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Grand Isle, VT – A new video series launched by the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program in partnership with Peregrine Productions and NEIWPCC celebrates the beauty of the Lake Champlain basin and efforts in several communities to protect and restore our shared waters.
With the web-based Summit to Shore StoryMap as a guide, viewers can digitally explore the landscape around Lake Champlain, from distant mountain peaks in the headwaters to wetlands on the lake’s shoreline. The videos include breathtaking drone imagery, intimate portraits of streams and rivers, and panoramic 360-degree video.
The map and videos feature three of the major rivers that flow to Lake Champlain.
The Winooski River, Lake Champlain’s largest tributary, flows through the largest population center in the basin before emptying into the lake in Burlington.
The Ausable River begins in the High Peaks of New York’s Adirondack Park, one of the oldest, largest, and most unique protected areas in the United States.
The binational Missisquoi River ties Quebec’s rich French heritage with English tradition and includes the only federally designated Wild and Scenic River in the Lake Champlain basin.
Ryan Mitchell, Communications and Publications Coordinator for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, said, “We are fortunate to live in an extraordinarily beautiful place. We wanted to share that beauty and the stories of communities that are working to protect and restore these lands and waters. Our hope is to inspire others to get involved.”
Vince Franke of Peregrine Productions said, “As a videographer, it was a joy to capture the beauty of our local rivers and our connections to them. From the stunning but often inaccessible headwaters, I was struck by the expansive views of the rivers as they flow through such a variety of rich habitats and communities on their way to Lake Champlain.”
Organizations in these communities are invaluable sources of knowledge and information. They provide many opportunities for individuals to get involved as stewards of the natural and cultural heritage in their own backyard.
The Summit to Shore stories include an artist-in-residence program that connected students to their watershed; a collaboration between private landowners and their local watershed organization to remove a dam; improvement of public river access points; and a partnership between a researchers and town officials to reduce the amount of road salt entering a local lake.
Assemblyman Billy Jones: Reduced Border Hours will negatively impact the North Country
“I am disappointed and dismayed by the recent decision from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency to reduce the hours at border crossings across the North Country. This will have a negative impact on families and businesses along the border who rely on these crossings and now must travel further to get to their desired destinations. Some of the ports of entry affected like the one at Chateaugay are commercial ports, which will lead to delays for commerce coming through the North Country. This is a huge inconvenience and I have heard from many businesses and residents who will be negatively impacted by this decision. I encourage folks to reach out to our federal representatives- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand- to make sure your voices are heard regarding this important issue.”
STEC TO U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: “YOU CAN’T HAVE A PART-TIME BORDER!”
Senator blasts federal decision to reduce operating hours at four northern border crossings
Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today expressed his outrage over the decision by United States Customs and Border Protection to reduce operating hours at four northern border crossings in New York State. Given the unique relationship between communities on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border, as well as the turmoil created in this region by the illegal immigration crisis, the move to reduce these operating hours will have a major impact on the safety and well-being of thousands of New Yorkers.
“Communities along the U.S.-Canadian border have a special bond, with residents on each side serving to assist the other as firefighters and EMS first responders,” said Stec. “Just today because of this mutual assistance pact, two Canadian fire companies used one of these crossings to respond to a structure fire in Chateaugay. Emergencies don’t happen on a planned timetable; if a community along the border is in need of assistance, a closed crossing means emergency crews will have to take substantive, lengthy detours to provide aid. It can quite literally be the difference between life and death. In less than a day, I’ve already heard from multiple fire departments and first responders about how much more difficult this will make emergency response in our rural communities.
“Someone needs to tell federal officials and Democrat leaders that you can’t have a part-time border.”
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) will once again host a toy drive to benefit the Christmas Bureau. For the past seven years, Jones has collected toys from the North Country community to ensure that every kid is able to open a present this holiday season.
