New hires will permit GRD to offer swim at Sylvia Lake for local youths this summer

by Rachel Hunter

North Country children will have the opportunity to swim at Sylvia Lake in Fowler this summer through the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Summer Youth Enrichment Program.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the New York State Department of Health has announced changes to state regulations that would require the Gouverneur Recreation Department to bring an additional lifeguard on premises during trips to local beaches or pools. Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell did some research on the topic, knowing that there was a potential for swim to be removed from the Summer Enrichment Program if something was not done.

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees at its June 18 meeting approved the hiring of Meredith Bush of Gouverneur (certified lifeguard) and Abigail Lucas of Gouverneur (recreation attendant). The rate of pay for both new hires is $15.60 per hour. The approval came upon the request and recommendation of Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell. The motion to hire was made by Village Trustee Troy Besaw, seconded by Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine and Trustee Shelly Simons-Washburn.

In discussion, Trustee Troy Besaw asked: “This solves our problem with the lifeguard situation, correct?”

“Yes, the kids will be able to swim using our recreation department at Sylvia Lake and other places,” Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said.

Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine said, “Just so you are aware, there will be four people, four lifeguards for a spot that is about as big as this room.”

“That is what they want,” Village of Gouverneur Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie said.

“Thank you, New York State,” Trustee Besaw said.

“Yes, it is better known as an unfunded mandate,” Mayor McDougall said.

There was no further discussion, and the motion carried with all votes cast in favor.

“Okay, Casey, and congratulations to the people involved,” Mayor McDougall said.

Trustee Besaw then said, “And congratulations for reaching out, and finding some individuals, when we were in a tough spot here. Nice job.”

In other news: Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell gave the following monthly report.

The Before-School Morning Program meets weekdays at Gouverneur Elementary School, and is hosted in partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District. Enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, and breakfast. Highlights this month include Kids Kindness Recognitions and Bingo Fun Theme Days.

The After-School Program meets at the Gouverneur Recreation Center STEAM Studio on Trinity Ave., Gouverneur, for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Match activities. The After-School Program is held on Mondays and Wednesdays for Grades 2-4, and Tuesdays and Thursday for those in UPK-Grade 1. Bus transportation is provided by the Gouverneur Central School District. The program highlights include recreational opportunities exploring STEAM field, theme days and guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournaments, and interactive social play. Highlights this month included Summer Fun Fest and Father’s Day Projects.

Toddler Town meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a recreation pre-school playgroup. The program features interactive socialization, music and art, story and snack, and active play. Highlights this month included Father’s Day Arts with Parents & Me interactive play.

The Senior Citizen Program continues to be held weekly on Friday mornings for bingo and coffee social. All area seniors are welcome to attend. Highlights this month include Flag Day Theme Bingo.

In related business: The Gouverneur Recreation Department on June 15 hosted the carnival games at the 2024 Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce Flag Day Celebration. Gratitude was extended to the Gouverneur Chamber for the prizes.

Sign-ups are underway for Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) Summer Recreation Program Performing Arts (July 22 to July 27) for youth in Grades K-12. The 2024 show is Sleeping Beauty. Packets are available at the Gouverneur Recreation Center. For more information, call 315-287-0524

The Summer Youth Enrichment Program is currently being planned for July 8 to August 15, 2024.

Much gratitude was extended to Director Canell for his report.

The next regular meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 6 p.m., at the municipal courtroom. For more information about the Village of Gouverneur, call 315-287-1720.

GFD Fireworks Spectacular is July 3

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 146 years of service to Gouverneur and the surrounding areas by hosting the largest, most spectacular, and longest fireworks held in the North Country on Wednesday, July 3rd at dusk. This show is only possible due to the generous contributions from local sponsors. The gates will open at 5 p.m. at the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Admission is a donation to the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department.

All North Country residents and visitors are urged to support the local vendors on site, selling pulled pork, Italian sausage, poutine, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, pizza, fried dough, fresh cut fries, cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn, cheesecake on a stick, toys, glow sticks, and much more. Be on the lookout for firemen selling 50-50 tickets, which will also be available for purchase at the firemen’s tent.

