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.
‘None of the above’ should be option
To the Editor:
In two Sound Offs (“Votes Wasted,” and “Not Wasted,” Nov. 11-17), the writers questioned my intentional vote for Dede Scozzafava. I couldn’t vote for either the right-wing anti-abortion anti-gay loony-bin or the left-wing anti-prosperity anti-freedom loony-bin.
I could have not voted, but then nobody would have noticed something that didn’t happen. Instead, I voted for Dede whilst thinking “None of the Above,” knowing that she wouldn’t be elected but that my choice would be recorded.
I think “None of the Above” should be on the ballot every time, and if that meta-candidate wins, then a new election is held, barring any of the current candidates from running again.
Russ Nelson, Potsdam
Norfolk Dems say thanks for support
To the Editor:
The Norfolk Democratic Committee would like to thank all those who returned their 50/50 raffle tickets. The winner of the raffle was Gordon Hall -- congratulations.
We also would like to thank all those who took the time to get out and vote.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Norfolk Democratic Committee
Potsdam Town Board candidate says ‘thanks’
To the Editor”
I would like to sincerely thank the community for their support in my run for a seat on the Potsdam Town Board. I truly enjoyed getting out and speaking with you and listening to your concerns. My thanks as well go to my mom Val Haggett, Julia Colbert, Mike Landoll, Ned Meader, Sandra Morris and Bruce Konkoski for their encouragement and enthusiasm. Your consideration was very much required and greatly appreciated.
I will continue to be involved in the process of seeking equity in our assessment and will be ever diligent in trying to ensure the letter of the law is followed as written by the New York State Office of Property Real Property Services. Working to understand what an assessment should be was to say the least interesting. It is now a knowledge base that I intend to use in working to try and remedy the problematic system in place. I have no doubt that assessments (and therefore increases in the amount of taxes paid) will continue to be a difficult issue.
However, the progress of the township should be meteoric with the incumbents having been given a second opportunity to serve as aptly diligent members of council, and having the prospect before them of continuing on with the great developments of which they spoke. We no doubt look forward to more and more fantastic accomplishments from the current board as they work to modernize through regional collaboration thus solving a multitude of mutual problems; making the township of Potsdam both prosperous and sustainable in the current difficult economic environment.
The last four months have been an incredible learning experience in how the popular vote is won. Those that know me know that I let very little stand in my way; I find something of value from every event in my life, and try to make use of it for the better. That in and of itself is a victory and a springboard for future endeavors.
Again, a heartfelt, sincere “thank you” to each and every one of you who supported me throughout my campaign, I truly could not have done this without your help and your votes.
Tracey E. Haggett-Sloan, Norwood
Remington Arts Festival co-chairs say ‘thanks’
To The Editor:
The Eighth Annual Remington Arts Festival was held on Sept. 25 and 26 and we have an incredible number of people to thank for helping us organize the various events.
First, and foremost, thank you St. Lawrence County! Thank you Canton residents and thank you to the artists, musicians and helpers that made it all come together!
Condensing the Remington Festival to two days did not eliminate the event possibilities we’ve always made available to the public and as always, they were free.
The Northern Lights Orchestra conducted an assembly at the Canton Elementary School, a Friday evening concert at the Gunnison Chapel, and a full day of music during the Saturday Festival. Thank you to Conductor and Music Director Christian Hosmer, who created original works honoring Frederic Remington, and Concertmaster Jennifer Kessler; Personnel Manager David Katz, for putting all the details together; and the 23 musicians who traveled from around the Tri-County area to make these programs happen.
Fiber Options kept St. Mary’s art students busy creating a knitted placemat by learning beginning skills of knitting. Thank you to Susan Saborin and Kate Townsend for your demonstrations all day Saturday, so novice and seasoned knitters could learn the various knitting techniques.
Thanks to the students in the Student Art Competition held at the Canton Free Library. The competition honored 29 works in various media, created by St. Lawrence County students. Congratulations to the winners: Best In Show, Chrislynn Damon, 11th Grade, Potsdam Central High School; 1st Place, Chelsea Charbonneau, 12th Grade, Norwood-Norfolk Central School; 2nd Place, Max Romey, 10th Grade, Potsdam Central High School; 3rd Place, Caitlin Thurman, 12th Grade, Heuvelton Central School.
