinney Drugs in Gouverneur donated glow sticks and other treats to hand out to the youth in attendance. The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association also donated 10 traffic cones that were used to show the Trunk N Treat start point and also to outline the walking areas.

In addition, Parkstead Gouverneur also hosted a guessing game where youth were able to guess how many pieces of candy were in a jar. Trevor Sixberry won the contest, and was awarded a Dunkin’ Donuts thermos for his win. Parkstead Gouverneur also hosted a costume contest. The winners will be announced at a later date in the Gouverneur Tribune Press once the evaluation is finalized. Mr. Peck said the winners will receive a mug from Dunkin’ Donuts and a $10 gift card. The photos will also be posted on the Parkstead Gouverneur Facebook page.

The creativity of the decorated trunks amazed many of those in attendance. From witches and warlocks to Hocus Pocus, and so much more… the costumed youth approached each trunk with excitement as the walked down the sidewalk. The largest and most anticipated trunk was the one designed by the Gouverneur Cub Scouts Pack No. 2035, organized by Cubmaster Chris Gates of Gouverneur. The display was a country farm theme and all costumed youngsters were invited to put their treat bag underneath PVC pipes for a bag of individually wrapped candy and a gift certificate from 7-Eleven in Gouverneur for a free medium Slurpee Drink.

Parkstead Gouverneur Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck said he was touched by several community members’ willingness to come back and thank Parkstead Gouverneur for organizing the event for the kids on Halloween night.

Mr. Peck said: “They told me: “You were the only game in town.” I said, “What do you mean? There was regular trick-or-treating.” They said, “Rowley Street was a ghost town. There was literally like five houses that were set up to give out candy on Rowley Street, and that is usually the mecca of trick-or-treating.” I got a lot of messages from people saying: “Thank you again for what you guys did. The kids would have had nothing if it weren’t for you.”

“Every kid that left said they had a bagful of candy… There was plenty of candy on hand to give out… One girl that came at the very end, she made out like a bandit, because everybody just dumped what they had left and she walked out of here with two bags full. I thought everybody was going to hit us early, and they did because the last 30 minutes there weren’t very many. But the community came out, and we appreciated that. The community, as we are, to have 400? That’s huge. A lot of work and effort went into it, and we appreciate it. We are going to plan more events, as the pandemic ends, that involves the community. We want to be a part of the community and we are going to be here.”

Mr. Peck said that Parkstead Philadelphia also had a Halloween event – a party for the kids living in the apartment complex. He said there were about 20 youth in attendance – but that it was nothing like the draw in Gouverneur at the Trunk N Treat event.

“I had expectations of what it would be,” Mr. Peck said. “It met and exceeded every one of those. It did. I did not expect 400. I told everyone, maybe 200-300. And we hit 400-plus. That was awesome. We appreciate the community being respectful and everything else through the pandemic, wearing a mask. We maybe used a half of a box, 20 to 25 masks. That by itself says a lot about this community, being respectful and listening to the COVID-19 regulations.

“It gave the community, the kids, something to do that kind of just took their minds off of everything else for that 15 to 20 minutes that they were here and walking the property. The event was to bring attention our way, which we know we did. We do have a couple apartments to rent, so I am hoping we do get some allocations off of it – but it was to bring the community together. I think that this location we have is perfect for something like that. We’re spread out enough… so social distancing wasn’t going to be an issue. We had Pooler St. that we parked the cars on. Parking was not an issue whatsoever.. There was a lot of people who did a lot to help us. It was just beyond successful.”

The results of the First Annual Halloween Trunk N Treat Costume Contest will be released in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Follow Parkstead Gouverneur on Facebook for the announcement of future events and activities in the Gouverneur area.

Gouverneur Girls Varsity Soccer Team host Senior Night Celebration

by Rachel Hunter

Eight seniors on the Gouverneur High School Wildcat Girls Varsity Soccer Team were celebrated on Wednesday, October 14 before the home game against Franklin Academy (Malone Central). The seniors included: Holly Barton, Haylee Campbell, Breena Drake, Rorey Fuller, Elaina Lumley, Reese Morenz, Hope Simmons, and Laney Smith. The ceremony was led by Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Mark Martin and assisted by Coach Kurt Wells.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Gouverneur Soccer Field for our special evening as we recognize our eight amazing seniors. I would like to take a quick moment to thank a few of our own. Our Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Lauren French, Principal Cory Wood, and our Athletic Director Chris Marshall for giving us all a chance to play soccer this season during this tough year we have all had to face.”

Coach Martin then recognized the seniors from Malone Central. Each was presented with a floral bouquet and had their picture taken. The seniors were as follows: Jacklyn Santamore, Ryleigh McCauley, Madison Klepfer, Jordan Pickering, Madison Ansari, Taylor Covey, and Jessica Delisle. Much gratitude was extended to Malone Huskies Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Terry Collins and the soccer team for allowing time for the senior night festivities before the game.

Coach Martin then continued his address as follows: “As a graduating senior athlete, you have been challenged to set your goals high, stretch yourself, and to be industrious in all that you do. You have also been taught that athletics is a preparation for life and what you learn from being on a team is a microcosm of life. The things your coaches and teachers taught you about life are about to begin making sense. You will soon see what they meant.

“Our new life’s journey may have you continue in athletics, but most will not. You possibly could play in college, but most have taken off their competitive cleats for the last time. Other than recreational league games, most will not be under a coach’s influence any longer. You will learn to appreciate the fact that you were a member of your Gouverneur High School team and had the opportunity to play soccer.

“As you graduate, don’t forget what you have been taught, both on and off the playing field. Be a leader among family and friends. Be a leader in your community or on your campus. Be a responsible citizen and a good representation of all those who have invested their time to prepare you for this point in your life.

