Trinity Episcopal Church to benefit from Thanksgiving Box Raffle fundraiser

by Rachel Hunter

The Trinity Episcopal Church in Gouverneur is currently holding a Thanksgiving Box Raffle to boost its building maintenance fund. The Thanksgiving Box includes gift cards to local grocery stores and non-perishable food items to outfit a family’s Thanksgiving Dinner. Raffle tickets are now available for $2 each or three for $5. Upcoming sale locations include the following: On Friday, November 10 and November 13 (Kinney Drugs next to Price Chopper on East Main Street), November 15 (Kinney Drugs on Clinton Street), and November 17 (Save-a-Lot). Much gratitude is extended to the North Country community for their generous support this holiday season. The drawing will be held on November 19.

The Trinity Episcopal Church has had a long history in the Gouverneur community, and its origin story was detailed in the Gouverneur Sesqui-Centennial History (1805-1955), which was published in 1955 by the Gouverneur Historical Association. Did you know? In 1862, the Rev. Wilbur Paddock held the first Episcopalian religious service in Gouverneur in the Presbyterian Church. Then in 1865 the Rev. Jeddekiah Winslow came from Watertown as a traveling missionary for the North Country and held a few service. Seeing great possibilities for the establishment of a church, he was appointed missionary in charge of the interested congregation in February 1866, and held regular services in the Wesleyan seminary, a conference school of the Methodist Church. Within two months, parish organization was effected and on Easter Monday, April 16, 1866, the congregation was incorporated as Trinity Church.

The Trinity Church in Gouverneur was built in 1866, and soon after became a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany. The cornerstone was laid on September 10, 1866, and about a year later, the building was completed at a cost of $7,000 with a great deal of the labor having been donated. The basement was fitted up for a Parish School which opened in the fall of 1867 with 40 pupils. The village had limited school facilities at the time, so the school was of great benefit to the community and continued for seven years, at which time the Gouverneur Elementary School (formerly the East Side Elementary School) at the corner of Gordon Street and Barney Street was built.

On July 29, 1869, free from debt, the church was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. William Croswell Doane, the first bishop of the Diocese of Albany. The Trinity Episcopal Church is proud of its legacy with over 150 years of faithfulness. All are welcome with open arms at Trinity, whatever their status in God’s eyes. “We are His children and welcome within this His House of Worship,” the church says. One of the church’s most notable members was Rhoda Fox Graves, the first woman in the New York Senate and fought for women’s rights.

The Trinity Episcopal Church has been regularly maintained over the years. Earlier this year, the church undertook an exterior restoration project. Donors can also make special donations to Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 341, Gouverneur, NY 13642. All donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, visit the church’s Facebook page.

Teen struck by train in Gouverneur

On Oct. 26, at approximately 4:05 p.m., the Village of Gouverneur Police Department responded to a report of an individual being struck by a CSX train in the vicinity of 92 Hailesboro Street, which is located near the intersection of Graves St. and River St. in the Village of Gouverneur.

The investigation this far has revealed that a 17-year-old female was struck by a CSX freight train traveling in a southerly direction through the Village of Gouverneur in the vicinity of the railroad crossing on Hailesboro Street.

The victim was transported by the Gouverneur Rescue Squad to the airport in Potsdam, New York, who was then transported to a Vermont hospital by air ambulance for medical treatment.

The investigation into this incident is being conducted by the Gouverneur Police Department with assistance by the New York State Police, CSX Police, Gouverneur Fire Department, and the Gouverneur Rescue Squad. There is no further information available at this time and all further inquiries can be made by calling the Gouverneur Police Department at 315-287-2121.

The report was sent to all local news media outlets by Darren J. Fairbanks, Interim Chief of Police, Gouverneur Police Department.

Gouverneur Recreation Department hosts 28th Annual Community Costume Spooktacular

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Recreation Department’s 28th Annual Community Costume Spooktacular on Oct. 28 drew local families for some spooktacular fun before the Halloween holiday.

The mood was eerily set with werewolves, scarecrows, bats, witches, ghosts and more were positioned around the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 NY-58, Gouverneur, in readiness of the event. Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell welcomed all youths inside with an evil laugh, as they made their way to the registration table. Others on hand to welcome the youths included volunteers Stacy Canell and Corryn Canell, Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. and Patti (Farley) Spilman, Gouverneur Recreation Attendant Kristin Lamanteer, Gouverneur Recreation Attendant Michelle Prashaw, Lisa Wood of the Gouverneur Community Center and Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood, among others.

All those in attendance enjoyed the Halloween themed activities, including costume judging, Halloween parade, spooky music and entertainment, several fun games and activities, including a scavenger hunt for small toy skulls for a chances at special prizes of Halloween décor and candy. At the conclusion, door prizes were drawn for coveted Halloween décor items and a gift subscription to the Gouverneur Tribune Press. Much gratitude was extended to all who contributed any type of service to the event’s success.

There were many big smiles and wishes for a “Happy Halloween” as the local families waved their farewells, with a great time being had by all those in attendance. Many community members said they enjoyed the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center as a venue for the event, and look forward to attending the 29th Annual Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Community Costume Spooktacular in 2024.

For more information about the Gouverneur Recreation Department, call 315-287-0524.

SLC Democratic Committee presents Silas Wright Award to Ron McDougall

by Rachel Hunter

The St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee recently presented Ronald P. McDougall of Gouverneur with the Silas A. Wright Award, the highest honor bestowed up St. Lawrence County Democrats for their service to the community, the party, and upholding Democratic values.

The presentation was made by 2018 Silas Wright Award recipient Ernie LaBaff at the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee Annual Dinner on Oct. 19 at SUNY Potsdam.

Ron McDougall was born and grew up in Waddington, NY. After graduating from Madrid-Waddington Central School, Ron began work at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in 1967 before being hired in 1968 at General Motors Chevrolet Motor Division in Massena. Ron is married to Dede Scozzafava and resides in Gouverneur with a remote location of Sylvia Lake. Together, they have four children, Steven of Spreckles, Calif., Michelle of Waddington, Matthew of Macomb, and Molly of Massena.

As a General Motors employee and proud member of the UAW Local 465, Ron quickly rose through the Union Leadership ranks. As Plant Safety-Joint Programs Administrator and UAW leader, Ron learned the important partnership between organized labor and elected officials. It is safe to say that there is not a Statewide or National candidate for office who did not know Ron McDougall’ name when a trip to Northern New York was on the agenda. As a staunch advocate for organized labor, Ron was on the picket line for the previous UAW strikes, the initial one being in 1970 and supporting Union Brothers and Sisters in strikes and pickets throughout the state include the renown NYSUT Teachers strike in St. Regis Falls in 1980. This strike was one of the last public sector strikes in NY. Ron was on hand in 2009 as the UAW flag was lowered for the last time at Central Foundry/Castings in Massena.

Ron has served 38 years as the President of the Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties Trades and Labor Council. Ron is Co-chair and has been involved in the Massena Solidarity Day Parade since its inception in 1980. The Solidarity Parade is one of the largest Labor Day Parades in New York State. Ron currently serves as the President of UAW Local 465 Retiree Council in Massena and serves on the Region 9 UAW Board.

Currently in his 12th year as Mayor of Gouverneur, Ron is seeking his next term. He is a delegate to the New York State Democratic Committee from Assembly District 117 and serves as a Regional Vice-President to the Democratic Rural Caucus.

The St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee reports that Ron has always been a strong supporter of politicians who back organized labor and equal rights for all. A keen observer of politics and human nature, Ron rarely forgets a name, a face, or an interaction. It is those encyclopedic qualities that have made him a force in Northern New York politics for the past 50 years.