“The North Country is always willing to give to their neighbors in need and I look forward to my toy drive every year due to the overwhelming response from the local community,” said Jones. “By the end of the drive, it’s difficult to maneuver around the office because of all the toys- and honestly, that is a problem I am happy to have. I want to thank Tammy and all the volunteers at the Christmas Bureau for all their hard work every holiday season and the community for their gracious donations. Let’s make this year the biggest drive yet!”
“I want to thank Assemblyman Jones and the community for always supporting us during the holiday season,” said Tammy Perrotte Sears. “Getting toys to every child during the holiday season would not be possible without all of you.”
You can drop off new unwrapped toys and monetary donations at Assemblyman Jones’s office at 202 US Oval in Plattsburgh starting Monday, November 25th. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The drive ends Friday, December 13th.
The 11th Annual Town-Wide Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival will be held on Saturday, December 14th, at the Town Hall, 997 Mason Street, Morrisonville, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Continuing the town’s tree-lighting tradition (started in 2014), this year’s event will be held at the Town Hall and grounds, with plenty of space for inside festivities and outside viewing and parking.
The doors open at 4:00 pm with music, mingling, and refreshments (donuts & cookies, cocoa, eggnog & coffee) continuing until 7:30 pm. A lighted fire truck parade moves through the hamlet, with tree lighting promptly at 4:30 pm.
Crafts to make and take and other activities for kids with special guests Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus continue from around 5 pm until all have visited. Kids can chat with Santa and take pictures with him in front of festive holiday backdrops. Children ages 2 through 8 will also receive an age-appropriate gift from Santa.
This is a time for all town residents, friends, and neighbors to connect during this festive holiday season. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Thanks to all the volunteers; more is always appreciated. For information or to volunteer, contact the Town Hall at 518-563-1129 for Mindy Smith, Town Supervisor. Thank you to sponsors Leroux Fuels and Simpson Auto and for product donations from Stewart’s Shops.
The Town of Schuyler Falls wishes all a pleasant holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Acting on Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell’s recommendation, the board (5-0) accepted a portion of Washington Street, part of Phase II of the Orchard View Development. The town will be responsible for its maintenance. A few months ago, the property changed hands. The board hopes the project will advance, adding much-needed homes to our community.
Youth Director Kristen Marino said she needs a site manager for the basketball program conducted at Peru Central on eight Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m. Following the meeting questions, Mrs. Marino explained more about the program. The town provides the site and equipment (including uniforms), finds volunteer coaches, sends out rule books, and facilitates and runs the sites. Clinton County coordinates and provides schedules, trains, and pays officials. She manages practice time slots and gym access with the school. The program aims to improve Peru’s basketball programs and allow children to be part of a team and exercise regularly during winter months while building needed skills.
Basketball, Baseball, or Softball are all county programs. Athletes must play for the town they reside in or get a waiver from their town to play elsewhere.
Former Councilman Rick Barber, a Member of the America250 Commemoration Committee, reported that a plan is in place to erect a 20-foot flagpole at the Peru Dock overlooking the Battle of Valcour scene. An effort to salvage the Revolutionary War gunboat, the Spitfire, is also being considered. The Philadelphia, a similar vessel, is on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Barber said the Spitfire would hopefully be on display at the former Automobile Museum at the U. S. Oval.
Water-Sewer Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that he sent a second lead-pipe survey to water district members. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires towns to identify any lead water pipes. The town reports results to the NYS Health Department. Tetrault has said several times that over the past 19 years, he’s never seen a lead water line in the town other than short connectors not covered by the mandate.
Highway superintendent Michael Farrell reported that he placed a solar power camera on the southern end of Telegraph Road. He hopes it will resolve issues regarding his department’s not timely plowing of the road and adjoining neighborhoods. Cameras combined with plow truck technology will enable him to identify precisely when his personnel plowed town roads.
Farrell also reported that the state’s electric truck mandate remains on hold for two years. Electric truck batteries are experiencing many performance issues in cold climates. Farrell also stated that NYSEG needs more electrical production capacity in this region before it can take on more heavy users.
