Dancin' In The Moonlight

Last night Pat Shanahan suggested to Dave Knapp and D.J. Rogers that they cover this 1972 King Harvest tune.  Dave and D.J. without batting an eye said yeah lets do it.  Pat found the lyrics on his phone and the 3 of them worked out the harmonies.  Brian Purwin walked in on the rehearsal and became very excited saying Oh yeah I want to do that song.

The total time from Pats suggestion to the band performing it in front of an audience.... less than one hour.  The other members of the band stepped into the song without rehearsing.  A testimony to the bands talented musicians and their cohesiveness.

The video that follows is my first attempt at a rockumentary.  I integrated video from the rehearsal with video of the band playing Dancin' In The Moonlight for the first time.




The band members are Michael Goerger, David Garlock, David Knapp, D.J. Rogers and Brian Purwin

Town Supervisor Millett Says Farewell

 Town of Alexandria

Town Supervisor Martha Millett's term ends on December 31st.  At the last meeting of this year, Martha takes a moment to not only thank her staff, but mentions many of their attributes. Even Incoming Supervisor D. Hunneyman finds himself on Martha's thank you list.

The return makes one love the farewell.  ~Alfred De Musset


 

Riveredge Manager Requests Letter of Support

This morning Newzjunky released an exclusive story regarding a summons that was issued on behalf of Riveredge Resort & Spa LLC and Jyoti Johal against the General Manager of Riveredge C. Penrose.  The audio below is from a village board meeting April 12th 2011.   In this audio, Penrose asks the board for a letter of support for  Johal and Benisasia.  Evidently the friendly relationship between Penrose and Johal has changed since the meeting in April.

Alexandria Bay April 12th 2011

Riveredge Resorts Manager Christine Penrose requests a letter of support from the Alex Bay Village board to help expedite the I.N.S. work visa process for Johal and Benisasia.  Johal and Benisasia are Canadian citizens and at that time were attempting to purchase the Riveredge Resorts from the owner Dr. Mathis.  A visa was needed to purchase the resort.

Wishing All Of You...

Labatt's 1000 Island Pond Hockey Tournament

Alexandria Bay
Organizers of this chamber event are Amy Griswold, Cathy Garlock, Craig Garlock and Ronald Thomson.  Labatt's Beer is the sponsor of this brand new event to the north country to be held 2.10.12 through 2.12.12.  Labatt's has sponsored  similar events in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Glens Falls to name just a few.  All very successful events pulling in the maximum number or players and huge groups of spectators.   Facebook users can check this Labatt's 1000 Island Pond Hockey Tournament Page out for the latest news and information.



The video below is from the last village board meeting.  Amy Griswold presents the Pond Hockey Tournament to the board which they approved.  Amy also describes some of the subtle differences in game play,  It will be a great event for players and spectators.  Fast paced multiple games being played simultaneously.  Lots of food, entertainment and my favorite beer LABATT BLUE!




The next video is from the Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament. Which should give you a better idea of the game and how it is played.

Roll Call Faux Pas

Alexandria Bay

Last night was Mayor Jury's first official board meeting.  Unfortunately, some old habits die hard.  A roll call attendance was taken at the beginning of the meeting.  The roll call was going well until the clerk got to the mayor and mistakenly called the former mayors name instead of Miss Jury's name.  I can see how the clerk may have been a little flustered, since the former mayor is now sitting in the audience with the rest of us citizens. I thought it was always customary for the outgoing mayor to give the new mayor a little space, at least for the first few months?  After all, when Mr. Robb became mayor, then outgoing Mayor Simpson extended that courtesy and only showed up to board meeting when he had a concern.  Which in the past four years may have been four times.....Below is the video of the board roll call....

VB Meeting 11.22.11 [Audio]

Walking On The Moon

No matter where I go, it seems that the battle of Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays wages on.  Recently a teacher from Michigan  removed the word gay  from the Christmas carol Deck the Halls.  His reason.... kids were snickering at the lyrics.  I got news for you... kids have been snickering at those lyrics since I was a kid and probably when my dad was a kid.

So what does that have to do with Walking On The Moon?  Actually nothing at all.  What I want to offer you is a chance to escape from the Holiday Rush by watching a music video I just completed.  A two minute trip to the moon might put you back in the mood to Deck The Halls........Don we now our gay apparel....



