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The Paisley Vibe Band

Sunshine Week

Suicide rate on decline

to perform at the historic Monopole

Shining light on your right to know

Mental health professionals brief lawmakers

Essex County lawmakers weigh cab law

By Pete DeMola

ma attack, and was rerouted to a local hospital.

For county officials, the incident is just the latest in a string of headaches marring Medicaid transport since the state took ELIZABETHTOWN — A patient left a medical appoint- over its coordination in 2012. ment last Friday and got into a taxicab.

Now Essex County is trying to combat public safety conBut it was so full of cigarette smoke, the patient had an asth- cerns through sweeping legislation that would require every-

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thing from licensing to mandatory drug tests for taxi operators.

As lawmakers prepare to move the proposed local law forward, they hope doing so will pave the way for the state to combat the fraud and negligence they say has characterized an

Sharing

>> See TAXI CAB LAW | pg. 5

Coalition briefs county on anti-heroin efforts

lifeÊ lessonsÊ

Three veterans of WWII, all from Moriah, spoke with classes at Westport Central School last week, sharing stories, thoughts, recollections of military experience WESTPORT — Students met and learned a lot from three World War II veterans who visited their history classes last week.

All three men, from Moriah, are over 90 years of age. John Neggia, 91, is great grandfather of Westport freshman Maggie Ploufe. John Sweet, a member of the Port Henry Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years, is 90. And John Harvish quipped with a laugh, “I’m 21 ... that is born in 1921.”

Kim Dedam Harvish is 95 and served in the U.S. Writer Army. Sweet served in World War II with the U.S. Navy Seabees, trained as a Navy gunner. And Neggia served with the U.S. Army Infantry, 76th Division under Col. George S. Patton.

Harvish recalled the long truck transport to Malmedy in France in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, crossing through gunfire, to get supplies within a mile of the front line.

“We were under small arms fire, you could see the tracers through the trees at night,” he said of the frigid winter battle that left his feet frozen.

It was a far cry from the training in June 1944 at Fort Dix in South Carolina just months before when summer temps reach 106-degrees.

Essex County Heroin and Opioid Prevention Coalition say they’ve been successful in education outreach efforts

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

Moriah resident and WWII veteran John Harvish displays his Combat Infantry Badge. Harvish, who is 95, served in the U.S. Army.

Photo by Kim Dedam

>> See WWII VETS | pg. 2

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ELIZABETHTOWN — Nearly a year after receiving a $120,000 state health foundation grant to combat opiate abuse, members of a local coalition said they are making inroads in combating the epidemic.

The Essex County Heroin and Opioid Prevention Coalition briefed lawmakers on their educational outreach efforts in local school districts, including a meeting with district superintendents from Clinton and Essex counties, as well as the development and execution of learning modules.

Local addicts are also being connected with appropriate resources for treatment, >> See HEROIN | pg. 15

2 | March 18, 2017 • The Valley News Sun (TL)

WWII Vets

From page 1 The courageous push earned him a combat infantry medal.

Harvish dug around in his warm winter jacket pocket and showed the junior high school students gathered around him the medal: a slender rectangle formed in silver and painted infantryblue, emblazoned with a musket and wrapped in a wreath of oak leaves.

It is a medal earned, according to military requirments, for “performing duties while personally present and under fire while serving in an assigned infantry, ranger or Special Forces capacity, in a unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size, engaged in active ground combat, to close with and destroy the enemy with direct fires.”

But there aren’t medals that commend other types of more

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personal sacrifice.

For Harvish, who entered the Army at age 24 in leaving a job as a foreman in the iron mines, word of his son John’s arrival came with a delay of several months.

“My son was born Dec. 7, 1944 and I never heard about it until February,” Harvish allowed, a raise of his eyebrows over clear, blue eyes that shine.

Harvish left to serve with his late wife, Helen here at home. But they went on to celebrate 73 years of marriage.

Neggia said he was just 15 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. And a year later he quit school and tried to enlist in the U.S. Navy.

“But I was color blind, they didn’t let me in. So I went and changed my name a little bit on the papers and tried again,” Neggia said with a grin.

The recruiters turned him away a second time, but then he was assigned to train for an infantry division in the Army.

“We had it rough in the infantry, we were in front, the tanks were behind us. When we reached an impasse, the tanks would come up and blast a hole for us so we could pile through.”

Neggia recalled the 10-day trip across the Atlantic, headed to wara on a passenger ship that had been converted to transport military supplies and personnel. German submarines were a threat, always, he said.

“The hammocks were strung up five high, and when you got seasick, you are sick,” he said, describing how he found a place to sleep on the open deck all the way across the ocean to Hampton, England.

On a first mission, he ended up being assigned First Scout.

The First Scout, Neggia said, was the first person in front guiding the troops’ push.

For Sweet, service in the Navy began when he enlisted at 17 and soon headed for gunnery school in Virginia.

“I got to Crown Point and thought I was going to fall off. I’d never been out of Port Henry,” the lifelong resident recalled of that day.

His work on a Liberty ship began at Pearl Harbor just about a year after the attack that catapulted America into war.

“Our ship was across from where the Arizona was sunk,” Sweet said.

He recalled running supplies to Dutch Harbor and loading ships that always needed some type of routine maintenance.

“I was hanging over the ship one day, painting, when one of the guys hollered over ‘Hey Johnny, look below you,’ and there was a shark swimming right under me.”

Students were very curious about specifics, what types of food the men had out on the battlefield to get them through the war.

Neggia described what was commonly called SOS (Sh** on a Shingle) he chuckled with the junior class.

“It had gravy, chipped beef on toast, it was my favorite.”

C-Rations and K-Rations were field rations that came in gold cans with meat and beans or meat and hash.

“We had a D-bar, like a can-

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dy bar, with a lot of nutrients in it,” Neggia explained.

“Supposedly,” Harvish added, “that’s what you chewed on.”

For Neggia, the trip to the battlefield in Germany was by 40+8 boxcar.

“You know what 40+8 meant?” he asked the class, though the response was kind of an awed silence.

“It could carry 40 soldiers or eight horses, and we sat on the floor on a bed of straw,” Neggia said, who was still in Germany when the Allied forces won.

“We were moved to the 4th Infantry and stood in Germany for a few months than came home to retrain to go to Japan,” Neggia said.

On the 14th of August, 1945, Neggia was on a ship headed to war again, this time over the Pacific ocean.

“I was never so happy,” he said of learning the war was over.

Students crowded around the three WWII veterans after class, asking for details and listening carefully to a part of American history they knew was very special when told from living memory.

High school juniors Carter Smith, Riley Martin and Kyle Conley crowded close to hear more about the war and how the men found jobs and careers afterward.

“We were in the 52-20 club,” Neggia said. “We got $20 dollars for 52 weeks after we got home. That was it. And jobs were hard to find.”

“I thought it was great,” said 11th grader John Looby, whose grandfather Jim LaForest is a veteran and served in the Korean War. Neggia shared a large photo album with images from his days with the Army in World War II and students pored over the black-and-white collection with intense interest.

For Social Studies teacher Erin Kelley, the day’s lesson was vitally important.

“It is crucial for young people to know what these veterans went through to preserve freedom in our country,” she said after class.

“Not a lot of people go through these types of experiences and very few are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect democracy.”

And with three World War II veterans together, she said, their combined nearly 300 years of life experience provided an enormous opportunity for primary source discussion with her students.

“These are men who survived the war,” Mrs. Kelley said.

“It is so important to me and to our students and to our community. It is helpful to talk about these experiences, for the veterans and for the students as well. I am so grateful to these three veterans for being here and willing to share their experience.”

Pictured below: John Neggia speaks with Riley Martin.

Photo by Kim Dedam

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(TL)

The Valley News Sun • March 18, 2017 | 3

Essex County suicide rate in decline, says coalition Essex County Suicide Prevention Coalition says their preventive efforts are working

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — With help comes hope.

That’s the motto of the Essex County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

The group has helped many since their formation in 2011.

The rate of completed suicides has been cut in half to 13 per 100,000, Essex County Mental Services Director Steve Valley reported to lawmakers on Monday.

But that’s still significantly higher than the statewide average of eight, which means there is still work to do.

“One suicide is one too many, so we continue to press and work on this issue,” Valley said.

The coalition, said Shelby Davis, a coalition member, has trained 500 people for their evidence-based prevention programs since 2013.

A continued focus is on schools.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount of outreach when it comes to schools,” Davis said.

If a local district does not have a crisis response team, the coalition will help set up and facilitate that training.

“Is your community prepared to respond to a crisis?” Davis asked lawmakers.

When people complete a suicide, more people are at risk.

Davis knows firsthand, as two of her family members have

died by suicide.

She now counts herself as a survivor.

Through ongoing efforts, the coalitions helps to identify people at risk, and present them with services before they get to that point.

Future plans for the coalition include a crisis stabilization center, which would mobilize trained mental health professionals to aid suicidal patients instead of admitting them to local emergency rooms.

“A crisis stabilization center would be a huge advantage to the community,” Davis said, citing a program in Dutchess County as a potential model.

Davis gave lawmakers a packet of information and asked them to educate their constituents about the programs.

The coalition, she said, is always willing to provide training sessions designed to increase public knowledge and awareness through community prevention.

“So the more people we have on the job, the better we’re going to do,” she said.

Pictured at left: Shelby Davis, of the Mental Health Association in Essex County, briefed lawmakers on the Essex County Suicide Prevention Coalition’s recent efforts on Monday, March 13.

Photo by Pete DeMola

Supervisors weigh cameras, social services audit

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — The county’s social services caseworkers are under siege.

Deputy Department of Social Services Commissioner Sue Ann Caron said the facility has experienced five security issues recently — including by a man who threatened to drive his car into the old courthouse.

Another threatened to burn down his aunt’s house.

And on Friday, a client’s relative apparently threatened to bring “the largest knife in they can” to the Court Street location.

“I just wanted to let you know that, so you know what caseworkers are up against often,” Caron told the Essex County Board of Super-

visors’ Human Services Committee on Monday. “I just wanted to give you an idea of what occurs in the field.”

Several other caseworkers have had their lives threatened, Caron said. And they carry no protections — not even mace.

“If we know a home is particularly dangerous, we’ll send two people out,” Caron said.

While the county has numerous security cameras monitoring the inside of the blocklong facility, there’s a coverage gap outside.

Roby Politi (I-North Elba) said the county should consider installing security cameras outside of the social services department and the courthouse.

“It’s certainly something for the protection of everyone,” Politi said. “I think it would resolve a lot of potential future issues.”

Lawmakers did not take action on the issue.

Following the retirement of a full-time guard in January, the Essex County Board of Supervisors opted to replace the position with two part-time positions.