“We wish everyone a safe holiday and enjoy the show,” the Gouverneur Fire Department said in a news release.

Mark your calendars for the Gouverneur Fire Department’s Fireworks Spectacular on July 3.

Village board hears about state reg changes that could affect GRD’s Summer Recreation Program

by Rachel Hunter

For years, local children have enjoyed swimming at the Town of Fowler’s Sylvia Lake Beach alongside other pools and local lakes as part of the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Summer Recreation Program. The future of this opportunity is now uncertain, as the New York State Department of Health has unveiled regulation changes.

Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey T. Canell reported the following at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on May 21: “Regulations are changing,” Director Canell said. “For rec programs to attend swimming facilities – regardless if it is a beach or a pool – we have to provide our own lifeguards in addition to the lifeguards that are being provided. It is something that we are going to have to look at, and see if it is something that we can do or are able to do. I have been researching this.”

Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall has been in talks with Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine on the matter. “We will try to do a work-around and see what we can come up with, so we do not lose our summer Sylvia Lake swimming program,” Mayor McDougall said. “Because this potentially has the possibility of that happening, correct?”

“Yes,” Director Canell said.

After some discussion, it was noted that these regulation changes would affect all planned swim trips. “Any beach you went, it would be effective, correct?” Trustee Troy Besaw asked.

“Yes,” Director Canell said. “These places are providing lifeguards, but in order for groups to come in, the groups have to bring in additional lifeguards. Plus there’s adult-to-child ratio and all kinds of interesting stuff.”

“Does that mean you will have to hire more staff if you were going to do this?” Trustee Besaw asked.

“Just for swimming,” Director Canell confirmed.

Village of Gouverneur Deputy Mayor Charles Newvine then said: “But a pool lifeguard certificate is different than an open lifeguard. So because Sylvia Lake is an open boundary, it takes a different certification than just going to a pool. So you have to find somebody that has that certification – on top of the ones that are already hired at Sylvia Lake. When you go to Sylvia Lake, they provide you with three lifeguards. How many kids do you take to Sylvia Lake?”

“We’ve had 50 a couple times, but usually its 30-35,” Director Canell said.

“So, three lifeguards and 35 people, and that’s not enough for the State of New York,” Trustee Besaw said.

“Plus all of the Rec staff,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said. “They want an additional three people.”

“That’s an absolute farce,” Trustee Besaw said.

“But the Rec staff are not lifeguards,” Village of Gouverneur Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie said.

Mayor McDougall then said: “Anyways, the Town Supervisor of Fowler said that we are going to fix this somehow.”

“Well, he’s the smartest man I know, but that’s a tough fix,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said. “The only way you could do it would be to have additional lifeguards. The school is begging people to be lifeguards. Every year they beg kids to be lifeguard certified. You would have to find kids, on top of the ones that Fowler already employs… and I think they employ five. So if they had six, they would have to have all of their staff there. But we would have to pay for them…”

“We would have to pay for at least two, because what would happen if one couldn’t make it?” Director Canell said. “Safety is a priority, and it is just something that I do. One of the reasons I keep returning to Sylvia Lake is because I am comfortable that it is a safe place for us to take these kids. I am at a loss for words…”

Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. then asked, “What would it take to certify your staff?” A question that was on the lips of the Deputy Mayor Newvine and the Village Trustees. “Are you interested in doing that, Casey?” Trustee Besaw asked.

Deputy Mayor Newvine then said: “It has to be certain certification, like from the American Heart Association, and it has to be open pool certification. The school does it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there’s other places that do it. But I am sure it is quite limited right now trying to find a space because we are in June.”

Village of Gouverneur Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie said: I think (Town of Fowler Supervisor Rick Newvine) said he has seven lifeguards this year that signed up.”

“That would be fine,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said. “We would have to pay for those three people on our payroll to work the days that we take them to Sylvia Lake. They have to be our employees.”

