Gouverneur Recreation Department to offer scarecrow making, games and more at 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Recreation Department will offer scarecrow making, carnival games, scavenger hunt and other children’s activities at the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival this Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. The announcement was made at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on September 19 by Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell. In 2023, the Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival is a two-day event, September 23-24. See the full schedule inside this edition.

Director Canell also reported the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Fall 2023 schedule as follows:

The Before-School Morning Program meets weekdays at the Gouverneur Elementary School. In partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District, the enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, breakfast and more. Highlights this month included a Meet and Greet with families at the school.

There is bus transportation provided by the Gouverneur Central School District for the After-School Program (Recreation Center Studio), which offers recreational opportunities exploring the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) field. There are theme days and guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournaments, interactive social play. The after-school program is open on Monday and Wednesday from Grades 2-4 and Tuesday and Thursday for UPK-Grade 1. Highlights this month included fall fun theme days.

Toddler Town continues to meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The recreational preschool playgroup program features interactive socialization, music, art, story, snack, and active play.

The Senior Citizens Program continues to meet on Friday mornings for bingo and coffee social. The program features food bingo games with socialization. All area seniors are welcome.

Much gratitude was extended to the Spilman family for their continued support of the Rec Center facility.

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on October 17, 6 p.m., at the municipal courtroom. For more information about the Gouverneur Recreation Department, call 315-287-0524.

12th Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival this weekend

by Rachel Hunter

Fair President Beth Martin selling raffle tickets ahead of the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Drop, which will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 24 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. The funds raised will go to support the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. (Rachel Hunter photo)

The 12th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival, presented by the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Saturday, September 23, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. Proceeds raised will help the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association with its building and maintenance fund. Much gratitude is extended to this year’s sponsors, including RSI Roofing, Gouverneur Garden Club, Blevins Ford, and Crane Operator Barry Turner.

A crowd favorite now for over a decade, the Giant Pumpkin Drop will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The public is invited to purchase $5 raffle tickets, and have the chance to win big cash prizes at the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival. Each entrant’s corresponding number will be on a numbered golf ball that is put into a giant pumpkin in advance of the drop. The top three golf balls that travel the furthest are then determined, and the winners announced. Big cash payouts are promised, and the local winners will not be disappointed. The prize for the furthest ball traveled is $500, second place is $250, and third place is $100.

Tickets will be available for sale in pre-festival locations throughout the Gouverneur community. Fair Director Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur harvested his giant pumpkins on Wednesday, September 20 and they will be available for viewing in various locations before the Pumpkin Fest as volunteers sell pre-festival Giant Pumpkin Drop tickets. Follow the fair’s Facebook page for up-to-date information on the pre-festival ticket sale dates and locations.

One of the giant pumpkins grown by Mr. Hotis will be the one used for the 2023 Giant Pumpkin Drop on Sunday. Giant Pumpkin Drop tickets will also be available throughout the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday.

Giant Pumpkin growers from all over the North Country will converge at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds for the 2023 Giant Pumpkin Weight Contests. All growers can bring their entries on Saturday or Sunday. The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off will be held on Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow. Prizes will be distributed to the top winners. The prizes in the senior division are as follows: first prize ($200), second prize ($100), and third prize ($50). The prizes in the junior division are as follows: first prize ($50), second prize ($25), and third prize ($10). There also will be a Guess The Pumpkin Weight 50/50 Raffle, tickets will be $1 each. There also will be free pumpkin giveaways for the youth.

Vendor space is still available to crafters, vendors, and flea marketers, and registration forms are now available online at gouverneurfair.net and gouverneurchamber.net.

The 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival schedule is as follows:

The Pumpkin Festival fun will begin on Saturday, September 23 with craft show, children’s activities, vendors, food (hot dog cart, New York Pizzeria, Cotton Candy N More, Mullins, etc.), and games. There will be a chicken barbecue, $15 per dinner, starting at noon till sold out. Only 100 chicken halves will be available for sale, so all those interested in enjoying the scrumptious chicken barbecue dinner is encouraged to come early and enjoy the meals at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. The Gouverneur Pumpkin Cruise-In Classic Car Show, sponsored by Blevins Ford, will be held on Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m. The long-awaited auction (in-person and Facebook live) will be held at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds Youth Building for the exceptional pieces created by chainsaw carving artist Jennifer Black at the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. The North Country can preview the items anytime during the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival. Advance photos have also been posted to the Don Peck Auctioneer Facebook page.

On Sunday, September 24, the fun will begin at 8 a.m. with registration for the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur’s annual Pumpkin Run/Walk 5K. There will be yoga at 8:15 a.m., walk/run kick-off at 8:45 a.m., mat pilates at 9:45 a.m., and zumba at 10:05 a.m. The cost is a $35 registration fee. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook. The UMC Gouverneur Church Service will follow at 11 a.m. in the FFA Building.

The craft show and draft horse wagon rides (by Bango Valley Percherons) will be held on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Steelin’ Country will perform in the Youth Building from noon to 2 p.m. The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. with the awards for youths and adults to follow. The Giant Pumpkin Drop will be held at 4 p.m. There also will be children’s activities by the Gouverneur Recreation Center on Sunday.

With something for everyone, the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival promises to be a community event not to be missed. For more information, visit the Gouverneur Fair website, www.gouverneurfair.net.

Local poultry fanciers crow about awards

by Rachel Hunter

North Country poultry fanciers were among the over 125 exhibitors at the 41st Annual Show of the Twin Tier Poultry Club in Bath, NY. The show included over 1,300 birds (226 large fowl, 713 bantams, 381 waterfowl, 6 guineas, and 3 turkeys).

Among the honors presented at the show, Twin Tier Poultry Club Show Secretary Robert Whitney presented the following honors to the local poultry fanciers:

Floyd Rood of Hermon won Champion Old English Game Bantam in the Open Show. His granddaughter, Makayla Brown of Hermon, won Champion Old English Game Bantam in the Junior Show.

Autumn Genter of Edwards won Reserve Champion Continental in the Junior Show for her Salmon Faverolles.

Other North Country poultry fanciers participating in the open competition included the following: John Hunter of Can-Am Cluckers in Gouverneur, Tim Tallman of North Bangor, Craig and Tammy Cook of Lisbon, and Keep on Truckin’ Homestead in LaFargeville. The local poultry fanciers also enjoyed connecting with exhibitors from all over the United States (Florida, Maine, Ohio, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, Vermont, New Jersey, West Virginia) and Canada.

