Village Bandstand Razed

by Rachel Hunter

The old and dilapidated Gouverneur Village Bandstand was razed on Thursday, April 27 in the Gouverneur Village Park. It is the first of many improvement projects to be tackled in the Gouverneur Village Park this year. The Village has tried to rehabilitate the bandstand a number of times, but the state of disrepair necessitated a total replacement. It is anticipated that a new bandstand – the fourth in the community’s history – will be built and installed in the Gouverneur Village Park in October 2023.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that in September 2022, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall announced the bandstand replacement project, and informed the community that the new bandstand/gazebo would be dedicated in honor of Kinney Drugs’ lasting economic impact in Gouverneur and the North Country community.

Earlier this year, the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees collaborated with the Gouverneur Historical Association and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce to collect donations for a new bandstand. To date, with $15,000 in state funding from former Senator Patty Ritchie, more than $50,000 has been donated through the support of special funding, donations, and in-kind contributions for the bandstand replacement project. Donations continue to be accepted in support of the project. To donate, send checks to Village of Gouverneur Bandstand. It can be mailed to Village of Gouverneur, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur NY 13642. For questions, call Mayor Ron McDougall at the Village of Gouverneur, 315-287-1720 or Joe Laurenza, President, Gouverneur Historical Association, 315-323-2654.

The Village of Gouverneur was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the A. Eleanor Jackson Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation. This award helped the village secure enough funding to commence bandstand project work. A longtime village resident, Miss Jackson served for many years as secretary for Kinney Drugs and the Kinney Drugs Foundation. Outside of her professional work, she was a devoted Gouverneur-area citizen and an active volunteer. Through her estate, she provided a permanent source of grant funding for projects that would occur in her community after her lifetime. Since her passing, her Community Foundation fund has made grants totaling more than $215,000 to support several projects that impact the quality of life in and around the Gouverneur community.

The Village of Gouverneur took a major step in the Gouverneur Village Bandstand Replacement Project was made on Thursday, April 27 as the bandstand was razed. The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works and local contractor, Hall’s Excavating in Gouverneur, arrived at the Gouverneur Village Park at 8 a.m. to raze the old and dilapidated bandstand structure. Hall’s Excavating in Gouverneur (three generations – including Wayne Hall, John Hall, and Daniel Hall) donated their time, labor, and equipment to get the project done. The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works was also on site to assist. Hall’s Excavating and the Village of Gouverneur DPW each brought one dump truck to ensure that all debris from the bandstand demolition project could be removed from the Gouverneur Village Park, and brought to the local transfer station. The Village of Gouverneur paid the bill for the disposal of the debris. Much gratitude was extended to Hall Excavating for their support of the bandstand removal project.

The Gouverneur Village Park Bandstand was torn down in under an hour, thanks to the expertise of the Hall Excavating. John Hall utilized an excavator with a thumb to down the structure in a safe and methodical manner. The debris was then gathered and placed into the DPW and Hall’s Excavating dump trucks for removal. The Village of Gouverneur DPW employees later completed the project by raking the dead grass and preparing the area for reseeding.

This was just one of the many improvement projects to occur in the Gouverneur Village Park this year. In addition to installing a new bandstand, the Village of Gouverneur has already announced that work on the Memorial Arch will commence soon. The repair work is estimated to cost $30,000 and will be done by local contractor, Namaan Lowry of DB Masonry in Gouverneur. Other landscaping and improvement work is also anticipated. More will be reported as details are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

North Country community residents told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that they are looking forward to new village bandstand being installed in the Gouverneur Village Park this October.

Did you know? The first village bandstand was built in the late 1800s and razed in 1929 to allow for landscaping and other improvements to be made to the village park. It had seen many concerts, community events and political rallies – including one for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt as he was on the campaign trail seeking his third term as president in 1912. As it is told in the local historical newspaper archives, while President Roosevelt was giving his speech, a young boy climbed onto the bandstand, and Roosevelt said to the boy: “You, just like any of us, have rights and one of those rights is to be able to climb onto the bandstand.” The Gouverneur community – residents and individuals, local businesses and organizations – has always shown great support for village bandstand projects over the last century. The Gouverneur Village Park is not just a landmark, but a place where the community comes together. The village bandstand has served as the site of many memorial/remembrance events, political rallies, community events, concerts, and so much more over its various renditions and long history. The Village Bandstand that was razed last Thursday was the third bandstand in the community’s history. It was the bicentennial project of the James Maloy American Legion Post 65, and was built in the summer of 1975 and dedicated in June 1976 when it was formally presented to the Village of Gouverneur. The structure was designed from an old postcard in attempt to duplicate the one that had been removed from the village park previously. The dedication plaque read: “This bandstand was erected under the sponsorship of James Maloy Post 65 and its auxiliary with funds, materials and labor donated by Gouverneur citizens for the Bicentennial year of 1976.” Due to its historical significance, the dedication plaque was removed by the Village of Gouverneur for prosperity before the bandstand was razed last Thursday.

The Village Bandstand’s story has not ended, but a new chapter will soon be revealed. There is much anticipation for the new bandstand to be installed in the Gouverneur Village Park this October 2023. As the saga unfolds, follow all of the latest updates in upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. And remember: Donations are still being accepted for the Gouverneur Village Bandstand Replacement Project. To donate, send checks to Village of Gouverneur Bandstand. It can be mailed to Village of Gouverneur, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur NY 13642. For questions, call Mayor Ron McDougall at the Village of Gouverneur, 315-287-1720 or Joe Laurenza, President, Gouverneur Historical Association, 315-323-2654.

Over 1100 pounds of trash collected from roadsides in SLC

by Rachel Hunter

A total of 1146.4 pounds of trash was collected by volunteers during the Third Annual Trash Dash 5K, hosted last weekend by the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.

The 2023 Trash Dash 5K in Gouverneur was held on Earth Day (Saturday, April 22), and drew volunteers who are passionate about environmental stewardship. St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau Director Alexa Backus Chase said that the Trash Dash 5K served as a great opportunity to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment in the local communities. “Our teens appreciate having service projects especially ones that are environmentally friendly and fosters civic pride,” she said. “This also creates connectedness with individuals of all ages who are coming together for a good cause.” Teens on the St. Lawrence County Youth Committee once again worked with the SLC Youth Bureau to make the annual Trash Dash 5K a success.

A total of 201.6 pounds of trash was collected along County Route 12 (Johnstown Street). Other locations included Potsdam (179.3 pounds), Ogdensburg (473.3 pounds), Rensselaer Falls (147.6 pounds) and Massena (144.6 pounds). The St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau is pleased with the turnout and the amount of trash picked alongside the county roadways because of this initiative. The totals smash the record set in previous years. In 2022, there were about 100 participants who collected about 821 pounds of trash. There is great hope for this event’s continued growth in the years to come.

Those in attendance in Gouverneur included: St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau Director Alexa Backus, St. Lawrence County Mental Health Service Coordinator Lindsay Best (who also serves as a St. Lawrence County Youth Advisory Board Member), GHS National Honor Society Advisor Marcy Tyler, and GHS National Honor Society members Caitlyn Storie, Kristen Burns, Abigail Bowman, Sylvia French, Gavin Davis, Llydia Blaine, Ivey Bulger, Kaden Wells. Community members Deanna Hughes and her daughter Katelyn also volunteered.

Each attendee throughout St. Lawrence County participating in the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau sponsored 5K Trash Dash was given a hard hat, safety vest, garbage bags, gloves, etc., once they joined the event at their respective locations. In Gouverneur, a short safety briefing was held at Mills Park in Gouverneur in advance of the clean-up efforts. All were encouraged not to pick up anything that looked suspicious (i.e. hypodermic needles, batteries, bottles with dark liquid inside), and that the item in question would be flagged for further investigation by local law enforcement. The participants were urged to walk as far along the 5K route as they felt that they were able, before making the return trip to Mills Park.

GHS National Honor Society Advisor Marcy Tyler told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that while picking up trash along the route, various residents commented that they were so happy to see volunteers picking up trash to make our community look better, thanking the students and expressing sincere gratitude for helping to make a difference. “I think it's so important for our youth to contribute to our larger community – and these student volunteers genuinely felt that they were making a positive impact,” Mrs. Tyler said. “They absolutely had a new outlook on littering and taking care of our environment!”

Much gratitude was extended to all those who volunteered or contributed any service toward the Third Annual Trash Dash 5K. For more information about the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau, follow the Facebook page or call 315-379-9464.

Hailesboro’s own Evelyn Mary Washburn celebrates 107 years

by Rachel Hunter

The North Country came out in great numbers to the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center on Sunday, April 16, to wish Hailesboro’s own Evelyn Mary Washburn a very happy 107th birthday.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Evelyn Mary Washburn is known as “Aunt Mary” to all the Spilman family and has supplied many in her life with continuous friendship, counseling, and wisdom. She was born on April 15, 1916 in Gouverneur to Grover Cleveland and Evelyn McGrane Washburn. She recollects that her birthplace was the bedroom of an apartment over what was then known as the Bank of Gouverneur on the corner of East Main and Park Street in Gouverneur. She is sister to Jane Dyer and aunt to David L. Spilman, Jr.

Miss Mary’s mother ran a School of Beauty there and had clients such as Senator Rhoda Fox Graves plus the very well-known Bligh A. Dodds. Her mom worked 12 to 14 hours per day and only lived to the age of 56. Her dad was the bartender in the old St. Lawrence Inn that was located on Main Street in Gouverneur. After a short time, it is reported that the family moved to Hailesboro Street and had another child, Jane Elizabeth, who later married Kenly Spilman.

As to education, Miss Mary attended the old East Side Grammar School (Community Bank location) and graduated from the Gouverneur High School in 1933. Miss Mary was in the first marching band at GHS in 1933, and played saxophone.

In a previous interview, the Gouverneur Tribune Press learned that Mary played the saxophone in a jazz band named “Bud LaRue and his Eight Beautiful Girls,” which played all over the North Country area. Miss Mary recalled that one of the girls quit, and the leader got a guy to dress as one of the girls and the band played on… and no one was the wiser.

After taking a year off from the rigors of high school learning, Miss Mary enrolled in what was then called the St. Lawrence School of Nursing, associated with the State Hospital in Ogdensburg, in 1939 She drove her parent’s car every day to school and back. She graduated with the Class of 1941.

Miss Mary joined the Naval Reserves during World War II (enlisted on January 1, 1943 and was called to duty on January 5). and was stationed in Camp Perry, Williamsburg, Va., as a nurse for 16 months and then had orders to depart with the Seabees for California and on to the war zone. However, fate interfered and by the time they arrived on the West Coast, the horrific battles were at an end.

After WWII, Miss Mary furthered her career by attending St. Lawrence University and Simmons College in Boston and becoming Physical Therapist for physical therapy. She earned her Master’s in Rehabilitation Nursing. She worked for New York State as a Public Health nurse and physical therapist. She retired at the age of 55 and went to work for JRC in Jefferson County as Physical Therapist for 18 years. She finally retired from a wonderful life of helping others achieve goals in the 1970s. In her retirement, Mary enjoyed her camp at Clear Lake near Plessis. For over two decades, she enjoyed journeys back and forth to California to visit with lifelong friend, Marion Holmes. Great Aunt Mary was always with the Spilman family and went on all family vacations with them. She always said that Sam the dog was the best behaved in the car. Today, Mary enjoys a safe and wonderful retirement with her nephew, Dave Spilman, Sr., on the Country Club Road in Hailesboro.

The Spilman family celebrated Mary’s birthday on Saturday, April 15 with a small celebration at home. Great cheers rang out as she made her wish and blew out all the lit candles on her birthday cake. The celebration continued on Sunday, April 16, as the Spilman family hosted a grand public event in celebration of their Aunt Mary’s 107th birthday at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center – and invited the entire North Country community, friends, family members, and others to join the celebration. All were warmly welcomed upon entrance, and had the opportunity to sign the guest book, join the card shower, and read about Mary Washburn’s inspirational life in copies of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Invitations detailing the day’s event were also available for the taking. The Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center took on a birthday theme, and impressed all guests as they offered their birthday wishes to Mary Washburn.

At 1 p.m., there was a special public performance of the 10th Mountain Division Band’s brass ensemble – Pinnacle Brass – which played patriotic tunes, movie soundtrack tunes, among others. Miss Mary, a lover of music, from the very first note to the very last kept in time with the music and offered applause at the conclusion of each number. The great crowd in attendance at the 107th birthday party sang along with the Pinnacle Brass in offering a very special “Happy Birthday To You” to Mary Washburn. Thunderous applause sounded throughout the main hall of the community center as all gathered offered their wishes for a happy birthday to Miss Mary.

At the conclusion of the concert, Miss Mary was presented a sash and “birthday queen” tiara from a special guest at the party who told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that she had never met Mary Washburn before that day, but knew she needed it for her birthday celebration. Thunderous applause sounded throughout the community center as the special gift was announced, and Natalie Spilman (a great-niece of Mary Washburn) placed the tiara on her head in great fanfare.

The Spilman family then encouraged those gathered to enjoy the smorgasbord buffet luncheon and an assortment of desserts that were in great abundance at the event. After all had enjoyed the hearty meal, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. (great-nephew of Mary Washburn) then gave the floor to Bonnie Fikes, NYS Senate District Office Manager, for a special presentation.

NYS Senator Mark Walczyk signed and issued a New York State Senate Proclamation in honor of Evelyn Mary Washburn on the occasion of her 107th birthday.