Director Canell then said: “That is just a small part of it.”

Village of Gouverneur resident Shawn Mead then asked: “Is there any grants available?”

“I’m sure there are, but you know how grants are,” Deputy Mayor Newvine said. “You would not be able to use it this year… You wonder if there’s local municipalities that have kids that are lifeguard certified that you could reach out to. Do you know what I mean? Sylvia Lake is close to Edwards and Hermon.”

Director Canell then said the following: “Criteria is also changing for just regular operations, which is another conversation. There is going to be a lot to this.”

“Alright, plug away,” Mayor McDougall said. There were no further comments on the matter during the regular meeting.

In other news, Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell gave the following report:

The Before-School Morning Program meets weekdays at Gouverneur Elementary School, and is hosted in partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District. Enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, and breakfast. Highlights this month included Kids Kindness Recognitions and Bingo Fun Theme Days.

The After-School Program meets at the Gouverneur Recreation Center STEAM Studio on Trinity Ave., Gouverneur, for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Match activities. The After-School Program is held on Mondays and Wednesdays for Grades 2-4, and Tuesdays and Thursday for those in UPK-Grade 1. Bus transportation is provided by the Gouverneur Central School District. The program highlights include recreational opportunities exploring STEAM field, theme days and guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournaments, and interactive social play. Highlights included Spring Fest and Mother’s Day Projects.

Toddler Town meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a recreation pre-school playgroup. The program features interactive socialization, music and art, story and snack, and active play. Highlights this month included Mother’s Day Arts with Parent & Me Interactive Play.

The Senior Citizen Program continues to be held weekly on Friday mornings for bingo and coffee social. All area seniors are welcome to attend.

In related business, sign-ups are underway for Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) featuring Sleeping Beauty. The Summer Recreation Program (Performing Arts) will be held July 22-27 for youth in grades Kindergarten through Grade 12. Packets are available at the Gouverneur Recreation Center. For more information, call 315-287-0524.

The Summer Recreation Program is currently being planned for July and August 2024.

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom. For more information, call 315-287-1720.

Gouverneur PD awarded $70,000 to purchase body-worn cameras, speed radar units

by Rachel Hunter

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced $127 million to police departments and sheriffs’ offices outside of New York City for new technology and equipment to prevent and solve crimes and improve public safety. The Governor secured additional funding in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget to fund applications made by 378 law enforcement agencies that responded to the state’s application for funding last fall. The Gouverneur Police Department was awarded $70,000.

“Public safety is my top priority, and we are continuing to make record investments in law enforcement so they have the resources they need to protect our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in the latest technology and equipment, we’re responding to the requests of law enforcement agencies as they look to safeguard the future of our state.”

Police departments and sheriffs’ offices will use the funding to purchase new technology and equipment to modernize their operations and more effectively solve and prevent crime. The grants will support a variety of equipment and technology, including but not limited to license plate readers, mobile and fixed camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, software, unmanned aerial vehicles, gunshot detection devices and smart equipment for patrol vehicles and police officers.

The State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) notified all agencies of their grant awards in mid-May and sent award letters this month to police departments and sheriffs’ offices, which applied for the funding in late 2023. More than half of the total funding will be used to support license plate readers (22 percent), body-worn and patrol vehicle equipment (20 percent), and public safety camera systems (17 percent).

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “When police agencies and community organizations across New York voiced their needs, Governor Hochul listened. We thank the Governor for working to ensure that this year’s budget met those needs, and we look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement agencies and community partners to further strengthen those relationships and support evidence-based practices that help keep New Yorkers safe and allow communities to thrive.” The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy.

The FY25 Enacted Budget sustains record-level investments in public safety and criminal justice funding to support Governor Hochul's comprehensive, multifaceted approach to address gun violence and includes additional funding to target retail theft, more effectively combat domestic violence, and ensure funding for community-based programs that serve victims and survivors of crime.