“In conclusion, athletics have now played an important role in your educational process. Coaches, teachers and parents have finished their task of training you. Make sure you thank them. Take what you have learned from all of them and make a smooth transition into “the rest of your life.” I wish you the best. We will all be cheering for you.”

Coach Martin then moved forward with the individual recognition of each senior. As their names were called, floral bouquets and a photo collage of their time on the GCS Soccer Field were presented to each senior. Each senior was joined in the celebration with their parents, and took the opportunity for a photo opportunity. The seniors were as follows:

Reese Lorenz, daughter of Rusty and Nicole Morenz, is a six-year school soccer player. She played summer travel an indoor soccer and adult league in Lowville. Reese will be going to attend SUNY Canton for Nursing.

Hope Simmons, daughter of Ed and Desiree Simmons, is a four-year school soccer player. She played in Lowville adult league. Hope hopes to study Criminal Law.

Rorey Fuller, daughter of Jason and Jenelle Fuller, is a six-year soccer player who played summer league, indoor league, Lowville adult league. Rorey plans on going to SUNY Canton to get her Bachelor’s Degree so she can apply for SUNY Upstate Medical and specialize as an OBGYN.

Holly Barton, daughter of Joe and Evelyn Barton, is a six-year school soccer player. She is a two-year starter, and is a year-round soccer player (indoor and outdoor Lowville Adult League). Holly is going to study to be a Registered Nurse.

Breena Drake, daughter of Brian and Kim Drake, is a six-year school soccer player, two-year varsity starter. She is a year-round soccer player (Lowville Adult League). She will be attending North Country Community College study Radiologic Technology.

Haylee Campbell, daughter of Gary and Mona Campbell, is a six-year school soccer player. She is a three-year varsity soccer player and starter. She was part of the 2018 Undefeated Class B Co-Championship Team. She is going to attend SUNY Canton for Nursing.

Laney Smith, daughter of Ed and Patti Smith, is a six-year school player, year-round soccer player, who also played in the Lowville Adult League. She was the 2018 Section 10 Defensive MVP, Two-Time First-Team All Northern, Times All North First Team, and led the Wildcats to the 2018 Undefeated Co- Class B Championships. She was the top three-scorer last year as a defensive player. Laney Smith was one of Coach Martin’s first players from Gouverneur that started at the age of 10. She played for two years on the Section 10 Select Team, and for two years has been co-captain. “One of the Gouverneur’s top girl soccer players… period!” Coach Martin said. She will be attending SUNY Potsdam for teaching.

Elaina Lumley, daughter of Allison Woods, has played soccer year-round for seven years full-time, starting when she was 10 years old. Coach Martin said that, other than his own daughter, Ireland, Elaina has played the most soccer for him. She started on defense on the 2018 Undefeated Class B Co-Championship and Central League Championship Team. Her defense group allowed only five goals all season. “Elaina has always been a rock in our Gouverneur club and the school program,” Coach Martin said. “She is a player that I will definitely miss! Elaina, it has been an honor to coach you full-time for all these years. Thank you for helping us build a successful program and sticking with me to the end.” Elaina will be attending either SUNY Jefferson or SUNY Canton and hopes to study Nursing.

A final word to parents and players: Much gratitude was extended. “I’m truly honored and blesse for the time, effort, commitment to myself and to our Gouverneur Girls Soccer Program. We are on top because of you. Seniors, good luck. Now let’s go play.”

But before the game commenced the Coach Martin was presented with a signed soccer ball with all the girls names as a “thank you” for his years of coaching. “On behalf of everyone at Gouverneur Soccer, who has been taught how to play soccer, summer or during school, the seniors would like to give Coach Martin a little gift,” Coach Wells said. Coach Martin graciously accepted the gift and elbow-bumped the presenting seniors in gratitude in keeping with the COVID-19 health recommendations.

The Gouverneur Girls Varsity Soccer Team then took a group picture with parents on the Gouverneur Soccer Field before game play commenced. Gouverneur won, 2-1, against Malone. Many words of congratulations were extended to the team following the first home game win.

Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Varsity Soccer celebrates Senior Night

by Rachel Hunter

The seven seniors on the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Boys Soccer Team were celebrated during Senior Night before the first home game of the season on Tuesday, October 13.

All were welcomed to the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Boys Soccer Senior Night by Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Lucas Hayden.

“This has not been the greatest year so far with everything going on,” Coach Hayden said. “They can’t have all their friends and family here… I have seven seniors this year. Three of them I have had since Modified, and four of them this is my first year actually coaching them. They all work hard in practice. They all dedicate their time, definitely. I am proud of them. I know you guys should be… I’d like to thank them for playing, and I’d like to thank (the parents) for doing the running around for them.”

Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Lucas Hayden was assisted in the ceremony by Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Mark Martin, who distributed the flower bouquets to the seniors. The seniors then presented the bouquets to their parents in a show of appreciation. Photos were then taken of each senior and their parents.

The seniors honored were as follows: Brock Cox, the son of Amanda Cox and Charles Newvine; Joseph Cummings, the son of Shawn and Clara Cummings; Kyle Gaumes, the son of Robin and Cindy Gaumes; Daniel Hall, the son of John and Betty Hall; Jordan Hayden, the son of Lucas and Staci Hayden; Wyatt Holmes, the son of Greg and Bobbie Holmes; and Garret Leclair, the son of Nichole Fullerton and Jimmie Leclair.

Many words of congratulations were extended to all the seniors on the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Boys Soccer Team.

The Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Boys Soccer Team ended a hard-fought game against Ogdensburg Free Academy with a 2-1 loss for the Wildcats. The next home game for the Wildcats will be on Oct. 26 against Salmon River. For full schedule information, visit sectionxboces.com.

