The following is a public service announcement from the Village of Gouverneur: The Village of Gouverneur, Department of Public Works, wishes to inform residents that hydrant flushing will be done during the day, from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm Wednesday, May 24, 2023 and then again from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Residents may notice a loss of water pressure and a slight discoloration of the water. While the water is safe to drink, residents are encouraged to hold off on doing white laundry. Thank you for your cooperation and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any further questions, you can contact the Department of Public Works at 287-0110.
VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary hosts 58th Recognition Tea
by Rachel Hunter
The Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary hosted the 58th Recognition Tea on Tuesday, May 9 in honor of all present and retired teachers, administrators, and support staff at all Gouverneur Central School District schools, and to give special recognition to those retiring in the current school year.
This was the first time the event was held since the COVID-19 pandemic (as the last Recognition Tea was held in 2019), and the retirees from the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 calendar years were honored. VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary President Jeff Platt (current District 9 Treasurer and past president) welcomed all those in attendance. President Platt awarded certificates of appreciation to the following retirees:
Donna Stankiewicz was honored for over 19 years as a Spanish Teacher (September 1, 2000 to October 18, 2019).
Dixie Hall-Forkey was honored for over 26 years as a cafeteria worker (September 28, 1993 to January 4, 2020).
Joe Wahl was honored for over 27 years as a Physical Education Teacher (September 1, 1992 to February 23, 2020).
Donna K. Parker was honored for 15 years as a Teacher Aide (September 1, 2005 to June 26, 2020).
Jerrilyn Jesmer was honored for over 21 years as a cafeteria worker (November 17, 1998 to June 26, 2020).
Marla Shampine was honored for over 20 years as an Elementary School Nurse (December 7, 1999 to June 30, 2020).
Lynn Nicholl was honored for 25 years as a Secretary (September 25, 1995 to June 30, 2020).
Chris Dashnaw was honored for 31 years as Science Teacher (September 1, 1989 to June 30, 2020).
Linda (Erdman) Jones was honored for over 34 years as Assistant School Business Manager (February 3, 1986 to June 30, 2020).
Victoria Day was honored for 33 years as Elementary Principal (September 1, 1987 to July 27, 2020).
Densey Jessmer was honored for three years as Teacher Aide (August 31, 2017 to July 29, 2020).
Tonya Rood was honored for over 18 years as Guidance Counselor (December 10, 2001 to August 31, 2020)
Tammy Kimok was honored for 18 years as Secretary (July 5, 2002 to September 30, 2020).
Diane McDougall was honored for 11 years as a cafeteria worker (September 1, 2010 to June 30, 2021).
Robyn Knowlton was honored for 24 years as CSE Chairperson (September 1. 1997 to June 30. 2021).
Sharon Martin was honored for 22 years as Elementary Teacher (September 7. 1999 to June 30, 2021).
Bonnie Walker was honored for 32 years as Secretary (September 11, 1989 to June 30, 2021).
Pat Williams was honored for 34 years as Elementary Teacher (September 1, 1987 to June 30, 2021).
Lauren French, former Superintendent of Schools, was honored for her 37 years serving the district (September 1, 1984 to June 30, 2021).
Barb Tuttle was honored for her 38 years as Reading Teacher (September 1, 1983 to June 30, 2021).
Lyn Patton was honored for her 23 years as a Cook in the cafeteria (May 18, 1999 to January 14, 2022).
Marie Hutton was honored for 30 years as Account Clerk (March 2, 1992 to April 16, 2022).
H. Joan Pike was honored for 13 years as Teaching Assistant (September 1, 2009 to June 24, 2022).
Michelle Benda was honored for 22 years as Physical Education Teacher (September 5, 2000 to June 24, 2022).
Krista Wainwright was honored for 28 years as a Cook (September 1, 1994 to June 28, 2022).
Christine Carr was honored for 23 years as a cafeteria worker (May 18, 1999 to June 30, 2022).
Tyrone Bristol was honored for 38 years as Custodian (July 10, 1984 to June 30, 2022).
Roland Houghton was honored for over six years as Custodian (May 2, 2016 to July 29, 2022).
Patricia Bush was honored for 23 years as Guidance Counselor (September 27, 1999 to August 1, 2022).
Renee Powlin was honored for five years as Music Teacher (August 30, 2018 to June 30, 2023).
Carol LaSala was honored for 11 years as School Business Manager (August 27, 2012 to June 30, 2023).
Amber Wilcox was honored for 23 years as Physical Education Teacher (November 6, 2000 to June 30, 2023).
Thunderous applause sounded throughout the VFW Hall as the recognition was extended to the retirees in thanks for their many years of dedicated to service.
VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary President Jeff Platt then welcomed Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn L. Kelly to the podium. “I’d like to thank everybody for coming today. In addition to all the former employees that we just honored, we’re here today to honor three employees who will be retiring from the Gouverneur Central School District on June 30, 2023. Each of these retirees have had an impact on the District in different ways. Carol LaSala, the Gouverneur Central School District Business Manager, was hired on August 27, 2012. Carol came to our district with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She worked for a private accounting firm in Canton for years, and one of the many roles she played there was to work on school district audits. She also worked for the St. Lawrence – Lewis BOCES in the Central Business Office for years before joining our school district. When I began in my new role as superintendent, I knew there would be challenges. I had many years of experience teaching students and working with families. I had a solid knowledge of curriculum and instruction. I even had experience leading a building. As an assistant superintendent, I had experience working at the district level. I did not, however, have extensive knowledge of school finance, and I knew that would be a challenge. For any of you who are not aware, school business can be a pretty scary thing. Even though, Carol likes it so much she still gets a little bit giddy when she talks about it. Thank goodness I came to Gouverneur. Not only did Carol have extensive knowledge of school finance, but she was more than willing to share that knowledge with me. I bet she has answered thousands of questions since I started, and she never gets frustrated with me, no matter how trivial the questions seem to her. She is a patient and kind instructor. I am pretty sure she sees me as a challenge. The thing about Carol is that she is often the first person I look to when something unusual lands on my desk, and if she is not able to help me, she always knows the direction in which I need to go. When Carol retires, a vast amount of knowledge, experience and skill will be leaving the district with her. She is one of the most committed and dedicated employees with whom I have ever worked during my 25 years in education, and she will be truly missed. I couldn’t bid farewell to Carol without mentioning that, while she is a great employee and an exceptional business manager, she is also a pretty proud mom. Being a working mother can present challenges and seeing the success that each of her four boys have experienced shows that Carol loves a good challenge. While Carol was committed to her career over the years, her boys were and continue to be the apples of her eye. You should be very proud of them, Carol. In retirement, Carol, I wish you the best of luck. I hope you enjoy your time traveling around the United States. We are not only losing a highly qualified and experienced business manager, but I am saying goodbye to a friend… Send us postcards from your travels and many adventures, and don’t forget where Gouverneur is. Maybe we can schedule a lunch date or two. Congratulations, Carol.” Thunderous applause sounded as GCSD Business Manager Carol LaSala was presented a Certificate of Appreciation. She extended gratitude to the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education and former GCS Superintendent of Schools Lauren French for hiring her at the Gouverneur Central School District. She also extended gratitude to current GCS Superintendent of School Jackie Kelly, the administration team, and the current GCS Board of Education for their unending support. “My job is not easy. The rules change all the time. But I try to go with the flow,” she said. She also extended appreciation to GCSD Business Office Staff and others for their dedication and support over the years. “Without them, I could not do my job… and they made me look good. It truly does take a whole team to do the work of the business office. I appreciate them,” she said. She also extended appreciation to her parents for instilling in her a work ethic, and to her children for their continual love and support. “Thank you for this acknowledgement,” she said in conclusion. “I will always remember Gouverneur… you really have meant a lot to me. Thank you.”
Gouverneur Central School District Assistant Superintendent Jessica Sullivan then took to the podium to recognize Amber Wilcox for her 23 years of service to the district. In 2000, Amber Wilcox was hired as the Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics. In 2007, she transitioned to P.E. Teacher and Coordinator of Athletics. In 2009, she moved to Secondary P.E. at the Middle School. Amber has been a longtime member of the New York State association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance where she received a Special Service Award and served two years as President of the Northern Zone as a member of the association’s executive council. “When I was asked to speak about Amber’s time with us, I immediately thought about the impact she’s had on our advisory community and the special education students at the middle school. For the time that I was assistant principal and principal at the middle school, amber has always taught our adaptive physical education class. For those of you not familiar with A.P.E., it is physical education that is adapted to the individual needs of our students with disabilities. I believe there is a huge difference between a good teacher and a great teacher. To prepare for an A.P.E. class, a good teacher would make modifications to activities in P.E. to meet the needs of their students. A great teacher endlessly researches equipment and activities to find a way for their students to fully participate in P.E. – and Amber is a great teacher. I cannot count the number of times that Amber would come into my office because she found a new activity or a new piece of equipment that she would like to try with her A.P.E. students. She constantly looked for ways to improve her instruction and engage students in P.E., regardless of their disability. One of the things that I loved most was to walk by the gym and see her students participating in A.P.E. The other thing that I would like to mention is the work that amber has done with our students in advisory. A few years ago, the middle school created an advisory period at the beginning of the day. The purpose of this time was to focus on character education and building relationships. Amber really embraced advisory. During my time at the middle school, she would always do a Thankful Thursday. Each Thursday, her students would recognize a staff member and give them a card thanking them for the work that they do. Amber created a family within her advisory community, and she did this through the time she spent planning for activities that were designed to bring her students together and build character. So, Amber, I want to thank you for the time you have given to our district and the impact you have had on our students. I hope that you are able to enjoy your retirement, travel and do whatever else makes your heart happy. And if you ever get bored, know that we always need substitutes.” Thunderous applause sounded as Amber Wilcox was presented a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition for her years of dedicated service to the district.
“Thank you,” Amber Wilcox said. She extended appreciation to her family as well as the Gouverneur Central School District administration, faculty and staff for their support over the years. “It’s been a wonderful 33 years total, and I am proud to say that I got to finish it here in Gouverneur, and do what I have been able to do. Working with the students, I can only hope that I imparted on them some of the things that they should be doing or trying to do to help them maintain the health and wellness in their lives. Working with the adaptive students has just been absolutely phenomenal. I would work with any student… having the opportunity to work with students who you really have to focus on: “What can you do to serve them in their best interest and allow them to be physically active?” That has been very gratifying. It is my pleasure to have been here for the 23 years. I will miss it. You don’t realize how much it just becomes part of that family until you are standing up here saying goodbye. But it has been my pleasure, and I thank all of you who are here – from those that I worked with in athletics to those I worked with in Phys Ed. It has just been my pleasure, and I’ll keep doing what I feel is in the interest of the students to get them through this year and move them forward. Thank you very much.”
