The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has achieved its next milestone on the path to building the proposed new hospital in downtown Utica. Through facility and operations analysis, MVHS officials have identified potential cost reductions without impacting patient care.
The new hospital, proposed for downtown Utica, was conceived to be approximately 830,000 square feet and estimated to cost $573 million. The new cost projection is approximately $480 million for a 750,000-square-foot facility, which is in alignment with the project funding plan that includes bank financing, donor support, and a grant from New York State.
“Planning a project of this magnitude occurs in several stages over the course of years,” said Scott H. Perra, FACHE, president/CEO of MVHS. “In late 2014, we developed estimates based upon preliminary design concepts. We continue to perform studies and evaluations to further refine the project as we advance through the phases of the development process. This includes continuing to work with the Hammes Company, who manages projects like this one all over the country. Our revised plan includes a reduction in facility square footage, updated inventory of equipment for reuse at the new facility, and additional evaluation of services that could remain in the hospital versus those that could continue at other sites in the system.”
The reevaluated design includes a number of cost-saving adjustments, including a phased approach to inpatient bed space. The original concept included 430 inpatient beds; the revised plan is for 400 beds. Officials have carved out a 24-bed inpatient “shell” that could be finished and used at a later time, if needed. That reduction alone saves more than 15,000 square feet of new construction and adds to the overall savings.
“Our analysis has shown that the need for inpatient beds will continue to decrease,” noted Perra. “We reviewed trends of our inpatient beds for the past five years, as well as trends both statewide and nationally, to help us determine what we will need by 2022 when the new facility opens. Currently our average daily inpatient census for MVHS is 325 to 375 patients.”
Other potential cost-saving strategies include third-party ownership opportunities, such as the parking garage and separate office space for some hospital services. Third-party ownership of a multi-use parking garage provides an estimated cost savings of $27 million and the reduction of the size and construction cost of the facility provides an estimated $20 million savings. Also, additional efficiencies are continuously being identified as the hospital system’s operations plan is further refined.
“As with any construction project, projections and estimates will evolve as we get further along in the development process,” Perra said. “However, this step-by-step analysis has helped us to achieve a further refined cost estimate for this phase of the project. We continue to seek additional cost-saving measures and alternate sources of funding, including grant opportunities and donor support.”
Planning and design for the hospital will begin once the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) finalizes the disposition of the $300 million in New York State funding. At that time, MVHS will engage the construction manager and architectural and engineering firms to begin the design of the new facility. The design process is estimated to take 16 to 20 months.
“Once we receive the notification from the NYSDOH, we can begin to fully develop the hospital concept,” commented Perra. “At that time, we will have more information to share with our community and will set up opportunities to meet with area residents about a new medical future for them and their families. Their input will be valuable as we begin to work on the design and layout of the new health care campus.”

Photo by Laura Czajka
Peg Nuspliger leads an ACC rehearsal for the upcoming Christmas concerts.

The ACC will be performing a concert entitled “The Best Time of the Year,” to be performed at the Lewis County Historical Society on South State Street in Lowville at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.
The same concert also will be performed by the ACC at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Boonville Presbyterian Church.
Peg Nuspliger will be directing at both concerts, and Sylvia Fici will be providing piano accompaniment.
“The Best Time of the Year” will be a choral revue of familiar Christmas songs, both sacred and secular. Soloists and featured performers will include the following: Jake Brach, Shannon Chamberlain, John DeRoos, Michael Ferris, Todd Galarneau, Margaret Haenlin, Claire Haile, Bob Healt, Jonathan Kornmeyer, Terry Marcy, Jason Matteson, and Angus Saunders. At various points in the program, the audience will be invited to sing along with the chorus.
The Lewis County Historical Society is known to decorate resplendently for the holidays, and this year is no exception, according to Society treasurer Sharon Sears.
“It’s a beautiful springboard for the Christmas season,” says Ms. Sears. “The holiday festival is one of our major fundraisers. We are taking bids for the purchase of our decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and stockings, and raffle tickets can be purchased for our gift baskets.”
The bidding and raffle will still be open on the date of the concert, so if any of the audience members or ACC participants would like to take part, they are encouraged to do so.
The concerts in both Lowville and Boonville are free to the public. Donations are welcome at both locations.
The Lewis County Historical Society will put any donations received toward the renovations of the General Walter Martin Mansion in Martinsburg and toward its general operating expenses.
Donations received at the Boonville concert will be given to Matthew’s Place, a charity-based shop located on Main Street in Boonville. Matthew’s Place operates as both a thrift store and food pantry for people in the local area.

