Photo submitted
The Muzzleloaders thanks the town of Inlet.

Class thanks Ladies Auxiliary
We would like to recognize the Old Forge Ladies Auxiliary for donating for the Columbus Day tournament concessions benefiting the class of 2018. We apologize for the omission in the original article and wanted to insure that we extend our gratitude and identify them for their donations to our event. Without our community, the event would not have been such a success.
Class of 2018

HASCA says thanks
The Home Aide Service of the Central Adirondacks, Inc. would like to thank the following for their donations to our annual fund drive – from July 19 through Oct. 21.
General donations were given by Eagle Bay Park Association, Dick and Tina Olson, Gary Panebianco, Fred and Carolyn Trimbach, Joan and Fred Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Keller, Juli Towell, Mary Jane Hasemeier, Lois Meade, Jarl and Ann Hasby, Shirley Lindsay, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Barnum, Bill and Judy Wengert, Mr. and Mrs. CB Johnson, Joan and Bob Seager, George and Marion Oswald, Dimbleby Funeral Home, Faith Norton, Robert Stackhouse, Don and Naomi Kelly, Christy’s Motel, Daiker’s, Nancy Winter Traynor, Amy Villieu, Carol and Bill Rivet, Linda Folsom, Richard and Norlee Hyde, James and Judith Denio, Carole DeSaram and Raymond Erickson, Robert Euler, Antoinette Casagrande, Mark and Susan Webster, Clarice Biedrzycki, Mary Lynn and Thomas Rourke, Carol Hornick, Jerry and Terry Olsen, Anne Garbarino, Charles Rowlee, Terry and Loretta Intrary, Kathleen Maline and Dan Bielicki, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Teesdale, Charles and Madelyn Lorraine, Jane and Richard Knight, Joseph D’Agostino, Mike and Sue Lyford, LaVern and Linda Phillips, Dr. and Mrs. William Guiffre, TOW Bar Inn, David and Cristine Kellish, Barb and Dick Hart, Harry and Rita Sudwischer, Mike and Kelly Hunkins, Sandy and Bob Agresta, Robert and Maureen VanSlyke, Kevin Hanlon, Tom and Andrea Long, Helen Estabrook, Timothy Schofield, Marion Gibson, Elinor Robie, Jack and Margo Boylan, Catherine Graf, Ron and Sandy Nihill, Elaine Zimmerman, Kay Scharoun, John and Gail Miller, Jack and Barb DeBevoise, Bonnie and Larry Lawrence, Helmers Fuel and Trucking, Gino and Bea Nunno, Richard Baer, Ron and Bev Rundell, Alan and Kirsten Down, Wilfred and Susan Carey, Michele and Scott deCamp, Billy and Erin Burns, Bill Slater, Phil and Sue Freese, Mark and Patricia Salsbury, Franco Valeri, Bill and Nancy Down, Jeffrey Lewis, Gerard Dupuis, Rod and Anne Phinney, Mike Senf, Rick Dunbar, The Weekly Adirondack (Jamie and Jay Lawson), Wendell Dietrich, Gregory and Lisa Wickham, Mike and PJ Rubyor, Jean Down, Tim and Kathi Noble, Michael and Carol Susko, William and Jeanie West, Joe and Janine Phaneuf, John and Chrissy Zimmer, Eagle Bay Volunteer Hose Company, Kiril Sokoloff, Peggy Rotton, Betty Nunn Draper, Joan and Mark Durkin, Eagle Bay Fire Ladies Auxiliary, Andrew Milnor, Tom and Debra Fenton, Barb Ball, Anonymous donation for the use of crutches, Gary and Karen Lee, Elaine Patterson, Red Dog Tavern, Ken and Joanne Strike, Denis Clifford, Central Adirondack Association, Dave and Carol Clark, Chris Kraft, The Village Square, Winifred McCarley, Stephen and Shirley Pitella, Dale and Diane Heroux, Ace Hardware, Bill and Vonnie Kinney, Barbara Norkus, Jack and Betty Andrew, DiOrio Family, James Barker, Strand Theatre, Brian and Linda Bamberger, Joseph and Bette Rintrona, Douglas and Joanne Eaton, Art and Annette Eyre, David and Marcia Barker, Diane Doyle, Robert and Eleanor Stanton, Doug and Peg Masters, Turner Camps, Dennis and Barbara Baron, Deb Dote, George and Lorraine Mitchell, Rob and Jody Collins Skinner, Lorraine and Ben Alexander and Janice Wittner.
Memorial Donations
In memory of Robert Renton by Marie Murphy.
In memory of Stephen Conway by Deb and Bob Mosca.
In memory of Tim Centola by Lance and Joanne Maly.
In memory of Frank Ritz by Terry Ritz.
In memory of Kirsty Sutherland by Eric Sutherland.
In memory of Jack Burnett by Dora Burnett.
In memory of Sally Thomas by Bob and Jean Risley.
In memory of David Peck by Paula Peck.
In memory of Kevin Kane by Eileen Roberts.
In memory of Sharon Graham by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Tyler.
In memory of Tina and Ed Schmalhofer by George Hiltebrant.
In memory of Marie VanderVee byEdgar VanderVeer.
In memory of Audrey M. Crafts by Lani and Jim Ulrich.
In memory of Bob and Evie McAllister by Denny and Karen McAllister.
In memory of John H. Ball by Jim and Michelle Greenfield.
In memory of Diane Desnoyers by Bob Desnoyers.
In memory of William Brodock by Geraldine Brodock.
In memory of Joseph Scheidelman by Judy and Tom Thibado.
In memory of Jerry Wall by Missy Mertz Wall.
In memory of Judith L. Cohen. by Sarah Cohen and Linda Cohen.
In memory of loved ones by Charlotte Pylman
In memory of husband by Melba Ruth Hawksley.
In memory of Ron Soltys by Dodi Soltys.
In memory of Peter J. Horan by Peter J. Horan Estate.
In memory of Mrs. Gloria Dote by Larry and Sharon Ventura.
In memory of Catherine Blind by Roger Blind.
In memory of Patricia Mastroianni by Carmen Mastroianni.
In memory of Joseph and Joan Brophy by Margaret Lapree.
In memory of Bernice Drexelius by Drexelius Family.
In memory of Chip and Linda McDonald, Clayton “Bud” Gribneau by Donald and Ruth McKenna.
In memory of Russell Wilmarth by Gary Wilmarth.
In Honor of Lyn Kinney – for her years of service with great appreciation by Carol McCann.
In memory of Regina Atwater by John Atwater.
In memory of Barney Barnum by Doug and Bonnie Bennett.
In memory of Donald and Betty Langham by Nancy Langham.
In memory of Mike Burke by Jean Burke.
In memory of Rev. David McDowell by Elizabeth McDowell and Floyd Olney.
In memory of Bob Daviau by Bennie and Kathlene Beauchamp.
In memory of Lorraine Stripp by Allen Stripp.
In memory of Fred Gibbs by Stella Gibbs.
In memory of Shirley and Ross Zornow by Anne and Butch Hartsig.
In memory of Dave Hollister and Mom and Dad Deis by GiGi Hollister.
In memory of George Schmelzle by Marian Schmelzle.
In memory of Jane Eyre by Susann Barrett.
In memory of Helen McDonald by Bob and Mary Petrie.
In memory of Josephine Becker by Grace Rissetto.
In memory of Jeff Russell by Lynne McCormick.
In memory of Bob McAleese by Helene McAleese.
In memory of Bill Burwell by Jan Burwell.
In memory of Therese Capone by Louisette Lecours.
In memory of Barney Barnum by M.L. and Beatrice Hegeman.
In memory of Ruby Chesebro by Sandra Barrett.
In memory of John Hopsicker by Linda Martin.
In memory of James M. Christy by Joan Christy.
In memory of Bob and Ron Crofut by Larry and Shelley Ufford.
In memory of D.H. Hilliker by Mary Deane Caldwell.
In memory of James M. Uvanni III by Glenda Uvanni.
In memory of Ray and Jane Hanlon by The Hanlon Children.
In memory of James and Mary Evans by Burkhard-Evans.
In memory of Paul Andrews by Ellie Andrews.
In memory of Lisa Norgard by George Lapinsky.
In memory of David Geiger by Karl and Patti Engelbrecht.
In memory of Scott Hall by Myrna Hall.
In memory of Bill Payne by Heather and Ed Stafford.
In memory of Riley and Phyllis Parsons by Patricia McNamara.
In memory of Chris and Adeline Seymour by Carol Walsh.
In memory of Bette Maltby by Tom and Liz Maltby.
In memory of deceased members of the OFFD Ladies Aux. by OFFD Auxiliary.
In memory of Dorothy Brussel Sponable by Ron and Judy Barker.
Rudolph and Allie Lerner by Ronald Lerner.
In memory of Ted and Peggy Payne by Pat Payne.
In memory of Jack Ball by Bob and Jeanie Johnson.
In memory of Betty Price by Chuck and Roberta Butler.
In memory of Billy Payne by Nat and Dan Tickner.
In memory of Jeanne and George Tompkins by Eric, Mark, Bryan, Bette and Peter Pepper.
In memory of Edward B. and Henrietta D. Harrer by Barbara and Gary Harrer.
In memory of Bill Payne by Dick and Roxanne Bird.
In memory of Billy Martin, Bob Lowenberg and John Hopsicker by Margaret Hopsicker.
In memory of Dorotha Una and Leroy Wakely Deis by Dean and Heather Kaese.
In memory of Roy and Sally Thomas by Connie and Art Milligan.
In memory of David Murdock by Merv and Faith Murdock.
In memory of Claire Cameron by Deke and Carol Morrison.
In memory of Richard Scharf by Susan Scharf.