Gouverneur High School Principal Cory Wood then took to podium to recognize GHS Music Teacher Renee Powlin for her years of dedicated service. “Someone said that, “Music is the soul of humanity.” Working with Renee Powlin over the last five years, we were very fortunate to have her after a teaching education career in library and music in Central New York. Due to budgetary constraints, she called us and said: “I am interested in a teaching job that you have up there.” It was a choral position. For the last five years, since 2018, she has done just that. She has showed us through COVID the obstacles that the kids faced of trying to create music when they are separated. Through cold, winter nights driving from CNY to here for Chamber Singers or a concert, and then to the beautiful evenings of graduation. Renee has performed wonderfully with our kids, and she has challenged our kids to the highest levels of New York State. Her students have performed at every level of music festivals, through the local NYSSMA all the way down to all-state in which we’ve had a number of students. The thing about Renee is that she practices what she preaches. She provides her talents to a number of organizations and music ensembles around the county and CNY. She’s continually taught her kids that, “It’s okay just to sing.” She is going back to the Pulaski area, and I hear she might be still working, so I wish her the best of luck at that. It has been a wonderful five years. Thank you for everything you have brought. Again, it is all in the songs. Congratulations.”
Thunderous applause sounded as Renee Powlin was presented a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition for her years of dedicated service to the district.
“Thank you,” she said. “As Mr. Wood said, I came back into teaching five years ago after being a school librarian for 18 years. Yes, I taught music at the very beginning, and once you are a musician, you always a part of it, it becomes a part of your being. I kept accompanying and being involved in choir, so it was just a natural transition to come back into it to finish my career. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I drive 70 miles one way per day. There are some days when the drive is not so much fun, but we’ve made it through, and staying late to work with the Chamber Singers and stuff. The kids here have been welcoming. It has been a great experience, even through COVID and being separated. But this year, my students kept saying: “Can’t you wait and graduate with me.” And I said, “No, I am going to graduate this year.” But this is the best music department I have ever worked with, and we have worked as a team… They were a great team to work with. I just took 17 kids to NYSSMA Solo Fest last weekend, 15 of them it was their very first time, and they were amazing. To come out with all these ninth graders, there were three outstandings, two A+’s at Level 5, two Level 6 A’s, and two other Level 5 A’s. The rest of them, grade levels 1-4, the top rating is 28 and they had 24s and 25s. It was just a great experience. Please come to our concert on May 23, 7 p.m., at the GHS auditorium. You’ll enjoy our music.”
VFW Post 6338 Auxiliary President Jeff Platt then invited the crowd to enjoy the tea and refreshments provided by the auxiliary as they enjoyed fun, food and fellowship for the next hour. Much gratitude was extended to the auxiliary for hosting the annual event. For more information about VFW Post 6338 and its auxiliary, visit www.vfwpost6338.com.
Spring Demolition Derby Was A Real Hit!
by Michaele Webb
Now that May is here, St. Lawrence County residents are officially done with winter and looking ahead to all of the fun activities planned for the summer months. This past weekend was Derby Weekend. While the majority of the United States had their eyes on the television, watching the Kentucky Derby, St. Lawrence County citizens had another derby on their minds.
The spring demolition derby took place on Sunday, May 7th, 2023. A crowd of around 600 fans flooded the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County fairgrounds for the event. The derby pulled in a wide audience, from the very young to the very old. There was a little girl cheering on her uncle. She beamed with pride as she wore a shirt that said, “My first derby” and had his car number written on it. Another family brought their three-week-old son to the event and were excited to introduce him to derby life and to show him off to the crowd.
If you have never been to a demolition derby, it is really an experience that goes far beyond the track. Fans wear derby shirts with either their favorite participant or a funny derby pun written on them. The crowd roars as each driver enters the track and screams even louder when their driver crashes into another vehicle. Onlookers stand as close as they can to the track, while still staying safe, so that they don’t miss a bit of the action. Regular derby attendees note that you haven’t really been to a derby unless you can taste the mud and have at least a little dirt on your clothing.
There is also a clear sense of comradery amongst the drivers. They helped each other out of their vehicles and helped other drivers find parts of their cars that were lost during the heats. They chatted with each other in amazement about how many parts they lost before their vehicles died. Many of the drivers are also related, which adds to the fun, sometimes heated, competition. They may fight a little bit during the derby, but in the end, most everyone rides off as friends.
Fair Manager Donald Peck emceed the derby, which was made up of right heats, a consolation round, and a final feature. The final two cars from each heat and the consolation round took part in the final feature.
The 4-cylinder cars started things off in Heat 1. Car 72A, driven by Amanda Dibble, and Roger Dean, in car 54, moved on from Heat 1. Heat 2 was the 6-cylinder cars. Keera Dean in car 22 and Adam Dean in car 8 left the other cars in the dust and went on to compete in the Final Feature. The V8 cars were up next! Chris Monroe in “Not Forgotten” and Chester Rathbun in car 55 were the last cars standing in this heat. In Heat 4, the audience saw the first trucks of the afternoon. Adam Dean, truck 8, and Denny Dean, truck 43, accelerated forward to compete in the final. Heat 5 was another 4-cylinder car competition. Car 22K, driven by Keera Dean, and car 48, driven by Frank Dean, moved forward from this Heat. Heat 6 was the second truck event of the afternoon. Truck 84, Allen Dean, and truck 01, Drake Matthews, drove over the other trucks to make it to the Final Feature. The V6 cars came crashing in on Heat 7. Driver, Cody Durham, in car 68, and Derek Widrick, car 52, outlasted the rest of the cars to head on to the final. Chris Rookey, in car 49, and Mike Durham, in car 4, drove their cars to victory in Heat 8, which was the final V8 event of the day. Only two cars, 12, Jarrett Knight, and 63, Bryan Brothers, competed in the Consolation Round, so they were both automatically entered into the Final Feature.
After the Consolation Round, it was the moment that everyone had been waiting for as the top cars from each heat rolled into their spots for the Final Feature. After a lot of smoke, noise, and crashes, Adam Dean was declared the winner and awarded the grand prize of $500. Allen Dean came in second place and won $250.
If you missed the spring derby or just want to get another taste of the action, you’re in luck! There will be another demolition derby during the Gouverneur & St. Lawrence County Fair on Sunday, August 6. Look out for more information on the fair’s website, https://gouverneurfair.net.
Polling Location Reminder: Gouverneur voters cast ballot at Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center
by Rachel Hunter
Gouverneur voters are reminded that the Gouverneur polling place is the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 NY-58, in Gouverneur.
The St. Lawrence County Board of Elections recently mailed out reminders to local residents, detailing information about the 2023 Primary Election and General Election and related information. The notice also tells each voter’s jurisdictional information, party affiliation, election district, and polling place.
A few Gouverneur voters have reported that they were directed to cast their ballots in the Town of DeKalb. Gouverneur voters are encouraged to look at their polling place reminder card. If the polling place reminder card says DeKalb, voters need to the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections at 315-379-2202 to correct their polling place.
The St. Lawrence County Board of Elections has announced the Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 27, and polls will be open, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early voting is being held June 17 to 25. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, and polls will be open, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Early voting will be held October 28 to November 5.
Information about polling places, early voting sites, and more is available at www.votestlawrence.org. If you are interested in serving as an election day worker, need an absentee ballot application or voter registration forms or have other questions, contact the Board of Elections at 315-379-2202.
Village Bandstand Razed
by Rachel Hunter
The old and dilapidated Gouverneur Village Bandstand was razed on Thursday, April 27 in the Gouverneur Village Park. It is the first of many improvement projects to be tackled in the Gouverneur Village Park this year. The Village has tried to rehabilitate the bandstand a number of times, but the state of disrepair necessitated a total replacement. It is anticipated that a new bandstand – the fourth in the community’s history – will be built and installed in the Gouverneur Village Park in October 2023.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that in September 2022, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall announced the bandstand replacement project, and informed the community that the new bandstand/gazebo would be dedicated in honor of Kinney Drugs’ lasting economic impact in Gouverneur and the North Country community.
Earlier this year, the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees collaborated with the Gouverneur Historical Association and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce to collect donations for a new bandstand. To date, with $15,000 in state funding from former Senator Patty Ritchie, more than $50,000 has been donated through the support of special funding, donations, and in-kind contributions for the bandstand replacement project. Donations continue to be accepted in support of the project. To donate, send checks to Village of Gouverneur Bandstand. It can be mailed to Village of Gouverneur, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur NY 13642. For questions, call Mayor Ron McDougall at the Village of Gouverneur, 315-287-1720 or Joe Laurenza, President, Gouverneur Historical Association, 315-323-2654.
The Village of Gouverneur was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the A. Eleanor Jackson Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation. This award helped the village secure enough funding to commence bandstand project work. A longtime village resident, Miss Jackson served for many years as secretary for Kinney Drugs and the Kinney Drugs Foundation. Outside of her professional work, she was a devoted Gouverneur-area citizen and an active volunteer. Through her estate, she provided a permanent source of grant funding for projects that would occur in her community after her lifetime. Since her passing, her Community Foundation fund has made grants totaling more than $215,000 to support several projects that impact the quality of life in and around the Gouverneur community.
The Village of Gouverneur took a major step in the Gouverneur Village Bandstand Replacement Project was made on Thursday, April 27 as the bandstand was razed. The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works and local contractor, Hall’s Excavating in Gouverneur, arrived at the Gouverneur Village Park at 8 a.m. to raze the old and dilapidated bandstand structure. Hall’s Excavating in Gouverneur (three generations – including Wayne Hall, John Hall, and Daniel Hall) donated their time, labor, and equipment to get the project done. The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works was also on site to assist. Hall’s Excavating and the Village of Gouverneur DPW each brought one dump truck to ensure that all debris from the bandstand demolition project could be removed from the Gouverneur Village Park, and brought to the local transfer station. The Village of Gouverneur paid the bill for the disposal of the debris. Much gratitude was extended to Hall Excavating for their support of the bandstand removal project.
The Gouverneur Village Park Bandstand was torn down in under an hour, thanks to the expertise of the Hall Excavating. John Hall utilized an excavator with a thumb to down the structure in a safe and methodical manner. The debris was then gathered and placed into the DPW and Hall’s Excavating dump trucks for removal. The Village of Gouverneur DPW employees later completed the project by raking the dead grass and preparing the area for reseeding.
This was just one of the many improvement projects to occur in the Gouverneur Village Park this year. In addition to installing a new bandstand, the Village of Gouverneur has already announced that work on the Memorial Arch will commence soon. The repair work is estimated to cost $30,000 and will be done by local contractor, Namaan Lowry of DB Masonry in Gouverneur. Other landscaping and improvement work is also anticipated. More will be reported as details are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.
North Country community residents told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that they are looking forward to new village bandstand being installed in the Gouverneur Village Park this October.
