Here are recent "Letters to the Editor" of "North Country This Week." Letters should be 400 words or fewer and are subject to editing. They can be e-mailed to Letters@NorthCountryNow.com, faxed to 268-8701, mailed to P.O. Box 975, Potsdam, NY 13676 or dropped off at our office, 19 Depot St., Potsdam.
“Letters to the Editor” should be 400 words or fewer and are subject to editing. They can be e-mailed to Letters@NorthCountryNow.com, faxed to 315-268-8701, mailed to P.O. Box 975, Potsdam, NY 13676 or dropped off at our office, 19 Depot St., Potsdam.
Veteran's Day reminds us freedom isn't free
To the editor:
As a Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and currently serving in Afghanistan, I urge all Americans to use this Veterans Day to remember those honorable patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom.
For those that still ignorantly think freedom is free, think again....it is maintained through the blood and sweat of our brothers and sisters in arms all around the country. The next time one of you decide to burn our nation's flag or protest our troops, think of the families left behind, and what you do is like a slap to the face.
To all of the Americans who have served and who are serving now, thank you and God bless!
SFC McBride, Afghanistan
Gouverneur
Thanks for Fright Night help
To the editor:
The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the community for assisting with making our 24th Annual Fright Night an overwhelming success.
We would like to acknowledge businesses across Potsdam that opened their doors to over a thousand children by offering treats, games, family friendly activities, crafts, and prizes. Your generosity is astounding.
This year we hosted a new event, Storytelling at the Gazebo. Thank you to Marylee Ballou, Children’s Librarian Sarah Sachs, University Bookstore, and SUNY Potsdam education majors for coordinating this event and for the donation of books and bookmarks. We hope to continue this event in 2010. Additionally, we would like to thank the Potsdam Elementary School and Norwood Norfolk Elementary school for allowing us to distribute our flyers to their students.
The Chamber could not fully implement Fright Night if it were not for our student volunteers. We would like to thank students, student athletes and Greeks from both Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam. These students are an incredible asset to our community and we could not pull together such an evening without their help.
We would also like to acknowledge the Potsdam Central School art classes for decorating the pumpkins that were on display in front of the Chamber and Jamey Hoose for securing the pumpkins and their transport to/from the Chamber. We would also like to thank North Country This Week for donating event flyers and for all of their hard work in promoting this event.
Lastly, we would like to thank Potsdam Village and Town DPW for their assistance as well as the Potsdam Police force. The closed street provided by DPW and police presence made Fright Night safer and more fun than ever.
We look forward to 2010 when we will hold our 25th Annual Fright Night. To learn more about this or any other Chamber function, please call the Chamber at 274-9000 or email the office at Potsdam@slic.com.
Brenda Thornton, Executive Director Potsdam Chamber of Commerce
Thanks for help with kids’ Halloween party
To the Editor:
The Colton Amvets Post 262 would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to the many people and business for their donations to the kids’ Halloween Party held on Oct. 31. With their help the party was a huge success for 100 children in the area.
Thanks again.
Colton Amvets
Hannawa man hooked on ONNY, and you could be too
To the Editor:
Because this speaks to the same topic I’ve written about several times, some might think, “The same old story from the same old guy.” If that’s the case, all I can say is, I’m sorry; I guess I’m what some folks might call, “hooked.”
But unlike some of the bad stuff some people become addicted to, what’s got me hooked is something that’s nothing but good: The Orchestra of Northern New York – otherwise known as ONNY.
Yes, on Oct. 24 I had the pleasure of attending yet another wonderful concert by this truly outstanding group of musicians, led by their conductor, Maestro Kenneth Andrews.
The “icing on the cake” that evening was an absolutely inspiring rendition of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto, performed by Paul Wyse, a Crane School of Music faculty member – as is Maestro Andrews. His performance was worthy of the highest accolades, to the extent that it brought the nearly full-house audience to its feet for an extended standing ovation at the end of the first movement – a practice some concert-going “purists” frown upon prior to the conclusion of a major work. In this case, however, the ovation was proper and most warranted.
But for me, at least, the piece on the program -- which also included Pictures at an Exhibition by Moussourgsky – that most touched my inner soul, was the extremely poignant Nimrod portion of Sir Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
I suppose the orchestra’s playing of Nimrod reached me to the extent that it did because it evoked fond memories of having conducted a totally-faithful-to-the-original-orchestral-score arrangement of this poignant piece with my former high school concert bands -- and later, with an excellent 70-piece amateur concert band in England.
This beautiful and almost heart-rending piece was made even more poignant because Maestro Andrews chose to dedicate it to the memory of Betsy Northrop, who was -- before her recent death -- an ardent supporter, worker and, eventually, ONNY Board President.
Almost equally impressive was the fact that Maestro Andrews, prior to the playing of Nimrod, requested that, out of respect for the memory of Ms. Northrop, there be no applause whatever at the piece’s conclusion. And so it was; not a single “clap” came from the hands of the near-capacity audience when the final notes had faded away. (Later, one of the orchestra’s members told me that several of the players were in tears during the playing of the piece -- as I almost was.)
And so, dear community members, be thankful for that marvelous organization in our midst: for Ken Andrews and his leadership and conducting skills; for the many Crane-affiliated musicians that are the core of the orchestra; for the orchestra members from afar who grace the group with their talent; for those working behind the scenes; for the dedicated ONNY Board of Directors; for the SUNY Potsdam and Crane School of Music administrators who make the facilities at Crane available to the group.
If you’ve never been to a program by this outstanding organization, try coming to one of their several upcoming concerts. Maybe you’ll get “hooked”, as well!
Al Vervaet, Hannawa Falls
Remember what Veteran’s Day means
As a proud Gulf War-1 veteran who is preparing for Veterans Day on November 11, I find it very tragic that so many of my fellow Americans view November 11 as just another day.
I lost fellow soldiers, men and women, and made a vow that they wouldn’t be forgotten. We also lost fellow soldiers in Gulf War-2. I thank God my son wasn’t one of the fallen. Now we are at war on two fronts, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The VA workload is topping over one million claims. It’s time for all Americans to remember the true meaning of Veteran’s Day and pass it on to the next generation. I hope everyone in our area will remember. Call your local VFW Post to offer help with their ceremonies.
As the holidays draw near, pray for the troops and their families. Send a care package or donate to a program that supports our troops and veterans such as Operation Uplink --www.operationuplink.org.
Always remember those who have fought for your freedom. God bless.
TSg Audrey Jones, USAFR, retired, Canton
More help needed to deal with stray cats
To the Editor:
We love cats. Many people love them, but we are at the point where there are just too many of them in St. Lawrence County and the United States as a whole.
We are very much aware that cats are a problem, and have been actively and creatively seeking a solution. The time has come where talking about the problem just won’t “cut it” we must adopt a plan of action.
Feral (untamed and wild) cat colonies are a menace to cat companion animals and a health hazard to the communities in which they live. Feeding stray cats allows these cats to multiply. Within feral colonies, many are sick and suffering; if a person can trap such suffering animals, the Potsdam Humane Society will humanely euthanize them. Others of the colony need to be spayed and neutered and given rabies shots. Easier said than done.
We will help in any way we can. We ask other humane facilities to help, and we would ask the local veterinarians to consider volunteering a night a month to come to the Potsdam Animal Shelter and neuter male feral cats. This would not eradicate the problem, but would be a good place to start. Without those fertile Toms, some future litters would be prevented.
We have a surgery facility; we are lacking in the funds to employ staff for longer hours than our regular hours, so PHS would need some funding for this clinic. That is where the creativity comes in!