Tuesday, Nov. 1
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

7 p.m. Trivia at the Raquette Lake Tap Room

Wednesday, Nov. 2
8:30 a.m. Morning yoga at View.

9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

10 a.m.-noon Sorting donations at the Mission Boutique thrift store at Niccolls.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. SHARPS senior program at Niccolls Church.

5:30-7 p.m. Evening yoga at View.

7 p.m. Woodgate Free Library Board of Trustees regular meeting at the Woodgate Library. Call the Library at (315) 392-4814 for verification or to be put on the agenda.

8 p.m. AA meeting at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

Thursday, Nov. 3
8 a.m. Kiwanis regular meeting at Walt’s Dinner.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

5 p.m. Potluck dinner with the Forestport Senior Recreation Program at the Forestport Town Hall.

7 p.m. Town of Webb UFSD Senior Band, Junior Band, and Stage Band will perform their fall concert in the school’s gymnasium.

Friday, Nov. 4
8:30-10 a.m. Morning yoga at View.

9 a.m. AA meeting at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

10-10:30 a.m. Toddler Story Time at the Old Forge Library. Led by Sara Alves-Tapper, children will listen to stories, enjoy puppets, learn finger plays and have some toy time.

10 a.m.-noon Mission Boutique thrift store open at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

11 a.m.-noon Fall Story Hour, for preschoolers age 3, 4 and 5+ years old at the Old Forge Library. Library Director Isabella Worthen, Fern Bick, and Louisette Lecours will lead the hour of stories and creative play.