Did you know? The first village bandstand was built in the late 1800s and razed in 1929 to allow for landscaping and other improvements to be made to the village park. It had seen many concerts, community events and political rallies – including one for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt as he was on the campaign trail seeking his third term as president in 1912. As it is told in the local historical newspaper archives, while President Roosevelt was giving his speech, a young boy climbed onto the bandstand, and Roosevelt said to the boy: “You, just like any of us, have rights and one of those rights is to be able to climb onto the bandstand.” The Gouverneur community – residents and individuals, local businesses and organizations – has always shown great support for village bandstand projects over the last century. The Gouverneur Village Park is not just a landmark, but a place where the community comes together. The village bandstand has served as the site of many memorial/remembrance events, political rallies, community events, concerts, and so much more over its various renditions and long history. The Village Bandstand that was razed last Thursday was the third bandstand in the community’s history. It was the bicentennial project of the James Maloy American Legion Post 65, and was built in the summer of 1975 and dedicated in June 1976 when it was formally presented to the Village of Gouverneur. The structure was designed from an old postcard in attempt to duplicate the one that had been removed from the village park previously. The dedication plaque read: “This bandstand was erected under the sponsorship of James Maloy Post 65 and its auxiliary with funds, materials and labor donated by Gouverneur citizens for the Bicentennial year of 1976.” Due to its historical significance, the dedication plaque was removed by the Village of Gouverneur for prosperity before the bandstand was razed last Thursday.
The Village Bandstand’s story has not ended, but a new chapter will soon be revealed. There is much anticipation for the new bandstand to be installed in the Gouverneur Village Park this October 2023. As the saga unfolds, follow all of the latest updates in upcoming editions of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. And remember: Donations are still being accepted for the Gouverneur Village Bandstand Replacement Project. To donate, send checks to Village of Gouverneur Bandstand. It can be mailed to Village of Gouverneur, 33 Clinton Street, Gouverneur NY 13642. For questions, call Mayor Ron McDougall at the Village of Gouverneur, 315-287-1720 or Joe Laurenza, President, Gouverneur Historical Association, 315-323-2654.
Town, village boards hear about Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza success
by Rachel Hunter
The success of the Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 1 was recognized at the Town of Gouverneur Council and the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meetings this month. Over 1,000 plastic eggs were filled with candy and toys by volunteers, and were hidden at Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur for local youths to locate. The event was made possible due to generous support from local businesses and community members and the hard work and dedication of the Gouverneur Recreation Department, the Riverview Park association, and in partnership with the Gouverneur Community Center.
“It was a huge success,” Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell said.
Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. commented, “The Easter Egg Hunt was great. We had almost 200 kids register, but the way the tickets were given out, we could only give one ticket per family. We had 16 gift baskets to give away. I’m going to say we had 500-600 people there easy. We put out 1000 Easter eggs, and they were gone in 10 minutes. It was a nice day. It really worked. The sun shined. It was a little cold, a little windy, but what a great event. It was wonderful to see everybody.”
Town of Gouverneur Highway Superintendent David Perrigo said, “My kids loved it.”
Supervisor Spilman then extended gratitude to Riverview Park association Treasurer Jennifer Link who organized the event alongside Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell. Supervisor Spilman also served hot cocoa and popcorn to the youths in attendance alongside other duties in the Gouverneur Community Center to make the event a success.
“It all worked out well,” Supervisor Spilman said. “It’s going to be bigger and better next year… that’s what I heard from both Jen and Casey. We’ll see what bigger and better brings…” There is much anticipation to see this community event return in 2024.
Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell also submitted the following report detailing the activities of the department in March 2023:
The Before-School Morning Program is held weekdays at the Gouverneur Elementary School, and is hosted in partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District. The enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, and breakfast. The highlights this month included kids kindness recognitions and innovative activity stations.
The After-School Program – Recreation Center STEAM Studio – which focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, arts, and Math for students in grades 2-4 (Monday and Wednesday), and UPK-1 (Tuesday and Thursday). Bus transportation from the school is provided by the Gouverneur Central School District. Program highlights include recreational opportunities exploring STEAM field, theme days and guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournaments, and interactive social play. The highlights this month included the St. Patrick’s Bash and Spring Theme Celebration.
Toddler Town continues on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The recreational preschool playgroup program features interactive socialization, music and art with a story and snack, and active play. This month’s highlights included Leprechaun Fun Day with Parent & Me Social.
The Senior Citizen Program featuring a bingo and coffee social is held on Friday mornings, featuring food bingo games with socialization. All area seniors are welcome to join. The highlights in March featured the Luck of the Irish Bingo Blast.
In other related business, Director Canell reported that the Gouverneur Recreation Department had submitted the Recreation Department’s annual report and grant funding application to the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.
Director Canell also reported that the Missoula Children’s Theatre Performing arts Week would be held July 24 through July 29 in the GHS auditorium. This year’s production will be Cinderella. Registration will begin on May 1. All those interested are encouraged to call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524.
Over 1100 pounds of trash collected from roadsides in SLC
by Rachel Hunter
A total of 1146.4 pounds of trash was collected by volunteers during the Third Annual Trash Dash 5K, hosted last weekend by the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.
The 2023 Trash Dash 5K in Gouverneur was held on Earth Day (Saturday, April 22), and drew volunteers who are passionate about environmental stewardship. St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau Director Alexa Backus Chase said that the Trash Dash 5K served as a great opportunity to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment in the local communities. “Our teens appreciate having service projects especially ones that are environmentally friendly and fosters civic pride,” she said. “This also creates connectedness with individuals of all ages who are coming together for a good cause.” Teens on the St. Lawrence County Youth Committee once again worked with the SLC Youth Bureau to make the annual Trash Dash 5K a success.
A total of 201.6 pounds of trash was collected along County Route 12 (Johnstown Street). Other locations included Potsdam (179.3 pounds), Ogdensburg (473.3 pounds), Rensselaer Falls (147.6 pounds) and Massena (144.6 pounds). The St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau is pleased with the turnout and the amount of trash picked alongside the county roadways because of this initiative. The totals smash the record set in previous years. In 2022, there were about 100 participants who collected about 821 pounds of trash. There is great hope for this event’s continued growth in the years to come.
Those in attendance in Gouverneur included: St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau Director Alexa Backus, St. Lawrence County Mental Health Service Coordinator Lindsay Best (who also serves as a St. Lawrence County Youth Advisory Board Member), GHS National Honor Society Advisor Marcy Tyler, and GHS National Honor Society members Caitlyn Storie, Kristen Burns, Abigail Bowman, Sylvia French, Gavin Davis, Llydia Blaine, Ivey Bulger, Kaden Wells. Community members Deanna Hughes and her daughter Katelyn also volunteered.
Each attendee throughout St. Lawrence County participating in the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau sponsored 5K Trash Dash was given a hard hat, safety vest, garbage bags, gloves, etc., once they joined the event at their respective locations. In Gouverneur, a short safety briefing was held at Mills Park in Gouverneur in advance of the clean-up efforts. All were encouraged not to pick up anything that looked suspicious (i.e. hypodermic needles, batteries, bottles with dark liquid inside), and that the item in question would be flagged for further investigation by local law enforcement. The participants were urged to walk as far along the 5K route as they felt that they were able, before making the return trip to Mills Park.
GHS National Honor Society Advisor Marcy Tyler told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that while picking up trash along the route, various residents commented that they were so happy to see volunteers picking up trash to make our community look better, thanking the students and expressing sincere gratitude for helping to make a difference. “I think it's so important for our youth to contribute to our larger community – and these student volunteers genuinely felt that they were making a positive impact,” Mrs. Tyler said. “They absolutely had a new outlook on littering and taking care of our environment!”
Much gratitude was extended to all those who volunteered or contributed any service toward the Third Annual Trash Dash 5K. For more information about the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau, follow the Facebook page or call 315-379-9464.
Volunteers asked to lend elbow grease to cemetery clean-up efforts
by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Cemetery Association’s Cemetery Clean-Up will be held on Saturday, May 6, starting at 8 a.m. at the Riverside (William St.) and East Riverside (Outer Grove St.) cemeteries in Gouverneur.
All volunteer assistance from around the North Country community is gratefully accepted. Volunteers are asked to bring supplies such as gloves, rakes, chainsaws, and more to assist with the clean-up efforts after the long winter and in advance of the Memorial Day holiday. The annual cemetery clean-up is an ideal opportunity for local students and other community groups to get in their community service hours. In past years, the event has drawn 4-H members, FFA members, scouting troops, sporting teams, National Honor Society, and other groups. All support is welcomed.
Organizers told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that hot dogs and refreshments will be served to the volunteers during the annual cemetery clean-up.
The Town of Gouverneur Highway Department and Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works loaders will also be on site to help with the clean-up efforts.
To learn how you can help with the Gouverneur Cemetery Association’s Annual Clean-Up or for more information, call Donna Besaw at 315-287-2991.
Hailesboro’s own Evelyn Mary Washburn celebrates 107 years
by Rachel Hunter
The North Country came out in great numbers to the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center on Sunday, April 16, to wish Hailesboro’s own Evelyn Mary Washburn a very happy 107th birthday.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Evelyn Mary Washburn is known as “Aunt Mary” to all the Spilman family and has supplied many in her life with continuous friendship, counseling, and wisdom. She was born on April 15, 1916 in Gouverneur to Grover Cleveland and Evelyn McGrane Washburn. She recollects that her birthplace was the bedroom of an apartment over what was then known as the Bank of Gouverneur on the corner of East Main and Park Street in Gouverneur. She is sister to Jane Dyer and aunt to David L. Spilman, Jr.
Miss Mary’s mother ran a School of Beauty there and had clients such as Senator Rhoda Fox Graves plus the very well-known Bligh A. Dodds. Her mom worked 12 to 14 hours per day and only lived to the age of 56. Her dad was the bartender in the old St. Lawrence Inn that was located on Main Street in Gouverneur. After a short time, it is reported that the family moved to Hailesboro Street and had another child, Jane Elizabeth, who later married Kenly Spilman.
As to education, Miss Mary attended the old East Side Grammar School (Community Bank location) and graduated from the Gouverneur High School in 1933. Miss Mary was in the first marching band at GHS in 1933, and played saxophone.
In a previous interview, the Gouverneur Tribune Press learned that Mary played the saxophone in a jazz band named “Bud LaRue and his Eight Beautiful Girls,” which played all over the North Country area. Miss Mary recalled that one of the girls quit, and the leader got a guy to dress as one of the girls and the band played on… and no one was the wiser.
After taking a year off from the rigors of high school learning, Miss Mary enrolled in what was then called the St. Lawrence School of Nursing, associated with the State Hospital in Ogdensburg, in 1939 She drove her parent’s car every day to school and back. She graduated with the Class of 1941.
Miss Mary joined the Naval Reserves during World War II (enlisted on January 1, 1943 and was called to duty on January 5). and was stationed in Camp Perry, Williamsburg, Va., as a nurse for 16 months and then had orders to depart with the Seabees for California and on to the war zone. However, fate interfered and by the time they arrived on the West Coast, the horrific battles were at an end.
After WWII, Miss Mary furthered her career by attending St. Lawrence University and Simmons College in Boston and becoming Physical Therapist for physical therapy. She earned her Master’s in Rehabilitation Nursing. She worked for New York State as a Public Health nurse and physical therapist. She retired at the age of 55 and went to work for JRC in Jefferson County as Physical Therapist for 18 years. She finally retired from a wonderful life of helping others achieve goals in the 1970s. In her retirement, Mary enjoyed her camp at Clear Lake near Plessis. For over two decades, she enjoyed journeys back and forth to California to visit with lifelong friend, Marion Holmes. Great Aunt Mary was always with the Spilman family and went on all family vacations with them. She always said that Sam the dog was the best behaved in the car. Today, Mary enjoys a safe and wonderful retirement with her nephew, Dave Spilman, Sr., on the Country Club Road in Hailesboro.
