Planning Board rescheduled

Gouverneur Planning Board meeting scheduled for January 12 at 6:30p.m. has been rescheduled for February 9 at 6:30p.m

Edwards Rollover

Edwards Fire and Rescue responded to a rollover on Monday, December 26. The photos were posted on the Edwards Fire and Rescue Facebook Page and they gave the following report: “No one was hurt, but could have been worse. Notice the stump through the windshield. Picture was taken from the back seat (while) car was still upside down.” The post was shared by ResponderCam.com – a website that publishes heart stopping, action videos, picturess, and stories of the men and women in the front lines of fire, EMS, and police. (Edwards Fire and Rescue photos)

$13.9 Million Cambray Terrace project nearing completion

The completion of Cambray Terrace in Gouverneur will bring 71 brand new low-income housing units to a community, which according to its mayor, very much needed them.
“It’s very much needed. There’s no question about that,” Mayor Ronald McDougall, who also serves as president on the Cambray Housing Corporation Board of Directors, said. “Looking at other communities around us, it was obvious we needed public housing upgrades.”
While the Cambray Housing Corporation isn’t the sole owner of Cambray Terrace, they are together with Beacon Communities Development and several other entities partners in the $13.954 million project.
Each of the one-bedroom apartments will be made available to low-income individuals 55 and older, or people with disabilities regardless of their age, with priority given to current residents of Cambray Courts or those temporarily displaced by the construction project.
“Anyone who was a resident at Cambray Courts was given the opportunity to move into the new building,” said United Helpers Housing Assistant Carol Basford. According to Ms. Basford, roughly 45 of Cambray Court’s 63 current and temporarily displaced residents elected to accept a new apartment, leaving several vacancies in the new complex.
Anyone interested in applying for a spot at Cambray Terrace can apply in person at Cambray Courts or online at www.unitedhelpers.org.
Beacon Communities Development Director Paul Kruger said the project was funded through the sale of low-income housing tax credits provided by New York State Homes & Community Renewal, as well as soft loans from the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Development Authority of the North Country.
Up next, he said is renovations at Cambray Courts, which remains opened with 28 units. “We’re (Beacon Communities Development) going to help the Cambray Housing Corporation with an application to secure funding for renovations to the remaining units,” he said.
Assuming work at the site is completed on schedule, Ms. Basford said tenants are slated to begin moving into their new apartments on Jan. 16.
Mr. Kruger said those apartments range in size from 620 to 630 square feet, making them slightly larger than the apartments at Cambray Courts.
Robert “Bob” Porter, of Bette & Cring, a Watertown-based construction firm, is serving as project manager. He said he’s proud of the work his firm has done on the project.
“They will go quick once people see them,” he said.
Mr. Porter also noted each of the apartments will be Energy Star Certified. “The building is pretty much air tight,” he said.
Mr. McDougall said the completion of the project will be the culmination of many years of work. “This is something the board has worked very hard on for long time,” he said, noting Judy Peck, Ron Tuttle, Dave Blevins, Scott Gillan, Ken Snyder, Dwayne Winters and Kathy Bigarel also serve on the board.
“We’re all thankful for our legislators, who wrote letters of support, and for the Cuomo administration for authorizing the work.
Cambray Terrace, 24 Mill St., sits adjacent to Cambray Courts just off of Main Street along the shores of the Oswegatchie River.