The Student Art Competition judges were: Laura Foster, Curator, Frederic Remington Museum; Mary Ann DeMarco-Tempkin, Canton School Board; Otto Czerepak, Board President, Creative Spirit Art Center. Thank you to the art teachers, Michelle Rodee, Canton Central School; Ashley Havens, Heuvelton Central School; Neeny Tyo, Lisbon Central School; Ben Yandeau, Norwood-Norfolk Central School; Miranda Brosell and Raymond Whalen, Parishville-Hopkinton Central School; Terry Huff, AA Kingston Middle School, Potsdam; Leslie Strong-Sutter, Potsdam Central High School.
An additional reception was held at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association and viewing of all the art pieces continued through early November.
Artists in the Park; displaying and selling their creations; Leather Artisan; Anne Burnham; Keller Country; Wild at heart; Studio L; Rockhead Creations & The Crafty Sisters; Kevin”Kip”Matott; Eye Candy; Rubar Ceramic Studio; 7’s Ceramics; Riverness Glassworks; Wizened Eye.
The Silas Wright House was the site for Tara Fountain, dressed in period costume, to host the children’s games of Remington’s time.
St. Lawrence County Historical Association, as usual, did a perfect program to highlight Remington’s time, “Quilts from Remington’s Day: 1860 to 1910.”
The Frederic Remington Museum has always, generously, approved the use of Remington’s art to be reproduced in our promotional materials and on T-shirts.
Thanks to St. Lawrence University Costume Department, Salina French and crew, for lending the perfect costumes.
The Draft Horse Association Historic Wagon Tours are always a favored choice for all ages. Thank you to the committed members of the association, for their eight years of time and effort transporting the horses from Madrid.
Thanks to the Crane Musicians Trio; The Northern Lights Trio, for entertaining the attendees on Saturday; to Jeanne S. Reynolds, for sharing her talent of a 16x20 watercolor landscape, “Remington’s Vision,” for the Remington Arts Festival this year.
Sponsors and supporters: Dr. Daniel Palmateer; Village of Canton; Town of Canton; SeaComm Federal Credit Union; St. Lawrence County Historical Association; David Dox-SLU; St. Lawrence County Arts Council; Canton-Potsdam Hospital Foundation, Frederic Remington Art Museum; Chris Huntley; Lynn Clark-Stone; TAUNY; Rotary Club of Canton; North Country Savings Bank, St. Lawrence Valley Draft Horse Association; John Hayes; SLU Theatre Department; Gray & Gray CPA; Canton Kiwanis Club, Morning Star Homes; Mort Backus & Sons; Canton American Theater; Good Food Express; Barb Heller; Grub Tub; Canton Booster Club; Canton Free Library; Unitarian Universalist Church, First Presbyterian Church; Attorney Michael Crowe; St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union; Stewart’s Shops, Canton Chamber of Commerce, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce; The St. Lawrence Plaindealer; The Advance News; North Country This Week; The Journal Ogdensburg; The Watertown Daily Times; Paula Jones and very polite fifth grade classes; St. Mary’s Art Students; the Canton Merchants, and all the other sources that promoted our events.
Most Importantly, Brien Hallehan, Village Superintendent and the Village of Canton Maintenance Crew: Bill Dafoe, Dave Ragen, and Jerry Olmstead who made all the events workable and possible. To the Village Staff: Sally Noble, Debra Murphy, and Grace Vesper for always lending support. Thanks to Linda Casserly, for having the perfect historical features in the local papers, about Frederic Remington, during our Festival week.
North Country Public Radio is a media sponsor of the Frederic Remington Arts Festival. This event was made possible, in part, by the New York State Council of the Arts Decentralization Program, administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.
This year’s Festival was the sixth year of my involvement as a co-chair. Although I will no longer be involved with the Festival, I sincerely want to thank those that supported, sponsored, or just enjoyed the events we offered. To my successors, I wish you great success and always perfect weather.