STASSA

Stassa Neddo drives an hour commute four to five days out of the week from her hometown in Yorkville to her new job as the x-ray technician at the Town of Webb Health Center.
Stassa is a recent graduate from the North Country Community College, located in Saranac.
She is excited to start her career in the medical field, “It’s a pretty quiet area and I’m excited to be here. I’ve just graduated and, so far, people have been very welcoming,” said Stassa.
Stassa chose to come to Old Forge because of the location, “I think it’s beautiful here, and I don’t mind driving,” said Stassa.

Girls volleyball
The girls’ junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams have been selected by their coaches and they are preparing for their first game of the year which will be played on Thursday, Dec. 1 at home against South Lewis. Starting time for the jayvee game will be at 6 p.m. Alicia Burnett will be coaching the jayvee team. It is Burnett’s first volleyball coaching job.
Burnett has the following girls on her team: Britney Levi, Brittany Johnston, Caitlin Russell, Melissa Hoffman, Shelby Mayeu, Natalie Brownsell, Rianna Lindsay, Brooke Dolan, Lili Pittarelli, Madison Palmer, Megan DeFilipps and Trinity Liddle.
Jessica Brownsell returns as the varsity volleyball coach and she has the following girls on her team: Mickayla Abrial, Lexie Beal, Montana Burrell, Dayna DeAngelo, Ashley Eisenhart, Alana Howard, Mackenzie LaPorte, Katie Ludwig, Natasha Manktelow, Laura Rubyor, Erin Timmerman and Shelby Townsend.

Week’s sports schedule

Tuesday, Nov. 22
GMODVB vs. Clinton at home 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 29
GMODVB at Holland Patent 4:30 p.m.
BJVBB at Little Falls 6 p.m.
BVBB at Little Falls 7:30 p.m.

Photo by Gina Greco

The office is in the maroon building between DiOrio’s Supermarket and the Muffin Patch restaurant. Office hours remain the same, Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop in and see our new digs.

Pictured are editor Lisa Monroe, reporter Cathy Bowsher, advertising executive Deborah Graydon and head of ad layout Gina Greco in front of their new offices.

–M. Lisa Monroe

By CATHY BOWSHER
Express Staff

Students from the Old Forge Ballet Company held their first dress rehearsal on stage at the Strand Theatre on Saturday to prepare for their annual presentation of the Nutcracker. The opening of the production is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 on the Strand Theatre’s center stage.
The theater room was dim and lit with only a few stage lights. The dancers practiced their adagios (slow movements with ease) and their assembles (a jump move that lands on two feet) under the direction of the Old Forge Ballet founders Sue Anne Lorenz-Wallace and her sister Linda Lorenz LaDue, “Both my sister and I have been teaching for well over 30 years and dance, it’s kind of a calling in a way. I tell my students that if you really want to do it, there will be a place for you,” said Linda Lorenz LaDue.
According to Sue Anne, the show has been running at the Strand for over 20 years, “We have been running this show forever it seems. A very long time, dance is ageless” said Sue Anne.
The magical production of the classic Christmas ballet originated from,”The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,” a book written by Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann. The time-honored story has since been conceptualized into the well known ballet of today, “Dance is life,” said Sue Anne about the production.
The Nutcracker is about a young German girl named Clara Stahlbaum who is given a gift of a wooden nutcracker by her grandfather. Her brother Fritz breaks her gift and she is saddened and falls asleep.
Clara is abruptly awakened by the sounds of the Christmas Tree growing into an enormous size. Her broken nutcracker comes to life and large human sized mice scamper around the room. To Clara’s surprise, her brother’s toy soldiers have also come to life and a ferocious choreographed battle breaks out between the Nutcracker Prince and the nasty Mouse King. Clara helps the nutcracker defeat the Mouse King and she and her prince run away to a kingdom of toys and happiness.
Join the Old Forge Ballet for this holiday favorite.
Questions may be directed to Sue Ann Lorenz-Wallace or Linda Lorenz LaDue at, oldforgeballet@roadrunner.com