Valerie Sharlow from Brasher Falls wrote in last week’s North Country This Week of her frustration (“Stray Cat Situation Is Getting Out of Hand,” Oct. 21-27). She is correct in assuming that humane euthanasia is a better alternative to life as a feral stray. We have helped her with some of her cats. Many towns do not serve cats, and only pick up stray dogs. Cats need to have the same attention from our local towns mandated by law for dogs.
The Potsdam Humane Society contracts with eight towns besides Potsdam: Norfolk, Colton, Pierrepont, Parishville, Hopkinton, Lisbon, Lawrence, and Clifton. Residents of Canton, Madrid, Waddington, Hermon, Russell….and the list goes… on are also served. We need help! Our facility and staff can do just so much…. we would love to be able to help every animal and every person who calls or comes to our door. Take a look at the size of our place! We are limited in physical size, but the size of our hearts and the desire to do the humane thing for all animals is infinite!
Please call us and work with us. Give us some ideas. Consider being one of our foster homes when our precious kitties get the sniffles, or when our dog cages are full. We supply all medications, food litter, all you add is love for a short time. This is a humane care facility that is a “MAX SAVE” facility. We want to save every adoptable animal that we can, but you must understand our limitations and our need for individuals in the community to help.
I have spoken with Karen Thew of Waddington concerning their troubling feral cat colony. One of our board members, Amber Lindsey, has in the past cleaned up a colony behind the Ponderosa in Potsdam. We also helped with some cats behind the shopping center and Mayfield apartments. We do care for cats. Our three animal control officers will care for cats as well as dogs.
Cat numbers are a problem nation wide. We have had calls from as far away as Long Island to take cats. They would make the drive to Potsdam to have them cared for. We would love to help, but St. Lawrence County has too many also. Please be patient with us when you call and are placed on a waiting list for admitting healthy cats. We do not kill sweet, healthy cats!
Cats can have two to three litters a year of four to five kittens, starting with the first heat at about six months. Then those kittens at just four months can start their own families. Get the picture? In just seven years, this unspayed female and her young can produce over 420,000 cats. For one person born, there are over 45 cats born. The simple fact is that there are not enough loving homes for them all!
Thousands of lives can be saved and the horrible suffering eliminated through prevention. The answer is spaying and neutering. Spay Neuter Now, a group based in Hammond, has the “Neuter Mobile” a mobile van, in which barn and feral cats can be spayed or neutered. This can be arranged by appointment, but they are just one vehicle trying their best to help fight this huge, rampant feline population explosion in our county and nation. We are hoping to sponsor a low-income spay and neuter clinic at our shelter in the near future.
As a member of “The North County Coalition”, we are working to get all shelter facilities to work in cooperating and sharing services within St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties. This project is in its infancy, but the public needs to know that we are actively trying, one small neighborhood at a time, to create a large humane community, one neighborhood at a time.
Anyone interested in helping to address the problem with constructive solutions within our budgets and scope of expertise, please call us at 265-3199 and speak with Anne Smith, our interim director.
Potsdam Humane Society has a “Labor of Love Campaign” underway to double the size of our present facility. These letters in the papers of frustrated citizens prove the need. I urge everyone to help within their means in any way they can. We at PHS cannot right the wrong alone; it takes a huge animal-loving team.
Bonnie S. Boyd, President Potsdam Humane Society Board
Caveat emptor (Let the buyer beware)
To the editor:
For anyone interested in buying flowers, either in Potsdam, the North Country, or anywhere else, here is something you should know.
If you go to the Internet and look up “florists, Potsdam, NY” you will find a plethora of florists (some 47,500 as of today -- up from about 9,000 listed last spring) who “have been delivering flowers in Potsdam for many years.”
In actuality, many of these so-called florists are located in Connecticut, Michigan, Texas, California and numerous other places. But if you call their 800 numbers and ask where they are located, they will tell you they don’t have a physical address. You will also find the names/addresses/phone numbers of actual flower shops in the area…these are the ones you should contact.
This is what apparently happens: A “company” can set up a shop as a florist, put an ad on the internet and start collecting orders; they then look up a shop in the town where you want the delivery made, forward the order to that shop at a price usually higher than a local shop would charge (and tack on a “finding fee/shipping and handling fee/ or delivery fee” of anywhere from $10 to $15 or more).
They are simply order-gatherers. They will promise every single flower you request and promise delivery within a certain time frame. If the florist who actually fills the order and delivers it substitutes any given flower without the consent of this order-gathering place, they find all kinds of fault and may even refuse payment. Most often, if the filling shop requests a substitute, the order-gatherer simply cancels the order and sends it elsewhere -- perhaps to a shop that will make substitutions without requesting them.
I recently had one of these order-gathering shops call me requesting a delivery to Wanakena; I, of course, refused it. I am still wondering what they did with that order; as I’m sure they guaranteed the sender that their delivery would be made, and I don’t know of any flower shop that would deliver to that area.
Those people who live in the North Country can probably understand that their local florists are several hours away from their suppliers, and it is not feasible that every single shop will have every flower that can be found on the Internet on any given day.
I just looked up the price of a dozen roses, as an example; anyone buying roses from one of these so-called florists is paying approximately $20 more than they would pay if they contact a local shop directly … and that’s just for the flowers; then tack on the extra handling charges.
So, buyer, beware. If you have a credit/debit card, you can call your local flower shops (the ones that actually have a physical address with real flowers in their coolers -- not pictures in a book) and place a direct order. This way you can find out for sure what flowers are available on that given day and find out an approximate delivery time. Yes, you may have to take an extra 3 minutes out of your day to make that call, but that should be better than paying an extra $20+ to someone sitting at a computer who wouldn’t know a real live rose from a petunia!
Joretta Creighton, Bailey’s Florist, Potsdam
County clerk says North Country opposing new license plates
To the Editor:
New Yorkers are fed up.
In a year when Albany canceled our STAR rebate checks, raised the cost of hunting and fishing licenses, increased taxes on our electric bills, car and health insurance, and hiked more than 100 other taxes and fees such as DMV fees, the plan to issue new license plates for every car, truck, trailer, motorcycle and ATV in the state could very well be the straw that broke the taxpayers’ backs.
North Country residents are stopping me on the street, in the store, even at church, to decry this latest taxation by Albany lawmakers.
Average New Yorkers have flocked to the online petition at www.nonewplates.com to denounce this money grab and demand relief -- 50,000-strong from all across the state, including a large percentage from the North Country’s St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego Counties.
My petition has been online for just two weeks, but the effort began more than a month ago when county clerks, Republicans and Democrats alike, stood together to unanimously oppose the license plate reissuance plan.
Since then, more than a half dozen clerks such as myself, Oswego County Clerk George Williams, Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione, Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola and Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul, to name a few, have launched similar online and in-office petition drives.
Some of the stories and comments that are on my web petition are simply heart wrenching.
There’s the mother of two young boys and their soon-to-be-jobless father who just can’t fathom where they’ll find $50 extra dollars to replace plates for two older cars that they need and use every day.
And the 80 year old from Canton who said he’ll give up driving because he simply can’t afford the new fee, along with groceries and ever-more costly medications he relies on.
And the small business owner who’s already had to pay an extra $2,000 to register his small fleet of trucks due to increased DMV fees, and now faces another $1,000 in unnecessary license plate costs.
Fans of the new plate plan, including the North Country’s State Sen. Darrel Aubertine and Assemblywoman Addie Russell, say it’s all part of the shared sacrifice needed to pay for a spending increase in this year’s budget that was seven times the rate of inflation.
But is the sacrifice really shared? Eighty percent of motor vehicles are registered in counties outside New York City, where there is little or no mass transit, long commutes and where our cars and trucks are a vital daily necessity.