The Spilman family celebrated Mary’s birthday on Saturday, April 15 with a small celebration at home. Great cheers rang out as she made her wish and blew out all the lit candles on her birthday cake. The celebration continued on Sunday, April 16, as the Spilman family hosted a grand public event in celebration of their Aunt Mary’s 107th birthday at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center – and invited the entire North Country community, friends, family members, and others to join the celebration. All were warmly welcomed upon entrance, and had the opportunity to sign the guest book, join the card shower, and read about Mary Washburn’s inspirational life in copies of the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Invitations detailing the day’s event were also available for the taking. The Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center took on a birthday theme, and impressed all guests as they offered their birthday wishes to Mary Washburn.
At 1 p.m., there was a special public performance of the 10th Mountain Division Band’s brass ensemble – Pinnacle Brass – which played patriotic tunes, movie soundtrack tunes, among others. Miss Mary, a lover of music, from the very first note to the very last kept in time with the music and offered applause at the conclusion of each number. The great crowd in attendance at the 107th birthday party sang along with the Pinnacle Brass in offering a very special “Happy Birthday To You” to Mary Washburn. Thunderous applause sounded throughout the main hall of the community center as all gathered offered their wishes for a happy birthday to Miss Mary.
At the conclusion of the concert, Miss Mary was presented a sash and “birthday queen” tiara from a special guest at the party who told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that she had never met Mary Washburn before that day, but knew she needed it for her birthday celebration. Thunderous applause sounded throughout the community center as the special gift was announced, and Natalie Spilman (a great-niece of Mary Washburn) placed the tiara on her head in great fanfare.
The Spilman family then encouraged those gathered to enjoy the smorgasbord buffet luncheon and an assortment of desserts that were in great abundance at the event. After all had enjoyed the hearty meal, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. (great-nephew of Mary Washburn) then gave the floor to Bonnie Fikes, NYS Senate District Office Manager, for a special presentation.
NYS Senator Mark Walczyk signed and issued a New York State Senate Proclamation in honor of Evelyn Mary Washburn on the occasion of her 107th birthday.
Mrs. Fikes read the proclamation as follows: “Whereas it is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to individuals of the State of New Yor who have served their community, and State with gratitude; and, Whereas, Evelyn Mary Washburn is celebrating 107 incredible years of life on April 15, 2023; and, Whereas Evelyn Washburn began an illustrious career in providing critical care to the residents of her community in 1941, graduating from the St. Lawrence State Hospital School of Nursing; and Whereas, she immediately began serving our country, taking the courageous step of joining the Navy Reserves in 1942; and, Whereas, her military career brought her to provide assistance to the WWII efforts, traveling to California to board a Navy hospital ship, and, Whereas, even after the war she continued to dedicate her life to caring for others, returning to New York to attend St. Lawrence University and become a Physical Therapist; and Be It So Resolved, that as a duly elected member of the New York State Senate, I recognize that Evelyn Mary Washburn has exuded the true qualities of what it means to be a leader and thanks in part to her unwavering dedication and love for her community and country; and Be It Further Resolved, that a copy of this Proclamation, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Evelyn Mary Washburn with sincere and honest appreciation for her dedicated and selfless service to New York State and our great country.”
Great cheers rang out as the proclamation was hand-delivered to Mary Washburn. Mrs. Fikes then said: “If Senator Walczyk were here today, he would say to you: “It is a great honor and a privilege to serve great Americans like you.””
The great crowd then cheered as the Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps, sponsored by the American Legion Post 916 in Antwerp, NY performed several selections. The Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps, now in their 67th season, practice on Sundays and were pleased to hold their first public performance of the season in Gouverneur at Mary Washburn’s 107th birthday party. The Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps presented Miss Mary with an official Original Yanks cap, an extended to her an invitation to join their practices. Miss Mary enjoyed the high energy of the concert, offering a great smile and adding her own toe-tapping energy to the performances. Much gratitude was extended to both the 10th Mountain Division Band’s brass ensemble, Pinnacle Brass, and to the Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps for the outstanding concerts.
Much gratitude was extended to all those who were in attendance, and joined the public birthday party for Miss Mary Washburn. Special invitation were sent out to local dignitaries, and many took the opportunity to come out and extend their happy birthday wishes. This included Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, among other town and village officials and other community leaders.
Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Application Deadline Is April 30
The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary is pleased to announce that scholarship applications are now available.
The Auxiliary recognizes and honors the service and dedication of four deceased members: Peg Hanlon, Betsy Deuval, Della Evans and Janet Storch. Scholarships in their honor are awarded annually to students pursuing a career in a medical or health related field. These scholarships memorialize the efforts of these community women who worked tirelessly to provide care and comfort to those in need. The scholarships are funded by the Auxiliary on an annual basis and the awards are discretionary, depending upon the qualifications of the candidates and the availability of funds.
To be eligible for this scholarship, an individual must be a high school graduate who has successfully completed at least one semester of college and reside in the Gouverneur Hospital service area. This area includes the Towns of Fowler, Antwerp, Edwards, DeKalb, DePeyster, Harrisville, Hermon, Macomb, Richville and Rossie. Consideration may also be given to current Gouverneur Hospital employees who live outside of the service area. Applicants must apply for the scholarship on an annual basis.
A committee of Auxiliary members will select the award recipients. Criteria for selection includes career interest, financial need and academic achievement.
Applications are available from Valerie Graves at Gouverneur High School Guidance Office [phone: (315) 287-4914]; Lori-Anne McCormick at Gouverneur Hospital [phone: (315) 261-5750]; or Janet Melillo, Auxiliary member [phone: (315) 222-8738].
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 30, 2023.
Local youth hunt for 700 candy-filled eggs in Oxbow
by Rachel Hunter
The Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department presented the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, at the Oxbow Community Park in Oxbow. The event has tradition for many North Country families in advance of the Easter holiday.
Oxbow Fire Department President Mike Manning told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that over 700 plastic eggs had been filled with candy for the event, thanks to generous contributions made from Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department members, local businesses and community members. Firefighters placed the candy-filled eggs around the Oxbow Community Park. There were three age groups, 0-4 years of age, 5-8 years, and 9-12 years. Many North Country youth gathered in advance of the event and enjoyed the playground and adjacent grounds at the Oxbow Community Park.
At 1 p.m., Oxbow Fire President Mike Manning encouraged the growing crowd to look as Oxbow’s Fightin’ 33 with its lights flashing and piercing siren announced the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Excited youth jumped up and down and a few squeals let loose as the firefighters helped the Easter Bunny from the fire truck to greet the local families. From hugs to handshakes, the Easter met many of the local youth before the Easter Egg Hunt commenced.
The crowd then spread out to the three designated sections in the Oxbow Community Park as the age groups were determined. North Country families encouraged the young children to pick up as many candy-filled eggs as they could find, as only a select few held a special prize. The countdown began, and all at once the youth ran in glee to collect the eggs. Some placed their eggs in an accompanying bag or basket, but others gathered their newfound treasures in their shirts or jackets.
Once the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt was completed and all eggs hidden at the Oxbow Community Park had been found, many North Country families took advantage of the opportunity for some photos with the legendary Easter Bunny.
Much gratitude was extended to all those involved in making this a great community event for the local youth ahead of the Easter holiday.
This was just one of many community events presented by the Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department throughout the year.
Just recently, President Mike Manning said that the Oxbow Fire Department hosted the Fightin’ 33 No Foolin’ You Chicken Barbecue in Saturday, April 1, which was sold out within two hours, due to the tremendous community support.
The Oxbow Fire Department is looking forward to welcoming the North Country to the Oxbow Community Park on Saturday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the Cruising to Father’s Day Craft Fair and Classic Car Show. President Manning told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that an anticipated 300 cars will be in attendance. There will also be a craft fair, bounce house, cornhole, live music by the Midnight Flyer Band, Chicken BBQ (at the fire station, noon), and so much more. Details will be reported as they are made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.
The Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department is also planning to hold virtual benefit auctions in May. Check the Oxbow Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page for information on these and other upcoming community events in Oxbow.
Swatting hoaxes hit local schools
by Rachel Hunter
St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe reported on Thursday, March 30 that swatting hoaxes had hit area schools – including Gouverneur Central School District. The threats of violence were unfounded.
Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly reported that the threat was only made toward a “high school.” So the Gouverneur High School was placed in a hold-in-place. The other buildings had a police presence, but were not placed in a hold-in-place. “Thanks to quick action by our administrative team, our SRO, and our local law enforcement officials, who were immediately on the scene, the building was secured so faculty, staff, and students were safe,” she said. “The threat was deemed non-credible and the building was cleared by law enforcement.” The students were later returned back to normal activities and the Gouverneur Central School District continued to have a police presence in and around the school buildings throughout the day.
Supt. Kelly sent a letter to district families on March 30, which said the following: “Dear Gouverneur Families, this morning, March 30, several area school districts, including Gouverneur, Potsdam and Canton, have received unfounded threats of violence.
“According to law enforcement, these identical messages did not target any specific building or person(s). This act is a crime, known as swatting, and is a harassment technique that involves calling in an emergency police response against an innocent target. There have been several more of these "swatting” calls made throughout the region. At this time, the Gouverneur Central School District has been cleared by law enforcement and the threat was deemed non-credible. Students and staff are safe and back to normal activities.
“As always, the safety of our staff and students is our highest priority. As a precaution, families throughout the region may notice an increased police presence at schools following these unfounded threats. We strive to work collaboratively with our communities to keep everyone safe. I would like to remind our students, staff and families that if you see anything out of the ordinary in or around our school buildings please inform us. This is an important way that can help keep our communities safe. Thank you.”
Supt. Kelly also addressed the topic at the GCSD Board of Education at its meeting on Monday, April 3, which was held in the Gouverneur Middle School cafeteria.
“I’d like to take a moment tonight to thank our local law enforcement agencies for their response to the swatting call that was received last week,” she said. “As you likely know, on Thursday, March 30, several area school districts, including Gouverneur, received unfounded threats of violence. This was an example of swatting.
Swatting is a criminal harassment tactic used to deceive an emergency service, such as a 911 dispatcher, into sending a police or emergency service response team to another person’s address. In this case, the police were sent to the Gouverneur High School. Both the Gouverneur Police Department and the New York State Troopers were on the scene immediately. I’d like to thank them for their quick response and continued support. I’m thankful to have such great support and know that the safety of our students and staff is not only our top priority, but it is also the top priority of local law enforcement agencies. Thank you for all that you do to keep our students and staff safe.”
Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong said, “Thank you very much. I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Nice job, appreciate you recognizing them. It’s a great opportunity here at the board meeting to recognize those people for all that they do for us.”
The very next morning, Tuesday, April 4, the Gouverneur Central School District went on a two-hour delay in response to an email bomb threat, a hoax that was directed at several area schools in addition to schools across New York State. The Gouverneur Central School District was later cleared by law enforcement. The New York State Troopers, along with a K-9, and the Gouverneur Police went through each district building. The buildings were all cleared and the threat was deemed non-credible, and students and staff were safe to come to school on the two-hour delay schedule.
