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Saturday,ÊD ecemberÊ5,Ê2015

>>

www.SunCommunityNews.com

In SPORTS | pg. 10-11

>>

Overcoming Adversity

In OPINION | pg. 6

Thanks for a great season!

Peru sophomore competes minus one hand

It was a sports season to remember

>>

In ARTS | pg. 9

‘Dolly’s Word’ on holiday concerts Methodist Church in North River hosting concert

Cuomo: The check is in the mail Gimmick or meaningful reform? With budget season over, and checks being processed for send-out, lawmakers discuss the governor’s property tax rebate program

By Pete DeMola

In addition to bragging rights for staying under the cap — for officials, doing so has come to represent a sense of fiscal prowess in tough economic times — taxpayers are also slated ELIZABETHTOWN — As the snow flies, municipalities to benefit from rebate checks.

Homeowners last year received tax rebate checks for the are finalizing their budgets.

Coming in under the state-mandated tax cap has been the growth in their school taxes.

This year, checks will be issued to taxpayers in jurisdictions goal that has dominated the process for officials across the that stayed under the state’s property tax cap, which limits the state for the past three years. pete@suncommunitynews.com

growth in property taxes to less than 2 percent a year, including counties, cities, towns, villages and special districts.

Municipalities must also develop plans to cut the levy by 1 percent a year for three years.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has argued that the high tax burden prohibits economic growth and has led to an exodus of residents to more tax-friendly climes.

The three-year property-tax freeze program is expected to provide $1 billion in tax relief, according to materials provided by the governor’s office. >> Story Continued | pg. 18

OhÊ ChristmasÊ Trees,Ê Essex County sails through OhÊ ChristmasÊ Trees! budget hearing

Several tree lightings on tap this month around the region PLATTSBURGH — Several trees throughout the North Country will light up the night sky throughout the beginning of the of December.

Places such as Plattsburgh, Cadyville, Schuyler Falls, Peru, Au Sable Forks and Champlain will be decorating their Christmas trees with lights, ornaments and garlands to begin the holiday season and spread the holiday spirit.

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — Essex County moved closer to adopting a 2016 budget following a public hearing Monday night, a brisk affair that saw Dan Palmer, the county manager, again presenting the most salient bits of the tentative spending plan and urging lawmakers to avoid dipping into their savings.

Teah Dowling

Photo by Janet McFetridge

THE NUMBERS At $21.6 million, the tax levy is up 8 percent over this year, constituting 22.34 percent of the county’s total operating expenses.

Total appropriations are $96.9 million, a 4.6 percent increase, while the tentative net budget clocks in at $23.7 million, up $1.7 million over this year.

That figure is the true measure of the county’s fiscal health, said Palmer.

Proposed fund balance use has dropped to $2.03 million, about 25 percent of their savings. The figure is down from a high of $6.8 million in 2013, the year before a five-year plan was implemented after a state audit.

>> Story Continued | pg. 19

>> Story Continued | pg. 16

Writer

CADYVILLE The Cadyville Community Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cadyville Fire Station.

This year, in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Cadyville Fire Department is inviting World War II veterans from Cadyville and the surrounding communities to be honorary guests and light the 12-14 foot Christmas tree.

Along with the tree lighting, guests of all ages can embark on a wagon ride, sings their hearts out caroling or visit with Santa.

The tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m., followed by visits with Santa, hot chocolate and caroling at Paquette Park.

“This tree lighting started because of an idea by the community,” said Chuck Kostyk, organizer of the event. “It’s a great community event.”

The event is free and open to the public; however, all attendees are asked to bring a dessert items to share. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Kostyk at 518-3206333.

2 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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WE arE all FrEnch

The Elizabethtown Social Center presents...

The Pleasant Valley Chorale in concert

Messiah and More

Willsboro Central’s French Club sold flags to raise money to help those affected by the Paris attacks. “Students were very disturbed by the events and wanted to do something to help,” Marie Blatchley, their teacher, said. “They came up with the idea of selling the flags and took turns volunteering their time to sell them.” The group raised $130, which they plan on donating to the French Red Cross.

Photo provided

Classics for the Holiday Season Susan Forney Hughes, Director Russell Ames, Accompanist

Friday, December 11th ~ 7:30pm Essex Community Church ~ Essex, NY And

Sunday, December 13th ~ 3:00pm

United Church of Christ ~ Elizabethtown, NY Admission to both concerts is free ~ Donations accepted

84822

Juggling Your Budget?

Advertise Small, Get Big Results!

Call 1-518-873-6368 Ext. 201

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The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 3

Basketball team hopes for nothing but net JV team has two weeks to come up with funds for survival

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

WESTPORT — A bumper crop of basketball hopefuls has sprouted at Westport Central.

Thirty-two of them, enough to resurrect the boys junior varsity program, which was previously cut after sagging numbers made the program unsustainable.

An emergency school board meeting has reinstituted the program, at least for this winter. Now, athletic coordinator Jim Phillips is spearheading an effort to raise at least $3,000 to give it some wings.

“When I put up the sign-up, they were like vultures — they were ready to go,” said Phillips.

It takes five players to field a team.

A new team will allow the hopefuls to be divided between JV and Varsity. Without the former, 15 kids would be shuttled to modified, which historically, is comprised of seventh and eighth graders.

Varsity would then swell to 17 players, a measure that would likely result in less playing time for each, said Phillips.

These things come in cycles, said the director as the biddie team practiced one floor above, their shoes squeaking on the gleaming floor.

In a small district, it’s often possible to predict team sizes as the kids move up the ranks.

When you see a gap, you prepare for it.

But this wasn’t prepared for.

Half of the cash was pulled from general funds. Officials now have until Dec. 15 to come up with at least $3,000 more to pay for transportation, coaches and referees.

If not, the program will be benched for the season.

The community has been good about supporting athletic programs in the past, said the director, who is planning a letter-writing campaign paired with several fundraisers, including a bottle drive and spaghetti dinner.

A number of local organizations have also expressed their intentions to make donations.

Athletics is important in rural communities, said Phillips, not only for the usual reasons — physical and mental health, as a source of camaraderie for both players and the community alike — but for many students, sports are the only extracurricular options.

Unfortunately, these reductions are part of a bigger trend in the region for smaller schools, said Phillips.

Five games have been scheduled so far.

With the funds, more will follow.

“Without it, there’s no alternative,” Phillips said. “This is a very big deal, especially for a small community.”

Want to donate? Checks should be made payable to Jim Phillips at Westport or to Westport Central School. 25 Sisco Street, Westport, NY 12993.

Westport Central has until Dec. 15 to raise $3,000 for their reinstituted JV boys basketball program.

EMS squad collecting toys ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown-Lewis EMS Squad is collecting toys for ages 0-16 for the children of Essex County for Christmas. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the EMS Squad building from Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A drop-off box will also be present. Gifts will be presented to ACAP for distribution on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. The goal? Fill the ambulance.

KCS preps annual book fair KEENE — The annual Holiday Bazaar at Keene Central School, sponsored by the KCS PTC takes place Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be holiday music, handmade items, crafts and local wares. Santa will arrive at 11 a.m.

Church to host children’s craft project AuSABLE FORKS — St. James Episcopal Church is hosting a children’s Christmas craft project as part of the town-wide Christmas in the Forks celebration Saturday, Dec. 5. All children and their parents are welcome to come to the Parish Hall, behind the church at 3 p.m. There will be hot cocoa and cookies while making an ornament or crafty gift. Contact St.Jamesausableforks@outlook.com or call Rev. Patti Johnson, Deacon Vicar at 593-1838.

4 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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New ambulance district bumps Willsboro tax levy by 12 percent Costs for voter-approved ambulance district set at $142,000

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

WILLSBORO — The bill is in for Willsboro’s newly-created ambulance district: $142,000.

While the sum doesn’t come as a shock — voters overwhelmingly approved the measure last month 309-121 — the town’s supervisor is surprised that the amount, 9.4 percent of next year’s total tax levy, will not be exempt from the tax cap.

As such, the town will exceed the cap by 12 percent.

Gillilland said local officials were led to believe new taxing districts would be exempt from the cap in the first year.

“The policy is contrary to what they put out previously in general municipal law,” said Gillilland.

The state is in the midst of pushing municipalities to explore shared services with neighboring taxing jurisdictions. If approved, efficiency plans that show annual savings of 1 percent would net taxpayers a check.

The state sees the new district as the transfer of a government function, not as part of broader efficiency efforts.

According to the comptroller’s office, the tax levy that “supports the operations of a special district that is ‘established, administered and governed by the governing board of another municipality’ is part of that municipality’s tax levy and is subject to the overall property tax cap calculation.

“Therefore, under this guidance, the exception for a newly established local government does not apply and the levy for the special district is not exempt from the tax cap in the first year.”

Gillilland said the Association of Towns of the State of New York agrees that the new district should be credited, but no municipality has yet challenged the issue.

Small towns across the North Country are trying to navigate the challenging terrain as best they can, said the supervisor.

But the state doesn’t help at all.

The creation of the new district is simply shifting the tax burden, he said.

“Where rubber meets the road, there’s no difference,” said Gillilland. “It’s a matter of optics.”

The current ambulance district is administered by the Willsboro Fire District, which cannot legally bill for services as per state law.

As such, they cannot afford to hire fulltime staffers, which are increasingly becoming a necessity as volunteering rates continue to drop off.

Last month’s ballot proposals created joint districts in Willsboro and Essex, which will then be merged in the future.

Once formalized, the new district could then become a separate taxing entity with a board of commissioners who, like fire districts, would determine the taxation rate.

The self-governing district could then generate funds through a combination of taxation and returns on billing.

The $142,000 in start-up costs will go towards insurance, a contract with a bill agency and other functions, including the possible hiring of an EMT. If successful, the number might be lower in the future, said Gillilland.

Willsboro will see a 12 percent bump in taxes in 2016 due to the formation of a new ambulance district.

The total 2016 tax levy for Willsboro, including the fire district, comes in at $1,513,691, with appropriations set at $2.48 million.

Photo by Pete DeMola

Essex is said to be grappling with similar problems. Ed Gardner, the supervisor, has not provided budget details despite numerous requests over the past two weeks to do so.

CCHA to present Lawrence Gooley PLATTSBURGH — The Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) will be holding a program with award winning local author, Lawrence Gooley Monday, Dec. 7, at the Clinton County Historical Association, at 7 p.m. “Escape From Dannemora: Breakouts, Tortures, and Violence in Clinton Prison’s Past” featuring an overview of Clinton Prison’s history including details of numerous escapes and attempts, routine punishments and profiles of famous and infamous inmates.

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The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 5

Longtime Westport supervisor signs off “I’m looking forward to living a different way,” says Connell as he prepares to leave office

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

WESTPORT — Outgoing supervisor Dan Connell is giving Westport a parting gift: A spending plan that comes in under the cap at 1.01 percent.

“We’re well within the tax cap,” said Connell.

Connell said the board went through each line to tease out potential savings, resulting in the $9,000 levy increase, which is miniscule by municipal standards.

The tax rate dropped 13 cents to $3.86 per $1,000 in assessed value.

The total budget is $1.53 million, up $100,000. The tax levy is $910,984, up from $901,363 this year.

Town employees will receive 3 percent raises, while the salaries of elected and appointed officials will remain the same.

Earlier this year, the board voted to go from two to one justices, a savings that will net an estimated $15,000, the supervisor said.

This marks the final budget for Connell, who is retiring at the end of the month after seven terms in office.

Connell, 71, says he feels like he’s leaving the town in a positive place.

“During that period of time and working with residents, various town boards and committees, I feel good about what’s been accomplished,” said Connell.

Water and sewer systems were upgraded, a $14 million project completed with no interest loans and existing funds.

DPW equipment was replaced, also without going into debt, and the town saw electrical upgrades from National Grid, a measure that has spared the town from the prolonged power outages that had haunted them in the past.

Upon taking office, the town had no savings, said the supervisor.

“As I leave office, there’s a healthy fund balance,” Connell said. “Now, we can do repairs as needed without having to borrow.”

The outgoing super says he’s looking forward to relaxing and spending time with his family, including grandchildren, in Florida.

Any advice for his replacement, Michael “Ike” Tyler?

Connell says as he’s departed various organizations for new opportunities in life, he’s left with the understanding that new people have their own ideas.

Those are critical to keeping organizations proactive, he said.

“I will be more than happy to answer questions if the new administration feels I have some knowledge that will be useful,” said Connell, “but I do not intend to meddle in the affairs of the town or try to interfere in any way with the direction the new administration may want the town in.”

Connell says he has no regrets.

“I’m looking forward to living a different way.”

Holiday event to bring Essex alive with Christmas cheer ESSEX — Come to the hamlet of Essex on Saturday, Dec. 12 and take in the Magic of Christmas in Essex.

The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Essex Ferry dock where they will greet children and their families. Shortly after their arrival, they will travel by fire truck to the Essex Firehouse where there will be a free pancake breakfast from 9:45 to 11 p.m. Children will be able to pick up their cards for the scavenger hunt at the fire station or any merchant in town.

The Adirondack Art Association gallery will be open from noon until 5 p.m. They will have pottery, glassware, cards and assorted prints and paintings for viewing and for sale Children are invited to create their own tree ornaments from 2 to 4 p.m. and can package them as gifts. There will also be a Christmas mural being created to which children and adults can add images.

From 10 to 3 p.m., folks are encouraged to shop at the Christmas bazaar at Essex Community Church featuring Christmas items and other crafts, Essex calendars, and a white elephant table. Their annual soup and sandwich lun-

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cheon will be served from 11:30 to 1 p.m.

The Belden Noble Library will hold its silent auction fundraiser from 10 to 4 p.m. with over 40 items donated by local businesses and residents. At 2:30, children and adults can enjoy Steven Kellogg reading and drawing pictures from The Christmas Witch (seating is limited). The auction bidding continues after the reading and will close at 4 p.m.