Ron McDougall now joins the elite list of Silas Wright award Recipients, which includes the following: Francis “Bill” Healey (1995), Betty Bradley (1996), Ruth F. Garner (1997), Donald Smith and Stanley Morrill (1998), Robin M. St. Andrews (1999), James J. McFaddin (2000), Mark Bellardini (2002), Katherine B. Reasoner (2003), Patrick Brady (2004), Walter Basmajian (2005), Don and Barbara Burns (2006), K. Daniel Haley (2007), Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Central Trades Labor Council (2008), Roger Sharlow (2009), June F. O’Neill (2010), Josie Catanzarite (2011), Keitha Arquiett (also recognized Ernie LaBaff) (2012), Marie Regan (2013), Sallie and Tom Brothers (2014), Frederick S. Morrill and Vernon “Sam” Burns (2015), Mark Bellardini (2016), Sylvia Kingston (2017), Ernie LaBaff (2018), The Democratic Family (2019), Eugene Nicandri (2022), and Ronald McDougall (2023). There were no recipients awarded in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee Annual Dinner also included a welcoming address, Pledge of Allegiance by Eric Yager (served as an officer in the United States Army from 2017-2018 rising from the rank of Specialist to Major), national anthem by the Madrid-Waddington choir, moment of remembrance by Zoey French of Madrid-Waddington Central School, Invocation and Benediction by Lay Pastor Martha Helmer of DeKalb Junction UMC, greetings by St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee Mike Zagrobelny, dinner, keynote address by Ken Tingley (author and retired editor of the Post-Star in Glens Falls), remarks by guest officials (Judith Hunter, Chair of the NYS DRC, and Carl A. Falotico, Supreme Court Justice Candidate) and concluding with the singing of “God Bless America”.

Many words of congratulations have been extended to Ron McDougall after he accepted the St. Lawrence County Democratic Party’s highest honor.

For more information on the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee, visit stlcdemocrats.com

Gouverneur Recreation Department hosts 11th Annual Mummy Wrap

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Recreation Department hosted its 11th Annual Mummy Wrap on Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 19 at the Gouverneur Recreation Center, Trinity Ave., Gouverneur.

In timed events, local students from UPK to Grade 1 and Grade 2 to Grade 4 had the opportunity to form teams to play the “mummy wrap game” during the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s After-School Program (STEAM Studio), which provides youth with the opportunity to explore the STEAM field, with theme days, guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournament, and interactive social play. The mummy wrap fun started with a mummy-themed rice crisped cereal treat by Sweet Treats Up The Street in Gouverneur that was enjoyed by all those in attendance. The Mummy Wrap game was also played during Toddler Town on Thursday morning during the recreational pre-school playgroup’s program which features include interactive socialization, music, art, storytelling and snack, and active play.

The youths in the Gouverneur Recreation Department programs started the Mummy Wrap event with the youth forming teams of two, three or four people. The teams then decided which team member would be wrapped like a mummy. The Gouverneur Recreation Center staff then distributed rolls of paper towels and toilet paper to each team, and provided some instructions on proper wrapping techniques to all the youths gathered. All teams were encouraged to wrap their mummies from head to toe (but not including the face).

Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell encouraged the youths to go slow in wrapping their mummies due to the easy-to-tear quality of the paper towels and toilet paper, and yet to be expedient as the judges would award winners based on the work quality.

“Ready, set, go!” Director Canell said, and a flurry of activity began in the Gouverneur Recreation Center as toilet paper and paper towels started to fly as the youth worked speedily to wrap their respective mummies. There was much glee and laughter as each team used their own strategies to wrap and decorate the mummy within the time limit. All youths were encouraged to use their creativity in making their mummy design stand out from the crowd.

Gouverneur Recreation staff served as judges, and a series of special prizes were awarded to the youth in attendance.

Much gratitude is extended to the Gouverneur Recreation Department for making this event one not-to-be missed for local youth in the Gouverneur community.

The Gouverneur Tribune Press will include more reports on the Halloween Happenings at the Gouverneur Recreation Center in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

All North Country residents are reminded of the following events:

A Halloween Theme Bingo and Hat Contest for Senior Citizens will be held on Friday, October 27, 10 a.m. to noon, for a bingo and coffee social. All senior citizens are encouraged to wear their craziest hat.

The Gouverneur Recreation Department will present the 28th Annual Community Costume Spooktacular on Saturday, October 28, starting at 11 a.m., on the Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur for all ages, weather permitting. The event will feature a Monster Mash music and entertainment, with costume contest judging will be held at 11:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded. All North Country community children are invited to participate. For more information, call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524.

Village of Gouverneur sets Trick-or-Treating hours

by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur has set trick-or-treating hours on Halloween, Tuesday, October 31 for 5 to 7 p.m.

The decision was made at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 17.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press are reminded to prioritize safety this Halloween. Costume and traffic safety are essential for trick-or-treaters.

The following tips can help make a safe and happy holiday for everyone:

Costume Safety: To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, fda.gov has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards. All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant. If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks. Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops. Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Here's a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.

Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night: A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time children should return home. Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car. Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends. Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies.

Safety Tips for Motorists: Parents and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours: Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing. Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.

In addition to setting trick-or-treating hours, the Village of Gouverneur also promoted the upcoming Gouverneur Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 27, 6 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. The event is annually sponsored by the Community Health Center of the North Country and Seaway Valley Prevention Council. Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said, “I learned today that SUNY Canton is going to have one at the same time. Interesting. (Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr.) and I made the observation that we will have more people. One year, there was 1,500 people…” For more information on the Gouverneur Trunk or Treat, call SVPC at (315) 713-4861.

Mayor McDougall also promoted the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s 28th annual Community Costume Spooktacular on Saturday, October 28, 11 a.m., at the Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur. There will be music, entertainment, costume party showcase, costume contest, Halloween parade and more festive fun. All ages are welcome. This event is weather permitting. For more information, call the Gouverneur Recreation Department at 315-287-0524. See related story inside this edition.

See the community calendar in this week’s Gouverneur Tribune Press for more local Halloween events.

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom. For more information, call 315-287-1720.

2023 Walk: Over $150,000 raised to support North Country breast, ovarian cancer patients

by Rachel Hunter

The North Country community arrived in the Gouverneur Village Park on Saturday, October 7 in strong support of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund at its 22nd annual walk.

It is estimated that over $150,000 was raised in support of the fund’s mission to provide financial assistance to those fighting Breast or Ovarian cancer or a cancer that has metastasized from those cancers. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund assists individuals who live in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin counties providing financial assistance with household, medical, travel, and living expenses during a patient's treatment of those cancers. Every penny of support goes directly to assist newly diagnosed patients with their recovery.

The 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk – as is becoming an annual tradition – is held during October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) to help promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects one in eight women in the United States every year and 2.3 million women worldwide. It falls soon after Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month each September, the second most common gynecologic cancer and the most deadly one in the country. The sea of pink and teal quickly amassed in the Gouverneur Village Park on Saturday morning, as hundreds gathered joined cancer survivors in walking in honor of a loved one battling cancer or in memory of someone lost to cancer. Pre-registration numbers grew over 100 persons strong before the 2023 walk, with hundreds more registering in-person. The first 300 persons to register received a thank-you bag filled with goodies from the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund and local sponsors. Each person who had over $40 in pledges donated received a free 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund T-shirt.

First Student Bus Garage of Gouverneur donating its services to all walkers starting at 9 a.m. through the end of the walk ceremonies at the Riverview Recreational Park. Many North Country residents took advantage of the service both to the Gouverneur Village Park and on the return trip following the ceremonies and raffle drawings. Much gratitude was extended to First Student of Gouverneur for its generous donation.

From breakfast available from Dunkin’ in Gouverneur to pink and teal hair extensions and informational booths from medical centers and organizations, there was something for everyone to do in the Gouverneur Village Park. Tickets were available for the Big Button Raffle (featuring hundreds of items from local businesses, artists/crafters, and more) the big raffle (featuring a 22-inch Leslie’s rose gold necklace with a Rose Gold Ribbon with a pink Sapphire and Teal Diamond with accent diamonds (retail value over $2,300), hand designed and set by Harland Brown of Brown’s Jewelry in Gouverneur). New this year, attendees had the opportunity to purchase pink and teal gumballs for a quarter donation.

The 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk – held annually rain or shine – saw a great turnout, despite the inclement rainy conditions. Pink and teal raincoats, umbrellas and other seasonable attire could be seen throughout the Gouverneur Village Park as the opening ceremonies began. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee welcomed all those in attendance, including several local dignitaries: New York State Assemblyman (116th District) Scott Gray, Gouverneur Village Mayor Ron McDougall, Town Councilman Curran Wade, Town Councilwoman Lory Whitton, Village Trustee Floyd McAdam, among others.