7-8:30 p.m. Mission Boutique thrift store open at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

8 p.m. AA meeting at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

Saturday, Nov. 5
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

10 a.m.-noon Mission Boutique thrift store open at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

8 p.m.: AA meeting at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

Sunday, Nov. 6
7:30 p.m.: AA meeting at Inlet Community Church in Inlet.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

Monday, Nov. 7
8:30-10 a.m. Morning yoga at View.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

10 a.m.-noon Sorting donations at Niccolls Church’s Mission Boutique thrift store in Old Forge.

5:30-7 p.m. Evening yoga at View.

6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Short story discussion group at the Old Forge Library.

Tuesday, Nov. 8
6 a.m.-9 p.m. Polls open for Election Day

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

4:30-8:30 p.m. a fundraiser to offset the costs of a basketball clinic to be held at TOW UFSD at the Front Door Diner.

7 p.m. Trivia at the Raquette Lake Tap Room

Visitor Information
-Old Forge, Thendara, Eagle Bay, Big Moose (315) 369-6983
-Inlet (315) 357-5501
-Raquette Lake, Long Lake (518) 624-3077
-Blue Mountain Lake, Indian Lake (518) 648-5112
Libraries
-Old Forge Library
Open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (315) 369-6008
-Inlet Public Library
Open Monday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (315) 357-6494
-Raquette Lake Library
Open Monday 2-8 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; closed Wednesday and Friday (315) 354-4005
-Woodgate Free Library
Open Monday 3-8 p.m.; Wednesday 2-6 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Friday (315) 392-4814
Organizations
-Herkimer County Department of Motor Vehicles on Park Ave. in Old Forge. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; closed noon-1 p.m. for lunch. Call (315) 369-3301
-View: year-round art exhibits, performances, events and workshops. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m. Call (315) 369-6411 or visit www.viewarts.org (Old Forge)
-Town of Webb Historical Association: year-round free museum open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment. Call (315) 369-3838 or visit www.webbhistory.org (Old Forge)
Services
-Meals on Wheels. Herkimer County Office for the Aging (315) 867-1414
-St. Elizabeth’s Health Center. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (315) 369-6619 for an appointment (Old Forge)
-HASCA. A licensed home care service agency. Call (315) 369-6183

The Town of Webb UFSD Senior Band, Junior Band, and Stage Band will perform their fall concert in the school’s gymnasium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3.
The concert is titled “Famous Composers of Yesterday,” and will feature music from some of western music’s most well known writers. The concert bands will perform music by composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Strauss, Saint-Saens, Dvorak, and Sousa.
The Stage Band will keep things lively with a Duke Ellington hit, Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and an iconic John Lennon tune.
There will be a bake sale in the gymnasium lobby to benefit the Junior Band’s Spring 2017 trip to Washington DC.
This concert is free and open to the public.

Deborah Walker
October 27, 2016

Deborah K. Walker, 57, of Inlet passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Calling hours will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home at 128 Fern Avenue, Old Forge.
A full obituary will appear in the next edition of the Adirondack Express.

Daiker’s Restaurant will host its annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 5. Originally started more than 20 years ago as a celebration of the Marine Corp’s birthday, the event has expanded to honor veterans of all branches of the American Military.
The ceremony will commence at 7 p.m. and includes the playing of “Taps” and a remembrance of those veterans who passed away during 2015.
Following the short ceremony, everyone present will have the opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and swap “war stories.”
As one of the event coordinators explained, “We’re just a bunch of old vets who think it’s important to remember what these vets have done for us.” Everyone is invited to attend and veterans of all ages and branches of service are especially welcomed.
Please bring your families and friends, vets or not. The event coordinators are grateful to the Daikers, Midge and Tal, for their annual support of this event.

By M. LISA MONROE
Express Editor

The town board of the Town of Webb adopted a preliminary town budget for 2017 on Oct. 25. The public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8.
The total budget appropriations for 2017 are $7,764,138. This number includes general fund and highway fund appropriations of $6,623,538 and $1,140,600 respectively. Total estimated revenues are figured at $2,856,493 and a sum of $1,280,000 will come from the unexpended fund balance. This leaves the amount to be raised by taxes at $3,627,645.
The preliminary budget is on file and available for review during regular business hours at the office of Town Clerk Nanci Russell, in the Town of Webb Offices.

Photo By Cathy Bowsher
In the front center are President Deb Carhart, Vice President Tim Foley, and board member Charlie Frey; back row are Executive Director Nick Rose, Office Administrator Tricia Kelley, Treasurer Sandy Booton, board member Paige Hannah, Secretary William Basile, board member Bonnie Lutz, and board member Bill Ransom.