Chamber of Commerce welcomes holiday season

by Sandy Wyman
The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce was in full mode of the holiday spirit as the organization held its annual Christmas Parade on Friday, December 2.
Highlighting the festive affair was the welcoming of Santa Claus to the area amidst a huge gathering waiting for the arrival of the special visitor from the North Pole.
Although the weather was a bit on the rainy and cooler side, it did not deter what appeared to be a record crowd lining at least three deep on Main Street.
Leading into the festivities were sounds of the holiday season performed by the GHS Chamber Singers under the direction of Richard Haynes inside the gazebo that were most warmly received. The young voices in perfect harmony set the stage for the rest of the evening.
Master of Ceremonies Gale Ferguson paid close attention to the parade participants by handling the introductions with just the right pause for everyone to take in the sights and sounds associated with lights, camera and action!
Leading the community into the holiday season parade were representatives from law enforcement including the Gouverneur Village Police Department with Chief Laurina Greenhill. Following in the line of marchers was the NYS Police with State Trooper Peter Paquin and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department with Deputy Ryan Bogardus.
Also on hand were members of the Safety Patrol, Kyle Elliott, Lyle Walrath and Andrew Wedlock from the Southwest Tech Criminal Justice program who were on scene to help with safety for parade participants and the public. They did an outstanding public service to the community.
Also it was mentioned by announcer Mr. Ferguson that the Village DPW workers were to be commended on the outstanding holiday display in the village park for all to enjoy during the festive season.
Officer Jesse Sheen, Officer Alex Daggett and Sgt. Gordon Ayen of the Gouverneur Village Police Department handled traffic and public safety for the larger than life crowd that were gathered for the outstanding parade and subsequent meeting with the Jolly Old Elf.
Appearing in the parade down Main Street were Gouverneur Town and Village officials who included Mayor Ron McDougall and Town Supervisor Bob Ritchie along with Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine and Deputy Town Supervisor Eldon Conklin with other staff and families joining in.
Along the parade route there was a good natured competition between the town and village of Gouverneur highway departments sporting two highly decorated trucks, one with a Santa decoration on the plow (Leroy Blair and grandsons Tryee and Kiyan) along with lots of lights and then the other (town with David Perrigo and family) complete with more lights and Tigger of the Winnie the Pooh menagerie. Such fun!
The route of floats continued with the Elks Club, Cub Scout Pack 21 (Schiszler Construction), St. James School (Bill Cryderman), Urban Home Stead with Tige the Dog and Coffee the Goat plus Santa’s Helpers, The Happy Helpers 4-H Club, Blevins Ford (Bob Gotham and Owen), New York Pizzeria (Nick Ciambra) and the K-Kids (Kiwanis Club) along with Mandigo’s Garage from West Main St..
We certainly hope that all who participated in the event have been listed although this reporter has received notice that perhaps due to weather and wind that evening that not all were noted due to index cards not readable.
Please contact this paper at 287-2100 for your recognition to be published in a newsbyte.
Then it was time for the big event of the evening…nothing like the display of lights made possible by the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department who take on the responsibility of delivering Santa Claus to Gouverneur complete with a siren fanfare.
From every access point of Main Street, shouts of “Hi, Santa,” could be heard ringing across both sides of the street and many in the village park, patiently waiting for a chance to sit on the lap of one of the joys of childhood…straight from the North Pole.
There was a line in the village park leading up to the gazebo and that is a small word for the wonderful amount of the public who showed up to see Santa and all that he brings to Gouverneur.
Pictures by the dozens, hugs, smiles and even a handshake or two from the younger set made for a great evening.
There were wagon rides supplied by Harold Lowery and his wonderful team of Belgians and much hot cocoa and cookies were a hit due to the membership and friends of the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur.
The Chamber of Commerce certainly deserves a nod of appreciation for its dedication to the holiday season with a great parade topped off by you know who!