The arrangement now has three part-time security officers who will work no more than 11.7 hours each per week with no benefits.

AUDIT APPROVED Former Commissioner John O’Neill retired on March 8 after 25 years on the job.

As an internal committee weighs applications for the position, lawmakers authorized to go out for a request-for-proposal for a department-wide audit.

“Personally, I think it would be a great idea in fairness to the new person coming in,” said

James Monty (R-Lewis), who introduced the resolution.

County Manager Dan Palmer said while he didn’t necessarily disagree, auditing a department with a budget of $18 million is a significant undertaking.

“It’s going to take some very high-skilled audit,” Palmer said.

“The money is pretty tightly regulated, not only what we do here, but also what (Essex County Purchasing Manager) Linda (Wolf) does as a CPA.” Caron, who is eying the job, said she had no objection.

“I think it would be a good idea,” she said.

Lawmakers unanimously approved the measure, which now heads to Ways and Means.

4 | March 18, 2017 • The Valley News Sun (TL)

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‘I’m overlooked,’ says caregiver, distressed over future Richard Ferguson is a long-term caregiver.

He’s burned out, the walls are closing in — and new overtime regulations have slashed his income and threatened his partner with institutionalization

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

AU SABLE FORKS — Wendi Horan was three miles from home on Oct. 30, 2001 when a Ford F-150 pickup ran a stop sign at 60 MPH and broadsided her, trapping her in the vehicle.

The collision punched several holes in her skull, broke six ribs, collapsed both lungs and fractured her pelvis.

As her partner broke the sound barrier to get to the hospital in Orlando, Horan slipped into a coma.

Everything that could go wrong did: Infections. Complications. Even a heart attack caused by an Angel of Death.

Three months later, she emerged from the darkness.

“She woke up and she did not know who I was,” said Richard Ferguson, her partner and full-time caregiver.

Horan’s grandmother cared for her for several years, but she died.

The couple bought a modest place in the mountains, in Au Sable Forks, near where Horan grew up.

It’s close enough to AuSable Valley Central, where the roar of football crowds on Friday nights is loud enough to reach the couple at home — like a loud disembodied voice booming through the fields of white pine.

It is here where Ferguson has been caring for Horan ever since.

MR. FIX IT Horan, 50, grew up in Keeseville, where she attended classes part-time at Clinton Community College and moonlighted by delivering pizzas to unruly airmen at the Plattsburgh Airforce Base.

Her life path, one of adventure, saw Horan working as a shrimper, flounderer and fisherman before she eventually found stability at a mortgage title agency, where she worked as a title searcher.

Ferguson, now 52, was Mr. Fix It — he serviced the office’s micrographic machines.

They fell in love.

Now he’s trying to fix her as her full-time caregiver.

Horan suffered a traumatic brain injury. She is now paralyzed on her left side and lost three years of memories.

While she remains mentally sharp, Horan has trouble speaking and her body remains fragile.

“She needs 100 percent care,” Ferguson said. “If she was left to sit alone, she would die — she can’t take care of herself at all.”

The two spoke with a reporter on a recent winter afternoon.

Ferguson prepared dinner as Horan watched television with a large orange cat curled up on her chest.

As he has done for years out of habit, Ferguson finished her sentences in a rapid-fire staccato clip.

Actuaries put her survival rate at eight years.

“She should technically be dead by now,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson cares for her under a Medicaid-funded program called Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or CDPAP. Unlike Medicaid Managed Care, where clients select from available in-network insurance plans, patients directly control their care under CDPAP — including hiring and firing their aides.

Wendi Horan and Richard Ferguson share a moment at their Au Sable Forks home. Ferguson has been caring for Horan for 15 years after she suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Photo by Pete DeMola

Horan employs Ferguson directly through a New York City-based agency called Concepts of Independence. The local party on the ground is North Country Center for Independence (NCCI), which enrolls consumers, punches time sheets and provides orientation, training and other local support services.

Ferguson has never considered placing Horan in a home, and feels the care she receives from him is healthier and more cost-effective.

But acting as Horan’s full-time solo caregiver has also come at great expense.

While he doesn’t regret a single second of the past 15 years, his career has vanished, and he has burned through his savings.

And he is burned out. There is no respite.

While he once enjoyed horseback riding, dancing and medieval-type fantasy roleplay, those hobbies have long since evaporated.

Now it’s just four walls in a country farmhouse growing increasingly closer.

“I have zero balance in my life, and I don’t have any breaks,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson gets paid $12 per hour, a figure that has remained static for 11 years.

“People at McDonald’s are making more money than me now,” he said.

In the best of times, it’s enough to live — if not to cover the bare household bills.

But these aren’t the best of times. And the heavy weight is growing heavier.

BROKEN SYSTEM Caregiving is in an existential crisis across the state, and the systemic issues are stacking up and have stakeholders rattled.

The North Country has few aide providers. But those that do serve the community are hemorrhaging money due to uneven Medicaid reimbursement rates and are teetering on insolvency.

Employee turnover rates are high. Low wages, remote travel times and the lack of adequate mileage reimbursement mean jobs continually go unfilled despite authorized care.

And it’s projected to get worse as the population ages and health care providers push to keep people in their homes and out of hospitals and institutional care — a goal of the state’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program, the ambitious state initiative that aims to reduce hospitalization by 25 percent over the next half-decade.

“As our aging population continues to increase, the demand on an already broken system will increase,” testified

Franklin County Office for the Aging Director Rebecca Preve in Albany last month.

But caregivers and providers are continuing to face pressure points from across the spectrum, a complicated web of insurance companies, public health providers, nonprofits and localities navigating shifts in state and federal policy as the demographics tilt against their favor.

While Horan is a TBI patient, her situation runs parallel to predicted demographic shifts that are projected to upend the home care industry.

The state’s aging population, which falls into the same need category, is poised to become 20 percent of the population by the year 2030, according to Maria Alvarez, executive director of the NY Statewide Senior Action Council.

Here’s the rub: How can local agencies meet the state’s goal to reduce hospitalization and emergency room visits without an adequate workforce?

“Although there are many programs that, on paper, allow individuals to have the ability to remain in their own homes and communities, the reality is that the services are not tangible,” Preve said.

“As more and more government programs emerge, and are benchmarked with reducing hospital admissions, and emergency department visits, the need for a direct care workforce remains paramount.”

‘I WOULD GIVE IT BACK’ Ferguson got some bad news last fall.

New wage guidelines issued under the Department of Labor required hourly workers to be paid overtime — including caregivers.

Horan is authorized for 61.5 hours of care.

Ferguson was cut back to 40, a development that has thrown the couple’s world into turmoil.

The caregiver is now vacillating between anger, frustration and helplessness as he panics over Horan’s future.

There are practical concerns, like the ability to put food on the table and heat their home.

Losing nearly a third of his income with no warning has meant he is applying for public assistance benefits for the first time in his life.

“I find it distasteful, and it’s not part of my philosophy,” he said. “I don’t want to be on the dole.”

But there is also the issue of ongoing care he says is necessary to keep Horan living at home.

The total authorization for total hours of care for Horan has not changed, which means Ferguson is doing the same amount of work — he’s just not being paid for it.

NCCI, the local contact for Centers for Independence, estimated between a dozen and 20 local caregivers are in the same situation.

“The problem is they did not allocate more money to Medicaid to meet those expenses,” said NCCI Executive Director Robert Poulin on the new overtime regulations. “There’s no new money for these programs.”

In a region already facing a labor shortage, the policy has only compounded the issue, he said.

“Concepts was literally going to go bankrupt if they did not make that decision.”

AIDE SHORTAGE On paper, the solution is clear: Hire another aide for the additional 21.5 hours, a measure that would allow Ferguson to secure a part-time job to supplement their household income.

But doing so isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Hiring an aide is subject to the storm of unpredictability swirling around the home care industry in the Adirondacks — including the wage and labor issues that have led to an >> See HOME AIDES | pg. 14

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Taxi Cab Law From page 1

industry that has “gone rogue,” operating with seemingly little state oversight in this far-flung region of the state.

“I don’t think it’s a very good program,” Essex County Attorney Dan Manning told lawmakers last month. “I don’t think they monitor it very well and I don’t think they enforce it very well.”

The proposed legislation, introduced on March 6, comes nearly a year after complaints and fraud allegations sparked a conclave in Elizabethtown between law enforcement, county officials and state agencies, including the Department of Health and the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG), the state office tasked with rooting out fraud.

The best solution to curbing abuse, said state officials, was to draft a local law.

“Oversight of the taxi industry beyond the services provided under Medicaid, including licensing and regulation, is the responsibility of local government,” a DOH spokesman told the Sun. FRAUD ALLEGATIONS The issue, say local officials, is indicative of the constant whack-a-mole dynamic that characterizes the local-state relationship — especially in rural areas: The state creates a problem and forces the locality to create a solution.

Essex County once provided transportation for Medicaid patients, which they primarily facilitated through group ride sharing. But as part of statewide reforms designed to reduce costs, patients can now summon private cabs to ferry them to their medical appointments.

Since July 2012, the state health department has contracted with Medical Answering Services, a Syracuse-based dispatch center, to provide the service in Essex County.

Passengers call a centralized dispatch center, and MAS sends a local vehicle that is registered with their network.

But in the past half-decade, allegations of abuse have percolated and reached a steady drip.

There are “phantom trips,” or when billing is falsified.

There are reports of driver behavior that includes drug use, sexual harassment and passenger manipulation — like the woman who was allegedly forced to buy a steak dinner against her will, according to county officials.

And there are reports of unsafe speed and dangerous conditions — like when a cab careened into a driveway for a pick-up.

When the passenger got in, the occupants told her they had just “smoked a blunt.”

“The client called the county and stated that she did not want to get picked back up by this taxi and other arrangements were made to transport her which did not include this taxi,” Manning said.

Drivers have also been found to be driving with suspended or revoked licenses, and have also been arrested on drug charges.

“Cigarettes, beer and money are offered to choose a particular cab company, fake trips are often made and on one occasion, one woman had $1,500 in fake trips that she never even rode on,” Manning said.

Other allegations include inappropriate solicitations, funneling clients to one taxi company, and allegations of payments to passengers to exclusively request certain taxi companies.

“If only 10 percent of what they said was true, it’s staggering,” said Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Preston last April.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE The county has been instructed by state brass to report these and other complaints directly to MAS, who are legally required to report any suspected fraud or abuse to the health department for referral to OMIG. As part of their contractual agreement with the health department, all trips are supposed to be verified by MAS as being for a Medicaid-covered service.

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And the Syracuse-based company is required to be proactive by surveying passengers and providers to help identify fraud and abuse and is required to maintain a enrollee complaint recording, verification and resolution system.