By CATHY BOWSHER
Express Staff

The Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21) held its annual meeting on Oct. 25 at the American Legion Hall in Old Forge.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome back from CAP-21 members to Executive Director Nick Rose, who had a brief absence due to health issues during the summer. Deb Carhart, executive board president, gave thanks to all CAP-21 members for their seamless support of another successful CAP-PY Duck Derby, the sole fundraising program of CAP-21, “The Duck Derby bridges the gap between our income and those things we spend here in the community, it’s a very important fund raiser, all of the board members stepped up to make that a successful event, and a special thanks to Sandy Booton, for making Adirondack Bank Duck Central for three weeks,” Carhart said.
During the business portion of the meeting, Sandy Booton, CAP-21 treasurer, presented the CAP-21 Financial Annual Report from Oct. 1, 2015 – Sept. 20, 2016. The report is as follows:
• Income for the prior 12 month period was $94,896.
• Expenses were $94,903, which resulted in a loss for the period in the amount of $7.
• No unusual expenses were noted.
• Cash on hand is $50,261.11 plus $25,000 in the CD for a total of $75,261.11.
• Report is on cash basis and does not include outstanding income due.
According to Booton, the financial report reflects an additional $3,000 ahead in cash on the books for this year.
“We have a great relationship with the Town of Webb and the Town of Inlet. They have been great supporters of our programs. We would also like to thank our membership, the Central Adirondack Association, and the Community Foundation for their continued support. Thank you for coming tonight, I am very proud to be apart of this organization,” said Booton.
Tim Foley, CAP-21 vice president, gave thanks to volunteers and supporters of CAP-21 and its projects.
“This is a great organization and we have a great board, an active board. Thank you to the volunteers, from the Farmers Market to the hanging basket people, and people in the communities in general. That’s what we are here for, the communities,” Foley said.
Every year CAP-21 has a student participate with CAP-21. This year the student is Carter Kelley. Kelley is the son of CAP-21 Office Administrator Tricia Clark.
Executive Board Members of CAP-21 are President Deb Carhart, Vice President Tim Foley, Treasurer Sandy Booton, and Secretary Jean Murdock. Murdock will be replaced by CAP-21 Board Member William Basile due to family health issues.
Nick Rose presented the annual report with news of two local businesses that are utilizing CAP-21’s services, “The Woods Inn and Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company are both business that are looking to expand and feel that they have to expand to stay viable. What we did is create an expansion plan that seeks support through Empire State Development, and we are trying to stay very optimistic about that,” said Rose.
Another project brought up in the meeting was the Main Street Project of Indian Lake. CAP-21 is involved in the revamping of downtown Indian Lake in order to better serve its community.
“If you have driven through Indian Lake recently, you will see that is a community that greatly needed this assistance, this is the first step for Indian Lake to make an economic comeback,” Rose said. “We are a voice for the region.”
CAP-21’s grant writing program has helped the Mission Boutique of Niccolls Church in their recent renovations, “Our work has probably gotten the job done a year ahead of time. That building serves over 600 families a year and our grant that we wrote to the Community Foundation got that done in nine months; shoveling to done,” said Rose.
Board members and officers of CAP-21 called the meeting adjourned to present a cake in honor of 15 years of service to the communities.
“We are a think tank for all the communities,” said Bill Ransom, board member. CAP-21 continues great service to the region with the ability to find the right means to help fund projects that better the communities, “We are a voice for the region, from 500 to 50,000, we will find a way to help,” said Executive Director Nick Rose.
In other news,
• According to Rose, Mac’s Safe Ride’s new vehicle is currently being detailed and will be ready for a press release in the next week.
• Over $50,000 was generated and put back into the local economy through the partnership of the Adirondack League Club and CAP-21, “Twenty-two organizations from emergency services to libraries to fire departments to CAP-21 got some sort of support through that program, I think it’s a huge lift,” said Rose.
Supporters may donate by mail to PO Box 642, Old Forge, NY 13420.
CAP-21 may be contacted by email at, www.cap-21.org, or in person at the office located in Old Forge.

The Inlet Halloween Parade was fast and fun, children and their families gathered at the Inlet Community Church parking lot for the parade and walked the streets with laughter. The Inlet Fire Hall was splendid spooky scene as the Halloween costume contest began. Decorations of ghosts and carved pumpkins along with, pizza, cookies, and apple cider made for another happy Halloween celebration in Inlet.
Photos by CATHY BOWSHER

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The annual Marine Corps Birthday Party took place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Daiker’s Inn. All branches of service were present for the celebration.
Veterans shared speeches and fond anecdotes of their military service while attendees listened contently. Visitors lined up for a good cause at the raffle table for a chance to win a hand-made piece donated by the Pointed Pine Quilters, a group established in the 1950s of like minds with a love for quilting.
Proceeds from the raffle go toward the Wounded Warriors Project of Ft. Drum, a military charity that supports injured veterans and their families in times of need. The night wound down with hugs and handshakes and then closed with a call from Commander Lance Maly of the Old Forge Sons of the American Legion on his bugle.Taps, a note traditionally played at flag ceremonies and military funerals by the United States armed forces, resonated throughout the room.