Sincere thanks,
Jane Semple, Linda McQuinn, co-chair
Potsdam ex-smoker urges support of Tobacco Cessation Center
To the Editor:
I would like to respond to a letter that was on NorthCountryNow.com last week about budget cuts to the tobacco control program in NYS. The Tobacco Control Program of NY State needs our help. As a smoker for many years trying to quit by myself was impossible. Until one day I read in the paper that Canton-Potsdam Hospital was offering a free Quit Tobacco Workshop given by a trained Tobacco Intervention Specialist, Beth Gero. To my surprise I was completely shocked by what I learned about cigarettes and the manipulation from the tobacco industry. The Tobacco Specialist giving the workshop never once told us that we had to quit smoking, only educated us on how to plan our quit, set a quit date that works for each of us individually, and the importance of combination therapy. No pressure only support. Free nicotine patches and commit lozenges or nicorette gum was given out to participants that were eligible.
The Tobacco Cessation Center has provided several workshops a month in our local communities in St. Lawrence County. Without the help of the program I would still be smoking today, as would many of our residents within our county that have been helped by the NYS Tobacco Control Program. I have seen this program help many smokers ranging from young adults to senior citizens that have smoked over 50 years. We cannot afford to lose this program that has helped so many smokers understand their addiction and help them with quitting.
If our governor keeps cutting important budgets such as the Tobacco Control Program many more New Yorkers will continue to smoke and die prematurely. We need to take a stand and help our community become a healthy community.
Please support the Tobacco Cessation Center of Northern NY and contact your local representatives to say NO to anymore budget cuts. We need our Tobacco program in St. Lawrence County.
Leila Thurston, Potsdam
College kids need better holiday transportation
To the Editor:
This morning I began the arduous task of getting my son from Clarkson University back to Boston for Thanksgiving and then again for Christmas.
Clarkson is a top-notch university and we selected the institution for its strength in my son’s engineering major. We could have stayed around Boston, but Clarkson was a better fit. It seems to me, after about 15 phone calls, and finally receiving some assistance from the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, that Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam could do something to ensure my kid and others have access to transportation home for breaks.
I learned that there is Cape Air that flies directly into Logan, but how is my kid (who doesn’t have a car) get to Saranac Lake to catch this plane? I learned about the bus -- but my son would have to travel to Syracuse and hope to catch a bus to Albany to catch another bus to Boston.
I also learned that Cape Air flies from Massena and Ogdensburg, but getting to the airport is essentially impossible with the limited public transportation.
According to the chamber there are roughly 10,000 students in your community at one time, plus faculty and staff. It seems to me that the leadership within the community could do more to work with private enterprise to offer convenient and inexpensive transportation to airports, bus depots, etc.
I know that I am not the only parent that is frustrated by the lack of options available to my son.
Clarkson is known for its enterprise -- can’t you work with Cape Air or Greyhound to facilitate this transportation? Until I talked to the chamber I didn’t even know that flying was an option.
I want to thank the nice people at the chamber for their assistance in providing me with links to the bus, airports and to ride sharing boards. She was much more helpful than anyone I had encountered at Clarkson and offered solutions where I only saw problems.
Thank you and I hope my letter catches the attention of someone in a position of power.
Thom Burton, Boston
Thanks for cemetery help; more to be done
To the Editor:
I’m writing to thank all who have helped with the cleanup of Garfield Cemetery the past couple of weekends -- wet weekends, at that. Wonderful people who have done a wonderful thing.
Thanks to North Country This Week for the article and for bringing attention to our lost little cemetery. God bless you all and thanks again so very much.
However, the job is not done. An association needs to be formed to maintain the cemetery. The fence and gates need attention. Trees need trimming; some dead ones need to be taken out. Stones need repairing.
All of these things will not get done tomorrow or even this year. These are things I envision being tackled in the next couple of years and with the forming of an association, a perpetual care account can be started with family of loved ones buried at Garfield contributing. These souls are where I come from. I would like to honor that. I pray there are more people out there that feel the same way I do. And if you don’t have family there but would like to be part of this, please, call me. I need all the help I can get.
Again, to the housewives and teenagers and young ROTC men who’ve sweated in the cold raking and toting leaves, I am so grateful. Hope to see you in the spring!
Sue Maroney, Potsdam
DOT improved crosswalk after just one call
To the Editor:
I would like to thank everyone at the New York State Department of Transportation for their professional, personable and quick response to just one phone call.
I am the individual who wrote the Sound Off “Stop For Pedestrians” (Nov. 4-10).
