Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 years of faithfulness

by Sandy Wyman
There was a celebration of faith that transcended 150 years as the Gouverneur Trinity Episcopal Church observed its 150th anniversary on Sunday, September 25 with special remembrances of those who serve and continue to serve with faithful distinction.
The congregation welcomed The Right Reverend William H. Love, Bishop of Albany and The Reverend Robert L. Graham who served the church here from 1991-1995 as Celebrant and Co-Celebrant for the auspice occasion.
As the service began, there is the peaceful wonderful setting in this 150 year-old building that has been so graciously maintained in order to welcome all and pay homage to the faithful and our Lord God.
The Collect: O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
(In part) The First Reading, Amos 8:4-7, Janet Wakefield:
Alas for those who are at ease in Zion and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria, the notables of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel resorts.
With that notation from the Bible, everyone present began to realize what the Homily would carry for a message on this most auspice occasion.
The service of the Holy Eucharist-Rite Two continued (in part) with the Second Reading of 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Diane Dowe:
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not be haughty, or to set their hops on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
The Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31 with The Reverend Greg Bailey (Deacon) who has served since (2007- present), first Deacon to serve at Trinity Church, ordained in 2006, then in 2007, appointed Deacon Vicar.
In part: There was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table, even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
The service continued on with prayers and song to enrich the occasion with words of comfort and praise to the Lord and hope of life eternal.
The Right Reverend William H. Love, Bishop of Albany in his Homily:
After expressing that he had so been looking forward to this glorious occasion and it was also expressed that he was honored to be with the Trinity Church celebrating its 150th birthday of continuous faith for the people of Gouverneur, the Bishop then began to reflect on the evil that the love of money can bring.
By any means, the Bishop went to add that material wealth should not enslave us.
“It is easy in the midst of the good things of this world, material things can control us, living a comfortable life. Forgetting who gave all of us the many blessings, minus the true meaning, caught up in the life of false idols.”
“What are we doing with what we have? Do we give thanks and benefit others? Are we to be faced with rich man’s wealth or the beggar at the gates of Heaven?”
Words for thought: What happens when we take that final breath?
“Not the things of this world, but the blessings of a relationship in eternity.”
His message rang loud and clear throughout the congregation present that good should come from the wealth of the world.
From the Book of Luke once again: The poor man diedand was carried away by angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades where he was being tormented, he looked up and Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.
With the message that a rich man cannot buy his way into eternal life, the service concluded being once again the faithful gathered to prayer.
The Bishop then presented Rev. Bailey with a proclamation from the Diocese of Albany heralding the 150thanniversary of the church.
With a special note of thanks, Rev. Bailey called Altar Guild members Kim Halpin, Norma Gale and Trudy Bailey to come forward where it was announced that Kim has served with distinction within the guild for over 40 years. She was presented with a gift and flowers for her dedication.
Wardens of Trinity Church are Kim Halpin (Senior Warden), Carol Breckenridge (Junior Warden), Trudy Bailey (Secretary) and Bonnie Reed (Treasurer).
Vestry members include Heather Shattuck and Stephen Tharaldsen.
Co-chairmen of the Building and Grounds Committee are Jamie Hance and Charles Halpin.
A luncheon followed the service and was enjoyed by all in attendance with a special blessing from the Bishop to the Rev. Bailey with the congregation offering words of praise for all the blessings that the Lord has to offer the faithful.

Saturday at the Pumpkin Festival

by Sandy Wyman
It’s beginning to look a lot like…autumn in the North Country.Tthat was the case on Saturday, September 24 as the 5th annual Pumpkin Festival at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds stepped into the limelight on the first day of the doings sponsored by the Fair Association and the Chamber of Commerce.
A pumpkin is a gourd, however, these giants of that genre could not find a home in the Pumpkin Patch of Charlie Brown fame so the next best place to be is right here in Gouverneur.
The popularity of growing these immense proportioned members of the winter squash!
All pumpkins are winter squash… mature fruit of certain species in the genus Cucurbita.
Characteristics commonly used to define “pumpkin” include smooth and slightly ribbed skin and deep yellow to orange color.
Circa 2005, white pumpkins had become increasingly popular in the United States. Other colors, including dark green (as with some oilseed pumpkins), also exist.
The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon (πέπων) that is Greek for “large melon” something round and large. The French adapted this word to pompon, which the British changed to pumpion and later American colonists changed that to the word that is used today, pumpkin.
“Giant pumpkins” are a large squash within the group of common squash Cucurbita Maxima that can exceed one ton (2,000 pounds) in weight.
The variety arose from the large squash of Chile after 1500 A.D through the efforts of botanical societies and enthusiast farmers.
In 1986 the United States extended protection for the giant squash.
 In 2004, the restriction expired except for the requirement of indefinite use of the pseudonym “Dill’s Atlantic Giant” for squash fitting the specific parameters or the seeds thereof.
“Giant pumpkins” are orange variants of the giant squash.
Growers of these “pumpkins” often compete to see whose pumpkins are the most massive. Festivals are often dedicated to the pumpkin and these competitions.
Such now is the case for the annual festival right here in the North Country.
While the crowds began to assemble for the first day of the festival, there was a moment that took place when Travis Clemons of Croghan arrived with three giants of the squash variety to join some earlier gourds on display.
Lots of interested spectators enjoyed the off-lifting of the specimens through the auspices of Scooter Wetmore with fair directors watching traffic.
Back to the action on the fairgrounds.
When arriving at the entrance on Rock Island Road, the first sight to see was the crane already in place for the pumpkin drops donated complete with operator by RSI Roofing Company.
With camera in hand, this reporter followed the list of events and found many interesting activities among the numerous vendors and crafters set up in the 4-H Youth Building and on the midway set-up outdoors.
 The chicken BBQ was already on the grills, children of all ages were soon caught up in the activities provided by the Gouverneur Recreation Center.
Draft horse rides with neighbor Harold Lowery showcased Peter and Babe, Belgian Drafts. They are magnificent and even close up with traffic and pats on their faces from many gentle hands, they take it all in “stride” so to speak.
Amid all that transpired on Saturday, in case you missed the Wildcat game on Saturday, I am here to inform everyone that it became an instant classic by defeating the Ogdensburg team with a score of 35-31, keeping the unbeaten streak alive.
The crowd gathered at this event was keeping ears to the commentary along with cheers and applause for the guys on the gridiron.
Then the hour was growing near for the first of two for dropping the giant orange pumpkins filled to the brim with numbered golf balls.
 Soon the gourd was headed for its demise and the roar of the spectators heralded the end of the contest of whose golf ball went the farthest.
Winners on Saturday were Roger Bacon (first), Carol Dier (second) and John Miller (third).
Sunday winners in the second pumpkin drop were Bill Delorraine (first), Brian Blair (second) and Michelle Webb (third).
The Fair Association and Chamber of Commerce are to be commended for their efforts to provide Gouverneur and the surrounding area with wholesome entertainment for all to enjoy on a fall weekend in the North Country.