Mrs. Fikes read the proclamation as follows: “Whereas it is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to individuals of the State of New Yor who have served their community, and State with gratitude; and, Whereas, Evelyn Mary Washburn is celebrating 107 incredible years of life on April 15, 2023; and, Whereas Evelyn Washburn began an illustrious career in providing critical care to the residents of her community in 1941, graduating from the St. Lawrence State Hospital School of Nursing; and Whereas, she immediately began serving our country, taking the courageous step of joining the Navy Reserves in 1942; and, Whereas, her military career brought her to provide assistance to the WWII efforts, traveling to California to board a Navy hospital ship, and, Whereas, even after the war she continued to dedicate her life to caring for others, returning to New York to attend St. Lawrence University and become a Physical Therapist; and Be It So Resolved, that as a duly elected member of the New York State Senate, I recognize that Evelyn Mary Washburn has exuded the true qualities of what it means to be a leader and thanks in part to her unwavering dedication and love for her community and country; and Be It Further Resolved, that a copy of this Proclamation, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Evelyn Mary Washburn with sincere and honest appreciation for her dedicated and selfless service to New York State and our great country.”

Great cheers rang out as the proclamation was hand-delivered to Mary Washburn. Mrs. Fikes then said: “If Senator Walczyk were here today, he would say to you: “It is a great honor and a privilege to serve great Americans like you.””

The great crowd then cheered as the Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps, sponsored by the American Legion Post 916 in Antwerp, NY performed several selections. The Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps, now in their 67th season, practice on Sundays and were pleased to hold their first public performance of the season in Gouverneur at Mary Washburn’s 107th birthday party. The Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps presented Miss Mary with an official Original Yanks cap, an extended to her an invitation to join their practices. Miss Mary enjoyed the high energy of the concert, offering a great smile and adding her own toe-tapping energy to the performances. Much gratitude was extended to both the 10th Mountain Division Band’s brass ensemble, Pinnacle Brass, and to the Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps for the outstanding concerts.

Much gratitude was extended to all those who were in attendance, and joined the public birthday party for Miss Mary Washburn. Special invitation were sent out to local dignitaries, and many took the opportunity to come out and extend their happy birthday wishes. This included Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, among other town and village officials and other community leaders.

Local youth hunt for 700 candy-filled eggs in Oxbow

by Rachel Hunter

The Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department presented the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, at the Oxbow Community Park in Oxbow. The event has tradition for many North Country families in advance of the Easter holiday.

Oxbow Fire Department President Mike Manning told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that over 700 plastic eggs had been filled with candy for the event, thanks to generous contributions made from Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department members, local businesses and community members. Firefighters placed the candy-filled eggs around the Oxbow Community Park. There were three age groups, 0-4 years of age, 5-8 years, and 9-12 years. Many North Country youth gathered in advance of the event and enjoyed the playground and adjacent grounds at the Oxbow Community Park.

At 1 p.m., Oxbow Fire President Mike Manning encouraged the growing crowd to look as Oxbow’s Fightin’ 33 with its lights flashing and piercing siren announced the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Excited youth jumped up and down and a few squeals let loose as the firefighters helped the Easter Bunny from the fire truck to greet the local families. From hugs to handshakes, the Easter met many of the local youth before the Easter Egg Hunt commenced.

The crowd then spread out to the three designated sections in the Oxbow Community Park as the age groups were determined. North Country families encouraged the young children to pick up as many candy-filled eggs as they could find, as only a select few held a special prize. The countdown began, and all at once the youth ran in glee to collect the eggs. Some placed their eggs in an accompanying bag or basket, but others gathered their newfound treasures in their shirts or jackets.

Once the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt was completed and all eggs hidden at the Oxbow Community Park had been found, many North Country families took advantage of the opportunity for some photos with the legendary Easter Bunny.

Much gratitude was extended to all those involved in making this a great community event for the local youth ahead of the Easter holiday.

This was just one of many community events presented by the Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department throughout the year.

Just recently, President Mike Manning said that ­­­the Oxbow Fire Department hosted the Fightin’ 33 No Foolin’ You Chicken Barbecue in Saturday, April 1, which was sold out within two hours, due to the tremendous community support.

The Oxbow Fire Department is looking forward to welcoming the North Country to the Oxbow Community Park on Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the Cruising to Father’s Day Craft Fair and Classic Car Show. President Manning told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that an anticipated 300 cars will be in attendance. There will also be a craft fair, bounce house, cornhole, live music by the Midnight Flyer Band, Chicken BBQ (at the fire station, noon), and so much more. Details will be reported as they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

The Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department is also planning to hold virtual benefit auctions in May. Check the Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page for information on these and other upcoming community events in Oxbow.

Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza a success with over 400 in attendance

by Rachel Hunter

The First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza, presented by the Gouverneur Recreation Department and the Riverview Park Association, was held on Saturday, April 1. It drew over 400 people to the Riverview Recreational Park and Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, NY-58, in Gouverneur.

Over 1,000 plastic eggs were filled with candy, temporary tattoos and small toys that were donated by generous community members and local businesses. The eggs were packed by Gouverneur Recreation Department Staff and other volunteers with the Riverview Park Association. These dedicated volunteers spent over an hour on Saturday morning to ensure that the treasured eggs were well spread out through the grounds of the Riverview Recreational Park in readiness for the event.

All North Country families were welcomed inside the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center during registration where they had the opportunity to enter the free drawing.

A big hit for the North Country families was the opportunity to get pictures taken with the Easter Bunny who hopped to the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center early on Saturday morning excited to wave hello, hug and high-five the local youths. All youths were distributed a treat thanks to the volunteer efforts by Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey and Stacy Canell. North Country families were also invited to enjoy hot chocolate, popcorn and more while inside the community center. At about 11:15 a.m., North Country families were encouraged to start making their way outside to the pavilions by the basketball courts. By 11:30 a.m., a long line form on the roadway from the pavilions to the athletic fields as North Country families were ready to get into the Easter Egg hunting action.

This was the first Easter Egg Hunt held in Gouverneur in two decades, and organizers were thrilled to bring back the event for all North Country families to enjoy while also having the opportunity to enjoy the grounds at Riverview Park.

The custom of the Easter egg hunt comes from Germany, and some suggest that its origins date back to the late 16th century, when the Protestant reformer Martin Luther organized egg hunts for his congregation. The men would hide the eggs for the women and children to find. This was a nod to the story of the resurrection, in which the empty tomb was discovered by women. The Easter Bunny would bring a basket of brightly painted eggs for all the children who had been good, and these would be hidden around the house and garden for the children to find. Modern Easter Egg Hunts often bring the community together to find the treasured candy- and toy-filled Easter eggs with the support and sponsorship from local community members and businesses alike. The First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza did not disappoint with over 400 persons in attendance, including 196 youths who registered in advance of the hunt. More North Country families arrived and went directly to Riverview Recreational Park, eager to start the Easter Egg Hunt.

The sun broke through the clouds just in time for the First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza after more than an inch of rain had fallen in the Gouverneur community in the previous 24 hours. Wearing spring coats and rain boots, North Country families arrived at the fields with big smiles on their faces, and excitement in their step as they held onto their bags firmly so as not to have the blustery winds blow their collection vessels away. At about 11:30 a.m., Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell used a megaphone to give instructions to the North Country families. At 3-2-1-GO! North Country families started to run all over the grounds at Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur as they collected as many eggs as they could in the time allotted. The youngest set (2-4 years old) went to the lower softball field and the middle age group (5-7 years old) went to the upper softball field, and the oldest group (8-10 years old) went to the Coach Porter Volunteer Field and other areas around the playground and concession stand.

Local families encouraged their youths do whatever they could to run and get to the field first so they could harvest the most candy- and toy-filled eggs. Some parents even took the opportunity to lift their children over the park’s fences so that they could experience the joy of being the first on the field. Some children took the time to share the eggs that they found with the youngest set who hadn’t grasped the concept of the hunt. In complete glee, the children collected many colorful eggs, and were eager to open their newfound treasures and see what was inside.

Many North Country families then made their way to the pavilions by the basketball courts where the raffle drawing winners names were announced.

The Gouverneur Recreation Department and Riverview Park Association is grateful for all of the support shown at the First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza and will focus on making the event bigger and better for the Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza in 2024. If you would like information on how you can help out with this event, please contact the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0520.

GHS students wow crowds with production of ‘Into The Woods Jr.’

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur High School presented the spring musical, “Into The Woods, Jr.” in packed house performances on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at the Gouverneur High School Auditorium.

“Into The Woods Jr.” is a new take on Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s groundbreaking, Tony-Award winning musical fairytale about wishes and the choices we make. The musical features all your favorite characters – Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch in a lyrically rich retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fables. The musical features orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, and used with permission by Music Theatre International in New York City.

The doors opened at 6:40 p.m. each night. Community members arrived over one hour in advance in order to secure their place in line. By the time the doors opened, community members had formed a long line outside the Gouverneur High School auditorium entrance. With packed house performances each night, Gouverneur community members arrived in droves to enjoy the GHS Spring Musical, and show their support of the local students.

Welcoming all those in attendance were the smiling faces of the volunteers at the Box Office. This included Stacy Canell, Denise LeClair, Brandon Griffin, and Lindsey Carvel. Also showing their support throughout the production was Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of School Jacquelyn Kelly, Gouverneur High School Principal Cory Wood, and members of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, among others. The crowds were also ushered into the GHS Auditorium by the members of the GHS National Honor Society.

The GHS production of “Into The Woods Jr.” was directed by Emily Bason, with assistance from Music Director Kathleen Buell and Paul Buell, and Choreography by Paul Buell and Emily Bason. Director Bason dedicated the GHS Spring Musical to Music Director Kathy Buell. “I am dedicating this to her because I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Kathy for many years, but alongside her as a director for four shows,” Mrs. Bason said. Her passion for music and her love of theatre is just contagious. She challenges, encourages and guides our members into performing at their very best. She helps them achieve a level they never even thought possible. Thank you, Mrs. Buell. Keep playing, keep performing, and keep singing along. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to our musical programs.”

As the curtain went up in the GHS Auditorium, the audiences were quickly transported into Brothers Grimm fairytales. The GHS production of “Into The Woods, Jr.” had five scenes with multiple musical numbers that expertly guided the audiences along the storyline and narration by GHS Senior Mariah Manning. With GHS upperclassmen taking the lead roles, the Into The Woods Jr. cast delivered spectacular performances that local audiences will remember for year to come.

The story centered on the desires of five characters – Jack (Hazen Given) who wishes his old cow (Milky-White by Alexis Dake) would deliver milk, Little Red Riding Hood (Jahonna Sloan) who seeks treats for her grandma and herself, Cinderella (Niciara House-Bowman) who desire’s to attend the King’s Ball, and The Baker (Maxwel Lucas) and his wife (Allison Carvel) who long for a child. Like most Sondheim pieces, Into The Woods Jr. relies on the strength of a cast rather than putting the weight on one or two people to carry the show – and the GHS Production was no exception.

Other cast members included: Cinderella’s stepmother (Alexandra McDougall), Cinderella’s Father (Derek Hall), Florinda (Zaphire Hall), Lucinda (Charley Newvine), Cinderella’s Prince (Jack Schroeder), Jack’s Mother (Brook Garret), Witch (Faith Leader), Wolf (Sylvia French), Granny (Akaysha Shippee-Ray), Mysterious Man (Tigran Sahakyan), Rapunzel and Cinderella’s Mom (Jaylynn Dalton), Rapunzel’s Prince (Tiamane Hull), Steward (Abigail Lucas), Cow (Briahna McGill), and Hen (Elizabeth Bason).

GHS Junior Faith Leader (as the Witch) set the tone for excellence early in the musical as she performed the rapid-fire “Witch’s Entrance” rap with ease. Other musical selections included the following: “Giants In The Sky” (featuring GHS Senior Hazen Given as Jack), “Hello, Little Girl” (featuring Sylvia French as the Wolf and GHS Senior Jahonna Sloan as Little Red Riding Hood), “Agony” (featuring Cinderella’s Prince GHS Senior Jack Schroeder and Rapunzel’s Prince Tiamane Hull), “It Takes Two” (featuring GHS Seniors Maxwel Lucas as the baker, and Allison Carvel as the baker’s wife), “I Know Things Now” (GHS Senior Jahonna Sloan as Little Red Riding Hood), “Rapunzel” (featuring Jaylynn Dalton as Rapunzel), “Stay With Me” (featuring Faith Leader as the Witch), “On The Steps of the Palace” (featuring GHS Senior Niciara House-Bowman as Cinderella), among others. The full cast came together for the finale and performed, “Ever After,” and the curtain music, the haunting “Children Will Listen.”

The local audiences gave standing ovations to the GHS cast/crew/directors in recognition of their hard work and dedication in the exceptional production of “Into The Woods Jr.”

Many North Country residents said that they were quickly transported “Into The Woods” thanks to the efforts of the Set Builders (SWT BOCES Building Trades Students, Gianna Manning, Carly Bartholomew, Destiny Blair) and Set Design (Mr. Decker, Levi Durham, SWT BOCES Building Trades Students) volunteers. The costumes were managed by Director Ms. Matthews with assistance from Mya Connor and Mrs. Bason. Hairdressers were Emile Jesmer, Kathy Stamper, Gloria Browe, Candace Cowser, and cosmetology students from Southwest Tech BOCES. Make-up was done by Amanda Cox, Jessica Miller, and Melissa Terpstra.

The GHS production of “Into The Woods, Jr.” was made possible thanks to the efforts of Stage Manager/Property Mistress Destiny Blair, and stage crew including Destiny Blair, Ava Bartholomew, Carly Bartholomew, and Gianna Manning. Lights were handled by Madison Hopper and Shane Muyao. The Sound Engineer was Daniel Whitton with assistance from Kaden Wells and Gavin Davis. Working the slides was Ava Bartholomew. The publicity and programs were handled by the cast and crew of Into The Woods, Jr. as well as Director Emily Bason and Abigail Lucas. Also recognized was local photographer, Gidget Wainwright. The cast party was handled by Lindsey Carvel, Dayna Leader and the parents of the cast and crew.

