To the Editor:

My wife, Colleen, and I have known about the beauty and hospitality of the North Country since our daughter was a student at SUNY Potsdam several years ago. After years of searching, we found a lake cottage that met our needs here and we purchased it earlier this year.

In early May, we spent our first full week there and although we consider it to be a diamond-in-the-rough, we look forward to making changes and improvements over the next few years in order for it to become our summer oasis.

If there were any doubts about whether we made the right choice, they were quickly alleviated by the welcome we have received by the people of this region.  Every single person we have encountered has been gracious to a fault. The Town of Colton Clerk’s office and Code Enforcement office: very helpful. Brookfield Power representative: very thorough and understanding. St. Lawrence County records office: very accommodating. Our new neighbors are terrific! The previous owner promptly returned my phone call and talked me through the process of turning on the water. As a first time user of the town transfer station, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of folks who offered me assistance in unloading my truck full of debris. Two men at the gas station were happy to advise me on the correct fuel to purchase for my newly acquired boat motor.

I could go on and on, but the short of it is this: we could not feel more welcome here and we look forward to becoming part of this wonderful community in the years to come.

Frank Vail

South Colton