HamilSun Community Solar opened its subscriber portal. If you do not fall into the low—to moderate-income category, the portal will accept your information and get back to you later. To apply, you’ll need a photo or copy of some or all of your NYSEG bill.
(ESD News Release) Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the opening of the new Small Business Environmental Support Office (SBESO), designed to help small businesses understand and comply with federal and state environmental regulations involving air, water, solid and hazardous waste, petroleum and chemical bulk storage, and other important environmental standards. Governor Kathy Hochul first advanced this initiative in her 2024 State of the State address. The new office will provide direct one-on-one guidance to small businesses across the state regarding environmental regulations, balancing the State’s sustainability goals with New York’s economic development goals.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Small businesses are not just the backbone of our economy, they also are a partner in helping New York achieve our environmental goals. ESD’s new Small Business Environmental Support Office will be a resource for small businesses as they navigate an evolving environmental landscape. Small businesses in New York State now have a trusted advisor in understanding and complying with federal and state environmental rules.”
While environmental regulations are in place to ensure a clean and safe environment for all, regulations can also prove challenging for small business owners to interpret. The new SBESO expands the support and advice offered to small businesses, free and confidentially, regarding how to navigate regulations, avoid noncompliance, and remedy violations.
The SBESO offers the following types of assistance to any New York state business with 100 or fewer employees:
COMPLIANCE – help with identifying which state and federal regulations apply to a particular business and providing assistance in drafting compliance plans.
MEDIATION – assistance with resolving complaints and disputes.
OUTREACH – informing small businesses of new or changing regulations, compliance deadlines, and current issues that may impact business operations.
BUSINESS SUPPORT – coordination with organizations representing business sectors, and engagement with regulatory agencies to provide feedback from the small business community.
SUSTAINABILITY – providing resources to move small businesses beyond compliance through energy efficiency, resource conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainability.
The Small Business Environmental Support Office can be reached by calling (877) 247-2329 or emailing SBESO@esd.ny.gov. For more information, please visitesd.ny.gov/SBESO.
(Please Share) November 19, 2024, Peru, NY—Peru residents learned about the solar farm on Mannix Road six years ago when the Hamilton family (Patti, Neil, Mark, and Ruth) applied for a building permit. At long last, there’s good news to report. By the end of December or early 2025, HamilSun Community Solar’s 5,200 panels should be feeding electricity into the grid. If the panels perform as planned, subscribers will receive NYSEG bill credits of 10% to 20% with no panels on roofs, service changes, or program enrollment costs.
Every Clinton and Essex County NYSEG customer is eligible. The project is unique because 60% of NYSEG’s credits will flow to low and moderate-income customers. Family spokesman Mark Hamilton commented, “We want this project to benefit the people who need it the most.” The first online enrollment period will open soon. A second message will update everyone on the project’s progress and open a second enrollment period.
Solar installations require technological knowledge and finance experience; the Hamiltons partnered with Apex Solar Power and RER Energy Group. Apex Solar has the installation expertise, while RER has the design and financing experience.
This solar farm is tiny compared to most; it takes up only ten acres in a former hayfield and, at 2.7 Megawatts, will produce enough electricity to power about 400 homes. The partners encountered many hurdles, including New York State changing its solar farm regulations and raising questions about the project’s feasibility. Mark Hamilton commented, “On a positive note, solar panel technology has significantly advanced over the past six years. We’ve installed much more productive panels at roughly the same cost.”
Until two years ago, a beautiful apple orchard surrounded what has become a solar farm. However, the trees were old and no longer productive, and the orchardist caring for them wasn’t interested in continuing. Uncared-for trees could have become diseased, endangering nearby orchards.
Reflecting on the solar farm as it prepares to go online, Hamilton stated, “We felt a sense of loss when we had to remove the orchard. We love that land. This is farming in a different way.”
November 19, 2024 – Peru’s Water-Sewer-Parks Department personnel Luke Fessette, Mathew Houser, and Christopher Martineau erect Holiday Banners on Peru’s primary streets today. They always do it with a flourish.