The crowd was energized by local media personalities, Community Broadcasters’ Johnny Spezzano and WWNY-TV’s Makenzie Piatt, at the onset of the opening ceremonies. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee and its guests this year were on a raised platform from KT Contracting in Gouverneur, due to the recent improvements to the Gouverneur Village Park. Mayor McDougall promised that the Kinney Gazebo would be installed by the 2024 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk. The national anthem was performed by Deb Ward of Gouverneur.

The guest speaker was Lynn Tharrett of Massena. “I absolutely love seeing the sea of pink and teal. It is so heartwarming to see everybody here today… This is my ninth year as a breast cancer survivor. I want to start off today by thanking this amazing organization. They have supported me ever since the very beginning. Terry Pistolesi reached out to me when I was first diagnosed in 2014, and she and all of these lovely women have been by my side since. I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for me, and for the women in our four counties. Thank you.

“When you are little, everyone always asks you what you want to be when you grow up. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher… but I never remember thinking that I wanted to be a cancer survivor. Yet, from the young age of 22, cancer has been something that has defined pretty much who I am today. In fact, it has defined me just as much as being a fifth grade teacher for 20 years has. It can’t be helped, because what we do and who we surround ourselves with, the decisions that we make, and the major events in our lives shape us like a ball of clay. At 22, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Hodgkins Lymphoma. I went through nine months of chemotherapy and came out a survivor five years later. When I was 36, I lost my dad to esophageal cancer at the veery young age of 58. At 42, I was diagnosed with HER2- multifocal, invasive ductal breast cancer. Since that time, my breast cancer has been back in my bones and my pleural cavity in 2017, 2019, and this past spring. Last December, I had to say goodbye to my best friend, my mom, also from cancer at the age of 69 – again, way too young. I guess you could say that life has handed me lots of lemons, especially in the form of cancer. I refuse to let it hold me down, because what I have learned through all of this, is that we all matter. But it is also what you make from those lemons that is going to define you. It is going to define who you are, what you do, and how you survive this thing called life. So today, I am encouraging all of you to take your lemons and turn them into pink lemonade with me. Thank you.”

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee was then introduced, including Mona Allen, Judy Bush, Tammy Blevins, Marilyn LaPierre, Bridgette LaPierre, Joey Shelly, and Terry Pistolesi. Much applause sounded for the work that the committee does all year-round.

Mrs. Pistolesi then took the microphone and said the following address: “Thank you so much for coming out today. It is more than we anticipated, considering the weather. Every one of you showed up. That’s what I wanted to say today. I heard from a friend that the most important thing to her when she was sick was people showing up. And I have not been able to forget that. It’s not just showing up today. It’s not showing up the day of diagnosis. But it is showing up when they are going through chemo. It is taking five minutes to send a note to say hello or making that phone call that most of us tend to forget… Show up. All of you today have shown up for every survivor, for everyone who is fighting this disease, and for everyone that we are honoring today in our memory. Thank you so much for showing up. It means more to all of us than you will ever know...”

The opening prayer was then offered by Fr. James “Jay” Seymour of St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur. The prayer of hope and comfort was taken from Psalm 62.

The sea of pink and teal then mustered out toward East Main Street in Gouverneur to start the one-mile walk to Mills Park, before crossing the pedestrian footbridge to the Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur. The walk was led by the Gouverneur Police Department, driven by Officer Sheen, in the GPD-412 apparatus. Next was the Superior Plus Propane’s “Delivering Hope” truck, followed by the Gouverneur Fire Department, and the Gouverneur Rescue Squad. The GPD and GFD assisted with traffic control. Grove and Church streets were closed by barricades provided by the Village of Gouverneur. The sea of pink and teal upon arrival at the Riverview Recreational Park in Gouverneur enjoyed refreshments, the survivor ceremony, and raffle drawings.

Much gratitude is extended to all those who showed support of the 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk, including over 80 local sponsors. Those who would still like to donate can mail their donation to: Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund, PO Box 64, Gouverneur, NY 13642. For more information, follow the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund’s Facebook page.

Gouverneur Memorial Arch restoration work nearing completion

by Rachel Hunter

D B Masonry in Gouverneur has nearly completed all of the repairs needed at the War Memorial Arch in the Gouverneur Village Park.

Owner Naaman Lowry told the Gouverneur Tribune Press this week that 95 percent of the project’s work is done.

The Village of Gouverneur contracted with D B Masonry in Gouverneur for the project work, which included repairs and cleaning to the Memorial Arch in the Gouverneur Village Park. The project included grinding out and repointing old mortar joints, repairs to the concrete top, restore the marble corner on the southwest corner of the arch, and the cleaning and powerwashing of the monument. The project cost was estimated to cost over $30,000, which was funded through a grant secured through New York State Senator Patty Ritchie’s office in 2019 to allow the Village of Gouverneur to make a series of upgrades to the Gouverneur Village Park. Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall told the public that the Memorial Arch was the Village’s top priority in the list of items to be addressed. Other project work will include the installation of a new gazebo and other improvements in the Gouverneur Village Park. (It is estimated that the village park improvements will continue on Monday, October 9.)

D B Masonry in Gouverneur told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the project was more involved and more expensive than previously projected, due to extensive amount of restoration work needed, especially at the top of structure.

“The grant was for $32,000. I had to do a change order for $7,800 because of the unsuspecting cracks in the stone that I had to fix,” Mr. Lowry said, explaining that it added to the materials cost and the estimated project time. The project was delayed from its original schedule due to backordered materials and supply chain shortages.

The repair and restoration work was daunting, but D B Masonry tackled it head-on this summer. “There were one to three inch cracks all the way across both sides of it,” Mr. Lowry said. “Over the years, all of that water got down in it, and calcified. We had to grind that out… and that was just from the water leaking inside. Once we started grinding some of the mortar joints out, there was nothing behind them but dirt. So it was lucky that we addressed it now.”

Mr. Lowry said the repairs will weatherproof the Memorial Arch against further damage, even during the North Country’s harsh winters.

“We repaired the top with a waterproofing concrete, and then we also sealed the top,” he said. “We also caulked the big joints with a waterproofer sealant, and then we put the concrete over that, so hopefully that will last a little bit.” Mr. Lowry suggests that the Village of Gouverneur look at the condition of the Memorial Arch every 10 to 15 years for maintenance purposes.”

The Village of Gouverneur asked D B Masonry to take the scaffolding down in readiness for the “sea of pink and teal” that will arrive in the Gouverneur Village Park for the 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk this Saturday, October 7. There is a small amount of sealant and joint-filling work that D B Masonry will tackle at a later time. D B Masonry in Gouverneur was “very proud” to do the repairs and restoration work on the War Memorial Arch for the Village of Gouverneur.

Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the Gouverneur Memorial Arch was built in the center of the downtown village park in 1905. The effort was funded by the local Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) from the proceeds of special postcards printed with the architect's design for the arch. The Gouverneur Museum reports that close to 200 families made additional donations. Their names were placed on a list that was sealed inside the cornerstone before it was laid. The memorial arch was dedicated on August 30, 1905, as part of the town's Centennial celebration. Over the arch is engraved "Lest We Forget," the theme and purpose of the monument. Various plaques list the names of Gouverneur's first settlers from 1805-1807, and local residents who lost their lives during the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Newly restored, the Gouverneur Memorial Arch continues to stand as one of the area’s most prominent landmarks in the Gouverneur Village Park. For more information about the Memorial Arch, visit www.gouverneurmuseum.com.

Gouverneur CSD Board of Education hears proposed capital project update

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education’s decision on the proposed $57.38 million capital project has been delayed.

GCSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly gave the following update at the Sept. 25 meeting: “As you know, the plan was to ask the board to vote on a resolution for the capital project at tonight’s meeting. As part of the capital project, the district must comply with the environmental review process required by the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The board cannot approve an action until the SEQR process is complete. The SEQR process is not yet complete. The paperwork has all been submitted to the DEC for review, so we are just waiting to hear from them. At this time, the plan is to bring the resolution for the capital project back to the Board of Education at the meeting on October 16, 2023. Once that is approved, an official date for the vote can be set. We are still planning on that being on December 12, 2023, and we are within our timeframe to do that. If anything changes, I’ll keep the public and the board informed.”

There was a lengthy discussion about the project’s use of capital reserve funds.

In other recent school news:

The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education meeting on September 11, 2023 opened with a 9/11 remembrance. “September 11, 2001 is a day that will live in infamy. In 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by the terrorist group Al-Qaeda. Two of the planes crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, another crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia (just outside Washington, D.C.), and the final plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to stop the hijackers from hitting their intended target of Washington, D.C. There was a total of 2,977 victims on that day and thousands of Americans have also died since then due to 9/11 related illnesses.” Supt. Kelly then called for a moment of silence “for the victims of this terrible terrorist attack.”

During discussion, the Staff Recognition Award was presented to GMS Music Instructor Sarah Stedman. “The District Shared Decision-Making Committee has chosen Sarah Stedman to receive the Staff Recognition Award for the month of June. If you attended any of the middle school concerts during the 2022 – 2023 school year, you would know why Sarah is the recipient of this month’s recognition award. The Wildcat chorus is incredible! She instills confidence and pride in her students and they leave middle school with a true love of music. Sarah makes personal connections with her students, and she schedules lessons and rehearsals during her planning time and after school in order to meet the needs of all.” Much gratitude was extended to Ms. Stedman as she accepted the honor.

GCS Supt. Kelly then shared the following Wildcat news items:

“Although we are only a few days into the school year, it has been a great start! It began Tuesday, September 5 th with the second Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony. All employees joined Mr. Fenlong and me in recognizing a number of the members of our faculty and staff who have achieved milestones in their careers at the Gouverneur Central School District. The employees who have achieved five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, and thirty-five years of service were recognized with a certificate and a pin. We also recognized all of our 33 new hires as well as the employees who have moved to new roles in the district. A sense of positivity and excitement swirled throughout the auditorium.

“Then on Thursday, we welcomed back our students. The students were greeted by an enthusiastic team of administrators, teachers, teaching assistants, aides, and staff in each of our buildings. It is great to have the students back.

“I’d also like to take a moment this evening to share an honor that the District received recently from Fort Drum. Prior to his reassignment to Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia, Garrison Commander Colonel James Zacchino presented the District with a Certificate of Appreciation for exceptional service and support to our military connected students from 2021 – 2023. The certificate states: “Gouverneur Central School District leaders and educators have served Fort Drum Families with great dedication and compassion. Your commitment to educational excellence personifies the Army value of selfless service to our military community. Your professionalism is above reproach and has ensured effective and consistent communication while providing top notch educational services. Thank you for your sincere care and outstanding support of our Fort Drum military connected students.” We wish Colonel Zacchino and his family the best of luck in his new role of Deputy Quartermaster Commandant and we look forward to working with the new Garrison Commander of Fort Drum Colonel Matthew Myer.”

The Gouverneur CSD Board of Education accepted the request for resignation from Heather Richardson (Secondary Mathematics Teacher, effective August 31, 2023) and Laura Ritchie (2.75-hour Food Service Helper, effective September 7, 2023).

The board also approved the following appointments:

Through the McKinney-Vento consortium grant, GCSD is able to have the following people support our identified homeless population: M-V DTST Members include Monica Scott, Kayley Learn, Pam Mahay (Support Leader), Stephanie Plaisted (Support Leader), Christie Warren, Jenelle Yeoman. M-V Mentors: Monica Scott (Liaison/Mentor); Hunter Hitchman, Kayley Learn, Christie Warren, Grace Mashaw.

The board approved Gouverneur Elementary Afterschool Tutoring – Instructors for the 2023-2024 school year: Corey Rogers, Penny Matice.

The board approved High School Afterschool Tutoring – Instructors for the 2023-2024 school year: Lisa Carbone, Sarah Wood, Sam Sochia, Nanette Holt, Jean Johnson.

The board appointed Billie Jean Sheen and Mackenzie D. Reynolds to the positions of Teacher Aide. The board appointed Kaylee Ordway to the position of Individual Aide. The board also approved the appointment of the following GCS staff as tutors for 2023-24: Lisa Carbone, Christine Cognetti, Tabitha Kirkpatrick, Jessica Miller, Marie Moore, Ken Nicholas, Kim Reed, Melinda Schiszler, Monica Scott, Robert Webster, Saddie Whitaker, Terri Whitaker, Cherie Zira.

The board approved the appointment of returning substitutes and tutors for 2023-24: Penny Matice, Tutor; Hannah Stowell, Teacher, Teaching Assistant. The board approved the appointment of the following new substitutes for 2023-24, pending completion of all requirements: Cafeteria: Penny Petrie. Classroom (Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Aide): Caitlin Cardinell; Alyssa Edick; Kaitlynn Morse; Nicole Marriott; Jamie Mitchell; Danielle Newton; Grace Pope; Brianna Prashaw; Danielle Towne. Clerical: Patricia LaClair.

The board also approved 2023-24 Advisors as follows: Cory Young (Deanonian, Grade 12 Advisor, Math Club, Webmaster), Emily Bason (Musical Director No. 1, Whiz Quiz), Robert Decker (GHS Art Club, Musical Set Director), Kylie Spinner (FFA), Brett Worden (Select Choir-Chamber Singers), Bethanie Denesha (Deanonian 2, Grade 11 Advisor), Julia Streeter (Honor Society 9-12), Paul Buell (Select Strings), Brett Lupi (Stage Band), Evelyn Barton (GHS Student Council), Sarah Wood (Varsity Club, Science Olympiad, Grade 11 Advisor), Samuel Sochia (Science Olympiad), Heather Parker (Grade 12 Advisor), Kathleen Stamper (Grade 10 Advisor), Jean Johnson (Grade 9 Advisor), Michael Bason (Competitive Speaking Club, Senior High Fall Play), Meaghan Matthews (Costume Club), Hailey Cook (Winter Color Guard), Alissa Collier (K-Kids Club), Brooke June (Elementary Robotics), Katherine Doster (Elementary Military Kids Club), Jenelle (Yeoman) Patchin (Pep Band, Tri-M Advisor).

The board also approved Pam Stevens for 12 hours (two days of curriculum work) with the 12:1:1 classroom.

The board approved the appointment of the following students as Monitors for the 2023-2024 school year, pending completion of all requirements: Kaden Wells, Gavin Davis, Madison Hopper. These students will be assisting in the Auditorium with lights, sound and stage setup for a number of events this school year.

The board acknowledged the unpaid leave of absence for childrearing purposes for a probationary employee from September 1, 2023 through April 16, 2024. The board approved the appointment of Anita Sleeman to the non-probationary position of long-term substitute.

The board approved the appointment of Joseph Wahl Jr. to the non-probationary position of long-term substitute for the Physical Education position that is encumbered by a vacancy, effective September 7 through November 8, 2023.

The school board approved the following teachers as mentors or mentees for the 2023-24 school year. The mentees include: Michele Brenno, Mike Bryant, Jamie DeRusso, Brett Lupi, Grace Mashaw, Julie Neiss, Korrine Patterson, Alexis Ritter, Kylie Spinner, Carol Trombly, Jade Walker, Gina White, Colter Whitmore, Pat Williams, Brett Worden. The mentors include: Brittany Buckmaster, Lisa Carbone, Alissa Collier, Robert Decker, Beth Denesha, Sara LaPoint, Brittany Lewis, Amber Ormasen, Monica Scott (mentoring 2 mentees), Elizabeth Siebels, Sam Sochia, Shawn Typhair, Marcy Tyler, Jenelle (Yeoman) Patchin (mentoring 2 mentees).

The board appointed Bette Prashaw, Carol Ormasen, and Jamie Mitchell as 2.75-hour food service helpers.

The board appointed Patricia Williams to the temporary position of Family and Consumer Science teacher, effective September 11, 2023 through June 26, 2024.