The children’s Reindeer Run around Beggs Point will take place at 12:00, starting and finishing at Lake Champlain Yoga and Wellness. From 11 to 3 p.m., children will also be able to join in a gingerbread house decorating workshop at 2305 Main Street (one house south of the Essex Town Hall) Santa and Mrs. Claus will light the town Christmas tree in front of the Essex Town Hall at 4 p.m. Students from Willsboro Central School will provide music. Join in signing songs of the season.

Vendors and local shops, including the Pink Pig, Neighborhood Nest, Essex Ice Cream Café, Cupola House, Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness, and ReNew, will be open

throughout the day offering holiday gifts, food, and gift certificates.

End your day at the Whallonsburg Grange with a 7 p.m. square dance featuring music by the Upstate New Yorkers with caller Gary Finney and fiddler Donnie Perkins. Tickets are $7, or free for for under 18.

Updates to the schedule are available at christmasinessex. com.

Harrigan to present health touch SARANAC LAKE — Michael Harrigan, RN, will present an Introduction to Health Touch and Qi Gong Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Saranac Village at Will Rogers, at 7 p.m. Learn about Chakras and some simple energy-based exercises (Qi Gong) to improve balance and mind. This program is free and open to the public. For more information call Debbie Kanze at 8917117.

6 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

OPINIONS

Behind the Pressline

OurÊ goalÊ atÊ SunÊ CommunityÊ NewsÊ isÊ toÊ publishÊ accurate,Ê usefulÊ andÊ timelyÊ informationÊ inÊ ourÊ newspapers,Ê newsÊ products,Ê shoppingÊ guides,Ê vacationÊ guides,Ê andÊ otherÊ specialtyÊ publicationsÊ forÊ theÊ benefit of our readers and advertisers.

WeÊ valueÊ yourÊ commentsÊ andÊ suggestionsÊ concerningÊ allÊ aspectsÊ of Ê thisÊ publication.

Dan Alexander

Publisher/CEO

O

>> Column Continued | pg. 7

OPINION

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Course Correction

ur nation is severely polarized.

That’s certainly nothing new. I’ve written many columns on various aspects of the political polarization over the years that stalls progress and creates great frustration.

Back in 2008 and again in 2012 we all hoped that after those elections Washington would begin taking serious steps toward solving the problems facing the nation or at the very least one side or the other would have enough momentum to assume a leadership role.

Unfortunately our national tug of war persists and gridlock continues to be the strategic choice of both parties, despite claims to the opposite.

The game of chicken continues. We’ve faced the so called fiscal cliff so many times it seems more like a fairy tale than the nightmare it is. We’ve been told by our elected officials, going over the cliff would be so devastating it would force them to address the major issues too radioactive to touch were they not backed into a corner.

Well, so much for the corner! Our leaders quickly went over the cliff this fall without solving anything and here we are today looking no worse the wear on the surface but knowing deep down we’ve done nothing but turn a blind eye to the unresolved debt issues.

As sad as it sounds, as polarized as we are as a nation, doesn’t it sound totally absurd that the only way we can manage our affairs is to ignore them and jump off the forbidden cliff to prove how responsible we are? I was taught at a young age to be responsible for my actions, to make good on my promises and to exceed expectations. These were pretty basic requirements for being an adult. It seems we can’t lower the bar low enough for our government and sadly enough we are passing along the results of this behavior to future generations.

With the national primaries only a few weeks away the polls continue to show an electorate infatuated with unconventional candidates who, despite their missteps and faux pas, continue to appeal to an electorate that is frustrated with Washington and career politicians. I think the hope is that if we break the political mold we can break the political stalemate and get government working

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EDITORIALS

Thanks for an outstanding sports season

T

his, without a doubt, has been the greatest single season of sports in Section VII. Let’s start with the obvious, the section, one of the smallest in student size in the state, brought home two state championship trophies as the Plattsburgh High Hornets claimed the NYSPHSAA Class D boys soccer championship and the Lake Placid Blue Bombers were victorious in the Class D boy’s state cross country meet.

The Hornets knocked off a pair of top-ranked teams on their way to the state title, taking out Shalmont in the regional finals before defeating Skaneateles and East Aurora to claim the title in Middeltown under the direction of first year head coach and former PHS and Plattsburgh State standout Patrick Shaughnessy.

The Bombers placed their top five runners far enough ahead in the field to claim its championship at Monroe-Woodbury High School, a course considered by many insiders to be one of the toughest championship courses in the state. Many believe this team may follow in the footsteps of the last Section VII boys champion, Saranac, whose roster included three future Olympians.

That alone may make this one of the most accomplished seasons in Section VII history, but there’s more.

Along with two championships, the section also boasts a pair of state finalists in the Elizabethtown-Lewis/Westport Griffins’ boys soccer team and the Ticonderoga Sentinel football team.

What may be equally for the Griffins in making it to the state championship game before losing to perennial state power Fort Ann is the path they took to get their. Crown Point presented a tough opening challenge is sectional play, but then the road went straight uphill as the Griffins had to defeat seven-time state champion Chazy at George Brendler Field (a feat never accomplished on Brendler before and not since 2001 in Chazy) and defending Class C champion Northern Adirondack, who they had lost two twice in the regular season.

That was just to get out of their own section! Then they faced a game against Chateaugay for a chance to get to Middletown and a tough Cincinnatus team to earn a shot at Fort Ann. For the Sentinels, the squad continued to amaze with punishing defense and a relentless running attack through the playoffs, scoring a 6-0 overtime victory against Moriah to advance into state play then dominating Tupper

Lake, Whitehall and Tuckahoe respectively, by a total combined score of 1140. Then it was onto the Carrier Dome, where they gave hits which were just as hard as the hits they received, playing a game which was level, 26-26, into the final minute of play.

So there’s four amazing teams right there from a section which usually sends one or less teams to a state competition.

But that’s still not all!

Jonathan Gay and Margaret Champange both finished in the top five in the state cross country meet. The Beekmantown and Chazy girls soccer teams each made it to the regional finals round, one step away from the Final Four in Cortland. Moriah, while falling to Ti in the Class D final, was the premier football team in the 2015 regular season, finishing atop the CVAC with a perfect record.

These are times these players, parents and communities will always remember. It was amazing how many times student-athletes would comment to our reporters how happy they were to, “make their community proud.”

Not only did they make their local community proud, but the section at large. NYSPHSAA President and Willsboro Central School Superintendent Stephen Broadwell said this about the accomplishments of Section VII in the fall sports season: “The 2015 Fall NYSPHSAA Championships have collectively been one of the very most successful years for North Country athletes. Section VII athletes represented the region very well this year at the State level. Despite being one of the smaller sections, our student-athletes can, and do, compete with athletes from much larger sections from around the State.”

And, as we celebrate these teams and the success Section VII has had in the fall season, we also look to February and March, when teams like Moriah boys basketball, a two-time consecutive state semifinalist with a solid core of returning players, have us all hoping there is more to come.

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The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 7

SilverÊ BayÊ YMCAÊ continuesÊ toÊ impactÊ community

BullyingÊ programsÊ wasteÊ taxÊ payerÊ money

To the Editor: Silver Bay YMCA has a long tradition of impacting the community in a positive way. Year to date nearly 200 north country children are among 700 other young people who have benefited from Silver Bay YMCA programs.

The start of the 2015-2016 school year has brought new and returning faces to the continued youth programs provided to the next generation within Ticonderoga, Hague, and other surrounding communities. Over 115 youth are currently participating in healthy, safe, and supportive environments aimed to provide avenues for personal growth and responsible outlets. This past summer brought more than 700 children and teens, including 80 local youth, who enjoyed endless fun and educational experiences through Silver Bay YMCA summer day camp.

Amongst such offerings include the After School program at the Ticonderoga Elementary School, the Youth & Government Program, and the Leaders School Program run within the YMCA Teen Center in Ticonderoga. The Teen Center, now in its fourth year, continues to provide local young people with a consistently safe and welcoming environment dedicated to providing ample opportunities to further one’s passions and education. As described

by Jackie Palandrani, Youth & Teen Director for Silver Bay YMCA, “The Teen Center acts as not just a play area, but more importantly a safe and reliable haven to many kids who otherwise might be left alone to fend for themselves.” Since opening its doors on October 29 in 2012, the Center has received over 800 memberships from local youth, averaging over 40 kids each day.

Silver Bay YMCA is, and always will be, dedicated to providing healthy, inspirational, rejuvenating, and supportive avenues for children, adults, families and the community. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Silver Bay nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves family ties, and strengthens one’s inner self. In essence, all are welcome to pursue the act of renewing, rejuvenating, and nurturing their spirit, mind, and body.

In addition, Silver Bay YMCA continues to provide respite to active military personnel, cancer survivors, clergy members, and struggling families with quality and energizing time with their loved ones. Over 650 such individuals and families members have gained lifelong memories and respite through Silver Bay YMCA doors this year alone. Through partnerships with such noteworthy organizations such as the CR Woods Foundation at Glens Falls Hospital, Silver Bay YMCA is able to come alone side so many local individuals and families in need.

We here at Silver Bay are so thankful for serving the local youth and our community as it brings us much joy and fulfillment. We wish you and your family the same happiness this holiday season.

Please visit silverbayymca.org to learn more and/or to give your support to Silver Bay and the community.

Steve Tamm CEO, Silver Bay YMCA

To the Editor: Hello readers this letter to the editor is to talk about high school bullying, cyber bullying as well people. Readers i am getting sick and tired of the out right waste of taxpayers dollars being used on programs that do not work at all, like the one at Minerva Central School that took place Tuesday, Nov. 17.

“A change of heart” is a prime example of how are taxpayer dollars is being wasted on programs like that, that do not work because you can not have a healthy dialogue and expect to turn this around here come on now.

People, schools like Minerva Central School and many others have school boards that only put band aids on this bigger issue here and it is time to go after this and end high school bullying and cyber bullying once and for all people by giving the schools broader powers including putting kids into a military shock program and also force the parents to pay for medical bills and for the pain and suffering there kids have done people and that’s how you are going to end bullying once and for all instead of this wasteful spending like Minerva Central School board did and others as well.

Christopher “Hawk eye “ Bennett Minerva central School alumni, Olmstedville

CompetentÊ emergencyÊ roomÊ medicalÊ staff Ê savedÊ myÊ husband To the Editor: A few days ago my husband had a medical emergency and went to the Elizabethtown Community Hospital Emergency Room. The competent medical staff quickly assessed our needs and performed a battery of tests, the results of which were relayed to the Emergency Room at CVPH. (With modern technology vital information can be transmitted quickly from one hospital to another). It was determined that transport to CVPH was necessary to perform a medical procedure.

The transport was handled very smoothly.

We want to thank the Elizabethtown Emergency Room Staff for their efficient, professional and compassionate care. It was comforting to know that we were receiving the best care possible and we feel so fortunate to have this facility so close by.

Thanks to everyone involved in helping to ease our concerns during this stressful situation.

Donna Reed Austin Keene

Alexander From page 6

once again for the people.

I fear that’s a risky gamble but it shows how desperate many are becoming.

With the world in turmoil, a frustrated electorate at home, a government that is paralyzed by in-fighting, and a national media that no longer serves as the nation’s watchdog, the nation’s voters must figure out a way to put aside its partisan interests and make a critical decision in the best interest of the entire nation, if not the world.

The nation has always found a way to select the right leader at the right time. Our system of government and the American people will once again be put to the test as designed by our nation’s founders to cut through the bragging and over-stated, unrealistic promises to make a choice in 2016. Let us hope we make the right choice and set the nation on a new course to prosperity and peace.

Dan Alexander is CEO of Sun Community News.

SuccessfulÊ dinnerÊ comesÊ fromÊ greatÊ communityÊ efforts To the Editor: When so much of our attention and news is centered on financial despair, innuendo and aspersion; arguably created by greed and misconduct, I believe that a little good news goes a long way during this season of Joy and Hope.

I’d like to acknowledge the intent, effort, and the success of this years Holiday Meal in the community of Crown Point.

Conceived with a desire to provide a place of fellowship for those who are alone or without the financial ability to enjoy a Traditional Meal, virtually all agencies in the Crown Point area came together to offer, if only for a short time, a place and time of respite for those who might benefit and feel welcomed.

Accordingly, on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 25, this small community joined hands to ensure that all who attended were filled in spirit and body by the time they left.

The meal, consisting of Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, peas, squash, rolls and homemade apple, cream and pumpkin pies was served at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Crown Point from 4:30 to 7 p.m. There was no cost for this community meal!

The meal is a collaborative between and the faith communities of Sacred Heart/St. Patricks Churches, Crown Point United Methodist and the First Congregational Churches. We are grateful to Debro’s On The Way Café, Gunnison’s Orchard, A & S Custom, Crown Point Telephone, Crown Point Citgo, Haps, Village Auto, Crown Point Teachers Association, The Post Office Team, Champlain National Bank, Bodettes’ BarBQue, Torri’s Hair Dresser, the Knapp Club, Avery Energy, CPCS, The Hammond Library, as well as many individual members of the Crown Point area who joined with us to make this a true community time of fellowship and thanks giving. Where possible, the meal will be served with locally grown and prepared items; We are gratefully looking for staff to help us ensure the success of our Community Meal.

Volunteers from local churches and the community hosted this year’s community event. No one was paid!! Generous donations were made by local “friends.” These funds helped us to purchase many of the incidentals.

Our gratitude goes to many additional members of the Crown Point area who joined with us to make this a true community time of joy and fellowship.

This was a “total” community effort that brought together people and resources to ensure true fellowship and a “Traditional” hot meal for those who might not have one, here in Crown Point. We served approximately 140 meals, including in-house and deliveries to those who were unable to join us.

I want to personally thank Yvonne Dushane, Charmaine LaFountain, and Lorraine Turgeon. These women from each of our faith communities, provided the leadership and support to ensure a blessed event!

It is my prayer that as the months go by, this meal will serve as a point of pride and accomplishment not only for the community of Crown Point but for others who will look for ways to share in the ability to build a stronger, caring community. “Together.” What a wonderful word and what a wonderful way to share. Mr. Editor, I am proud to be part of this true expression of hope exercised in this small community!! Thank you to all!