Smart Board, part of Media Room at the Community Center

by Sandy Wyman
On a recent visit to home, Kay Van Norton Poche of Sydney, Australia was on hand at the Gouverneur Community Center to observe the new Smart Board in the Howard Van Norton Media Room.
The addition to the media room was made possible through the generous donation to the center in memory of the Van Norton family.
Accompanied by community center board member Donna Lawrence, technology is at its best and a short demonstration made for some most interesting facts and figures.
First and foremost…what is a Smart Board?
The Smart Boardinteractive whiteboard operates as part of a system that includes the interactive whiteboard, a computer, a projector and white boarding software – either Smart Notebook collaborative learning software for education, or Smart Meeting Pro software for business.
The components are connected wirelessly or via USB or serial cables. A projector connected to the computer displays the desktop image on the interactive whiteboard.
The whiteboard accepts touch input from a finger, pen or other solid object. Smart Board interactive whiteboards are also available as a front-projection flat-panel display – interactive surfaces that fit over plasma or LCD display panels.
A demonstration of the features of a Smart Board, showing the default colors of the pens with a built-in gradient
Most models of Smart Board include a pen tray on the front of the interactive whiteboard that holds two to four plastic pen tools and an eraser.
The pen tools have neither electronic components nor ink – the technology is in the pen tray.
When a pen tool is removed from its slot in the tray, an optical sensor recognizes its absence.
The Smart Board software processes the next contact with the interactive whiteboard surface as a pen action from the pen tool that resides in the corresponding slot.
Pressure applied to the surface of the front sheet closes the gap and is registered as a contact point. This contact point is then converted from an analog signal to a serial data stream that is sent to a computer for further processing.
This technology can process contact from a finger, pen tool or any device – such as a pointer.
From the get-go, the whole apparatus looks just like a regular big screen TV and that it is and a whole lot more.
Mrs. Poche stated that this is all about community and Gouverneur is my home no matter where I reside now, this is home to me.
Mrs. Lawrence went on to add that the high-tech assembly, sporting an 84 inch screen for the media room would have never been possible without the funds generated by the donation from the Van Norton family.
Very shortly the Smart Board will be on line with more access points throughout the entire building.
The entire process will be able to offer on line courses through Clarkson University and of course is state of the art with complete satellite capability and will be a real tool in attracting more community involvement with the services that will be available.
The partnership, according to Mrs. Poche, has been outstanding from Big Apple Music in Watertown in making this a priority for completion.
The keyboard and remote will greatly heighten the accessibility of the new addition to the world of high-tech.
Mrs. Lawrence went on to add that it is needed to offer more in the line of services available for use within the community.
One of the highlights of the day is the fact that one can erase what is written on the board with a hand if necessary!
After a discussion about the new addition to the center, the community of Gouverneur was left with this quote from Mrs. Poche… “We are a prime example of small town America and should never take it for granted.”
So if high-tech is your game, you know where to find it…at the Gouverneur Community Center!

Veterans Day ceremony observed in Gouverneur Park

by Sandy Wyman
The day of November 11 is special to America as it denotes Veterans Day, a special day set aside to come together to honor all those who have serve and continue to serve this great country with valor, bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom.
On this auspiciousday at the Gouverneur Village Park, a solemn and meaningful ceremony was held to remember all that has been sacrificed in the quest of freedom.
Although the day dawned cold with a snowflake or two in the air, Master of Ceremonies Michael Webster, US Navy (Ret.) and Past Commander of VFW Post 6338 stated in opening remarks that this day was nothing in comparison to the “boys” of World War I who spent time lasting years in the trenches of combat with no shelter from the war, weather or comfort.
“Be grateful, today and always remember those who answered the call of duty.”
After the invocation delivered by VFW Post Auxiliary Chaplain Marlene Webster, the Pledge of Allegiance followed with VFW Post Commander Dominick Simione and American Legion Commander Gloria Youngs at the podium.
Presentation of wreaths by VFW Post Commander Simione and American Legion Commander Weldon were followed by presentation of flowers at the Memorial Arch by VFW Auxiliary President Melissa Simione and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary President Gloria Youngs.
A red rose being placed by DAR descendent Lynda Andrews followed a solemn presentation of a single yellow rose by Gold Star Mother Nancy Cappellino.
A wreath of commemoration was placed at the arch by Sons of the American Legion member Steve Cline followed by a wreath fromGouverneur students by Nancy Cappellino.
The bagpipes of Jeff Forsythe sang with the harmony of “Amazing Grace,” that we are all fortunate to have as Americans.
Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall was guest speaker.
“Thank you for this honor at a very special and meaningful occasion in American history.
“Today as we stand here our President is presenting a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown in Washington.
“Our war calendar in this country continues today and this observance comes once again to a young nation as far as world history is concerned.
“I do believe that we have one of the most cherished memories of keeping our veterans in thoughts and prayer of gratitude because we are a free country.
“Say what you will, we are a free country and remembering these sacrifices for home and hearth keeps democracy alive and well.
“This week we had free and democratic elections and no matter whom you voted for, we have the freedom to vote! Who do we thank for this…our veterans!
“Today, we are a country at war and with all volunteer military, we still remain strong and true to the cause of freedom.
We are the greatest country in the world and it has come with sacrifices beyond belief, however, the United States of America has been, is and will continue to be a great country and I believe that the best days are yet to come.
“My fellow citizens, when you see a soldier, stop and say thank you for your service.
“God bless our military, past, present and future and all of you gathered here today to show honor to America.”
Sergeant at Arms Karl Beck and the Honor Guard honored America with the traditional 21gun salute.
GHS student Jenneca Cook rendered “Taps” and American Legion’s Gloria Youngs presented the benediction.
In closing remarks, Master of Ceremonies Webster stated that he is most proud to be associated with this community because of the patriotism that continues to be shown.
A luncheon was served after the ceremony at the VFW.

