Sawyer Brown to headline opening night concert at Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair

by Rachel Hunter

The 2022 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will be held Tuesday, August 2 through Sunday, August 7, 2022 and plans are already being made to make this year’s county fair – the 163rd Year for the Gouverneur Agricultural and Mechanical Society and the 170th Year for the St. Lawrence County Agricultural Society – the best one yet. A family tradition since 1859, there promises to be something for everyone at the 2022 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair.

Fair Manager Don Peck of Gouverneur told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that tickets are already being sold for the opening night concert on Tuesday, August 2, 8 p.m. Sawyer Brown, an American country music band, will be the opening night headliner. The band was founded in 1981 in Apopka, Florida, by five members of country pop singer Don King's road band: Bobby Randall (guitar), Jim Scholten (bass guitar), Joe Smyth (drums), Gregg "Hobie" Hubbard (keyboards), and Mark Miller (lead vocals). After King retired in 1981, the five members decided to form a band, first choosing the name Savanna before switching to Sawyer Brown, taken from the name of a road near where they practiced.

Sawyer Brown first gained national attention in 1983 when they participated on Star Search, a former television talent show on which they won the grand prize of $100,000. They received many offers in Los Angeles, including a Monkees-like television show, but opted to return to Nashville. They quickly earned a recording contract with Capitol Records (in association with Curb Records). Their first album, also titled Sawyer Brown, was issued in 1985. It included their first Number One single on the Billboard country music charts, titled "Step That Step". The band continued to chart regularly throughout the 1980s, although many of their late-1980s singles failed to enter Top 40.

Originally, Sawyer Brown was known for a primarily country pop sound dominated by novelty tunes; by 1992, however, the band began to show a more serious side to its music, adding ballads to its repertoire. That year, the band also dropped its affiliation with Capitol, and Curb Records took over promotion and distribution of all subsequent albums and singles (except for 2003, when Sawyer Brown temporarily switched to Lyric Street Records). Bobby Randall also left the band in 1991, and was replaced by Duncan Cameron. Cameron subsequently departed in 2004, with Shayne Hill assuming the role of lead guitarist.

To date, Sawyer Brown has released twenty-three albums, of which three have been certified gold in the United States for sales of 500,000 copies. More than fifty of their singles have entered the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including three Number One singles. Sawyer Brown also received a Horizon Award from the Country Music Association in 1985, as well as a Vocal Group of the Year award in 1997 from the Academy of Country Music and 5 Vocal Band Of The Year Awards from the TNN/Music City News Country Awards.

There is much anticipation for the opening night concert, and seating will once again be position behind the grandstand stage due. Reserved seating costs $50 per ticket, festival seating $30 per ticket. Call 315-287-3010 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and the number of tickets requested and someone will return your call. Fair Manager Peck said that within a couple of weeks, tickets will be available through Etix. For more information, visit gouverneurfair.net.

On Wednesday, August 3, the crowds will once again enjoy the talents of local high school marching bands during the Carlton Peck Band Day with the high school bands parade at 1 p.m. and the Peck Awards to follow. The 2022 Fair will be the first year the local marching bands will make their return to compete at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The 2022 Band Day will be the first year without its namesake, Carlton Peck, who passed away in November 2021. His family plans to honor him before the Peck Awards ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. The ever-popular 2022 Firemen’s Parade will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening, free grandstand.

On Thursday, August 4, harness racing will be at noon, and fairgoers can enjoy the races from the comfort of grandstand seating. On Thursday evening, the talent show (free admission) will take place on the grandstand stage, starting at 6:30 p.m.

On Friday, August 5, starting at 6 p.m., crowds will enjoy the tractor pull in front of the grandstand stage. The charge will be $15 per person.

On Saturday, August 6, 8 p.m., the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will welcome Larger Than Life, the Ultimate Boyband Tribute Band, to the grandstand stage. Local band, The Revolution, will perform from 4 to 7 p.m. Free grandstand. Fair Manager Don Peck said the Saturday will also be Military Day, and there will be a special ride promotion for military kids.

On Sunday, August 7, the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will come to a close once again with the crowd-favorite, the Demolition Derby, which starts at 1 p.m. at the grandstand. There will be a $15 per ticket charge.

Coleman Brothers Shows Inc. will once again provide the amusements on the midway with carnival rides and games. Fair Manager Peck told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that the carnival rides will not be open until Wednesday, August 3, at 1 p.m. “There will be no rides available on Tuesday,” he said. “There will be food stand open and games open, but rides will not open until 1 p.m. on Wednesday.” There will be special ride promotions once again this year, which will be announced later once plans have been finalized. “There will be a special deal for a wristband on Saturday,” he said. “You can buy them at 3 o’clock and ride until closing. That’s something new, just on Saturday only.”

Free Ground Acts: The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will once again welcome back free ground acts – Eudora Farms Petting Zoo and Rosaire’s Racing Pigs. In addition, Fair Manager Peck said the following: “We’ve got a new ground act, it’s a dragon that will talk to you, walk around the midway and entertain kids. It’ll also be stationery underneath Coleman’s big tent for the whole week. It’ll be doing shows three or four times per day. It’ll be walking around the grounds… something different for kids to do.”

The 2022 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will also offer a local entertainment tent where local bands, musicians, vocalists, etc. can perform free of charge. To sign up for a timeslot of one hour or two, contact Fair Manager Peck at 315-287-3010. “We are not sure where the tent is going to be yet, but we will take care of that. That will be something new. I’ve had a few people ask if they could come and perform…”

The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair also annually serves as a showcase for youth and agricultural achievements. Exhibits will once again be on display in the 4-H and FFA Buildings. Farmers across the North Country will bring their best livestock for exhibition in both junior and open classes. There will once again be much to see and do in the agricultural end of the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds during Fair Week. More information will be published as it is made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

Wildcat senior dominates in four matches to win NYS title

by Dick Sterling

It would have been difficult to find a wrestler at the New York State Championships, held last weekend in Albany, who was more dominate than Gouverneur Wildcat senior Carter Baer. The 160-pound Section 10 champion, who entered the tournament as the top seed in his Division II weight class, and was the defending state champ (2020 - 138-pounds) and also won a surrogate state tourney in 2021 when the traditional state championships were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, breezed through his four matches with ease.

Baer wrapped up the season with a record of 38-0. His career record improved to 176-16. He earned a pin or a technical fall in 124 of his matches, most in the first period. Baer will now take his skills to wrestle for Binghamton, where he has accepted a Division I scholarship.

After a first round bye, Baer wrestled Ike Svitavsky, of Jordan-Elbridge/Port Byron. The Wildcat wrestler needed just 1:22 to build up a 15-0 lead and earn a technical fall. In the quarterfinals the Section 10 champ had to endure his longest match of the season. It took Carter 2:42 to build up a 15-0 lead against Donald Bennett, of Pioneer… another technical fall. In the semifinals Carter would tangle with Aydin Deforest, of Mount Markham, who entered the match with a 2021-22 record of 41-3. It took Baer only 51 seconds to put Deforest to his back and earn the pin.

In the 160-pound championship final, Carter would have to wrestle against the number seven seed, Nick Brown, of Springville-Griffith, who entered the championship match with a record of 34-5, and had already pinned both the two and three seeds in the tournament. Carter, once again, dominated the match. He needed just 2:31 to build an 18-2 technical fall. The two points he allowed were escapes that he allowed to Brown, just to score more points on takedowns and near falls.

WAY AND TUPPER 
BOTH PLACE

Wildcat wrestlers Vandavian Way and Trayton Tupper wrestled very well and both placed in their Division II weight classes. Way, a sophomore, who had earned the top seed at 152 pounds, followed an opening round bye with a hard-fought 2-0 decision over Ryan Romano, of Island Trees. In the quarterfinals Way picked up an 8-7 decision over Sean Tansey, of Collegiate School A. Vandavian was upset by the number four seed, Mitch Gaiser (46-4), of Alexander. Trailing 2-0 through two periods, Way earned a takedown early in the third period to tie the match at 2-2, but Gaiser picked up an escape in the closing seconds to earn a 3-2 decision. In wrestlebacks Way earned a 1-0 decision over Noah Bernstein, of Edgemont and then dropped a 5-2 decision to Braidon Woodward, of Canisteo-Greenwood, who had been the only wrestler to defeat Way during the regular season. Vandavian placed fourth and wrapped up the season with a record of 34-3.

Senior Trayton Tupper, wrestling at 138 pounds, was seeded 11th. He opened the tournament by earning a pin in 3:51, over Owen Emmick, of Lansing. In Round two Tupper was pinned in 4:40 by David O’Neil, of General Brown, of the Frontier League. Tupper earned more victories during wrestlebacks and eventually defeated Grayson Meak 3-0 in the seventh place match.

FOUR OTHERS TAKE PART

Four other Wildcat wrestlers earned a trip to the state tournament by winning titles at the Section 10 championships.

Ryan Mashaw, an eighth grader, was defeated by technical fall in the first round at 110 pounds, and then lost a 6-3 decision in round two; Zoe Griffith, a freshman, and a female wrestler competing against the boys at the state level, wrestling at 126 pounds, lost a 7-0 decision in her first match and then lost a 4-0 decision in round two; Hunter Mashaw, a sophomore, wrestling at 132 pounds, lost an 11-5 decision in the first round and then dropped a 4-1 decision in the second round; senior Gabe Wainwright, the Section 10 215-pound champion, was pinned in his opening match and then dropped a close 6-4 decision in his second.

The Wildcats placed eighth out of 123 teams with 57.5 points in the team standings.

Congratulations to Coach Joel Baer and Coach Shawn Cummings and the Gouverneur Wildcat wrestling team for another outstanding season. And congratulations to Carter Baer for an outstanding season and career. Carter has handled himself with grace and is always polite and controlled. He is a perfect example of what generates Wildcat pride… we are all proud of you.

Viva St. James! 19th Annual St. James Gala A Success

by Rachel Hunter

The 2022 St. James Gala “Viva St. James” was a thrill for the North Country as they placed their bets, gambling to win top prizes and auction items at the annual gala. This was the second year that the St. James Gala was held via a virtual format amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The St. James Gala featured a live auction and virtual gala event on Saturday, February 12 and a virtual silent auction that was open from Saturday, February 5 until Sunday, February 13. The event is annual fundraiser to benefit the St. James School in Gouverneur.

For over 60 years, St. James School has provided outstanding education to students in the community. 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. With generous donations and contributions from local businesses and community members, the funds raised at the St. James Gala help to fund the academic programs, resources and activities, such as the book club, cooking club, STEM learning activities, technology, and much more. This year, St. James School has added a school counselor, 35 new chromebooks, two new interwrite boards, and a new roof. Organizers said that the community’s support is vital especially during these challenging times. All proceeds will go to the general fund, allowing St. James to continue its mission at St. James School in Gouverneur.

The Gala Gals (Jeanne Sweeney, Elaine Terpstra, Julie Wainwright, Clara Cummings, Gidget Wainwright, Mary Beth Friot, Bridgette LaPierre and Joni Bates) ensured that the event was a success. The St. James Gala and Live Auction event opened on Saturday, February 12 with St. James School Principal Bridgette LaPierre and St. James Alumna Julie Wainwright welcoming all in attendance on the Facebook Live platform. More than 200 viewers were logged on throughout the evening. Father James “Jay” Seymour offered a blessing, which in part said the following: “Lord God, you are the source of all good gifts. On this festive evening, celebrating the St. James School Gala, we gather with grateful and joy-filled hearts as we acknowledge the people in the community who have done so much to continue the school mission here at St. James School… a school which has offered for over 60 years a quality, holistic and value-based Christian education for our students. We are grateful for all of our sponsors. We are grateful for all people who support our school. And we also acknowledge that there are some great prizes to be offered tonight, but the best prize and the ultimate prize, Lord, is to live and love with you and one another for now and for all eternity. We ask God’s blessings on all of you…”

Much gratitude was extended to all those in attendance for their continued generosity. All those in attendance were asked the following question: “Have you ever been in St. James School at any time of your life?” The names of those who commented on the live feed were included in a door prize for an Olive Garden basket, which was won by Kimberly Flood.