County lawmakers say they are put in a frustrating situation because the issue is largely out of their hands after they file a complaint — and culling bad actors isn’t as simple as a phone call: Allegations must work their way through a maze of state agencies before resolution, which could, at best, be a warning — and at worst, lead to their removal from the system.

But the county is left largely out of the loop once that complaint has been filed, and continue to deal with issues — including last weekend’s trip that resulted in an asthma attack.

“All of these things have been reported to MAS and they are aware of it,” said Manning. “We have recently spoken to MAS and they acknowledge they have many of these complaints and are dealing with them.”

But despite being the recipient of $3.2 million in county taxpayer dollars in 2016, the company that manages at least 32 cab companies in the county declined to comment on the allegations and what they were doing to address the problem, instead referring all questions to the state department of the heath.

MAS is required to report any suspected fraud or abuse to them for referral to OMIG, said health department officials.

That unit, said the spokesman, then “reviews and takes appropriate investigative actions on any and all allegations, complaints and referrals received” — including referrals to the state police, who said they are aware of the local allegations.

OMIG, too, has confirmed they have received “complaints, referrals and allegations” regarding medical transportation in Essex County since July 2012.

But the resolution remains unclear because OMIG cannot discuss ongoing investigations.

MAS has been sanctioned just once by that agency.

The dispatch center was ordered to return $80,000 in questionable Medicaid payments in 2010 after OMIG determined they were not properly authorized to bill Medicaid on behalf of transportation companies.

As part of the resulting agreement, the company was required to hire a in-house compliance officer, adopt a code of conduct, undertake audits and conduct internal training.

Then-Deputy Inspector General Robert Hussar told CNY Central he “wouldn’t classify (the activities) as fraudulent, but certainly an abusive violation of rules.”

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED While their focus is on public safety, county officials hope their law will put some much-needed teeth in the state’s enforcement efforts.

Drivers will have to obtain county-issued licenses, a process that would require a criminal background check, and will be required to submit to drug testing and trip logs.

Mandatory vehicle inspections will be required, joining dozens of other statutes, all of which providers must meet in order to legally operate.

Failure to comply with those county regulations may result in the restitution of inappropriate Medicaid payments received, as well termination from the program.

But perhaps more importantly for local lawmakers, the legislation will create a clear opening for MAS to freeze out bad actors and pave the way for state enforcement actions.

Once the DOH learns operators are non-compliant with local laws and regulations, the agency immediately notifies MAS to stop assigning trips to those providers, said the DOH spokesman.

When OMIG is notified of companies with performance issues, the department requires the operator to implement a “corrective action plan,” which includes a reduction in the assignment of Medicaid trips until the department and MAS verify the problems have been corrected.

At the local level, violators

(TL)

The Valley News Sun • March 18, 2017 | 5

would be subject to a minimum fine of $250 and 15 days in jail for their first offense, as well as the temporary loss of their permit.

Escalating offenses could result in permit revocation for up to one year.

Essex County will hold a public hearing on March 27.

‘OVERWHELMED’ The internal safeguards, say county officials, are only as strong as their enforcers.

Tom Scozzafava (R-Moriah) has been an outspoken critic of MAS and said the board of supervisors should contact the attorney general’s office to launch a probe.

“There’s no accountability to this program right now to the state,” Scozzafava said. “Essex County is trying to bring accountability back to the program, and we’re getting no cooperation whatsoever.”

The complaints have continued to trickle in since last year’s meeting.

Preston, the county board chairman, isn’t accusing OMIG of ignoring reports, or otherwise being inattentive — but rather said the agency simply doesn’t have enough resources to combat the mounting reports.

“The Medicaid Inspector General’s Office is overwhelmed,” Preston said. “They made it very clear they don’t have enough people to investigate this.”

OMIG didn’t directly respond to that statement, but characterized discussion with county officials as “constructive” and said they looked forward to working with local officials on the new legislation.

“OMIG has and will continue to work closely with its partner agencies and county officials to ensure the safe and cost-effective transportation of Medicaid recipients,” said the OMIG spokesman.

The agency utilizes its investigative resources “effectively and efficiently” to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program, the official added.

Essex County is in uncharted waters when it comes to curbing alleged malfeasance: No other counties have reported concerns to the state about the need for more state taxi regulations.

“I know every other county complains about it and ask what we are doing to stop it,” said Essex County Transportation Director Nancy Dougal. “I think they might all be sitting back waiting to see what Essex County does and how it turns out. We have been fighting this battle for almost five years.”

MAKE A COMPLAINT The Bureau of Medicaid Fraud Allegations maintains a toll-free Medicaid FRAUD hotline at 1-877-87-FRAUD. Individuals may also submit an allegation via a dedicated email address: bmfa@omig. ny.us and/or an online form at: omig.ny.gov/images/stories/bac/bmfa_intake_worksheet_6_16_15_english.pdf.

Local tips can be reported to 873-3636 or 1-800-914-9266.

6 | March 18, 2017 • The Valley News Sun (TL)

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OPINION

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Freedom of Information Day

arlier this week the country celebrated Freedom of Information Day. Freedom of Information Day is dedicated to the concept that our government, of the people and for the people, would withhold no secrets from the people it serves.

Enacted on July 4, 1966 the Freedom of Information Act declared that every person has the right to obtain information from government records that are not protected by one of the nine exemptions, or special law enforcement record exclusions.

This Act put into law the concepts held so dearly

by James Madison, fourth president of the United States and known as the “Father of the Constitution” for drafting the United States Constitution and the United States Bill of Rights.

In his day, he was the loudest voice for true government transparency. His firm belief was the only way the newly formed nation would survive well into the future was through an open government.

Political correctness, media bias, political rivalries, out of control campaign funding, news organizations treating news as entertainment, and corporate holding companies destroying many long standing institutions in the name of profitable bottom lines have blurred the lines. All these and more are deteriorating the faith of the citizens in the information they receive. Replacing faith and trust in our government institutions is a culture of cynicism and doubt.

Large corporations learned long ago there is money in the news and with money comes corruption and greed. While none of us are immune to those vices, local control provides certain safe guards to readers not readily available when dealing with mega corporations. Voices on issues of local interest are more likely to be heard and taken seriously when the ownership has local roots.

Free delivery goes to the heart of Madison’s concerns. By insuring the newspaper is delivered to the people for no monetary requirement, it insures access to information for all, rich and poor alike as was the purpose of the Act insuring that every citizen had equal access to information.

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Publisher ............................................................................................Daniel E. Alexander Associate Publisher ............................................................................................ Ed Coats Operations Manager ............................................................................... William Coats General Manager Central...................................................Daniel E. Alexander, Jr. Managing Editor ...........................................................................................John Gereau General Manager North ................................................................. Ashley Alexander General Manager South .................................................................Scarlette Merfeld

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FAREWELL: Dr. Richard McKeever will move on after serving as the Essex County Public Health Department’s Medical Director for 23 years. Pictured: Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Randy Preston (left) awards McKeever a plaque as Essex County Public Health Director Linda Beers looks on.

Photo by Pete DeMola

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OPINION

Shining a light on open government

I

t’s Sunshine Week, the annual celebration designed to shine a light on the importance of a free press, transparency and open government.

These principles, ordinarily fragile, appear to be under a darker cloud more than ever given the national political climate, where the freedom of speech is under assault from a hostile presidential administration.

The White House’s war on the press is dangerous for a few obvious reasons, namely because it is an attack on the very fabric of this country, and the inalienable concept of keeping government accountable to all people — not just a select few.

But even more alarming is the inversion of truth and falsehood: The president has successfully taken a phrase initially applied to junk websites run by teenagers out of Macedonian garages — “fake news” — and flipped it.

Now it’s become commonplace to blurt out the phrase when faced with any unfavorable coverage.

We cringe every time we hear “fake news” being tossed around by all credible people. It’s immature, a poor representation of someone from whom we should expect more, and acts as a jarring illustration as to how quickly our country has raced to the bottom when it comes to political discourse.

It is inevitable that this playbook — ridiculing your opponents and deflecting criticism — will trickle down to the local level as it becomes a more effective way to parry attacks and split the atom of political support into opposing corners.

It’s a contagious trend, and one just as appealing, and good for the country, as a case of malaria.

In the latest round of seemingly neverending controversy, crusading U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was sacked last weekend by President Trump after he refused to resign, part of a regular changing of the guard between administrations.

Some call Bharara’s refusal to resign grandstanding, others call it noble.

The truth is likely somewhere in the middle. But whichever side you fall on, Bharara was a well-respected public servant who embodied the best elements of the American legal system — hard, steely-eyed and impartial justice.

In a state plagued by ethical scandals, it’s tough to overstate the impact Bharara had in rooting out systemic rot.

The attorney took down two of New York’s top three leaders, and launched probes of numerous more — including members of the governor’s inner circle and an ongoing investigation into New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio’s fundraising operation.

In an era where corruption reigns supreme — and Wall Street is exerting influence over a presidential cabinet like never before — someone like Bharara’s presence has never been more needed.

Bharara gave the keynote at the New York Press Association’s annual conference last year.

Speaking to a roomful of local reporters in Saratoga Springs, Bharara said they were on the frontlines of rooting out malfeasance.

The rock star attorney, himself a student reporter, said he lamented the downsizing of local media, and noted the feds often rely on local press when identifying potential wrongdoing.

“Every time the press has to downsize, opportunities to ferret out fraud, and to find the bad guys are lost, and I don’t like that at all,” he said.

He’s right. While the New York Times and Washington Post have expanded their news teams in this post truth-era — and while cable news, whose role has played center stage in fostering a sense of divisiveness in this country, has blossomed — local media continues to hang on for dear life.

We’ve found that what tends to be sacrificed on the altar of the overheated national rhetoric are the small things — the issues discussed by local government that actually have arguably a bigger impact on your local life.

These are issues like assessments and why your property values have skyrocketed with seemingly no reason.

They’re the reports that dig into and explore potential government failings, like how society’s most vulnerable residents are allowed to get nearly devoured by rats despite county oversight.

It’s how the water supply of a village was contaminated with carcinogens by a plastics company.

It’s why the home health care aides of the poor are being taken away, how a mausoleum was left to be abandoned by a local nonprofit, leaving residents in grief — or which extracurricular programs are on the chopping block at your kid’s school this year.

Like Bharara said: “No case is too small if it has an impact on ordinary people who are suffering and faced with the consequences of bad behavior.”

We see ourselves as guardians of that.

In this sense, Sunshine Week isn’t a just way for reporters to tout how useful they are, but also serves as reminder that there is a real, tangible resource and value in serving the community — especially the most vulnerable and overlooked.

We’ve always encouraged people to stay informed; to challenge their local leaders, or otherwise serve their communities.

Key in that is supporting your local newspapers. Because once that candle is snuffed out, it’s going to be extremely hard to reignite— and those lights are needed now more than ever.