So, once again, Upstate will pay for more spending for New York City.
In response to my petition, Senator Aubertine and representatives of the governor insist that we, the clerks, find alternate ways to raise the cash that they want from the new plates.
Some might call that passing the buck, but I’ll take the bait and offer a few suggestions.
First, canceling the license plate reissuance plan itself will save millions in production and mailing costs for the 10 million unneeded new plates.
Shifting more licensing and registration work from the central DMV offices to more efficient county clerk operations could produce millions of dollars in more savings to the state, and at the same time bring new revenues to counties to help hold down property taxes.
Vehicle titles could be issued from local offices, cutting postage costs on millions of mailings from Albany and provide faster service to New Yorkers.
Albany’s license plate plan lacks imagination and defies common sense. New Yorkers have had it—and they’re no longer afraid to stand up and say so.
Patty Ritchie
St. Lawrence County Clerk
Massena candidate Lucas not ‘looking for work’
To the Editor:
My husband is running for Massena Town Board. He recently submitted a Letter to the Editor to both the Massena Courier Observer and the Watertown Times entitled "Splitting the Vote". It ran in the Courier the very next day, the Watertown Times printed it this morning (more than a week later) and the title read "Lucas For Massena Job."
This appears my husband is seeking a "job".....that is furthest from the truth. Don is not running for Town Councilman because he wants a job. He has a job. He is running for Town Councilman because he is dedicated to Massena. No one knows better than I the countless hours Don has spent at various meetings in the community because he cares. Don believes in Massena and is not afraid to speak out for what he believes in.
Make your vote count on Election Day and pull the lever for one Massena Town Councilman, Don Lucas.
Lynn Lucas, Massena
Supports Ortmeyer as Potsdam write-in
To the Editor:
In the coming election on Nov. 3, the voters in the Village of Potsdam will be faced with two trustee candidates who will have no opposition, Stephen Warr, and once again, Ruth Garner. This has all been neatly pre-arranged by some clever moves on the part of both candidates and the local Democratic Committee. For example, the Democratic caucus that selected them was held back in September at a meeting that was very lightly publicized (one publication did not even give the time of the meeting) and was attended by a very small and select group made up of “friendly” folks who quite often received a phone call to attend.
Thus no problem, no debate -- both candidates won easily. Just to make sure, however, both candidates had independent petitions circulated before the caucus that would have put them on the ballot no matter what -- you know, just to make an absolutely sure thing even more certain. There was very little “democracy” being practiced by this particular group of Democrats.
In any event, we seemingly will be faced with another fully Democratic board of trustees with no voices of dissent on practically any issue. As one example, I would point out the recent case of Village Court Clerk Shelly Warner who was fired for insubordination -- an act that had the unanimous consent of the trustees, along with a “gag order” from the mayor to all trustees telling them to not talk to the press about this case.
This from a bunch of “Democratic” trustees whose party supposedly represents the working man/woman and advocates “just cause” for a firing, including proper documentation of such a harsh term as “insubordination,” and in this case there is evidently no such paper trail over a 16-year period. To the contrary, she received only praise from those who knew her. I do not know the lady and she does not know me, but something does not smell right here, and I do not blame her for filing suit. Do I need to add that we can ill afford lawsuits and their cost when our taxes are already out of sight? Point to be made: she was a “whistle blower” on the subject of asbestos in the Civic Center and paid the price. Therefore, is no other village employee safe from the same arbitrary treatment if he/she blows a similar whistle? Can we as citizens stand for a completely closed shop in which employees need to live by the motto “keep your head down and don’t make waves?” Open government? I think not.
And so it goes for many years back into the “Garner Era.” Had enough? A number of concerned citizens are saying they have, and a young man by the name of Karl Ortmeyer has volunteered to be an independent write-in candidate against Ruth Garner. This gentleman was born and raised right here in Potsdam, attended SUNY Canton, and has a BS degree from Clarkson. He is serving his second elected term on the Potsdam Library Board on varying committees such as finance, policy, etc. He has also served as a full-time volunteer on the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Information Systems Department. As for his campaign promises if elected, two struck me as things all of us want to hear --”Your comments will not fall on a trustee whose mind was made up years ago,” and he would “draw the line showing where the good-old-boy network stops.” What a change that would be!
This year, the new voting machines make a write-in vote relatively easy, and an election official will be more than happy to answer all your questions. Just be sure to spell the name “Karl Ortmeyer” correctly when you write it in. Together, all of us can bring a breath of fresh air and responsible government back to the Village of Potsdam.
Richard G. Hutchinson, Potsdam
Colton Democratic candidates ask for support
To the Editor:
The Democratic Party of the Town of Colton would like to thank the residents of the town for their support. The nominated slate for the offices of the Town Supervisor, Town Council, Highway Superintendent and Assessor ask for your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3
Joseph Zelinski, for Town Supervisor; Joan Kilroy and Donald Shoen for Town Council; Dean Green for Highway Superintendent; and Daniel McNamara for Assessor, are ready and proud to be selected to serve the Town of Colton. Each of us will work tirelessly to expand services while keeping the tax rate stable. We understand the need to be creative during these challenging economic times. We share your desire to develop the Town of Colton and support measures that focus on growth.
We understand fortitude in the North Country. To quote from the words of Sen. Darrel Aubertine, “we understand that hard work gets us through the tough times and hard work is what is needed in town government. There is a renewed interest in rebuilding our infrastructure and the economy. This is not an easy task and it is going to take time to make the changes we need.” We are confident that we are headed in the right direction.
Colton has a talented work force, a welcoming attitude and beautiful surroundings. It is a town that we would be proud to represent. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, show your support and vote for: Joseph Zelinski, for Town Supervisor; Joan Kilroy and Donald Shoen for Town Council; Dean Green for Highway Superintendent; and Daniel McNamara for Assessor.
Thank you for your support.
Joseph Zelinski, Joan Kilroy, Donald Shoen, Dean Green, Daniel McNamara
Bush vows to follow ‘strategic’ plan in Colton
To the Editor:
I am running for the Town of Colton Highway Superintendency. During the last two months, I have been knocking on doors to introduce myself and to explain my position.
I have worked for the Town of Colton for the past 16 years. The last 11 years, I have worked for the Highway Department.
I believe my experience and ability to work well with others will enable me to become n strong leader in this position. I know the roads, the responsibilities of the crew, and most of the people in the community.
As your highway superintendent, I will follow a strategic fiscal plan to maintain and improve the services provided by the highway department. As I run an efficient and organized operation, I will eliminate wasteful spending, keeping your tax payer dollars a priority.
I love my community and will serve the residents in the Town of Colton with integrity and pride. I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 3
Harold Bush, Colton
Endorses Ortmeyer for Potsdam Village Trustee
To the Editor:
I was asked to endorse the write-in campaign of Karl Ortmeyer for Potsdam Village Trustee in the Nov. 3 election. I am thrilled to do so. I have known Karl Ortmeyer for over a decade and have watched him mature into a hard-working, resourceful, and civic-minded young man. I served with Karl on the Potsdam Public Library Board and always found his work thoughtful and exacting.
It is his diligence and business sense that will serve him best on the village board, but more importantly for the people of Potsdam, Karl owes nothing to our local political machine. I have always known him to be fiercely independent with a mind of his own and I know his votes will be based in the facts and cast in the best interest of the village.
I am no stranger to the halls of Potsdam government and I am left with little genuine enthusiasm after many years, but Karl Ortmeyer’s campaign excites me. He will not save our village single handedly, but he is another important step away from the brink we’ve come so close to in recent memory. Visit his website (www.karlortmeyer.com) to learn more. Don’t waste a vote. Join me in writing in “Karl Ortmeyer” for Potsdam Village Trustee.