Halloween Trunk N Treat to be held October 31

by Rachel Hunter

Parkstead Gouverneur Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck of Gouverneur eagerly anticipates decorating for the Halloween Trunk N Treat to be held on October 31, 6 to 8 p.m., hosted by Parkstead Gouverneur. Pictured with Mr. Peck are “his boys” Billy Joe, Axle the Rebel, Junior, and Billy Bob which will be part of the Halloween décor at the Halloween Trunk N Treat on Halloween Night. (Rachel Hunter photo)

A Halloween Trunk N Treat, sponsored and hosted by Parkstead Gouverneur, will be held on Halloween Night, Saturday, October 31, 6 to 8 p.m., at 500 Sleepy Hollow Rd., off Pooler St., Gouverneur.

“The Trunk N Treat we are going to open up to the public because we wanted to make sure that with everything going on with COVID that we wanted to make sure the kids had something,” Parkstead Gouverneur Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck of Gouverneur said. “With Parkstead, I am deep into community. I want to get our complex into the community. Some of our residents came to me, and said: “What are we going to do for the kids?” I said, “Well, I am thinking about a Trunk N Treat. And they said, “Well, that’s what we were thinking.” So at that point we decided to go ahead and open it to the public.”

The Halloween Trunk N Treat will start at the Parkstead Gouverneur Leasing Office. “All the people giving out candy will be on one side of the road, so that way kids are not running all over the complex. So, they are going to go down the one side of the road, turn the corner and go back around. All the residents will be lined up on the side of the road here and they will be required to wear a mask and gloves to hand out candy, because they are handing out. On the back side, where we don’t have apartments, where the tennis courts and basketball courts are… I have actually had some people call and say, “Can we come and help?” So they are going to come and we are going to set them up over in that area. If the kids are wearing costumes that don’t require a mask, we ask that they do put a mask on. We just want to make it fun, but safe for everybody and just do our part to help Gouverneur. All of us have been through enough with this, but the kids don’t deserve to lose Halloween. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I wanted to make sure that this was going to be a special one for them. It is the least we can do. We have a big enough complex… We have 100 shares on Facebook already. With phone calls and responses, I am expecting we will probably have well over 100 kids come. It’s really good, not just for us but the community.”

Regarding social distancing requirements, Assistant Manager Peck said the Parkstead staff will be located throughout the property. We’ll let them know that the families can walk together, because they are a family. But the next one must be six feet apart, and we’ll just make sure that we stagger them. We are doing it from 6 to 8 p.m., so over a two-hour period, I don’t think everyone is going to come at one time. So we’ll be able to spread it out… Tell them to get to one car and then get to the next, so someone else can start. We just want to keep it moving along… We just don’t want the kids to be running all over, because that might cause some issues with the social distancing requirements.

“We looked into it. The governor is not canceling Halloween. He did say that in his press conference. And we just are making sure that whoever is handing out candy wears a mask and gloves. We are going to make sure that if they don’t wear a mask and gloves, that they are provided. We’ve already ordered masks and gloves to make sure that everyone has masks and gloves. So we will provide that, and we are just following everything that is in the guidelines right now. It is going to be a fun event, and it is for the kids. It is 100 percent for the kids…. The last group that gets here at 8 p.m., we will let them push on through. All of our residents have been given the flyers, and I am going to see if businesses around town will put them in their windows.”

Parkstead Gouverneur will also host a Best Costume Contest. “We are going to ask local business to donate prizes for the costume contest,” Assistant Property Manager Peck said. “And we are also going to be taking pictures of everybody and we are going to post them on our webpage… so that people can go in and print off their kids in their costumes.”

Parkstead Gouverneur Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck, the son of Carlton Peck (of Peck Band Awards fame), said he’s looking forward to becoming more active in the community in the future. “Everybody knows what my dad did,” he said. “Dad was always the one who made sure things were bigger than what they were supposed to be… I am following in his footsteps. I want to make sure that is really big for the kids. I am excited… my bosses are excited, and the community’s excited. We just want everyone to know that Parkstead is here. We are in this community, and we want to be a part of the community. We are going to do a lot more community activities once a lot of this passes, and we are going to do more things. We are here. We love this community, and we want to be part of the community. I just got the Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce stuff in the mail. We are going to join the Chamber… I am already an assistant director with the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association. That fair has been a part of my life since the day I was born. I am 51, and dad has been active at the fair for 56 years, so it has been a part of my life since the day I was born. Gouverneur has always held a special place in my heart… I am here now, and I am here to stay. And now it is time for me to do what dad always wanted to do – and dad always wanted to be back here and part of the community. So now it is time for me to follow in his footsteps. So we’ll start with (Trunk N Treat) and use the Parkstead Gouverneur complex for everything.”

Parkstead Gouverneur Assistant Property Manager Sean Peck said the company has been getting more involved in the community lately with the giveaways at the Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival, social media postings, and more. The company is looking forward to inviting the public to Parkstead Gouverneur for the Halloween Trunk N Treat on October 31, 6 to 6 p.m. All CDC guidelines amid the COVID-19 crisis will be enforced.

9th Annual Pumpkin Fest: Giant pumpkins win big prizes

by Rachel Hunter

The 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest, presented by the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, featured the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest on Saturday, September 26 at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Giant pumpkin growers from all over New York State arrived with their gourds on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to enter into the competition in either the adult or youth division. Much gratitude was extended to all those who participated to make the annual event bigger and better than ever. All participants were asked to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association utilized a scale to accurately weigh the giant pumpkins entered into the competition.

The first prize ($150 and rosette) in the adult division went to the heaviest pumpkin on the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds – a 1,108-pounder entered by Christine Nolan, a former Gouverneur resident who currently makes her home in Champion. Nolan’s passion for the giant gourds has been visible at the annual pumpkin festival since she started growing the giant pumpkins and entering them into competition in 2012. When asked by the Gouverneur Tribune Press how she grew the giant pumpkin, Nolan said that her motivation was through a little family competition with her son-in-law, Travis Clemons of Croghan. Travis won the second-place prize ($100 and rosette) with his 949-pounder. Nolan said said her secret – especially in a hot summer like this one has been – was to ensure that her giant gourd received plenty of water. She said she also started the plant early, and buried vines to help the giant pumpkin receive it best chance to receive all the nutrients it needed for proper growth.