Pieces of Heart UCP Art Exhibit will be at the library

The Pieces of Heart UCP Art Exhibit will be on display from Dec. 2-29 at the Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Blvd., Old Forge.
The public is invited to the opening exhibit reception which will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Light refreshments will be served and acoustic music will be provided by guitarist Dan Vellone.
Pieces of Heart is a creative expression program of Upstate Cerebral Palsy that was started in 2005 featuring artistic works in a variety of media. The agency’s multi-talented individuals who create these artworks have one thing in common–they are all people with differing abilities. Art provides individuals with opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings, and also increases public awareness of the talents and creativity of those with special needs.

Canal Museum to host its Christmas on the Canal

The Boonville Black River Canal Museum will host their 12th annual Christmas on the Canal from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the museum complex, found along the Black River Canal.
There will be locally made Christmas wreaths for sale as well as Christmas baked goods and hot dogs. Coffee and popcorn will be available free of charge.
Local author Irene Uttendorfsky will be hand selling her books and will sign the books you already own or purchase from her.
The Hemlock gift shop will have canal clothing on sale at buy one piece of clothing at regular price and purchase a second piece of clothing (of equal or lesser value) for 50 percent off. DVD’s, CD’s and books will be for sale as well as Museum lanyards, key chains, magnets and coffee mugs.

By CATHY BOWSHER
Express Staff

Police consolidation in any small community can have a positive effect on the productiveness of a police force.
The Police Consolidation Committee that represents the Town of Inlet and the Town of Old Forge, met to discuss merging the two police departments, “Essentially, The Inlet Police Department and the Old Forge Police Department would be combining staff, equipment, and vehicles,”said Town of Inlet Supervisor John Frey.
During the Inlet Town Board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 8, the board discussed progress of the police consolidation action, “We have been told that we should contact our Secretary of State Rossana Rosado for guidance in this matter,”said Frey. The board plans to do so.
A police force consolidation or shared services agreement can create a larger police force that can give more consistency in services to the community, “Cost-savings from the shared services and efficiencies lead to increased revenue streams for the municipalities,”said Laz Benitez, New York Department of State press representative.
Dispatch communication is a system of call talkers that relays distress calls to the right departments, many having to repeat their emergency to each dispatch before finding the right department. With consolidation, the information will be taken into one department, saving valuable time. One of the problems with a consolidation between the Town of Webb Police and the Town of Inlet PD is that the departments are in two different counties. This makes shared services more complicated.
Although plans are still in the early stages of progress, the Police Consolidation Committee will continue to meet and reach out to Secretary of State Rossana Rosado and her office for further guidance on how to proceed.