Village board remembers Bill Foster

by Rachel Hunter
The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees held a moment of silence before the Sept. 20 in memory of Bill Foster.
“He was outstanding citizen, a World War II Veteran, a village board member, a planning board member,” Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said. “Interesting for those of us who went to the funeral, listening to the letter about the Battle of the Bulge and marching through France and Germany. Something to behold. So be thinking about Bill and his family please.”
The board also held a moment of silence as usual for the 10th Mountain Division Fort Drum soldiers who have been lost through the various campaigns since September 11, 2001.

17th Arts in the Park saw success for library

by Sandy Wyman
It’s always a pleasure for a reporter like myself to cover events that support great causes and on Saturday, September 17 was no exception to the rule.
The Reading Room Association (Gouverneur Library) is celebrating its 130th year of supplying the area with materials to better enhance the experience of learning and at the same time the 17th annual Arts in the Park was scheduled.
The day started out with some clouds and a good breeze, however, it was no deterrent to the crowd of shoppers that dotted the landscape of the village green.
Once again, the best of crafts and wares were on the sale block, one of the highlights just happened to be the awesome display of gift baskets…everyone should have one for a special person in your life to enjoy.
Another table took notice as the library had books, books and books for sale. I saw many a patron come away with a bagful of reading material, all for a good cause and once again the written word stays the course.
Both the milestone anniversary of the library and the annual fundraiser in the park proved its worth in more ways than one.
It’s nice to be a part of both events on a great Saturday afternoon in Gouverneur.

Water, water everywhere, but not for tribe to drink

by Sandy Wyman
While no doubt, this is a catchy headline, however it is not one to make you smile but to make you think.
I do not believe that there are many spots in the North Country that clean drinking water is in short supply, we can always go to a store and buy 24 bottles packaged nicely if the case may be.
How would you like to face every day with the knowledge that your drinking supply of a life-sustaining beverage contains uranium and is not fit for human consumption?
And while we are very aware of the condition of the Flint, Michigan water woes on a huge scale, there has been progress on trying to fix and maintain the need to supply clean water to residents requiring assistance with a lead problem that is of utmost importance to be contained.
Lead is very dangerous and that is a fact, however there is another source of a life-altering chemical that rate very high on the list of cancer causing agents and that is uranium!
This reporter was contacted earlier by Gouverneur Librarian Linda Adams to perhaps do an interview with a caring 10 year-old who learned of the plight of the Navajo Native Americans.
The insight shown by Jaden Rodriquez of Gouverneur has led this youngster on the path of trying to find a way to be able to send funds to buy safe and clean water in containers for those in need.
Jaden is a native of Costa Rica and has been in the United States since he was two years old and is absolutely stricken by the fact that children like him do not have safe water to drink.
While you might think that the Navajo population in the affected area should just go to a store, the sad fact is that most of the time, it is almost impossible to do so due to its very remote location.
Information received is that over 40 percent of the Navajo Tribe water on the reservation has been tested and found to exceed US EPA human drinking water standards for uranium and/or other contaminants and the Navajo Nation policy is that livestock-use-only wells are not to be used for human drinking water.
Most of the residents have to travel upwards of two hours and many even in today’s world do not have running water in their homes.
If water is brought in through charitable sources, most of the time, one gallon of potable water is allowed per day per family. That’ right…one gallon!
Each and every time that a tank load of precious drinking water is transported, it costs over $1,000.
How did this tragedy come about? It has been a series of events dating back to the 1940s.
The history of uranium mining on Navajo land is forever intertwined with the history of the military complex.
The mining of the toxic mineral originated when the United States decided that it was time to cut its dependence on imported uranium. So for the next 40 plus years until the late 1980’s some four million tons of ore was extracted from the Navajo territory with most of it fueling the Cold war arms race.
Never once in that time period was the Navajo people warned or told about the danger of high-level contamination.
Most of the Native Americans spoke very little English during the early mining operations or understood language pertaining to the problems that would and now always present the threat of danger on the highest level.
Cut to the present time. According to the EPA, more than 500 of the 1,300 existing abandoned mines show levels of extreme contamination reaching over 4,000 picocuries per liter.
The EPA limit for safe drinking water is 20 picocuries per liter!
Jaden and fellow supporter Sylvia French have secured a starting point for a donation canister at Dashnaw’s Pizzeria on East Main.
All funds raised are directly deposited in a reserved fund to be sent to the proper authorities for help in supplying safe drinking water for the Navajo tribe.