Jeff Forsythe played Amazing Grace at the Veterans Day observance held the Gouverneur Village Park on Friday, November 11.  (Wyman photos)                                            

Gouverneur American Legion Ladies Auxiliary President Gloria Youngs is shown presenting flowers at the observance of Veterans Day held on Friday, November 11.

Community solar project in Somerville looking for inaugural members

by Rachel Hunter
William and Shawna Silva of Somerville are enthusiastic about bringing the Somerville Community Solar Farm – a shared solar project operated by United Renewable Energy LLC – to the Gouverneur community.
Shared solar, or Community Distributed Generation (CDG), is a relatively new idea that allows anyone to become a member of a solar farm, and take advantage of low cost solar energy with no up front cost and no need to install panels on your roof.
Mr. Silva said it makes solar energy accessible to people who otherwise could not go solar, including those who don't want to invest money in solar panels, those without a good roof or place to put panels, or with trees shading their homes, and even to renters who otherwise could not have solar panels.
“This solar farm will be among the first, and likely the very first community solar farm operating on National Grid's distribution system in New York State,” Mr. Silva said. “The solar energy generated will show up as a line item on members’ electric bills as if the solar panels were installed on their own roof.”
Mr. Silva said that they anticipate operating by December.
They are looking for inaugural members for the Somerville Community Solar Farm. It is open to residential or commercial National Grid customers in Northern New York. Mr. Silva said members could look forward to saving over 25 percent on their electricity bill, saving up to $450 annually, using local solar energy. There is no long-term commitment, and the price is guaranteed not to increase for 20 years.
For more information, send your name, number, and a copy of your power bill to somerville@u-renew.com or fax (888-649-0610).

Wildcat Trapshooting Team to return to Gouverneur Central sports

by Jessyca Cardinell
Trapshooting has been making its way back into school systems around the area and on Nov. 7 during the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education meeting, the creation of the Wildcat Trapshooting Team was unanimously approved.
“I would like to (commend) the board of education for allowing us to bring trapshooting back to Gouverneur Central,” said Byron Woodward of the Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club. “It's a great opportunity for the kids and you are going to see so many smiles because of this.”
Gouverneur Central students in sixth to twelfth grade are welcome to participate as long as they have taken the New York State Firearms Safety Course, which requires them to be 12 years of age. The course is offered year round.
The team will be formed in the spring of 2017, and will be a self-funded extra-curricular activity as there will be no participation expense to the school district, it was noted.
All activities will also be held at the Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club grounds on Route 58 and not on the school district's grounds as it had been many years ago, when the school actually had the trapshooting team practice in the basement of the school.
The team will join other participating schools in the New York State Clay Target League.
The Gouverneur School District will recognize students' hard work and participation in the annual yearbook and each student will also receive a letter designation (G).
“I think this is a great idea, to bring this back, especially with all the hunters we have around here,” said Lisa Dunkelberg, school board president.