A special word of appreciation was extended to the parents of the cast and crew, NNY Custom Printing, Shari Law, Emily Mashaw, The Gouverneur Tribune Press, Kinney Drugs, WWNY-TV, The Flower Girls, Tammy Mullin and Michelle Hassett, Evelyn Barton, Kiera Matthews, St. James School, Harold Simmons and the custodial staff, GHS Principal Cory Wood, GCS Supt. Jacquelyn Kelly, the GCS Board of Education and Captain Knight.

The GHS audiences were also informed that the Gouverneur Recreation Department will proudly present Missoula Children’s Theatre’s “Cinderella” on July 24-29 at GHS, open to all youth in grades K-12. Advanced registration is required (opening May 1, 2023), as there is limited availability. For more information, contact Recreation Director Casey Canell, 315-287-0524.

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

GCS School Staff Recognition Award Presented to GHS Teaching Assistant Laurie Shrewsberry

Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education Vice President Todd Bates (left) and Board Member Naaman Lowry (right) present the GCS School Staff Recognition Award to GHS Teaching Assistant Laurie Shrewsberry during the March 6 school board meeting in the GHS cafeteria. (Rachel Hunter photo)

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its Monday, March 6 meeting presented a Gouverneur Central School Staff Recognition Award (2022-23 School Year) to Gouverneur High School Teaching Assistant Laurie Shrewsberry.

“One of our favorite things to do is to recognize a staff member for going above and beyond for our kids, District and each other,” Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong said. “Today, we have another great example to share. The District Shared Decision-Making Committee receives nominations on wonderful people and employees, and have the difficult decision of narrowing it down to just one.”

President Fenlong then read the award as follows: “Whereas, the efforts of the Gouverneur Central School District support staff are essential to the successful operation of the District’s schools and programs, and

“Whereas, the District Shared Decision-Making Committee, in consideration of her nomination, recognizes Mrs. Laurie Shrewsberry as a worthy recipient of the Gouverneur Central School Staff Recognition Award for the 2022-23 school year, and

“Whereas, The District Shared Decision-Making Committee determined Mrs. Shrewsberry’s worthiness of this recognition because, “Mrs. Shrewsberry always steps in to help when there are absences or shortages of substitutes within the classroom. When the main teacher is absent from the classroom, she steps in to run lessons and support the supporting staff in the classroom. Laurie is able to work effectively with any student in the classroom with patience and kindness. She also provides support for the students when they are conducting different life skills such as cooking, budgeting, and social interactions. She is an overall kind person who would do anything for anyone. Laurie not only interacts with her students, but other students as well. She supports aides with recommendations of what to do better to engage the students more in the lessons and skills to provide them with a better life outside of school.”

“Therefore, the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education recognized Mrs. Laurie Shrewsberry as a recipient of the Gouverneur Central School Staff Recognition award for the 2022-23 school year. The Board of Education congratulates Mrs. Shrewsberry on her nomination and award, and extends its appreciation for her dedication and service to the students and families of the Gouverneur Central School District.

“Approved, this 13th day of February, 2023, by the Board of Education of the Gouverneur Central School District.” It was signed by David Fenlong, President of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education. The award was presented to Mrs. Shrewsberry by Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education Vice President Todd Bates and Board Member Naaman Lowry. Great applause sounded throughout the GHS cafeteria as the award was presented to Mrs. Shrewsberry.

In other school news:

Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly gave the following recognition at the March 6 meeting: “I’d like to take a moment tonight to recognize our Winter student-athletes who competed in New York State athletic competitions this year. Last weekend, Gouverneur was well represented at the State Wrestling Competition in Albany. Representing the Wildcats were Cyler Baer, Drew Gates, Zoe Griffith, Hunter Mashaw, JD Minckler, Paul Minckler, Turner Sochia, and Vandavian Way. Vandavian took fourth place for the second year in a row, becoming Gouverneur’s 58th New York State Place Finisher. The Gouverneur Wildcats were also well represented at the State competition for Track and Field on Staten Island. Competing were Abigail Bowman, Audrey Gaines, Meadow Greenhill, Jacey Sheen, Owen Siebels, and Emily Smith. The 4x200 relay team of Abigail Bowman, Jacey Sheen, Meadow Greenhill, and Emily Smith set a new school record. Riley Shepherd represented the Gouverneur Wildcats at the State swimming competition in Ithaca. Riley swam the butterfly and achieved a new personal best. Our Boys Varsity Basketball Team had a very successful season, and it was topped off by our very own Raine Rumble being named Section 10 Central MVP. Jared Donaldson and Ethan Fitzgerald were named to the second team, and John Finne IV earned the Sportsmanship Award. And then, of course, our Girls Varsity Basketball Team won the Overall Section 10 title for the first time since 1989… Chloe Smith was named Section 10 Central Co-MVP. Meredith Bush and Elizabeth Riutta were named to the first team, while Lia Canell received second team honors and Addison Conklin received the Sportsmanship Award. Congratulations to all of our student athletes and their coaches.” Great applause sounded in recognition of the student-athletes hard work and dedication to excellence.

Board Member Laurie Roberts extended gratitude to the Wildcat fans for their faithful dedication to supporting the student-athletes during the regular and post-season play.

Board Member Brooke Bush also extended a special word of appreciation to GHS Yearbook Editor Cory Young for his dedication in photographing the student-athletes each season. “He’s taking great pictures,” Mrs. Bush said. “He’s everywhere,” Supt. Kelly said.

At the Feb. 23 school board meeting, Supt. Kelly congratulated the students who recently competed in the Adirondack Science Olympiad competition at SUNY Plattsburgh, including Ava Bartholomew, Carly Bartholomew, Ivey Bulger, Madison Hopper, Noel LaPierre, Mariah Manning, Elizabeth Riutta, Jack Schroeder, Danielle Shattuck, Riley Shepherd, Caitlyn Storie, Dillon Storie, Kaden Wells, and Nathan Worden, and advisors Lisa Dunkelberg, Sam Sochia, and Sarah Wood. The students came away with multiple medals in events such as Engineering, Technology, and construction. She also recognized student athletes including Zoe Griffith, who took 2nd place at the first State Competition for Girls’ Wrestling; the Girls’ Basketball team for their record of 19 and 1 going into playoffs; and the Boys’ Swim team, who won the Section 10 title for the first time in over 20 years. The team members include Carter Lumley, Chase Tuttle, Gavin Warren, Gavin Davis, Tigran Sahakyan, and Riley Shepherd, who qualified for states in the 100M butterfly.

At the March 6 school board meeting, Student Board Representative Mariah Manning reported that the GHS Spring Musical, Into The Woods, Jr., would be coming to the GHS Auditorium Stage on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m. curtain. In addition, she said that there was a American Red Cross Blood Drive, sponsored by the National Honor Society, which had a good turnout. Much gratitude was extended to Miss Manning for her report.

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education approved the following appointments as a consent agenda: Under Instructional, Agriculture Teacher Kylie A. Spinner was appointed to a four-year probationary period, commending on February 2, 2023. The school board appointed Special Education Teacher (Secondary) Jill M. Davis to a 3-year probation commencing on May 1, 2023. The school board appointed Special Education Teacher (Elementary) Keegan Little to a 3-year probation commencing May 1, 2023.

Extra Curricular: The school board made the following appointments to the Marching Band for Summer 2023: Director Jenelle Yeoman, Assistant 1 Hailey Cook, Assistant 2 Madison Kurdziel, Color Guard Ryan Burt, and Volunteer Lynn Kurdziel. The school board also appointed the following 2022-23 Spring Coaches: JV Girls Softball Saddie Whitaker, Assistant Softball Volunteer Edward Smith, JV Boys Baseball Christine Cognetti, Assistant Baseball Volunteer Matthew Ashley, Assistant Boys Track Robert Webster, and Golf Volunteer Nicholas Sterling. The school board rescinded the appointment Shawn Typhair (JV Girls Softball) and Saddie Whitaker (Modified Girls Softball).

The school board also acknowledged the leave of absence covered under FMLA provisions for a probationary employee.

Under New Business: The school board approved the appointment of Pat Williams, who is permanently certified in N-6, as a long-term substitute from April 24-June 23, 2023.

The school board created six 2.75-hour Food Service Helper positions, in the Labor class of the civil service, represented by the GSRPU, effective March 7, 2023.

The school board approved the request from the Gouverneur High School Chapter of FFA to attend and participate in the following: Northeast All-Breeds Spring Cow Show (April 17-22, 2023), FFA State Convention in Buffalo (May 17-20, 2023), and Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. (June 6-11, 2023).

The school board approved the Memorandum of Agreement for Election Services between the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections and the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, applicable to the GCSD Election being held on May 16, 2023, and any subsequent revote(s) related thereto, as presented.

The school board approve to compensate election inspectors at the rate of $175 per day on School District voting days during the 2022-23 school year.

The school board appointed inspector and officers for the annual vote. The following resolution was approved: “Whereas, the Board of Education of the Gouverneur Central School District, St. Lawrence County, New York, has called an Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote of the qualified voters of said School District to be held on the 16th day of May 2023, and

“Whereas, it is now desired to provide for the appointment of inspectors and officers for said Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote, Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education approve the appointments as follows: Laurie Roberts, a duly qualified voter of said School District, is hereby appointed as the Chairman of the Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote on May 16, 2023, and the Budget Hearing on May 8, 2023. The following named qualified voters of said School District are hereby appointed to act as Inspectors off Election of the Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote, so that there shall be at least two inspectors for each voting machine to be used thereat: Diane Kelley, Chief Election Inspector, Judith Poticher, Election Inspector, and Susan McHeffey as Alternate. Lisa Sheen is designated as Acting Clerk in the absence or inability to act of the District Clerk, for purposes of said Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote. Kim Shampine is designated as Assistant Clerk of said Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote. Be it further resolved, the Board authorizes the Clerk to make any changes to the appointments as deemed necessary, per the county list of approved inspectors, or appoint at least two inspectors for each voting machine from the list of certified inspectors.”

The school board approved a merger with Harrisville Central School District to allow their students to participate on the Gouverneur Boys and Girls Track teams during the 2022-23 school year.

The school board also accepted the donation of 500 Quidel at-home COVID test boxes (two tests per box) from the Community Health Center of the North Country, for distribution as needed. Much gratitude was extended to the Community Health Center of the North Country for the gift.

The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Monday, March 20, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS Cafeteria. For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.

GMS students shine at regional robotics competition

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District sent four middle school teams to the FIRST LEGO League Challenge, a regional robotics competition, hosted on Saturday, February 11 by Clarkson University’s Institute for STEM Education FIRST Robotics Program in Potsdam, NY.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. The FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.  FIRST LEGO League consists of three divisions (Discover, Explore, and Challenge), aimed at inspiring youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics. Through the three divisions of FLL, students will understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way. Clarkson’s FIRST Robotics programs are part of the K12 outreach programs within the Institute for STEM Education. In a typical year, Clarkson’s FIRST Robotics programs support over 50 FIRST teams, including those at the elementary school, middle school and high school level. The Gouverneur Central School District participates at all levels.

The four teams of Gouverneur Wildcats from the Gouverneur Middle School competed in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge on Feb. 11 at Clarkson University in Potsdam. Gouverneur Middle School STEM Teacher and GMS Robotics Coach Heather Delity said, “At Gouverneur, we had so much interest that we 11 teams of between 6-12 kids. Right after Thanksgiving break, we did an internal competition. Each team had their robot complete the obstacle course for the challenge. The top four teams were the ones that qualified to go to Clarkson. Those four teams then met twice per week until February to get ready for the Clarkson competition. They have to do a research project. This year’s theme was energy, how we use energy and how we get energy. They had to come up with an innovative idea for how to better get energy. So, each team came up with an idea… and presented them to the judges at Clarkson. There were 25 different teams from all over the area. We sent four teams, and they all did great. Because of Covid, this was the first time we have been able to go to the competition in three years. All the kids who had done it before have moved on… so this was the first time going for all the kids. That was really fun to participate in it with everyone there. We have three teams that were all boys, and one team that was all girls.”

Team Enthusiastic Energy, the all-girl team from the Gouverneur Middle School, won the first-place trophy for the Best Overall Robotics Design. Mrs. Delity said, “It is an engineering award for creating the robot that was the most functional, had the most features, and was able to be able to interact with the obstacles. They were able to explain how they designed it, what sensors they were using, and how they were operating different attachments. I was really proud of them. Girls often don’t often get engineering type of awards, so I was excited when it was presented.” Team Enthusiastic Energy featured the following Wildcats: Arianna Brown, Alessandria Colon, Karsyn Cudhea, Sophi Hayden, Kendra Jenkins, Lexi Merkley, Gabriella Rayburn, Isabella Rayburn, and Olivia Salazar.

Two of the Gouverneur Wildcat all-boys teams came in second and third overall in scoring. “I was proud of (all the teams),” Mrs. Delity said. “They all put their best forward at the competition.” Team Monster Men scored the second highest score overall. It featured the following students: Kameran Bice, Keegan Durham-Travis, Gregory Haines Jr., Ayden Miller, Jacob Moon, Aidan Roggie, Colton Salter, Treyton Smith, and Gavin Tulley. Team Savage Robo Gang featured the following students: Lucas Doster, Connor MacKinnon, Brycen Parshley, Nathan Wang, and Parker Williams. Team Geared Builder Men include the following students: Alessandro Colon, Logan Doster, Levi Klock, Hendrix McSweeney, Jacob Sibley, Jackson Skeels, Daniel Storie.

Mrs. Delity anticipates more Gouverneur Central School District students will look to get involved in robotics as interest continues to grow at the local level.