Phil DuMond, David Knapp, DJ Rogers, Pat Shanahan and Brian Purwin performing this Police classic... Walking On The Moon

The Chayne Circle Saga

Alexandria Bay

The few residents that live on Chayne Circle have not been afforded the same convenience of curb side garbage pick up as the rest of the residents in the Bay.  Most of us only have to drag/carry garbage cans [with lids] only a few feet to the curb for weekly pick up.  For the past several months residents of Chayne Circle have had to drag/carry garbage containers 100 ft or so to the Walton St Curb.  Previously, garbage pick up for these residents has been just several feet from their door steps.  

Map of Election District 4

The argument..... Chayne Circle is classified as a fire lane, not a village street.  This has been a ridiculous one sided and ongoing argument, debate, pissing match, that has gone on since earlier this spring.  The residents are not at fault... this is a classic case of a power struggle and the village boards lack of ability to manage it's personnel.  The board opted to string this along by giving it to the lawyer and surveyors.  And as you all know once a lawyer is invlolved.... the results slow way down.  The video at the bottom is from the 11.22.11 village board meeting and  shows that the problem has apparently been resolved.  The final price tag is unknown.

So what is the purpose of  the ED 4 map?  You will notice that their is a chain of islands that are included within the village limits.  The summer residents of these islands pay village taxes.  They are also entitled to island garbage pickup. A service that has been provided without interruption for years.  One village official stated that picking up garbage was the least that we could do for the taxes they pay.  Soooo during the summer, village employees launch a boat and island hop picking up garbage.  The garbage is then removed from the boat and of course the boat has to be cleaned.  I am sure this process takes all day. Picking up the garbage on Chayne Circle would take only a few minutes.  I am not saying that the island people should not receive this service.  My point is this, which village street[s] are located on these islands?  There are no streets, nor are there any fire lanes.  It is just a service that the village provides with no questions asked.

Another point I would like to make.  One of the residents of Chayne Circle is a lady who many of us view as  a respected village elder.  How could anyone in good consciousness let her drag her garbage 100 feet to the curb so that an able bodied village employee does not have to drive up to her door step to pick it up for her.  Sleep tight......

There is hope. We have a new mayor and an almost brand new board. I am hoping that this or any similar Saga's do not appear as a sequel.

Harvest Ball

Alexandria Bay

At the 11.22.11 village board meeting, representatives from the Alexandria Historical Society presented A Harvest Ball. Sam Munna from Capt. Visger B&B developed the concept of this evening of Dinner and Dancing at the village pavilion. This would be a community based event using the skills and talents of local youth groups and food preparations by local culinary artists.  The event is tentatively scheduled for September 15th 2012. 

An Oath Is A Promise

Village Of Alexandria Bay

Tonight, Danielle Jury took the oath of office for Mayor that was  administered by Judge Pennington.  In turn, Mayor Jury swore in Trustee's Henry, Jarvis, and Penn.  Yes, they all looked a little nervous.  When someone takes on a responsiblilty such as this, being nervous is a sign that you understand what the community expects from you.  

Robert Frost's poem Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening sums up their next few years. The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Christmas Shopping in the Bay

November 26th kicked off the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday.  "Reminding  people to Shop Small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge."  You are sure to find that special Christmas gift while supporting our downtown merchants.  Shop Small!

Otter Creek Nature Trail

Thousand Islands Land Trust, Alexandria Bay

People have been walking and or horseback riding on  these trails for years. They are a slice of north country beauty that I shared with my son several years ago.  The terrain can be deceiving, not realizing just how high up you are until you come across the ravine.  The wetlands that flow into Otter Creek are absolutely amazing during the spring run offs.  The landscape is just as stunning in the winter and fall season.  The video I made is a virtual tour of the existing trails that were forged years ago.  They are not without some fault, but with T.I.L.T.  and the support of our town and village governments, this area can be developed into something extraordinary.

High Definition version for fast internet connections




Standard Definition for slower internet connections

Seawall Restoration

River Hospital, Alexandria Bay

Earlier this year, River Hospital C.E.O. Ben Moore and board members presented a plan to restore the seawall as part of the Hospitals support and contribution to the villages Riverwalk Project.  The hospital hired Doug Strough to restore the almost 400 foot of deteriorated stone wall.  Mr. Strough who has an eye for detail and aesthetics has made some changes to the original wall.  At the begining of the video I made note of a curved wall.  The original wall met at an angle.  Mr. Strough changed it so if flowed more with the shoreline.  The main focus of the Riverwalk will be a wooden dock that will be over the water and in front of this beautifully restored seawall.  The Riverwalk project is still progressing and work will begin this spring.  Recently Prudent Engineer met with residents for a presentation and question and answer session.  More on that meeting in a few days.

