Photo submitted
Displaying toy collection boxes Bill Ransom, Linda Kurtz and Chris Gaige.

Each year the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks collects and distributes gifts and toys to special families in Woodgate, White Lake, Otter Lake, Thendara, Old Forge, Eagle Bay, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Long Lake and Indian Lake.
Central Adirondack Kiwanis partners with The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program for its annual Christmas for Kids project. In addition, to the gifts collected locally, the Marine Corps Reserve allows Kiwanis to visit their Christmas Gift Warehouse and select appropriate gifts for the children on Santa’s List. Kiwanis Member Bill Ransom will be coordinating with The Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots efforts in the Central Adirondacks. This year the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is celebrating its 40th Anniversary.
This very worthwhile Central Adirondack Kiwanis program provides gifts and toys to over 325 children in the Central Adirondack region noted above.
Gift and Toy collection locations will be at Adirondack Bank, Community Bank, Inlet Department Store (ACE), Kinney Drugs, Old Forge Department Store (ACE), Old Forge Hardware, Smith Marine, Souvenir Village and View. In addition, there are toy collection sites at the following Post Offices; Old Forge, Eagle Bay, Inlet, Thendara, Woodgate, Raquette Lake, Long Lake and Indian Lake.
Kiwanis members; Past President Chris Gaige and Linda Kurtz are co-chairs for this special project.
Kiwanis invites the community to consider leaving a gift or toy at one of the collections locations. The gift and toy collection period runs from Thursday, Nov. 3 until Monday, Dec. 14.
The Key Club and Builders Club of the Town of Webb School assists Kiwanis with this important holiday project and will participate in the gift-wrapping party that is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 21 at View beginning at 3 p.m. You are welcome to participate.
If you are interested in joining Central Adirondack Kiwanis and participating in all of the child-centered service programs, you may contact membership co-chairs Doc Foley at (315) 794-9460 or Bob Teesdale at (315) 369-5425.
To make a financial contribution to the Kiwanis Kids projects, your donation may be sent to Kiwanis Club Foundation of the Central Adirondacks at PO Box 1044, Old Forge, NY 13420.

The Webb Way announces their annual Holiday wreath sale

The Town of Webb Union Free School District’s Webb Way group is selling wreaths to support its positive reinforcement program.
Wreaths are 22 inches in diameter and come with a red holiday bow. Orders may be place by emailing Judy Ehrensbeck at school, jehrensb@towschool.org, or by calling school at (315) 369-3222.
The cost per wreath is $15 which includes sales tax. Orders must be received by Nov. 22, and pre-ordered wreaths may be picked up in the school’s gym lobby on Nov. 29 between 2 and 4:30 p.m.

YWCA gearing up Adopt-A-Family Program

YWCA Mohawk Valley is in search of elves and secret Santas who are looking to spread a little holiday cheer this Yuletide season. Approximately 50 to 70 victims and survivors of domestic will be seeking refuge from YWCA shelters or transitional housing programs for the holidays. These women, children and men placed throughout emergency and transitional shelters will be relying on the YWCA to make sure their holiday is filled with as many happy memories as possible, given the circumstances they face.
The YWCA cannot do it alone. Adopt-A-Family is a great way to come together as a community to help those in need.
Domestic violence does not go on holiday during this festive time of year, if anything, the pressures of the holidays increase the risk of domestic violence. Victims grab their children and flee for safety, often with nothing but the clothes they are wearing.
YWCA MV is seeking supporters who wish to adopt a family. Supporters can reach out as individuals or as part of a group, or on behalf of their office, business, agency, organization or club. Once a family has been assigned, a list of items requested will be handed out to the shoppers. These items must then be returned unwrapped and with the amount of gift wrap needed to wrap the presents. Volunteers at YWCA MV will handle the wrapping and delivery.
For more information, contact Tara Day at tday@ywcamv.org or fax at (315) 339-5379, by Nov. 11. Shoppers will be notified by email or phone prior to Nov. 23.
Help make this holiday a happy one, free from stress and worry by taking part in Adopt-A-Family.