The best time to learn about hospice, or end-of-life care, is before a loved one faces a medical crisis. Approximately 1.7 million people receive hospice services each year, and studies have shown that early hospice care can extend a patient’s life expectancy and reduce anxiety for patients and family members. November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and Upstate NY Hospice Alliance is urging families to begin conversations now with loved ones who may eventually need hospice care.
The Upstate NY Hospice Alliance provides a continuum of care for loved ones with life-limiting illnesses. A team of doctors, nurses, social workers, grief counselors, chaplains and family caregivers provides an individualized care plan for each patient. Care is focused on pain and symptom management, comfort, dignity and quality of life for the patient, and reducing stress and anxiety.
“Many families do not decide on hospice care until the final weeks or even days of life, possibly missing out on months of quality time with their loved one. The upcoming holidays present a time to start those discussions earlier about receiving professional, expert care at home, in a nursing home or another health care facility,” said Caryn Hughes, president and CEO of Upstate NY Hospice Alliance. “Ultimately, our hope is to celebrate life and provide opportunities to enjoy quality time with family and friends at the end of life through hospice care.”
Upstate NY Hospice Alliance is a group of 14 regional hospices in 24 counties across upstate New York that work together to educate and inform upstate communities on affordable end-of-life care. Hospice allows patients to spend their time in a familiar, comfortable environment and offers specialized services for both patients and families.
Hospice care is completely covered by most health insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, and 44 percent of those eligible choose hospice care. It is intended for individuals with a terminal diagnosis, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), renal disease, cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Hospice care offers specialized services for both patients and families, including grief support and caregiver support.
Hospice care is focused on patients:
• With a life expectancy of six months or less
• Who may have been admitted to a hospital several times within the last year
• Who prefer to remain at home instead of spending time in the hospital
• Who are seeking pain and symptom relief rather than ongoing curative care
If you or a loved one are ready to learn more about hospice care, please visit the Upstate NY Hospice Alliance website, www.upstatehospicealliance.org for more information.

As part of “Adirondack Christmas on Main Street,” Inlet has many activities lined up for Saturday, Nov. 26. Here are just a few:
Arrowhead Park will be swarmed with children looking for hidden candy canes around the playground and ball field during Inlet’s 14th annual Candy Cane Hunt at 12:30 p.m. After they have found their allotted number of candy canes, they will retreat to the Inlet Town Hall and collect prizes (thanks to the Central Adirondack Association) and the Inlet Youth Commission will have hot cocoa and popcorn ready for them.
New this year, The Woods Inn is setting up a Santa’s Village from 1-4 p.m. Stop in to see Mrs. Claus and she will offer you treats: cookies, cupcakes, fruit, cheese, cocoa, and cider. She will do readings of “The Night Before Christmas.” There will be hayrides through town, a North Pole Junction train is set up to check out and a classic Coca-cola Christmas display. Santa will make an appearance between 1:30-2:30 p.m. They will also have a mailbox for your letters to Santa.
At 2:30 p.m. the second annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest will take place in the Inlet Town Hall. To be eligible as an ugly christmas sweater contestant you must wear a Christmas or winter themed sweater, sweatshirt, or sweater vest to the event. Turtlenecks and long or short-sleeved t-shirts will not be accepted. You may add to or alter your Christmas sweater however you like. Have fun and get creative.
Inlet is looking for a holiday pie to be proud of. Bake your favorite pie and bring it in to the Senior Room in Inlet Town Hall at 4:30 p.m. to share with other pie lovers and the committee will all determine which pie can be called “Inlet’s Best.”
For questions contact Adele at (315) 357-5501. For the most updated schedule and a map of the weekend’s events go to InletNY.com and click on Adirondack Christmas on Main Street under Events and Activities or call the Inlet Information Office (315) 357-5501.

Photo submitted
Laura Bogardus, Dawson Dunn, Clifford Donovan, Cole Tormey, Jennifer Rundell, Mary Phelps, and Macy Capron played at the Bi-County Music Festival.

Seven Town of Webb music students attended the Fall Bi-County Music Festival through Jefferson-Lewis Counties Music Teachers’ Association. Students attended a full day of rehearsals held at Indian River High School on Nov. 1.
Following this, students attended a second day of rehearsals culminating in a public performance on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Four sixth grade choral students attended: Cole Tormey, Macy Capron, Jennifer Rundell, and Mary Phelps; all are students of Jed Kovalovsky.
Three seventh and eighth grade band students attended: Dawson Dunn on tenor saxophone, Laura Bogardus on alto saxophone, and Clifford Donovan on french horn; all are students of Emily Herrmann.

Photo submitted
Participants in the hemlock woolly adelgid workshop.