“You have to start it early, by the end of April, and it takes a lot of work,” Nolan said. “I had one year that was bigger than this, but I’m happy. I was worried because Travis’ is higher, mine is lower, so I kept trying to think if I smooshed his down would it be that long…”

The close race was evident, and Travis Clemons said he is planning on returning for the 10th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest for a chance to claim the top podium spot. When asked by the Gouverneur Tribune Press the reason for his smaller giant pumpkin this year, Clemons said that he didn’t know if any pumpkin festivals would be organized this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and stopped “feeding” his gourd, not wanting to put money into it for a fruitless return. But the second-place finish did not discourage Clemons, but instead motivated him to grow a bigger than ever giant pumpkin in 2021.

And Nolan is ready for this family competition to commence once again, knowing that there is always room for growth. She commented that the Saratoga Pumpkin Fest draws giant pumpkins that weigh over 2,000 pounds. Knowing this, Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Manager Don Peck encouraged all those in attendance to participate in the 10th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest, directing the crowd to pick up some giant pumpkin seeds before leaving the fairgrounds.

The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest results were announced in an award ceremony by Fair Manager Don Peck. The results commenced with the youth division, followed by the adult division. The top prize in the youth competition went to Travis Clemons’ son and Christine Nolan’s grandson, Brayden Clemons of Croghan, who entered a 752-pound giant pumpkin. He told all those in attendance that the Clemons’ had weighed the gourd before travelling to the Gouverneur Fairgrounds, and it weighed 761 pounds. When asked what he did to grow the giant pumpkin, Brayden Clemons did not reveal his secrets. Fair Manager Peck then encouraged the youth to keep doing whatever he did to grow the giant, and to return next year. The youth smiled as he walked away with his rosette and first-place $50 prize.

Brayden’s sister, Lilyanna Clemons, also entered a 14-pound pumpkin into youth division contest, and took home 12th place.

The second-place winner in the youth division, taking home the $25 prize, was Jolie Fuller with a 60-pound giant pumpkin.

The third-place winner in the youth division, taking home the $10 prize, was Peyton Fortin with a 57-pound giant pumpkin.

Fourth-place went to a 47-pound giant pumpkin, entered by Jack, Afton, and Max Riley of Richville. They also entered a 20-pound pumpkin in to the competition, which took 11th place. There was a tie for fifth place. Jonathan Webb and Liam Fields grew giant pumpkins weighing in at 43 pounds. Colby Fortin grew a 40-pound giant pumpkin, Jackson Fortin, a 38-pound pumpkin, Wyette Daniels, 37-pound pumpkin, Blake Fortin, a 32-pound pumpkin, and Stanley Fields, a 26-pound pumpkin. Many words of congratulations was granted to the youth for their participation in the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest this year. All were encouraged to grow bigger pumpkins next year and bring them to the competition at the 10th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest.

In the adult division, the remaining results are as follows: The third prize ($50 and rosette) was presented to Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur (Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Past President and Director), who entered 459-pound pumpkin. He also won fourth place with a 426-pound pumpkin, fifth place with a 417-pound pumpkin, sixth place with a 404-pound pumpkin, and seventh place with a 248-pound pumpkin. Eighth place went to Chris Boyle for his 119-pound pumpkin. Ninth place went to Fred Morrill with a 63-pound pumpkin. Tenth place went to Dave Bishop with a 47-pound pumpkin. Eleventh place went to Kriston Webb with a 38-pound pumpkin. Much gratitude and words of congratulations were extended to the adult participants as well.

“I think this is one of the best years we have had as far as attendance of pumpkins,” Fair Manager Don Peck said. “Last year it was a little sparce, but this year it turned out very, very well. I am glad we did this.”

Fair Manager Don Peck encouraged all who were interested in growing a giant pumpkin to talk with the growers and pick up a few seeds that were made available for anyone interested in testing out their green thumb in time for next year’s competition.

While many of the growers wouldn’t give out their secret for growing the giant gourds, the following tips will go a long way for those who are interested in joining next year’s competition:

Choose or prepare the soil for growing giant pumpkins. Collect some of the soil where you intend to plant your pumpkins. Take the soil to your local agricultural or conservation agency for testing. The test will let you know exactly what nutrients are in the soil. You can then determine what needs to be added. Having the right kind of soil will create vigorous, healthy vines. You can prepare the soil in early spring when the ground begins to warm, but it is best to start preparations in fall. This will allow any amendments you add to break down and work their way into the soil. You will need to prepare a 25 x 25 x 25 triangular area for each giant pumpkin vine to grow. Giant pumpkins generally need 2 pounds nitrogen (N), 3 pounds phosphorous (P2O2) and 6 pounds potash (K2O) per 1,000 square feet of growing space. Your soil should fall between 6.5 and 6.8 on the pH scale.

Choose a fertilizer to enhance your soil. If your soil doesn’t have the proper amount of nutrients, fertilizers can help to create the perfect environment in which to grow your pumpkins. Even if your soil is nutrient rich, adding a granular fertilizer, composted manure, or mature garden compost will fertilize the soil while improving the structure of the soil. Incorporate this fertilizer into the soil several days before you intend to transplant your pumpkins. Your plot should be located in the sun. Pumpkins need a fair amount of sunshine to grow up healthy and large. Keep in mind that pumpkins are sensitive and will need shelter from any intense wind. Add organic matter to your soil. Organic matters like manure will help your pumpkins grow up strong, healthy (and large!) You should use four inches of manure. Work the manure into the top few inches of soil.

