Monthly Archives: March 2011

CAP-21 looks to Webb students for Cappy Duck artwork

Winning entry to adorn posters and be feather in artist’s cap

After a decade of supporting the quality of life in Adirondack communities—from Forestport to Long Lake—CAP-21 is launching its first annual Cappy Duck Derby to celebrate its “Duckade of Service.”

The Cappy Duck Derby is scheduled for September 4, the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, when 3,000 bright yellow ducks will be launched from the Old Forge bridge into the Moose River.

The sponsor of the first duck to reach the finish line, one-quarter mile away, will win $1,500. The sponsors of the next dozen or so ducks that cross the finish line will also receive prizes provided by regional businesses.

A special yellow duck image will soon be visible on publicity materials throughout the Adirondacks to promote duck adoption sponsors for the Derby. This special duck image will be created by an art student from the Town of Webb School.

On Tuesday, March 29, “Cappy Duck” met with students in Robert Fountain’s art class at school to invite them to submit an image for prospective placement on publicity materials for the event.

The final illustration will be chosen when students vote for their favorite image on Wednesday, May 4. The winning image will appear on all Cappy Duck Derby posters and other promotional materials.

“Cappy Duck’s” costume was also worn in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to publicize the Duck Derby. It was handmade, along with a second duck costume, by Lucy Luce of Old Forge.

“She was asked if she had any ideas on making a duck costume and within one week of that request she produced two magnificent duck costumes that will be seen throughout the Adirondacks in the months to come,” said Tim Foley, CAP-21 board member.

Foley said the organization is still seeking major sponsors for the Derby which will be the organization’s major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds will support CAP-21’s mission to promote the quality of community life in the Adirondacks.

The ducks for the derby will be sold at all local events throughout the summer, beginning with Adirondack Paddlefest at the Old Forge lakefront the weekend of May 20, 21 and 22.

Sponsorship levels for duck adoptions range from any donation up to $50 to $500 and up.

Current sponsors are Adirondack Bank, Foley Law Firm, Meyda Tiffany, Nutty Putty, and Benny’s Ice Cream.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can call the CAP-21 office at (315) 369-3353 or Tim Foley at 369-3544.

The CAP-21 board of directors wishes to thank their current sponsors, in addition to art teacher Robert Fountain, Town of Webb School Superintendent Don Gooley, and Lucy Luce who created the two “magnificent” duck costumes.

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Seward & Sayward weigh in State passes budget by deadline; local reps laud it as decent start

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Thursday the passage of the 2011-2012 budget that eliminates a $10 billion deficit that had been looming.

The budget includes historic reforms that redesign state government, according to Cuomo.

He said it creates efficiencies through consolidation, caps spending increases for education and Medicaid, and transforms the future budgeting process.

The approximately $132.5 billion budget reduces spending overall by more than 2 percent from the previous year.

It eliminates prison space, establishes Regional Economic Development Councils, brings performance funding to education, redesigns Medicaid, and caps next year’s education and Medicaid spending.

This budget reaches its fiscal goals with no new taxes and no borrowing, Cumo said.

Based on preliminary estimates, all funds spending will total approximately $132.5 billion, a decrease of $3.6 billion from the previous year.

State operating spending will total $88 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion or 1.4 percent. The budget closes the current gap with $9.3 billion in spending reductions or nearly 90 percent of the plan.

And the budget was passed on time.

Though the budget reduces Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) by two percent, the reduction is only two percent from current year levels, as compared to the 10 percent reductions to the state’s operations.

AIM monies are paid to the state’s cities, towns and villages to help fund local costs of government.

State senator James Seward said he approves of the budget.

“[It] takes major steps to improve our economic climate, and meets the needs of our families and individuals who are ready for an Empire State rebirth,” he said in a statement Thursday.

Closing a $10 billion deficit without raising taxes or borrowing is a major accomplishment, Seward added.

“Every effort was made to fairly distribute aid to needy school districts and local governments, and cuts to health care programs and other needed services were minimized where possible,” he said.