Auctioneer Don Peck of Gouverneur then started the live auction, encouraging bidders to “bid high and often” in support of St. James School. The items included the following: “Faith on Fire” Pit created by the Southwest Tech (BOCES) welding class, All-American Package (includes Woodburned Flag and American Flag hand-crafted cornhole game, donated by Constance Construction), Insulated Hunting Shack donated by Silver Line Spray Foam, Nature Excursion to the Terpstra Family Farm (which included a Back to Nature Basket donated by the Bartholomew Family), Favorite Things Party hosted by the Gala Gals, Mangia with the Pistolesi Family, Basketball Hoop, Car Care Package, and a Progressive Dinner at Sylvia Lake. The live auction received many bids from generous community members, the top bids coming for the following items: The Progressive Dinner at Sylvia Lake, where the winning bidder would enjoy cocktails and appetizers on a lake cruise with Shawn and Clara Cummings, the first course at the home of John and Jeanette Perry, the main course at the home of Joel and Bridgette LaPierre, and dessert with Sara and Derek Breckenridge. The winning bid came in at $1,400.

A hot ticket item was Mangia with the Pistolesi Family. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, you still can’t “eat-in” at the Casablanca, but this coupon received high bids as it would allow the winning bidder to do just that. With this auction item, the Casablanca Restaurant would open just for the winning bidder and five friends to enjoy a family style dinner with the Pistolesi Family. The winning bid came in at $1,100, and due to the high demand, John Pistolesi said he would offer the opportunity to three bidders at $1,100 each. Much gratitude was extended to the Pistolesi family for their support of St. James School.

Numerous card hands were purchased for this year’s Texas Hold ‘Em game, and Gouverneur native Renea Atiemo won the 50/50 prize of $550.

Hundreds of tickets were also purchased for the 2022 Key Raffle, with featured special prizes included in 10 treasure chests. The winners were announced as follows: Jewelry Package featuring diamond earrings totaling over 1 karat donated by Brown’s Jewelers in Gouverneur (Jennifer Davis), Fueling Up by Philly Fuels (Ashley June), $500 Cash (Betsy Cummings), 300 Gallons of Fuel Oil donated by Bush Fuels (Sara Breckenridge), Romantic Evening Jacuzzi Room at the Clearview, Dinner at Mullins Restaurant and Champagne Basket (Kari Burkett), Elegant Evening Package at the Lawrence Manor and include two tickets to the 2023 St. James Gala and two hairstyles by Tangles (Judy Brown), Queen for a Day at Tangles Day Spa (Memory Payne), About Town featuring local gift certificates from businesses in the Gouverneur community (Dionna Leung), Something for Him featuring $300 gift certificate from Small Town Supply (Dawn Bango), and Cash It In with over 100 scratch-off lottery tickets (Deb Mattot).

North Country community members also took the opportunity during the St. James Gala to become a “Tuition Angel” by making a donation of $200. A generous contributor donated funds for a $5,000 match. The funds raised will go directly to credit a family’s tuition balance for those who qualify for tuition assistance, based on income or other life situations such as a loss of job or family illness. Principal LaPierre said that over 35 percent of students at St. James School qualify at poverty level. Much gratitude was extended to all those who participated for their support of St. James students.

There were two special raffle drawings at the conclusion of the evening. Principal LaPierre said that students had been submitting raffle tickets for two special prizes, and the following winners were announced: Family Game Night (Kim Prashaw) and Fidget Fun (Brewer Gardner).

Much gratitude was extended to the generous contributions made by the 2022 St. James Gala Sponsors, which include the following: At Crown of Jewels – Tim and Diane Monroe.

At Diamond Level – Gouverneur Savings and Loan, RSI Roofing Inc., Joe Laurenza,

At Platinum Level – Superior Plus Propane.

At Gold Level – Team Blevins LLC & Blevins Ford Inc., Weekes Insurance Agency, Case and Leader LLP, Empire State Mines LLC, Family of Anatolio (Tony) and Quinta Pistolesi, Albert and Theresa Desormeaux, Judy Brown.

At Silver Level – Dr. Scott Day, KPH Healthcare, Friend of St. James, Family of Joseph Pistolesi, Marlene Hajal Mousaikel, MD and family, family of Marianno and Maybelle Pistolesi.

At Bronze Level – A-Plus Auto Care Inc., Friends of St. James, NY Pizzeria, Richville Furniture, Firley, Moran, Feer, Eassa CPA, Newvine’s Auto Parts LLC, Specialty Floors.

Friends of Gala – Advanced Business Systems, BCS Landscaping, Brown’s Jewelry, Bush Fuels, Clearview Motel, Lawrence Manor, Northern Collision, Philly Fuels Inc., Small Town Supply, Tangles Salon and various local vendors.

For more information about St. James School, visit stjamesk6.org.

Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling fetes seniors

by Rachel Hunter

Four Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestlers were feted on Senior Night, held in the GHS main gymnasium on Feb. 1 before a packed house during the Pink Zone matches against the Malone Huskies and the Canton Golden Bears.

The Wildcat seniors each received a yellow carnation with a blue ribbon (thanks to the Gouverneur Wildcat Booster Club) from Emily’s Flowers in Gouverneur. The Wildcats were also presented a special photo momento, made possible by Shannon Way and her family. Much gratitude was extended to all who made the senior recognition possible, including the parents of the senior student-athletes. “It’s nice to have that kind of support,” Head Coach Joel Baer said. “It means a lot to us, the program and the kids. Thank you.”

Gouverneur Wildcat senior Gaige Butterfield, the son of Brandy Macaulay and Don Butterfield, wrestled as a sophomore and returned to the roster for the 2021-22 season. Coach Joel Baer said, “He wrestled as a sophomore and then we had COVID, which obviously screwed up a lot of stuff. I was really glad he came back this year. I wasn’t sure what his intentions were. Not everything is wins and losses. One thing that resonated with me is that at one point this year, at Tioga, he made weight, he wrestled and won a couple matches. And he said: “I’m proud of myself.” And I said: “That’s great, and so you should be.” This individual has also lost approximately 25 pounds since the start of the season, and I know that he is proud of that and he should be.”

The next senior honored was Gouverneur Wildcat Gabriel Wainwright, the son of Michael and Gidget Wainwright. Coach Joel Baer said the following: “He wrestled as a sophomore and then we had the COVID year, which was screwy, and had a lot more success this year. I am very glad he came back. He has battled some sicknesses this year. I am hoping for him to finish the season strong. One thing with this individual, and I think we all know this, when he really trusts himself and has confidence in himself and his abilities, things work out a lot better for him. He is tough on himself, but I am glad he came out, excited for the finish.”

Gouverneur Wildcat Senior Trayton Tupper, the son of Jamie Jenkins and Bill Tupper, was honored next. Coach Baer said the following: “Coach (Shawn) Cummings just mentioned it… Where has time gone? Trayton has been in our wrestling program since he was probably 4 or 5 years old. Lots of memories over the years, from NYWAY State Tournaments to travel teams and six years of varsity wrestling, that hopefully he takes with him. You have them with the rest of his life. I still believe, and I hope he that the best version of Trayton is going to show up this last month of the season and in Albany, and hopefully has a great ending.” Trayton Tupper was also recognized with a plaque for his 100 pins that he accomplished earlier in the season.

Gouverneur Wildcat Senior Carter Baer, the son of Joel and Denise Baer, received the final recognition. Coach Baer said the following: “Again, you think, where did six years go? It is gone in a blink of an eye. What a ride. You start out in seventh grade, and you think, he is emotional at times, not quite mentally mature enough to handle varsity wrestling and especially matches at the state tournament when you are a 12-year-old kid. To breaking your leg in January of your Freshman year, and being undefeated at that point in the season, having a shot at doing well… All the way in this journey to becoming a State Champion in 2020 and having COVID show up, and interrupt the world – junior season, college visits. I truly believe that all of that has helped this individual shape and mold into the wrestler and young man he is today, and will propel him into the future at Binghamton in his attempt to continue to be a national champion All-American. It’s always a unique perspective coaching your own flesh and blood. He made it easy on me. He works harder that anyone I have ever seen as a high school athlete. He has become a student of the sport. He’s done everything in his control to better himself. I am proud to have been on the journey with him as his coach and father. We’ll miss him next year. I am sure we will miss him more than he will miss us. We’ll miss having our leader, role model, and in a sense he is an assistant coach. In the room, the young kids will call: “Beebo, Beebo,” And he knows more than we do, so we’ll say: “Yeah, ask Beebo.” Best of luck. Continue to make your hometown proud, after some unfinished business and taking another state title.” Carter Baer was also recognized with a plaque for his 100 career falls that he accomplished earlier in the season.

The Gouverneur Wildcats also recognized Malone Central’s seniors, Brody Fountain and Lucas Martin. There are no seniors on Canton Central’s roster. Much applause and congratulations were extended to the seniors on their accomplishments. The Gouverneur Wildcats went on to win the matches against Malone Central, 54-18, and against Canton Central, 75-0. The Gouverneur Wildcats will host the Varsity Sectional Qualifier, scheduled for Friday, February 11 in the GHS gymnasium. For more schedule information, visit sectionxboces.com.

North Country Poor People’s Campaign holds regional healthcare rally

by Rachel Hunter

A North Country Healthcare Rally, sponsored by the North Country Poor People’s Campaign, fought for affordable and accessible quality healthcare on Sunday, January 30, at local hospital. In addition to appearing at St. Lawrence Health’s Massena Memorial Hospital, and Canton-Potsdam Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Hospital in Ogdensburg, the rally came to SLH’s Gouverneur Hospital at 77 W. Barney St., Gouverneur.

This isn’t the first time the North Country Poor People’s Campaign has come to Gouverneur, having held several meetings previous to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis at the Gouverneur Community Center, and the leadership team recognized the benefit of the facility to the whole North Country. What is the Poor People’s Campaign? In 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others called for a “revolution of values” in America. They sought to build a broad, fusion movement that could unite poor and impacted communities across the country. Their name was a direct cry from the underside of history… The Poor People’s Campaign. Today, the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival has picked up this unfinished work. From Alaska to Arkansas, the Bronx to the border, people are coming together to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.

The Poor People’s Campaign understands that the nation is at a critical juncture — and that society needs a movement that will shift the moral narrative, impact policies and elections at every level of government, and build lasting power for poor and impacted people. During the summer of 2018, from Mother’s Day to the Summer Solstice, poor people and moral witnesses in 40 states committed themselves to a season of direct action to launch the Campaign. What ensued was the most expansive wave of nonviolent civil disobedience in the 21st century United States. More than a series of rallies and actions, a new organism of state-based movements was born. Now, in over 40 states, the groundwork for a mass poor people’s movement is emerging and growing.

The North Country Healthcare Rally in Gouverneur, Potsdam, Massena, and Ogdensburg drew many positive responses from the North Country community during the 30-minute time allotment in front of the local hospitals. In Gouverneur, many motorists honked their vehicle horns as the North Country Poor People’s Campaign positioned themselves on the sidewalk in front of the hospital and held signs proclaiming: “Healthcare for all! Nothing less!” “Healthcare is a human right.” And “People over profits. Pass NYS Health Act!” In an interview with the Gouverneur Tribune Press, the leadership team and representatives of the North Country Poor People’s Campaign offered insight on the importance of the rally.

John Tenbusch of Waddington said the following: “Healthcare is important. The pandemic reinforces the fact that it is important. The New York Health Act has been on the table for several years and it hasn't been passed. And it is very important. It would provide insurance, healthcare for everybody in this state. It has been on the table, and it just hasn’t passed… so somebody just needs to give it a kick!”