Village of Gouverneur Chief of Police Darren Fairbanks informed the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees of the $70,000 award during its May 21 meeting.

“Last week, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services made me aware that they had awarded the Gouverneur Police Department $70,000 subsequent to a grant application I filed in November of last year,” Chief Fairbanks said. “That financial award will be used to purchase body-worn cameras, new speed radar units for patrol cars… Our current radar units are over 20 years old. I would like to thank the New York State Governor’s Office and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Service for selecting the Gouverneur PD – one of only four agencies in St. Lawrence County – to receive that award.”

Words of congratulations were extended by Mayor Ron McDougall and the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees to Chief Fairbanks on the $70,000 award.

In other news: Chief Fairbanks detailed the following in his monthly report: “We still have one full-time police officer position in the Gouverneur Police Department that has yet to be filled. I anticipate that Civil Service will announce a date and time for the next Police Officer exam soon. I encourage anyone who fits the criteria to be able to take the exam and has interest in wanting to be involved in law enforcement to take the exam when it is given.

“In the month of April, the Gouverneur Police Department received 416 calls for service, and 224 of those calls for service required police intervention. Ninety-six of those calls for service were IBR criminal complaints On average 24 criminal investigations per patrol. The PD effected 20 arrests for a total of 35 charges for four felonies, 20 misdemeanors, five violations, three traffic infractions, and we executed 0 bench warrants. We responded to and investigated 10 motor vehicle collisions, three incidents outside the Village of Gouverneur due to outside law enforcement not being available or to provide assistance to outside law enforcement. And 13 incidents involving the Gouverneur Fire Department and/or the Gouverneur Rescue Squad. We received 28 requests for general welfare or mental health checks in which eight were determined mental health related. The eight mental health calls were handled by our agency. Of the eight mental health calls our agency took 3 into custody for emergency involuntary evaluation with all 3 being under 9.41 by police observation/investigation. No individuals were under 18 years of age and no repeats. There were 2 attempts at utilizing the Mobile Access Program calls, but the calls did not change the end result of the complaint. There was one reported non-fatal drug overdose inside the Village of Gouverneur.”

The next regular meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 6 p.m., at the municipal courtroom. For more information, call 315-287-1720.

Reminder: Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance is Monday

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance will be held on Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. parade, with service to follow at Riverside Cemetery (Williams St.) at about 10:30 a.m. The observance is jointly organized by the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 and the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338. Parade line-up will be at 9 a.m. on Rock Island St., Gouverneur.

There will be a free luncheon following the observance, provided by the Auxiliary to VFW Post 6338, at the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338, 100 W. Main Street, Gouverneur. The lunch will include hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, salad, barbecue beans, and dessert.

The public was reminded of the annual observance by Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, May 21.

No further information was made available by press time this week. See coverage of the Gouverneur Memorial Day Observance in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

For more information, call the Silas Wainwright VFW Post 6338 in Gouverneur at (315) 287-4682

Gouverneur CSD residents to vote on $44M proposed budget for 2024-25

by Rachel Hunter

On Tuesday, May 21, Gouverneur Central School District residents will vote on the proposed $44,165,000 budget for the 2024-25 school year. The proposal carries a 3.59 percent spending increase over the current year and a 2.03 percent increase to the tax levy, which is at the levy limit.

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education held the annual budget hearing on May 13. The call to order was given by Board of Education President and Chairperson David Fenlong. There were over 30 Gouverneur Central School District staff, faculty, administrators, and community members present. A sample ballot was available for public perusal. The Budget Vote will be held on Tuesday, May 21, noon to 8 p.m., in the GHS Auditorium. The inspectors and officers of election were appointed at the May 4 meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education as following: Chief Inspector Diane Kelley, Inspector Judith Poticher, and Assistant Clerk, Kim Shampine.

The presentation of the 2024-25 Proposed Budget was presented by Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jacquelyn L. Kelly as follows:

“I’d like to thank everybody for coming tonight,” Supt. Kelly said. “This is a nice crowd.”