But New York State must continue adding to this progress, according to Seward.

“The work is far from over. A property tax cap and real mandate relief for our local governments and schools must be enacted this year to further mend our state’s economy,” he said.

And the legislative climate is right for making further reforms, according to Seward.

“Albany is refocused,” he said.

Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward agrees.

“This year’s budget pro-cess…featured the compromise and transparency that has been sorely lacking in past years, while providing tax credits and incentives that will help revitalize the economy and bring the private sector back to life,” she said.

“We must move forward promptly to eliminate unfunded mandates and job killing regulations in order to ease the burden facing taxpayers in the North Country,” she added.

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County DWI honors Webb Patrolman Trevor Tormey

Town of Webb Patrolman Trevor Tormey has been named recipient of the 2010 Stop DWI Enforcement Award by the Herkimer County Stop DWI Program for his proactive enforcement of driving while intoxicated.

He was nominated for the award by Town of Webb Police Chief John Russell.

Patrolman Tormey has been a member of the Town of Webb Police Department since June 2008.

This is the second time he has received the award.

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Search ends in Moose River Plains: Missing Dewitt woman’s body found

Tough day for family and searchers hoping for happy ending

It was early Saturday morning on March 26 when outdoorsman Gary Lee set out for the Limekiln Lake Camp-ground to check on some traps.

When he pulled in the parking area, he wasn’t surprised to see that another car was already there as it is a popular entryway to the bordering Moose River Plains that is enjoyed by hikers, fishermen, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.

However, Lee became suspicious when he returned to the area Monday morning, March 28 and found the vehicle, a 2009 Toyota RAV4, just as it was two days earlier.

He contacted the Inlet Police Department about his concern and gave the license plate number of the vehicle.

Later that evening, a missing person’s report was issued by the Town of Dewitt Police Department in the Syracuse area, seeking the whereabouts of 44-year-old Kerry Young, a Dewitt woman who had been reported missing by her family.

Young had notified her mother and sister that she was going hiking last Friday, but did not tell them where she was going.

Reportedly, her cell phone had not registered any activity since that night.

When it was discovered that the description of Young’s missing vehicle matched up with the information provided by Lee and the Inlet Police Department, a Tuesday morning, March 29 search for Young began at the campground.

The search effort was coordinated by the Dewitt Police Department as lead investigative agency and the Inlet Volunteer Emergency Services (IVES) building was designated as search camp headquarters. DEC Forest Ranger John Scanlon acted as search director.

The nearly 100 volunteers who gathered in the search effort included personnel from Ray Brook DEC, State Police, the Central Adirondack Search and Rescue Team, and Eagle Bay and Inlet Fire Departments.

Despite weather conditions that were considered “good” for a search (no new snow had fallen in about a week and sub-freezing temperatures had maintained the hard-pack of snow, allowing rescue personnel on foot and snowmobile to easily maneuver its surface), no sign of Young was discovered by the time the sun went down on Tuesday.

The search resumed at sun-up on Wednesday with two State Police helicopters joining the effort.

Early that afternoon, a local man who had just heard the report of the missing woman, went to the IVES building and said he had seen a set of tracks in the snow near Fawn Lake when he was snowmobiling on Saturday, March 27.

The man joined rescue personnel in search of that area. They followed the tracks and at approximately 2 p.m. Young’s body was found at a spot overlooking Fawn Lake.

Young’s mother, sister and ex-husband were brought to the scene and made positive identification of her.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Captain John Streiff of the DEC and State Police Sergeant Rob Brown issued the statement that the search was over and Young’s body had been recovered.

They thanked all who were involved in the search effort.

Investigators from New York State Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Ray Brook are leading the investigation into Young’s death.

An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday, March 31.

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Old Forge’s Ted Riehle announces candidacy

Ted Riehle of Old Forge announced today that he is a candidate for the position of Town of Webb Supervisor.

Riehle, a lifelong Town of Webb resident, has worked at the town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant for the past 15 years.

