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November 21, 2009
CROP Walk
Coalition
Library trust
The annual Ticonderoga CROP Walk raised more than $4,500 to aid the needy. See Page 5
A coalition has formed to press state officials on the Lake Champlain Bridge. See Page 13
The Sherman Free Library in Port Henry has created a trust to insure its future. See Page 14
Thanksgiving observances set Ticonderoga dinner expands
Crown Point community meal set
CROWN POINT — Crown Point churches and businesses are again joinTICONDEROGA — A group of Ticonderoga residents will celebrate ing together to ensure that those who are alone or those who might not have Thanksgiving by serving dinner to the community. the means to celebrate Thanksgiving will have a traditional meal. Val and Craig Dixon, who have served the free meal each Thanksgiving “With the economy struggling, at their Hot Biscuit Diner, will join many of us came to realize that with the Stonitsch family to offer an there are blessings that we can expanded fare this year. share to ensure that we, as a comThe dinner will be served 11 a.m. munity look to each other ’s needs,” to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at the TICONDEROGA — The church communities of the greater Ticonderoga- said Pastor David Hirtle of the Ticonderoga fire house. “Val and Craig asked me to take Crown Point area will celebrate a service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 22, First Congregational Church. The meal, consisting of turkey, over the dinner since their circum- at 7 p.m. at The United Methodist Church, Ticonderoga. This year ’s Service will include the Children’s Handbell Choir from the stuffing, potatoes, squash, rolls and stances are changing,” Tricia Stonitsch said. “We are working to- United Methodist Church of Ticonderoga as well as combined choirs from sev- homemade apple and pumpkin pies will be served at Frenchman’s gether in the transition. This meal eral of the area churches. Pastors from local churches will be participating throughout the service. Restaurant in Crown Point on will replace the Hot Biscuit meal Following the service an opportunity for fellowship will be held. Wednesday, Nov. 25. There will be that has been offered.” a continuous serving from 4-7 p.m. This is not a new effort for the There will be no cost. Stonitsch clan. They have been active in past years with the The StreetCorner The meal is a collaborative between Frenchman’s and Maple Ridge Gourmets, a group that serves Thanksgiving dinner to people in Harlem.
Thanksgiving service slated
Vikings reach state semifinals Moriah reached the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D semifinal in football action Nov. 13. The Vikings, who reached the state championship game last season, beat Rensselaer, 28-25, in Ticonderoga. See sports.
Rehearsals start for Tiny Tim show TICONDEROGA — The Ticonderoga Community Band will start rehearsals for the Tiny Tim concert on Monday, Nov. 23, 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Ticonderoga Middle School. The Tiny Tim Christmas Wish Concert will be held on Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Ticonderoga. Anyone wishing to play is invited to join – young and young at heart, early grade and advanced musicians. Contact Patricia Cornell at 543-6081 for more information or just come to the first rehearsal ready to play.
THIS WEEK Ticonderoga...................2-11 Opinions ......................6-7 Crown Point ..................12-13 Moriah ..........................14-15 Schroon Lake ................17 Calendar ......................21 In Brief..........................22 Sports ..........................23-24 Classifieds....................25-28 Auto Zone ....................29-32
See CROWN POINT, page 13
See TI, page 10
Witherbee veteran rediscovers his past By Fred Herbst
Auckland area and went into the 29th General Hospital in WITHERBEE Ellerslie for — A chance treatment. meeting and “The Durnew friendship bridge family, have reunited a who I had met World War II before, and I beveteran with his came friends past. again,” Dennis Raymond said. “They Dennis of Withmade me feel erbee, now 93 like I was home. years old, was On some of my fighting the days off I would Japanese in the visit the family Solomon Islands in 1945 Raymond Dennis of Witherbee holds a photo of a for tea and card games and Olive when he be- jewelry box he made in 1945 while in a New and I often went came ill with Zealand hospital. The box, which he gave to a to amusement malaria. Sent to Kiwi girl, recently was rediscovered. parks. The famiNew Zealand to ly helped me recover, he met a Kiwi family and their cope with being so far away from daughter, Olive. “I arrived in Auckland in June 1942 home.” While in the hospital Dennis became with (Army) Company A, 43rd Diviinterested in a native wood carving sion,” Dennis recalled. “We went technique. He made a jewelry box in through the towns of Ponsonby and the Maori tradition and gave it to Ellerslie. I met the Durbridge family in Olive. Ellerslie and we became friends. “I will never forget that special fam“I left for the Solomon Islands, where ily and how good they were to me,” I came down with malaria,” he contin-
fred@denpubs.com
The year’s warm days are fleeting, but Lauren Matlie Sawyer of Ticonderoga was able to enjoy the slide at Port Henry beach. Photo by Nancy Frasier
See WITHERBEE, page 15
ued. “In June 1945, I returned to the
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