Tim Connolly, Potsdam
Worries punishment might not be enough
To the Editor:
Is this the Wild West? I am in awe that, according to reports, a man can throw wood at oncoming vehicles and then approach the driver wielding a firearm, then be just ticketed and released.
I have often seen people have to post bail for stealing $10 worth of merchandise from Wal-Mart. I mean I had to post a $200 bail for driving on a suspended license that was not even suspended. (Thank you, N.Y. State) Is it because the man is 61?
We are just showing our youngsters that you can do just about anything and not be punished for it. Was it not just a year ago that a state trooper had to use deadly force with an armed man?
Our safety officers are out there on the front lines with folks just carrying around their shotguns. This man should be punished for his actions to the fullest extent of the law, and if anything less is issued, then our judicial system is just a farce.
Daniel Roy, Norfolk
Hunters: before you shoot, be sure of target
To the Editor:
It is once again hunting season in the North Country. And once again, we have had a hunter shot by another hunter. One of the first things I learned when I began hunting was “always be sure of your target before you shoot.” It was also stressed when I took the Hunter Safety Course. Isn’t it just common sense? Apparently not! It’s scary to think there are individuals out there hunting who can’t tell the difference between another hunter and a deer.
Good luck to all hunters in the North Country. Hunt safe!
Barbara Royce, St. Regis Falls
Massena man hopes Judge Richards doesn’t screw up again
I hope this time Judge Richards doesn't screw up again. As a defendant you have the right to call all the witness you need and evidence needed to prove you are innocent.
I hope Judge Richards will research the motion before he makes another wrong decision. What happens if Mr. Oxley is found NOT GUILTY? Will he have to spend years behind bars like the woman from Ogdensburg did before the higher court overturned her conviction.
There should be a law to hold district attorneys and judges accountable for the mistakes they make. After all we elect them because they say they know the law.
Judge Richards and the District Attorney office cost the tax payer over $100,000 for the first trial and now it could cost another $100,000 for the second trial.
William R Wagstaff, Jr., Massena
Norwood man feels Scozzafava right for job
To the Editor:
If you are looking for the perfect candidate in the special election for congress you are not going to find one. Nobody’s perfect. If you are looking for a candidate that will represent the interests of our congressional district and its people consider the following. Dede Scozzafava has invested in the shoe leather to be our representative in congress. The other candidates haven’t. She has worked on all the nitty-gritty public service works as Mayor of Gouverneur and all that entailed and as Assemblywomen. She has traveled her assembly district faithfully and fruitfully. She will travel our congressionally district in the same manner. She has fought against sexual predators and for women’s rights. As a minority member of the assembly her bills concerning the above issues finally passed. She has secured much-needed funds for our libraries, our educational institutions and other cultural institutions.
Dede Scozzafava has represented her Assembly District very well, always being available to her constituents. She will do the same as a member of the House of Representatives. She also has worked with Fort Drum and her close proximity to that major player on both the national and local scene is extremely important. She has worked with Rep. John McHugh on many Fort Drum issues and will be on the House Armed Services committee if elected. She has the support of the House minority leader on this appointment. Senator Susan Collins who is the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee also supports her.
Doug Hoffman has the support of Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh - none of which have any responsibility to any of us. No one elected them to anything. Mr. Hoffman's social policies reflect their values. Doug Hoffman has never represented any one and does not live in the district. Bill Owens has not walked the walk in the Democrat Party. The party leaders in the Democrat party should be ashamed that they did not choose a qualified registered Democrat to run. There were several of them available. As a life-long democrat I am voting for Dede Scozzafava because I believe she does represent the views and the people of the 23rd Congressional District and she has a track record to prove it. The other candidates don't.
Joseph M. Liotta, Norwood
Colton’s grant writer unsuccessful
To the Editor:
Taxpayers who were unable to attend Colton Town Board meetings used to receive minutes of meetings and hearings via e-mail. But a change in the past two years resulted in the Colton Town News being sent out at taxpayers expense. I asked to be placed back on an e-mail list, and our town clerk happily responded. The actual town board minutes are quite different from the spin of the Colton Town News. It revealed that the town board passed a moratorium on outdoor wood boilers. But checking our land use code and reading the town board minutes revealed that only a resolution, not a local law as required, had been passed by the team controlling town hall.
Review of minutes led me to question other team work of the past two years to help me decide how to vote in this fall’s election. I am no doubt identified with supervisor candidate Joe Zelinski’s “veil of negativism” that he has “lifted” in the past two years. I did disagree with him on caterpillar control and learned about his negativism toward anyone who disagrees with him. I am a citizen interested in truth, learning, and common sense. I hope the town will develop a conscience and a positive approach in reestablishing trust and respect lost during the Ford years.
After the town’s million dollar grant was written as “To whom it may concern” on a slip of paper and faxed from a local business in Canton, I’ve taken more interest in the grant proposal efforts. From my experience in grant writing, I find the process very similar to taking an open book exam: you have to be able to read all the questions, know where to find the answers, give all the answers, and write in a language the reader can understand. And if you can’t do the calculations for budgeting you’d better get some help from an expert.
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) allowed me to get additional information on Resolution 6-2008 passed on a motion by team member Kilroy. My first inquiry indicated that the town paid a consultant $4,000 up front as the first of three stages of a grant writing effort. I found no credentials, contract, or proposal existed in the town hall for Michael Houseknecht, Government Affairs Consultant, LLC, who received the check that was cashed in Rhode Island. To learn more, I requested a copy of the invoice the town received. Strange that the invoice was addressed to a local business person with “Attention: Town of Colton” hand written in later. This invoice was numbered #1 for the firm. The invoice read: “Initial Payment – Engagement for consulting services for economic and business development activities” --- seems rather vague about grant writing. At least I had a corporate name and address now. Apparently this wasn’t too big a corporation since it was housed in Apartment 3 on a street in Delmar. Other stages of the grant writing process seemed to be done by one local business person with the only help from the town board providing resolutions of support and application fees. Of the two resulting grant applications one was rejected and one was incomplete and withdrawn by the town. Is this the new trend in grant writing for Colton? Is this the professional grant writing to which candidate Zelinski refers?
I continued my research on the corporation that got our $4,000. A search of the Internet did yield a bit more information. Mr. Houseknecht persistently contributed to Republicans and Conservatives in Albany and northern New York for over a decade.
Why would Democrats push his agenda for $4,000? What would he do for them? In a letter I found on the Internet, he supported the consolidation of small local governments. And he credited himself with 40 years of government service. Maybe he was the grant writer for the Medicine Man’s million dollar grant.
Mary S. Rutley, Colton
Potsdam Council candidate Mackey states positions
To the Editor:
I am a candidate for Potsdam Town Council announces his platform for change in this year’s election. There are several issues facing Potsdam and its citizens right now: taxes, lack of growth, unemployment, the lack of government cooperation between the town and village offices, and the town hall issue, to name a few.
I have formulated a plan which will make Potsdam even greater than it already is:
• On the issue of taxes I draw the line in the sand and I will not allow any expenditure which will cause the taxes for the people of Potsdam to increase. Taxes can be greatly reduced by combining the duplicate services and limiting the expansion of government. Also by using fair market value system a fair and equitable assessment can be offered to the property owners of the Town of Potsdam. Growing the private sector will greatly reduce the tax burden for individuals in the township.
• Lack of growth has been a problem in New York State for a long time and especially in the North Country. While it will take some time but with hard work and active engagement I can help grow the town’s private sector through business contacts and encourage local entrepreneurs to take part in development projects. There is no reason that companies seeking new locations should not be looking in the Potsdam area, but the Potsdam board needs to be looking for those companies and showing them what Potsdam has to offer. Every missed opportunity is gained by some other municipality.
