Vol. 168, No. 50 • CLINTON, NEW YORK • July 1, 2015
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Local Legend Jack Kane to Serve as July 4th Grand Marshal
Above left: Flowers were removed from the Kirkland Town Park entrance in early June. Above Right: A before and after of the grave where a large red lily was dug up and removed in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Photo at left reader submitted. Photos at right courtesy of Peggy Miller.
FLOWERS STILL DISAPPEARING By Mark Warren
Photo courtesy of the Clinton Historical Society By Staff Former Clinton Comet Jack Kane, who played for the team in the 1960s and ‘70s, will serve as grand marshal of the 2015 Fourth of July parade in the Village. According to the parade’s organizer, Cynthia Kershner, Kane was chosen for the role as a way of “celebrating the Clinton Comets and saluting the fabulous season of the Utica Comets,” who advanced to the 2015 Calder Cup finals. Kane is the all-time regular season leading scorer for the Clinton Comets, with 333 goals and 639 assists, for a total of 972 points. He played 12 years in a Clinton sweater, serving as captain for eight seasons. Under his leadership, the Comets won four Walker Cup championships and seven division titles. A native of Peterborough, Ontario, Kane now resides in the Village of Clinton. He is one of the few Clinton Comets alumni to choose to remain in the Mohawk Valley following his career of professional hockey at the Clinton Arena. Clinton's Fourth of July parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. on July 4, rain or shine, beginning on Elm Street. Weather permitting, a fireworks display will take place at dark. Fireworks can be viewed from the Clinton Central School athletic fields area on Elm Street.
A
fter two previous occurrences of stolen flowers were reported in the area earlier this month, another has surfaced. On June 23, resident Peggy Miller discovered the red lilies she planted in front of her daughter’s grave at Sunset Hill Cemetery had been dug up and removed. Miller’s daughter, Jodi MillerScalzo, died in 2003. Miller planted the bright perennial flowers in front of her headstone last year, and they had just fully blossomed again this year when they were uprooted. “It’s just so crummy,” Miller said. “Why would people do that? It’s not like it’s earthshaking, but you don’t expect it in Clinton.” The previous two reports of stolen flowers happened within close proximity to Sunset Hill. On June 5, flowers from two planters near the entrance of the Kirkland Town Park were uprooted and stolen. A week later, another theft occurred on Post Street. Several geraniums were removed from a resident’s planting barrel near the road. The Sunset Hill Cemetery is a little more than a mile away from the Town Park. Superintendent of the Sunset Hill Cemetery Board of Trustees Roger Belois was contacted by Miller after she found the defaced grave. Belois said the thefts would be easy to pull off in broad daylight because Sunset Hill is open all day with little supervision by staff.
“The thing is it could happen anytime because it’s open from dawn to dark,” he said. “This time of the year that’s a lot of time. It doesn’t necessarily have to be at night. And there’s a lot of times where there’s nobody up there.” Belois’ job requires him to be at the cemetery several times a week. Typically he and the landscaping crew work from 8 a.m.–noon. Belois explained this is a part-time position, so he is not able to be on site all day to watch out for vandals. “Hopefully it’s just a rare happening,” he said. Deer are notorious at the Sunset Hill Cemetery for eating flowers off of graves, but they take bites or at least leave stems behind. The lilies on Miller-Scalzo’s headstone were removed completely with no petals or scraps left in the area. Only an empty patch of soil remained. Miller also has two sons, Bob and Chris, in the cemetery next to her daughter. No damage of any kind was done to their graves, and the surrounding area seemed untouched as well, according to Miller. Miller said she will not let this incident prevent her from replanting at Miller-Scalzo’s headstone, but she is disappointed that something like this happened. According to Kirkland Police Chief Dan English, no reports have been filed.
GALINSKI, page 14
Written and Photographed by Mark Warren In November 2014, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that allows certain fireworks to be sold legally during specific time periods in Upstate New York. From June 1 to July 5 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 2, Class C items such as sparklers, firework fountains, and other novelties are available at suppliers all over the state. The bill does not simply allow firework sales statewide, however. Rather it gives each individual county the choice to opt-in to the bill if they so desire. So far, 32 counties have opted-in and are collecting sales tax revenue on the purchase of fireworks. One of the counties yet to opt-in is FIREWORKS, page 11
CLASS OF 2015 BOASTS 100 PERCENT GRADUATION RATE
Graduate David Scoones crosses the stage during Saturday’s commencement ceremony at CCS.
Caryl Galinski, Town Clerk, Dies at 66 Caryl A. Galinski, 66, of Norton Avenue, passed away T h u r s d a y, June 25, with her family at her side after a courageous battle with l e u k e m i a . Galinski was a Town of Kirkland employee for 25 years. Born on January 30, 1949, in Utica,
ONEIDA COUNTY AGAINST POTENTIAL BOOMING FIREWORKS REVENUE
After calling Tony’s Pizzeria on College Street her second home for most of her life, Amanda Miller will move south to Charleston, West Virginia, to pursue a career in pharmacy.
From Pizza to Prescriptions
Written and Photographed by John Howard
T
he first thing you learn stepping into the back of the house at Tony’s Pizzeria on College Street is that space is tight. With eight employees moving around during a Friday night rush, it gets even tighter. For longtime employees, maneuvering the cramped space comes easy. For Amanda Miller, it’s second nature. Amanda’s relationship with the
restaurant started when she was four years old, when Tony’s first opened its doors. After school and on weekends, she’d tag along with her parents, Tony’s owners Scott and Laura Miller. The pizzeria was home to her, and she happily busied herself with small tasks AMANDA, page 10
Written and Photographed by John Howard “Graduates,” High School Principal Matthew Lee said, addressing a full stage of students in white and maroon gowns, “move your tassels to the left.” One hundred and eight graduates were honored during the Clinton Central School’s 84th commencement ceremony last Saturday morning. High school diplomas were awarded to 100 percent of this year’s senior class. Following the ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Stephen Grimm called the perfect graduation rate “a credit to all who have supported our schools and graduates over the years.” Parents, many of whom filled the Performing Arts Complex theater during the ceremony, were a common theme throughout the morning. In his opening remarks, Lee paid tribute to the moms and dads in the crowd. “No matter how much you learn, graduates, your parents will always be COMMENCEMENT, page 14
THE CLINTON COURIER 2
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
Founded July 7, 1846
A community newspaper serving the Village of Clinton and Town of Kirkland, New York. USPS 135-240 Published weekly on Wednesdays by St. Porcupine, LLC.
56 Dwight Ave., Clinton, NY 13323
Periodical Postage paid at Clinton, NY 13323 Subscription rates: $40 inside Oneida County, $55 outside Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Clinton Courier, P.O. Box 294, Clinton, NY 13323-0294 Publisher Emily Howard emily@clintoncourier.com Executive Editor John Howard john@clintoncourier.com
Illustration by Clinton resident Bernie Freytag
Office Manager Blanche S. Richter blanche@clintoncourier.com
Editor’s Note
Advertising Sales Rep Carol Misiaszek carol@clintoncourier.com
Summer, Pride and the Press
Reporter Mark Warren mark@clintoncourier.com Intern Kaitlin Meier intern@clintoncourier.com Copy Editor Nicholas Mohlmann General inquiries info@clintoncourier.com Advertising ads@clintoncourier.com Letters letters@clintoncourier.com Contact 315.853.3490 Fax 315.853.3522 Visit us online: http://clintoncourier.com http://twitter.com/couriercny http://facebook.com/couriercny Please Recycle
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Inside this issue Village Voices: We asked community members about their escape plans. Page 5. ‘Let’s Pray to Justice’: A photo essay on a gathering for Charleston victims. Page 6. Class of 2015 Commencement Speeches: Read what the four speakers had to say. Pages 7-9. Local Gym’s Future Uncertain: The Clinton School Community Fitness Center faces challenges ahead. Page 15. Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Taking Shape: This winter, CCS girls could play for their school. Page 16.
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If you listen very closely this time of year while you’re out and about, you can hear the minds of students unwinding. The sound started somewhere around fifth grade graduation at the Clinton Elementary School earlier this month and grew progressively louder to this past weekend as seniors became CCS alumni at the Performing Arts Complex theater. Slowly, like a pocket watch running out of juice, the gears seize up, grinding to a halt, and institutional thinking comes to an end for two months. Summer vacation. It is glorious. This week, we ran a story on our website that got a big response. It was about the misspelling of “Clinton Central School” on the Class of 2015’s diploma covers. We chose not to run it in the paper for a few reasons. (If you really want to read it, though, you can find it on our website: http://clintoncourier.com.) For one, a lot of people have already seen it online. The Facebook post alone was seen by more than 10,000 people, and shared by 150 people and counting. The story went on to get picked up by other media outlets, like WIBX and WKTV, and as far away as Syracuse on News Channel 9. When we posted it, we had no idea that it would elicit that kind of reaction. Secondly, we wanted to leave space for other graduation coverage. This year’s commencement ceremony featured four speeches from talented writers. Having read Jack Murphy’s speech before it was part of the program, I was really impressed by the emotions he was able to embed in his language. I bring the diploma debacle up because of the reaction it got from readers. Some were upset that we were focusing on this issue, possibly overshadowing the ceremony itself, which I get. Some were upset that we even covered such a story in the first place, which
I don’t get. We chose to cover this because, for the graduates and families at the event, it was the first thing out of everyone’s mouth following the recessional. It was on people’s minds. They were concerned, the school was prepared to replace the covers, and we wanted to let readers know. It’s news. Everyone makes mistakes, no matter how hard we try to avoid them. The school handled the incident gracefully. Yes, they were embarrassed, but they didn’t try to place blame or avoid the issue. Staff members openly discussed it and made plans to remedy the situation as soon as possible. Students, for the most part from what I could tell, just found the whole thing hilarious. They will have a special memory, unique to their particular graduating class, to look back on and smile. The negative reaction to the story was a reminder to me of the pride residents feel for their local school and their Village. It’s the same pride we feel looking back on Jack Kane’s hockey career (see page 1), or looking forward to a new girls varsity hockey program coming to our Arena (see page 16). And it’s the same pride that makes us grit our teeth at the thought of someone defacing the gravesite of a lost relative at our cemetery (also see page 1). Pride, while it doesn’t belong in newswriting decisions, is a good thing to have on our minds and in our hearts as we approach this holiday weekend.
–John Howard, Editor
Village Hack: Late Nights at the Utica Zoo By Staff The Utica Zoo isn’t just an area landmark, it’s an educational destination for bored children and stressed parents looking for something to do this summer. If you’re a family on a budget, there are only a select few summer destinations that won’t cost you a penny. But this summer, the zoo will be open Tuesday, July 14, and Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 5–7:45 p.m. for free. Yes, free!
The free nights are part of the Utica Zoo’s special summer Tuesday night programming, which features things like storytime and educational talks. In addition to the free nights, the zoo will be open until at least 7 p.m. through Aug. 25, so take advantage of the savings and extended hours while you can. Regular zoo hours are 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m. daily, with admission fees of $8 or less.
*Please note, this number is not monitored. If you need to speak to someone, call the office at 853-3490 All text and images are © 2015 St. Porcupine, LLC, unless otherwise noted. Nothing in this paper may be reproduced or copied without the written consent of an authorized member of St. Porcupine, LLC.
Write us: letters@clintoncourier.com The Courier reserves the right to print, edit or modify any letters or correspondence submitted to its staff.