— Photos by Cathy Bowsher

by Stan Ernst

John C. McGinley the sardonic “Scrubs” star returns this fall to slay demons in a TV horror/comedy series called “Stan Against Evil.” McGinley’s (Stan) character is on a mission to exterminate evil fiends. My mission is to devalue pervasive seriousness. Seriousness is characterized by deep thought, a grave or somber disposition, being sincere, earnest, not trifling and giving cause for apprehension. Ach du lieber; Ernst is German for seriousness.
I recently shared the Seventh Lake House bar with a congenial couple while bartender extraordinaire Jeff Haynes served cold beverages and warm conversation. Jeff snickered to the couple that I fabricate a biweekly ADK Express column and the gentleman confessed that while he reads OOS he “doesn’t always agree with what I write.” I thought to myself, “Thank God the man recognizes a bullsitter when he reads one.” We can all agree that you shouldn’t believe half of what you read. My wife (Deb) adds that in my case you shouldn’t believe the other half either. None of my acquaintances trust anything I write; they smell subliminal insinuations. I employ a woolgathering research team but seldom use their data because facts just aren’t funny. Instead OOS relies on conjecture, innuendo and conspiracy theories. What do you expect from a parochial hack who’s compensated with a monthly beer stipend by a free albeit perspicacious regional newspaper.
Like me humorless folks should deceive themselves and foster a cheerier outlook on life. I don’t need to hang with somber folks to confirm how screwed-up our contemporary world has become. Tell me something I don’t know like how to make awesome garbage can Osso Bucco. The sheer volume of current humorous storylines is overwhelming. Hillary’s interminable WikiLeaks emails, Donald’s petite groping hands and childish intellect, dead people voting Democrat, jury sanctioned Bundy insurrections, FBI Director Comey’s new drive-thru window job at Wendy’s, Vlad hearts Donny bromance, anything Anthony Weiner or Paul Ryan, biologically appropriate restrooms, Christy Bridgegate, etc. You can’t make this stuff up; it explodes in our faces daily in HD. If you can’t laugh manically you’re gonna land in a rubber room coiled in the fetal position. Been there, done that.
Don’t worry, be happy because we’re gonna die cataclysmic deaths when the recently discovered ninth planet goes rogue and plows into Earth. It’s true; I saw it on History Channel while waiting for American Pickers to start. Frank and Mike; it doesn’t get any finer than those affable young Iowa chaps. If you need a break from reality just watch American Pickers and your mind will go blank in a salubrious way. In the meantime I’m paying close attention to the real-time comedies played out on the world stage.
Here’s one of my favorites. Dead people vote for Democrats because God’s a Democrat. Okay this is uproarious because having grown up in Upstate New York I know for a fact that God’s a Republican and Santa Claus is a Democrat. Like Republicans God is stern, patriarchal, paternal and a great believer in gun shows and rules and regulations. Conversely, Santa is always cheerful, loves reindeer jerky and knows who’s been naughty and nice but doesn’t care and gives them whatever they want without any thought of quid pro quo. Furthermore the Easter Bunny is a Republican and the Tooth Fairy is a Democrat. It’s self-evident since the Easter Bunny presses children to labor for rusty pennies buried under knee deep April snow while the Tooth Fairy liberally slips crisp dollar bills under their down pillows as they sleep in warm federally subsidized Number Beds. I know who I’m voting for.
As you read this column the egregious 2016 POTUS election writhes in its death throes inside our homes and public houses. I don’t know who the ultimate victor is which makes concocting this column a metaphorically hallucinogenic experience. While suspended in my allegorical purple haze I never give up hope that the eventual POTUS winner will be Joe Biden or John Kasich. But of course that choo-choo departed Thendara Station eons ago. I’m left with trusting fellow American voters and our democratic system to make the decision that will extend my dubious existence for a couple more voting cycles.
One thing’s certain; regardless of who wins today I’ll be blotto by cocktail hour in anticipation of at least four more years of political acrimony or ninth planet inhalation, whichever comes first. If humorless Hillary wins, we get four more years of humorless Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his turtle puss smirking on TV while boasting that he’s paid the big taxpayer bucks to make Hillary a one-term POTUS. How’d that work out for ya’ with President Obama, Turtle Puss.
If humorless Donald wins, I’m moving my extended family into a Trump hotel/casino to party non-stop until the rogue ninth planet takes us out. The joke will be on Donald since we won’t be around to pay our really, really astronomical bill. If we somehow survive Armageddon, I’ll follow the example of my orange leader and file for bankruptcy.
Be of good humor Expresslandians; the sun will come up tomorrow except in the ADK where the sun won’t shine again until Mother’s Day. The American spirit will find a way to surmount the rancor and discord of the nauseating 2016 election while preserving our indomitable democratic republic. It’s comforting to remember that our stonewalling Congress reigns supreme when it comes to blocking any new POTUS’s agenda; whining obstructionists rule the day.
An American comedic icon captured the tenor of the 2016 Presidential election from his grave, “The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying, ‘Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.’ She’s got a baseball bat and yelling, ‘You wanna a piece of me?’” I fancy late George Carlin’s (George Bernard Shaw) cover, “Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
And that’s the way it is, Election Day, Nov. 8, 2016. Sleep tight Expresslandians and don’t let the bedbugs bite. (Hiccups)

Photo submitted
Juli Eisenhart and her father Paul Cornelius are greeted at the airport with signs of support.

By Juli Eisenhart

Last year on Nov. 14, I had the honor and privilege to accompany my father, Paul Cornelius of Deansboro, to Washington, DC on an Honor Flight with the Twin Tiers Honor Flight group out of Binghamton.
My father served his county in the US Air Force and during the Korean War. Up until this trip, he had never been to Washington or seen the memorials. It was an amazing trip to say the least. As we were boarding the plane to leave Binghamton, my father was invited into the cockpit of the plane by the pilot. He was truly a kid again. The smile that was on his face took a long time to be removed.
There were about 135 veterans and their chaperones on the trip along with some medical personnel. When we landed at Ronald Reagan International Airport, our plane was met with the highest honor a plane could get, a water arch. Once we were inside, we were met by thousands of people that filled both floors of the airport, each thanking the veterans for their service and welcoming them home (again). Most of these soldiers did not have that experience when they came home the first time.
There was also a full brass band and military personnel representing each and every branch of service. They shook each veteran’s hand as they disembarked the plane.

Photo submitted
Military personnel were at each memorial to shake the hand of retired service members and thank them for their service.

It was a very emotional day to say the least. I had no clue what to expect, but as the day went on, we were in for more surprises. We had three buses, red, white, and blue that came complete with motorcycle police escorts all day. The first place they took us was to the WWII Memorial where we were met with another honor band and more military personnel that again greeted each and every veteran on our flight. There were lots of cheers, hugs and tears.
Wherever they took us, we had the same respect and permissions as the President and Diplomats. We were even driven to the hill top of the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington, while others have to hike the steep hill. We went to all of the memorials including the Lincoln Memorial where we had our picture taken with the Adirondack Express and the Lincoln Memorial in the background.
We also met Senator Robert Dole at the Vietnam Memorial Wall where he meets each and every Honor Flight as long as his health permits him to do so.
My Dad just turned 84 on Oct. 24 and I will always cherish this trip with him.
I want to say THANK YOU to each and every person that has served our country. Without your service, we would not have our freedoms.
Thank a Veteran today.

Photo submitted
Paul Cornelius and Juli Eisenhart took a copy of the Express on their tour of Washington DC.