Rev. David C. Hirtle Pastor, First Congregational Church Crown Point

ThankÊ youÊ forÊ savingÊ myÊ cottage To the Editor: We are writing to give our heartfelt thank you to the fire departments of North Hudson, Schroon Lake, and Chilson, who responded quickly early Monday morning Nov. 16, to my cottage that was on fire. I cannot praise them enough for risking their own lives to put out the fire, and preventing it from spreading further. Also for the dedication of these men and women for helping others in need with no monetary return. Thank you again.

Sherri McCray & Richard Graves Schroon Lake

COMMENTARY

Little Bits Silly “Cold” Jokes Gordie Little

Columnist

H

ow cold was it? It was so cold our words froze in mid-air and we had to go inside and thaw them in a frying pan. You’ve heard that one, right? How many more “cold” jokes do you know?

I spent much of my childhood in the tiny northern New York community of Massena Center. Old folks like me remember some frigid winters in the mid to late 1940s. Day after day of minus 30 degrees were not uncommon and jokes about it were spawned. I have heard many since then.

They resurfaced last Monday morning, November 30, as we were greeted with temperatures in the lower teens. Not zero yet, but we knew that would be coming. Amazing, because we had just enjoyed 64 degrees right after Thanksgiving and had no appreciable snow on our Morrisonville lawn.

The jokes that came to mind are mostly mindless, but so am I. I asked Kaye for input as she washed my underwear. The topic wasn’t necessarily titillating for her, but she responded: “We didn’t pay much attention to the cold as kids in Saranac Lake. We just bundled up and went outside to play.”

She also recalled that our kids here in Morrisonville would go sliding and skating in the frigid weather and never seemed to mind the cold. Their noses would run and freeze to their cheeks and it didn’t matter. Were we a heartier bunch back then?

We like to think we were. Outdoor play in winter has mostly given way to games on little screens. That makes me sad and a bit nostalgic.

I remember a few of the old cold jokes: It was so cold hitchhikers held up pictures of their thumbs; pickpockets put their hands in other pockets just to keep warm; shops were selling coffee on a stick; we chopped the piano up for firewood, but only got two “chords”; we couldn’t drive our snowmobiles straight because they kept turning south; ambulance people were getting emergency calls for people trapped under too many quilts; politicians actually stopped blowing hot air and put their hands in their own pockets; when we frowned, our faces froze that way. I guess our mothers were right, after all; if you kiss somebody with braces, you might need an operation; the local weatherman threatened to keep it cold until he got a raise in pay; our dogs got stuck to fire hydrants; we caught mice playing hockey in our toilet bowl; If you played outside in the cold and peed your pants, you were stuck that way till the spring thaw.

And, my favorite: I got sick and my mother served me a block of chicken soup. Or, I know the difference between an iceberg and a clothes brush. One can crush a boat and the other can brush a coat.

Hey, every column can’t be a gem.

Columnist Gordie Little may be reached at gordie@suncommunitynews.com.

8 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

LOVE & INFORMATION A PLAY BY CARYL CHURCHILL@

UPPER JAY RECOVERY LOUNGE.

DEC.

02 Weds.

THRU

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR@ PLATTSBURGH RECREATIONAL CENTER (52 US OVAL).

DEC.

02 Weds.

Wednesday: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

DEC.

06 Sun.

Time: 8:00 pm

Series of tantalizing vignettes, over 100 vibrant characters search for meaning in their lives. Directed by James Coleman. $18 at the door. Reservations strongly suggested. Details: 518-946-8315 upperjayartcenter@gmail.com View our complete listing and other events online.

83299

DEC. IDA@ WHALLONSBURG 05 Sat. GRANGE HALL, 1610 NYS RTE 22.

Saturday: 7:30 pm

Concession Stand - hot dogs, michigans, nachos, chili, snacks, water, & coffee.

Family Fun & Shopping!

Kids craft area ALL DAY. Santa arrives at noon! $3 admission 12 & older Details: Nikki Edwards 518-420-8842 View our complete listing and other events online.

83298

FREE FAMILY DEC. MOVIE: 06 Sun. SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE@ WHALLONSBURG GRANGE HALL, 1610 NYS RTE 22.

Sunday: 2:00 pm

Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, on the verge of taking vows, discovers a dark family secret from the Nazi occupation. $6 Adults • $3 under 18 Details: cvfilms.org; 518-963-4170 View our complete listing and other events online.

83300

Shaun takes the day off to have some fun.

After a mix up with the farmer, caravan, and a very steep hill, they land in the big city. Shaun must lead them home. FREE! Details: cvfilms.org; 518-963-4170 View our complete listing and other events online.

FREE MASON DEC. CHRISTMAS 05 Sat. PARTY@ HERITAGE HOUSE, WESTPORT. Saturday: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm There will be cider, refreshments, crafts for kids, and a visit from Santa!

Check it out!

Details: Mark Carpenter 518-962-4405 83304

LOCAL TALENT FOR LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS @HAND HOUSE, ELIZABETHTOWN. Saturday: 7:00 pm Sunday: 3:00 pm

83301

DEC.

05 Sat.

AND DEC.

06 Sun.

Performers include Janice Kyle, Tim Mount, Mary Lou Kristy, Jeris French, Jennifer Moore, Susan Hughes, Pattie McCarty, Martha Gallagher, & many more!

Suggested Donations: $15 Adult, $5 15 and under. Details: pianobynature.org 83305 518-962-2949

DEC. HOLIDAY SQUARE 12 Sat. DANCE@ WHALLONSBURG GRANGE HALL, 1610 NYS RTE 22.

DEC. PERU’S APPLECRATE 08 PERFORMANCE: Tues.

HOLIDAY ROAD TRIP@PERU HIGH SCHOOL

Saturday: 7:00 pm

Tuesday: 7:00 pm

Featuring music from Upstate New Yorkers: Caller - Gary Finney, Fiddler Donnie Perkins. Desserts & refreshments available for purchase. Adults: $7, Under 18: FREE. Details: 518-963-4170.

View our complete listing and other events online.

83308

Enjoy a variety of holiday music to begin the season.

Details: Todd Pray 518-643-6499 ext. 5184 View our complete listing and other events online.

83306

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

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(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 9

EYE ON THE ARTS

LINDA DOLLY

> Arts Editor

linda@suncommunitynews.com

They walk among us hey shovel their sidewalks, walk the family dog and stand next to us at the checkout. With a casual glance, their super powers are undetected. However, when in front of an audience, these seemingly average folks drop their masks and like the little drummer boy give the best they have to offer.

T

Sounds like Christmas As soon as their conductor, Susan Hughes, lifts her hands and gives a nod, the Pleasant Valley Chorale stands tall to deliver their newest feat - a program titled “MESSIAH and More.”

There are two occasions to attend this concert.

In Essex, on Friday, Dec. 11, at the Essex Community Church, The singing beings at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 13, they join voices again, this time in Elizabethtown at The United Church of Christ at 3:00 p.m.

In his debut performance with the group, Russel Ames accompanies the choir in Handel, Bach, Holst and Sweelinck arrangements.

The program includes memorable solos by Mary Sue Wolson, Carole Harsh, Gigi Mason, Sandra Lovell, Tommy Gilliland, Michael Peden and Susan Hughes.

If you have never heard the vocal interplay of this 40-voice ensemble, go to their concert. You should know what others in the community have already discovered - music is their superpower.

Admission is free with a goodwill donation accepted at the door.

You don’t want to miss this winter concert.

Holiday Celebration Concert On the shores of the Hudson River, in the town of North River, singer, and songwriter, Nancy Tutunjian-Berger is giving a Christmas concert.

Sometimes, it�s yucky Art isn’t always attractive, filled with pleasant sounds or created to make us laugh. Sometimes the goal of art is to make us think; change our perspective or at least to shake us up to the reality that many thoughts and beliefs may differ from our own.

I will continue to bring awareness and appreciation of a variety of artistic endeavors and cultural events, you can take my word for it.

I am continually soliciting information about activities, cultural events or places showcasing artistic expression. I’m anxious to hear about your programs and share the news with our 50,000 readers.

Please contact me at linda@suncommunitynews.com.

The Lake Placid Center for the Arts will present the 30th annual performance of the North Country Ballet Ensemble’s “Nutcracker.”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and are available by calling the LPCA box office at 523.2512 or online at www.lakeplacidarts.org.

THE LARGEST SOURCE OF COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE NORTH COUNTRY.

Who puts an elephant on the stairs� “Love and Information” is a play of vignettes. The play’s creator, Carl Churchill, wrote 100 vibrant characters into the script. The director and 20 local actors convince us all that 100 personalities have taken the stage.

In an unlikely combination of sex, death, taxidermy and karaoke the characters discover each other, and life’s meaning. Their revelations are our own, and those of people we know.

Despite five back-to-back performances, reservations are suggested.

Opening night is Wednesday, Dec. 2 the run ends with the final show on Sunday, Dec. 6. The curtain rises at 8 p.m. for each of these performances.

The Recovery Lounge located at 1 Springfield Rd in Upper Jay. Tickets are $18. For additional information or to make reservations, call 946-8315 or send an email to upperjayartcenter@gmail.com.

P.S. I don’t know who put the pachyderm on the steps.

Timely but not lighthearted A historical perspective on the Middle East given by Andy Buchanan, a historian and lecturer at the University of Vermont, will be held at the Whallonsburg Grange on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The lecture will focus on the on the background of the crisis that is rapidly unfolding in the region today. Following the talk, ample time has been set aside for questions, and further discussion. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for students.

The Whallonsburg Grange Hall located on 1610 NYS Route 22 at the intersection with Whallons Bay Road. For more information about this event or the Hall, contact office manager Stephanie Beneng at 518-963-4170.

www.suncommunitynews.com/A&Efor the latest events

Parumpapumpum� The Hand House is a stately brick building in Elizabethtown. Within its walls is a parlor graced with an exquisite Mason and Hamlin piano. The Grand, from 1910, is on loan from an anonymous patron for use at Hand House concerts; two doozies are waiting in the wings.

Piano by Nature presents “Playing in the Snow” on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. These two similar-but-different concerts will benefit The Bruce L. Crary Scholarship Foundation.

The Crary Scholarship Foundation has granted more than $8 million to more than 5,000 students to assist with the costs of their higher education. Scholarships distributed to students living in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and Warren Counties.

The lineup of top-notch performers for “Playing in the Snow” include some of the area’s finest talents, including Mary Lou Kirsty, Tim Mount, Janice Kyle, Jennifer Moore, Susan Hughes, Kim and Nancy Gilbertson and several more.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $5 for anyone 15 years old or younger. The Hand House located on River Street in Elizabethtown. Contact Piano by Nature at 962-2949 for further details.

The concert, held at the United Methodist Church is on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. This inspirational, joyful event is open to the public. There is no charge for this concert. However, goodwill offerings for the singer are accepted at the door.

The Church is at 194 Thirteenth Lake Road in North River. Amy Sabattis is the contact for the concert call her at 251-2519.

Arts& Arts &Entertainment &Entertainment

Dolly’s Word: On Northern Highlights

10 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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SPORTS www.suncommunitynews.com/sports

Sixth man: Caron overcomes adversity to earn varsity role Peru sophomore in key role despite lacking right hand

ways enjoyed the game.

“I like beating the other player and showing that everything is possible,” Caron said.

“You just have to be aggressive and take what

By Keith Lobdell is given to you. You just have to overcome keith@suncommunitynews.com and work harder every day.”

Caron said there were some challenges SARANAC — In a Class B school, making when he started learning the game of basketyour varsity basketball team as a sophomore ball that come with having only a left hand, is an accomplishment. but he was able to overcome each.

Then, being the sixth man on that team is “There were a few difficulties I had to overmore so. come but once I did, the game wasn’t a probThat is the role Hunter Caron finds him- lem for me,” he said. self in this season, scoring his first four career Varsity head coach John Clemons said he varsity points in a win over Saranac in the has always been impressed by Caron’s work Muggsy’s Tip Off tournament Nov. 28. ethic.

Impressive, yes. But in Caron’s case, the “He has been in the program for a long fact that he has accomplished everything in time,” Clemons said. “He has always kind his basketball career without a right hand, it of surprised me and he has been one of the becomes inspirational and amazing. hardest workers I have seen.”

Caron, who was born without a right hand The coach said it was the hard work of because of Amniotic Band Syndrome, a con- Caron which earned him the opportunity to dition where the fetus becomes entangled play a major role for the team. in fibrous, string-like amniotic bands in the “At the beginning of the year we told him womb and restricting blood flow, affecting he would have the option to go to JV if he the baby’s development, has been playing basketball since he was five, said he has al- wanted more playing time, thinking he was more toward the bottom of our roster and within a week his work ethic just showed us he belonged as our sixth man,” Clemons said.

“It has been great to watch him so far this season,” mother Jeanne Caron said. “We didn’t expect this, we didn’t expect him to play at all this season.”

“My call was to keep him down for playing time and twice he has proven me wrong,” father Eric Caron said.

“He has moved up from modified to JV and now from JV to varsity and both times has played a lot and made an impact.

We are very proud of him.”

Along with basketball, Caron was a member of the Peru JV football Hunter Caron guards against Saranac’s Rory Patterson in the Muggsy’s Tip Off team, playing safety and title game. Caron recorded four points and a trio of steals in the contest. receiver.

Photo by Keith Lobdell “It was a good season,”

Peru sophomore Hunter Caron earned the role of sixth man on the Indians varsity team despite having only one hand. “Within a week his work ethic just showed us he belonged...,” said head coach John Clemons.

Photo by Keith Lobdell

team, nothing different. We’ve been playing together since we were young.”

The Caron’s said it is always interesting when they go to places where no one has seen their son play before.

“The only time you ever really hear anything is when we go to other places and you start hearing people in the stands talking about him,” Jeanne said. “Once, a referee called a foul on him in soccer for an illegal, one-handed throw-in, not realizing he only had the one hand.”