The Sun Community News Editorial Board is comprised of Dan Alexander, John Gereau and Pete DeMola. We want to hear from you. Drop us a line on our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter, to share your thoughts.

OPINION POlIcy

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lETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Strength,Ê resilienceÊ andÊ justiceÊ themesÊ of Ê NationalÊ CrimeÊ VictimsÕÊ RightsÊ Week To the Editor: Every April the Office for Victims of Crime designates a week as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year it will be April 2-8 and the theme chosen is “Strength, Resilience and Justice.”

In a rural community such as ours, crime seems far away, but in fact last year there were over 1,348 domestic incident reports made to law enforcement agencies in the Essex, Clinton and Franklin county area.

This statistic does not include the many incidents that go unreported.

The Essex County Task Force Against Domestic Violence wants to not only call awareness to these issues, but also share a little bit of history about the task force and remind folks about local resources they can utilize should they become a victim of a crime or know someone who is.

In 1999, using the Violence Against Women Act funds from the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Essex County Task Force Against Domestic Violence was formed and began having monthly meetings at the Hand House in Elizabethtown.

These meetings are open to the public for various community stakeholders to gather and work together to coordinate a response to combat domestic violence in our community.

The mission of the task force is to promote education and awareness to all community members, to include the criminal justice system and service providers and to coordinate a community response to domestic violence that will consistently hold offenders accountable, promote victim safety and reduce violence in the home.

These meetings continue to be held monthly at the Hand House in Elizabethtown on the first Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. and all are welcome.

Some area resources available to residents of Essex County who finds themselves a victim include: STOP Domestic Violence: 1-888-563-6904 Sexual Assault Services: 1-877-212-2323 Each of these programs is free to use, has a physical presence in Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties, provides a 24 hour confidential hotline with an array of services to support victims impacted by a broad range of criminal acts.

Throughout the month of April and beyond, the task force stands united with their community to support all victims of crime and work towards a day when justice is obtained for one and all.

Genie Denton STOP DV /BHSN, Task Force Member Essex County Task Force Against Domestic Violence

‘America first’ attitude is wrong To the Editor: We live in a world economy where goods and services are exchanged for the mutual benefit of all participating countries. Our country’s economy is the largest in the world and we are involved in multiple international trade agreements. Beyond the goods and services exchanged we benefit through the creation of jobs for our people. An example of this is the auto industry where foreign cars and auto parts are made and/or assembled here — by American workers. Conversely, some American cars are made in other countries, and sold here by American dealers.

A sheltered economy that exists only within our borders will be counterproductive to our continued success. If we adapt this position we will relinquish our power and leadership on the world stage. It will not only diminish us but it will encourage our current trade partners to seek their economic aspirations from other countries.

History shows that countries that adapt economic and political isolation fail. We need each other. If we close our doors, build walls, use bully tactics we could fall in to a downward slide away from our greatness, towards mediocrity and eventually slip into a third world status.

Immigration policies that stress the “America first” concepts will reduce the source of our traditional strength. History also bears this out. Many of our greatest scientists, educators, writers, researchers, artists, poets, skilled artisans, military leaders, social leaders, political leaders and other hard workers like the rest of us came to our country as immigrants. Most of us are the children of immigrants.

The multiculturalism of our population defines us as Americans. The concept of America first, as it is presently used to exclude new arrivals, hamper free trade and nationalize job status is un-American.

Our present administration is fostering a regressive immigration direction wherein we may also be relinquishing our world leadership position through negative attitudes expressed to our colleagues from other countries. When Nikki Haley, our representative to the United Nations, introduced herself at the UN forum with a scolding, threatening, paranoid (and disgusting) statement that “you are not paying your fair share” — we lose.

Our total foreign aid is less that 1 percent of our GDP. Why then would we unleash bully tactics like this on other countries? True leaders do not dictate or denigrate — they enable.

While our 22 percent contribution to the United Nations is larger than the other countries’, it pales in comparison to the multiple billions of dollars that would be wasted on a planned wall to keep our neighbors out. A wall that will eventually be torn down by Americans devoid of anger, hate and fear. We can afford the UN costs which help to unite us. We can not afford a wall which will divide us.

From the world’s prospective, the people of all nations need each other.

While some nation governments’ values and activities may not be acceptable to us, we must lead by providing an example of international cooperation and goodwill.

Edward Welch Johnsburg

cOMMENTARy

Congrats to Willsboro Rifle Team To the Editor: Congratulations to the Willsboro Warriors Rifle Team and coaches Flynn and Oliver for the successful completion of their first season and competition at the United States Military Academy at West Point!

A round of applause should be extended to Coaches Charmaine Flynn and John Oliver for their tireless efforts and hours of time expended to in order to research the possibilities and successfully bring this sport to the students of the Willsboro Central School District. A sincere thank you should also be given to the Willsboro Central School Board and Administration; without their forward thinking and support, this incredible opportunity could not have been afforded to the students who participated.

Finally, a thumbs up to the members of the Willsboro Fish & Game Club for the use of their indoor small bore range facilities and unqualified support of the Willsboro Warrior Rifle Team and their coaches. It is only through the efforts and contributions of the above mentioned individuals and those who have been unnamed that the shooting sports can continue to grow and prosper especially given the political climate in New York state.

Allen J. Dybas Essex County Rifle League

ImpressedÊ withÊ WilmingtonÊ Rescue,Ê DECÊ rangers To the Editor: As a member of Wilmington Volunteer Fire & Rescue, I was recently involved in two incidents where hikers were seriously injured on the Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway. I was able to watch our local DEC Forest Rangers in action, and I must say, I was impressed. Their response was fast and professional. Under extreme winter conditions, they were able to quickly move the injured individuals off the mountain, to awaiting ambulances. We are fortunate to have such dedicated rangers here in the North Country. Keep up the good work!

Daniel Hansen Wilmington

EssexÊ CountyÊ hasÊ shownÊ honestÊ leadershipÊ onÊ ballotÊ lawsuitÊ To the Editor: Much has been written regarding the lawsuit filed by Essex County Democrat Chairwoman Bethany Kosmider vs. Essex County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Elections.

The issue is whether the county board should hand over ballot images from the 2015 general elections.

Most of the reporting has been factual, however, some of the commentary and opinions have been self-serving and disingenuous.

But they are only opinions and everyone is entitled to theirs.

It has been suggested that the county may be hiding something from the 2015 elections, which is silly. Immediately following the election, all candidates and party leaders were notified and invited to attend an audit of the machines and ballots.

Neither Bethany Kosmider nor any of the losing candidates attended. If Kosmider was “concerned” about ballots, why wasn’t she or any of the losing candidates there?

As to the recent Supreme Court ruling, the judge in his decision stated that the law is “in cohesive and is in need of examination by the New York State Legislature.”

He also stated that “the record reveals that the respondents (the County) had a reasonable basis to deny the FOIL (ballot) request.”

It is my understanding that some supervisors have been criticized for their decision to provide funding for an appeal.

On the contrary, the Essex County Board of Supervisors have shown honest leadership after carefully considering all the facts to date and should be commended.

Their decision will hopefully result in a clarification of the law by a higher court or perhaps by the state legislature, thus saving future dollars for all New York State taxpayers. A true example of democracy in action, in my opinion.

What’s not clear here is the motivation for the lawsuit by petitioner Kosmider. I believe it has everything to do with the State Democrat Party attempting to set a precedent and nothing to do with Essex County elections.

Only time will tell.

Bill McGahay Essex County Conservative State Committeeman for the 21st Congressional District

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has one last public safeguard to insure it meets it’s mission of community service. To fund its efforts it must have support from the community that controls its purse strings. Without that support through advertising and message distribution the newspaper will fail to exist.

Our community newspapers have been blessed with supportive communities that continue to fund and encourage our growth. We are fortunate to be in the position of defending the freedom of information and with your continued support we will do our best to use the funding that comes our way to enhance our news coverage and take steps to secure the future of the services we provide to the public.

Dan Alexander may be reached at dan@suncommunitynews.com.

Preserving life A little longer We deserve every chance Glenn Mollette Columnist

I

’ve assured my wife that I will do everything to save and preserve her life should she ever be in a life and death scenario. Should she ever be in a hospital hooked up to wires and on the verge of death, doctors and nurses do not have permission to start pulling plugs and rushing hospice into the room. She has assured me the same support. We realize that death will come to both of us and neither of us wants to linger in a vegetative state. Of course we don’t know what the scenario will be and no one does. We do believe we deserve every chance to pull through if it’s possible.

In 2002, a doctor said this concerning the illness of my first wife, “She has fought a hard battle we can let her go on. Or, we can try to do everything we can to extend her life.” I opted for the latter. They actually extended her life at least a couple of weeks and she had numerous good visits with her family and two adoring sons. I know we tried everything available to us to extend and save her life. Yet, I will never be free from the disappointment and pain that we could not cure her illness and save her.

My wife’s grandfather was about to be released from the hospital and seemed to be feeling great. They decided to keep him and soon it seemed they pulled hospice in and he was dead in a couple of days. Please don’t hear me speaking against hospice. I know they do a wonderful job in many scenarios. Frequently, they appear to be called in too prematurely.

It seems to me that doctors, hospital staff and nursing home staff get tired of some people and help them exit life. I realize you may yell that I’m wrong but I’m entitled to my opinion. Medical insurance doesn’t pay forever nor does it cover any and every kind of treatment and option to extend life. When the medical insurance is shaking its head “no” to further treatments then what happens? Is this when life really ends?

I have eulogized over 400 funerals. I’ve made thousands of hospital and nursing home visits.

So many times I have witnessed exhausted families and tired, overworked and underpaid intensive care staff caring for a patient who required painstaking treatment and attention. It was at these moments that it seemed I would hear “We have tried and done all we can do.”

I don’t think you or any of us want to be held in this world helplessly tied to a ventilator and multiple devices. On the other hand I don’t think any of us would mind being plugged up a while if in a couple of weeks we might rouse up and be able to spend a few more months or weeks with our family, eating ice cream or even watching wheel of fortune.

This is all difficult stuff and I have dear family and friends very involved in the medical profession. I’m not pointing fingers at you. I’m pointing fingers at all of us. Fight for your loved ones and friends. Value, sustain and protect life as long as you can.

Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author of eleven books. Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.

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The Valley News Sun • March 18, 2017 | 9

EyE ON THE ARTS

> Arts

elizabeth@suncommunitynews.com

Upcoming

L

ocal psychedelic blues troupe Paisley Vibe will perform at the historic Monopole Bar in Plattsburgh on March 17-18. The band will coheadline with fusion group Jiggawaltz on March 17, with March 18 billed as a solo show. This concert is ages 21 and up — no cover charge. Both days will see the band taking the stage at 10 p.m. and playing until 2 a.m. On March 24, Americana jam band Freevolt will perform at the Monopole. Doors open at 8 p.m. The next night, Lord Electro will perform at 9 p.m. For more information on these shows, call 563-2222.