Photo by Focus Photography

Meet Jake, a devilishly handsome, one year old Shetland sheepdog or “sheltie.” This little guy knows how to have fun. Jake is very smart and would be an excellent agility dog. He enjoys long walks, dips in the lake and road trips. He’s a lap dog with a little attitude so he prefers a home free of small children or other pets due to guarding issues. For more information call the Humane Society of Rome at (315) 337-1434 or email them at humanesocietyrome@hotmail.com. Their website can be found at www.humanesocietyrome.com, and you can check them out on Instagram and Facebook.

Girls modified volleyball
The girls’ modified volleyball team, always the first team to get started in the winter sports season, has begun practice preparing for their first game on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at home. Kristin Armendola is the coach as she stepped down from the jayvee team to take over the modified team.
Armendola has a large squad and will be hard pressed to play all of her team in the games. Members of her team are: Laura Bogardus, Reagan Ehrensbeck, Alyssa Green, Cam Gribneau, Alana Haehl, Amanda Huber, Shelly Manzi, Saige Rowe, Alison Russell, Brooke Schweinsberg, Elsa Vellone, Katie Kelly, Skyler Madtes, Sarah Beck, Chelsea Clark, Chloe Clark, Katie Case, Katie Huber and Lexi Aliasso.

Fall Sports Awards ceremony
The Falls Sports Award ceremony was held last Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Town of Webb School Gymnasium. President of the Varsity Club, TJ Hulser, introduced the coaches and welcomed all of the guests present that night. As usual, the coaches talked about their team and announced some individual awards.
Tim Leach, coach of the boys and girls cross country running teams, had one runner who made the league all-star team and was ranked in the top 10 of all Section III, Class D runners. To no one’s surprise, it was Laura Levi.
Alicia Burnett, coach of the girls junior varsity soccer team, gave out individual awards to all members of her team.
Kevin Kress, coach of the boys junior varsity soccer team, was unable to attend and Tanner Russell stepped in to give out Kress’s awards. David Ehrensbeck was named the most improved player on the team and Tyler Rudolph was named the most valuable member of the team.
Kerrin Ehrensbeck, coach of the girls varsity soccer team, announced that four members of her team were chosen to the all-star team and honorable mention team. Dayna DeAngelo and Alexandra Sutherland were selected to the honorable mention team and Laura Levi, the team’s high scorer and Sydney Payne, a strong and aggressive defensive player, were both selected to the all-star team. In addition, Payne was named as the most improved player on the team and Emily Greene was the recipient of the Coach’s Award.
Tanner Russell, coach of the boys varsity soccer team, gave out the most improved player award to Connor Ulrich and the Coach’s Award to TJ Hulser. Josh Kelly and Charlie Uzdavinis were picked to the honorable mention team and the strong duo defensemen, Tyler Kearns and Dylan LaPorte, were selected to the all-star team.

Soccer playoff results
When the girls number one team in the state meets the number two seeded team, one would expect a very good competitive game. Often that is not the case, but in this matchup between Poland and South Kortright last Saturday, Nov. 5 at Fulton, it was an overtime game and one filled with excitement.
Section IV’s champion, South Kortright, scored the first and only goal in the first half to take a 1-0 lead. That goal was the first goal allowed by the stingy Poland defense. Quickly into the second half, coach Tom Basel’s daughter, Leah, only a freshman, scored the tying goal. Poland controlled much of the second half without another goal and the game went into overtime.
Overtime is when Poland seems to really go to work as attested by their 2-0 victory over Cincinnatus in the semi-final round of the Section III playoffs. Poland was even better this time as they scored three goals in the two 10-minute overtime periods played to give them a 4-1 victory. In girls soccer, it is not a “sudden victory” overtime as in the boys rules as they must play the full two periods.
Poland now heads to Homer High School Saturday, Nov. 12, for a 10 a.m. semifinal game against Bolton/Warrensburg. They need two more victories to be crowned the state champions. The Bolton team is no stranger to the Old Forge fans as they competed in the Columbus Day tournament this year.
The scary thing about the Poland team for all opponents next year is that they start three freshmen and three sophomores. In addition, their high scoring sophomore, Keara Blumenstock, was not able to compete this entire season due to a torn ACL. They will be happy to see her return next year.

Mt. Markham soccer
The Mt. Markham boys soccer team lost their championship game to Bishop Ludden, 2-0, this past week ending their coach, Charlie Engle’s soccer coaching career.
Engle finished his career atop of the NYSPHSAA wins list with 654 victories over a 49 year coaching stint. That is an average of over 13 victories every year he coached. A sensational career.
Engle started coaching when soccer was starting to be more competitive in New York. He had to adjust his style of coaching through the years to keep up with the new soccer alignments. Soccer continued to become a much more competitive sport as more schools started their soccer programs and they were guided by better coaching. It didn’t matter to Engle, his teams just kept on winning.

Cross country running
The boys and girls varsity cross country running teams competed in the Sectional Championships this past Saturday, Nov. 5 at Chittenango. Hundreds of runners representing the Section III schools took part. In cross country, many class C schools drop down to Class D–just like they did in track years ago–and they divided the race into D1 and D2. Old Forge, the smallest school competing, naturally was a D2 team.
The girls were missing one girl and could not compete as a team. Laura Levi led her team with a 22nd place finish counting both the D1 and D2 runners. Her place was not good enough to move on to state competition, but Levi will be back next year knowing what has to be done to take the next step. Rachel Smith was next followed by Emily Greene and Brittany Johnston. The entire girls team will be back next year.
The varsity boys team did have enough for a team with five boys available to run. As a D2 team, they were led by Brendan Kelly who came in 28th place just ahead of his teammate, Jack Rivet who finished in 29th. Nick Olsen was next followed by Macgregor Ritz-Kenny and Ryan Johnston. There were a total of 175 runners in the combined D1, D2 race. Beaver River won the D2 race with Old Forge in eighth place among the 15 schools that competed in that race. Sauquoit Valley won the D1 race. In the girls race, Beaver River won the D2 race and South Lewis won the D1 race.
That is the official ending of the season for these runners as they get set to play volleyball, basketball or skiing starting Monday, Nov. 7.