Welsh heritage celebrated at annual service

by Rachel Hunter
Ruth Vandoorne, 89, of Farmington Hills, Mich. and daughter Glynis Ash of Clinton, N.Y. arrived to the annual Richville Welsh Society service on Aug. 28 with a story to tell.
“I never knew my grandfather; he died before I was born but he was D. L. Williams (David Lewis),” Mrs. Vandoorne said. “He was a pastor here from 1908 to 1915. Even though I never knew him, I heard many stories about Richville. As a child, we came here to visit and spent time at the old farm. My uncle Sam married Mable O’Bradford, if that means anything to any of you, and saw the different spots.
“Two years ago, when we first came here, I came with my daughter Glynis (a nice Welsh name). Doris Putman and her daughter Sue were nice enough to take us around and show us where my mother went to school, the path she walked, and the different points of interest for her.
“It was interesting to see where my grandfather had come from. My grandmother was of Welsh descent from Rome, N.Y. and it was her parents who came from Wales but Dave came from Wales when he was 13 years old. All my life I have heard stories about Wales, and it has just become part of my heritage that I am very proud of.
“My mother was four years old when they first came here. She had three older brothers and a younger one, and an older sister who died at the young age of 18 when she was here.
“My mother was the scamp of the group because she had to sit in the front row where D.L. could keep an eye on her. Other than that, I really can’t tell you much about her except that it was always dear to my heart and dear to my mother’s heart. She felt very fond the area and passed that along to me. I have enjoyed being here, seeing what is going on with people in the area and I am glad that Glynis is here with me.”
The 44 people who gathered at the Richville Welsh Society white church building for the annual service thanked Mrs. Vandoorne with a loud applause, and a verbal thanks from Welsh Society President Sandy Wyman.
President Wyman gave the following greeting: “It doesn’t seem like a year, since we were all here together. Time really flies. This is where we of Welsh descent and hopefully our guests draw spiritual comfort plus the feeling from continuity having a simple, beautiful place to worship – to remember Wales, celebrate their lives, to cherish memories of those gone home, to draw we the faithful together in peace and harmony.”
President Wyman also took a moment to express gratitude to Laura Conklin of Gouverneur who has been the society’s songstress for the past three years.
“She is no longer able to be with us, and I sent her a nice thank you note. We are going to have a new songstress that’s well known in Richville – Rachel Riley, who has graciously consented, and of course Beth Johnson who we couldn’t do without.”
President Wyman then gave the following announcements: “Things have changed. We are going to have a wonderful reception at the Richville Fire Hall today in their community room. It’s all in one floor and easy for everyone to access.
“I want to thank the Richville Historical Society for providing our refreshments as always, and to the Richville Fire Department for no charge. It’s nice to know people. We are about start our service, and we are completely blessed with this.”
President Wyman then gave the Call to Worship responsively from all those gathered: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Praise be the Lord with the Lyre, make melody to him with harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song, play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. Let the whole wrath Praise the Lord.
“Faith of our Fathers” was sung by songstress Rachel Riley along with the Rev. Ford Reynolds, accompanied by organist Beth Johnson.
President Wyman then offered: “Almighty God, we come to you this afternoon remembering our ancestors who came before us. We remember their faithfulness to you in their new country. We rejoice in our heritage, not only in our heritage as being heirs to the tradition of Wales, but heirs to your everlasting kingdom. Be with us today and make this service a meaningful and joyous experience. All this we asked in the name of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray: Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”
The offering was taken by Joe Laurenza with the offering solo, “In the Garden” provided by the Rev. Ford Reynolds. Hymns were sung, and the scripture was read by the Rev. Richard Moore. The Welsh National Anthem was then sung in English.
Guest Speaker Judith Sibley opened her talk with “The Meaning of Faith” as described in Hebrews 11:1-16, which states in part: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”
“Each time we gather in this little church, the spirit of those who have gone before us is strong; they surround us like a great cloud of witnesses. We cannot fail to remember the faith they had as they set out from their own homes in Wales to sail across the ocean to this foreign land. Some did not survive the journey; yet if one in a family made it, he or she hopefully brought forth descendants in this new land. If any from a community serviced the voyage, they were as seeds in their new community of Richville.
“Their faith assured them entrance to a better community, in heaven; yet they obviously made the very best of this earthly community of Richville. The strength and backbone and heart the Welsh settlers brought to this community is evident to this day.
“I arrived in Richville as a stranger myself, when my husband and I moved from downstate in November 2007. I didn’t remain a stranger long, as I went to the library and met people and was invited to join the Historical Association. Naturally, I was very interested in this little church on the hill for as you approach Richville from the south, it brings to mind Psalm 121: “I lift mine eyes to the hill, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”
“I was disappointed to learn that it was only open once a year, but when I learned a bit of the history, I became grateful that it still exists and is open once a year. I read in Doris Putman’s notes as published in “Rich’s Settlement to Richville” that the Welsh congregational church was built in 1859. It closed in 1919 and that could have been the end of it. Then Webster Griffith, grandson of the builder, began renovations in 1925. His daughter left $400 in trust for the Welsh Church. So we see the thread of descendants keeping the church from ruin.
“The thread continued when the state plan for Route 11 included demolishing the church, listed in their rolls as abandoned. The state soon learned that Richville and local Welsh descendants had not abandoned this symbol of their heritage. The Welsh Society was formed and the Griffith money used to halt the state’s plans and spare the church.
“So I had this historical background before I came to my first service here. More importantly, I had the assurance of my new friends in Richville that everyone was welcome. I felt very welcome and was warmly greeted when I entered. I knew some of the people attending, and those I didn’t know spoke to me too. I loved being here, to see the interior of this simple church and to worship with the community and with the great cloud of witnesses who worshipped here before. I’ve attended this service just about every year since.
“Yet when Sandy (Wyman) called me to ask if I would be the speaker this year, I felt totally unqualified. She explained that I didn’t need to be Welsh and that scholarship and research were not necessary; just a sense of community was desired. She explained that the scheduled speaker had moved away and couldn’t be here, and since my calling these days is to “fil in” where needed, I agreed.
“In June, I “filled in” for the Gouverneur Methodist pastor at a graveside service for Margaret Reynolds Clark, so I connected with the Welsh at that time. I learned about Margaret’s father coming from Wales and farming here. I learned of Margaret and her siblings growing up on the farm and going to a country school and about Margaret graduating from Potsdam and then teaching in country schools for a time. And in my conversations with Margaret’s relatives I learned more about these very faithful, hardworking people and their solid values.
“I also learned about the Welsh in a book…
All of a sudden, the open window in the front of the congregation came crashing down. This caused much laughter, and all seemed to agree that the “great cloud of witnesses” were indeed there with them during the service.
Mrs. Sibley then continued her speech as follows:
“I also learned about the Welsh in a book I just happened to be reading when Sandy (Wyman) called to invite me to speak. I go around to used book sales at various libraries and stack them up at home. In my stack was a historical novel, titled “The Road to Sixty” by Howard Thomas. The cover said “A story about Upstate New York Welsh-Americans.” Since this book was right on the table beside me when Sandy called, it seems that I was meant to speak here this year.
“The author’s Welsh ancestors settle in the Steuben Hills in the early 1800s. The story takes place in the Remsen and Steuben area in the mid-1800s, just around the time the Welsh population here in Richville grew. It told of one family and of the various Protestant dominations in the Welsh chapels of the area. I also read in an online source (WelshRootsWeb) that by 1872 the Remsen and Steuben area had 3,000 Welsh and 20 Welsh churches. The Welsh built small churches on hills near their homes.
“I was led to an earlier book by Howard Thomas, entitled “The Singing Hills” which told a great deal about Welsh customs. Tucked into the front cover of the copy I bought online is a letter from the author written in 1967 and telling of renovations and restorations to a chapel in the Steuben area, so similar to Richville.
“The hero of this book is a young orphan who is just passing through Remsen, but is taken under the wing of the Welsh settlers. He is told, as are all newcomers, to go to the Stone House. “You will receive help and information there.” Just like newcomers in Richville were directed to the stone house, which still stands of the Welsh Road today! The orphan in the story remains with these caring yet strict people. He reflects on his experience at the Stone House that it was not the furniture or food or other physical comforts, but the people who were going out of their way to help him. The owner of the house was Evan Jones, but they called him Evan Stone House because every second Welshman in Remsen was named Jones, as there wasn’t much variety in Welsh names.
“The author describes Welsh customs and traditions, including a wedding and funeral and Welsh worship services with heartfelt preaching and enthusiastic hymn singing so that the very hymns seemed to sing!
“Evan Stone House reflected about the conflict between traditional Welsh customs and a desire to assimilate: “When people come to live in a new land, they must let their minds turn backward. We have loved Wales and we shall always love it. We have loved it for its beauty and for the dear ones we left behind, knowing we probably would never see the old country or the people again. But we can’t forget the poverty pressed upon us by our landlords. If it is poor a Welshman is in his native land, he is not entirely at fault; but one who has adopted American for his home has only himself to blame if he fails. Here lies the most wonderful opportunity ever set before man. Here the air is free and it is every man who can be a lord, if he is willing to work.”
“By the early 1900s, attendance at the Welsh churches in the Steuben area declined, and many closed, as happened to the church here in Richville. Yet the values of those early settlers is still apparent.
“Sandy Wyman stresses the importance of faith, heritage and community. All three are evident right here today. The faith of those who traveled here from Wales so long ago; the faith of their descendants who keep this church alive; the heritage in the restoration of the interior and in the singing of the Welsh; use of the Welsh language in our worship bulletins; and the sense of community we all experience when we join together in worship.
“I will leave you will Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
“Abide with Me” was then sung, and the Rev. Ford Reynolds gave the benediction. The service was adjourned to the Richville Fire Department Hall for refreshments.
The society’s annual picture was taken in front of the Welsh church, and then the executive board of the Welsh Society held their annual meeting. At it, Doris Putman resigned from her position as treasurer after countless years of dedicated service. It was then decided by the board to combine the secretary and treasurer position. Susan Cartwright is now the secretary/treasurer. The board also consists of President Sandy Wyman, First Vice President Ford Reynolds, and Second Vice President Richard Moore.
Next year, the annual service of the Richville Welsh Society will be held at the white church on Sunday, August 27 at 1 p.m. Mark your calendars today! The guest speaker will be Karen Taylor of Richville.