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

North Country Chili Cook-Off: Silver Leaf Diner in DeKalb Junction wins People’s Choice Award

The Volunteer Transportation Center hosted the return of the in-person portion of its Annual North Country Chili Cook-Off Saturday, Feb. 25, drawing hundreds to the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown. This marked the competition’s first year back to its traditional in-person format since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The event — which raises money for the Volunteer Transportation Center to fund crucial transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping trips for local veterans and their families — is estimated to have raised more than $30,000, returning to pre-pandemic fundraising levels.

“We were so glad to be back at the Dulles State Office Building to host an event the community has been looking forward to since we last hosted it three years ago,” said cook-off Chairperson Amy McEathron, owner and president of Independent Medical Evaluation Company, Carthage. “People were excited to be back and the different professional and amateur teams really enjoyed that in-person, face-to-face competition we’ve all been missing. It was a great day and I can’t wait to celebrate our 25th anniversary next year.”

That was a sentiment echoed by VTC Executive Director Sam Purington and Jeremiah S. Papineau, Director of Communications and Foundation Director for the VTC.

“It was great to be back,” said Mr. Purington, “not just to provide a fun, family-friendly event for the community but to raise important funding for the services we provide, particularly for veterans and their family members who we transport.”

“When we looked around and saw all the smiling faces, seeing everyone enjoying the chili, it was a great feeling,” said Mr. Papineau. “Even though we’ve enjoyed the modified format we’ve done the past few years, we’ve all missed seeing each other in person. I can’t truly put it into words.”

This year’s in-person event saw 17 teams participate, with a mix of professional and amateur teams. Attendees were able to taste chili from each team, sampling traditional styles and ones with different takes like white bean chicken chili, vegetarian chili and others. Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges and the special category awards were given by another panel of judges.

In the Professional Category, first place went to the Samaritan Medical Center team from Watertown, led by Shawn McManaman; second place went to the Whistle Stop Tavern team from Deferiet, led by Aaron LaGasse; and the team from L.E.A.’S Diner from Heuvelton, led Steven Bogardus, took third place.

In the Amateur Category, first place went to the Watertown International Airport team, led by Tony Bender; second place went to the Amy Kenney-Keller Williams team, led by Amy Kenney; and third place went to the Watertown German-American Club team, led by Barbara Eddy.

Other awards included Best Vegetarian entry going to Baked, a team led by Melissa and Chris Fitzgerald, Clayton; Best Decorated going to Meme’s Diner from Felts Mills, led by Brandy Snyder; Best Dressed going to Watertown German-American Club, led by Barbara Eddy; Most Congenial going to Garland City Beer Works, led by Nancy Henry; and Most Unusual Recipe going to Samaritan Medical Center, led by Shawn McManaman, for its Irish-themed corned beef chili.

The public was able to have its say by casting ballots for the People’s Choice Award. As a result, Samaritan Medical Center’s team took home the honor.

Other teams that also competed include Stewart’s Shops, Black River; Moose Knuckles, Copenhagen; The Battlefield Eatery, Sackets Harbor; 24 Carrots Catering and Events, Watertown; Empire Square, Watertown; Maggie’s on the River, Watertown; The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence, Watertown; and Volunteer Transportation Center, Watertown.

During the event, winners were announced for the restaurant-to-restaurant format of this year’s North Country Chili Cook-Off, which saw competition among participating restaurants and businesses in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.

This year, the People’s Choice Award for that format went to Silver Leaf Diner in DeKalb Junction, which received the most votes from people in the community. The Volunteer Transportation Center was happy to present the Silver Leaf Diner in DeKalb Junction with the award this past week.

When Silver Leaf Diner owner Traci Kirker heard that the Top Fundraiser Award, for third year in a row, went to Meme’s Diner in Felts Mills raised $1,000 in donations for the VTC, she wrote a check for $1,000 to help add to what was raised for the Volunteer Transportation Center to provide transportation for veterans and their family members.

VTC extends much gratitude to all who participated in both the restaurant-to-restaurant format of the cook-off and the in-person event at the Dulles State Office Building. Those that participated in the restaurant-to-restaurant format included: Beese’s Depot Café, 13449 Depot Street, Adams Center; Adams Country Club, 10700 U.S. Route 11, Adams; The Dockside Pub, 11 Market Street, Alexandria Bay; The Church Street Diner, 107 Church Street, Carthage; Zero Dock Street Restaurant & Bar, 130 Canal Street, Carthage; Whiskey Jack’s, 5454 Plumber Road, Constableville; Red Rooster, 9861 State Route 812, Croghan; Silver Leaf Diner, 3231 U.S. Route 11, DeKalb Junction; Meme’s Diner, 31606 State Route 3, Felts Mills; L.E.A’S Diner, 90 State Street, Heuvelton; The Blue House, 3736 County Route 14, Madrid; Route 68 Deli, 4962 State Route 68, Ogdensburg; Smuggler’s Café, 54 East River Street, Ogdensburg; Hoof & Horn Butcher and Eatery, 32 Market Street, Potsdam; Plum Brook Café, 756 County Route 17, Russell; The Sandwich Bar, 113 West Main Street, Sackets Harbor; Tavern230, 4173 West Road, Turin; Black Waters Café and Trading Post, 68 Ranger School Road, Wanakena; Celest Jamaican Cuisine, 23746 State Route 342, Watertown; Empire Square, 65 Public Square, Watertown; Flavors of The Philippines, 568 Bradley Street, Watertown; Johnny D’s, 1 Public Square, Watertown; Panera Bread, 21872 Towne Center Drive, Watertown; Pete’s Trattoria, 111 Breen Avenue, Watertown; The Eatery, 65 Public Square, Watertown; The Grille at Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal Street, Watertown; Two Hot Dogs, 71 Public Square, Watertown; and Jose O’Connor’s, 15 Bridge Street, West Carthage.

This year’s in-person event also included desserts created by Jessica Sheldon of Mud Pie Designs, which were for sale by donation to the Volunteer Transportation Center. That portion of the event raised $1,643. Raffle baskets, coordinated by Mrs. McEathron and donated by several local businesses, also raised $1,625. Everything came together to help make the event a success, said Mr. Papineau.

“We cannot thank everyone enough who did their part to help make this a special year for the cook-off,” he said. “We cannot wait to see everyone next year for the 25th anniversary.”

The Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. (VTC), established in 1991, drives thousands of miles each year assisting community members in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties and beyond. Over the last 30 years, this essential non-profit organization has provided rides to health care appointments, food sources and other critical needs destinations for residents. In 2021, VTC volunteer drivers provided 26,711 charitable trips over 1,073,435 miles in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 470,002 helped those in Jefferson County, 151,954 in Lewis County and 451,479 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $477,679 in mileage reimbursement for our volunteers. Data from 2022 is currently being compiled. The staff, boards of directors and volunteer drivers look forward to a time when transportation to community activities and services is accessible to all North Country residents regardless of economic or specialized needs. But for now the mission drives on — striving to provide transportation to health, wellness and critical needs destinations utilizing volunteers and mobility management for anyone who has barriers to transportation. For more information about how you can help the Volunteer Transportation Center, about its upcoming events, or to become a volunteer driver, contact the agency in Jefferson and Lewis Counties at 315-788-0422, in St. Lawrence County at 315-714-2034, in Oswego County at 315-644-6944, or Western New York at 585-250-5030. Volunteers drive their own cars, set their own hours and receive mileage reimbursement but, more importantly, make a difference in the community. The 24th Annual North Country Chili Cook-Off was supported by many sponsors. To see the full list, visit www.volunteertransportationcenter.org.

Gouverneur Senior Citizens Club honors David Spilman, Jr. with appreciation award

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Senior Citizens Club at its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 14 presented Gouverneur Community Center Director and Town of Gouverneur Supervisor David Spilman, Jr. an appreciation plaque in recognition of all the support he has provided the club over the years.

Much applause sounded throughout the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center as Mr. Spilman was presented the appreciation award by Gouverneur Senior Citizens Club President Kathleen Sharlow. The plaque read as follows: “Dave Spilman Jr. The Gouverneur Senior Citizens want to express our deep gratitude for your dedicated work you do on our behalf. Thank you!” The plaque was dated February 14, 2023. Mr. Spilman extended gratitude to the club for the honor.

During the meeting, the Gouverneur Senior Citizens Club also invited their guest, Supervisor Spilman, to update the club members on the current state of the old train depot in Gouverneur. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the old train depot was slated for demolition by CSX, and that the Village of Gouverneur and the Town of Gouverneur are currently working together in an effort to save a piece of Gouverneur’s history.

“Mayor Ron McDougall and I are on a mission. We had a lot of problems with the railroad station this summer with vandalism and drug-dealing out of there. We reached out to CSX Police. They came up and they decided that they were just going to tear down the whole thing. So I intervened, called CSX Properties, pled to them that it is part of our history here in town. Back in October, they gave me a month to try to find funding to move the building. They won’t allow us to purchase the building or lease the building and have it remain on their property because of liability issues. In that month, I looked around. There actually is a company that moves buildings just like this… It took me a month to find resources. I couldn’t. I sent an email back to CSX Properties, and said: “Thank you for the month. I couldn’t do anything. Let me know when they are going to demolish.” Well, I must have struck a nerve because a couple days later I got a call from the head of properties in Florida. They’ve offered us a year’s lease for $1 to try to find funding to move the building. They’ve been very good. I can’t say enough about CSX. They’ve been very good.

“My son, Matt, and I went over and boarded it up, so that there is no more vandalism. We went inside, and there was still benches in there, and all kinds of good stuff. You can see inside the building where they started three different campfires. Why the building is still there, I don’t know. Somebody is looking out for us.

“Where we are at right now, we are in the process of doing the paperwork for the lease. Mayor Ron McDougall is on the Fair Board also. He brought it up at a fair board meeting. Our intent right now is to be able to find funding to move this to the fairgrounds, and then fix the building up and make it usable for that location there. What they’ll use it for, I’m not sure. But right now we’re in the process of going after some state grants, federal grants, and things like that. Private funding, once we get it to the fairgrounds, that might come in to play. When Ron and I were on TV several weeks ago, about 10 minutes after (the newscast) aired, Charlie Titus called me up and said: “I am going to give you $100 for moving the railroad station.” I said that I would take his money once we sign the lease, and we can get to the next step. Right now, we are in the process of just rewording a couple lines in the lease, and then Ron and I will go after some grant money to try to save the building.

“The cornerstone on this building is 1919. Since I started this, I’ve been stopped by lots of people and have heard lots of different stories. From my own family, my mother used to ride the train to Watertown about once a year with her mom to go shopping. John McElroy came up to me the other day… his mom was a Fresh Air child, came up from New York City. The last time she rode the train, she got adopted and stayed here. There’s lots of stories… When the story first went into the Tribune, it told the story of a 90-year-old lady from Las Vegas who called me and her memory of it was that she watched her uncle get on the train to go to World War II. He didn’t come back. Lots of history. The building down the road, the longer rail station, my family actually owns it, the Farleys. The cornerstone on that is 1920. So, these two are brother and sister. That’s where my passion lies trying to get this done. It’s going to be great if we can get this done. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. Fortunately, the fairgrounds is in tune to maybe help us. My first attempt was to get it with the town barn, and try to make it into our courthouse and town offices, but we were looking at almost $500,000 just to get it there, and we weren’t sure if we would get it across the bridge. You’re looking at 250 to 300 tons, just the building… and then you have all the vehicles. And then we would have had to move five or six street lights. The building is 45 feet wide, 110 feet long… so it is not like moving an Amish shed. When they move it, it will all go in one piece. They’ll dig underneath the building, and they’ll go up and they’ll support the whole thing from underneath and then they literally jack it up and put a rig underneath it, and then it can go forward, sideways, whatever. It has a series of beams and it has about 80 tires under it. It's all hydraulically controlled… so what they’ll do is get this unit underneath it, head down Sterling Street, behind the Catholic Church, and then take the straight shot right down to the fairgrounds. The other route was going to take us out onto Main Street but then we couldn’t make the turns go by the Credit Union, or even down Rock Island… So my thought right now. It’s across the road from Nina’s. We should be able to come right out to Depot Street, go to Sterling Street, come through the back parking lot at the Catholic Church, have a turn and then it is just a straight shot. We still have to move one traffic signal, but one is much easier to move than six…

“We are still $200,000 to $300,000 to get this thing jacked up, get all of the permits, get it there, and get some type of foundation underneath it. We haven’t applied for grants yet because we haven’t taken possession of the building. As soon as the lease is in place, we can apply for grants… My intent is to save the building. It is part of our history, and there’s lots of stories out there…”

A few of the local senior citizens had stories to share regarding the old train depot. After hearing their tales, Supervisor Spilman said that he talked with County Legislator James Reagen, who formerly served as an aide in Senator Patty Ritchie’s office. “He told me the story of a train robbery in the early 1900s. A couple guys boarded at that passenger station and proceeded to try to rob the mail car enroute to Canton. I didn’t read the whole story, but they pulled guns and this and that. Why would you want to rob a mail car? The more you read it, you see that was how they shipped payrolls. Cash was in the mail car. To make a long story short, one guy jumped off the train while it was moving 50 MPH… It was a real interesting story.”

Supervisor Spilman extended gratitude to Gouverneur Senior Citizens Club for the opportunity to speak. “Sometime in March I am going to have an open house for everybody in the community to come in, tell stories and memories… We want to be able to show community support to even apply for grants. Every story we get adds to being able to save this. Unfortunately, it is a historical building in our town, but it was never labeled as the owners as historical. That throws a lot of limitations on what the owner can do. My first step was the St. Lawrence County Historical Society, and it wasn’t listed with them. So that took all of that kind of funding out… It’ll be an interesting project, so I’d like to get this one under my belt while I am still supervisor. Like I said, we are trying to get the legal part done now with the lease and get it in our possession for a year. My dad would want to get a big piece of pipe and roll it to the fairgrounds… he could move the world with a piece of pipe and a bar… but I don’t think we have a piece of pipe that big. I’ll keep everyone up to speed…”

Watch upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press for an announcement regarding the open house/community meeting regarding the project. “If you have a memory or an idea, just let me know,” Supervisor Spilman said in closing.