Veteran’s Day service set for Nov. 11

Covey-Pashley Post 893 of The American Legion will hold a brief Veteran’s Day service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the memorial in front of the Legion building.
The ceremony will include the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, a salute by the firing squad, and traditional readings by Post commanders. The public is invited to attend.

DMV announces holiday closures

The Old Forge DMV Satellite Office will be closed for Election Day, Nov. 8, Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 and the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25.
Drop boxes, located at the front of the building, are available for work to be left when the office is not open.
The office is located at 183 Park Ave., Old Forge. The phone number is (315) 369-3301.

Barnstormers membership meeting is coming up

The Inlet Barnstormers Snowmobile Club will hold its Nov. 15 membership meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15, at the Inlet Information Center in Inlet.
Winter activity information will be discussed and food will be served following the meeting.
All members and non-members are welcome to attend.
Call Ron Nihill at (315) 357-5233 if you have any questions.

By CATHY BOWSHER
Express Staff

The Town of Webb Union Free School District and the Neighborhood Center, a Utica based mental health and crisis service center for children and their families, have teamed up with counselor Megan Heeder-Megan to help make counseling opportunities available to students of the TOW USFD and to community members. The school has converted an existing space within the school, complete with waiting room, for the clinic and are equipped to refer students for further counseling that may be beyond that of the schools abilities, “Appointments can be made directly to the Neighborhood Center who employs the counselor that will meet clients in the new office space at the school,” said TOW UFSD Superintendent Rex Germer, “We have an internal mechanism to refer students to the counselor who will then make contact with the family to talk about the service and to help schedule an appointment.”
The satellite clinic’s office hours are from 2-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays allowing time for both students and community members to take advantage of the fee based health service. Valid insurance is required to seek counseling at the clinic, “A lack of insurance should not cause you to not seek this service for your own well being or the well being of a family member,” said Germer.
According to the National Council of Mental Health, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that mental illnesses could be treated more effectively and in a more cost-effective manner in community settings.
“People travel to Utica and even further for services like this, to have something close to home is a valuable asset for the community. Having Mental Health help near by will be a benefit for those in town seeking service,” said Town of Webb Tourism Director Mike Farmer.
“Especially during the winter months, for example, people suffering from depression would have to travel fairly far and that could be disheartening,” said Brendan McGrath, abuse prevention councilor at the TOW UFSD.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for services from the satellite clinic, the Neighborhood Center can be reached at, (315) 272-2723.
TOW UFSD Principal John Swick may be contacted at, (315) 369-3222 or emailed at, jswick@towschool.org.

Photos by Cathy Bowsher

The TOW UFSD held its annual Halloween Parade for the kids on Oct. 31 at the TOW gym. Excitement and chatter filled the room as the kindergarden through fifth grade classes took turns lining up on stage to display their creepy costumes for everyone to see.

To the community, our friends, family and acquaintances; to everyone far and near, we thank you. Your support of Tom Bolton and his family through this rough time is greatly appreciated. We are in awe from the help we’ve received in the last few weeks–all of the kind words, gestures, and generous donations have been overwhelming. Even just the friendly faces that popped in to say hello have touched us and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Our little community seems so huge when everyone is pulling together to help and words cannot describe how thankful we are for all everyone has done.
Tommy Bolton is a household name and at this time it is easy to see how many lives he’s touched because you are all coming to our support. That’s why we are writing this, to try to convey our thanks even though a mere thank you doesn’t sound adequate with everything that has been done for us, everything this community continues to do for our family.
We cannot express how grateful we are for the generosity and love you all blessed upon us, but also blessed to the community.
Again, we thank you.
The Boltons