The 2024-25 Proposed Budget contains three components – Administrative Component, Program Component, and the Capital Component.

There is $5,070,630 in the Administrative Component of the 2024-25 Proposed Budget. This is an increase of $368,089 over the current budget, and represents 11.48 percent of the total budget. “The primary reason for the increase is a central data processing shift,” Supt. Kelly said. “Software is now going to be recorded to the Administrative Component.” Supt. Kelly reminded the community that the Administrative Component includes expenses for the Board of Education, district clerk, Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent, business administration, auditing, treasurer, tax collector, purchasing, legal services, personnel services, records management, public information services, curriculum development and supervision, central data processing, central printing and mailing, central storeroom, judgments and claims and employee benefits attributable to salaries included in this component.

There is $31,710,087 in the Program Component of the 2024-25 Proposed Budget. This is an increase of $2,401,349 over the current budget, and represents 71.80 percent of the total budget. Supt. Kelly said the increase is a direct result of the District trying to “build in the positions that have been funded by the American Rescue Plan federal funding over the course of the past three years.” The community was reminded that the Program Component includes salaries and benefits of teachers, guidance, health services, psychological and social work services, pupil personnel services, co-curricular activities, interscholastic athletics, district transportation services (excluding bus purchases), contract transportation, recreation, youth programs, civic activities, employee benefits attributable to salaries included in this component, transfers to school lunch and special aid funds, and legal services relating to the program component. Supt. Kelly also said that one big part of this component is the cost of the third year of a three-year First Student transportation contract included in the 2024-25 proposed budget, which is about $2.5 million.”

There is $7,384,283 in the Capital Component of the 2024-25 Proposed Budget. This is a decrease of $1,239,898 over the current year’s budget, and it represents 16.72 percent of the total budget. “The decrease is primarily because of the $1.2 million project at the middle school,” Supt. Kelly said. The community was reminded that the Capital Component covers the cost of operation and maintenance of buildings, school bus purchases, debt service, transfers to capital and debt service funds, tax certiorari, judgements and claims, and employee benefits attributable to salaries in this component.

In looking at the budget comparison between the 2023-24 school year and the 2024-25 school year, Supt. Kelly noted that the total budget has increased. The budget for the 2024-25 school year is projected to be $44,165,000. The tax levy will be $7,066,189, with a tax levy increase of $140,638. The tax levy increase that is projected for the 2024-25 school year is 2.03 percent. The spending increase is $1,529,580 or 3.59 percent, and the District will be allocating reserve funds to cover the difference between the spending increase and the tax levy increase.

The estimated financial impact on property owners is as follows: If a property owner is eligible for Basic STAR, on a $60,000 home, the total increase is projected to be $8.12. On a $100,000 home, the total increase is projected to be $17.21. If a property owner is eligible for Enhanced STAR, on a $60,000 home, the total increase is projected to be $0. On a $100,000 home, the total projected increase is $7.27.

Supt. Kelly then said: “I want to give you a little background on how we arrived at the budget this year. As you probably know, this budget supports our long-term district-wide goals. We have had those goals in place for three years now. Our first goal is to bring consistency to curriculum decisions across grade levels and to provide appropriate professional development to support those curriculum decisions. We are trying to tie the professional development in with our curriculum. Our primary focus continues to be developing the foundational skills necessary for students to effectively read and write and do math. Our second goal is to continue to provide the social emotional support and academic opportunities for all students to be engaged and find success in school. Our primary focus in for all students to feel safe, welcomed at school, and want to be a part of our school community. Finally, we will continue to work to provide a continuum of the Special Education services district-wide to support the needs of all our students.