After Sounding Off, the same day out of fear and frustration I called our local DOT to ask if anything could be done to make the crosswalk at Maple and Pine St. safer. I thought that the size and configuration of the intersection would make it impossible, leaving my son or anyone to run the gauntlet of angry, aggressive, and abusive drivers.
Much to my happy surprise, they were as appalled and concerned as I with the incident.
That very same day I received a call from a gentleman working for the DOT who said he would have a crew work on the timing of the lights and crosswalk the next morning, and they were there as promised!
I cannot express enough how everyone at the DOT helped restore my faith in people when it was at an all-time low.
Again, many thanks and applause!
Mr. and Mrs. Ron LaPointe, Potsdam
People should know about Cancer Services Program
To the Editor:
On behalf of CP Family Health Care Center, operated by Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, I would like to thank the St. Lawrence County Cancer Services Program for the important work they do to provide cancer screening services to uninsured and underinsured residents.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month closes, I would like to take a moment to draw attention to the importance of the services offered through the Cancer Services Program (formally Healthy Living Partnership). It is proven that early detection is important for successful treatment, and these services have a great impact on early detection for individuals in our county who could normally not afford them.
CP Family Health Care Center is a community health center dedicated to providing quality health care to the public, regardless of the ability to pay. In 2008, CP Family Health Care Center in Canton provided 42 clinical breast exams and 28 pap and pelvic exams to patients through the Cancer Services Program. These patients would have otherwise gone without these vital routine exams.
In closing I would like to make community members aware that these programs are out there. If you would like more information about the Cancer Services Program, please call 386-2325. For more information about CP Family Health Care Center please call 386-8191 or visit www.cpnorthcountry.org.
Amy Dougan, Director of Public Relations and Fundraising
Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country
GardenShare’s dinner a success, thanks to many
To the Editor:
On behalf of the board of GardenShare I am pleased to write this letter of thanks to the many members of our community who helped make our fifth annual local harvest benefit dinner Oct. 13 such a success.
First, I want to thank all of the GardenShare board, staff, and volunteers – especially Jenny Walker, Marissa Maurer, Katherine Lang, John Casserly, Sarah Bentley-Garfinkel, and Phil Harnden for their hours and hours of work preparing for the event.
The wonderful meal would not have been possible without SUNY Potsdam’s PACES Dining Services staff, especially chef Steve Maiocco and director George Arnold, who providing an amazing dinner with ingredients grown right here by North Country farmers. We are also grateful to A Fine Line’s Bill Vitek and Dan Gagliardi for playing great jazz and to Jill Breit and Varick Chittenden of TAUNY for an entertaining and informative presentation on North Country food traditions. Thanks also to Carol Pynchon of TAUNY for helping with TAUNY’s participation.
A huge thank you goes out to Marissa Maurer for organizing our Silent Auction and to all of the local businesses that donated goods or services.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who joined us that evening to learn, to celebrate, and to help us recognize our 2009 Growing Community Award recipients Julie Holbrook for Keene Central School’s gardening and composting project and Cindy Harnas for South Jefferson Central School’s farm-to-school project. 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, 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
Colton Amvets Auxiliary thanks all for help
To the Editor:
Amvets Post 262 Ladies Auxiliary held their Wiggle Wag Walk-a-thon for Paws with a Cause on Sept. 19. We would like to thank all the generous businesses for their donations and support. We also would like to thank all the businesses that allowed us to put up posters. And thank you to all of the news media.
We would also like to thank all the people that participated in the walk and worked hard in getting donations to fill their sponsor sheets, all the donors, and all of the Amvets members that helped and donated their time the day of the walk.
Amvets Post 262 Ladies Auxiliary, Colton
St. Lawrence Seaway Polar Plunge a success
To the Editor:
Thanks to each and every one of you - what a fantastic first year for the St. Lawrence Seaway Polar Plunge! You raised almost $13,000 for our athletes.
Special thank you to our committee chair, Brian Coakley, for doing an amazing job. And thank you to a great venue -- New York Power Authority. And of course thank you to whoever was in charge of the weather -- what a great day!