Lyle Hotis honored as VFW Good Citizen of the Year

by Sandy Wyman
On Saturday, October 22, Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 of Gouverneur honored Lyle Hotis with its 67th Good Citizenship of the Year Award.
Many supporters of this soon to be honored individual attended the function even as the weather pattern was not quite up to par.
Mr. Hotis and this reporter spoke on the fact of so much rain would have been a welcome feature over the dry summer as it was not the best for the growing of the giant pumpkins that he and many others are noted for achieving.
Leading in to the special occasion was the Invocation by VFW Post Chaplain Karl Beck followed by the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the poignant ceremony of the POW/MIA table that is set for one. “We call them brothers.”
Master of Ceremonies VFW Commander Dominick Simione then introduced special guests for the event that included Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, Department of NYS VFW Commander Dennis Sullivan and NYS VFW Auxiliary President Karen Dotson.
Also present was Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce President C.J. Fitzgerald, Gouverneur Village Mayor Ron McDougall andCommissioner of the NYS Tax Appeals Tribunal Dede Scozzafava.
Of note were some of the students of Mr. Hotis during his tenure of teaching that spanned over three decades at GHS. The children of Lucy (present) and the late Leonard Strate were the following: Tom Strate, Class of 1972, Jerry Strate, Class of 1974, Kelly Strate, Class of 1975 (present), Emmy Strate, Class of 1980 (present), Rick Strate, Class of 1980 and Peggy Strate, Class of 1994 (present).
 After introduction, guest speaker Dale Streeter then took the podium.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the VFW for sponsoring this annual event that formally recognizes an individual in the Gouverneur area who exemplifies our concept of a 'good citizen.'
“Of course, that refers to an individual who participates in all aspects of community life with creative ideas, actions and volunteer work. Not because he is looking for any “claim to fame” but because he firmly believes that it’s the right thing to do.
“And I know that even though he is deeply humbled to be chosen for this honor, I am extremely pleased that the VFW has chosen Lyle Hotis as their Good Citizen of the Year for 2016.
“Now, Lyle, I’m sure that you are hoping that my little speech will end right here but I have so much more to say about you. And just remember- you were the one who requested that I should be the guest speaker for this evening’s festivities.
“I’d like to begin with a brief biographical background. Lyle was an agriculture teacher in the Gouverneur Central School District for 33 years, retiring in 1999. Lyle lives on the Scotch Settlement Road in Gouverneur with his wife, Ellen.
“They have two wonderful children, Betsy (who is here this evening) and Andrew who is married to his wife Michelle. They are also the proud grandparents of two grandchildren.
“Lyle has many interests and hobbies. Among them is taxidermy, and I’ll talk about that later. He also grows giant pumpkins, loves to hunt and fish, and spends quality time during the summer at his camp on Pleasant Lake.
“I would like to take a few minutes to let you know how Lyle was selected for this award.
“Each year the VFW invites members of the community to nominate a “good citizen” of the year for Gouverneur. For the past two or three years I have considered nominating Lyle for this award.
“But, as is the case with most of us, I never got around to it. This year I decided that it was time for me to finally get out of the recliner and nominate Lyle for this award.
“I wasn’t aware of any special forms or procedures to follow so I simply wrote a letter and sent it to the VFW for their consideration. Among the candidates nominated, Lyle was selected to receive this year’s award.
“Lyle, I know you have been anxious to know what was written in that letter so tonight I will read it for everyone to hear.
I believe it is simple, straightforward, and clearly describes your qualifications for our “good citizen” of the year.”
“To Whom It May Concern:
“It is with great pleasure and utmost sincerity that I would like to nominate Lyle Hotis to receive the VFW Good Citizenship Award for 2016. His dedication to our community clearly demonstrates the qualifying characteristics necessary for receipt of this award.
“Lyle has been an active member of the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club for seventeen years. During that time he has faithfully worked to serve the needs of youth and the needy in the Gouverneur Community.
“He has always been there to work with the club’s service projects such as the annual Food Drive, Riverside Cemetery Clean Up, and most recently, the Wildcat Backpack Program.  In fact, Lyle should be credited with the conception of the cemetery clean up project with the Kiwanis Club’s sponsorship and participation.
“He can always be counted on to help with all Kiwanis functions including the fundraising activities that are vital to the success of all service clubs.
