Daily Archives: May 3, 2012

Tax Freedom Day makes us rightfully wary of governmental costs

To the Editor:

May 1 is Tax Freedom Day in New York, the day we stop working solely to cover our share of federal, state and local taxes—and start working for ourselves.

We’ve logged 121 days at work to pay for these three levels of government, yet have little idea of how our money is being spent. In fact, Americans collectively hand over nearly $1 trillion in wages to members of Congress— who subsequently spend that amount and much more.

In recognition of Tax Freedom Day, I offer this accounting of how my Democratic opponent has helped spend your money—or would like to do so in the future: Continue reading →

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Growing up Adirondack by Mitch Lee

Joining up with road crew give first real-work experience

I was on a bright spring day in 1972 or thereabouts, at the age of sixand- half years, that I experienced my first day’s works.

On this day, as I played in the fenced-in sideyard, a large truck stopped along the Limekiln Lake Road.

From the back it poured a mountain of black stuff, piling it on the ground.

I watched through the fence, my fingers gripping the metals  links, curious about this mountain of stuff and why it was being left!

Before the driver pulled the truck up the road a bit, a second man—a big fellow—climbed out with a shovel.

The shovel resembled a small army shovel I dug with in the sandbox. This man’s was bigger though, longer than my whole body.

Continue reading →

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Gary Lee’s Daybreak to Twilight

Final day of southern birding brings some rare sightings

Magnolia Warbler

Our travels south ended yesterday (4/30) and we still had a few more state license plates to find in our quest to identify license plates from all 50 states. We saw the red states of Idaho, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Last year we got the blue states of Montana and Nevada, but not this year.

The last day we picked up Wyoming and Hawaii, and the province of New Brunswick. We try to do the provinces of Canada also, but we never do too well with them.

Today (5/1) we went to Utica and on the way home we passed a Manitoba plate on a vehicle. With so many people flying or renting cars we don’t get to see where they are actually traveling from.

Black Whiskered Vireo

However, we did get Hawaii, Alaska (three times) and North Dakota—the three hardest ones to find.

The woods didn’t appear to have changed much since we left so I have to assume it’s been cold and wet.

I noticed that some pussy willows near Okara Lakes that were green and leafless when we left were now pretty and white.

A warm rain should turn things on and perk up some of the sick looking wildflowers.

Many of the flowers and fruit bearing trees that flowered out prior to the hard frosts of this past week may not bear any fruit this year. Continue reading →

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Just Call me Mrs.Lucky by Jan from Woodgate

Rage against the machine: The Groundmaster rallies back

Once upon a time a middle aged couple decided to leave their hometown and build their dream home in a far away land called Woodgate.

Scary stuff—lots and lots of work to be done, starting with land clearing.

Massive amounts of trees had to be cut down in order to clear the path for a new foundation for their new life.

’Twas a ridiculous amount of toiling which required patience, stamina, and trust in each other.

A short few years later yet another endeavor was taken on, involving once again massive land clearing. Woodgate Storage was born, and the couple rejoiced at their accomplishments while pinky swearing that this was the final “big project” that would ever be considered.

Too much darn work, they agreed.

The man is a digger. He has worked in the dirt his entire life, but here’s the kicker: Continue reading →

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Webb school drama department says thanks

The Drama Department of the Town of Webb School would like to send an enormous thank you to all the local businesses who supported our production of “Anything Goes” by advertising in our playbill.

Sincere thanks also goes out to our two local newpapers for the wonderful coverage they provided in the weeks prior to opening night, and to anyone who let us display a poster to help advertise our production.

Forty students participated in this year’s show—whether onstage, backstage or in the pit. We owe a gracious thank you to Mrs. Anne DeFilipps for bringing inspiration, laughter, and extraordinary direction to our cast.

A huge round of applause also to Mrs. Diane Amos for the outstanding costumes and to Shannon Grover and Jessica Menges for “saving us” with their fantastic artistic design.

Special thanks to Mr. Jeff Evans for creating the greatest set the TOWS stage has ever seen. Our ship was INCREDIBLE and we owe it all to Jeff and his meticulous craftsmanship and  creativity. Thank you also to his helpers Mr. Jeff Rockhill and Mr. Merle Fenton for their assistance in making it all happen.

Finally, the cast and crew would like to thank the members of our community who attended our performances March 16th and 17th. Continue reading →

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Adirondack Bank employees have fun with current bank promotion

Adirondack Bank employees Michele Kalil, Chris Earl, Sandy Booton, Robbie Bennett, and Asenya Queen at the Wheel of Purchase. Photo by Carol Hansen

Adirondack Bank is running a May promotion, 3% Thursdays, which offers rates as low as 3% on purchases of new or used cars, boats, motorcycles or other types of recreational vehicles.

As a means of promoting the offer, the personnel at each individual bank branch was challenged to come up with a creative idea to highlight the offer for a branch-wide competition.

At the Old Forge branch, teller Robbie Bennett was responsible for coming up with their theme, Carnival of Savings.

Manager Sandy Booton said the staff was busy early in the week creating the carnival atmosphere that is complete with games, a Wheel of Purchase, “fortune” tellers, and fresh popcorn.

“Everyone is invited to stop by and have some fun, and at the same time we can help you save some money,” Booton said.


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Ad’k Scenic Railroad seeking volunteers

The Adirondack Scenic Railroad (ASRR) will be holding a volunteer recruiting event on Saturday, May 12, at Utica Union Station, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

ASRR volunteers will be on hand at the ticket office to discuss volunteer opportunities, including train service positions (train crew and car hosts), equipment and facility maintenance, special event support, and more. Individuals can also receive information by calling (315) 724- 0700, or by sending an e-mail to: info@adirondackrr.com.

Volunteers should be at least 18 years old, outgoing, reliable, and have a willingness to learn. Volunteers are needed at all locations-Utica, Thendara, Saranac Lake and Lake Placidand training will be provided. No prior experience is necessary.

The ASRR is entering its twentieth year of operation and continues its mission of restoring train service to the entire 118- mile rail corridor between Utica and Lake Placid.

The Adirondack Scenic Railroad is operated by the Adirondack Railroad Preservation Society (ARPS), a private sector, not-for-profit 501 c(3) volunteer supported organization.

ARPS is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of rail service on the former New York Central Adirondack Division from Remsen to Lake Placid.

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