Relay For Life of the North Country Holds Calendar Raffle

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of the North Country may still be six months away. But, the fight against cancer goes on year round. So, the volunteers involved with planning the annual event have been working to produce a special calendar raffle to raise funds now for the annual event.
The 12 Days of Relay calendar features a variety of donated prizes from many area businesses and individuals divided into 12 different days. Supporters can purchase a calendar for a $5 donation to the 2017 Relay For Life and be entered to win each day. Drawings begin on Dec. 1 and run through Dec. 12.
Prizes include U-Cut Christmas tree from Trenton Farms, gift certificates to Apple Blossom Florist and Great American, day passes for Enchanted Forest Water Safari, half gallon of Mercer’s ice cream each month for a year, passes to the NYS Woodsmen’s field days, gift certificate to Billy’s restaurant in Old Forge, movie passes to the Strand Theatre in Old Forge, oil change at Crill’s, overnight stay with dinner at Vernon Downs and much more.
Anyone interested in getting a calendar can contact any Relay For Life team captain or call Bob Elinskas at the American cancer Society at (315) 724-8126, x208 or e-mail Robert.Elinskas@cancer.org. Entries and donations must be turned in by Nov. 27 to be included in the drawing.

The Webb Way holding annualHoliday wreath sale
The Town of Webb Union Free School District’s Webb Way group is selling wreaths to support its positive reinforcement program.
Wreaths are 22 inches in diameter and come with a red holiday bow. Orders may be place by emailing Judy Ehrensbeck at school, jehrensb@towschool.org, or by calling school at (315) 369-3222. The cost per wreath is $15 which includes sales tax. Orders must be received by Nov. 22, and pre-ordered wreaths may be picked up in the school’s gym lobby on Nov. 29 between 2 and 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 15

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

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

7 p.m. The Inlet Barnstormers Snowmobile Club will hold its membership meeting 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.

Wednesday, Nov. 16

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. Open Mic Night at the Old Forge Library, writers, songwriters, aspiring writers and members of the public are invited to share and read their own work or to come and enjoy readings by others. Featured writer and emcee will be Aline Newman.

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

Thursday, Nov. 17

8 a.m. Kiwanis regular meeting at Walt’s Dinner.

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

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Annual children’s author visit scheduled at the Old Forge Library this year’s author, Jennifer Roy, will give presentations. The 10 a.m.-11 a.m. session is open to interested book club members, writers and the general public.

Friday, Nov. 18

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

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. 19

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. 20

7:30 p.m.: AA meeting at Inlet Community Church in Inlet.

8-9 a.m. Niccolls Memorial Church holds its annual Fair Trade Alternative Christmas Market.

11:30 a.m. Scavenger hunt at Raquette Lake.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Niccolls Memorial Church holds its annual Fair Trade Alternative Christmas Market.

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

Monday, Nov. 21

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. 22

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.
Visitor info
• 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 Adirondack Christmas on Main Street committee is pleased to announce a new addition to the weekend’s schedule of activities.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26, Point Park will host a family of reindeer and a red sleigh. The two adult reindeer and a yearling will be available for great family Christmas card photo opportunities.
The annual light parade will commence down Main Street on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m.
Groups are encouraged to put together a Christmas-themed float or act and join in the fun.
The winning group will be awarded a trophy before the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., with live music and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. As always, the community is encouraged to decorate your business and home to show off our small town spirit.
For a complete schedule of activities visit ADKChristmasOnMain.com.

By M. LISA MONROE
Express Editor

Town of Webb voters chose Donald Trump as their president-elect on Nov. 8. Trump received 574 votes, while Hillary Clinton garnered 367 votes.
In the race for US Senator Chuck Schumer got 534 and Wendy Long got 406 votes. Schumer was elected.
In the race for Supreme Court Justice in the 5th Judicial District, Deborah Karalunas got 549 of Town of Webb votes, and Gregory Gilbert got 530. They will fill the two available seats in District 5. The other two candidates were Ted Limpert with 309 votes and Scott Delconte with 251.
The 21st District Congressional race shows that Elise Stefanik got 633 of the Town of Webb’s vote, while challenger, Mike Derrick, got 260 votes. Stefanik will remain the Congresswoman from the 21st District. Matthew Funiciello received 32 votes in the Town of Webb.
The run for State Senator for the 49th Senate District named James Tedisco as the State Senator who will take over. Tedisco received 590 votes in the Town of Webb, while Chad Putnam got 271 votes.
The Assembly District 118 race was run unopposed with Marc Butler getting 783 of the votes in TOW.
Herkimer County Clerk and Herkimer County Treasurer races were also unopposed. Sylvia Rowan remains county clerk with 748 TOW votes, and Kimberlee Enea is treasurer with 734 votes in the Town of Webb.
Herkimer County District 1 Coroner Dan Rivet ran unopposed also, and remains coroner with 798 TOW votes.
According to the Board of Elections website, these are unofficial election night results. “New York State Election Law requires a complete recanvass of all votes cast on Election Day and the canvass of all valid absentee, special, and affidavit (provisional) ballots before any election results can be certified.
Once all ballot counting tasks have been completed (usually within 15 days for a primary and within 25 days for a general election), each County Board certifies their respective election results pursuant to and in accordance with the applicable sections of New York State Election Law (see NYS Election Law, Sections 3-222, 9-200, 9-208). Those certifications are then sent to the State Board for aggregation, certification and publication/posting.”