Select proper seeds for planting. The genetics of the seeds you choose is important. They should come from a background of large-to-giant-size pumpkins. Plant your seeds (such as the ones made available at the Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest).If you live in a place that could potentially get frost in late April or May, you should start by planting your seeds in pots and keeping them indoors. If you think your pumpkins will be safe from frost, plant your seeds outside. Keep in mind that the seeds that sprout the fastest will generally grow the strongest pumpkins.

Germinating your seeds inside: Plant your seeds in peat pots that have four to six inches of soil in each pot. Plant the seeds one inch deep in the soil that is moist and keep the pots at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius). Some people use a greenhouse effect while others find setting them on top of the refrigerator works well. You should begin to see sprouts within three to five days. Germinating seeds outdoors: Before planting the seeds, soak them in warm water for four hours. Create a two-foot circle in the soil and remove the top inch of soil. Plant five seeds in the circle and cover them back up with the one inch of dirt. If possible, you can create a greenhouse over where you intend to plants the seeds and begin warming the soil several weeks in advance and several weeks after the sprouts have come up.

Transplant your sprouts. Only do this if you have chosen to germinate your seeds inside. Transplant your sprouts when you see the first true leaves appear (they will be green and full looking.) Build up mounds of soil that are roughly two-foot circles (they should be about the size of a pitcher’s mound.) Plant one sprout in each mound. Keep each mound approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) apart. If possible, place a small greenhouse on top of each mound. Doing this will keep your sprouts warm and healthy. Cut off weak vines. After a few weeks of growth, examine the pumpkin plant. Select the strongest looking vine in the group. Remove all others by clipping off the vines.

Pollinating: Pollinate the pumpkin blossoms by hand. Pollinating by hand is the preferred method but if you don’t have the time or the energy, it is a pretty safe bet that the bees will do most of the pollination for you. The flowers generally show up in late July. Pick your vine. The strongest and thickest vines often produce the largest pumpkins. Monitor your vines and see which one seems to be growing the fastest and thickest.

Identify the male and female plants to pollinate by hand. As in every form of reproduction, there is a male and female pumpkin counterpart. Do not begin pollinating until you the plant has roughly 200 leaves. The female has a small pumpkin at the base and no pollen inside the flower. To achieve the strongest female plant, you can break off the first female flower and wait for the second or third to grow (the strongest females grow when the vines are roughly 10 feet long, or longer.) The male will have a stamen inside the flower. The stamen will be covered in pollen. These male flowers generally show up before the female flowers do. Pull the petal from the male blossom. Only do this when a female flower grows from the largest and healthiest vine. Pulling the petal will help to expose the pollen needed for pollination. Rub the pollen stamen on the blossom of the female flower. This step is most successful if completed before the middle of July. This will ensure that the pumpkin has ample time for growth.

Time to pick your prize pumpkin. The largest pumpkins balloon out from the vine. Vines generally have two to three pumpkins. Once your pumpkins have reached the size of a softball, select the one on a vine that looks the most promising. You will have to cut out the others as they will steal nutrients from the prize pumpkin. Tear out the roots that are close to the pumpkin. Pumpkin vines grow roots at every leaf. Tearing out the roots nearest to the pumpkin will allow the pumpkin a bit of wiggle room. If the vine is held down by the roots near the pumpkin, the pumpkin might accidentally tear itself away from the vine as it grows massive. This would effectively end any more growth. Train vines away from the pumpkin. While growing, the pumpkin could accidentally crush the vines near it. Make sure to weed the area completely as your pumpkin vine grows. Once it reaches twenty feet and has covered the garden with leaves, you shouldn't have to weed anymore.

Pinch off the ends and side shoots. Only do this when the primary vine has reached 20 feet (6.1 m) in length. Pinching off the ends and side shoots will guarantee that the vine’s nutrients will go to your pumpkin. To increase the chance of a prize-winning pumpkin, shape the vine into a triangle. Treat the base of the vine as the bottom of the pyramid. You can cut the secondary side shoots shorter and shorter as they grow farther away from the base. For example, the shoots growing closest to the base might be twelve feet long; the next set of shoots might be ten feet long, then eight feet and so on.

Give the pumpkin shade. You can either drape a sheet over it or build a small structure to hold a tarp up over the pumpkin. That said, try not shade too many of the leaves. These need sunlight to grow the pumpkin. Give each plant 15 to 20 gallons (56.8 to 75.7 L) of water twice a week. Only do this if it is a dry season. Pumpkins do most of their growing at night. Water in the early evening so that the leaves and soil are not wet overnight. Try to avoid getting water on the leaves because wet leaves are more susceptible to disease.

Harvest your pumpkins to bring to the Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival!

The 2020 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival was also complete with a crafter/vendor fair, food truck vendors, pumpkin giveaways and raffles, and so much more. A great draw was the Giant Pumpkin Drop, which concluded the day-long event at 4 p.m. The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association encouraged all to maintain COVID-19 precautions throughout their attendance at the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, September 26 while on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest attendees enjoying taking photos as local youth sit atop the second heaviest pumpkin entered into the weigh-off contest. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Christine Nolan of Champion won the top prize in the adult division during 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest for her 1,108-pounder. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Brayden Clemons of Croghan wins the top prize in youth division for 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest with his 752-pounder. Brayden told the local officials that he weighed it at 761 pounds before he left home. The giant pumpkin superseded the second-place winner by nearly 700 pounds. Many words of congratulations were extended to Brayden for his big win. He hopes to enter another giant pumpkin at the 10th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest in September 2021. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Travis Clemons of Croghan won second place in the adult division with his 949-pound pumpkin that he entered in the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Lillyanna Clemons of Croghan shows off her 14-pound pumpkin that she entered in the 9th Annual Gouverneur Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Jolie Fuller won second place in the youth division with her 60-pound pumpkin during the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Jonathan Webb receiving his youth division prize for his 43-pumpkin he entered at the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off Contest. (Rachel Hunter photo)