Partners of the SLELO PRISM (St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species) sponsored a workshop at the 4H Amboy Education Center in Williamstown on Saturday, Nov. 12. The workshop focused on preventing the spread of an invasive forest pest known as the hemlock woolly adelgid.
HWA is an insect that threatens the health of hemlock trees. HWA was confirmed in the lower Hudson Valley in the 1980s. Since then, they have spread north into the Catskills and the Capital Region. More recently, the hemlock woolly adelgid has begun to invade the Finger Lakes area. Since the Tug Hill region of New York is host to thousands of hemlock trees, maintaining their integrity is important to the regions forest lands. Over 20 attendees learned about the biology and impacts of HWA, how to identify symptoms of an infestation, surveillance techniques and observation reporting methods. A majority of the participants agreed to participate in a volunteer surveillance network, an initiative focused on strengthening early detection efforts for specific invasive species within our region. As a result, we now have identified 13 focus areas within the southern portion of Tug Hill in which we are asking these volunteers to surveillance for HWA. For more information on the hemlock woolly adelgid visit the SLELO PRISM website at: www.sleloinvasives.org

Adirondack Bank was presented with the Small Community Lender Award by the Syracuse District Office of the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) before the Board of Directors on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Adirondack Bank was named the top small community lender for the eighth consecutive year in Central New York with 24 loan approvals in the 7(a) category totaling $7.1 million. An additional three approvals were added in the Capital Region above and beyond the 24 in Central New York.
“We are honored to receive this award from the SBA in recognition of our commitment to helping small businesses as well as the local communities that we serve,” stated Adirondack Bank President and CEO Rocco F. Arcuri, Sr. “We will continue to work with the SBA to provide programs that will help local, small businesses succeed.”
“We are pleased to present this award to Adirondack Bank in recognition of their accomplishments for 2016. Their team of community lenders has done an outstanding job assisting small businesses to accomplish their goals within the markets they serve,” noted SBA Syracuse District Director Bernard J. Paprocki.

Photo by Cathy Bowsher
Martha Denio, who has been with the visitor information center for more than 10 years and will retire this year.

Martha Denio is retiring from the Old Forge Visitor Information Center this year. Although Denio is ready to focus on other activities after her retirement, she is still busy at work doing what she knows best, “I can get you through a map and plan someone a weekend family package. I can take a little old man back in time with the history in my heart,” said Denio, “I can do that.”
Denio has been an employee of the visitors center for over 10 years and will be missed, “There is nobody better than Martha that can give the history of this town. She’s lived a lot of it and any facts, she can roll right off the top of her head. We will miss her here, of course we will,” said Office Manager Alexis Bennett, “I’ve known Martha all of my life.”
Denio credits her talent and love for people from her childhood growing up in Old Forge, “I had a lot of aunts and uncles growing up, they weren’t really family, but they were because they all watched out for me,” said Denio. “We are a very tight knit town and growing up here is wonderful.”
Before the visitors center, around 1984, Denio found herself in the New Jersey and Long Island area moonlighting as a taxi driver by day and as an ambulance driver by night, “I found myself in some questionable neighborhoods of some high crime areas as a taxi driver,” said Denio. “One time, I broke down in a very bad part of town with five large guys in the car. They asked what I was doing stopping here and I said we’re stuck. Those guys looked at me and got out and changed the tire. We got to where they needed to be and they said that I scared them because I was this nice lady in a bad neighborhood driving a taxi and no one normal would do that. If people were scared of me, imagine how I felt!”
Despite her circumstances, Denio ‘s Adirondack rooted kindness won the hearts of her clients, all the while making some friends along the way, “I had a little old lady group of people at one point and some were friends that would request me because of my customer service,” said Denio. “Unlike the other drivers, I would take them to the laundromat, or to the store and post office. The little old ladies would ask for the little nice one. That was me.”
Denio returned to the Adirondacks after 10 years of city life and has been here since. With ‘history in her heart,’ Denio remembers the early days of Old Forge and Water Safari in particular, “I knew the Flying Wallendas, Nik Wallenda of the seven man pyramid at the Enchanted Forest, I knew his grandparents and we were good friends,” said Denio. “I remember Hugo Zuchinni, the human cannon ball, and his wife Fay who did the trapeze act. My parents said that if you lived in Old Forge, you have to know enough to tell people about it.”
Denio always wanted to work at the visitors center before a job was even open there, “After coming back from the city, this was the job I wanted. I had to wait my turn and then got it,” said Denio, “I’m always good at the people part but the paper work and numbers we have to do is not my forte. My directors challenge me all the time and bring out the best in me, things I didn’t know I had in me. Cathy Webster and Irene Aloisio, Linda and Mike, we are all like family.”
After retirement, Denio plans on staying active as a member of the Old Forge Ladies Auxiliary. She will continue her work as a board member of the Town of Webb Historical Association preparing the new exhibit to be finish in June of 2017, “I am happy and sad about my retirement,” said Denio. “But I will always be able to read a map upside down with my eyes closed. When helping people find directions, you have to read it upside down,” Denio laughed.

