Town Generously Helps Village

Back in January 2010, Alexandria Bay village officials were given the bad news.... A large portion of the Upper James St. Dock had to be replaced.  Bad things never happen at a good time.  Governor Coumo had just taken office and one of the first things on his agenda was to freeze any spending out of the assembly or senate. Senator Aubertine and Assemblywoman Russell could not help with any monetary contributions.  But they both assisted the village with expediting the construction by carrying paperwork through a gauntlet of bureaucratic mazes.  Village officials approached the Town of Alexandria council and requested financial help.

At a village board meeting on 9.13.11  officials thought that the Town was only going to contribute an installment of $5000.  But, during the 9.27.11 village meeting, the board confirmed that the Town had contributed $10,000 towards the Upper James St. Dock fund.  I was impressed by the Town Boards generosity.   I was not alone,  trustee Jury can be heard saying "very nice".  I wonder what the others were thinking?  Below is the sound-byte from the 9.27.11 Village Board Meeting.

T.I. Winery Oktoberfest 2011

This Saturday Oktober 1st from noon till 8pm. Click this link Thousand Island Winery Oktoberfest for details

Video from last years Festivities. Good friends, Great music, food, and wine.

Judge Merrell [Video]

As Judge Charles Merrell  enters the race for Supreme Court Justice in the 5th Judicial District, friends gathered together for a fundraiser.  Last Thursday night supporters met at Coyote Moon Vineyards to kick off Judge Merrell's campaign. Fundraiser organizers, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Catherine Burns Quencer, and Michael W. Schell were pleased with the turnout.  Candidate for Watertown City Court Judge  Keith Caughlin was also in attendence.  Judge Merrell took a few moments to make some comments in the video below.

The George Boldt Dancers

Alexandria Bay
Paul Ferguson and D.J. Rogers performed at the Wine Festival and Farmers Market held last Saturday at Boldt Castle.  Best turn out in 3 years.  Special appearance by the George Boldt Dancers. Where else can you listen to music, drink some fine wine and dance on the beautiful castle grounds!  More video on this event later.

UNOFFICIAL Primary Town of Alexandria

TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA PRIMARY RESULTS******UNOFFICIAL*****
The Republicans have given the nod to Dale Hunneyman for Town Supervisor, Brent Sweet and Cindy Burkhalter Penn for council members..... congratulations to all of you....

Wine Festival & Farmers Market

Boldt Castle
Sponsors  the 2011 Wine Festival and Farmers Market this Saturday September 17th from 11:am to 4:pm.  I went to this festival last year it was very enjoyable.  I took the 10 minute Uncle Sam  Ferry across the St. Lawrence River to Boldt Castle, the cost was only $7.50.

Where else can you travel by boat across the St. Lawrence River and sample wine and other goodies at one of the worlds grandest castles?.... Hope to see you there....

Click to Enlarge

Click here to view this video on Vimeo website
This is one of the first videos I made using my Flip Camera

Primary - Town of Alexandria

Tuesday September 13th is the day to cast your vote in the Republican Primary Elections.  Republicans have 3 candidates vying for the seat of Alexandria Town Supervisor.  F. Sampie Sutton,  Dale Hunneyman, and  Tom Gardner are on the ballot.  The winner of tomorrow's primary will challenge Democrat incumbent Martha Millett, at the general election on November 8th 2011.

Three Republicans are competing for 2 town council member seats.  Kevin Leeson, Brent Sweet, and Cynthia Penn.  Several weeks ago Democrats caucused and gave the nod to incumbent Alcid Beaudin and newcomer Marjorie Ely to run for those two council member seats.  

Please Note: Primary Elections are just as important as the General Elections.

The Bay is Alive with Music

Annie In The Water

Just because the end of the summer event Blues in the Bay concluded on Labor Day, does not mean that the Bay has rolled up the streets. Cavallario's Top Of The Bay features 2 bands this weekend.  Annie In The Water kicks off the weekend on Friday night starting at 6pm.  Rebecca Keefe & friends Dave Garlock, Bob Purdy, and Brian Purwin will be playing Saturday at 4pm. Shapiro, O'Riley and Stepanek S.O.S. appear Saturday night 9:30pm at the Dancing Dawg. I will be updating the weekend band events in the Bay, so check back often.

Shapiro-O'Riley-Stepanek

Rebecca Keefe

Raffles in the Bay

Alexandria Bay
Two raffles were held today.  The winner of the first raffle won a Honda Scooter to benefit  the  Alexandria Bay Chapter of the Betterment Society. Sponsored by Cavallario's Top Of The Bay and FX Caprara Car Companies.  The second raffle was sponsored by the Alex Bay Rotary when they drew the winning name for a 50/50 cash prize.  The proceeds went to the Scholarship fund.  Congratulations to both winners.

Blues Dancers

Not sure who this couple was, but they were dancing up a storm.

Blues Raffle Winner Announced

A lucky person has won the coveted USA Fender Highway One HSS Stratocaster donated to the Blues in the Bay event by Dr. Guitar Music of Watertown NY.  Video of tonight's drawing for the lucky winner can be seen below.  Congratulations....

Jamming The Blues

An impromptu Blues session..... Only in the Bay

Summer Song

I recorded this original tune by Annie In The Water, live last night at the Top Of The Bay.  Summer is still here!

Roosevelt Dean Band

Featuring singer Carolyn Kelly at last nights block dance. The Blues in the Bay event continues today through Monday. Rain or Shine!

Blues with Los Blancos

Smooth Blues kicks off tonight's weekend long festival....

Annie is Back for the Blues

A while back I did a brief story about a Watertown based band known as Annie in the Water.   I was kind of sad that they were flying south for the winter.  I was planning on just keeping track of them on YouTube and Facebook.  Although LIVE is the best way to enjoy their acoustical rhythms and  harmonious vocals.... I call it ear candy!

I got a message on facebook today that Annie in the Water will be playing at the Top Of The Bay this Friday night  at 8:30 pm.  So after you enjoy listening to the Roosevelt Dean Band [6pm to 8pm] on the main stage,  you should really treat your ears to the sounds of Annie In The Water... till then....