By M. LISA MONROE
Express Editor

After a public hearing on Nov. 8, during which no one spoke, the town board of the Town of Webb adopted a town budget for 2017. The total budget appropriations for 2017 are $7,763,769. This number includes general fund and highway fund appropriations of $6,623,169 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 $3,627,276.
The budget process starts months before the budget is passed when the town supervisor sends out budget worksheets to all of the department heads, according to Town of Webb Supervisor Robert Moore. The various department heads fill out the worksheets working from the last completed year’s budget. They look at what their department’s needs are, what they hope to accomplish this year, and what equipment is starting to wear out. Once these sheets are all filled out the town board schedules meetings with each department to get more detail about what the department head has asked for in the coming year.
The board uses the input from each department for a preliminary budget.
“It takes a lot of attention and going through small details. You’re looking at what you want to accomplish and what is possible,” said Moore in an interview after the town board meeting.
The preliminary budget is then presented to the public and a hearing is scheduled. Moore only remembers a few times that the preliminary budget was not then adopted as the final budget.
“It’s probably happened a couple of times during my time as supervisor,” said Moore. “And it was usually because of some oversight or somebody bringing up an issue that had to be addressed.”
The public hearing gives citizens of the town an opportunity to weigh in on how the town spends its money. Once the public has been heard from, the board votes on the budget.
“It’s an essential undertaking and one we all work very hard on. We hope it benefits the entire town,” says Moore.
In other town board meeting news:
• The board will discuss starting a reserve fund for a replacement vehicle for the Town of Webb Police Department.
• There will be a public hearing on Local Law Number 1 of 2016 on Dec. 18. The law concerns the establishment of a constable in the town.
• The highway department’s grade all has been sold to the Town of Lewis for $8,000.
• Councilman Dave Berkstresser says that the new emergency communications tower’s grant has been extended. This is good news as the tower has not yet been completed.

Photo submitted

Hannah Schoen’s TOW UFSD celebrated veterans on Thursday, Nov. 10 by writing down why vets are the best. Here are the top ten reasons why kindergarteners love our veterans: They are kind. They help the country. They protect us. They keep the bad guys away. They help people who are hurt. They fight for our country. They save us. They teach us things. They sacrifice time with their families to make sure we can safely spend time with ours! They are brave!

Photo by Gina Greco

Veterans Day is set aside each year to pay tribute to veterans of all of the armed forces, living and dead. The men and women who serve our country, to keep it safe and strong deserve the thanks of us all. The Town of Webb held its ceremony, as is the tradition, at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