At 7:59 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, during an investigation into damaged property at the Water’s Edge Inn, Town of Webb Police Department officers arrested Alexander Optis, 70, of Old Forge.
The defendant was a guest at the hotel at the time of incident and he tried to break into a secured office after hours. The defendant was arraigned at the Town of Webb Court and released after posting a $500 bail.

• This information is an account of the facts provided to the Express by the police agency cited.

Letty thanks all
To each one who took the time and effort to join me for my birthday party and for the many cards full of good wishes, I am so incredibly thankful, it quite overwhelmed me.
As I said that day, you each, in your own unique way, gave me a gift by your friendship which enriched my life.
Thank you,
Letty Haynes

Problems with ROP story

To the editor
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council (FCLPAC), I am disconcerted by the article written by your staff member, Cathy Bowsher, in the Nov. 15 issue on page 15. Apparently Ms. Bowsher did not research this article very well before writing it, as the information she presented under the title “The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra location may change” contains many falsehoods.
First correction: the FCLPAC has been sponsoring these orchestral presentations in Arrowhead Park in Inlet for eighteen years, and has never hosted a concert at The Woods Inn. Second correction: the fundraiser cocktail party has always been held before the concert and never afterward. Third correction: the FCLPAC is in its 19th year, not the RPO (and as a matter of note, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra was the presented musical group until four years ago). Fourth correction: the FCLPAC Chairman is Gerard Dupuis, and Bonnie Lutz, Chairman of the Cocktail Party Event, was our appointed spokesperson at the Inlet Town Board meeting on Nov. 8.
The Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council is currently seeking permission to hold our fundraiser Cocktail Party in Arrowhead Park, adjacent to the concert tent. We feel that after 18 years, our presentation needs some new appeal for our patrons, and combining all aspects of our event into the one fabulous location will provide that “wow factor” to create an enchanted evening.
The article in question goes on to quote Mrs. Lutz about past conversations with the owner of the Woods Inn about staffing complications regarding our past events. Our organization feels that by contracting with a catering company to provide food and service in Arrowhead Park, the problems of finding enough staff during the busy summer season would be eliminated.
Thanking you in advance for the opportunity to set the record straight,
Cindy Beckley, Director
Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council

O’HARA

Carolyn Jeannie O’Hara, 74, departed this world on Nov. 8, in her home in Wake Forest, N.C., after a long battle with cancer.
Her husband, daughters, sister, and brother-in-law were at her side when she passed away just seven days before her seventy-fifth birthday.
Born November 15, 1941, to Hugh and Helene (Forbes) Goodfellow (deceased) of Syracuse, Carolyn was a smart, witty, spirited and giving woman. She will be remembered as a loving wife, kind mother, playful grandmother, and generous friend. Carolyn was a cheerleader at Onondaga Valley Academy in Syracuse, graduated from Cortland State College in Cortland, taught English in several schools in New York, became a real estate broker in Golden, Colo., and later a mortgage broker in Naperville, Ill. She was involved with the Central Adirondack Search and Rescue Team as the lead activation person in Inlet. Carolyn enjoyed skiing with her family, loved traveling, playing bridge, quilting, sewing, and was an avid reader. Carolyn was a devoted church member all her life, culminating with her membership at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 52 years, the love of her life, Gregory O’Hara, her daughter Laurie O’Hara (Ardeshir Farbod) of San Rafael, Calif., son Todd O’Hara (Teri) of Hadley, and daughter Meg Elliott (Sean) of Pacific Palisades, Calif. Carolyn leaves behind her seven beloved grandchildren AJ and Isabel Torres; Finn, Abbey and Luke O’Hara; and Paige and Quinn Elliott. She is also survived by her dear sister Diane Terrell and brother-in-law Hugh Terrell of Wake Forest, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Carolyn O’Hara at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. The interment will follow at the Wake Forest Cemetery. Donations in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Carolyn will be remembered in our hearts, always.