As for the remainder of the basketball season and beyond, much like the rest of his career, Hunter just wants to do what everyone else does in sport.

“I want to progressively get better and work harder every day to help my team,” he said.

he said. “I think I had six interceptions.”

Throughout it all, Caron has had the support of his teammates and parents.

“We didn’t want him to feel handicapped and we treated him as if he wasn’t handicapped,” Jeanne Caron said. “He did everything anyone else did. We have asked him if he every wished he had his other hand and he has always said no. We went to the Shriner’s hospital in Montreal and they really helped him and us with how to live with it.”

“He has a great attitude and is a great student,” Eric Caron added. “They have always treated him as normal. They have not picked on him and he has always been one of the boys.”

“My teammates have been great,” Hunter said. “I have always felt like I was part of the

Coaches v. Cancer tournament to feature Class D elite Potential match-up of 2014-15 #1, #3 highlights three weeks of games

By Keith Lobdell

keith@suncommunitynews.com

GLENS FALLS — A potential match-up of two of the premier boys basketball teams in Class D could happen Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Glens Falls Civic Center, a potential preview of a NYSPHSAA championships which will be held at the same site in mid-March.

Moriah and New York Mills highlight the field of teams playing in the Glens Falls National Bank’s Coaches v. Cancer basketball festival, starting Friday, Dec. 4, and continuing through Monday, Dec. 21, with a total of 26 high school games.

The main event for the event could take place early on in the tournament, as the Moriah boys varsity team plays Section II’s Granville Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at SUNY Adirondack, while Mills will play in Fort Edward against the Forts at 6 p.m.

A win for each team will set up a rematch of the 2013-14 Class D semifinal between Mills and Moriah, which will take place at the Civic Center at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

Mills defeated the Vikings, eventually winning the Class D title, in 13-14. Mills then lost to the Class D champion Bridgehampton in 2014-15, the team who knocked the Vikings out in the state semifinal round for the second straight year.

“We just want to play anybody who will give us quality competition, and New York Mills will definitely do that,” Moriah head coach Brian Cross said. “I would love to Play New York Mills again, but, we have to get by Granville first so there’s no guarantee we will.”

Cross said the potential for a matchup with Mills is why he added the tournament to his schedule.

“I’ve added these non-league games to get some more competition and add a little more strength in our schedule, and hopefully this will accomplish that,” he said.

The Vikings have started the season 2-0, earning wins against Plattsburgh High and AuSable Valley in the annual Alzheimer’s Awareness Tournament last weekend.

“I thought we did a really nice job of limiting AuSable’s shots in the first half,” Cross said of the start to the season.

“We really turned it on in the third quarter. We can be really tough when we play good defense. Offensively we share the basketball in our rotation of seven players. Shot selection is not always what I want it to be but for the most part they move the ball well.”

The full schedule of the Coaches v. Cancer basketball festival, presented by Glens Falls National Bank, includes:

Friday, Dec. 4 Plattsburgh High v. Victor, SUNY Adk.

6 p.m. - BOYS

NY Mills v. Fort Edward, FECS

6:30 p.m. - BOYS Granville v. Moriah, SUNY ADK. Plattsburgh High v. Hoosik Valley, HVCS

7:30 p.m. - GIRLS NY Mills v. Fort Edward, FECS 8 p.m. - GIRLS

Newark v. Beekmantown, SUNY Adk.

Saturday, Dec. 5 10 a.m. - GIRLS

Consolation game (TBA), Glens Falls CC

11:30 a.m. - BOYS Consolation game (TBA), Glens Falls CC 1 p.m. - GIRLS

Victor v. Guilderland, GCS

2:30 p.m. - BOYS Final (TBA), Glens Falls CC 4 p.m. - BOYS

Poland v. North Warren, Glens Falls CC

5:30 p.m. - GIRLS Whitesboro v. Queensbury, GFCC 5:30 p.m. - GIRLS M-WCS v. Keene, North Country CC 7 p.m. - GIRLS

So. Glens Falls v. PHS, Glens Falls CC

7 p.m. - BOYS

M-WCS v. Schroon Lake, NCCC

8:30 p.m. - BOYS Hadley-Luzerne v. PHS, Glens Falls CC

Saturday, Dec. 12 “Hoops for Hunter” All games at Hadley-Luzerne High School 1 p.m. - BOYS

Hammond v. Schroon Lake

2:30 p.m. - BOYS Poland v. Hartford 4 p.m. - BOYS

Keene v. Hadley-Luzerne

Saturday, Dec. 19

5 p.m. - GIRLS

7 p.m. - BOYS

1 p.m. - GIRLS

Final (TBA), Glens Falls CC

All games at North Country Community College 11:30 a.m. - BOYS St. Lawrence v. Lake Placid JV 1 p.m. - BOYS

St. Lawrence v. Keene

2:30 p.m. - GIRLS Keene v. AuSable Valley 4 p.m. - GIRLS

Hermon-DeKalb v. Schroon Lake

Monday, Dec. 21 All games at South Glens Falls High School 6 p.m. - BOYS

Keene v. Hartford

7:30 p.m. - GIRLS AuSable Valley v. So. Glens Falls

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The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 11

Muggsy’s, Alzheimer’s Awareness tournaments tip-off basketball season Ticonderoga, Moriah, Peru and NCCS claim opening weekend titles

SLCS: Corrine Pelkey 13, McKayla Vanderwalker 2, Angie Stellabotte 2

Consolation: Peru 53, Schroon Lake 11

By Keith Lobdell

PCS: Samantha Spear 14, Kiersten McCarthy 10, Amanda LaPorte 8, Emily Lombard 6, Megan McCarty 4, Lidia Greselin 4, Hannah Wilson 3, Tessa Allen 2, Kaylee Padron 2

keith@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — While their still was one football game left in the fall sports season, the 2015-16 winter sports season got underway with a pair of annual tip-off tournaments.

The Alzheimer’s Awareness Tournament started things off with girls games Nov. 23 and 24, while the boys games were played Nov. 28 and 29. In between the Muggsy’s Tip Off Tournament was held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27-28.

SLCS: Corrine Pelkey 6, Samantha Grey 3, Ruth Jabaut 1, Angie Stellabotte 1

Championship: Northeastern Clinton 63, Saranac 37 NCCS: Kayla Carder 31, Shaylyn Rowe 9, Peyton Sample 8, Emily Sample 7, Abbie Sample 4, Natalie Boulerice 2, Valerie Simmons 2 SCS: Makenna Provost 11, Emma Webster 8, Abby Terry 8, Janyll Barber 4, Victoria Bruno 2

Moriah’s Taylor Slattery passes off to Jarrod MacDougal against the AuSable Valley Patriots.

Photo by Jill Lobdell

PHS: Andrew Cutaiar 17, Dan Piper 12, Mitch Senecal 9, Oscar Kaye 5, Deantee Branham-Pizzaro 3, Alex Follmer 2, Tim O’Meara 2

Opening round: AVCS 71, Ticonderoga 49 AVCS: Kobe Parrow 12, Joel Martineau 11, Alex Knapp 10, Brandon Snow 8, Chris Hickey 7, Harrison Blaise 7, Dalton McDonald 6, Nate Manning 4, Landon Shay 4, Lucas Perez 2 TCS: Brett Mosier 19, Colvin Chapman 14, Scott Ryan 9, Mike DuShane 4, Chandler Whitford 2, Sam DuShane 1

Consolation: PHS 51, Ticonderoga 38 Ticonderoga’s Delaney Hughes drives to the basket against Desiree Boyle of ELCS.

Alzheimer’s Awareness - girls The Ticonderoga Lady Sentinels claimed the crown in the Alzheimer’s Awareness Tournament, held annually under the direction of AuSable Valley hall of fame coach Larry Konowitz.

The Sentinels scored a 53-17 win over host ElizabethtownLewis in their opener before scoring a 37-34 win over runnerup Willsboro, who made the championship game with a 3729 win over Saranac Lake.

In the consolation game, Saranac Lake defeated ELCS, 3819.

PHS: Andrew Cutaiar 15, Oscar Kaye 13, Mitch Senecal 7, Alex Follmer 6, Dan Piper 4, Deantee Branham-Pizzaro 4, Jacob LaBounty 1, Stephen Bedard 1 Ti: Griffin Hughes 11, Brett Mosier 8, Sam DuShane 6, Brody Rocque 5, Colvin Chapman 4, Chandler Whitford 2, Ryan Trudeau 2

Peru’s Troy Lawyer sets for a shot against Saranac.

Muggsy’s Tip Off - boys

Championship: Moriah 62, AVCS 54 MCS: Taylor Slattery 21, Adam Jaquish 16, Joe Stahl 8, Dylan Trombley 5, Noah Gilbo 3, Kyle Wilson 2, Jarrod MacDougal 2, Todd Clarke 2, Todd Gregory 2, Chuckie Bryant 1 AVCS: Kobe Parrow 19, Joel Martineau 9, Chris Hickey 8, Lucas Perez 8, Nate Manning 6, Landon Shay 2, Alex Knapp 2

Photo by Jill Lobdell

The Peru Indians earned the championship of the Muggsy’s Tip Off Tournament by defeating the host Saranac Chiefs, 7056, in the final game of the two-day, 16 team (eight varsity, eight JV) event.

The Indians scored a 71-55 win over Northeastern Clinton to advance to the title game, while Saranac defeated Schroon Lake, 68-37.

In the consolation game, the Cougars scored a 64-60 win over the Wildcats.

Opening round: Peru 71, Northeastern Clinton 55

Opening round: Ticonderoga 53, ELCS 17 TCS: Delaney Hughes 22, Emily Pike 14, Rachel White 8, Kristen Palandrani 7, Emily Hood 2

PCS: Troy Lawyer 27, Isaiah Maddix 18, Jordan Guay 9, Tom Matthews 6, Justin LaPorte 6, Jacob Casey 5

ELCS: Emma DiSogra 8, Myra Adams 4, Nicole Green 3, Faith Bona 2

NCCS: Michael McCleod 16, Rylee Hollister 11, Devin McManus 9, Zavion Beasley 9, Melik McLeod 6

Opening round: Willsboro 37, Saranac Lake 29

Opening round: Saranac 68, Schroon Lake 37 SCS: Nick Mather 18, Brian Menia 14, Logan Matthews 11, Zach Faus 7, Austin Myers 6, Griffin Williams 6, Rory Patterson 4, Tyler Biasi 2, Tyler Blair 1

WCS: Payton Gough 12, Trina Bigelow 9, Kaitlin Shaw 8, Kaitlyn Wilkins 4, Shania Lincoln 2, Taylor Bigelow 2 SLCS: Jayda Buckley 8, Andrea Boon 6, Annie Collins 6, Katie Hunt 3, Kayleigh Merrill 2, Almelina Cecunjanin 2, Eliza Cowan 2.

SLCS: Branden Hall 12, Jordan DeZalia 10, Uriah Fogel 8, Joe Foote 8, Will Schwartz 2

Consolation: Saranac Lake 38, ELCS 19

Consolation: NCCS 64, Schroon Lake 40

SLCS: Anine Collins 10, Almelina Cecunjanin 10, Jayda Buckley 8, Andrea Boon 6, Eliza Cowan 4, Andrea Boon 2

NCCS: Melik McCleod 14, Devin McManus 13, Zavion Beasley 10, Michael McLeod 8, Rylee Hollister 7, Devan Boutin 5, Nicholas Duffy 4, Nyciah Beasley 3

ELCS: Myra Adams 5, Emma DiSogra 4, Abbigaile Cassavaugh 4, Faith Bona 2, Lenore Sicola 2, Nicole Green 2

Championship: Ticonderoga 37, Willsboro 34 TCS: Delaney Hughes 24, Alyssa Tucker 4, Sarah Bresett 3, Kristen Palandrani 3, Emily Pike 2, Rachel White 1 WCS: Payton Gough 11, Trina Bigelow 10, Taylor Bigelow 4, Kaitlin Shaw 4, Savannah Bronson 4, Kaitlyn Wilkins 1

Alzheimer’s Awareness - boys The Moriah Vikings started the 2015-16 season with a pair of convincing wins to claim the Alzheimer’s Awareness boys championship with a 78-50 win over Plattsburgh High and a 62-54 win over AuSable Valley in a game that was 53-23 midway through the third quarter.

AuSable advanced to the championship game with a 71-49 win over Ticonderoga. The Sentinels lost to PHS, 51-38, in the consolation final, with the majority of their roster “playing hurt,” still recovering from the NYPHSAA Class D football championship game held Nov. 27.

“It wasn’t easy for them and I couldn’t be more happy with them,” Sentinel head coach Joseph DeFayette said. “They are a great bunch of kids and are ready to get rolling.”

Opening round: Moriah 78, Plattsburgh 50 MCS: Taylor Slattery 17, Dylan Trombley 14, Adam Jaquish 14, Todd Clarke, Joe Stahl 10, Noah Gilbo 4, Jarrod MacDougal 2, Todd Gregory 2, Billy Larrow 2, Chuckie Bryant 2

SLCS: Branden Hall 14, Uriah Fogel 13, Jordan DeZalia 7, Derek DeZalia 4, Ben Wisser 2

Northeastern Clinton’s Kayla Carder backs down a Saranac defender.

Muggsy’s Tip Off - girls

Photo by Jill Lobdell

The Northeastern Clinton Lady Cougars jumped out to a 36-13 lead en route to a championship win over Saranac, 6337, as part of the third annual Muggsy’s Tip Off Tournament.

The Cougars made their way to the title game with a 68-35 win over Peru, while Saranac scored a 79-17 win over Schroon Lake.

In the consolation game, Peru defeated Schroon Lake, 5311.