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by Stan Ernst

Deb and I visited the Tap Room at Raquette Lake recently with Wendy and Pierre. Exculpatory events led to my christening as “Mr. Pouty” by a witty local guy (WLG). At the time everything seemed normal including Kat (bartender, banker and softball spanker) skillfully managing the bar and the usual afternoon procession of jaunty locals. Pierre bought a round from his recent 50/50 Raquette Lake Ladies Auxiliary winnings. This is typical of Marine Corps grunts who are generous to a fault except for my brother-in-law the Sargent Major who has a death grip on every farthing in his custody. I entrusted teenage Marine PFCs with my personal three megaton bomb on the USS Shangri-La. Thirty second timeout; “War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing, say it.” (Edwin Starr, August 1970)
Tap Room patrons noticed me inexplicably retreating to my vehicle while waiting for Deb to finish her second beer. They couldn’t know what prompted my premature departure. I was suffering a bout of reoccurring malaria and yearning for my mid-day nap. I’ve traveled to many mosquito-ridden locales including Canada, Florida Everglades/Keys, Cuba, Jamaica, Europe and the Mediterranean but our family parasitologist, Dr. Giardiasis, can’t seem to pinpoint the epicenter of my infection. My psychotherapist, Dr. P.T. Barnum, believes that I contracted the debilitating disease as an adolescent through telekinetic transference while reading “Guadalcanal Diary” by WWII correspondent Richard Tregaskis. Dr. Barnum assures me that I’m not the only person who has suffered symptomatic telekinetic transference. He treats a patient named Toussaint who was stricken with leprosy after reading “Papillion” by Henri Charriere. Dr. Barnum is medicating Toussaint and me with snake oil.
I suggested the previous day that we all take a trip to newly opened County Line Flow, eight miles east of Long Lake on Route 28. The DEC procured a right-of-way through Nature Conservancy land which includes County Line Flow and connecting Fishing Brook. We wanted to scout the kayaking possibilities for next season and it turned out to be an awesome spot. Anyhow the night before our road trip I awoke at 3 a.m. with cold sweats and couldn’t get back to sleep. My mind was spinning as I hallucinated about missing my next meal, thousands of plaster Bigfoot tracks outside my bedroom window, Japanese counterattacks, Frankie running out of gingerbread gelato and doggy paddling in shark infested waters with a pork butt tied around my neck.
The next day after perusing County Line Flow we returned to the Long Lake Hotel for a fortifying lunch. I ordered chicken soup, meatball sub/fries and a brewski. Lunch was filling and I immediately began feeling lethargic. We decided to drive to Buttermilk Falls and walk off lunch. The chilly walkabout was refreshing but I could sense the insidious malarial fatigue flooding my subconscious. That’s when I reflexively blurted out, “We should stop at the Tap Room for one beer on our way back to Inlet.” It was a conditioned response like yawning or wagging your tail. Anytime we drive by Raquette Lake we stop at the Tap Room. My conditioned Tap Room response was the beginning of my demise. I had begun a Jeckle and Hyde transition from Mr. Bighead to Mr. Pouty. I was slipping fast and my quinine tablets were safe at camp.
Anyone who’s experienced sleep deprivation (SD) will tell you that it’s divisive no matter the cause. SD tires your ciliary muscle which aids in focusing your eyes. When my eyes go crossed some think I’ve been kicked by a mule or fallen down a well; not so cousin Eddie. If you don’t sleep, your body can’t repair and replace dying skin cells so you end up looking like a rum-soaked raisin in Ina Garten’s rice pudding. Then you start nodding-off or micro-sleeping because your brain makes you rest. It’s embarrassing to nod-off in your wash basin full of Tap Room Pastabilities. SD causes memory loss and cognitive impairment; the ability to think and process information. SD’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
Another SD side effect is that your butt becomes hypersensitive. I had sat in the car for the drive from Inlet to County Line Flow and back to Long Lake. I sat on a hard chair on the LL Hotel porch for an hour while eating lunch. Then there was the drive to Buttermilk Falls and back to Raquette Lake. My intent was to have one beer at the Tap Room before heading back to camp for my afternoon respite. But nooooooo! One beer led to two and I was stuck sitting on another hard chair while Deb, Pierre and Wendy wiled away the hours in revelry. I became agitated as they mocked my discomfort. I had no recourse but to retire to my vehicle.
Before I moved my tortured body outside, I’d seen the WLG mosey in. He’s undoubtedly a Raquette Laker and daily Tap Room parishioner. He always wears a ball cap and perches unobtrusively on a barstool. He’s seemingly subdued and introspective and seldom comments on our inane bar side repartee. But he’s obviously an attentive listener; his ears move independently of each other like cat’s ears. I know he’s eavesdropping because he averts his eyes. Predators never make eye contact until they’re ready to pounce. When my hideous infirmity caused me to abruptly abandon the bar, WLG pounced; he publicly branded me Mr. Pouty. My travel pals found that uproarious and belly laughed themselves nauseous at my expense.
Kat sympathetically scrutinized me through the window to make sure I was okay. She gave the inconsiderate joshers a play-by-play account of my every tremor. After another agonizing twenty minutes, I tottered back to see if Deb was ready to go. She was still nursing her beer. I lurched back to the car to contemplate my demise. Shame I say; picking on a debilitated Navy veteran. Like Joe South intoned, “Walk a mile in my shoes, Hey before you abuse, criticize and accuse, Walk a mile in my shoes. Maybe WLG will buy Mr. Pouty a beer next time we meet, to ease his conscience. Like President-elect Trump says, “There’s a sucker born every day.”

