Reading
Accomplished
Organizations will join together for adult education, family literacy.
Peru man completes Tour de Force bicycle ride from Boston to New York City.
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October 17, 2009
Poetry in motion Alzheimer’s Walk team raising awareness for disease and new poetry project By Jeremiah S. Papineau
much known and how researchers are still trying to figure it all out.” Pecue began volunteering with the Third Age Adult Day Center, a program located on the university campus which helps those with memory impairment conditions like Alzheimer ’s. “The time I volunteered was very minor, but I was able to understand more about [Alzheimer ’s] through the people there,” said Pecue. “There was a bleakness in their eyes, but when they would reminisce, you could see a spark in their eyes. Dominianni introduced Pecue to information about the Alzheimer ’s Poetry Project, and Pecue thought it would be a beneficial program to start in the North Country. Upon graduation, Pecue immediately began seeking others interested in participating as presenters who would read to Alzheimer ’s patients. Surprisingly, she didn’t find much interest initially. However, through her friends, Pecue has established a group of 10
jeremiah@denpubs.com PLATTSBURGH — Natasha Pecue and a group of her friends are taking part in an interesting initiative to connect with people with Alzheimer ’s disease. Pecue and her friends have locally established an affiliate of the Alzheimer ’s Poetry Project, an initiative started in 2004 by Gary Glazner of Santa Fe, N.M. The project aims to enhance the quality of life for people with Alzheimer ’s disease by reading classic poetry to them, consisting of many selections they may have read themselves as children. Prior to her graduation from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh earlier this year, Pecue was connected with the poetry project through her professor, Dr. Taher Zandi, and Laura Dominianni, who both work with the Alzheimer ’s Disease Assistance Center. “I didn’t know much about Alzheimer ’s,” admitted Pecue. “[Zandi] would talk about it and how there still really isn’t
Alzheimer's Walk 2009 will include participation by a team raising awareness for the Alzheimer's Poetry Project. The team consists of, in part, from left, Natasha Pecue, Jayme Trombley with daughter Megan, Randy Tedford, Renee Myers and Kara Kipp (seated). Photo by Jeremiah S. Papineau
who have a sincere interest in the project, she said. Jayme Trombley, Plattsburgh, is one of them. Trombley has always liked volunteering and said she was inspired by Pecue’s determination to make the project a success. “She just seemed whole-heartedly into it and very passionate about it, which made me want to learn more about it,” said Trombley. Though Pecue has no direct connections to family or friends with Alzheimer ’s, Trombley does. Her great-grandmother had the disease when Trombley was younger and her ex-husband’s grandfather was af-
flicted with it as well. “I’ve seen the effects Alzheimer ’s can have,” she said, adding that has motivated her to become a presenter with the poetry project. “This is something that’s amazing to be a part of. These are values that I hope to pass on to my daughter.” Renee Myers, a student at Plattsburgh High School enrolled in the Key Club, said she was also inspired by Pecue to help. “It sounded pretty interesting,” said Myers. “Not many people really understand the whole concept of [Alzheimer ’s], so, the more people who know, the more people can get
involved with programs like this.” “I want to make as many connections in the area as possible,” said Pecue, “but I want to be able to have enough group members that we can have enough availability to be able to pick a day on the calendar and be there on a regular basis.” “I think once we get the word out, that will happen,” Pecue added. One way she and her fellow group members are planning to do that is to participate in Alzheimer ’s Walk 2009, which will be held next Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Plattsburgh State Field
See POETRY, page 10
Denton Publications adds 15 newspapers Combined circulation stands at 250,000
By John Gereau
johng@denpubs.com Eagle Newspapers, based in Syracuse, and Spotlight Newspapers, based in Delmar, have been purchased by Community Media Group LLC — a new company formed by Denton Publications owner Daniel E. Alexander. The new partnership draws 15 free and paid community newspapers
under the Denton umbrella, bringing the local company’s total number of publications to 25 with a combined circulation of 250,000, as well as a number of niche publications and Web sites. The total number of employees will increase from 75 to 140. While the purchase will open numerous advertising opportunities and create a network for sharing resources and improving content,
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Alexander stressed the papers will all retain their commitment to community journalism. “We plan to remain local, we believe in the community newspaper concept,” Alexander said. “At the same time, we recognize people do travel, and both advertisers and readers will no doubt have an interest in the areas covered by these papers.” For example, Alexander said a lo-
cal event like Race the Train which took place in North Creek in September can now receive publicity in a much greater portion of New York and Vermont, through the new partnership. “Our network is far reaching,” Alexander said. “I’ve been told that our publicity of these events definitely draws participants, which in turn brings money to our communi-
See ACQUISITION, page 15
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