THE CLINTON COURIER 3
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
LETTER: BARDEN MUDFEST THANK YOU April 25, 2015 was another banner day in Deansboro. With support from our sponsors, donors, volunteers, runners and spectators, we at the Daniel Barden Highland Mudfest were able to continue sending the message that we stand with the families of Sandy Hook, Connecticut. and we aim to foster a sense of connectedness and kindness in all of us. We are so grateful for our sponsors. We would like to thank Pepsico, Saranac, New York Sash, Clinton Tractor, Paragon Athletic Club, the Rob Esche (Save of the Day) Foundation, NYCM, K-Rock, Trackside Auto, Quality Manufacturing, Atlantis Family Fun, Whispering Winds Farm, Barton and Loguidice, Barker Brook Golf Club, as well as Lurie & Co., Northwestern Mutual Insurance, North Star Orchards, Professional Transmission, Central Contracting, Newtown Medispa, NYE Auto, White's Farm Supply, Hamilton Teacher's Association, Suburban Propane and FISIO Physical Therapy and Wellness. It takes a village to create and sustain a mud run, and many tools, machinery and materials. We are grateful to our in-kind sponsors who provide us with the necessary items to build the obstacles. Thank you to Mohawk Valley Living, Curtis Lumber, Lincoln Davies, Oneida Madison Electric Co-Op, Sherwin Williams, Parry's Hardware, Williams Fence, Stewart's, Hannaford, Deb's Dog D-Tails, Price Chopper, Gallagher Fence, Romanelli Communications, Wheelock Disposal, TMS, Walmart Norwich, Action Letter, Center
State Propane (who didn't love that hot water at the end of the run?), TNT Racing, The Gallery, KASKON, Danny Siedsma, Garrett Harrington, Mike Zygmunt, and the Clinton VFW for hosting the pasta dinner the night before the race. A huge thanks to the Deansboro, Oriskany Falls, Waterville and Westmoreland EMS/Fire departments for volunteering their time to keep our runners safe. MKJ Farm is the perfect spot for this event and we are very grateful to Jack Buschmann for turning the other way when we tear up his lawn or build an obstacle such as Paul Bunyan's cabin in his front yard. To our runners, volunteers, donors and spectators, we extend a thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We were able to raise close to $90,000! Your determination, generosity and fortitude is making it possible for 16 8th grade students from our area and the Sandy Hook area to embark on an 80-mile canoe journey through the Adirondacks this July. The goal is for kids to be outside, learning about themselves and other people, and then return to better understand the world around them. Thank you for getting deeply muddy with us. We are so proud of our hometown and we hope to see you volunteering or running on April 30, 2016 at the 4th annual Daniel Barden Mudfest. Sincerely, Dan and Melissa Williams Dave and Jess Poyer Frank and Karin LaBanca Daniel Barden Mudfest Committee
LETTER: FOUR GENERATIONS Four generations of Stressels came together for a birthday party last November in Georgia. Seen in the photo at right is Beatrice Stressel-Silver, of Clinton, holding great-grandson Maddox Stressel-Lewis (center), along with Susan Stressel (left), grandmother of Maddox, and Maddox’s father, Brandon Stressel-Lewis (right). Photo submitted by Beatrice StresselSilver, a regular reader of The Courier.
Photo courtesy of Clinton Historical Society Mary McGinnis stands next to former Clinton mayor, G. Harlan Lewis, while ringing the bell on a tripod on the lawn next to the School’s tower in July 1972.
Clinton Scene: School Bell By Richard L. Williams, Town and Village Historian
T
he school bell shown here travelled around the Village since 1859 and resides quietly in the lobby of the Clinton Middle School rebuilt auditorium today. This bell story began in West troy, New York in 1859 at the Meenely Bell Company. The 225 pound bell arrived in Clinton and was at the Hamilton College Chapel between 1859 and 1867. This was the second Chapel bell and has a pitch of G flat. The College gave the bell to the Clinton Grammar School, one of Clinton’s early and more prominent private schools located at 86-88 College St. This boys school for boarding and day students was a classical school which prepared the boys for colleges such as Hamilton. The Clinton Grammar School started in 1813 over the Burns Agency at 29 West Park Row and moved to a new building at 86-88 College St. in 1816 and stayed there until closing in 1892. At times other private boys schools of Clinton merged into the Grammar School, which closed due to the building of the new Clinton Union School on Marvin Street in 1892, Clinton’s first public secondary high school. The days of more than 65 private secondary and primary schools had come to an end here after 75 years. During the Historic Clinton Week July 10-16, 1972, one highlight was the rededication of the bell at the Clinton Junior High School (now the renamed Middle School). It was intended to be mounted in the bell tower, long a symbol of the Clinton schools. However, due to technical problems positioning it properly to ring clearly and loudly, the bell is now on a special frame in the lobby. Back to the bell’s journey: after the bell was removed from the closed
Clinton Grammar school in 1892, it found a home in the new Clinton Union School and Academy of District No. 4 on Marvin Street. Your historian, who attended Marvin Street School in the 1940s, can not remember it ever being rung, but it might have been earlier. With the Marvin Street School closing in the early 1970s, the bell moved to the Clinton campus on Chenango Avenue where it remains today as described above. At the July 1972 rededication an honored guest attended the event and is pictured in the top picture. Mary McGinnis, a lifelong Clinton resident then living on Kellogg Street, was one of the first pupils to enter the Clinton Union School and Academy. Interestingly, her childhood home was located on the exact site of the new Academy, one of two homes removed to make way for the new building in 1892. The inactive bell has had four homes in 146 years ranging from the College Chapel to a private school to two Clinton public schools.
Photo courtesy of Richard Williams Today, the bell resides safely in the Performing Arts Complex lobby for all to see mounted on a special frame.
Past Issues July 4, 1990
25 Years Ago
The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse will perform “Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!” at the Kirkland Art Center for two separate performances. The act will feature full body dinosaur costumes to help children visualize the information. The 1990 Clintonian, the yearbook for the Clinton High School, recently received the Golden Galleon Award from Jostens Printing and Publishing Company. The award is given in recognition of “outstanding contributions to journalism.” A walking tour of the Clinton Historic District will be conducted by the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica. The tour will begin at the fountain on the Village Green. The Skenandoa Ladies’ 9-Hole Golf Group Invitational was held, with the first place finisher being local Kirkland golfer Pat Galinski. Galinski shot an overall gross of 49 strokes.
July 8, 1965
50 Years Ago
The town of Kirkland has no interest in getting involved in a “dump operation,” according to supervisor Frederic Goodwin. The remark was made in response to an inquiry by Douglas Burrows Sr., Village trash collector. A profit in the cafeteria program was announced at Tuesday’s School Board meeting. The figures revealed a profit for the year accounting to $2,128.50 which is the first time the school lunch program turned a profit. The Town of Kirkland has bought a 7-acre tract of land from Paul Weimer, Franklin Springs, on which the new Town garage will be built. The purchase price was $6,000. The Friends of the Deansboro Library meet tonight to authorize payment of bills and plan on a new project. The balance in the treasury will be large enough for a good addition to the Library resources and equipment.
75 Years Ago The issue of The Courier for this week in 1940 is missing from the bound volume of that year’s editions. July 7, 1915
100 Years Ago
There was no general celebration of the Fourth of July in this Village. A big bonfire at the lower end of the park and an attempt to ring the fire alarm on Saturday together with some firing of crackers and toy cannons satisfied the younger element. Mrs. B.F. Waters recently exhibited one of the largest roses ever seen in this vicinity. It measured 5 and one half inches in diameter, was double, the petals being very close and full, and was very fragrant. The work of putting down the new concrete gutter on Marvin Street is progressing under the direction of contractor Frank Doyle. Some of the property owners think a mistake was made in not paying a little more and having a full curb put in. Eighty four convicts in Sing Sing prison were on the verge of a revolt after they were ordered to get ready to transfer to Auburn.
July 9, 1890
125 Years Ago
The Oneida Dispatch’s office burned Monday. We congratulate it upon its prospective enjoyment of its entire outfit. There has been a great deal of criticism lately about clergymen marrying minors in this City, but the climax was reached last week when a minister not only married a boy and girl of tender years, but tied the knot when the boy could hardly keep his feet, he was so intoxicated. At a meeting of the Town Board last week, it was decided to notify the owners of the mill property on College Street to clean out the dam or raise the embankments at the side to prevent overflowing in times of high water. Nineteen years ago, a Lewis County farmer refused to let his daughter go to a candy pull. She went though, and stayed away. Last week, she drove up to her father’s door, lifted out her 11 children.
Community
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• CCS Class of 1975 Reunion will be held Saturday, July 4 at 1 p.m. at the Clinton VFW. • Clinton United Methodist Women will hold its annual pie sale on the Gree on Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. • Starting July 2, the Clinton Historical Society will be open on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturdays by appointment through Labor Day. The society is located at 1 Fountain St. Visit the Facebook page and website for more information. • Hospice & Palliative Care is holding a raffle to benefit hospice services in the community. The winner will receive two season tickets to the Utica Comets 2015-16 season. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased with cash only at Hospice & Palliative Care in New Hartford from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. • The Kirkland Town Library is offering a 50 percent discount on family admissions to the Adirondack Museum. Stop by the Library to borrow the membership card. The museum is open through Oct. 12.
ACADEMICS
Roger Maxam, son of Rich and Bonnie Maxam of Clinton, has been named to the SUNY Potsdam president's list of excelling students for spring 2015. In order to gain this honor, students must take 12 or more credit hours and hold a semester grade point average of 3.5 or greater. Daniel Hisman and Matthew Lee, of Clinton, were named to the Salem State University dean’s list for the spring 2015 quarter. Bridget Ann Creedon, of Clinton, has been named to the dean's list at Clemson University for the spring 2015 semester. To be named to the dean's list at Clemson, students must have achieved a GPA between 3.50 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale. Creedon is a prebusiness major. Sara Dampf, of Clinton, was named to the dean's list at the University of New Haven for the spring 2015 semester. To be named to the dean’s list at New Haven, students must have achieved a cumulative semester GPA of 3.5 or better with a full-time course load. Casey McMichael, of Clinton, has been named to the dean's list for the spring 2015 semester at the State University of New York at Oswego. To be named to the dean’s list at Oswego, students must have achieved a semester grade average between 3.30 and 3.79. McMichael is a senior majoring in broadcasting and mass communication. Steven Williams, of Clinton, has been named to the State University of New York at Geneseo's dean's list for the spring semester 2015. To be named to the dean’s list at Geneseo, a student must have achieved at least a 3.5 semester GPA, while taking a minimum of 12 credit hours. Amanda Sharron, of Clinton, has been named to the dean's list at Western New England University for the fall semester of 2015. To be named to the dean's list at Western New England, students must have achieved a semester GPA of 3.30 or higher. Sharron is working toward a degree in secondary education. Christopher Krasniak, of Clinton, has been named to the dean's list at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. To be named to the dean's list at Colby, students must have received a semester GPA of 3.76 or higher. Krasniak, a senior, is the son of Carl and Lidia Krasniak. Judith DiCioccio, of Clinton, has been named to the dean's list at Herkimer College for the spring 2015 semester. To be named to the dean's list at Herkimer, students must have achieved a semester GPA between 3.25 and 3.79. DiCioccio is majoring in science.