The board approved the appointment of Abigail Bowman as the Student Board Representative for 2023-24. Ms. Bowman is the president of the Student Senate and is a member of the High School Class of 2024. Vice President Bates commented that the board appreciates GHS Principal Cory Wood putting her name forward and they look forward to working with her.

The board approved a merger request with Harrisville Central School District to allow their students to participate on the Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Cross-Country Team at all levels during the 2023-24 school year.

The board accepted with gratitude and appreciation the donation of 100 bottles of sunscreen from Kinney Drugs to the district schools.

The board accepted with appreciation and gratitude the donation of $105 from the Class of 1973 received on September 6, 2023. This donation will be combined with a previous donation from the Class of 2018 in the amount of $1,850 to be donated to the new school store at he high school. Supt. Kelly shared the School Store was started by the Class of 2018. GHS Principal Wood said that, in addition to school supplies, general Wildcat apparel would be available, and students would run the store and learn about merchandising, etc. President extended gratitude to those involved for their generosity.

At the Sept. 25, the GCSD Board of Education welcomed the new Student Board Representative Abigail Bowman.

Supt. Kelly offered the following announcement in the Wildcat News segment: “I’m proud to announce the launch of the Positivity Project, fondly known as P2, across the district in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. The Positivity Project is an initiative designed to promote character strengths and foster a positive school culture. During the second week of school, the entire Gouverneur Middle School united in an extraordinary drone photo shoot, capturing an aerial view of the symbolic P2 shield. The Positivity Project, a widely recognized program, equips schools with resources to cultivate character development and positive relationships. By embracing the 24 character strengths, the Gouverneur Elementary School and the Gouverneur Middle School aims to create a supportive learning environment where students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Through the Positivity Project, the Gouverneur Central School District is committed to nurturing kindness, empathy, and collaboration among students. This week’s character trait is teamwork, and as adults we all know how important this trait is throughout life. I am looking forward to keeping the public and the board informed throughout the school year about the great success we experience with this new initiative.

“I’d also like to take a moment this evening to recognize Lauren French. The Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition to one individual who has shown exemplary commitment to public education. This award is going to be presented to Lauren, Retired Life Member and former superintendent of the Gouverneur Central School District. Lauren served on the Board of Directors for LEAF, Inc., the Executive Committee, House of Delegates, Commissioner’s Advisory Council, the Conference Committee, and the Membership Sub-committee and has presented at Women’s Initiative programs, the Future Superintendents’ Academy (FSA), and the New Superintendents’ Institute throughout her career as a superintendent. In retirement, she continues to support both NYSCOSS and LEAF, Inc. through teaching FSA participants and co-facilitating a webinar series on personal and financial wellness for education leaders with Equitable. She also serves as a leadership coach for LEAF, Inc.’s Leadership Coaching program. This award will be presented to Lauren during the opening keynote on Sunday, October 1, 2023… Congratulations to Lauren.” Great applause sounded in recognition of Mrs. French’s great achievements.

The school board was invited to attend the Southwest Tech (BOCES) Open House on Oct. 5, 5 to 7 p.m., in Fowler.

The school board approved a series of memorandum of agreements. A MOA was approved between GCSD and the Gouverneur Education Association to recognize the Fall and Spring Trap Team advisors as presented. A MOA between GCSD and the Gouverneur Education Association was approved to provide addition compensation to teachers who voluntarily forfeit a preparation period in order to provide coverage for a class period and teaching assistants who substitute teach when no substitutes or other appropriate means are available. A MOA between GCSD and the Gouverneur School Related Personnel Union was approved to provide the additional compensation to teacher aides who substitute teach when no substitutes or other appropriate means are available. A MOA between GCSD and the Gouverneur Administrators Association was approved to include provisions for the job title of athletic coordinator for 2023-24 as presented.

The school board approved the following appointments: GES Afterschool Tutoring Instructor (Caitlyn Sullivan), GMS Afterschool Tutoring Instructors (Kim Reed, Melissa Sweeney, Jennifer Wilcox, Danielle Peake, Terri Whitaker, Brandon Griffin, Robert Webster, Christine Cognetti, Nola Farns, Julie Neiss, Melinda Schiszler, Shari Ronas, Gina Taylor, Sean Devlin, Lisa Stowell), GMS Afterschool Tutoring Lead Teacher Stacey Devlin, High School Detention Monitors Bob Dunkelberg and Lisa Dunkelberg.

The board also approved the following substitute appointments. For Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Aide: Hailey Cook, Gina Johnson, Alexandria Klimowicz, Bridget White. For Cafeteria: Britney Gardner, Amy Saxbury-Christensen. For Clerical: Patricia Bush.

The board approved the following 2023-24 advisors: Paul Cappellino (Fall Trapshooting Team), Brandon Griffin (Drama Club 7/8), Monica Scott (Honor Society 7/8), Heather Rose (Student Council 7/8), Sarah Stedman (Military Kids Club HS/MS), Kelly Wilson (Military Kids Club HS/MS), and Lisa Stowell (History Club).

The board approved the appointment of Cortney Evans-Eppolito as a Lifeguard Instructor for the 2023-2024 school year.

The board appointed Kylie Helvie to the temporary position of special education teacher (September 26, 2023 to June 26, 2024).

The board granted an unpaid leave of absence to Aaron McEathron from his position as physical education teacher for the purpose of serving as the athletic coordinator for the 2023-24 school year.

The board acknowledged the medical leave for an employee from September 5 to September 28, 2023.

The board approved the leave of absence of Kimberly Flood from her position as Food Service Helper (5-hour) and appoint her as a long-term substitute cook (6.5-hour) for an employee, beginning on September 26, 2023 to continue until employee returns, expected on or about December 31, 2023.

The board formally accepted the gift of the donation from the family and friends of Mrs. Jenny Reddick (’64), in the amount of $325.00, and increase the 2023-24 budget by the same. Ms. Reddick passed away June 12, 2023. In her memory the family asked in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the GHS Art Department. It is the wish of the family to provide these funds to assist our Art Department to encourage and develop our student artists. This gift is in addition to that accepted at the July 31, 2023 regular Board of Education meeting.

The next meeting of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education will be held on Monday, October 16, 5:30 p.m., in the GHS auditorium. For more information, visit gcsk12.org.

Public welcome to Open Swim at GHS Pool

The Gouverneur High School has announced that open swim began on Monday, September 25th.

Morning swim will be offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 to 7:15 a.m.

It will be open to the public for a cost of $1.25 per person.

For more info, please call the Gouverneur CSD Athletic Office at 315-287-1900.

Giant Pumpkin Drop thrills crowd at 12th annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival

by Rachel Hunter

The 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival drew crowds to the Gouverneur Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 24 to witness the Giant Pumpkin Drop. An annual fall tradition for many local families, the Giant Pumpkin Drop was truly a hit as residents from all over St. Lawrence County and beyond witnessed the pumpkin-smashing action

The promise of big cash prizes drove North Country residents to purchase raffle tickets for the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival’s Giant Pumpkin Drop at pre-festival sale locations (including the Gouverneur Farmers Market) and at the Pumpkin Fest on Saturday and Sunday. Among the local dignitaries present on Sunday were Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Jay Bowhall, and St. Lawrence County Legislator District 5 Harry Smithers (R-Gouverneur).

The pumpkin dropped was a 486-pounder grown by Fair Director Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur. It was gutted of its meat and seeds by Fair Director Dave Bishop of DeKalb. The public was then invited to take the giant pumpkin seeds, and grow their own giant pumpkin for exhibition at the 2024 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival. The pumpkin was then relocated to the Horse Show Ring on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds, where it was harnessed and filled with water and numbered golf balls for the Giant Pumpkin Drop contest by a well-oiled team of volunteers and officials from the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association. The numbers on the golf balls corresponded with raffle tickets sold in advance of the contest. Big cash prizes were promised to the top three winners, after the lengths traveled had been measured and the furthest traveled determined.