Thank you to some great plungers and teams: Robin Miller and the North Country Insurance Professionals, New York State Police, Trout River Customs Agents, the CP Frosty Dippers, Clarkson Cross Country, Potsdam, Massena Elks, 101.5 The Fox, CBP Polar Plungers, Massena Volunteer Fire Department, NYPA, Alpha Tau Omega and AK Phi Kap, the Leap Frogs... and anyone we may have accidentally left off.
Hope you tell all of your friends about it and we see you all back next year. On behalf of the 48,000 athletes of Special Olympics New York, thank you!
Trooper Brian Coakley, SP Massena
Family offers heartfelt thanks
To The Editor:
The family of Christian P. House would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the community for the outpouring of love and support we received in the wake of Christian’s sudden passing.
During a time of the greatest darkness and despair that any family could experience, our friends, neighbors, and even total strangers, extended their hands and hearts to us.
As the first anniversary of his death comes near, we wish to publicly acknowledge our gratitude to those who celebrated his life with us.
The flowers, the food, the shoulder to cry on, the cards and letters (which still arrive), the simple phone calls to say “I was thinking of you today”; all of these have helped us to get through the hours.
The trees planted in our front and back yards in Christian’s memory, which will grow larger each year, remind us daily of how many people loved him. To those of you who took the time to share a memory of Christian with us or send us a picture of him that we had never seen, these words are inadequate to express our gratitude.
In particular, we would like to thank the following people and organizations: the Massena Bantam hockey team, the Potsdam Elks Club, the members of Diamond Sportsman’s Club, and the Potsdam Jr. Hockey Association.
To the New York State Police, for their constant supporting presence in the days that followed, the troopers who stood by Christian’s casket for five hours, and the honor guard who stood in the pouring rain at his funeral -- you brought a sense of dignity and respect.
To the wonderful neighbors who surround us, thank you all so much for the delicious meals you provided through December and into January and for the memorial that was made for him this past spring in one of his favorite places near the river.
Christian’s zest for live, outgoing personality, engaging smile and infectious laughter touched the lives of so many people -- more than we knew. He will never be forgotten by anyone who loved him, just as the kindness, love and support we received will never be forgotten by us.
Stephen, Laurie and Eian House, Hannawa Falls
Potsdam Councilman Zagrobelny says thanks
To the Editor:
I’d like to thank the voters in the Town of Potsdam who have once again trusted me with the position of town councilman. I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve the residents of Potsdam. I believe that awareness and acknowledgement of the concerns of constituents and common sense decision making based on sound research are hallmarks of good government. My goal is to continue to provide that kind of service to the people of Potsdam.
I would like to thank my wife, Michelle, and my children for their patience and sacrifice for the countless evenings and afternoons when I rushed out for yet another meeting. I would also like to thank all of my friends for their support and patience during my first term and the recent campaign. Thanks must go to the Potsdam Democratic Committee for its support during the campaign and throughout my first term. Specifically, I would like to thank Marie Regan for her years of service to Potsdam and patient work with a new councilman. I have learned volumes in the last four years, and class is not done yet.
Additional thanks go to Cindy Goliber and the entire Potsdam Town Board and staff for countless hours of help and guidance. As I have said before, we have a great team in place in town government, and it has nothing to do with political parties; it’s all about doing what’s best for the people of Potsdam. I wish to thank Ernie LaBaff, Jim McFadden, Rollin Beattie, Harold Demick, and Mark Bellardini for their support and counsel.
I look forward to working closely with the Village of Norwood and Village of Potsdam to make the entire Town of Potsdam a better place for everyone. In these difficult times we must all roll up our sleeves and work together.
Again, I thank you for your trust and consideration. Please feel free to let me know how we’re doing and share any concerns or new ideas that you may have.
Mike Zagrobelny, Potsdam
Thanks, Potsdam Elks, for kids’ programs
To the Editor:
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks deserves public thanks for its commitment to kids demonstrated through its numerous youth activities.
Lodge #2074, our local Potsdam Elks, has a few individuals of note whose hard work and support allowed my daughter Megan the chance to participate in the Elks Soccer Shoot at the local, district, regional, and state levels. Mary Charleston (Youth Activities Chair for Lodge #2074), Mike Neaton (Local and District Soccer Shoot Chair), and Tim Welpe (Youth Activities Chair for New York) deserve the community’s praise for their efforts.
Megan and I are most appreciative of the positive experiences you provided these last two months.