Tuesday at the Fair

by Sandy Wyman
The midway was fast taking shape with numerous vendors and carnival rides getting all set for the 4p.m. opening of the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair.
From all long-range weather reports, the sun and warmer temps had been forecast for the near weeklong event.
One of my favorite haunts so to speak is the cattle display so off to see oxen, a little yak (cute as can be), she was ready for a walk and enjoyed many tiny hands with gentle pats, the dairy and beef cattle and all the handy hands that make this one of the best shows in the livestock field that the North Country has to offer.
From 1916 to the present, the Coleman Bros. have served up fun and thrills taking into account their 100 years of operation that has seen the end of World War I, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the just passed Recession all along with the boom times in the American landscape.
The sights and sounds of millions of spectators, shows and amusements continue to this very day. A tribute to standing the test of time in the business of thrills and chills.
From babies in strollers to seniors strolling the famous midway, it is still the way to go when enjoyment takes charge.

Charlie Daniels Band gave concert fairgoers will not soon forget

by Rachel Hunter
Last week the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. This week the 2016 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair.
The legendary country musician Charlie Daniels was ready to entertain the capacity crowd Tuesday on opening night of the 2016 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. He stomped on the Gouverneur grandstand stage, and went right to work – sawing on his fiddle and playing it hot.
And the crowd went wild.
The Charlie Daniels Band was a favorite, as many of those who attended tell it, because “Charlie Daniels put his heart and soul into the music he was playing.”
Hits performed included Southern Boy, Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye, Tangled Up In Blue, The Legend of Wooley Swamp, El Toreador, (What This World Needs Is) A Few More Rednecks, In America, Black Ice, Long Haired Country Boy, I'll Be Your Baby Tonight, Folsom Prison Blues, How Great Thou Art, The South's Gonna Do It (Again), The Devil Went Down To Georgia.
Charlie Daniels (fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo) took to the grandstand stage with his band – bass guitarist Charlie Hayward, lead guitarist Bruce Brown, drummer Ron Gannaway, guitarist Chris Wormer, and keyboardist Shannon Wickline.
Even the heavy-at-times rain could not keep people from tapping their toes and slapping their knees in rhythm with Charlie Daniels’ performance. Many commented that it was worth it to see the legendary country musician who will be inducted in the Country Hall of Fame later this year.
The 2016 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair had its official opening ceremony at about 7 p.m. at the packed grandstand, following a performance by Canton-based band, the Waydown Wailers, and before the Charlie Daniels Band took the stage.
The Rev. Howard Maxson of Fowler Baptist Church gave the opening prayer, and Danielle Stevens sang the national anthem.
The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association’s Second Vice President, John “Scooter” Wetmore then introduced Fair President Lyle Hotis as “the man who keeps us on track and keeps us organized and very much responsible for the fair getting bigger and better every single year”.
This is what Mr. Hotis told the crowd:
“Welcome to the 158th annual Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. We certainly appreciate you being here.
“This kind of a big deal for us having a concert of this magnitude. We signed this concert back in January, February and we had two main worries. Worry No. 1 is “Will it rain or not?” This summer, well, I guess it is never going to rain so that hasn’t been an issue.
“The other worry we had was “Will the community come out and support us?” The answer to that is obvious here. We have a good crowd and people are still coming in. We certainly thank you for being here and supporting this effort of bringing you a better show at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair.
“If you look around the fair you will see a lot of improvements this year, none more obvious than the stage that is in back of me. The stage was about half the size it is now. We decided to improve on that, build the stage forward and lift it up – mainly to give you folks better visibility and also to make it safer for our firemen during the demolition derby.
“There is one person here who spearheaded the whole concept behind this, designed it, and did most of the work on it… John “Scooter” Wetmore. So if you like the looks of this stage, let’s thank Scooter for that.”
A hearty handclap ensued.
“We have about 40 volunteers here – all of our directors, our associate directors, and those who just volunteer to help us,” Mr. Hotis continued. “We have about 40 volunteers here, but we are always looking for more. We certainly appreciate all of the work that the volunteer people do to help us. If anyone in the future wants to help, we are always looking for more folks. Come and find one of the directors and we’ll certainly find a place for you to do something.
“I invited all of the directors up here, but you only see four up here because they are out on the grounds doing their thing. They’re busy.”
Mr. Hotis then introduced Fair Manager Don Peck by saying the following: “A couple things I want to tell you about Don you’ve probably never heard before. Don has been coming to the fair since he was a little kid, picking up stones before the horse races and showing his sheep. He knows more about the details of running this fair than anybody else.”
Mr. Hotis then encouraged Mr. Peck to take the microphone and tell some highlights about this week’s fair.
“We’d like you to come back all week,” Mr. Hotis said as Mr. Peck moved to center stage. “We have a really good fair. We’ve got a lot of stuff to do.”
Applause sounded, and Mr. Peck told about some of the upcoming event – including the following:
Glorious Sons take to the grandstand tonight (Friday, August 5) at 8 p.m. (Gates open at 6 p.m.)
On Saturday, August 6, there is Professional Tough Trucks, Quad and UTV Racing 7:00 p.m. (Gate opens at 5:00 p.m.) – Plus Amateur Racing.
Also on Saturday will be the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Coleman Bros. Shows which will bring a fireworks spectacular to the Fairgrounds at 10 p.m.
Another much-anticipated event still ahead is the annual Demolition Derby. This year it will start at 1 p.m., and the gates open at 11 a.m.
Tickets for grandstand events are available at the fair office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Sunday.
Mr. Peck in his speech also encouraged everyone to visit the livestock area.
 “Something we are very, very proud of is that this is an agricultural fair,” Mr. Peck said. “Yes, you need shows like this, and yes you need a carnival—but check out our agricultural animals at the other end of the fairgrounds.
“About 330 head of cattle have been registered here this year. That’s a record for us. We had 309 last year. The judges over there will tell you that this is the top three or four cattle shows in the State of New York, and that includes the New York State Fair.
“So make sure you go and see these guys. It costs a lot of money to be here for the week. They put on a great show for us. There’s also horse shows going on over there, and don’t forget our Commerford Petting Zoo is back this year. They have camel rides, and also pony rides… A lot of things going on this year, and we hope you enjoy the 2016 Fair.”
The annual ribbon cutting ceremony was then held to officially open the fair. It was officiated by Town Supervisor Robert Ritchie and Village Mayor Ron McDougall. One end was held by Fair Director Fred Morrill, and the other end was held by Fair Manager Don Peck. Also holding the ribbon was Fair President Lyle Hotis.
For more info about the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, visit the website at GouverneurFair.net.
See inside this edition and in upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press for more fair coverage.

Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair coming to town

by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association is primed to accept crowds at the 2016 Fair (Aug. 2 to Aug. 7).
The opening ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2 followed by performances by Waydown Wailers at 7:30 p.m., and the Charlie Daniels Band at 8 p.m.
Tickets are still on sale, but will no longer be available online after midnight on Sunday, July 31. Call 287-3010 or visit the fair office for tickets, starting Monday, August 1.
Fair Manager Don Peck said changes to the fairgrounds this year include a raised stage, portable bleachers that will provide 270 more seats, and an upgraded electrical system. He also added that the New York State Maple Producers also improved their electrical system.
Mr. Peck also announced that there will be fireworks in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Coleman Bros. Shows on Saturday, August 6 at dusk.
Fair entries closed on Friday, July 22. Fair Secretary Anita Morrill said they received the following numbers: There is expected be 330 head of dairy cattle, eight head of beef cattle, a yak, 85 poultry, 19 draft horses, nine flowers, 38 sheep, and 15 oxen.
For more info, call the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair office at 287-3010 or visit gouverneurfair.net.

Gouverneur Museum hosts open house at Osborneville Country School

by Jessyca Cardinell
The Osborneville Country School, that was in existence from 1876 to 1942 and today is lovingly known as “the little red schoolhouse” on Rock Island Road, came to life as the Gouverneur museum hosted an open house on Sunday, July 10.
A warm welcome was extended as interested people from all age groups who wanted to experience what it might have been like to attend school back in the early days in this one room schoolhouse.
There are antique desks that were used in that era as well as chalkboards, books and even a wood stove that had been used to keep the school warm during the chilly months of the school year.
Punch and cookies were laid out as parents and children recreated a lesson plan like what may have been learned so many years ago in the little schoolhouse.
As children took turns giving each other lessons, they found another friend who had been taking notes...a mouse!
Museum curator Joe Laurenza opened the desk where a little boy had been seated, out jumped the furry friend from his nest inside the desk to the floor! There was much excitement to be had as the little creature scurried about and into a new hiding spot!
Mrs. Zelema Venton Hall, daughter of Carl and Jenny Cunningham Venton, became a student at the schoolhouse in 1932 and was able to recall memories of the school, as she brought along her daughter, granddaughter and great grandchildren.
She recalled there being 18 children in the small one room school while she was attending. She had Sadie Ames of Depeyster for her first grade teacher and Florence Greenhill as her secondgrade teacher.
In those days she discussed with others present Sunday how you were not made to attend school until you were seven years old. She herself started at six years old.
You could attend sooner if your parents desired but it was not mandatory. When comparing school then to now she stated, “Children’s lives now are too restricted and they aren’t allowed to use their imaginations anymore.”
She was able to recall walking to school. “In the great depression, there were lots of hobos out on the roads, so my mother would watch me walk to Barbara Hosmer Scott’s house and then I walked to school the rest of the way from her house,” said Mrs. Hall.
Students in this time period would bring their lunches, Mrs. Hall specifically remembers peanut butter sandwiches as a part of her lunch that she carried in a pail that honey first came in.
She spoke of the troublesome times as well. This included when she was knocked unconscious twice in a short period of time. “It’s a good thing I didn’t go there any longer than I did” she joked. The first time was my fault”, Mrs. Hall said. “A girl named Kelly was swinging a baseball bat, when I ran out in front of her.”
“The second time, we would always get in trouble if we didn’t come in when the teacher rang the bell. We had been playing on the slide and the older kids taught us how to go backwards.”
Ginny Hosmer Chilton was supposed to catch me, but the bell rang and so she ran for the schoolhouse instead and away I went.
 She also spoke of her own experience wearing the dunce cap. “I was in the second grade and I couldn’t read. We were reading the book Lambicans, when it came to be my turn. I kept telling the teacher I can’t say lambicans so she made me wear the dunce cap in the corner.”
Lucy Strate (formerly Denesha), who once lived on a farm on the corner of Stevens and Peabody Roads in North Gouverneur, made her way into the schoolhouse. Although she herself didn’t attend this particular school, it was on her bucket list of things to check out and see. She was elated that she finally made it to take a look around.
She attended the Cole Schoolhouse in Richville from first grade until fifth grade when the school combined into a district and then she had to go to West Side and then onto high school.
That schoolhouse had three separate rooms, one for grades one through three, another room for fourth and fifth grades and the upstairs for sixth grade students.
She recalls one of her teachers Mrs. Loop who taught at the school. Mrs. Strate said, “I loved learning, loved to read and to learn math. And even history.  They used the old maps that the teachers pulled down.”
Mrs. Strate was a bus monitor for years and also owned the Brasie Corner Store for nine years.
Elizabeth McEathron Glachman came to the schoolhouse for a short tour as she said she doesn’t remember much of the schoolhouse but knows she did attend there for one year in the early 1940’s. She told of how she had to walk across a creek during the winter months and it being so frigid cold out. Her fondest memories were at a schoolhouse on Island Branch Road where she had a nice teacher named Miss Davis who she remembers as having long red fingernails.
Curator Joe Laurenza of the Gouverneur Museum, and our own Gouverneur Tribune Press reporter Sandy Wyman had their own recollections of what it was like learning in a schoolhouse, much like the one opened up to the public.
Mrs. Wyman who attended Brasie Corner School in 1954 as a second grade student with teacher Doris Sigourney, said she just loved the small school setting and although she was not there very long as her family moved to Waddington where her dad became employed on the Seaway.
There were two rooms, housing first through 8th grades until the school system centralized in 1954.
Mrs. Wyman said there were lots of children, as the town had a wonderful country store and farms. In good weather, she walked to school with many others from the now Route 58 locations and she brought lunches to school.
As for the early spring season, Sandy said, “there was nothing better than wax on snow!”
It was a time like no other as she said, “everyone was happy to go to school and really enjoyed it. I remember being happy. Life was so much simpler, maybe not as far as technology or medically but, all in all, simple.
Other people in attendance that day said they had the same experience in that living such simple lives encouraged happiness.
One childhood memory that really sticks out for Sandy is Halloween. “Halloween was the best! Ruth Hutton made the best-raised donuts you ever ate, ever! We made our own costumes. One year my dad gave me his old green wool coat and dressed me up as old hobos. I had a stick with a bandana and a felt hat.”
Mrs. Wyman gives her dad credit fora big interest of her life. “My love of history came from my dad, love of what was, not what is.”
Also a wonderful memory for Mrs. Wyman was the station cans of milk that were loaded from the neighborhood farms and were drawn to the then Ogdensburg Creamery.
Friday’s at school brought drawing contests and spelling tests that quizzed the children on 20 words.
Sandy’s husband, Don, also attended a two-room county school in New Salem, Massachusetts. He stated that first through third grades were on one side and across the hall were fourth through sixth.
Don stated that he started school at five in the first grade, as there was no kindergarten there at that time.
Joe Laurenza spoke of his school days in a schoolhouse in Andover, Massachusetts. “She was a beautiful redhead,” Mr. Laurenza said of his third and fourth grade teacher Miss Sanders.
He also remembered the first through second grade teacher Miss Tory. This schoolhouse was also a bigger one as it had four rooms split up into first and second grades, third grade with fourth, fifth with sixth grade and 7th and 8th grades together.
    It truly was a wonderful educational day for all those who came out to receive this historical experience. Terrific job Sandy Wyman and Joe Laurenza for taking time out of your schedules to give people a splendid afternoon.
The Gouverneur Museum extends appreciation to Tammy Finley for her dedication of keeping the pristine little red schoolhouse grounds to perfection.  
The Osborneville Country School was established in the 1800s. The first schoolhouse was a log structure.  
The current schoolhouse was built in 1876.  Classes for those in grades one through eighth were held there until the school closed in 1942. A 1942 calendar still hangs in the schoolhouse to this day.
Wallace Hurlburt, son of Erwin Burr Hurlburt, attended the school. Clinton Thompson started in 1928, and had Mrs. E. Bigelow as teacher. The school year started with only two students, but by the end of the year there were 13 pupils.
In 1976, the Gouverneur Morris Yorker and the Marble City Yorker Clubs purchased the Osborneville Country Schoolhouse to be used as an extension of the Gouverneur Museum.
The restoration of the Osborneville Country School was the bicentennial project of the two clubs. This undertaking involved both students and faculty advisors from the Gouverneur Central Schools.
It was completed in 2004 and a plaque was put up in schoolhouse to commemorate this achievement. The Gouverneur Historical Association oversees the maintenance of the school and many other benefactors contribute to its ongoing preservation.
The schoolhouse is located in District #16, known variously as the Tyler or Osborneville district.  It was organized in 1844 from part of DeKalb District #11 and a former joint district with Depeyster.  The district originally included all of Rock Island Road and Maple Ridge Road from the intersection with Gore Road.  
The district was later reduced in area to only include Rock Island Road and the lands northwest of it on Chandlerville Road.
The Osborneville Country School also opened on Friday, June 5 to the fourth grade class from St. James School who held class at the schoolhouse for the afternoon.
For more information on the Osborneville Country School or the Gouverneur Museum, people may call 287-0570. The Gouverneur Museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1p.m. to 3p.m. Admission is always free. Those interested can also visit them online at gouverneurmuseum.com.