At the 4 p.m. start time, the 486-pound pumpkin now brought in estimates of a 700-pound weight after being gutted and filled with water and golf balls. The crane, donated by RSI Roofing Inc. in Gouverneur and operated by Barry Turner, then lifted the harnessed gourd up in the air a total of 75 feet. With great anticipation, the crowd with the help of Fair Manager Don Peck of Edwards began the countdown. The giant pumpkin was released by Pastor Dave Hart of Richville with assistance from the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association officials. Moments later, the giant pumpkin smashed onto the wooden surface below, sending pumpkin meat, water and the numbered golf balls flying in all directions.

After some measuring and determinations, local youths helped to gather the golf balls from the grounds in and around the Horse Show Ring as the results were determined by Fair Secretary April Patton and Treasurer Linda Bishop. The results then were announced by Fair Manager Don Peck of Edwards and echoed by Chamber Director Connie Stowell of Gouverneur as follows: The first place prize of $500 went to Jessica Sweet of Gouverneur (golf ball numbered 218 traveled a total of 122.2 feet). The second place prize of $250 went to Rachel Riley of Richville (golf ball numbered 850 traveled a total of 111.3 feet). The third place prize of $100 went to TJ Simmons of Gouverneur (golf ball numbered 105 traveled a total of 105.6 feet). Congratulations were extended to all the winners.

Throughout the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival, local youth had the opportunity to win pumpkin giveaways. The pumpkins were provided by Charlie Burt of Rowan’s Little Pumpkin Ridge of Gouverneur and Mike Livingston of DeKalb. The youth winners were all smiles as they gratefully accepted the pumpkins, and gratitude was extended to the local pumpkin growers for making the giveaways possible.

The North Country community, still riding on the high from the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival, is already making plans to attend the 13th annual event in 2024.

For more information on the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association or the Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival, visit gouverneurfair.net.

Gouverneur Recreation Department to offer scarecrow making, games and more at 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Recreation Department will offer scarecrow making, carnival games, scavenger hunt and other children’s activities at the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival this Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. The announcement was made at the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees meeting on September 19 by Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell. In 2023, the Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival is a two-day event, September 23-24. See the full schedule inside this edition.

Director Canell also reported the Gouverneur Recreation Department’s Fall 2023 schedule as follows:

The Before-School Morning Program meets weekdays at the Gouverneur Elementary School. In partnership with the Gouverneur Central School District, the enrichment program features early morning wake-up activities, interactive social play, arts and crafts, breakfast and more. Highlights this month included a Meet and Greet with families at the school.

There is bus transportation provided by the Gouverneur Central School District for the After-School Program (Recreation Center Studio), which offers recreational opportunities exploring the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) field. There are theme days and guests with fine arts appreciation, gaming stations with tournaments, interactive social play. The after-school program is open on Monday and Wednesday from Grades 2-4 and Tuesday and Thursday for UPK-Grade 1. Highlights this month included fall fun theme days.

Toddler Town continues to meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The recreational preschool playgroup program features interactive socialization, music, art, story, snack, and active play.

The Senior Citizens Program continues to meet on Friday mornings for bingo and coffee social. The program features food bingo games with socialization. All area seniors are welcome.

Much gratitude was extended to the Spilman family for their continued support of the Rec Center facility.

The next meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on October 17, 6 p.m., at the municipal courtroom. For more information about the Gouverneur Recreation Department, call 315-287-0524.

12th Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival this weekend

by Rachel Hunter

Fair President Beth Martin selling raffle tickets ahead of the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Fest’s Giant Pumpkin Drop, which will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 24 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. The funds raised will go to support the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. (Rachel Hunter photo)

The 12th Annual Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival, presented by the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair and the Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Saturday, September 23, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. Proceeds raised will help the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Association with its building and maintenance fund. Much gratitude is extended to this year’s sponsors, including RSI Roofing, Gouverneur Garden Club, Blevins Ford, and Crane Operator Barry Turner.

A crowd favorite now for over a decade, the Giant Pumpkin Drop will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The public is invited to purchase $5 raffle tickets, and have the chance to win big cash prizes at the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival. Each entrant’s corresponding number will be on a numbered golf ball that is put into a giant pumpkin in advance of the drop. The top three golf balls that travel the furthest are then determined, and the winners announced. Big cash payouts are promised, and the local winners will not be disappointed. The prize for the furthest ball traveled is $500, second place is $250, and third place is $100.

Tickets will be available for sale in pre-festival locations throughout the Gouverneur community. Fair Director Lyle Hotis of Gouverneur harvested his giant pumpkins on Wednesday, September 20 and they will be available for viewing in various locations before the Pumpkin Fest as volunteers sell pre-festival Giant Pumpkin Drop tickets. Follow the fair’s Facebook page for up-to-date information on the pre-festival ticket sale dates and locations.

One of the giant pumpkins grown by Mr. Hotis will be the one used for the 2023 Giant Pumpkin Drop on Sunday. Giant Pumpkin Drop tickets will also be available throughout the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival on the Gouverneur Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday.

Giant Pumpkin growers from all over the North Country will converge at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds for the 2023 Giant Pumpkin Weight Contests. All growers can bring their entries on Saturday or Sunday. The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off will be held on Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow. Prizes will be distributed to the top winners. The prizes in the senior division are as follows: first prize ($200), second prize ($100), and third prize ($50). The prizes in the junior division are as follows: first prize ($50), second prize ($25), and third prize ($10). There also will be a Guess The Pumpkin Weight 50/50 Raffle, tickets will be $1 each. There also will be free pumpkin giveaways for the youth.

Vendor space is still available to crafters, vendors, and flea marketers, and registration forms are now available online at gouverneurfair.net and gouverneurchamber.net.

The 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival schedule is as follows:

The Pumpkin Festival fun will begin on Saturday, September 23 with craft show, children’s activities, vendors, food (hot dog cart, New York Pizzeria, Cotton Candy N More, Mullins, etc.), and games. There will be a chicken barbecue, $15 per dinner, starting at noon till sold out. Only 100 chicken halves will be available for sale, so all those interested in enjoying the scrumptious chicken barbecue dinner is encouraged to come early and enjoy the meals at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. The Gouverneur Pumpkin Cruise-In Classic Car Show, sponsored by Blevins Ford, will be held on Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m. The long-awaited auction (in-person and Facebook live) will be held at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds Youth Building for the exceptional pieces created by chainsaw carving artist Jennifer Black at the 2023 Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair. The North Country can preview the items anytime during the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival. Advance photos have also been posted to the Don Peck Auctioneer Facebook page.

On Sunday, September 24, the fun will begin at 8 a.m. with registration for the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur’s annual Pumpkin Run/Walk 5K. There will be yoga at 8:15 a.m., walk/run kick-off at 8:45 a.m., mat pilates at 9:45 a.m., and zumba at 10:05 a.m. The cost is a $35 registration fee. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook. The UMC Gouverneur Church Service will follow at 11 a.m. in the FFA Building.

The craft show and draft horse wagon rides (by Bango Valley Percherons) will be held on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Steelin’ Country will perform in the Youth Building from noon to 2 p.m. The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. with the awards for youths and adults to follow. The Giant Pumpkin Drop will be held at 4 p.m. There also will be children’s activities by the Gouverneur Recreation Center on Sunday.

With something for everyone, the 2023 Gouverneur Pumpkin Festival promises to be a community event not to be missed. For more information, visit the Gouverneur Fair website, www.gouverneurfair.net.

Local poultry fanciers crow about awards

by Rachel Hunter

North Country poultry fanciers were among the over 125 exhibitors at the 41st Annual Show of the Twin Tier Poultry Club in Bath, NY. The show included over 1,300 birds (226 large fowl, 713 bantams, 381 waterfowl, 6 guineas, and 3 turkeys).

Among the honors presented at the show, Twin Tier Poultry Club Show Secretary Robert Whitney presented the following honors to the local poultry fanciers:

Floyd Rood of Hermon won Champion Old English Game Bantam in the Open Show. His granddaughter, Makayla Brown of Hermon, won Champion Old English Game Bantam in the Junior Show.

Autumn Genter of Edwards won Reserve Champion Continental in the Junior Show for her Salmon Faverolles.