Supervisor Spilman gave a report on his address at the Town of Gouverneur Council meeting later that evening.

Return to Fabulous Vegas: 20th Gala Benefit raises estimated $55,000 for St. James School

by Rachel Hunter

The 20th Annual St. James Gala drew a crowd inside the St. James School for the first gala benefit since the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which forced the annual fundraiser to a virtual format for the last two years. At the 5:45 p.m. start time on Saturday, February 11, the doors of the St. James School in Gouverneur swung open and excited North Country residents walked in to the “Return to Fabulous Vegas” St. James Gala Benefit – ready to support the small Catholic school with a big heart.

It is estimated that $55,000 was raised at the annual fundraiser in support of St. James School. For over 60 years, the St. James School has provided outstanding education to the whole 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. All were welcomed to the 20th Annual St. James Gala by St. James Advancement Director Bridgette LaPierre and St. James School Principal Laurel Bartholomew, and the invocation was led by Father Jay Seymour of the St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur.

The St. James Gala Gals committee (including Clara Cummings, Kylie Sands, Joni Bates, Bridgette LaPierre, Jeanne Sweeney, Elaine Terpstra, and Gidget Wainwright, and MaryBeth Friot) ensured every aspect of the annual fundraiser was success. The St. James School gymnasium was dressed to the nines in a Las Vegas theme, featuring decks of playing cards, dice, and more. Upon entry, attendees were encouraged to bid on the many silent auction items, play the available games, and purchase Treasure Chest Keys, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the St. James Gala Gals committee. Fun, food and fellowship was available throughout the evening, and many North Country resident said they are looking forward to attending in future years.

A scrumptious dinner featuring Red Pepper and Gouda Soup, Italian Salad, and main course of Bermuda Triangle (chicken cutlet, filet of beef, and shrimp with Hollandaise sauce) and a basket potato were exceptionally prepared by chefs John Pistolesi of Gouverneur and Shawn Cummings of Gouverneur. The dinner was served by St. James School alumni, and friends in the Gouverneur Middle School and Gouverneur High School, including members of the National Honor Society. Corrine LaPierre, St. James alumna, was the supervisor for the student servers. Throughout the evening, the guests also enjoyed the musical stylings of local DJ Nick Fuller, a St. James alum. Many words of gratitude were extended to all those who made the event a success.

Many North Country residents are still abuzz in excitement over their wins at the St. James Gala during the Texas Hold’Em Game, Pay-N-Pick Raffle, Roulette, Winner Takes All Raffle, and Ten X Game. During the St. James Gala, it was announced that all hands of the Texas Hold’Em Game had sold, and that $435 would go to the winner. After the game was played, it was announced that Carol Lamson would take home the pot. Great applause sounded as the game winners of the various games were announced throughout the evening.

During the dinner, North Country residents were invited to “try their luck” at opening the available Treasure Chests with the keys purchased earlier in the evening. The winners won the top, coveted prizes.

Tim Sweeney won the Jewelry Package by Brown’s Jewelry and Friends of St. James. The package included Inside-Out Diamond earrings totaling .5-carat set in white gold, valued at $1,800.

Cassidy LaPierre won the “Fueling Up” prize, a $500 gift card to Philly Fuels, Inc.

Judy Davis won a $500 cash prize, sponsored by BCS Landscaping, Northern Collision, Silver Leaf Diner, and Friends of St. James.

Awa Toure won 300 gallons of fuel by Bush Fuels in Gouverneur.

Jeanne Sweeney won the “Place Your Bets” prize, a $300 gift card to Turning Stone Casino and lottery tickets.

Beth Sonntag won the “Elegant Evening Package” which features an overnight stay at the Lawrence Manor, two tickets to the 2024 Gala, a gift certificate for a dress and hairstyles by Tangles Salon in Gouverneur. It included a gift basket.

Kadie Haines won the “Queen for a Day” prize by Tangles Salon and Day Spa, valued at over $300.

Lisa Bercier won the “About Town” prize, which included over $300 in gift certificates at various local vendors.

Michelle Fuller won the “Something For Him” prize, featuring a $300 gift card to Small Town Supply Ace Hardware in Gouverneur and a Werner Work Platform.

Jennifer Infield won the “A Safe Bet” prize featuring security floodlights, security system, and a fireproof document safe, valued at $400.

Many words of congratulations were extended to the Treasure Chest winners.

After attendees enjoyed the delectable dinner and dessert, the silent auction closed and the live auction commenced. It was conducted by local auctioneer, Don Peck, who encouraged all in attendance to bid high and often in support of St. James School. Many North Country residents were impressed at the high quality of items available on the auction block. This includes the following: Fire Pit (created by Southwest Tech (BOCES) Metalworking Technology students), Party Cornhole Game (handcrafted cornhole game by Randy Davis), Nature Excursion to the Terpstra Family Farm, Church Pew (Sacred Heart Memorabilia), Favorite Things Party (hosted by the Gala Gals), Mangia with the Pistolesi Family, A Winning Hand Package, Car Care Package (30 car washes at the 5 Season Car and Pet Wash), Cute Cuddles surprise package, Circle of Friends (Reserved Gala Table Prize Package), as well as a Progressive Dinner at Sylvia Lake (hosted by Shawn and Clara Cummings, John and Jeanette Perry, Joel and Bridgette LaPierre, and Sara and Derek Breckenridge). The fun continued with the online auction, which closed on Wednesday, and featured more than 60 items donated by local businesses and individuals alike.

All attendees were also invited to get their photo taken by a local professional photographer during the 2023 St. James Gala Benefit event.

The atmosphere was electric throughout the evening at the 20th Annual St. James Gala last Saturday as North Country community members, St. James School Alumni, St. James School families, and others supported the St. James Parish School during the annual benefit fundraiser.

The St. James Gala received the following sponsorships: Crown of Jewels (Diane and Tim Monroe), Diamond (Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association, RSI Roofing, Inc.), Platinum (Superior Plus Propane), Gold (Blevins Ford and Team Blevins, LLC, Case & Leader LLP, Albert and Theresa Desormeaux, Northern Tier Contracting, Inc., and Weekes Insurance Agency), Silver (Dr. Scott Day, Friend of St. James, Joe Laurenza, Dr. Marlene Hajal Mouaikel and family, family of Joseph and Carolyn Pistolesi, family of Marianno (Mario) and Mabel Pistolesi), Bronze (A Plus Auto, Inc., Cives Steel Co., Firley, Moran, Freer and Easa, CPA, KPH Healthcare, Newvine’s Auto Parts, LLC, NY Pizzeria, Richville Furniture, and Specialty Floors), and Friends of the Gala (Advanced Business Systems, BCS Landscaping, Brown’s Jewelry, Bush Fuels, Lawrence Manor, Northern Collision, North Country Lock and Key, Philly Fuels, Inc., Family on Antolio (Tony) and Quinta Pistolesi and the Casablanca Restaurant, Roput Veterinary Clinic, Small Town Supply, Tangles Salon, and many, various local vendors.

Many North Country residents are looking forward to the 2024 St. James Gala Benefit. For more information about St. James School, visit stjamesk-6.org or call 315-287-0130.

North Country residents will have more opportunities to support St. James at the upcoming St. James Fish Frys during the 2023 Lenten Season, starting on Friday, February 24, held weekly on Fridays through April 7, serving at 4:30 p.m. until sold out. All funds raised to support St. James School in Gouverneur. Call 315-287-0130 for local deliveries. The cost for the dinners is $12 and includes fish, choice of mac and cheese or French fries, roll, cole slaw, and dessert. Children 5 and under eat free. For more information, call the St. James School at 315-287-0130.

Wildcat Wrestling: Zoe is perfect again; Griffith goes 5-0 with five pins at Shaker Tournament

by Dick Sterling

Gouverneur Wildcat wrestler Zoe Griffith continues to make waves in the New York State high school wrestling world. This past Saturday Zoe had an opportunity, once again, to wrestle against other female athletes. She has already proven to be quite competitive wrestling against males, but her performance against girls is nothing short of stunning.

On Saturday the Wildcats headed to Latham to take part in the King Bison Invitational at Shaker High School. As usual, the tournament features a King’s Division, and this year also included a Queen’s Division, with an impressive number of female wrestlers competing right alongside the boys.

Zoe, who will be wrestling in a brand new girl’s state tournament this weekend, at Onondaga Community College, in Syracuse, turned heads once again as she breezed through the competition like a hot knife through butter.

Wrestling at 132 pounds, her first match on Saturday was against Eva Meshkov, of Niskayuna, Zoe needed just 21 seconds to pin her. In match two her opponent was Kiara Graves, of Chautauqua Lake, this match lasted just 36 seconds with Zoe earning another fall. Round three had Zoe wrestling against Jaiden Eberle, of Shaker High, Zoe earned a pin in 33 seconds.

After her first three matches it was on to the championship round. In the semifinals she faced off against Sofia Gervasio, of Chautauqua Lake, this proved to be Griffith’s toughest match of the day as she was extended to 41 seconds before pinning her opponent. In the 132-pound championship match Zoe would battle another wrestler from Chautauqua Lake, Mia Smith. The title match took only 18 seconds as Zoe quickly put Smith to her back to earn the fall.

Zoe finished 5-0 with five pins and was only on the mat for a total of 2:29. The Wildcat wrestler is undefeated against females and has an impressive 15-8 record against boys as a regular starter on the varsity Wildcat team. The sophomore has now wrestled in exactly 100 matches for Gouverneur and has compiled an impressive record of 63-37 with 41 pins. This weekend she will be looking to become the 11th Wildcat wrestler to win a New York State Championship.

VANDAVIAN WAY WINS

The Wildcats team did quite well at the King Bison as they finished third in a field of 16 teams. The combined scores, which included both boys and girls scores had them finishing second. Saratoga Springs placed first with 126 points, Newburgh was second with 119 and the Wildcats finished third with 116.5.

Wildcat junior Vandavian Way won another tournament as he was the only Wildcat to finish first. Way, who is now 31-2 on the season, picked up four straight first period pins, two of them in 36 seconds, and headed to the finals against an accomplished wrestler. Vandavian would have to battle Renso Montalvo, of Amsterdam, in the 152-pound championship match. Montalvo entered the match with a record of 30-5, the senior placed fifth at the 2022 New York State Division I championships and has a lifetime record of 135-29. Way ended up winning the battle by a 3-0 decision.

Two Wildcat wrestlers made it to the championship match, where they were defeated and finished second. Cyler Baer, just an eighth grader, went 4-1 at the Shaker and lost his 126-pound title match to Taylor Beaury, of Saratoga Springs by a 5-0 score. James Minckler, a freshman wrestling at 110 pounds, finished the tournament with a 3-1 record. He was pinned in his title match by Ashten Haley, of Cobleskill-Richmondville.

Drew Gates (160 pounds) finished third with a 4-1 record. He pinned Gianni Delgado, of Saratoga Springs in the third place match. Drew’s only loss was against Lucas Schell, of Queensbury, who is 30-1 on the season. Gates lost to Schell by a 5-2 decision.

Also earning a third place finish was Hunter Mashaw (145 pounds). Hunter beat Dominic Scolaro, of Cobleskill-Richmondville, in the third place match by technical fall 15-0. In an earlier round Hunter defeated one of his opponents with an impressive 10 second pin.

GOUVERNEUR 54 OGDENSBURG 12

Last Wednesday the Wildcats improved their Northern Athletic Conference record to 4-0 by slamming the Ogdensburg Free Academy Blue Devils 54-12, the win was their 114th straight regular season league victory. Winning by pin for the Wildcats were: Ryan Mashaw (126 pounds) in just 56 seconds; Cyler Baer (132) in 1:07; Zoe Griffith (138) in 1:50; Turner Sochia (145) in 5:18; Vandavian Way (160) in 1:49; and Drew Gates (172) in 1:43.

This Saturday (Jan. 28) the Wildcats are one of 12 teams invited to take part in the New York State Dual Meet Tournament, at the SRC Arena, at Onondaga Community College, in Syracuse. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. This will also be the venue for the first sanctioned state tournament for female wrestlers, where Zoe Griffith is scheduled to compete.

Good luck to the Wildcat wrestling team at this Saturday’s tournament.

Town of Gouverneur Council Member Lory Whitton takes oath of office

by Rachel Hunter

Town of Gouverneur Council Member Lory Whitton was administered the oath of office by the Hon. Stanley Young, Gouverneur Town Justice, on Jan. 10.

The oath was administered as follows: “I, Lory Whitton, in the Town of Gouverneur, County of St. Lawrence, State of New York, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Town of Gouverneur Council Member, according to the best of my ability…”

Whitton was elected to a three-year term during the 2022 General Election. The seat had been vacated due to the passing of longtime public servant Eldon B. Conklin in May 2022. Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., the Gouverneur Town Council and Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall warmly welcomed Lory Whitton. “Congratulations!” they said, and great applause could be heard from various members of the public in attendance. Whitton was then urged to sign the oath, as directed by Town Clerk Marion Bowhall. Much gratitude was extended to Mr. Young for administering the oath of office.

Supervisor Spilman also extended great appreciation to former Town Supervisor Robert Ritchie, who was appointed to fill the seat until it was filled by a duly elected candidate in January 2023. Supervisor Spilman said, “I’d like to thank Bob Ritchie for stepping up and filling in for our friend Eldon for the remainder of his term. You have been an amazing asset to us, Bob.” Great applause sounded in appreciation of all of Mr. Ritchie’s hard work and dedication. “Don’t go too far, because we will pull you back into something else,” Supervisor Spilman said.