Erica Freund, of Clinton, has been named to the dean's list at Wake Forest University for the spring 2015 semester. To be named to the dean's list at Wake Forest, students must have achieved a semester GPA of 3.4 and no grade below a "C.” Nicholas Waszkiewicz, of Clinton, has been named to the dean’s list at the State University of New York at New Paltz for the spring 2015 semester. To be named to the dean's list, students must have achieved a semester GPA of at least a 3.3 with a full-time course load. Waszkiewicz is majoring in psychology. John Zoller, of Clinton, has been named to the dean’s list at Loyola University Maryland for the spring 2015 semester. To be named to the dean’s list at Loyola, students must have achieved a semester GPA of at least 3.5, while taking a minimum of 15 credit hours.
GRADUATIONS The following students graduated from Utica College with masters or doctoral degrees this spring: Andrea Lynn Bonomo, doctor of physical therapy, Clinton. GraceAnne Marie Herard, doctor of physical therapy, Clinton. James Maxwell Contessa, M.S. occupational therapy, Clinton. The following Clinton students recently graduated from Utica College with bachelor degrees: Kaitland Brown (BS with honors, health studies-PT track), Benjamin Hobaica (BS with honors, biology), Kortney Aversa (BS, therapeutic recreation), Katherine Cadieux (BS, general management), Marissa Fenner (BA, sociology/anthropology), Trisha Gavett (BS, nursing), Danielle McHarris (BS, biochemistry), Matthew Schlosser (BA, government and politics), Nancy Choquette (BS, liberal studies with a dual major in childhood and special education), Christopher Evans (BS, cybersecurity and information assurance cybercrime investigation/forensics) Patrick Foxton, of Clinton, graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Saint Rose in Albany. Amanda Sharron, of Clinton, graduated cum laude from Western New England University with a Bachelor of Science in mathematical sciences. The following Clinton graduates from the State University of New York at Oswego were recognized for completing their baccalaureate studies: Mark Hanna earned a Bachelor Fine Arts degree in graphic design and Alexander Jansing earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics. The following Clinton graduates received degrees at State University of New York Polytechnic Institute’s 41st annual commencement: Bryan Adams (BS, network and computer security), Laura Black (BS, communication/information design), Theresa Hutchings (MS, family nurse practitioner), Ryan Lallier (BS, mechanical engineering technology), John Lewis (BS, business administration), Jonathan Mogle (BS, mechanical engineering technology), Christa Saunders (MS, accountancy), Whitley Tate (BA, sociology)
AWARDS
Dylan Broomfield, of Clinton, a senior at Clarkson University majoring in mechanical engineering, received the Student Marshal Award. The privileged designation presented by the alumni association honors students who stand out as leaders, but may not have yet been recognized for their contributions to the Clarkson community.
THE CLINTON COURIER 4
Library Notes
The Importance of Libraries By Anne Debraggio, Director, Kirkland Town Library
I
ndependence Day is a perfect time to thank all who support libraries. Why? As Elliot Shelkrot, former director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, remarked, “Democracy depends on an informed population. And where can people get all the information they need?—At the library.” The founders of our country recognized the importance of an informed populace, where access to ideas was not curtailed. John Adams said “liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right. . . and a desire to know.” Benjamin Franklin noted, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Franklin developed a plan for a public library, the “Library Company.” Fifty founding members donated 40 shillings to begin the collection and promised an additional 10 shillings to allow the library to grow. Libraries are about learning, about improving society by throwing our doors open to all—regardless of economic status, educational level, race, gender, religion, or age. We are neutral spaces, places where interaction and knowledge creation occur. We are about democracy. Thomas Paine wrote “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” Thank you for never tiring in your support of the public library. Thank you from someone who is fortunate to work in a library, but also from a fellow citizen who believes deeply in the link between learning and a better society. “Liberty! The American Revolution,” by Thomas Fleming is the companion volume to the PBS series of the same name. Illustrated with more than 200 paintings and photographs, it features the personal stories of many of the period’s most influential individuals and provides “a panoramic portrait” of the years 1763 to 1789. This coffee table-sized book is worth checking out just to browse through the illustrations with your family. Another oversized book by historian Hugh Howard is “Houses of the Founding Fathers: The Men Who Made America and the Way They Lived.” This is a visual tour of forty patriots’ homes— Jefferson, Washington, Adams, and Hamilton— along with the homes of many other signers of the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. Howard’s work reminds us that our founders were “wonderfully human,” and allows us to “imagine their footsteps and to feel our kinship with them” (Walter Isaacson). “Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence” is by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of
“Founding Brothers” Joseph J. Ellis. “While the thirteen colonies came together and agreed to secede from the British Empire, the British were dispatching the largest armada ever to cross the Atlantic to crush the rebellion. In a brilliant and seamless narrative, Ellis examines the most influential figures in this moment and weaves together the political and military experiences as two sides of a single story, and shows how events on one front influenced outcomes on the other” (book jacket). “1776,” by David McCullough, another Pulitzer Prize-winner, tells the “human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence.” Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, this is “a powerful drama written with extraordinary narrative vitality” (book jacket). “The American Revolution: A History,” by Gordon S. Wood is a short book, fewer than 175 pages, which offers an “analytic summary” of the founding of our nation. It is part of the Modern Library Chronicles series, which offers “accessible-but-serious works of scholarship” for interested readers. Wood deftly describes the seeds of the Revolution, the course of actual warfare and the battle to draw a governing blueprint for the new country (Amazon.com review). The Library of America’s “The American Revolution: Writings from the War of Independence” is a collection of more than 120 primary source pieces—letters, diaries, newspaper articles, public declarations, and private memoranda. “From Paul Revere’s own narrative of his ride in April 1775 to an account of George Washington’s resignation from command of the Army in December 1783, the volume presents firsthand all the major events of the conflict and creates a unique literary panorama of the War of Independence” (book jacket). “Celebrating the Revolutionary War: Municipal Symbols of a Free Country,” compiled by Marvin W. Bubie can serve as an introduction to sigillography—the study of official seals. Over the years, Bubie has collected seals because “each seal is a mini-history lesson relating to a common heritage.” This book celebrates the American Revolution through a look at the creation of official municipal seals. It’s interesting to turn through the pages of this book, discovering why certain images are used in city, town and village seals. Be sure to check out page 14, where you will find the seal of the Village of Clinton and information contributed by local historian Richard Williams. Happy July 4—and celebrate our country’s freedoms by stopping in a library!
This Week Check Out: The Alcotts 1. “Little Women,” by Louisa May Alcott 2. “March,” by Geraldine Brooks 3. “American Bloomsbury,” by Susan Cheever
4. “Little Women Next Door,” by Sheila Klass 5. “The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott,” by Kelly O'Connor McNees
See You at the Library!
Community
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
WHERE’S YOUR C?
This week, we hear from Ira Cooperman, 300 miles west in Chautauqua, New York, at the Chautauqua Institution. Cooperman teaches five courses at the institution during the summer, while also partaking in the area’s culture. While away for the season, he takes his subscription to The Courier with him. This photo was taken during “a typical rainy day” on a friend’s porch. In the background, note Cooperman’s electric bike. Heading out of town this summer? Take a copy of The Courier with you and send a photo to news@clintoncourier.com. Your message could end up right here!
VILLAGE VOICES
If you were a fugitive, what would be your escape plan?
“I definitely wouldn’t leave my underwear in somebody’s house. That would probably be number one if I was gonna try to get away from the cops. In that situation, I would swim. I’d be gone to Canada. No dogs, nothing. To me that would be the easy way out.” Howie Love, Camden
“If I was in the New York prison? My friend lives a mile away from that jail. I’d probably hide out at her place.” - Anna Lamont, Waterville
“By now, I would definitely be out of the state and probably in Canada. You would do what you had to do to survive. I would try to hunker down in some place and stay. It would take some doing.” - Paul Joseph, Clinton
“I’d definitely go to Canada, and if I got there by a stolen vehicle I would probably burn it when I got there. I’d destroy evidence of how I got there. I’ve already thought about it before.” - Joshua Spaeth, Sauquoit
THE CALENDAR
2
Just Add Water exhibition opening. View watercolors from more than 100 artists. Attend the preview party for $10 from 7-8 p.m. with music and a tasting by Adirondack Distillery or the free reception begins at 8 p.m. at the KAC.
4
Happy Fourth of July! Take in the parade starting at 7 p.m. and the fireworks starting at dark. The parade begins on Elm Street and heads out to College Street.
6
Village Board Meeting. 7 p.m. at Lumbard Hall.
7
Tuesdays Concerts in the Park kickoff. Take in the muscial stylings of Monk Rowe Trio. 7 p.m. on the Green.
8
Yoga on the Lawn with Kalyn Mould. 6:30 pm at the Village Green. Free.
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THE CLINTON COURIER 5
New Founders’ Monument to be Unveiled By Kaitlin Meier On Friday night of Historic Clinton Week, July 3 at 7 p.m., the new Founders Monument commemorating the settlement of the Village will be unveiled. The settlement took place on March 3, 1787, by Moses Foote, Luther Foote, Bronson Foote, Ira Foote, James Bronson, Ludim Blodget, Barnabas Pond and Levi Sherman. The limestone monument lists their names along with the words “Nine Miles to Utica.” At the unveiling, some descendants of the original settlers will be on hand and the public is invited to attend. John Burdick proposed the replacement of the
stone to the Village Board on Feb. 2, after first pitching the idea to Village Park Commissioner Richard Heintz, the Clinton Historical Society Board and local monument dealer Enea Memorials of Herkimer. He had been concerned about its deteriorating condition for quite some time. It had large cracks from top to bottom and the shallow lettering was being worn down to the point where it was becoming difficult to read. Harry Enea, Kevin Enea and Jason Cacciatore of Enea Memorials told Burdick they would be interested in donating a similar
replacement monument to the Village. The new model has been cut from Barre Vermont Grey Granite with deep cut, sand blasted lettering, which will be easier to read and more resistant to the elements. The CHS has also agreed to preserve the historic limestone monument that has stood in Clinton for generations after the unveiling of the new monument. This is the 38th year that the Village will celebrate its background through the annual tradition of Historic Clinton Week, which takes place from late June to early July.
Pack 44 and Troop 44 from Clark Mills recently took two separate trips to Cedarlands Scout Reservation, a 4,500 acre camp in Long Lake, New York, and spent time swimming, fishing, hiking and canoeing, as well as enjoying a BBQ dinner and s’mores in the evening. Upcoming events include summer camp at Sabattis Adventure Camp, a canoe trek from Blue Mountain Lake to Long Lake, and a trip to the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 next May. New members are always welcome. First Row (from left): Isaac Eldridge, Dominick Curtis, Matt Steates Second Row: Jim Steates, Nick Stokes, Mitch Schram, Hayden Johnson, Travis Huther, Collin Kelly, Mitch Fedor, Dylan Elwood, Riley Kelly and McKenzie Mazor Third Row: Mitch West, Paul White, Mike Dodson, Lane Ashton and Bill Caldwell.
THE CLINTON COURIER 6
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
‘LET’S PRAY TO JUSTICE’ Photos by John Howard
KAC News
“I tell people that I cry all the time. … I’m scared every day of my life, but I shall not be moved.”
Book Sale No More The Kirkland Art Center will discontinue its fall book sale this year, due to staff limitations and a new approach to fundraising. “Over the years, it has been a great fundraiser with terrific community support,” a press release from KAC Executive Director John Gardner reads. “However, it also required daily work for our small staff and major volunteer efforts for six months of the year.” In his statement, Gardner thanked members and book sale volunteers Betsy Bedient, Barb Decker and Helen Werner, “who sorted more books than can be imagined for years.” The KAC will focus the energy and time spent on the book sale on new, creative fundraising approaches that are more “mission-oriented.” That mission being “to educate children and adults to advocate for artists and the arts, and to engage the community in a range of cultural experiences and opportunities.” With the absence of the fall sale, the KAC staff encourages residents to attend the Kirkland Town Library’s Annual Book Sale, scheduled for Boilermaker weekend, July 10–12, on the Village Green. The KAC will continue to sell artrelated books at events.