McKay Burley of Massena then said, “I think also in the North Country a lot of folks are living paycheck to paycheck, and they shouldn’t be put into so much stress over one medical emergency…”

Mr. Tenbusch then added the following: “Healthcare is often provided by your employer, but there are so many jobs that don’t have it. And if you lose a job or leave to go to the next one, you might or might not be covered on your healthcare. Universal healthcare, like the New York Health Act, where everyone is covered and everyone gets what they need is vital.”

Raamitha Pillay of Colton said: “With the Poor People’s Campaign, we always like to hear people’s stories and no one really knows in St. Lawrence County how precarious people’s healthcare is. No one is really talking about it. We are hoping that by engaging with the people, we can hear their stories and get a better idea about what is exactly going on. What exactly is going on? Why are people in this situation? We might hear stories from family and friends, but we don’t really know the system… what in the system isn’t really working. Something isn’t really working, but what really isn’t working, we don’t know. We are hoping that by hearing people’s stories, we can figure that out and fix the system.”

While a six- to seven-minute presentation featuring quotes from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was prepared for the 1 p.m. rally, it was not given due to low turnout. But the North Country Poor People’s Campaign viewed every vehicle honk as positive responses from the local community members.

The North Country Poor People’s Campaign expects to continue to hold meetings virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and all those who are interested in learning more about the organization or future meeting dates are encouraged to visit the group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/northcountryppc. The group also plans to be more visible in the North Country community, including at events such as the weekly farmers markets.

The local chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival plans to stretch their banner even wider in the years to come. Nationwide, the Poor People’s Campaign believes that, together, they can rise and demand that the 140 million poor and low-income people in our nation — from every race, creed, color, sexuality and place — are no longer ignored, dismissed or pushed to the margins of political and social agenda. The group considers themselves as a moral fusion movement to build power, build moral activism, build voter participation, to change the moral narrative and demand that the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy/militarism and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism all be ended. They rise to challenge the lie of scarcity in the midst of abundance, and to lift the voices and faces of poor and low-income Americans and their moral allies with a new vision of love, justice, and truth for America that says poverty can be abolished and change can come. For more information on how to join, visit www.facebook.com/groups/northcountryppc.

GCS Small Ensembles Concert a crowd-pleaser

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District on Thursday, January 20 hosted a Small Ensembles Concerts at the Gouverneur High School, 113 E. Barney St., Gouverneur.

The middle and high school students showcased their musical talents during the concert, which featured the Select Strings (directed by Victor Correa III), Chamber Singers (directed by Renee Powlin) and the GCS Jazz Band (directed by Ms. Jenelle Yeoman). The concert attracted over 100 Gouverneur community members who enjoyed the live performance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and the uptick of positive cases throughout the North Country, all those in the audience were required to wear masks while inside the Gouverneur High School. The performances warmed the hearts of many in attendance despite the subzero temperature outside. Much gratitude was extended to all the concertgoers, for the support of the students and GCS Music Program.

“We are excited to have you all here this evening, and share a fun night of music,” said Ms. Jenelle Yeoman.

The GHS Select Strings, directed by Victor Correa III, includes the following students Hailey Morrissiey (1st Violin), Emalyn Kulp (1st Violin), Madison Hopper (2nd Violin), Turner Sochia (2nd Violin), Ashlee Flood (Viola), Cole Siebels (Viola), Raneissa Way (Viola), Llydia Blaine (Cello), Niciara House-Bowman (Cello), and Ayden Sears (String Bass).

The GHS Select Strings first performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral Symphony) as arranged by Christina Hans. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 first premiered on December 22, 1808. The first sketches of the symphony appeared in 1802, but Beethoven was not ready to complete it for six more years. The term pastoral in music had already for 100 years, and implied the sleep of nature and the drone of bagpipes. In this symphony, Beethoven exalted this concept and imitates natural repeated patterns with long passages of unchanging harmony. The selection, performed with musical excellence by the GHS Select Strings, thrilled the audience with the happy feelings upon arrival in the country, sitting by a brook, and hearing the merry-making by country-folk, and the harsh sounds of a storm. The energy of the selection enthused the audience and awakened their appetite to hear the other selections in the students’ wide repertoire.

The GHS Select Strings then performed “Blue Rhythmico” by Kirt N. Mosier. The powerful rhythm, driven by guitar-like riffs and a steady base line on the low strings, and jazzy blue notes thrilled the audience with the students’ energetic performance.

The GHS Chamber Singers, directed by Renee Powlin, then took to the risers to perform three selections. The GHS Chamber Singers includes the following students: Soprano/Alto (Kortney Knight, Jahonna Sloan, Niciara House-Bowman, Mariah Manning, Kati McIntosh, Janaya Fuller, Allison Carvel) and Tenor/Bass (Cole Siebels, Kaleb Webster, Makyle Pankey, Hazen Given, and Abigail Way). During the performance, the Chamber Singers were accompanied by Ms. Powlin on piano and Gavin Davis on drums.

The first selection was “Fly Me To The Moon” as arranged by Roger Emerson. A lover of music history, Ms. Powlin offered the following historical background to the crowd gathered: “It was written in 1954 by Bart Howard, and was originally titled “In Other Words.” The song has become part of the “Great American Songbook,” a designation that means it is an important part of America’s musical background. According to the arranger, Roger Emerson, “Fly Me To The Moon” was closely associated with the Apollo missions of the 1960s. Frank Sinatra’s version of the song was played on the Apollo 10 mission in May of 1969.” The crowd enjoyed the nostalgia of this popular song.

Student narrators then told the history of the next two selections as follows:

The GHS Chamber Singers’ second selection was “Blow The Candles Out,” a traditional sea shanty, arranged by Gregg Smith. It can be traced back to the 1600s. The story tells of a young apprentice who sees his sweetheart for the last time before an extended absence. This arrangement of “Blow The Candles Out” was written for the Gregg Smith Singers in the 1960s. The audience enjoyed the catchy sea shanty, many tapping their feet to the rhythm.

The GHS Chamber Singers closed out their performance with “Blue Moon” as arranged by Roger Emerson. It was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934, and became a No. 1 hit in 1961 for the American doo-wop group, The Marcels. Over the years, many artists have recorded the song, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, The Supremes, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart. The Mavericks recorded “Blue Moon” for the movie, “Apollo 13.” The audience was thrilled with the GHS Chamber Singers performance of this American classic.

Next on stage was the GCS Jazz Band, directed by Jenelle Yeoman, offering a “Swinging to the Oldies” program. The GCS Jazz Band features students from sixth to twelfth grade, including the following: Hailey Cook (tenor saxophone), Ava Bartholomew (alto saxophone), Elizabeth Riutta (alto saxophone). Alana Correa (alto saxophone), Mariah Manning (alto saxophone and flute), Everett Langille (tenor saxophone), Sylvia French (baritone saxophone), Riley Seaman (flute), Brook Garrett (clarinet), Jack Schroeder (trumpet), Madison Kurdziel (baritone), Hayley Burt (baritone), Owen Nichols (trombone), Carly Bartholomew (piano), Cole Siebels (guitar), Allison Carvel (bass) and Gavin Davis (drums). “Jazz is a conversation between us and all of you through music,” Ms. Yeoman said, encouraging the audience to clap and dance throughout the performance.

The first selection was “Moondance” by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison as arranged by Victor Lopez. The audience at the concert enjoyed the sophistication of this jazzy soft swing number, and the featured solos by GCS students Hailey Cook, Jack Schroeder, Alana Correa, and Sylvia French.

The second selection was “My Girl,” written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, and as arranged by Rick Stitzel. The song was originally released by The Temptations in 1964. Many enjoyed the infectious nature of this classic from the GCS Jazz Band.

The concert concluded with the audience clapping their hands and tapping their feet to “Old Time Rock and Roll” written by George Jackson and Thomas E. Jones III with uncredited lyrics by Bob Seger. It was released in 1979, and gained popularity, and has become a standard in popular music. The GCS students performed the selection as arranged by Paul Murtha. The song featured GCS students Ava Bartholomew and Jack Schroeder. Much applause sounded throughout the auditorium at the conclusion of the concert.

Much gratitude was extended to the audience for their support, as well as to GCS Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly, GHS Principal Cory Wood, GHS Assistant Principal Chris Marshall, the GCS Board of Education, and the custodial staff.

For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling Program hosts alumni night

by Rachel Hunter

Gouverneur Wildcat Wrestling alumni and supporters looking over all the memorabilia on display during the alumni night celebration. (Rachel Hunter photo)

The Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling Program hosted an alumni night celebration on Wednesday, January 12 at the Gouverneur High School. The event honored the wrestling program’s tradition of success and culture since 1934, which includes three NYSPHSAA Team Titles (2003, 2004 and 2006), 53 Individual NYSPHSAA Place Finishers, and eight NYSPHSAA Place Finishers, as well as 107 consecutive NAC League Dual Meet Wins. The history of the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling Program was told in the photos, articles, and other memorabilia on display outside the main gymnasium. All Gouverneur Wildcat Wrestling Alumni were encouraged to sign in, and the first 50 to do so, were presented with a Gouverneur Wildcat Wrestling tumbler.

In attendance and recognized during the ceremony were the following: David Perrigo (2007), Mike Bush (1985), Aaron McEathron (2015), Dave Bush (1966), Chris Fitzgerald (2007), Thomas Sleeman (1970), David Sleeman (2008), Nate Slate (2006), Jim Minckler (1994), William Tupper (1995), Tim Tyler (1977), Gordy Ayen (1986), Christian Gillan (2014), Joey Love (2014), Mark Dailey (1985), Dillon Stowell (2013), Clark Canell (1988), Ed Smith (1998), Andy Cummings (1987), Shawn Cummings (1993), Dylan Morrison (2009), Shawn Labow (1992), Mike Bresette (1976), Matt Tessmer (1980), Joel Baer (1993), Mike Tyler (1988) and Mike Nichols Jr. (1988). Much gratitude was extended to all the former Gouverneur Wildcat wrestlers in attendance.

Gouverneur Wildcat Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Joel Baer said, “Coach Dylan Morrison had a great idea with the alumni night and we were very pleased with the turnout of the first one. We already have plans to expand it next year and have the alumni night dual on a Friday night and then have a social gathering after the meet at a local restaurant. There is nothing better than getting old wrestlers together and having them reminisce and tell stories from the past.”

There is great anticipation for the alumni night to become an annual event, and for the former Gouverneur Wildcat wrestlers to watch the current team in competition on the mat. The 2021-22 Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling Team showcased the Wildcat Wrestling tradition of excellence is strong in Gouverneur as they won the dual meets on Jan. 12 against Massena (53-18) and Ogdensburg (51-6). The roster includes the following student-athletes: Carter Baer, Cyler Baer, Gaige Butterfield, Drew Gates, Zoe Griffith, James Hayden, Charles LaRue, Hunter Mashaw, Ryan Mashaw, James Mickler, Travis Montone, Turner Sochia, Vincent Thomas, Trayton Tupper, Gabriel Wainwright and Vandavian Way. The Gouverneur Wildcats are coached by Joel Baer and Shawn Cummings, and assisted by Dylan Morrison. To see the Gouverneur Wildcats complete schedule, visit sectionxboces.com.

Ladycats continue impressive season; Girls knock off Hammond and Canton

by Dick Sterling

The Gouverneur Ladycat basketball team have shown that they are one of the best teams in Section 10. Last week the girls roared to a fantastic start and then held on with an impressive 43-42 victory over the Hammond Lady Red Devils, currently ranked number three in the New York State Class D New York Sportswriters Association Poll, and followed that up with a 48-40 victory over the Lady Bears of Canton, a team that went 6-0 this past spring in the COVID19 mini season and 27-1 in the Northern Athletic Conference (NAC) Central Division over the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Gouverneur have now beaten both the number three and four (Copenhagen) ranked Class D teams in the state.