SLC Court Judge Candidate Stops By Pumpkin Fest

SLC Court Judge Candidate Nicole Duve with Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Manager Don Peck at the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest. They are pictured behind the heaviest pumpkin entered into the weigh-off competition, totaling 1,108 pounds. “Nicole and her husband, Bill Mitchell, make their home in Potsdam, where they have raised their three children, Owen, Jake and Olivia, and dote on their beloved golden retriever, Maggie. A north country native with north country values, Nicole knows the importance of hard work and perseverance. The first person in her family to go to college, Nicole received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Potsdam and went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School of Union University. Returning to the north country after law school, Nicole began what has become a three-decade legal career leading to the knowledge, experience and commitment necessary to be the next St. Lawrence County Court Judge.” (Rachel Hunter photo)

Parkstead Properties Manager Stormy Cox and Assistant Manager Sean Peck (who also is an associate director for the Gouverneur & St. Lawrence County Fair Association) brought 300 bags to hand out to North Country residents at no cost – so they could have a bag to carry all their vendor/craft fair purchases at the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, September 26 on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. (Rachel Hunter photo)

A couple of the food trucks on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds as North Country residents stopped by the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest to get a taste of their fair food favorites. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Gouverneur Kiwanis Club booth and crafters/vendors were positioned by the livestock barns on the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds at the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival, on Saturday, September 26. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur walked away from the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest Weigh-Off Contest with several wins from the giant pumpkins he entered in the adult division of the contest. Lyle also donated the pumpkins that were in the Giant Pumpkin Weight-Guessing Contest and the Giant Pumpkin Drop. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Dave Bishop of DeKalb celebrates his win in the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Weigh-Off contest. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Treasurer Linda Bishop of DeKalb counting tickets at the 9th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, September 26. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Surgeon Dr. Brandy Joins SLHS Team in Canton and Gouverneur

General Surgeon Kiri Brandy, MD, has joined St. Lawrence Health System’s Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH) medical team. She has offices in the lower level of the E.J. Noble Medical Building, 80 East Main Street, Canton; and at Gouverneur Hospital’s CPH Specialty Suite, 77 West Barney Street, Gouverneur.

Dr. Brandy’s name may be familiar to many regional residents; she has had privileges at Canton-Potsdam Hospital for several years, and now has employed provider status with the Hospital. She earned her New York Medical College, Fifth Pathway Certification; her medical degree from Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico; and underwent her residency at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.

“I have lived and worked in St. Lawrence County for my entire professional career and it is definitely a place I call home. The people of the North Country are extremely special to me,” Dr. Brandy said. “I look forward to being able to continue to serve the community and help my patients through their healthcare needs. Assisting each patient as an individual is something I am passionate about.”

“It’s an honor to work within St. Lawrence Health System as it grows and adapts to meet the ever changing healthcare needs of the region,” she added.

As a general surgeon in Potsdam and Gouverneur, Dr. Brandy specializes in laparoscopy with an emphasis on minimally invasive breast surgery, venous disease, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, wound care, and skin lesions. She also performs minimally invasive breast surgery, minimally invasive venous treatments, gall bladder surgery, hernia surgery, vascular access, and skin excisions (including neoplasia).

For more information on General Surgeon Dr. Kiri Brandy, visit https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/providers/kiri-brandy.

Record numbers enjoy family fun at Harvest Town Corn Maze

by Rachel Hunter

A record-breaking 200 people drove to the Harvest Town Corn Maze, 1580 US-11, Gouverneur throughout the day on Saturday, September 19 to enjoy some old-fashioned family fun. For a $5 admission cost per person, families can enjoy an obstacle course, walk through a corn maze, play on the glider, go a hayride, etc. There is free admission for all those under 3 years of age. The Harvest Town Corn Maze is open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. -- rain or shine. Private parties can also be booked upon request.

Harvest Town Corn Maze opened to the public on Labor Day (September 7, 2020) and Owner Karl Bender of Gouverneur said repeat customers have already returned to enjoy all the activities at Harvest Town. For Mr. Bender, it is a dream come true.

“I always loved doing them when my kids were small,” Mr. Bender said. “We actually did one in Morristown… it was three generations at the time. My father passed away, and we had lived in the Village of Gouverneur and moved out here and got the land. So we decided to move the corn maze to here.

“Friends of mine in Lake Placid have the mining system, and I always thought that looked great and I always wanted to do it. So we built the mining tower, the mining system, and they can mine for gems, fossils. So we put that in.

“We have the maze. We used to do a haybale maze. I don’t have hay, so I was trying to figure out what I could do. So if you see our mine shaft, I was driving down the road and I saw a bunch of tires stacked up. And I said, “I could do that. I could make a tunnel.” So I went to Smithers Tire here in Gouverneur, and they gave me the tractor tires. And I said, “Well, if I have tractor tires, I can do a balance beam. And after I did the balance beam, I said: “I could do stairs.” And then of course everybody has to do the football obstacle. And then you come over and you run through the mine shaft (tunnel) and then you end by shooting balls to take on the dragon. That’s how you finish. We have two stations over there, so you can race.

“We have this glider over here, which is really interesting and cool, that we built and perfected across the road. Then we brought it here and the kids are loving the daylights out of it… It’s made out of one-inch PVC pipe, and wheels we bought on Amazon. And they hug the one-inch PVC so it stays on.