Phyllis Breland, director of Opportunity Programs at Hamilton.
Members of the Hamilton College community and residents of the surrounding area came together last Thursday in the campus Chapel for a remembrance service in honor of the nine shooting victims at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
“Just Add Water” Opening Reception
Following the service, participants sat in silence and wrote letters to the families of the victims and members of the Emanuel AME Church.
The KAC will present an opening reception for its newest exhibition, “Just Add Water,” a collaboration with Golden Artist Colors, on Thursday, July 2, from 8–10 p.m. The exhibition includes more than 100 works and features artists from more than 10 states and two countries. A special preview party for this show will take place from 7–8 p.m. for $10. The party will feature live jazz music, a tasting by Adirondack Distillery, and a first chance to buy any of the works of art on display, which will be on sale for $20. Partners in Prosperity Grant
“What are we doing? What are we doing?” Shelley Haley, a professor of classics and Africana studies, asked through tears. “This person was the product of white supremacism. … I can’t take much more of this white noise [in the media], pun intended.”
Candles were lit throughout the remembrance, during stories, songs and a silent Powerpoint presentation showing the six women and three men, all of whom were black, killed in the June 17 slaying.
The KAC has received a Partners in Prosperity grant award for $5,999, which will go towards funding an after school film program. The program will work to provide youths in the area with a new way to learn about culture by focusing on films. The Kirkland Art Center is equipped with a drop down screen and projector which needs to be replaced. A new projector and funds to license the films will also come from the award. The program is set to launch this fall and the opening line up of films will be announced soon.
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Education
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
LOCAL STUDENT EXPLORES LOBBYING CAREER
Cassie Dennison By Thomas Georges, Hamilton College Cassie Dennison, the daughter of Lori and Dr. Jim Dennison of Clinton and a rising senior at Hamilton College is spending her summer interning as a legislative analyst at Williams & Jensen, LLC, in Washington D.C, a litigation and lobbying firm. Dennison, a government major, discovered the internship through a connection at the Career and Life Outcomes Center , which put her in contact with Hamilton alumnus George Baker (1974), a partner at Williams & Jensen. The firm is home to a number of other Hamilton alumni, including Baker’s fellow partner Frank Vlossak (1989), Marc Pitarresi (2010) and Kevin Prior (2013). While Dennison has long harbored a passion for government and political studies, it was not until she arrived at Hamilton that passion became a part of her potential career path. “Growing up, I always thought of my love of government and politics as a hobby,” she said. “While at Hamilton I discovered it was much more than that. Growing up in Clinton doesn’t give you much exposure to the world of politics. Knowing that, I decided to ‘test the waters,’ and see if government was the career path for me,” Dennison explained. “Last summer I interned on a Congressional campaign and loved the experience. I decided that this spring and summer I would try to build off that experience.” To that end, Dennison spent her most recent spring semester with the Hamilton Program in Washington, where she began her current work with Williams & Jensen.
There is no “average” day for Dennison. “The thing about lobbying is that no two days are exactly alike,” she said. “Some days I walk into the office and casually work on a research project. There are others when I get in the morning and have to cover hearings, meet with clients and research the amendment that was just put on a Bill,” she explained. Dennison’s other responsibilities include writing reports for clients, organizing and attending briefings, preparing witnesses for testimony in Congress, the creation of client presentations, writing letters of support on behalf of clients, and research on voting trends, politicians and areas of political interest for the firm. Dennison’s time with Williams & Jensen, and more broadly, her time in D.C., has been eye opening. “Despite popular belief, it’s nothing like House of Cards — sorry to disappoint,” she jokes, adding, “there are a couple of things that I wish people knew. One is the idea that lobbying firms only represent big businesses with lots of money is a complete myth. Yes, some clients are big businesses, but that doesn’t mean all are. For example, just this week I had dinner with an oil producer from New Mexico whose company has only 25 employees.” The internship has clarified Dennison’s professional aspirations as well. “If you had asked me [about my plans] two months ago I would have said that I had no idea. This past semester and summer has really clarified my post-grad plans — I definitely want to be back in D.C. and I’m thinking about going into consulting or lobbying,” she said, concluding, “I also knew that if I were to pursue politics as a career I’d need knowledge of what actually happens on the Hill. This internship has helped me develop that knowledge and will hopefully put me on the right path for a career in government or politics.” This article originally appeared as part of Hamilton College’s news on http://hamilton.edu. It is reprinted with permission. Thomas Georges is a member of the Class of 2017 and also a resident of Clinton.
THE CLINTON COURIER 7
Class of 2015
Commencement Speeches
JACK MURPHY I'm speaking today because of the empty chair we have on stage this morning. It has been left there to honor a classmate who couldn't be here today. In kindergarten, I had Ms. Mosher as a teacher. That summer, she became Mrs. Stiltz, but I am still barely able to bring that to mind when I think of her. Every morning, Ms. Mosher would have a message written on the board for us. As far as I can remember, it usually had information pertaining to the day's activities, the lunch selection, and directions for what to do while we waited for class to begin. On one morning, there was no message written on the board. I clearly remember the confusion as we sat down on the carpet where Ms. Mosher waited for us. According to her, there had been a tragic event over the weekend. One of our classmates, Paul Emery, had passed away. Paul, who often talked about riding on snowmobiles, had flipped his ride and was killed in the snow. Although help came immediately, nothing could be done. This was my first experience with death, and my only one for a long time. I suppose maybe I didn't comprehend it properly. I remember that I didn't cry. I remember having to ask what "passed away" meant. I don't know whether or not I understood the situation, but I understood the circumstances. Paul was no longer with us. I felt okay about that. And I still feel okay about that, but for a different reason. Now that I understand death, looking back upon the whole experience elicits sadness, but not despair. My few memories of
Paul remain clear—he was kind, he was smart. Like me, he played Pokemon. In particular, I remember that Paul was known for being strong. He would frequently remind us of his strength, and demonstrate it when he had the opportunity. As kindergartners, we wrote it off as bragging, but it was what he was proud of. Near the Elementary School, there is a tree planted in Paul's memory. There is also a marker engraved with his name. I like to think that even though Paul lost his life, it was repaid by this sapling, which has remained with all of us through our years. Assuming he hadn't moved away, Paul would be graduating with us today. I sometimes try to imagine what he would be like now, but having seen the way my peers have grown and changed in 13 years, it's truly impossible to tell. He may have been an athlete, or a nerd, or a musician. We can't possibly predict his aspirations based on the person he was at age five. But I do know this: wherever it may be that his talent was meant to lie, it lives on within us. We carry that lost future in ourselves, and from this day forward, Paul will take the next step in life to become the things that we become, to share in our great experiences and grow as we grow. Through success and failure, hardships and celebrations, we honor his name today by taking it with us into our futures as the Class of 2015. Paul may not be in today's program, but he walks today, just like the rest of us. This is his day, too. It's been a long 13 years. I'm sure he'd be just as excited about his future as we are. SPEECHES, page 8
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Education
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
Class of 2015
Commencement Speeches (continued from page 7)
REBECCA WILLIAMS, SALUTATORIAN Good morning and welcome to the class of 2015 commencement. Today is also my grandfather’s 65th high school reunion, and I can confidently say that after 65 years, the wise words given at his own graduation are long forgotten. I don’t expect anyone here to remember my speech in 65 years, and that’s alright, because what I’m saying is for today. For now. In 65 years we won’t remember these words or that long walk down the center aisle to receive your diploma. What we will remember is this feeling:
this apprehension and excitement, this joy and overwhelming nostalgia. Memories are retained through what we feel. In this class of 2015, we may have the next Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Picasso, Edison, Kardashian… the potential for wild success and good fortune is endless. Or we may not; we may live extraordinarily average lives. Either way, in 65 years the memories we have of one another will be reduced to a single sentence: “She was always really nice in math class” or “He stole all of my pens in eighth grade.” In the future ahead of us, it will be the same. The people we meet will remember us by one memory, or one impression. As Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As we go forward, we can choose to spend our time worrying about our own accomplishments, our own emotions and our own social and economic standings. Or we can instead focus on the impact we have on others, voluntary or accidental. It is not our own accomplishments that will cause others to remember us with care. The memories we created by making others feel will tell the story of who we were and the lives we lived. As a class of young adults, we are still at the beginning of that journey. Let the feelings you cause be positive; create admiration and affection rather than anger or remorse. When old friends look back on their memories of you and comment with one simple sentence, let that sentence be a good one.
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MELLANY BARTKOWIAK, CLASS SPEAKER Goodbye. It is as inevitable as growing up, breathing, smiling. Goodbye is part of our never-ending story. Our lives are not measured in chapters, but rather in volumes, and as our first volume comes to an end we are learning that goodbye cannot be avoided. I have thought about goodbye rather often and as this year comes to a close, I realize that I do not know how I will say goodbye to all of you. I will miss every one of you so very dearly and although I realize we will see each other again; passing on a sidewalk, sitting in a restaurant, this is our goodbye. We say goodbye to our friends, to our teachers, to our school, our family. For 13 years, we have walked on the same sidewalks, seen the same faces every day, and now that I realize I will no longer be experiencing these same things, I know just how much I have taken them for granted. We are luckier than we realize, to have been able to be a part of such a wonderful family here at Clinton. So as I sat down to write this speech, I thought: “What is the last thing that I want to say to all of my classmates here today?” I realized that this was my last chance to express all of my appreciation, love and admiration for everyone I have met here at Clinton High School. What advice can I give that will truly make a difference for my classmates in the next few months as we prepare to go off to college? It is now that I would like to share with you a very important story, about advice that I found in the most unlikely of places. I have a beautiful young cousin who was entering kindergarten last fall. I would like to share with you a conversation we had. “So, are you excited for kindergarten
THE CLINTON COURIER 8
next year?” I ask. “Well, yeah,” she mumbles, followed by a twiddling of thumbs, a silence. “Is something wrong?” I ask. No reply. She just stares at her thumbs. I pry on. “Are you maybe a little afraid?” At this, she lifts her head. I’ve discovered something. “I don’t know what kindergarten is like. What about all my friends?” she asks me. I am reminded of myself at this simplistic statement. As she enters kindergarten, I enter college, this whole world waiting ahead of me and yet I’m so afraid. “Well, you’ll be fine. You’re so smart,” I tell her, pretending to know. “I’ll miss my teacher. And my friends,” she tells me. I realize we are two in the same. Both of us taking on new worlds, not knowing how to say goodbye or let go of the things we have known our whole lives. “But I’m excited. It’ll be okay,” she says to me, as though she knows what I’m thinking. So, as I watched her graduate, her classmates singing with joy and excitement, I was reminded to take on the next volume of my life with the same courage and tenacity that she has. Although I say goodbye to all of you with a heavy heart, I know that it’ll be okay and that goodbye is only ever followed by hello. Goodbye does not mean that we forget everything we’ve had, but rather we take it with us into a new chapter, sharing with others the people that are entwined in the word. We will tell stories of our goodbyes and think back on our hellos as we continue to write. And sometime, in the future, we will open up that first volume of our lives and re-read what we have done. Either to our children, to our spouses, or simply to ourselves as a reminder of who we once were. As we have grown into young (continued on page 9)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
(continued from page 8) adults everything about us has changed. “Don’t grow up too fast” is now becoming an all-too-real regret. When we were young we had this burning desire to grow up, to leave, to explore, but never the courage to take that first step. Now that we have the courage to leave, we want to stop growing up, we want to stay. Another story comes to mind at this point. We all remember the old playground; the one made of wood, the love tunnel, the endless afternoons of running from the map painted on the ground, to the tire swing in the back. One day my mom asked me what teachers did if any of us tried to run into the fields behind the playground, there was no fence. I pondered the question and gave her the best answer I could. “Well, no one ever tried,” I answered. As children, we never knew what was out there, we never knew about the world waiting for us. Then, as we got older we wanted to find out and so we ran past the tire swing and into the fields, kicking a soccer ball, or sitting around with friends. Now, that we will be graduating we make our way back, wanting to stay on that playground with our old friends and wishing that we could swing one last time. Goodbye is never easy, no matter how long you’ve prepared for it, or how badly you want to leave. Even if we have bright futures ahead, it is hard to let go of all that we have done here. It seems as though my whole life I was waiting to get to high school, then to drive a car, then to go to college. These were our goals. So, we say goodbye, not only with sadness for what we will be leaving behind but with pride in what we did while we were here. We have watched each other grow, we have seen each other fall and you can bet that we were there to help pick each other up. And now that we stand together with pride in ourselves, and in one another, with courage in our sweaty palms, with a
Education hope that we will be as successful in the next steps of our lives as we have already been, we can honestly be ready to say goodbye. So, to my classmates, my friends, my teachers, my school. Goodbye.