Rachel Hunter of Gouverneur won the top prizes in the Twin Tier Club Poultry Club’s 2023 Arts and Crafts Competition, winning Grand Champion and People’s Choice honors for a 5x7 inch acrylic painting depicting the poultry evaluation at a previous Northern New York Poultry Fanciers Fall Show. The painting was matted and framed in a 8x10 inch barnwood frame that was purchased through North Country CrossRoads in Gouverneur. She also received Reserve Grand Champion for a 5x7 photo of a Columbian Wyandotte at Can-Am Cluckers in Gouverneur. She also received first place honors on a rooster-themed handpainted wooden pendant.

The North Country poultry fanciers extended much gratitude to the Twin Tier Poultry Club for the exceptional show experience, and look forward to exhibiting once again in 2024.

The Northern New York Poultry Fanciers will promote poultry excellence this Sunday, September 17 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds with its 25th Fall Show. NNYPF President John Hunter of Gouverneur said over 4s00 birds have been registered into the competition. Judging will start at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call NNYPF Show Secretary Floyd Rood of Hermon at 315-379-9498.

Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament raises over $11,000 to support breast, ovarian cancer patients

by Rachel Hunter

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 10 at the Gouverneur Country Club raised over $11,000 for the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. A North Country tradition for over two decades, the benefit golf tournament has raised over $2 million in its history, and helped about 1,000 people. The event in 2023 was named in memory of Carolyn Pistolesi, a founding member of the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund, who passed away on September 11, 2022.

The origin story of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund has been reported as follows: After losing a very dear friend to Breast Cancer in 2000, Carolyn Pistolesi and Marilyn LaPierre decided to show their support in the fight against Breast Cancer by participating in a Breast Cancer Walk/Run in Norwood, New York in August. Monies raised at this event went to help women who were diagnosed with Breast Cancer through the Healthy Living Partnership of St. Lawrence County and the Jefferson/Lewis Healthy Women's Partnership.

These two partnerships had money through state funds to help diagnose women, but if they were above the qualifying financial assistance level once diagnosed, there were no funds to help them in their treatment. All funds raised during the event were used to provide treatment and services to these women. On the way home, both women felt good that they had done something positive in memory of their dear friend Donna Weldon.

A few weeks went by, and these two women, both members of the Gouverneur Business Women Club, were together again doing something related to Breast Cancer. During their monthly meeting, DeDe Walter, a local businesswomen, community member, mother, wife, sister, and Breast Cancer survivor, happened to be the month's guest speaker. DeDe was on the Board of Directors for the not-for-profit that supported the walk attended by Carolyn and Marilyn back in August. She talked about the upcoming major fundraiser in October and her involvement in the cause, but what really touched the group was when she spoke about her experience dealing with Breast Cancer. How she felt, how her family and friends rallied around her to support her as best they could, and her fears for her daughter as she became older. She also spoke of what she wanted to see for other Breast Cancer patients in the future. She was one of the lucky ones; she had survived and had a story to tell.

After DeDe was done speaking and the members wiped away a tear or two, then president Marilyn LaPierre said, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could do something like that too." With that statement, the Gouverneur Business Women's Breast Cancer Walk was started. The members talked and bounced ideas around, and Marilyn asked for volunteers. Six women said they would start the committee. Marilyn LaPierre, Carolyn Pistolesi, Judy Bush, Mona Allen, Becky Fiacco, and Terry Hitsman-Moses. The committee formed, ideas were had, and now it was time to put it all together and achieve the results they desired, to help women in the Gouverneur area who couldn't afford all the extra expenses brought on when fighting Breast Cancer.

Living in a small community with a population base of about 4,500 residents, no one knew what to expect from the first walk. The committee members all voiced what they thought they'd raise, with the most aggressive goal being $10,000.00. They all decided that whoever had the closest goal to the actual amount raised would be taken out for the dinner of their choice. No committee member was prepared when they raised over $19,500.00 in the first year. The idea of making the walk an annual event was discussed, and decided that the committee needed to create its own organization. With the advice of a local attorney, the application to become a 501(c)3 was completed, bylaws written, and official board members named. Effective March 21, 2003, the official not-for-profit exemption was official. In 2014, the "Gouverneur Business Women's Breast Cancer Walk Fund" became "Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund." A new website was launched to observe the change. In 2020, the walk was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Fund decided to attempt a "virtual" walk to be held during the months of September and October 2020. The 2021 Walk was cautiously scheduled for October 2, 2021. In 2022 the very successful Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk was held on October 1, 2022. Also, in 2022, the organization officially became the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund, as the name better aligns with the Fund’s mission.

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund’s mission is to alleviate at least some of the financial burden patients face during their treatment and allow them to focus on recovery and healing. Patients receive financial assistance with medical expenses, household expenses, rent, mortgages and car payments as a few examples. All support goes directly to assist newly diagnosed patients with their recovery. The Fund assists individuals who live in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin counties, New York, by providing financial assistance with household, medical, travel, and living expenses during a patient's treatment of both breast and ovarian cancers.

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament drew its own sea of pink and teal to the Gouverneur Country Club with North Country residents making donations to support the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund, while remembering the life and legacy of Carolyn Pistolesi. Although Carolyn’s journey with this disease was short, her legacy continues through the organization that she was so dedicated to, and her vision continues to touch the lives of men and women in their fight.

The teams were greeted by the Gouverneur Breast and Fund Committee, including volunteers Judy Bush, Connie Stowell, and Terry Pistolesi at the registration table.

Organizer Connie Stowell of Gouverneur welcomed all those in attendance at the 1 p.m. start. “The most important thing is to have fun today. We are going to make Carolyn proud,” she said. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund and all those in attended extended gratitude to Connie Stowell for her fundraising efforts every year.

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament also included raffles, food, and fun for all.

Terri Moore of Gouverneur was proclaimed the winner of the $500 Princess House Shopping Spree, which was donated by Connie Stowell.