“This year, we had a couple of great planning sessions when talking about the budget, and what we thought we needed to include,” Supt. Kelly said. “So, district-wide, some of the additions to the budget this year are: We will have a school psychology intern joining us. We will have behavioral support. We will continue the afterschool and summer remedial and enrichment programming that has been funded by the American Rescue Plan funds for the last three years. We will have technology education support, orchestra, and we will continue our virtual psychologists. At the Gouverneur Elementary and Middle Schools specifically, we will continue to fund the Math Academic Intervention Services (AIS) Teachers, the Instructional Math Coach, Counseling Teaching Assistants, and we will be funding additional classroom aides specifically for the kindergarten classrooms. At the high school, we will be looking to add a Reading Academic Intervention Services (AIS) Teacher. We will be looking at BOCES Alternative Education Programming to address some of our needs at the high school.

“As I stated earlier, many of these positions have been funded over the past three school years utilizing the American Rescue Plan (ARP) federal funding that the District received as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis,” Supt. Kelly said. “While the funding is scheduled to end in summer of 2024, the needs of our student population continue to increase and these services are needed by our students and their families.”

Supt. Kelly said: “One last thing that I would like to add is that, in preparation for the New York State mandated shift to the use of electric vehicles and the district’s need to be prepared for that shift, the proposed budget includes the purchase of five new diesel-powered buses and one new gasoline powered Suburban. The budget also includes two fully grant funded electric powered vehicles. This will allow the district to determine the feasibility of using electric vehicles in a district of our size and terrain.

“The business office, administrative team, and I have worked hard, with faculty and staff input, to develop a fiscally sustainable budget that provides the preservation of the strong educational programming, safe and secure environments, and extracurricular activities that our community has supported over the years.”

It was also noted that, in addition to the budget, residents will be asked to elect four members to the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education. The top three vote-getters will be named to the three-year seats (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027) to succeed Nickolas Ormasen, Laurie Roberts, and Laura Spicer, and the fourth will fill the vacant term (May 22, 2024 to June 30, 2027) to succeed Lisa McGregor. The candidates on the ballot are: Laurie M. Roberts, Laura Spicer, Roland Roderick, Nickolas Ormasen, and Lisa McGregor. Full candidate bios have been published online at www.gcsk12.org.

Also on the budget will be a proposition that, if approved, would continue to allow a high school student to serve as an ex officio, not-voting member of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education.

There were no questions made public at the budget hearing.

Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong extended gratitude to Supt. Kelly for the budget presentation.

All residents in the Gouverneur Central School District who are 18 years of age or older, a U.S. Citizen, and have resided in the district for at least 30 days prior to the election are encouraged to vote. The Gouverneur Central School District Budget Vote and Board Member Election will be held Tuesday, May 21, noon to 8 p.m., in the GHS Auditorium. There also will be the Gouverneur Central School District Art Show in the GHS auxiliary gym on Tuesday, noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.gcsk12.org.

Frankie & The Moonlighters to perform at Sock Hop in Gouverneur

by Rachel Hunter

Frankie & The Moonlighters will offer sweet sounds from the ‘50s and ‘60s, on Saturday, May 18, 7-10 p.m. at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, 1419 US Highway 11, Gouverneur.

Admission to the sock hop is $3 (single) or $5 (couple). Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, there will be a $100 prize for the best outfit, and judging will be at 8 p.m. Food will be available for purchase from 5 to 6 p.m. The Gouverneur Elks will offer the classic food options cheeseburger with French fries and shake, or hot dog with French fries and shake at a nominal $5 cost. The public is encouraged to attend.

Frankie & The Moonlighters, based in Bloomingdale, NY, is a nostalgia band with music from the ‘50s and 60s. Each band member has a day-job, thus the name “moonlighters.”

The “chief crooner” is Frank Whitelaw, 63, who currently serves as the Town of St. Armand Town Justice. He retired from the New York State Police after 24 years of service, and also served as Essex County Coroner for over seven years. “Music has always been my go-to throughout life,” Mr. Whitelaw said in an interview with the Gouverneur Tribune Press. “It was even my major in high school. It’s been a driving force. After I retired, I co-founded heavy metal band Sonic Boom with a friend. Eight years later, I wanted to try something different. Fifties doo-wop music has always resonated with me, so I decided to venture out and find a whole new group.”