SHANNON CHERPAK, VALEDICTORIAN
Keshavan Nair once said, “With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.” Let’s start with risks. Whether we realize or not, from the start of our lives we have all been taking risks. Most everything we do in life is a risk, nothing we do is 100 percent certain. Some examples include: our first step, first day of preschool, first time riding a bike, first day of high school, first kiss, first time driving a car, first job interview and applying to our dream schools. Although we may not have succeeded the first time out, all that mattered was that we got back up and kept riding along, showing that we are resilient. One life experience vividly comes to mind for me. In my junior year, I was roped into doing track. Anyone who is familiar with track cringes at the sound of 400-meter hurdles. However, not being familiar with what they are I gladly told Coach Deep I would try it out when he suggested it. As you can imagine, I had no idea what to expect and I fell, hard. Had you asked me immediately after that first race if I would be doing hurdles again, the answer would have been a definitive “No.” However, this year
I qualified for state quals for the 400-meter hurdles—taking that risk paid off. Sometimes in life the outcomes of risks you take may seem to be abject failure, but you can never lose hope that something wonderful can come out of it. When applying to colleges I applied to some Ivy League schools. When I was rejected, I would be lying if I said I did not feel hurt. However, in my college search I found my real dream school, Holy Cross, that I am more than excited to attend in the fall. Taking risks, whether they prove to be fruitful or not, builds strength. It isn’t always easy to be compassionate. We are taught from a young age, starting with our siblings, to be kind. Sorry, RJ and Cait, I may not have done a stellar job at this. However, an old English proverb states, “Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.” Compassion starts with being kind and not judging others. Another essential part of compassion is having the strength to forgive others. Pent-up anger will not only eat you alive but its destructiveness will also hurt others in the process. One never knows what another person carries with him or her, has gone through, and struggles with. Even those with seemingly idealistic lives may have struggles you are unaware of. Showing love and compassion is all it takes to make the world a better place. My years in Clinton have shown me that this is a compassionate community. People have come together to mourn the loss of family members, help others during floods, help after house fires and in numerous other ways that many people don’t even know about. The love and devotion we have seen has served as a wonderful model that I hope all of us will take with us and pass on. Humble… even as second graders reading “Charlotte’s Web” we have learned the importance of being humble.
THE CLINTON COURIER 9
Charlotte spins this word into her web to help out her dear friend Wilbur the pig. Charlotte’s definition of humble includes “not proud” and “near the ground.” While some may think this describes her friend Wilbur whom she is going out of her way to save, Charlotte is the epitome of humble. While the CCS Class of 2015 has accomplished many amazing things across all areas, we all need to remember the importance of humility and to conduct oneself accordingly. Keeping oneself grounded is the only way to keep moving forward and improve oneself. Otherwise you risk becoming the next Justin Bieber, and let’s be honest nobody wants that. We should all try to be a little bit more like Charlotte who, using only her emotions, made a positive and quiet difference in the life of someone else. This brings me to integrity. Integrity is not genetic, it’s like a muscle you train. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better.” At this point I’d like to shout out to my Long Island-born-and-raised mother, Margie Cherpak; it is her role modeling that has taught me not only what integrity is, but how to put it into action. I have watched my mother as she dealt with situations ranging from the death of my Nanny and Poppa, to divorce, to my brother rolling his car on the Thruway a week before his high school graduation. She dealt with these situations with total integrity. She operated the same all the time. She takes things in stride, moves on, never panics or melts down. She is steady, a rock, real. She never compromises her integrity or sells out. In closing, before we depart to reality, discover our potential, change the world, and become the amazing people we are destined to be, I’d like to leave you with one final quote from a wise Long Island lady: “Never let anyone take away who you are.”
THE CLINTON COURIER 10
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
AMANDA (continued from page 1) like folding pizza boxes, scrubbing dishes and taking orders down that came in. “She had to stand on a stool so that she could see over the counter,” said Laura. “She would wait on customers and cash them out.” “She’d answer the phone, ‘Tony’s Clinton, may I help you?’” said Scott. Amanda is 24 now. Early next month, she will move away to college to study at the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy in West Virginia—10 hours away from her home, her restaurant and her customers. This is Amanda’s second attempt at pursuing pharmacy as a career. Though she earned high marks in high school, the zero-tolerance curriculum at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science proved to be an impassable feat at the time for her and two-thirds of her classmates. Since then, Amanda has attended Mohawk Valley Community College and the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. During that time, she was also working 30 hours while taking classes. It was at SUNY Poly, during an immunology course, that Amanda became serious again about science and pharmacy. “When you look at each other, you don’t think about everything that
goes on at the cellular level. … It’s just really neat to learn how our bodies are able to do all these amazing things,” said Amanda. “It really hit home to me that this is what I want to do.” Amanda has two half brothers, who also grew up working in the restaurant. But as the baby of the family, she has the most time invested in it. Since her early years at Tony’s tripping over the bottom of her own apron, Amanda has matured into a manager’s role. She’s regimented, assigning employees to tasks, getting deliveries out on time, and keeping the ship running smoothly. When her parents aren’t around, she can open and close the restaurant—Laura calls Amanda her “mini-me.” Customers look forward to seeing Amanda when they come in to pick up their orders. She has a big laugh and isn’t afraid to crack jokes at their expense. The most loyal Tony’s regulars, who have heard about her college plans, are proud of her efforts, but admit that they will miss seeing her behind the counter. “I’ve come here for 20 years… Her smiling face and good service,” said regular Tom Diskin, “that’s what it’s all about.” Amanda’s fellow employees who have worked with her the longest see her as family. “She’s a rock here. She holds everything down,” said Justin Crawford, an employee of two years. “You learn from just watching her.” Amanda will miss the food and the
sense of home most about leaving Tony’s. If you ask her to compare the pizza business and pharmacy, though, there’s really not that much difference—you’re still serving customers. “I want to work in a retail pharmacy … and a lot of it is personality,” Amanda said. “I want to take this experience working with the public and put that into pharmacy school.” When someone has been with a
business since its beginning, leaving it will inevitably cause a shift in the culture, both for its work staff and its customers. Plans have been made to replace Amanda’s hours—namely, the owners putting in more hours of their own—but those saying goodbye will do so with heavy hearts. “She grew up here. She’s been like a staple here,” said Scott. “She’s going to be missed.”
Tony’s Pizzeria will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November. The store opened five months after Amanda Miller’s fourth birthday.
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KOGUT Excavating
3619 South St. Clinton, NY 13323
PH: 315.853.3991
Area Rugs • Ceramic Tile • Vinyl, Wood, Laminate, Marble, & Natural Stone Floors 5126 Commercial Drive East, Opposite Joe Tahan’s
www.meelanfloors.com • 315-736-7723
GRAPHIC DESIGN We have only two spots open in our business directory. Emails ads@clintoncourier.com to learn more.
THE CLINTON COURIER 11
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
to benefit instead of giving our money to a different state.’” When the legislation was first passed, only four counties initially opted in. Starting in February, Seaman began a process of contacting every legislator in New York in an attempt to change their minds. She felt a misconception existed about the law and wanted to get the truth out to state decision-makers. Seaman began doing research into injuries caused by fireworks as compared to other legal products such as bicycles. She found that over a three-year period, fireworks caused only 18 injuries and zero deaths in New York State. Bicycles accounted for 400 percent more injuries during that same span. Another hurdle Seaman had to overcome to educate legislators was to explain exactly what kind of fireworks were legalized. She told them Class B products, larger fireworks often used in professional displays, were not legalized—only smaller novelty sparkler type products were part of the bill. She combined her letter with the statistics she found and handed them out to legislators. Little by little counties chose to opt-in for the sale of fireworks. In total, 28 counties changed their mind. When the time came to confront Oneida County, Seaman was joined by Delvena Pavlot Rogers, president and manager of Owens-Pavlot and Rogers Funeral Service in Clinton. Both spoke at an Oneida County Board
FIREWORKS (continued from page 1) Oneida County. This does not mean residents cannot use fireworks here, but the sale of them is forbidden. To circumvent Oneida County’s decision on the matter, many in the area are traveling to nearby counties where the sale is legal, such as Madison, Herkimer and Lewis. After buying the fireworks, they return home and use them. Locals are still using small fireworks, but Oneida County is losing sales tax revenue to their neighbors. According to New York State Department of Taxation and Finance statistics, Oneida County saw a five percent decrease in sales tax revenue for the first quarter of 2015 as compared to a year ago. Alternative revenue streams like the sale of fireworks could help bolster this figure. Tami Seaman, the manager of Majestic Fireworks Inc. in Clinton, has been trying to convince Oneida County to change its mind for months. Prior to the bill being signed, New York State as a whole was losing money as residents traveled across state lines to Pennsylvania to purchase fireworks legally. Now, as more counties opt-in, more tax revenue is coming in. “Our money is going to Pennsylvania whether we like it or not—and they’re coming back with it,” Seaman said. “It’s coming back to every single county and the smart counties are the ones who realized that and opened up and said, ‘You know what? We’re going
of Legislators meeting on May 13 to state their case. The Oneida County Board heard their comments, but they did not offer any response or address the issue in the meeting. Rogers said she was frustrated that Oneida County refused to opt-in. “Our county legislatures are sticking their heads in the sand,” she said. “They are not taking advantage of this opportunity when other counties are. We need a new stream of revenue and this is it.” For the time being, Seaman is taking
a rest from battling Oneida County. Instead, she manages a building in Madison County which Majestic Fireworks is temporarily leasing to legally distribute fireworks during the summer selling period. “I’m not done with Oneida County, I’m just done right now—this is more important to me,” Seaman said. “They want to wait it out, that’s fine, but they’re going to miss out on a lot of tax dollars.” Oneida is one of sixteen New York counties that have yet to opt-in.