• Unemployment can be greatly reduced through the expansion of the private sector. The North Country needs more opportunities for its citizens and Potsdam is no exception to that rule.
• The lack of government cooperation between the town and village simply needs to stop. Putting these two groups together in same building would be a good start. Every time the two governments do not work together the people suffer, I will not allow this to happen if elected I am going to work hand and hand with the village to ensure that all those I represent do not lose out due to lack of communication or simple infighting.
• On the issue of the town hall all I am willing to say is this I will not support any bill that causes an increase in taxes for anyone. I feel if a building is built it needs to have both the town and village offices within it.
I am here for the citizens of Potsdam, my neighbors, to see to that they have a government who is working for them rather than holding them back. I have the experience and leadership to help Potsdam become and even greater place to live. So on November 3rd I encourage all of you, my friends and neighbors, to vote for me and let’s start making Potsdam great again.
I can be contacted via email at electolivermackey@gmail.com.
Oliver Mackey, Potsdam
Supports Shoen in Colton
To the Editor:
Dom Shoen, a Democrat running for Town of Colton Council, is a soft-spoken, caring and kind man. Don came to South Colton in 1986 as South Colton Postmaster, until he retired in 2007. He was very helpful and courteous to all the public he served. He has a real sense of loyalty to the public whom he served.
Don is past president of the St. Lawrence County Postmasters’ Association and is a member of the town planning board, Sunday Rock ATV Club, and Weller Mountain Hunting Club.
Vote for Don Shoen Nov. 3 as he is proud to be a resident of our town. I would be happy to work with Don Shoen as a town councilman for the betterment of the Town of Colton.
Kathryn R. Hayes, Colton
New Potsdam Kiwanis prez reflects on club’s 20 years
To the Editor:
The Kiwanis Club of Potsdam recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and the occasion gave us a chance to sit back and reflect on yet another busy and rewarding year of community service.
Our members are dedicated to making a difference and carry out a number of service projects and fundraisers to support the agencies and programs that fill community needs. You may have seen us during the spring along Route 56 between the P&C Plaza and Pleasant Valley Road as part of the “Adopt A Highway” program.
We also provided free trees to second-graders in both Potsdam and Parishville to celebrate Earth Day and to demonstrate the importance of conservation. We read and distribute books to Head Start in Potsdam, Parishville and Norwood and donate books at Canton-Potsdam Hospital as part of the Books for Babies Program.
The holidays are especially busy. Each October, the club co-sponsors the Rag-A-Muffin Parade where children dressed in Halloween costumes meet at the Potsdam Fire Department and walk downtown, collecting candy at local businesses. The event ends at the fire station where children ride on fire trucks and are served cider and doughnuts by Kiwanis members as well as members of our sponsored-youth programs. This year the event is planned for Halloween day!
We’re replacing our traditional Santa Claus Parade with other holiday events for children this year, including a story time with Santa. The plans are being formulated and will be announced soon.
The club also plays its small part in the Potsdam Holiday Fund. We help set up Giving Trees at local businesses who decorate them with pledge cards with the age and gender of a needy child. Patrons buy gifts for a selected child, and club members help wrap the donations at the Holiday Fund headquarters the first week of December. The gifts are then distributed to the families just before Christmas.
Throughout the year, Kiwanis also buys a subscription to a children’s magazine enjoyed by visitors to the Potsdam Public Library, and we present a Citizenship Award to a deserving sixth-grader at the A.A. Kingston Middle School.
Other sponsored activities include a diabetes-awareness program for elementary students; volunteer opportunities with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops; food drives for the Neighborhood Center food pantry; and providing gently used and new coats, hats, mittens and scarves to needy children through the Coats for Kids program. This year, our youth program earned state distinction for its efforts.
Club donations also send campers to Kamp Kiwanis, 4-H Camp and Boy Scout camp and we collect donations for the “Support the Troops” program, sell fried dough during the Potsdam Summer Festival and take part in area walk/run events.
We also volunteer with Helping Hands by delivering donated furniture to those in need, sponsor a hole for the annual Potsdam Helping Hands golf tournament, provide maintenance at Cubley Park and make donations to the Ronald McDonald House.
None of these activities would have been possible without the partners we have had along the way, including the Potsdam Volunteer Fire Department, the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and the Potsdam Ponderosa, where we hold our weekly meetings, which donates foods for our annual pancake breakfast. The good people at the P&C, Big M IGA and Save-A-Lot have generously allowed us to sell raffle tickets in their stores, and we also appreciate the donations we receive from the Potsdam Wal-Mart and the local Stewarts.
The food-service auxiliaries at each local college - Aramark at Clarkson University and PACES at SUNY Potsdam - have always come forward to provide everything from cookies to snacks whenever we have asked.
We enjoy our relationship with Helping Hands and our other partners including Rev. Jim Barnes of the Potsdam United Methodist Church who has been more than generous by allowing us to use the church for many of our events. And we appreciate the cash donations from Dr. Terry Reed, SeaComm Federal Credit Union and NBT Bank that provide books and materials for our reading programs.
Sara Sachs, the children’s librarian at the Potsdam Public Library, has been a great partner, as have the staff members at the three Head Start programs where we do readings. We also thank the Potsdam Central School Board of Education for allowing our Key Club to become a sanctioned organization in the district this year.
And we cannot overlook the local businesses that not only help Kiwanis but every other service organizations in the community, including the restaurants that provided meal certificates for our fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network: Little Italy; Ponderosa; The Village Diner; Angelo’s; Foxy Roxy’s; Eben’s Hearth; the Hideaway Café; Sandstone Grill/First Crush, and Scoopuccino’s. We also recognize individual business people like Larry Hazen and Ed Murphy, who invariably give us everything from room to hold our Santa Claus parade to providing electricity during the Summer Festival.
The Kiwanis Club is proud to have served the Potsdam community for the past 20 years, and we hope to continue to bring beneficial – and fun - programs, activities and events to children and adults for years to come. If you would like to help your community, consider becoming a member of Kiwanis. We meet Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. at Ponderosa. Send an e-mail to potsdamkiwanis@yaoo.com or call 265-1670, and lunch is on me!
Jim Murphy, Incoming President Potsdam Kiwanis Club
3 cheers for right, even if it’s on opposing side
To the Editor:
Basketball was my favorite high school sport, though I also played field hockey, volleyball, and softball. Our team, the Rebels, was located in a small town in southern Vermont and we played many other small schools throughout Windham County.
Though we were in the game to win, it would have been to our shame and disgrace to boo an excellent play or move by anyone, whether on our teams or the opposing team. Congratulations to the winner was extended by all players of the losing team to the winning team by way of a handshake and “nice game”.
Yes, it was sometimes hard to follow through with “great game” when your heart was so disappointed from having given your best only to lose. But as Frank Sinatra once sang…”That’s Life”.
We learned the thrill of a gracious victory and the agony of a humble defeat. Lessons that hopefully would stay with us and guide us as we faced the victories and defeats of life.
So, why am I writing, “3 Cheers for the Right”? Because I believe it is never wrong to cheer the right. Right behavior, right decisions, right words, and rightful honor. Even if it’s on the opposing side.
And so I want to say “3 Cheers to Governor Paterson” for standing up and defending our state’s sovereignty over its elections and campaigns.
For the record, I would be on the other or opposing side -- what is now called an “un-American, vast right-wing nut job, racist, and part of an angry mob conspiracy”, which is not me at all. I still say it is never wrong to stand up for what is right. And Mr. Paterson was right.