“We do a hayride too. And starting in October, we are going to have haunted hayrides on Saturday nights, time to be announced. This year, we are going to have Salem Witch Trial. This is fictitious. But here is the story: “I bought a map of St. Lawrence County. An old map of St. Lawrence County. When I unrolled it, there was another, smaller map. The smaller map had a road from Salem, MA to Gouverneur, NY. I then found out through my research that Gouverneur was a puritan community just like Salem. So you know how the Salem Witch Trials ended up being fake, right? That’s because the real witches got out before it happened. There was only two Puritan communities besides Salem that they had ben welcomed to. One of them was in Maine and one of them is in Gouverneur, NY. That is the tie. So while I was getting ready to do my haunted hayride, the shed over there will be full of witch stuff. We found it in the woods! And we kept being followed by a young lady. I think this young lady might be from Salem… We are posting these videos on Facebook. So we are whispering that were 100 feet away, using a telephoto lens and that she can’t see us. And she is sitting up in a tree… What happens is we tell the story of how I found the shed. And then she shows and we drop the camera. So we have (this footage) and we’ll be posting them along the way to tell the story. So I am going to be dressed up as a Bannister (judge), and the Salem Witch Trials rules and regulations are still in the Salem government books. The governor of Massachusetts has graciously allowed us for one night to use the rules and regulations of the Salem Witch Trial here in Gouverneur. We happen to know where this person is in the woods. I want to see if they are really a witch, and I need people to come and be the jury. As members of the jury, we’ll find out who put this witch on trial… following the Salem Witch Trials rules of 1692.” So that is our thing, we put them on the hayride, take them out. We get them in the woods, which is scarier than scary. We put them through two or three little scares, and we put them in the trial. It is more of a theater act, and we want them to ask questions of the witch and try to help me either prove she is a witch, or she is not a witch.”

When asked by the Gouverneur Tribune Press how many people could be in this jury, Mr. Bender said that the maximum allowed number was 6,000.

“New York State rules and regulations say that we can only have 33 percent capacity,” Mr. Bender said. “We are 13 acres, and that works out to 20,000 people. We are allowed to have 6,000. If we hit 6,000 in one night… we’ll have to go and have somebody look in the Village because there won’t be anybody left.

“So, this has been a dream of mine because it is one of the things we did as a family. My family is still highly active. We added the mining because it was something I always wanted to do. The obstacle course was because I couldn’t afford the haybales, so everything here is free. The sawdust comes from the Amish sawmill down the road, and the tires came from Smithers Tire in the Village. We recycled it all, and people are enjoying the daylights out of it… We lowered our fee. We were at $8, but lowered it to $5 because of the COVID-19, and our first post on Facebook hit 25,000 views in one day. And there is a high chance that we are going to get a lot of repeat customers… so I said, “Let’s lower the price and make it more affordable for families.” The very first day I had a grandfather, grandmother and four grandchildren. They came up and asked: “How much is it?” I said it is $5 per person. The grandfather looks at me, and he says: “Corn maze? Obstacle course? The glider thing?” I said, “Yeah.” He was like, “For $5?” I was like, “Yeah. The only thing you have to pay for was this mining thing, because I got to buy the roof… oh and I forgot, you also get a hayride.” And he was like, “I get a hayride too for $5?” I was like, “Yes, sir. You are getting all that for $5. We are doing this for family fun. We enjoy the Gouverneur community, and we are members of the Gouverneur community. We are here…”

Mr. Bender said the Harvest Town Corn Maze is possible thanks to his family, who is integral in every aspect of the operation. He said it is still being operated by three generations, as his children and grandchildren are involved. “I just moved up a peg,” he said.

Mr. Bender said he gets a kick out of seeing all the families come and enjoy the activities at the Harvest Town Corn Maze, and especially when he sees repeat customers back for more old-fashioned family fun.

Mr. Bender said that Harvest Town Corn Maze will be open through Halloween on Saturday, October 31. “And at the end, we are going to pick the corn. We got a corn picker. Right now most of the farmers are harvesting their corn, and come November it will be past where it is worth anything except for the corn itself. So we bought a corn picker, and we’re going to sell the corn off too. So everything is going to get used. And we’re hoping that it keeps growing.”

When the Gouverneur Tribune Press asked about COVID-19 precautions, Mr. Bender said the following: “We are considered a low-risk outdoor activity… because we are outdoors. The requirements by New York State is that you have a mask, and as long as you are more than six feet away and in your group, you don’t have to wear a mask. Once you get within six feet of somebody, you have to mask up.” The owners clean/disinfect common surfaces, and especially the pans that are used in the mining activity. Those, he said, are cleaned after each. Also mention was that the tables are cleaned once a day, and whenever customers aren’t using them. Mr. Bender informed that all requirements are followed as provided by the health department.

“We went through stuff with the Health Department, Economic Development… because both had the right to say if we could open or not. But we’ve met all the rules and regulations, and we have a whole COVID-19 plan, COVID-19 policy,” Mr. Bender said.

Mr. Bender also informed that through 95.3 The Wolf, Gouverneur Breast Cancer T-shirts were available for purchase in support of that organization’s mission to to help someone who is facing the long road from diagnosis to recovery from breast or ovarian cancer in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin Counties, New York. All funds received from donations become direct financial support to someone who is facing a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer and needs help during this challenging time. A Virtual Walk is also being organized, check out gouverneurbreastcancerfund.com for more information.

“You can buy your shirts here for the $10, and all the proceeds are going to the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund,” Mr. Bender said. “The COVID-19 really hurt their fundraising… So 95.3 The Wolf came up with this idea, and said: “Will you help us out with this?” And I said, “Hey, we support the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk too.”

Food trucks are also available on site. Nibbles Snackery of Rensselaer Falls has been on site to serve customers. Joining in October will be Nick and Amber Ormasen’s Cotton Candy N More. They will offer their usual menu along with the addition of hot cocoa and hot apple cider.