“As a retired agriculture teacher from the Gouverneur Central School District Lyle continues to promote the FFA program at the school.  He serves on the Agricultural Advisory Board and participates in the many activities that make the agriculture program so successful at Gouverneur.
“Lyle also serves as president of the Gouverneur Fair Association and for many, many years has worked as a fair board member and now as president to improve our county fair.
“Great improvements have been made in recent years to the buildings and grounds, general facilities, and the quality of the grandstand entertainment offerings.
“Lyle has been the driving force behind these changes that make our fair special. He has worked unselfishly to make the Gouverneur community proud of our county fair.
“Lyle is always looking for a new social activity to offer our community. Just a few years ago he conceived the idea for a fall celebration at the fairgrounds that everyone knows as the Pumpkin Fest.
“The great success of this event is a testament to Lyle’s efforts to provide unique experiences for Gouverneur and the surrounding area. It has grown every year since it’s inception and is now regarded as one of those fall events that should not be missed.
“Lyle serves Gouverneur in so many ways. His service and volunteer efforts are done for the good of the community and in his quiet and unassuming way he gets things done. He is one of those few, but truly genuine, public servants. His efforts over the years have made and will continue to make Gouverneur a place we are proud to call home.
“It should be noted that there are so many more things I should have discussed in this letter of nomination. Let me share some of these with you:
“He has been a Kiwanis member since 1999.
“He is a past President of the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club.
He worked with the Kiwanis “child safety seats” program.
“He has worked on the Kiwanis sponsored Riverside Cemetery Clean up day for 11 years.
“He currently serves on the Kiwanis Wildcat Backpack Program committee.
“He has continued to serve on the FFA Advisory Board as treasurer since 1999.
“He serves as a judge at county FFA contests.
“He served on the County Fair Board of Directors even before his retirement.
“He became the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds of the county fair about five years ago.
“He became President of the Gouverneur Fair Association four years ago.
“He gives workshops on growing Giant pumpkins- especially for 4-H members.
“He was a 4-H leader for at least 10 years.
“He worked for seven years with the Senior Lunch Program at the Methodist Church.
“He is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur.
“He has served several times as a member of the church board and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.
“He taught hunter safety and trapper training classes for several years.
“He presents community programs on wildlife information.
“He presents informational programs on garden and flower information.
“And I might add… he loves desserts and hates Vienna sausages… just a little tidbit of information.
“So you can clearly see that Lyle does so much for this community without any desire for monetary compensation. For him it’s just 'the right thing to do.' Thanks, Lyle!
“On a less serious note, I’d like to share with you some of my memories of the past 40 or so years as Lyle’s friend. Most of you are aware of Lyle’s taxidermy hobby. I was interested to learn more about it and visited Lyle’s studio one day.
“I was amazed at the mounted mammals, game heads and birds in his display. I told him that I would really like to learn the craft. In typical Lyle fashion he replied 'Well, shoot something and bring it over and I’ll show you how to mount it.' That’s how my taxidermy business began. Thanks, Lyle!
“This is the part, Lyle, when you can laugh at me. I have a difficult time with birds. So I always visit Lyle’s studio when I want to mount a bird.
“One day we decided to each mount a ruffed grouse. He would help me if I had difficulty. Difficulty!
“It took me about 20 minutes to skin that stupid bird and by the time I was finished I had a pile of loose feathers all over the workbench.
“In the meantime, Lyle quickly and efficiently skinned his grouse in about five minutes and patiently waited for me to catch up.  When I finally finished my task I looked up and noticed Lyle standing beside me with a big grin on his face.
“Of course, he was holding up a single feather that had fallen out of his bird, but in spite of my feelings of inadequacy he assured me that the mount would still look ok after a careful grooming. And it did. Thanks, Lyle!
“But, I feel it necessary to let the audience know that Lyle sometimes takes on jobs that are too big to handle. It seems that Lyle once did a shoulder mount of a large bull elk only to discover that he couldn’t get it out of his studio.
“That’s right, ladies and gentlemen… It was too big to go up the stairs and out the door! I have so many stories and so little time. But, seriously, folks, I feel I have been blessed to have Lyle as my mentor all these years. Thanks, Lyle!
“Lyle introduced me to ice fishing many years ago. Unfortunately, jigging for perch is my only forte. Lyle catches the Northern Pike. We help each other with home, camp, and garage improvement projects and when we work together it doesn’t seem like work at all. Do sheetrock and OSB boards ring a bell, Lyle?