Championship: Peru 70, Saranac 56 PCS: Justin LaPorte 16, Troy Lawyer 15, Jordan Guay 12, Isaiah Maddix 12, Tom Matthews 7, Hunter Caron 4, Jacob Casey 4 SCS: Zach Faus 20, Tyler Blair 11, Austin Myers 11, Nick Mather 7, Isiah Dessurault 4, Logan Matthews 3

Opening round: Northeastern Clinton 68, Peru 35 NCCS: Kayla Carder 13, Emily Sample 12, Shaylyn Rowe 10, Karen Duffy 8, Abbie Sample 6, Peyton Sample 5, Katelyn Southwick 4, Natalie Boulerice 4, Valerie Simmons 2 PCS: Samantha Spear 10, Kiersten McCarthy 6, Hannah Wilson 5, Megan McCarty 4, Amanda LaPorte 3, Emily Lombard 3, Tessa Allen 2, Kaylee Padron 2

Opening round: Saranac 79, Schroon Lake 17 SCS: Makenna Provost 17, Christina Bedard 16, Janyll Barber 14, Victoria Bruno 10, Taylor Alexander 8, Abby Terry 4, Emma Webster 4, Tricia Lottie 4, Skye O’Connell 2

Willsboro’s Trina Bigelow drives to the basket against Saranac Lake’s Annie Collins.

Photo by Jill Lobdell

12 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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North Country reps: Ethics reform needed in wake of Silver conviction Little,Ê StecÊ sayÊ legislatureÊ needsÊ toÊ takeÊ aÊ seriousÊ lookÊ atÊ pensionÊ forfeiture,Ê leadershipÊ termÊ limitsÊ inÊ wakeÊ of Ê SilverÊ conviction

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ALBANY — Assemblyman Dan Stec (114th-Queensbury) said he wasn’t surprised that a jury found Sheldon Silver guilty of all counts against him.

Stec now hopes the former speaker’s conviction will act as the catalyst for meaningful pension forfeiture reform.

“The public should be reminded this guy is going to draw a pension,” Stec said, calling Silver “one of the most notoriously corrupt politicians in Albany’s history.”

Silver, 71, was charged with honest services fraud, extortion and money laundering stemming from schemes in which he used his leadership position to benefit a cancer researcher and two real estate developers in exchange for cash.

While he was immediately removed from office, the longterm lawmaker is still eligible for his pension.

At present, the state is paying $531,000 in pension benefits to corrupt public officials, said Stec.

Stec said the state legislature has had numerous chances to address the issue, but both houses have dropped the ball, including a hostile amendment he sponsored that would have made dueling senate and assembly forfeiture bills match each other.

It never made it out of committee after being defeated by downstate Democrats.

Both houses ultimately passed their own versions that Stec said were watered down.

While his amendment was defeated, Stec credited it for

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forcing a public discussion on the issue.

The second-term lawmaker also slammed lawmakers in both houses for failing to include pension forfeiture in bills in ethics reform packages earlier this year.

“What is it going to take to get this pension forfeiture through?”

Had a constitutional amendment been approved in 2013, said Stec, the discussion now would have been to determine how the legislation would apply to Silver following his conviction.

Legislation should be written in broad strokes, said the lawmaker, who attributed the failure of a plan introduced by assembly Democrats to an overemphasis on “what if ” scenarios for lower-level local government officials.

“We need to start bringing this in the fire in New York City, our colleagues in five boroughs, and get the governor on board,” said Stec.

Stec, who represents a large swatch of the North Country, also called for term limits for leadership positions.

The assembly could adjust their internal rules within a single session, he said.

“It dilutes how much power can be concentrated in one person’s hands.”

Asked about Silver’s defense that quid pro quo was just how Albany worked: “Then we need to change this business,” Stec said. “It’s a huge insult to a lot of people in Albany.”

“This is my issue in Albany,” said Stec.

Other North Country lawmakers expressed similar senti-

Assemblyman Dan Stec (114th-Queensbury) addresses members of the Assembly regarding pension forfeiture legislation. To listen to Stec’s position on the issue, go to youtube.com/watch?v=TyvZZvzKVFY

ments, including Sen. Betty Little (45th-Queensbury).

“One of the most important things the legislature can do in an effort to restore some faith in the system is to pass the proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure elected officials like Sheldon Silver, who abused their office for their own personal benefit, would not receive a public pension,” said Little in a statement.

The senator said she joined her senate colleagues in supporting first passage of this measure, but the assembly did not take it up despite repeated pledges by its leadership to do so.

“That needs to happen this upcoming year to keep it on track,” said Little. “Ultimately, voters will decide whether or not to change the state constitution to strip public officials who have broken the law of their pension. The verdict of Silver guilty on all counts leaves little doubt of what voters will do if that ballot measure is put before them.”

Kick-off the holiday season with a parade First ever Downtown Plattsburgh Holiday Parade to take place Dec. 4

By Teah Dowling

teah@suncommunitynews.com

PLATTSBURGH — The first-ever Downtown Plattsburgh Holiday Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 4.

The goal?

Spread holiday cheer.

“One of the things I really wanted to do after I got through the summer season was to try to focus on events in the colder months when so many people hibernate,” said Sandra Geddes, promotions and special events coordinator for the City of Plattsburgh. “There’s this perception that there’s not a lot to do, so this holiday parade really kicks off a winter series of events.”

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. starting at Redcay Hall at SUNY Plattsburgh. From there, it will take a left onto Brinkerhoff Street and proceed right onto Margaret Street to the end at Stafford Middle School.

The parade will feature not only Santa, but a variety of floats and marchers from businesses, organizations and groups from Plattsburgh and other neighboring towns.

Along with the parade and visits with Santa, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides by Country Dreams Farm, chocolatey drinks and treats provided by Dunkin Donuts and Tropical Valley Foods.

Also, before the parade, Kinetic Running will be hosting Plattsburgh’s first Reindeer Games at 4 p.m. in front of the Strand Center for the Arts.

Children ages 4 to 10 will try out for Santa’s sleigh team by completing tasks such as the lift off leap, present pass and .6 mile holiday hustle.

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Thompson case to go to trial Former teacher turns down plea deal in unlawful surveillance case

By Pete DeMola

pete@suncommunitynews.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — John “Jack” Thompson, the former Westport Central teacher accused of secretly filming unsuspecting house guests, has turned down a plea deal and will go to trial.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on March 16.

Thompson, 50, was arrested in April and charged with 22 felony counts of unlawful surveillance in the second degree.

The charges stem from alleged acts of surveillance conducted over a five-day time period from March 28 to April 2.

The educator was also charged with one count of unlawful dealing with a child in the first degree, a class E misdemeanor stemming from allegations that he gave alcohol to a minor.

Thompson, who resigned from his teaching position earlier this fall, has pled not guilty to all charges.

Proceedings on Tuesday were delayed 90 minutes because Thompson was getting his car serviced in Plattsburgh.

Twenty minutes after his scheduled appearance, Thompson’s counsel, Reginald Bedell, and special prosecutor Glenn MacNeill ducked into Judge Kevin K. Ryan’s chambers to discuss the situation.

Bedell emerged from the courtroom a short time later.

“You need to get down here and take your car off the lift,” Bedell said into a cell phone.

Thompson hurried into the courtroom an hour later, dressed in blue jeans and a New York Jets jacket.

“Do you have an explanation?” asked Ryan.

Bedell chalked it up to a miscommunication and apoligized to the court. His client, he noted, has always been punctual for past appearances.

“He’s always been here,” said Bedell.

Ryan, who presides over Clinton County Court, told Thompson he could have issued a bench warrant for his arrest, but opted not to do so because he was still in the building.

“Going forward, I will not be as patient,” Ryan said.

The judge said the case requires no further pre-trial discussions.

Ryan ordered Thompson to maintain a dialogue with Be-

dell.

Thompson did not speak during the brief hearing.

MacNeill declined to discuss the nature of the declined plea agreement or additional details about the case.

“The prosecution will present the Jack Thompson best case they can and it will be up to the jury to make a decision,” MacNeill said.

MacNeill, who currently serves as Franklin County’s Acting District Attorney, will leave office at the end of the month.

“The case will remain in the Franklin County DA’s office,” he said.

An E felony carries a penalty from 1 to 4 years in prison.

CATS, Pok-O-Macready join for survival courses

ELIZABETHTOWN — Champlain Area Trail (CATS) and Pok-o-MacCready Camps have joined together to present two Survival Skills courses Saturday, Dec. 12. The courses will be taught by a Pok-o-MacCready instructor on the Blueberry Hill trail system.

“We want people to feel comfortable when they hike and explore new places,” said Chris Maron, CATS executive director. “Our trails are pretty well-marked and with the new hiking opportunities in the Champlain Valley, being prepared will lead more people to visit the new trails.”

The morning course is open to families (ages five and up) and will explore basic safety skills, covering topics such as proper gear, hydration, when and what to eat, how to deal with hotspots and other novice back country health and safety tips.

The afternoon session will be for adults only and will delve deeper into survival aspects, covering more advanced subjects such as fire building, building an LNT shelter, and what to do when a day trip becomes an unplanned overnight.

“We are really pleased to be partnering with CATS on this workshop,” said Luke Colbourn, program director at Pok-OMacCready. “We’ve historically hosted summer campers and school groups for outdoor education programs so presenting this course to the larger community is a nice expansion of our outreach and mission goals.”

To register for this event, call 962-2287 or visit champlainareatrails.com.

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 13

14 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

Notes from the North Woods Joe Hackett

> Outdoor Columnist

Joe@suncommunitynews.com

No longer the clown of the woods

I

’m old enough to remember the days when open pit dumps were still considered a natural tourist attraction in many Adirondack communities. It was common to find a dozen or so vehicles parked at the dumps as the sun began to set, waiting for the bears to appear. I recall the dumps were also popular with teenage boys who often took their dates to the dump, hoping the bear would scare the young ladies into their arms. It rarely worked!

Although black bear have long been regarded as the “clown of the woods” as a result of their rather plodding manner and lumbering gait; don’t let appearances fool you! They are capable of moving a lot of mass in a hurry, and with a top speed of over 30 mph, they’ve actually been known to run down a horse.

While we have been conditioned to fear them from an early age, black bear are omnivores, unlike their man-eating cousins, the Grizzly. While a black bear may eat you if it has to; they far prefer a diet of tubers, blueberries, beech nuts, beehives, acorn and similar forest mast crops. However, bear are also creatures of convenience. Over the years, they learned how to pilfer food from the many two legged, vending machines that set up their camps/snack bars in the High Peaks.

Fortunately, the DEC’s policy of requiring the mandatory use of bear canisters by all overnight campers in the High Peaks, has largely eradicated problems with bears. However, even the most wary bear is willing to make off with a free meal, if the opportunity is available. Although most travelers rarely get a chance to see a bear, the DEC estimates the state

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now holds a population of between 6000-7000 bruins, with a burgeoning population in the southern tier.

In the course of my travels, which have encompassed over five decades of hiking, biking, asking, paddling, fishing and hunting all over the Park, I never had a problem with bear, until recently While I’ve always kept a clean camp, and I’ve hung a bear bag when such measures were advisable; the only camp pests that I ‘I’e had to deal with over the years were a few marauding raccoons, some errant skunks and a pack of ‘metal munching mountain mice in the Oluska Pass Leanto that actually chewed into a can of Corned Beef Hash. Despite my long record of avoiding bears, I recently crossed paths with one.

In fact, a daring or dumb black bear recently paid a visit to our hunting camp, and it made off with a cooler. Fortunately, there wasn’t any garbage in camp, as we make a point of regularly hauling it out when we depart; and the cooler held only a few sticks of butter, and some cold beers on ice. We suspect the bruin was not a local resident, rather he was just passing through. When we found the empty cooler a short distance away, there were a few punctured cans. There were also several Miller beer cans left in the cooler. It appeared the bear only drank the Molson, which is how I determined it was a Canadian interloper, that was well out of his range.

Now that I know what bears like to drink, it’s important to know what they prefer to eat; which is relatively easy to discover by studying their scat. In the Adirondack region, bear feed heavily on beech nuts, acorns, and similar mast crops, as well as berries, and similar foods of convenience in the summer. In the Fall, they take advantage of large beech nut and acorn crops. Regardless of the usual human-bear conflict forecasts, it’s important to remember that humans are half of the equation, and we must do our part to keep bears wild, which includes securing the garbage, and hanging bird feeders high enough to stop bear from feeding on the nuts and suet. It’s also wise to put away bar-b-qua grills, and hold off on the compost pile during the early spring, when hungry bear will come out of hibernation.

The state’s black bear population has continued to expand over recent years, especially in the counties of the Southern Tier along the Pennsylvanian border with New York State. Increasingly, Southern Tier bear hunters have produced larger

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specimens, in greater numbers than those taken in the traditional bear haunts of Hamilton County in the Adirondacks.

While many hunters and hikers have referred to black bear as “the clown of the woods’, due partly to their poor eyesight and clumsy, lumbering gait, the black bear was never considered to be as dangerous as a grizzly or a brown bear.

Regardless of such opinions, in recent years there have been several attacks attributed to black bears that have caused wilderness educators to adopt a different outlook on this animal.

Possibly the most notorious case occurred in Canada, where a female biathlete was attacked while running at the Olympic Training Center in Ontario. Not only did the bear kill the young lady, it apparently fed on her remains. The tragedy, combined with several other instances where bears appeared to forage on the victims prompted a new and increasingly accepted procedure, which advises “If subjected to an attack by a black bear, do not ‘play dead’ and cover up! Resist by all means, screaming, yelling, kicking and punching. Blows to the eyes and nose of the animal are encouraged to fend it off.

Potential victims are instructed to wave their arms, yell and stand their ground while remaining in eye contact with the animal. This advice is based on the theory that you must intimidate the bear by making yourself appear larger.

Bears will sometimes make a ‘bluff charge’ to see if the prey retreats. If you run, a bear is likely to pursue. Travelers must also be aware that they should never attempt to try to recover lost food or gear from a bear. It is a dangerous and plainly foolish act to chase after a bear, regardless of the occasion.

Gear or food can always be replaced.

It’s likely the most dangerous situation is to encounter a sow with cubs, even though I’ve found most bear will quickly scampered off when encountering a human. Their tremendous sense of smell usually alerts them to human presence and their padded feet allow them to quietly depart.