SWANTON

Charles E. Swanton 73, of Old Forge, and formerly of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at his home in Old Forge, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born on December 16, 1942 in Rochester. Charles was the son of the late John and Kathleen (Peterson) Swanton. He Graduated from Hilton High School in Hilton, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. He went on to serve his country with honor and pride in the United States Air Force veteran SGT.
He was employed for over 25 years with General Motors (Delco Products) in Rochester, NY prior to his retirement.
He is survived by his son, Stephen Swanton of Rochester, and his daughter, Shaunna Swanton of Stamford, Ct. He also leaves his long time girlfriend Kelly Feit of East Greenbush, his brother James Swanton of Kent, and his beloved golden retriever Parker.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home at 128 Fern Ave. in Old Forge. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service.
For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dfwefh.com

In the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra story that the Express ran last week, there were some mistakes. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra concert was never held at The Woods Inn. The cocktail party that precedes the concert has always been held at The Woods Inn, not the concert itself.
The Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council are not looking to move the concert, just the cocktail party.
The cocktail party happens before the concert from 4-7 p.m. at the Woods Inn and then attendees move to Arrowhead Park for the RPO concert that starts at 7:30 p.m.
The FCLPAC would like to increase the RPO’s attendance by moving the benefit cocktail party to Arrowhead Park from The Woods Inn, for an all encompassing event night at one location.

Tuesday, Nov. 22
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

Wednesday, Nov. 23
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.
8 p.m. AA meeting at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

Thursday, Nov. 24
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.