It’s time for everyone to get into the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday spirit. Courtney Tetrault provided the photos. Thank you!
Senator Dan Stec (R, C-Queensbury) expressed outrage and concern over the safety of law-abiding residents as New York State prepares for Governor Hochul’s “Clean Slate” law to take effect tomorrow. Under the governor and Democrat leadership’s controversial law, the records of individuals convicted of a host of felonies, including manslaughter, DWI-related vehicular assault and homicide, domestic violence, assault on police officers, and making a terrorist threat, would eventually have their records sealed. With Clean Slate in effect, potential landlords and employers would be unable to know the full history of a prospective renter or hire.
Stec voted against this legislation when it came to the Senate floor during the 2022 and 2023 Legislative Sessions and has spoken out in opposition to it numerous times. In the aftermath of an election that was a referendum on the governor and her allies’ failures to adequately tackle our public safety crisis, Clean Slate taking effect is particularly galling.
“During the 2024 elections, voters in New York made it clear that they’re tired of the criminal-coddling policies pushed forward by Governor Hochul and downstate Democrat leaders,” said Stec. “Instead of acknowledging that reality, the governor is allowing Clean Slate to take effect. She’s willfully choosing to enable and protect repeat offenders at the expense of our families and businesses.
“From bail reform to HALT, elder parole and Clean Slate, Democrat leadership has repeatedly put criminals ahead of the safety of law-abiding New Yorkers,” he added. “Under Clean Slate, we no longer have the ability to know if there’s a convicted violent offender in our neighborhoods. I’m outraged by it, and I know my constituents are too.
“All these policies emanating from the governor and her allies are widely unpopular and have been proven to increase crime in New York State. Despite the will of voters and overwhelming logic, the governor and Legislature continue to ignore the safety of our law-abiding residents,” Stec concluded.
November marks American Diabetes Month, with healthcare providers, public health agencies, educators and community organizations nationwide rallying against the diabetes epidemic. In northern New York, a regionwide coalition has been in the trenches combating diabetes and prediabetes for the last several years, picking up momentum and helping individuals take control of their health.
The Get Healthy North Country Community Integrated Health Network is a coalition of medical and behavioral health providers, public health units, area offices for the aging, social care agencies, and other interested organizations that collaborate to bring health and wellness support programs to the people who need them most. The network includes nearly 30 member organizations and many program hosts from nine regional counties.
Treating diabetes and prediabetes is a top priority for Get Healthy North Country. Nationwide, some 116,500 people are diagnosed with diabetes every month, according to the American Diabetes Association. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2021 that nearly 40% of Americans over the age of 18 had prediabetes based on fasting glucose levels and A1C. Here in the North Country, over 34,500 people have Type 2 diabetes, with another 29,945 diagnosed with prediabetes.
While these numbers may look daunting, the Get Healthy North Country Network is starting to chip away by providing free, grant-supported diabetes self-management programs to local communities. These in-person and virtual workshops provide individuals with life-management skills such as goal setting, decision making, strategies for dealing with common symptoms, using alternative techniques to manage symptoms, planning for the future, and improving interpersonal relationships. Self-management programs can also help people be better communicators, make healthier food choices, increase physical activity, improve strength and energy levels, manage symptoms, set goals and make personal health improvement plans.
Our in-person workshops are hosted in community settings, from hospitals and town halls to libraries and adult centers. They’re facilitated by peer leaders — community members trained to help others understand how to recognize the signs and symptoms often associated with chronic conditions like diabetes. To date, we’ve helped over 140 North Country residents complete these programs, to have an additional 300 people enroll in and complete a workshop series by next summer.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes — or any chronic health condition — use American Diabetes Month as your spark to take control of your health. We encourage you to visit gethealthynoco.org to find free in-person workshops in your community, or a virtual workshop to participate in from wherever you are. To learn more about American Diabetes Month, visit diabetes.org/wefight.