Sharon Bastille, Potsdam
Aubertine is a piece of luck for constituents
To the Editor:
On the 5th of Oct., Senator Darrel Aubertine held a “roundtable” for constituents at the Canton Town Hall. A major concern of his was that proponents of new regulations often disregard negative or self-defeating consequences of their proposals.
This problem is especially applicable to the new labor law that would impose dramatically higher costs upon farmers. By driving more to the wall, fewer old or new jobs will exist. Given the flood of cheap foreign imports, dairy farmers are already faced with a sharp decline in milk prices. Thus, we are in a situation where Americans will be deprived of job security or opportunities at the very time when they are most needed.
Obviously, Aubertine differs from the type of politician responsible for such policies affecting not only agriculture, but also much of our economy.
We are indeed fortunate to be represented by such a man in Albany. A piece of luck for St. Lawrence County and America.
Miles D. Wolpin, Hopkinton
Would vote for Dem before Scozzafava
To the Editor:
I would urge all Republicans to vote for Doug Hoffman instead of the other so-called Republican in the race. Ms. Scozzafava has not voted along Republican lines and has pushed her own personal agenda including her stance on same-sex marriages, not what her constituents have mandated. I feel this person should be voted out of office and sent packing and a true Republican be put in her place. If something should happen before elections and my candidate does not run I for the first time in my life will vote Democrat against my party. That is how strongly I feel about this point.
Ronald Schofell, Potsdam
Educate public about pollutant carcinogens
To the Editor:
The US EPA dioxin reassessment includes a quantification of the cancer risk imposed by dioxin exposure. Based upon EPA data generated prior to the tenancy of the Bush administration, the average American eats a quantity of animal fat foods (dairy products, meats and eggs) that contains the amount of dioxins equal to a 1.0 pg/kg bw/day dose. The cancer risk slope factor for dioxin exposure is 1/1,000. By multiplying the exposure number by the cancer risk slope factor one calculates the cancer risk imposed by dioxin exposure for those Americans who consume the average amount of animal fat. This means that dioxin exposure cancer risk is 1 in 1,000 for Americans who consume an average amount of animal fat foods. The risk is higher for those who eat more meat, dairy products and eggs than average. The risk is lower for those who eat less than the average amount of these foods. The risk is very much less for vegetarians and vegans because they are exposed to only very small quantities of dioxins and dioxin-like chemical compounds. The population level dioxin exposure cancer risk equals 1/1,000 of the total US population of 200,000,000, which is approximately 200,000 life-time exposure cancer cases.
Why don’t federal and state government health agencies charged with protecting the public health tell people to strictly limit their animal fat food consumption and thereby prevent all these cancer cases? The answer to this question is brutally simple. The corporations that control the government want to keep on selling the contaminated milk, cream, ice cream, cheese, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, fish. The only solution to the American cancer problem is educating the public concerning how to avoid exposure and how to minimize the release of pollutant carcinogens to the environment. Unless we can drive the corporate kings out of our country and separate government from them, the government is not going to help much with getting this education done.
Donald L. Hassig, Director, Cancer Action NY
McCarthys grateful for support in difficult time
To the Editor:
The family of Jesse McCarthy wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to family and friends who have so strongly supported us during this extremely difficult time.
To the Department of Corrections, your presence at the calling hours and memorial service is so greatly appreciated. The professionalism and caring displayed from your employees means so much to us. To know that Jesse was so highly thought of from his peers and supervisors is a blessing.
To the motorcycle riders who came to both the calling hours and memorial service, your major presence was overwhelming. To know that Jesse had so many friends is such a comfort to us. To everyone who brought food, flowers, prayers and support to our home, the calling hours, and the services, of which there are too many to thank individually, words cannot express our gratitude.
Jesse was the best son, grandson, friends, employee that anyone could ever have, and we are so proud to be his family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Donations received will be going to the Jesse D. McCarthy Music Scholarship at Colton-Pierrepont High School, to be presented at the end of the school year. Contact Vicki Stark at 232-2698 for more information.
With deep appreciation,
Ed, Kelly McCarthy and family, Canton
Thanks, M-W, for Red Cross donation
To the Editor:
The American Red Cross of Northern New York would like to thank the faculty and support staff of Madrid-Waddington Central School District for their support.
Their recent donation of $300.64 was the result of several fundraising dress-down days, when staff members paid to dress down for a day. Their donation will help support the various services the Northern New York Red Cross provides to the community including health and safety training, biomedical services, disaster services and service to the armed forces.
The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and their families. It is a non-profit organization and not a government agency. It depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission.
If you or your organization is interested in holding a dress-down day, making a donation, or volunteering your time, please contact the office at 268-0102 or ogrant@redcrossnny.com.
Olga Grant, Branch Manager
American Red Cross of Northern New York
Stray cat situation is ‘getting out of hand’
To the Editor:
Yesterday I found a stray cat with her three kittens that someone dropped off near my house. They were half starved and one of the kittens had a green tie strap around its paw that would have led to serious pain if the kitten had continued to grow up with it tied on.
I called the Massena Humane Society and spoke to Heidi who was very sympathetic and referred me to the Malone Humane Society. The woman there told me that they are not taking in any more cats because they are already overcrowded. Say what? Now what am I supposed to do with four extra cats? I already have two cats of my own and a black lab. My neighbor is also trying to give away a stray that someone dropped off to her. She has called as far as Plattsburgh and everyone is overcrowded with cats. My mother has had 30-plus strays dropped off at her house in the last year. She feeds them and has already brought seven into her home and has had a few fixed that she was able to catch but its very costly.
What are we supposed to do when people dump their cats on us? I don’t have the heart to ignore them. Someone needs to do something! Why don’t the local vets take turns donating one day a month to spay and neuter stray cats that are turned away from shelters? People could leave donations to help offset the cost. I paid $80 to have each of my cats spayed but I cannot afford to pay that much for a stray. I’m to the point where I feel it’s more humane to put the cats down rather than leave them alone to fend for themselves. My vet would be horrified if I asked him to put a cat and her three kittens to sleep..and the lady from Malone shelter laughed and said “good luck” when I told her I would try to give them away through the Free Trader.
The stray cat situation is getting out of hand and someone needs to come up with a plan on how to deal with them.
In the meantime, if anyone wants to take in one of the kittens I have, please call me at 389-4490..I’ll even deliver it to you for free!
Valerie Sharlow, Brasher Falls
Supporting Scozzafava for gun rights record
To the Editor:
In the campaign for the 23rd Congressional District, many issues have been discussed. Unfortunately the gun rights issue has not been addressed to the extent that it should be. As a hunter that owns several firearms, I am concerned about the continuous restrictions and limitations on firearms that are being discussed in Washington.
I am proud to say that my candidate for Congress, Dede Scozzafava, has a commendable record for standing up for hunters’ rights, and defending the rights of gun owners. Since being elected to the New York Assembly in 1998, Scozzafava has received a grade of A- or higher from the NRA Victory Fund. In 2002, she supported the interests of New York Gun Owners of America 100 percent of the time. In 2006, she voted against the Assault Weapon Definition Amendments, famously known for redefining which semi-automatic firearms New Yorkers could legally own. Mrs. Scozzafava also voted no on the recent Renewal Requirement for Pistol Licenses and Microstamping Requirement for Semiautomatic Pistols bills. These bills are nothing but an added tax and burden in additional to numerous fees that gun owners in New York State are already paying. Recently, the NRA endorsed Scozzafava as their candidate for the special election.
Like many other Americans, I like my firearms and enjoy hunting as a recreational activity. We need a representative that will defend hunters and those that own firearms in the twenty-third. Vote for Dede Scozafava, because when the first piece of anti-firearm legislation hits the House floor, we all know how she will vote!