The Remsen Writers’ Group announces its new meeting schedule. Meetings will be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month from noon until 2 p.m. at the Didymus Thomas Library, Main St., Remsen.
Composed of area residents with varying skills, the writers’ group supports interests in local history, culture and art, as well as memoirs, poetry, short stories, novels, and even storytelling. Some write for their own pleasure and others write to publish locally, such as in the Rural Star, and nationally.
Members share their work and may receive constructive/ supportive criticism if they so desire. Ideas for writing topics are presented to the group and while skills and experiences with techniques are shared, everyone is encouraged to do their own thing. Information about area literary events and opportunities to network are also announced.
The group which began over four years ago welcomes anyone interested in writing. Ages range from home schooled teenage to retired seventy plus. In the past the group has held “Open Mic/ Tellabrations,” author presentations with book readings and signings, and supported writing workshop opportunities for children in the community. Many members of the group have participated in writing events in our area.
For more information contact Sheila Harris at thestoriessheilatells@gmail.com or call the library at (315) 831-5651.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that remaining Deer Management Permits (DMPs) in several Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) are available to hunters beginning Nov. 1.
Deer Management Permits, which allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer, are issued for specific WMUs to control deer populations. In some WMUs, all applicants received permits during the initial application process. In units where the DMP target has not been reached, DEC will re-open the DMP application process on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may apply for up to two additional DMPs in these WMUs at any DEC license sales outlet beginning Nov. 1.
Leftover DMPs are not available by phone, mail, or internet. Applicants who previously paid the $10 DMP application fee during the initial application period, or are exempt from the application fee, will not be charged for this additional application. Hunters who did not previously apply for a deer management permit are required to pay the $10 application fee.
Applications for leftover DMPs will be accepted for the following WMUs: 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S (bowhunting-only), 7F, 7H, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 9A and 9F.
For WMU locations, refer to the 2016-17 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8302.html .
During this extended application period, DEC will issue DMPs for an individual WMU until the target issuance quota is achieved. The status of permits will be reviewed each night, and as individual units are filled they will be removed from the list of those available effective the following day. A list of units with available leftover DMPs will routinely be updated on DEC’s website or via the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332.

Community Bank N.A. President and CEO Mark Tryniski announced that the bank has been named the title sponsor for the 2017 Empire State Winter Games.
The partnership will support the community-driven, multi-day sporting event, which is expected to have a nearly $3 million economic impact on the region.
“Community Bank is proud to support the 2017 Empire State Winter Games, which continue to promote tourism and economic development in our communities,” Tryniski said. “The games have a profound impact on both our region and the participants, and I am excited to see what the 2017 event brings.”
The 37th Empire State Winter Games will continue to benefit from significant momentum gained in the 2016 competition. New sports venues combined with much greater awareness are now paired with a powerful partnership with Community Bank N.A. Sport venues are located in Lake Placid, Wilmington, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Malone and Paul Smiths.
ESWG officials expect an increase in audience and excitement, as well as more participants in all sports, from the classics, such as figure skating, to the more avant garde big air and snow bike competitions. New in 2017, a “Marathon Skate” event on Mirror Lake and significant increases in adaptive sports of all kinds will be added to the schedule.
“Coming on the heels of a successful re-launch of the ESWGs in 2016, this partnership with CBNA, as well as an overwhelming level of support from the entire North Country community, ensures that 2107 will be the most exciting and successful year ever,” Executive Director Tait Wardlaw said. “The games are truly a reflection of the enthusiasm and true sense of cooperation that everyone has for our regional winter sports.”
The Empire State Winter Games bring together more than 1,900 athletes from across New York and beyond to compete in 19 winter sports at various venues in the North Country and Adirondack regions. The 37th games will take place Feb. 2-5.
“The addition of Community Bank as part of the ESWG coalition is great news,” said Senator Betty Little. “It is inspirational to see that the Games continue to both honor the event’s significant heritage and to grow and evolve.”
For more information about the Empire State Winter Games, visit empirestatewintergames.com

Writers, poets, a storyteller, and a songwriter showed off their creative sides at the Old Forge Library’s Open Mic Night event held on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Open Mic Night is meant as a networking tool for writers, poets, and songwriters from all over the region to share their works and ideas with one another in a friendly atmosphere.
The event is open to the public and each person takes a turn. The night went on with readings on a variety of different subjects ranging from cumbersome to joyful and even comical.
The Old Forge Library holds an Open Mic Night event four times out of the year; once in August, November, February, and again in March.
— Cathy Bowsher