Many of those in attendance showed much interest in the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund’s raffle for a 22-inch Leslie’s rose gold necklace with a Rose Gold Ribbon with a pink Sapphire and Teal Diamond with accent diamonds (retail value over $2,300), which was hand designed and set by Harland Brown of Brown's Jewelry in Gouverneur. Raffle tickets for the necklace and the many items donated by local businesses and community members in the button raffle are now available from any Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee Member and will also be available at the Walk. The drawing will be held on October 7.

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament received support from the Gouverneur community through event and hole sponsorships, donations for the raffle table and more. Much gratitude was extended to the following sponsors: Kinney Drugs Foundation, Casablanca, Gouverneur Hospital, Joel and Bridgette LaPierre and girls, Pistolesi Girls, KT Contracting, Pistolesi Rentals, Northland Veterinary Clinic, Patti Visconti and Laura Carbone, Lauren French, Fun Unlimited, Barb and Phil Tulley, Anita and Tom Sleeman, Gouverneur Savings and Loan, Route 11 Diner, Community Bank, Luanne and Tom Hilts, Chris and Al Betrus, Bill Miller Painting, as well as those who donated raffle items and volunteered.

The 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk will be held on Saturday, October 7. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Village Park, or register online at www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com. The first 300 registrations received will receive a free gift bag, and all who donate with a minimum of $40.00 registration fee, receive a free t-shirt. The public is reminded that all donations are used to support patients going through breast, ovarian cancer, or a cancer that has metastasized from said cancers, living in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis or Franklin Counties of New York. For more information, visit www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com.

Pickleball craze hits Gouverneur

by Rachel Hunter

The pickleball craze is going strong in Gouverneur – with no sign of souring any time soon.

The pickleball courts at Mills Park in Gouverneur were established in 2022, thanks to $1,000 in memorial and private contributions. The courts were recently resurfaced thanks to the Village of Gouverneur who allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the improvement of Mills Park, including the pickleball courts. It is anticipated that colors will be added in Spring 2024. Now, over a year since the third pickleball court was added in Mills Park, the pickleball craze has hit a fever pitch, and the Gouverneur, NY Pickleball group is inviting people of all levels and abilities to join the fun.

What is pickleball? Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two (singles) or four (doubles) players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball with paddles over a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits an infraction. The game was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the summer home of Joel Pritchard, who later served in the United States Congress and as Washington's lieutenant governor. Pritchard and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, are credited with devising the game and establishing the rules.

While it resembles tennis and table tennis, pickleball has specific rules, paddles and court dimensions. The court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, and the paddle is larger than the one used in table tennis. The hard plastic ball used in pickleball produces less bounce than tennis balls. On each side of the net is a 7-foot area known as the non-volley zone (or the kitchen), where the ball must bounce before it is hit. The rules specify side-out scoring, where only the server can score a point. The minimal amount of bounce, the non-volley zones, and the underhanded stroke with which all serves are made, give the game a dynamic pace.

Between 1965 and 2020, pickleball became a popular sport in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, and began to grow in popularity elsewhere. In 2021-2023, the sport was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and by 2023 it was estimated to have over 4.8 million players. The growing popularity of the sport has been attributed to its short learning curve, its appeal to a wide range of ages and fitness levels, and its low startup costs. There are now thousands of pickleball tournaments throughout the United States.

Organizer Barbara Little told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the concept of pickleball is a beautiful combination of camaraderie and competitiveness, and that people of all levels and abilities can enjoy the sport. “It is a great way to meet people,” she said. The Gouverneur Pickleball Courts are often in use, and those who want to join are encouraged to come to Mills Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m., or on Saturdays. Join the Gouverneur, NY Pickleball Facebook group or visit www.playtimescheduler.com to discover the best time to head to the local courts.

Certified Pickleball Instructor Michael Rivers of Watertown has a passion for pickleball and wants to see the sport grow through Northern New York. He has been a frequent fixture at the Gouverneur courts – putting on clinics and giving guidance and instruction on the game of pickleball to those in attendance. He also has put on clinics in Alexandria Bay, Watertown, Croghan, and more. “I just want to get people enthused,” he said. “It’s addictive. You can chat back and forth and exchange cherry cobbler recipes if you want. It’s fun. We’re not curing cancer. We’re just having fun. I play in tournaments. I compete. But anywhere in between, it’s fun… The rules of this sport are so unique that it mitigates the difference in skill level. When I was playing competitive racquetball, I played someone that was just starting – and it was no fun for them, and no fun for me. But that doesn’t happen in this sport really… now don’t get me wrong, good players find who the weak players are, and they attack. But if you can master the three shots… and I teach them in every clinic… serve, return a serve, third shot. If you know those, you can play. I just love it. And most of these guys when we started were 2.0. They couldn’t serve. They didn’t know the rules. They’ve got a ways to go, but we’ve been doing this a while… The goal is to make this fun, so that you don’t get into pickleball snobbery where the 4.0 doesn’t want to play with the 2.5. I don’t play like that. You just pick your rotation and you go out and have fun. It’s a great sport.”

Anyone interested in pickleball is encouraged to join the Gouverneur, NY Pickleball group and get involved as this sport continues to grow throughout the North Country and beyond.

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is this Saturday

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur will be held this Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

The free, fun walk will be led by Gouverneur’s own Brittany Terpstra, PA, from the Community Health Center of the North Country. The topic is “Staying Active This Coming Winter.” The event is open for all and is for people of all abilities.

There is great anticipation for the second and final Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur of the 2023 year.

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is made possible thanks to the Community Health Center of the North Country, St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, and a Bridge To Wellness: St. Lawrence County Health Improvement Plan.

Walk With a Doc is a local chapter of an international 501(c)3 that is inspiring communities through movement and conversation. With an aim to make hope and health accessible to everyone around the world, the doctor-led walking groups are safe, fun and a free place to get in some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends.

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

Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A doctor gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. In 2009, Walk With A Doc became an official 501(c)(3) and added an Executive Director with a focus on building a program that could easily be implemented by interested doctors in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide, including Walk with a FUTURE Doc chapters led by medical students.

Walking was recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States of America as one of the single most important things we can do for our health. Now, as we usher in 2023, is the time to join the movement in making health and happiness accessible for all.

Walk With A Doc has released a list of 100 reasons why walking is important, and it can be viewed online at walkwithadoc.org. Did you know that walking is one of the best things you can do for your health? Many diseases, conditions, and ailments can be prevented or even healed by participating in regular physical activity. Fortunately, even moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can provide these health benefits.