The following message by Supt. Kelly was distributed to District families: “In response to the email threat that we received this morning, April 4th, the District worked with the New York State Troopers and the Gouverneur Police Department to complete a thorough sweep of our buildings, including the use of trained police dogs, to ensure that they are safe for our staff and students. At this time, police have deemed the threat is not credible and we have been cleared to resume all normal operations. Incidents of this nature are unsettling for staff, students, families, and the community at large. While these hoax messages are often not credible, I would like to assure you that the health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. As a result, you may notice an increased police presence at our schools. As a district, we strive to work collaboratively with our communities to keep everyone safe. I would like to remind our students, staff, and families to inform us if you see anything out of the ordinary in or around our school buildings. I would also like to express sincere appreciation to the New York State Troopers and the Gouverneur Police Department for their prompt response and commitment to helping us keep our school community safe. Please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.”
As a precaution, families throughout the region noticed an increased police presence at schools following these unfounded threats. The unfounded threats of violence caused school delays or closures at area schools. Also affected were BOCES, Hermon-DeKalb, St. Lawrence County Head Start Program, Edwards-Knox, and Morristown. There were reports of similar threats at schools across New York State on Tuesday morning, and is considered to be another example of swatting.
NY-21 Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement following “swatting” calls reporting fake active shooter and bomb threat claims to schools in Upstate New York and the North Country. “The soulless criminals who committed these shameful and cowardly illegal acts must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I thank our local and state law enforcement who are working to investigate these threats, so perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.”
The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.gcsk12.org.
Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza a success with over 400 in attendance
by Rachel Hunter
The First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza, presented by the Gouverneur Recreation Department and the Riverview Park Association, was held on Saturday, April 1. It drew over 400 people to the Riverview Recreational Park and Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, NY-58, in Gouverneur.
Over 1,000 plastic eggs were filled with candy, temporary tattoos and small toys that were donated by generous community members and local businesses. The eggs were packed by Gouverneur Recreation Department Staff and other volunteers with the Riverview Park Association. These dedicated volunteers spent over an hour on Saturday morning to ensure that the treasured eggs were well spread out through the grounds of the Riverview Recreational Park in readiness for the event.
All North Country families were welcomed inside the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center during registration where they had the opportunity to enter the free drawing.
A big hit for the North Country families was the opportunity to get pictures taken with the Easter Bunny who hopped to the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center early on Saturday morning excited to wave hello, hug and high-five the local youths. All youths were distributed a treat thanks to the volunteer efforts by Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey and Stacy Canell. North Country families were also invited to enjoy hot chocolate, popcorn and more while inside the community center. At about 11:15 a.m., North Country families were encouraged to start making their way outside to the pavilions by the basketball courts. By 11:30 a.m., a long line form on the roadway from the pavilions to the athletic fields as North Country families were ready to get into the Easter Egg hunting action.
This was the first Easter Egg Hunt held in Gouverneur in two decades, and organizers were thrilled to bring back the event for all North Country families to enjoy while also having the opportunity to enjoy the grounds at Riverview Park.
The custom of the Easter egg hunt comes from Germany, and some suggest that its origins date back to the late 16th century, when the Protestant reformer Martin Luther organized egg hunts for his congregation. The men would hide the eggs for the women and children to find. This was a nod to the story of the resurrection, in which the empty tomb was discovered by women. The Easter Bunny would bring a basket of brightly painted eggs for all the children who had been good, and these would be hidden around the house and garden for the children to find. Modern Easter Egg Hunts often bring the community together to find the treasured candy- and toy-filled Easter eggs with the support and sponsorship from local community members and businesses alike. The First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza did not disappoint with over 400 persons in attendance, including 196 youths who registered in advance of the hunt. More North Country families arrived and went directly to Riverview Recreational Park, eager to start the Easter Egg Hunt.
The sun broke through the clouds just in time for the First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza after more than an inch of rain had fallen in the Gouverneur community in the previous 24 hours. Wearing spring coats and rain boots, North Country families arrived at the fields with big smiles on their faces, and excitement in their step as they held onto their bags firmly so as not to have the blustery winds blow their collection vessels away. At about 11:30 a.m., Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell used a megaphone to give instructions to the North Country families. At 3-2-1-GO! North Country families started to run all over the grounds at Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur as they collected as many eggs as they could in the time allotted. The youngest set (2-4 years old) went to the lower softball field and the middle age group (5-7 years old) went to the upper softball field, and the oldest group (8-10 years old) went to the Coach Porter Volunteer Field and other areas around the playground and concession stand.
Local families encouraged their youths do whatever they could to run and get to the field first so they could harvest the most candy- and toy-filled eggs. Some parents even took the opportunity to lift their children over the park’s fences so that they could experience the joy of being the first on the field. Some children took the time to share the eggs that they found with the youngest set who hadn’t grasped the concept of the hunt. In complete glee, the children collected many colorful eggs, and were eager to open their newfound treasures and see what was inside.
Many North Country families then made their way to the pavilions by the basketball courts where the raffle drawing winners names were announced.
The Gouverneur Recreation Department and Riverview Park Association is grateful for all of the support shown at the First Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza and will focus on making the event bigger and better for the Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza in 2024. If you would like information on how you can help out with this event, please contact the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0520.
Town of Fowler eyes hiring court security officer
by Rachel Hunter
The Fowler Town Council is discussing the hiring of a court security officer.
Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine at the March 13 meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council said that Town of Fowler Justice Timothy Knowlton has requested a court security officer. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that a similar discussion was held recently in Gouverneur, and led to the hiring of a court security guard or the Town of Gouverneur Justice Court.
Supervisor Newvine told the town council that he had already started to research the matter. “I called our insurance company,” he said. “There’s no extra premium or anything but they were concerned about his training and stuff like that. Once they know we want to hire a retired state trooper, I think they’ll be fine.” Supervisor Newvine then gave the floor to the Hon. Tim Knowlton, who told the town council he had not approached anyone until he had the “graces of the board to do it.”
“The person that Gouverneur has, because that person is a retired state trooper, he is sort of grandfathered in, and doesn’t need the official training. He falls within the guidelines of a New York State security guard. So, that is basically all taken care of. I did have a very long conversation with Judge Youngs from Gouverneur. Judge Dann was one of the forces that was behind that. Basically, just because of the way things are in the world nowadays, we aren’t left alone here in Northern New York. There’s just some craziness in the world. I know Judge Young said that after only two months of having him there, they are very thankful. It sets a tone having him there.
“Rick had asked me to list just some of the jobs that they do, and I came up with 10 of them – not really an official list, but it is what I got from Judge Youngs and doing a little bit of research by myself. One of the biggest ones though is that they check people in and out. They make sure that everyone is signed in, and they basically keep any law and order that needs to go on in the building. That person would also stand in between the defendant, the attorney and the bench. Any paper that gets handed to a defendant, and there is a paper chase, with them between them, that really eliminates any chance for them approaching the bench and anything negative happening. If you have ever been to the courts in Canton, if you’ve been on jury duty or anything, it’s the same way there. No one gets close to a judge up there. Again, with all the craziness that is going on in the world…
“One of the other things is that, whenever we have mediation, that means Attorney Stefan Dufresne, if there is an eviction or any civil matter, before they come in front of me, they actually go into the historian’s office as that is our mediation room, and they haggle it out. Ninety-nine percent of the time it is handled in there and they come to a conclusion and either something is dropped or typically it is, “Okay, I’ll agree to pay.” We have had situations where Stefan Dufresne who is a big man had to get a little snotty with people because they thought it was ridiculous. They thought it was a waste of time. So this security officer would be in there monitoring that too. You have people haggling over hundreds or thousands of dollars, so tempers could tend to flare. Again, we don’t have a metal detector. I can only imagine what a metal detector would cost, plus we would have to have someone to run that. I am not going to be able to on a bench, running the court, and running a metal detector as people are coming in and out for two hours at a time. Obviously, (Court Clerk Irma Ashley) is back and forth in the office, in and out, in and out. I don’t think it is a job for her either. So that is another thing that their presence does during court times…”
Supervisor Newvine then asked the Hon. Tim Knowlton the list of 10 job duties a Town of Fowler Court Security Officer might have.
“The 10 jobs are to inspect and patrol the premise before and during court. Most people are here by noon and our civil cases start at 1:30 p.m., so it could go into 2 p.m., but they would do that, monitor the property, the entrance, and along with that, I know one of the things that I had done there was to monitor the surveillance cameras. I’ll give you a quick update on that. (Office of Court Administration) still has not gotten back to us on the JCAP grant that we spent a ton of time on. We got bids. It was supposed to be in by the end of December… through the grapevine I am hearing that we should hear by the end of March, so maybe by April, May or June is really what I am looking at, which is really sad because of our security system upstairs.
“The other day I said to Irma, “Wow, look at that monitor.” And it was completely black. You couldn’t even see anybody. You could hear people walking up the stairs, and you had to get up real close to look at them. It is just an antiquated system. So they would monitor those also. Again, the big one, they would authorize the people into it. They would report suspicious behaviors and happenings. Obviously, being a retired police officer, if that is who is to be hired, they are very good at that. Those are things that they are trained to see. They would secure exits, doors and windows. Again, monitor those surveillance cameras. The monitors that we have asked the state to purchase for us are nice, large monitors. There will be one in Irma’s office where my desk is, and one out in the courtroom that they would be able to watch. Like the other night, I was in here at 1 a.m., and I waited and waited and waited. I thought I heard a car. Again, with the monitor, I didn’t know what was going on. And then I heard footsteps coming up the stairs, and I looked and it was the troopers with the defendant. That is really the only way I knew that they were even here.
“Another big one, they would deliver documents from the bench to the defendants and attorneys. They would be in charge of courtroom behavior. Again, the one trial that we did have here, which was Mayor Skelly from Ogdensburg. I had to request from Sheriff Bigwarfe for him to send over a deputy that day. We all know that the County is short of people, short of COs, but he was very gracious and said, “Yeah, I am going to send one over for that, because that could have been a debacle. But I think with that Sheriff’s Deputy up there, and I made it very clear when we started the trial, that we were not going to tolerate any childish behavior or anything… things went really well that day. I think that is a great example of what they will provide.
“Again, they would be present during courtroom mediations and they would monitor all situations and know when to contact police services. We had a gentleman that was to appear in my court. I got an email the morning of court that there was a felony warrant put out for this gentleman by Judge Storie, and if he showed up, would they please call the police. Well, this was a pretty dangerous guy an lo and behold, he showed up – and Irma and I are looking at the TV monitors because I said, “Hey Irma, I think that’s our man.” And she said, “I don’t think it is.” I said, “I think it is.” And she said, “No, it is not.” So when he showed up, I said, “Excuse me sir, what’s your name, could you please sign in? He told me his name and I had to give like baseball signals so Irma would call the police. She called the troopers and they were able to come right up. If that guy had said, “Why do you need to know?” It could have turned bad. He could have bolted or whatever, and the crime that he committed… I am not going to quote Sheriff Bigwarfe… it was not pretty heinous, it was heinous. And so the troopers showed up, and once I was done with him, he turned around and it was almost comical because he said, “Why are you guys here?” And they just said, “Put your hands up.” And they put the cuffs right on him. It was beautiful. He got carted right out of here.”