Frankie & The Moonlighters consists of the following: Frank Whitelaw as primary lead vocalist, Donna Fortune, Melissa Nugent, and Jessica Kemp as backing and lead vocals, Mike Harrington on lead guitar, Barb Curtis on upright bass, Sue Grimm on keyboards, and Kevin McLaughlin on drums. The group formed in November of 2022, and was finalized in January of 2023.

“Everyone in the group is passionate about music and they give 100 percent,” Frank Whitelaw said. “The music is all from the ‘50s and ‘60s. We all have period-correct wardrobe, and our stage set is reminiscent of a performance stage from the ‘50s or early ‘60s. We give a high-energy show with a smattering of crooning ballads. We even have our audience play along on one of our songs, when the ladies hand out percussion instruments, so the audience can play along and sing along with us. Our shows are rated G, so we are family-friendly. The band has been evolving since forming. For only being a little over a year old, we are getting lots of great feedback. We tend to honestly self-critique, so this serves as the medium for growth and improvement. It’s rewarding when we see our audiences singing along, dancing and just having fun. The goal is, to let you leave your troubles at the door and just have a good time. No other agenda. Just rock around the clock.”

Frankie & The Moonlighters is booked around the North Country in 2024. The Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 will feature Frankie & The Moonlights during the sock hop on Saturday, May 18, and during the Elks’ Annual Car Show on Saturday, June 8. The band will also be playing the Clinton County Fair in July, Music on the Green at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake, Tupper Arts Sunset Music Series in August, Port Henry Farmers Market, The Battle of Plattsburgh celebration in September, a North Country Hospice benefit show in October, among others. The band is taking November off to hit the studio, to record their first EP.

Anticipation is high throughout to community for North Country’s ‘50s-‘60s nostalgia band, Frankie & The Moonlighters, to come to Gouverneur on Saturday, May 18. Organizers encourage residents to arrive early to enjoy the sock-hop fun! For more information, call the Gouverneur Elks at 315-287-1630.

Jeff Boyer Productions to return to Gouverneur Public Library this summer for bubble, energy shows

by Rachel Hunter

Jeff Boyer Productions will return to the Gouverneur Public Library this summer with Big Bubble Bonanza shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on July 10, and Fun With Energy Shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on July 17. It was confirmed by Gouverneur Public Library Director Karen King this week. Call 315-287-0191 now to reserve seats for these shows.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that a total of 159 local residents enjoyed the Big Bubble Bonanza Show, hosted by Jeff Boyer, during three shows at the Gouverneur Public Library in 2023. It was Judith Poticher, president of the Gouverneur Public Library Board of Trustees, who saw Mr. Boyer’s show first-hand and wanted to bring it to the Gouverneur Public Library for local families to enjoy. It was a smash hit, and there is much anticipation for Jeff Boyer Productions to return in 2024.

Jeff Boyer is a proven crowd-pleasing performer engaging, amusing and educating audiences for decades. He’s been excited about bubbles and physics since he was a kid. Studying acting at SUNY Jefferson (Watertown, NY) and the Boston Shakespeare Company brought his skills and calling into focus. Jeff moved into performing for family audiences in 1993. He’s enjoyed being part of ensemble casts and being a one-man show including musical theatre, drama, comedy, science and magic performance. He started Jeff Boyer Productions in 1999 and has been wowing audiences internationally with bubbles, science, and comedy ever since. A variety artist with over 25 years of entertainment experience, Jeff mixes the flair of magic, comedy, music and audience participation. He specializes in inclusion and diversity performance, seamlessly engaging audiences beyond language, cultural, age, and ability barriers. His dynamic style galvanizes communities. Jeff began creating bubble shows in 2005. His experience with school groups led him to raise audience participation to a new level. Jeff wows crowds of up to 1800 and spends much of his year touring internationally. When not on tour he loves to relax by the stream at home with his family and his favorite dog Lizzie.