Last Monday the Ladycats entertained Hammond and got off to an unbelievable start. Raelin Burns drained two three-pointers early to give Gouverneur a 6-2 advantage. Cierra Besaw then connected for another three to start a 13-0 run and put the Ladycats up 9-4. Burns and Caitlyn Storie followed that up with two more three-pointers to make the score 15-4. Burns scored inside on a layup and Chloe Smith put an exclamation point on the run with a pair of free throws. The scoreboard read 19-4 and Hammond called a timeout to collect themselves and try to figure out how to slow down the Ladycats.

Hammond scored the last four points of the opening quarter to cut the lead to 19-8 and opened the second with four more points to cut into the big lead. The Lady Red Devils continued to chip away and managed to outscore Gouverneur 14-5 in the second quarter to close the half trailing by just two points 24-22.

Hammond continued to pressure the Ladycats in the third quarter and managed to outscore them 9-6 to grab a slim 31-30 lead heading to the final quarter. Landree Kenyon scored the first basket of the final quarter to give the Lady Red Devils their biggest lead at 33-30, but the Ladycats , behind a three-pointer from Meredith Bush tied the score at 33. Bush followed that up by scoring inside to put the Ladycats back in front 35-34. A free throw from Burns and a steal and a layup from Smith, followed by another inside basket from Smith brought the score to 40-34 with 1:05 to play. Alyvia Crosby connected on a three-pointer for Hammond to cut the lead to 40-37 with 52 seconds to play. Burns, who finished with a game-high 20 points for the Ladycats, scored inside with 20 seconds to play to put Gouverneur up by five at 42-37. Crosby, who scored the Lady Red Devils last eight points, scored on a short jump shot to make the score 42-39. Smith hit a crucial free throw on Gouverneur’s next possession to give them a four-point lead and Crosby closed out the scoring with a clutch three-pointer with 6.9 seconds remaining. The Ladycats held Hammond scoreless over the final seconds to secure the 43-42 victory.

Smith and Bush combined for 10 of Gouverneur’s 13 points in the final quarter (five each). Crosby scored 13 to lead Hammond. Ava Howie added 12.

On Thursday the Ladycats improved to 3-0 in the NAC Central Division by handing Canton a rare division loss. The Lady Bears opened strong by building a 13-6 lead after one quarter, but the Ladycats fought back to cut the Canton advantage to 24-21 at the intermission. Gouverneur took control in the third quarter as they managed to outscore the Lady Bears 17-11 to take a 38-35 lead and won the final quarter 10-5 to walk off with a 48-40 decision. Burns, once again, scored 20 points to lead the Ladycats. Smith tossed in nine. Ava Hoy scored 11 to lead Canton. Freshman Callie Klassen added eight.

Here’s a recap of other games from last week involving Gouverneur area teams:

Tuesday, Jan. 4

BOYS BASKETBALL

Tupper Lake 51 Edwards-Knox 48 – A high scoring first quarter showed the Lumberjacks open a 24-17 advantage, the Cougars clawed their way back to cut the lead to 40-39 headed to the final quarter, but Tupper Lake prevailed. No individual stats were available for this game.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Hermon-DeKalb 66 Brushton-Moira 20 – The Lady Green Demons raced to a 27-8 lead at the intermission and then put the game away with a 23-2 run in the third quarter. Hanna Gollinger scored 16 to lead Hermon-DeKalb. Olivia Simser added 14. Emma Russell scored nine to lead Brushton-Moira.

WED. JAN. 5

BOYS BASKETBALL

Hermon-DeKalb 57 Salmon River 31 – The Green Demons raced to a 21-4 advantage after the first quarter and rolled to the non-league decision over the Shamrocks. David White scored 15 to lead Hermon-DeKalb, Andrew Matthews scored 14 and Jacob Spencer added 12. Hawi Francis scored a game-high 20 to lead Salmon River.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Edwards-Knox 40 Harrisville 33

THUR. JAN 6

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Hammond 55 Hermon-DeKalb 44 – Landree Kenyon scored 14 points and Sadey Sprabary added 13 to lead the Lady Red Devils over the Lady Green Demons. Olivia Simser (21 points) and Hanna Gollinger (18) combined for all but five of Hermon-DeKalb’s total.

FRI. JAN. 7

BOYS BASKETBALL

Harrisville 64 Edwards-Knox 26 – Tanner Sullivan netted 19 points to lead the Pirates to a NAC West Division victory over the Cougars. Tucker Kelly scored 13 and Nolan Sullivan added 11 for Harrisville. Ethan Stalker scored 11 to lead Edwards-Knox.

Canton 68 Gouverneur 47 – Chris Downs scored 18 points to lead three Golden Bear players in double figures. Sam Roiger tallied 16 and Cooper Ladouceur added 12. Caden Storie scored 15 to lead hr Cats. Raine Rumble added 13.

Hermon-DeKalb 68 Hammond 39 – The Green Demons were on fire offensively in the opening quarter as they opened a 20-point advantage 32-12 and went on to trounce the Red Devils. Andrew Matthews scored 23 points to lead Hermon-DeKalb. Adam Lynch scored 20 and David White added 11. Logan Jones scored 13 points to lead Hammond. Terin Rosenbarker added 12.

SAT. JAN. 8

BOYS BASKETBALL

Madrid-Waddington 37 Edwards-Knox 31 – Jacob Morgan scored 12 points to lead the Jackets over the Cougars. Drew Harmer netted 11 and Kaden Kingston added 10. Mason White, Ethan Stalker and Kale Harper scored eight points each to lead Edwards-Knox. Dylan Wood added seven as the quartet scored all of the Cougars points.

Ausable Valley 47 Harrisville 44 – Ausable Valley used a 21-13 run in the third quarter to build a lead over the Pirates and then held off a Harrisville comeback attempt in the final quarter.

Town of Fowler holds swearing-in ceremony

by Rachel Hunter

In accordance with New York State Public Law, Town of Fowler officials have been administered their oath of office. The majority of the oaths were administered by the Hon. Tim Knowlton, Town of Fowler Justice, in a swearing-in ceremony during the Town of Fowler’s year-end budget transfers meeting on Dec. 29 at the Fowler Town Hall.

NYS Public Law §10 requires "every officer shall take and file the oath of office required by law." It further states, "every officer of a municipal corporation, including a school district, with the clerk thereof; and, every other officer, including trustees and officers of a public library and the officers of boards of cooperative educational services, in the office of the clerk of the county in which he shall reside, if no place be otherwise provided by law for the filing thereof." NYS Public Law §30 (1)(a) states "his refusal or neglect to file his official oath or undertaking, if one is required, before and within thirty days after the commencement of the term of office for which he is chosen, if elective office, or if an appointed office, within thirty days after notice of his appointment, or within 30 days after commencement of such term."

Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine announced at the Town of Fowler Swearing-In Ceremony that all elected officials, anyone on the municipal payroll, and appointed officers of a town board (paid and unpaid) needed to take their oaths of office.

During the General Election in 2021, voters elected into office Town of Fowler Councilmen Scott Cleveland and Lynn Bishop, and Town of Fowler Tax Assessor Michael Bates. Town of Fowler Councilman Lynn Bishop was administered the oath of office at the Fowler Town Clerk’s Office on Dec. 27. Town of Fowler Councilman Scott Cleveland was the first to be administered the oath of office by Judge Knowlton during the swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 29. He placed his hand on the Holy Bible, provided to the Town of Fowler by Deputy Supervisor Karen Simmons, and raised his right hand as he pledged the following: “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of town council of the Town of Fowler, according to the best of my ability.”

Next to the podium was Town of Fowler Tax Assessor Michael Bates, who followed the same format, and recited the following oath as administered by Judge Knowlton: “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of tax assessor of the Town of Fowler, according to the best of my ability.”

Others taking the oath of office for 2022 at the swearing-in ceremony included the following: Dog Control Officer Dan Moyer, Budget Director Rick Newvine , Deputy Supervisor and Town Historian Karen Simmons, Second Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Tax Collector Kimberly Reed, Code Enforcement Officer Glen Besaw, Bookkeeper Barbara Finnie, Custodian Rosalee Thornton, Tax Collector and Registrar of Vital Statistics Tami Gale. They were administered the oath of office as one group by Judge Knowlton with each saying their respective office in the oath as follows: “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of (insert office) of the Town of Fowler, according to the best of my ability.” Following the swearing-in ceremony, all town officials signed their oaths of office.

Oaths reportedly filed included Court Clerk Irma Ashley (Dec. 28), Planning Board Member Leo Knight Jr. (Dec. 29). Oaths still needed to be filed as of the date of the swearing-in ceremony was as follows: Town Attorney Henry Leader, Maintenance Specialist Byron Woodward Jr., First Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Tax Collector/Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics Debra Tupper, Deputy Highway Superintendent Nelson Bice, Board of Assessment Review Member Richard Weaver, and a Board of Ethics Committee Member TBD (oath will be taken after the ethics meeting in January).

All town officials must sign their oaths of office within 30 days after notice of their appointment, or 30 days after commencement of their terms. The next meeting of the Town of Fowler Council is to be held on Monday, January 10, 6 p.m., at the Fowler Town Hall, Little York Road, Fowler. For more information about the Town of Fowler, visit fowlerny.com or call 315-287-0045.

GHS Winter Concert draws crowd to hear first live performance in two years

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur High School Winter Concert Winter Concert featuring the High School Concert Band, High School Chorus, and High School Orchestra was held on Thursday, December 16, starting at 7 p.m., in the GHS Auditorium.

Gouverneur High School Principal Cory Wood welcomed all in attendance, and said the following: “Good evening. December 2019 was the last time we had music in our theater for our community. We are very happy about bringing a live performance back after the last two years of living in an isolated world. At the same point, we are very excited that the kids are able to showcase their skills, and the work of the teachers in bringing this all together…”

In accordance with the CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, universal masking was observed by all those in attendance during the hour-long event. The policy was stated by GHS Principal Wood, who encouraged all to adhere to rules and regulations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community. “(Masking) is uncomfortable but we are all doing it together,” he said. “We are all here to support our students. We are excited about having everyone here tonight. On behalf of Jacquelyn Kelly, GCS Superintendent of Schools, myself (GHS Principal Cory Wood) and all the staff at Gouverneur Central, we wish you a happy holidays, a great new year, and safe journeys in the next several months. We appreciate everyone coming tonight.”

GHS Concert Band

First on stage was the Gouverneur High School Concert Band, directed by Ms. Jenelle Yeoman, who said the following: “We haven’t had an in-person concert since about this time in 2019. This is such a special moment for all the musicians on stage, as I am sure it is for you. Music is meant to be shared and we can finally do that again. I am so excited to be up here with them again. They worked so hard. I want to thank all of our administration, and I have to thank all of you for your support of all the students. They have been through every possible obstacle the last few years. I am so proud of them. They work so hard… We’re looking forward to performing for you tonight... We hope you enjoy and have a wonderful holiday season.” Ms. Yeoman then urged the audience to follow concert etiquette and enjoy all the performances by the GHS students in the Winter Concert.

The GHS Concert Band featured the following talented musicians: On Flute: Tiamane Hull, Mariah Manning, Riley Seaman, Jahonna Sloan, and Janay Smith. On Clarinet: Carly Bartholomew, Hailey Cook, Kayla Davenport, Brook Garrett, Cassidy Ingram, Paige Kirby, Kati McIntosh. On Alto Saxophone: Ava Bartholomew, Sylvia French (also bari/whip), Janaya Fuller, and Elizabeth Riutta. On Tenor Saxophone: Everette Langille. On Trumpet: Liberty Bush, Jack Schroeder, Malique Zeller. On Trombone: Nelson Bice, Nathaniel Celley, Owen Nichols, Dillon Storie. On Euphonium: Louis Beaver and Madison Kurdziel. On Tuba: Hayley Burt. On Percussion: Alexis Baker, Destiny Blair, Allison Carvel, Gavin Davis, Kortney Knight, Nara Roberts, and Joseph Smith, Jr.

