Daily Archives: May 10, 2012

Webb board considers two health center proposals, agrees to move toward contract with St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center

The Town of Webb Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to open negotiations with St. Elizabeth Medical Center toward a final contract that would establish a new public health services arrangement at the Professional Offices building in Old Forge.

The arrangement would have St. E’s managing all heath care offerings and allow the Town of Webb to effectively “get out of the health care business,” according to town Supervisor Ted Riehle, who said the town is ill-equipped to continue its historic support role.

The health care climate has changed and the longtime partnership between on site health providers and the town is no longer feasible, added Councilman Mike Ross.

The decision process started on Monday, May 7, when representatives from St. E’s and another potential service provider—Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare—presented proposals to the town board. Continue reading →

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Annual Paddlefest returning to Old Forge lakefront, May 18–20

Adirondack Paddlefest 2012, known to be one of the largest on-water canoe and kayak events in the nation, will take place at the Old Forge lakefront on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 18 through 20.

More than 75 manufacturers of canoes, kayaks, and accessories will be bringing over 1,000 boats for sale, while offering on-site test paddling opportunities and instruction to outdoor and paddling enthusiasts of all levels of expertise.

But there will be much more than boats and gear for sale at the event, said John Nemjo, owner of Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company who has brought Paddlefest to the area for the last 14 years.

“This year we made a real effort to expand Paddlefest to make it more of a festival event. We added more free clinics and demos—including demonstrations on paddling technique, Stand-Up-Paddleboards (SUPs) and how to choose the right boats and gear,” Nemjo said. Continue reading →

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Thunder in Old Forge returning June 1 & 2: Local motorcycle event switches to Wounded Warrior focus

Ed Booton (left) and Chip Kiefer (right), co-chairman of this year's Thunder in Old Forge Motorcycle Event with Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer. Photo by Carol Hansen

Thunder in Old Forge, an annual motorcycle gathering, is set for Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2 at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center on North Street.

This year’s event will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and will be a cooperative effort of the Central Adirondack Association (CAA), the Town of Webb, and the motorcycle community, according to co-chairmen Ed Booton and Chip Kiefer.

“We’re really looking forward to giving back. The 10th Mountain Division in Watertown, which is basically our home base, is doing a large portion of the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and we want to recognize those guys and girls who have been out there fighting a war for us these last 11 years,” Booton said. Continue reading →

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Inlet Public Library hosting e-book workshop, May 18

An E-Book Workshop will be held at the Inlet Public Library on Friday, May 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., which will teach participants to use library resources on their own home and portable devices.

“People will learn to borrow our e-books and eAudio books for use on their e-readers, laptops and portable listening devices,” said Inlet Librarian Lynn Durkin.

Hands-on assistance will be included along with a question and answer session, she said.

The workshop is free and open to the public.

Participants are asked to bring their e-readers, laptops, or portable listening devices, if they happen to own any.

The electronic resource materials are made available at the Inlet Public Library through Southern Adirondack Library ON DEMAND (SALON).

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Legion Auxiliary members Join May Poppy Project

Since its inception in 1921, the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program has successfully raised millions of dollars for our veterans.

Each year, during the month of May, millions of bright-red crepe paper poppies are made by veterans for veterans and are distributed in exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans.

Old Forge American Legion Post 893 Auxiliary members Judy Ehrensbeck and Arlene Bolmer will be distributing poppies in front of the Old Forge post office on Saturdays throughout the month.

The legion’s Poppy Program provides the hospitalized and disabled veterans who make the flowers with supplemental physical and psychological therapy while also giving them the opportunity to earn a small wage.

The flowers are created and distributed with the hopes of reminding the community of the past sacrifices and continuing needs of our veterans.

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Three choices: Forestport considers options for ‘twin bridge’ replacement

Sixty-five people heard three plans for replacing the Forestport “twin bridges,” which were presented by two engineering firms at an informational meeting held May 9 at the Forestport town hall.

Three plans were presented, the first plan by Spectra engineers was a two-lane bridge that meets federal and State requirements for grant money.

The cost proposed for that bridge is $1.3 million.

All of the cost would be grant funded.

Forestport has been applying for grants, but to date none have been received. The two-lane bridge plan is ready for bid pending funding. Continue reading →

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Woodgate Post Office: Decision keeps rural sites open, reduces hours

Measures to affect non-closure candidates, including Eagle Bay and Inlet P.O.s

A halt has been issued to the nationwide closure of 260 rural post offices that was scheduled to happen after May 15, and among those being saved are the offices in Woodgate, West Leyden and Martinsburg.

The plan will enact cost saving measures that include a reduction in hours of operation.

Also affected will be rural post offices that had not been targeted for closure, including those in Eagle Bay, Inlet and Ava, which will likely see reduced hours.

The postal service plans to reclassify many rural offices as stations, so they can be operated without postmasters. Continue reading →

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