With Big Bubble Bonanza, Jeff Boyer engages, delights and inspires those in attendance with a sensory-friendly bubble extravaganza, which will be fun for the whole family. North Country residents will have the opportunity to see the newest, funniest, zany spectacular from world-famous, Guinness Book of World Records-holding, master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer, as he takes bubbles to the max with big bubble flair. Mixing comedy, music, and interactive bubble-magic, Jeff engages and delights audiences of all ages. The Gouverneur Public Library will be filled with excitement and delight from Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza, an interactive bubble show for all ages. The shows will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. There is no cost to attend.

At the Fun With Energy Show, Jeff Boyer shows kids that energy is what makes our world work, through carefully laid out activities illustrating the laws and forces which govern the world around us. Jeff takes audiences on an exciting energy filled ride they’ll always remember. He brings kids right up on stage for interactive demonstrations that entertain and amaze. The shows will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at the Gouverneur Public Library. There is no cost to attend.

For more information about Jeff Boyer, visit his website at http://jeffboyer.com.

Gouverneur Public Library Director Karen King also announces this week that the 2024 Summer Reading Program will run July 1-31. Sign-ups will be held throughout the month of June. Registering gives participants one ticket toward the grand prize in their age group. Tickets can be earned by completing the activities on the Summer Reading Activity Sheet, created by the Gouverneur Public Library staff. The grand prize winners will be drawn on Friday, August 2. For more information, call the library at 315-287-0191.

The Gouverneur Public Library, 60 Church St., Gouverneur, is open on Mondays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More details on the Gouverneur Public Library are available at gouverneurlibrary.org.

Reminder: Gouverneur Chamber Banquet is May 1

by Rachel Hunter

The Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce’s 114th Annual Banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 5:30 p.m. (social hour), 6:30 p.m. (roast beef dinner), at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, 1419 US Highway 11, Gouverneur.

Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Donna Besaw of Gouverneur confirmed with the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that tickets are still available at $25 per person. For more information, visit gouverneurchamber.net.

The Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce will honor 2024 Award of Merit Recipient Clark Porter, a local businessman and entrepreneur. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that a full sketch was published in the April 19 edition. The Award of Merit is presented annually to a “business or businessperson active in the community over a long period of time or has a notable record of accomplishments in civic activities.” Clark Porter has had membership in the Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce since 2021.

Past recipients of the Award of Merit include Eldon B. Conklin (1991), Robert A. Porter (1992), Gale Ferguson (1993), Dr. Alexander Dodds (1994), Eleanor Jackson (1995), Korleen Spilman (1996), E. J. Noble Hospital Auxiliary (1997), Ice Storm Community Leaders (1998), Joe Laurenza (1999), Della Evans (2000), Gouverneur Rotary Club (2001), Dr. Tim Monroe (2002), Kinney Drugs, Inc. (2003), Dale and Kay Bush (2004), Fred Easton (2005), Cives Steel Co. (2006), Nancy J. Cappellino (2007), Judy Peck (2008), Dr. Robert Saide (2009), Joe and Carolyn Pistolesi (2010), Harland Brown (2011), Dick and Brad Conklin (2012), Spilman’s Garage (2013), Gouverneur Auto Parts (2014), Casablanca Restaurant (2015), Fun Unlimited (2016), Newvine’s NAPA Auto Parts (2017), New York Pizzeria (2018), Wilson and Glenda Bickford (2019), Hometown Heroes (2020-2021), Blevins Ford/Team Blevins (2022), Charles A. Gardner, Attorney (2023).

Anticipation is high in the Gouverneur community for this year’s Chamber Banquet as news spreads about local businessman/entrepreneur Clark Porter being selected for the Chamber’s 2024 Award of Merit. The banquet has been a topic of conversation at local municipal board meetings, the Gouverneur Area Development Corporation (GADC) meeting, among others. All North Country residents are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to ensure their seat at the 114th Annual Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet on May 1. For more information, visit www.gouverneurchamber.net or call 315-287-0331 or visit the Chamber office at 53 Herm Towne Road, Gouverneur.