Does Silence Mean Yes or No? [Video]

 Budget Passed Without New Supervisors Approval

According to the November 23rd TI Sun, Supervisor Elect Hunneyman, "who kept quiet during the hearing and request for approval said afterward that his silence meant he voted against the budget...."

Is silence part of the "new" transparency in our local government? This month silence means "I do not agree" and next month silence could mean "I agree".  How convenient.  How about we all say what we mean and mean what we say?

Related Posts Town Passes Budget

Budget Passes Supervisor Takes Pay Cut

Town of Alexandria

Town Supervisor Martha Millett announced at the November 9th budget hearing that she wanted to allow more time for the review and extended it until November 17th.  Because of laws governing municipal budget deadlines the hearing had to be held before the 17th.  The audio below is the rescheduled hearing that was held on the 15th.  Town Supervisor Elect Hunneyman wanted to make good on his campaign promise by cutting the Supervisor's Salary and expenses. Supervisor Millett as well as her predecessor have held both positions of Supervisor and Budget Officer.  The Supervisors salary  remains the same at $18,530. The Budget Officers salary was cut by Supervisor Elect Hunneyman from $32,418 to $22,418.  The expense account associated with this position saw a 50% cut and is now at $4,000.  It is unclear whether Hunneyman will follow in his predecessors foot steps and act as both Supervisor and Budget Officer.  The combined salaries would total $40,948.

Audio on Village Website?

Recently Alex Bay Mayor Robb revisited the idea of making the audio from meetings available to the public via a new village website. This was originally suggested at the 2.22.11 village meeting, this concerned businessman urged the board to upload their audio on the village site. He went on to say that even though my blog had the audio of the meetings, visiting my blog was and unpleasant experience.  Why the board allowed this guy to use their meeting as his personal platform to criticize the content of  the circus boggles this bloggers mind. He also referred  to Newzjunky as a megaphone to the North Country . 

The village has had a website for several years now. It was created in a knee jerk reaction to commentaries regarding local politics posted on Abay.com and the circus.  The board wanted their own website to post meeting minutes, announcements, and use it as a means to refute comments made on the local blogs. In the beginning, the village site did upload typed meeting minutes but usually several weeks after the meeting coinciding with the availability of  Hard copies of the minutes at the next meeting . The occasional ordinance revision has also been posted. The posting of current information became less frequent and finally the only pertinent information was the yearly schedule of village meetings and sometimes the recycling schedule.

The village does not need a new website, the one they have now is capable of doing what they want and more. If the mayor and the board want to upload their audio and link it to the village site, I think this is a good idea.  I even offered to help show them how to do it.  Like anything else, the more you do it the easier it gets.  Some have a misconception of blogs and websites...I call this misconception  the Field of Dreams, Just because you build a website is no guarantee that people will visit it or even like it. Kind of like the circus.

VB Meeting 10.25.11 Audio

The November 8th VB meeting was canceled due to Election Day Observance.  This audio was delayed because of the same observance.

The Cost of Freedom

A video montage that I created for all the veterans past and present.  This video answers the question, What is the True Cost Of Freedom....

North Country Sunset

This picture was taken last night in Rodman by my friend Michele Kirk Walton.

Ballot for Alex Bay and Alexandria

Today is November 8th, Election Day. Please Vote! Click on the Ballot below to enlarge

From Sample Ballot Alexandria

You're Still The One

This is a short movie I made for my favorite local political "team".



Village of Alexandria Bay and Town of Alexandria Vote Row A November 8th

Harvest Dinner

OXBOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ANNUAL HARVEST DINNER

 

 

WHAT:           Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy, Squash, Cole Slaw, Pie & Drink

                            

WHERE:       OXBOW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-

                            

WHEN:           SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30^th, 2011 

                             at NOON till 3:00 pm

WHY:             To share good food  & converse with good friends

Cost:             $8.50-ADULTS       $5.00- (5-12)   Under 5 free

Take Outs Available