Classic rockers Just Us will land at the Wiseguys Bar in Lake Placid on March 18. The band will take the stage at 10 p.m. For more information, visit thejustusband.com.

On March 17, the Lake Placid Center for the Arts will screen the Oscar-nominated documentary “13th.” The movie follows the passage of the U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment following the Civil War through the modern era of mass incarceration, according to organizers. On March 18, “Jackie” will be screened. “Jackie,” starring Natalie Portman, follows the life of First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy following her husband’s assassination. Both programs are slated for 7 p.m. Tickets are $7. Fore more information, call 523-2512 or visit lakeplacidarts.org.

On March 23, Saranac Lake High School students will open their newest production, “Fiddler on the Roof,” at 7:30 p.m. Performances are slated through March 25.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. For more information, call 891-4450.

will bring their rendition of Beauty and the Beast to the Charles Wood Theater in Glens Falls. Students ages 4-18 and guest dancers will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 25 and 12:30 p.m. on March 26. Tickets are $12 per person. For more information, visit facebook.com/woodtheater.

On March 18, the 190 Grille + Cinema in Glens Falls will host local Indie group Paradox Saints. The band is set to perform at 9 p.m. For more information, visit the190grille.com.

Plattsburgh’s Seton Catholic School students will perform their rendition of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” on March 24-25. Showtimes are 7 p.m. opening night and 2 p.m. on March 25. Tickets are $18 for VIP seating, $13 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors. For more information, visit thesetonschools.org or call 561-4031.

On March 18, the Strand Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh will host a pottery class for beginners.

Ages 18 and up. Tickets are $135 for four sessions.

Prior to the Lehrer Dance performance at the Strand Center on March 25, the dance troupe will put on a masterclass at the theater on March 24 at 8 p.m. The class will focus on the lehrer dance practice, with an eye on circularity, three dimensionality and momentum. The class is ages 13 and up only, with tickets at $20 per person. For more information, call 563-1604 ext. 106 or visit strandcenter.org.

The Peru VFW will host a concert on March 25 featuring Northern Aggression, Model 97 and Executive Disorder. Executive Order is a trash punk band from Peru; Model 97 is a Plattsburgh-based punk group. The first band will take the stage at 7 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/ constitutioncore.

On March 25 at 1 p.m., the Starting Point Studio in Glens Falls will host a stained glass ornament class. Tickets are $25 per person and include all materials. For more information, call 744-6668.

The Ticonderoga area “Mom Prom” will return on March 25 to benefit Friends Comforting Friend and the Best 4th in the North. The event is slated to last from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, find Ticonderoga Area Mom Prom on Facebook.

Hiroya Tsukamoto, a singer-sonwriter from Kyoto, Japan, will perform at the Upper Jay Art Center on March 18 at 8 p.m. A donation of $15 is suggested. For more information, visit upperjayartcenter.org.

Pictured left: Leher Dance. Photo by Jamie Kraus. Pictured middle: Paradox Saints. Photo via Facebook. Pictured above, right: The Paisley Vibe will perform in Plattsburgh on March 17. Photo via Facebook.

w w w . s u n c o m m u n i t y n e w s . c o m /A & E f o r t h e l a t e s t e v e n t s

ELIZABETH IZZO

The Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls will host Opera Saratoga’s “Opera-to-Go” program, featuring The Breman Town Musicians and the work of Offenbach, Rossini, Donzetti and Verdi. This show is free and recommended for pre-school through 6th grade students.

The program is slated for 11 a.m. on March 25. For more information, visit operasaratoga.org. On March 23, Boston-based duo Copley Street will perform at the Crandall Library. The duo takes the stage at 7 p.m. For more information, call 792-6508.

The Champlain Centre Mall in Plattsburgh will host a release party for Disney’s new “Beauty and the Beast” adaption on March 18. Lilac 94, a local harp duo, will perform songs from the movie’s soundtrack.

Organizers encourage attendees to wear princess costumes in celebration of the movie’s release. For more information, visit facebook.com/champlaincentre or call 561-8660.

On March 25-26, the Adirondack Ballet Theater

Arts& Arts &Entertainment &Entertainment

From Sunrise to Sundown

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SPORTS

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NYSEFÊ skiersÊ fareÊ wellÊ atÊ stateÊ event GLENS FALLS — The NYSEF U14 ladies dominated the top rankings for the Women at the NYSSRA State Championships at West Mountain claiming 8 of the top 10 spots for both GS and SG, and 9 of 10 for SL. First-year U14 NYSEF Whiteface athletes, Rowen Norfolk, Sonja Toishi and Emma Reynolds, in the top three overall in the State, men’s and women’s respectively.

The NYSEF athletes qualifying for the Eastern Championship in Sunday River, Maine, March 16-19, include: Women: 1. Norah Dempsey (NYSEF Winter Term - Saratoga Springs, NY) 2. Sonja Toishi (NYSEF Winter Term - Lake Placid, NY) 3. Emma Reynolds (NYSEF Whiteface – Sudbury, MA ) 4. Audrey Higgins-lopez (NYSEF Winter Term – Ithaca, NY) 5. Jaden Klebba (NYSEF Winter Term – Jay, NY) 6. Madison Kostoss (NYSEF Whiteface – Lake Placid, NY) 7. Gabrielle Cote (NYSEF/ Northwood – Plattsburg, NY) 8. Ava Day (NYSEF Winter Term – Lake Placid, NY) 9. Claire Felton (NYSEF Gore – Ballston Spa, NY) 11. Avery Waters (NYSEF Gore – Middlegrove, NY) 13. Katarina Ivkovic (NYSEF Whiteface – New York, NY) 15. Amanda Quiles (NYSEF Gore – Mahwah, NY) Men: 1. Ben DeGirolamo (TOGG/NYSEF Winter Term – Manlius, NY) 2. Rowen Norfolk (NYSEF Whiteface – Lake Placid, NY) 5. Zach Zientko (NYSEF Winter Term – Jay, NY) 7. Braedon Phillips (NYSEF Gore – Wayne, NJ) 12. Cole Paton (NYSEF Gore – Clifton Park, NY) 13. John Graney (NYSEF Gore – Latham, NY)

Members of the NYSEF U-14 Whiteface Alpine Ski Team.

Senior games set ELIZABETHTOWN — The inclement weather of March 14-15 forced the MVAC to move its All-Senior game from March 14 to Thursday, March 23, with the girls game start-

Photo provided

ing at 6 p.m. and boys game at 7:30 p.m. at Willsboro Central School.

The CVAC All-Senior game will take place Tuesday, March 21, 6 and 7:30 p.m., at Seton Catholic School.

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Conservation Conversations Rich Redman

> Outdoor columnist

rich@suncommunitynews.com

Paying their dues!

H

ow many times have you heard it said, “The kids nowadays don’t want to work”? It seems many feel they just want to sit around and watch TV or look at their cells phones and I pad’s. If that’s the case, whose fault is it, I ask. They learn from what we teach them.

My grandkids are no angels for sure, but they also know when it comes time to do some work, they must pay their dues. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and potato chips must be earned. There are no freebees in this household.

With the warm temperatures and melting snow recently, my fire wood/timber cutting/forest management activities in the woodlot may be on hold for a while, or even coming to an end. The frozen ground may soon turn to mud, which means I have to go to plan “B”.

Plan “B” is to burn some of the harvesting waste; those hemlock branches that I had piled up in the woods. With the burn ban restriction coming in mid-March, and this warming trend, it’s a perfect time to torch some brush and open up some ground. I’ll leave a few brush piles but some must go. Burning the brush piles clears the ground of residue, and exposes some mineral soil. I want open ground for tree seeds to sprout and maybe even a food plot.

Pulling wet and frozen brush to a fire is no fun job, for me or the kids, but we found a way to make it a little more enjoyable. Once we get the fire going, and we build up a good bed of coals, I get my shovel. I gather a few shovelfuls of coals and make a small cook fire. It becomes a party time lunch. Bring out the wieners, chips and drinks.

Teaching the young men how to cut a few forked cooking sticks, and roasting them dogs over a camp fire takes away all the agony of pulling brush and hard work. When the guys go out into the world, they will be a step up; they mentioned that they have “learned from the best”. That made Grammy feel good! After a few dogs, some chips and a drink, we are all refreshed enough to get more brush and commence to burning once again. It’s a great way to get the kids off the couch,

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The Valley News Sun • March 18, 2017 | 13

away from the electronic mind numbing screens, and spend some quality time with our future adults. Getting them back to nature, even if it’s only for a few hours, is important.

The piles are burned, our bellies are full and nobody has pent up energy. We used it all up doing some chores and having fun. There is no bickering between brothers. They are spent and relaxed, and grampy is happy. Each one will get a zip lock bag with a big handful of change in it for their pay.

Yes, they paid their dues and earned some pay in addition.

Work has its rewards!

The guys are learning that nothing comes easy and nothing is free. If you want something in life, go work for it, have fun doing it and make your dreams come true!

Rich Redman is a retired District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and an avid outdoorsman. His column will appear regularly. He may be reached at rangeric@nycap.rr.com.

BINGO

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

PUBLIC MEETINGS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

PERU - K of C or Knights of Columbus Bingo, Tuesdays @ 7:10 p.m. St. Augustines Parish Center, 3030 Main St. All welcome!

ELIZABETHTOWN – Essec County 2017 WIC Schedule at the Public Health Building January 5, Feb 2 , March 2, April 6, May 4, June 8, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7 8:00 – 3:45pm.

AU SABLE FORKS - Please take note that the regular monthly meetings of the Au Sable Forks Fire District for the year 2017, will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Au Sable Forks Fire Station located at 29 School Lane, Au Sable Forks, N. Y. 12912. The meetings are open to the public.

PERU - the BAC is scheduled to meet at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 16th and Wednesday, March 15th. In addition to these informational sessions, the BAC will be invited to share their recommendations with the School Board during a public budget development workshop, tentatively set for Tuesday, March 21st. If you wish to participate in any of the meetings of the BAC, please register by calling 518-0643-6004

PLATTSBURGH – ALATEEN Meeting every Thursday at United Methodist Church, 127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh 7:30pm8:30pm. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

TICONDEROGA - Bingo, Ticonderoga fire house, 6:45 p.m. Doors 5 p.m. Every Thursday.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS SARANAC LAKE - Chair Yoga Classes to be held at Will Rogers Amy Kohanski will hold a series of chair yoga classes at Saranac Village at Will Rogers on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m., beginning January 5th through April 6th.