The public is welcome to join Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur this Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. For more information, contact the Community Health Center of the North Country at 315-713-9369.

GH Auxiliary Antiques In The Park deemed a success

by Rachel Hunter

Treasure seekers were thrilled at the variety of antiques available for purchase from vendors across the North Country region at the 26th Antiques In The Park, sponsored by the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary. All funds raised will be used in support of the Gouverneur Hospital, an affiliate of St. Lawrence Health and Rochester Regional Health.

The event was moved to the St. James School gymnasium due to inclement weather. This was the first time in the event’s history that it was not held in the Gouverneur Village Park. But the rain didn’t dampen the spirits as big smiles and joy-filled laughter filled the St. James School as North Country residents enjoyed talking with the vendors. There were streams of customers throughout the day, as the local community greatly welcomed the return of Antiques In The Park. With continued support, it will continue to be a thriving fundraiser for the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary and continue to grow in future years.

The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary held their big raffle fundraiser for an antique picture frame (donated by the Gouverneur Museum) filled with a $100 bill and $100 worth of lottery tickets (made possible by the GH Auxiliary). Raffle tickets were $2 each or three tickets for $5. Pre-sale tickets were sold at the Lifesaver Gift Shop at the Gouverneur Hospital as well as Kinney Drugs on Clinton Street. Tickets were also available for sale at the 2023 Antiques in the Park, and GH Auxiliary members warmly greeted all those in attendance. The winner’s name was picked at the 3 p.m. drawing, and the winner was Collette Green from Gouverneur.

Many North Country residents also participated in the silent auction, which was made possible due to the great support from community members, local artists and small businesses. As well, there was much support at the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary bake sale, at the Nibbles Snackery food truck, and more.

There is much anticipation for the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary’s Antiques In The Park to return in 2024. For more information on the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary, call GHA President Kim Halpin at 315-276-4494.

Bottle/Can Drive Fundraiser to benefit Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Basketball Program is Monday

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Basketball Program will hold a can and bottle drive fundraiser on Monday, September 4, 9 a.m. to noon, at Newvine’s NAPA Auto Parts in Gouverneur. Volunteers are also willing to pick-up cans and bottles at local residences and businesses on Monday. Call 315-212-6515 to arrange for pick-up.

The funds raised will go towards the purchase of new basketball warm-ups for the JV and Varsity teams, and to offset the cost of entry fees for upcoming tournaments, and team dinners throughout the school year.

All North Country residents are urged to show their support of the Gouverneur Wildcats at this fundraiser. For more information on the Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Basketball Program, visit their Facebook page.

Notice: Village streets to be paved on Monday, Tuesday

The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works has informed the motoring public that Grove Street, Helena Street, and McKean Street is expected to be paved on Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29. Work will begin at 7 a.m. and continue throughout the two days. If inclement weather exists, the scheduled will change.

During the two days, throughout the day, these streets may be shut down to thru traffic and only emergency vehicles will be allowed through.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation,” Village of Gouverneur DPW Supt. TJ Simmons said.

For more information about the Village of Gouverneur, call 315-287-1720.

Ryan’s Wish Foundation Golf Tournament raises funds for those diagnosed with cancer, serious illnesses

by Rachel Hunter

The 2023 Ryan’s Wish Foundation Annual Charity Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, August 19 at Emerald Greens’ 18-hole golf course in Gouverneur. Golfers turned out in great number to support the Ryan’s Wish Foundation’s mission to help those diagnosed with cancer and serious illnesses throughout St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin and Lewis counties.

Gouverneur’s own Dr. Robert Saidel and his wife Rita founded Ryan’s Wish Foundation in memory of their son, who strived to live life to the fullest even as he battled cancer. Ryan Saidel from Gouverneur, NY was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was 14 years old and fought the disease for five years before he passed at age 19 on February 7, 2004. During his five-year struggle, Ryan touched the lives of countless people. To those around him, Ryan defined the word courage as he lived his life inspiring others to make the best of each and every day.

A year after Ryan’s death, the Ryan’s Wish Foundation was created to celebrate Ryan’s inspirational life, and is dedicated to helping others who are battling a serious illness “play and live strong.”

The Ryan’s Wish Foundation (501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization) is created to celebrate the inspirational life of Ryan Saidel. The foundation is dedicated to helping people who are battling a serious illness to “play and live strong.” The Foundation serves people in the tri-county areas of Northern New York: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. Funds received from the Foundation can help offset traveling costs and other expenses incurred by individuals and their families during treatment or hospitalization. More than $1 million has been distributed to help North Country residents who had been diagnosed with cancer and serious illness throughout St. Lawrence County, Jefferson County, and Lewis County.

The welcoming address was given by John Cunningham, owner of Emerald Greens in Gouverneur, joined by Dr. Robert and Rita Saidel of Gouverneur. “We would like to thank you for joining us today,” Mr. Cunningham said. “We would like to thank you for showing your support of the Ryan’s Wish Foundation.” He also extended gratitude to the Ryan’s Wish Foundation Board for their help organizing the event, along with the Emerald Greens staff.

“Again, we want to thank everyone for coming out today,” Dr. Saidel said. “You know our mission, and you probably maybe even had some friends or others that we have helped in the past. We do St. Lawrence County, Jeferson County, and Lewis County. This year, there has been a lot of people with a lot of health problems that are critical… and that needs transportation, multiple trips to Boston, Syracuse. Because of your donations and coming here to show your support, we are able to not turn down anybody, which is a blessing.”

Great applause sounded as the 20 registered teams of golfers headed out to play on Emerald Greens’ 18-hole golf course last Saturday.

Donations to the Ryan’s Wish Foundation are always gratefully accepted: Ryan's Wish Foundation, c/o Dr. Robert Saidel, P.O. Box 326, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Exhibitors showcase top quality beef cattle at county fair

by Rachel Hunter

The 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Open and 4-H Beef Cattle Show was held in the Harry Parow Memorial Cattle Showring on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds on Wednesday, August 2. Beef Cattle Superintendent John Hunter of Gouverneur opened the competition to both purebred beef cattle and dairy-beef entries this year.

The Open and 4-H Beef Show was evaluated by Steve Ledoux of Adirondack Beef Company in Croghan.