For all but the first of those years Riehle has served as the plant’s department head.

The quality of his fiscal and environmental management of the plant have been recognized by state and national agencies.

Riehle said his work with state agencies to develop an asset management program has been one of his greatest accomplishments.

If elected Riehle said he would like to initiate the same type of program for the town, which would lead to a capital improvement plan and the establishment of capital reserve funds.

“Long-term asset management planning is critical for both the fiscal and environmental well-being of any Adirondack municipality, according to Riehle.

“Without environmental responsiblity, where are we as a tourist community?” he said.

“I think the board has been diligent in the budget process, and I am certain I have something worthwhile to add.”

Riehle said he has enjoyed a good working relationship with the town board throughout the years, including former Supervisor George Hiltebrant and present Supervisor Robert Moore.

Riehle said his current position requires that he work closely with other departments on cross-over projects, and he said he is appreciative of the talent and effort given by the town’s workforce.

“I know 99 percent of them and I think the town is lucky to have these people on staff. One of the difficulties of living in a tourist area is that between seasons the departments have to pull some complicated things together in a short period of time. They always manage to pull it off,” he said.

Riehle has been a member of the Town of Webb Planning Board since March 2000, and was appointed its chairman by the Webb Town Board in October 2004.

He said he and his fellow board members have met a number of challenges the past few years, due to the town’s growth and development.

Riehle said he believes the Planning Board has conducted itself well and made some solid contributions to the Town of Webb.

“You get to be intimately involved with projects that will ultimately have a big impact on the town through development, subdivisions, and Main Street construction. All the while we have to be conscious of the economic impacts associated with them,” he said.

Riehle said he would not have chosen to run for supervisor if he felt the wastewater treatment plant would not be in capable hands, should he end up winning.

“I had to be concerned with the succession at the plant because it’s such an important aspect of the town—a multimillion dollar facility. But I am confident that my assistant operator John Mitchell could continue in that capacity,” Riehle said.

Mitchell has served as assistant operator for the past four-and-a-half years, and Riehle said he has shown proficiency in every aspect of running the facility.

He has recently become certified as a water operator and he also works for Mark Hudon of the DPW.

“And if I were to be elected supervisor, I’m still a licensed operator and could assist with backup,” Riehle said.

Riehle said he gave serious consideration to all factors before deciding to become a candidate.

“I’d be looking at a big career move, but I think I can help the town as supervisor. I honestly know that if they will have me, I will serve the voters to the best to my ability,” he said.

Riehle is the third candidate to announce he will be running for supervisor following Robert Moore’s decision not to seek reelection.

Last week, former Supervisor George Hiltebrant and Council-man Richard Risley also announced their candidacies for the position.

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Gary Lee’s Daybreak to Twilight

Bluebird of happiness sighting brings hope of spring’s arrival

Normally on the first day of Spring—or maybe April Fools Day—my Mom would try to get us by saying there was a Robin out in the yard. I haven’t seen one in this area yet, but John Levi saw one by Sixth Lake last week.

I heard one as I was going through Otter Lake Saturday morning (3/19) and by the time I got to Holland Patent I had seen hundreds of them.

Further along my route to Cicero I saw a few hundred Blackbirds and Grackles, a couple Killdeer, thousands of Canada Geese, only a couple Snow Geese and several big flocks of Turkeys.

They all thought it was spring but this week may change their minds as snow is predicted for three days.

I’ve only had one Red-winged Blackbird at the feeder and many of my Redpolls have moved north.

Lots of Geese have been flying both west and north, whichever way the wind blows.

While snowshoeing along the outlet of Limekiln Lake I stepped right on a Woodcock which flew out from under a spruce bow.

It landed on two feet of snow and looked a little out of place. I think he might bend his beak if he tries to probe for worms in this area.

While at the New York State Big Buck Club meeting at Borio’s Restaurant (overlooking Oneida Lake) a beautiful adult Bald Eagle sailed right by our window.