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
HOME CARE
Home Care+
INSURANCE
A variety of elder care services provided in the comfort of your home. Services include: •Transportation for medical related appointments, errands, etc. • Personal hygiene and assistance with showers. • Wake-up and bed time related services. • Light housecleaning.
Bonnie Bechy, CNA, PCA, CHHA (315) 368-3463
Debra Savage, PCA, CHHA (315) 601-4618 P.O. Box 75 • Waterville, NY 13480 Fax (315) 272-4084 • Email: info@johnsavage.com
Jury Lawn and Yard •L (315) 853-6468 •L C andscaping awn are Delivery of Mulch, Topsoil & Stone Garage, Basement & Attic Clean Outs
• • • Tree Removal
www.burnsagency.com
LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATING
LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance, Snow Plowing
315-368-8757
DeRegis-Walser Monuments
1152 Grant Blvd. Syracuse, NY 13203 • 479-6111
Major Credit Cards Accepted
Cemetery Lettering Complete Monument Service
Gurdosgrassandsnow.com
PAVING
Celebrating 69 Years
PLUMBING & HEATING
97 College Street, Clinton, New York 13323
MATT VALERIANO, PRES. (315) 724-7870
P.O. BOX 4370 UTICA, NY 13504
SENIOR CARE
Plumbing - Water Systems - Pumps - Heaters - Softeners Heating - Hot Water - Warm Air - Steam
Bill Jr. 853-2085 Brian 853-2995 Billy 853-2070
Fully Insured: Professional Liability
Nature’s beauty in the heart of your home.
315-281-4883
In-Home Care to Seniors
• Transportation • Light Housekeeping
colleen@colleensseniorcare.com www.colleensseniorcare.com
Mosher Roofing Inc. Owners: Ken and Gail Mosher
315.853.5565
Over 100 years experience in Clinton and surrounding areas Quality workmanship guaranteed • Shingle Roofing • Modified Roofing • Metal Roofing • EPA Certified
• Medical Support • Meal Preparation 3 Cone Circle New Hartford
Granite and Quartz Stone Countertops
Free estimates, fully insured for roofing Ask us about the Energy Star Program Workers covered by Workmen’s Compensation
TREE CARE
STONE COUNTERTOPS
Colleen's Senior Care Colleen Moylan LPN, 27 Years Experience
ROOFING
WILLIAM OWENS & SONS, INC. Plumbing and Heating
QUALITY BLACKTOP & CONCRETE QUALITY BLACKTOP, CONCRETE & BRICK PAVERS www.valerianopaving.com info@valerianopaving.com www.valerianopaving.com
MONUMENTS
56 Utica St. P.O. Box 383 Clinton, NY 13323 • 853-5444
Anthony Gurdo
Anthony@gurdosgrassandsnow.com
189 Utica Street, Clinton Todd Jury Over a century of creating MEMORIES TO MONUMENTS Burdick-Enea Memorials
Gurdo’s Grass and Snow 9 Furnace Street Clinton, NY 13323
LANDSCAPING
Rustic Pines
L.D. Terry Hawkridge
ISA Certified Arborist A Tree Care Company Clinton Courier Newspaper:
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Specializing in: Run date: by: • Emerald Ash BorersApproved Treatment • Arborjet TechnologyDate: • Insect and disease treatment • Tree planting • Landscaping consulting • Lecturing 2795 Ford Road Clinton, New York 13323 315-525-2097 Ld.terryhawkridge@gmail.com • www.rusticpinestrees.com
Classifieds
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
ADOPTION ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides f inancial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre-approved families. Call Joy toll free 1-866-9223678 or conf idential email:Adopt@ ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org A childless married couple wishes to adopt. Loving secure home life. Handson mom & devoted dad. Large extended family. Expenses paid. Felica & Tom. 1-844-286-1066
AUTO Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 today!
BOOK SALE Book Sale, 37th Annual - Friday, July 10 thru Monday, July 13, 10am - 7pm daily. 70,000 old, rare, and out-of-print books, magazines, paper items. 50 - 90% off. Berry Hill Book Shop, 2349 Route 12B, Deansboro, NY. 315-821-6188
CLEANING Light Cleaning Jobs Wanted - Will also run errands. Clinton, Clark Mills, Westmoreland area. References. 520-4423
FOOD Tom's Natural Foods, Clinton - Local grass-fed beef, cheese, bulk spices, nuts, dried fruit, artisan breads on Sat. 8536360. Closed Sunday.
GARAGE SALE Garage Sale Items needed for your Clinton Lion's Club. Sale is at 7015 Route 5 on July 17 - 18. Call 381-3215. We will pick up your donated items.
HELP WANTED HHA, PCA, CNA, NURSING STUDENT, NURSE TECHs...ARE YOU A HEALTH CARE WORKER WHO LIKES TO DO LONG SHIFTS AND GET ALL YOUR 40 HOURS IN A FEW DAYS? CareGivers has a lot of this type of work waiting for you. Up to 12 hr shifts in Whitesboro, Utica, Westmoreland, Rome, Clinton, Vernon, New Hartford, Oneida and many other areas are called in daily. Some weekend shifts may be required for 30+ hr. workers. Call CareGivers at 315-797-7050 for an interview if you are DEPENDABLE, HONEST, FLEXIBLE, and COMPASSIONATE. E OE AA MINORITY/FEMALE/DISABLED/ VETERAN Can You Dig It? Heavy Equipment Operator Career! We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866362-6497
H E L P WA N T E D — PA R T T I M E Receptionist / front desk - customer service. Must enjoy working with the public. Cat Room attendants - Caring for numerous cats, including feeding, cleaning and disinfecting of the cages and room. Will also do laundry to keep bedding and towels clean. Must be very good with the public when presenting adoptive animals. Vet Tech - Must be trained in the care of animals and perform clinical work such as: taking blood samples, recording animal case histories, vaccinating animals, etc… Education and Certification: 2-year degree (associate). The degree must be from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Must be certified in euthanasia. Should be able to follow protocol and understand direction easily. Please mail your resume to: Humane Society of Rome, P.O. Box 4572, Rome, NY 13442-4572. Interviews will be scheduled with those who qualify. HELP WANTED—PART TIME ARE YOU RETIRED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK ONLY 2 OR 3 DAYS A WEEK (OR PERHAPS MORE)? WE ARE HIRING DRIVERS AND SALES CLERKS FOR OUR TRAVELING CLOTHING STORE THAT VISITS NYS NURSING HOMES. GREAT JOBS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE PEOPLE! SALES CLERKS: Assist nursing home residents and their families with clothing purchases. DRIVERS: Drive staff to nursing homes in NYS and help set up a Shopping Store for the day. Clean license a MUST, computer experience required. Please apply in person at: Shoppers Service, 5946 Success Dr., Rome, Mon.-Fri. 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, to fill out application. ATTEND AVIATION COLLEGE– Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance training. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093
MISC. SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmillCut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
THE CLINTON COURIER 12
NOVENA
WANTED TO BUY
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (Never Known to Fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, Help me and show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to secure me in this necessity. (Make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your hands (three times). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who gave the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. PJ
CASH for Coins! Buying Gold & Silver. Also Stamps, Paper Money, Comics, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY: 1-800-959-3419
SERVICES Mike's Salvage and Demolition LLC Need It Gone? Basements, Attics, Barns, Estate Clean Outs, Tenant Clean Outs, Garbage Removal, Tear Downs, A-Z. Let us clean and haul it away. Call 315-527-6663 PLUMBING SERVICE “If you’ve got a leak, I’ll take a peek!” Bob Galinski. Small jobs my specialty. Tanks, valves, leaks, toilets, faucets. Phone 853-5261 HARDWOOD FLOORS carefully sanded, refinished, repaired, installed. CLINTON HARDWOOD FLOORS 525-2316
VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com
PUBLIC NOTICES Legal Notice
MOHAWK VALLEY BOAT CHARTERS, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 5/12/15. Office location: Oneida County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 9512 Capron Rd., Lee Center, NY 13363. General purpose. cc: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8
Legal Notice
Digital Elm, LLC Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company ("LLC"). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York ("SSNY") on May 11, 2015. Office location: P.O. Box 184, Clinton, New York 13323. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to Digital Elm, LLC, P.O. Box 184, Clinton, New York 13323. The LLC is to be managed by one or more members. Purpose: Any lawful act under New York LLC Law. cc: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1
Legal Notice
Upstate Providers, LLC Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company ("LLC"). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York ("SSNY") on May 14, 2015. Office location: 408 Lomond Place, Utica, New York 13502. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to Upstate Providers, LLC, 408 Lomond Place, Utica, New York 13502. The LLC is to be managed by one or more members. Purpose: Any lawful act under New York LLC Law. cc: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1
6071 College Hill Rd. Vernon Center $179,900 | MLS# 1502061 Fabulous Country Raised Ranch on 2 well manicured acres. Offering Beautiful 5 year young Cherry Kitchen, fireplaced Family Room, Formal Dining; 5BR 2BA. Over 2400 sq. ft. of living space. Well maintained home, VVS Schools, great location.
DEADLINES
All classified and public notice requests must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Friday the week prior to requested publication. We will be unable to accommodate anything that comes in after the deadline.
http://pondrashomes.com/ • 315-853-7251
Sextonrealestate.com Your Home Specialists
7217 State Route 5, Clinton $152,900
NEW CLINTON LISTINGS!
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Public Notices
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
Legal Notice
Legal Notice
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF DELTA LAKE MOTORS, LLC 1. Name of the LLC: Delta Lake Motors, LLC (hereinafter the “LLC”). 2. Date of Filing of the LLC’s Articles of Organization with NYS Department of State: May 14, 2015. 3. The County within New York State in which the LLC’s office is located: Oneida County. 4. The NYS Secretary of State (“SSNY”) has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to the LLC at: 8555 Teugega Point Road, Rome, New York 13440. 5.Character or purpose of the LLC’s business: The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the New York Limited Liability Company Law.
Notice of formation of AERY BUILDING ENVELOPE, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State on March 11, 2015, office location: Oneida County, Sec. of State is designated as agent upon whom process may be served, Sec. of State shall mail service of process to P.O. Box 523, Whitesboro, NY, 13492, purpose is any lawful purpose, duration is perpetual. cc: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1
Legal Notice
APPLE N TREE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 5/1/15. Office in Oneida Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 10230 Evans Rd., Remsen, NY 13438, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
cc: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1
Legal Notice
cc: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1
Legal Notice
DB ENTERPRISES OF NEW HARTFORD, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 05/15/2015. Office in Oneida Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 2 Gilbert Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Name of LLC: BBECNY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 5/12/15. Office location: Oneida County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 8 College St., Clinton, NY 13323. Purpose: any lawful act.
cc: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8
cc: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1
Legal Notice
NOTICE OF FORMATION of Susie’s Soft Touch, LLC, Art. Of Org. filed w/Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/18/15. Office location: Oneida County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: PO Box 322, New Hartford, NY 13413. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
Make-A-Wish® Central New York
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Simplified Outsource Solutions, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 5/28/2015. Office location: County of Oneida. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: c/o LLC, 555 French Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Purpose: any lawful purpose. cc: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8
Legal Notice
Notice of Formation of Veteran Painting LLC. Art. of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/25/2015. Office location: Oneida County. SSNY designated as Agent upon whom process against it may be served. Post office address SSNY shall mail copy of process to is 538 Cedarbrook Crescent, Utica, NY. Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted under LLC Law.