However, repeated encounters with humans and the association of their presence with food sources has emboldened some of these creatures to the extent that they have lost their natural fear of man. This was the case in the High Peaks Wilderness where bear seemed to view backpackers as walking vending machines, before new and improved methods of hanging and protecting food from bears was developed. Fortunately, there has not been a serious bear incident in many years.

The accepted procedure for dealing with an aggressive bear is to make yourself appear to be a large as possible, and yell, scream or holler in an attempt to intimidate the animal; but do not aggressively go after it. Back away slowly, while maintaining eye contact, and do not attempt to retrieve any food, equipment or especially that six-pack of cold Molson!

Joe Hackett is a guide and sportsman residing in Ray Brook.

Contact him at brookside18@adelphia.net.

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The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 15

16 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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Budget hearing From page 1

BIG CHANGES Salaries are up $873,785, clocking in at $21.8 million.

The increase can be attributed, in part, to a union agreement that hashed out three percent raises, said Palmer.

For years, workers had been seeing less take-home pay due to rising health insurance costs, particularly lower-end staffers hired after 2009.

Most of these come without hidden step increases, said Palmer. The exceptions were the positions hashed out in the salary sub-committee.

Health insurance costs are up nearly $1 million to a total of $11.77 million, while retirement is up $342,214 to $3.9 million.

Debt service payments saw a $86,180 increase to $4.2 million.

Essex County is home to 178 bridges and must borrow to bankroll repairs. The county is still paying off a $17 million radio project and the jail complex in Lewis.

Funds for bridge engineering plans also increased, from $50,000 to $175,000, mostly prep work to avoid future expenses from shoddy planning.

STICKING TO THE PLAN Palmer again reminded lawmakers that the county got to this point — successive years of significant tax hikes — due to keeping the tax rate artificially low through an overuse of fund balance.

In 2010, with a tax rate of $1.98, the county had one of the lowest rates in the state.

Palmer said if the county had adopted budgets that were equal to the current plan over a 14-year-period, increases would have been 2.6 percent each year.

“Our net budgets are not growing,” said Palmer.

Essex County held a public hearing on the 2016 tentative budget on Monday, Nov. 30. County Manger Dan Palmer urged lawmakers to stay the course on a five-year spending plan. With a scheduled tax increase of 8 percent, the number may be reduced to 6.1 percent if lawmakers approve a series of reductions, including funds for radio project maintenance, retirement fees and landscape equipment.

The county is currently in the third year of the recovery plan. The proposed rate for 2018, the last year of the plan, is projected to be $3.54 per $1,000 in assessed value.

That’s 37 cents less than the rate of $3.91 in 2004, noted Palmer.

MANDATED COSTS In what’s become a constant refrain, Palmer again drew notice to mandated items, which increased by $131,107 over last year. Altogether, the $16.2 million in mandated costs represent 75.1 percent of the 2016 levy.

These include pre-school special education, early intervention, indigent defense, probation (which is up $111,466 over this year), child welfare and other programs.

The county’s Medicaid share is capped at $6.9 million. If the state assumed the cost of that program, the tax rate would fall to $2.19 per thousand; the proposed increase of 8 percent would decrease by 32 percent.

“This is the part that’s frustrating,” said Palmer. “It’s a net cost for us.”

But with a $80 billion statewide price tag to absorb the cost, reform is unlikely, Palmer said.

The manager said the argument underpinning mandate reform isn’t whether counties should provide the services, but rather delivering them with the amount of money allotted to them by the state and federal governments.

At one time, Palmer said, 34 percent of the cost of visiting nurses was borne by the state. The state decided they were no longer going to provide the funding, but continued to man-

Photo by Pete DeMola

date the service.

Essex County then absorbed that 34 percent.

Altogether, these mandated items constitute 68.7 percent of net budget, a percentage Palmer called “staggering.”

“When we start a budget, we’re at 70 percent just from one year to the next,” Palmer said.

Since last week, officials found an additional $360,000 in savings.

If approved by lawmakers, the burden on taxpayers could be reduced an additional two points, down to 6.1 percent, with the tax rate dropping to $3.17.

Those savings including the waiving of a 1 percent amortization fee on retirement funds, $180,000 in radio maintenance fees and the cancellation of equipment purchases. >> Story Continued | pg. 17

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PUBLIC COMMENTS James Whiteley, of Ticonderoga, said he understood the county’s financial situation, but pressed officials to determine how much fund balance could be responsibly used to alleviate the burden on the taxpayers, whom he said are “stressed.”

Other counties haven’t come close to raising the levy close to 20 percent in past two years, Whiteley noted.

“Those are huge, huge increases,” said Whiteley. “This isn’t the Soviet Union. They had a bunch of five-year plans that didn’t work out too well — people are hurting.”

“I ask you do what you can to get that down to a reasonable amount, and hopefully soon get to a point when you can adhere to that cap.”

Margaret Gibbs, the executive director of Lakes to Locks, asked the board to consider the organization’s request for funding that would allow them to hire a grant writer.

Ewa Jankowska, of the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System, urged officials to consider funding for their service area, which covers a territory roughly the size of Connecticut.

Jankowska cited a PEW Study that revealed 79 percent of recent jobseekers conducted their searches online.

Applicants in Essex County often lack access to devices or a fast connection speed, she said.

“Libraries, in this sense, play a very important role in our society,” said Jankowska.

Elizabeth Buysse, of Upper Jay, questioned the county’s decision to fold the Office for the Aging into the Department of Public Health.

Its director will move to a new position in a different department; a new leadership position will be drafted and the remaining 12 employees will continue to perform their tasks.

Buysee, who said she has a Masters in Gerontological Nursing, said as part of the Older Americans Act, the county has a responsibility to make it possible for older adults to stay independent within the community.

Twenty-one percent of the population in Essex County is 60 or over, Buysee noted.

Home-delivered meals and transportation are among the critical services the agency provides, she said.

“We have been fortunate to have a director for past 15 years who is aggressive and able to advocate at the state level,” said Buysee. “Reducing efforts could result in long-term consequences.”

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 17

Buysee said there is no guarantee that the savings of $84,000 by eliminating the director position is realistic to the budget and called for a “systematic review” of department operations if they want to make cuts.

“I don’t believe we have explored other alternatives.”

Palmer said it wasn’t a decision that the county arrived at lightly.

“I honestly don’t believe services will suffer in any way,” he said, citing the efficiencies that may be created by teaming up with public health.

Lawmakers have until Dec. 20 to make changes to the tentative budget.

If approved with the 8 percent increase, homeowners can expect to see a $22 increase on $100,000 homes.

18 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

Rebate program From page 1

“This program addresses the one of the most important challenges we face as a state — making New York affordable — by providing real, meaningful, significant tax relief that will make a difference in people’s lives,” said Cuomo earlier this spring.

Checks have started going out and will continue to go out through the upcoming months, said a spokesman for the state Department of Taxation and Finance on Monday.

Roughly 2.5 million homeowners are eligible for the credits this year.

The freeze credit will be the greater of the actual increase in the homeowner’s tax bill, or the previous year’s tax bill multiplied by an inflation factor.

But the state won’t know an average amount until all credits are processed months down the road, said the spokesman, Geoffrey Gloak.

“As we receive the data provided by localities, we will process the credits and issue checks,” Gloak said.

Not all see the program as transformative.

Empire Center President E.J. McMahon has called the checks a “gimmick” and a “transparent political ploy.”

“Cuomo intends to draw the money from

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‘surpluses’ he’s pledged to create by holding spending growth to 2 percent a year,” said McMahon. “But assuming the cash will be available, it could more productively be spent as a down payment on permanent state tax relief, or to fill gaping holes in infrastructure plans, or to catch up on the state’s deferred pension contributions.”

Local lawmakers say the process is confusing and the savings to taxpayers will likely be small.

While tax relief is needed, meeting the cap isn’t always the best measure to gauge fiscal planning, especially in an era of unfunded mandates, said Essex County supervisors.

“I don’t think at the end of the day, the rebate program will make up for Medicaid costs,” said Wilmington supervisor Randy Preston.

Preston said North Country towns have already pared services to the bone.

The tax freeze program penalizes constituents in municipalities that have tightened their belts all along, he said, including those who are unable to develop government efficiency programs to show shared savings.

“Because I’m doing my job, we’re going to get penalized for that,” said Preston. “There’s nothing more to cut.”

To stay under the cap this year, Wilmington town employees switched to a cheaper health insurance plan.

Earlier this year, the Essex County Board

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of Supervisors passed a resolution asking the state for assistance with the cap, a measure offered by Ticonderoga Supervisor Bill Grinnell.

“We fall under special regulations because we’re in the Park and quite frankly, I’m not sure that all of our senior officials in the state are aware of some of the restrictions placed on us,” said Grinnell.

Many of the towns followed suit.

Willsboro Supervisor Shaun Gillilland said the checks will likely be negligible.

“The checks are not going to be big at all,” said Gillilland. “They’re going to be tiny. It’s not like people are going to waiting to pay their mortgage bills with checks from the state.”

Homeowners will likely not know where the checks came from, said Gillilland, and the process remains murky.

Last year, the town of Willsboro stayed within the cap, as did the school and fire district. But the county did not, blowing out their cap by 7.5 percent.

Who gets the check?

One entity going over the cap doesn’t negate the others who have not, explained Es-

sex County Real Property Tax Director Charli Lewis. All homes will be eligible except those with a household income over $500,000, vacant parcels and improvements to the property that increase its value.

Homeowners must also be participants in the STAR property tax exemption program.

The state will roll out an additional threeyear program next year, the property tax relief credit, in conjunction with the current program, said Gloak.

Beginning in 2017, the property tax relief credit will be a percentage of a homeowner’s STAR benefit, with lower incomes receiving a higher percentage benefit. To qualify, homeowners must live in a school district that complies with the cap; receive either the basic or enhanced STAR property tax exemption and have an income of $275,000 or less.

Eligible upstate taxpayers will receive $185.

Downstate, qualifying taxpayers will receive checks for $130.

The credit will be fully phased in as of 2019.

Moriah supervisor Tom Scozzafava remained mystified.

“I’ve never been clear on any of this,” he said. “We never get a clear answer.”

Mr. Keating’s classes of Productions Systems and Construction with the help of Mrs. Conklin, art teacher, took part in a community project. The school was approached by the committee in charge of organizing the “Christmas in The Forks” tree lighting in Au Sable Forks. During one of the past floods the committee had lost many of their decorations and they were looking for some help making new decorations. Mr. Keating and Mrs. Conklin decided that these classes would build and decorate a train that could go around the tree. The students and faculty members took on this project with great enthusiasm and in the end built a beautiful holiday train.

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Tree Lighting

The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 19

Night Before Christmas” at 5 p.m. in town hall followed by caroling around the Christmas tree.

“This is a festive way to start the holiday season,” said Barb Benkwitt, co-organizer of the event. “We hope to brighten up the town and help put a smile on people’s faces.”

The event is free and open to the public. Community groups will be present to share their information and schedules of holiday events. For more information, contact Benkwitt at 518-565-6263 or email barbbenkwitt@charter.net.

From page 1

PERU Peru’s 29th annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Friday, Dec. 4 at 6:50 p.m. at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo.

As a Peru tradition, the tree will be lit by a chosen special guest who’s contributed much to the town.

After the special guest flicks the switch to the tree, Santa Clause will arrive on a Peru Volunteer Fire Department firetruck. Santa will then lead all the children and parents into the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center for arts and crafts, letter writing to Santa and a chance to give the letter to Santa personally.

“It’s really going to be a festive night and get people in the Christmas spirit,” said John Flynn, youth director for the Town of Peru. “Hopefully, we’ll get a little bit of snow.”

The event is free and open to the public. Cider and donuts will be served. For more information, call the town at 518643-2745.

CHAMPLAIN The Village of Champlain Holiday Fest will take place Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1 to 8 p.m.

The fun-filled day will begin with cookie decorating, arts and crafts and more at the Champlain Meeting House — leading into a candy cane hunt at the playground at 3 p.m.

The tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m., followed by visits with Santa, hot chocolate and caroling at Paquette Park.

“This is a great community event,” said Janet McFetridge, organizer of the event. “It gives people time to spend outdoors and see the pretty lights.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the village at 518-298-4152.

PLATTSBURGH The Downtown Plattsburgh Tree Lighting will take place Friday, Dec. 4 at the Strand Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.

Along with the tree lighting, there will be a multitude of family-friendly entertainment, including the parade at 5 p.m., Reindeer Run at 4 p.m. and visits and photos with Santa.

Also, downtown shop windows will be decorated for the holidays, carolers will be out singing, free hot cocoa will flow and fingers will be toasted by outdoor bonfires.

“Forty years ago downtown was where everything happened and, along the way, that got lost,” said Christina Elliott, gallery and museum coordinator for SCA. “I think through community-based events like this, we can rejuvenate and redevelop downtown.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sandra Geddes at 518-536-7458 and geddess@ cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov.

AU SABLE FORKS The 11th annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.

The 25-foot tree will be donated Richard and Dawn Colby from Clintonville and be surrounded by, for the first time, a train made from the AuSable Valley School shop class, in which they designed, built and stained the train to make it look like Christmas.

Along with the tree lighting, there will be a day-long 10th annual Christmas in the Forks celebration for all ages to truly ring in the new holiday season.

“Personally, I love Christmas in the Forks because it brings families out for a fun-filled day,” said Helen Kennedy, chairperson of Christmas in the Forks. “When I look around at all the smiling faces, it brings a tear of joy.”

Both the tree lighting and Christmas in the Forks day-long celebration are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kennedy at 518-647-8136.

This year, in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Cadyville Fire Department is inviting World War II veterans from Cadyville and the surrounding communities to be honorary guests and light the 12-14 foot Christmas tree.

Schuyler Falls will take place Friday Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall in Morrisonville.

Though this is the town’s second tree lighting, one supervisor about 30 years ago planted a tree behind town hall and lighted it for all to see. The 6-7 foot tree, which still has a string of older lights along the bottom, wasn’t lit again until last year.