Robert Hallada, Canton
Hopkinton Food Pantry thanks donors for help
To the Editor:
Hopkinton Food Pantry wishes to thank all who donated blankets, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, towels, bedspreads and afghans. These made a welcome addition to our pantry and were much appreciated.
Pumpkins were donated by an Amish family and I have to tell you how it made a little boy’s day. I watched him carry two pumpkins, one for him and one for his brother, smiling all the way. At the end of the day, there were none left. Just in time for Halloween!
All of you who donate, be it time to volunteer, the giving of food, or non-food items, clothing, money, You make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you!
Georgia and Mary, Hopkinton Food Pantry
‘Opportunity for Change’ might be just the ticket
To the Editor:
The Democratic slogan for this fall’s election campaign, “An Opportunity For Change,” is ironic. Except for two candidates the slate consists of incumbents in Town of Colton government. Does change mean a move toward fiscal responsibility?
I’ve been examining some of the town’s records to see how the Democratic team of Joe Zelinski, Joan Kilroy and Kathryn Hayes have already changed the town’s way of doing business. On June 11, 2008, Ms. Kilroy moved and Mr. Zelinski seconded the motion to have Town Attorney Eric Gustafson in attendance at town board meetings.
Those monthly visits cost from a minimum $250 to a maximum of $468.75 each. What does the attorney do at these meetings? From examination of the town board minutes, he seldom participated in proceedings. Since that motion, the board has paid over $4,200 for attorney Gustafson to occupy his chair.
If members of the team are so unsure of their ability to make the correct decisions after two to four years of experience, they should resign from the town council and make way for qualified folks who can learn how to run town government. Perhaps this election is an “opportunity for change” back to elected officials being responsible.
A case in point about responsibility is the moratorium on windmills enacted correctly with a public hearing and local law. But the very next month a resolution to “enact” a moratorium on outdoor wood boilers was passed. Since when is just a resolution sufficient to amend Colton Planning and Zoning Law? They did not even learn by doing. They should follow the guidance of James A. Coon’s Technical Series on Land Use Moratoria on the New York State Secretary of State web site.
Another opportunity could reverse policy toward town officials sojourning in the sunny South. Former Chair of the Assessors Richard Owens was dismissed as chair because he spent time in Florida away from the taxpayers although he did know how to stay in touch with e-mail, fax and phone. In 2008 and again this year Councilperson Zelinski left town for winter months missing town board meetings. If he becomes supervisor in this election, Mr. Zelinski could have the winter free by having his deputy supervisor take over the town’s business. And folks have told me that this opportunity would fall upon the most experienced Democratic councilperson, Ms. Kilroy, if she’s re-elected. An interesting scenario.
I’ll be looking for some other opportunities for change as the final weeks of our election season heats up.
Mary S. Rutley, Colton
Suceess of Higley tourney shows generosity in area
To the Editor:
The 8th annual Higley Flow and Friends golf tournament was held July 30 at Partridge Run Golf Course.
Due to the generosity of area businesses, friends, and the 100 golfers, $2,000 was raised and given to the Colton Food Pantry.
In these slow economic times, it is especially appreciated by the staff of the Food Pantry and shines a good light on the generous people of the area.
Mark you calendar for July 29, 2010, and join in the fun.
Thank you.
Ron Gilmore and Bill Sutton, Colton
First Rotary Wheelchair Challenge beats goal
To the Editor:
Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and businesses, 33 persons’ lives have been changed forever. These people have been given the gift of mobility and freedom through a gift of a wheelchair.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Rotary Club of Potsdam hosted their inaugural Wheelchair Challenge at Maxcy Hall Filed House. The goal was to raise funds for 25 wheelchairs at a cost of $75 each to be matched by the Wheelchair Foundation. Twelve teams competed in an elimination relay race. Each team was required to raise a minimum of $75 to participate, but when all was said and done, funds for 33 wheelchairs were raised.
The Rotary Club would like to thank the many generous businesses for the prizes given to winning teams. First place went to Kelly Services; second place was win by The InterAct Club/Penski; third place went to Team Sandstoner. The Best Team Spirit Award was won by Harris Medical. Team Sandstoner also won the prize for the most funds raised. There were also many door prizes. EMT support was provided by David Moulton, Bret Faber and Potsdam Rescue.
Without the incredible generosity of our local businesses, this event would not have been the success it was. Teams and donations are responsible for improving lives throughout the world.
What was accomplished on Oct. 3 was just the beginning of an annual effort of delivering hope, mobility, freedom and independence to those in need. Thanks to all who made it possible and to those who will continue to share our mission.
Mary Sue Foster, Chair The Wheelchair Challenge Potsdam Rotary Club
Massena Town Board candidate explains ‘splitting the vote’
To The Editor:
Running for public office is a challenge to say the least. Informing those who exercise their right to vote is the biggest task of running a campaign. Of course listening to the public and understanding what is important to them is a top priority. Then you covey to those that give you their time your ideas and suggestions on how local government can improve.
The next challenge is getting your vote to count. There are two seats up for election with three candidates running for these spots. The two incumbents would be guaranteed the spots if no one ran against them. If I were successful in getting the most votes, one of the two incumbents is guaranteed the other spot.
What I ask my supporters to do is vote for me but not to pull a lever for one of the other two candidates. If you do, you are actually canceling out your vote for me. This is what “splitting the vote” means.
I hope I have demonstrated to you my desire to bring about positive change for all the citizens of Massena. Feel free to contact me with your ideas and suggestions at 769-7683.
Look for the Independent Line, Citizens Party, Donald J. Lucas, Candidate Town Board, and VOTE FOR A NEW PERSPECTIVE.
Donald J. Lucas, Massena
Heuvelton man agrees flu shot should be mandatory
To the Editor:
I am going to get the N1H1 shot. I am in one of the primary categories to be first in line for it. The regular flu could kill me and N1H1 is even more dangerous to a person with my problems.
-- I don't want a doctor who hasn't had the shot to touch me.
-- I don't want a nurse who hasn't had the shot to touch me.
-- I don't want an aid who hasn't had the shot to touch me.
-- I don't want a pharmacist who hasn't had the shot to handle my medicines.
-- I don't want an assistant who hasn't had the shot to touch me.
-- I don't want anyone who hasn't had the shot to touch me or even visit my home.
-- Don't offer to shake hands; I don't do that anymore.
-- I wash my hands multiple times a day, especially if I've been out of the house, which is not often.
-- I avoid children because I can, at this point in my life.
-- I avoid waiting rooms, preferring to walk outdoors in the fresh air until my appointment time arrives. The desk people are great about keeping me advised if I just ask them. They're great people.
-- My doctor has had much more training and experience with disease than I; or you. Guess who I'll choose to believe has the best advice?
-- I have not yet come in contact with anyone who has not had the shot or does not intend to get it at the first opportunity. Most already have had their shots, in particular in the medical profession.
Purely based on statistics, it is a wise move to get the swine flu shots. I always choose the best odds I can.
The nurse who won't take the shot until she's "sure it works" might be waiting for a long, long time if she has to be "sure" it works. I don't think she mentioned what kind of nurse she is, aide, LPN, RN, BA, Doctorate, practicing, out of work, licensed, etc. etc. etc., so whatever the relevance of all her brothers etc. is to this subject, I'll give her, although it makes no sense to me.
She is also wrong in that nursing being an extension of who she is not being impressive. It IS impressive, especially of the patient-contact she talks about is so important to her. Assuming she's a real person, a nurse of some sort, and cares so much for her patients,
that IS impressive these days!