The GHS Concert Band first performed “Tuba Christmas” arranged by Robert W. Smith. Tuba Christmas features the popular Christmas carols of “Deck The Halls,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Jingle Bells,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” The selection featured Madison Kurdziel on euphonium and Hayley Burt on tuba. It was reported that a Tuba Christmas concert is a large gathering of only tuba and euphonium players, where they perform holiday songs all together in a concert setting at night.

The GHS Concert Band then performed “A Christmas Tale (Beware The Krampus) by Randall Standridge. In some European Christmas traditions, Saint Nick does not work alone, he travels with Krampus who doles out punishment to bad boys and girls. This selection served as a darkly delightful Christmas piece. The spooky narration (by GHS senior Cole Siebels) helped to frame the piece as the band performed the piece which included distortions of “The Ukrainian Bell Carol,” “Up on the Housetop,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and other holiday favorites, adding to the entertaining musical effect.

The GHS Concert Band then performed “Holiday Mash-Up” arranged by Patrick Roszell.

The selection featured two popular Christmas carols “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Students featured on the selection were Mariah Manning on flute, Jack Schroeder on trumpet, and Ava Bartholomew and Elizabeth Riutta on alto saxophone.

The GHS Concert Band then extended all much gratitude for their attendance, and wished the Gouverneur community a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.

Much applause sounded for the GHS Concert Band after each selection.

GHS Chorus

The Gouverneur High School Chorus, directed by Renee Powlin and accompanied by Beth Johnson, then took to the risers in front of the GHS Auditorium stage.

The GHS Chorus featured the following talented vocalists: Soprano: Alexis Baker, Allison Carvel, Janaya Fuller, Elizabeth Hamilton, Aiden Hiscock, Madison Hubbard, Kortney Knight, Faith Leader, Kati McIntosh, Hannah Roderick, and Carynn Way. Alto: Niciara House-Bowman, Mariah Manning, Lilliana Shippee, Jahonna Sloan, Alyssa Stowell, Raniessa Way. Tenor/Bass: Hazen Given, Tiamane Hull, Makyle Pankey, Cole Siebels, Abigail Way, and Kaleb Webster.

The first selection was “Nutcracker Jingles” arranged by Chuck Bridwell. It included words and music from “Jingle Bells,” by James Pierpont, and additional music from “The Nutcracker Suite” by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Concertgoers heard “March of the Toy Soldiers” “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” “Dance of the Reed Flutes” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

The GHS Chorus then performed “Ose Shalom (The One Who Makes Peace)” as arranged by John Leavitt. The translation of the song is “the one who makes peace in the heavens, may he make peace for us and for all Israel, let us say Amen.” Its simple message of peace was enhanced with soaring melodies and lyric instrumental lines as the GHS students performed the piece. The selection featured soloists Allison Carvel, Niciara House-Bowman, Jahonna Sloan, Cole Siebels and Kaleb Webster. They were accompanied by student musicians: Llydia Blaine on cello, Hailey Morrissiey on violin, Ayden Sears on bass, and Hailey Cook on clarinet.

GHS Music Teacher Renee Powlin then said the following: “We had a very special honor this year. For the first time in my career as a music teacher, we had a student selected to go to Conference All-State. Cole Siebels performed his NYSSMA solo, an all-state solo, and got a score of 99. And with that, and with the recommendation of the adjudicator and myself, he was accepted. Out of 170 Tenor 2s who auditioned, they accepted only 20. That’s pretty cool. I am going to give you an even bigger number. There were 1,280 students who auditioned to be part of this group and they accepted 160. That is pretty amazing. He also got to go to Rochester two weeks ago, the first weekend in December, and rehearse for two days with the other 159 singers and perform in a concert, which was really cool. In the Spring, we are going to sing one of the songs that they performed there. We are looking forward to that. Congratulations to Cole.” Much applause sounded for the GHS senior for the great accomplishment.

The GHS Chorus then performed “Jingle Bell Rock” as arranged by Alan Billingsley. First released in 1957 and famously recorded by Brenda Lee, this Christmas pop classic thrilled the Gouverneur audience. The selection featured Allison Carvel on the sleigh bells.

The GHS Chorus then performed “Mary Did You Know?” arranged by Tim Hayden. “Mary Did You Know?” is one of the few Christmas classics that was written in the last few decades. Mark Lowry wrote the words and Buddy Greene wrote the music for the popular Christmas song. The song’s lyrics wonder if Jesus’ mother could grasp the incredible power that was held in her tiny newborn. Now in its 30th year, the Gouverneur audience was thrilled by the GHS Chorus’ moving vocal performance of the modern Christmas classic.

Much applause sounded for the GHS Chorus after each selection.

GHS Orchestra

The Gouverneur High School Orchestra was directed by Victor M. Correa III, who extended gratitude to all those in attendance for their support. The GHS Orchestra featured the following talented musicians: 1st Violin: Liberty Bush, Emalyn Kulp, Hailey Morrissiey, and Turner Sochia. 2nd Violin: Mya Connor, Zaphire Hall, Madison Hopper, Willow Knapp, and Alexis Youngs. Viola: Allysa Byrd, Ashlee Flood, Cole Siebels, and Raneissa Way. Cello: Llydia Blaine, Aiden Hiscock, Niciara House-Bowman. String Bass: James Hayden and Ayden Sears.

The first selection was “Santa’s Wild Ride” arranged by Robert W. Smith, which invited the Gouverneur audience to join Santa Claus as he takes his Christmas eve journey, starting with the sounds of sleigh bells, laughter and well-wishes from Mrs. Claus and the elves – showcasing all the joy and excitement in this magical time of the year. However, as the ride progressed, things became a bit hectic as Santa makes his trip around the world. The selection featured Kortney Knight on percussion.

Next the GHS Orchestra performed the traditional Christmas carol, “Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” as arranged by Vice Gassi. The song is a Christmas carol which originated from the Provence region of France in the 17th century. The song was originally not meant to be sung at Christmas; it was considered dance music for French nobility. Jeannette and Isabelle/Isabella in the song title are two female farmhands who have found the baby Jesus and his mother in a stable. Excited by this discovery, they run to a nearby village to tell the inhabitants, who rush to see the new arrivals. Visitors to the stable are urged to keep their voices quiet, so the newborn can enjoy his dreams. To this day, on Christmas Eve in the Provence region, children dressed as shepherds and milkmaids carry torches and candles while singing the carol, on their way to Midnight Mass. The selection featured Allison Carvel on percussion.

The GHS Orchestra then performed “S’vivon” by Ben Clinesmith. The popular Hebrew Hanukkah song, “S’vivon” is the Hebrew word for “dreidel”, where dreidel is the Yiddish word for a spinning top. The Gouverneur audience was thrilled with the spirited arrangement of the folksong.

The GHS Orchestra concluded with “A Crazy Mixed-Up Christmas Concert” by David Shaffer with Gavin Davis and Destiny Blair on percussion. The Gouverneur audience was delighted to hear the quirky holiday piece, which describes a scenario in which all the orchestra music is mixed up just before a Christmas concert begins. The delightful novelty captures the music of that fateful concert in an entertaining and humorous setting. The song concluded with “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and the Gouverneur audience was delighted when the GHS Orchestra offered a hearty “Merry Christmas!” at the conclusion of the concert. Much applause sounded for the GHS Orchestra after each selection.

The Gouverneur High School Winter Concert will long be remembered in the Gouverneur community as the talents of the GHS students were showcased after two years of not being able to attend a live performance due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The students and instructional staff are commended for the exceptional wide range of holiday selections that were performed, and are still the talk of the Gouverneur community. Extra kudos are extended to GHS student speakers who provided riveting detail about the song selections. Much gratitude is also extended to the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly, GHS Principal Cory Wood, GHS Assistant Principal Christopher Marshall, and the GHS Custodial Staff for their support throughout the evening festivities.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Gouverneur Elementary School students and the Gouverneur Middle School students performed their concerts virtually, and they will be available for viewing on the Gouverneur Central School District Facebook pages. For more information on Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

Gouverneur Hospital Awarded As 2021 Top Rural Hospital

The LeapFrog Group announced this week that Gouverneur Hospital (GH) was named a nationally recognized Top Rural Hospital of 2021. In fact, GH was the only New York hospital to receive the recognition, and one of 23 across the country.

The LeapFrog Group is a national watchdog organization of employers and purchasers noted as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality.

“It does not surprise me that Gouverneur Hospital was honored. We are the epitome of what it means to be a rural hospital in that we are an integral part of this community, and do our best every day to assure quality and safe health care is given to each of our patients,” said GH President Donna McGregor.

“I am so very proud of every single member of our staff. It takes the loyalty and dedication of our clinical and non-clinical personnel to make our hospital the choice facility of our local and surrounding community members. So often I hear staff and patients alike greeting each other by first name,” Ms. McGregor said. “The area residents are as much a part of our lives as we are of theirs. The community has supported us and been our cheerleaders over the years, and they have been rewarded with new resources and services provided by Gouverneur Hospital.”

The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for The Leapfrog Group award, including infection rates, surgery, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication and other errors.

To qualify for the Top Hospitals distinction, hospitals must rank top among peers on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which assesses hospital performance on the highest standards for quality and patient safety.

“We are pleased to recognize Gouverneur Hospital as a Top Hospital this year,” said CEO and President of The LeapFrog Group Leah Binder. “Gouverneur Hospital has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to excellent health care in its community. We congratulate the board, leadership, staff, and clinicians who put their patients first.”

To learn more about GH, visit https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/gouverneur-hospital; and to view the full list of institutions honored as 2021 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.

Making Spirits Bright: Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce 2021 Christmas In The Park draws crowd

by Rachel Hunter

The North Country community welcomed Santa Claus to Gouverneur, NY in grand fashion on Saturday, December 4 with a day filled with festive fun for local families to enjoy. The 2021 “Christmas In The Park” event was a success with crowds coming to the Gouverneur Village Park to enjoy all the events and activities. The event is made possible due to the sponsorship and organization efforts of the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce.

The highlight of the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Christmas In The Park was the annual Christmas Parade. Crowds lined both sides of Main Street to watch the parade, eager not to miss a moment of the special event. At about 5 p.m., Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works Supt. TJ Simmons flipped the breakers to turn on the holiday lights in the Gouverneur Village Park. The unveiling wowed all those in attendance. The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce announced that, through the generosity of local community members and area businesses, nearly $25,000 had been raised to replace the decades old, unrepairable holiday lights in the village park. Much applause, cheers and sounds of delight sounded after the new lights were unveiled. All North Country community members and visitors are urged to check out the holiday display at the Gouverneur Village Park now through the holiday season.

The crowd then eagerly turned their attention to Main Street as the annual Christmas parade made its way from Park Street to Main Street. The parade was escorted by the Gouverneur Police Department. Marching next were local dignitaries, including Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Village of Gouverneur Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine, Village of Gouverneur Trustee Troy Besaw, and Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr.).

Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Kurtis Wells drove a festive float, which featured the 2021 Section 10 Class B Champions Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Team. The student-athletes included Torie Salisbury, Kiarra Jenkins, Peyton Mussaw, Kaitlyn Gibson, Sierra Billings, Cierra Besaw, Meadow Greenhill, Grace Holmes, Elizabeth Riutta, Raelin Burns, Addison Conklin, Randi Griffith, Chloe Smith, Aurora Hayden and Liberty Burns. Go Wildcats!

The Gouverneur Public Library invited the community youth to join the staff in marching in the parade. All parade attendees were reminded of the many resources at the Gouverneur Library, and encouraged to visit. For more information, call 315-287-0191.

The Oswegatchie Valley Girls Scouts marched in the parade with Terry Streeter (50340 Cadette and Ambassador) and Leaders Sandy McDougall and Kristy McDougall. The Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Cadette troop also marched alongside 60851 Carley Bearden and Chelsei Griffith, and Brownie Troop 60234 Natalie Pitcher and Jeannie Forrester.