“That’s why I am here, to see that you do!” Mr. Ritchie said in response.

“We really do appreciate it, thank you,” Supervisor Spilman said.

The Town of Gouverneur held an organizational meeting on Jan. 10. The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Spilman at 5:30 p.m., who commenced the meeting by reporting the following appointments and salaried for 2023:

David L. Spilman, Jr., Town Supervisor, will be paid an annual salary of $11,870. His term expires on December 31, 2023.

Town Councilman Jay Bowhall was appointed Deputy Supervisor at an annual salary of $1,860.

Marion Bowhall, Town Clerk and Tax Collector, will be paid an annual salary of $35,310.00. Her term expires on December 31, 2025. The Deputy Town Clerk with full power to act will be paid at $15.50 per hour.

Town Council Members Jay Bowhall and Jaimee McQuade were appointed as single-audit officers (for receiving discounts on bills and sign in place of the Supervisor when necessary).

Case and Leader, LLP, Attorneys at Law, was appointed as the town attorney. They will be paid at $185 per hour up to $5,000 annually (retainer of $1,250 per quarter with a complete quarterly statement).

Town of Gouverneur Highway and Utilities Superintendent David Perrigo (January 1 to December 31, 2023) will be paid a salary of $64,270. Michael Wainwright was appointed as Deputy Highway Superintendent with full authority to act.

The Town Board Members are paid at $3,740 annually. The Town Board Members are Curran Wade (term expires December 31, 2025), Lory Whitton (term expires December 31, 2025), Jaimee McQuade (term expires December 31, 2023), and Jay Bowhall (term expires December 31, 2023).

Assessor Sherry Geer is paid an annual salary of $10,100. Her term expires on September 30, 2025. Data Collector Phyllis Shaw is appointed at an annual salary of $10,100.

Court Clerks Kylea Plantz and Taylor Andrews are paid $16.50 per hour.

Town Justice Travis Dann is paid at an annual salary of $20,063. His term expires on December 31, 2024. Town Justice Stanley Young is paid at an annual salary of $20,063. His term expires on December 31, 2023.

Dog Control Officer Daniel Moyer is appointed at an annual salary of $5,500, plus $4,850 for pound maintenance. Maria Moyer is appointed Deputy Dog Control Officer at no salary.

Bookkeeper Diane Kelley is paid at an annual salary of $37,080, plus micro-enterprise loan processing.

Code Enforcement Officer Richard Wood is paid at an annual salary of $14,000.

The Town Highway Employees are paid at $23.19 per hour (per agreement).

The Town of Gouverneur has appointed the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department as the town’s health officer.

Town Historian Joe Laurenza will be paid at an annual salary of $500.

The Town of Gouverneur has signed financial contracts with the following: American Legion and VFW ($200 each for maintenance of rooms and $50 each for patriotic observances for the year), Gouverneur Fire Department ($64,278), Gouverneur Rescue Squad ($33,500), Gouverneur Museum ($650), Gouverneur Reading Room ($5,000), Youth Commission with Village of Gouverneur ($13,000), Greater Gouverneur Recreation Area Association ($6,000), Gouverneur Senior Citizens ($500), and Gouverneur Cemetery Association ($7,000).

The Town of Gouverneur will utilize the following banks/financial institutions to hold town accounts:

Community Bank, NA (Checking and Savings Accounts) for tax collection and town clerk accounts, DEC Sweep Account, Highway Townwide (DA) accounts (misc., brush, weeds, and snow removal), Highway Outside (DB) accounts (road building and repairs), accounts payable account, payroll account, trust and agency fund for withholding and trusts, general fund, full town accounts, utilities (sewer and water district accounts), General Fund Outside Village, Justice Accounts, Micro-enterprise accounts (HUD, Rural Development, Small Cities, Health Insurance -0- Account). Also CLASS-MBIA (for investments).

The official newspapers are the Gouverneur Tribune Press (weekly) and Watertown Daily Times (daily).

The Town of Gouverneur Council also set the regular town board meetings to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. The Economic Development meetings will be held on the fourth Friday of each month at noon, unless otherwise stated. The Gouverneur Community Center Inc. holds meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m.

The Town of Gouverneur named Town Council Members Jay Bowhall and Jaimee McQuade as the auditing officers for the monthly billings.

The Town of Gouverneur Board of Review Members serve five year terms. The members include Diane Cotter (term expires September 30, 2025), Albert Desormeaux (term expires September 30, 2026), Gary Tweedie (term expires September 30, 2027), Dorothy Vorce (term expires September 30, 2024), and Tania Sterling (term expires September 30, 2023).

Town of Gouverneur Planning Board Members serve three-year terms. The board meets on the second Monday of each month. There is one vacancy. Members include Diane Kelley (term expires December 31, 2025), Charlie Titus (term expires December 31, 2025), Carol Dier (term expires December 31, 2024), Steven Jackson (term expires December 31, 2024), Robert Ritchie (term expires December 31, 2025), and John Wetmore (term expires December 31, 2025).

The Zoning Board of Appeals members serve three-year terms. There are two vacancies on the board. Members include Kenneth Saucier (term expires December 31, 2025), John Wetmore (term expires December 31, 2024), and Steven Jackson (term expires December 31, 2025).

Anyone interested in filling the vacancies on the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals are urged to contact the Town of Gouverneur at 315-287-2340.

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. made the following appointments: Deputy Supervisor (Jay Bowhall), Insurance Committee (Lory Whitton and Jaimee McQuade), Planning and Zoning Committee (Curran Wade and Lory Whitton at no salary), Assessor/Code Enforcement committee (Jay Bowhall and Lory Whitton at no salary), Building and Grounds Committee (Jay Bowhall and Curran Wade at no salary), Sewer and Water District Committee (Lory Whitton and Jay Bowhall at no salary), Highway Committee (Jay Bowhall and Dave Spilman, Jr. at no salary), Shared Services Committee (David Spilman, Jr., and Lory Whitton at no salary for monthly meetings), Economic Development Committee (shared with the Village of Gouverneur at no salary are Town Board Representatives Dave Spilman, Jr. and Jay Bowhall, Town Planning Board Member John Wetmore, and Community Members at Large), Justice Committee (Dave Spilman, Jr. and Lory Whitton at no salary), Town Clerk Committee (Jaimee McQuade and Lory Whitton at no salary), Dog Control Committee (Curran Wade and Jaimee McQuade at no salary), Ethics Board (Jaimee McQuade, Diane Kelley, Robert Ritchie), and Community Center Building (Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor).

Town Clerk Marion Bowhall was appointed as Registrar of Vital Statistics, and Deputy Town Clerk was appointed as deputy registrar both at no salary.

The Section 3 Housing Coordinator is Richard Wood at no salary.

The Fair Housing Coordinator is Richard Wood at no salary.

Town Councilman Jay Bowhall was appointed as the Labor Standards and Compliance Officer at no salary.

Mileage will be paid at 50 cents per mile for 2023.

Diane Kelley, secretary for the Board of Review and Planning and Zoning Meetings, will be paid at $75 per meeting (only duties are taking minutes of meetings, typing and sending out meeting notices).

The Town of Gouverneur Council also approved the Youth Commission Resolution for 2023, the Investment Policy for 2023), the Audit Resolution for 2023, and the Procurement Policy Resolution (no changes for 2023).

The next regular meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US Highway 11, Gouverneur. For more information about the Town of Gouverneur, call 315-287-2340.

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur returns to GMS after a three-year hiatus

by Rachel Hunter

Walk with a Doc in Gouverneur returned to the Gouverneur Middle School on Saturday, January 7 after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. While events in Gouverneur had been held at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds, this was the first time local residents had the opportunity to discover and rediscover a new place to walk – inside the buildings of the Gouverneur Central School District.

Walk with a Doc in Gouverneur was sponsored by the Community Health Center of the North Country in partnership with the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, St. Lawrence Health Initiative, Inc., STLC Bridge2Wellness, and the Gouverneur Central School District. Walk With a Doc is a local chapter of an international 501(c)3.

There were more than 20 local residents in attendance at the Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur. This was the largest showing of local residents at a Walk With A Doc event in Gouverneur since 2019. All were welcome to the event by Community Health Center of the North Country Spokesperson Raymond Babowicz.

The theme of the first Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur event in 2023 was: “The Importance of Physical Activity in the New Year,” and the inspirational talk was given by Star Lake native Olivia Eibert, Physician’s Assistant at the CHCNC location in Canton.

At 10 a.m., all those in attendance registered and a short meet-and-greet was held before the event’s start. The Community Health Center of the North Country had information about resources available to all those in attendance. Free hand sanitizer and other goodies were made available as well.

The official welcome was given by CHCNC Spokesperson Raymond Babowicz. “We’ve been holding these events for five years now. It’s a great way to meet healthcare providers, and understand that Brittany Terpstra, Dr. Schuessler, and Olivia Eibert are just like the rest of us, which hopefully will lend you to have a more open relationship with them when you actually go to see them for your healthcare appointments… which I know you make religiously. Three years ago, I think to the day, we stood right in this spot and had probably our most successful Walk to date, before COVID shut us down. To be back here three years later, I think literally to the day, to do this again in the Gouverneur Middle School, is just a wonderful opportunity. I know everyone at the health centers is very appreciative of Supt. Kelly and her team at the Gouverneur Central School District. Usually in Gouverneur, Brittany Terpstra (Physician Assistant in the CHCNC location in Gouverneur) hosts the events. But we are fortunate to have another member of our healthcare team, Olivia Eibert, who is very much into these events in the community as well and understands that your health not only occurs in the exam room, but outside the exam room as well.” Mr. Babowicz then gave the floor to Olivia Eibert, and extended gratitude to her for hosting the event.

Mrs. Eibert extended gratitude for the opportunity to address the crowd. “I would say my goal is just to talk with you guys and make sure that you are getting enough exercise and activity in coming into the new year,” she said. “I’m a big steps person. I’m all about getting my steps in… My goal is for everyone to get about 6,000 steps per day, 10,000 if you feel like you can manage it. I know it is a little tough in the winter time when it gets dark at 4:30 p.m. Ways that you can get the steps in is to join a local gym or get a treadmill and use that. More physical activity, studies are showing that reduces your risk of many things… heart disease, diabetes, and obesity – the obvious ones – but also reduces your risk of cancer, gallstones, anxiety and depression. Overall, I think it is important for everybody to get a little activity in. A 10-pound weight loss can drop your blood pressure up to 20 points. If you are on medication, then you can work on getting off of them. So that’s our goal is to keep you as healthy as possible.” She then opened the floor for questions about exercise.

Gouverneur’s own Kay Church then said the following: “I was walking three miles per day, and riding my bike two and a half hours per day three years ago. Last year I went down to one mile per day, and an hour on the bike. And that’s what I have been doing until recently. I can tell you that I’ve gained a bit of weight because I wasn’t able to get on the bike. I wasn’t able to get my walk in. I was starting to get a little depressed because of what has been going on with me. And I feel so fortunate to be able to start back in.”

“Exercise is so good for your mental and physical health,” Eibert said. “It is the best medicine, in my opinion. That’s good, and I am glad you are getting back into it.”

The walk then commenced, and all those in attendance were led through the Gouverneur Middle School by Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly. Mr. Babowicz invited the local residents to take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions while they were walking to the local healthcare professionals. Much gratitude was extended to all those in attendance.

Did you know? 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. In 2009, Walk With A Doc became an official 501(c)3 and added an Executive Director with a focus 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. 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.

All North Country residents are encouraged to join future Walk With A Doc events in St. Lawrence County. Details on upcoming events will be reported as information is made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Organizers told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that there is a Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur planned for September 2023 at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds. More information will be reported in an upcoming edition.

Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly gave an update about Walk With A Doc at the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education meeting on Jan. 9. “This weekend on Saturday, January 7, the Community Health Center of the North County in collaboration with the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, St. Lawrence County Health Initiative, and STLC Bridge2Wellness, and the Gouverneur Central School District hosted Walk With A Doc at the Gouverneur Middle School. At the event, a variety of St. Lawrence County healthcare providers discussed the importance of maintaining good health and the benefits of regular exercise. District families joined healthcare providers and community members for a fun and healthy walk around the building. One topic that was discussed on Saturday was the lack of locations for people to get out and walk during the winter months in the North Country. I’d like to take the opportunity tonight to announce that the Gouverneur Central School District will be opening our elementary and middle school buildings for hall walking soon. Beginning on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 hall walking will take place at Gouverneur Elementary School on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. Beginning on Monday, January 23, 2023 hall walking will be held at the Gouverneur Middle School on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. Community members can also walk at the high school in the evening while events are going on. Now, the community will have an option to stay healthy throughout the winter by walking the halls of our elementary, middle, and high schools.” After a question from a school board member, Supt. Kelly confirmed that a sign-in and sign-out sheets will be available. “We do ask at the elementary and middle school that the people who do walk fill out an application, just so that we have an emergency contact in case in it is needed.” Much gratitude was extended to Supt. Kelly for the update.

For more information about Walk With A Doc, visit the website www.walkwithadoc.org or call Raymond Babowicz at 315-713-9369.

Grace Food Pantry continues to meet needs of North Country community in need

by Rachel Hunter

The Grace Food Pantry in Gouverneur opened its doors on Thursday, December 29 to a North Country community in need of sustenance.

A combination of expenses accrued over the holiday season and the rising costs of food, shelter, and more caused many to seek the resources at the Grace Food Pantry in Gouverneur last week. Many North Country families are struggling to put food on their tables, keep warm clothing on their backs, pay for medical supplies, while paying for costs of shelters, including the rising price of home heating fuel oil. These factors are driving more and more people to seek assistance – and the Grace Food Pantry is poised ready to help North Country residents in need.