Other North Country poultry fanciers participating in the open competition included the following: John Hunter of Can-Am Cluckers in Gouverneur, Tim Tallman of North Bangor, Craig and Tammy Cook of Lisbon, and Keep on Truckin’ Homestead in LaFargeville. The local poultry fanciers also enjoyed connecting with exhibitors from all over the United States (Florida, Maine, Ohio, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, Vermont, New Jersey, West Virginia) and Canada.

Rachel Hunter of Gouverneur won the top prizes in the Twin Tier Club Poultry Club’s 2023 Arts and Crafts Competition, winning Grand Champion and People’s Choice honors for a 5x7 inch acrylic painting depicting the poultry evaluation at a previous Northern New York Poultry Fanciers Fall Show. The painting was matted and framed in a 8x10 inch barnwood frame that was purchased through North Country CrossRoads in Gouverneur. She also received Reserve Grand Champion for a 5x7 photo of a Columbian Wyandotte at Can-Am Cluckers in Gouverneur. She also received first place honors on a rooster-themed handpainted wooden pendant.

The North Country poultry fanciers extended much gratitude to the Twin Tier Poultry Club for the exceptional show experience, and look forward to exhibiting once again in 2024.

The Northern New York Poultry Fanciers will promote poultry excellence this Sunday, September 17 at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds with its 25th Fall Show. NNYPF President John Hunter of Gouverneur said over 4s00 birds have been registered into the competition. Judging will start at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call NNYPF Show Secretary Floyd Rood of Hermon at 315-379-9498.

Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament raises over $11,000 to support breast, ovarian cancer patients

by Rachel Hunter

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 10 at the Gouverneur Country Club raised over $11,000 for the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. A North Country tradition for over two decades, the benefit golf tournament has raised over $2 million in its history, and helped about 1,000 people. The event in 2023 was named in memory of Carolyn Pistolesi, a founding member of the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund, who passed away on September 11, 2022.

The origin story of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund has been reported as follows: After losing a very dear friend to Breast Cancer in 2000, Carolyn Pistolesi and Marilyn LaPierre decided to show their support in the fight against Breast Cancer by participating in a Breast Cancer Walk/Run in Norwood, New York in August. Monies raised at this event went to help women who were diagnosed with Breast Cancer through the Healthy Living Partnership of St. Lawrence County and the Jefferson/Lewis Healthy Women's Partnership.

These two partnerships had money through state funds to help diagnose women, but if they were above the qualifying financial assistance level once diagnosed, there were no funds to help them in their treatment. All funds raised during the event were used to provide treatment and services to these women. On the way home, both women felt good that they had done something positive in memory of their dear friend Donna Weldon.

A few weeks went by, and these two women, both members of the Gouverneur Business Women Club, were together again doing something related to Breast Cancer. During their monthly meeting, DeDe Walter, a local businesswomen, community member, mother, wife, sister, and Breast Cancer survivor, happened to be the month's guest speaker. DeDe was on the Board of Directors for the not-for-profit that supported the walk attended by Carolyn and Marilyn back in August. She talked about the upcoming major fundraiser in October and her involvement in the cause, but what really touched the group was when she spoke about her experience dealing with Breast Cancer. How she felt, how her family and friends rallied around her to support her as best they could, and her fears for her daughter as she became older. She also spoke of what she wanted to see for other Breast Cancer patients in the future. She was one of the lucky ones; she had survived and had a story to tell.

After DeDe was done speaking and the members wiped away a tear or two, then president Marilyn LaPierre said, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could do something like that too." With that statement, the Gouverneur Business Women's Breast Cancer Walk was started. The members talked and bounced ideas around, and Marilyn asked for volunteers. Six women said they would start the committee. Marilyn LaPierre, Carolyn Pistolesi, Judy Bush, Mona Allen, Becky Fiacco, and Terry Hitsman-Moses. The committee formed, ideas were had, and now it was time to put it all together and achieve the results they desired, to help women in the Gouverneur area who couldn't afford all the extra expenses brought on when fighting Breast Cancer.

Living in a small community with a population base of about 4,500 residents, no one knew what to expect from the first walk. The committee members all voiced what they thought they'd raise, with the most aggressive goal being $10,000.00. They all decided that whoever had the closest goal to the actual amount raised would be taken out for the dinner of their choice. No committee member was prepared when they raised over $19,500.00 in the first year. The idea of making the walk an annual event was discussed, and decided that the committee needed to create its own organization. With the advice of a local attorney, the application to become a 501(c)3 was completed, bylaws written, and official board members named. Effective March 21, 2003, the official not-for-profit exemption was official. In 2014, the "Gouverneur Business Women's Breast Cancer Walk Fund" became "Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund." A new website was launched to observe the change. In 2020, the walk was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Fund decided to attempt a "virtual" walk to be held during the months of September and October 2020. The 2021 Walk was cautiously scheduled for October 2, 2021. In 2022 the very successful Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk was held on October 1, 2022. Also, in 2022, the organization officially became the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund, as the name better aligns with the Fund’s mission.

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund’s mission is to alleviate at least some of the financial burden patients face during their treatment and allow them to focus on recovery and healing. Patients receive financial assistance with medical expenses, household expenses, rent, mortgages and car payments as a few examples. All support goes directly to assist newly diagnosed patients with their recovery. The Fund assists individuals who live in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin counties, New York, by providing financial assistance with household, medical, travel, and living expenses during a patient's treatment of both breast and ovarian cancers.

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament drew its own sea of pink and teal to the Gouverneur Country Club with North Country residents making donations to support the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund, while remembering the life and legacy of Carolyn Pistolesi. Although Carolyn’s journey with this disease was short, her legacy continues through the organization that she was so dedicated to, and her vision continues to touch the lives of men and women in their fight.

The teams were greeted by the Gouverneur Breast and Fund Committee, including volunteers Judy Bush, Connie Stowell, and Terry Pistolesi at the registration table.

Organizer Connie Stowell of Gouverneur welcomed all those in attendance at the 1 p.m. start. “The most important thing is to have fun today. We are going to make Carolyn proud,” she said. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund and all those in attended extended gratitude to Connie Stowell for her fundraising efforts every year.

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament also included raffles, food, and fun for all.

Terri Moore of Gouverneur was proclaimed the winner of the $500 Princess House Shopping Spree, which was donated by Connie Stowell.

Many of those in attendance showed much interest in the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund’s raffle for a 22-inch Leslie’s rose gold necklace with a Rose Gold Ribbon with a pink Sapphire and Teal Diamond with accent diamonds (retail value over $2,300), which was hand designed and set by Harland Brown of Brown's Jewelry in Gouverneur. Raffle tickets for the necklace and the many items donated by local businesses and community members in the button raffle are now available from any Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee Member and will also be available at the Walk. The drawing will be held on October 7.

The 2023 Carolyn Pistolesi Memorial Golf Tournament received support from the Gouverneur community through event and hole sponsorships, donations for the raffle table and more. Much gratitude was extended to the following sponsors: Kinney Drugs Foundation, Casablanca, Gouverneur Hospital, Joel and Bridgette LaPierre and girls, Pistolesi Girls, KT Contracting, Pistolesi Rentals, Northland Veterinary Clinic, Patti Visconti and Laura Carbone, Lauren French, Fun Unlimited, Barb and Phil Tulley, Anita and Tom Sleeman, Gouverneur Savings and Loan, Route 11 Diner, Community Bank, Luanne and Tom Hilts, Chris and Al Betrus, Bill Miller Painting, as well as those who donated raffle items and volunteered.

The 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk will be held on Saturday, October 7. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. in the Village Park, or register online at www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com. The first 300 registrations received will receive a free gift bag, and all who donate with a minimum of $40.00 registration fee, receive a free t-shirt. The public is reminded that all donations are used to support patients going through breast, ovarian cancer, or a cancer that has metastasized from said cancers, living in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis or Franklin Counties of New York. For more information, visit www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com.

Pickleball craze hits Gouverneur

by Rachel Hunter

The pickleball craze is going strong in Gouverneur – with no sign of souring any time soon.