Supreme and Grand Champion went to a Red Angus cow, Phillips Mildred 922, with calf, Max, at side, exhibited by Otter Creek Cattle Company in Redwood. Reserve Grand Champion went to the White Park yearling heifer, Whitmore’s Molly, exhibited by Whitmore Family Farm in Gouverneur. Both exhibitors are making plans to exhibit their beef cattle at the New York State Fair.

The Overall Dairy-Beef Champion was a Wagyu-Jersey crossbred finished steer, Willy, exhibited by Graham Rozler of Cowbell Acres in Canton. Reserve went to a prospect steer, Roc-Val Rayne, exhibited by Harlin Brown of Richville. Reserve Senior Champion went to a finished steer over 1,000 pounds, exhibited by Otter Creek Cattle Company. Reserve Junior Champion and Calf Champion was won by Whitmore Family Farm in Gouverneur. More ribbons were presented in the 4-H and open competition for the exhibitors’ quality entries in the breed classes.

4-H’er Luke Steifel of Otter Creek Cattle Company in Redwood won Overall Master Showman and the Junior Master Showmanship honors. Reserve Master Showman went to 4-H’er Isabella Perretta of Canton who was also named Senior Master Showman. The Reserve Junior Master Showman went to 4-H’er Kelsey Whitmore of Whitmore Family Farm in Gouverneur. The Reserve Senior Master Showman went to Ty Steifel of Otter Creek Cattle Company in Redwood. Chloe Whitmore received a Cloverbud ribbon for her participation, and Graham Rozler of Cowbell Acres in Canton, and Harlin Brown of Richville received blue ribbons for their participation in the 4-H showmanship classes.

The exhibitors who competed in the 4-H and Open Beef Show were also allowed entry into the first-ever Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Beef Cook-Off Contest. A trophy and $100 gift card to J & S Feed and Outdoors in Gouverneur was presented to the top winner, Cowbell Acres in Canton. Other participants included the following: Otter Creek Cattle Company in Redwood, Roberts Family in Heuvelton, and Whitmore Family Farm in Gouverneur. The judges were Fair President Beth Martin, Jerry Sauls of J & S Feed and Outdoors in Gouverneur, and Floyd Rood of Hermon. The winning entry was awarded for its exceptional taste, appearance, texture, and more. All exhibitors in the 4-H and Open Beef Show are encouraged to consider entering the Second Annual Beef Cook-Off at the 2024 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair.

Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary to host 26th Antiques In The Park on August 26

by Rachel Hunter

The 26th Antiques In The Park, sponsored by the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary, will be held on Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Gouverneur Village Park. All funds raised will be used in support of the Gouverneur Hospital, an affiliate of St. Lawrence Health and Rochester Regional Health.

This will be the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic crisis that the ever-popular Antiques In The Park will be held in Gouverneur. The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary recognized Antiques In The Park’s 25th anniversary in 2018. With the unwavering support from the community, the GH Auxiliary hopes that the event will once again be a thriving success and continue to grow in future years.

As of press time this week, the following antique dealers had already registered to be featured vendors at the 2023 Antiques In The Park: Peter Burke of DeKalb Junction, Suzann Conklin of DeKalb Junction, Gary Scott of Gouverneur, Mavis Bush and Karen Averill of Canton, Linda Gault of Watertown, Tammy Finley of Gouverneur, Carol Venton of Gouverneur, and Mike and Jodi Hatch of Hailesboro. North Country residents and visitors alike can expect to see antique furniture, vintage clothing, glassware and so much more at this year’s event. The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary is still seeking vendors, and all antiques dealers are urged to contact GHA President Kim Halpin for more information at 315-276-4494.

The Gouverneur Museum will have a historic display at the Antiques In The Park and the Gouverneur Museum will be open throughout the day at their 30 Church St. location, just a short walk from the Gouverneur Village Park.

Antiques In The Park will also include a food truck, bake sale, raffles and auctions.

The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary will hold their big raffle fundraiser, an antique picture frame (donated by the Gouverneur) filled with a $100 bill and $100 worth of lottery tickets (made possible by the GH Auxiliary). Raffle tickets are $2 each or three tickets for $5. The tickets are currently on sale at the Lifesaver Gift Shop at the Gouverneur Hospital. Also, GHA representatives will be at Kinney Drugs on Clinton Street selling tickets on August 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets will also be sold at the event in the park. The drawing will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 in the Gouverneur Village Park.

The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary will also hold a silent auction, thanks to the generous small businesses and residents in Gouverneur and the surrounding communities. To learn more or to donate, call Nancy Green at 315-287-7750.

There is much anticipation in Gouverneur for the return of the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary’s Antiques in the Park, and the North Country community is encouraged to come out in great numbers to support the Gouverneur Hospital. For more information on the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary, call GHA President Kim Halpin at 315-276-4494.

Village paving delayed one week due to rain

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur reports that the paving projects on Grove St., McKean St., and Helena St. were delayed one week due to the recent rainy weather.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the paving was originally scheduled for the second week in August, following the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. It is now anticipated for this upcoming week, the third week in August.

The announcement was made by Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall at the Town of Gouverneur Council meeting last Tuesday. For more information, call the Village of Gouverneur at 315-287-1720.

Wildcats Win Mascot Competition

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Marching Wildcats took first place during the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair’s Carlton Peck Day Mascot Competition on Wednesday, August 2.

The mascot competition has been a beloved feature of the Carlton Peck Band Day for over a decade – and the 2023 Mascot Competition did not disappoint with a standout performance by the Gouverneur Wildcats.

Gouverneur Wildcat Mascot Maxwel Lucas, with the support of his Gouverneur Wildcat bandmates, blew away the competition with their stellar performance, which featured songs and scenes from Disney’s The High School Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Little Mermaid and more. The Wildcats worked for weeks in preparation for the performance, and fairgoers were wowed by the talents of the students on the grandstand stage.

In recognition of the exceptional performance, Band Day Director Sean Peck awarded Gouverneur Wildcat Mascot Maxwel Lucas a $25 cash prize. Great cheers and applause sounded from the crowded grandstand in support of the Gouverneur Wildcats.

There is much anticipation building for the 2024 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair’s Carlton Peck Band Day. For more information on the county fair, visit www.gouverneurfair.net.

