One last lesson for seniors, soon graduating to larger world

Are we sending our high school seniors into the world without some of the most basic and necessary skills? Skills that if not needed now, will certainly be needed later in life?

Such as table manners, where a refresher might be in order, but though all know some, few know all. Wouldn’t that be a great service to our students, their colleges, their future spouses and bosses—a reminder of what the larger world expects beyond Forestport, Webb or Inlet?

I’ve enjoyed restaurant meals with many of our local youths. And all could use tips and reminders. As an example, some forget to remove their hats while at the table—or indoors for that matter.

The school hierarchy may exclude table manners from their formal teaching tasks, but if not the school, then who? Maybe View would make a good instructional venue, or someplace else. But who should take the lead? Since the endeavor involves students learning from teachers, maybe school involvement would be appropriate—in association with View.

Now that would be a great community partnership that would benefit many. And for years to come.

Any other volunteers out there? Instructors? Helpers? I’d be happy to assist.

My little story. A couple of years ago, after a local basketball game, our son Calvin and some friends wanted to hit Tony Harpers for pizza. Since they wanted a ride, and Val and I needed dinner, we made the decision to join them.

Knowing I was going to be purchasing dinner, I didn’t hesitate to look over to the boys’ table and remind them to make sure they had napkins on their laps. Cal reached for the paper towels and handed them out to each person. I turned my attention back to my own pizza without much more thought.

I understand that sometime after dinner, one of the other boys said, “Hey Calvin, ya know how your dad made us put a napkin on our lap?” Cal answered, “Yeah?”

“Is that some kind of family tradition or something?” the boy asked.

Which isn’t to say I couldn’t benefit from some instruction myself.  Continue reading →

American flag stands tall with simple beauty, symbolic meaning

Is there anything so beautiful as an American Flag fluttering in the wind? The significance of our U.S. Flag is both deep and touching. As we look at it, it is impossible to not feel pride in what our forefathers have created for us to enjoy. All our freedoms and protections, wrapped up into one symbol of our beginning, middle and current American pride.

Plus our American Flag is just so colorful. Not just a dot or sun or stripes. But the whole package.

Three colors, stars and stripes both. Each and every aspect with its own meaning.

Of course we all know what each star and stripe represents right?

Aside from the meaning of our American Flag, it truly is a work of art. It may however fall into the category of so much we pass and even look at each and every day without actually seeing. Like flowers, green grass, our mountains or the serenity of our lakes in the early morning calm. I’m afraid we get so busy, we miss things. Our simple yet attractive U.S. Flag being one of them.

All that said, American Flags, if flown, must be maintained. Continue reading →

Generations differ, but certain traditions should hold

Each generation has its own ways and, as someone mostly raised by a mature grandmother before having kids myself, I can list lots of traditions I’ve seen change over four generations.

However, some traditions should be so ingrained, so natural, so right, that parents and teachers alike support their continuation. Please and thank you. You’re welcome. Our conduct during the Star Spangled Banner.

When sung or played, we are reminded to stand and face the flag. This we do in offering respect and gratitude for our freedoms. We thank those who fought and those currently serving in defense of our freedom.

Continue reading →

Many discovering the joy of a night out that benefits us all The Fulton Chain region is blessed with many quality restaurants, one of which is Billy’s in Old Forge.

Besides his fine food, Billy has become known for his help to local charities. Over the past couple years he has designated special nights—usually off-season Thursdays and some Mondays—for “not for profit” fundraising.

On those nights, Billy takes twenty percent of the restaurant’s gross dinner receipts and directs it to a specific organization as a donation.

This includes both sit-down meals and take-outs.

To date, thousands of dollars have been raised thanks to the support of Billy and locals in the community. It’s a great  win/win. Continue reading →

Kandahar enriches young skiers, families and host community

Kandawhat? The Kandahar festival, a ski race that moves from mountain to mountain every two years, will be hosted this year and next by our own McCauley Mountain.

This year’s event takes place this weekend (February 25 and 26).

McCauley Manager Steve Uzdavinis, the Town of Webb Board and the Polar Bear Ski Club were all involved in the decision to accept the hosting honor.

The work involved is great, but the benefits are numerous. Continue reading →

Snowmaker’s Ball an enjoyable event for a worthwhile cause

Mark your calendar.

Snowmaker’s Ball—Kinderwood’s annual benefit fundraiser—will be held at McCauley Mountain on February 17th. An ad for the event with all the pertinent information can be found elsewhere in this paper.

Invite your family and friends, and plan on making a night of it.

This is an event that everyone should support, not just those with children in the program.

Every parent, grandparent, store owner, and elementary teacher, and every religious and civic leader needs to support it in spirit, body and wallet.

Now’s the perfect time for Adirondackers to get out and be a part of our community. Continue reading →

Where would we be without those who make us what we are?

In picking up with last week’s topic… someone, somewhere is opining: “Why do I care if the school system dies off? I don’t have kids. Hey maybe my school taxes will go down!”

But when you follow the thought trail to its conclusion, you realize a balanced community is necessary if we are to have any community at all, and that includes a solid sector of year-round families.

Otherwise, when you call for help in a fire or medical emergency, who will respond?

It won’t be the carpenter, plumber or janitor that commutes to work each day in Old Forge.

They won’t be rising in the middle of the night to get dressed and drive 30 or 50 miles to spray water on your house… or transport you to a Utica hospital. Even if they did, how long would you be able to wait?

Our Fire and EMS responders are local volunteers, many working class, some young retirees, who are actually part of this community they serve.

Who will take their place in a few years?  Continue reading →