There is a $5 fee per class for nonresidents of Will Rogers. Pre-registration is not required. No experience is necessary. For more information, please call Amy Kohanski at 518-524-6888 or email her atakohanski@roadrunner.com.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AUSABLE FORKS – Essex County 2017 WIC shedule at the Amblulance Building January 4, Feb 1 , March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6, 9:30-2:30pm Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296 KEESEVILLE – Essex County WIC 2017 schedule at the United Methodist Church January 26, Feb 23, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26, November 30, December 28 9:30- 2:45pm.

Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296

January 18, Feb 15, March 15, April 19 , May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20 10:00-5:30pm Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296 LAKE PLACID – Essex County 2017 WIC Clinic Schedule at the Thomas Shipman Youth Center January 3, Feb 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 5, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5 9:30-2:30pm.

January 24, Feb 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26, October 24, November 28 December 19 1:30- 6pm.

Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296 PERU - St. Augustines Soup Kitchen, Free Delicious Meal Every Wednesday, 3030 Main St., 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

TICONDEROGA - Essex County Lethernecks, Marine Corps League, Det 791, Ticonderoga American Legion Post. 6 p.m. Active Marines and Marine Veterans invited. First Thursday of every month.

CADYVILLE – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Sunday 7pm8pm, Wesleyan Church, 2083 Rt. 3, Cadyville, NY. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

CADYVILLE – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Sunday 7pm8pm, Wesleyan Church, 2083 Rt. 3, Cadyville, NY. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

ELIZABETHTOWN / LEWIS - The Elizabethtown Library on River Street is open M/W/F 10-5 and Sat 10-2. Great Place for Small Meetings! FREE PUBLIC WiFi &,Computer Use. Copying and Faxing at a minimal fee. FREE Library Card and check out Books and Movies.

Storytime will Start Fridays in April 4-5pm! Explore YOUR LIBRARY! PLATTSBURGH - BREASTFEEDING - LA LECHE LEAGUE Do you have questions about breastfeeding? Do you have support you can offer to others? Do you need information about returning to work and nursing? Please join us for mother-to-mother sharing. All mothers, mothers-to-be, and children are welcome. Meetings are twice monthly: the first Monday at 7 P.M and the third Friday at 10:00 A.M at the Family Connections, 194 U.S Oval, Plattsburgh. Info: 518-643-9436.

PLATTSBURGH CELEBRATE RECOVERY meetings EVERY Tuesday at 6pm to 7:30 pm at 36 Clinton St, Plattsburgh. CR is help for any hurt, problem, addiction including food, relationships, porn, lonliness, alcohol, drugs, gambling etc. More info call Dawn 518-7919278 / Jacquie 315-705-1701 PLATTSBURGH – Al-Anon Adult Children Meeting every Monday at 7pm-8pm, United Methodist Church, 127 Beekmantown Street, Plattsbugh. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-5610838.

PLATTSBURGH – Al-Anon Family Group Meeting every Thursday at United Methodist Church, 127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh 7:30pm-8:30pm. For more information call 1-888-425-2666 or 518-561-0838.

SCHROON LAKE - Southern Adirondack Softball Umpires and Westport Chapter of NYSBUA will be holding umpires meetings on Tuesdays at Schroon Lake Central School in the Library at 6pm on Mar 7,14,21,28 and April 4,2017.

Anyone interested in umpiring for the upcoming 2017 season should attend

SENIORS ELIZABETHTOWN – Alzheimer's Association March 29, 2017: Understanding and responding to Dementia-related Behavior Adirondack Community Action Program, 7572 Court St., Elizabethtown, NY 12901| 1:00-2:15 pm. For more information or to register contact Tonya Garmley 518-867-4999 MALONE - Alzheimer's Association March 21, 2017: The 10 Signs Wead Public Library, 64 Elm Street, Malone, NY 12053 | 11:00am-12:15 pm For more information or to register contact Tonya Garmley at 518-867-4999 EXT.200 PLATTSBUR0GH – Alzheimer's Association March 20, 2017: The 10 Signs Plattsburgh Public Library, 19 Oak St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901| 11:00am-12:15 pm For more information contact Tonya Garmley 518-867-4999 ext. 200 PLATTSBURGH – Alzheimer's Association March 30, 2017: The Basics Plattsburgh Public Library, 19 Oak St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901 | 11:00am-12:15pm. For more information or to register contact Tonya Garmley 518-867-4999 ext. 200 TUPPER LAKE - Alzheimer's Association March 28, 2017: The 10 Signs, Goff-Nelson Memorial Library, 41 Lake St., Tupper Lake, NY 12986/ 11:00am-12:15. For Morie information or to register contact Tonya Garmley 518-8674999 ext. 200

check payable to the NYS Dept. of Transportation for the sum specified in the proposal or a News bid bond, 14 | March 18, 2017 • The Valley Sun (TL)FORM CONR 391, representing 25% of the bid total, must accompany each bid. NYSDOT reserves From page 4 the right to reject any or all bids.

Electronic documents unstable workforce. and Amendments are On any given week, the posted major aide provider in to www.dot.ny.gov/doing-business/opthe region, North Country Home Services, has portunities/const-no400 hours of authorized care that they cannot fill. tices Contractor is responsiAs a result, tragic stories have become comble for ensuring that all monplace.

Amendments are incorIn Franklin County, theporated shortage into manifested its bid. To receive tonotification of itself in an 88-year-old struggling take care of Amendments via e-mail his friend, a 91-year-old World War II veteran you must submit a rewho required daily care. quest to be placed on Planholders List by at The consumer-directedthe program used www.dot.ny.gov/doingHoran and Ferguson was business/opportunities/c not an option because the man did not have those informal support onst-planholder.

Amendment may have networks available. been issued prior to While he was authorizedyour to receive 23 hours of placement on the list.through care under a state-fundedPlanholders program run Finance Law for rethe county OFA, the slot NYS remained unfilled stricts communication months. with NYSDOT on procurements and contact Desperate phone calls followed. can only be made with After 62 days, an aide was found to fill 10 of designated persons.

Contact with non-designated persons or other involved Agencies will LEGALS be considered a serious SEALED BIDS will be re- matter and may result in ceived as set forth in in- disqualification. Contact structions to bidders un- Maria Tamarkin (518) til 10:30 a.m. on April 457-8403.

06, 2017 at the NYS- Contracts with 0% Goals DOT, Contract Manage- are generally single opment Bureau, 50 WOLF eration contracts, where RD, 1ST FLOOR, SUITE sub-contracting is not may 1CM, ALBANY, NY expected, and 12232 and will be pub- present direct bidding licly opened and read. opportunities for Small Bids may also be sub- Business Firms, including, but not limited to, mitted via the internet D/W/MBEs. using Bid Express The Contractor must (www.bidx.com). comply with the RegulaA certified or cashier's tion relative to non-discheck payable to the NYS Dept. of Trans- crimination in federallyassisted programs of the portation for the sum specified in the proposal USDOT 49 CFR 21. or a bid bond, FORM Please call (518) 457CONR 391, representing 3583 if a reasonable ac25% of the bid total, commodation is needed must accompany each to participate in the letbid. NYSDOT reserves ting. the right to reject any or BIDDERS SHOULD BE all bids.

ADVISED THAT AWARD Electronic documents OF THESE CONTRACTS and Amendments are MAY BE CONTINGENT posted to www.dot.ny.- UPON THE PASSAGE OF gov/doing-business/opA BUDGET APPROPRIAportunities/const-noTION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERtices Contractor is responsi- NOR OF THE STATE OF ble for ensuring that all NEW YORK Amendments are incor- Reg. 01, Sam Zhou, Regional Director, 50 Wolf porated into its bid. To receive notification of Rd, Albany, NY 12232 Amendments via e-mail D263460, PIN 1810.10, you must submit a re- F.A. Proj. ZS30-1810quest to be placed on 103, Albany, Essex, Rensselaer, the Planholders List at Greene, Saratoga, Schenectady, www.dot.ny.gov/doingbusiness/opportunities/c Warren & Washington onst-planholder.

Cos., Durable Pavement Amendment may have Markings on Various been issued prior to Routes, Various Locayour placement on the tions, Bid Deposit Planholders list. $150,000.00., NO NYS Finance Law re- PLANS. stricts communication Goals: DBE 3% with NYSDOT on pro- Reg. 07, Steve Kokkoris, curements and contact Regional Director, 317 can only be made with Washington Street, Wadesignated persons. tertown, NY 13601 Contact with non-desig- D263437, PIN 7806.20, nated persons or other F.A. Proj. MS3E-7806involved Agencies will 203, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, be considered a serious Lewis & St. Lawrence matter and may result in disqualification. Contact Cos., Installation of CenMaria Tamarkin (518) terline Audible Roadway Delineators 457-8403.

(CARDs) at Various LoContracts with 0% Goals are generally single op- cations, Bid Deposit $50,000.00., NO PLANS. eration contracts, where 0% sub-contracting is not Goals: DBE expected, and may VN-03/11-03/18/2017present direct bidding 2TC-145705 opportunities for Small Business Firms, including, but not limited to, D/W/MBEs. The Contractor must comply with the Regulation relative to non-discrimination in federallyassisted programs of the USDOT 49 CFR 21.

Please call (518) 4573583 if a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the letting.

BIDDERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT AWARD OF THESE CONTRACTS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION BILL BY THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK Reg. 01, Sam Zhou, Regional Director, 50 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY 12232 D263460, PIN 1810.10, F.A. Proj. ZS30-1810103, Albany, Essex, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren & Washington Cos., Durable Pavement Markings on Various Routes, Various Locations, Bid Deposit

Home Aides

tion relative to non-dis(Champlain Valley Educrimination in federallycational Services) will assisted programs of the hold the annual meeting USDOT 49 CFR 21. of the members of the Please call (518) 457Boards of Education of www.suncommunitynews.com 3583 if a reasonable acits component school commodation is needed districts on Wednesday, those hours — but not after the veteran was hours, ” Alvarez testified.

“With the looming to participate in the letApril 5, 2017, at 7:30 brought to the emergency room four times, nev- changes to health care andp.m., possible grantat theblock Yandon-Dilting. lon Center Mineville.