Gouverneur CSD to provide free school supplies for district students

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District recently informed the community that, for the 2023 - 2024 school year, the Gouverneur Central School District will once again provide all students with free school supplies. Historically, teachers have provided families with school supply lists prior to the start of the school year. This year, families will not have to assume any of the costs related to purchasing school supplies. The District will be using a portion of federal funding to purchase school supplies for all students. The supplies have been ordered and will be distributed to students during the first week of school.

In other news: The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education held a meeting on Monday, July 31 in the Gouverneur High School auditorium. Board President David Fenlong called the meeting to order, and all then stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

GCS Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly then told of a “couple great things happening in the District” that she wanted to share with all those present at the July 31 board meeting.

Supt. Kelly first recognized GHS Science Teacher Lisa Dunkelberg on a recent achievement.

“Jan DeWaters, assistant professor in the Institute for STEM Education in the School of Engineering at Clarkson University, and three New York State high school teachers recently returned from Taiwan where they gave a workshop on project-based energy education. Lisa Dunkelberg, a science teacher at Gouverneur High School, along with DeWaters and two other educators led the two-day workshop. The workshop was a follow-up to a weeklong workshop previously delivered in Taiwan by DeWaters’ team. This is one component of a multi-year initiative to promote energy literacy, energy education, and green energy technology development. The workshops were attended by approximately 50 middle and high school teachers from all over Taiwan. I’d like to congratulate Mrs. Dunkelberg on this great achievement. We are lucky to have her on our team, and we are proud when someone of Lisa’s caliber is in a foreign country, because she is not only representing Gouverneur, but she is showing off the strong commitment we have to high quality teaching here at the District. Congratulations, Lisa.” Great applause sounded throughout the auditorium as the announcement was made.

Supt. Kelly also shared the following: “Last week, a team of administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff from the Gouverneur Central School District attended the Positivity Project Summer Leadership Conference in Savannah, Ga. The Positivity Project (also known as P2) was first implemented at the Gouverneur Elementary School in the 2022-23 School Year. This year, it will be implemented through Grade 8. This program is designed to empower students to build more positive relationships with one another, and with their teachers. P2 is a character education curriculum that enables students to understand, appreciate, and exemplify the importance of character in themselves and others. The program focuses on character strengths, such as creativity, perseverance, open-mindedness, and love, providing the foundation for genuine self-confidence grounded in self-awareness. Character strengths aren’t about ignoring the negative. Instead, they help students overcome life’s inevitable adversities. Through the use of federal funding, the District was able to send and train 10 employees in preparation for the implementation of P2 this school year.”

Supt. Kelly then shared a letter written to the Board of Education from Gouverneur Middle School Principal Robert Kotz. “Dear Board of Education Members and Mrs. Kelly, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to attend the Positivity Project Summer Leadership Conference. It was a great experience for all members of the team, which included four members from the Gouverneur Elementary School and six members from the Gouverneur Middle School. Throughout the conference our team had the opportunity to explore various topics related to fostering positivity, resilience, and empathy in our educational environment. Our team is confident that the positive impact of this conference will extend beyond the classroom, benefiting the faculty, staff, and community. Our team felt that the sessions provided us with practical tools and strategies that we can implement during the upcoming school year. The financial support provided by the American Rescue Plan federal funding made it possible for our team to collaborate with the extended Positivity Project community. We believe that the connections we have made at the conference will continue to provide many diverse ideas and strategies throughout the years to come. Sincerely, Bob Kotz and the P2 Leadership Team.” Updates from the P2 team will be provided to the school board throughout the year. After a question from Board Member Laurie Roberts, Supt. Kelly said: “There is a curriculum that is part of the Positivity Project. That will occur in morning meetings, advisory at the Middle School. The curriculum is very easy to use. It is a quick one- to two-minute video, and then it results in discussions amongst the kids and the staff. We are excited to see where it goes.”

Board President David Fenlong, in unfinished business, reported that a public hearing was held on July 10, 2023 with Rob Klimowicz, District Chief Safety Officer, in attendance. No additional comments have been received and the draft 2023-2024 School Safety Plan has not been changed since it was posted. The 2023-2024 School Safety Plan will be adopted at the next meeting on August 21, 2023.

Upon presentation and recommendation of Supt. Jackie Kelly, the Board approved the following items as a Consent Agenda: Minutes of the Organizational Meeting of July 10, 2023 (now posted online at gcsk12.org), CSE Business, and CPSE Business.

Upon presentation and recommendation of Supt. Jackie Kelly, the Board approved the following personnel items: The school board accepted the resignations from Hannah Jock, Physical Education Teacher, effective July 11, 2023, Katrina L. Moore, agriculture teacher, effective August 29, 2023, Nichole Johnson, special education teacher, effective August 30, 2023, and Cortney Evans-Eppolito, high school physical education teacher, effective July 26, 2023.

The school board also approved the following appointments: Adrienne Lake (CSE, CPSE Chairperson), Korrine Patterson (Physical Education Teacher), Michelle Benda (Physical Education Teacher), Marietta Kitto (Family and Consumer Science Teacher), Katrina Cook (Keyboard Specialist), and Stacie Hale (School Nurse).

The school board also appointed Brittany Fairbanks, LPN, for the 2023 Begindergarten Program from August 21-24, 9 to 11 a.m.

The school board approved up to three days between August 1-31 for new curriculum planning for the following teachers Mike Bryant (Business), Alexis Ritter (Art), Heather Parker (12:1:1) and Lisa Dunkelberg (Biology).

The board approved up to 10 days between August 1-31 for Jamie DeRusso for summer guidance support.

The board approved the appointment of returning substitutes for 2023-24 as presented, including: Maureen Baer, Amber Barr, Valerie Bogardus, Jeffrey Burt, Antoinette Cogan, Adrienne Cox, Nicole Cudhea, Pamela Doty, Nazzarena Easton, Julia Fahrig, Michelle Fiacco, John Free, Shawna Gilbo, Kim Harmer, Jennifer Hay, Kylie Helvie, Sabrina Jones, Brandy Kelley, Julieanne Koerick, Anita Mantia, Tracy McCarthy, Ethan Mitchell, Peyton Mussaw, Amanda Newvine, Kaylee Ordway, Donna Parks, Chelsi Peck, Sullivan Rumble, Maureen Schesser, Cathy Schiszler, Nikolaus Schiszler, Deana Shepard, Roxanne Todd, Ciera Vanderbogart, Joseph Wahl, Patricia Williams, and Ling Wu.