GHS graduation celebrated

by Kathy Moses
Gouverneur High School held its annual graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2016 last Friday evening at the full grandstands on the fairgrounds in perfect weather.  
The 118 graduates were each honored with a diploma presented by Board of Education President Barry Smith.
The processional featured the graduated walking down between flags of the school’s colors blue and gold and was accompanied by the Gouverneur High School full orchestra under the direction of Victor Correa III playing “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar and arranged by Merle J. Isaac.
The Chamber Singers, under the direction of Richard Haynes, performed the “Star Spangled Banner” arranged by Henry W. Davis.  Senior Class President Cassandra Foster led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The class speakers, elected by the Honors Groups, gave their remarks.  They were Frederic Nentwick, Sarah Geer, and Noah Forsythe.  
Superintendent Lauren French expressed her gratitude to all who have supported the graduates, the school, and the community.  She especially thanked the parents as she remembered the support she received from her own parents.  She said several of the parents of the graduates were her own students at one time.
Superintendent French told the story of a family who collected returnable cans and bottles and raised enough money to take a trip.  She reminded the graduates viewing a glass as half empty or half full can result in different outcomes.  She honored retiring board members Barry Smith and Laurie Roberts for their nine years of service to the district.
President Smith recognized the family members of graduates currently serving overseas in the armed forces.  He told the graduates new and change can equal opportunity.
High School Principal Cory Wood thanked many groups and individuals for their contributions to the success of the Class of 2016, including district employees, family, and friends.  He said 77 members of this class earned 426 college credit hours while still in high school, a 300 percent increase over 2015.  
Mr. Wood said 43 graduates will attend a two year college, 34 will attend a four year college, one will attend a technical school, 21 are seeking full-time employment, and six have enlisted in the United States Armed Forces with one in the Air Force, two in the Army, two in the Army Reserves, and one in the Coast Guard Reserves.
Mr. Wood announced 86 percent, or 101 graduates, earned a New York State Regents diploma with 32 graduated earning Advanced Regents, and 10 earning Advanced Regents with Honors.
Class of 2016 advisors Mary Dixon and Michelle Benda led the presentation of awards.  Earning Senior Academic Achievement for making the honor roll every marking period for the past four years were Catherine Andrews, Arden Ball, Gabriella Dunkelberg, Noah Forsythe, Sarah Geer, Kayla Gladle, Nicholle Gotham, Cody Hartle, Katelyn Kennedy, Maddison McIntosh, Chelsea Miller, Daniel Mullin, Brooke Shattuck, Ryan Shippee, Cade Stevens, Daniel Sweet, and Mary Kate Wainwright.
The Southwest Tech Vocational Awards were Most Improved Student to Robyn Carr and Brionna Walton and Outstanding Student to Catherine Andrews, Cody Bishop, Taylor Ellis, Shannon Knowlton, Cody Orr, and Jackson Sheen.
Gouverneur School-Related Personnel Scholarships of $300 from the district’s non-instruction union were presented to Catherine Andrews, Kathleen Erdman, and Jackson Sheen.
The Elizabeth Kirchner Gleason Scholarship of $500 was presented to Samantha Dooley.  This award is given to a graduate planning to major in art from retired Gouverneur art teacher Elizabeth Gleason in memory of Lillian Tood and Diana Lynde, deceased Gouverneur art teachers.
The Mariano Pistolesi Memorial Wrestling Scholarship of $500 given in his memory by his family was presented to Daniel Mullin by Bridgette LaPierre.  Mr. Pistolesi was a member of Gouverneur’s first wrestling team in 1934.  This award is based upon dedication, inspiration, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Kiwanis Club Scholarship of $500 was presented to Ryan Shippee by Charity Zawatski.  This award is given based upon a letter of personal reference, community service, and academic achievement.
The Key Club Scholarship of $500 was presented to Katelyn Kennedy by Charity Zawatski.  This scholarship, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Gouverneur, is given to a graduating Key Club member who has shown exemplary leadership in carrying out the club’s agenda.
The Faye S. Hopper Scholarships of $500 each were presented to Tyler Bowman and Nicholle Gotham.  This award honors Mrs. Hopper’s commitment to musical excellence while serving the Gouverneur United Methodist Church for 62 years as organist and is given to seniors who have demonstrated musical excellence and shared the gift of music with the school and community.
The Roger O. Favro Memorial Scholarship of $500 was awarded to Frederic Nentwick.  This award is given in memory of Mr. Favro who served his country in the United States Army, held the office of Canton Town Justice, and was a highly respected social studies teacher at Gouverneur for thirty years.  The award is given to a graduate who best exemplifies ethical character, responsibility, community service, and a sincere appreciation of social studies.