Doug Saber, Potsdam
Assault in Potsdam was a hate crime
To the Editor:
It seems that this latest assault has taken Potsdam to the list of communities suffering from hate crimes now. This poor man seems to have been assaulted for no other reason than that he was seen as being different.
This is America. We have the right to be different and to live where we want without fear. It seems that after reading about all the arrests going on in Potsdam every week in the police blotter that Potsdam is getting to be a good town to stay away from. Hopefully the police will make an arrest and charge the individuals to the fullest extent of the law.
This was a hate crime pure and simple and should be treated as such before the next one is even worse. Though I don’t know the man attacked we wish him a speedy recovery and wish him well.
People of Potsdam, it’s time to stand up. Enough is enough of this lawlessness!
Steve Saviski, North Lawrence
Potsdam VFW asks rememberance Nov. 11
To the Editor:
As everyone is aware, Veterans Day is coming. Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. This day is a day to remember all veterans, those serving now and those who have served in our past wars and conflicts, those living and those deceased.
Veterans Day started out as Armistice Day. World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in France. However fighting had ceased seven months earlier, when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied Nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918 is generally regarded as the end of “the War to end all Wars.”
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.
An act approved May 13, 1938 made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday – a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to thereafter be celebrated as Armistice Day.
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen in the nation’s history, after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of veterans’ service organizations, amended the act of 1938 by striking out the word “armistice” and inserting in its place “veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The Uniform Holiday Bill was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities, and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on thg\eir original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on Sept. 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97, which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
The Roy D. Graves Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1194 at 95 Market St. in Potsdam would like to invite veterans and their families to join us at out post home on Nov. 11 to celebrate Veterans Day. Come and share your stories with us and enjoy soup and sandwiches. The VFW Post home will be opening at 10 a.m. on Veterans Day. We are planning a short service at 11 a.m. We are also asking everyone to stop for a moment at 11 a.m. to remember all the veterans of our nation, those serving now and those who have served in the past.
Rober Staires, Commander
Bonnie Severance, President
Roy D. Graves VFW Post 1194, Potsdam
Two special dates for Marine vet
To the Editor:
This week contains two special dates that have deep personal meaning for me. The first is November 10th, which may not mean much to the average Jane or Joe, but to all of us who once wore, or now wear the uniform of U.S. Marine, that day is the day we celebrate the birth of the Corps…”first to fight for right and freedom.”
The Marines truly are a band of brothers and sisters. We celebrate each birthday with the time honored tradition of the Marine Corps Ball. At each ball, held across the world on the 10th, there will be present that feeling of esprit de corps, as well as speechifying, dining, dancing and the cutting of the cake, with the first pieces going to the oldest and youngest Marines present. But most touching is the table setting that is beautifully decorated, but kept empty of the living. This place is reserved in honor and respect for our dear, dear departed.
Then there is Veterans Day on the 11th. All of us who serve, or who have served in our nation‘s military (I did 22 years), understand the great personal sacrifices made by our troops. In times of peace, there exists the pressures of constant reassignments and moves, long deployments at sea or abroad, dangerous training exercises, police actions, humanitarian missions and the threat of local hostility against our folks stationed in “host” countries.
In these times of war, the sacrifices being made by our men and women in uniform are monumental. Just as all who have served, they too have sworn an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States (the Bill of Rights being included). These living and evolving documents ensure through law, the freedoms of our land. Our nation’s military are the guardians of these freedoms. These include the freedom of speech -- to be able to stand up and speak, write, or in these days, tweet your opinion about our government’s policies to the world. That includes our policies regarding war and peace, most especially during times of war.
Also, in these documents is the right to “peaceably” assemble to petition our government with our grievances. This right is used by the folks who have participated in the pro-peace movement (I am a member of Veterans For Peace), to peaceably assemble to petition our government in an attempt to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Likewise, this grants groups like the Gathering Of Eagles and the Tea Partiers to assemble in support for continuation of the same.
This is what veterans have served and have sacrificed for. This sometimes difficult, but always beautiful concept called Freedom. Semper Fidelis.
Frank Thies, Potsdam
Remembers prophecy of downfall of liberty
To the Editor:
In the fall of 1964, while stationed at Bergstrom AFB just outside of Austin, Texas, I enrolled in a course taught by extension by Southwest Texas State Teachers College. The title of the course was American Government 101.