Supervisor Newvine then asked, “How many hours are you going to need them?” The Hon. Tim Knowlton said, “Well, I believe that the person that Gouverneur is hired is at a minimum of 16 hours per month. I think he gets paid $30 per hour… If it were four hours, you’re only looking at $120 per month.” Knowlton said that the person the Town of Fowler is seeking to hire has his own firearm, taser, bulletproof vest, etc. “I don’t know if he would need something that says Town of Fowler Court Security Officer, but I would think that would be very minimal,” he said.
Supervisor Newvine then asked if Hon. Knowlton had made any progress on getting a court security assessment at the Town of Fowler Hall. “I contacted the Office of Court Administration, and I said, “I would like a security assessment done.” But I don’t think anyone has ever been up here. They don’t know where we are up here. And then all of a sudden I get a text last Friday that said, “If you want that assessment done, I have to contact the Fourth Judicial District judge in Albany and I have to request it in writing on our letterhead from the Courts.” I said, “We would like that assessment done.”
Supervisor Newvine said, “That’s good. I think that is the next step, don’t you?” “Yeah,” Knowlton said in response.
Supervisor Newvine then asked, “Does anyone have any questions?”
Town of Fowler Deputy Supervisor Karen Simmons asked, “Are you thinking about hiring the same person that they are hiring in Gouverneur?” The Hon. Knowlton said, “I know the person. They love him. He is a tremendous presence… I didn’t really want to throw anything at him. But I will touch base. If I have the good graces of the council, I will certainly go to him and say, “Is this something you are interested in?” If not, maybe he knows of somebody… again, it is not like it is a full-time job. There are probably a lot of those guys that are out there and looking to pick up a little something on the side maybe.”
Supervisor Newvine said, “I think you should. I think everybody is in favor of this. If you want to contact him and see if he is interested, then we’ll know where we should go with it.”
“I will,” Knowlton said.
The Hon. Tim Knowlton then gave the Town of Fowler Council his monthly report for February 2023. “December was slow. January was really slow, and February was super slow,” he said. “There was a total of 15 tickets. But again, we started off March with a bang the other night…” There was some discussion before the Hon. Knowlton concluded his report with the following statement: “The police did make a really nice arrest the other night. The only thing I can say about it is it is really scary with the bail reform... what the person was accused of, he walked out of here, and it was mind-boggling to me. Your hands are tied, and your just like it is a non-qualifying offense. There is absolutely nothing that you can do. Something similar, there was a guy last summer I believe in Massena that had 600 bags of heroin and fentanyl. The guy got arrested, caught with it all, and was released on his own recognizance. That’s basically all you can do… So if anyone is talking with you about bail reform, it is really sad. You have to almost commit murder or bioterrorism or some pretty heinous crimes to be put in jail or be a convicted felon and commit another felony, then it is automatic.”
Town of Fowler Councilman Lynn Bishop said, “If we weren’t at a board meeting, I’d tell you what I think of it.”
There was no further discussion.
The next meeting of the Town of Fowler Council will be held on April 10, 6 p.m., at the Fowler Town Hall, 87 Little York Road, Fowler. For more information, call 315-287-0045 or visit FowlerNY.com.
GHS students wow crowds with production of ‘Into The Woods Jr.’
by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur High School presented the spring musical, “Into The Woods, Jr.” in packed house performances on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at the Gouverneur High School Auditorium.
“Into The Woods Jr.” is a new take on Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s groundbreaking, Tony-Award winning musical fairytale about wishes and the choices we make. The musical features all your favorite characters – Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch in a lyrically rich retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fables. The musical features orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, and used with permission by Music Theatre International in New York City.
The doors opened at 6:40 p.m. each night. Community members arrived over one hour in advance in order to secure their place in line. By the time the doors opened, community members had formed a long line outside the Gouverneur High School auditorium entrance. With packed house performances each night, Gouverneur community members arrived in droves to enjoy the GHS Spring Musical, and show their support of the local students.
Welcoming all those in attendance were the smiling faces of the volunteers at the Box Office. This included Stacy Canell, Denise LeClair, Brandon Griffin, and Lindsey Carvel. Also showing their support throughout the production was Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of School Jacquelyn Kelly, Gouverneur High School Principal Cory Wood, and members of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, among others. The crowds were also ushered into the GHS Auditorium by the members of the GHS National Honor Society.
The GHS production of “Into The Woods Jr.” was directed by Emily Bason, with assistance from Music Director Kathleen Buell and Paul Buell, and Choreography by Paul Buell and Emily Bason. Director Bason dedicated the GHS Spring Musical to Music Director Kathy Buell. “I am dedicating this to her because I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Kathy for many years, but alongside her as a director for four shows,” Mrs. Bason said. Her passion for music and her love of theatre is just contagious. She challenges, encourages and guides our members into performing at their very best. She helps them achieve a level they never even thought possible. Thank you, Mrs. Buell. Keep playing, keep performing, and keep singing along. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to our musical programs.”
As the curtain went up in the GHS Auditorium, the audiences were quickly transported into Brothers Grimm fairytales. The GHS production of “Into The Woods, Jr.” had five scenes with multiple musical numbers that expertly guided the audiences along the storyline and narration by GHS Senior Mariah Manning. With GHS upperclassmen taking the lead roles, the Into The Woods Jr. cast delivered spectacular performances that local audiences will remember for year to come.
The story centered on the desires of five characters – Jack (Hazen Given) who wishes his old cow (Milky-White by Alexis Dake) would deliver milk, Little Red Riding Hood (Jahonna Sloan) who seeks treats for her grandma and herself, Cinderella (Niciara House-Bowman) who desire’s to attend the King’s Ball, and The Baker (Maxwel Lucas) and his wife (Allison Carvel) who long for a child. Like most Sondheim pieces, Into The Woods Jr. relies on the strength of a cast rather than putting the weight on one or two people to carry the show – and the GHS Production was no exception.
Other cast members included: Cinderella’s stepmother (Alexandra McDougall), Cinderella’s Father (Derek Hall), Florinda (Zaphire Hall), Lucinda (Charley Newvine), Cinderella’s Prince (Jack Schroeder), Jack’s Mother (Brook Garret), Witch (Faith Leader), Wolf (Sylvia French), Granny (Akaysha Shippee-Ray), Mysterious Man (Tigran Sahakyan), Rapunzel and Cinderella’s Mom (Jaylynn Dalton), Rapunzel’s Prince (Tiamane Hull), Steward (Abigail Lucas), Cow (Briahna McGill), and Hen (Elizabeth Bason).
GHS Junior Faith Leader (as the Witch) set the tone for excellence early in the musical as she performed the rapid-fire “Witch’s Entrance” rap with ease. Other musical selections included the following: “Giants In The Sky” (featuring GHS Senior Hazen Given as Jack), “Hello, Little Girl” (featuring Sylvia French as the Wolf and GHS Senior Jahonna Sloan as Little Red Riding Hood), “Agony” (featuring Cinderella’s Prince GHS Senior Jack Schroeder and Rapunzel’s Prince Tiamane Hull), “It Takes Two” (featuring GHS Seniors Maxwel Lucas as the baker, and Allison Carvel as the baker’s wife), “I Know Things Now” (GHS Senior Jahonna Sloan as Little Red Riding Hood), “Rapunzel” (featuring Jaylynn Dalton as Rapunzel), “Stay With Me” (featuring Faith Leader as the Witch), “On The Steps of the Palace” (featuring GHS Senior Niciara House-Bowman as Cinderella), among others. The full cast came together for the finale and performed, “Ever After,” and the curtain music, the haunting “Children Will Listen.”
The local audiences gave standing ovations to the GHS cast/crew/directors in recognition of their hard work and dedication in the exceptional production of “Into The Woods Jr.”
Many North Country residents said that they were quickly transported “Into The Woods” thanks to the efforts of the Set Builders (SWT BOCES Building Trades Students, Gianna Manning, Carly Bartholomew, Destiny Blair) and Set Design (Mr. Decker, Levi Durham, SWT BOCES Building Trades Students) volunteers. The costumes were managed by Director Ms. Matthews with assistance from Mya Connor and Mrs. Bason. Hairdressers were Emile Jesmer, Kathy Stamper, Gloria Browe, Candace Cowser, and cosmetology students from Southwest Tech BOCES. Make-up was done by Amanda Cox, Jessica Miller, and Melissa Terpstra.
The GHS production of “Into The Woods, Jr.” was made possible thanks to the efforts of Stage Manager/Property Mistress Destiny Blair, and stage crew including Destiny Blair, Ava Bartholomew, Carly Bartholomew, and Gianna Manning. Lights were handled by Madison Hopper and Shane Muyao. The Sound Engineer was Daniel Whitton with assistance from Kaden Wells and Gavin Davis. Working the slides was Ava Bartholomew. The publicity and programs were handled by the cast and crew of Into The Woods, Jr. as well as Director Emily Bason and Abigail Lucas. Also recognized was local photographer, Gidget Wainwright. The cast party was handled by Lindsey Carvel, Dayna Leader and the parents of the cast and crew.
A special word of appreciation was extended to the parents of the cast and crew, NNY Custom Printing, Shari Law, Emily Mashaw, The Gouverneur Tribune Press, Kinney Drugs, WWNY-TV, The Flower Girls, Tammy Mullin and Michelle Hassett, Evelyn Barton, Kiera Matthews, St. James School, Harold Simmons and the custodial staff, GHS Principal Cory Wood, GCS Supt. Jacquelyn Kelly, the GCS Board of Education and Captain Knight.
The GHS audiences were also informed that the Gouverneur Recreation Department will proudly present Missoula Children’s Theatre’s “Cinderella” on July 24-29 at GHS, open to all youth in grades K-12. Advanced registration is required (opening May 1, 2023), as there is limited availability. For more information, contact Recreation Director Casey Canell, 315-287-0524.
For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.
Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza to be held at Riverview Park on April 1
by Rachel Hunter
The Riverview Park Association and the Gouverneur Recreation Department will present the 2023 Riverview Park Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 1, starting at 11 a.m., at Riverview Park, NY-58, in Gouverneur. This free event is open to all youths (10 and under) in the community to hunt for the over 1,000 candy-filled plastic Easter Eggs on the fields at Riverview Park, take pictures with the Easter Bunny, enter free Easter Basket drawings, etc. All North Country families are encouraged to attend this community event.
This will be the first community-wide Easter Egg Hunt at the Riverview Park in over a decade. It was Riverview Park Association Treasurer Jennifer Link who had the idea to bring back the ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt to Riverview Park in 2023. She hopes this will be the first of many other community events that will be held at the park in the future. The Riverview Park Association and the Gouverneur Recreation Department are proud to work in collaboration, and with the support of the Gouverneur community, to make the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza a success. It is hoped that this event will draw North Country families, perhaps for the first-time ever, to enjoy the Riverview Park in early spring, before athletic contests get underway.
Organizers plan to group the youths in the attendance into three age groups (2-4, 5-7, 8-10) and the hunt will be held simultaneously with all youths going after the more than 1,000 candy-filled plastic eggs that will be hidden by volunteers on the grounds and around the playground/concession area at Riverview Park.