“Then there was the Amish furniture you helped us transport in your livestock trailer. Yes, everything thing we’ve done has been first class! And we are always willing to help each other when we are “in a bind.”
“Lyle, remember that time I tried to cross Beaver Creek with my new four-wheeler when the water was low and I got stuck? Lyle came, we walked to the creek and Lyle calmly reminded me that my new machine was equipped with four-wheel drive. So I put it in four-wheel drive. Dummy me! Problem solved!
“Thanks, Lyle, for laughing at me for only a few minutes.
“Well, enough of my meandering tales of days gone by.
“I want to again thank the VFW for sponsoring this event and all that you do to for our community. And it is only appropriate that all of us in attendance here tonight thank your members and all veterans for your service to our country.
“Lyle, congratulations on this much-deserved award. You are a cherished and well-respected friend to me and many others in the audience tonight.
“It was my honor and privilege to speak on your behalf this evening. You decided many years ago to live, work, and raise a family in this small North Country town.
“You have also chosen to serve this community in so many ways. So for the last time this evening I will simply say… Thanks, Lyle!”
 After much applause and laughter along the way, the time was nigh for the award.
VFW Post Commander Dominick Simione and VFW Auxiliary President Melissa Simione then presented Lyle Hotis with the 67th annual Good Citizenship of the Year award.
Honoree Mr. Hotis made the following comments that included thanking the VFW for the honor and never expected that he would be nominated while he had attended many ceremonies like this through the years at the VFW.
He went on to add that he has always been gratefulfor the friendship of Dale and after he received the call from Commander Simione that he had been chosen, his first reaction was not to accept.
After thinking about it during the conversation, he began to realize that he might regret the decision not to accept.
“I guess you got me,” stated Mr. Hotis and went on to add that one of the reasons that he and wife Ellen have been involved in community service over theyears is that they both feel that they owe a lot to the Gouverneur area.
“I have lived in other places, however, I have been here for 50 years.
“Gouverneur is our home and for 33 of those years I was supported by the agricultural community and cherished friends, who wouldn’t want to be a part of that and that feeling is a constant today.”
He went on to add that his involvement for the fair, Kiwanis, the cemetery clean-up and the Ag board is made possible by the support of these and other endeavors through the years has been made possible by this caring community.
Department of NY VFW State Commander Dennis Sullivan when asked to speak stated that he is most happy to be in Gouverneur each and every year for this event and remarked that the sheetrock clause was most appropriate as he is not in any way talented enough for home improvements of any kind.
He went on to add that the VFW has many programs that benefit communities as a whole and was very glad to hear of your accomplishments, Mr. Hotis.
Department of NY VFW Auxiliary President Karen Dotson:
“Good evening State Commander Sullivan, Post Commander Simione, Past State Commanders, Past Department Presidents, comrades, auxiliary members and guests.
“It is my honor to be here this evening to share this wonderful meal, celebrate our patriotism with the Good Citizenship Award, and I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to each of the veterans (our heroes) that are present this evening and thank you for your service to our country.
“To Mr. Hotis, thank you for what you do to exemplify patriotism in your community and I congratulate you on your Good Citizenship Award.
“I also thank any of the past Good Citizenship Award recipients that are here tonight for your patriotism. To quote a Past National President, Ann Pantolekos, “Patriotism Begins at Home” and I am very proud of the community of Gouverneur.
“During my travels around the great state of New York, I have had the fortune to experience the outpouring of love, support, and simple acts of kindness to our veterans in the community, our hospitalized veterans, our homeless veterans, and the families at the VFW National Home for Children.
“I am truly proud to be part of the team that has been executing the projects and events to support our veterans, our active duty personnel, their families, our youth, and their community.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the hospitality and courtesies extended to my husband Michael and I for attending the Good Citizenship event tonight. I would like to thank the members of Post 6338 and the auxiliary members who cooked and served the delicious meal this evening.
“Again, Mr. Hotis, congratulations!”
The evening closed with the Benediction from Post Auxiliary Chaplain Marlene Webster and with the kitchen committee dismissed, the evening ended with hugs, pictures and handshakes for honoree Lyle Hotis!
Congratulations, Lyle!