The school board approved the following Fall 2023-24 Coach recommendation for Modified Girls Soccer Coach Chelsie Griffith, pending completion of any outstanding certification requirements.

The school board approved the appointment of students as lifeguards for the 2023-24 school year, pending completion of all requirements. This includes Raegan Devlin, William Riutta, and Riley Shepherd.

The school board acknowledged the unpaid leave of absence for childrearing purposes for a tenured employee in accordance with Article 12.3.1 of the contract with the Gouverneur Teachers association.

The board also appointed Polly Sergel to a non-tenure track appointment as an English teacher.

The board approved a series of temporary appointments. Grace Mashaw was appointed to the one-year position of teaching assistant-counselor for the 2023-24 school year, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Jade Walker was appointed to the one-year position of teaching assistant-counselor for the 2023-24 school year, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Paul Buell was appointed to the temporary position of Music Teacher for the 2023-24 school year in a non-probationary capacity without eligible for an appointment on tenure, funded by the American Rescue Plan. Michelle Brenno was appointed to the temporary position of Special Education teacher for the 2023-24 school year in a non-probationary capacity without eligibility for an appointment on tenure.

Upon presentation and recommendation of Supt. Kelly, the Board rescinded the appointment of Michelle LaVigne as School Tax Collector and appointed Rachel Wainwright, Village of Gouverneur, as School Tax Collector for 2023-24. Supt. Kelly said: “Prior to COVID, the Village did collect our taxes for us. as we’ve done in the past, the Village is going to once again collect our school taxes this year. Rachel Wainwright will be collecting taxes in person daily at the village offices located at 33 Clinton St., Gouverneur. Taxes can be paid Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and taxpayers can still mail in tax payments and the address will be listed on the bill. But taxes will no longer be collected here at the high school. This option actually provides better hours to the taxpayers to pay their taxes in person…”

The board also had its first policy review reading of four policies. Policy 3420 (Non-Discrimination and anti-harassment in the School District) was updated. The Civil Rights Compliance Officer was changed from Carol LaSala to Jessica Sullivan. Policy 3421 (Title IX and Sex Discrimination) was updated. The Title IX Coordinator changed from Carol LaSala to Jessica Sullivan. Policy 5676 (Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data) was updated. The Data Protection Officer changed from Shannon Mattice to Jacquelyn L. Kelly. Policy 6122 (Sexual Harassment in the Workplace) was updated in response to the release of an updated model sexual harassment prevention policy for employers in NYS. This is a required policy. The board will take action on these policy changes at the next board meeting on August 21.

The school board approved the AIA Document C132-2019 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Advisor for the Middle School Renovations & Site Work Project.

The school board declared the following equipment as surplus and authorized the Business Manager to sell or dispose of the following items: one small kettle, two steamers, one double kettle, one 4-burner vulcan gas stove, five double convection ovens.

The school board formally accepted the gift of the donation from the family and friends of Jenny Reddick (GHS ’64), in the amount of $830, and increase the 2023-24 budget by the same. Ms. Reddick passed away on June 12, 2023. In her memory the family asked in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the GHS Art Department. It is the wish of the family to provide these funds to assist our Art Department to encourage and develop the student artists. Board President Fenlong extended gratitude to all those who donated in memory of Mrs. Reddick. “We appreciate this,” he said.

The school board also adopted RS 2418 (Standard Work Day Resolution for Employees). It was resolved that the district established the standard work days for its employees and will report days worked to the New York State and Local employees’ Retirement System based on the time keeping system or the record of activities maintained and submitted by these members to the clerk of this body. The Print Aide will work 7.5 hours per day.

The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Monday, August 21, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS auditorium.

Fair Opens With Local Talent Show

by Rachel Hunter

The 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair officially opened on Tuesday, August 1 at 4 p.m., and crowds came out in great number to witness the great local talent showcased on the grandstand stage.

The Local Talent Show was emceed by Fair Director Sean Peck, who took over the management of both Carlton Peck Band Day and the local talent show in 2022 in memory of his father, Carlton E. Peck (GHS ’63), who was known throughout the North Country and across the nation for his expertise in the field of marching band music and performance. In 1964, Carlton Peck founded the Peck Awards, which is now in its 59th year, in support of the local high school bands. The Carlton Peck Band Day is still thriving under his son Sean Peck’s leadership. (See coverage from the 2023 Carlton Peck Band Day in an upcoming edition.) Carlton Peck also hosted the local talent show for many years. On the opening day of the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair on Tuesday, Carlton Peck’s spirit and love of performance was felt throughout the 74-minute Local Talent Show. Sean Peck even took the opportunity to do a lip-sync performance of Ray Stevens’ “The Streak” that thrilled the crowd, and said it is something that his father loved to do too.

There was 12 local acts that impressed the crowd with their talented performances. The results of the contest is as follows:

First place in the age category, 3-11 years of age, went to Karissa Hamilton who had an energetic performance of “Redneck Women” by Gretchen Wilson. She was awarded a $75 cash prize.

First place in the age category, 12-16 years of age, went to Nicole White who had an inspiring performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and received a $125 cash prize. Second place and the $75 cash prize went to Sarah Foote for her performance of The Judds’ “Grandpa Tell Me About The Good Ole Days.” Third place and the $50 cash prize went to Marlawna Nicholls who performed Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine.”

In the 17 and above age category, first place and $300 cash prize went to Matt Foote, a vocalist and guitarist who performed Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right.” Second place and the $200 cash prize went to Madelyn Rowley for her performance of Taylor Swift’s “Mean.” Third place and the $100 cash prize went to Jadelynn Hitchcock for her performance of Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most.” Other participants included Richard Fitzgerald (“Always On My Mind”), Judy Cyrus (“Close To You), Mildred Bendickson (“My Immortal”), Christina Foote (“Concrete Angel”), and Sophia McKeirnan (“Blown Away).