However, the rest of her nostalgia aside, assuming the author is an actual person, such a person come off to me at least as being pretty myopic (short sighted) and ignorant (purposely so?) to have such a solid position on when she'll get the shot. I have to wonder what her vision of "proof" would be that the shots are "safe". Without definition, the meanings become pretty vague to me.
I don't mean to be taking pot-shots at this particular person: I simply used it as a basis to convey my own opinions and thoughts on the subject of avoiding the swine flu shot. I worry about the people that will follow this sort of person blindly, taking on her opinions as their own. That's exactly how misinformation is spread and how it impedes the success of many good things in this world. There are followers and there are leaders and there are the neutrals and the ones "from Missouri" and all kinds in between. The followers are apt to mimic these opinions for no reason other than the author isn't afraid to say what they think, normally a great asset when it comes from other than ignorance and especially if it comes from experience.
Sorry about all the verbosity; all I really wanted to say was, in my opinion it is better to take the shot than risk the alternatives, which are statistically more likely to occur. And if I'm wrong, well ... leave a note on my grave.
Thomas W. Rivet, Heuvelton
Thanksgiving tourney benefits campers
To the Editor:
The Potsdam Jr. Hockey Association will one again be hosting the Christian House Memorial Tourney on Thanksgiving weekend, 2009.
We would like to thank the following people and organizations for their contributions to last year’s tournament who helped make it such a success: Clarkson University and Scott Smalling, for the complimentary hockey tickets to each competitor and scheduling of ice time; SUNY Potsdam and Jamie Hoose, for his time scheduling ice at Maxcy Hall; area businesses for contributing t-shirts, banners, and water bottles; Canton Pee Wee Hockey, The Howlett family, the Arduine family, Potsdam Fire Department, and the Hunt-Ayrassian-Christy Memorial Golf Tournament, for their generous monetary donations. The tournament would not have been possible last year without their help and contributions.
Two young local boys, David Norman of Canton, and Johnny Rood of Massena, were sent to ADA Camp Aspire in Rush, N.Y. the week of July 13, 2009. The camp is for children with Juvenile diabetes, so they can learn to manage their own care and have fun just being kids. Bother boys said they had a wonderful time.
This year’s tournament will be sending two or more children to the camp and will also be sending a girl and a boy to Hockey Camp next summer.
There will hopefully be money left over for other local causes. We are expecting at least 22 hockey teams in Potsdam for the weekend and hope it will be an even bigger success.
The Christian House Memorial Tourney
Potsdam Jr. Hockey Association
Kevin Regan and Laurie House, Co-Chairmen
Thanks to Potsdam soccer volunteers
To the Editor:
On behalf of the over 1,000 youth soccer players who participated in the 2009 summer soccer House and Travel soccer programs sponsored by the Potsdam Youth Soccer Association, I would like to extend a thank you to all the volunteers involved in the PYSA summer soccer programs.
The summer soccer leagues would not be possible without the time and energy the volunteers enthusiastically donate to make the summer soccer season happen. All volunteers (too numerous to name) including coaches, assistant coaches, managers, official schedulers, volunteer house league officials, soccer board members, our registrar, treasurer, first aid kit managers, t-shirt manager, trophy manager, field liners, equipment managers, house league managers, travel team coordinators, travel league schedulers, school officials allowing use of their fields for game play and buildings for meetings and registration all deserve a pat on the back and a heartfelt “thank you” for their part in helping another successful summer soccer season take place.
For information on how to volunteer with the Potsdam Youth Soccer Association 2010 summer soccer season planning you can contact PYSA President Denise Curry 268-8912 or PYSA registrar Sandy Steinberg at 265-4396.
The PYSA would like to wish all youth participating in fall soccer with their schools the best of luck for a rewarding soccer season.
Denise Curry, President, Potsdam Youth Soccer Association
‘The Presbyterian’ golf tourney aided by many
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Session, members and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam, I want to thank the business community for sponsoring our recent third annual charity golf tournament, The Presbyterian.
Many generous businesses and individuals also donated prizes, gifts and items and to them we are also most appreciative.
A very special thanks to the Potsdam Town & Country Club for hosting our tournament and golf pro Frank Mittiga and staff, Mike Rosenquist and his staff for accommodating us.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the entire golf committee, especially Chip Hunter, whose tireless efforts continue to amaze us, the players, the volunteers who helped at the tournament as well as the wonderful members and friends of Potsdam Presbyterian who prepared, cooked, baked for and served at the awards dinner, especially Jim Whittet and Joe Zelinski for their pork preparation prowess.
We sincerely are indebted to all who helped make this tournament a success and look forward to next year’s event. Many organizations throughout the area and beyond will be assisted through the mission work of First Presbyterian Church because of this fine effort, which netted over $4,000 this year.
Rev. Dr. D. Richard Will, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Potsdam
GardenShare concert succeeded, with help
To the Editor:
On behalf of the board of GardenShare I am pleased to write this letter of thanks to the many people who contributed to the success of our recent benefit concert GardenShare Jam 2009 on Sept. 19
First, I would like to thank LaCasbah for providing us with a gorgeous venue and very generous hospitality. If you haven’t been to LaCasbah to hear some live music, I strongly encourage you to do so. This is a wonderful cultural asset for our community.
Second, I would like to thank the musicians who gave so generously of their time and talent: Gretchen Koehler, Bill Olsen, Mark Seymour, David Brown, Your Logo Here (Tom Baker, Mike Dinan, Derek Maus, Dan Sullivan-Catlin), and Looner (Zoe and Angel Roche and Damon). Thanks also to Your Logo Here and Looner for donating proceeds from the sale of CDs and merchandise during the concert.
Third, I want to thank all of those who worked behind the scenes to make the event a success: Marissa Maurer and Derek Maus for their work on planning the event, The Copy Shop for donating copies of the concert poster for publicity, and Sarah Bentley-Garfinkel, John Casserly and Katherine Lang of GardenShare for their help the night of the event.
Finally, I want to thank all of the GardenShare supporters who joined us for the concert. GardenShare relies largely on individual donations. These funds are vital for our programs to promote a secure and fair food system which include providing access for EBT/Food Stamp transactions at farmers’ markets; promoting Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farmers’ markets, and small-scale farming; making CSA accessible to low-income households through our CSA Farm Express; publishing the annual Local Food Guide for St. Lawrence County; encouraging harvest sharing with area food pantries; and more.
We are grateful to be part of a community where so many share our vision of a North Country where all of us have enough to eat and enough to share and where our food choices are healthy for us, for our communities, and for the environment. For more information see www.gardenshare.org.
Heather Sullivan-Catlin, President, GardenShare
Humane Society’s benefit dinner a ‘great success’
To the Editor:
The third annual Angelo’s Gourmet Benefit Dinner Sunday Sept. 27 was a great success. The food was outstanding and the patrons were pleased.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to those who made the dining event possible: Angelo Landi and his staff, Jason and Tracy Adle, Jane Amelotte, Bonnie Boyd, Roger and Cindy Dusharm, Lorretta Frazer, Lynne Hall, Amber Lindsey, ROTC and ZETA NU—Clarkson University, Wally Seibel, , Peter and Patricia Turner, Claudette VanEss, Lucille Waterson, Lorraine Wilkinson, and many generous businesses and organizations.
And last, but foremost, we thank those who attended the dinner and enjoyed the outstanding culinary event. Everyone had a wonderful time. The profits from the dinner will be going to the Labor of Love Capital Campaign to renovate and add on to the animal shelter at 17 Madrid Ave.
We are extremely pleased with the support the community has shown for the Humane Society and the work they do to keep animals and the public safe in the North Country. Because of their efforts, we are nearly halfway to our goal, and will be preparing our site this fall for building in the spring of 2010.
Thank you again.
Potsdam Humane Society Board of Directors
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