The Town of Webb UFSD Board of Education held a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 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.
Public Forum: Several parents expressed their opinions and beliefs regarding the proposed changes to Board Policy 504.2 – Interscholastic Athletic Code of Conduct. Board President Joseph Phaneuf stated that the Board Policy 504.2 – Interscholastic Athletic Code of Conduct has been removed for approval on the agenda for this meeting. Phaneuf further stated that the timeline of this policy’s final approval and integration of the policy was unknown until the policy’s revisions could be agreed upon.
Town of Webb Teachers’ Association President, Brad Donovan read a statement regarding proposed Board Policy 310.00 – Employee Use of Cell Phone and asked that this policy be further reviewed. Various teachers shared their educational use of cell phones in their classroom along with the benefits of use. The TOWTA were asked to present thoughts and possible language for the Employee Use of Cell Phone policy with the Board.
The Board of Education took the following action:
• Approved the Minutes of Nov. 1 Board of Education meeting.
• Approved the Warrants and Claims.
• Approved the Treasurer’s Reports for October 2016.
• Approved the Committee on Special Education Recommendations.
• Approved the Tax Collector’s Report.
• Approved the return of taxes to the counties.
• Approved Sahl’s Glass and Glazing as the low bid on the door project.
• Approved the appointment of ski lesson instructors and volunteers: Alpine ski lesson instructors John Morelli and Diane Heroux; Nordic ski lesson instructor Janine Phaneuf; volunteers to assist the coaches Pablo Garcia, William Fenton, Jason Perkins, Aris Bird and Mike Gaffney.
• Postponed approval of the Board Policy: 310.00 – Employee Use of Cell Phone.
Approved the revisions to the following board policies:
• 001.1 Joint Code of Conduct for School Boards and Superintendent
• 002.0 Organization
• 002.3.3 Duties Of The Clerk
• 002.3.4 Duties Of The Treasurer
• 002.3.5 Duties Of The School Attorney
• 002.3.6 Duties Of The Independent Auditor
• 002.4 Temporary Committees
• 003.0 Power and Responsibilities Of The Board
• 003.1 Individual Members
• 004.0 Board Meeting Time and Place
• 004.1 Minutes
• 004.2 Agenda
• 004.3 Regular Meeting Quorum
• 004.5 Organizational Date and Time
• 004.5.1 Organizational Meeting Agenda
• 005.1 Nomination of Candidates for School Board
• 007.1 Policy – Adoption Of Policies
• Approved the appointment of Shana Marleau as classroom volunteer.
• Approved the authorization for the Superintendent to execute the revised Inter-Municipal Cooperation Agreement for transportation services with Raquette Lake Union Free School District from July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017.
• Approved the appointment of Ashley Turner as substitute teacher and substitute teacher aide.
Principal John Swick submitted the following report:
• Fall Sports Awards took palace on Wednesday, Nov. 2, and winter varsity sports began on Monday, Nov. 7.
• All juniors took the PSAT Exam on Oct. 19 and the ASVAB on Oct. 26.
• The school had a presentation from KidSpeak: A Puppet Workshop about Autism on Monday, Oct. 24.  (This is presented by the Kohl’s Autism and Related Disorders Program of the Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center, Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The presenters also met with elementary faculty following the presentation.)
• Sources of Strength training took place on Friday, Oct. 28. This program is presented through the NYS Office of Mental Health through the University of Rochester.
• The Halloween Parade took place on, Oct. 31, put on by students in K-5 for families to watch in the gymnasium.
• The Adirondack Museum visited to bring free programs to our students in grades K-5.
• Select students in grades 9-12 attended the Adirondack Center for Writing Retreat on Friday, Oct. 28, with Mr. Leach and Mr. Cunningham at Paul Smith’s College.
• The NHS Blood Drive took place on Wednesday, Nov. 2, with 35 units collected.
• Moose River Farms provided the school counselors with 10 free scholarships to beneficial animal interaction sessions that began the last week of October. Several students were able to take advantage of this after being recommended by a counselor.
• The Jr./Sr./Stage Band Concert took place on Thursday, Nov. 3, under the direction of Emily Herrmann.
• Students attended the Bi-County Festival on Saturday, Nov. 5, with Mr. Kovalovsky and Mrs. Herrmann. Four students attended for elementary chorus and three for junior band.
• The Key Club raised over $500 at their annual bottle drive on Saturday, Nov. 6. The club was able to donate $300 to local food pantries and cover cost for the elementary movie nights.
• The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children came to speak with students in grades K-12 about being safe online.
• The first quarter ended on Friday, Nov. 10, and report cards will be coming out this week.
• K-12 Student participated in the Bridge Arts program held at View and workshops at school.
Superintendent Rex Germer included the topics:
• The required testing of water for lead was done in September and results came in last week. The testing identified one site that showed elevated levels of lead. The faucet was immediately taken out of service and a note regarding the results was sent home and posted according to the requirements of the legislation. The one identified site will undergo further testing to determine the ultimate solution.
• Thank you to Joe Tahan’s Furniture for its extremely generous donation to the Honor Lounge. A request for reduced priced furnishings turned into an overwhelming donation in memory of Mr. Tahan who we still hear from in their commercials today.
• An intermunicipal agreement has been presented to the Town of Webb Board for shared fuel services with the Town of Webb UFSD. The town is already engaged in a similar arrangement with the fire department and the district hopes to sign an agreement to create the first official shared services agreement with the town.
• The district is in the process of putting a system in place to alert families of important information electronically in the form of emails, texts and phone calls. A “robocall” system was reviewed with the Regional Information Center. The program was suggested by those present at the Board of Education meeting following the lockdown recently experienced at the school. The district hopes to have this system operational in the next few weeks.
The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, in the school library.