The event is made possible due to the outpouring of community support from Gouverneur and the surrounding community. There have been anonymous monetary donations, candy donations, plastic Easter Egg donations, basket donations, and so much more. All donations are welcome, and will be accepted at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, Trinity Ave., Gouverneur, or at the Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 NY-58, Gouverneur, during regular open hours leading up to the grand community event on Saturday, April 1. Monetary donations earmarked for the Easter Egg Hunt can be made through Riverview Park Association, P.O. Box 3, Gouverneur, NY 13642.
The Gouverneur Recreation Department staff and Riverview Park Association volunteers have already stepped up to help to make the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza an event not to be missed. Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. has agreed to ask the Gouverneur High School National Honor Society and other youth groups with their advisors looking for community service opportunities to lend a helping hand. Organizers are looking forward to spending hours in the upcoming days packing candy in the more than 1,000 plastic Easter eggs in preparation for the event.
The Easter Bunny will be at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, 4673, NY-58, Gouverneur (adjacent to Riverview Park) for families to take holiday photos. The free Easter Basket drawing will also be held at the Community Center, and all North Country families are urged to participate. There will be refreshments available.
Mrs. Link told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that this will not be a one-time event. There are plans for the Riverview Park Association to continue collaborating with the Gouverneur Recreation Department to make the event bigger and better every year. “There’s a lot of potential in it,” Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell said. Mrs. Link agreed saying that the event will start small in 2023, with plenty of growth potential in upcoming years. “We want this to be a hit,” she said.
“We’re really looking forward to it, and looking forward to the partnership,” Director Canell said. “What a great opportunity for the community. This is going to be really neat!” Mrs. Link added, “We’re looking for a successful event so that we can continue to do it…”
In case of inclement weather or ground conditions at Riverview Recreational Park, the 2023 Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza will be rescheduled for the end of April. The decision to reschedule will be made at least a day in advance of the event, and organizers will start spreading the word at that time. For more information about the 2023 Riverview Park Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza, call 757-323-9974 or 315-287-0524.
Gouverneur native mentors young chef to international success
by Rachel Hunter
Gouverneur native Jeremy Houghton mentored USA’s own Chantelle Gonsalves in the 9th Annual International Young Chef Olympiad in India 2023. Under Houghton’s mentorship, Gonsalves became one of the Top 10 finalists in the world’s biggest culinary olympiad.
Jeremy Houghton is the son of Jerry and Cande Houghton of Gouverneur, and graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1988. He caught his passion for cooking while enrolled in the culinary arts program at Southwest Career and Technical Educational Center (BOCES) in Fowler. Mr. Houghton earned an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University, and a MBA from Johnson & Wales University. Houghton’s first kitchen job was bussing tables at the Roma Restaurant for DeCastro’s. “When you are 17-18, you want to be a chef, you want to go out and kick some butt in the real world, and that is what I thought I was going to do, and I did for a while,” Mr. Houghton said. I left Johnson & Wales after graduation and was a chef in New Mexico, Alaska, Virginia Beach. I traveled around… I was asked to teach one day because the instructor was ill. And I said, “I am not really that good of an instructor. I’ve never taught before.” And they said, “Oh you’ll be fine. One thing led to another and now I am back here at my alma mater teaching the next generation of chefs.”
Mr. Houghton now holds the title of Senior Chef Instructor at Johnson & Wales University, and was selected to be the mentor for the Annual International Young Chef Olympiad in India. 2023 saw the 9th edition of YCO, which was held in a physical format after a gap of two years when it had to be conducted virtually owing to the COVID-19 pandemic— and saw some of the world's most talented young chefs compete with each other to be awarded the Best Young Chef in the World. Mr. Houghton told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that another culinary school in the USA backed out from the competition, not having the budget to send students over to India. Mr. Houghton explained, “They approached Johnson & Wales, and said: “Would you like to represent the United States in the culinary Olympics?” And of course we said, “Absolutely!” They asked me to mentor her, because they know I’ve done a bunch of competitions. I’ve helped students win San Pellegrino Contest. Two of the students I taught at the Miami campus won that. So I am familiar with competition. So, they asked me to coach. We had 14 students try out for it, and Chantelle Gonsalves won for Johnson & Wales to represent the United States.”
Mr. Houghton trained Miss Gonsalves for three months, cooking with her a couple times per week, perfecting her knife skills, and more. 9th Annual International Young Chef Olympiad opened the world to Miss Gonsalves as she stepped outside the United States of America for the first time in her life. “It was a very big thing for her,” he said. The trip started with a 12-hour trip to Dubai, and they had about a 12-hour layover before their plane took them to New Delhi for the opening ceremony. “She had never been out of the country, so I wanted to at least show her all that I could. So we went to eat at the No. 54 restaurant in the world, and had an amazing meal there.”
The 9th Annual International Young Chef Olympiad had contestants and mentors from 53 countries – making it the largest turnout in the competition’s history. Stage One of the competition was held in Hyderabad. “Chantelle had to do a vegetarian dish, a salad and a lemon flan,” Mr. Houghton said. “That was prescribed. We knew that is what she had to do, and she had practiced those dishes. Chantelle won Best Knife Skills out of all 53 countries, which gave her a little edge to get to the Top 10. All of the countries dispersed from New Delhi and we all ended up in Kolkata. The Top 10 then had to go in and cook under pressure. They had two and a half hours, and they had to do two perfect omelets, a tarte tatin, and her dish, they had to use King Prawn. Luckily enough, she ended up fifth in the world. I couldn’t have been more proud of her. She had a lot of obstacles…”
Mr. Houghton told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that Miss Gonsalves is currently in Chicago finishing her internship at a one Michelin Star restaurant, but that her achievement at the 9th Annual International Young Chef Olympiad probably trumps that on every resume. “The fact that she has gone out and placed in the Top 5 for a young chef,” he said. “Put that on a resume, and anyone who reads that will start to ask questions about it. Like: “Explain to me how you got No. 5 in the world. Is this a scam or is this a real thing?” And when they hear her stories, they are going to be like instantly, you’re hired. Even if I owned a restaurant, having her on board with me is something that I can now say: “Here’s my executive chef. She competed in the world culinary Olympics.”
For Mr. Houghton, the 9th Annual International Young Chef Olympiad in India gave him the opportunity to meet 52 other mentors and 52 other contestants. “At first you think, maybe I’ll meet a couple of friends. Maybe it will be alright,” he said. “But the first night we all hung out at a hookah bar in New Delhi. Here I am from Gouverneur, NY and I’m thinking, “I am sitting here with all these chefs from around the world.” The Young Chef Olympiad claims that this is the third largest type of an event in the world. The first one is the Olympics, the second one would be FIFA World Cup, and then the third one is theirs because 53 countries came together. Nobody else can boast that, and they are right. What other competition do you hear has that notoriety and that flair to it?”
Mr. Houghton told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that this was his first visit to India, but it for sure won’t be his last. But he is no stranger to international travel as he has been to Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia. “One billion people live in this country, and it is a third-world country. It is a pretty big eye-opener when you see it,” he said.
“People probably think that is horrible to be surrounded by poverty and despair, but every person that I met smiled, loved their life, and in so many ways they are happier with nothing than Americans are with everything we have. You would see them all smile and be polite.
“They would ask questions… I sat at a monument while we were waiting to go in, and people were sitting next to me taking pictures, because you know I am a white guy. Finally about the third one, I looked at him and asked: “Do you want me to sit farther away or closer?” He was like, “No, please, closer. Are you an American?” I said, yes, and then there was a line of probably 10 people waiting to take their picture with me because they have never seen an American before. It was one of those moments where I was like, “How have you never seen an American?” But here I am in Kolkata and I think that they probably haven’t. Kolkata is not a huge destination for Americans. It is amazing the people that I met, and I can’t wait to go back next year. And that is the truth. Now that I know the process a little bit, we’ll definitely do better next year.”
The Annual International Young Chef Olympiad, presented by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) will be held once again in India in 2024. “It is hosted by a hotel travel school called IIHM. They host it,” Mr. Houghton said. “What is really kind of cool about is that they use it as part of their training for their students… They have their main campus in New Delhi, but also have smaller schools in Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Goa and Kolkata. And they flew all of the contestants to these various locations to be entertained. And boy do they know how to host. We would walk in and they would treat us like royalty. And so, the school is going to host it every year, just because their program is built on it and their relationship. Now students from there can come over to Johnson & Wales and complete their education for a Master’s Degree. I am working with one student that I met in Hyderabad to get them to come over and do an internship at a hotel… and one of my friends is an assistant manager of a hotel. He was like, “I’ve always wanted to come over to America to work.” And I said, “Why don’t you?” He said, “I don’t know where to go.” And so I’ve arranged it. So yeah, it’s pretty cool.”
Mr. Houghton said there was no racial tension at the 9th Annual International Young Chef Olympiad. “You hear about how certain races don’t get along. There was none of that,” he said. “We embraced everyone. There was a girl from Iran whose mentor couldn’t make the trip. She stood up on the first day and all the mentors walked up to her and said, “If you need anything, you come to us.” And by the end of it, all 53 of these kids were friends. They are planning a reunion to go to Amsterdam to hang out again because they made such a strong bond. I’m on a chat with all the mentors and we chat a couple of times per week… It’s just like the Olympics. You are going to make bonds that are going to last a lifetime. It wasn’t about any politics or anything like that. It was just a great experience for everyone. If all of the other contestants could take back to their countries how awesome and nice people were, then maybe that would make our world be a better place.”
Mr. Houghton is looking forward to mentoring more culinary arts students in preparation for the Annual International Young Chef Olympiad in future years, and many words of congratulations have been extended upon hearing of his recent success. For more information about the Annual International Young Chef Olympiad, visit ycolympiad.com.
Gouverneur High School to present Into The Woods Jr. on March 24-25
by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur High School will present “Into The Woods Jr.” on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m. curtain both nights, in the GHS Auditorium. Into The Woods Jr. was originally directed on Broadway by the original author James Lapine, and includes music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Into the Woods Jr. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York.
“Be careful what you wish for” seems to be the ongoing theme in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Brothers Grimm-inspired musical, Into the Woods. The story follows The Baker (Maxwel Lucas) and his wife (Allison Carvel) who wish to have a child, Cinderella (Niciara House-Bowman)who wishes to go to the King’s Festival, and Jack (Hazen Given)who wishes his cow (Alexis Dake) would give some milk. When the Baker and his wife are visited by the Witch (Faith Leader) from next door, who reveals to them that she placed a curse on their family, the two set off on a journey “into the woods'' to reverse the curse. There, we meet Little Red Riding Hood (Jahonna Sloan), on her way to visit her grandmother (Akaysha Shippee-Ray), the Wolf (Sylvia French) who loves tasty little girls, the Witch’s daughter Rapunzel (Jaylynn Dalton), and two lovelorn Princes (Jack Schroeder, Tiamane Hull ). By the end, everyone has gotten their wish and will seemingly live happily ever after.