The William E. Appleby, Jr., Humanities Award of $500 was presented to Sarah Geer.  This award is given in Mr. Appleby’s memory by his family.  He was a gifted teacher, writer, and accomplished musician.  He taught English at Gouverneur for over 25 years providing leadership and inspiration to young adults.  This award is given to a graduate pursuing post-secondary education in English, music, or the arts.
The New York State Academic Excellence Awards of $500 per year, based upon specific Regents exam scores, were presented to Noah Forsythe, Arden Ball, and Nicholle Gotham.  Sarah Geer was awarded $1,500 per year.
The Roy G. Gibbs Scholarship of $2,500 was presented to Tyler Bowman by Kari Schermerhorn representing the Gouverneur Agricultural Board.  This award, provided by the Gouverneur Agricultural Board, honors a graduate for youth leadership.  Mr. Gibbs was a Gouverneur agriculture teacher from 1923-1954 well known for his dedication to teaching and young adults.
The graduates were Christopher Aldridge, Kasey Aldridge, Catherine Andrews, Devin Ashley, Arden Ball, Joshua Bennett, Lane Besaw, Abby Bice, Thomas Bigelow, Kirrah Bink, Cody Bishop, Tyler Bowman, Erica Briggs, Blade Briscoe, Shelbie Brothers, Hunter Burns, Joey Bush, Robyn Carr, Drewanna Charter, Breanna Clement, Chad Curcio, Abbigale Currier, Kylie Currier, Samantha Cushman, Frances Daly, Alex Deon, Samantha Dooley, Michaela Douglas, Malory Drake, Gabriella Dunkelberg, Mark Dunkelberg, Cheyenne Earlywine, Nazzarena Easton, Taylor Ellis, Nicole Embry, Kathleen Erdman, Dalton Fayette, Braden Fenlong, Cody Finnerty, Aimee Firth, Noah Forsythe, Zachary Forsythe, Cassandra Foster, Jared Fuller, Ty Fuller, Sarah Geer, Dylan Gibson, Kayla Gladle, Ronnie Goodelle, Megan Gore, Nicholle Gotham, Belisena Hall, Calaeb Hance, Dillon Hart, Cody Hartle, Rachelle Hight, Matthew Hills, Amy Horton, Tiffany Janack, Cayla Jenne, Aleksandr Karabats, Katelyn Kennedy, Shannon Knowlton, Matthew Kopchinski, Virginia Labarge, Jesse Love, Michael Mandigo, Michaela Mann, Hannah Martin, Devin Matice, Jordon McCloud, James McIntosh, Maddison McIntosh, Mychal McIntyre, Chelsea Miller, Cassidy Morrison, Daniel Mullin, Frederic Nentwick, Cody Orr, Theresa Otto, Tristan Pataky, Kirsten Phillips, Amber Reardon, Spencer Ritchie, Cailey Roberts, Delaney Roddy, Erika Rotundo, Nikolaus Schiszler, Maria Shampine, Brooke Shattuck, Jackson Sheen, Ryan Shippee, Justin Simione, Margeaux Simmons, Benjamin Sitts, Tyler Small, Kelsey Smith, Joel Spellicy, Aaron Stevens, Cade Stevens, Marissa Storie, Brandon Streeter, Daniel Sweet, Dean Tarus, Sarah Toppin, Alexis Utter, Johnathan Vanderbogart, Mary Kate Wainwright, Gloria Walker, Danielle Walrath, Kimberly Walrath, Brionna Walton, Ciera Ward, Shandan Way, Brooklyn Wilson, Tyler Woods, and Isaiah Young.
The members of the National Honor Society are Arden Ball, Tyler Bowman, Gabriella Dunkelberg, Cassandra Foster, Sarah Geer, Kayla Gladle, Nicholle Gotham, Belisena Hall, Katelynn Kennedy, Jordon McCloud, Frederic Nentwick, Brooke Shattuck, Ryan Shippee, Cade Stevens, Daniel Sweet, and Mary Kate Wainwright.  They are recognized for scholarship, character, service, and leadership.
The members of the National Technical Honor Society are Kasey Aldridge, Catherine Andrews, Devin Ashley, Abby Bice, Cody Bishop, Breanna Clement, Abbigale Currier, Nazzarena Easton, Taylor Ellis, Kathleen Erdman, Dalton Fayette, Shannon Knowlton, James McIntosh, Chelsea Miller, Daniel Mullin, Brooke Shattuck, Jackson Sheen, Marissa Storie, Brandon Streeter, Johnathan Vanderbogart, Kimberly Walrath, Ciera Ward, and Brooklyn Wilson.  They are recognized for personal conduct, scholastic achievement, and educational excellence in a vocational setting.
The Tri-M National Music Honor Society members are Tyler Bowman, Gabriella Dunkelberg, Sarah Geer, Nicholle Gotham, Cody Hartle, and Mary Kate Wainwright.  They are recognized for music, academics, leadership, service, and character.
The Honors Group members are Arden Ball, Thomas Bigelow, Tyler Bowman, Frances Daly, Gabriella Dunkelberg, Noah Forsythe, Cassandra Foster, Sarah Geer, Kayla Gladle, Nicholle Gotham, Belisena Hall, Cody Hartle, Katelyn Kennedy, Maddison McIntosh, Daniel Mullin, Frederic Nentwick, Cailey Roberts, Brooke Shattuck, Ryan Shippee, Cade Stevens, Brandon Streeter, Daniel Sweet, and Mary Kate Wainwright.  They are recognized for an academic average of 90 or above for their high school careers.
The National Future Farmers of America delegates were Tyler Bowman, Megan Gore, Rachelle Hight, Chelsea Miller, and Alexis Utter.  They were recognized for leadership, personal growth, and developing leadership abilities through officer positions and/or attending state and national conventions.
Following the presentation of diplomas Chamber Singers performed the Alma Mater.  The recessional, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and arranged by Michael S. Sweeney, was performed by the full orchestra.  A reception followed hosted by the senior parent group.