Ann Morgan is the executive director of The Heart Network, which facilitates the Get Healthy North Country Community Integrated Health Network. To learn more about the network and its members, visit gethealthynoco.org
L-R Becky Leahy (North Country Home Services), James Rolla (HCP), Assemblyman Jones, and Kathy Febraio (HCP)
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was recently recognized as the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP) Elected Official of the Year during their annual meeting at Bolton Landing. This distinction is given to a local or State official who has made significant strides in advancing the interests of home and community-based care. The team at North Country Home Services nominated Jones.
“I am extremely honored to be HCP’s Elected Official of the Year,” said Jones. “I am proud to support home care in our communities to make sure that everyone can age in place and to support all home care workers who ensure that our loved ones receive the care they deserve. I have seen firsthand how much our local home care agencies care about their patients and will continue to support them during my legislative efforts in Albany.”
“Assemblyman Jones has represented the North Country Home Services’ area for nearly a decade,” said Rebecca Leahy, Chief Executive Officer of North Country Home Services. “His commitment to home care is not just professional; it is personal. Billy has been a tireless advocate, consistently supporting every issue we bring before him. His efforts have been instrumental in securing fair remote rural rates, a critical factor in ensuring that the unique needs of our community are met.”
“Assembly Member Billy Jones has been an invaluable ally to the home care community, showing a deep commitment to addressing the challenges facing our industry,” said James Rolla, HCP Board Chair. “His advocacy has brought much-needed visibility to home care, and his support has been crucial in advancing our mission. We proudly recognize him as our Elected Official of the Year.”
“Assembly Member Billy Jones exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for the people of New York.,” said Kathy Febraio, HCP President/CEO. “His dedication to ensuring that quality home care is accessible and sustainable has positively impacted providers, caregivers, and the individuals we serve. We are honored to celebrate his leadership and commitment.”
Grand Isle, VT – A new video series launched by the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program in partnership with Peregrine Productions and NEIWPCC celebrates the beauty of the Lake Champlain basin and efforts in several communities to protect and restore our shared waters.
(Posted in the order received) 
STEC TO U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION: “YOU CAN’T HAVE A PART-TIME BORDER!”
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) will once again host a toy drive to benefit the Christmas Bureau. For the past seven years, Jones has collected toys from the North Country community to ensure that every kid is able to open a present this holiday season.
The 11th Annual Town-Wide Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival will be held on Saturday, December 14th, at the Town Hall, 997 Mason Street, Morrisonville, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
(ESD News Release) Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the opening of the new Small Business Environmental Support Office (SBESO), designed to help small businesses understand and comply with federal and state environmental regulations involving air, water, solid and hazardous waste, petroleum and chemical bulk storage, and other important environmental standards. Governor Kathy Hochul first advanced this initiative in her 2024 State of the State address. The new office will provide direct one-on-one guidance to small businesses across the state regarding environmental regulations, balancing the State’s sustainability goals with New York’s economic development goals. 
(Please Share) November 19, 2024, Peru, NY—Peru residents learned about the solar farm on Mannix Road six years ago when the Hamilton family (Patti, Neil, Mark, and Ruth) applied for a building permit. At long last, there’s good news to report. By the end of December or early 2025, HamilSun Community Solar’s 5,200 panels should be feeding electricity into the grid. If the panels perform as planned, subscribers will receive NYSEG bill credits of 10% to 20% with no panels on roofs, service changes, or program enrollment costs.
November 19, 2024 – Peru’s Water-Sewer-Parks Department personnel Luke Fessette, Mathew Houser, and Christopher Martineau erect Holiday Banners on Peru’s primary streets today. They always do it with a flourish. 
November marks American Diabetes Month, with healthcare providers, public health agencies, educators and community organizations nationwide rallying against the diabetes epidemic. In northern New York, a regionwide coalition has been in the trenches combating diabetes and prediabetes for the last several years, picking up momentum and helping individuals take control of their health.