Con-Tech Building Systems Inc. wished everyone a Merry Christmas with their festively decorated heavy equipment float.

New York Pizzeria wished everyone “Happy Holidays” and extended gratitude for the community’s support through these times.

Representing the Town of Gouverneur Highway Department, David Perrigo, the newly appointed highway superintendent, drove one of the five plow trucks currently in operation for the maintenance of roads. Behind the plow truck, all levels of Girls Basketball Program (Biddy Ball, Modified, JV and Varsity) athletes and Gouverneur Football Program (PeeWee, Modified, JV and Varsity) athletes. Fear the G! The float won the $50 cash prize from the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce for the best float or marching unit entered in the Annual Christmas Parade.

Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association announced that it was gearing up for the 163rd Gouverneur Fair and the 170th St. Lawrence County Fair. Fair dates are August 2 to 7, 2022. The fair reported that it will be announcing the opening night concert in 2022. The Fair Board wishes all a Merry Christmas, and said they would see everyone at the Fair in 2022.

Larry Bango of Bango Hollow Farm in Oxbow offered his horse-drawn sleigh rides throughout the Christmas In The Park event on Saturday, and also participated in the parade.

Village of Gouverneur DPW & Crew Chris Fitzgerald, Sall MacDonald, Hadley Fitzgerald, and Brandon and Gray Washburn. The DPW truck was festively decorated for the holiday season.

Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association, Gouverneur’s hometown bank which has served the community for over 100 year, entered a float and mascot in the parade.

Empire State Mines entered its red tractor with hay wagon in the parade. All enjoyed seeing the smiles and waves of those featured on the float.

The Gouverneur Rescue Squad participated in the parade with A-175 with EMT Garrison Moore and EMT Kasey Aldridge, and A-171 with Driver Jay Ellerson and driver Jeremy Rose. All were wished a safe and happy holidays.

The Gouverneur Fire Department brought Engine 17, driven by Barry Gale, and Rescue 4, driven by TJ Gore.

Merry Christmas wishes were extended from Oxbow Fire Department, which brought their Fighting 33 truck.

As is tradition, the Gouverneur Fire Department facilitated transporting Santa Claus into town atop its R-4 fire truck. This year, he was assisted by helper elf Hillary Bowman. Santa Claus gave a hearty “ho, ho, ho” and wished everyone a “Merry Christmas” during his trip down Main Street and around the Gouverneur Village Park. Santa Claus then made his way to the gazebo in the village park for visits with children. With support from the local business community, the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce was able to gift local children 12 and under with gift-filled stockings. Santa Claus also gave a candy cane to each youth in attendance.

All those in attendance were also welcomed to go to the fellowship hall at the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur, 34 Grove St., for a special treat of hot cocoa and cookies made possible by the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce. The cookies were baked and decorated by the culinary arts students at Southwest Tech (BOCES) in Fowler. Much joy abound on Gouverneurians faces as they tasted the delightful holiday snack.

The pedestrian safety was ensured thanks to the dutiful efforts of local law enforcement. The Village of Gouverneur also closed of Grove Street and Church Street to allow for safe walking in the downtown area during the parade.

The Annual Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade was assuredly the highpoint of the “Christmas In The Park” event, which was filled with holiday events in the Gouverneur Village Park and beyond, for local families to enjoy. Holiday music filled the downtown area, and drew many community members to the park to enjoy the festive fun throughout the day.

The fun started early in the day with the Gouverneur Lions Club hosting its Christmas Tree Sale fundraiser, starting at 9 a.m. Other events were held throughout the afternoon including S’Mores Station by the Gouverneur Recreation Department, Winter Carnival games and activities by Gouverneur High School students, Christmas caroling by the GHS Chamber Singers and also the Gouverneur Community Chorus led by Dr. Don Schuessler, Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary provided stockings, candy and more, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and the Gouverneur Garden Club who offered seeds to help with the local beautification effort. There were also vendors and other displays throughout the day, including the from local businesses and clubs, information booths, food vendors and more. Dunkin’ provided free hot cocoa and donuts for all those in attendance. Many also said they enjoyed the scrumptious fare from Mullin’s Family Restaurant of Gouverneur throughout the day as well.

The Gouverneur community also enjoyed shopping local at the craft fairs, held at St. James School and the Gouverneur VFW Post 6338. Many said that they were able to cross items off their Christmas shopping lists, thanks to the dedication of local crafters, artisans and other local businesses.

The holiday fun-filled day culminated at the Gouverneur Community Center for a free movie showing of the classic holiday favorite, Elf, which started promptly at 7:40 p.m.

Much gratitude was extended to the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce for their organization efforts in planning the 2021 “Christmas In The Park” event. There is much anticipation to see how much the event grows in future years. For more information on the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, visit gouverneurchamber.net.

Ed. Note: See the community calendar in the upcoming weeks for the announcement of more Santa Claus visits throughout the North Country at local businesses and more.

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

by Rachel Hunter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nine seniors feted at Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Senior Night ceremony

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer feted its nine senior student-athletes in a special Senior Night ceremony on October 14, before the game against Malone Central. The Wildcats won the game, 3-0. A tribute detailing the accomplishments of Gouverneur Wildcat senior student-athletes was displayed along the fence for fans to peruse before the game.

The Senior Night Ceremony was emceed by Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Kutis Wells, who said the following: “I met these Seniors when they first came up in 2016 as 7th graders. They have played in countless practices, games, and tournaments during the fall, winter, spring and summer together, throughout their middle and high school careers and before. They have had a lot of accomplishments together in those years – multiple tournament wins, part of Gouverneur Varsity championship season and just growing as friends and teammates. Their record together in the six season that I have coached or have been part of their soccer life and training is 62-15.

Coach Wells extended gratitude to the seniors “for their dedication and efforts that they give every day in the sport of soccer,” and to the parents “for letting me train and teach your athletes throughout the years that I have known them.” Gratitude was also extended to all the family and friends that come to each game to support Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer.

A yellow carnation and blue ribbon was presented to each senior student-athlete as their name was called. The bouquets were purchased by the Wildcat Athletic Booster Club through Emily’s Flower Shop in Gouverneur.

The seniors honored include the following:

Cierra Besaw, daughter of Charity Coller and Justin Besaw, will pursue studies in the field of pharmacology and pharmaceutical science with her college undecided at this time.

Raelin Burns, daughter of Pamela and Kenneth Burns, is hoping to go to Albany College of Pharmacy, and to become a pharmacist.

Liberty Bush, daughter of Elizabeth Miller, is undecided at this time of college and studies.

Kate Forsythe, daughter of Kim and Joe Forsythe, is attending SUNY Oneonta to study fashion business management.

Kaitlyn Gibson, daughter of Wendy and Jeffery Gibson, is hoping to attend Durham University to study criminology.

Emma Hicks, daughter of Lisa and Darin Hicks, plans on attending SUNY Canton for criminal justice.

Kiarra Jenkins, daughter of Brandi and Chuck Jenkins, is looking to attend SUNY Plattsburgh and major in teaching.

Peyton Mussaw, daughter of Kennedy and Christopher Mussaw, wants to major in biology and study to become a physician assistant but is unsure what college to attend.

Torie Salisbury, daughter of Paula Holdstock and Scott Salisbury, plans on attending SUNY Canton and wants to study forensic science.

Many words of congratulations were extended to the senior student-athletes during the presentation. The seniors were feted by confetti cannons following the ceremony.

For more information on gcsk12.org.

Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Football, Football Cheer seniors feted during recognition ceremony

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Football and Football Cheer senior student-athletes were feted in a recognition ceremony on Saturday, October 9 before the game against the OFA Blue Devils on the Frank LaFalce Field in Gouverneur.

The yellow carnations with blue ribbons, purchased by the Wildcat Booster Club and provided through Emily’s Florist in Gouverneur, were presented to the 16 senior student-athletes as follows:

The following senior student-athletes on the 2021 Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Football Team were recognized: Carter Baer (accompanied by his parents Joel and Denise Baer), Nolan Reynolds (accompanied by his father, Chad Reynolds, and his sister, Mackenzie Reynolds), Sullivan Rumble (accompanied by his parents Jamy and Patricia Rumble), Kyle Savage (accompanied by his parents George and Kerri Savage), Jacob Sheen (accompanied by his parents Jason and Billie Sheen), Landon Shinski (accompanied by his parents Michael and Karen Shinski), Harrisville Central Student Matthew Smith (accompanied by his father, Zach Smith), Matthew Spilman (accompanied by his parents Dave and Patti Spilman), Caden Storie (accompanied by his parents Brandon and Valerie Storie), Trayton Tupper (accompanied by his parents Bill Tupper and Jamie Jenkins), Gabriel Wainwright (accompanied by his parents Michael and Gidget Wainwright), Connor Wood (accompanied by his parents Cory and Sarah Wood).

Also recognized were the Wildcat Equipment Managers Alexis Devlin (accompanied by her parents Sean and Stacey Devlin) and Katelyn Clancy (accompanied by her parents Patrick and Shelley Clancy).

Two senior student-athletes on the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Football Cheer team were also recognized: Hailey Cook (accompanied by her parents Andrew and Katrina Cook), Madison Kurdziel (accompanied by her parents Michael and Lynn Kurdziel).

Many words of congratulations from the Gouverneur Wildcat community were extended to the senior student-athletes on the occasion.

One Team, One Dream: 20th Annual Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk raises over $190,000 for North Country cancer patients

by Rachel Hunter

The sea of pink returned to Gouverneur on October 2, 2021 as hundreds gathered to support the work of the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund during the 20th Annual Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund Walk. The Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund Committee this week announced that more than $190,000 was raised at this milestone walk.

Over $2 million has been raised to support local cancer patients in the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk’s 20-year history. The Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund is a 501(c)3 serving the needs of men and women living in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis and Franklin Counties of New York. The mission is to provide financial assistance to patients facing breast or ovarian cancer as well as a cancer that has metastasized from said cancers. One hundred percent of the donations received go directly to assist the patients with medical and prescription co-pays, rent, mortgage, utilities, car payments, insurances and many other needs as needed by the patient. Just as each patient is different, so are their needs. It is the goal of the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund to work to provide at least some financial relief allowing the patient to focus on healing and recovery.

Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund Committee Member Terry Pistolesi of Gouverneur said the following during the opening ceremony: “It is fantastic to see everyone here… all the pink is beautiful, and we are so excited to see you… As you know, 20 years ago, we started this breast cancer walk. Four of the women who started the breast cancer walk are here with us – Marilyn LaPierre, Carolyn Pistolesi, Mona Allen, and Judy Bush. Without you, this would not be possible. In 2001, this walk was started. The first year, one patient applied and was helped. The second year, eight patients. To date, we have assisted over 911 patients. Our original mission was to assist men and women in the greater Gouverneur area suffering with breast cancer. Now our mission is to assist men and women with breast cancer, women with ovarian cancer, and men and women who have had a cancer metastasized from breast or ovarian cancer who live in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis and Franklin counties – much larger than the greater Gouverneur area. The original plan in 2001 was to have anywhere between 200 and 300 come out to walk. I definitely feel like today we are well beyond 200 to 300 people, so thank you. Then we started with recovery gift bags to hand out to our patients, and now we have assisted over 3,000 patients with recovery gift bags. Then our goal was to raise $10,000 the first year and actually raised $19,000. The original goal this year was $140,000… With our previous donations received already this year, we are at over $190,000. We are beyond grateful for every donation, every sponsor and every walker. And most importantly, we are grateful that the survivors allow us into their lives to assist them – to cry with them, to laugh with them, and to just be there as they go through their journey. Their journeys may be troublesome at times, but they are also beautiful. We all learn things about ourself as we grow in life, and one thing I have found from every survivor that I have the privilege to know is they find an inner strength that they never knew they had. When they find that and share it with the next person, beautiful things happen. Thank you so much.”

Next up to the microphone was St. Lawrence Health’s Family Practitioner Payam Hadian, MD – who practices at Gouverneur Hospital through the Canton-Potsdam Specialty Practice, 77 West Barney St., Gouverneur. He addressed the crowd gathered of the importance of early detection, cancer prevention and screening.