Mr. Bender also informed the Gouverneur Tribune Press that pumpkins were available from purchase. He said they came from Charlie Burt of Rowan’s Little Pumpkin Ridge in Gouverneur. The pumpkins have already attracted much attention from those who arrived to the Harvest Town Corn Maze in the past couple weeks.

Mr. Bender said he hopes that, as word spreads about the great activities offered to North Country families at Harvest Town Corn Maze, that this past weekend’s record attendance will be smashed. Don’t miss your chance to visit Harvest Town on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The time for the Haunted Hayrides on Saturday nights through October will be included in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press when the information becomes available.

Ed. Note: Karl Bender is also the Owner/Professional Engineer at AOK Engineering, PLLC, in Gouverneur.

Pumpkins available for sale at Harvest Town Corn Maze, 1580 US-11, Gouverneur, on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Harvest Town Corn Maze mining tower stands tall at 1580 US-11, Gouverneur, welcoming all those who stop by the new venture, set forth by Owner Karl Bender of Gouverneur and is operated by his family. (Rachel Hunter photo)

North Country residents enjoyed the obstacle course at Harvest Town Corn Maze since their grand opening celebration. Pictured, a local youth enjoys running over the mine shaft and then through it. (Rachel Hunter photo)

The entrance of the Harvest Town Corn Maze. North Country residents can go through the maze in about 45 minutes, and the main trail is about three-quarters of a mile long. Owner Karl Bender said Harvest Town has a hayride plus a scavenger hunt and trivia in the maze. It is all included at $5 per person. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Local youth enjoying the glider ride at Harvest Town Corn Maze. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Local youths finishing the obstacle course at Harvest Town Corn Maze by shooting balls at the dragon. (Rachel Hunter photo)

Giant pumpkins sought for weigh-in competition at 9th Annual Pumpkin Festival on Sept. 26

by Rachel Hunter

Attention pumpkin growers! Now is the time to look at those giant gourds and select the biggest for competition at the 2020 Pumpkin Festival! This past week, Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association Past President/ Director Lyle Hotis submitted photos of these possible “victims” for the pumpkin drop and guessing the weight contest. “I encourage anyone who has a big one to bring it to the weigh in on September 26,” Mr. Hotis said. “There is no cost to enter and the weight measurement is very accurate.”

Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association Past President/Director Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur shows off the “possible victims” considered for the Giant Pumpkin Drop and the Guessing the Weight Contest at the 9th Annual Pumpkin Fest to be held on the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 26. (photos provided by Dean Harper)

The 9th Annual Pumpkin Festival will be held at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you grew a giant pumpkin this year, this is your chance to compete for prize money for growing the largest pumpkin. The adult division pays $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd and $50 for third. The youth division pays $50 for 1st place, $25 for 2nd and $15 for third.  Pumpkins can be dropped off Friday afternoon or before 10 a.m. on Saturday morning.

As Fair President Beth Martin announced in an earlier edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press, the big event of the day will be the Great Pumpkin Drop at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are available by contacting any Fair Board member. They are also available through the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce. Watch Facebook for dates and times that they will be out around the community selling tickets before the event. Tickets are $5.00. 1st Prize - $500; 2nd Prize - $250 and 3rd Prize - $100.

“For those not familiar with this event, golf balls with corresponding ticket numbers are placed in a hollowed out giant pumpkin,” Fair President Beth Martin said. “A crane lifts the pumpkin as high as it can and then releases it. When it hits the ground, golf balls scatter in all directions! The golf ball that travels the farthest wins the big prize! The next two traveling the furthest win 2nd and 3rd prize respectively. This event can be viewed from your vehicle, or you can watch it on Facebook Live.”

The 9th Annual Pumpkin Festival will be held Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. Crafters, Vendors and Flea Marketers from all over the north county can secure a spot for $25 for the day. Registration Forms can be found on our website at www.gouverneurfair.net.

Face Masks and all social distancing requirements will be adhered to. Food vendors will be on site as well. The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association directors will also be selling tickets to guess the weight of a giant pumpkin. This is a 50/50 contest. Children can also enter their name in a drawing to win pumpkins that have been donated.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in the 9th Annual Pumpkin Festival!

More than 100 North Country students attend First UMC ‘s first drive-thru We’ve Got Your Back 2 School

Volunteers showcase the backpacks available at the Annual We’ve Got Your Back 2 School giveaway event, hosted by the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur on Sunday, August 30. (Rachel Hunter photo)

by Rachel Hunter

The First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur hosted the North Country community at its 34 Grove Street location for its annual We’ve Got Your Back To School giveaway event on Sunday, August 30. Over 100 students in the North Country region were served during the event, encompassing the Gouverneur Central School District, Harrisville Central School District, Edwards-Knox Central School District, and Hermon-DeKalb Central School District.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the annual event was organized by appointment with stations being set up in a drive-up style around the church. The efforts of many volunteers made the event possible. Social distancing was observed. Volunteers wore face masks, and hand sanitizer was available throughout the event.

Volunteers ready the school supply packets for community members at the Annual We’ve Got Your Back 2 School Giveaway at the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur on Sunday, August 30. (Rachel Hunter photo)

School supplies were gathered in individualized packets, and brought to the community members vehicles as they arrived. At the next station, the community members were able to choose from a wide selection of backpacks. Also, toiletries and food was made available to all attendees.

Many contributions from community members and businesses made this event possible to help support local students during the upcoming 2020-21 school year.

Attention was also drawn during the event to the First UMC Blessing Box. This box (cabinet) is meant to provide non-perishable food items and toiletries for folks with an immediate need. Take what you need, give what you can, share the word if you know of someone who needs a little boost. You may add items to the box at any time, if the box is full you may drop items off at the church office (Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 1 PM) to replenish when supplies are low.

For more information on First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur, visit the church Facebook page or website gouverneurumc.org or call (315) 287-2440.