The Grace Food Pantry is located in the Christian Life Fellowship Church, located at the corner of Church and John St., Gouverneur, and is open weekly on Thursdays from 9 to 11:45 a.m. There are no income limits. All North Country residents in need are welcome. The Grace Food Pantry has been in operation for decades in Gouverneur, thanks to the vision and director of Pastor Robert LaVeck. The mission of the Grace Food Pantry has always been about more than just food – but also providing for the physical needs and the North Country community as well.

North Country community members each month receive an allotment of protein, vegetables and fruit, cereal and other non-perishable food, as well as bread, dairy items, and more. But each week, residents are welcomed to come and get “gleaning items” which include bread, yogurt, and so much more. All North Country residents are warmly greeted at registration, and are given a piece of paper indicating how many people are in their household that they then present to volunteers at the Grace Food Pantry. The volunteers work diligently to fill their boxes with provisions at each station.

The Grace Food Pantry has received much assistance through the holiday season and beyond from local grocery stores, a food bank in Malone, as well as from other donors and grant funding. The Grace Food Pantry is going strong, and currently running a total of 25 freezers. Donations are always being accepted to help the Grace Food Pantry provide sustenance to North Country community members in need. Pastor LaVeck told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the level of poverty throughout the North Country is the most he has seen in his 30 years in Gouverneur. And it is only through the support of dedicated volunteers, financial contributions, and the support of the food bank in Malone, foundations and charities, businesses in the local community and individuals that the Grace Food Pantry is able to meet needs every single week. The Grace Food Pantry and the Christian Life Fellowship Church recently utilized the services of Don Peck Auctioneer in Gouverneur and was able to raise over $1,700 to help those in need in Gouverneur. Much gratitude is extended to all those who support the mission of providing assistance to those in need throughout the North Country.

The Grace Food Pantry is seeing more and more people coming to the food pantry, and more volunteers and donations are needed now more than ever before. Even non-financial donations such as food, vehicles, boats property, and services (such as snowplowing, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, cleaning, and sidewalk shoveling). For more information or to learn how you can help the Grace Food Pantry, call Pastor Bob LaVeck at 315-287-7656.

The North Country community is reminded that the Grace Food Pantry is open is open in the basement of Christian Life Fellowship Church, 52 Church St., Gouverneur, weekly on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. All are welcome.

GHS Winter Concert features talented student musicians, vocalists

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur High School presented its winter concert on Tuesday, December 20 in the GHS Auditorium, featuring the talented student-musicians in the Gouverneur High School Strings Orchestra, Gouverneur High School Chorus, and Gouverneur High School Concert Band.

The Gouverneur High School String Orchestra, directed by Victor M. Correa III, performed four selections. The orchestra opened with “Ding Dong! Merrily on High,” a 16th Century French tune arranged by Carrie Lane Gruselle. The tune first appeared as a secular dance tune known under the title "Branle de l'Official" in Orchésographie, a dance book written by the French cleric, composer and writer Thoinot Arbeau, pen name of Jehan Tabourot (1519–1593). The words are by the English composer George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848–1934), and the carol was first published in 1924. Woodward took an interest in church bell ringing, which no doubt aided him in writing it. The macaronic style is characteristic of Woodward’s delight in archaic poetry.

The GHS String Orchestra then performed the ever-popular “Jingle Bells,” by James Pierpont (1822–1893) and published under the title "The One Horse Open Sleigh" in September 1857. The orchestra performed the classic as arranged for the strings by Michael Blackwood.

The next selection was the energetic, dramatic “Viking,” by Soon He NewBold, which transported the local audience into a legendary seafaring adventure.

The GHS String Orchestra concluded with a performance of “Wenceslas” by Deborah Baker Monday. Based upon the classic Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas, the local audience enjoyed the portrayal of historical journey as its depicted the story of how Wenceslas became the "good King." Although dark and foreboding at the start, depicting the evil that was around during his time, the goodness of the King wins out and the piece ended triumphantly with the traditional carol.

The GHS String Orchestra includes the following student-musicians. 1st Violin: Mya Connor, Madison Hopper, Emalyn Kulp, and Turner Sochia. 2nd Violin: Electa Fitzgerald, Jackson Ritchie, Arianna Sibley, Cassidy Chambers, and Norris LaRue. Viola: Allysa Byrd and Raneissa Way. Cello: llydia Blaine, Niciara House-Bowman, and Jesse Farr. String Bass: James Hayden and Ayden Sears. Much applause sounded for these talented student musicians.

The GHS String Orchestra Concert last Tuesday was the last concert conducted by Victor M. Correa III, who resigned from his position at Gouverneur Central School District, effective Dec. 20. The Gouverneur CSD Music Department presented Mr. Correa an appreciation plaque for sharing his passion for music with the local students over the past three and a half years. Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of Mr. Correa’s time and dedication to the Wildcat student-musicians.

Next up was the GHS Chorus, directed by Renee Powlin and accompanied by Gail Haile.

The GHS Chorus opened with “A Call For Peace,” by Jerry Estes. The local audience was impressed as the students expertly vocalized this timeless call for peace in the world, which was based on a Gregorian chant-like vibe. For this piece, the GHS Chorus accompanied on percussion by Cadin Brown and on piano by Mariah Manning.

The GHS Chorus also performed “Coventry Carol,” a poignant 16th-century English carol as arranged by Audrey Snyder. The carol was traditionally performed in Coventry in England as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors. The play depicts the Christmas story from chapter two in the Gospel of Matthew: the carol itself refers to the Massacre of the Innocents, in which Herod ordered all male infants under the age of two in Bethlehem to be killed, and takes the form of a lullaby sung by mothers of the doomed children. Within the pageant, the carol is sung by three women of Bethlehem, who enter on stage with their children immediately after Joseph is warned by an angel to take his family to Egypt.

Next was the performance of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” as arranged by Harry Simeone. The song was written in October 1962, with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne. The pair, married at the time, wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Regney had been invited by a record producer to write a Christmas song, but he was hesitant due to the commercialism of Christmas. It has sold tens of millions of copies and has been covered by hundreds of artists.

Next was “O Holy Night” as arranged by Jay Althouse, featuring the stunning vocal solos by Jahonna Sloan and Niciara House-Bowman. O Holy Night is a well-known Christmas carol that was originally based on a French-language poem by poet Placide Cappeau, written in 1843, with the first line "Minuit, Chrétien, c'est l'heure solennelle" (Midnight, Christian, is the solemn hour) that composer Adolphe Adam set to music in 1847. The English version (with small changes to the initial melody) is by John Sullivan Dwight. The carol reflects on the birth of Jesus as humanity's redemption.

The GHS Chorus concluded with the ever-popular “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” written by Johnny Marks and as arranged by Greg Gilpin, offering the local audience fond wishes for the holiday season.

Great applause sounded for the talented student-musicians, including the following: Soprano (Kayden Cousino, Jaylynn Dalton, Janaya Fuller, Elizabeth Hamilton, Faith Leader, Briahna McGill, Kati McIntosh, James Moore, Hannah Roderick, Kennadie Sawyer, Arianna Sibley, Sarah Sibley, Abigail Way, Carynn Way, and Raneissa Way), Alto (Olivia Blye-McQuad, Cassidy Chambers, Alyssa Farr, Niciara House-Bowman, Madison Lewis, Mariah Manning, Lillianna Shippee, Jahonna Sloan, and Alyssa Stowell), Tenor (Cadin Brown, Antonio Calbo, Isaiah Garrison, James Minckler, and Zachery Schiszler), and Bass (Kylen Bowman, Hazen Given, Tiamane Hull, Dillian Pankey, and Jackson Ritchie). Great appreciation was extended to Ms. Powlin and Ms. Hale for their time and dedication with the GHS Chorus.

Next to the Gouverneur High School Auditorium stage was the GHS Concert Band, under the direction of Jenelle Yeoman. The first selection was the “Brazilian Bell Carol” by Robert W. Smith, which featured the percussion section and soloists, Ava Bartholomew (alto saxophone), Mariah Manning (flute), Elizabeth Riutta (alto saxophone), Tiamane Hull (flute), Brook Garrett (clarinet), Everett Langille (tenor saxophone), and Sylvia French (slide whistle). The Brazilian Bell Carol thrilled local audiences with an exciting arrangement of the traditional Ukranian Bell Carol, a popular Christmas carol composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1904 with lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky. The song is based on a folk chant known in Ukrainian as Shchedryk. It was associated with the coming new year, which, in pre-Christian Ukraine, was originally celebrated with the coming of spring in April. The melody was introduced to Western audiences by the Ukrainian National Chorus during its concert tour of Europe and the Americas, where it premiered in the United States on October 5, 1921, at Carnegie Hall.

The next selection inspired both the young and young-at-heart with “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Albert Hague and as arranged by Michael Story. The Christmas song was originally written and composed for the 1966 animated special Dr. Seuss' “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Next was Russian Christmas Music, written by Alfred Reed in 1944 and as arranged by Michael Story. Reed was commissioned to write a piece of "Russian music" for a concert in Denver, Colorado. The concert's aim was to improve Soviet-American relations, and as such, it was to include premieres of new Soviet and American works. Prokofiev's March, Op. 99 was supposed to be the Russian work, but it was discovered that the work had already been performed in the United States, and Reed was assigned to write a new piece a mere sixteen days before the concert. The piece was first performed on December 12, 1944, on nationally broadcast NBC radio. The GHS Concert Band performance contained material from all four distinct sections of the piece, which Mr. Reed originally subtitled "Children's Carol," "Antiphonal Chant," "Village Song," and "Cathedral Chorus." The soloist for this performance was Ava Bartholomew on the alto saxophone.

The GHS Concert Band then performed “A Jazzy Christmas” as arranged by Johnnie Vinson. Soloists include Elizabeth Riutta on alto saxophone and Ava Bartholomew on alto saxophone. This selection featured some holiday favorites in a light and appealing jazzy style. This includes: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “the Holly and the Ivy” and “Good King Wenceslas.”

Great applause sounded for the talented student-musicians in the Gouverneur High School Concert Band, including the following: Flute (Tiamane Hull, Mariah Manning, Riley Manning, Riley Seaman, and Jahonna Sloan), Clarinet (Carly Bartholomew, Olivia Blye-McQud, Brook Garrett, Cassidy Ingram, Paige Kirby, Tanner Knight, and Katie McIntosh), Bass Clarinet (Nicholas Bloxham), Alto Saxophone (Ava Bartholomew, Chloe Boclair, Janaya Fuller, and Elizabeth Riutta), Tenor Saxophone (Everett Langille), Baritone Saxophone (Sylvia French), French Horn (Kelvin Bice III), Trumpet (Tyler Dean, Matthew Dixson, Bailey Newcombe, Jack Schroeder, Malique Zeller), Trombone (Nelson Bice, Nathaniel Celley, Zorien Fuller, Owen Nichols, and Dillon Storie), Euphonium (Louis Beaver), Tuba (Hayley Burt), Percussion (Destiny Blair, Cadin Brown, Allison Carvel, Gavin Davis, Norris LaRue, and Mason Tribble), and Electric Bass (Allison Carvel). Director Yeoman also extended a word gratitude to Paul Buell of Gouverneur – a celebrated retired high school music educator and longtime supporter of the Gouverneur Wildcat student-musicians – who came to the aid of the GHS Concert Band in the case of a student’s illness.

The mass full orchestra and choir, including Gouverneur alumni and staff then performed “Silent Night,” as arranged by Victor Correa. The popular Christmas carol was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The song was first recorded in 1905 and has remained a popular success. Thunderous applause sounded after the performance.

During the concert, the following students were recognized for being selected for Area All State. GHS Orchestra: (Madison Hopper, Emalyn Kulp, Turner Sochia, Llydia Blaine, and Ayden Sears). GHS Chorus: (Hazen Given and Tiamane Hull). GHS Concert Band: Mariah Manning, Brook Garrett, Hayley Burt).

The following students were recognized for being selected for All County. GHS Orchestra (Electa Fitzgerald), GHS Concert Band (Tiamane Hull, Mariah Manning, Carly Bartholomew, Brook Garrett, Ava Bartholomew, Sylvia French, Jack Schroeder, Hayley Burt). GHS Chorus: (Janaya Fuller, Faith Leader, Kati McIntosh, Carynn Way, Niciara House-Bowman, Mariah Manning, Jahonna Sloan, Cadin Brown, Antonio Calbo, Hazen Given, and Tiamane Hull).

The following students were also recognized for being members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society: Madison Hopper, Emalyn Kulp, Raneissa Way, Llydia Blaine, Niciara House-Bowman, Mariah Manning, Riley Seaman, Jahonna Sloan, Carly Bartholomew, Kati McIntosh, Ava Bartholomew, Janaya Fuller, Elizabeth Riutta, Sylvia French, Jack Schroeder, Malique Zeller, Owen Nichols, Hayley Burt, Cadin Brown, Allison Carvel, Gavin Davis, Faith Leader, Carynn Way, Hazen Given, and Tiamane Hull.

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

Town, Village host joint Christmas Party

by Rachel Hunter

The Town of Gouverneur and the Village of Gouverneur hosted its 2022 Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10 at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center – a spectacular gift for all the Town of Gouverneur and Village of Gouverneur employees and their families.

This annual tradition was put on pause for a couple years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The 2022 Town of Gouverneur and Village of Gouverneur Christmas Party opened with a word of welcome from Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., who encouraged all to enjoy the evening’s festivities in the festively decorated Gouverneur Community Center.

A smorgasbord dinner, featuring ham and prime rib, was enjoyed by all. The Town of Gouverneur and Village of Gouverneur provided the meats, and the side dishes, appetizers, and desserts were made available due to the generosity of all the guests present.

The movie, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” was enjoyed by all the youths in attendance in the Howard VanNorton Media Center. Gouverneur Town Clerk Marion Bowhall and family distributed “Grinch dust” for attendees to sprinkle on their lawns, so that the Grinch didn’t steal their Christmas.