“I am humbled to be here. This is my first time here, and I am absolutely blown away by the turnout,” Dr. Hadian said. “When I was asked to address the crowd about mammogram screening, this was very personal to me. I lost my grandmother to breast cancer. She was diagnosed in 2009 with Stage IV Breast Cancer. For those who don’t know, Stage IV Breast Cancer is breast cancer that has spread to the rest of the body. At the time of her diagnosis, her breast cancer had spread to her bones, her lungs, and to her brain. My family and I were absolutely devastated because my grandmother had never been sick a day in her life. She was always dancing, singing, and chasing us around when we were kids. She would always joke with me, saying that she couldn’t wait for me to get married and have kids so that she could chase my kids around too. After five years of chemotherapy and radiation, my grandmother passed away. I had just finished medical school when I attended her funeral. What I learned in medical school was that the two most important things in medicine are prevention, and when prevention fails, early detection. One in eight women at some point in their lives will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important that you talk to family, especially the ones who have always been healthy, to set up a breast cancer screening strategy with your doctor – a primary care doctor or an OBGYN – because it saves lives. Early detection saves lives. And I am so humbled to be here and to share my story with you. I walk in remembrance of my grandmother, and I walk for everyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am in absolute awe of your strength and courage.”

For the fourth year, Makenzie Piatt, WWNY-TV 7 Morning News Anchor, served as the emcee of the event.

The guest speaker was American Country Music Singer-Songwriter and Philanthropist Jimmy Charles. He’s made a national name for himself with compelling original material and toured the country opening for Lady A, Montgomery Gentry, Kip Moore, Travis Tritt, Josh Turner, Merle Haggard and more. The Ocean City, Maryland native headed to Nashville to pursue his music after graduating from Towson University. “I tried out for Nashville Star along with 40,000 other people and made it to the Top 50,” he notes. “Even though I didn’t win, that gave me the confidence to believe that I really could do this.” Jimmy would go on to earn a unanimous vote ticket to “Hollywood” as a Season 9 American Idol contestant – and prove once again that he has the talent to make it as an entertainer with the power to impact countless lives. Jimmy spent many years paying his dues playing up to 12 shows a week in the Honky Tonks of Nashville and touring the country playing bars, festivals and other venues for little money.

While the singer/songwriter found early success in 2014 with his first single, “Whatever It Takes,” picked up nationwide by iHeart radio, it’s the power of “Superman” that solidified his place in the spotlight. Written for ZERO the End of Prostate Cancer to promote awareness with bandmate Goose Gossett and cancer survivor/mentor Phil Shulka, the song’s companion video premiered on CMT, trending in the #1 spot for over a week, with over 5,000 shares its first day on the site. The clip also aired on GAC, ZUUS (now known as The Country Network) and Heartland, instantly putting Jimmy front and center before hundreds of thousands of fans.

Jimmy’s next release, “Bout Summertime” showcased his more adventurous and carefree side and landed him on the MusicRow Chart. Jimmy made the music video in the US Virgin Islands while headlining a 5000+ Chili cookoff festival on Brewers Bay beach and touring the Island with his full band. “Its the most fun I've ever had in my life” say Charles. The video still plays in the Honky Tonks of Nashville and various bars that show music videos across the world including Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville three years later.

Jimmy’s music video release for "Hard Way to Go” premiered with CMT and climbed to #1 on The Country Network! The video was paired with an outreach program with National partners American Addiction Centers, Vertava Health and other addiction awareness non-profits to help reach those battling addiction. To date the effort has helped over 60 people commit to the road to recovery and get the treatment they need.

A national spokesman for ZERO the End of Prostate Cancer since 2014, Jimmy was named Outstanding Young Tennessean (2017) for his work against the disease and his many other philanthropic gestures. He then went on to win the National, Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) honor in 2019. An accolade given to former Presidents, Scientists, Military Heroes and Elvis himself. Jimmy’s successes continue today, recently winning Nashville Industry Music Awards “Male Country Artist of the Year” and “Song of the Year” for “Never Had a Bad Day”. With exciting plans ahead Jimmy Charles is an artist to watch for more big performances and accomplishments.

Jimmy Charles formed his own non-profit, #IAMNOTALONE, which focuses on the strength and well-being of all cancer survivors making sure they never feel alone. The non-profit got its start in March of 2019 after Jimmy Charles fulfilled the wish of Gouverneur’s own Mark Smith, who was battling Stage IV prostate cancer. In a letter to Jimmy Charles, Mark’s daughter, Jacey Lynn (Smith) LeConey, said that her father had lost hope. He didn’t want to continue some of his treatments and had given up. She also told Charles that seeing him perform live was on her dad’s Bucket List because his song, “Superman,” meant so much to him. Zero had asked Charles to write a song to raise awareness and encourage men to get prostate exams and the end product was “Superman.” Jimmy Charles made the trip to Gouverneur on one condition – that Smith would sign a contract, promising that he would never give up the fight.

Charles put on a private concert for Smith, his family and friends at the Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur to “rekindle the love, support and strength.” During the event, Charles presented Smith with a contract written on a piece of cardboard. Smith and Charles both signed it then read it over the microphone. It read, “I, Mark A. Smith, promise to never, ever give up the fight!” There was not a dry eye in the place.

Only a few months later, Jimmy Charles founded #IAMNOTALONE. He knew something special had happened in Gouverneur, NY, and wanted to be able to help to encourage others not to give up the fight in their battles against cancer. “I’ve learned so much from these survivors and I want to continue to help them anyway that I can,” Charles said. “Their stories break my heart, but our journey together makes me whole.”

In an interview with the Gouverneur Tribune Press, Jimmy Charles said the following: “It feels amazing to be back. A place I never knew existed three years ago now has a special place in my heart with the people here and the amazing thing that transpired with the community coming together to uplift a survivor. Now, the ripple effect continues. It’s packed, despite the rain, and I am just glad to be part of the 20th Annual Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk. I can’t wait to sing my songs. One of them was inspired by that moment with Mark Smith when we all came together to lift him up at a tough time. I ended up writing a song called “I Am Not Alone,” and started my own nonprofit called, “I Am Not Alone,” making sure survivors never feel that way… never feel that they are alone. The very first I Am Not Alone contract was signed right here in Gouverneur. We have a stack of the new contracts that are being signed by people all across the country, the ripple-effect of Gouverneur, NY. We are going to be signing some here today. People are going to be reading them aloud. We are going to empower, bring some love, hope and strength here today – where a lot of this all began… I travel all across the country and do survivor ceremony as the spokesman for ZERO: The End of Prostate Cancer and a lot of other cancer events, and charity events. I am so glad to be here, and it is definitely a special place in my heart.”

Jimmy Charles sang the national anthem during the opening ceremony at the 20th Annual Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk. He also sang his song, “I Am Not Alone.” He called upon Cancer Survivor Helen Woods of Gouverneur who read aloud and signed her I Am Not Alone contract, and declared too that she would never, ever give up the fight. The crowd packed in the Gouverneur Village Park exploded in uproarious applause. She then called upon Cancer Survivor Jenna Peck of Gouverneur who signed her I Am Not Alone Contract in a special moment at the end of the walk at the Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur. Much applause sounded at each announcement. Jimmy Charles said he brought a stack of 200 contracts to the 20th Annual Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk for anyone who wanted to join the movement.

At about 10:30 a.m., the sea of pink started the one-mile walk down Main Street, Gouverneur, escorted by the Gouverneur Police Department, Gouverneur Fire Department, and the New York State Police. Jimmy Charles waved as he rode in Gouverneur Fire Department’s Rescue 4 truck with his family to the Riverview Recreational Park. The crowd turned down Johnstown St., and turned right into Mills Park and then crossed the bridge to Riverview Recreational Park for a time of food, fellowship, raffle prizes and more.

In a special moment, Jimmy Charles had the opportunity to sing his hit, “We Are Warriors” to the crowd of cancer survivors gathered at the 20th Annual Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk. Tears filled the eyes of many as the cancer survivors began to join in the anthem. The Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund also presented the cancer survivors in attendance with a pink carnation.

All those in attendance had the opportunity to purchase merchandise from Jimmy Charles, who also made time for autographs and photo opportunities at the 2021 Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk. Jimmy Charles’ travel arrangements was made possible due to a generous business sponsorship. He arrived in the North Country on Thursday, September 30, and Mark Smith of Gouverneur and his family showed him around the Thousand Islands and beyond. On Friday, October 1, Jimmy Charles sang and addressed the crowd at the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund’s dinner on the eve of the walk. Much gratitude is extended to all who made his appearance in the North Country possible. Mr. Charles said he looks forward to returning to Gouverneur, NY in the future.

Raffles and top contribution results from the 2021 Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk will be published once they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press. For more information on the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund, visit www.gouverneurbreastcancerfund.com

Harvest Town Corn Maze opens for the season

by Rachel Hunter

Harvest Town Corn Maze, 1580 US-11, Gouverneur opened for the season this past weekend. There will be old-fashioned fun for the whole family every weekend until November 1, 2021.

The Harvest Town Corn Maze opened for the first time to the public on Labor Day weekend in 2020. After a successful first season, Owner Karl Bender (who also is the Owner/Professional Engineer at AOK Engineering, PLLC, in Gouverneur) alongside his family and friends decided to re-open the Harvest Town Corn Maze for the 2021 season – facilitating old-fashioned family fun for both the young and young-at-heart.

New to the Harvest Town Corn Maze this year is the construction of Wild West theme buildings to go along with a crowd-favorite, the Harvest Town Mine where people can mine for gems, coins and dinosaurs. Harvest Town’s Alex Bender and Chris Dillon gave the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week an in-depth look at the newest town development, which includes a Harvest Town Bank, Jail, Church and General Store.

“It is not completed yet, but it will have back tunnels where kids can sneak from one room to another, and into the jail cell,” Mr. Dillon said. “When we open up the bank one, it is going to have this huge vault door where kids can go in and out the vault with lots of possible props and gadgets. Over the next week or so, we will be adding more and more.”

Mr. Dillon added that they have been working nonstop for at least the past three weeks to construct the buildings in place.

But the creativity doesn’t stop there. In future years, Mr. Bender said that they hope to build a whole western town, complete with a road and everything. And then they hope to have newly developed sections with a pirate theme or a renaissance/fairy tale theme. With more ideas constantly pouring forth at how to grow Harvest Town Corn Maze, the Gouverneur community is sure to be impressed at all the latest developments at each annual visit(s).

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Harvest Town Corn Maze is one of featured stops during the 2020 Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce sponsored Holiday Light Contest last December. The Harvest Town Corn Maze has plans to put on a light show this holiday season once again – but in 2021, it will highlight the Harvest Town Corn Maze’s new western theme buildings. For more information about the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, visit gouverneurchamber.net.

Also added to the fun at the Harvest Town Corn Maze this year is as follows: For a nominal additional rental cost of $5, Harvest Town visitors can rent two bumper balls for a total 10 minutes, which promises to be fun for all ages. “You can put them on and run into each other… and it is great fun,” Mr. Bender said. This is available on Saturdays and Sundays, 12 to 5 p.m.

Many improvements have also been made to the grounds. For example, grass has been planted in the Harvest Town Corn Maze this year to make it easier walking and a smoother ride for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.

The Harvest Town Corn Maze is open on Saturday and Sundays, 12 to 5 p.m. For an admission cost of $5 per person, fun includes the corn maze, glider ride, obstacle course, hayride and more. Additional rentals include: The bumper balls can be rented at a $5 charge for 10 minutes. All visitors can also pan for gems, coins and small dinosaurs at the Harvest Town Mine.

The Harvest Town Corn Maze is again featuring its haunted Corn Maze on Friday and Saturday nights, 7 to 11 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. All are invited to come in and get scared. While there is no choreographed theater production this year, all North Country community members are promised a good scare as there are a couple surprises in the corn maze at these times.

