Debbie Parent holding Connor Lewis and Martin Parent holding Cooper Ronald. Photo by Wende Carr

Uncle Mark Parent, left, holding Connor, and father Martin Parent with Cooper

The tradition of giving birth to twins continues in Old Forge resident Janet Parent’s family as son Martin and his wife Debbie of Rochester welcomed twin sons on February 21, 2013.

Cooper Ronald and Connor Lewis came into the world weighing and measuring 4 lbs., 13 oz. and 19” and 6 lbs., 4 oz. and 20”, respectively.

The newborns’ father is a twin, as was their great great grandmother, Janet’s mother.  Their middle names are the first names of their grandfathers.

Lauren Kiefer Harrington gives a presentation on Alzheimer’s at View

Lauren Kiefer Harrington and Linda Manzo, Adirondack Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association. Photos by Wende Carr

Old Forge resident Mike Mitchell, who recently followed the 1,150 mile Iditarod race by snowmobile, gave a powerpoint presentation to Anne Phinney’s fifth grade class at the Town of Webb school on Wednesday, March 20.

The students, who had previously chosen their own mushers to follow along the course of the legendary sled dog race, enjoyed the photos and stories Mitchell shared with them—some of which included their selected musher and dogs.

During the presentation, Mitchell talked about the culture and geography of Alaska and of the unforgettable experiences he had, including the opportunity to visit with well-known Iditarod mushers.

He also described a few challenges he faced including camping out in temperatures of twenty-five degrees below zero, and aiding in the transport of injured and sick dogs to safety along the way.

Continue reading →

An emaciated Black Bear startled skiers at McCauley Mountain when it emerged from the woods onto Helmer’s Lane on Sunday, March 10.

A chairlift operator was the first to spot the unhealthy-looking bear between towers seven and eight on Helmer’s early in the afternoon, according to McCauley employee Andrée Newton.

The bear caused concern, notably because it appeared at a time of year when most bears are still hibernating.

McCauley staff called Town of Webb Police Chief John Russell, who responded to the call with Officer A.J. Silverman.

Chief Russell observed the bear for approximately 25 minutes and reported that its fur was sparse and was so emaciated that its hip bones and ribs were showing through its skin. It also had trouble walking.

Chief Russell determined the bear was obviously suffering and beyond rehabilitation and made the decision to euthanize it.

McCauley ski patrol personnel roped off Helmer’s and the chairlift was temporarily shut down to provide a safe environment in which to dispatch the bear.

The bear was wrapped in a tarp and transported downhill by sled before it was taken away by truck. Continue reading →

When mushers from around the globe set off for the annual Iditarod dogsled race in Anchorage on Saturday, March 2, they were accompanied by Anne Phinney and her fifth grade students at the Town of Webb School.

While the students did not travel to Alaska for the iconic race, they did participate vicariously by staying in daily contact with Old Forge resident Mike Mitchell who is following the race by snowmobile.

Mitchell has previously followed the 1,100 mile race trail by plane and snowmobile, but this year he intended to cover its full length solely by snowmobile.

This is the third year Phinney has incorporated the Iditarod into her history class curriculum on the subject of Alaska. Each of the students chooses a favorite musher who they track throughout the race.

Mitchell has been providing on-site updates to the students and sending photos on a regular basis to help the students relate to the dogsled action.

Upon his return from the Iditarod, Mitchell will offer a presentation to the students on his experience and will distribute souvenirs, such as dog booties, that he collected from along the trail.

Though Mitch Seavey of Seward, AK was the first to cross the finish line on Tuesday, March 12, the students will continue to keep an eye on the racers until the race ends. A celebratory banquet will be held on Sunday, March 17.

Seavey, whose time was nine days, seven hours, 39 minutes and 56 seconds, also won the Iditarod title in 2004.

At age 53, he is the oldest winner. His son Dallas, winner of the 2012 Iditarod, was the youngest winner at the age of 25.

Jeff Evans and Jeff Rockhill traverse a piece of their Bye Bye Birdie set construction. Photo by Wende Carr

For three months, Town of Webb School drama students have been rehearsing with play directors Valerie Gaudin and Ann DeFilipps for the March 15 and 16 production of Bye Bye Birdie.

Active behind the scenes building sets for the play are contractors Jeff Evans and Jeff Rockhill. According to Gaudin they have been giving their weekends and some weekday afternoons to complete their task.

Also volunteering his time and talent in painting sets is area artist Shannon Grover.

“Their generosity is overwhelming. All of a sudden, there’s this interior of a house, with kitchen, livingroom and a staircase. I think the stairs are better than those in my house. There’s an upstairs bedroom with a window, and the train,” Gaudin said.

Gaudin also extended high praise to co-director DeFilipps.

“Ann is a natural talent on the stage. She’s got a good eye for things, and a good sense of how things are done for the stage. She guides the actors well and has great relationships with them,” she said.

Diane Amos, Health and Family Consumer Science teacher at Webb, is volunteering as costumer designer, and also doing a tremendous job, Gaudin said.

As students have worked on the play these past three months, Gaudin said she has seen tremendous growth among them in areas of confidence, stage presence, participation and attitude.

Gaudin is responsible for the revival of the big school musicals at Webb. Since 2006 she has produced a performance every year except for one. Continue reading →