BIDDERS er meetingSHOULD admissionBEcriteria. ing of Medicaid, we are headed towardina catastroThe Board of CooperaADVISED THAT AWARD issue.” heartbreaking story saw an elderly phe if we do not address this tive Educational Services OF Another THESE CONTRACTS will present its tentative MAY BE client fall CONTINGENT between the cracks over the unfilled administrative, capital UPON THE OF to find a private duty hours andPASSAGE the inability ‘THE OVERLOOKED’and program budgets A BUDGET APPROPRIAnurse. for 2017-18 to thehours, memTION BILL BY THE LEGAs he attempts to navigate his slashed of the Boards of ISLATURE AND GOVERCaseworkers frequently found the patient, Ferguson is acutely aware bers of difficulties in hiring Education of component NOR OF THE STATE OF who was mentally ill, soiled. supplemental help. school districts in attenNEW YORK danceflat:at At such Reg. 01, being Sam Zhou, Re-admission at a local hosAfter denied Past attempts have fallen leastAnnual one Meeting, for their regional the Director, 50was Wolfultimately transferred to a pital, patient worker stole.

Others didn’t show up for work, or view. The following are Rd, Albany, NY 12232 nursing Massachusetts. were otherwise unreliable.summaries of the tentaD263460,home PIN in 1810.10, tive administrative, capiF.A.“Unfortunately Proj. ZS30-1810I could continue with case What happens if Horantal manages to hirebudan and program 103, Albany, Essex, after case of individuals across health, disability aide to pick up the additional hours they, stattoo, gets.

Theand amounts Greene, Rensselaer, and aging organizations haveOF faced these is- don’t work out? ed are based on current Saratoga, Schenectady, that NOTICE FORMATION estimates and may be Warren & Washington OF LIMITED LIABILITY sues, ” Preve said.

The uncertainty adds an additional of NOTICE OF FORMATION subject to layer change.

Cos., Durable Pavement COMPANY (LLC) “I cannotonemphasize level Gratitude of frustration to Ferguson — and thatofis the tainted with Copies complete Markings Various the Name: For stress OF Lobster Reef, LLC a one and fear Various that thisLocaissue instills in the most frail adomestic Routes, Wellness, LLC. Articles limited liabilty tentative administrative, hint of sourness, as he never wanted the raise tions,vulnerable Bid Deposit of” Organization filed with company. Art. of Org. capital and program and individuals. to begin with. budgets will be available $150,000.00., NO the Secretary of State of filed with Sec'y of State Alvarez testified peopleNew haveYork died(SSNY) while on forsaid. inspection the PLANS. on of “I NY on ” he would(SSNY) give it back, “I did notbywant January 17, 2017 Office to between the Goals:waiting DBE 3% 2/2/2017.

Office loca- ” public these lists. get paid any overtime.

Reg. 07, Steve Kokkoris, Location: Essex County. tion: Essex County. hours of 9 a.m. and 3 “There Director, is this notion ser- SSNY He added: “They as probably The SSNY hospital is designated p.m. patted in the themselves AdministraRegional 317 of providing is designated vices in the Street, home which possibly as agent of function the LLC on tive Office of the This District agent the LLC upon hurting Washington Wa- can’t theofback.

But they’re people. is upon process whom process against Superintendent of 13601 iftertown, there NY is no workforce to fulfillwhom the approved against it may be served. the LLC may be served. Champlain Valley EducaD263437, PIN 7806.20, F.A. Proj. MS3E-7806SSNY shall mail a copy SSNY shall mail a copy tional Services, 518 Ru203, Clinton, Essex, of any process to the of such process served gar Street, Plattsburgh, Franklin, Jefferson, LLC at: PO Box 805, upon it to Lobster Reef, commencing on March Lewis & St. Lawrence LLC, 72 Oneida Avenue 24, 2017.

Willsboro, NY 12996.

Cos., Installation of Cen- VN-02/25-04/01/2017Lake Placid NY 12946.

SUMMARY OF TENTAterline Audible Purpose: To engage in TIVE ADMINISTRATIVE 6TC-144347 Roadway Delineators any lawful activity.

BUDGET NOTICE OF FORMATION (CARDs) at Various Lo- OF J & L Lodging, LLC a VN-02/25-04/01/2017Total Personnel Services cations, Bid Deposit domestic limited liabilty (Salaries of all Central 6TC-144537 $50,000.00., NO PLANS. company. Art. of Org. NOTICE OF BOCES AN- Administrative and SuGoals: DBE 0% pervisory Personnel) NUAL MEETING filed with Sec'y of State VN-03/11-03/18/2017Please take notice that $565,832.00 of NY (SSNY) on 2TC-145705 3/13/2017. Office loca- the BOARD OF COOPER- Total Employee & Retiree Benefits (Benefits NOTICE OF QUALIFICA- tion: Essex County. ATIVE EDUCATIONAL SSNY is designated as SERVICES OF THE SOLE of Central AdministraTION OF Diplomat SUPERVISORY DIS- tive, Supervisory PerPetroleum, LLC Appl. for agent of the LLC upon TRICT OF CLINTON-ES- sonnel and all Retirees) Auth. filed with Secy. of whom process against $3,228,217.00 the LLC may be served. SEX-WARREN-WASHState of NY (SSNY) on INGTON COUNTIES Equipment $0.00 01/27/17. Office loca- SSNY shall mail a copy tion: Essex County. LLC of such process served (Champlain Valley Edu- Supplies and Materials formed in Texas (TX) on upon it to J & L Lodg- cational Services) will $13,201.00 Revenue Note Interest hold the annual meeting ing, LLC 6125 Sentinel 09/14/07. Princ. office $0.00 of LLC: 14090 South- Road Lake Placid NY of the members of the west Fwy., Ste. 300, 12946. Purpose: To en- Boards of Education of Total Contract Expense $235,769.00 Sugar Land, TX 77478. gage in any lawful activi- its component school SSNY designated as districts on Wednesday, Net Transfers (other ty. than capital) agent of LLC upon April 5, 2017, at 7:30 VN-03/18-04/22/2017p.m., at the Yandon-Dil- $131,194.00 whom process against it 6TC-146506 TOTAL ADMINISTRAmay be served. SSNY KROHA PROPERTIES lon Center in Mineville. TIVE BUDGET The Board of Cooperashall mail process to c/o LLC Articles of Org. filed Corporation Service Co., NY Sec. of State (SSNY) tive Educational Services $4,174,213.00 (Compensation of Diswill present its tentative 80 State St., Albany, NY 1/24/17. Office in Essex capital trict Superintendent of 12207-2543. Cert. of Co. SSNY desig. agent administrative, Schools) Form. filed with Secy. of of LLC upon whom pro- and program budgets State, The State of TX, cess may be served. for 2017-18 to the mem- State Salary $43,499.00 Salary Corp. Section, P.O. Box SSNY shall mail copy of bers of the Boards of CVES $123,263.00 13697, Austin, TX process to 74 Education of component Social Security Teacher school districts in atten78711-3697. Purpose: Theianoguen Way, Lake Retirement $12,080.00 Any lawful activity.

Placid, NY 12946. Pur- dance at such Annual Health & Life Insurance VN-02/11-3/18/2017pose: Any lawful pur- Meeting, for their re- $16,557.00 view. The following are 6TC-143344 pose. Principal business Insursummaries of the tenta- Unemployment location: 270 Mill Pond ance $616.00 Dr., Lake Placid, NY tive administrative, capi- Workers' Compensation tal and program budNOTICE OF FORMATION 12946. gets. The amounts stat- $740.00 OF LIMITED LIABILITY VN-02/11-03/18/2017Disability Insurance ed are based on current COMPANY (LLC) 6TC-143397 $0.00 estimates and may be Name: Gratitude For subject to change. SUMMARY OF TENTAWellness, LLC. Articles NOTICE OF FORMATION TIVE CAPITAL BUDGET Copies of the complete of Organization filed with OF Lobster Reef, LLC a tentative administrative, Transfer To Capital Fund the Secretary of State of domestic limited liabilty $295,000.00 New York (SSNY) on company. Art. of Org. capital and program Rental of Facilities budgets will be available January 17, 2017 Office filed with Sec'y of State for inspection by the $258,548.00 Location: Essex County. of NY (SSNY) on TOTAL CAPITAL BUDpublic between the The SSNY is designated 2/2/2017. Office loca- hours of 9 a.m. and 3 GET $553,548.00 as agent of the LLC tion: Essex County. p.m. in the Administra- SUMMARY OF TENTAupon whom process SSNY is designated as tive Office of the District TIVE PROGRAM BUDagainst it may be served. agent of the LLC upon Superintendent of GET SSNY shall mail a copy whom process against Champlain Valley Educa- Occupational Instruction of any process to the the LLC may be served. tional Services, 518 Ru- $8,503,707.00 LLC at: PO Box 805, SSNY shall mail a copy gar Street, Plattsburgh, Instruction of Students Willsboro, NY 12996. of such process served commencing on March with Disabilities VN-02/25-04/01/2017upon it to Lobster Reef, 24, 2017. $12,333,713.00 6TC-144347 LLC, 72 Oneida Avenue Services SUMMARY OF TENTA- Itinerant Lake Placid NY 12946. $1,844,900.00 TIVE ADMINISTRATIVE Purpose: To engage in BUDGET General Instruction any lawful activity. $487,872.00 Total Personnel Services VN-02/25-04/01/2017Support (Salaries of all Central Instructional 6TC-144537 Administrative and Su- $2,316,343.00 Services pervisory Personnel) Other $6,568,650.00 $565,832.00 Total Employee & Re- TOTAL PROGRAM BUDGET $32,055,185.00 tiree Benefits (Benefits of Central Administra- TOTAL CVES BUDGET tive, Supervisory Per- $36,782,946.00 sonnel and all Retirees) VN-03/18-04/01/20173TC-146503 $3,228,217.00 Equipment $0.00 Supplies and Materials $13,201.00 Revenue Note Interest $0.00 Total Contract Expense $235,769.00 Net Transfers (other than capital) $131,194.00 TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET $4,174,213.00 (Compensation of District Superintendent of Schools) State Salary $43,499.00 CVES Salary $123,263.00 Social Security Teacher Retirement $12,080.00 Health & Life Insurance $16,557.00 Unemployment Insurance $616.00 Workers' Compensation $740.00 Disability Insurance $0.00 SUMMARY OF TENTATIVE CAPITAL BUDGET Transfer To Capital Fund $295,000.00

Supplies and Materials $13,201.00 Revenue Note Interest $0.00 Total ContractPublished Expense by Denton Publications, Inc. $235,769.00 Net Transfers (other hurting not just capital) us, but it’s hurting a lot of people than up here.” $131,194.00 TOTAL Horan ADMINISTRAleaned back, watched Ferguson and TIVE BUDGET sighed. $4,174,213.00 (Compensation of Dis“Getting answers is like pulling teeth,” she said. trict Superintendent of Ferguson fears re-entering the workforce after Schools) State Salary $43,499.00 15 years.

CVES Salary While he has a degree in engineering, his skills $123,263.00 Social Security heTeacher are outdated, fears, and he’s a generation beRetirement $12,080.00 hind on new training.

