It’s always nice when the community and the school district join together in a blue-and-gold hug-fest… that’s exactly what was witnessed this past weekend, and it was as refreshing as the warm weekend breezes to witness (see photos in this issue).
For generations Gouverneur has taken pride in our school district, clubs and teams… oh I know what you’re thinking, don’t all school districts and communities have those kind of bonds?
Surprisingly, that is not always the case. But it’s easier when the community, for the most part, cares about their school, the students who are educated there and the teams, clubs and programs that are formed and founded in the schools.
It’s made a whole lot easier when the people who make the decisions in the school district understand how important spirit and pride are to a community, and their children, and allow for these important events to take place.
For the last few years Gouverneur Central has turned spirit week, at least partially, into a community event. The bulk of the work in making this event a reality is carried out by dedicated individuals who take the time to organize… the end result is big crowds of former students, getting together to shake hands with current students, coaches and parents. The end result is a blue and gold love fest which only lasts for a few hours each year, but speaks volumes about the rich past of this school district.
Who better to talk about Wildcat pride to a bunch of young football players than a bunch of old football players, who heard those same cheers when they were carving their way to successful football seasons.
With street talk concerning gangs, violence, drugs and crime… it’s nice to witness community activities like those of this past weekend’s Homecoming. Where people from several different generations get together to discuss Gouverneur, and our young people.
It also helps when the football team wins!
Oktoberfest is coming
The Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce will present their annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 9, in the Gouverneur park. This event is turning into a unique celebration that seems to be greatly enjoyed by the community. Look in next week’s Tribune-Press for more details and make plans now to be a part of the annual Oktoberfest, October 9th.

-Dick Sterling

 

Football Reunion Weekend was wonderful

To the Editor,
On behalf of the Gouverneur football program and coaches, we would like note our appreciation to all of the Gouverneur Football Alumni members and everybody involved in making Saturday's homecoming and Gouverneur Football Alumni Day a huge success.
The day was full of great events, including the introduction of Gouverneur Football Alumni, from past to present, and the honoring of the 1959 and 1982 championship teams. The display of community and school pride was outstanding, and very well received by everybody involved.
We look forward to next year's events.
For more information on Gouverneur Football Alumni, send an email to gouverneurfootball@hotmail.com.
Your support in creating a great weekend in Gouverneur is sincerely appreciated.

Sean Devlin
Head Football Coach
Gouverneur

 

Tribune-Press Letters to the Editor…

Upset about memory stone

To the Editor,
I was up in Gouverneur on vacation last August and bought a memory stone for our dad, Everette Floyd Goodale. It’s now Semtember of 2010, and it’s still hasn’t been placed in the Village Park. It’s in, but its sitting in the village office.
I contacted the village and spoke to the receptionist and she was going to leave and message for Mayor Dorothy Vorce, who was out sick. They assured me that she would call me back because I live in Florida.
Did I get a phone call back… no! I had to follow up myself and then The mayor apologized to me and told me how sorry she is that its taken so long, and how come its taken so long, because there is a guy that volunteers to do the work.
If he can't do it, aren’t there plenty of village workers that are getting paid that can do it… how long is it going to take to put 10 to 15 memory stones down?
How many other people are in my shoes that don't know that there loved ones memory stone isn't down. We paid for it, and it sure didn't take them but a couple of days to cash the check, as a matter a fact I was still in town when they cashed my check.
So until now the memory stone that we paid for still sits in the village office, because nobody knows how to put them down, except for a volunteer.
I wonder … am I going to have to fly back to New York and do it myself?

Sincerely,

Mandi Goodale
Florida,
formerly of Gouverneur

Tribune-Press Letter to the Editor

Fresh Air Fund still going strong

To the Editor,
This year, 30 New York City children found out once again just how special summer is in St. Lawrence County. Fresh Air Fund hosts, volunteers and local supporters dedicated their time and efforts to help these inner-city youngsters experience simple summertime pleasures, including afternoons of swimming, fishing at sunset and roasting s’mores over a campfire.
None of this would be possible without Melody Rishe, your local Fresh Air Fund volunteer leader, who works throughout the year to make sure host families and children have the opportunity to enjoy memorable summertime experiences together. I invite you to join Melody and the local Fresh Air Fund committee to help spread the word about the wonderful opportunity of hosting next summer.
The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to over 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.
For more information on how you can help to continue this wonderful tradition of volunteering, please call Melody Rishe at 315-394-4444 or visit www.freshair.org.

Sincerely,

Jenny Morgenthau
Executive Director
New York, NY

 

Aubertine named to “Circle of Friends”

To the Editor,
I am pleased to announce that New York Farm Bureau has recently named Senator Darrel Aubertine to our annual "Circle of Friends" list. This legislative award is granted based upon his record of legislative support for New York agriculture and Farm Bureau. New York Farm Bureau is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse elected officials or political candidates.
Senator Aubertine joins a number of other legislators in the Senate and Assembly that have a superior voting record on issues and have shown strong support for the New York farm industry during the 2010 state legislative session. Each member of the New York Farm Bureau "Circle of Friends," such as Senator Aubertine, has demonstrated an understanding of the important issues impacting farmers and the considerable impact the industry has on our economy and quality of life.
New York Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm advocacy organization, works closely with the State legislature to strengthen and enhance the agricultural industry in New York State. This year’s legislative session proved to be a challenging one for farmers, but with significant support from key legislators such as Senator Aubertine, agriculture will continue to be one of New York’s most important industries.
We are pleased to provide the "Circle of Friends" designation to Senator Aubertine to thank him for his hard work on behalf of farmers in his District and across New York State.
Sincerely,

Dean Norton, President
New York Farm Bureau
Batavia