Friday, Nov. 25
8:30-10 a.m. Morning yoga at View.
9 a.m. AA meeting at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.
9 a.m.-noon Make and Take Christmas ornament at Ace Hardware in Old Forge.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.
10-11:30 a.m. Ornament decorating at View ($5 per ornament or three for $10).
10 a.m.-noon Mission Boutique thrift store open at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. New exhibit at the Goodsell Museum in Old Forge, “Extraordinary Things-100 Years Of History.”
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday Bazaar cookie walk, chili and hot dogs, basket raffle, and gifts galore for $10 or less at the North Woods Community Center on Crosby Blvd. in Old Forge.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Get Your Pet’s Picture Taken with Santa at Waggin’ It in the ADK in the Blue Building, Main Street, Old Forge. Donations go to Herkimer Humane Society.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Santa’s reindeer and sleigh at Point Park, Old Forge, photo op available.
Noon-4 p.m. Horse drawn wagon rides starting at Souvenir Village in Old Forge.
Noon-5 p.m. Warm up at Niccolls Church with popcorn, music, puzzles, open play space, movies, crafts and more.
1-2:30 p.m. Tie dye T-shirts at View ($25 or $20 for member’s), in Old Forge.
1-4 p.m. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and photo op at Forge Motel in Old Forge.
2 p.m. Santa Express Train from Thendara Station to Otter Lake and back.
2-4 p.m. Honey the Clown doing free face painting at Wilderness Interiors in Old Forge.
2-5 p.m. Utica Zoo Mobile at Wilderness Interiors in Old Forge.
3 p.m. Puppet show at the Old Forge Fire Hall, sponsored by Souvenir Village in Old Forge.
3-5:30 p.m. Cocktail reception at Gallery 3040 in Old Forge, free jingle bells while they last.
4 p.m. Santa Express Train from Thendara Station to Otter Lake and back.
5:30 p.m. The Light Parade from Town of Webb School to Point Park in Old Forge.
6 p.m. Tree lighting and live music at Point Park in 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. 26
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.
9 a.m.-noon Make and Take Christmas ornament at Ace Hardware in Old Forge.
10 a.m.-noon Mission Boutique thrift store open at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.
10-11:30 a.m. Ornament decorating at View ($5 per ornament or three for $10).
10 a.m.-3 p.m. New exhibit at the Goodsell Museum in Old Forge, “Extraordinary Things-100 Years Of History.”
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday Bazaar cookie walk, chili and hot dogs, basket raffle, and gifts galore for $10 or less at the North Woods Community Center on Crosby Blvd. in Old Forge.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Get Your Pet’s Picture Taken with Santa at Waggin’ It in the ADK in the Blue Building, Main Street, Old Forge. Donations go to Herkimer Humane Society.
11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Santa’s reindeer and sleigh at Point Park, Old Forge, photo op available.
Noon-4 p.m. Horse drawn wagon rides starting at Souvenir Village in Old Forge.
Noon-5 p.m. Warm up at Niccolls Church with popcorn, music, puzzles, open play space, movies, crafts and more.
12:30 p.m. Inlet’s 14th annual Candy Cane Hunt at Arrowhead Park.
1-2:30 p.m. Tie dye T-shirts at View ($25 or $20 for member’s), in Old Forge.
1- 4 p.m. Woods Inn hosts Santa’s Village. Mrs. Claus and she will offer you treats: cookies, cupcakes, fruit, cheese, cocoa, and cider. She will do readings of “The Night Before Christmas.” There will be hayrides through town, a North Pole Junction train is set up to check out and a classic Coca-cola Christmas display. Santa will make an appearance between 1:30-2:30 p.m. They will also have a mailbox for your letters to Santa.
1-4 p.m. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and photo op at Forge Motel in Old Forge.
2 p.m. Santa Express Train from Thendara Station to Otter Lake and back.
2-4 p.m. Honey the Clown doing free face painting at Wilderness Interiors in Old Forge.
2:30 p.m. Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest will take place in the Inlet Town Hall. To be eligible as an ugly christmas sweater contestant you must wear a Christmas or winter themed sweater, sweatshirt, or sweater vest to the event. Turtlenecks and long or short-sleeved t-shirts will not be accepted. You may add to or alter your Christmas sweater however you like. Have fun and get creative.
3 p.m. Puppet show at the Old Forge Fire Hall, sponsored by Souvenir Village in Old Forge.
4 p.m. Santa Express Train from Thendara Station to Otter Lake and back.
4:30 p.m. Pie contest at the Senior Room at the Inlet Town Hall.
5:30 p.m. The Light Parade from Town of Webb School to Point Park in Old Forge.
6 p.m. Tree lighting and live music at Point Park in Old Forge.
6:30 p.m. Busses leave to return riders to the Thendara Train Station.
8 p.m.: AA meeting at Niccolls Church, Old Forge.

Sunday, Nov. 27
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.
1 p.m. Candy cane hunt at Maple Ridge in Old Forge.
1:30 p.m. Reindeer Run beginning at Goodsell Museum, Main Street, Old Forge. A fun run for kids of all ages to the busy corner. Keep your antlers on, the fun doesn’t stop there, wear your antlers into the special holiday 2 p.m. matinee at the Strand Theatre and receive a free small popcorn and half price matinee. Sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association.
7:30 p.m. AA meeting at Inlet Community Church in Inlet.

Monday, Nov. 28
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.

Tuesday, Nov. 29
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ongoing gallery exhibits at View.
3:30-4:30 p.m. Planning session for Old Forge Library’s play. The Old Forge Library is looking for volunteers to make “A Christmas Tree for Kitty” a reality: school age kids to act in the play and adults to help with costumes and planning.
7 p.m. Yoga with Nanette Shovea at the Raquette Lake School.
7 p.m. Raquette Lake Trivia night at the Tap Room in Raquette Lake.