Legal Notice
DONATE YOUR CAR Benefiting
cc: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8
cc: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
cc: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
Wheels For Wishes
Legal Notice
AICA HOLDINGS, LLC Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company ("LLC"). Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York ("SSNY") on 5/19/2015. Office location: 555 French Road, Suite 103, New Hartford, Oneida County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 555 French Road, Suite 103, New Hartford, New York 13413. Purpose: Any lawful act under New York LLC Law.
x % Ta 100 tible uc Ded
cc: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible
WheelsForWishes.org
Capital Region Development 1, LLC notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) Art. of Org. filed with Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on: June 2, 20153. Office location: County of Oneida, New York. SSNY designated as Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and post office address SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Capital Region Development 1, LLC, PO Box 8073, Utica, NY 13505. Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted under LLC Law.
Call: (315) 400-0797
* Wheels For Wishes is a DBA of Car Donation Foundation.
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Legal Notice
THE OAK CENTER FOR WELLNESS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 05/11/2015. Office in Oneida Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 7455 East South St., Clinton, NY 13323. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Principal business location: 151 Genesee St., New Hartford, NY 13413.
THE CLINTON COURIER 13
Legal Notice
NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF E S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LLC FIRST: The name of the Limited Liability Company is E S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LLC (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"). SECOND: The Articles of Organization of the Company were filed with the Secretary of State on May 20, 2015. THIRD: The county within New York State in which the office of the Company is to be located is Oneida County. FOURTH: The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon whom process against the Company may be served. The post office address to which the Secretary of State shall mail process is 1429 Beaver Creek Road, West Edmeston, NY 13485. FIFTH: The purpose of the business of the Company is any lawful purpose. cc: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
Legal Notice
NORTHERN WINE & SPIRITS, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 5/12/15. Office location: Oneida County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 1733 Black River Blvd., Rome, NY 13440. General purpose. cc: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
Legal Notice
PPS OF CENTRAL NEW YORK, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 5/18/15. Office location: Oneida County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 402 Main St., New York Mills, NY 13417. General purpose. cc: 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
Legal Notice
Jurisware, LLC notice of formation of Limited Liability Company ("LLC") Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York ("SSNY") on: May 15, 2015. Office location: County of Oneida, New York. SSNY designated as Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and post office address SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Jurisware, LLC, 1756 Black River Blvd, Unit 104, Rome, NY 13440. Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted under LLC Law. cc: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
cc: 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
* Promotional offer is limited to new, eligible customers who activate service between 5/1/15 and 7/31/15. Customers must be approved for Lifeline service with Access Wireless and reside in selected geographic areas. Promotion ends 4 months from activation date. Minutes do not carry forward. Offer is not available in all states/areas. Customers de-enrolled from the federal Lifeline program no longer qualify for the promotion. Unlimited does not mean unreasonable use. Free phone is provided by Access Wireless. Access Wireless is a service provider for the government-funded Lifeline Assistance Program. Lifeline service is provided by i-wireless, LLC, d/b/a Access Wireless, which is an eligible telecommunications carrier. Lifeline service is non-transferable. Only one Lifeline discount, including wireline or wireless, may be received per household. A household is defined, for the purposes of the Lifeline program, as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. A household is not permitted to receive Lifeline benefits from multiple providers. Violation of the one-per-household rule constitutes a violation of FCC rules, and will result in the customer’s de-enrollment from Lifeline. Only eligible customers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make a false statement in order to obtain the Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program. Customers must present proper documentation confirming eligibility for the Lifeline program. Your information will be validated against public records and any discrepancies could result in delays in your approval or rejection of service.
Hospital bills making you sick? No insurance? Low insurance? State and federal laws may keep you from burdensome hospital bills. If Bassett, St. Joe’s, Crouse, Lourdes, United, Good Sam, or collectors Burr & Reid, Menter Rudin, Overton Russell, Robert Rothman or Swartz Law are calling you, call us.
Anthony J. Pietrafesa, Esq.— A Consumer Lawyer 315.400.AJP1 (2571) • www.ajp1law.com
See us at www.avvo.com • 120 E Washington St., Syracuse, NY 13202 Fighting: Lawsuits • Judgments • Garnishment • Repos • Med bills** Serving: Binghamton • Cortland • Syracuse • Oswego • Utica • Watertown Past results no guarantee of a particular outcome. Attorney advertising.
ABSOLUTE Real Estate AUCTION! 203 S. Genesee St. Montour Falls, NY 14865
July 18th at 11:00 AM
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Legal Notice
Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name: JBRP, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on 06/08/2015. Office location: Oneida County, New York. SSNY designated as Agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: JBRP, LLC, 12280 Rt. 365, Remsen, NY 13438. Purpose: any lawful purpose. Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date. cc: 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
Legal Notice
Notice of Qualification of FRP CONSTRUCTION, LLC, Authority filed with the SSNY on 05/15/2015. Office loc: Oneida County. LLC formed in AZ on 10/16/2006. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 2055 East 17th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719. Principal office of LLC: 2055 East 17th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719. Cert of Formation filed with AZ Corp. Comm., 1300 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. cc: 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
Legal Notice
NOTICE OF SUBSTANCE OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF 1403 MATHER, LLC NAME OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (the "Company"): 1403 MATHER, LLC DATE OF FILING OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION: June 4, 2015 COUNTY OF COMPANY'S OFFICE: Oneida County AGENT: The Secretary of State of the State of New York has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served and 114 Pebble Creek Lane, New Hartford, New York 13413 is the address to which the Secretary of State of the State of New York shall mail a copy of any process against it served upon him or her. Louis R. Tehan is the sole member of the LLC. The inclusion of the name of a person in this notice does not necessarily indicate that such person is personally liable of the debts, obligations or liabilities of the limited liability company, and such person’s liability, if any, under applicable law is neither increased nor decreased by reason of this notice. PURPOSE: The Company is formed for any lawful business purpose. Purpose: any lawful activity cc: 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
Legal Notice
Notice of formation of KEVIN CURLEY & SON CONSTRUCTION, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sect'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/1/2015. Office location, County of Oneida. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 5660 Walker Rd., Utica, NY 13502. Purpose: any lawful act. cc: 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
Legal Notice
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BTFL Enterprises, LLC Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on: June 3, 2015. Office location: Oneida County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: BTFL Enterprises, LLC, 9454 Butler Road, Sauquoit, NY 13456. Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted under LLC Law cc: 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22
THE CLINTON COURIER 14
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
OBITUARY: MARJORIE L. (REMPEL) BOWSER, 85
Marjorie L. Bowser, 85, a resident of the Katherine L u t h e r H o m e p a s s e d away on June 21. Margie was born in Bakersville, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Samuel and Jane McBee. She attended Utica schools and graduated from Utica Free Academy. She married William “Ken” Bowser in 1947. Before Ken’s untimely death in 1965, they enjoyed summer gatherings at the family’s camp on Hinkley Lake. Margie and Ken were both active members of the Mohawk Valley Sports Car Club where she served as secretary. She loved the fine arts and frequented the Munson-WilliamsProctor Arts Institute. Margie was a talented abstract artist herself who also enjoyed sewing, making her own clothing, and writing stories and short tales. In 1976 Margie married John Rempel and moved to Pennsylvania where she resided until 2007. At that time Margie returned to the Mohawk Valley to be closer to her family and as a result began a special bond with her great-granddaughter, Saige. Margie’s life was by no means an easy one, yet despite it all, she filled the chips on her shoulders with humor, adorned herself in colorful jewelry and quirky outfits as if to laugh at life’s attempts to undo her character and spirit. She was predeceased by her husband William and her brother Robert McBee. She is survived by her children, Sandra Manning of Remsen, Robin Bowser of Daytona Beach, Florida; Eugene Bowser and his fiancée Dawn Faraino of Vernon Center; her two sisters, Doris Pugliese of New Hartford, and Georgeann McBee of Baldwinsville, New York; her two brothers, Ronnie McNiel of Downingtown, Pennsylvania and Paul McBee of Jacksonville, Florida; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dawn Faraino for all her dedicated love, support and assistance during the last eight years of Margie’s life. A celebration of Margie’s life was held on June 25 at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., 35 College St., Clinton, NY. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to your favorite charity. http://owenspavlotrogers.com
OBITUARY: GERALD (JAKE) W. CARROLL, 84 Gerald ( J a k e ) Carroll, 84, of Clinton passed away S a t u r d a y, June 20 at St. Elizabeth M e d i c a l Center. Jake was born on June 5, 1931 in Utica, the son of the late Leo and Loretta (Quinn) Carroll. He was a Clinton High School graduate. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked for KelseyHayes Company and retired after 32 years. Jake was most noted for his antique business, Carroll’s Collectibles on Rt. 5 in Kirkland, where he was the proprietor for over 40 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and the Clark Mills American Legion Post #26 for over 50 years. He is survived by his companion, Marion Carroll; daughter, Donna (Stephen) Croke, of Iowa; son, David (Jean) Schram of Westmoreland; grandchildren, Jacob and Katie Croke, and Hannah and Mitch Schram; one great-grandchild, three nieces, three nephews, and several cousins. He is predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Carroll. Funeral services were held on June 24 at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton, where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours were held June 23 at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., 35 College St., Clinton. Donations in Jake’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 and/or Rescue Mission of Utica, 212 Rutger Street, Utica, NY 13501. http://owenspavlotrogers.com
GALINSKI (continued from page 1) Caryl is the daughter of the late Louis and Evelyn Werthman Krom. She graduated from Sauquoit Valley Central School in the Class of 1967. On October 19, 1974, Caryl was united in marriage to Robert D. Galinski, a blessed union of love and friendship for over 40 years. Caryl began her service with the Town of Kirkland as the deputy Town clerk in 1990 and became the Town Clerk in 2012. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church and its Hearts and Hands group. Caryl was a strong woman who faced leukemia head-on and was able to have 12 more years with her family and friends thanks to
her bone marrow donor Carol Rogers of Wales. They became good friends and traveled together with their families when Carol came to the US. She stayed busy with work and family, shopping, tending to her flowers and traveling. Every Sunday was spent having dinner with her family at home. Family came first and she truly enjoyed times spent with them. She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children and childrenin-law, Heather Galinski and Pete DeCarlo, of Clinton; Missy and Matt Mancine, of Sodus; Megan and James Morris, of Waterville; and Robert Galinski and Erin Maxam, of Oneida; her seven beloved grandchildren, Brianna, Emily and Jordan Mancine; Zoe DeCarlo, and Hannah and Olivia Morris; her sister Betty Hanley, of Clinton; many nieces and nephews, including Mark, Bonnie, Andrew and Alayna Krom and many special brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. She is predeceased by her grandson, Jacob Mancine. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, June 29, at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton. A burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please consider donations in Caryl’s memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or St. Mary’s Church. http://owenspavlotrogers.com
COMMENCEMENT (continued from page 1) smarter than you,” Lee joked. “Your parents will always have advice for you. They are honorary doctorates.” Later in the ceremony, valedictorian Shannon Cherpak continued with the parental theme, quoting her own mother’s advice in her address: “Never let anyone take away who you are.” New to the ceremony this year were academic gowns worn by faculty and staff members on stage, an idea Grimm aspired to include for his first graduation as superintendent. The administration also allowed for an additional speech in honor of Paul Emery, a Clinton student who was killed in a snowmobile accident when the Class of 2015 were in kindergarten. The speech was written and delivered by Jack Murphy, one of four graduates who spoke during the ceremony. As a class gift, the graduating class purchased picnic tables for the campus and donated the remaining money in its balance to scholarship funds. All four of the student commencement speeches can be read on page 7.