As the guests present were finishing their desserts, hearty laughter was heard from the hallway as Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman Jr. welcomed Santa Claus to the party, and urged the children in attendance to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Jolly Old St. Nick took his time with each child, earnestly awaiting to hear what each boy and girl wanted on Christmas morning.

After visiting with Santa Claus, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. distributed small goodie bags that had been compiled by the Gouverneur Recreation Department to the children. Each bag included a holiday ornament, candy, and a festive pencil and eraser set.

Santa Claus then made his rounds at the Gouverneur Community Center to visit all the families in attendance. He wished all a “Merry Christmas” as he departed in the darkness of night for the North Pole to get ready for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Much gratitude was extended to all those who made the evening an event to remember.

Gouverneur Elementary School students perform first concert of the holiday season

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Elementary School Pre-K and Kindergarten Concert, conducted by Mrs. Betty Hall, was held on Nov. 29 in the GHS Auditorium.

This was the first indoor concert hosted by Gouverneur Elementary School since the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. All were welcomed by Gouverneur Elementary School Principal Charity Zawatski, Assistant Principal Rich Trowbridge, and other GES staff. The concert commenced with an introduction by GES Music Teacher Mrs. Betty Hall. The GHS Auditorium was packed with community members ready to support the youngest Gouverneur Wildcat students.

The Pre-Kindergarten Classes performed “Winter Wiggles” by Teresa Jennings and a traditional holiday selection, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” The Kindergarten Classes performed the traditional, “Must Be Santa,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks. The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes then joined together for “Jingle Bells” by James Pierpont. The GES teachers distributed handheld jingle bells, which delighted the local audience during the students’ final performance. Much applause sounded as the concert concluded.

Gratitude was extended to all those who helped prepare the Gouverneur Elementary School students for the special night through their support of the music programs in the Gouverneur Central School District. Special appreciation was extended to the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, GCS Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly, Gouverneur Elementary School Principal Charity Zawatski, Gouverneur Elementary School Assistant Principal Rich Trowbridge, Gouverneur, Central Custodial Staff, Mrs. Harmer, Mrs. Newvine, and Elementary Office Staff, Elementary Special Area Teachers, Gouverneur Elementary School Staff, GHS Principal Cory Wood, Gouverneur Central Transportation Staff, and the Gouverneur Central Music Department. Gratitude was extended to all the families and friends in the Gouverneur community who support and encourage the students.

The Gouverneur Central School District will host a series of holiday and winter concerts this season. Grades 1 and 2 held their concert on Wednesday, November 30, and Grades 3 and 4 held their concert on Thursday, December 1. Grades 7 and 8 will hold the Middle School Concert, featuring the band, orchestra and chorus, on Thursday, December 15, 7 p.m., at the GHS auditorium. The High School Concert (Grades 9-12) will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 7 p.m., in the GHS auditorium, and will feature the band, orchestra and chorus.

The Gouverneur High School Music Department will also present a Winter Coffee House on Sunday, December 18, at the Gouverneur Community Center, starting at 3:30 p.m. featuring the Jazz Band, Chamber Singers, and Select Strings. All are invited to enjoy some music and refreshments during the winter season. Donations will be taken at the door and refreshments proceeds will go to the GHS Music Department.

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

Veterans Day Ceremony: Gouverneurians pause to remember all who served

by Rachel Hunter

The 2022 Gouverneur Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11 was hosted by the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur in conjunction with the James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65. The ceremony drew a crowd to the Gouverneur Memorial Arch in the Gouverneur Village Park at 11 a.m.

The Gouverneur Veterans Day Master of Ceremonies Michael Webster welcomed all in attendance. “Good morning, it’s the 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month…” The invocation was led by VFW Post 6338 Chaplain Karl Beck. The Pledge of Allegiance was led jointly by VFW Post 6338 Commander John Holt and American Legion Post 65 Commander Jason Carvel.

The ceremonial presentations were made as follows at the Gouverneur Memorial Arch: Wreaths by VFW and American Legion Posts (by VFW Commander John Holt and American Legion Commander Jason Carvel), Flowers by VFW Auxiliary President Jeff Platt and Auxiliary Legion Auxiliary President Denna Cline, Yellow Rose by Sara Platt for the Gold Star Mother, Red Rose by Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Descendant Lynda Andrews, Wreath by Sons of the American Legion Member Mark Jenkins, and Wreath from the Gouverneur CSD Students (presented by Gouverneur Middle School Vocal Instructor Sarah Stedman and Student Alice Idzenga).

Local bagpiper Jeff Forsythe then performed a Christian hymn, “Amazing Grace.”

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, guest speaker, then gave the following address: “Armistice Day, better known as Veterans Day, 11 o’clock, 11th day, 11th month. It’s easy to remember – 11-11-11 as Mike alluded to earlier. It’s a great day, but every day is a great day. It’s a great day to be an American, but of course freedom is not free. My analysis of this being the greatest country, is the more that people want to get in, there are more that want to get out. There have been exceptions. We’ve known that… particularly people in the Vietnam era who wanted to avoid the draft. But I thought I would at least mention my good friend and classmate, PFC U.S. Marine Larry Edward Christie, who lost his life in the rain in Vietnam. We used to communicate, and I’d say: “What’s it doing today, Larry?” He said in his letters, as there were no cellphones then, “It has rained everyday for the past 30 days.” But as he got ready to enter the military, the draft was going… As young guys, our parents never knew, but we used to walk over the ice to Morrisburg. It’s very dangerous and I shouldn’t even be admitting it, but the Seaway was different then. Anyways, it came time and “What are you going to do?” A young guy, 18 years old, said: “Well, I am not going to go over there. I could walk to Canada, but I am not going to do it. I am not a draft dodger. I am going, and I am going to be a United States Marine, and proud of it.” He gave his life for that. I’ll never forget that… The last time I saw him was the night before he left. Yes, he knows the price, and we know the price: Freedom is not free. The draft was eliminated early on in President Nixon’s second term, early in 1973. It was delayed because of the Vietnam era, but now we have a fully volunteer armed service, and I support that. We should always support our defense. Most people don’t realize that a little more than one-third of the world’s defense is right out of our country, the spending that we have on a per capita basis for defense. And I’m all for that. I’m a Hawk, have always been a Hawk, there’s no question about that.

“Yesterday, I listened to a great American, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who I had the honor of meeting several times when he served as commander at Fort Drum. The subject was the modernization of our armed services and how important it is that we follow our Constitution, take the oath of office, and believe in it. We never, ever want to have a military such as the overrated Russian army. We never want to be in that position. We have to have a strong military if we are going to have a strong United States democracy. He also stressed how important it is – God, country… He did serve a couple tours at Fort Drum, the last being as the Commander. We are just so blessed to have Fort Drum and our soldiers here amongst our community, right next door. I say it is here, it’s close enough. But they serve too.

“I became aware recently that the Ukraine War is going on. Most of our allies are supporting us in one fashion or another. We are carrying the load, as usual, for democracy, for freedom. That’s what this is about, and that is what today is about. Recently I became aware the inside Ukraine we do have soldiers, some of them might be from next door, Fort Drum. Yes, while it is true, they are not in combat, nevertheless, they are there, and let’s face it: The Ukraine today is not exactly a tourist destination. I always think about having Fort Drum and our troops here. We talk about the past, and we honor the past – just like it is going on in Washington, D.C. right now during this hour on the 11th day of the 11th month at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Please think of our troops, yes it is voluntary, I know that. Yes, it provides a better standard of living because we supply our defense than it used to when these people served. But nevertheless, support them and particularly when they are on their nine-month deployments, support their families here at home.

“We’ve got many memories… I do reflect on a lot of things of the past with the military and the people who have served. We’ve got our passenger depot here, right up the street. We’ve heard many stories about people departing on that. Dave Spilman, our Town Supervisor, got a message that CSX who owns it wanted to tear it down. But the Village and Town, we are going to try to save it. It has to be moved, because it is their property. We are going to try to save it. One of the stories was from an elderly woman, naturally, who sent a relative off to World War II… it was the last time she ever saw him. That means something. Yes, we have a great military. It’s all volunteer. But it is important if we are going to save our democracy and our country. We have to have it.

“We have a great democracy. We just completed another election day three days ago. I am an optimist and have never been more optimistic for the future of our great country – the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. Here in our community, I certainly applaud our American Legion and the VFW for being active organizations that never forget those who have served. Never. In closing on this Veterans Day 2022, God bless our troops. God bless our country’s democracy. God bless each and every one of you. It is another great to be a proud American. Thank you.”

Great applause sounded as Mayor McDougall concluded his address, and Master of Ceremonies Michael Websters extended gratitude to Mayor McDougall for his address.

The honor guard salute was then conducted by the VFW and American Legion combined firing detail, led by Sgt at Arms Karl Beck. Taps was performed by GHS senior Jack Schroeder and the echo by student Malique Zeller following the firing detail’s third volley.

The benediction was led by VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary Chaplain Ruth Mead, who concluded the prayer by saying: “And may we thank each and every veteran for their selfless sacrifice. Amen.”

Closing remarks were made by Master of Ceremonies Michel Webster, who said the following: “In closing, this is from the Veterans Affairs Veterans Day website: “Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.” Today, we came together to remember all of those who have served and are serving in our Armed Services.

“This is from the Computing Corner webpages, directed to Richard Fest, Jr., who became an airman in the U.S. Air Force: “As citizens of the United States, we have many freedoms people of other countries do not have. Sadly, many soldiers paid for our freedom with their own lives. As U.S. citizens, we owe much gratitude to those who have fought for us and our country. Because we treasure the peace and freedom we have, we should thank each and every U.S. military man and woman, both past and present, for admiringly fighting for and maintaining our freedoms, and show our appreciation for giving up so much of their lives so we can have so much of our own.”

“I thank you all for being here today,” Mr. Webster said. “We beat the storm, and I’m glad to see that there are so many people here.”

Gratitude was extended to all who participated and to all who attended the ceremony. Everyone was invited to go to the VFW Hall, 100 W. Main St., Gouverneur, for a free luncheon to include Hamburger Mac and Tomato Soup, Hot Meatball Subs, Dessert, and refreshments. All were encouraged to thank the veterans in the community for their service and sacrifices, for our freedom. “We know there are a lot of them here,” Mr. Webster said. “Thank you for being here. Thank you.”

Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Football student-athletes win Section 10 awards

The Section 10 Athlete of Distinction honors were presented to Kobe Steorts (57) and Noel LaPierre (1) on Saturday, November 5 on Frank LaFalce Field. (Rachel Hunter photo)

by Rachel Hunter

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Section 10 presented its awards following the Section 10 Class C Championship game on Saturday, November 5 at the Frank LaFalce Field in Gouverneur.

The awards were announced by Gouverneur Wildcat Coach John Free. The ceremony was made possible due to the efforts of Section 10 as well as GHS Principal/Athletic Director Cory Wood. The Gouverneur Wildcat Coaching Staff, including Head Coach Sean Devlin, Assistant Coach Justin Young, and Coach Frank Bush, Cody Hartle, Aaron McEathron, and Rick Vrooman were congratulated the Gouverneur Wildcat student-athletes on their achievements.

Gouverneur Wildcat Ethan Alguire (50) earned Section 10 Outstanding Sportsmanship honors on Saturday, November 5 at Frank LaFalce Field in Gouverneur (Rachel Hunter photo)

The Section 10 Championship Banner was presented to the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Football Team following their win, 65-8, over the St. Lawrence Larries on Nov. 5. Each student-athlete on the team was recognized. They are as follows: Noel LaPierre, Lucas Griffith, Daniel Thomas, Raine Rumble, Tucker Mussaw, Holden Stowell, Brodie Burns, Gunner Simmons, Ka-Deem Hairston, William Riutta, Connor Witherell, Cameron Barbarito, Jonavin Ayen, Kylen Bowman, Trevor Moore, Laike Lumley, Vincent Thomas, Hunter Mashaw, Drew Gates, Gage Cornell, Connor Bishop, Tucker Tibbits, Ethan Alguire, Gavin McNeil, Avery Winters, Owen Siebels, Kobe Steorts, Gabriel Hance, Cael Denesha, Cade Denesha, Jaret Link, Alexander Ordway, Tanner Hitchcock, Ashton Bowman. T-shirts were also presented to the student-athletes.

The Outstanding Sportsmanship Award was presented the Gouverneur Wildcat Ethan Alguire, St. Lawrence Larries Dylan Bodway, and Tupper Lake Lumberjack Jamin Whitmore.

The Athletes of Distinction Award went to the seniors who have maintained a cumulative grade average of 90 or above during their high school careers. The award was presented to the following senior student-athletes Gouverneur Wildcats Noel LaPierre and Kobe Steorts, St Lawrence Larries Alannah Baker and John Snyder, Tupper Lake Lumberjacks Noah Plumley and Jamin Whitmore.

The Section 10 Northern All-Conference Awards were presented as follows. Second Team All-Northern: Gouverneur Wildcat Jaret Link, St. Lawrence Larries John Snyder, Tupper Lake Jayden Farnsworth. First Team All Northern: Gouverneur Wildcats Vincent Thomas, Holden Stowell, Owen Siebels, Kobe Steorts, Gage Cornell, and Gunner Simmons, St. Lawrence Central Larries Nathan White, Xavier Shattuck, Ayden Beach, Tupper Lake Lumberjacks Owen Whitman, Tyler Wood, and Tyler LaPlant.

Great cheers and applause rang out from the crowds as the student-athletes were recognized for all their achievements. Many words of congratulations were extended to all the award winners. Good luck was also wished to the Gouverneur Wildcats as they face Section VII’s Saranac on Friday, November 11, 7 p.m. kickoff, at Ogdensburg Free Academy. For more schedule information, visit sectionxboces.com.