Ray Schoeberlein Chairman of Central Adirondack Kiwanis Kamp Kiwanis committee announced that four children attended Kamp Kiwanis with funds provided by Central Adirondack Kiwanis and proceeds from Adirondack Bank’s annual Thendara Golf Tournament.
Kamp Kiwanis is aimed at providing fun, physical exercise and adventure. It strives to afford opportunities to participate in a creative outdoor group experience in a democratic setting and develop characteristics of leadership and fair play.
The program at Kamp Kiwanis is designed to mainstream all children, including up to 20 each session with special needs. It is non-competitive with emphasis on group and team building. No activity is forced, but all are encouraged.
Staff members come from many countries as well as some from the United States. All staff members have been trained to interact with children of all ages. Fully qualified lifeguards supervise all waterfront and swimming activities.
The Kamp is located six miles north of Rome on 102 acres of open and wooded land in the rolling western foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. There is an administration building with an infirmary; sleeping cabins, bathhouses, athletic fields, library, sports area, swimming pool, nature trails, a camping area with a teepee, arts and crafts facilities and a pond for fishing and canoeing.
Schoberlein said, “This is a unique experience for children that may not normally be able to participate in an overnight camping experience and we extend our sincere thanks to Adirondack Bank for their financial support.”
If you are interested in joining Central Adirondack Kiwanis and participating in all of the child-centered service programs, you may contact membership co-chairs Doc Foley at (315) 794-9460 or Bob Teesdale at (315) 369-5425.
To make a financial contribution to the Kiwanis Kids projects, your donation may be sent to Kiwanis Club Foundation of the Central Adirondacks at PO Box 1044, Old Forge, NY 13420.

This winter, State Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologists are seeking the public’s help to learn about new black bear dens throughout New York.
As part of the DEC’s ongoing monitoring of black bears in New York, wildlife biologists periodically check on black bears during the winter den season. The bears may be fitted with a radio collar to help biologists track the bears’ activities throughout the rest of the year and to relocate dens in subsequent years for monitoring cub production, condition, and survival.
Bears may den in a rock crevice, tree cavity, or under heavy brush or fallen trees. Since female bears generally give birth in January or early February, a high-pitched squeal from the cubs may be audible if near a den.
New York hikers and hunters typically cover countless miles of wooded terrain each year. DEC urges anyone who finds a bear den to not approach or disturb the den, but simply to note the location and move away from the den site.
DEC requests that anyone locating a bear den contact their local DEC Wildlife office with specifics about the den location, including GPS coordinates if possible.
More information about black bears in New York is available at DEC’s Black Bear webpage.