Kirkland Police Blotter JUNE 22 - JUNE 27, 2015
Date 6/22/2015 6/22/2015 6/22/2015 6/22/2015 6/22/2015 6/22/2015 6/24/2015 6/24/2015 6/24/2015 6/24/2015 6/25/2015 6/25/2015 6/25/2015 6/25/2015 6/26/2015 6/27/2015 6/27/2015 6/27/2015 6/27/2015 6/27/2015 6/27/2015
Time Location 8:35 a.m. Dawes Avenue 10:30 a.m. Franklin Avenue 2:30 p.m. KPD 2:45 p.m. Brimfield Street 5:52 p.m. South Street-Clinton 11:45 p.m. 5-State Route 5:48 a.m. Hoyland Ave 11:00 a.m. Brimfield Street 5:00 p.m. Utica Street 8:00 p.m. 12-State Route 10:15 a.m. 233-State Route 10:30 a.m. Fountain Street 6:44 p.m. Limberlost Road 10:07 p.m. CVS 8:00 p.m. Fountain Street 1:10 a.m. White Street 2:42 a.m. College Street 11:00 a.m. Clinton Manor Apts 7:10 a.m. Kellogg Street 12:16 p.m. Fountain Street 4:45 p.m. Village Lot - S.Park Row
Complaint Type Criminal Mischief Larceny (petit) Lost/Stolen License Plates Assist VTL Complaints/Hazards Assist Suspicious Persons/Activity Larceny (possible) MVA-Property Damage Trespass MVA-Property Damage Lost/Stolen License Plates Domestic/Custody Dispute Area Check Request Parking Complaints/Violations Noise/Music complaints Alarm (residence/business) Check the Welfare VTL Complaints/Hazards Alarm (residence/business) Abandoned vehicles
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Sports
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
Mackenzie Moquin (standing) spots Noah Zaffino as he does bench presses in the Clinton Schools Community Fitness Center.
LOCAL GYM’S FUTURE UNCERTAIN Written and Photographed by Mark Warren
S
ummer hours have just begun at the Clinton Schools Community Fitness Center. On June 29, the gym— located in the High School—opened its doors for anyone looking to break a sweat this season. The facility, which has been in operation for 10 years, is at risk of closing its doors next summer. It was a liability in the CCS budget for the last fiscal year. Madison-Oneida BOCES runs the fitness center and it manages payroll and other financial responsibilities through an agreement with CCS. That agreement was extended another month while the Clinton Board of Education examines the situation. CCS Assistant Superintendent for Business Joseph Barretta said the facility will continue for at least another year, and he added that the school is currently looking for ways to improve the gym and its classes to generate more revenue. As it stands
now, the fitness center is losing money. It is projected that the center cost the school more than $5,000 in the last year. Fitness manager Christina Buschmann helps operate the fitness center, and she also teaches workshops there throughout the year. She said she has several ideas to help grow membership, including a larger effort towards community engagement and additional deals such as incentives for people who refer a friend. No membership changes have been finalized at this point. Buschmann said the fitness center is important for the area because it brings together the school and the community. “It’s a great connection with the school because when people come in [the fitness center] and there are basketball games going on or other activities the kids are doing, the
18th Annual Golf tournament
Monday, July 13, 2015
Proceeds
Skenandoa Golf & Country Club
CCSD
$100 per person
Benefit
Includes golf, greens fee, cart, lunch, beverages on the course, prime rib buffet, prizes
11 a.m. lunch and registration 12:45 p.m. Shotgun start
THE CLINTON COURIER 15
public can see these kids engaging in those things,” she said. “So it’s that connection that you make between the public and the school.” During the school year the fitness center opens up to members in the early morning and in the evening, in order to keep the facilities available for physical education classes and athletic teams during school hours. During summer vacation, the fitness center hours change. The fitness center is outfitted with ellipticals, stairmasters, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, various cybex machines, free weights, stability balls, agility ladders and more. Classes are held separately from regular membership activity. Since no other gyms exist in Clinton, the School’s fitness center plays a crucial role for locals who do not wish to drive to New Hartford or Utica to work out. Buschmann added that if a person’s gym is only a few minutes away, it helps them go more consistently. “It’s a convenience thing with people,” she said. “You’re not going to drive 20 minutes to go work out unless it’s on your way home or something like that. If it’s right here three minutes away you’ll have more of a tendency to want to go.” CCS Class of 2014 graduates Noah Zaffino and Mackenzie Moquin use the gym together during the summers when they aren’t working. Zaffino is currently on break before returning to Mohawk Valley Community College for his second year. He said he uses the fitness center in Clinton because it’s easier than making the drive into Utica to use the college’s facilities. “With this gym, it's closer than driving all the way out to college—we live right here in Clinton,” he said. Clinton graduates who are home on break from college like Zaffino and Moquin can get a one month membership for a reduced rate. Moquin, who is a sophomore at State
University of New York Morrisville College, said he enjoys the continuity of using the same gym for several years. “I like it because it’s what I’ve always used in high school,” he said. “It’s what I’m used to.” Despite the next 12 months being secured, the extended future of the fitness center in uncertain.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca King Softball is not dead in Clinton, New York—not by a long shot. This year’s Clinton Central School modified team finished first in their league. Here, the 12-player squad poses with their medals, having finished the season with a perfect, undefeated record. The team was coached by Thad Lawrence.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
Sports
THE CLINTON COURIER 16
GIRLS VARSITY ICE HOCKEY TAKING SHAPE AT CLINTON By John Howard
W
ith the introduction of the National Women's Hockey League on the horizon for winter 2015–16, women’s ice hockey seems to be at an all-time high point in popularity on a national level. Here in the Mohawk Valley, that trend seems to be following suit with a crop of female talent ready to take the ice for a brand new girls varsity team. At the center of the equation is Clinton, as home ice for the club will be the historic Clinton Arena. According to the Arena’s staff, several Friday night slots in the 2015– 16 schedule have been blocked out to host home games for the team. While girls varsity hockey is a rarity at this point in Section III athletics, the concept is hardly unique statewide. When formulating a plan of attack to build the program, local organizers looked to other New York teams before landing on a “combination contract” approach—meaning players from various area schools coming to one rink to play together. “No one school in the area has enough girls to field a team, but as a combination, we certainly have more than enough,” said Clinton’s Scott Hughes, president of the girls varsity team’s budding boosters program. “We really want to advance girls hockey here.” Assuming every school in talks for the project comes on board, athletes would come from this region’s high schools such as Proctor, Rome, Oriskany, New Hartford, Whitesboro and Clinton. According to Hughes, there are as many as 40 girls interested in trying out for 20 spots at this point, four of whom are Clinton students who would be eligible for the 2015–16 season. Hughes became involved in the program through his daughter Sarah, a devoted hockey player who will be a junior in the upcoming school year. Currently, high-school-age girl hockey players in the area play for the CNY Bobcats, a youth hockey organization independent of school athletics that also calls the Clinton Arena home. The program started, in part, to serve as a feeder program for the pipe dream of one day starting a girls varsity program. Today, between all the age levels of play, from 8-year-olds up to 16-yearolds, there are about 80 girls involved
with the CNY Bobcats. The problem for the older players is that when the schedule reaches November, their competitors often wane, as players transition to their own area combination varsity teams. If a Utica-area varsity girls team comes to fruition, the Bobcats would similarly become a wrap program, breaking in November and picking up in early February at the conclusion of the high school season. (The regular season for girls varsity hockey in New York State is shorter than that of the boys.) A tentative 2015–16 schedule for the new girls teams includes a long list of opponent teams like Ithaca, Skaneateles, Albany Academy, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Beekmantown and Malone. While the team would skate at Clinton and be funded through its boosters program, organizers are still working to secure a school district to serve as the club’s lead school, which would decide the team’s mascot and colors (i.e. the Clinton Warriors, the New Hartford Spartans, or the Utica Raiders). “There’s a ton of support with it with all the local schools,” said Hughes. “It’s just a matter of getting all the details worked out—the legalities of transportation, fundraising and that kind of stuff.” Changes are also underway for the boys. It has been announced that head coach John Hughes and assistant coach Todd Jury will hand over the reins this upcoming season. The team will now be led by Jon Davignon. Having served as the head coach of the Cazenovia High School team for seven seasons, Davignon comes with varsity experience. With experience playing for Coast Guard Academy and coaching at the collegiate level in Connecticut, Davignon is no stranger to leading a group of ambitious players. As a known face in the Clinton Youth Hockey organization, he’s no stranger to the Clinton hockey tradition, either. But resume aside, Davignon sees his role as head coach as a way to give back to the community. “I’m looking forward to competing, and hopefully winning,” he said. “But I really like working with this age group. It’s a common age where you can really make an impression.”
Clinton alumna and clinic instructor Katie Dillon Pfeifer (left) shows a group of girls some stick moves at the Field Hockey Clinic for Coach Jean Vicks.
Field Hockey Clinic Honors Former Coach, Instills 'Great Sportsmanship' in Players Written and Photographed by Mark Warren The third-annual Field Hockey Clinic for Coach Jean Vicks was held at the Clinton soccer field on June 26. Fifty-five girls from all over the area brought their sticks, goggles and shinguards to compete with one another and learn various aspects of the sport. Fourteen volunteer coaches joined the event. Most of the coaches at the Clinic were Clinton graduates and former players of coach Vicks, who passed away from cancer in 2013. The event is a way to preserve her legacy and encourage the high level of play she got from her players during her coaching career at Clinton. The clinic was organized by Clinton modified field hockey coach Christina Buschmann, who was one of Vicks’ closest friends. Two large boards covered in pictures of Vicks and her players were assembled under a canopy near the entrance to the event, along with news clippings featuring her teams. Jean’s husband Dwight and mother in-law Mary visited the clinic near its opening on Friday to show their appreciation for the event. Katie Dillon Pfeifer, a 2000 graduate, is a coach at the clinic and a former player of Vicks. She said she is happy to be a part of something that remembers the strength and bravery of her coach. “We all cared so much for Jean and so it was a really nice thing for us to visit with her family and be back and do something in her honor,” she said. “She was an incredible coach that contributed a lot to all of our development in the game.” The clinic has grown substantially since its first year. In 2013, 22
participants signed up—less than half the amount of this year’s crop. Carolyn Steele, another clinic instructor and former player of Vicks’ who graduated in 1999, said the growth is encouraging because many times field hockey participation is stagnant since girls don’t get the chance to start playing until seventh or eighth grade. “I think that’s the best part about it—that it has grown,” she said. “The one hard thing about field hockey in the U.S. in general is it’s not a natural progression, there aren’t club teams for young kids. This is a way to introduce kids to the sport at a young age and show them there’s the potential to play at the college level. ” Girls from grades three to 12 were scattered along the field. Participants came from not only Clinton, but New Hartford, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill, Rome, New York Mills, and Central Valley as well. The athletes were separated by age and rotated between the coaches who were each set up at different drill areas. Buschmann said she saw traits of Vicks shine through her former players as they coached from all over the field during the clinic. “Mostly their kind-hearted gentleness when teaching and dealing with field hockey athletes,” she said. “There's no harshness involved. There’s intensity, there’s great sportsmanship—and every single one of these girls has that. I’m getting goosebumps because Jean was all about that.” Proceeds from the clinic go towards the Coach Jean Vicks Scholarship. Clinton graduate Rylee Meelan took home the award this year.