WALKER

Deborah Kay Walker passed away peacefully on Oct. 27, at the age of 57, in her home in Inlet, where she lived with her husband of 25 years and best friend Ricky Walker.
Deb was born on Feb. 11, 1959, to Leon Clyde Hale and Sherry Wanda Lehl, in Tulsa, Okla., both of whom have preceded her in death. She spent her childhood in Oklahoma with her brother Kenneth Hale, who has also preceded her, and her sister Barbara Hale Reynolds, who survives her. She graduated high school from Nathan Hale High in Tulsa, and shortly after relocated to Denver, Colorado.
She did not attend college right away, choosing instead to devote herself wholly and passionately to the upbringing of her children, both by blood and marriage. In them she has created an incredible legacy in the instruction of unconditional love.
She spent most of her years during this period in Georgetown, Colo., and a few years in Alapaha, Ga. Shortly after her children began living on their own she moved to Grand Junction, Colo., where she made the bold decision to return to school in her early 40s, and graduated from Mesa State College with a bachelor’s degree cum laude in English. She aspired to be a school teacher, but as those who knew her could attest, she had too complex and fiery a spirit to fit within a bureaucracy.
She turned instead to her artisanship for a living, forging beautiful jewelry and curios by hand, done in a wide array of styles and mediums, touched with her own unique flair. She was immensely talented, not only in her craftsmanship and artistry, but most especially in her writing. In this way she remained a teacher by her own unorthodox method. She used her writing through many social media outlets to reach out to the entire world, touching the lives of thousands of people. Some of them she offended, while by many others she came to be adored, but all of whom felt her touch. In doing so she built an extended family of dozens of people who came to love her despite never having met her in person. To this audience, as well as that of her family, she taught about many things not found in school. She taught about real life struggles, and the strength and humor to cope with them; about critical thinking and the perils of irrational thought; and most unrelentingly about the ugly face of injustice. She had a superior intellect, a keen insight, a wickedly sharp wit, and a heart to never back down from a fight. While much of this did little to bring in much of an income in monetary terms, she had a wealth of love, and a treasure trove of lives touched that money cannot bring.
She had a wonderful taste in film, television, literature, and especially music. She was an avid fantasy MMO gamer. She loved her family very much and reached out to them constantly. She found and shared the very best online content with them, always finding a way to randomly touch their lives and remind them of her love. She was generous with what little she did have, she always found a way to commemorate important days in inexpensive and heartfelt ways. She adored spoiling her family in any way she could afford to, especially her grandchildren. She loved animals, especially cats, and was blessed to have two wonderful kittypets in Smuckers and Harry. Through all her journeys she was most at home in remote mountain or alpine locations with few amenities but lots of character and heart. Her final years were spent with her fiercely loyal husband Ric, at just such a place in Inlet.
All of her talents and life experiences created within her the most incredible sense of humor. She could lampoon anyone or anything, pointing out exactly why a thing was ironic or ridiculous. Of all the gifts she gave, the countless genuine, belly-splitting, tear-rolling laughs shaped this world the most. This was perhaps her greatest lesson to the world, how to survive its cold injustice with the warmth of laughing together.
Hers was a rare and unique light that will last forever in the torches she lit within the castles of the souls touched by her. May they never go dark, and spread her singular beauty to every corner of the world.
Deb is survived by her husband Billy Richard Walker, Sr.; her sons Sean Lawrence and Chris Lawrence; her step-children Jerry Lawrence, Christy Gordon, Billy Walker Jr., and Jonathan Walker; her grandchildren Piper and London Lawrence, Jason and Joshua Walker, and Amber Gordon; her great-grandchildren Anthony and Caleb Walker, Keagen Sanders and Raegyn Simms; her sister Barbara Hale Reynolds; her nieces and nephews Carrie, Jennifer, Kimberly, and Brandon; and by her extended Online Family.
Services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home in Old Forge.
There will be a remembrance in Grand Junction, Colo. on Saturday, Nov. 12 at a location and time yet to be determined.

Elizabeth Kotchar
November 1, 2016

Elizabeth J. “Aunt Betty” Kotchar, 95, of Old Forge and previously of Rochester, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 1, at the Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Boonville.
She was born August 23, 1921, in Marianna, Pa., to Frank and Mary (Zedar) Kotchar. Elizabeth graduated from West Bethlehem High School. She moved to the Rochester area in the 1950s and began her career at the former Stromberg-Carlson, a telecommunications equipment and electronics manufacturing company. Elizabeth retired from S-C in the 1990s, having held a supervisory position for several years. She remained in the Rochester area until 2005, when she moved to Old Forge.
Elizabeth loved to travel, and was especially fond of her many Caribbean cruises, visiting island after island. Closer to home, she looked forward to the many senior trips that she took with her friends. Elizabeth enjoyed cooking, baking, and watching the many hummingbirds around her home.
Survivors include two nephews and their families, Phil and Sue Freese of Old Forge, and Jim and Paula Menego of Ohio; a niece and her family, Lori Menego of Pa.; and a very special canine friend, Tassie. She was predeceased by a brother, Frank Kotchar, three sisters, Frances Dormo, Pauline Thomas, and Rosalia Soloski, and a nephew, Mark Menego.
Her family wishes to thank the Old Forge Ambulance and the staff of the Sunset Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the gentle, kind and compassionate care given to Elizabeth at every opportunity.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services or visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Old Forge.

The Town of Webb UFSD Board of Education held a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m. The following capsule does not represent approved minutes. Once minutes are approved you may find them at www.towschool.org.
The Board of Education took the following action:
• Approved the Minutes of Oct. 18 Board of Education meeting.
• Approved the Warrants and Claims.
• Approved the Committee on Special Education recommendations.
• Approved combining the Cooperstown CSD Ski Team with the Town of Webb UFSD (host) at the Varsity level for the 2016-2017 school year.
• Approved first reading of Board Policy Board Policy 310.00 –Employee Use of Cell Phone.
• Approved the appointment of following as 2016-2017 winter sports coaches: Alpine Skiing, Terry Murray; Nordic Skiing, John Leach; Volunteer to Assist the Alpine Ski Coaches, Tom Down.
• Approved the termination of employment of a part-time aide.
• Approved the appointment of Jennifer Quinn as part-time teacher aide effective Oct. 20.
• Approved the appointment of Jason Fowler as substitute teacher and substitute teacher aide.
• Approved the appointment of school volunteers Jamie Russell, Susan and Mark Mayer for 2016-2017 school year.
Superintendent Rex Germer included the topics:
• The superintendent brought to the Board’s attention the letter that went out to elementary parents/guardians from Principal John Swick. The letter outlines the creation of extra music opportunities for students in kindergarten and first grade on Wednesdays and in second and third grades on Tuesdays to meet from 2-3 p.m. for music enrichment. This won’t conflict with other planned enrichment and will offer other opportunities to have the students work together in the same combinations that they will see for the upcoming concert. This is voluntary enrichment time but the school hopes to see the level of participation it has seen for other enrichment opportunities added this year.
• Lead testing results are expected to come in during the middle of November. The state has been bombarding the district with guidance concerning the handling of the information and getting the information out to the public. When the district has the results it will follow the guidance to share the required information.
• The Tri County Energy Consortium has officially broken ground on the BOCES campus in Watertown on the first of its solar arrays. The Consortium had a meeting on Oct. 25 with a plan to vote on the Withdrawal Penalty Agreement. If this plan was approved it would trigger the 60 day penalty free withdrawal window. The district will look for information soon to clarify this so that an informed decision can be made to stay in or withdraw from the consortium.

The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the school library.