The Adirondacks’ Coolest Place welcomes all interested snowshoe enthusiasts to spectate and participate in the 2017 World Snowshoe Championships, which will be held Feb. 24 to 26 in Saranac Lake.
The competition itself includes the 10K open World Championship, Junior World Championship 5K (age 19 and under), and a 5K Citizen race. All three races will be held on Feb. 25, with the 10K start time of 11 a.m. and the 5K races beginning simultaneously at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 has registration and bib pick-up at the Town Hall, and the lower lobby will be filled with vendors for everyone to enjoy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will be celebrated with activities throughout the community, and begins with an athletes parade and opening ceremonies on Friday, Feb. 24, with a special evening event held under the lights at Dewey Mountain.
An action-packed Saturday begins with remaining racer registration and bib pickup at the Harrietstown Town Hall Race Headquarters from 8 to 10 a.m. The Woodsmen demonstration will be held in Riverside Park by Paul Smiths College at 9 a.m., the Town Hall Auditorium will be filled with vendors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snowshoe companies will provide loaner snowshoes at the race’s downtown start/finish area located in front of the Hotel Saranac.
“We’ve prepared a challenging course for what we expect to exceed 300 competitors,” said Jim Tucker, race director. “This event has been held in Canada in the past, but this will be the first time it will be hosted in the U.S., making it the largest world snowshoe event held in North America.”
Post-race events will be held on Sunday, Feb. 26, at various venues, including Baker Mountain and the Paul Smith’s College VIC.
“We’ve already received race registrations from all over the U.S., Canada, France and Japan,” said Saranac Lake Mayor Clyde Rabideau. “This is the Adirondacks, where residents really embrace winter, and Saranac Lake is more than ready to welcome winter revelers and world-class athletes from around the globe.”
“We expect a big turnout of regional folks for the event,” said Rich Shapiro, who leads the event organizing committee. “The races will be great for spectators as well. Anyone can participate in the 10K race, with the World Championship level racers. The 5K Citizen race will be great fun and is open to all speeds — from the competitive set to those who enjoy a ‘walking party’!”
Event information and registration is available on the website at saranaclake.com/world-snowshoe-championships.

The Adirondack Museum Visitor Center and Museum Store will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 18, with a wide variety of activities and events that make the museum a Holiday Headquarters in the heart of the Adirondack Park.
Inside the rustic, festively decorated Visitor Center, the Adirondack Museum Store will feature special holiday sales, a wide variety of unique wilderness gifts, and exclusive Adirondack items. Visitors explore free local history exhibitions, access helpful local area information, and tie it all up with a bow at a rustic gift-wrapping station.
The Museum Store features locally made pottery, jewelry, and crafts; books written in and about the region; holiday decorations and cards; Adirondack art and reproductions from the museum’s collection; toys and games for kids; one-of-a-kind artisan items; Adirondack home furnishings; and many other unique and exquisite holiday gift ideas.
Every purchase in the Museum Store helps to support the Adirondack Museum’s exhibitions, public programs, library, preservation work, and free programs at schools throughout the North Country’s 12 counties.
The Museum Store will be hosting a special Black Friday Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, featuring extraordinary sales and promotions on truly unique Adirondack rustic, mountain, and wilderness items.
The next day, Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Museum Store will participate in the nation-wide Small Business Saturday event supporting local Adirondack businesses and non-chain stores, complete with live crafting demonstrations by local artisans.
During both of these post-Thanksgiving events, on Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Visitor Center will also be a stop on the Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour. This annual tour features local artisans showing their talents throughout the community.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Museum Store will host a members’ 30 percent off Holiday Sale, featuring local hand-made items for sale, and demonstrations by local artisans. The 30 percent off does not apply to consignment items, books, memberships, tickets, or items already on sale.
On each of the special event days, visitors will have a chance to win a raffle prize of a winter gift basket, shop with various vendors, and enjoy a local free food and beverage sampling program. The Adirondack Museum is holiday headquarters for a truly unique shopping experience in the heart of the Adirondack Park.

Do you know of an exemplary veteran entrepreneur? The Syracuse District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration requests nominations for the Veteran-Owned Business Achievement (VOBA) Award to recognize the entrepreneurial success of a local business owner who has served our country.
The nominee must be a 51 percent small business owner with military service, in business for at least two years, a resident of the United States, and meet one or more of the following criteria: staying power; growth in employees or sales; current and past financial performance; innovativeness of service or product; response to adversity; and contributions to community-oriented projects.
Additionally, the business must be located in one of the following Upstate New York counties: Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.
Nomination guidelines and required forms are available online at www.sba.gov/operationstartup. Nomination packages must be postmarked by Jan. 31, and sent to the U.S. Small Business Administration Syracuse District Office, 224 Harrison Street, Suite 506, Syracuse, NY, 13202.
The winner will be presented with the award at the 2017 Operation: Start Up & Grow veterans’ business conference at the SRC Arena at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse on Wednesday, March 16, 2017. The free conference features speakers, workshops, networking and exhibitors, and is open to individuals with current or prior U.S. military service, including veterans, active duty, reservists and National Guard members, and their family members. Continental breakfast and buffet lunch are included for all attendees. Online registration is available by visiting www.sba.gov/operationstartup. Contact the SBA to register by phone at (315) 471-9393.