Concessions will also be available on site during all open hours.

With so much to see and do, there is never a better time to get out to the Harvest Town Corn Maze, 1580 US-11, Gouverneur, to check out all the old-fashioned family fun this fall. All are reminded that the Harvest Town Corn Maze is open weekends until November 1, 2021. For more information, check out to Harvest Town Corn Maze on Facebook.

10th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival to be held Sept. 26

by Rachel Hunter

The 10th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival will be held at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The one-day festival is presented by the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with many sponsors, including RSI Roofing, the Gouverneur Garden Club, Blevins Ford and Barry Turner (crane operator).

A crowd favorite now for a decade, the Giant Pumpkin Drop will be held at 4 p.m. This year, organizers said it will be dropped at the Horse Show Ring. The public is invited to purchase $5 raffle tickets. Each entrant’s corresponding number will be on a numbered golf ball that is put into a giant pumpkin in advance of the drop. The top three golf balls that travel the furthest are then determined, and the winners announced. Big cash payouts are promised, and the local winners will not be disappointed. The prize for the furthest ball traveled is $500, second place is $250, and third place is $100. Watch The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Facebook page for pre-festival sale ticket locations. Fair Director Sean Peck told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that he has plans to be at the Kinney Drugs Parking Lot on Sunday, September 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gouverneur Fair Directors will also have pumpkins on display and tickets on sale at the parking lot of Kinney Drugs (Main Street location) in Gouverneur on Friday, September 24 and at the Tractor Supply Company parking lot on Saturday, September 25.

Giant Pumpkin growers from all over the North Country will converge at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds for the 2021 Giant Pumpkin Weight Contests. All growers are asked to bring their entries on Saturday afternoon or before 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 26. The prizes in the senior division are as follows: first prize ($150), second prize ($100), and third prize ($50). The prizes in the junior division are as follows: first prize ($50), second prize ($25), and third prize ($10). The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., and the Giant Pumpkin Awards for youths and adults will be held at 2 p.m.

There also will be a Guess The Pumpkin Weight 50/50 Raffle, tickets will be $1 each. There also will be free pumpkin giveaways for the youth. Vendor space is still available to crafters, vendors, and flea marketers. The cost is $25 per spot, and registration forms are available at gouverneurfair.net and gouverneurchamber.net. Several food vendors have already registered, promising to satisfy tastebuds with many fair food delights. This includes Mullins, Cotton Candy N More, and Fowler Taffy.

The First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur has organized a 5K Pumpkin Walk/Run. Registration is $25, and open at 9:30 a.m. The walk/run will start at 9:45 a.m. Devotional Pilates will be held at 9 a.m. by Amber Ormasen in advance of the walk. The First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur will hold its church service in the cattle barn at 11 a.m.

From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Gouverneur Recreation Center will sponsor children’s activities. This includes a Scarecrow Workshop, $5. The Pumpkin Cruise-In Classic Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and all are invited to check out all the classic cars at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. Bango Valley Percherons in Richville will present draft horse wagon rides for all to enjoy. This will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fair officials also said that Steelin’ Country will perform from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Children are also invited to take a ride on the Cow Train around the Gouverneur Fairgrounds during the Pumpkin Festival.

Mark your calendars today to attend the 10th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival on Sunday, September 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. Proceeds raised will help the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association with its building and maintenance fund. For more information on the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, visit gouverneurfair.net.

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur draws North Country residents to Gouverneur Fairgrounds Track

by Rachel Hunter

The Community Health Center of the North Country presented Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur on Saturday, September 4 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds Track. Over 15 persons from towns and villages around the North Country were in attendance. The event was coordinated in conjunction with support from the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department and the Bridge to Wellness, the St. Lawrence County Community Health Improvement Plan.

Walk With A Doc in St. Lawrence County is a local chapter of Walk With A Doc, an international 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Walk with a Doc was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move.

Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A doctor gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. The Walk added an Executive Director in 2009 and focused on building a program that could easily be implemented by interested doctors in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide, including Walk with a Future Doc chapters led by medical students.

At the Sept. 4 Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur, Community Health Center of the North Country – Gouverneur Health Center providers, Meghan C. McGowan, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Brittany Terpstra, Physician Assistant led the walk. In keeping with the St. Lawrence Public Health Department and Community Health Center of the North Country’s dedication to helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19 throughout the North Country, the providers encouraged the walkers to remember the Five Pillars of Community Prevention: wear a mask, physical distance, wash hands often, stay home when sick, and stay local.

The latest guidance for the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department says the following: “Due to the increased number of cases and the confirmed presence of the Delta variant in New York State, Public Health strongly urges and recommends that ALL PERSONS wear a mask indoors in public spaces, in accordance with recent CDC guidance,” St. Lawrence County Interim Director of Public Health, Jolene Munger said in a recent press release. St. Lawrence County has remained in a high transmission area over more than a month now, with the number of cases rising in towns and villages across St. Lawrence County. 

County residents who have yet to be vaccinated can find information on upcoming vaccination clinics and register for an appointment to receive a Pfizer vaccine at the St. Lawrence County Public Health website at https://stlawco.org/Departments/PublicHealth or by calling 315-229-3452.

Several attendees at Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur focused their attention on proper handwashing techniques.

Did you know? Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 spread when mucus or droplets containing the virus get into your body through your eyes, nose or throat. Often, the virus can easily spread from one person to the next via hands. During the COVID-10 global pandemic, one of the cheapest, easiest, and most important ways to prevent the spread of a virus is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to wash your hands the right way:

To eliminate all traces of the virus on your hands, a quick scrub and a rinse won’t cut it. Below is a step-by-step process for effective handwashing. Step 1: Wet hands with running water. Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands. Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water. Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel. You should wash your hands for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to time it is by singing the full happy birthday song, twice.

The same goes for hand sanitizer. Use a sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub it into your hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure full coverage.

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur participants also reflect on the various benefits of walking.

Walking was recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States of America as one of the single most important things we can do for our health. People who regularly walk four times per week for at least 15 minutes live longer and healthier lives compared to those who are more sedentary, according to one study. Walking regularly helps maintain healthy body weight, reduce high blood pressure, decreases the risk for type 2 diabetes, and promotes a strong musculoskeletal system. Furthermore, walking actually helps decrease symptoms of chronic pain, which makes it a great activity for those with joint problems or low back pain. Taken together, it is understandable why people who regularly walk live much healthier lives.

But there are other fascinating aspects of walking that don’t get much attention.

There are mental benefits. Soon after starting to walk, you begin to notice that your thoughts are calmer; your worries are erased, and you start observing the world in a different light. That fresh of breath of air flows in from the tip of your nose and expands your lungs; when you exhale, you release your stress away. You look up at the big blue sky, and see the clouds slowly walking with you. The leaves of the trees are rustling in the wind, and birds are flying around you.

There is something different about walking that induces a mindfulness state compared to other types of physical activity, but what could it be? While it is not completely understood, a group of scientists are beginning to believe that the body’s natural painkillers, produced by the endocannabinoid system, may play an important role in giving you that relaxing feeling you get from walking or other forms of exercise. Walking is such a strong mood enhancer that according to this study, higher levels of walking significantly decrease symptoms of stress, such as anxiety, sadness, fatigue, and lack of motivation.

Perhaps being outside rather than inside a sweaty gym may also explain the enhanced mood. Maybe, it’s that walking allows you to reflect and contemplate, unlike other forms of more vigorous exercise. No need to stress about missing your yoga class or worry about feeling too sore — just go for a walk.

But wait, there’s more.

Walking can also be a social activity. Walking with a friend or your dog, or merely saying hello to other walkers, can increase your enjoyment. It can also be a learning activity, giving you a moment to listen to your favorite podcast or book and actually pay attention to it. Going for a walk does not cost any money, does not require a structured plan, and yet brings more benefits than you may have realized.

The entire North Country community is invited to join future Walk With A Doc events. They have been scheduled as follows: On October 3, 2021, 2 pm - 3 pm, Stevie's Trail at Potsdam Central School. On November 6, 2021, 10 am - 11 pm, Fort de La Presentation Abbe Picquet Trail. On December 4, 2021 - 10 am - 11 pm - Massena High School John Story Trail. For more information, visit https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/stlawco/.

Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer Field now has championship board

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer Field and Championship Board Sign was recently installed underneath the scoreboard at the varsity soccer field behind the Gouverneur Middle School. Pictured are: (from left): Former Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Mark Martin, Ireland Martin (GHS ’19), and Dustin Currier (GHS ’92) of the Gouverneur Soccer Club. The sign was made possible due to the fundraising efforts of the 2019 Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Team. (Rachel Hunter photo)

The Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer Field now has a sign and championship board! It honors the Section 10 Championship wins of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team in 1990 and 1993, and the Girls Varsity Soccer Team in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1995, 2014, 2016 and 2018 (undefeated). The sign was installed this summer, thanks to the great fundraising efforts by the 2019 Gouverneur Varsity Girls Soccer Team.

“Thank you for the support from Gouverneur Central School, recognition from the community, support from the dedicated parents and most of all to the players who were integral in acquiring the Girls Varsity Championship Board,” Former Gouverneur Wildcat Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Mark Martin said.

Future Section 10 wins by the Gouverneur Wildcat Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer Teams can be added to the championship board.

The Gouverneur Wildcats have featured a strong varsity program throughout its history. The very first soccer game in Gouverneur’s history was on November 3, 1923 between the Delta and Minerva Literary Societies. The Minervas won the game, 2-1, over the Deltas. The game was first played on the Wildcat football field. Players in that first game included the following. Minervas: Dorothy Drury, Florence Cook, Dorothy Hutton, Marion Overacker, Wilh. Magee, R. VanDuzee, Doris Corbin, Susan Murray, Helen Dygert, Mildred Perrin, and Anna Finnegan. Deltas: Hope Levya, Laura Taggar, Grace Estleford, Ruth Haven, Helen Baker, Joyce Levya, Evelyn Holt, Marion Moore, Beulah Latham, Helen Stevenson, Eleanor Anderson. When physical education department was established in 1928 at the local high school, boys and girls varsity soccer became established as an elective sport for student-athletes.

What makes the Gouverneur Wildcats so successful? Former Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Soccer Coach Mark Martin, who coached the Girls Varsity Soccer Teams from 2014 to 2020, said several characteristics were integral in the teams’ successes.

“The consistent team effort in hard-fought games made the difference,” Coach Martin said, explaining that the grit from so many players was memorable. While learning how to win was important, the teams also learned from their losses, and developed character and determination. He added that key players displayed positive leadership skills, and were role models for other student-athletes in soccer skills and grit – and that made a huge difference throughout the seasons.

The Gouverneur Wildcats are often active in playing soccer year-round, and Coach Martin gives lots of credit goes to the student-athletes and their families for participating in the off-season on travel teams and in other opportunities that helped the student-athletes to improve their soccer skills. For example, the student-athletes have been able to compete in college showcase tournaments, college coaches training, summer travel teams, indoor tournaments and Gouverneur’s own outdoor tournaments. “Opportunities like those had very positive impact on players development and the success of the girls program,” Coach Martin said.

Much appreciation is also extended to the parents and guardians of the Gouverneur Wildcat student-athletes who show great enthusiasm as they supported the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Soccer teams.

The Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer program has had many successes in the past 40-plus years (as showcased on the championship board), due to the hard work and dedication from the student-athletes and coaching staff, with support from parents, guardians and other community members.

All Gouverneur Wildcat fans are encouraged to come out to the Wildcat Varsity Soccer games this season. The schedules are available at sectionxboces.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the prowess of the Gouverneur Wildcats, and the new Championship Board on the Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer Field, located behind the Gouverneur Middle School. Field is accessible via Owl Road, Gouverneur.

Ed. Note: Former Gouverneur Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Mark Martin is now coaching Boys Varsity Soccer at Jordan-Elbridge Central School District in Jordan, NY.