Health & Life Insurance “Who’s going to hire me?” he said. “I’m over$16,557.00 Unemployment Insurlooked. ” ance $616.00 Abandoning Horan Workers' Compensation has never been an option. $740.00 “I didn’t plan on doing this for 16 years of my Disability Insurance life, ” Ferguson said. “But I don’t know how to quit $0.00 when peopleOFneed help. I will stand over Wendi SUMMARY TENTATIVE CAPITAL BUDGET until literally the sword falls from my hands.”

Transfer To Capital Fund $295,000.00 Rental Facilities This isofthe third in a five-part series on the $258,548.00 home care crisis in the region.

TOTAL health CAPITALaide BUDComing up next week: Solutions.

GET $553,548.00 SUMMARY OF TENTA- NOTICE OF FORMATION ForPROGRAM another aide perspective, visit us online TIVE BUDOF SUGARBUSH FOUR at GETsuncommunitynews.com.

LLC Occupational Instruction Arts. of Org. filed with $8,503,707.00 Secy. of State of NY Instruction of Students (SSNY) on 02/07/17. Ofwith Disabilities fice location: Essex $12,333,713.00 County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon Itinerant Services $1,844,900.00 whom process against it General Instruction may be served. SSNY $487,872.00 shall mail process to the Instructional Support LLC, 40 Fay St., Unit $2,316,343.00 #602, Boston, MA Other Services 02118. Purpose: Any $6,568,650.00 lawful activity.

TOTAL PROGRAM BUD- VN-02/18/17-03/25/17GET $32,055,185.00 6TC-143818 TOTAL CVES BUDGET Walkers Neighborhood $36,782,946.00 Butcher Shop, LLC, Arts VN-03/18-04/01/2017of Org filed with SSNY 3TC-146503 on 02/03/17. Off. Loc.: NOTICE OF FORMATION Essex County, SSNY OF LIMITED LIABILITY designated as agent of COMPANY (“LLC”) Pine LLC upon whom proWoods Developers, LLC. cess against it may be Articles of Organization served. SSNY shall mail filed with the Secretary a copy of process to: of State of New York 2296 Saranac Ave., Lake (“SSNY”) on February 1, Placid, NY 12946. Pur2017 for business con- pose: to engage in any ducted from an office lo- lawful act.

VN-02/18-03/25/2017cated in Essex County, NY. The “SSNY” is des- 6TC-143992 ignated as the agent of Waters Edge 6, LLC, the “LLC” upon whom Arts of Org filed with process against it may SSNY on 12/14/16. Off. be served. “SSNY” shall Loc.: Essex County, mail a copy of any pro- SSNY designated as cess to the “LLC” at agent of LLC upon 1391 Route 9, Kee- whom process against it seville, NY 12944. may be served. SSNY VN-02/11-0318/2017shall mail a copy of pro6TC-143341 cess to: 2296 Saranac Steed and Peel LLC, Ave., Lake Placid, NY Arts of Org filed with 12946. Purpose: to enSSNY on 01/11/17. Off. gage in any lawful act.

VN-02/18-03/25/17Loc.: Essex County, 6TC-143741 SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY BUY IT! shall mail a copy of proSELL IT! cess to: P.O. Box 2149, FIND IT! Lake Placid, NY 12946.

Purpose: to engage in The Sun Classifieds any lawful act.

Call 518-873-6368 VN-2/18-3/25/17-6TC143737 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SUGARBUSH FOUR LLC THE SUN Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/07/17. Office location: Essex County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 40 Fay St., Unit #602, Boston, MA 02118. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

VN-02/18/17-03/25/176TC-143818 C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S

&

P R I N T I N G

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

Heroin

From page 1 intervention and recovery.

“We’re hooking them up with mental health services, and it’s been extremely successful,” said Essex County Public Health Director Linda Beer, a co-chair.

Advertising campaigns in local newspapers have actually fielded calls from community members seeking help, Beers said.

Essex County District Attorney Kristy Sprague said ECHO members traveled to Albany recently to learn more about an initiative designed to redirect low-level offenders into voluntary treatment programs.

“What they try to do is divert before the person is arrested into certain programs,” Sprague said.

The client is then paired with a case manager and hooked into program with an appropriate support network.

The program, called LEAD, will ideally lead to cost savings and reduced recidivism.

But, Sprague said, the Seattle-pioneered initiative can be a tough sell for law enforcement, who are mindful of the balance between arresting suspects to protect communities while also steering people into diversion programs.

“It’s not going to happen overnight, but it’s definitely an option in our community,” Sprague said.

Emphasis will also be placed on reducing stigma among addicts and eliminating barriers to treatment.

“We’re building awareness, and we’re building it together,” Beers said.

Formed in May 2015, ECHO contains a broad cross-section of 40 stakeholders across Essex County.

The grant funds, awarded last spring, allowed for the hiring of an outreach coordinator, who sits on six coalitions across the region, making it easier to synergize resources and strategies.

The presentation on Monday comes weeks after a county department of public works employee found syringes on a Port Henry road and posted them to Facebook, sparking widespread public discussion.

Moriah Supervisor Tom Scozzafava said he gets at least three calls each week about discarded needles in his community.

“It’s a significant problem in my community and all communities,” Scozzafava said.

Scozzafava said he wants ECHO to host a community forum this spring in Moriah.

“I think we really need a community forum. This issue is not going to go away,” he said.

ECHO’s activities join ongoing efforts at the state level to combat the epidemic.

Building on last year’s comprehensive series of executive proposals, Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this year proposed further initiatives.

His six-point plan calls for insurance reforms to make authorization for treatment easier, giving health care providers more access to buprenorphine and establishing “recovery high schools” to help young people in recovery finish school.

The governor also increased access to naloxone, an antioverdose antidote, to local first responders.

Beers said while usage was tough to track in the county, its use has increased.

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT FOR RENT

VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals.

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LAND FOR SALE FOR SALE WOODLOT 97 Acres, Borders Smith & Plank Roads, Ellenburgh NY. $60,000 Firm. 518298-4204 Leave Message.

For Sale-Building lots of variable sizes, some lakeview, some secluded in the mountains, not far from the lake. Call 518-572-3825 for pricing and more details.

HOMES FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY & REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIED RATES REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY $25 PER WEEK INCLUDES B&W PHOTO, HEADING, PRICE, LOCATION, MLS#, 3 LINE DESCRIPTION, CONTACT INFO (2 LINES) ADD'L LINES: $2 EA. FEATURED PROPERTY BLOCK (in weekly rotation w/participants) REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS $25 PER MONTH INCLUDES HEADING, LOGO, CONTACT INFO (2 LINES) (Real Estate Classifieds will appear on the same page beneath the directory.)

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CONTACT SHANNON CHRISTIAN 518-873-6368 EXT. 201 shannonc@suncommunitynews.com

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS WILL BE 4PM ON THURSDAYS!

WESTPORT, NY 2bdrm apartment Available 4/1/17. Security Required & Lease. No smoking, No pets, Stainless Steel Appliances. Open Concept, Large Rooms, $700/ mo.

518-962-4538 FARM FOR SALE 38 Stanchion Barn,concrete floor, electric barn cleaner, 40 tillable acres and pasture. Located in the Town of Moriah. Call 518-5723825 for details and pricing.

4 BEDROOM HOME for sale in Lewis, NY Master bedroom on 1st floor large fenced in back yard Priced to sell at only $79,000 (518) 873-2362 REAL ESTATE WILLSBORO, NY 1.06 acre lot w/water/sewer/power ($26,000) or Above lot with 1998 2bd/2bath mobile home ($49,000) 518-963-7320

BUY IT! SELL IT! FIND IT! 518-873-6368 Ext. 201 “We’re more than a newspaper, we’re a community service.”

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The Valley News Sun • March 18, 2017 | 15

EMS Director Patty Bashaw confirmed naloxone has been used to save lives here.

But others have died before a medical professional could administer the nasal spray.

“I can tell you for a fact we’ve had several reversals in our county, and several deaths when law enforcement was not able to do anything,” Bashaw said.

Pictured: The Essex County Heroin and Opioid Prevention Coalition is making inroads in combating opioid use, reported Linda Beers and Kristy Sprague, both co-chairs, to the Essex County Board of Supervisors on Monday, March 13.

Photo by Pete DeMola

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The Valley News Sun • March 18, 2017 | 17

LAND

LAND

LAND

LAND

VACATION PROPERTY

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LAND REPO! 21 acres - $39,900 Overlooks the Mohawk Valley 1/2 hr from Albany! Views, fields, woods, twn rd, utils. Terms. Call 1-888-701-1864 NOW! NewYorkLandandLakes.com

LAND WANTED: Cash buyer seeks large acreage 200+ acres in the Central/Finger Lakes and Catskills Regions of NY State. Brokers welcome.

For immediate confidential response, call 1-607-353-8068 or email Info@NewYorkLandandLakes.com NewYorkLandandLakes.com

LAND WANTED: Cash buyer seeks large acreage 200+ acres in the Central/Finger Lakes and Catskills regions of NYS. Brokers welcome.

For immediate confidential response, call 607-353-8068 or email info@NewYorkLandandLakes.com

LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 acres - $89,900. Assessed for $96,000! Pay cash and pay just $84,900! Catskill mountain setting with views, woods, spring, stonewalls. Stunning land. Financing available. Call 888-479-3394.

NewYorkLandandLakes.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

VACATION HOME, CAMP OR LAND FOR SALE OR RENT? Advertise with us! We connect you with nearly 3-million consumers (plus more online!) with a statewide classified ad. Advertise your property for just $489 for a 25-word ad, zoned ads start at $229. Visit AdNetworkNY.com or call 315-437-6173

NORTH COUNTRY AUTO GLASS & TRIM SHOP Glass Repair Residential & Commercial Jobs.

We do it all.

Call 518-324-7200 for more information.

MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY. EXTRAORDINARY performance. Central Boiler certified Classic Edge OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Adirondack Hardware Call Dennis today 518-834-4600. Ext. 6

CHATEAUGAY LAKE RENTAL Lakefront Home, 3 BR, 1.5 BA, Large Deck, Sandy Beach $1200/WK 518-566-0264

LAND REPO! 21 acres - $39,900, overlooks the Mohawk Valley, ½ hour from Albany! Views, fields, woods, town road, utilities, terms.

Call 888-905-8847 now! NewYorkLandandLakes.com

LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 acres- $89,900 NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED! Delaware County, Catskill Mtn setting!

Views, woods, meadow. EZ terms avail! Call 1-888-650-8166 today!

NewYorkLandandLakes.com

AUTOMOTIVE

GENERAL

HELP WANTED

18 | March 18, 2017 • The Valley News Sun (TL)

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The Valley News Sun • March 18, 2017 | 19

20 | March 18, 2017 • The Valley News Sun (TL)

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