The pickleball courts at Mills Park in Gouverneur were established in 2022, thanks to $1,000 in memorial and private contributions. The courts were recently resurfaced thanks to the Village of Gouverneur who allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the improvement of Mills Park, including the pickleball courts. It is anticipated that colors will be added in Spring 2024. Now, over a year since the third pickleball court was added in Mills Park, the pickleball craze has hit a fever pitch, and the Gouverneur, NY Pickleball group is inviting people of all levels and abilities to join the fun.

What is pickleball? Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport in which two (singles) or four (doubles) players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball with paddles over a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits an infraction. The game was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the summer home of Joel Pritchard, who later served in the United States Congress and as Washington's lieutenant governor. Pritchard and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, are credited with devising the game and establishing the rules.

While it resembles tennis and table tennis, pickleball has specific rules, paddles and court dimensions. The court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, and the paddle is larger than the one used in table tennis. The hard plastic ball used in pickleball produces less bounce than tennis balls. On each side of the net is a 7-foot area known as the non-volley zone (or the kitchen), where the ball must bounce before it is hit. The rules specify side-out scoring, where only the server can score a point. The minimal amount of bounce, the non-volley zones, and the underhanded stroke with which all serves are made, give the game a dynamic pace.

Between 1965 and 2020, pickleball became a popular sport in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, and began to grow in popularity elsewhere. In 2021-2023, the sport was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and by 2023 it was estimated to have over 4.8 million players. The growing popularity of the sport has been attributed to its short learning curve, its appeal to a wide range of ages and fitness levels, and its low startup costs. There are now thousands of pickleball tournaments throughout the United States.

Organizer Barbara Little told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that the concept of pickleball is a beautiful combination of camaraderie and competitiveness, and that people of all levels and abilities can enjoy the sport. “It is a great way to meet people,” she said. The Gouverneur Pickleball Courts are often in use, and those who want to join are encouraged to come to Mills Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m., or on Saturdays. Join the Gouverneur, NY Pickleball Facebook group or visit www.playtimescheduler.com to discover the best time to head to the local courts.

Certified Pickleball Instructor Michael Rivers of Watertown has a passion for pickleball and wants to see the sport grow through Northern New York. He has been a frequent fixture at the Gouverneur courts – putting on clinics and giving guidance and instruction on the game of pickleball to those in attendance. He also has put on clinics in Alexandria Bay, Watertown, Croghan, and more. “I just want to get people enthused,” he said. “It’s addictive. You can chat back and forth and exchange cherry cobbler recipes if you want. It’s fun. We’re not curing cancer. We’re just having fun. I play in tournaments. I compete. But anywhere in between, it’s fun… The rules of this sport are so unique that it mitigates the difference in skill level. When I was playing competitive racquetball, I played someone that was just starting – and it was no fun for them, and no fun for me. But that doesn’t happen in this sport really… now don’t get me wrong, good players find who the weak players are, and they attack. But if you can master the three shots… and I teach them in every clinic… serve, return a serve, third shot. If you know those, you can play. I just love it. And most of these guys when we started were 2.0. They couldn’t serve. They didn’t know the rules. They’ve got a ways to go, but we’ve been doing this a while… The goal is to make this fun, so that you don’t get into pickleball snobbery where the 4.0 doesn’t want to play with the 2.5. I don’t play like that. You just pick your rotation and you go out and have fun. It’s a great sport.”

Anyone interested in pickleball is encouraged to join the Gouverneur, NY Pickleball group and get involved as this sport continues to grow throughout the North Country and beyond.

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is this Saturday

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur will be held this Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds.

The free, fun walk will be led by Gouverneur’s own Brittany Terpstra, PA, from the Community Health Center of the North Country. The topic is “Staying Active This Coming Winter.” The event is open for all and is for people of all abilities.

There is great anticipation for the second and final Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur of the 2023 year.

Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur is made possible thanks to the Community Health Center of the North Country, St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, and a Bridge To Wellness: St. Lawrence County Health Improvement Plan.

Walk With a Doc is a local chapter of an international 501(c)3 that is inspiring communities through movement and conversation. With an aim to make hope and health accessible to everyone around the world, the doctor-led walking groups are safe, fun and a free place to get in some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends.

Walk With A Doc was started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move.

Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort with a model based on sustainability and simplicity. A doctor gives a brief presentation on a health topic and then leads participants on a walk at their own pace. In 2009, Walk With A Doc became an official 501(c)(3) and added an Executive Director with a focus on building a program that could easily be implemented by interested doctors in other cities around the country. As a result of these efforts, the reach of Walk with a Doc now extends all around the globe with over 500 chapters worldwide, including Walk with a FUTURE Doc chapters led by medical students.

Walking was recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States of America as one of the single most important things we can do for our health. Now, as we usher in 2023, is the time to join the movement in making health and happiness accessible for all.

Walk With A Doc has released a list of 100 reasons why walking is important, and it can be viewed online at walkwithadoc.org. Did you know that walking is one of the best things you can do for your health? Many diseases, conditions, and ailments can be prevented or even healed by participating in regular physical activity. Fortunately, even moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can provide these health benefits.

The public is welcome to join Walk With A Doc in Gouverneur this Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m., at the Gouverneur Fairgrounds. For more information, contact the Community Health Center of the North Country at 315-713-9369.

GH Auxiliary Antiques In The Park deemed a success

by Rachel Hunter

Treasure seekers were thrilled at the variety of antiques available for purchase from vendors across the North Country region at the 26th Antiques In The Park, sponsored by the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary. All funds raised will be used in support of the Gouverneur Hospital, an affiliate of St. Lawrence Health and Rochester Regional Health.

The event was moved to the St. James School gymnasium due to inclement weather. This was the first time in the event’s history that it was not held in the Gouverneur Village Park. But the rain didn’t dampen the spirits as big smiles and joy-filled laughter filled the St. James School as North Country residents enjoyed talking with the vendors. There were streams of customers throughout the day, as the local community greatly welcomed the return of Antiques In The Park. With continued support, it will continue to be a thriving fundraiser for the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary and continue to grow in future years.

The Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary held their big raffle fundraiser for an antique picture frame (donated by the Gouverneur Museum) filled with a $100 bill and $100 worth of lottery tickets (made possible by the GH Auxiliary). Raffle tickets were $2 each or three tickets for $5. Pre-sale tickets were sold at the Lifesaver Gift Shop at the Gouverneur Hospital as well as Kinney Drugs on Clinton Street. Tickets were also available for sale at the 2023 Antiques in the Park, and GH Auxiliary members warmly greeted all those in attendance. The winner’s name was picked at the 3 p.m. drawing, and the winner was Collette Green from Gouverneur.

Many North Country residents also participated in the silent auction, which was made possible due to the great support from community members, local artists and small businesses. As well, there was much support at the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary bake sale, at the Nibbles Snackery food truck, and more.

There is much anticipation for the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary’s Antiques In The Park to return in 2024. For more information on the Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary, call GHA President Kim Halpin at 315-276-4494.

Bottle/Can Drive Fundraiser to benefit Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Basketball Program is Monday

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Basketball Program will hold a can and bottle drive fundraiser on Monday, September 4, 9 a.m. to noon, at Newvine’s NAPA Auto Parts in Gouverneur. Volunteers are also willing to pick-up cans and bottles at local residences and businesses on Monday. Call 315-212-6515 to arrange for pick-up.

The funds raised will go towards the purchase of new basketball warm-ups for the JV and Varsity teams, and to offset the cost of entry fees for upcoming tournaments, and team dinners throughout the school year.

All North Country residents are urged to show their support of the Gouverneur Wildcats at this fundraiser. For more information on the Gouverneur Wildcat Boys Basketball Program, visit their Facebook page.

Notice: Village streets to be paved on Monday, Tuesday

The Village of Gouverneur Department of Public Works has informed the motoring public that Grove Street, Helena Street, and McKean Street is expected to be paved on Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29. Work will begin at 7 a.m. and continue throughout the two days. If inclement weather exists, the scheduled will change.

During the two days, throughout the day, these streets may be shut down to thru traffic and only emergency vehicles will be allowed through.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation,” Village of Gouverneur DPW Supt. TJ Simmons said.

For more information about the Village of Gouverneur, call 315-287-1720.