Those who qualified and accepted the opportunity to perform at the New York State Fair includes the following: Karissa Hamilton, Nicole White, Matt Foote, Madelyn Rowley, Jadelynn Hitchcock, and Sarah Foote. Many cheers and words of congratulations were extended to all the participants of the 2023 Local Talent Show. St. Lawrence County residents were encouraged to take part in the Local Talent Show at the 2024 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. Contact the fair office at 315-287-3010 or visit www.gouverneurfair.net.

North Country residents and visitors were also invited to enjoy the many contests, grandstand events, midway carnival games and rides, concessions and more at the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, which runs through Sunday, August 6. The full weekly schedule of events is available at www.gouverneurfair.net.

Village promises to help raise up presenters at 2023 GBOC Walk

by Rachel Hunter

Marilyn LaPierre of Gouverneur inquired at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on July 18 if the new gazebo would be installed in time for the 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk on Saturday, October 7. Mrs. LaPierre is member of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee.

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said, “It is iffy, to be fair, if we are going to have it in time or not for the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk. However, we are committed to getting a truck or build a temporary stage, if it is not there… We have to have something to raise people up. We’ll know when we get closer, but either way, we are committed to doing that.”

“That is greatly appreciated,” Mrs. LaPierre said. “Thank you.”

The 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 7 in Gouverneur. More information will be published as details are finalized. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund assists individuals who live in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin counties, New York, by providing financial assistance with household, medical, travel, and living expenses during a patient's treatment of both breast and ovarian cancers. All financial support received goes directly to assist newly diagnosed patients with their recovery. For more information, visit www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com.

See You At The Fair: 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair to open Tuesday

by Rachel Hunter

The 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair will open on Tuesday, August 1 and run through Sunday, August 6 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

There is free gate admission, and a nominal $5 parking fee.

From crowd favorites to new features, the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair promises to offer something for everyone.

From the carnival rides and games by the Coleman Bros. Shows Inc. to the fair food from by local vendors, the midway will be the place for North Country residents and visitors who want to thrill their senses, and tantalize their tastebuds.

The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair also offers prime entertainment events on the fair grandstand this year.

The fair opens on Tuesday, August 1 with the Local Talent Show at 6:30 p.m., free grandstand.

The Carlton Peck Band Day will be held on Wednesday, August 2 with the high school bands parade at 1:30 p.m. with awards to follow, and the firemen’s parade at 7 p.m., free grandstand.

On Thursday, August 3, harness racing will start a noon, with the “Redneck Thursday” events (Diaper Derby, Straw Bale Throwing, Mullet, Beard, & Mustache Contest) scheduled to start at 4 p.m., with the local band, Common Revolution, taking the grandstand stage at 7 p.m.

On Friday, August 4, at 6 p.m., there will be the New York Hot Farm Pulling Series.

On Saturday, August 5, at 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.) will be the headline concert featuring County Artist Dylan Scott. Tickets will be available at the gate. Special concert shuttle transportation from the Gouverneur Elementary School, 111 Gleason St., Gouverneur, will be provided every half-hour from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 5 only, courtesy of Don Peck Auctions.

On Sunday, August 6, at 1 p.m. will be the crowd-favorite Demolition Derby. Ticket prices and the full weekly schedule of events can be found online at www.gouverneurfair.net.

Coleman Brothers Shows Inc. will once again bring their carnival rides and games. The midway will be open at 2 p.m. daily from Wednesday, August 2 through Sunday, August 6. Food and concessions only will be available on Tuesday, August 1. The wristband schedule has been posted on the fair’s website. Fairgoers can receive at $10 discounted savings on wristbands if they purchase online before Monday, July 31. For more information, visit www.gouverneurfair.net.

Free ground acts this year will include the Eudora Farms Petting Zoo, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, and Chainsaw Carver Jennifer Black.

There also will be plenty of livestock, ag exhibits, and competitions to see in the agricultural end of the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. Fairgoers can expect the finest dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses on display in the different barns on the fairgrounds. All livestock entries must be in place by 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The livestock shows start on opening day, Tuesday, August 1 and continue through Sunday, August 6. The fair starts this Saturday, July 29 for youth throughout St. Lawrence County with the 4-H Judging Day (9 to 11:30 a.m.) and the Horticulture Contest (noon). The full weekly schedule of events – including both open and junior contests – is now available on the fair’s website.

The Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association has been working for months to ensure that this is the best fair yet. The Gouverneur Fairgrounds have been improved and fairgoers will once again be awed by the floral wonder displayed throughout the fairgrounds. For more information about the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair, visit www.gouverneurfair.net, or call 315-287-3010.

Wildcats Win First In Class B

The Gouverneur Wildcat Marching Band, under the direction of GCS Band Director Jenelle Yeoman, on Saturday, July 15 took first place in Class B with a score of 80.5 at the 51st Can-Am International Festival Parade in Sackets Harbor. The Gouverneur Marching Wildcats also received first place in Class B at the 2023 Jefferson County Fair’s Firemen’s Parade, and second place in Class B during the High School Bands Parade. The Gouverneur Marching Wildcats, over 70 students strong, are performing their 2023 Show, “Groovy Gouvy,” which features “That’s the Way I Like It,” “Low Rider,” and “Funkytown.” Director Yeoman told the Gouverneur Tribune Press, “Every time I have given the students a challenge this season, they have beaten the challenge. This is the biggest score change I have ever seen from them all in a short amount of time. They increased by 11 points within two parades. That is huge. They all amaze me!” The Marching Wildcats will next perform at Battle of the Bands at OFA on July 23, Seaway Festival in Ogdensburg on July 29, and the 2023 Carlton Peck Band Day at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair on Wednesday, August 2. (photos provided)

Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sales this weekend

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sale Weekend will be held on Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16. See inside this edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press for the rummage sale listings. A decades-long tradition for many North Country families, all local residents are urged to shop at all the rummage sales in the greater Gouverneur community.

The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, going great in Gouverneur in since 1908, has encouraged participation in the 2023 Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sale Weekend. Executive Director Donna Besaw told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the Chamber has secured the official permits to allow anyone to set up a rummage sale in the Gouverneur Village Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 14-16. Many North Country residents have seen the huge banners advertising the event in downtown Gouverneur, which were provided through the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce and installed by the Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works.

There is great anticipation for the 2023 Gouverneur Community Wide Rummage Sale Weekend with hopes for lots of participation from residents in Gouverneur and the surrounding communities. For more information on the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, visit www.gouverneurchamber.net.