Ten years ago seeing an Eagle would have been considered a rarity, but now it’s commonplace.

Many who were at the meeting were not terribly excited about it, but I thought it was neat. I always will.

Just as I looked out the window I saw bunch of Redwings move into the feeder. Then an odd looking bird was sitting just above the feeders. At first I thought it was a Junco but it was a little too fat.

Then it flew down and snatched something off the snow. It was a Bluebird—a sure sign of spring.

It was snowing like crazy yet there was a beautiful Bluebird in the yard. I’m more hopeful about the arrival of spring now!

Five Black-capped Chickadees were having a territorial battle over one of the Bluebird boxes.

The males have been giving their two-note calls for a couple weeks now hoping to impress a mate.

They nested in one of the boxes last year and had six young.

They make a neat moss nest that looks like a round cup for their pure white eggs.

A few of my crocuses have bloomed right out of the snow bank.

I saw a whole side yard of purple crocuses down by Bridgeport Saturday which brightened my day.

Some of my Daffodils were showing their buds but that 10 degrees yesterday might set them back.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Forge was very nice. Several parade watchers said it was their first time seeing it.

I don’t know if they were impressed or not but I’m sure they had fun, and a couple of beers to boot.

The people along the parade route are sometimes more colorful than the folks coming down the street. It was a beautiful day for a parade.

I hope you all got to see the super Moon on Saturday night. It sure was beautiful as it rose at the far end of Seventh Lake, looking more like a sunrise.

I got some nice refraction pictures from the Sixth Lake Bridge.

Using the steel frame of that old bridge to set the camera helped to make a nice shot, though the bridge does wiggle when a car or truck passes by.

A few other people were there taking shots with their little i-Phones, flashing the Moon which was the closest to earth in 14 years.

I know some of these phones take nice shots when up close, but I’m not so sure about that moon shot.

The Arts Center has a new exhibition opening Saturday, March 26. The theme show, H2O, will feature both visual art and written works.

Accompanying exhibits include a display of paintings by Steven Fletcher called Scenery and Solitude.

Fletcher’s work depicts spirited scenes that often feature mountain people. Also on display will be Pointilism: Something Different, an exhibit by Nancy LaSalle.

The opening will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. There will be refreshments and live music by Yesterday’s News of Little Falls.

Come see the new building and the works of art that will be on exhibit.

“Becoming an Outdoors-woman” is the theme of a workshop that will be coming in June, but that’s another story. See ya.

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Nourished Living by Dietician Kelly Hamlin MA, RD, CDN

Celiac sufferers: Make sure to plan before dining at restaurants

From previous articles, you can see how tough it might be to eat gluten free at home with all those sources of hidden gluten.

But how do you think that translates when eating out?

I would imagine that gluten is hidden all over the place.

If you have a favorite restaurant you may want to talk to the manager/chef and educate them to your situation—and the situation of many for that matter!

You may want to follow some guidelines if you plan on dining out.

If possible, review the menu beforehand, or call ahead and ask the chef/manager if they can provide you with safe selections.

Remember, it takes more time and care for a restaurant to prevent cross contamination so avoid dining at its busiest times.

Bring a copy of the gluten free (GF) dining sheet to help make it easier for the chef to provide you with safe selections.

Explain to the server that you may become ill if there is not particular care taken with your food.

When it is obvious, send food back that has been contaminated. You may have to educate your server on the disease and why simply scraping off the problem food will not make it safe to consume.

There is no need to be obnoxious about it. Most people may have heard of the term “gluten free” but do not necessarily understand it. (Some good information can be found on the website: glutenfreerestaurants.org)

Hopefully you have found the last three articles on celiac disease and gluten free diets to be informational.

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Update: Upon going through my email I found some more products that MAY have “hidden sources” of gluten. Pickles; tea (may contain barley malt); soy milk (may contain barley malt); salsa (may contain barley under the guise of smoke flavor); seasoning BLENDS (may contain wheat as an anti-caking agent).

The best advice I can give is to always READ LABELS!

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