The course was an introduction to how American government works, or at least is supposed to work. On the last night of the course, the professor gave us his view of how liberty and constitutional government would end in America.
Over the years that last lecture has echoed in my mind because I see more and more of what he said unfolding right before my eyes. I think that the professor had a time machine parked in his garage and in preparation for that lecture, merely came forward to these times, took notes and went back to 1964.
He listed many things that government would have to do to end individual liberty and thereby end America’s resourcefulness and world leadership. He told the class to watch for attacks on the Bill of Rights. He told us to watch for government to work to increase dependency and undermine individual initiative. He said to watch for so-called leaders to try to undermine the sovereignty of states and of the whole nation. He said that it was absolutely essential to end free speech and the free press if tyranny was to exist. It was a chilling lecture indeed. He said that all of this would be accomplished with the complicity of the electorate.
The professor said, “Given a free choice, people will vote themselves into slavery.” At that time, I really didn’t think much of his attitude toward the voters.
The last thing he said has proven to be the most chilling as I remember that lecture and observe these times. He said, “When the people finally vote this nation away, they will cheer their own demise.”
Those words came crashing back into my mind Saturday night as I listened to the cheering as the House voted to destroy America’s health care system -- one big step down the path to the final destruction of America.
After that long-ago lecture I went downtown in Austin to President Johnson’s last political rally in front of the Capitol Building on Congress Avenue. It was the night before election.
William C. Lewis, Brasher Falls
St. Lawrence County tobacco educator concerned over budget cuts
To the Editor:
The Tobacco Cessation Center of Northern NY is a proven program at work in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Investing in New York’s comprehensive tobacco control program is a smart, cost-effective investment that improves the health of our loved ones, saves lives, and also saves money by reducing health care costs in our local communities.
New York State has a world-class, evidence based, proven tobacco control program. As a result of the program efforts the adult smoking rate of 16.8% and youth smoking rate of 14.6% are at their lowest on record and significantly lower than national averages. In St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis counties the TCC of NNY carries out this mission to further reduce tobacco use and plays a crucial role in the prevention of many chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness through our comprehensive cessation program. Our mission is to educate and empower health care providers to help smokers quit. Therefore, we need your support to preserve and protect our proven cessation program that works. Since the establishment of the Cessation Centers in NYS adult smoking is down 22% and youth smoking has dropped 40%. This means a healthier population and lower health care costs.
Preventing and reducing tobacco use are the most important public health and cost measures that can be taken to improve the health in our local communities. Smoking kills more than twice the number of Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicides, AIDS, homicides and illegal drugs combined.
There are still 2.5 million smokers in NY that need help – we must continue to invest our dollars wisely by supporting our world-class, evidenced-based, proven tobacco control programs in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis counties.
Beth Gero, Ph.D., Tobacco Educator
Tobacco Cessation Center of Northern NY
Friends of Nature Center in Massena thanks helpers with events
To The Editor;
The Friends of Robert Moses State Park Nature Center recently held two very successful annual events: the Fall Clean-Up Day and the Halloween Woods Walk. Alcoa workers and more than 45 volunteers donated more than 4 hours on October 17 for the Fall Clean-Up Day, making the Friends eligible for a $3,000 Alcoa Community Action Grant. This award will be used to support the Environmental Education programs offered to area schools, special interest groups and the general public.
On Friday October 23, the Friends welcomed more than 50 children and over 25 adults to their annual Halloween Woods Walk. With the help of more than 30 student and adult volunteers, participants were treated to a delightful guided walk around the Nature Center's recently completely handicap-accessible trail where they met a wide variety of friendly “animals”. The walk was followed by a fantastic party by the fireplace. A good time was had by all— it was surely a night to remember!
The Friends of the Nature Center would like to thank the following contributors and volunteers: Alcoa volunteers, their families & especially Laurie Marr; Robert Moses Park Staff; McDonald's; North Racquette Greenery; Massena High School Environmental Club, adviser Karen Cook; Rick Marshall, other student volunteers; Randy Frieman & the high school Leo Club; Friends/Volunteers and their families; and area news media
The Friends of the Robert Moses State Park Nature Center, Inc.
Nature Center Staff
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
|