Before the lighting by Supervisor Harold Ormsby, town resident and local storyteller Gordie Little will read “Twas The

SCHUYLER FALLS The second annual Holiday Tree Lighting of the Town of

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

PUBLIC MEETINGS

SENIORS

ADVERTISE IN THE SUN COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD!

PLATTSBURGH - Our Lady of Victory 4919 South Catherine St. Wednesday Nights, Doors open at 6:00 with games starting at 7:10 pm.

AUSABLE FORKS – 2015-2016 WIC schedule at the Ambulance Building-Ausable Forks December 2, January 6, Feb, 3, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7, at 9:30 am - 2:15 PM Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296

LAKE PLACID – 2015-2016 WIC schedule at the Thomas Shipman Youth Center December 1, January 5, Feb 2, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6 , 9:30 am - 2:15 PM November 24, December 22, January 26, Feb 23, March 22, April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25, November 22, December 27 1:30 PM - 6:00 PM Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296

CHAZY – Chazy Public Library Meetings: January 20, 2016, February 24,2016, March 30, 2016, April 27, 2016. Organizational Meeting May 18, 2016.

PERU - Adult Center VFW 710 Pleasant Street Peru, NY Open Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch served at 11:45 a.m.

Tel: (518)643-2829

FOR PROFIT FOR 4 LINES (.75 FOR ADDITONAL LINES) 1 WEEK $9, 3 WEEKS $15, 52 WEEKS $20 A MONTH. NOT FOR PROFIT FOR 4 LINES (.50 FOR ADDITONAL LINES) 1 WEEK $5, 3 WEEKS $10, 52 WEEKS $15 A MONTH.

EARLY DEADLINES FOR THE ISSUE OF 12/26/2015 WILL BE DEC.17TH AT 2PM. REGULAR DEADLINES ARE MONDAYS AT 3PM PLEASE CALL SHANNON 518-873-6368 EXT. 201 OR EMAIL

shannonc@suncommunitynews.com

PLATTSBURGH - VFW Post 124 116 Boynton Ave. Tuesdays, 7pm doors open at 5pm.

PLATTSBURGH American Legion Post 20 162 Quarry Rd. 518-5631692 Sundays, 7pm.

PORT HENRY Port Henry Knights of Columbus, bingo, 7 p.m. Every Monday TICONDEROGA - Bingo, Ticonderoga fire house, 6:45 p.m. Doors 5 p.m. Every Thursday.

BOOKS LAKE PLACID - The LPI Book Club generally meets at 7 p.m. on the last Monday of each month at the library to discuss books about the arts. All are welcome.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS LAKE PLACID – Monthly Saturday Play for Pre-K thru Grade 5 kids & families at the Lake Placid Public Library 10am to 11am. Indoor games, activities and children's classic books. For more info 518523-3200.

BINGO ALTONA - Ganienkeh Territorial High Stakes Bingo 4 Devil's Den Road 518-236-7099 Wednesdays & Fridays doors open at 5pm Games start at 6:30 pm.

BEEKMANTOWN - VFW 1466 Spellman Rd. Sunday, 6:30 Doors open at 4:30.

KEESEVILLE - Keeseville Fire Dept.

North Country AmVets 1309 Rt. 9 South Saturday, 7:30 pm.

KEESEVILLE - VFW #1505 North Country AmVets 1309 Rt. 9 South Sunday, 7pm.

PERU - Knights of Columbus 3452 Main St. Rt. 22 Tuesdays, 7:30 pm.

PLATTSBURGH - Knights of Columbus #255 St. Peter's School 518-561-4501 Mondays, 7pm.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS AU SABLE FORKS - Fall Fun-damentals Hatha class will continue on Tuesday nights, 6:00-7:15pm until Dec. 22. Instructed by Stef Kearns at Tahawus Center's first floor studio, 14234 9N Main St, Au Sable Forks. Class includes creative meditation and pranayama (breathing) techniques combined with asana (postures) to explore your body from within. Adaptations offered to find what feels right for you. Walk-ins welcome any time. Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out new student form and settle in. Bring water bottle, yoga mat, blanket, blocks & straps if you have them (also available to borrow). Questions? Email Stef Kearns,call 518.524.4660 or visit Facebook WILMINGTON - Yoga for the Community Every Sun., 5:30-6:30pm @ Riverstone Wellness, Wilmington, NY. For more info send email to: riverstonewellness@yahoo.com

ELIZABETHTOWN - Al-Anon Family Group, family, friends of problem drinkers. Elizabethtown Community Hospital Board Room. 4 to 5 p.m. Anonymous, confidential, free. Details: 518-962-2351, 518873-2652. Every Sunday.

ELIZABETHTOWN – 2015-2016 WIC Schedule at the Public Health Building December 3, January 7, Feb 4, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1, 8:00 - 3:30 PM November 19, December 17, January 21, Feb 18, March 16, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15, 11:30 am - 6:30 PM Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296 HORICON -TOWN OF HORICON LANDFILL SCHEDULE CHANGEPLEASE TAKE NOTICE that effective January 1, 2016 the Horicon Landfill schedule will change. The Landfill will be open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am to 4pm. By Order of the Horicon Town Board

SCHROON LAKE - Adult Grief Support Group. A grief support group will hold its first meeting on Thursday, December 17th in Schroon Lake. At this meeting, frequency will be determined. This meeting will be held from 5:30-6:30PM.To pre-register and for location of meeting, please contact Cam Brown at 518-942-6513 or email cbrown@hphpc.org.

TICONDEROGA - Hospice Offers Coping with Grief During the Holidays. High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care invites you to attend Coping with Grief During the Holidays, a meeting created for family, friends, and caregivers who have experienced the death of a loved one. This meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 9th from 56:30pm in Ticonderoga. Call Cam at 518-942-6513 or email cbrown@hphpc.org by Monday, December 7th to RSVP and be informed of meeting location.

DONATIONS

KEESEVILLE – 2015-2016 WIC schedule at the United Methodist Church November 25, December 30, January 13, Feb 25, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28,August 25, September 22, October 27, November 23, December 22, 9:30 am - 2:15 PM Call us to schedule an appointment or find out more information at 518-873-3560 or 518- 569-3296

ELIZABETHTOWN - Cobble Hill Inn in Elizabethtown will hold its 9th Annual Toy Drive on Friday, December 4th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm to benefit ACAPs Holidays For Sharing. Donate a new, unwrapped toy and enjoy a free buffet, karaoke, and raffles. For further info call 518-873-3207 Marge Garcia

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.

ELIZABETHTOWN - December 8.

Pleasant Valley Quilters meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Elizabethtown Community Hospital conference room, Park Street, Elizabethtown.

Contact janiceorlowski@gmail.com for details

PUBLIC MEETINGS

ELIZABETHTOWN – Elizabethtown Thrift Shop will have it's Monthly Meeting Second Monday of Every Month at 7pm @ The Episcopal Parish Hall.

LEWIS - The regular monthly meeting has been changed for the Lewis Fire District from December 10th to December 17th. The meeting will be held at the Lewis Firehouse at 7:00 PM. WESTPORT-The Boy Scouts will be meeting from 7:30 to 9 p.m. every Thursday at the WADA Building For more info: troop8063@gmail.com, Jill Lobdell 962-4664 or Larry Carroll 569-5431.

WESTPORT - WESTPORT CENTRAL SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING The Westport Central School District Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Teacher Resource Room. Agenda items will include a website update, JV basketball program update, budget time line discussion and any other business that may come before the Board.

Community members and interested others are welcome to attend.

SENIORS ELIZABETHTOWN – Senior Meal Site Luncheon, Every Friday at Church of the Good Shepherd, 11 William Street. Come enjoy lunch $3.50, play Bingo, socialize with friends & neighbors.

SPORTS & RECREATION MINEVILLE – Open Bowling Fridays at the VFW. For more info call 518-942-6514 LECTURES & SEMINARS WHALLONSBURG - GRANGE TO HOST LYCEUM ON HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST The Whallonsburg Grange will host a lyceum lecture on the history of the Middle East on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Andy Buchanan, historian and lecturer at the University of Vermont, will present "The 'Old Order' In The Middle East Comes Apart: A Historical Perspective." The lecture will focus on the background of the crisis that is rapidly unfolding in the region today. There will be ample time for questions and discussion following the lecture.

Admission is $5, and free for students.

The Whallonsburg Grange Hall is located at 1610 NYS Route 22 at the intersection with Whallons Bay Road, five miles from the EssexCharlotte Ferry. For more information on this event or about the Hall, contact office manager Stephanie Beneng at 518-963-4170 or admin@thegrangehall.info.

VENDORS

ELIZABETHTOWN – Senior Meal Site Luncheon, Every Friday at Church of the Good Shepherd, 11 William Street. Come enjoy lunch $3.50, play Bingo, socialize with friends & neighbors.

ELLENBURG-Adult Center St. Edmunds Church Hall 5538 Route 11 Ellenburg, NY Open Monday Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Tel: (518) 594-7311 MOOERS - Nutrition Site Watson Senior Housing 2448 Route 11Mooers, NY Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Monday Friday. Tel: (518) 236-5111

TO ADVERTISE IN THE SUN COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD PLEASE CALL SHANNON AT 518-873-6368 EXT. 201 OR EMAIL shannonc@suncommunitynews.com

20 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

www.suncommunitynews.com

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

www.suncommunitynews.com

ferent ideas of what winning decorations should look like.

Some prefer soft and subtle, some think that the most lights wins. Help the judges Arin Burdo > Columnist decide by naming your favorinfo@elizabethtownsocialcenter.org ite decorations on our Facebook page! he Pleasant Valley Chorale performs Elizabethtown-Westport Garden Club’s their holiday concert, “Messiah and Greens Tea at the United Church of Christ More,” on Friday, Dec 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Essex Community Church in Es- parish hall is on Friday, Dec. 4. The doors sex and Sunday, Dec 13, at the UCC Church open at 11 a.m. and lunch is served from in Elizabethtown at 3:00 p.m. Come celebrate 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Kye Smith offers Zumba classes on Monthe holiday season by listening to great music

by Handel, Bach, Holst and Sweelinck! Ad- day, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. mission is free with a goodwill donation ac- 9, at 5:15 p.m. cepted at the door.

Pick-up basketball is open for adults at The annual Arthur G. Hooper Holiday ELCS on most Monday nights from 7 p.m.

Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Eliza- until 9 p.m. Check the facebook group “Sobethtown Social Center, will be judged on cial Center Adult Basketball” for updates.

Wednesday, Dec. 16. Keep your lights going On Tuesday, Dec. 8, Chorale rehearses at from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. to be included in the 7 p.m. contest.

Thursday, Dec. 10, brings Writers Group at Homes and businesses in New Russia, Eliz- 1 p.m., Ellen DuBois’ yoga class at 4:15 p.m. abethtown, and Lewis will be judged in cat- and Karin DeMuro’s Zumba class at 5:30 p.m. egories of Most Original, Most Beautiful, and All fitness classes are $6. the Spirit of Christmas. Winners will have Teen Rec hours are Tuesday through their name engraved on a permanent plaque Thursday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m to 9 at the Social Center. p.m.; and Saturday, 2 until 9 p.m.

Please contact the Center if you wish to be For more information, visit elizabethtownincluded in the contest or nominate a neighbor. We have a panel of judges with all dif- socialcenter.org or call 873-6408.

Elizabethtown Social Center

T

(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 21

it is heartbreaking to watch them huddle together and try to hide from the world. If you could find room for this little beautiful cat - and possibly her friends as well - we would be thrilled! We would also be grateful for anyone who would consider fostering them until we can find them a forever home.

North Country SPCA Kathy Wilcox

> Columnist

rollerprincessfrog@yahoo.com

T

he North Country SPCA would like to remind you that there is still time to take advantage of our generous donation matching offer through the end of December! We are very grateful to a generous group of donors who have agreed to match every dollar we receive in donations up to $40,000 - through Dec. 31. If you have been considering making a tax-deductible gift to our shelter, there is no better time. We depend on the generosity and kind hearts of people like you in order to provide the very best care for our furry friends until they can find their forever homes. And now your dollar can go even further help our many adoptable animals.

Our featured pet this week is Piper, a stunning Tortoiseshell Domestic Shorthair-mix who came to us with her friends Goldie and Phoebe. They were heartbroken that their person had passed away and they were completely lost in the strange, noisy environment of the shelter. These sweet little ladies are absolutely devastated and terrified to be here;

Piper

22 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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To Place An Ad, Call

518-873-6368

CONTENTS OF STORAGE UNITS #128 & #129, Tony Lambert, will be for sale/auction on Ebay/Craigslist, December 18, 2015 Hand Gun Ruger Vaquero 44 Magnum Stainless Steel, Single Action, Wood Grips, Fires 44 Mag. And 44 Special, Like New fire only once $550 OBO. 518-354-8654 HUGHES PRODUCTS-HUNTING Box Blind,4x4 Bow Blind,4x4 Box Blind, and 4x8 Rockeater Lounge Blind. Multiseason Blinds: Hunting to Ice fishing!

See them at TimberKing Northeast:(518)834-2051 tknemitchell@frontiernet.net

SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmillCut lumber any dimension.

In stock ready to ship.

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

Win a $2,000 grand prize! Enter to win.

Take our survey at www.pulsepoll.com and tell us about your household shopping plans and media usage. Your input will help us improve the paper and get the advertising specials you want. Thank you!

GENERAL CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960

HUNDREDS OF RECORDS all for $99 OBO. Call 518-359-3614.

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now!

Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+

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The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 23

24 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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HEALTH & FITNESS

LOGGING

WANTED TO BUY

HOME RENTALS

**HOLIDAY SPECIAL** VIAGRA 40x (100 mg) +16 "Double Bonus" PILLS for ONLY $119.00. NO PRESCRIPTION Needed! VISA payment required. 1-888-386-8074 www.newhealthyman.com Satisfaction Guaranteed!!