Oxbow Fire Company Hosts Car Show and Fun For All

by Jessyca Cardinell
There was fun to be had by all in the Oxbow Park as the Oxbow Fire Company Inc. hosted its first ever Car Show event.
“This event is a good old-fashioned family fun day, a chance for families to get out together and enjoy themselves,” said Anne Potter, event organizer and Assistant Fire Chief of Oxbow Fire Company.
There were a great variety of tractors, vehicles, motorcycles and other recreational vehicles, from antique to unique, they had it all. People traveled from near and far, including Canada, to be a part of this show.
As the car show was in full swing, Oxbow fire fighter Cody Young, the DJ, offered a variety of great music for all to enjoy throughout the day.
There were children's activities to keep youngsters having a blast, including a bounce house, playground, face painting by Audrey Martin and a dime toss run by Kylie Mandigo. The Rossie Community Center donated three boxes of dishes for the dime toss at Car Show.
Several vendors were ready with samples to try and items to buy, including Darrel and Teresa Whitton of Gouverneur with their Wildlife Wonders, Paparazzi Jewelry with Kaitlyn Thorne, Jessica LeFevre of Gouverneur selling Kitcheneez meal mixes and homemade sides, Diplicious with Kathy Goodwin, Avon representative April Louis of Philadelphia, Linda Strate of Gouverneur offered Mix Party samples to try and oils to buy.
Bea Murdock of DeKalb offered a variety of yard sale items, Brandy French of Macomb selling beautiful homemade items, Todd and Lisa McIntosh had tables filled with stainless steel jewelry and many other items. Justine Wagner was set up with her Justine's Creative Crafts tables.
The fire department had a grill and refreshment table set up in the park for those who needed a bite to eat and a drink to cool down, with Culleen Mandigo on food prep.
A 50/50 raffle was available for the adults who wanted to take a chance at winning big. The community yard sales were in full swing, for those who love to seek out treasures and good deals. The fire hall offered a place to escape the heat and enjoy a delicious chicken barbeque meal.
    Scott “Vern” Cunningham (Fire Fighter of the Year) although still going through cancer treatments, came out and supported his fellow brothers and sisters of the fire company, helping in any way he could.
Angie Walsh said of Mr. Cunningham, “He had cancer a few years back and there was a huge benefit in Oxbow at the Fire Hall called VernFest. That's our Vern! Still kicking cancer's butt while fighting fires, or whatever is needed by his community in crisis!”
Mrs. Potter said not only did all the fire company members work very hard but also the community itself. “This was a community wide effort to bring this all together.” Mrs. Potter added, “What sets the Oxbow Fire Company apart from the rest, is the real brother and sisterhood we have. We all treat each other with respect as if we were real brothers and sisters. When that whistle blows we all come together to get the job done and the same is true when there is an event in the community, we're all there ready to work.”
    As the day went on, many awards were given out for those who participated in the car show and what made this so unique and wonderful was some of the award winners were selected by the children at the car show.
Motorcycle Award
Two sisters Makenzie and Natalie Farrell of LaFargeville, NY selected a kid’s choice award that was very sentimental to the Oxbow Fire Company for the late Dean Mitchell's Slingshot motorcycle. Dean had been a member of the Oxbow Fire Company for around 20 years before his sudden tragic passing this May. Mr. Mitchell's wife Sandy requested that her son John Bango, who has his motorcycle license, show the motorcycle in this car show in honor of Mr. Mitchell, who she said would not have missed this event.
Oxbow Historical
Association Award
 Wendell Canfield for his 1929 Ford Mode-A with Sears Tractor kit.
Mr. Canfield used this tractor to relocate the historical building to present location many years ago.
Oxbow Fire
Company Award
Doug and Lynn Shoulette for their 1968 blue Pontiac GTX
Antwerp Town
Supervisor Award
Presented by Jack Shaw, supervisor, to John Smith of Gouverneur for his 1925 Model-T Ford Truck, all-original.
The Chief's Award
An antique fire hose nozzle engraved by Sonny Mandigo, presented to David McCarter of Depauville, N.Y. for his 1941 vivid lime green Ford custom convertible
Kid's Choice Awards
Tractor Award
Selected and presented by Abbey Sampson to Leo Rastley of Rossie, N.Y. for his 1938 John Deere
Snowmobile Award
Selected and presented by little Sandy to Jeff Drawn's 1973 Polaris 400 Custom
Antique Car Award
Selected and chosen by a young man named Adam to Eli Tracey for his 1926 Model-T Ford Car
Late Comer Award
For the last car to arrive at the show presented by Oxbow Fire Company President Ryan Hays and Vice President Angie Walsh to Harold Walsh of Rossie N.Y. for his 1975 Corvette Stingray
Wonderful job Oxbow Fire Company and all others throughout the community for putting this event together!
Assistant Chief Anne Potter and Vice President Angie Walsh for all of your hard work and efforts to make this day a success.
Kudos to all those who came out to support the Oxbow Fire Company! Congratulations to all award winners and youngsters who were able to help out and select winners!

Tribute: We’ll miss Al Douglass

by Dick Sterling
I was saddened last week to hear about the sudden passing of Al Douglass. Al died unexpectedly on Wednesday (June 15), at his Gouverneur home. He was 78 years old.
Al was born and raised in New Jersey, but he came to Gouverneur to marry his sweetheart, Mary (Storrin), at St. James Church in 1966. The couple was only 10 days shy of their 50th wedding anniversary when Al died.
Mr. Douglass began his teaching career at Gouverneur Central and remained a fixture for 34 years. Even though Mr. Douglass was a wonderful teacher, and helped to guide many to further their educational goals, it was GHS sports where he displayed his passion for sports, competition, and the qualities of being part of a team and teaching youngsters, primarily female athletes, the finer points of the games he coached. He was a tremendous mentor. He coached volleyball, golf and soccer, but will be best remembered by most for his Ladycat basketball teams.
I can remember standing courtside and watching Coach Douglass throwing his arms up in the air in utter disbelief over a call by the official, “You have got to be kidding,” he would yell.
He was always teaching his girls how to play fairly and how to win. Some of his teams were the best Gouverneur has ever seen. The one thing I can remember more than anything else was Al’s passion for sports and his love of the games.
Coach Douglass was also a familiar voice on the air for Gouverneur sports and was featured in the Tribune as a sportswriter as well as a features writer… sharing some of his post-retirement adventures on some of America’s finest golf courses.
Al was as passionate about the game of golf as he was any other sport. He would talk at length about his golfing experiences, not just how he did on the scorecard, but also what he witnessed and enjoyed during his particular trip to a course, famous or not, and what he liked or disliked about it.
A few years ago the Tribune published a story about Mr. Douglass and his unique experience of landing a fantasy job as a ball boy, even though he was over 70 years of age, for the New York Yankees at their spring training facility, Steinbrenner Field, in Florida, where Al and Mary wintered. Al was so excited when he stopped in to share the details of his winter/spring job, the people he met, the things he saw and the joy he felt working for the Yankees… he returned to the Yankee job every February and March since.
When it came to sports Al Douglass retained the excitement for the games he enjoyed right up until the end of his life. He was a great teacher, a tremendous coach and a good man… who was a life-long supporter of the Wildcats.
Our condolences to Mary Douglass, his three children and three grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by our community.

Gouverneur’s annual Flag Day Parade set for tomorrow

by Kathy Moses
Gouverneur’s annual Flag Day Parade, sponsored by the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m.  Interested entrants do not need to register.  Line up in on Johnstown Street between 1p.m. and 1:30 p.m.  Enter by way of Wilson Street to line up.  The parade will proceed down West Main Street and then East Main Street past the gazebo.
The parade will include the Gouverneur High School Wildcat Marching Band, Alexandria Bay High School Marching Band, Heuvelton Central School Marching Band, Elks Club, village and town officials, political candidates, First Student, St. James School, and the Gouverneur Police, Volunteer Fire Department, and Rescue Squad.
The formal Flag Day ceremonies will be held at the village park at noon.  The park will feature live entertainment, farmer’s market, craft tables, wineries, children’s games, and a bounce house sponsored by Aubuchon’s and supervised by the Gouverneur Recreation Department.
Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Donna Besaw said, “We’d love everyone to turn out for this great event!”