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September 12, 2009
A Denton Publication
Music
Sports
Antiques
Some of the best gather for annual Fiddler’s Jamboree.
Field Hockey, Cross Country, and Football Picks, all this week.
Adirondack Museum hosts annual Antiques Show and Sale.
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$1 million grant for tourist train expected Leaders gripe about rail operator By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com QUEENSBURY — The long-awaited extension of Warren County's tourist railway to Saratoga Springs may become reality as soon as next spring, county leaders learned last week. Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Fred Monroe said that he had been assured by state and federal representatives that $1 million in grant funding for repair of county train track in Saratoga County has been approved. The money would be spent on upgrading the 16-mile portion of the Warren County tourist rail line that runs between the Village of Corinth and the connection with CP Rail near Saratoga Springs. The grant is going to the town of Corinth, which is to administrate the grant, authorities said. Corinth Supervisor Richard Lucia confirmed Friday that the money was granted by the state Dept. of Transportation, but the grant was awaiting a signature of the state Attorney General. For well over a decade, county leaders and area economic development officials have envisioned regular train service connecting North Creek with Saratoga Springs, the Capital Region and New York City. This connection would allow Manhattan skiers to leave their vehicles at home and enjoy a scenic ride all the way to North Creek, they've said. Also, it was envisioned that a series of stations would be constructed at towns along the route. When federal grants promised didn’t materialize, these stations weren’t built, and several platforms were constructed instead at considerable cost — a situation that angered taxpayers and eroded support this year among county supervisors for the tourist railway. However, this $1 million grant is likely to make the connection with Saratoga Springs and New York City a reality, Lucia said, if it indeed materializes.
See TRAIN, page 7
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Community Fund for the Gore Mountain Region inspires philanthropy with grant awards A dozen awarded locally By Lindsay Yandon lindsay@denpubs.com NORTH CREEK — Founded in 2005, the Community Fund for the Gore Mountain Region (CFGMR) is one of the main sources of not-forprofit grant awards in the North Country. The CFGMR is affiliated with the Adirondack Community Trust, a community foundation serving the region, enabling people and institutions to establish endowed funds to benefit specific institutions, organizations and community needs. CFGMR’s relationship with ACT ensures that all donations qualify for the maximum available tax deduction. Community foundations are tax exempt public charities serving thousands of people who share a common interest—improving the quality of life in their area, according to the ACT. The CFGMR was created by a group of North Creek residents who solicit fellow residents for donations towards local charitable endeavors. The donations go into an endowment fund and percentages are then distributed as grants among groups including youth and seniors, the arts and humanities, historical preservation and other worthwhile causes serving the towns of Chester, Horicon, Johnsburg, Minerva and Schroon. “Small grants make a huge in difference in the quality of life throughout our towns,” said Elise Widlund of the advisory council. Organizations receiving grants are chosen through a competitive grant application process managed by CFGMR’s Advisory Council. The 2009 grant program awarded twelve
The 2009 recipients of generous grant monies awarded by the CFGMR to groups and individuals who will invest it back into the needs of the local communities. Photo courtesy of the CFGMR
grants, totaling $7,200. A presentation was hosted by the CFGMR Trustees on Aug. 28. The event was held by Helen Cornwall and her family on the shore of Ordway Pond in Johnsburg and catered by the Copperfield Inn. Grants were presented to: Vonda Beattie, of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #625, to send girls to Girl’s State to learn about responsible citizenship and love for God and country;
Chris Sears, working on his Boy Scout Eagle Rank and the Adirondack Tri-County Nursing Home, to enhance a garden area for the residents to enjoy; Rachael DeGrott, Cheerful Cricket Nursery School, for scholarship assistance; Kelly Nessle, representing the Friends of the Town of Johnsburg Parks, for material to build a
See CFGMR, page 3
Sleeping Giants picnic held at Donnelly Beach By Mike Corey denpubs@denpubs.com MINERVA — The weather was fine, the music was easy on the ears, the food was good, and the company was excellent. The event was a success. All of the above applies to the Minerva Sleeping Giants picnic held at the Donnelly Beach pavilion at Minerva Lake on Friday, Aug. 28. Co-sponsored by the senior group the Sleeping Giants, the Essex County Office of the Aging, and the Essex County Nutrition Program, the picnic turned out to be a great way for Minerva seniors and guests to get together and thoroughly enjoy everything the day had to offer. About 140 hungry people were served at the pavilion. The Sleeping Giants are in the midst of celebrating their 40th year, and the picnic was a great way to help recognize this landmark year for them. With music initially provided by the ARC band and then by the Vinnie and Mike Leddick band, the large crowd settled down for a meal from which no one walked away hungry.
See PICNIC, page 3
The picnic was co-sponsored by the senior group the Sleeping Giants, the Essex County Office of the Aging, and the Essex County Nutrition Program. Photo by Mike Corey