Other cast members include: Alexandra McDougall (Cinderella’s Stepmom), Brook Garrett (Jack’s Mom), Charlie Newvine (Lucinda (step sister), Zaphire Hall (Florinda (step sister), Derek Hall (Cinderella’s father), Mariah Manning (Narrator), Mysterious Man (Tigran Sahakyan), and Steward (Abigail Lucas).
The Gouverneur community is invited to the GHS Auditorium on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 for the spring musical, “Into the Woods Jr.” Curtain time, 7 p.m. both nights. Tickets will be available at the door. The cost is $6 for students and senior citizens, and $8 for adults. For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.
GCS School Staff Recognition Award Presented to GHS Teaching Assistant Laurie Shrewsberry
Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education Vice President Todd Bates (left) and Board Member Naaman Lowry (right) present the GCS School Staff Recognition Award to GHS Teaching Assistant Laurie Shrewsberry during the March 6 school board meeting in the GHS cafeteria. (Rachel Hunter photo)
by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at its Monday, March 6 meeting presented a Gouverneur Central School Staff Recognition Award (2022-23 School Year) to Gouverneur High School Teaching Assistant Laurie Shrewsberry.
“One of our favorite things to do is to recognize a staff member for going above and beyond for our kids, District and each other,” Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong said. “Today, we have another great example to share. The District Shared Decision-Making Committee receives nominations on wonderful people and employees, and have the difficult decision of narrowing it down to just one.”
President Fenlong then read the award as follows: “Whereas, the efforts of the Gouverneur Central School District support staff are essential to the successful operation of the District’s schools and programs, and
“Whereas, the District Shared Decision-Making Committee, in consideration of her nomination, recognizes Mrs. Laurie Shrewsberry as a worthy recipient of the Gouverneur Central School Staff Recognition Award for the 2022-23 school year, and
“Whereas, The District Shared Decision-Making Committee determined Mrs. Shrewsberry’s worthiness of this recognition because, “Mrs. Shrewsberry always steps in to help when there are absences or shortages of substitutes within the classroom. When the main teacher is absent from the classroom, she steps in to run lessons and support the supporting staff in the classroom. Laurie is able to work effectively with any student in the classroom with patience and kindness. She also provides support for the students when they are conducting different life skills such as cooking, budgeting, and social interactions. She is an overall kind person who would do anything for anyone. Laurie not only interacts with her students, but other students as well. She supports aides with recommendations of what to do better to engage the students more in the lessons and skills to provide them with a better life outside of school.”
“Therefore, the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education recognized Mrs. Laurie Shrewsberry as a recipient of the Gouverneur Central School Staff Recognition award for the 2022-23 school year. The Board of Education congratulates Mrs. Shrewsberry on her nomination and award, and extends its appreciation for her dedication and service to the students and families of the Gouverneur Central School District.
“Approved, this 13th day of February, 2023, by the Board of Education of the Gouverneur Central School District.” It was signed by David Fenlong, President of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education. The award was presented to Mrs. Shrewsberry by Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education Vice President Todd Bates and Board Member Naaman Lowry. Great applause sounded throughout the GHS cafeteria as the award was presented to Mrs. Shrewsberry.
In other school news:
Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn Kelly gave the following recognition at the March 6 meeting: “I’d like to take a moment tonight to recognize our Winter student-athletes who competed in New York State athletic competitions this year. Last weekend, Gouverneur was well represented at the State Wrestling Competition in Albany. Representing the Wildcats were Cyler Baer, Drew Gates, Zoe Griffith, Hunter Mashaw, JD Minckler, Paul Minckler, Turner Sochia, and Vandavian Way. Vandavian took fourth place for the second year in a row, becoming Gouverneur’s 58th New York State Place Finisher. The Gouverneur Wildcats were also well represented at the State competition for Track and Field on Staten Island. Competing were Abigail Bowman, Audrey Gaines, Meadow Greenhill, Jacey Sheen, Owen Siebels, and Emily Smith. The 4x200 relay team of Abigail Bowman, Jacey Sheen, Meadow Greenhill, and Emily Smith set a new school record. Riley Shepherd represented the Gouverneur Wildcats at the State swimming competition in Ithaca. Riley swam the butterfly and achieved a new personal best. Our Boys Varsity Basketball Team had a very successful season, and it was topped off by our very own Raine Rumble being named Section 10 Central MVP. Jared Donaldson and Ethan Fitzgerald were named to the second team, and John Finne IV earned the Sportsmanship Award. And then, of course, our Girls Varsity Basketball Team won the Overall Section 10 title for the first time since 1989… Chloe Smith was named Section 10 Central Co-MVP. Meredith Bush and Elizabeth Riutta were named to the first team, while Lia Canell received second team honors and Addison Conklin received the Sportsmanship Award. Congratulations to all of our student athletes and their coaches.” Great applause sounded in recognition of the student-athletes hard work and dedication to excellence.
Board Member Laurie Roberts extended gratitude to the Wildcat fans for their faithful dedication to supporting the student-athletes during the regular and post-season play.
Board Member Brooke Bush also extended a special word of appreciation to GHS Yearbook Editor Cory Young for his dedication in photographing the student-athletes each season. “He’s taking great pictures,” Mrs. Bush said. “He’s everywhere,” Supt. Kelly said.
At the Feb. 23 school board meeting, Supt. Kelly congratulated the students who recently competed in the Adirondack Science Olympiad competition at SUNY Plattsburgh, including Ava Bartholomew, Carly Bartholomew, Ivey Bulger, Madison Hopper, Noel LaPierre, Mariah Manning, Elizabeth Riutta, Jack Schroeder, Danielle Shattuck, Riley Shepherd, Caitlyn Storie, Dillon Storie, Kaden Wells, and Nathan Worden, and advisors Lisa Dunkelberg, Sam Sochia, and Sarah Wood. The students came away with multiple medals in events such as Engineering, Technology, and construction. She also recognized student athletes including Zoe Griffith, who took 2nd place at the first State Competition for Girls’ Wrestling; the Girls’ Basketball team for their record of 19 and 1 going into playoffs; and the Boys’ Swim team, who won the Section 10 title for the first time in over 20 years. The team members include Carter Lumley, Chase Tuttle, Gavin Warren, Gavin Davis, Tigran Sahakyan, and Riley Shepherd, who qualified for states in the 100M butterfly.
At the March 6 school board meeting, Student Board Representative Mariah Manning reported that the GHS Spring Musical, Into The Woods, Jr., would be coming to the GHS Auditorium Stage on Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m. curtain. In addition, she said that there was a American Red Cross Blood Drive, sponsored by the National Honor Society, which had a good turnout. Much gratitude was extended to Miss Manning for her report.
The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education approved the following appointments as a consent agenda: Under Instructional, Agriculture Teacher Kylie A. Spinner was appointed to a four-year probationary period, commending on February 2, 2023. The school board appointed Special Education Teacher (Secondary) Jill M. Davis to a 3-year probation commencing on May 1, 2023. The school board appointed Special Education Teacher (Elementary) Keegan Little to a 3-year probation commencing May 1, 2023.
Extra Curricular: The school board made the following appointments to the Marching Band for Summer 2023: Director Jenelle Yeoman, Assistant 1 Hailey Cook, Assistant 2 Madison Kurdziel, Color Guard Ryan Burt, and Volunteer Lynn Kurdziel. The school board also appointed the following 2022-23 Spring Coaches: JV Girls Softball Saddie Whitaker, Assistant Softball Volunteer Edward Smith, JV Boys Baseball Christine Cognetti, Assistant Baseball Volunteer Matthew Ashley, Assistant Boys Track Robert Webster, and Golf Volunteer Nicholas Sterling. The school board rescinded the appointment Shawn Typhair (JV Girls Softball) and Saddie Whitaker (Modified Girls Softball).
The school board also acknowledged the leave of absence covered under FMLA provisions for a probationary employee.
Under New Business: The school board approved the appointment of Pat Williams, who is permanently certified in N-6, as a long-term substitute from April 24-June 23, 2023.
The school board created six 2.75-hour Food Service Helper positions, in the Labor class of the civil service, represented by the GSRPU, effective March 7, 2023.
The school board approved the request from the Gouverneur High School Chapter of FFA to attend and participate in the following: Northeast All-Breeds Spring Cow Show (April 17-22, 2023), FFA State Convention in Buffalo (May 17-20, 2023), and Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. (June 6-11, 2023).
The school board approved the Memorandum of Agreement for Election Services between the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections and the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education, applicable to the GCSD Election being held on May 16, 2023, and any subsequent revote(s) related thereto, as presented.
The school board approve to compensate election inspectors at the rate of $175 per day on School District voting days during the 2022-23 school year.
The school board appointed inspector and officers for the annual vote. The following resolution was approved: “Whereas, the Board of Education of the Gouverneur Central School District, St. Lawrence County, New York, has called an Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote of the qualified voters of said School District to be held on the 16th day of May 2023, and
“Whereas, it is now desired to provide for the appointment of inspectors and officers for said Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote, Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of Education approve the appointments as follows: Laurie Roberts, a duly qualified voter of said School District, is hereby appointed as the Chairman of the Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote on May 16, 2023, and the Budget Hearing on May 8, 2023. The following named qualified voters of said School District are hereby appointed to act as Inspectors off Election of the Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote, so that there shall be at least two inspectors for each voting machine to be used thereat: Diane Kelley, Chief Election Inspector, Judith Poticher, Election Inspector, and Susan McHeffey as Alternate. Lisa Sheen is designated as Acting Clerk in the absence or inability to act of the District Clerk, for purposes of said Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote. Kim Shampine is designated as Assistant Clerk of said Annual School Board Election and Budget Vote. Be it further resolved, the Board authorizes the Clerk to make any changes to the appointments as deemed necessary, per the county list of approved inspectors, or appoint at least two inspectors for each voting machine from the list of certified inspectors.”
The school board approved a merger with Harrisville Central School District to allow their students to participate on the Gouverneur Boys and Girls Track teams during the 2022-23 school year.
The school board also accepted the donation of 500 Quidel at-home COVID test boxes (two tests per box) from the Community Health Center of the North Country, for distribution as needed. Much gratitude was extended to the Community Health Center of the North Country for the gift.
The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Monday, March 20, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS Cafeteria. For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.
Gouverneur Town Council Member Jaimee McQuade resigns
by Rachel Hunter
The Town of Gouverneur Council at its March 14 meeting accepted with regret the resignation of Town of Gouverneur Council Member Jaimee McQuade.
Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. read the letter he received earlier that day. “To the Town Board and Supervisor Spilman, please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position on the Gouverneur Town Board. Thank you for the opportunity to serve my community over the years. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will be stepping down from this position, effective immediately. Sincerely, Jaimee McQuade.”
Supervisor Spilman then said the following: “I texted back and forth with Jaimee today, and she just had to make this decision for her family. I respect it. She’s been a good board member… family first.”
Supervisor Spilman then asked for a motion to accept Jaimee McQuade’s resignation with regret. The motion was made by Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, and seconded by Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall and Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Lory Whitton. The motion carried with all votes cast in favor.
There was no further discussion.
The next regular monthly meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 6 p.m., at the Town of Gouverneur Offices Building, 1227 US Highway 11, Gouverneur. For more information, call 315-287-2340.