Wildcat football team mourns the death of Brennan Stevens; Massena game canceled; Class C playoff vs. Canton tomorrow

by Dick Sterling
Sometimes the things that seem most important to us, can, in an instant, become meaningless. That was the case last Friday night when the highly anticipated varsity football game between the Massena Red Raiders and the Gouverneur Wildcats, a game that would have decided the Northern Athletic Conference regular season title, was canceled when it was disclosed that one of the players on the Gouverneur team had been tragically killed in a car crash on the way to catching the team bus.
When team officials were made aware of the situation the game was cancelled and the bus was brought back home, where a team meeting was held to explain what had happened to teammate Brennan Stevens (#88), a senior.
Brennan, 17, was driving on the Emeryville Road, in the Town of Fowler, at about 4:09 p.m., Friday afternoon, when he lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Brennan, the son of Gordon “Rufus” and Karen Stevens, was also known for his jumping abilities on the GHS indoor and outdoor track teams. In addition, he liked to hunt and fish enjoyed softball, playing games with his family and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Brennan is survived by three sisters, Amber Barr, Britney Jackson and Tia Stevens; and a brother, Gordon Stevens.
Brennan was a Section 10 champion in the triple jump. In February he placed first in the triple jump at the Section 10 Winter Track and Field Championships with a jump of 40-feet and 8-inches. He also placed sixth in the long jump. In the spring, during outdoor track, Brennan won the triple jump event at the Van Dusen Invitational, in Ogdensburg, with a jump of 42-feet and on June 3, he was the top triple jumper at the Section 10 championships with a leap of 40-feet 11 ¼ inches.
To honor the fallen Wildcat, his football jersey number (88) was displayed throughout the Gouverneur High School on Monday, where students and staff struggled with the popular student’s sudden death. In addition Canton Central School placed a number 88 in the center of their football field and players from St. Lawrence Central honored Brennan by placing the number 88 on their helmets.
We at the Tribune join with the rest of the community in offering our condolences to the Stevens family, his friends and teammates.
The Wildcat football team will return to the gridiron this Saturday to play the Canton Golden Bears (2-5) in the opening round of the Section 10 Class C playoffs. The Wildcats concluded the regular season with an overall record of 6-0 and are currently ranked sixth in the state in Class C. Massena, a Class A school, completed the season with a league record of 5-0 and an overall record of 5-1.
The Wildcats defeated Canton 28-6 during the regular season as Quarterback Connor Fenlong and Fullback Jack Farrand each ran for over 100 yards and scored a touchdown. Over the course of the season the Wildcats outscored their opponents 231-82. Their running game is quite impressive as Fenlong is third in the league with 437 yards on just 41 carries; Farrand is fifth with 411 yards; Derick Stowell is seventh with 341 yards; and sophomore Peyton Schmitt, a student at Harrisville, has also ran for over 300 yards and scored key touchdowns this season.
Over the final two games of the season Gouverneur outscored their opponents 109-20 and ran for 900 yards and 15 touchdowns. Against Ogdensburg, considered their strongest foe in Class C, the Wildcats ran for 258 yards in the second half and defeated the Blue Devils 35-31, in a game that saw the lead change hands five times in the final quarter.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Frank LaFalce Field. The Wildcats are the top seed and Canton is the fourth seed. OFA (5-2) has the number two seed and will host St. Lawrence Central (3-4), the three seed in Class C. The two winners will face off for the Class C Section 10 championship next weekend.
Be sure to get out to the game on Saturday and support the Wildcats in their pursuit of a perfect season.

67th Gouverneur VFW Citizenship of the Year goes to... Lyle Hotis

by Rachel Hunter
Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur is the 2016 recipient of the 67th Gouverneur VFW Citizenship of the Year Award. He was nominated for the honor by Dale Streeter of Gouverneur.
“I was flabbergasted,” he said, recalling how he felt upon receiving the notice that he was this year's recipient.
Mr. Hotis has a heart for the greater Gouverneur community – one that is revealed in his desire to give back at any opportunity.
Mr. Hotis was an agriculture teacher in the Gouverneur Central School District for 33 years. After his retirement, he joined the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association, became a member of the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club, and was an active member on the Agriculture Advisory Board at GCS.
It has been 15 years since Mr. Hotis has gotten involved in these organizations – and he's still loving every moment of it. Mr. Hotis currently is seated as president of the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association (a position he has been in for the past five years), is president-elect of the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club (and is a past president), and is the treasurer of the Agriculture Advisory Board at GCS.
Lyle Hotis lives on Scotch Settlement Road in Gouverneur with his wife, Ellen. His hobbies include taxidermy, giant pumpkin growing, and spending time at camp at Pleasant Lake.
The Gouverneur VFW Post No. 6338 will present the 67th Good Citizenship Of The Year Award to Lyle Hotis on Saturday, October 22 at the VFW Post, located 100 W. Main St. in Gouverneur. Social Hour will be from 5 to 6 p.m. with a baked ham dinner at 6 p.m. and an awards ceremony to follow.
The cost for dinner and dance is $12. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to dance to the music of Lacy Rae Peets at 9 p.m.; cost is $3 for dance only.
To make a reservation, call 287-4682.

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.