GRIMSHAW LOGGING is looking to pay cash for all standing timber of any species fully insured and references available. please call Erick 518534-9739.

CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800371-1136

3 BEDROOM HOME NEAR ESSEX Ferry, wood flooring, 2 baths, fireplace, lake view, Available now $950 utilities not included. 518312-9053

Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and FREE Shipping. Call 1-800-413-1940 VIAGRA & CIALIS USERS!! 60 Pill SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping!

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Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888-796-8878 Let’s Go Garage & Yard Sale-ing Thru The Classified Superstore

1-518-873-6368 Ext. 201

LAVALLEE LOGGING

is looking to harvest and purchase standing timber, All Species. Willing to pay New York State stumpage prices on all species. $ or % paid.

References available.

Matt Lavallee 518-645-6351 A CUT ABOVE THE REST!

LOGGING. LAND CLEARING. TIMBER MARKETING. Double Average Pay Immediately to Land Owner on Timber & Low Grade Chip Wood. Neat Forestry.

518-593-8752

PRECISION TREE SERVICE 518-942-6545 WANTED TO BUY ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information.

CASH for Coins!

Buying Gold & Silver.

Also Stamps, Paper Money, Comics, Entire Collections, Estates.

Travel to your home.

Call Marc in NY 1-800-959-3419

CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $35/Box! Sealed & Unexpired.

Payment Made SAME DAY. Highest Prices Paid!!

Call Juley Today!

800-413-3479 www.CashForYourTestStrips.com

DATE 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/23/15 11/23/15 11/23/15 11/23/15 11/24/15 11/24/15

GRANTOR Bette Merchant Henry and Heidi Cormier Bank of America NA Amber Schoolcraft John St. Marie Patricia Maynard US Bank Trust National Association William Wallace Michael Macey and MM Auto Body Gary and Sara Duquette Gilpin Family Irrevocable Trust Gary and Coreena Cardin Dawn Lantry Anthony and Jean Cassani Kelli Rodriguez Lake City Properties LLC Jeanne Darc Investment Properties Inc

CLINTON

GRANTEE Chad and Tammy Poirier Ashley Waldron Stephen and Sara Imhoff Darin Staley Matthew and Renee Smith Timothy Oliver Gabriel Girard Fred Ballou Penny and Kevin Bushey et al Fernando Iturburu Roy Cook Arthur and Susan Soden McDonaldÕ s Corporation Floyd and Sheila Walker Antonio Garrison John and Victoria Masella Camp DJA LLC

LOCATION Mooers Saranac Peru Saranac Saranac Chazy Plattsburgh Black Brook Town of Plattsburgh City of Plattsburgh Champlain Mooers City of Plattsburgh Clinton Schuyler Falls City of Plattsburgh Ellenburg

PRICE $90,000 $319,000 $32,000 $151,805 $115,000 $117,000 $40,000 $145,000 $325,000 $95,000 $44,000 $16,500 $230,000 $500 $93,300 $259,000 $850,000

Ingrid Karl Thomas and Dawn Turner Zael Kravitz Northern Developers LLC Jay Heald Robert and Christine Benedict Chad Casey John Budris Michael OÕ Connor Ronald Gagnon Gary Mandy Thomas Cown

North Elba Ticonderoga Chesterfield North Elba Elizabethtown Willsboro Jay Minerva Minerva Moriah Moriah Moriah

$1 $50,000 $23,000 $382,000 $279,000 $8,000 $1,750 $18,000 $28,500 $9,500 $800 $800

John Mills Leonard and Darlene Hart Daniel White James Kelly Timothy and Virginia Devins Philip St. Louis Harry Davis Paul and Susan Wright Richard and Janell Stelianou Michael and Gail McKee James Catania and Winifred Pelletieri Victoria Whittemore James Whalen Gerald and Ellen Dygert Michael Munson Richard and Carol Ramundo Arthur Jubin Kim Marsha Wilmeth Deyo Steven Sigler Arthur Jubin Geanette Mueller James Backus Harold and Diane Krein

North Elba St. Armand Westport Wilmington Wilmington Chesterfield Westport North Elba North Elba Wilmington North Elba North Elba Willsboro Chesterfield Chesterfield Ticonderoga Chesterfield Chesterfield Crown Point Moriah Jay Minerva Moriah Schroon

$7,500 $1,200 $52,000 $41,000 $30,000 $1 $69,500 $3,500 $5,000 $72,000 $232,500 $125,000 $44,000 $157,899 $160,000 $50,000 $100 $6,000 $35,000 $35,000 $3,250 $16,500 $2,750 $155,000

Vacation LLC Wilmeth Deyo Virginia Miller Spencer Kelly Scott and Megan Bolding

Wilmington Crown Point Keene Moriah Lewis

$9,000 $35,000 $67,228 $47,000 $139,660

ESSEX 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/19/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/20/15 11/23/15 11/23/15 11/23/15 11/23/15 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/24/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15 11/25/15

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

Hans and Henry Karl John Streeter Patricia Gero Frank and Jaroslava Shatz Malcolm and Judyth Martin James Morgan Essex County and Gretchen Straight Essex County and Agnes Mather Essex County and Mary Kays Essex County and John McConley Essex County and Willis Haywood Essex County and Griffith Parry Essex County and Stephen and Katie Kirkpatrick Essex County and William Putnam Essex County and John McConley Essex County and John Murray Essex County and Leta Hartzel KEL Properties LLC Essex County and Markia Sloan Kenneth Jubin Francis Varga Joseph Murphy Frederick Oberst Richard and Susan Smith Lee Ackley and Sandra Vance Thomas Goodman Gerald and Ellen Dygert Kim Mchugh Essex County et al Essex County and Tabitha Cumber Essex County and Nicolas Schenk Walter Worth Essex County and Mark Montgomery Essex County and Geradine Mirabile Essex County and Bruce Vargo Essex County et al Essex County and John and Annette DeeringAdirondack Essex County and Nicholas Schnek Thomas Nason Paul and Emil Karkoski Carmen Cross

EXTRA DIABETIC TEST STRIPS? I Pay Top Dollar! 1-Day Fast Payment Guaranteed Up To $60/Box! FREE Shipping! www.CashNowOffer.com 1-888-210-5233 Extra $10 Use Code: CashNOW! MOTORCYCLES WANTED Before 1985. Running or not. Japanese, British, European. $Cash$ paid.

Free appraisals!

CALL 1-315-569-8094 Email pictures or description to: Cyclerestoration@aol.com Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

KEESEVILLE, NY 4 BDRM LOG Home For Rent, Available November 11th, Monitor & Wood Heat, Scenic, Lease, $1,000/mo. Call 518-834-7743 REAL ESTATE SALES 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

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

ELIZABETHTOWN, NY OFFICE Space For Rent, Newly Refurbished, Near Post Office & Stores. Call Judy 518-8732625, Wayne 518-962-4467, Gordon 518-962-2064 or 518637-5620.

HOMES

APARTMENT RENTALS

REAL ESTATE RENTALS For Rent-Vacant Mobile Home Site Water & Electric Available.

70'X80'- $500 A Month + Utilities Lewis, NY 518-873-6727

Elizabethtown, NY 1 bedroom down stairs apt. HUD approved, heat, hot water, refrigerator, & stove furnished. No pets, No exceptions. Call 518-873-2625 Judy, 518-962-4467 Wayne or 518-962-2064 or 518-6375620 or 518-962-2064 Gordon.

WILLSBORO - 2 Bdrm Apartment, W/D, newly renovated, large yard, water/sewer incl. $590/mo + util.

603-553-0000

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

ADIRONDACK “BY OWNER” AdkByOwner.com 1000+ photo listings of local real estate for sale, vacation rentals & timeshares. Owners: List with us for only $299 per year.

Visit on-line or call 518-891-9919 LAND SO. ADIRONDACK Lakefront Land & Cabin Sale!

Saturday, Dec. 5th, one day only!

111 acres – Pristine Lake $194,900.

50 acres – Lakefront Cabin $199,900.

7 tracts with lakes, streams, cabins and state land. 3 hours NY City!

Last chance this year!

Terms available. 888-905-8847.

WoodWorthLakePreserve.com.

So. Adk Lakefront Land & Cabin Sale! Sat. Dec 5th! One Day Only!

111 acres Pristine Lake $194,900 50 acres Lakefront Cabin - $199,900 7 tracts with lakes, streams, cabins & State Land! 3 hrs NY City! Last chance this yr! Terms avail!

1-888-701-1864 WoodworthLakePreserve.com VACATION PROPERTY IS YOUR VACATION HOME FOR SALE OR RENT? Promote it in print to nearly 4.3 million potential buyers (plus more readers online!) with a statewide classified ad.

Advertise your property for just $489 for a 25-word ad, less for smaller coverage areas.

Visit AdNetworkNY.com or call 315-437-6173 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person application included, if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions.- 518-274-0380.

CRUISE & TRAVEL CRUISE DEALS available for a limited time. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival and Norwegian.

Hurry as these offers wont last!

Call 877-270-7260 or go to NCPTRAVEL.COM to research.

NCL CRUISE SPECIAL Pick one FREE Unlimited Beverages / FREE Specialty Dining / FREE WIFI / Free Shore Excursions! Hurry, limited time offer. Call for full details 877270-7260 or go to NCPtravel.com

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(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 25

Find A Buyer For Your No-longer Needed Items With A Low-Cost Classified.

To Place An Ad, Call

518-873-6368

LEGALS CARLSTADT VENTURES LLC NOTICE OF FORMATION of a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC): DATE OF FORMATION: The Articles of Organization were filed with the New York State Secretary of State on November 19, 2015.

NEW YORK OFFICE LOCATION: Essex County AGENT FOR PROCESS: The Secretary of State is designated as Agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to 1664 Greenbush Road, Charlotte, Vermont 05445.

PURPOSE: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

VN-11/28-01/02/20156TC-102376

NOTICE OF FORMATION Articles of the organization for Dunham Plateau, LLC per section 206 of LLC Law, were filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/29/2015. Office location Essex Co. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon which process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at: Box 525, Rt. 73, Keene Valley NY, 12943.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

VN-11/07-12/12/20156TC-99792 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (“LLC”) Northern Feast Catering, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on October 27, 2015 for business conducted from an office located in Essex County, NY. The “SSNY” is designated as the agent of the “LLC” upon whom process against it may be served. “SSNY” shall mail a copy of any process to the “LLC” at 765 Mace Chasm Road, Keeseville, NY 12944 VN-11/07-12/12/20156TC-99928

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (“LLC”) Northern Feast Catering, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on October 27, 2015 for business conducted from an office located in Essex County, NY. The “SSNY” is designated as the agent of the “LLC” upon whom process against it may be served. “SSNY” shall mail a copy of any process to the “LLC” at 765 Mace Chasm Road, Keeseville, NY 12944 VN-11/07-12/12/20156TC-99928 GNC, LLC A DOMESTIC LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/17/2015. Office location: Essex County.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 9 Gal Way, Willsboro, NY 12996.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

VN-12/05-01/09/20166TC-102941 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF IBME, LLC a domestic limited liability company. Art. of Org. filed with Sec'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/17/15. Office location: Essex County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of such process served upon it to IBME, LLC, P.O. Box 1923, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Purpose of LLC: To engage in any lawful activity.

VN-11/28-01/02/20166TC-102081

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF IBME, LLC a domestic limited liability company. Art. of Org. filed with Sec'y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/17/15. Office location: Essex County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of such process served upon it to IBME, LLC, P.O. Box 1923, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Purpose of LLC: To engage in any lawful activity.

VN-11/28-01/02/20166TC-102081

NOTICE OF FORMATION of Mountain Dental PLLC a domestic professional service LLC. Art. of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/29/2015.

Office location: Essex County. SSNY is designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against the PLLC may be served and shall mail a copy of any such process to the PLLC, Attn: George Sarandev, 27 Cayuga Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Purpose: Dentistry VN-10/31-12/05/20156TC-99316

NOTICE OF FORMATION of Mountain Dental PLLC a domestic professional service LLC. Art. of Org. filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/29/2015.

Office location: Essex County. SSNY is designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against the PLLC may be served and shall mail a copy of any such process to the PLLC, Attn: George Sarandev, 27 Cayuga Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Purpose: Dentistry VN-10/31-12/05/20156TC-99316

NOTICE OF FORMATION A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Name: Nana Mazz LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 22, 2015. Office location: Essex County.

SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 26 Balsam Street, Lake Placid, New York 12946. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

VN-11/14-12/19/20156TC-100851

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Keene has set Tuesday, January 5th, 2016, at 5:30 PM, at the Keene Town Hall, as the time and place to hold the Town of Keene 2016 Organizational Town Board Meeting.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Audit of Employees and Officers has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 26th, 2016, at 5:00 PM, to precede the Bi-Monthly Town Board Meeting scheduled for 5:30 PM. Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk Dated: November 30, 2015 VN-12/05/2015-1TC103047 Route 86 LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/19/15.

Office location: Essex County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 356 Canvasback Rd., Middletown, DE 19709. General purpose.

VN-11/28-01/02/20156TC-102447

Route 86 LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/19/15.

Office location: Essex County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 356 Canvasback Rd., Middletown, DE 19709. General purpose.

VN-11/28-01/02/20156TC-102447

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Name: The Adirondack Group IT Systems, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/17/2015, Office Location: Essex County. The SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

VN-11/21-12/26/20156TC-101680

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Name: The Adirondack Group IT Systems, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/17/2015, Office Location: Essex County. The SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

VN-11/21-12/26/20156TC-101680 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Your Home Away From Home, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/27/15. Office location: Essex County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: PO Box 670, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Purpose: any lawful activities.

VN-11/21-12/26/20156TC-101682

Find A Buyer For Your No-longer Needed Items With A Low-Cost Classified.

To Place An Ad, Call

518-873-6368

26 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

Published by Denton Publications, Inc.

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(CV)

The Valley News Sun • December 5, 2015 | 27

28 | December 5, 2015 • The Valley News Sun (CV)

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Published by Denton Publications, Inc.